Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ November 5, 2025 ~ Page 1 of 10
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
At 5:00 p.m., the City Council held a Closed Session in the Linda Callon Conference Room for a Conference with Labor Negotiators.
Mayor Aftab invited public comment.
No one requested to speak.
At 6:00 p.m., the City Council held a Joint Session with Saratoga Schools in S. Ku Hall, at the Saratoga Senior Center.
Mayor Aftab invited public comment.
No one requested to speak.
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, Yan Zhao
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Matt Morley, City Manager
Richard Taylor, City Attorney
Ryan Hinchman, Administrative Services Director
John Cherbone, Public Works Director
Bryan Swanson, Community Development Director
Britt Avrit, City Clerk
REPORT ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA
The City Clerk reported the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on October 31, 2025.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Aftab stated the City Council held a Closed Session at 5:00 p.m. with no reportable action.
REPORT FROM JOINT SESSION
Mayor Aftab stated the City Council held a Joint Session at 6:0 0 p.m. with Saratoga Schools and provided a summary of the Joint Session.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON- AGENDIZED ITEMS; IN -PERSON
ATTENDEES
No one requested to speak.
Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ November 5, 2025 ~ Page 2 of 10
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Aftab shared information about obtaining food assistance, the upcoming Book Donation Event, Let’s Work Volunteer Event, and the Saratoga Commission Recruitment.
Vice Mayor Page discussed the upcoming Artisan Fair at Sacred Heart Church.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Aftab invited public comment.
The following individuals spoke at this time:
Jonathan “JoJo” Choi discussed ministerial review process as it relates to Item 1.8.
Nupur Hiremath, representing Silicon Valley Clean Energy, requested support for the Reach Codes in Item 1.9.
Bruce Karney discussed the Reach Codes.
Jacqui Holmes discussed the Village Development Guidelines.
Dashiell Leeds spoke in support of Item 1.9.
Nova Jerage spoke on behalf of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action in support of Item 1.9.
Surya discussed Item 1.9.
Bruce Naegel discussed heat pumps.
Council Member Fitzsimmons removed Item No. 1.8 for separate discussion.
Vice Mayor Page removed Item No. 1.9 for separate discussion.
1.1 City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and Approve the Minutes for the October 15, 2025, City Council Meeting.
ZHAO/FITZSIMMONS MOVED TO REVIEW AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR THE OCTOBER 15, 2025, CITY COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, ZHAO, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
1.2 Accounts Payable Check Registers
Recommended Action:
Review and accept the 10/08/2025, 10/15/2025, 10/22/2025, and 10/23/2025 accounts payable vendor payment check registers.
Saratoga City Council Minutes ~ November 5, 2025 ~ Page 3 of 10
ZHAO/FITZSIMMONS MOVED TO REVIEW AND ACCEPT THE 10/08/2025, 10/15/2025, 10/22/2025, AND 10/23/2025 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE VENDOR PAYMENT CHECK REGISTERS. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, ZHAO, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN:
NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
1.3 Treasurer’s Report for the Month Ended September 30, 2025 Recommended Action:
Review and accept the Treasurer’s Report for the month ended September 30, 2025.
ZHAO/FITZSIMMONS MOVED TO REVIEW AND ACCEPT THE TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, ZHAO, PAGE, AFTAB.
NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
1.4 Budget Amendment Resolution for the Greenbriar LLA – Zone 3 Recommended Action:
Adopt the R esolution amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025- 26 Operating budget to add $20,000 to the Greenbriar Landscape and Lighting Assessment District (LLA) Zone 3 budget.
RESOLUTION 25-056
ZHAO/FITZSIMMONS MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025 -26 OPERATING BUDGET TO ADD $20,000 TO THE
GREENBRIAR LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT (LLA) ZONE 3 BUDGET. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES:
FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, ZHAO, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE.
RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
1.5 Contract with Urban37, Inc. for Public Works Department Staffing Services Recommended Action:
Approve a contract with Urban37, Inc. for staffing services for the Public Works Department in an amount not to exceed $50,000.
ZHAO/FITZSIMMONS MOVED TO APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH URBAN37, INC. FOR STAFFING SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 . MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, ZHAO, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
1.6 Final Map Approval for Two Lots Located at 15261 Norton Road Recommended Action:
Adopt the Resolution granting final map approval of parcel map application No. ULS24-0004 for two lots located at 15261 Norton Road (APN: 517-14-081).
