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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-01-2005 City Council Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL JUNE 1,2005 The City Council of the City of Saratoga held a Joint Session with the Saratoga-Monte Sereno Community Foundation (SMSCF) in the Administrative Conference Room, 13777 Fruitva1e Avenue, at 5:30 p.m. The following Board members were present: Tracy Enfantino, Clarence Stone, and Jeff Schwartz. Ms. Enfantino explained the following regarding the Foundation: . Received their 501c3 status in February 2005 . Under the umbrella of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. . Consists of 7 board members and 75 members . Expenses under $20,000 . Considering purchasing accounting software . 1 year anniversary approaching . New focus on arts and cultural activities and grants Mr. Stone explained a recent grant that was given to East Field Ming Quang. Mr. Stone also described the recent event held at the home of Wanda Kownacki. Mayor King thanked the Foundation for attending tonight's meeting. The City Council met in Closed Session in the Administrative Conference Room, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, at 6:30 p.m. Conference with Legal Counsel- Initiation of Litigation (Gov't Code 54956.9(c): (1 potential case) Conference With Legal Counsel- Existing Litigation (Gov't Code Section 54956.9(c): (1 case) - Thompson Pacific Construction v. City of Saratoga (Santa Clara County Superior Court Action No. 104 CV02l639) Mayor King called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and requested that Citizen Ray lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT: ALSO PRESENT: Councilmembers Aileen Kao, Nick Streit, Ann Waltonsmith, Vice Mayor Norman Kline, Mayor Kathleen King None Dave Anderson, City Manager Lorie Tinfow, Assistant City Manager Richard Taylor, City Attorney Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk Michele Braucht, Administrative Services Director John Livingstone, Community Development Director John Cherbone, Public Works Director Joan Pisani, Recreation Director REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR JUNE 1. 2005 Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting of June 1, 2005 was properly posted on May 27,2005. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS The following people requested to speak at tonight's meeting: Citizen Ray thanked Director Cherbone for his efforts in regards to the Highway 9 Safety Improvement Project. Citizen Ray stated that the in two weeks the Public Works Directors of Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and Saratoga were meeting to move forward on additional improvements. Norman Siegler referred to a recent article in the Saratoga News regarding a site visit that was scheduled at the property located at 19848 Prospect Road (North Campus). Mr. Siegler stated that he feels the citizens have not been given enough notice for this site visit. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF Responding to Mr. Siegler's concerns, City Manager Anderson explained that neighbors within 500 feet of the property were noticed ofthe site visit. City Manager Anderson stated that this site visit was not intended to be a general public meeting but a neighborhood meeting to gather comments and concerns of the neighbor directly affected by the proj ect. City Attorney Taylor added that a public notice would be sent out when the General Plan amendment comes before the City Council later this SUlllffier. COMMUNICATIONS FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Jeff Schwartz noted that he was representing the Saratoga Monte Sereno Community Foundation Board. Mr. Schwartz noted that the Board met with the City Council earlier this evening to update them on the Boards recent accomplishments and future plans. Mr. Schwartz noted that the Foundation has raised approximately $104,000. Mr. Schwartz noted that grants were available through the Foundation and the application was on their website- www.smscf.org. . COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF None ANNOUNCEMENTS None CEREMONIAL ITEMS None 2 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS None CONSENT CALENDAR 2A REVIEW OF CHECK REGISTER STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve check register. KLINE/W ALTONSMITH MOVED TO APPROVE CHECK REGISTER. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2B ANNUAL APPROVAL OF THE CITY'S INVESTMENT POLICY STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Investment Policy for the Fiscal Year 2005-2006. KLINE/W ALTONSMITH MOVED TO APPROVE INVESTMENT POLICY. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2C FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006 APPROPRIATION LIMIT STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution. RESOLUTION: 05-040 KLINE/W AL TONSMITH MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006 APPROPRIATION LIMIT. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2D SUPPLEMENT AL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUNDS (SLESF) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution. RESOLUTION: 05-036 KLINE/W ALTONSMITH MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUED USE OF THE FUNDS AS A SOURCE OF FUNDS FOR ADDITIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 3 2E SEAGULL WAY TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROJECT - NOTICE OF COMPLETION STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept Notice of Completion. KLINE/W AL TONSMITH MOVED TO ACCEPT NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE SEAGULL WAY TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROJECT. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2F CONGRESS SPRINGS PARK VERTICAL BYPASS PROJECT -NOTICE OF COMPLETION STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept Notice of Completion. KLINE/W ALTONSMITH MOVED TO ACCEPT NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE CONGRESS SPRINGS PARK VERTICAL BYPASS PROJECT. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2G COUNCIL RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL OF TDA ARTICLE GRANT FUNDING PROGRAM FOR THE COX AVENUE RAILROAD CROSSING UPGRADE PROJECT, AND DELEGATE AUTHORITY TO CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE FUNDING AGREEMENTS FOR THIS GRANT STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution; Authorize City Manager to execute funding agreements. RESOLUTION: 05-035 KLINE/W ALTONSMITH MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORING THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION THROUGH TDA ARTICLE 3 FUNDING PROGRAM FOR THE COX AVENUE RAILROAD CROSSING UPGRADE PROJECT AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR THE GRANT WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. MOTION ASSED 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. APPEAL OF A PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION TO APPROVE A CONDITION USE PERMIT APPLICATION TO INSTALL THREE PANEL ANTENNAS, AN EMERGENCY GENERATOR, AND AN UNCOVERED EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE AT THE LOCATION OF AN EXISTING UTILITY LATTICE TOWER NEAR AZULE CROSSING ALONG RAILROAD TRACKS - VERIZON WIRELESS 4 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Conduct the public hearing; adopt resolution. RESOLUTION: 05-038 Christy Oosterhous, Associate Planner, presented staff report. Planner Oosterhous explained that at a public hearing held on April 13, 2005 the Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit application to install three panel antennas, an emergency generator, and an uncovered equipment enclosure. Planner Oosterhous pointed out that at the April 20, 2005 City Council meeting, the Council directed the City Clerk to initiate the proceedings pursuant to City Code section 15-90.065 for review by the City Council of the decision made by the Planning Commission in April 13, 2005 to approve the Use Permit application 04- 065. Planner Oosterhous stated that to address concerns regarding safety, the applicant has revised the proposal from an uncovered fence enclosure to a small building with a pitched roof. In regards to the landscaping concerns, Planner Oosterhous explained that the applicant would install and maintain the landscaping and landscaping improvements in accord with the Landscape Plan submitted with the application. The applicant shall also secure the performance of the installation and maintenance obligation by providing security in the form of a cash deposit of $2,500. Mayor King opened the public hearing and invited public comments. The following people requested to speak on this item: Karen McPherson, representing Verizon Wireless, stated that she is satisfied with the conditions the City's Attorney has proposed. Citizen Ray recommended that the City adopt the City of Orinda's cell tower ordinance. Mayor King closed the public hearing. STREIT/KLINE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION GRANTING THE APPEAL, WHICH REOUlRES MODIFICATIONS TO THE APPROVED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR 12383 SARATOGA SUNNYVALE ROAD. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 5 4. LANDSCAPING & LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT LLA-l- PUBLIC HEARING, APPROVAL OF ENGINEER'S REPORT, AND CONFIRMATION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR FY 05-06 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Open public hearing and adopt resolution ordering the improvements and confirming the diagram and assessments for FY 05-06. RESOLUTION: 05-037 John Cherbone, Public Works Director, presented staff report. Mayor King opened the public hearing and invited public comments. Seeing none, Mayor King closed the public hearing. KLINE/W ALTONSMITH MOVED TO APPROVE THE ENGINEER'S REPORT, AND CONFIRMATION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR FY 05-06 FOR LLA-l. MOTION PASSED 5-0. OLD BUSINESS 5. KEVIN MORAN PARK (KMP) IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - SCHEDULE STAFF RECOMMENDATION: 1. Provide direction regarding the timeline for the Kevin Moran Park Improvement Project public input process. 