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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 1987 The Saratogan ' � , ��. .' .. . : . . . ' . . . . . . � . . . . . ' . . . . , ' .' �O�`�""�"'Lo ' ..yo 13777 Fruitvale Ave. �. Bulk Rate Saratoga.CA 95070 U.S.PosWge • . PAID Ordinance Changes � � P. 3 Pe�136 POSTAL CCISTOMER LOCAL \ � , ' nance solution,the process has some drawbacks Fr Ph e rat a �e.g.dust and loose gravel).In the future,Chip Seal 1 St as O a . O S v�nll be used only on Saratoga s more rural roads,and in ctinjunction with otr�er seals that will cover and ' � eliminate the problem of loose rocks. M � n n Less Dust and Gtavel ' , Pav ment � te a ce . � � This year short-tenn maintenance v�nll be accomp- . � , � � lished using Slurry Seal,which results in a thin,very �m l�I m n dense and very black seal which fills cracks and pre- �� O �O vents oxidation without producing dust and'gravel � problems.Some streets will be treated with Cape � Seal,which is a combination of the two types of seal- The City's Maintenance Depanment has success- deferred maintenance and beginning a long term ing.Asphalt concrete overlay will be used for streets fully completed most of the long-deferred mainte- preservation program. � requiring long-term maintenance. nance of the City s#r�ts and is beginning a program • . _ - _ - _ . : . _,_,. .. . of maldng upgrades that will improve the appearapce Extending Street Life Any program of street maintenance inevitably pro- of the streets as well as preserve this large capifal Without regular and proper maintenance,a street duces some inconvenience to residents or busi• investrnent surface has a life of approadmately 20 years,liut that nesses along the streets under repair.However,sug- � life can be extended to as much as 100 years by gestions from many Saratogans have helped the City Several�ars ago the C�ty Council established tt�e using proper maintenance techniques.The PMS app- refine and improve its ability to provide adequate means of raising sufficient revenue to cover the costs lies the cost/benefit factors of both short and long- advance notice of street closures and repair sche of accomplishing the deferred maintenance and of term maintenance to a specific section of street and dules,and this summer s program is e�ec�ted to implementing a long-term pavement management then suggests the most cost-effective maintenance progress very smoothly. ` program.By utilizing a computerized Pavement Man- schedule. II agement System(PMS),the Cty was able to deter- ' , Work has begun on the schedule shown and mine the extent of the deterioration of the str�eet sur- While Chip Seal(spraying a heavy layer of oil onto should be completed before the end of summer. faces as well as the costs for both completing the the pavement and covering it with a layer of gravel) , provides the most costeffective,short-tenn mainte- (continued on page 4) . �<<; �9 =,'�� ���� � � �� � � �p � Pol� Develo ment �Process � � �Y p g �y���� � h ��� - ��� ��&� Yields First Two-Year Bud et = � .g g m.�� $�gx��`�:`���'������ �„� �' ��'�- �'.R ., :.. . � . � 5 � x� �; � .'$������� ' ,, a�a� . '� ���� ^ :. � ' �� �� � ���� 3 ��� .� ,_ ��,x ,. ��� ���� ,^ Prioritizing Saratoga's"wish IisY'of new programs, list and distributed to Councilmembers,Commission �'" �' �� �,��� services snd capital improvements is a major pa�t of Chairs,key staff,and vwere made available to the pub- � � �'� � ��:: the budget development process.Not only must the lic.After the list was reviewed and another round of � y "�" �*� � ' ; � '`4 list reflect the desires of the community and be input collected,a final agenda of 25 policy develop• � �� , ,� ��� � , �N �u ' �� financially feasible,but it must also be supported by ment"questions"was adopted;the answers to which � ;F policies capable of tuming those"wishes" into reality. would help shape the budget �� � ��� ` � ��� F'ust Two-Year Budget Policy Development C,luestions �� ���� � ' ,u ,� This month,for the first time,the Council e.