RESOLUTION 25-057
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ZHAO/FITZSIMMONS MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION GRANTING FINAL MAP APPROVAL OF PARCEL MAP APPLICATION NO. ULS24 -0004 FOR TWO LOTS LOCATED AT 15261 NORTON ROAD (APN: 517 -14-081). MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, ZHAO, PAGE, AFTAB.
NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
1.7 Final map approval of parcel map application No. ULS23- 0013 for two lots located at 21711 Mount Eden Road
Recommended Action:
Adopt the Resolution granting final map approval of parcel map application No. ULS23 - 0013 for two lots located at 21711 Mount Eden Road (APN 503-13-026).
RESOLUTION 25-058
ZHAO/FITZSIMMONS MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION GRANTING FINAL MAP APPROVAL OF PARCEL MAP APPLICATION NO. ULS23 -0013 FOR TWO LOTS LOCATED AT 21711 MOUNT EDEN ROAD (APN 503 -13-026). MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, ZHAO, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
1.8 Ordinance Adopting Annual Code Update for 2025
Recommended Action:
Waive reading and adopt an ordinance amending City Code provisions concerning Use of City Property (New City Code Article 2 -60), Duties of the City Manager (City Code Section 2 -20.050), Purchasing Policies (2-45.070), Code Enforcement (3-05.070 and 3- 30.050), Taxi Business Licenses and Taxi Zones (4- 40.020 and 9- 15.110), Motion Picture Filming (4-
60.030), Construction and Demolition Debris (7- 05.110 and 17- 15.010), Weed Abatement (Article 7-15), Noise Ordinance Exceptions (7- 30.060); Uses of Fireplaces ( New Article 7- 60), Parking On Residential Property (New Section 9-15.160), Hillside Street Repair (Article 9-65), Temporary Encroachments For Construction Materials (Article 10-20), Park Use Rules and Enforcement (Article 11-05), Subdivision Applications and Appeals (14-20.040 and 14-
85.020), amend Zoning Map To Rezone the Chester/Allendale Housing Opportunity Site as required by the Housing Element; Removal from the Zoning Map of the AP/OS Overlay Designation that is no longer included in the text of the Zoning Ordinance; Abandonment of Planning Applications (New Section 15- 05.075), References To the Village Specific Plan (15-06.710 and 15 -19.010), Scope of Planning Commission Review (15- 45.060 and 15-
46.020), Design Review of Basements (15- 45.065), Fireplaces (Article 15-58), Tree Permit Regulations (15- 50.050 and 15- 50.080), Accessory Dwelling Units (Article 15- 56), Ministerial Consideration of Qualifying Projects (Article 15 -57), Single Family Design Standards (Article 15-59), and Appeals (Article 15-90).
ORDINANCE 413
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FITZSIMMONS/PAGE MOVED TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT AN
ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED (REMOVING SECTION 30), AMENDING CITY
CODE PROVISIONS CONCERNING USE OF CITY PROPERTY (NEW CITY CODE ARTICLE 2 -60), DUTIES OF THE CITY MANAGER (CITY CODE SECTION 2 -20.050), PURCHASING POLICIES (2-45.070), CODE ENFORCEMENT (3-05.070 AND 3- 30.050), TAXI BUSINESS LICENSES AND TAXI ZONES (4-40.020 AND 9-15.110), MOTION PICTURE FILMING (4- 60.030), CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS (7-05.110 AND 17-15.010), WEED ABATEMENT (ARTICLE 7-15), NOISE ORDINANCE EXCEPTIONS (7 -30.060); USES OF FIREPLACES (NEW ARTICLE 7-60), PARKING ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY (NEW SECTION 9-15.160), HILLSIDE STREET REPAIR (ARTICLE 9 -65), TEMPORARY ENCROACHMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS (ARTICLE 10 -20), PARK USE RULES AND ENFORCEMENT (ARTICLE 11 -05), SUBDIVISION APPLICATIONS AND APPEALS (14 -20.040 AND 14- 85.020), AMEND ZONING
MAP TO REZONE THE CHESTER/ALLENDALE HOUSING OPPORTUNITY SITE AS REQUIRED BY THE HOUSING ELEMENT; REMOVAL FROM THE ZONING
MAP OF THE AP/OS OVERLAY DESIGNATION THAT IS NO LONGER
INCLUDED IN THE TEXT OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE; ABANDONMENT OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS (NEW SECTION 15 -05.075), REFERENCES TO THE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN (15 -06.710 AND 15- 19.010), SCOPE OF PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW (15 -45.060 AND 15- 46.020), DESIGN REVIEW OF BASEMENTS (15 -45.065), FIREPLACES (ARTICLE 15- 58), TREE PERMIT REGULATIONS (15 -50.050 AND 15- 50.080), ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ARTICLE 15 -56), MINISTERIAL CONSIDERATION OF QUALIFYING PROJECTS (ARTICLE 15-57), SINGLE FAMILY DESIGN STANDARDS (ARTICLE 15-59), AND APPEALS (ARTICLE 15 -90). MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, ZHAO, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
1.9 Ordinance Adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code with Local Modifications and Technical Changes to Building Regulations Recommended Actions:
1. Waive reading and adopt an ordinance adopting the 2025 California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Wildland -Urban Interface, Energy, and Green Building Standards, and Referenced Standards Codes with modifications for local conditions and making certain other amendments to Chapter 16 (Building Regulations) of the City Code.
