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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-2003 City Council Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 6, 2003 The City Council of the City of Saratoga met in Closed Session, Administrative Conference Room. 13777 Fruitvale Avenue at 5: 15 p.rn. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Gov't Code 54957) Title: City Manager Conference with Legal Counsel- Consideration of Liability Claims (Gov't Code 54956.95): Claimant: Frances Carpenter Agency claimed against: City of Saratoga Conference with Legal Counsel- Initiation of litigation (Gov't Code section 54956.9(c): (2 potential cases). Conference With Legal Counsel- Existing Litigation Name of case: Parker Ranch Homeowners Association, et aI. v. Tsung-Ching Wu, et aI. (Santa Clara County Superior Court Case Number CV7970l5) 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 7:00 p.m. and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Council members Stan Bogosian, Kathleen King, Norman Kline, Vice Mayor Ann WaItonsmith, Mayor Nick Streit ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Dave Anderson, City Manager Lorie Tinfow, Assistant 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 Cary Bloomquist, Administrative Analyst REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR AUGUST 6, 2003 Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting of Augnst 6, 2003 was properly posted on July 31, 2003. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS The following person requested to speak at tonight's meeting: Wanda Kownacki, 19280 Bainter Avenue, Los Gatos, thanked the City Council for their support and City Staff for their assistance regarding the successful annexation on Redberry Drive. Ms. Kownacki urged the Council to continue to protect the Hillsides. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS Sandra Dodge, Parks and Recreation Commission/Chair read a memo prepared by the Trails Subcommittee. Chair Dodge noted that the memo was in regards to the possibility of the Subcommittee evaluating the feasibility of creating a trail linkage between San Marcos Road and Crisp Avenue through the Saratoga Retirement Community Open Space Area. The purpose of the trail would be to link San Marcos Road with the Crisp Avenue trail and the City-owned San Marcos Open Space. In order to explore the feasibility of this proposal, the PRC was requesting authorization from City Council to proceed with efforts to acquire a trail through the property. Chair Dodge stated that if City Council authorizes efforts to acquire this trail, the next step would be to prepare a proposal to submit to the Saratoga Retirement Community Board. The Board would need to approve any additional efforts in this process. Chair Dodge stated that at this time, the Parks and Recreation Commission was requesting direction from City Council on pursuing the matter of trail acquisition through Saratoga Retirement Community. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None COUNCIL DffiECTION TO STAFF Vice Mayor Waltonsmith requested that the Parks and Recreation Commission's request be agendized for the next meeting. Consensus ofthe Council to support Vice Mayor Waltonsmith's request. Councilmember King expressed her gratitude that Ms. Kownacki took the time to attend tonight's meeting to thank everyone. 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS None CEREMONIAL ITEMS lA. COMMENDATIONS FOR SHERIFF DEPUTY JENSEN, SHERIFF DEPUTY WYMAN, AND GEORGE & MARY LOU FARACO STAFF RECOMENDATION: Present commendations. Mayor Streit read the commendations and presented them to Sheriff Deputy Jensen, Sheriff Deputy Wyman, and George & Mary Lou Faraco. lB. ASSEMBL YMEMBER COHN - SARATOGA LIBRARY COMMENDATION STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Receive commendation. Jeremy Nishihara, Field Representative, representing Assemblymember Rebecca Cohn for the 24th District, read excerpts of the Congressional Resolution presented to the City Council for the new Saratoga Library. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS None CONSENT CALENDAR 2A. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JUNE 18,2003 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve minutes. W AL TONSMITH!KING MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF JUNE 18, 2003. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2B. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 2, 2003 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve minutes. Councilmember Kline requested that item 2B be removed from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Kline noted that he was not present at this meeting and would abstain from the vote. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith noted that she was also absent. 3 BOGOSIAN/KING MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF JULY 2, 2003. MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH KLINE AND W AL TONSMlTH ABSTAINING. 2C. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JULY 16, 2003 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve minutes. Councilmember Bogosian requested that item 2C be removed from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Bogosian noted that he was not present at this meeting and would abstain from the vote. Councilmember Bogosian also requested that the City Clerk change the votes on the items to reflect his absence. The vote should read as follows 4-0-1. W AL TONSMITH!KING MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF JULY 16,2003 AS AMENDED. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSTAINING. 2D. REVIEW OF CHECK REGISTER STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve check register. W AL TONSMITH/KING MOVED TO APPROVE CHECK REGISTER MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2E. PLANNING ACTION MINUTES - JULY 23, 2003 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Note and file. W AL TONSMITH/KING MOVED TO NOTE AND FILE PLANNING ACTION MINUTES FOR JULY 23, 2003. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2F. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY CODE REGARDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE R-l ZONING (SECTION 15-12), DESIGN REVIEW FOR SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS (SECTION 15-45) AND THE SUBDIVISION (CHAPTER 14) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt ordinance. TITLE OF ORDIANCE: 221 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE ZONING CODE RELATING TO R-l DEVELOPMENT AND SUBDIVISION CODE RELATING TO THE ELIMINATION OF THE BUILDING SITE APPROVAL PROCESS OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA 4 Two members from the public requested that item 2F be removed from the Consent Calendar. Elizabeth Lara requested that the proposed ordinance be removed from discussion. Ms. Lara stated that she feels residents do not have enough notification in regards to approving building construction and remodeling. Ms. Lara requested that the City properly notify and allow residents the ability to appeal and request changes. Ms. Lara also stated the City should also allow neighbors to be more actively involved in the process. Councilmember King asked for more specific information about her concerns. Ms. Lara responded that specifically her issues are that residents need to be properly notified about remodels and demolitions, and that the process of the wording on the notices. Ms. Lara stated that the notices she has received in the past have been ambignous and unclear. Tom Corson stated that his concerns where the same as expressed by Ms. Lara. Mr. Corson presented three separate notices. Mr. Corson presented the Council with three different notices he has received from the City. Mr. Corson explained that two of the notices were written correctly and the other one needed improvements. Directing her inquiry to Director Sullivan, Vice Mayor Waltonsmith asked if the proposed ordinance addresses some of the speakers' concerns. Director Sullivan responded that the proposed ordinance amendments before Council this evening address some of their concerns. Also, Director Sullivan stated that he is constantly updating the various forms used by the Community Development Department. Councilmember King asked if Council could review the forms the Community Development Department currently uses. Director Sullivan responded that he would forward all of the forms to Council. BOGOSIAN/W ALTONSMITH MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE ZONING CODE RELATING TO R-l DEVELOPMENT AND SUBDIVISION CODE RELATING TO THE ELIMINATION OF THE BUILDING SITE APPROVAL PROCESS OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2G. PROPERTY TAX LEVY TO SERVICE THE DEBT ON THE LIBRARY BONDS STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 03-050 5 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AN INCREASE IN THE CITY'S PROPERTY TAX RATE TO FUND DEBT SERVICE PAYMENTS ON THE LffiRARY GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003-04 WALTONSMITH/KING MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING AN INCREASE IN THE CITY'S PROPERTY TAX RATE TO FUND DEBT SERVICE PAYMENTS ON THE LffiRARY GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003-04. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2H. CLAIM OF FRANCES CARPENTER; CLAIM NO. GL-054842 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept claim. WALTONSMITH!KING MOVED TO ACCEPT CLAIM OF FRANCES CARPENTER. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 21. SERVICE CONTRACT - BLUE HILLS SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize execution of contract. W ALTONSMITH/KING MOVED TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF CONTRACT WITH ALL CITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 21 AGREEMENT WITH COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA TO RECEIVE COUNTY OES GRANT FUNDS STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize execution of contract. Council member Bogosian requested that item 2J be removed from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Bogosian noted that this report indicated that there was going to be grant money that was going to be used to prepare an Emergency Plan written for the City by the County. Assistant City Manager Tinfow responded that the City currently has an Emergency Plan, but it needs to be updated. Assistant City Manager Tinfow stated that the City has an arrangement with the County to allow Terry Gitlin to prepare the Plan for the City. In turn, Assistant City Manager Tinfow explained that the County asked ifthis grant be turned overto them in order to offset Mr. Gitlin's salary cost in updating the City's Emergency Plan. Councilmember Bogosian asked if other cities had the same arrangement with the County or are they developing Emergency Plans without the help of the County. 