�ects The agenda contained questions like: � � s ���q ' � to adopt a two-year budget as the culmination of their — "Is the current policy on law enforcement � �s� �„ ,�`� � six-month process of policy development Beginning spending,code enforcement and crossing � �w>�� �� 3 last December with the ado Uon of the li devel- uard service ad" ate,or should chan es � �� k ` _ g ��� �` opment calendar,the Council and City Staff have be made?" � 9 , �� � _.�._ �. " .�� ���� spent numerous hours reviewing and discussing the A scerte fi�nm the past With the completion of the Priorities submitted for consideration by staff,city — "Should the City continue its efforts to mod- first.phase of the pavement maintenance program, commissions and other community groups. emize and simplify zoning and sign ordinan- streets like this one(photograph two years ago)have .In February,all submitted priorities,programs,pro- (continued on e 4 undergone a variety of preservation tr+eatiments. ���9��s and objectivves were combined into one• �9 � � ' � �, , . , . . . . , Hakone� Foundation Center.If you've never taken a Community Center � class,want to pick up a new hobby,leam something �� � new,start an exercise program or give the Idds some- HOsts �Slt by � thing fun to do,you'i�e�sure to find something here - that fits the bill. Japanese Dignit�ries �n addition to all the popular exercise,arts&crafts, ��� � � special interest classes and,day camps regularly �� � �� � i The Hakone Foundation hosted a March 2 visit to � offered,many new classes are maldng their debut. Saratoga's Hakone Gardens by the Japanese Consul Features this summer include: General,the Honorable Tatsuo Arima.Folfowing a _ tour of the Gardens,a luncheon for the guests was Perf'omung Artists Program � � - served in the Lower House and attended by City For boys,girls and teens of all ages,this fun- , _ Council members,the City Manager,and officers of fiqed program of singing,acting and dancing Computer l�Ieeded the Hakone Foundation,the Sister City Committee, introduces students to basic techniques in and the Japan Bamboo Society of America.Also in dance,vocal and acting sldlls,lighting,�os�m- for i..ibrary use attendance was Hiroshi Matsumoto,the Executive ing and makeup. . ` Director of the Tokyabased Association for Proma tion of Intemational Cooperation. Tennis Toumament The Saratoga Community Library needs an Apple �, For the first time the Community Center is °r IBM personal computer for public use and train- ��, �� � � ��:`�� � ing.Can you or your organization help?My donation "'"�,'�` � ofFering Saratoga residents a mixed doubles, to the Library is tax deductible wid�in the limits of the all-level tennis toumament at the new Congress new tax laws.Please phone the Library at 867-6126. Springs tennis courts on July 18� 19.The �'� � � � � � �W entry fee is$14 per t�m,and the last day to - • - � ��. enter is July 14. � �, v Magic and More � v illage :Plan On Friday,July 24,from 6:30 to 730 p.m.,you pn Schedule _ and your family can enjoy a fascinating show of ' magic,juggling ventriloquism and circus arts. , `� poRt miss this special show at the Community Work on the Saratoga Vllage Plan is progressing � Center. on schedule.The Plan,prepared by the NlacKay& l�Iew This Summer at �mps planning consulting firm,has been reviewed �Complete details on these and dozens of other -by the Vllage Task Force and Saratoga Planning � classes is available,along with registration informa- Commission. Both groups recommended the Plan's Community Center tion,in the Summer 1987 Saratoga Community Cen- conceptual approval by the City Council,which after ter course offering schedule mailed to you last conducting public hearings on the Plan,directed City Registration is under way for this summer's adult month.lf you didn't receive one,you can pick up a Staff to prepare a specific implementation program and youth class offerings at the Saratoga Community. copy at the Community Center. for the Plan. . � The purpose of the Vllage Plan is to preserve and a rb enhance the small-scale,pedestrian character of the a e oll 1 Vllage.The Plan contains policies and implementa- ect on osts . hon programs relating to land use and zoning,circu- � - lation and parldng,and design guidelines.Some of I� � ' the specific proposals include new�Ilage commer- e ea J..r 