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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-18-2000 City Council MinutesMINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL October 18, 2000 The City Council of the City of Saratoga met in Closed Session, Administrative Conference Room 13777 Fruitvale Avenue at 6:00 p.m. The City Attorney reported that since the posting of the agenda there had been developments in a case to which the City is a party that require immediate consultation with the City Council. Mayor Bogosian moved that the following item be added to the agenda due to the fact that immediate action is required and that the matter came to the City's attention after the posting of the agenda: Closed Session Conference with Legal Counsel re: Existing Litigation (Gov't Code 54956.9(a)). Name of Case: B&N Development v. City of Saratoga Santa Clara County Superior Court No. CV785117 The motion carried unanimously. Conference with Legal Counsel re: Existing Litigation (Gov't Code 54956.9(a)). • Name of Case: City of Saratoga v. West Valley College Santa Clara County Superior Court No. Doc. CIV756340. Mayor's Report on Closed Session - 7:05 U.m. Mayor Bogosian reported there was Council discussion but no action was taken. Mayor Bogosian called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. and requested Councilmember John Mehaffey to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Ann Waltonsmith, Evan Baker, Nick Streit, John Mehaffey, Mayor Stan Bogosian. ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Dave Anderson, City Manager Richard Taylor, City Attorney Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk Paula Reeve, Senior Administrative Analyst • Ray Galindo, Accounting Supervisor John Cherbone, Dir. of Public Works James Walgren, Dir. of Community Development REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 18, 2000. • Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting of October 18, 2000 was properly posted on October 13, 2000. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC None COMMUNICATIONS FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Dave Anderson, City Manager, explained to the Council that a correspondence was received from Saratoga Union School District. Mr. Anderson noted that as part of the Cooperative Agreement entered into by the City and the Saratoga Union School District, the District was required to notify the City if any eucalyptus trees within the playground area were to be removed. Consensus of the City Council to direct staff to send a letter to the Saratoga Union School District giving them permission to remove any eucalyptus trees that are diseased. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS • The following people spoke at tonight's meeting: Cheriel Jensen, 13737 Quito Road, expressed concern on the pesticides the City of Saratoga uses on City property. Mrs. Jensen submitted a list of pesticides including their chemical make up and harmful effects. Aaron Katz, PO Box 116, 27 year Saratoga resident. Mr. Katz noted the residents of Saratoga passed the Saratoga Fire District's six million dollar bond to build a new fire station. Mr. Katz explained the bond was not passed to pay for the District's attorney fees on the lawsuit concerning the eminent domain issue. Mr. Katz indicated the City of Saratoga should not use Saratoga Fire District any longer and support the use of Central Fire District. John Keenan, 22215 Mt. Eden Road, noted Cupertino Fire District built a new fire station for three million dollars less than what the proposed plan is for Saratoga Fire District. Mr. Keenan supports the use of the Central Fire District. Mr. Keenan requested Saratoga Fire District hold a public hearing on the expenditures and design of the new fire station. Michael Berry, 19935 Mendelsohn Lane, opposed the septic abatement ordinance. Mr. Berry explained it is going to cost him over $30,000.00 to remove trees and hook up to the sanitation sewer line. • Ed Farrell, 20877 Kittridge Road, supports the use of Central Fire District. Mr. Farrell explained a report was prepared by DMG Maximus indicating Central Fire's operational 2 cost was less, had more staff members, and the service was better than Saratoga Fire District. . Michael Barry, 19935 Mendelsohn Lane, requested that the culvert on Fruitvale near Farwell Avenue be repaired. Mr. Barry expressed concern for the two teenagers that were recently killed "getting air" on Fruitvale Avenue. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF Mayor Bogosian directed staff to contact the Public Safety Commission and at their next meeting hear comments from interested citizens and have the Fire District explain pertinent information. Mayor Bogosian requested a status report on the condition of culvert located at Farwell Avenue and Fruitvale Avenue. Dave Anderson, City Manager, responded the City has not received the final report from the Sheriff's Department. Richard Taylor commented the City is working with the Sheriff's Department to get a better understanding to assess the extent of the problem, if indeed there is a problem. CONSENT CALENDAR lA. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES OF: • SEPTEMBER 20, 2000 -REGULAR MEETING STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve submitted minutes. Councilmember Mehaffey pulled Item lA from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Mehaffey noted a few typographical errors and would forward the corrections to the City Clerk. MEHAFFEY/ STREIT MOVED TO APPROVE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 20, 2000. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 1B. REVIEW OF CHECK REGISTER STAFF RECOMMENDATION Note and file. STREIT/BAKER MOVED TO NOTE AND FILE CHECK REGISTER. MOTION PASSED 5-0. • 1C. REVIEW PLANNING COMMISSION ACTIONS MINUTES- OCTOBER 11, 2000 • STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Note and file. STREIT/BAKER MOVED TO NOTE AND FILE PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION MINUTES. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 1D. APPROVAL OF JOINT MEETING MINUTES -LIBRARY EXPANSION PROJECT STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve submitted minutes. Councilmember Mehaffey pulled Item 1D from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Mehaffey noted a fourteen million dollar bond was passed with an added one million dollars for parking issues. Councilmember Mehaffey requested underground parking still be investigated more thoroughly. Councilmember Mehaffey explained the City should save as much of the Heritage Orchard as possible. • MEHAFFEY/ STREIT MOVED TO APPROVE JOINT MEETING MINUTES -LIBRARY EXPANSION PROJECT. MOTION PASSEd 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. CONSTRUCTION HOURS ORDINANCE. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Open public hearing; accept public testimony; close hearing. James Walgren, Director of Community Development, presented staff report. Director Walgren explained this public hearing was continued from September 6, 2000. The idea was introduced via a letter from a resident concerning construction noise on the weekend. Director Walgren reminded Council that at the last meeting three alternative noise ordinance amendments were discussed and the majority of the Council seemed to prefer further restriction of weekend hours versus prohibiting weekend construction outright. Director Walgren explained what City Staff is recommending. 4 1. 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday 2. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturdays 3. No construction on Sundays or Holidays, with the exception of • homeowner improvements that do not require a City permit. Director Walgren noted he has talked to local contractors and they support this proposed noise amendment with one exception, provide a clearer definition of "internal construction" and "external construction ". Mayor Bogosian questioned Subsection 7, the definition of the word "subdivision". Mayor Bogosian asked whether that meant any size subdivision or a subdivision over a certain square footage or lot size. Councilmember Streit noted the City is trying to impose too many restrictions on homeowners who enjoy doing simple home improvement projects and do not need to hire a contractor. Councilmember Streit commented if a homeowner pulls a permit for a simple home improvement project, under this code amendment, prohibits that homeowner to do the work on a Sunday. Councilmember Waltonsmith questioned how the City advertises the current noise ordinance. • Director Walgren responded when professional contractors or builders pull permits, they are provided with a copy of the noise ordinance. Councilmember Baker concurred with Councilmember Streit that too many restrictions are trying to be imposed on homeowners. Director Walgren explained the Sheriff s Department is responsible for calls regarding possible violations of the noise ordinance. It would be difficult for the Sheriff's Department to differentiate between a homeowner and a contractor performing the work. Councilmember Mehaffey noted the definition of "external construction" and "internal construction" should be excluded from the code amendment. He explained that he has experienced homeowners performing complete remodels of their houses seven days a week and asked Director Walgren if some language could be inserted into the code amendment restricting such construction activity. In response to Councilmember Mehaffey, Director Walgren agreed that "internal" and "external" should be excluded from the ordinance and explained tiered construction activity could be implemented. • Director Walgren explained perhaps a threshold level of construction could be 5 incorporated into the code amendment. It could read that a homeowner could work on Sundays with a permit as long as expansion is