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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-11-2003 Joint City Council Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL JOINT MEETING YOUTH COMMISSION LIBRARY COMMISSON LIBRARY COMMISSION FEBRUARY 11, 2003 The City Council of the City of Saratoga met in Open Session, Senior Center, 19655 Allendale Venue at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Streit called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Norman Kline, Stan Bogosian, Vice Mayor Ann Waltonsmith, Mayor Nick Streit ABSENT: Councilmember Kathleen King ALSO PRESENT: Dave Anderson, City Manager Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk Lori Bums, Human Resource Analyst Joan Pisani, Recreation Director Taffy Lowrey, Teen Coordinator REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 11, 2003 Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting of February 11, 2003 was properly posted on February 7, 2003. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS No one requested to speak at tonight's meeting. COMMUNICATIONS FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF None JOINT MEETING WITH YOUTH COMMISSION 1. Mayor Streit welcomed the Youth Commission. The following Commissioners were present at tonight's meeting: Ross Levine, Chair, Phillip Baker, James BaIlingall, Kelly Burke, Michael Byrne, Valerie Farnum, Shruti Jayakumar, Joanna Lee, Jackie Luskey, Tami Maltiel, Andy Miller, Elise Schartz, Ted ScIavos, Conner Skelly, Deborah Wu, Taffy Lowery/Staff Liaison. Ross Levine, Chair/Y outh Commission thanked the Council for the opportunity to explain what the Youth Commission has been doing over the year. Music Festival- Commissioner Baker noted that on May 7, 2003 the Youth Commission would be sponsoring a concert featuring 10 bands. Concerts - Commissioner BaIlingall noted that so far this year the Youth Commission held two concerts. The first at the Warner Hutton House and approximately 40 people attended. The second concert was held at the Community Center and over 300 people attended. Dances - Commission Schwartz noted that so far this year the Youth Commission has raised $2,500. Commissioner Schwartz stated that there were two more dances this year. Commissioner Schwartz stated that this year a dress code has been enforced and a Deputy from the Sheriffs Department is present. Street Dance -Commissioner Burke noted that at the Chamber of Commerce Street Dance held in Augnst the Youth Commission sold glow necklaces and made $1,090. Warner Hutton House - Commissioner Byrne stated that 40-60 students per day attend participate in the after school activities at the Wamer Hutton House. Fundraising - Commissioner Farnum stated that the Youth Commission have been brainstorming on future fundraising events such as bowling alley trip, car wash, karaoke night, movie night, day camp at the Rotary Art Show, and bingo night. Annual Appeal- Commissioner Luskey noted that this year the Youth Commission brought in $6,625 in donations from the Annual Appeal. This year 68 people donated money. Girls Night - Commissioner Jayakumar stated that on March 7 & 8, 2003 the Youth Commission is sponsoring "Girls Night". The sleepover is open to 6th, 7'h, and 8th grade girls. Events such as makeovers, movies and games will be offered. Restaurant Night - Tami noted that the first restaurant was Fresh Choice and the Youth Commission made $50.00. The next restaurant will be Baja Fresh. 2 New/Future Activities - Commissioner Wu reported that next year the Youth Commission would like to have a haunted house at the Warner Hutton House and hold a 9-hole golftournament. Web site - Commissioner Lee explained that the Youth Commission's website has been incorporated onto the City's website. Skate Park - Commissioner Scalvos reported that the skate park was moved every week to a new site. Commission Scalvos reported that 131 waivers were filled out and 112 of those waivers were Saratoga residents. By the end 0 the summer 364 kids used the park. Unfortunately, Commission Scalvos reported that two pieces of the skate park were stolen at Redwood Middle School. Skate Park - Commissioner Miller reported a few problems with the skate park such as it takes at least 2 people to set it up and take it down and approximately 1- 2 hours. Commission stated that t he Youth Commission feels that the skate park would be more of a success if it had a permanent home such as Gardner Park. Commission Miller added that the Youth Commission has had a few requests from different group to rent/borrow the skate park. Recently the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department has requested to use the equipment on March 2,2003. Commission Miller stated that the Youth Commission is seeking direction from the City Council. Consensus of the City Council to allow the Youth Commission to rent the skate park out. Mayor Streit noted that recently the City has been working with the neighbors to reopen the trail; as a result of this a neighborhood task force has been formed to look at the whole park. Perhaps the skate park could be added to their discussions. Chair Levine thanked the Youth Commission for attending tonight's joint meeting and thanked Taffy Lowery for her support. Chair Levine stated that the Youth Commission is accomplishing their goals and finding out new ways to serve the youth of Saratoga. Mayor Streit declared a ten-minute break at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Streit reconvened the meeting at 7:40 p.m. 2. LIBRARY COMMISSION Mayor Streit welcomed the Arts Commission. The following Commissioners were present: Marcia Manzo/Chair, Anne Cross, Kathy Foscato, Pragti Grover, Lori Burns/ Staff Liaison Chair Manzo introduced Dolly Barnes/Head Librarian, Saratoga Library and Melinda Cervantes/new County Librarian. 