Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ May 7, 2025 ~ Page 1 of 9
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Aftab called the Regular Session to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Belal Aftab, Vice Mayor Chuck Page, Council Members Kookie Fitzsimmons, Tina Walia
ABSENT: Council Member Yan Zhao
ALSO PRESENT: Matt Morley, City Manager
Richard Taylor, City Attorney
Leslie Arroyo, Assistant City Manager
John Cherbone, Public Works Director
Bryan Swanson, Community Development Director
Ryan Hinchman, Administrative Services Director
Britt Avrit, City Clerk
REPORT ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA
The City Clerk reported the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on May 2, 2025.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON- AGENDIZED ITEMS; IN -PERSON
ATTENDEES
None
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Aftab shared information about Village Design Standards Community Meeting, Youth in Government and the Blossom Festival.
Council Member Fitzsimmons shared information about the Firewise Community meeting.
CEREMONIAL ITEM
Proclamation Declaring May 2025 as Affordable Housing Month Recommended Action:
Declare May 2025 as Affordable Housing Month
The City Council declared May 2025 as Affordable Housing Month
Mayor Aftab invited public comment.
No one requested to speak.
Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ May 7, 2025 ~ Page 2 of 9
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Aftab invited public comment.
No one requested to speak.
1.1. City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and Approve the Minutes for the April 16, 2025, City Council Meeting.
FITZSIMMONS/AFTAB MOVED TO REVIEW AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR THE APRIL 16, 2025, CITY COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: ZHAO.
1.2. Accounts Payable Check Registers
Recommended Action:
Review and accept the 04/09/2025, 04/18/2025, and 04/23/2025 accounts payable vendor payment check registers.
FITZSIMMONS/AFTAB MOVED TO REVIEW AND ACCEPT THE 04/09/2025, 04/18/2025, AND 04/23/2025 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE VENDOR PAYMENT CHECK REGISTERS. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES:
FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED:
NONE. ABSENT: ZHAO.
1.3. Treasurer’s Report for the Month Ended March 31, 2025 Recommended Action:
Review and accept the Treasurer’s Report for the month ended March 31, 2025.
FITZSIMMONS/AFTAB MOVED TO REVIEW AND ACCEPT THE TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED MARCH 31, 2025. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: ZHAO.
1.4. Authorization to Write Off Bad Debt
Recommended Action:
Authorize write off bad debt totaling $3,197.00 as of March 31, 2025.
FITZSIMMONS/AFTAB MOVED TO AUTHORIZE WRITE OFF BAD DEBT TOTALING $3,197.00 AS OF MARCH 31, 2025. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: ZHAO.
1.5. Amended and Restated Funding Agreement with Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) for the 2016 Measure B Bicycle & Pedestrian Education and Encouragement Program
Recommended Action:
Authorize the City Manager to execute this Amended and Restated Funding Agreement with Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) for the 2016 Measure B Bicycle & Pedestrian Education and Encouragement Program.
Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ May 7, 2025 ~ Page 3 of 9
FITZSIMMONS/AFTAB MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH
SANTA CLARA VALLEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (VTA) FOR THE 2016 MEASURE B BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN EDUCATION AND
ENCOURAGEMENT PROGRAM. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE.
RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: ZHAO.
1.6. New PG&E Easement in Parking District #1, East of 4th Street Recommended Action:
Approve a Grant of Easement Deed for an electric line easement to PG&E within APN 503- 24-016 in Parking District #1, east of 4th Street.
FITZSIMMONS/AFTAB MOVED TO APPROVE A GRANT OF EASEMENT DEED FOR AN ELECTRIC LINE EASEMENT TO PG&E WITHIN APN 503 -24-016 IN PARKING DISTRICT #1, EAST OF 4TH STREET. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: ZHAO.
1.7. Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District LLA-1; Preliminary Approval of Engineer's Report and Adoption of Resolution of Intention for FY 2025-26 for Annexation of New Zone (Carnelian Glen - Zone 33A) to the City of Saratoga Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District, LLA-1
Recommended Actions:
1. Adopt the Resolution granting preliminary approval of the Engineer's Report for FY 25- 26 for the annexation of New Zone (Carnelian Glen – Zone 33A) into the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District LLA-1.