2. Reconstitute the Kevin Moran Park Council AdHoc Committee. John Cherbone, Public Works Director presented staff report. Director Cherbone explained the background ofKMP. Director Cherbone noted that on July 21,2004 the City awarded a consulting contract to MPA Design for professional design services for the park project. Subsequently, a Task Force was appointed by the Council to hold public input meetings with the community. The first Community Meeting was held on July 28, 2004 and was very well attended by the KMP neighborhood residents. It was clear from the input received from the community that inclusion of flat grass for soccer, a restroom, and a parking lot were not the neighborhood's vision of how the park should be developed. Director Cherbone noted that on August 4,2004 the Council directed staff to suspend the project so that additional research and options for flat grass at other locations in the City could be explored. Subsequently, a letter indicating Council's direction was mailed to the KMP neighborhood residents on August 6th. 6 Director Cherbone noted that at the May 18th Council meeting, residents.from the KMP neighborhood asked Council to delay the re-start of the KMP pubhc process until October 5 2005. Because the request came under oral communications the Council was n~t able to discuss the request in any detail. Council directed staff to agendize the issue for June 1, 2005. Director Cherbone noted that at this time staff is prepared to move forward with the preparation of a report outlining a public input process and timeline for the KMP project. Staff requests direction from Council regarding the schedule for submission of a report which would include the following: . The full history regarding the development of KMP. . Reconstitution of the KMP task Force to include more neighborhood participation . Park use designation (i.e. Community vs. neighborhood park issues) . Other flat grass opportunities in the City including West Valley College and other school campuses. Councihnember Streit requested that he be removed from the Kevin Moran AdHoc Committee. Vice Mayor Kline asked why the neighbors requested that the next discussion regarding KMP be scheduled to October. Director Cherbone explained that the neighbors felt that due to SUlllffier vacations and the start of a new school year, it would be too difficult for citizens to participate in meetings. Mayor King noted that there was several request form the public to speak on this item. Laura Watkins noted that she has three children with a total of 19 years with CYSA and A YSO. Ms. Watkins stated that there is a need for flat grass in the City of Saratoga. Ms. Watkins stated that CYSA has requested that they be allowed to send a representative to join the KMP Task Force. Deb Dimaria commented that soccer fields at KMP would be disastrous to he neighborhood. Nicholas Dimaria stated that he has played for A YSO. Mr. Dimaira stated that he does not support soccer fields at KMP. Neil Newman noted that this process has been going on for the past 28 years. Mr. Newman stated that the neighborhood has requested that the City leave the park as is. 7 Debbie Lillo noted that the DeAnza League A YSO is in danger of loosing their field use in the City of Cupertino. Mr. Lillo stated that for many y~ars there has been an ongoing battle between Council and neighborhoods regardmg the use of flat grass for soccer, and the Councilmembers always back down. Phyllis Newman stated that KMP is a neighborhood park not a community park. Ms. Newman stated that she is opposed to soccer fields at this park. James Williamson stated that he is opposed to soccer fields at KMP' Narash Kapoor noted that he has three children that play soccer. Mr. Kapoor stated that the City Council should not entirely focus just on soccer, but must consider all sports that could utilize flat grass such as like frisbee, volleyball, and lacrosse. Mr. Kapoor noted that he has reviewed the minutes and noticed that two Councilmembers have strong opinions on the use ofKMP. Bob Alley stated that his house was directly across the street from KMP' Mr. Alley requested that the City do an EIR and traffic study. Mr. Alley stated that he is not opposed to the development of the park but doesn't feel soccer fields are appropriate. Howard Miller stated that 1,200 Saratoga children registered with A YSO last season. Mr. Miller requested that the City create a process in order to hear everyone's comments. Teresa Lorenzen noted that she lives across from the park and stated that she agrees that the City should wait until October for further discussions regarding KMP. Nicholas Lorenzen stated that he is opposed to soccer fields at KMP. Sandy Cross stated that soccer fields at KMP are not compatible with the neighborhood. Ms. Cross pointed out that the traffic in her neighborhood was already bad. Barbara Barone stated that traffic is already bad in the neighborhood around KMP. Ms. Barone stated that the orchard trees create a buffer from the noise from Highway 85. Mary Robertson stated that the she supports the process to start in October. Ms Robertson explained a situation of an autistic child in the neighborhood who visits KMP frequently. Ms. Robertson stated that the child's mother has expressed her concerns regarding the possible changes in the park. Keith Bratia noted that he has lived in the KMP neighborhood with his family for three years. Mr. Bratia stated that KMP is a neighborhood park and the City should leave it as is. 8 Jules Farago stated that the streets around KMP are not wide enough to support an increase in parking and traffic. Grallam Mostyn requested that the City Council listen to the neighbors and leave KMP as is. Mr. Mostyn stated that the neighborhood around KMP has no sidewalk and would be dangerous if the traffic were increased. Karlina Ott stated that her son