1 % cial historic zoning districts;left tum lanes on Big Se o Th� Y .r y � e a Basin Way;omamentally paved crosswalks;an . automobile tumaround at the curve where Big Basin Garbage collection�ates for the average residential . hotd served is greater. Way becomes Congress Springs Road;additional .customer will go up$1.16 per month beginning July parldng districts;design-sign guidelines specifically 1, 1987.This represents a 10%increase over current Since 1985,Monte Sereno and Saratoga have for the Village;and,pedestrian plazas. rates which went into effect on September 1, 19$6. been raising their collection rates at a higher level . . ' than Campbell and Los Gatos.That is why Saratoga The latest rate adjustrnent is based on an agree- rates went up 11.5%I�st year and are going up by ment between our City,�ampbell,Los Gatos and 10%again this year. Monte Sereno to equalize costs and revenues among the four cities which receive service from Green Val- Future Increases ley Disposal under.a joint agreement negotiated in lf garbage collection costs do not go up very much 1983.The purpose for the joint agreement was to in the next eighteen months,Saratoga will have all improve consistency of service standards,provide for but caught up with its costs and revenues,and in the � landfill planning,and increase effectiveness in moni- future,rate adjustments in all four cities should raise toring financial records and cost accounting about the same arnount. " - procedures. - , - Campbell and Los Gatos have been very under- Other Cities Paid More standing in allowing Saratoga to spread their In 1985 it became obvious that the cost of provid- increases over a three-year period.Saratoga appre- ing services to Monte Sereno and Saratoga residents, ciates their cooperation arid goodwill in allowing us was much higher that the cost for Campbell and Los that time. • Gatos.Two reasons cause this situation.One is that Campbell and Los Gatos have much more commer- � AII of us have to pay tlie higher rates so it was a cial.service than Monte Sereno and Saratoga.As a difficult decision for Saratoga to make.But to be fair �res,ult,rates for commercial service can help to offset. to the other cities,it had to be done.The fact we � �residential pick up costs to a much greater extent were able to spread out the increases is to everyone's The,other is that Saratoga,and Nlonte Sereno are credit , inuch less densely,populated,sathe�asX,�er,hous� _ . . , , , . . . . `r , ° , , . . . . . . . . '. ' o. , . . ' . ; . . _ . , . . , •� �. • . , , . - � . : . ; ; : , I �. _ „ . , . . . . , . . _ _ _ Permitapplication forms are available at Saratoga � City Hall,and there is no.charge,for the permit How- , ever,if more than two fal.se alarms occur within a 12- month period,the City may revoke the permit The , fine for operating an alarm system in Saratoga with- �- out a permit is$100 per day.- " Chronic False Alam�s Targeted . t ! - . The City recognizes that occasional and accidental , ' activation of alarm systems cannot always be � , . • false alarms occumng within a 12-montti period.A . avoided.Consequently,the ordinance focusses on Second �In�ts �,�rd false alarm widiin the same period,however;will ���households and businesses wtiich experience _ result in a$50 charge.Charges for subsequent false false alarms on a chronic basis. � alarms-increase on a graduated scale to a ma�dmum. ' � ' On May 25, 1.987,a new second unit ordinance of$200 per occu�rence. � When false alarms occur on a repeated Fiasis and. became effective allowing Saratogans to legalize . . no correcbve action is taken.by the alarm owners,the _ some e�dsting second units.Rather d�an evaluating The new ordinance also clarifies what constitutes a cost burden has been incurred unnecessarily by the second units according to the many restrictions and false alarm.A false alarm is now.defined as"the acti- general ta�ayer.By_adopting this new ordinance, standards imposed�by zoning laws,�e new ordi- vation of an alarm system through a mechanical fail•, �ratoga,along with other local govemments,is nance is designed primarily to insure that e�dsting _ � ure,accident,misoperation,malfunction,misuse,or