not greater than 50% of the existing house. • Councilmember Mehaffey questioned if a notation could be added onto permits issued indicating whether or not weekend work is allowed for that particular permit. Director Walgren responded that could be done with a simple stamp. Mayor Bogosian opened the Public Hearing at 7:50 p.m. and invited any public input. Ralph Mullins, 19573 Douglass Lane, explained to the Council that he does a lot of his own home improvements and the only opportunity he has do to those improvements is on the weekend. Mr. Mullins expressed opposition banning weekend construction, but agrees with limiting the hours. Victor Monia, Granite Way, expressed concern on the noise level at larger construction projects sites. Mr. Monia noted contractors may know about the noise ordinance, but the information doesn't seem to be getting to the subcontractors. Mr. Monia suggested when permits are pulled, the contractor should also be given a sign with the noise ordinance posted on indicating to the contractor that • the sign be placed and kept in front of the construction site. Mr. Monia noted everyone, including the subcontractors, would see and possibly abide by the noise ordinance. Ed Farrell, 20877 Kitteridge Road, noted the current ordinance is based on day light savings time. Mr. Farrell expressed opposition in setting time limits on construction, but also sees the need to update the current code. Mayor Bogosian closed the Public Hearing at 8:00 p.m. Mayor Bogosian requested more alternatives on the threshold and size of the project be looked at in order to amend the ordinance properly. Councilmember Baker stated the general contractor of any project should be held accountable. Councilmember Baker noted he like Mr. Monia's idea of a sign posted in front of the site explaining the noise ordinance, but with the addition of a monetary fine if removed from the site. • Councilmember Baker supported the idea of imposing a noise threshold. 6 Councilmember Waltonsmith requests that any oordinances be easy for the Sheriffs Department to enforce. • Councilmember Mehaffey stated he also supported Mr. Monia's idea of posting a sign on the construction site listing the noise ordinance and penalties if violated. Councilmember Streit stated he supported Mr. Monia's idea also, but feels the current noise ordinance should be rewritten. Consensuses of the City Council to direct staff to incorporate Council's concerns and return on the November 15, 2000 City Council meeting. OLD BUSINESS 3. APPROVAL OF SUMMARY VACATION -PROPERTY LOCATED AT 14440 ESTERLEE AVENUE. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 00-054 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA OF SUMMARY VACATION OF A PORTION OF A STREET (ESTERLEE AVENUE-FORMERLY KNOWN AS SAGE WAY) . STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution vacating the remaining portion of Esterlee Avenue. John Cherbone, Director of Public Works, presented staff report. Director Cherbone explained after City Staff held a meeting with the Trails Subcommittee, it has been determined that the subject right-of--way has no current or future values as potential addition to the trail system and subsequently voted to approve the request with no comments. Mike Couch, 14440 Esterlee Avenue, explained he has been pursuing this summary vacation for over three years and requested that the City Council adopt the resolution before them tonight. WALTONSMITH/STREIT MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION OF SUMMARY VACATION OF A PORTION OF ESTERLEE AVENUE. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 4. AUTHORIZATION TO CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENTS TO HAKONE GARDENS LEASE AGREEMENT STAFF RECOMMENDATION: • Adopt resolution to authorize execution of amendments to agreement. 7 TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 00-053 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF • SARATOGA APPROVING THE AMENDMENTS TO HAKONE GARDENS LEASE AGREEMENT Dave Anderson, City Manager, presented staff report. Mr. Anderson explained that an amended Hakone gardens lease agreement was presented to the Council on August 2, 2000. At that meeting the City Council decided to grant the Hakone Foundation lease extension for 55 years subject to the negotiation of an amended agreement. Mr. Anderson noted Mayor Bogosian and staff met with Dan Pulcrano/Board President, and Lon Saavedra/Executive Director, to negotiate terms for an amended agreement per Council's direction. Mr. Anderson noted Council's comments have been incorporated into the new agreement, which can be broken down into four main categories: 1. Governance 2. Cost 3. Public access 4. Future direction Mr. Anderson briefly identified the basic parts of the proposed agreement, which seem to resolve the Council's concerns. Governance Mr. Anderson explained currently that the Hakone Board is selected by the City Council. Under the proposed