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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-21-2010 City Council MinutesROLL CALL MINUTES SARATOGA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 21, 2010 The City Council held a Joint Meeting with the members of Saratoga Union Elementary School District, Los Gatos - Saratoga Union High School District, Cupertino School District, Campbell School District, Moreland School District, Fremont High School District, Sacred Heart, St. Andrews, and Campbell Union High School District in the Administrative Conference Room 6:00 p.m. Mayor King called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and asked Tina Liddie, member of the Skillet Likkers, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENT: Councilmembers Chuck Page, Howard Miller, Vice Mayor Jill Hunter, Mayor Kathleen King ABSENT: Susie Nagpal, Excused Absence ALSO Dave Anderson, City Manager PRESENT: Jonathan Wittwer, Assistant City Attorney Ann Sullivan, City Clerk Barbara Powell, Assistant City Manager Mary Furey, Administrative Services Director John Cherbone, Public Works Director Macedonio Nunez, Associate Engineer John Livingstone, Community Development Director Chris Riordan, Senior Planner Kate Bear, City Arborist Captain Terry Calderone, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA Ann Sullivan, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting of April 21, 2010 was properly posted on April 15, 2010. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC Councilmember Page reported on the joint meeting with the seven school districts serving Saratoga. He noted members of the non - Saratoga School District schools pointed out that their students feel left out and feel they are not part of the Saratoga school community. They spoke about Project Corner Stone —a survey of youth asking about the type of environment that adults are creating for them. Some of the survey questions included how youth feel about their role in the community, extra - curricular activities, drinking, use of drugs, etc. One of the primary results indicated that when our youth have a strong relationship with at least five adults in their early years, they are more likely to become stronger adults and contribute more positively to society. Councilmember Page recommended that adults take the time to reach out to students and let them know that as an adult, you do care about them. He also noted that some of the school districts are renewing parcel taxes to help provide funding for their schools. Councilmember Miller noted that currently there is one bond measure and encouraged everyone to support that bond measure. He stated Cupertino School District is on their way to raising $3 million dollars to help bridge the gap in their budget. He concluded by stating the City is very proud to be supportive of all the school districts serving the youth in Saratoga. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Jeffrey Troll asked for assistance in the removal of abandoned construction equipment, including debris, at 14921 Sobey Road in Saratoga. He added this equipment was left there approximately one year ago after the completion of a house remodel at that address. Laurel Perousa addressed the Council regarding the promotion of the Saratoga Village and noted she would like to see a campaign promoting the Village by having more community parades in the Village and summer concerts in Wildwood Park. Kathleen Casey commented on the Housing Element and condominiums, mayoral rotation, and the revitalization of the Village. Jenni Young Taylor thanked the Council, commissions, planning department staff, and the citizens for assuring the preservation of the historical Methodist Episcopal Church and the historic home of Theodore Wores. [Mayor King noted there would be one additional speaker on non - agendized items later and that this speaker had requested in advance to be allowed to speak upon his arrival.] DIRECTION TO STAFF None ANNOUNCEMENTS Jim Yoke, Saratoga Emergency Services Coordinator, addressed the Council regarding the Disaster Exercise that is scheduled for Saturday, April 24 in Saratoga. He noted they will be using the City's new Alert and Warning System to alert the many participants and agencies that are involved in this exercise. Vice Mayor Hunter announced the Pet Parade in the Village on Saturday, May 15 from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. She noted the new wooden Village Sign was installed today at Blaney Plaza. She also reminded everyone that Arbor Day is this Thursday and invited everyone to attend the 4PM Arbor Day tree planting event at Azule Park. Councilmember Page reminded people to continue to implement water conservation techniques and noted people could contact the water company to receive a free water analysis on their home water usage. The first Sunday in May (May 2) is the Saratoga Rotary Art Show at the West Valley Community College. The 5 Peninsula French Fair event