2. Adopt the Resolution making findings of fact regarding the need for the modifications to the provisions of the 2025 California Building Standards Code made in the Saratoga City Code.
ORDINANCE 414
RESOLUTION 25-059
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PAGE/FITZSIMMONS MOVED TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT AN
ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING, RESIDENTIAL,
ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, PLUMBING, FIRE, WILDLAND- URBAN
INTERFACE, ENERGY, AND GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS, AND
REFERENCED STANDARDS CODES WITH MODIFICATIONS FOR LOCAL
CONDITIONS AND MAKING CERTAIN OTHER AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 16 (BUILDING REGULATIONS) OF THE CITY CODE, AND ADOPT THE
RESOLUTION MAKING FINDINGS OF FACT REGARDING THE NEED FOR THE MODIFICATIONS TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE MADE IN THE SARATOGA CITY CODE .
MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, ZHAO, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT:
NONE.
1.10 Amendment No. 2 to Agreement with Flock Systems for Automated License Plate Reader Systems
Recommended Action:
Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement with Flock Systems for Automated License Plate Reader Systems (ALPRS) for a new annual amount not to exceed $187,000.
ZHAO/FITZSIMMONS MOVED TO APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE
AGREEMENT WITH FLOCK SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE
READER SYSTEMS (ALPRS) FOR A NEW ANNUAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $187,000. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, ZHAO, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE.
ABSENT: NONE.
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS
2.1 Resolution Amending the City’s Fee Schedule Effective January 5, 2026 Recommended Action:
Adopt the Resolution amending the City’s Fee Schedule, effective January 5, 2026, to implement the proposed fee changes.
Ryan Hinchman, Administrative Services Director, presented the staff report.
Mayor Aftab invited public comment.
No one requested to speak.
RESOLUTION 25-060
AFTAB/PAGE MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY’S FEE SCHEDULE , AS AMENDED, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 5, 2026, TO IMPLEMENT THE PROPOSED FEE CHANGES . MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, ZHAO, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
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2.2 Termination of Heritage Resource Designation, 14650 6th St Recommended Action:
Adopt the Resolution terminating the heritage resource designation of 14650 6th Street from the City of Saratoga Heritage Resource Inventory.
Kyle Rathbone, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Mayor Aftab invited public comment.
The following individuals spoke at this time: Vinay Khanna, Ismar Maslic, Marilyn Marchetti, Stacey De Shazo
RESOLUTION 25-061
PAGE/FITZSIMMONS MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION TERMINATING THE HERITAGE RESOURCE DESIGNATION OF 14650 6TH STREET FROM THE CITY OF SARATOGA HERITAGE RESOURCE INVENTORY. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, ZHAO, PAGE, AFTAB.
NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
2.3 Termination of Heritage Resource Designation, 19050 Camino Barco Recommended Action:
Adopt the Resolution terminating the heritage resource designation of 19050 Camino Barco from the City of Saratoga Heritage Resource Inventory.
Cindy McCormick, Development Manager, presented the staff report.
Mayor Aftab invited public comment.