6 Assistant City Manger Tinfow responded that she was not aware of any other city with a similar arrangement, but the City Manager might be able to answer the question. Councilmember Bogosian asked if the County had the expertise to prepare a complete comprehensive plan. Councilmember Bogosian asked if the County had the appropriate information to do a custom job for the City of Saratoga in order to function properly in an emergency situation. City Manager Anderson stated that when the City Manager's Office eliminated one position this year staff explained to the Council that one of the difficulties we were going to have was being able to cover emergency services/emergency preparedness. City Manager Anderson stated that staff talked to the Santa Clara County Fire Department and they agreed to help by providing the CERT program and emergency planning training. City Manager Anderson stated that these funds have been made available by the grant and part ofthe grant was to help supplement Mr. Gitlin's services. City Manager Anderson stated that Mr. Gitlin has attended several Public Safety Commission meetings and he finds him quite competent. City Manager Anderson pointed out that Mr. Gitlan requested that the City hold offwith starting the process because FEMA is coming out with a new format in the fall and Mr. Gitlin did not want the City to have to redo the Emergency Plan. Councilmember Bogosian stated that his concern is the job scope and will it be a functioning plan. Councilmember Bogosian asked ifthe position in the City Manager's Office hadn't been cut would we be preparing our own Emergency Plan. City Manager Anderson stated the report probably would have been written in house although a consultant prepared the City's last plan. City Manager Anderson stated that the amount of discretion the City has in local emergency plans is very limited because FEMA and OES prescribe the level of the plan down to the smallest detail. The County will collect specific information and inserting it into a boiler plate. Councilmember Bogosian asked if every city's Emergency Plan would look the same. City Manager Anderson responded yes, they all would look the same except for the specific information regarding the particular city. Councilmember Bogosian asked if the Council would have the opportunity to review the final Emergency Plan. City Manager Anderson responded that the Council will have the opportunity to review it and will eventually have to approve it. Councilmember Bogosian asked how long will the process take. 7 City Manager Anderson responded that the process should take approximately 9 months to a year. BOGOSIAN/W ALTONSMITH MOVED TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF CONTRACT. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2K NOTICE OF COMPLETION - EL QUITO PARK IRRIGATION RENOVATION PROJECT STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept Notice of Completion. W AL TONSMITH/KING MOVED TO ACCEPT NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR EL OUlTO PARK IRRIGATION PROJECT. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2L. NOTICE OF COMPLETION - EL QUITO PARK VERTICAL BYPASS DRAINAGE PROJECT STAFF RECOMMENDAITON: Accept Notice of Completion. WALTONSMITHlKING MOVED TO ACCEPT NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR EL OUlTO PARK VERTICAL BYPASS DRAINAGE PROJECT. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2M. NOTICE OF COMPLETION - CONGRESS SPRINGS PARK SAFETY NET EXTENSION PROJECT STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept Notice of Completion. W AL TONSMITH/KING MOVED TO ACCEPT NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR CONGRESS SPRINGS SAFETY NET EXTENTION PROJECT. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2N. AGREEMENT WITH SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT - WATER QUALITY SAMPLING FOR SARATOGA CREEK AND OTHER CREEKS IN THE CITY OF SARATOGA STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize execution of contract. W AL TONSMITH/KING MOVED TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF CONTRACT. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 8 PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. HAZARDOUS VEGETATION ASSESSMENT REPORT 2003 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Conduct public hearing and adopt resolution. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 03-051 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMING REPORT AND ASSESSMENT OF HAZARDOUS VEGETATION ASSESSMENT CHARGES Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, presented staff report. City Clerk Boyer explained that under State and local laws, local governments routinely abate the seasonal fire hazards of hazardous vegetation and/or combustible debris on undeveloped property. For the County and several cities including Saratoga, this abatement program is administered by the County Fire Marshal's office. City Clerk Boyer eXplained that in many cases, property owners find it convenient to have the district take care of vegetation or debris removal and to pay through a property tax lien. City Clerk Boyer eXplained that the City Council approved 117 parcels for inclusion in the program at the start of the season, and all were inspected at least once, and most several times during the season. A total of 25 parcels were abated by the County's contractor, which amounts to 79% voluntary compliance. This past year, the County performed abatement on parcels on the attached list in Saratoga. Tax liens and assessments on the owners of these parcels totaled $34,506.91. In order to recover this cost, it is necessary for the Council to adopt a resolution confirming the assessments and directing the County Auditor to enter and collect the assessments on the property tax bill. Mayor Streit opened the public hearing. No one requested to speak on this item. Mayor Streit closed the public hearing. W AL TONSMITHlKLINE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION CONFIRMING REPORT AND HAZARDOUS VEGETATION ASSESSMENT OF CHARGES. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 4. AMENDING PERS CONTRACT TO INCLUDE MILITARY SERVICE STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Conduct public hearing and adopt ordinance. Lorie Tinfow, Assistant City Manager, presented staff report. 9 Assistant City Manager Tinfow explained that at the July 18, 2003 City Council passed a resolution of intent to amend its contract with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to include Section 21024 - Military Service Credit as Public Service. Assistant City Manager Tinfow stated that adopting the attached ordinance was the next step in the process that would allow City employees to purchase credit for time served in the military. Assistant City Manager Tinfow stated that there is no cost to the City and would only benefit three employees. Mayor Streit opened the public hearing. No one requested to speak on this item. Mayor Streit closed the public hearing. WALTONSMITHlKING MOVE TO INTRODUCE THE ORDINANCE; WAIVE THE FIRST READING; AND DIRECT STAFF TO BRING THE ORDINANCE BACK FOR ADOPTION ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2003. MOTION PASSED 5-0. OLD BUSINESS 5. APPROVAL OF PLAYGROUND DESIGN FOR BROOKGLEN AND WILDWOOD PARKS STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve designs. Cary Bloomquist, Administrative Analyst, presented staff report. Analyst Bloomquist stated that on December 18, 2002 City Council awarded a design contract for the Brookglen and Wildwood Park Improvement Projects to Design Focus of Saratoga. On May 21, 2003 Council reviewed the design proposals and directed staff to research safety and durability of the Net Play Equipment and other play equipment components included in the design of each park. Site visits were held during the months of June and July 2003 at area parks in Campbell and San Jose to review similar existing play equipment presently in use at these parks. Councilmember Bogosian asked if equipment listed in the report has been used in other parks. Analyst Bloomquist responded that all the equipment has been used in parks outside Saratoga. Councilmember Waltonsmith asked if the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the design. 10 Analyst Bloomquist responded yes. Mayor Streit commented that this design was a huge improvement over the first proposed design. Sandra Dodge, Parks and Recreation Commission/Chair, stated that the whole process was positive. The Neighborhood Task Force worked well and the Council's involvement was greatly appreciated. Chair Dodge thanked Director Cherbone and Analyst Bloomquist for their hard work. Councilmember Bogosian stated that he fully supported the water feature and the animals, but pointed out the he thinks the multi-spring seesaw could be hazardous. Councilmember Bogosian stated that a child could possibly get their limbs caught in the springs. For the record Councilmember Bogosian asked that this item be removed from the list completely and replaced with something else. Analyst Bloomquist stated that the seesaw meets all of the safety requirements. Analyst Bloomquist stated that he could ask the manufacturer if there was any way to mitigate Councilmember Bogosian's concerns. Councilmember Bogosian asked if the company would hold harmless the City for this piece of equipment. Analyst Bloomquist responded that he would ask. Councilmember King stated that the seesaw was one of her children's favorite pieces of equipment to play on. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith suggested that the Council approve the design tonight without the seesaw and allow staff to contact the manufacture. Councilmember Bogosian noted that he concurred with Vice Mayor Waltonsmith. Councilmember Kline noted that if the seesaw met the safety standards then the Council should move forward and not hold this project up any longer. W AL TONSMITHlKLINE MOVED TO APPROVE PLAYGROUND DESIGN FOR BROOKGLEN AND WILDWOOD PARKS IN THE AMOUNT $105,672.00 WITH THE PRIVISO THAT COUNCIL RECEIVE A COMPLETE REVIEW AND EV ALUA TION OF THE SAFETY AND SAFETY RECORD OF THE MULTI-SPRING SEESAW AND DIRECT STAFF TO REPORT BACK TO COUNCIL IN SEPTEMBER. MOTION PASSED 5-0. Councilmember Bogosian noted that as elected officials it is the Council's responsibility to make sure that our parks are safe for the citizens of Saratoga. 6. CELEBRATE SARATOGA - PRINCIPLES OF COOPERATION STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the agreement; authorize the Mayor to execute agreement on behalf of the City. 11 Dave Anderson, City Manager, presented staff report. City Manager Anderson explained that the report before Council this evening was a result of the City Council's Chamber Ad-Hoc Committee. The Committee has been working on a Celebrate Saratoga agreement between the City and the Chamber of Commerce for several months. City Manager Anderson noted that the proposed agreement memorializes the respective responsibilities of the City and the Chamber. City Manager Anderson eXplained that the agreement calls for the City to meet with the Chamber early in the year to initiate planning for the event and to assist with permitting and insurance for the event. During the event the City provides barricades and staffing for the street closures, and "no parking" signs in adj acent neighborhoods to keep fire lanes open. City Manager Anderson stated that after the event, the City provides assistance with the cleanup by blowing trash into the street and making several passes with a street sweeper. The Chamber, City Manager Anderson explained, is responsible as the primary event sponsor, for organizing and staffing the event, for submitting all permits in a timely fashion, and notifying all businesses affected by the event. During the event, the Chamber will provide for event security, shuttle buses from remote parking lots, restroom facilities, and will empty trash containers as they fill up. After the event, the Chamber is responsible for final cleanup ofthe streets and sidewalks. City Manager Anderson noted that the City's in-kind support to the Chamber for this event amounts to approximately $10,531 per year. Councilmember Bogosian stated that he fully supports the proposed agreement because it clearly describes everyone's responsibilities. Councilinember Kline noted that within a year the relationship between the City and the Chamber has taken a turn for the best. Councilmember Kline noted that in the future we would see innovative ways to promote Saratoga's businesses. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith thanked City Manager Anderson, Councilmember Kline and Councilmember King for working with the Chamber to develop this agreement. W AL TONSMITH/KING MOVEDTO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT WITH THE CHAMABER OF COMMERCE AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY. MOTION PASSED 5-0. NEW BUSINESS 7. ARGONAUT SCHOOL TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND MV RESOLUTION STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept plan and adopt resolution. 12 TITLE OF RESOLUTION: MV-242 RESOLUTION RESTRICTING PARKING AND TURNS ON PORTIONS OF SHADOW MOUNTAIN DRIVE Lorie Tinfow, Assistant City Manager, presented staff report. Assistant City Manager Tinfow stated that tonight she was asking that Council accept the Argonaut School Traffic Improvement Plan and adopt the Motor Vehicle resolution necessary to implement the Plan. Also, Assistant City Manager stated that she passed out an email staff received from one of the property owners that staff attempted to contact to find out how they felt about the proposed red curb in front of their house Assistant City Manager Tinfow stated that last year the Argonaut School Principal contacted staff and said that in previous years the City had helped to control school traffic by providing temporary sawhorses and temporary signage. Assistant City Manager Tinfow noted that apparently during the school construction in 2001-02 the materials supplied by the City disappeared. Later in the 2002-03 school year the Principal requested that the City make the changes permanent. The Public Safety Commission determined that because of the relatively minor nature ofthe changes and the history ofthe temporary measures working successfully, a full resident and parent involvement process was not needed. Assistant City Manager Tinfow explained that the proposed changes would result in a number of safety and traffic flow improvements including reducing confusion and congestion at the entrance of the parent parking/queuing lot; restricting parking along the entire east curb to both reduce congestion and improve visibility of cars moving toward the designated parking/queuing location; improve flow and safety to staff vehicles moving out of their parking area; improving visibility at crosswalks. Assistant