died last year. Ms. Ott pointed out that when he was alive and played soccer he never once practiced at any Saratoga parks. Ms. Ott stated that her taxes help support KMP and asked when does she get to use the park. Mary Ann Escobar stated that she has lived in Saratoga since 1963 and supports soccer fields at KMP. Ed Rogers noted that he moved to the KMP neighborhood six years ago. Mr. Rogers stated that if soccer field go into KMP he would sell his house. Marty Goldberg requested that the process for KMP be open forum with public participation. Ken McKenzie stated that his family would like to adopt some of the orchard to maintain and suggested that KMP be developed for multiple uses. David Mighdoll stated that Saratoga children who play soccer have to practice in other cities. Mr. Mighdoll stated that KMP is a community park, paid for by Saratoga resident's taxes. Mr. Mighdoll stated that everyone should be able to use KMP. Mayor King thanked the speakers. Referring to the Council KMP AdHoc Committee, Vice Mayor Kline stated that he is dedicated to be a neutral as possible - his children do not play soccer and he doesn't live near KMP. Vice Mayor Kline stated that the intention oftonight's agenda item was not to discuss the merits for or against soccer fields at KMP, the item placed on the agenda tonight was to discuss the timeline to begin the process to develop the park. In regards to the Council Ad Hoc, Vice Mayor Kline noted that the Ad Hoc should not be setting policy or driving issues, it should be setting up the framework for the process. The AdHoc should try and negotiate a solution in which everyone is happy. Vice Mayor Kline suggested that both sides choose a leader to represent them in the process. Vice Mayor Kline noted that the Ad Hoc should work through the SUlllffier with staff and put together the process to begin on September 15, 2005 and put together 20-25 people to form a committee and discuss the issues. 9 Counci1member Streit stated that he supports agendizing KMP for discussion on September 15, 2005. Councihnember Streit suggested that the AdHoc .and Ta~k Force work throughout the SUlllffier and the Council hold special meetmgs strIctly to discuss KMP in September of October. Councilmember Streit .stated ~at he feels that the Council owes it to the entire city, based on the emalls receIved, to find out what the whole city wants not just what the neighbors around the park want. Councihnember Kao thanked everyone for attending tonight's meeting and volunteered to replace Councilmember Streit on the Council AdHoc. Councihnember Kao stated that she doesn't have children who play soccer and can listen to both sides with an open mind. Councilmember Koa reiterated that fact that the Council does not meet behind closed doors to discuss issues - it would be in violation of the Brown Act. Councihnember Waltonsmith stated she feels October is a little late to start the process. Councihnember Waltonsmith stated that the North Campus has flat grass that could be utilized for organized sports, but unfortunately the Council has decided to sell it, which will put more pressure on the remaining flat grass in the City. Councihnember Waltonsmith stated that the Ad Hoc should be given a chance to develop a process and some options. Mayor King stated that she is offended that citizens think the Council is making decisions behind closed doors. Mayor King stated that she feels the entire process should be open to the public and the AdHoc and Task Force should be cancelled. Mayor King stated that soccer is not the only sport that needs flat grass. Vice Mayor Kline stated that all meetings are open to the public, the issue is what is functional and can we have a nice discussion at a City Council meeting. Vice Mayor Kline stated that it's impossible to do it that way. Functionally, you need to be able to roll up your sleeves and look at plans and find compromise. Vice Mayor Kline noted that he would like to offer a compromise and stated that all Ad Hoc minutes and reports be posted to the website so everyone who has an interest can follow the process alone. Counci1member Streit stated that the KMP issue has two huge differences of opinions on the development ofthe park. The Council needs to make a decision by the first meeting in December one way or another. Councihnember Streit stated he is willing to give the AdHoc and the Task Force a chance to come up with a compromise or a solution. Councihnember Waltonsmith stated that she agrees with Councihnember Streit. KLINE/STREIT MOVED TO: . REPLACE COUNCILMEMBER STREIT WITH COUNCILMEMBER KAO ON THE KMP ADHOC COMMITTEE . DIRECT THE ADHOC COMMITTEE TO BEGIN THE PROCESS AND CHOOSE THE TASK FORCE MEMBERS TO BEGIN NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 15TH - 2 CITY COUNCIL, 3 NEIGHBORHOOD, 2 USER GROUPS, AND 2 AT LARGE 10 . POST ALL REPORTS, MINUTES AND ACTION ITEMS ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE MOTION PASSED 5-0. Mayor King called for a recess at 9: 15 p.m. Mayor King reconvened the meeting at 9:30 p.m. 6. PRESENTATION BY JACK MALLORY OF THE CITIZEN'S COMMITTEE TO SAVE THE NORTH CAMPUS STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly. John Cherbone, Public Works Director, presented staff report. Director Cherbone stated that at the May 18, 2005 City Council meeting, Jack Mallory Chairman of the Citizen's