Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-2003 City Council Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 19, 2003 The City Council of the City of Saratoga met in Closed Session, Administrative Conference Room, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue at 6:00 p.m. Initiation ofIitigation (Gov't Code Section 54956.9(c): (2 potential cases) Conference With Labor Negotiators (Gov't Code 54957.6): Agency designated representatives: Dave Anderson, City Manager Employee organization: SEA MAYOR'S REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION - 7:00 p.m. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith reported there was Council discussion but no action was taken. Vice Mayor WaItonsmith called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and requested Councilmember Kathleen King, lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Kathleen King, Norman Kline, Vice Mayor Ann Waltonsmith ABSENT: Councilmember Stan Bogosian, Mayor Nick Streit ALSO PRESENT: Dave Anderson, City Manager Lorie Tinfow, Assistant City Manager Richard Taylor, City Attorney Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk Jesse Baloca, Administrative Services Director John Cherbone, Public Works Director Joan Pisani, Recreation Director REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 19, 2003 Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting of February 19,2003 was properly posted on February 14, 2003. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS The following person requested to speak at tonight's meeting: April Halberstadt, Curator/Saratoga Historical Museum, requested that the City of Saratoga write a letter of support for a grant that the Historical Society of Saratoga has applied for through the Silicon Valley Community Foundation to hire a consultant to draft a Master Plan for the Historical Park in Saratoga. Councilmember King asked Ms. Halberstadt if she was requesting just a letter or funding. Ms. Halberstadt noted that right now she was just asking for a letter of support, eventually the City should make a contribution, but until she has a budget and knows more specifics it would not be appropriate to ask. COMMUNICATIONS FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Norman Koepernik, Chair/Heritage Preservation Commission, stated that he was present tonight on behalf of the Heritage Preservation Commission to thank Betsy and Ike for participating in the "Mustard Walk". Chair Koepernick presented a thank you poster to Vice Mayor Waltonsmith and noted that there were two bags of alfalfa cubes in the lobby for the donkeys. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF In regards to Ms. Halberstadt request, Councilmember King requested that it be agendized for a future meeting. Consensus of the City Council to agendize Councilmember King's request. ANNOUNCEMENTS None CEREMONIAL ITEMS None SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS None 2 CONSENT CALENDAR lA. REVIEW OF CHECK REGISTER STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve check register. KLINE/KING MOVED TO APPROVE THE CHECK REGISTER. MOTION PASSED 3-0-0-2 WITH BOGOSIAN AND STREIT ABSENT. lB. PLANNING ACTION MINUTES - FEBRUARY 12, 2003 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Note and file. KLINE/KING MOVED TO APPROVE THE CHECK REGISTER. MOTION PASSED 3-0-0-2 WITH BOGOSIAN AND STREIT ABSENT. lC. FINAL MAP APPROVAL FOR THREE-LOTS LOCATED AT 15202 QUITO ROAD OWNER: LEXOR INVESTMENTS, INC. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution and authorize Mayor to execute agreement. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: SD-00-006 RESOLUTION FO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE FINAL MAP OF SD-00-006 15202 QUITO ROAD Vice Mayor Waltonsmith requested that item 2C be pulled from the Consent Calendar. Vice Mayor WaItonsmith noted that she does not feel comfortable approving a final map without ever seeing the property. Richard Taylor, City Attorney, explained that state law requires that once a developer has complied with the conditions ofthe tentative map the City has a ministerial duty to approve the final map. KLINE/KING MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL MAP OF SD-00-006 AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT. MOTION PASSED 3-0-0-2 WITH BOGOSIAN AND STREIT ABSENT. !D. LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT LLA-l; RESOLUTIONS INITIATING RENEWAL OF THE DISTRICT FOR FY 2003-2004 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolutions. 3 TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 03-012 RESOLUTION DESCRIBING IMPROVEMENTS AND DIRECTING PREPARATION OF ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003- 2004 CITY OF SARATOGA LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT LLA-l KLINE/KING MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION DIRECTING PREPARATION OF ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR LLA-l FOR FY 2003- 2004. MOTION PASSED 3-0-0-2 WITH BOGOSIAN AND STREIT ABSENT. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 03-013 RESOLUTION APPOINTING ATTORNEY'S FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003- 2004 CITY OF SARATOGA LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT LLA-l MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION APPOINTING ATTORNEY'S FOR LLA-l FOR FY 2003-2004. MOTION PASSED 3-0-0-2 WITH BOGOSIAN AND STREIT ABSENT. PUBLIC HEARINGS None OLD BUSINESS 2. SARATOGA LIBRARY PROJECT UPDATE STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report. Lorie Tinfow, Assistant City Manager, presented staff report. Assistant City Manager Tinfow reported that the budget remains under the $14,650,000 and staff expects to grant delays as part of a change order under development now. The most realistic substantial completion date is now at the end of March. Assistant City Manager Tinfow reported that the on February 14, 2003 PG&E crews arrived at the site to begin work on the transformer and associated electrical work. In regards to PG&E, Councihnember King stated that the City contacted our Assemblywoman, which helped get PG&E to move faster. Councilmember King suggested a letter of thanks be sent to her. In regards to Gen-Con Inc. bankruptcy, Assistant City Manager Tinfow stated that no new information is available. 4 Assistant City Manager Tinfow explained that the Library Grand Opening Planning Committee is making significant progress. In seeking to maximize our budget, the Committee has requested direction on acknowledging contributors or sponsors. Specifically, the Committee would like to note sponsors on the program in some fashion such as "Special thanks to. . ." or some other tasteful way to acknowledge their participation. Councilmember King noted that she supports mentioning contributors to the Library's Grand Opening Celebration on the program or even on banners. Consensus of the City Council to direct Staffto list sponsors in the program and/or on a banner. 3. MCWILLIAMS HOUSE STATUS REPORT STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report; direct staff accordingly; adopt resolution. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 03-011 RESOLUTION FO THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING FUNDS TO MAKE EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MCWILLIAMS HOUSE AND GROUNDS Director Pisani eXplained that after 25 year the Chamber of Commerce finally moved out of the McWilliams House. Director Pisani noted that the building is empty and needs some attention. City staff has and will be able to complete some of the needed improvements, and others will need to be contracted out. Staff is currently recommending only exterior building and grounds improvements. Director Pisani explained that staff has completed the following improvements already: · Removed the dilapidated fence in front of the building · Removed the rotten gazebo · Removed the termite infested storage shed In regards to worked that requires a contractor, Director Pisani explained as follows: · Construct new front and back porches and steps · Paint entire exterior of the building · Replacement of siding on the house where the shed was removed · Install a drainage system around the house Director Pisani explained that staff is requesting $10,000 for needed repairs on the McWilliams house. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith stated that she thinks the replacement siding would have to be milled because the siding is not standard size. 5 Director Pisani noted that she received a bid of $3,300 to replace the siding. Councilmember King asked why the termite problem was not being addressed. Director Pisani responded that Councilmember Kline stated that the contract that repairs the house should specialize in historic houses. CounciImember Kline asked where the funding was coming from City Manager Anderson stated that the $10,000 would come from the Council's contingency budget. City Manager Anderson asked if Council would like staffto do all the repairs right the first time and bring back adjusted estimates. CounciImember Kline stated that he would rather just weather proof the house now and have staff bring it back as a CIP proj ect. In regards to the porch, Councilmember Kline suggested that it be tapped off in order for the City to avoid possible liability. MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING $1,500 FOR MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL FOR INSTALLATION OF DRAIN. MOTION PASSED 3-0-0-2 WITH BOGOSIAN AND STREIT ABSENT. 4. CONTRACT AMENDMENT G. BORTOLOTTO - EL QUITO NTMP IMPROVEMENTS STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize City Manager to execute contract. John Cherbone, Public Works Director, presented staffreport. Director Cherbone explained that on December 4, 2002, the City Council approved traffic-calming plan for an identified area within the El Quito neighborhood. This plan was the first traffic-calming plan approved under the newly created Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP). Director Cherbone noted that the current El Quito NTMP plan includes 13 speed humps, 6 raised medians, and 10 traffic control signs at various locations. Director Cherbone noted that McFarland was added to the El Quito traffic-calming plan via the NTMP process at the December 4 City Council meeting. This addition increased the number of traffic calming devices and raised the cost of the traffic calming improvements above the $50,000 maximum amount authorized by the City Council for this project. 