City Manager Tinfow explained the elements of Argonaut School Traffic Improvement Plan. In regards to the email Council received this evening from the property owner of 20076 Ljepava Drive, Vice Mayor Waltonsmith asked ifthey supported or opposed the red curb. Assistant City Manager Tinfow responded that the property owner agreed, but on the condition that if it had adverse affects on their property the City would remove the paint. Technically the City doesn't have to have the property owner's permission to paint the curb, although staff was trying to work with them. Assistant City Manager Tinfow stated that 25-feet of red curb would not scientifically restrict the property owners on street parking. Mayor Streit stated that four years ago the City had to threaten to sue Saratoga School District unless they addressed traffic issues. Mayor Streit stated that today schools are approaching the City for help. Mayor Streit thanked Assistant City 13 Manager Tinfow and Public Safety Commissioner Bridgette BaIlingal for the great work they both have done working with the schools. W AL TONSMITH/KING MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION AND APPROVE THE ARGONAUT SCHOOL TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT PLAN. MOTION PASSED 5-0. Councilmember King suggested that staff send a letter to the Principal of Argonaut School thanking her for cooperating with the City. 8. DEVELOPMENT OF PROCESS TO BE USED FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF CITY OWNED PROPERTIES STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly. Dave Anderson, City Manager, presented staff report. City Manager Anderson explained that this item stemmed from the discussion of the disposition of the North Campus on the Council's June 18th agenda. Council requested that staff bring back a report containing process options for reviewing all City owned properties and facilities. City Manager Anderson described three options for the formation of a committee: 1. Committee of the Whole 2. Council Ad-Hoc Committee 3. Blue Ribbon Commission City Manager Anderson described three methods of appointment: 1. Mayor appoints representatives with input other Councilmembers 2. Council members make appointments jointly 3. Each Councilmember appoints a member or members of the committee/commission City Manager Anderson described several process alternatives from Town Hall meetings to surveys. City Manager Anderson noted that once Council has determined the form of committee/commission, appointed its membership and determined the desired public input approach, staff is prepared to support the effort. City Manager Anderson noted that City staff is preparing a detailed inventory of each City property and facility using GIS maps, site drawings and relevant master plans. Vic Monia stated that he doesn't have a particular process he supports, but urged the Council to go forward. Mr. Monia stated that the community should come together and talk about what they want Saratoga to look like in the future. Councilmember King noted that she feels Mr. Monia brought up two different issues: 1. What we can do with the assets we have now 2. Look at the vision of the City for the future. 14 Vice Mayor Waltonsmith stated that the Council should declare a purpose before moving forward. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith questioned the approach on whether or not the Council is looking at what we can do with the present budget or talking about the possibilities oflooking into the future. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith explained that she thinks the Council should ask staff to evaluate all City owned properties, facilities, and assets including their present usage and potential usage. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith noted that street maintenance and vehicle repair should also be included. Next, the City Council should determine the necessary actions to bring these assets up to desired use and determine the costs of renovations upgrades and repairs. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith stated that this would allow the Council to determine which of those actions and costs could be maintained by the City's normal budget and which could not. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith stated that this would be the appropriate time to see what type of other funding mechanisms the community would support or continue to do things the same way. Councilmember Kline noted that he concurred with Vice Mayor Waltonsmith that an inventory list would help. Councilmember Kline stated that the real issue is prioritizing with a limited budget. Councilmember Kline noted that the process must be a public process. Councilmember Kline stated that a Committee as a Whole would be the best approach. Councilmember Bogosian stated that he agreed that the process must include the community but added that it is difficult to get the public involved. Councilmember Bogosian stated that forming a blue ribbon commission would help bring the public into the process. Vice Mayor WaItonsmith Council suggested that the City should send out several notices