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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-16-2003 City Council Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL JULY 16, 2003 The City Council of the City of Saratoga met in Closed Session, Administrative Conference Room. 13777 Fruitvale Avenue at 5:45 p.m. Conference with Legal Counsel - Threatened Litigation: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(b): (3 potential cases) Conference With Legal Counsel- Existing Litigation Name of case: Parker Ranch Homeowners Association, et al. v. Tsung-Ching Wu, et al. (Santa Clara County Superior Court Case Number CV7970l5) Conference with Legal Counsel- Initiation ofIitigation (Gov't Code section 54956.9(c): (1 potential case). MAYOR'S REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION - 7:00 p.m. Mayor Streit reported there was Council discussion but no action was taken. Mayor Streit called the Regnlar City Council meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Kathleen King, Norman Kline, Vice Mayor Ann Waltonsmith, Mayor Nick Streit ABSENT: Councilmembers Stan Bogosian ALSO PRESENT: Dave Anderson, City Manager Richard Taylor, City Attorney Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk Jesse Baloca, Administrative Services Director Tom Sullivan, Community Development Director John Cherbone, Public Works Director REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR JULY 16, 2003 Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting ofJuly 16, 2003 was properly posted on July 10,2003. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS No one requested to speak at tonight's meeting: COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS None CEREMONIAL ITEMS lA. COMMENDATION FOR GIRL SCOUT SILVER AWARDS STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Present commendation Mayor Streit read the commendations and presented them to the following Silver Award recipients: Katrin Cooper, Kristin Gochnauer, Jennifer Zecchin, Kerry Zweig. Sarah Collonge, Grace Humphries, and Lisa Kolstad were unable to attend tonight's meeting. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS None CONSENT CALENDAR 2A. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES- MAY 21, 2003 CONTINUED FROM JULY 2, 2003 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve minutes. W AL TONSMlTH/KLINE MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNICL MINUTES. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT. 2 2B. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES- JUNE 4, 2003 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve minutes. Councilmember King requested that item 2B be removed from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember King requested that on page 11, 1st paragraph, "8:30 p.rn." should be "8:30 a.m.". Councilmember King requested that on page 11, 4th paragraph, "school site" should be "school parking lot". WALTONSMITH/KLINE MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT 2C. REVIEW OF CHECK REGISTER STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve check register. W AL TONSMITH/KLINE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CHECK REGISTER. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT. 2D. PLANNING ACTION MINUTES-JULY 9,2003 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Note and file. W AL TONSMITH/KLINE MOVED TO NOTE AND FILE PLANNING ACTION MINUTES. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT. 2E. COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORDS STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Note and file. W AL TONSMITHlKLINE MOVED TO NOTE AND FILE COMMISISON ATTENDANCE RECORDS. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT. 3 2F. ACCEPTANCE OF SARATOGA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT USE RESTRICTION AGREEMENT, RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP AND GRANT OF EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC PARKING STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize Mayor to accept Saratoga Fire Protection District Use Restriction Agreement, Restriction on Transfer of Ownership and Grant of Easement for Public Parking. W AL TONSMITH/KLINE MOVED TO AUTHORIZE MAYOR TO ACCEPT SARATOGA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT USE RESTRICTION AGREEMENT, RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP AND GRANT OF EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC PARKING. MOTION PASSED 4- 0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT 20. AUTHORIZATION TO CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT TO CAL ID PROGRAM STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize execution of agreement. WALTONSMITHlKLINE MOVED TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT 2H. RODEO CREEK MONITORING FOR STORM DRAIN POLLUTION COST SHARING AGREEMENT STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize execution of agreement. WALTONSMITH/KLINE MOVED TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF AGREMENT. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT 21. PROPOSED PREANNEXATION AGREEMENT FOR ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBERS APN 510-24-002, APN 510-24-027, APN 510-24-003 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve pre-annexation agreement. Richard Taylor, City Attorney, requested that item 31 be removed from the Consent Calendar. City Attorney Taylor reminded Council that they have been investigating the possibility of the annexation of three parcels on Redberry Drive and at a prior meeting initiated the proceedings of annexation. City Attorney Taylor noted that tonight Council would hold a public hearing on the annexation. City Attorney Taylor stated that during that process the property owners involved in the annexation have been negotiating concerning pending development approvals in Santa Clara County. There had been some uncertainty during the annexation process as to the effect of the City annexation on those approvals. 4 City Attorney Taylor stated that as the result of those negotiations the property owners and the City were able to develop a pre-annexations agreement which stated the following: · All three property owners agree to be annexed into the City of Saratoga · City would except the County land use approvals that have been issued on one of those parcels · City would administer the land use approvals approved by the County · Property owners agree that that the design is good for the community City Attorney Taylor stated that the pre-annexation agreement paves the way for the Council to proceed with what is known as a 100% consent annexation. City Attorney Taylor stated that the City would not have to hold a protest hearing and could approve the annexation this evening. Barton Heckman/Attorney, Mattioni Law Firm, 848 The Alameda, San Jose, noted that he was representing the Navi's. Mr. Heckman noted that this process has been very difficult on the Navi's. Mr. Heckman thanked City Staff who helped work out the pre-annexation agreement. Councilmember Kline thanked Mr. Heckman for all his work he put into this. Joseph Karnes/Attorney, Reality Law, 125 S. Market Street, San Jose, noted that he was present this evening on behalf of property owners Hepburn, Holton, Pfeiffer and Hwang. Mr. Karnes thanked City staff. W AL TONSMITHlKLINE MOVED TO APPROVE PRE-ANNEXATION AGREEMENT FOR THE THREE PROPERTIES ON REDBERRY DRIVE. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. CONSIDERATION OF INITIATING PROCEEDINGS TO ANNEX TO THE CITY OF SARATOGA FROM SANTA CLARA COUNTY TERRITORY DESIGNATED AS ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBERS 510- 24-002 (ALSO KNOWN AS 19418 REDBERRY DRIVE), 510-24-027 (ALSO KNOWN AS 19370 REDBERRY DRIVE), AND 510-24-003 (ALSO KNOWN AS 19400 REDBERRY DRIVE) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Conduct public hearing. TITLE OF RESOLTUlON: 03- 046 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING ANNEXATION OF THREE PARCELS OF LAND, APN: 510-24-002, 510-24-027, AND 510-24-003 Tom Sullivan, Community Development Director, presented staff report. 5 Director Sullivan eXplained that at the June 18, 2003 meeting the City Council directed staff to notice a public hearing for Council's consideration of the proposed initiation of annexation proceedings for the Redberry Drive parcels. Director Sullivan stated that staff was recommending that Council adopt the proposed resolution initiating annexation proceedings. Director Sullivan noted that the staff report also included the service plan for the parcels to be annexed and presents the remaining factual information required to proceed with the annexation. Director Sullivan discussed the annexation proceedings including the service plan, LAFCo material and CEQA compliance. Mayor Streit opened the pubic hearing. John Holton, 19280 Bainter Avenue, thanked the City Council for their support throughout this process and City Staff for all of their hard work and facilitating the 100% annexation support. Cheryl Jensen, 13737 Quito Road, noted that she read the staff report in which the geotechnical report acknowledge that the land as potential unstable. Ms. Jensen advised the Council to proceed with caution. In response to Ms. Jensen's comments, Vice Mayor Waltonsmith noted that the County is allowing houses to be built on the hillsides now, if they were part of the City at least they would be built under City Code. Mayor Streit closed the public hearing. W AL TONSMITHlKLINE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOL TUION APPROVING ANNEXATION OF THREE PARCELS OF LAND, APN: 510-24-002,510- 24-027, AND 510-24-003. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT. 4. AMENDMENTS TO VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE R-l (SECTION 15-12), DESIGN REVIEW FOR SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS (SECTION 15- 45) AND THE SUBDIVISION (CHAPTER 14) AND ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Conduct public hearing; adopt resolution granting the Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact; introduce ordinance; and place on consent calendar at the August 6, 2003 meeting for adoption. TITLE OF RESOLTUlON: 03-049 6 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA GRANTING NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRNMENTAL IMPACT TO THE AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING AND SUBDlVIOSN ORDINANCE OF THE SRATGOA CODE Tom Sullivan, Community Development Director, presented staff report. Director Sullivan stated that in an ongoing effort to make the City of Saratoga processes and ordinances consistent with one another, Staff has presented to the Planning Commission and now to the Council a set of amendments to three sections of the Saratoga City Code. These sections are; 15-12 R-l: Single Family Residential Districts, 15-45 Design Review: Single Family Dwellings, and Chapter 14: Subdivisions. Director Sullivan stated that these three sections were selected as they are the most widely and often used portions of the Saratoga City Code. These three sections are also inter -related to one another. The proposed amendments also provide much needed streamlining and clarification. Director Sullivan eXplained in detail all of the proposed changes and/or additions to the three sections of the City Code. Mayor Streit opened the Public Hearing. Cheriel Jensen, 13737 Quito Road, thanked all the effort that the Community Development Department and the Planning Commission put into this amendment. Although she supports the majority of the proposed amendment she would like to make a few suggestions. Ms. Jensen questioned and made suggestions to the following proposed amendments to City Code sections as follows: · 15-12.020 -2nd dwellings units should be "conditional use". · 15-12.060 - subdivisions in the hillsides. Ms. Jensen asked why this clause was being eliminating. · 15-12.100 - height of structures. Noted that the amended allows permission for additional height in the R-20,000 and R-I-40, 000 districts. Ms. Jensen stated that this amendment would not apply to her lot even thought she has an acre ofland. Ms. Jensen suggested that perhaps adding to this section that a 20,000 square foot lot be allowed additional height. · 15-45.040 - setbacks. Suggested that the current setbacks stay as is. · 15-45-060 - asked why is the clause regarding the floor area was being eliminated. · 15-45.085 - offsite improvements for design review. Suggested sidewalks be included · 14-05.020 -why is "building site approval" being eliminated from the ordinance · . Geological reports - suggested that these reports should be left in and required. 7 Councilmember King asked Director Sullivan to respond to Ms. Jensen's comments. Director Sullivan stated that in regards to section 15-45.085 sidewalks are already listed 15-450085 (a). In regards to geological reports, Director Sullivan stated that almost every design review the Department takes in is required to have this report and is reviewed by the City' geo tech contractor. In regards to the 2nd dwelling units permit, Director Sullivan noted that this is a State requirement. In regards to the height exception, if Council desires staff could amend this section to allow lots like Ms. Jensen to be considered. Consensus of the City Council to direct staff to amend section 15-12.100 to allow height of a structure to vary if a lot is 20,000 square feet or larger. W AL TONSMITH/KLINE MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS AMENDED GRANTING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION: INTRODUCE ORDIANCE: WAIVE THE FIRST READING: PLACE ITEM ON NEXT CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SECOND READING AND ADOPTION. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT. OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS 6. VILLAGE GREEN CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC MITIGATION STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution. TITLE OF RESOLUTION MV-24I RESOLUTION RESTRICTING TURNS AT THE INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAY 9 AND OAK PLACE John Cherbone, Public Works Director, presented staff report. Director Cherbone explained that in 2002 the City Council formed a task force to study and address the issue of cut-through traŒc in the Village Green Neighborhood. The task force included representatives from the Oak Street Neighborhood, Village Green Neigbborhood, Saratoga Fire Department, Federated Church, City Council and City Staff. In Augnst 2002 the Village Green Task Force held its first meeting and since that time has been meeting on a semi-regnlar basis. After numerous Task Force meetings, two neighborhood surveys, and one community meeting, the Task Force agreed to support turn restrictions at the intersection of Oak Place and Highway 9 to mitigate cut through traffic. 