HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-02-2007 City Council MinutesMINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 2, 2007
The City Council of the City of Saratoga cancelled the Closed Session due to request by
Legal Council.
Mayor Aileen Kao called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:OOPM and led
the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Jill Hunter, Kathleen King, Chuck Page, Vice
Mayor Ann Waltonsmith and Mayor Aileen Kao
ABSENT: None
ALSO
PRESENT: Dave Anderson, City Manager
Richard Taylor, City Attorney
Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk
Barbara Powell, Assistant City Manager
John Livingstone, Community Development Director
John Cherbone, Public Works Director
REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA
(Pursuant to Gov't. Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on
Apri127, 2007)
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC
None
Oral Communications on Non-Agendized Items
Two Saratoga residents addressed the Council voicing a concern over the increase in
rates from the new garbage collection service to selected residences.
Citizen Ray addressed the Council regarding the bicycle accident along Highway 9 at
Austin Way. He also presented a concept to combine financial resources with Monte
Sereno and Los Gatos to support a skate park.
Debbie Hanks, representing Saratoga Little League and AYSO, addressed the Council
thanking them for supporting the AYSO fundraiser and requested support for a new
fundraiser for shade covers for the park.
Marilyn White, advisor for the Memorial Day celebration, and Cindy Ruby, president of
the Foothill Club, addressed the Council. Ms. Ruby requested that the fee for hanging the
Saratoga Memorial Banner be waived. Ms. White announced the Memorial Day
celebration agenda for Monday, May 28, which begins at loam at the Plaza Arch and
concludes at Madronia Cemetery.
Oral Communications -Council Direction to Staff
Councilmember King commented about the garbage rate increase and suggested it
become an agendized item for a future Council meeting. Ms. King also suggested the
Traffic Safety Commission review the Hwy. 9 bicycle accident and requested the banner
request be agendized.
Vice Mayor Waltonsmith suggested that the skate park concept be discussed when the
Vice Mayors meet Friday, May 9th.
Communications from Boards and Commissions
Bill Hershman, from the Mountain Winery, addressed the Council with a report outlining
improvements planned for the site. The renovation will take place over two years. He
also announced that 2008 marks the 50th anniversary for concerts at the winery.
Council Direction to Staff
None
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Page announced that the billing cycle for the new garbage service is for a
three month period. He also announced that battery recycling will be starting at the City
Offices. Residential recycling garbage bins from the previous service will be picked up
by week's end.
Councilmember King announced the Saratoga Art Rotary Show at West Valley College
on Sunday, May 6th.
Councilmember Hunter announced the Pet Parade on May 19th from 10-12.
Mayor Kao announced a Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, May 6th from 8:00 -12:30 at
Saratoga High School.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
lA. COMMENDATION HONORING SACRED HEART CATHOLIC
SCHOOL'S TEAM IN THE "ODYSSEY OF THE MIND" WORLD
COMPETITION
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Present commendation.
Mayor Kao presented commendation to a group of six Sacred Heart students
representing the Odyssey of the Mind team.
1B. APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSION AND TRAFFIC SAFETY
COMMISSION MEMBERS AND OATH OF OFFICE
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Adopt resolution of appointment and administer Oath of Office.
2
RESOLUTION 07-026
WALTONSMITH/PAGE MOVED TO APPOINT TWO MEMBERS TO THE
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AND TWO MEMBERS TO THE
PLANNING COMMISSION. Approved 5-0-0
Susie Nagpal was appointed to Planning Commission
Linda Rogers was appointed to Planning Commission
Mitch Kane was appointed to Traffic Safety Commission
Judy Coulter was appointed to Traffic Safety Commission
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2A. PRESENTATION -ANGEL ISLAND FOUNDATION
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Informational only.
Daphne Kwong, representative of the Angel Island Foundation addressed the
Council with a short presentation about the Angel Island Foundation and the
history of Angel Island. She noted that the Foundation will be spending $15
million on restoration projects to be completed in 2008.
2B. VALLEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (VTA)
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Informational only.
Jim Lawson, Government Affairs Manager for the VTA, along with fellow staff
members, presented results of a VTA study, the biannual budget and a
comprehensive operations analysis. He noted the goals of the VTA are to reduce
congestion by increasing ridership and to operate more efficiency. They also
announced that while some routes within Saratoga will be eliminated, Community
buses at reduced rates within Saratoga and other townships are being considered.