The following individual spoke at this time: Marilyn Marchetti
RESOLUTION 25-062
PAGE/FITZSIMMONS TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION TERMINATING THE HERITAGE RESOURCE DESIGNATION OF 19050 CAMINO BARCO FROM THE CITY OF SARATOGA HERITAGE RESOURCE INVENTORY. MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, ZHAO, PAGE, AFTAB.
NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
3. GENERAL BUSINESS
3.1 Mills Act Policy and Mills Act Agreement Update
Recommended Actions:
1. Adopt the Resolution adopting the Mills Act Property Tax Abatement Program Policy.
2. Receive an update on the Mills Act Agreement 10 -year Restoration Plan for the property located at 15095 Fruitvale Avenue.
3. Receive an update and provide direction on whether to non-renew the Mills Act Agreement for the property at 14065 Saratoga Avenue.
Cindy McCormick, Development Manager, presented the staff report.
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Mayor Aftab invited public comment.
The following individual spoke at this time: Stacey De Shazo
ZHAO/WALIA MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE MILLS ACT
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT PROGRAM POLICY, RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON THE MILLS ACT AGREEMENT 10 -YEAR RESTORATION PLAN FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 15095 FRUITVALE AVENUE, RECEIVE AN UPDATE AND DO NOT RENEW THE MILLS ACT AGREEMENT FOR THE PROPERTY AT 14065 SARATOGA AVENUE.
Vice Mayor Page requested a f riendly amendment to include , in the event of a change of ownership, the new owners will receive a notice of non-renewal and information on how to reapply.
The City Attorney requested an amendment to the friendly amendment made by Vice Mayor Page as follows; in the event of sale, the City will not renew the contract, the new owner is welcome to apply for a new contract, and the proposed Mills Act Policy is amended to include the 2024 Mills Act Policy.
RESOLUTION 25-063
ZHAO/WALIA MOVED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE MILLS
ACT PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT PROGRAM POLICY, AS AMENDED,
RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON THE MILLS ACT AGREEMENT 10 -YEAR
RESTORATION PLAN FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 15095 FRUITVALE
AVENUE, RECEIVE AN UPDATE AND DO NOT RENEW THE MILLS ACT AGREEMENT FOR THE PROPERTY AT 14065 SARATOGA AVENUE . MOTION PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: FITZSIMMONS, WALIA, ZHAO, PAGE, AFTAB. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. RECUSED: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
Mayor Aftab requested a recess at this time.
Mayor Aftab reconvened the meeting at 8:58 p.m.
3.2 Discussion Regarding Mobile Food Establishments (Food Trucks) Recommended Action:
Review and discuss current regulations of mobile food establishments, commonly referred to as food trucks, and give staff direction on any changes to the City Code and/or enforcement policy.
Aaron Yuma, Building Official, presented the staff report.
Mayor Aftab invited public comment.
The following individual spoke at this time: Eugene
No vote necessary
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COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS
Council Member Yan Zhao
Nothing to report
Council Member Kookie Fitzsimmons
Nothing to report
Council Member Tina Walia
Santa Clara Valley Water Commission – stated the Commission received a presentation regarding a study on water use projections, water demands elasticity, and customer affordability.
Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority Board of Directors Executive Committee – stated she attended the meeting with nothing to report.
Cities Association of Santa Clara County Executive Committee Meeting - stated she attended the meeting with nothing to report.
Vice Mayor Chuck Page
Hakone Foundation Board of Trustees – stated the 25th Anniversary of the Foundation event will be held on March 1st, with details coming soon.
Mayor Belal Aftab
Santa Clara County Library District Board of Directors – stated the Board reviewed the budget.
West Valley Mayors and City Managers Association – stated the most recent League of California Cities conference was discussed.
Saratoga Historical Foundation Board of Directors – stated he attended the meeting with nothing to report.
US Conference of Mayors Conference on Water – stated many cities are considering funding their own utilities, and listed the five things water authorities are facing across the country.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Aftab/Walia requested discussion of a capital project regarding the infrastructure near the area where the Costco is being constructed at the January retreat.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Vice Mayor Page discussed his opportunity to speak about Climate Resilience Districts at the California Economic Summit.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
The City Manager discussed Congressman Liccardo’s recent meeting regarding fire resiliency, and a recent product demonstration by BurnBot.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
The City Attorney discussed the historic nature of the Council meeting.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS; VIRTUAL ATTENDEES None
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ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Aftab adjourned the meeting at 9:27 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Britt Avrit, MMC, City Clerk
City of Saratoga