attempting to reduce the incidec�ce of false alarms _ . second units provide�safe and sanitary housing by the negligence of the alarm system owner." and recover the costs from those who are . �- complying with the necessary building,health and - responsible. fire codes. . Other Changes Other changes under tt�e new ordinanee include:_ ' , " APP�Y to Planning Department . - Clnder the revised ordinance,owners of units which _ — pwners of alarm systems which are audible �Bed �n� � w�re lawFully constructed before August 18, 1984 from�e exterioi of the building or dwelling and are currently used as second living units can must post a notice containing the name and apply to the Planning Departrnent for use permits to �telephone number of the person to be noti• Breakfast legalize those units.(lpon receipt of the application, . fied to respond to the emergency and deac• tl�e Planning Director will give notice to d�e owners of tivate�e system. - properdes immediately adjacent to the unit and con- At its April 15, 1987 meeting,the Saratoga�ty duct an administrative hearing. — Automatic telephone dialers which dial 911 Council unanimously decided�against a proposed � or the emergency number of any public amendment to�the C�ty's"bed-and-breal�ast" regula- After the hearing,.the Planning Director will make agency are prohibited.However,automatic tions.The proposal would have pemvtted�e opera- � sure that d�e second unit complies witl�the housing, dialers which dial the number of a private tion of bed-and-breal�ast inns in the singlefamily health and fire codes;that it is compatible with the alaRn company are allowed. � residential districts within 500 feet of the Saratoga VI- " exterior appearance of the main dwelling on the site; . ` ' lage boundary. � thatit�faes�not interFere with�th�e privacy�of residents _ =--�irsg'an alatm systerri-whi'tti mirriics the ` ' 4 -_ _ -� - _ of adjacent properties;and,that the occupant of. sii'�ns-on emergency vehicles is prohibited. � Bed-and-breal�'ast establishments are stilF permit- eitt►er the main dwelling or the second unit is at least . ted in the commercial,multi-family residerrtial,and 60 years old.The Planning Director may impose — All alarm systerris audible from the outside professional-administrative zones with a conditional additional conditions of approval when necessary to must have ari automatic reset feature,and use permit.The Council cited protecbon of residen- eliminate any adverse impacts from the e�dsti�g can take no longer than 15 minutes to reset tial neighborhoods from commercial encroachment second unit His decision can be appealed to the.City , • themselves: � " as the primary reason for-deriying tFie amendment Council. � If the second unit was constrvcted after August 18, �q,�imal Qrdinanees Proteet 1984,or illegally constrvcted(i.e.no building permit) before that date,the normal requirements of the zon- ing ordinanee apply and the Planning Commission . • (rather than the Wanning Director)must approve the pets and The�r ei S �����ti . . .. Ucation�(ncentive � • Every year many family pets are left unattended in � ���P. ' cars,onty to suffer and sametirr�es die when the As an incentive to property owners to legalize eatist- temperature inside rises and ventilation is inad� : �, ing second units,the fee has been reduced to$350 `'���, (50�of the normal fee)for applications filed before quate.As the heat of the summer season b e gins,the �� � ,..`�T., December 31, 1988.Copies of the ordinance are � �►�atoga C'ity Council will be considering passage of o available at Saratoga City Hall in the Planning a new ordinance relating to the safety of animals in Department between 8 a.m.and 4 p.m.,Monday �hicles. �: '� through Friday. _ - - - The ordinance would address two safety concems: �, ` � � • 1. R would prohibit anyone driving a motor vehicle from carrying an animal with them unless the � S� ���5 , animal is safely enclosed in a cage,container _ . _ " or other device.This would prevent the animal F.