Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ March 1, 2023 ~ Page 1 of 6
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2023
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
At 5:30 p.m., the City Council met to reconsider Jason Tseng and Isabelle Gecils for an unexpected vacancy for one partial term on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
WALIA/PAGE MOVED TO APPOINT ISABELLE GECILS TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR A PARTIAL -TERM ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: AFTAB, PAGE, WALIA, ZHAO, FI TZSIMMONS. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT:
NONE.
At 5:35 p.m., the City Council held interviews for the Planning Commission.
Vice Mayor Zhao stated she needed to recuse herself from the interview with Planning Commission applicant Manoj Goel because he is a potential business associate of her husband’s and left the room while the City Council conducted his interview and during his consideration as a candidate.
PAGE/WALIA MOVED TO RE APPOINT ANJALI KAUSAR TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A FULL-TERM ENDING MARCH 31, 2027. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: AFTAB, PAGE, WALIA, ZHAO, FITZSIMMONS. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
WALIA/ZHAO MOVED TO APPOINT PAUL GERMERAAD TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A FULL-TERM ENDING MARCH 31, 2027 . MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: AFTAB, PAGE, WALIA, ZHAO, FITZSIMMONS. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
Mayor Fitzsimmons called the Regular Session to order at 7:00 p.m.
FITZSIMMONS/ZHAO MOVED TO REORDER THE AGENDA TO PROCEED TO THE
RECOGNITION OF THE GIRL SCOUTS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: AFTAB, PAGE, WALIA, ZHAO, FITZSIMMONS. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE.
ABSENT: NONE.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Kookie Fitzsimmons, Vice Mayor Yan Zhao, Council Members Belal Aftab, Chuck Page, Tina Walia
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: James Lindsay, City Manager
Richard Taylor, City Attorney
Britt Avrit, City Clerk
Nick Pegueros, Administrative Services Director
John Cherbone, Public Works Director
David Dorcich, Associate Engineer
Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ March 1, 2023 ~ Page 2 of 6
Mainini Cabute, Environmental Programs Manager
Lauren Blom, Public Information Officer
REPORT ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA
The City Clerk reported the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on February 23, 2023.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
Mayor Fitzsimmons invited public comment.
The following individuals spoke at this time:
Razi Mohiuddin discussed privacy and mass as it relates to zoning and the City’s Design Guidelines.
Bill Dalton discussed staff pay and benefits.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Fitzsimmons shared information about Let’s Work Volunteer Day, St. Paddy’s Party, Paint the City and Commission Recruitments.
CEREMONIAL ITEM
Recognition of Girl Scouts of Saratoga
Recommended Action:
Present Certificates of Recognition to Girl Scouts of Saratoga to commend their volunteer efforts in receiving The President’s Volunteer Service Awards.
The City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to Girl Scouts of Saratoga and commended their volunteer efforts in receiving The President’s Volunteer Service Awards.
Proclamation Declaring March 2023 as Youth Art Month
Recommended Action:
Present the proclamation declaring March 2023 as Youth Art Month.
The City Council proclaimed March 2023 as Youth Art Month.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Fitzsimmons invited public comment on the Consent Calendar.
The following individuals spoke at this time: Bill Dalton
1.1. City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommended Action:
Approve the Minutes for the February 10, 2023 City Council Special Meeting and the February 15, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting.
Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ March 1, 2023 ~ Page 3 of 6
PAGE/AFTAB MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR THE FEBRUARY 10, 2023 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING AND THE FEBRUARY 15, 2023 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: AFTAB, PAGE, WALIA, ZHAO, FITZSIMMONS. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN:
NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
1.2. Review of Accounts Payable Check Registers
Recommended Action:
Review and accept check registers for the following accounts payable payment cycles:
2/7/23 Period 8; 2/13/23 Period 8.
PAGE/AFTAB MOVED TO REVIEW AND ACCEPT CHECK REGISTERS FOR THE FOLLOWING ACCOUNTS P AYABLE PAYMENT CYCLES:2/7/23 PERIOD 8; 2/13/23 PERIOD 8. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: AFTAB, PAGE, WALIA, ZHAO, FITZSIMMONS. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED:
NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
1.3. Treasurer’s Report for the Month Ended January 31, 2023 Recommended Action:
Review and accept the Treasurer’s Report for the month ended January 31, 2023.
PAGE/AFTAB MOVED TO REVIEW AND ACCEPT THE TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED JANUARY 31, 2023 . MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: AFTAB, PAGE , WALIA, ZHAO, FITZSIMMONS. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
1.4. Final Map Approval for Two Lots Located at 20615 Leonard Road Recommended Action:
Adopt the Resolution granting final map approval of parcel map application No. SUB22- 0002 for two lots located at 20615 Leonard Road (APN: 503 19 073).
RESOLUTION 23-010
PAGE/AFTAB MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION GRANTING FINAL MAP APPROVAL OF PARCEL MAP APPLICATION NO. SUB22 -0002 FOR TWO LOTS LOCATED AT 20615 LEONARD ROAD (APN: 503 19 073) . MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: AFTAB, PAGE, WALIA, ZHAO, FITZSIMMONS.
NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
1.5. Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program Agreement- Fourth Amendment
Recommended Action:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Fourth Amendment to the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP) Agreement.
2. Appoint the West Valley Clean Water Authority Executive Director as the SCVURPPP Representative for the City.
Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ March 1, 2023 ~ Page 4 of 6
PAGE/AFTAB MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE SANTA CLARA VALLEY URBAN RUNOFF
POLLUTION PREVENTION PROGRAM (SCVURPPP) AGREEMENT AND
APPOINT THE WEST VALLEY CLEAN WATER AUTHORITY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AS THE SCVURPPP REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE CITY. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: AFTAB, PAGE, WALIA, ZHAO, FITZSIMMONS. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT:
NONE.
2. GENERAL BUSINESS
2.1. Review of projects subject to Public Resources Code section 4290 concerning development in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Recommended Action:
Adopt the Resolution establishing a process for review of development applications subject to Public Resources Code section 4290 concerning development in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
Richard Taylor, City Attorney presented the staff report.
Mayor Fitzsimmons invited public comment.
The following indivi duals spo ke at this t ime: Stan Bogosian, Bill Dalton, Nancy Lietzke, Sukhinder Sahot a, Glenda Aune, Mike Smi th, Harry & Rosemary Wong, Mohini , Gary Kohlsaat, Litsung, Cheriel Jensen
WALIA MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A PROCESS
FOR REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS SUBJECT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 4290 CONCERNING DEVELOPMENT IN VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES AMENDING THE ‘NOW THEREFORE’ SENTENCE IN THE RESOLUTION TO INCLUDE “THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SARATOGA HEREBY DETERMINES THAT APPLICATIONS FOR
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES (INCLUDING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES) ON EXISTING LOTS ON EXISTING ROADS
THAT DO NOT REQUIRE CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS IN THE VERY HIGH
FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE SUBJECT TO THE FIRE SAFE REGULATIONS SHALL BE PROCESSED AS FOLLOWS…”
Motion failed for lack of a second.
Additional discussion took place.
Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ March 1, 2023 ~ Page 5 of 6
PAGE MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A PROCESS FOR
REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS SUBJECT TO PUBLIC
RESOURCES CODE SECTION 4290 CONCERNING DEVELOPMENT IN VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES AMENDING THE ‘NOW THEREFORE’ SENTENCE IN THE RESOLUTION TO INCLUDE “THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SARATOGA HEREBY DETERMINES THAT APPLICATIONS FOR
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES (INCLUDING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES) ON EXISTING LOTS ON EXISTING ROADS
IN THE VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE SUBJECT TO THE FIRE SAFE REGULATIONS SHALL BE PROCESSED AS FOLLOWS…”
Motion failed for lack of a second.
Additional discussion took place.
RESOLUTION 23-011
WALIA/PAGE MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A
PROCESS FOR REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS SUBJECT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 4290 CONCERNING DEVELOPMENT IN VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES AMENDING THE ‘NOW THEREFORE’ SENTENCE IN THE RESOLUTION TO READ “ THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA HEREBY DETERMINES THAT
APPLICATIONS FOR SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES (INCLUDING
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES) ON
EXISTING LOTS ON EXISTING ROADS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT UNRELATED TO THE RESIDENTIAL USE IN THE
VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE SUBJECT TO THE FIRE SAFE REGULATIONS SHALL BE PROCESSED AS FOLLOWS… ”
2.2. Mid-year Budget Amendment
Recommended Action:
Adopt the Resolution amending the 2022-23 City Council adopted budget.
Nick Pegueros, Administrative Services Director presented the staff report.
Mayor Fitzsimmons invited public comment.
No one requested to speak.
RESOLUTION 23-012
ZHAO/WALIA MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2022 -23 CITY COUNCIL ADOPTED BUDGET . MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: AFTAB, PAGE, WALIA, ZHAO, FITZSIMMONS. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ March 1, 2023 ~ Page 6 of 6
COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS
Council Member Tina Walia
Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority Board of Directors – stated she attended two Committee meetings for Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority; the Executive Committee and the Finance and Administrative Committee meeting with nothing to report.
Council Member Chuck Page
Nothing to report
Council Member Belal Aftab
Saratoga Historical Foundation Board of Directors – stated the Foundation will be holding a fundraiser on July 22, 2023 and the Blacksmith exhibit is expected to be open in the next couple of months.
Vice Mayor Yan Zhao
Nothing to report
Mayor Kookie Fitzsimmons
Hakone Foundation Executive Board - stated the Mon project is expected to be complete on March 2, 2023, the upper pathway is nearly complete, and tickets for Hanami, the night viewing event of the cherry blossoms, will go on sale soon.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
None
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
None
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
None
ADJOURNMENT
PAGE/WALIA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:0 9 P.M. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: AFTAB, PAGE, WALIA, ZHAO, FITZSIMMONS.
NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Britt Avrit, City Clerk
City of Saratoga