HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-07-2016 City Council MinutesMINUTES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
At 4:00 p.m., the Saratoga City Council held a Closed Session in the Joan Pisani Community
Center Conference Room at 19655 Allendale Avenue. At 5:00 p.m., the City Council conducted
interviews for the Library Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission.
At 5:30 p.m., Mayor Cappello called to order a Study Session with the Traffic Safety
Commission on Public Safety in the Saratoga Senior Center, Saunders Room at 19655 Allendale
Avenue.
Mayor Cappello introduced the meeting, providing background on the purpose of the Study
Session. He explained that in March 2016, the Council directed the Traffic Safety Commission to
return to the Council in September to present recommendations on reducing crime.
Traffic Safety Commissioner David McIntyre presented the Commission's recommendations.
These recommendations included:
Create/Order See Something, Say Something public outreach campaign and refrigerator
magnet to encourage residents to call 911 when they observe suspicious activity
Bolster and maintain the Neighborhood Watch Program through City administration of
the program
Create City Neighborhood Watch grant program
Hold annual Neighborhood Watch event
Support Neighborhood Watch training and neighborhood visits by the Sheriffs Office
Increased resident participation and involvement in Neighborhood Watch
Establish Ambassadors program to outreach and disseminate information about the value
of Neighborhood Watch to different groups in the community
Coordinate forums on public safety and crime prevention for various community groups
Schedule annual report on effectiveness of crime prevention efforts
Members of the Traffic Safety Commission addressed questions from the Council and provided
further explanation of recommendations.
Mayor Cappello invited public comment.
A public speaker raised concerns about the effectiveness of Neighborhood Watch signs
Dede Smullen commented upon use of 911 and the local 408 emergency phone number, the
importance of including new residents Neighborhood Watch groups, and questioned whether
Neighborhood Watch signage is an effective incentive to start a new group.
MILLER/BERNALD MOVED TO ACCEPT THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION'S
RECOMMENDATION AND DIRECTED STAFF TO BRING BACK AN
IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN. MOTION PASSED. AYES: CAPPELLO, LO,
BERNALD, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
At 7:07 p.m., Mayor Cappello called the Regular Session to order in the Civic Theater at 13777
Fruitvale Avenue and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Manny Cappello, Vice Mayor Emily Lo, Council Members
Mary -Lynne Bernald, Howard Miller, Rishi Kumar
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: James Lindsay, City Manager
Richard Taylor, City Attorney
Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk/Asst. to City Manager
John Cherbone, Public Works Director
Erwin Ordofiez, Community Development Director
Michael Taylor, Recreation & Facilities Director
Kirk Heinrichs; Special Projects Manager
Captain Rich Urena, Sheriff's Office
Lieutenant Bob Durr, Sheriff's Office
REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA
City Clerk Crystal Bothelio reported that the agenda for this meeting was posted on September 2,
2016.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Cappello announced that there was nothing to report from Closed Session.
REPORT FROM STUDY SESSION
Traffic Safety Commissioner David McIntyre provided an overview of the Council's Study
Session with the Commission and reported that the next step is for City staff to return to the
Council with a plan for implementation of the Commission's recommendations.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
Wendy Baker, of Summerhill Housing Group, announced the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot on
Thanksgiving Day.
Tom M. asked the City Council to consider doing something to address water rates.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member Kumar announced Silicon Valley Coders Club on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. in the
Community Center, as well as Weekly Sunday classes in the Community Center that include
yoga, Bollywood fitness, and debate academy among others. He then shared information about
Saratoga Dandia on September 24 and 25 at West Valley College.
Council Member Miller made an announcement about phishing phone calls and the new
FasTrack Flex toll tag that allows you to indicate the number of passengers in your vehicle when
using Express Lanes.
Council Member Bernald announced the Sister City group is holding a moon viewing at Hakone
on September 15 and then shared information about the 60th Anniversary Parade on September
17. She also announced that the Hakone Centennial Gala is on September 18.
Saratoga City Council Minutes — Page 2 of 8
Vice Mayor Lo announced the Chinese Mid -Autumn Festival on September 18 from 1:00 p.m. to
4:00 p.m. and shared that the City and Sheriff's Office are holding an event on September 10 to
encourage residents to meet Sheriff's Office Captain Urena and ask questions.
Mayor Cappello introduced Captain Urena and Lieutenant Durr from the Sheriffs Office and
announced the Neighborhood Watch Joint Meeting on October 19.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
1.1. City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommended Action:
Approve the City Council minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting on August 17,
2016.
MILLER/LO MOVED TO APPROVE THE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR THE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON AUGUST 17, 2016. MOTION PASSED.
AYES: CAPPELLO, LO, BERNALD, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: -NONE. ABSTAIN:
NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
1.2. Review of Accounts Payable Check Registers
Recommended Action:
Review and accept check registers for the following accounts payable payment cycles:
08/16/2016 Period 13; 08/16/2016 Period 2; 08/23/2016 Period 2; and 08/30/2016 Period 2.