�asting Animal Laws Recent changes to the Gty's false alarm ordinance �m falling from,jurnping from,or being Saratoga animal owners are also reminded of the require all owners or lessees in Saratoga to obtain a thrown from the motor vehicle.Eacempted from other animal control laws in effect in the City and its �`" permit if they have alarm systems in their homes or the regulation would be those individuats in tt�e parks. businesses.Eacempted from this requirement are process of aetually worldng a dog or other motor vehicle alarms and alaRn systems connected� animal for ranching pu�poses. Saratoga has a leash law which requires that to the�Saratoga Fire District's early waming system. animals not be allowed to stray or run free on public . - - 2. !t would prohibit anyone from leaving a dog or or private property wi�aut d�e consent of tt�e owner. A Costly and Growing Problem : - other animal in an unattended motor vehicle V�/hen animals are taken outside,they must be held �.False.alarms have become a costly and growing without adequate ventilation,or in such a and led by a leash not more than six feet in length. . problem in Saratoga as.more alarm systems are- rnanner that the animal would be subjected to And pet owners should remember that cleaning up installed in residences and businesses.Previously, extreme temperatut�es which might adversely after their pets is not only considerate and proper, �. �$35 was:charged'for each false alarm.Clnder the new - ���e health or well-being of�e animal. but is required by law. . .. . . ,.:qrd�nan,�e,no charg�will be�made.for the first two�, .•. : . i � . .. . . . , . . , . . . .. . , - . . , .. . . . . . . F . �. . � . .� � . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . � . .�. . . . . . . . , , . . . , � . . � . � . , _ _ .. . . En r m n � oe oce et . . : � . h A t�vl In reases � � � c c . . o . , One year ago the City Council directed the City Saratoga the well-kept,attractivve place to live which � staff to begin.to increase its efforts in the enforce- was a major factor for residents to move to Saratoga � ment of City codes.As a result,the Community Ser- in the first place. � ' vice Officers have'been spending more time � responding to citizen's calls about illegal vehicle park- Check the Laws First � ing on property,businesses being conducted on In order to insure that any construction,storage or residential prope�ty which do not have a home occu;. business activity you irrtend to undertake on.your . pation license,property which violates codes because property is legal under Saratoga law,residents and of illegal construction activity or because of debris, businesses are requested to call the City to discuss trash or junk stored in yards,and other unsightly plans with the City staff before proceeding. conditions. � In addition,if these same conditions e�dst on a � � piece of property to such an extent that they consti- � � � ` tute an obvious violation,Community Senrice Offic- �0��� . " D�V��O ment ers will commence enforcement action even if there y p ' is no neighbor complaining. . (continued from page 1) vation,residential design review,senior housing, � C'ivil and Criminal Action noise control,the vllage Plan,maintenance,waste �T'he City attempts to obtain voluntary compliance ces while maintaining the City's commitrnent disposal,city management and more. , from offenders first,but if that is not successful,cit- to quality developmerrt?" � ations are issued.Failure to comply with the citation � PoGcy Development Conference dces result in.cases being tumed over to the City —. "Clpon completion of the current evaluation After assembling extensive background data on all prosecutor for legal action in the courts.This can of the Pavement Management Program, - these issues,the Council met in March with the City result i�both criminal action as well as civil action what should the City do to develop a long- Manager and City Attomey for a weekend Policy against offenders. range plan for future maintenance and Development Conference.The priorities for the com- � funding?