agreement the Board would be self- appointing by majority vote and with a requirement that one-third of the Board of Trustees be residents of Saratoga. Also, the City will be entitled to two seats on the Board for City Councilmembers and one seat on the Executive Committee of the Hakone Foundation. The Mayor of Saratoga will occupy this executive seat. Mr. Anderson explained this new procedure of selecting Board members and gives the Foundation the autonomy necessary to become eligible for private foundation grants. Cost Mr. Anderson stated the operational cost of Hakone Gardens is a nominal sum because of the current agreement with the Foundation. Mr. Anderson pointed out the City pays approximately $67,000.00 in salary and benefits for the Japanese Garden Specialist, which the Foundation repays the City. Additionally, the prorated share of property insurance cost paid by • the City is approximately $672.00 a yearly. The City also absorbs the cost of the Foundation's loan payments to the City as an offset against the expense of 8 the Foundation's operations of the facility. For the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2000, the amortized loan amount was $50,926.00. Mr. Anderson explained that under the proposed agreement, the outstanding loan balance would be forgiven. Maintenance and repairs would be performed by the Foundation on an agreed schedule. The City would provide the Foundation a set amount of funds to accomplish needed repairs over afour- year time frame of $250,000.00. Mr. Anderson pointed out that as in the existing agreement, the proposed agreement would continue the City's obligation to maintain good operating roads, parking lot, sanitary system, water supply, and electrical service. Mr. Anderson stated under the proposed agreement the City would continue to provide for miscellaneous re-occurring costs such as the Japanese Gardening Specialist, on acost-sharing basis, with the City's share diminishing over 7 years. To comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, Mr. Anderson indicated the City would continue to provide Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding in the amount of $50,000.00 for a five-year period. In turn the Hakone Foundation should achieve substantial compliance with ADA within afive-year period. Mr. Anderson explained the City would be required by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to repay the funds used to remodel the caretakers' cottage if it is converted by the Foundation for use as a gift shop. Under the proposed agreement the City will repay HUD and the cost of relocating the tenants and will be reimbursed by the Foundation over a period of 20 years. Public Access Mr. Anderson explained the new proposal on public access. Under the proposed agreement the Foundation would make the gardens available to the public at 7 hours per day on Saturday, 6 hours per day on Sundays, and 6 hours per day at least four days each week. Additionally, Saratoga residents would enjoy free parking and admission and the gardens can only be closed due to rentals and conferences no more than 30 days per year. Future Direction Mr. Anderson explained under the proposed agreement a master plan for the premises covering construction of a visitor and conference center, facility for serving tea and light snacks, gift shop and other facilities. The master plan is subject to review and approval by the City prior to the Foundation undertaking any major capitol improvements. Additionally, the Foundation is bound to obtain the City's prior written consent for construction of any new buildings or other significant garden structures and comply with normal planning procedures. • Mr. Anderson noted that Mr. Pulcrano and Mr. Saavedra were both present to 9 answer any questions that Council may have. Councilmember Streit questioned whether or not the City could still qualify for State Bond Funds if the proposed agreement is executed. • Richard Taylor, City Attorney, indicated that he has not yet reviewed State Bond Fund requirements. Although, Mr. Taylor noted, there were many ways to protect the City interest in Hakone Gardens. One way would be to add a clause to the proposed agreement stating, "this agreement can be amended". Councilmember Baker expressed concern on the correspondence received from Judy Alberts/Parks & Recreation Chairperson. In her letter she indicated that the proposed agreement should of come before the parks & Recreation Commission for their approval. Councilmember Baker also noted that Ms. Alberts asked where the funding was coming from to make all the improvements to Hakone Gardens. Mr. Anderson responded the funds were to be allocated over afour-year period using CIP payments from the General Fund. Mr. Anderson stated the Park Development funds were not being used. Councilmember Mehaffey questioned what alternatives the City has rather than spend $250,000.00 on Hakone Gardens. • Mr. Anderson explained the City