MILLER/LO MOVED TO ACCEPT CHECK REGISTERS FOR THE FOLLOWING
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE PAYMENT CYCLES: 08/16/2016 PERIOD 13; 08/16/2016
PERIOD 2; 08/23/2016 PERIOD 2; AND 08/30/2016 PERIOD 2. MOTION PASSED.
AYES: CAPPELLO, LO, BERNALD, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN:
NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
1.3. Treasurer's Report for the Month Ended June 30, 2016
Recommended Action:
Review and accept the Treasurer's Report for the month ended June 30, 2016.
MILLER/LO MOVED TO ACCEPT THE TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE
MONTH ENDED JUNE 30, 2016. MOTION PASSED. AYES: CAPPELLO, LO,
BERNALD, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
1.4. Parker Ranch Trail Easement Dedication
Recommended Action:
Approve Resolution accepting Offer to Dedicate Pedestrian and Equestrian Trail Easement
from Parker Ranch HOA and authorize the City Manager to sign the Certificate of
Acceptance.
RESOLUTION NO. 16-051
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MILLER/LO MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION ACCEPTING OFFER TO
DEDICATE PEDESTRIAN AND EQUESTRIAN TRAIL EASEMENT FROM
PARKER RANCH HOA AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE
CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE. MOTION PASSED. AYES: CAPPELLO, LO,
BERNALD, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
2. PUBLIC HEARING
2.1. Landscaping & Lighting Assessment District LLA -1 - Public Hearing for Proposition
218 Protest Election for the Annexation of a New Zone 38 (Paramount) and Confirmation of
Assessments for FY 17-18
Recommended Action:
Move to adopt the Resolution Ordering the Improvements and Confirming the Diagram and
Assessments for Zone 38 FY 2017-18.
Council Member Miller recused himself due to the proximity of his home to the proposed
assessment district zone.
Public Works Director John Cherbone presented the staff report.
Mayor Cappello invited public comment.
No one requested to speak.
City Clerk Crystal Bothelio announced that the City received 1 ballot in favor of the
annexation of Zone 38, making the majority in favor of the annexation.
RESOLUTION NO 16-052
LO/BERNALD MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION ORDERING THE
IMPROVEMENTS AND CONFIRMING THE DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENTS
FOR ZONE 38 FY 2017-18. MOTION PASSED. AYES: CAPPELLO, LO, BERNALD,
KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: MILLER. ABSENT: NONE.
2.2. Approval of Prospect Road Median Beautification and Improvements Project
Recommended Action:
Adopt resolution approving the Prospect Road Median Beautification and Improvements
Project and authorizing the City Manager to file with the County of Santa Clara a Notice of
Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Public Works Director John Cherbone presented the staff report.
Mayor Cappello invited public comment on the item.
The following people requested to speak:
Ruella U.
Quinn Larkin
Jill
Saratoga City Council Minutes — Page 4 of 8
Joel Perez
Susanna
No one else requested to speak.
RESOLUTION NO. 16-053
MILLER/KUMAR MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING THE
PROSPECT ROAD MEDIAN BEAUTIFICATION AND IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO FILE WITH THE
COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA); AND DIRECTING
STAFF TO CREATE A WEBPAGE ON THE HORTICULTURE OF CITY
LANDSCAPING, INCLUDING THE NAMES OF PLANTS. MOTION PASSED.
AYES: CAPPELLO, LO, BERNALD, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN:
NONE. -ABSENT: -NONE.
3. OLD BUSINESS
None
4. NEW BUSINESS
4.1. Hakone Gardens Naming Opportunities
Recommended Action:
Approve Naming Opportunities for New Buildings and Gardens at Hakone.
Public Works Director John Cherbone provided a staff report.
Mayor Cappello invited public comment on the item.
The following people requested to speak:
Shozo Kagoshima, Executive Director of Hakone Foundation
Ann Waltonsmith, Chair of Hakone Foundation Board of Trustees
No one else requested to speak.
BERNALD/LO MOVED TO APPROVE NAMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW
BUILDINGS AND GARDENS AT HAKONE AND FURTHER DIRECTED THAT
POTENTIAL DONORS BE INFORMED THAT NAMING RIGHTS WILL NOT BE
GRANTED IN PERPETUITY THE CITY MAY RENAME FACILITIES OR
REVOKE NAMING RIGHTS AT ANY TIME. MOTION PASSED. AYES:
CAPPELLO, LO, BERNALD, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE.
ABSENT: NONE.
Mayor Cappello invited students from Prospect High School on stage to introduce
themselves.
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4.2. Village Policy Update Work plan
Recommended Action:
Authorize staff to implement the Village Policy Update Work Plan.
Kirk Heinrichs, Special Projects Manager, presented the staff report.
Mayor Cappello invited public comment on the item.
The following people requested to speak:
Bob Shepherd
Kurt Strauss
Eric Strauss
No one else requested to speak.
MILLER/BERNALD MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO IMPLEMENT THE
VILLAGE POLICY UPDATE WORK PLAN. MOTION PASSED. AYES: CAPPELLO,
LO, BERNALD, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT:
NONE.