CONSENT CALENDAR
3A. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -MARCH 21, 2007
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Approve minutes.
WALTONSMITH/KING MOVED TO APPROVE MINUTES OF MARCH 21,
2007. MOTION PASSED 5-0-0
3B. CHECK REGISTER FOR APRIL 17, 2007
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Accept check register.
WALTONSMITH/KING MOVED TO ACCEPT CHECK REGISTER FOR
APRIL 17, 2007. MOTION PASSED 5-0-0.
3C. LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT LLA-1;
PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF ENGINEERS REPORT & ADOPTION
OF RESOLUTION OF INTENTION FOR FY 07-08
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Adopt resolution granting preliminary approval of the Engineer's Report for FY
07-08; adopt Resolution of Intention.
RESOLUTION 07-025
RESOLUTION 07-024
Councilmember Page requested 3C be pulled for discussion.
Public Works Director, John Cherbone, presented an overview.
PAGE/KING MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION GRANTING
PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR FY
07-08 AND ADOPT RESOLUTION OF INTENTION. MOTION PASSED
5-0-0.
3D. 2006 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM -EXTENSION OF
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO RAILROAD CROSSING WORK AND
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY WORK
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Authorize an increase to the change order authority for an existing construction
contract with El Camino Paving, Inc. in the amount of $100,000.
WALTONSMITH/KING MOVED TO AUTHORIZE AN INCREASE TO THE
CHANGE ORDER AUTHORITY FOR AN EXISTING CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT WITH EL CAMINO PAVING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF
$100,000. MOTION PASSED 5-0-0.
3E. ADOPT RESOLUTION INCREASING THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS ON
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION FROM FIVE TO SEVEN MEMBERS
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Adopt resolution.
RESOLUTION 07-026
WALTONSMITH/KING MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION INCREASING
THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS ON TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
FROM FIVE TO SEVEN MEMBERS. MOTION PASSED 5-0-0.
4
3F. CITY OF SARATOGA USE AGREEMENT WITH LOS GATOS -
SARATOGA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Accept report and authorize City Manager to execute the Agreement for
Cooperative Program Planning and Use of Facilities with Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint
Union High School District.
Councilmember King pulled 3F for comment.
KING/PAGE MOVED TO ACCEPT REPORT AND AUTHORIZE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT FOR COOPERATIVE
PROGRAM PLANNING AND USE OF FACILITIES WITH LOS GATOS-
SARATOGA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT. MOTION
PASSED 5-0-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4. APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW APPLICATION NO. 07-017, WHICH WAS
APPROVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION ALLOWING
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TWO-STORY SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE AT 20865 WARDELL ROAD.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Conduct public hearing and deny the appeal affirming the Planning Commission
Design Review Approval issued on February 28, 2007.
RESOLUTION 07-023
Community Development Director, John Livingstone presented the project issues
brought up by the appellant; the height of the building, the driveway/road access
from the homes in the area to Wardell Road and the size and bulk of the structure.
Director Livingstone noted that the driveway was already approved as a prior
project and is not subject to being rescinded. He also commented that the height
approval is based on a new standard.
After Council discussion, the Mayor opened the hearing up for public comment.
The Appellant, Matt Christiano, addressed the Council reiterating his concerns
about the driveway, and the height and bulk of the proposed house. He presented
his viewpoints as well as a petition signed by neighbors in the immediate area.
The Applicant's spokesperson, Bart Hechtman, addressed the Council in favor of
denial of appeal.
Matt Christiano addressed the Council with a rebuttal.
Bart Hechtman declined rebuttal.
Mayor Kao closed the public hearing and opened the Council discussion.
5
After Council discussion, the Mayor closed the Council discussion.
WALTONSMITH/ KING MOVED TO DENY APPEAL OF DESIGN
REVIEW APPLICATION NO. 07-017. APPROVING THE PLANNING
COMMISSION'S DECISION ALLOWING CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
TWO-STORY SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE AT 20865 WARDELL
ROAD. MOTION PASSED 5-0-0.
Mayor Kao declared a 5 minute break at 9:OOpm.
Council reconvened at 9:OSpm.
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
CONSIDER INITIATING PREPARATION OF AN ORDINANCE TO
PROHIBIT BLIGHTED PROPERTY CONDITIONS AND PROVIDE
DIRECTION REGARDING CONSULTATION PROCESS.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Accept report and direct staff accordingly.