8 Director Cherbone noted that it was agreed by the Task Force that the Village Green neighborhood Association (VGNA) must obtain a minimum of 60% support from the Village Green Neighborhood before implementation ofthe traffic mitigation measures. Director Cherbone noted that the VGNA survey results showed 67% of the neighborhood supported the installation of turn restrictions at the intersection of Highway 9 and Oak Place. In addition, Director Cherbone noted that staff was requesting that Council adopt a Motor Vehicle Resolution restricting right turns onto Oak Place, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and left turns onto Highway 9,4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Director Cherbone noted that if Council approves the restrictions, the City Traffic Engineer would be directed to perform a pre and post traffic survey of the streets in the Village Green area to measure the results of the restrictions. Director Cherbone noted that if it is found that the restrictions are ineffective in reducing cut through traffic or they have caused undesirable traffic patterns, staff will report back to Council with recommendations. Staff recommends that the restriction stay in place for at least one year from their effective date to allow traffic patterns to normalize. Jerry Bruce/Federated Church noted that he fully suppOlted the proposed resolution. James Kardach, 20271La Paloma, noted that he is one ofthe VGNA Co-presidents for this coming year. Mr. Kardach stated that this proposal is particularly addressing the a.m. and p.m. commuter traffic. Mr. Kardach noted that he fully supported the proposed restrictions. Denise Michele, 20375 Park Place, noted that she is the Vice President ofVGNA and was a member ofthe Task Force. Ms. Michele stated that this proposal has strong support from the neighborhood and suggested that the City provide adequate enforcement for these turn restrictions to ensure success for these mitigation measures. Ms. Michele noted that she fully supported the proposed restrictions. W AL TONSMITH/KLINE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION RESTRICTING TURNS AT THE INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAY 9 AND OAK PLACE. MOTION APSSED 4-0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT. 7. LETTER OF SUPPORT TO RELEASE AMERICAN DETAINED IN CHINA STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly. Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, presented staff report. City Clerk Boyer eXplained that at the July 2, 2003 City Council meeting Dean Tsaggaris and Feng Wang addressed the Council under oral communications. Mr. Tsaggaris and Ms. Wang explained that Dr. Charles Lee, from Menlo Park, was arrested on January 22,2003 as soon as he arrived in China. Mr. Lee was given a trial and was sentenced to a 3-year jail term in March for his intention to use the state-controlled television to expose the severe human rights violations suffered by 9 the Falun Gong practitioners in China. City Clerk Boyer eXplained that Mr. Tsaggaris and Ms. Wang requested that the City Council write a letter of support to the Chinese Ambassador and our Senators. Feng Wang, 2978 Briana Ct, San Jose, provided the Council with facts regarding the torture ofFalun Gong practitioners in China and urged the Council to approve the letter of support. Clare lee, 4713 Cherrywood Drive, San Jose, urged Council to approve the letter of support. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith noted that she does not want to discuss the merits of Falun Gong, but people do have the right to practice what ever they want. Vice Mayor WaItonsmith stated that Dr. lee is an American and noted that she supports the letter. Councilmember Kline noted that normally he would not support these types of letters but in his case he will make an exception. Mayor Streit stated that he supports the letter and suggested that the last two lines be removed. W ALOTNMITH/KLINE MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN LETTERS OF SUPPORT FOR THE RELEASE OF DR. LEE AS AMENDED. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT. 8 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR ALLISON KNAPP STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve agreement Tom Sullivan, Community Development Director, presented staff report. Director Sullivan stated that Allison Knapp worked for the City on a part time basis, between August 1, 2001 and the Fall of2001. Once the department was fully staffed in 2001, Ms. Knapp's services were no longer needed. With the submittal of the Barry Swenson 60-unit condominiums project, staff was requesting to bring her back to manage the planning review process. Director Sullivan stated that Ms. Knapp would work directly for him. Her assignments would include assisting with the formal completeness review writing and issuing Request for Proposals for planning consultants to prepare the Environmental Impact Report, staffing community workshops meetings held by the developer and generally preparing Staff Reports and ensuring that all documents are completed in a timely and thorough manner. Director Sullivan stated that here are no fiscal impacts as the department operates on a deposit system that was put into place last year. The City would have full cost recovery including City Staff, consultants, overhead and the City Attorney. 