2. Adopt the Resolution of Intention.
RESOLUTION 25-012
RESOLUTION 25-013
FITZSIMMONS/AFTAB MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION GRANTING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR FY 25 -26 FOR THE ANNEXATION OF NEW ZONE (CARNELIAN GLEN – ZONE 33A) INTO THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT LLA- 1 AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION OF INTENTION. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN:
NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: ZHAO.
1.8. Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District LLA-1; Preliminary Approval of Engineer's Report and Adoption of Resolution of Intention for FY 2025-26 for Annexation of New Zone (Foothill Elementary - Zone 52) to the City of Saratoga Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District, LLA-1.
Recommended Actions:
1. Adopt the Resolution granting preliminary approval of the Engineer's Report for FY 25- 26 for the annexation of New Zone (Foothill Elementary – Zone 52) into the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District LLA-1.
2. Adopt the Resolution of Intention.
Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ May 7, 2025 ~ Page 4 of 9
RESOLUTION 25-014
RESOLUTION 25-015
FITZSIMMONS/AFTAB MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION GRANTING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR FY 25 -26 FOR THE ANNEXATION OF NEW ZONE (FOOTHILL ELEMENTARY – ZONE 52) INTO THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT LLA- 1 AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION OF INTENTION. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: ZHAO.
1.9. Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District LLA-1; Preliminary Approval of Engineer's Report and Adoption of Resolution of Intention for FY 2025-26 for Annexation of New Zone (McCoy Berwick - Zone 49) to the City of Saratoga Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District, LLA-1.
Recommended Actions:
1. Adopt the Resolution granting preliminary approval of the Engineer's Report for FY 25- 26 for the annexation of New Zone (McCoy Berwick – Zone 49) into the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District LLA-1.
2. Adopt the Resolution of Intention.
RESOLUTION 25-016
RESOLUTION 25-017
FITZSIMMONS/AFTAB MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION GRANTING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR FY 25 -26 FOR THE ANNEXATION OF NEW ZONE (MCCOY BERWICK – ZONE 49) INTO THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT LLA- 1 AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION OF INTENTION. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN:
NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: ZHAO.
1.10. Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District LLA-1; Preliminary Approval of Engineer's Report and Adoption of Resolution of Intention for FY 2025-26 for Annexation of New Zone (Mt Eden Estates - Zone 50) to the City of Saratoga Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District, LLA-1.
Recommended Actions:
1. Adopt the Resolution granting preliminary approval of the Engineer's Report for FY 25- 26 for the annexation of New Zone (Mt Eden Estates – Zone 50) into the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District LLA-1.
2. Adopt the Resolution of Intention.
RESOLUTION 25-018
RESOLUTION 25-019
Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ May 7, 2025 ~ Page 5 of 9
FITZSIMMONS/AFTAB MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION GRANTING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR FY 25 -26 FOR THE ANNEXATION OF NEW ZONE (MT EDEN ESTATES – ZONE 50) INTO THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT LLA- 1 AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION OF INTENTION. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN:
NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: ZHAO.
1.11. Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District LLA-1; Preliminary Approval of Engineer's Report and Adoption of Resolution of Intention for FY 2025-26 for Annexation of New Zone (Thelma West - Zone 51) to the City of Saratoga Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District, LLA-1.
Recommended Actions:
1. Adopt the Resolution granting preliminary approval of the Engineer's Report for FY 25- 26 for the annexation of New Zone (Thelma West – Zone 51) into the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District LLA-1.
2. Adopt the Resolution of Intention.
RESOLUTION 25-020
RESOLUTION 25-021
FITZSIMMONS/AFTAB MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION GRANTING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR FY 25 -26 FOR THE ANNEXATION OF NEW ZONE (THELMA WEST – ZONE 51) INTO THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT LLA- 1 AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION OF INTENTION. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN:
NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: ZHAO.
1.12. Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District LLA-1; Preliminary Approval of Engineer's Report and Adoption of Resolution of Intention for FY 2025-26 Recommended Actions:
1. Adopt the Resolution granting preliminary approval of the Engineer's Report for FY 25- 26 for renewing the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District LLA-1.