3 Dolly Barnes explained the Library's move once construction is finished: · 5 week process · Temporary library would stay open for the first two weeks of the move · No library services for 3 weeks · Furniture has been ordered · Moving company scheduled · Lining up community volunteers to help In regards to the temporary library use Ms. Barnes explained that the temporary library is only 6,000 square feet compared to the old library, which was 18,000 square feet. The temporary library was only stocked with less than half of the collection. Within the second or third month the temporary library had 60% use and by December over 100% use. Commissioner Cross explained that the volunteer hours have been rising and the Library is asking the community for 1000 hours to help with the move. Commissioner Cross noted that anyone who is interested in helping for a minimum of 2 hours can contact the Library or visit the City's website for more information. Mayor Streit asked when volunteers would be needed. Ms. Barnes stated that volunteers would be needed the first day of moving. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith suggested contacting the Warner Hutton House. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith noted that 60 students are there everyday after school. Ms. Barnes noted that she would tell the Youth Librarian to contact the House. Chair Manzo noted that recently the goal of the Library Commission has been to educate the new members. Chair Manzo noted that the Commission has had many speakers from the County Library attend their meetings to discuss and explain various programs and budget. Chair Manzo noted that the Library Commission has taken on the responsibility to find docents who could take groups of people on tours ofthe new library once it opens. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith suggested a self-guiding tour with a map. Chair Manzo suggested using the architect's design and annotating it. Melinda Cervantes, County Librarian, thanked the Council for the opportunity to introduce herself as the newly appointed County Librarian. Ms Cervantes briefly explained her background noting that previously she worked for Contra Costa County, which consisted of 23 libraries. Ms. Cervantes briefly explained that Measure A which was passed by the voters in 1995 sunsets in 2005. The County has recently set up a subcommittee to develop an RFP for a Polling Consultant and hopefully a ballot measure will be placed on the March 2004 election. 4 Ms. Cervantes noted that the County Library supports the cities efforts to keep VLF monies because the library system benefits from it too. Ms. Cervantes noted that the County Library System also receives funds from the Public library foundation. Those funds have been reduced in the current fiscal year but not currently slated to be reduced in next year. The one area she wanted to bring to the attention to the Council is Transaction Based Reimbursement (TBR) with the Governor's proposed budget this fund is zeroed out next year. This issue is the Library's greatest concern for next year. This cut would take $1.4 million dollars away form the County Library's budget. If all of the governors proposed cuts go through next year it would total $2.7 million dollars, which is 10% of their operating budget. The JP A is considering allowing the County Library to use some reserve funds if the Governor's budget cuts go through. Mayor Streit thanked the Library Commission, Ms. Barnes and Ms. Cervantes for attending tonight's meeting. Mayor Streit declared a ten-minute break at 8:10 p.m. Mayor Streit reconvened the meeting at 8:20 p.m. 3. ARTS COMMISSION Mayor Streit welcomed the Arts Commission. The following Commissioners were present at tonight's meeting: LeRoy Murray/Chair, Tracy Halgren, Mary Ann Henderson, Betty Peck, Lisa Pontier de Mattei, Mary Lou Taylor, Sylvia Wolhmut, Kim Saxton-Heinrichs/ Staff Liaison Tracy Halgren, Arts Commissioner, noted that Chair Murray was note there yet so they would start the presentation without his introduction. PUBLIC ART POLICY Commissioner Halgren noted that the draft Public Arts Policy was in the Council's packet for tonight's meeting. Commissioner Halgren noted that the Arts Commission was seeking input from the Council. Councilmember Bogosian stated that the Arts Policy was done very well. Mayor Streit concurred. Mayor Streit questioned why wouldn't the policy come into play regardless ofthe length of the loan of art. Commission Halgren stated that anything less than three months they would consider an exhibition, though if the Council desires they could be amended. Mayor Streit questioned page 2 in regards to public liability and financial capacity of the city. Mayor Streit asked how would the City fund the security ofthe art on display. 