10 Councilmember Kline asked if the applicant does not go forward with the project does the City still get recouped. Director Sullivan responded that the applicant pays a deposit and Ms. Knapp on! y gets paid for the hours she works. W AL TONMSITH/KLINE MOVED TO APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH ALLISON KNAPP FOR CONSULTING SERVICES. MOTION PASSED 4- 0-1 WTH BOGOSIAN ABSENT. 9. CELEBRATE SARATOGA - CITY SPONSORSHIP OF "KID ZONE" STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly; adopt resolution. TITLE OFRESOLTUlON: 03- 048 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA AMENDING THE 2003- 2004 BUDGET FOR AN APPROPRIATION OF $2,500 CELEBRATE SARATOGA FUN ZONE SPONSORSHIP Dave Anderson, City Manager, presented staff report. City Manager Anderson explained that the Saratoga Chamber of ,Commerce's annual "Celebrate Saratoga" would be held on September 13, 2003. Celebrate Saratoga started in 1989 as a small community event and now has evolved into one of the largest outdoor evening street dance festivals in Silicon Valley. More than 300 volunteers work together with more than 30,000 attending this event. City Manager Anderson explained that Mayor Streit suggested that the City become more involved as a sponsor. The Chamber suggested sponsorship of the "Fun Zone" The "Fun Zone" area is a family activity area located in the Saratoga Village Center. Within this area there will be a variety of games, face painting, bounce houses, etc. Staff contacted Kristen Davis, Executive Director/Chamber of Commerce, who provided the attached information. City Manager Anderson eXplained that the sponsor of this activity will receive the following benefits as an exclusive sponsor: · City's logo on all print advertising · City's logo on the Chambers website · 2'by 10' banner at each entrance (provided by the sponsor) · Small poster at each activity. WALTONSMITHlKLINE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2003-2004 BUDGET FORAN APPROPRIATION OF $2,500 CELEBRATE SARATOGA FUN ZONE SPONSORSHIP. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT. 11 10. VALLEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (VTA) BOARD RESTRUCTURING PROPOSAL STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Review attached correspondences and adopt resolution. TITLE OF RESOLTUlON: 03-047 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SUPPORTING THE PROPOSED RESTRUCTURING OF THE SANTA CLARA COUNTY VALLEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, presented staff report. City Clerk Boyer explained that On May13, 2003, Mayor Joe Estevas of the City of Mil pitas, sent letters to Santa Clara County cities requesting that all of the 15 jurisdictions support public discussion and actions to restructure the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Board City Clerk Boyer explained that Mayor Esteves argues that currently the VT A has been faced with critical decisions that will significantly impact the quality of life in every community throughout the County and the economic vitality of the Silicon Valley region. He advocates that every member jurisdiction should have a permanent voting seat on the VT A Board to provide local elected officials with the opportunity to participate in the critical decisions affecting our communities. Direct representation on the VT A Board would also provide broader and deeper support and ownership for Board actions on service levels, revenue sources, legislative initiatives and transportation construction projects. City Clerk Boyer reported that the proposal to restructure the Board would provide a voting seat for all jurisdictions and also would maintain the same proportional voting representation for the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County. Restructuring the Board in this manner would ensure all Santa Clara County residents and businesses would be directly represented on the VT A Board. City Clerk Boyer explained that currently the City of Saratoga is one of nine jurisdictions not represented on the VT A Board. The Board would increase in size from 12 to 21 members. City Clerk Boyer explained that the City of Milpitas goal is to generate enough support to start a special working group, composed of representatives of all member agencies, to begin a formal active dialogue on the matter. WALTONSMITHlKLINE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT PUBLIC DISCUSSION AND ACTIONS TO RESTRUCTURE THE VALLEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (VTA) BOARD. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT. 12 11. TRAVELERS INFORMATION SYSTEM (TIS) RADIO STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly. Danielle Surdin, Administrative Analyst, presented staff report. Analyst Surdin explained that as a result of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, the City of Saratoga wanted to increase emergency communication capability for our local residents. In August of 1990, the City of Saratoga filed request with the FCC for a Travelers Information System (TIS) Radio license. A license was granted in June 1991 and the City purchased all the needed equipment to run the emergency radio from the City's corporation yard. Analyst Surdin explained that since the TIS system's inception, staffs ability to maintain up-to-date information on the system has been a challenge. For TIS to be most effective, the information must reflect real-time events, which requires considerable staff attention and time. Successful management also requires city staff to receive real-time information from others in the field-who often don't think to alert the City. With the City's limited resources the expectation for successfully managing a real-time TIS Radio station may be unrealistic. Analyst Surdin noted to that to overcome this problem, the Sheriff s Office and the Saratoga Fire District have recently been granted recording access to the TIS Radio System. This helped solve the problem of posting real-time emergency events since both Saratoga Fire and Sheriff s Office are emergency response agencies. However, lack of trained personal, shift changes during events and general lack of knowledge about how to utilize the system have hampered effective real-time communication. The self-imposed expectation of real-time non-emergency information broadcasting on the TIS Radio System may be simply unrealistic given the amount of effort necessary to achieve it. Analyst Surdin noted that the inability to meet expectations has resulted in occasional complaints from residents. Analyst Surdin noted that the City advertises that the station provides current information but consistently fails to provide accurate and timely information undermining the creditability of the TIS System. Analyst Surdin outlined a range of options in regards to the TIS Radio System polices that can be used to establish the future use of TIS Radio System and its operational framework: Option 1 - Operate in times of emergency only Options 2 - Emergency Operations and community events Options 3 - Increase TIS System Policy In regards to the future use of the TIS Radio System the consensus of the City Council was to support Option 2 - Emergency operations and community events. 13 COMMISSION ASSIGNMENT REPORTS Mayor Streit reported the following information: Santa Clara Countv Valley Water Commission - discussed rates. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith reported the following information: County Cities Association Legislative Task Force - keeping a close watch on legislation. Councilmember King reported the following information: KSAR Communitv Access TV Board - passed their budget and discussed West Valley College's cuts, which affected the KSAR budget. Sister City Liaison - September 13, 2003 "Pig Roast" fundraiser. Councilmember Kline reported the following information Library Joint Powers Association - getting ready for the new bond. Received and discussed polling results. Saratoga Business Development Council - staff presented a report explaining to the group their status and told them that they need to make a decision of what they are officially. They need to decide whether to be a City Commission or just business group. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Vice Mayor Waltonsmith requested the following: · That she be included in the preparation of the staff report for the September 17, 2003 City Council meeting in regards to the UPRR Trail · Updated report on the testing of the Saratoga Creek · Status on the Trail Rules that were approve by the Parks and Recreation Commission and sent to the City Attorney for review In regards to the PRC Trail Rules, City Attorney Taylor responded that this would be included in the review of the Trails Master Plan as part of the Open Space Element that is being updated by City Planner Ann. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith pointed out that on July 9, 2003 she visited the Saratoga Library and had to park in St. Andrew's parking lot because the Library's lot was full. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith noted that she recently visited a small piece of property near Hakone Gardens that is owned by County Quarry, and suggested that it would make a great park for the Village. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith suggested that City Staff look into this. Councilmember King asked when the trail at Gardiner Park would reopen. Mayor Streit stated that he would call Greg Zlotnick at San Jose Water District. Councilmember King asked when the discussion would take place in regards to a Christmas tree in Blaney Plaza. 14 Mayor Streit stated that the renovations on the Memorial Arch have to be completed first and staff is already inquiring about trees. Councilmember Kline noted that he also supports a Christmas tree in the Blaney Plaza or possibly lighting the Stone Pine trees. Mayor Streit reminded the Council that there is an approved Blaney Plaza Master Plan but was not funded during the CIP process. OTHER None CITY MANAGER'S REPORT None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Streit declared the meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Respectfl11Y submitted, , ' / /l , )/' - ..--". .,l,~i?:·:,::.~::~'··:>~'~~:::-- ...... CathleehÆóyer, CMC City Clerk 15