2. Adopt the Resolution of Intention.
RESOLUTION 25-022
RESOLUTION 25-023
FITZSIMMONS/AFTAB MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION GRANTING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR FY 25 -26 FOR
RENEWING THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT LLA-1 AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION OF INTENTION. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: ZHAO.
1.13. Resolution to Adopt Tentative Agreement for 2025-2027 Wage Reopener as a Side Letter Agreement to the 2023-2027 Memorandum of Understanding for the Carpenters 46 Northern California Counties Conference Board on behalf of the Northern California Carpenters Regional Council ("UNION")
Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ May 7, 2025 ~ Page 6 of 9
Recommended Action:
Approve the proposed Tentative Agreement for 2025-2027 wage reopener and adopt the Resolution to implement this agreement as a side letter to the existing 2023-2027 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Carpenters 46 Northern California Counties Conference Board on behalf of the Northern California Carpenters Regional Council ("UNION") for the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.
RESOLUTION 25-024
FITZSIMMONS/AFTAB MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED TENTATIVE AGREEMENT FOR 2025 -2027 WAGE REOPENER AND ADOPT THE
RESOLUTION TO IMPLEMENT THIS AGREEMENT AS A SIDE LETTER TO THE EXISTING 2023-2027 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH THE CARPENTERS 46 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COUNTIES CONFERENCE
BOARD ON BEHALF OF THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CARPENTERS
REGIONAL COUNCIL ("UNION") FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2025, TO JUNE 30, 2027. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, AFTAB. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: PAGE . ABSENT:
ZHAO.
1.14. Amend City Financial Policies
Recommended Action:
Review and approve updates to the City’s financial policies.
FITZSIMMONS/AFTAB MOVED TO REVIEW AND APPROVE UPDATES TO THE CITY’S FINANCIAL POLICIES. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE.
RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: ZHAO.
2. GENERAL BUSINESS
2.1. Fiscal Year 2025/26 Community Event Grant Program Competitive Allocations Recommended Action:
Review Community Event Grant Program Competitive applications and provide staff with direction on competitive funding recipients and allocations for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
Leslie Arroyo, Assistant City Manager, presented the staff report.
Mayor Aftab invited public comment.
No one requested to speak.
PAGE MOVED TO APPROVE FUNDING FOR ASIAN AMERICAN FOR BETTER COMMUNITY (AABC), SARATOGA MSET ROBOTICS, AND ST. ARCHANGELS
MICHAEL SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH FOR THE COMMUNITY EVENT GRANT PROGRAM COMPETITIVE FUNDING RECIPIENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26.
Additional discussion took place.
Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ May 7, 2025 ~ Page 7 of 9
PAGE/FITZSIMMONS MOVED TO APPROVE FUNDING FOR ASIAN AMERICAN
FOR BETTER COMMUNITY (AABC), EXPERIENCE EXCELLENCE EVENTS, SARATOGA MSET ROBOTICS, AND ST. ARCHANGELS MICHAEL SERBIAN
ORTHODOX CHURCH FOR THE COMMUNITY EVENT GRANT PROGRAM
COMPETITIVE FUNDING RECIPIENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: ZHAO.
3. PUBLIC HEARING
3.1. House Family Vineyards (Application PCUP18-003/GEO19-0023/ARB19- 0019/ENV21-0011; Old Oak Way (APNs 503-15-075, 503-15-079, 503-15-081, 503-15- 082, and 503-15-083).
Recommended Actions:
1. Adopt the Resolution certifying the Final EIR, adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Project.
2. Adopt the Resolution approving (i) a Conditional Use Permit (PCUP18-0003) and Design Review approval for the winery operation and winery facilities including the tasting room/area, underground wine storage cave, fire access road, secondary access road, and winery parking area shown in the Project Plans, dated August 15, 2024 and included as Exhibit B, and subject to the Conditions of Approval included as Exhibit A to the Resolution and (ii) an Open Space Easement exchange to replace 6,050 square feet of an existing 106,004 square foot open space easement on Parcel B with a larger 15,129 square foot area in a different location on the same parcel.