will be held at the Joan Pisani Community Center on Saturday, April 24 2 Councilmember Miller invited everyone to stop by Saratoga High School for the annual Pancake breakfast on Sunday, May 2nd. He also invited citizens to look at the Saratoga Spring /Summer Activity Guide and sign up for some fun classes. Mayor King noted the Planning Commission will be discussing impervious surfaces at a Planning Commission Study Session on April 27 at 5:30 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room. On April 29 there is a retirement celebration for West Valley College Trustee, Chris Constantin, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Toll House in Los Gatos. Also on the evening of April 29 Health Trust is having a "Dining Out for Life" fund raising event at the Plumed Horse to help fight Aids. The Red Cross Hero celebration is scheduled for May 8. The annual Peace Officers Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, May 14 at noon at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office and the National River of Chocolate at the Mountain Winery on May 15. CEREMONIAL ITEMS 1. COMMENDATION HONORING THE "SKILLET LIKKERS" STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Read and present commendation. Vice Mayor Hunter read and presented the commendation to ten members of the "Skillet Likkers ", a hometown band. The band gave a wonderful performance for the Council and members of the audience. 2. CPRS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR RECREATION WEBSITE STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept award from Chris Beth, past- President of California Parks and Recreation Society. Recreation Director, Michael Taylor, introduced Mr. Chris Beth, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services of Redwood City and Past President of the California Parks and Recreation Society. Mr. Beth presented the Saratoga Recreation Website Award of Excellence to Kim Saxton - Heinrich, Recreation Supervisor. 3. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 22, 2010 AS ARBOR DAY IN THE CITY OF SARATOGA STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Acknowledge proclamation declaring April 22, 2010 as Arbor Day in the City of Saratoga. Mayor King noted the Proclamation would be presented at the Arbor Day celebration on Azule Park on Thursday, April 22 Kathy Forte, member of the Heritage Tree Society, thanked the Council and staff for recognizing Thursday, April 22 as Arbor Day in the City of Saratoga. 3 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS None CONSENT CALENDAR 4. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — APRIL 7, 2010 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve minutes. Assistant City Attorney Jonathan Wittwer removed this item for one change on the Housing Element motion on page 7 of the minutes. He noted the motion should state that Page /Miller moved to "introduce" the proposed housing element, etc., instead of "adopt ". Kathleen Casey removed this item for comment. MILLER/PAGE MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — APRIL 7, 2010 AS AMENDED. MOTION PASSED 4 -0 -1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT. 5. REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CHECK REGISTERS STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council review and accept the Check Registers for the following Accounts Payable payment cycles: April 01, 2010 April 08, 2010 Kathleen Casey removed this item for comment regarding City credit card purchases and asked how these purchases are recorded. Vice Mayor Hunter asked the City Manager to respond to this question. City Manager Dave Anderson noted that every credit card purchase is listed on the City's check register. PAGE /MILLER MOVED TO ACCEPT THE CHECK REGISTERS FOR THE FOLLOWING ACCOUNTS PAYABLE PAYMENT CYCLES: APRIL 01, 2010 AND APRIL 08, 2010. MOTION PASSED 4 -0 -1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT. 6. AMENDED AGENDA FOR APRIL 7, 2010 CITY COUNCIL MEETING STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and approve attached amended agenda for April 7, 2010 City Council meeting for historical purposes. Kathleen Casey removed this item for comment. 4 MILLER/PAGE MOVED TO APPROVE AMENDED AGENDA FOR APRIL 7, 2010 CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES. MOTION PASSED 4 -0 -1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT. 7. ADOPTION OF THE HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ORDINANCE STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council waive the Second Reading and adopt the attached Housing Element Implementation Ordinance. Vice Mayor Hunter removed this item to request that the Mayor allow her to make a statement prior to voting on this item. Mayor King stated Vice Mayor Hunter would be given the opportunity to provide a statement on this item. Mayor King invited public comment. The following people requested to speak on this item and spoke in opposition of the adoption of