could take full operational functions back from the Foundation. In 1996-97 it was predicted it would cost the City $272,000.00 a year to run the Gardens without the Foundation. Mr. Anderson noted the $250,000.00 was the cap for the maintenance and repairs, after that amount is depleted the Foundation would have to cover the additional expenses. Councilmember Baker expressed concern with the Hakone Foundation's outstanding debt of $129,000.00 owed to the City and the $120,000.00 the City of Saratoga spent on remodeling the caretaker's cottage. Mr. Baker noted if the City changes the use of the cottage under the present agreement, although the Hakone Foundation will reimburse the City over the next twenty years, the City would have to repay the Federal Government within the present fiscal year of $120,000.00. Councilmember Baker stated after reviewing the proposed agreement he feels if the City wants to keep the Hakone Gardens as an entity in the City of Saratoga then the City needs to execute a reasonable agreement to hand the operations over to the Hakone Foundation on a long term basis, and if the Foundation can not make it, give the Hakone Gardens back to the City and shut it down. 10 Councilmember Baker noted he does not feel the Hakone Gardens is a primary use of limited City funds. . Dan Pulcrano, President/Hakone Foundation, thanked the Saratoga City Council for all of their time spent on this proposed agreement. Mr. Pulcrano explained the proposed agreement was a good deal for the City for the following reasons: 1. Publicity -The Gardens will draw people downtown, which will increase revenues for the City. 2. Millions of funds will be raised to improve the Gardens. 3. The Gardens will raise the profile of Saratoga. Mr. Pulcrano noted fifty thousand people visit the Hakone Gardens every year and he feels that number will be increased. Mr. Pulcrano announced the Hakone Foundation started a corporate affiliate program and already has thirty corporate sponsors, most of which are Japanese corporations. Mr. Pulcrano reiterated Mr. Anderson's highlights of the proposed agreement. Councilmember Streit referred to section 9.3 of the proposed agreement and questioned when the Master Plan will be completed. In response to Councilmember Streit's questions, Mr. Pulcrano explained the Foundation has been working on it for one year with a consultant and a draft should be ready sometime this week. Councilmember Streit asked Mr. Pulcrano if he would have any objections adding a clause mentioning possible joint efforts in applying for Park Bond Funds. Mr. Pulcrano explained he would be willing to work with the City because it would be in both parties best interest to receive Park Bond Funds. Councilmember Mehaffey pointed out a few sections in which clarification was necessary. Councilmember Mehaffey requested on page 6, Section 8.1, language should be added indicating the City will provide a cap of $250,000.00 to the tenant, and the tenant would perform the work. Councilmember Mehaffey requested on page 17, Section 25.1, regarding hazardous material storage. He suggested adding language stating "hazardous material allowed at Hakone Gardens that is used in normal operations in a Japanese garden". Councilmember Streit directed a question to the City Attorney. He expressed • concern if the Hakone Foundation would be required to go out for public bid since the Foundation would be using City funds. 11 Mr. Taylor will report back to Councilmember Streit on that question. • Councilmember Waltonsmith fully supports moving forward with the proposed agreement. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted it would be one more resource to enhance the Village. Councilmember Streit asked Mayor Bogosian if the Council could invite any public comments. Mayor Bogosian invited any public comments. Victor Monia, Granite Way, fully supports the City Council to execute the proposed agreement with the Hakone Foundation. Mr. Monia commended the Hakone Foundation for doing a great job. Willys Peck, 14725 Saratoga Avenue, urged the Council to keep Hakone Gardens as a public park. He fully supports the execution of the proposed agreement. Ron Cohen, 19475 Riesling Court, indicated he was the newest member on the Hakone Board and a Saratoga resident. He noted he is in full support of the proposed agreement. • Councilmember Mehaffey thanked Mr. Pulcrano and Mr. Saavedra for all their work and fully supports the proposed agreement with corrections. Councilmember Streit emphasized the Hakone Foundation is the only source that can keep the Hakone Gardens one of Saratoga's unique treasures. Councilmember Streit concurred with Councilmember Mehaffey's proposed language changes and is in full support of the proposed lease agreement as long as the City can still apply for Park Bond Funds. Councilmember Baker noted he doesn't deny the value of Hakone Gardens to the City of Saratoga, his concerns are over the financial responsibilities that the City is agreeing too. Mayor Bogosian thanked Mr. Dan Pulcrano, Mr. Lon Saavedra, Mr. Dave Anderson, and the City's previous Interim City Manager, Mr. Bill Norton, for all their hard work and effort. STREIT/ MEHAFFEY MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION AMENDING HAKONE GARDENS LEASE SUBJECT TO COUNCILMEMBER MEHAFFEY' S CHANGES. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 12 NEW BUSINESS 5. TECHNOLOGY MASTER PLAN • STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly. Dave Anderson, City Manager, presented staff report. Mr. Anderson explained the Mayor requested an update status report on the City's Technology Master Plan. Mr. Anderson noted that Wise Consulting Services originally developed the Technology Master Plan for the City in May 1996. In the document prepared by Wise Consulting, they identified twenty- three findings and recommendations, and to date City staff has implemented almost all of the twenty-three recommendations. Mr. Anderson stated it would be a perfect time to update the City's Technology Master Plan. An updated Plan would provide staff with direction for its technology program over the next few years. Mr. Anderson indicated staff is recommending preparing a Request For Proposal (RFP) to solicit proposals from firms to prepare the Technology Master Plan. Mayor Bogosain requested a broader report be prepared including such things • as telecommunications and Internet links connecting all schools, Civic Center, Businesses, etc., together. Councilmember Baker thought maybe there was a Saratoga resident interested in volunteering to help with the Technology Master Plan and possibly provide technical advice. Councilmember Baker suggested contacting the League of California Cities Association requesting any information they might have on the subject. Mr. Anderson indicated with this new direction from Council, Staff would prepare a more comprehensive report including all suggestions and concerns of the Council. 6. CITY'S USE OF PESTICIDES STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Informational only. Director Cherbone presented staff report. Director Cherbone indicated it was under the direction of the Council at the • October 4, 2000 City Council meeting that a report on pesticides used by the maintenance division throughout the year be done. 13 Director Cherbone explained the City of Saratoga does not use category 1 pesticides (high toxicity). The majority of pesticides that are currently used, approximately 84%, are considered category 3 (low toxicity) pesticides with the remainder being category 2 (moderate toxicity) pesticides. Director Cherbone noted City staff uses some pesticides as well as outside contractors. Councilmember Mehaffey noted pesticides that are used indoors were not mentioned in the report. Mayor Bogosiin directed staff to continue to investigate the use of internal pesticides used by the City and contractors and provide a report on the pesticides the contractors are using. Councilmember Waltonsmith requested a pesticide report be presented to Council on a yearly basis due to continuing upgrades in knowledge of side effects and changing types of pesticides. Mayor Bogosain declared a 10 minutes recess at 9:12 p.m. Mayor Bogosain reconvened the meeting at 9:25 p.m. and requested Item 7 be moved forward. 7. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR INCREASED TRAFFIC PATROL SERVICES STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution increasing traffic patrol services. Dave Anderson, City Manager, presented staff report. Mr. Anderson explained that due to the increased number of complaints regarding traffic related problems occurring in Saratoga the Public Safety Commission requested the Sheriff's Office to submit a proposal to increase traffic patrol resources. Mr. Anderson reported at the August meeting of the Commission, the Sheriff's Office presented a proposal for increased traffic patrol. The Public Safety Commission voted unanimously to recommend the increase in traffic patrol resources to the City Council. Fran Andreeson, Chair/Public Safety Commission, noted the main concern in the neighborhoods of Saratoga is speeding. Mr. Andreeson noted the Public Safety Commission voted unanimously to present the Sheriff's Office proposal to the City Council. Captain Miles supports expanding traffic enforcement hours due to the increase in collision rates and traffic patterns. 