Cindy McCormick, Development Manager, presented the staff report.
Jim Cargill, representing House Family Vineyards, presented remarks regarding the application.
Due to the number of public speakers for this item, Mayor Aftab reduced the speaking time to two minutes.
Mayor Aftab invited public comment.
The following individuals spoke at this time: Frank Casanova, Mark Escobar, Lori Schrank, Pragati Grover, Courtney Pando, Janice Zdankus, Antoinette Romeo, Mona Kaur, Waqar Hasan, Mahal Mohan, Mohini Balakrishnan, Dave Rossi, Jag Belani, Michael David Kowitz, Tiger Teerlink.
Mayor Aftab requested a recess at this time.
Mayor Aftab reconvened the meeting at 9:16 p.m.
Public comment continued….
The following individuals spoke at this time: Ingrid Sywak, Mahshid Maleki, Jack Bush, Robert Rollin, Kris Bakke, Neal Casteel , Cheriel Jensen, Andrey Tovchigrechko, Michael Burry, Jocelyn, Glenda Aune, Bill Dalton, Billy Caruso, Rosemary Wong, Karen Parker.
Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ May 7, 2025 ~ Page 8 of 9
RESOLUTION 25-025
RESOLUTION 25-026
PAGE/FITZSIMMONS MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE
FINAL EIR, ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS,
AND ADOPTING A MITIGATION MO NITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
FOR THE PROJECT AND, ADOPT THE RESOLUTION APPROVING (I) A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (PCUP18-0003) AND DESIGN REVIEW APPROVAL
FOR THE WINERY OPERATION AND WINERY FACILITIES INCLUDING THE
TASTING ROOM/AREA, UNDERGROUND WINE STORAG E CAVE, FIRE
ACCESS ROAD, SECONDARY ACCESS ROAD, AND WINERY PARKING AREA SHOWN IN THE PROJECT PLANS, DATED AUGUST 15, 2024 AND INCLUDED
AS EXHIBIT B, AND SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIO NS OF APPROVAL
INCLUDED AS EXHIBIT A TO THE RESOLUTION AND (II) AN OPEN SPACE EASEMENT EXCHANGE TO REPLACE 6,050 SQUARE FEET OF AN EXISTING 106,004 SQUARE FOOT OPEN SPACE EASEMENT ON PARCEL B WITH A LARGER 15,129 SQUARE FOOT AREA IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION ON THE SAME PARCEL. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES:
FITZSIMMONS, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: WALIA. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE.
ABSENT: ZHAO.
COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS
Council Member Kookie Fitzsimmons
Hakone Foundation Board of Trustees – stated great programs and great outreach to the community are coming.
Council Member Tina Walia
Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority Board of Directors – stated she recently attended the CalCCA Conference, and reported that Saratoga has been awarded a nearly $.5M grant to convert the Civic Center, Community Center, and Warner Hutton House to all electric buildings.
Vice Mayor Chuck Page
Saratoga Chamber of Commerce Board – stated the Board discussed the upcoming Car Show and stated the Spring Wine Stroll will take place this coming weekend.
West Valley Storm Water Program Authority Board of Directors – stated the Board discussed the name change and the associated changes needed, and discussed a potential ballot measure to raise funds to stay compliant with State requirements.
West Valley Solid Waste Management Authority Board of Directors – stated the Board had a lengthy discussion regarding rates, discussed increasing opportunities to recycle more items , and stated Saratoga Rotary is collecting plastic bags at their Friday meetings.
Mayor Belal Aftab
Saratoga Historical Foundation Board of Directors - stated the Blossom Festival is being held on May 17, 2025.
Santa Clara County Library District Board of Directors – stated since the new children’s play area opened, attendance has greatly increased.
West Valley Mayors and City Managers Association – stated the ongoing topic of discussion is disaster preparedness.
Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ May 7, 2025 ~ Page 9 of 9
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Vice Mayor Page discussed the recent Arbor Day event and the Orchard Keepers.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
None
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS; VIRTUAL ATTENDEES
None
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Aftab adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Britt Avrit, City Clerk
City of Saratoga