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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-26-2007 Study session City Council MinutesMINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL JUNE 26, 2007 Vice Mayor Waltonsmith called the Study Session meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Jill Hunter, Kathleen King, Chuck Page, Vice Mayor Ann Waltonsmith ABSENT: Mayor Aileen Kao ALSO Dave Anderson, City Manager PRESENT: Barbara Powell, Assistant City Manager Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk Michael Taylor, Interim Recreation Director REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR JUNE 26, 2007 Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting of June 26, 2007 was properly posted on June 22, 2007. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Pricilla Ho discussed the UPRR crossing at Fredericksburg Drive and Guava Court. Fran Colletti requested that the Council move forward with the Prospect Road Median Improvement Project. Ray Muzzy thanked Vice Mayor Waltonsmith and Councilmember King for their time and effort they spent trying to get the City of San Jose to help fund the Prospect Road Median Improvement Project. DIRECTION REGARDING CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL RECEIVED FROM ALAN AND LISA BECK FOR THE USE OF NORTH CAMPUS STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct Staff accordingly. Michael Taylor, Interim Recreation Director, presented staff report. Lisa & Allen Beck along with Nieves Diaz and Juan Menendez presented their proposal for the North Campus Gymnasium and Child Development Center. The group provided the following information: • Background of the company that will be created to run the child development center • Project descriptions of both the gymnasium and the child development center • Square footage distribution and cost estimates • Lease terms • Community benefits Vice Mayor Waltonsmith invited public comments. The following people requested to speak on this item: Jack Mallory stated that the ball was now back in Council's hands and that they need to decide how we want to use this site. Mr. Mallory stated that he thinks this is an interesting concept. Mr. Mallory noted that the childcare center fits the new families who work and live in Saratoga. John Kimble stated that his concern is the referendum. Mr. Kimble feels that the use of the Campus needs to be broader and there needs to be more community discussion. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith thanked the public for their comments. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith stated that the City needs to provide the Becks with some direction in an effort for them to move forward. City Council discussed on the proposed gymnasium and suggested that staff schedule site visits to similar buildings. City Council also discussed the cost estimates provided by the group and staffing issues once the gymnasium is built. Interim Director Taylor stated that until the Becks gets permission from the City to move forward it is hard to get contractors out to the site to provide more accurate costs. Councilmember King asked if there would be any naming opportunities. Mr. Beck stated that the gymnasium would be owned by the City so the City can name it whatever they want. Councilmember Hunter stated that she thinks this process is going too fast and needs more public input to see if the public really wants a gymnasium. Councilmember Page stated that that he thinks this is an interesting proposal and that this proposal does warrant more community discussion. Councilmember King noted that she could not be more thrilled with this proposal. Councilmember King stated that the Community usually does not get involved until the Council makes decisions and until the public sees the proposal, they will not get excited. Councilmember King stated that she is impressed with the group's creativity. Councilmember King stated that a gymnasium does not always have to be used for sports; you can have other events there as well. 2 Vice Mayor Waltonsmith stated that she feels that the proposal would fit in the neighborhood. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith stated that she would like to see like better buildings but unfortunately funds are limited. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith stated that she feels the Council is honoring the referendum, making the Campus a more useful place. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith suggested moving forward with this proposal. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith stated that the City might not be using the gym as much due to lack of staffing. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith stated that the City needs to find a way to go forward and stop going around in circles. Councilmember King suggested that the Becks flesh out their proposal and include their running total costs with interest. Councilmember King stated that she envisions a large room for activities, a gym, and a playground at this site. Councilmember Page noted that the citizens of Saratoga have not been heard yet and they might be the final arbitrator. Councilmember Page suggested moving forward with negotiations and directing staff to do a parking and traffic study and to provide more information on the proposed financial terms. Councilmember Hunter stated that she feels some questions have not been answered and that the process is going too fast. Vice Mayor Waltonsmith suggested a study session with the Planning Commission. Councilmember King and Councilmember Hunter both supported a study session with the Planning Commission PAGE/KING MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO CONDUCT PARHING AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES; SCHEDULE A JOINT STUDY SESSION WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION AT THE END OF AUGUST; AND INVITE THE PUBLIC TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH KAO ABSENT ADJOURNMENT There being no further business Vice Mayor Waltonsmith adjourned the Study Session at 8:30 p.m. oyer, CMC City C