6 Director Cherbone explained that tonight Council has four options of implementation of the El Quito NTMP: · Option 1 o 13 speed humps o 3 Medians with cobbles o 3 Chatter bars medians o 10 signs $58,650 · Option 2 o 13 speed humps o 6 medians with cobbles o 10 signs $66,000 · Option 3 o 13 speed humps o 6 median with no cobbles o 10 signs $60,000 · Option 4 o 13 speed humps o 6 Chatter bar medians o 10 signs $51,300 Director Cherbone noted that the first plan requested by McFarland residents included medians in the locations now shown as having chatter bar. To reduce the total cost, residents agreed to replace the medians with chatter bars. Director Cherbone noted that the Public Safety Commission recommends installation of medians with cobbles, reducing the number of speed humps on McFarland from 4 to 3, and removing the chatter bars. Staff recommends installation of the plan shown in Option 1, and leaves aesthetics choices to be made by the Council. Michael Bustamonte, McFarland Avenue, stated that he supports the 4 speed humps with chatter bars on his street. Mr. Bustamonte stated that he went door to door to obtain 42 out of 50 residents approval ofthis plan. Mr. Bustamonte stated that McFarland is the longest street in EI Quito. Director Cherbone noted that staff does not recommend the use of chatter bars due to maintenance needs and other issues over time. Elizabeth Lora, 18872 Lora Avenue, stated that she supported Option 1. Ms. Lora stated that she has been involved with this NTMP since June and stated that she feels McFarland Avenue should not have been added to the plan so late in the process. Ms. Lora stated that Council should not go over the approved amount of $50,000 for this NTMP. 7 Mr. Bustamonte stated that his neighbors agreed to go with chatter bars in order to cut costs. Councilmember Kline stated that he supported Option 2, noting that all of the medians should have cobbles. Vice mayor Waltonsmith and Councilmember King concurred with Councilmember Kline. KLINE/KING MOVED TO SUPPORT OPTION 2 AND AUTHORIZE THE FUNDING OF $66,000. MOTION PASSED 3-0-0-2 WITH BOGOSIAN AND STREIT ABSENT. Councilmember King publicly thanked Assistant City Manager Tinfow for all of her work on the EI Quito NTMP. NEW BUSINESS 5. BOOK GO ROUND BUILDING MOLD REMEDIATION STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report; adopt resolution; authorize staff to award contracts. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 03-010 RESOLUTION FO THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING A BUDGET AMENDMENT OF $10,000 FOR MOLD REMEDIATION AT THE BOOK- GO-ROUND BUILDING Joan Pisani, Recreation Director, presented staffreport. Director Pisani explained that a few weeks again staff received a call from Mary Jean Fenn, Manager ofthe Book-Go-Round, informing us of a mold problem in their storage area. Director Pisani noted that Ms. Fenn stated that they have cleaned the wall a few times but the mold kept returning. By the time staff inspected the wall the mold covered the entire wall and part of the ceiling. Staff called out a professional service that sealed offthe area, brought in the proper drying equipment and installed a vent to the outside. Director Pisani stated that the affected area was sealed off and a baseline mold investigation and sampling took place. Recently the mold sampling results were given to the City and the findings were that the spore levels were not elevated on the interior as compared to the exterior. Other findings indicated that professional remediation was required to properly and fully take care of the pathogenic threat. Director Pisani noted that to date the City has spent $3,000 to dry and close off the affected area and to have the mold samplings analyzed. The bid to complete the removal of the wall and part of the ceiling by a certified company is $6,900. Director Pisani noted that until the wall is removed the extent ofthe damage would not be known. 8 Councilmember King asked ifthe Book-Go-Round pays rent. Director Pisani noted that the rent is $1 per year. Director Pisani noted that they have always been good tenants. Councilmember Kline asked what type of relationship does the Book-Go-Round have with the County Library and where does the money they raise go. Director Pisani noted that the Book-Go-Round is part of the Friends of the Saratoga Library and the money goes back into the Saratoga Library. Councilmember Kline requested a report in regards to the relationship between the Book-Go-Round and the County Library. KLINE/KING MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A BUDGET AMENDMENT OF $10,000 FOR MOLD REMEDIATION AT THE BOOK-GO-ROUND BUILDING. MOTION PASSED 3-0-0-2 WITH BOGOSIAN AND STREIT ABSENT. 