Committee to Save the North Campus requested that the City delay the sale of City owned property locate at 19848 Prospect Road for one year. Because the request came under oral communications the City Council was not able to discuss the request in any detail. City Council directed staff to agendize the issue for the next meeting on June 1 st for discussion. Jack Mallory noted that he was the Chair for the Citizen Committee to Save the North Campus. Mr. Mallory stated that when the City purchased the property, the Council told Grace Methodist them that the property would be used for public uses. Mr. Mallory read the City's vision statement and stated that saving the North Campus fits the vision of Saratoga. Mr. Mallory stated that the Committee has 25 members and they have received in pledges and real money approximately $50,000. Mr. Mallory stated that they also received a donation of$5,000 worth of adverting. Mr. Mallory pointed out the Committee would be holding an "Open House" at the North Campus on June 12, 2005. Mr. Mallory explained to the Council that achieving their goal would take time and requested that the City wait until June 30, 2006 to sell the property. Mr. Mallory also requested that they be allowed to erect a sign on the property signifying that it is was the North Campus. Mr. Mallory stated that if the City agrees to wait one year to sell the property the Committee promises to: 1. Pay for the cost of the maintenance of the property 2. Continue fundraising with the goal to raise $6.5 million Aki Okuno noted that she was a 47 year resident of Saratoga. Ms. Okuno stated that she was a member of Grace Methodist Church when the City purchases the property. Ms. Okuno stated that the Church members were under the impression that the City would use the property for public uses. Mary Smith stated that after listening to the comments regarding KMP she thinks more people could utilize the property - not just the seniors. 11 Stan Bogosian stated that he was on the Council when the propert~ was purchased. Mr. Bogosian stated that he supports selling the property and puttl~g. the money back into the City's General Fund. Mr. Bogosian noted that the ongma1 reason for purchasing the property was to move the Senior.~enter there and relocate the Sheriffs Office at the current Senior Center facIhty. Unfortunately, . Councilmember Bogosian stated that it did not work out as planned. Mr. BogosIan stated that when the property was purchased there was not a Council consensus of the use. Sue Mallory noted that she has lived in Saratoga for 38 years. Mrs. Mallory urged the Council to give the Committee a chance to raise the funds to save the property. Francis Srutzman recalled the time when he was on the City Council and was faced with ruff decisions. Mr. Srutzman stated that the City told the Church that the property would be used for public purposes. Carol Mauldin noted that she has been a resident in Saratoga for 30 years. Ms. Maudlin stated that if the City sells the North Campus the Council would be selling out the community. Jeff Schwartz noted that he supports keeping the North Campus for one year and suggested that the City conduct a survey to find out with where the community is on this issue. Mayor King thanked the speakers. Councilmember Waltonsmith stated that Council should give the citizens a chance to weigh in on the options for the North Campus other than selling it. In her opinion Saratoga doesn't need nine more upscale houses. In her mind the City bought the property from the Church promising we would use it for public service. The Church gave the City a good price trusting the City would use it for the community. Councilmember Kao that the last time we discussed this item there has been an outpour of support to keep the property. Councilmember Kao stated at that time she wanted to hold the property for one year while looking at other options. Councilmember Kao stated that she recommends allowing the citizens one year to look at options and raise funds and ifin one year there's no other option, the property should be sold. Councilmember Kao stated that even though the City doesn't have a written agreement with the church, they trusted the City to use the property for community uses. Councilmember Streit stated that he supports going forward with the sale of the property. Councilmember Streit briefly reminded everyone the original intent when the property was purchased. Councilmember Streit stated that the City bought the property free and clear without any obligation to use as a public facility. Councihnember Streit stated that he feels the money should go back into the General Fund to continue to supports the infrastructure and public safety contract. 