the Housing Element Implementation Ordinance — specifically noting their opposition to the potential development of three -story buildings in the Village: Ron Simner Jeff Schwartz Marcia Fariss Kathleen Casey John Kimball Peggy Kimball Jenni Young Taylor Paul Hernandez referred to Article 1535 Mary Ann Stowell Jack Mallory [Mayor King noted the citizen requesting to speak on NON - AGENDIZED ITEMS was now present and would be allowed to speak at this time.] Christopher Moylan, Vice Mayor for the City of Sunnyvale City Council, noted he was present on behalf of the City of Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills, addressed the Council regarding the reconfiguration of the VTA Governance and asked that the Saratoga City Council place this item on their May 5, 2010 agenda allowing a presentation on this item by councilmembers of the above noted cities representing District 5. [Mayor King stated she would now be returning to Item 7 — Housing Element.] No one else requested to speak on the Housing Element item. Vice Mayor Hunter stated that the removal of the two -story restriction in the proposed Housing Element concerns her and she does not support allowing three- 5 story development in the Saratoga Village. In the CH1 District — the historic area of the Village — three stories will now be allowed. She added that she is sorry this is happening and is ashamed that this is happening during her term on the City Council. Community Development Director John Livingstone noted that it was important to clarify that currently there is an existing height limit of 35 feet in the area from First to Fifth Street in the Village and 26 feet beyond Fifth Street on Big Basin in the Village. In addition, there is a sentence in the Ordinance that says "no buildings facing Big Basin Way would exceed two stories and facing the creek, three stories ". He noted the Planning Commission felt that that was an ambiguous statement and difficult to interpret. The Planning Commission questioned why they should be regulating what is "inside" the building — whether or not it is a tall one story building or if the building has two sets of windows; it is really about the appearance of the building from the exterior. The Commission felt that since this section of the Ordinance was difficult to interpret they should eliminate the regulation of the inside of the building and retain the current height limitations of 35 feet and 26 feet for CH1 and CH2 respectively. Therefore, they removed the sentences regulating the interior component of "stories ". He added the removal of this one sentence did have impacts on other documents, including the General Plan, the Saratoga Village Plan, and the Saratoga Village Design Guidelines. Councilmember Page asked if the 35 foot height limits would be retained. Director Livingstone responded, "Yes ". Councilmember Page asked if the State required higher density in any other part of the City. Director Livingstone replied, "Yes — in the Prospect Road /Lawrence Expressway area, the State required increased densities to allow for affordable housing ". Vice Mayor Hunter asked if there could be three floors of windows in the Village under the new Ordinance in the Village. Director Livingstone replied, "There could be three separate floors of windows ". Mayor King responded that the existing Ordinance allows for three stories. Councilmember Miller asked for clarification regarding the CH1 District and inquired if someone could purchase a historic building in that District, could they tear it down and construct a new building in the Village? Director Livingstone noted they could. Councilmember Miller stated that appears to be the fear here; that someone could remove an existing building in the CH1 District and build a three story building. Director Livingstone noted that any project of that type would have to go before the Planning Commission for design review and the Commission would consider design, compatibility, and architecture with adjacent buildings and whether or not it is within the General Plan guidelines — including viewscapes. 6 Vice Mayor Hunter noted that the members of the Planning Commission generally have a philosophy and that philosophy could be that "historic buildings are old and why keep them ?" Director Livingstone replied that he didn't feel that this statement accurately reflected the philosophy of the Planning Commission; adding demolition of a historic building would need to go before the Heritage Preservation Commission for recommendation prior to going before the Planning Commission. KING/MILLER MOVED TO ADOPT THE HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTTION ORDINANCE. Councilmember Page asked if council would consider an amendment that would require a vision for the Village, encompassing the frontage of Big Basin in the CH1 District — whether it faces the Saratoga Creek or not — and based upon that, re- address the plan that implements the ordinance. Mayor King stated these two