„ ing two years were set,and the results of the poticy . Over the past severat months,calls for code session were made available to the community and enforcement activity from residents have increased. — "How can we best manage the future growrh City stat�'.Those priorities,combined with additional This seems to signal an increased awareness in the of our volunteer program?" input received from staff and in public hearings,have City that people want codes to be enforced and been incorporated�into a budget that covers fiscal ,. e�ert the City to provide such service to keep Others addressed issues related to heritage preser- years 1987-88 and 1988$9. • , . � _ _ Street Ma�ntenance � �� � � : (continued from page 1) Kosich Dr. Obrad.(W. end) Radoylsa ,Vendura Ct Titus End Kreisler Ct Arroy�o de Arguello End Verde Moor Ct Arroyo de Arguello. End la Paloma Ave. Saratoga End Versa�es Wy. Wild Oak 'EJ Puente- La Vista Dr. La Ysta Ct �a Esquela Via Blanc Ct. Ya Grande End STREET FROM TO Lana�ic Ln. ScotJand Glen Brae Via EsqueDa ' Glen Brae End AbeMeen Ct Glen Brae` End Le�dngton Ct Hertiman Jims Via Grande Dr. Glen Brae Charteis Akott Wy.. Manteca Dolphin L�ca Ct Cox End Via Grande Ct -�l�a Grande End AOendale Ave. Fruitvale Harleigh Loquat Ct Allendale End. Via Roncole R.R. Tracks Prospect Aloha Ave. Lomim Forest Hills Lowena Ct Arroyo de Arguello End. N�lage Dr. Cox � End ' M�oyo de Arguello Wardell R.R. Tracks Lynde Ave. Lynde Ct End Wakot Wy. Cox F..nd Aspesi Dr. Lyons .� Springhill Lynde Ct. _ Lynde Ave. End . Ward 1Ny. Dagmar End Buckhaven i.n. ScoUand Scotland: Manteca Wy. .. . Hadeigh . . Alcott Wellington Ct Cumberland End Glle Tacuba Camino Rico. Saratoga Ysta Ct, Maureen Wy. Meadow Oak Ya Roncole Wendy Ln. Ronnie - Oahu . Camino Rico Hertiman Saratoga Ysta.Ct McFadand Ave. Saratoga D�on West Yrew Dr. Curry Saratoga Creek Casa Blanca Ln. La Paz Bonnet •� Meadow Oak Rd.� MaurQen . , Ya Roncole Winter Ln. Cumberland Chateau Cox Ave: Saratoga � � Saratoga Creek Merrick Dr: , �Calle Tacuba Camino Rico Woodbank Wy. Quito Rancho Las Gmas Curry Ct. WesNiew End MTevich Dr. Kilbride Saratoga-S'vale � De Sanka Ave. KnolMrood Sea Gull MontQere Dr. Quito ' Ravenwood Debbie Ln. Thelma Russell ' IYorada Ct Arroyo de Arguello Fsd � Deerpark Ct Lynde End Perego Wy. Hadeigh End ' Dehav�land Dr. Anza Dehavilland Ct Portos Dr. Ronnie Harleigh STREET 'FROM TO Dolp6in Dr: . Allendale Harleigh Prospect Rd. va Roncole Saratoga•S'vale, Cox Ave. Sea Gull Saratoga-S'vale Dorchester Dr. Miller Cambridge Prospect Rd. Saratoga-S'vale Covina Knollwood Dr. De Sanka End . FJ Puente Versailles Farv✓ell Prospect Rd. Plumas Titus Man7�a Dr. Knollwood Ki�icbrook Espada Ct . CChiito End Arospect Rd. Johnson City Limits Mendelsohn Ln. SaratogaLos Gatos Hill Femcrest Ct, Aspesi End Gluito Oaks Wy. Quito End ��A�• Cox Prospect Fontaine Dr. Dagmar End , Auito Rd. Sobey (N.) Pollard Oak St Saratoga-Los Gatos Komina Forest H�Is Dr. PJoha End (luito Rd. Allendale Montpere P'ierce Rd. Saratoga-S'vale Comer Fruitvale Ave. Allendale Burgandy ' Quito Rd. Baylw Yorktown S'vcth St : Big Basin Oak Gamet Ct Cumberland End Radoyka ih. Lolly West�riew Sobey'Rd. Sobey Meadow Ten Acres _ Glen A�bor Ct Cox End Ritana Ct Ya Roncole End Sobey Rd. Springbrook Omega Glen Brae Dr. Cox . Aberdeen Ronnie Wy. Portos End (W: of Wendy) ��'d Sk , Oak Big Basin Glen Brae Dr. Beaumont Hammons Russell Ln. Debbie Sara Yew Wardell Ct Wardell End Goleta Ave.(E.end),Sea Gull Goleta Ct Sara View Dr., Russell Surrey Granada Ct Via Roncole End Scotland Dr. Glasgow Bonnie Ridge Hammons Ave. Thelma Edinburgh Scully Ave. Prospect Saraglen Hadeigh Dr. Athos Hadeigh Ct Sobey Meadows Ct Sobey ' End Hadeigh Dr. Perego End St Mn Ct Ya Grande E'nd STREET FROM TO Hemman Ave. Saratoga Saratoga-S'vale St Joan Ct Arroyo de Arguello End Carol Ln. Merida Kiricbrook " HoGday Ct Dagmar End Swathmore Dr. Clemson Villanova _ Fniilvale Ave. .Saratoga PJlendale Holiday Dr. , Dagmar End Thelma Ave. Saratoga-S'vale Saratoga Ysta Casa Blanca Ln. Bonnet Myron lone Ct Cox , End The1ma Ave. Saratoga-S'vale Debbie Harleigh Dr. Allendale Perego Johnson Ave. Prospect City Limits Titus Ave. Broddon Bellwood 0 Camino Grande Ya Colina EJ Camino Senda Jolene Ct WesNiew End 'Iifus Ct Titus End Sobey Rd. Quito Sperry K�b�idc Dr.• , Beaumont Glasgow Vande�b�t Dr. Clemson Yllanova Sobey Rd. Omega Ten Acres � � . .. ". ; , , . .. . . . . . _ , , , . . . , , . • ' . . , . , . , , , . • � . . . , •.•.'•