14 Captain Miles explained the difference between traffic enforcement in a car versus traffic enforcement on a motorcycle. Captain Miles summarized the two main issues regarding deployment of Traffic Deputy resources are based on SWITRS Accident Statistics and Commute/Congestion Patterns. SWITRS Accident Statistic deployment results in a day and swing shift coverage, seven days a week. Commute /Congestion Pattern deployment results weekday commute hour coverage, cover day and early evening hours. Captain Miles explained that currently the City of Saratoga contracts for two "traffic" deputies whose primary function is to handle traffic related issues, direct traffic enforcement, and the investigation of traffic accidents. In the event of an emergency or other Priority 1 calls, the traffic deputy can be used to respond and assist. Captain Miles presented three options for increasing traffic patrols in the City of Saratoga: 1. One additional deputy -weekly deployment. The addition of an additional motorcycle deputy deployed on weekday patrols would add coverage for morning and afternoon commuting hours, except for Friday morning. Under this option there would be no traffic coverage on weekends. The cost of this option would is $166,651.00 per year. 2. One additional traffic deputy - 7-day deployment. Under this option the additional deputy would allow the reassignment of the traffic car to Friday through Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. This deployment provides traffic coverage for the morning commutes Monday through Thursday and evening commutes for 5 weeknights. This cost of this option is $166,651.00. 3. Two additional traffic deputes. Under this option one traffic car and one motorcycle deputy would be added. All 5-weekday morning and evening commuting periods would be covered, and coverage would be provided on weekends in time normally associated with DUI's. An overlap of three deputies under this option occurs Mondays and Fridays. The cost of this option is $332,000.00. Councilmember Streit commented that Option 1 seems to have the tendency to cover more commute time and Option 2 concentrates on the prime accident hours. Councilmember Streit asked if the two plans could be combined together. • Captain Miles responded the options presented tried to cover all of the 15 residents concerns, which were commute, congestion, and traffic. Councilmember Waltonsmith questioned the response time to calls from the Sheriff's Department in Saratoga. Captain Miles responded there were two main types of calls: • Priority 1 -Life threatening calls. Average response time is 5 minutes. • Priority 2 -Urgent calls (not life threatening). Average response time is 11-11 %2 minutes. Councilmember Waltonsmith inquired about the use of photo radar. Lieutenant Gregory/Sheriff's Department presented a report. Lieutenant Gregory explained the various methods of operations and the use of photo radar machines in various other cities. He did not support the use of them. A discussion took place on the pros and cons of the use of photo radar machines. Mayor Bogosian directed staff to bring a report back to Council at a later date explaining the new technology on the use of photo radar machines. Councilmember Baker noted he supports the resolution increasing the patrol • services, but hesitates to pass it tonight without a supplemental report from the Finance Director explaining the impacts this increase of funds would have on the City's budget. Mayor Bogosian requested the Sheriff's Department come back in one year and provide the City Council with a program overview and status report. Consensus of the City Council to direct staff to do a budget analysis of the impact the three options, provided by Captain Miles, would have on the City's budget. Mayor Bogosian requested this item be placed on the City Council agenda for November 1, 2000 meeting. APPOINTMENT OF ONE (1) CITY COUNCILMEMBER TO SERVE ON THE GATEWAY TASK FORCE STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Appoint one (1) Councilmember to Task Force. Dave Anderson, City Manager, presented staff report. Mr. Anderson explained at the City Council Meeting of October 4, 2000, Councilmember Mehaffey suggested one (1) City Councilmember should be 16 appointed to the Gateway Task Force. Mayor Bogosian nominated Councilmember Mehaffey to be the Council representative on the Gateway Task Force. Consensus of the Council to appoint Councilmember Mehaffey to Gateway Task Force. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Councilmember Baker announced Mr. Louis Dorcich passed away on September 22, 2000. Councilmember Baker noted that Mr. Dorcich was a longtime Saratogan and had one of the last private fruit orchards in the City of Saratoga. Councilmember Baker requested the correspondence from Mr. David Dolloff, 20685 Segal Drive, be referred to the Public Safety Commission. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT None nTHF,R Richard Taylor, City Attorney, announced at the League of California Cities convention this month, one of the keynote speakers was from Laguna San Ignacio, Mexico. The • speaker thanked all the communities and organizations for the support in Laguna San Ignacio's campaign to prevent Mitsubishi Corporation from constructing a salt factory there. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Bogosian adjourned the meeting at 10:45 p.m. respectfully submitte . ~~ ~~ Teen Boyer,. it er r 1 U 17