5 Commissioner Halgren noted that that security issues needs to be addressed soon. CounciImember Kline stated that he supported the proposed Arts Policy. In regards to procedures for donation s of public art, Commissioner Halgren noted that the Commission would like to know how involved does the Council want to be in dictating what items are displayed. . Councilmember Kline suggested a trip wire be established which would trigger Council involvement, perhaps based on the value ofthe art. Commissioner Pontier de Mattei asked ifthe City Attorney has to review the Arts Policy. Mayor Streit responded that the City Attorney does need to approve the Policy. Consensus of the City Council that the Policy should be incorporated into the contract between the County Library and the City, so the City can control the art. INTRODUCTION Leroy Murray, Chair/Arts Commission, briefly recapped the background ofthe Arts Commission. Chair Murray noted that the Arts Commission was formed in fall of2001. The Arts Commission is an advisory agency to the City Council. The Commission is not authorized to set policy or give direction to staff. The powers of the Arts Commission shall be to foster, encourage, and assist the realization, preservation, and advancement ofthe arts for the benefit of the citizens of Saratoga. Chair Murray noted the Arts Commissions significant accomplishments since the last joint meeting with the Council on September 24,2002: · Art in the Park o 1 st annual o Wildwood Park o 28 artist, approximately 800 people · Preschool Mural o Unveiling ceremony conducted · Mustard Walk o 2nd Annual co-sponsored with Heritage Preservation Commission · Library Re-opening o In the process of securing major art exhibit · City Public Art Policy o Initial draft completed Chair Murray noted that members of the Arts Commission are now represented on the Memorial Arch Committee, Library Grand Reopening Committee and the Gateway Task Force. 6 Chair Murray noted that the Art Commission has had numerous guest speakers at their meetings such as Dolly Barnes/ Head Librarian at the Saratoga Library, April Halberstadt! Curator for the Saratoga Museum, Dr. Don Head/Saratoga art collector, Bruce Davis/Executive Director for the Silicon Valley Arts Council and Phyllis Ballingall/HPC. ART IN THE PARK Commissioner Henderson reported that the Commission held their first Art in the Park held at Wildwood Park. Commissioner Henderson stated that the biggest complaint was the lack of promotion. Commissioner Henderson noted that next year some of the local wineries could participate in the event and perhaps more entertainment. Commissioner Henderson noted that next year would be bigger and better. GATEWAY TASK FORCE Commissioner Pontier de Mattei noted that she and Chair Murray represented the Arts Commission on the Gateway Task Force. Commissioner Pontier de Mattei pointed out that they got involved just prior to the Council's approval of the Gateway Design Concept. Commissioner Pontier de Mattei stated that they did get to help draft the language that was added under the Planning and Design Objectives to "promote site design and other opportunities to encourage the display of public art". Commissioner Pontier de Mattei noted that the Arts Commission has been working with the architect, contractor and the Public Works Department on materials, landscaping and signage. Commissioner Pontier de Mattei noted that the Arts Commission would help identify the best locations for public art in or adjacent to the corridor. MUSTARD WALK Commissioner Taylor stated that this year the Arts Commission co-sponsored the 2nd Annual Mustard Walk. Commissioner Taylor stated that most of the artist were hesitant to participate this year due to the fact that last year's event was poorly attended. Commissioner Taylor noted that 8 artist finally agreed to participate in the event. As it turned out, all of the artists enjoyed themselves so much that they promised to return next year. Commissioner Taylor stated that Approximately 800 people attended this event. PRESS KIT/PUBLICITY Commissioner Wohlmut noted that she has been working on a process to utilize the Recreation Department's activity guide, Saratogan, KSAR and the Saratoga News. 7 LIBRARY Chair Murray noted that the Arts Commission has been focusing on the Art Wall, which is on the right as you enter the Library. Chair Murray noted that the opening display would be loaned from Dr. Head a private collector in Saratoga. Chair Murray noted that the pattern format on the wall covering is not is not keeping with a wall for hanging art. Chair Murray noted that the covering would be removed for the initial show and after the show the acoustics impact would be evaluated. The wall covering may be reinstalled after the opening ofthe Library. In regards to the art for the initial show, Chair Murray explained that the value of display could range from $100k prints to $5 million originals. Security is the biggest concern for the Arts Commission. PROMOTION OF POETRY IN THE COMMUNITY Commissioner Peck explained the various poetry readings that take place in the high schools and stated that someday she hopes the City would have an official Poet Laureate. Mayor Streit thanked the Arts Commission for attending tonight's meeting. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Councilmember Bogosian requested a staff report in regard to possible locations for a permanent skate park. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith noted that the Sister City Delegation would be at City Hall on February 24, 2003. OTHER None CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Anderson noted that he has been asked to sit on the panel to select a new Saratoga union School District Superintendent. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business Mayor Streit adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. 8