recommendations should be voted on separately since she would not be on the Council that would be allocating the funds to move forward on these two recommendations. PAGE /MILLER MOVED THAT WITHIN THE NEXT 18 MONTHS COUNCIL CONCLUDES A VISIONING PROCESS OF HOW SARATOGANS WOULD LIKE THE VILLAGE TO LOOK AND IF IT REQUIRES MODIFICATIONS TO OUR EXISTING HOUSING ELEMENT AND ORDINANCES THAT IMPLEMENT THIS VISION, COUNCIL WILL MODIFY THE HOUSING ELEMENT PLAN. MOTION PASSED 4 -0 -1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT. ORDINANCE NO. 277 KING/MILLER MOVED TO ADOPT THE HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ORDINANCE. MOTION PASSED 3 -1 -1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER HUNTER OPPOSING AND COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT. 8. LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT LLA -1; PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF ENGINEER'S REPORT AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION OF INTENTION FOR FY 10 -11 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: 1. Move to adopt the Resolution granting preliminary approval of the Engineer's Report for FY 2010/11. 2. Move to adopt the Resolution of Intention. Kathleen Casey removed this item for comment. RESOLUTION NO. 10 — 026 RESOLUTION NO. 10 — 027 7 PAGE /MILLER MOVED TO 1) ADOPT THE RESOLUTION GRANTING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR FY 2010/11; AND 2) TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION OF INTENTION. MOTION PASSED 4 -0 -1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT. 9. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO CIM FOR REPLACEMENT OF 9 HVAC UNITS STAFF RECOMMENDATION: 1. Move to declare CIM Air, Inc. to be the lowest responsible bidder on the project. 2. Move to award a construction contract to CIM Air, Inc. in the amount of $122,500. 3. Move to authorize staff to execute change orders to the contract up to $2,500. PAGE /MILLER MOVED TO: 1.) DECLARE CIM AIR, INC. TO BE THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER ON THE PROJECT; 2.) AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO CIM AIR, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $122,500; AND 3.) AUTHORIZE STAFF TO EXECUTE CHANGE ORDERS TO THE CONTRACT UP TO $2,500. MOTION PASSED 4 -0 -1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT. 10.2009 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND 1B PROJECT — NOTICE OF COMPLETION. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to accept the 2009 Pavement Management Program and 1B Project as complete and authorize staff to record the Notice of Completion for the construction contract. PAGE /MILLER MOVED TO ACCEPT THE 2009 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND 1B PROJECT AS COMPLETE AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO RECORD THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT. MOTION PASSED 4 -0 -1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT. PUBLIC HEARINGS None OLD BUSINESS 11. REINSTATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION IN CAL -ID PROGRAM STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff to reinstate Saratoga's participation in the Cal -ID Program. Captain Terry Calderone, Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office, presented the staff report. Mayor King invited public comment. 8 No one requested to speak on this item. Mayor King closed the public comment. MILLER/PAGE MOVED TO REINSTATE SARATOGA'S PARTICIPATION IN THE CAL -ID PROGRAM. MOTION PASSED 4 -0 -1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT. Mayor King declared a break at 9:12PM Mayor King reconvened the Regular meeting at 9:25PM 12. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE LOCAL TAXPAYER, PUBLIC SAFETY AND TRANSPORTATION PROTECTION ACT OF 2010 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and adopt attached Resolution. Assistant City Manager Barbara Powell, presented the staff report. RESOLUTION NO. 10 — 022 PAGE /MILLER MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE LOCAL TAXPAYER, PUBLIC SAFETY AND TRANSPORTATION PROTECTION ACT OF 2010. MOTION PASSED 3 -1 -1 WITH MAYOR KING OPPOSING AND COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT. NEW BUSINESS 13. OAK TREE ON FRUITVALE AVENUE AT ENTRANCE TO CITY HALL PARKING LOT STAFF RECOMMENDATION: As directed by Council City Arborist Kate Bear presented the staff report. Mayor King invited public comment. The following people requested to speak on this item and spoke in support of saving the Oak Tree: Kathy Forte Jenni Young Taylor Paul Hernandez Kathleen Casey John Kimball No one else requested to speak on this item. 9 Mayor King closed the public comment. Council discussed trimming back the canopy of the tree substantially in order to reduce the risk of falling decayed limbs. Council also discussed the potential risk to students walking home from Redwood Middle School or to the Saratoga Library. They also discussed the