6. BUDGET MONITORING REPORT FOR THE 2ND QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 2002 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and adopt resolutions. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 03-006 RESOLUTION FO THE CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE CITY'S OPERATIONS TO INCLUDE A HOLIDAY FURLOUGH TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 03-007 RESOLUTION FO THE CITY COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING AN ANNUAL HIRING FREEZE ON VACATED CITY POSITIONS TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 03-008 RESOLUTION FO THE CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE CITY'S CLASSIFICATION PLAN TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 03-009 RESOLUTION FO THE CITY COUNCIL MAKING APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENTS TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2002-03 BUDGET Jesse Baloca, Administrative Services Director, presented staff report. Director Baloca explained the mid-year 2002-2003 budget adjustments as follows: Operating Revenues Director Baloca noted that the City has received one-time revenues from the 9 Vessing Road assessments and anticipates January receipts fro the Oddfellow's projects. As staff continues to monitor current revenue streams it appears that the City's three major revenue sources (property tax, sales tax, and motor vehicle fees), which comprise 66.2% ofthe General Funds budget, are inline with state budget proj ections. Operating Expenditures Director Baloca stated that expenditures remain as budgeted, with the expectation of the General Fund where proposal to increase operation transfers is recommended to support: 1) the segregation of Street Fund CIP projects from operations 2) to compete the change over in administration of the low-income housing loan program back to the County, and 3) to segregate KSAR's advertising fund into a separate trust account. An additional payroll amendment is also requested to assist with unanticipated issues such as workers compensation insurance, increase in medical insurance, Public Works overtime due to winter storm work and the payout of excess accrued annual leave. Bud!!:et Impact Adjustments Director Baloca stated that in early January 2003, the Governor proposed immediate reduction to the City's General Fund Revenues in the amount of $590,000 affecting the current fiscal year. As this action reduces expected revenues budgeted for operation, staff has developed the following methods for reducing this negative impact: · Expenditure Reductions - $169,000 o Hiring freeze o Consolidation of positions in Manger's office o Work furlough · Utilizing the Undesignated Fund Balance - $109,000 · Savings from CIP - $325,000 KLINE/KING MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION MAKING APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENTS TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2002-03 BUDGET. MOTION PASSED 3-0-0-2 WITH BOGOSIAN AND STREIT ABSENT. KLINE/KING MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION IMPLEMENTING AN ANNUAL HIRING FREEZE ON VACATED CITY POSITIONS. MOTION PASSED 3-0-0-2 WITH BOGOSIAN AND STREIT ABSENT. KLINE/KING MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY'S CLASSIFICATION PLAN. MOTION PASSED 3-0-0-2 WITH BOGOSIAN AND STREIT ABSENT. KLINE/KING MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY'S OPERATIONS TO INCLUDE A HOLIDAY FURLOUGH. MOTION PASSED 3-0-0-2 WITH BOGOSIAN AND STREIT ABSENT. 10 COMMISSION ASSIGNMENT REPORTS Councilmember Kline stated that currently the Gateway Task force being is reformed. The Task Force will meet for the first within the next couple of weeks to start looking into design gnidelines for the Gateway area of the City. Council King noted that next week Muko, Japan will be visiting the City of Saratoga. They dignitaries will be given a tour of City hall and various other events have been planned. In regards to the Public Safety Commission has been working on the Blue Hills traffic plan. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission were pleased to have finished the City's fee review and recently submitted it to Council. In regards to the Library Grand Opening Celebration, the Committee is meeting every two weeks. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS None OTHER None CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Anderson stated that he recently finalized the Town Hall meeting with Assembly member Rebecca Cohn. It will be held on March 13, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. in the Adult Day Care Center. ADJOURNMENT Vice Mayor Waltonsmith stated that the City Council would reconvene to Closed Session in the Administration Conference Room. There be no further business Vice Mayor Waltonsmith adjourned the meeting at 11