to the community inviting them to attend a public forum. Due to the current economy, Councilmember King explained that when the value of people's property is in question they may want to participate in the discussions of the future of the City. Councilmember Kline suggested that the process could start as a Committee of a Whole. Councilmember Kline explained that the inventory list could then be split into separate subcommittees, examined and then brought back to the whole committee for discussion. Mayor Streit noted that he agrees that citizens must be involved in the process. Mayor Streit stated that he thinks that ifthe City Council develops the process and drives the subcommittees, the results would positive. Councilmember Bogosian noted that the Council should be careful to balance the committees so they are not focused on specific issues. Ifwe are looking at a vision of Saratoga 10-20 years out, Councilmember King suggested that staff create a "wish list" of what we would like overall for the City if money was not an issue. 15 Consensus of the City Council is to direct staff to: 1. Set a date for a public forum to present a comprehensive property inventory list 2. Advertise the meeting inviting every citizen of Saratoga to participate 9. REPORT, DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING URBAN SERVICE BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS IN THE GENERAL AREA OF HAKONE GARDENS STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly. Tom Sullivan, Community Development Director, presented staff report. Director Sullivan eXplained the process to amend the City's Urban Service Boundary in regards to the Britton property near Hakone Gardens. This property is beyond the City's Urban Service Boundary but is contiguous to both the existing City limit Line and Hakone Gardens. Director Sullivan noted that this property is currently on the market and is being offered at $3 million. Director Sullivan noted that LAFCo would only process one adjustment to the Urban Service Boundary annually. The City's General Plan Land Use Map designates this area as Residential Very Low Density (RVLD), which allows up to 1.09 dwellings per net acre. Director Sullivan stated that staff was present this evening to seek direction from Council on this issue. Director Sullivan noted that the fiscal impacts to the City would be the initial $5,500 deposit plus the actual cost to process the application. Consensus ofthe City Council was to direct staff to proceed with the application to include the Britton and English property within the City's Urban Service Boundary. COMMISSION ASSIGNMENT REPORTS Mayor Streit reported the following information - Heritage Preservation Commission - attended the joint meeting with the Planning Commission. Mayor Streit noted that the two groups were very enthusiastic, talked about Saratoga's history, and Director Sullivan gave a great presentation. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith reported the following information- Parks and Recreation Commission - attended their meeting on Monday night. City Planner Ann Welsh discussed and presented the.1 st draft ofthe Trails Master Plan. The PRC also formed three new task forces - Dog Park Feasibility Task Force, Commissioner Handbook Task Force, and Planning Task Force VT A Restroom Ad-Hoc Committee - design recently went out to bid. Councilmember King noted that she had no information to report. Councilmember Kline reported the following information - Gatewav Task Force - noted that the first meeting was very productive. 16 Library Commission - noted that Marcia Manzo was no longer the Chair and requested she be presented with a commendation. Council member Bogosian reported the following information - Norton Road Fire Access Ad-Hoc Committee - recommendations would soon be coming back to the City Council for discussion. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Referring to a letter received from the Women League of Voters, Councilmember Bogosian stated that the League has requested that the Council consider adopting a resolution in regards to the USA Patriot Act and the Protection of Civil Rights and Liberties. Councilmember Kline noted that he supported Council member Bogosian's request. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith noted that the Santa Clara Valley Water District approved the re-opening of the Gardiner Park Trail yesterday. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith announced that Hakone Gardens was looking for docents. Vice Mayor WaItonsmith stated that if anyone was interested in becoming a docent check out Hakone's web site. Vice Mayor WaItonsmith noted that Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council (SASCC) recently hired a new Director and suggested that she be invited to the next City Council meeting to be introduced. Consensus of the Council to invite the new SASCC Director to the next meeting for introduction. OTHER None CITY MANAGER'S REPORT None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Streit declared the meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. RæY sUgbmitted, Cathleen Boyer, C City Clerk 17