12 Vice Mayor Kline stated that he has read the minutes from the City Council meeting when the property was purchased and sta~ed ~at it ",:,as rushed through the process. Vice Mayor Kline pointed out that the City dId not mspect the property properly before it was purchased and learne~ ?n1~ aft~r that the pro'perty would cost a lot of money to remodel in order to utIl1ze It. VIce Mayor K1me stated that. he supports the sale of the property to go forward. Vice Mayor Kline noted that If someone offered the senior $4.5 million dollars to buy the property he would consider it. Mayor King noted that she went through the appraisal and noted that the three properties that the appraiser compared the church property to did not make sense. You can't compare church property to commercial property. Mayor King stated that she would like another appraisal done. Referring to open space, Mayor King stated that the City has a lot of open space and provided examples. Mayor King stated in order to maintain the City's streets and roads; the property on Prospect Road needs to be sold and move forward with the original plan. Mayor King asked City Attorney Taylor if the Council would need to take the highest bid when the property is put on the market. City Attorney Taylor responded that ifit is in the best interest of the community, the Council could take the lowest bid. A discussion took place to the fact that the property located 19848 Prospect Road has never officially been named the "North Campus". King, Kline, and Streit agreed to move forward in selling the property. Kao and Waltonsmith opposed. 7. CITY'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly. Joan Pisani, Recreation Director, presented staff report. Director Pisani explained that the City was incorporated on October 22, 1956, and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2006. If the City intends to commemorate this occasion, however big or small, planning needs to begin soon. Director Pisani explained the City's 25th anniversary celebration. Director Pisani explained that ideally, the celebration should be structured so it is an all-volunteer effort with minimal City staff involvement. Director Pisani stated that staff recommends appointing a Chairperson and then recruit people to be on a steering committee. Once the committee is formed they could develop a celebration plan with a list of proposed programs and special events. After a tentative schedule is established, community service groups and organization could be recruited to take responsibility for individual events. 13 Director Pisani explained stated that if a group agrees to sponsor an event perhaps they would also fund it. Director Pisani recommended that once the celebration plan is established, a budget should be developed. Director Pisani noted that she has talked to several people who have expressed interest in helping with the 50th Anniversary commemoration and noted that she would be willing to get this event off the ground and provide minimal support throughout the coming year. Mayor King thanked Director Pisani for her report. City Council directed staff to return to Council on June 15,2005 with a starns report. NEW BUSINESS 8. USE OF REMAINING 2004-05 COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FUNDS FOR STAFF BONUSES STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly. Lorie Tinfow, Assistant City Manager, presented staff report. Assistant City Manager Tinfow explained that at the May 18, 2005 meeting, Councilmember Streit proposed using a portion of the remaining Council Contingency to provide $1,000 bonuses to employees in appreciation of staffs quality performance and contribution towards bridging budget shortfalls. In 2003- 04, staff received only a 1.4% salary increases and in 2004-05, 2% salary increases; all other forms of employee compensation were frozen. For 2005-06, compensation varies between employees groups but in all cases continues to be substantially less than offered by other cities and less than offered in Saratoga prior to 2003. Assistant City Manager Tinfow offered suggestions for implementation if Council decides to move forward with the proposal. Counci1member Kao stated that she didn't support the use ofthe contingency funds for this purpose, especially with budget shortfalls. STREIT/KLINE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE USE OF THE REMAINING FY 04-05 COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FUNDS FOR STAFF BONUSES AS SUGGESTED I N THE STAFF REPORT. MOTION PASSED 4-1 WITH KAO OPPOSING. 14 ADHOC & AGENCY ASSIGNMENT REPORTS Mayor Kathleen King reported the following information: .' . West Val1ev Mavors and Managers Association - continued the dISCussIon of annexatIOn with Peter Kutro. Vice Mayor Norman Kline reported the following information: . Countv Cities Association Leg. Task Force - suggested that the Mayor or CIty Manager attend these meetings. Village AdHoc - completed/remove from list. Design Review AdHoc - completed/remove from list. Councilmember Nick Streit reported the following information: West Vallev Solid Waste Joint Powers Association - reached a tentative understanding with the disposal contract that the JP A would not go forward with the contract if the City of San Jose doesn't agree to freeze their tax of$19.05. West Vallev Sanitation District- the Board and the Town of Los Gatos are not in agreement in regards to the purchase price of their system. Councilmember Aileen Kao reported the following information: Chamber of Commerce - hired a new Executive Director, Kathy Phelan, who is reaching out to promote their membership. Councilmember Ann Waltonsmith had no reportable information. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Referring to the last Planning Commission meeting, Counci1member Streit suggested to his colleagues that they review the tape. OTHER None CITY MANAGER'S REPORT None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business Mayor King adjourned the meeting at 11 :45 p.m. 15