4.3. Amendments to the City's Williamson Act Procedures.
Recommended Action:
Approve the resolution amending the City's Williamson Act procedures.
Community Development Director Erwin Ordonez presented the staff report.
Mayor Cappello invited public comment on the item.
No one requested to speak.
RESOLUTION NO. 16-053
BERNALD/MILLER MOVED TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE
CITY'S WILLIAMSON ACT PROCEDURES WITH, IF PERMITTED BY STATE
LAW, REVISIONS TO THE RESOLUTION TO INSERT A MISSING WORD IN
THE THIRD PARAGRAPH, INCLUDE GENDER NEUTRAL WORDING AND
SIMPLIFY THE LANGUAGE OF SECTIONS 3, 4, AND 5 STARTING ON PAGE 3
OF THE RESOLUTION, AND MAKE OTHER NON -SUBSTANTIVE REVISIONS
TO IMPROVE READABILITY. MOTION PASSED. AYES: CAPPELLO, LO,
BERNALD, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
4.4. City Manager Annual Performance Pay Increase
Recommended Action:
Approve City Manager's annual performance pay increase of 2%, effective July 1, 2016.
City Attorney Richard Taylor presented the staff report.
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Mayor Cappello invited public comment.
No one requested to speak.
MILLER/LO MOVED TO APPROVE CITY MANAGER'S ANNUAL
PERFORMANCE PAY INCREASE OF 2%, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2016. MOTION
PASSED. AYES: CAPPELLO, LO, BERNALD, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
Mayor Manny Cappello
Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council (SASCC) — during the last meeting, the Board
discussed the West Valley Community Services mobile pantry that will begin appearing at West
Valley College and Westhope Church starting the week of September 12.
West Valley Mayors and Managers — Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian will be
attending the next meeting as a guest speaker.
Vice Mayor Emily Lo
Hakone Foundation Board & Executive Committee — the Centennial Gala will be held on
September 18 and the master plan brochure will be distributed at the event. The Board is also
planning to raise funds to produce a video on the hidden history of Hakone. The Board recently
approved a retention schedule and Hakone Gardens was featured in AAA Magazine in
September.
Saratoga Chamber of Commerce & Destination Saratoga — Blues and Brews will be on
September 17.
Santa Clara County Expressway Plan 2040 Policy Advisory Board — the Board held its only
meeting of the year in August and received reports on the projects within the plan, including
funding opportunities and challenges.
Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority Board of Directors — Vice Mayor Lo attended a Board
workshop on power supply and procurement.
Council Member Mary -Lynne Bernald
Association of Bay Area Governments — while there have been no meetings recently, ABAG is
still working on the details of the merger with MTC, including employee unions and pensions.
FAA Select Committee on South Bay Arrivals — during the meeting on September 1, 2016, news
was shared that the FAA is working towards flight plan adjustments that should help reduce
noise experienced by residents of Saratoga and other neighboring communities. Meetings are
planned for September, October, and November, which should be the Committee's last meeting.
Public Art Ad Hoc — PLACE, on loan from Saratoga Library, is scheduled for installation this
week.
Saratoga Sister City Organization — As noted in the announcements, the group is planning a
moon viewing at Hakone and the Taiko Drummers will perform at the parade.
West Valley Solid Waste Management Joint Powers Authority — during the meeting on
September 1, the Board assessed liquidated damages due to missed pickups not picked up within
24 hours.
Council Member Howard Miller
Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority Board of Directors — the application for Silicon Valley
Clean Energy is before the State and expected to be approved soon. Office space is still being
Saratoga City Council Minutes — Page 7 of 8
identified, job descriptions are being developed, and recruitment is underway in phases. The goal
is to have all customers on 100% greenhouse gas emission free energy by the end of 2017.
VTA State Route 85 Corridor Policy Advisory Board — MTC requires that cities adopt anti -
displacement regulations to be eligible for One Bay Area Grant funds, which includes rent
control and other policies. VTA has broadly interpreted the MTC requirements and determined
Saratoga has met the minimum criteria for One Bay Area funding. However, MTC's rules for the
grant reflect the organization's direction to treat Saratoga as part of a large region and has
implications for housing, including RHNA allocations, and may make it harder to maintain the
independent vision of the future of Saratoga.
Council Member Rishi Kumar
No report
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Council Member Bernald requested a post on Nextdoor about solicitor requirements.
Council Member Bernald also requested a -newsletter -article or informational memo on
conditional use permits.
Council Member Miller requested a City Council agenda item on private security cameras on the
public right of way through encroachment permits, including legal parameters and what the City
would need to do to allow these private security cameras via encroachment permit.
Council Member Kumar supported the request.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
None
ADJOURNMENT
MILLER/BERNALD MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 10:17 P.M. MOTION PASSED. AYES:
CAPPELLO, LO, BERNALD, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE.
ABSENT: NONE.
utes res+ectfullyy submitted:
bvicA",
Ns : othelioo, City Clerk/Asst. to City Manager
City of Saratoga
Saratoga City Council Minutes — Page 8 of 8