potential risk to drivers and passengers in vehicles traveling under the tree on Fruitvale Avenue. Arborist Kate Bear noted that the canopy of the tree could be trimmed back substantially, however, she could not guarantee that additional limbs would not fall off the tree. WITH REGRET, PAGE /KING MOVED THAT STAFF PURSUE REMOVAL OF THE TREE AND IN HONOR OF THE BIG OLD OAK TREE, THE CITY PLANT TWO OR THREE OTHER OAK TREES ON CITY PROPERTY WHERE AN OAK FOREST COULD BE CREATED. MOTION PASSED 3 -1 -1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER HUNTER OPPOSING AND COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT. 14. SARATOGA VILLAGE PEDESTRIAN ENHANCEMENT PROJECT — AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: 1. Approve Budget Resolution. 2. Move to declare Robert A. Bothman, Inc of San Jose to be the lowest responsible bidder on the project. 3. Move to award a construction contract to Robert A. Bothman, Inc in the amount of $854,710 and authorize the City Manager to execute the same. 4. Move to authorize staff to execute change orders to the contract up to $65,000. Public Works Director John Cherbone presented the staff report. Mayor King invited public comment. The following person requested to speak on this item: Kathleen Casey No one else requested to speak on this item. Mayor King closed the public comment. RESOLUTION NO. 10 — 023 PAGE /HUNTER MOVED TO: 1) APPROVE BUDGET RESOLUTION; 2) DECLARE ROBERT A. BOTHMAN, INC OF SAN JOSE TO BE THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER ON THE PROJECT; 3) AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO ROBERT A. BOTHMAN, INC IN THE AMOUNT OF $854,710 AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SAME; AND 4) AUTHORIZE STAFF TO EXECUTE 10 CHANGE ORDERS TO THE CONTRACT UP TO $65,000. MOTION PASSED 4 -0 -1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT. 15. PROPOSED FRANCHISE FEE INCREASE FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and provide input to Council member Howard Miller about imposition of a franchise fee increase under the contract with West Valley Collection & Recycling, LLC (WVCR). Assistant City Manager Barbara Powell, presented the staff report. Ms. Powell noted the current franchise fee is 16.5% and the proposed increase is for 19% and the proposed rate increases would be implemented July 1, 2010. Councilmember Miller noted that if Council did nothing additional, the normal adjustment for disposal fees and CPI adjustments, etc., the rate for a 35 gallon container would increase by 42 cents. Council has the option to increase this franchise fee and if Council chooses to do this, the average person's bill would increase by 74 cents, which would increase the General Fund by $115K dollars and would help offset the existing environmental fee. In addition, Councilmember Miller provided additional information about the food scrap composting program. He noted that currently food scraps end up in the normal trash container and there are programs and processes that would allow the separation of these food scraps at the source and be taken to a separate facility to be composted. He added this would be a special program whereby commercial businesses and restaurants could have a separate container to dispose food scraps, which would be picked up more frequently and would go through a special recycling process. He noted this would result in an additional fee increase for all commercial garbage services. Councilmember Miller added the revenue generated from this additional rate increase for commercial food scrap composting isn't available at this time and recommended that this item be brought back on the May 5 Council meeting for additional discussion regarding the food waste recycling. Mayor King invited public comment. The following persons requested to speak on this item: Kathleen Casey No one else requested to speak on this item. Mayor King closed the public comment. Councilmember Page stated he didn't support this item at this time, noting other cities pay their clean water fees in their sanitation/sewer bill. 11 City Manager Dave Anderson noted the fees that the City pays to the Water Pollution Control District are not for discretionary programs, in that the fees would cover our licensing and program costs that are mandated. There is a regulatory agency that governs our stormwater permit. If we didn't pay the fee we wouldn't have a discharge permit. Mayor King noted along with budget and staff cuts we are going to have to start looking at service cuts and stated she does support this item. Vice Mayor Hunter noted garbage service is quite reasonable and therefore she supports this item. Councilmember Miller noted this proposed fee increase provides a needed funding source and is a small price to pay DIRECTION TO STAFF: Bring this item back on the May 5, 2010 agenda with more information regarding the food waste composting program as there will be a commercial garbage collection impact. ADHOC & AGENCY ASSIGNMENT