Legal Council Taylor presented the staff report.
Mayor Kao invited public comment and the following people addressed the
Council in favor of a Blight Ordinance:
Ms. Ruth Coburn
Dr. David Bench
Mayor Kao closed public comment.
Council directed staff to continue with preparation of Blight Ordinance to be
reviewed at a future Council meeting.
6. DIRECTION CONCERNING AGREEMENT WITH GLOBAL SIGNAL
ACQUISITIONS IV LLC/CROWN CASTLE
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Accept report and direct staff accordingly.
Assistant City Manager Barbara Powell presented the staff report.
Mayor Kao invited public comment; seeing none, the Mayor closed public
comment.
Council directed staff to negotiate a higher amount for a shorter term.
6
7. GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FOR LAND USE NEAR STREAMS AS
RECOMMENDED BY THE SANTA CLARA COUNTY VALLEY WATER
RESOURCES PROTECTION COLLABORATIVE
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Adopt resolution adopting the Guidelines and Standards for Land-Use Near
Streams as recommended by the Santa Clara Valley Water Resources Protection
Collaborative.
Community Development Director, John Livingstone presented the staff report.
Mayor Kao invited public comment.
Alan and Meg Giberson addressed the Council requesting an Ordinance to protect
Saratoga streams rather than the proposed Guideline and Standards.
Mayor Kao closed public comment.
RESOLUTION 07-028
KING/PAGE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE
GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FOR LAND-USE NEAR STREAMS AS
RECOMMENDED BY THE SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER
RESOURCES PROTECTION COLLABORATIVE. STAFF IS DIRECTED
TO BRING TO COUNCIL AFTER ONE YEAR FROM ADOPTION OF
THE RESOLUTION, A REPORT INDICATING THE NUMBER OF
PROJECTS SUBJECT TO THE GUIDELINES, EVALUATION OF THE
COMPLIANCE WITH THE GUIDELINES AND TO INCLUDE HOW
OTHER CITIES DEAL WITH SIMILAR CASES. MOTION PASSED 4-1-0
WITH WALTONSMITH OPPOSING.
Council direction to staff:
Council requested that staff add this topic to the list of items requiring
prioritization.
ADHOC & AGENCY ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
Mayor Aileen Kao
West Valley Mayors and Managers Association -focusing on finding a remedy to the
VTA routes that were cancelled.
City School AdHoc -met to come up with agreement
Vice Mayor Ann Waltonsmith -nothing to report
Councilmember Chuck Page
Chamber ofCommerce -moved monthly meetings to Thursdays.
Santa Clara County Cities Association-Joint Economic Development Policy Committee
(JEDPC).
West Valley Sanitation District -under contract for payroll.
West Valley Solid Waste Joint Powers Association -meeting next week to discuss.
various concerns. Recycling is up due to ease of recycling.
7
Councilmember Kathleen King
Santa Clara County Cities Association -future meeting planned for City Managers and
City Planning Directors. Trail is planned from Guadalupe Creek to the edge of Saratoga.
Valley Transportation Authority PAC -VTA report
City School AdHoc -Negotiating with Prospect High School to expand field use to
Saturday.
Prospect Road AdHoc -quotes for medians are underway.
Councilmember Jill Hunter
Library Joint Powers Association -met, discussed support of new bond measure.
Village AdHoc -Garden plan for historical park underway. An employee from Scott's
Fertilizer is providing supplies for the park project at no cost.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Councilmember King:
• Suggested agendizing a review of the policy for dedicating trees and benches.
• Suggested agendizing how City events should be handled with invitations, etc.
• Suggested Council form an Ad Hoc regarding the House Family request for a
private road.
Councilmember Page:
• Announced that he has been selected as a participant in the League of
California Cities Leadership Institute, August 22-24.
OTHER
Nothing
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Dave Anderson reported briefly about the annual Gonsalves Appreciation Day attended
by City Manager Anderson, Mayor Kao and several Council members. Various elected
State officials spoke on topics relevant to cities.
ADJOURNMENT
WALTONSMITH/PAGE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING.
MOTION PASSED 5-0-0.
There being no further business, Mayor Kao adjourned the Regular meeting at 10:30pm.
Respectfully submitted.
u Ivan, CMC
Acting City Clerk