REPORTS Mayor Kathleen King — reported: ABAG — meets Thursday and is unable to attend the meeting. County HCD Policy Committee — noted no additional meetings for this year; however, it would be nice to have a councilmember on this committee next year that would be able to stay on for the next three years — as this committee decides where the County CDBG non - service funding goes — especially if Council is interested in allocating funding for The Odd Fellows. West Valley Flood Control Zone & Watershed Advisory Committee — discussion took place at the last meeting regarding a possible special meeting at the Water District. SCC Cities Association Selection Committee — noted there are two positions open — the ABAG alternate position and the air quality position. She suggested interested councilmembers should check with Executive Director, Raaina Mohsen for more details. Santa Clara County Emergency Council — noted she wasn't sure when the next meeting was scheduled and asked City Clerk Ann Sullivan to follow up with Jim Yoke, Emergency Services Coordinator, regarding the meeting schedule. West Valley Mayors and Managers Association — will meet next week. She noted that at the last meeting there was discussion regarding the Water Pollution Control Plant's interest in looking at ways to reduce the amount of property they are currently using and what they would do with the extra property. She noted they now have a representative that is interested in this program and members of the Association are looking forward to receiving more information in the future. Vice Mayor Jill Hunter — reported: Historical Foundation — attended last week's meeting and they discussed how to improve the Museum interior. They are also making plans for a storage unit. Library Joint Powers Association — will be attending Thursday's meeting. SASCC — noted she has been attending these meetings in place of Councilmember Nagpal, adding she is unable to attend next week's meeting as she will be out of town. 12 SASCC indicated that it would not be necessary for another councilmember to attend the meeting. Councilmember Howard Miller — reported: City School Ad -Hoc — met earlier this evening with all the school districts serving the Saratoga community. Chamber of Commerce — noted the Chamber is focused on the upcoming two -day Saratoga Art & Wine Festival (formerly known as the Taste of Saratoga). KSAR — met and reviewed their budget; they thanked the Council for the community grant they received from the City which will allow them to continue the intern program; preparations are underway to see if they can acquire a grant from the Solid Waste Joint Powers Authority. Some of the intern projects would focus on recycling awareness and trash related ads that they could produce educating citizens about division rate improvements. Santa Clara County Cities Association Board — CAL -ID program was discussed this evening and Council has decided to re-join that program. West Valley Transportation Authority PAC — met and they received a report on the Light Rail system. The report indicated that with our amount of rail, we have an under - utilized system. Options were presented ranging from little to extreme costs as to how to make our system more valuable. Councilmember Susie Nagpal — Excused absence: Councilmember Chuck Page — reported: City School Ad -Hoc — met earlier this evening with all the school districts serving the Saratoga community. West Valley Sanitation District — noted the District has held a public hearing regarding a proposed rate increase. He added the rate increase would be minimal in order to sustain the amount of necessary retrofitting and to provide for a reserve in order to address emergency work. He added the last time a rate increase occurred it was approved for five years and the increased rate was implemented for only three of the five years, noting this increase would probably be for three years and would be open for discussion again after that three year period. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Councilmember Miller recommended moving forward quickly regarding the two or three story concerns in the CH1 District in the Village; find a way for citizen participation; and staff should bring back some options at the second meeting in May for implementing a process as soon as possible. Mayor King inquired about the VTA Governance issue and suggested a presentation by a VTA representative and Chris Moylan at the May 5 meeting, noting she would not be at the May 5 meeting. Council agreed to invite Chris Moylan and a VTA representative to give a short presentation on this issue on May 5th. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Nothing ADJOURNMENT 13 There being no additional business, Mayor King asked for a motion to adjourn. PAGE /MILLER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 11:05PM. MOTION PASSED 4 -0 -1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT. Respectfully submitted: s Ann ullivan, CMC City Clerk 14