M06-02-08
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MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING
AUTHORITY/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
JUNE 2, 2008
The Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Regular Meeting on
Monday, June 2, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
BOARDS/COMMISSION/COMMITTEES INTERVIEWS
Interviews were held for the Planning Commission vacancy
TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Barbara Spector, Vice Mayor Mike Wasserman, Council
Member Steve Glickman, Council Member Diane McNutt, and Council Member
Joe Pirzynski.
Absent: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - LED BY FUTURE LEADER
Brian Rice 9th grader from Bellarmine led the Pledge of Allegiance. The
audience was invited to participate.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(Government Code Section 54957)
Title: Town Manager
Orry Korb, Town Attorney stated that direction was given and no action was
taken.
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PRESENTATIONS
Incoming/Outgoing Student Commissioners (end of term commendations)
Mayor Barbara Spector presented commendations to the outgoing student
commissioners from the Youth Commission for their commitment to the
community.
Community/Business Recognition: A Place for Teens/Safe Rides (Student
Volunteers)
Mayor Barbara Spector presented commendations to student volunteers from A
Place for Teens and Safe Rides for their commitment to the community.
TOWN COUNCIL
CONSENT ITEMS (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION)
1. Ratify youth and student commissioner appointments as
recommended by the Ad Hoc Council Subcommittee.
2. Adopt resolution appointing Todd Capurso, Director of Parks and
Public Works, as representative to the Santa Clara Valley
Transportation Authority Advisory Committee (TAC), effective June
16, 2008. RESOLUTIONS 2008-059
3. Adopt resolution adopting three near-term policy recommendations
from the Santa Clara County Cities Association Green Building
Collaborative. RESOLUTIONS 2008-060
4. PPW Job No. A08-004 - Traffic Engineering Consultant Services
Adopt resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a
professional consultant services agreement with TJKM
Transportation Consultants for a two year period to perform
traffic engineering consultant services in the Town of Los Gatos on
an on-call basis. RESOLUTION 2008-061
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Consent Items - Continued
5. PPW Job No. A08-005 - Geology and Geotechnical Peer Review
Consultant Services
Adopt resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a
professional consultant services agreement with Geomatrix
Consultants, Incorporated for a two year period to perform geology
and geotechnical peer review for private development projects.
RESOLUTION 2008-062
6. PPW Job No. A08-011 - Signal and Street Light Maintenance
Adopt resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a contract
agreement for a period of 2 years with Republic Intelligent
Transportation Services, Inc. to provide signal and street light
maintenance services in the Town of Los Gatos. RESOLUTION 2008-
063
7. Adopt resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute an
amendment to the contract agreement with Landscape Management
Services to extend the contract for one more year to perform
landscape maintenance services for six landscape and lighting
districts in the Town of Los Gatos. RESOLUTION 2008-064
8. Adopt resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a Cost
Share Agreement in the amount of $85,000 between the Town of Los
Gatos and the City of Campbell for a Joint Street Resurfacing
Project. RESOLUTION 2008-065
9. Adopt resolution approving final map for Tract No. 9969 - the
Highlands of Los Gatos, accepting the dedications, and authorizing
the Town Manager to execute the contract for public improvements.
RESOLUTION 2008-058
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Consent Items – Continued
10. PPW Job No. 07-09 (b) Equipment Purchase - FY 2007-08 CDBG
Funded ADA Improvement Project 421-821-2102 Adopt resolution
authorizing the Town Manager to execute an equipment agreement
with Orchard City Lock and Safe, Inc. for the purchase of (6) ADA
automatic door openers to be installed on (6) single wood doors at
the Civic Center complex in the amount of $33,133.08.
RESOLUTION 2008-066
11. Adopt resolution approving the final map for Tract No. 9996 - 15344
National Avenue, accepting the dedications, and authorizing the Town
Manager to execute the contract for public improvements.
RESOLUTION 2008-067
12. Adopt resolution requesting the County of Santa Clara Board of
Supervisors consolidate a General Municipal Election with the
Statewide General Election to be held on November 4, 2008 pursuant
to Section 10403 of the Elections Code and authorizing other related
actions. RESOLUTION 2008-068
13. Adopt resolution establishing the Fiscal Year 2008/09 GANN
appropriation limit for the Town of Los Gatos. RESOLUTION 2008-069
TOWN COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
14. Approve Town Council Meeting Schedule for 2008-2009 Fiscal Year.
15. Approve Council/Agency minutes of May 19, 2008.
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Consent Items – Continued
16. Adopt resolutions approving the Town and Redevelopment Agency’s
Fiscal Year 2008/09 Operating Budget, Capital Improvement Program
for Fiscal Year 2008/09-2012/13, carry-forward appropriations, and
other approved adjustments and minor corrections.
RESOLUTION 2008-070
17. Job No. 411-821-2401 and 911-821-2401 Fiscal Year 2007-08 Police
Operations Building
Adopt resolution approving plans and specifications for the Police
Operations Building at 15900 Los Gatos Boulevard and authorize staff
to initiate the bid process. RESOLUTION 2008-071
Mr. Davis pulled Consent Item #16.
Mayor Barbara Spector stated that Consent Item #16 would be heard after
Other Business.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Pirzynski to adopt Consent
Items #1-15 and #17.
Seconded by Council Member Glickman
VOTE: Carried unanimously.
Mayor Barbara Spector introduced the incoming Youth Commissioners, Parks
Student Commissioners, and Community Service Student Commissioners.
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VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Makechuck
Commented about Mr. Goslin’s tragic accident and extended the family’s
thanks for the community’s support.
Thanked the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department for the support
to the family during the incident.
Mr. Arzie
Commented about a letter sent to the Town Manager requesting that the
Town purchase the parking lot behind the Cogshell Mansion at 115 N.
Santa Cruz Avenue and suggested that the Town utilize the lot for
downtown parking.
Requested that the Town retain the funds in the Designated Parking
Reserve for future parking needs.
Mr. Davis
Commented about the hazards of parking along Blossom Hill Road in front
of Baggerly Field.
Suggested that the Town build a parking lot at the Baggerly Field entrance
with funds from the Designated Parking Reserve.
Mr. Leonardis
Requested that everyone vote in the election and support Measure E.
Closed Verbal Communications
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
18. Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts No. 1 & 2.
a. Adopt resolution confirming the diagram and assessment, and
levying and authorizing collection of assessments for Landscape and
Lighting District No. 1 - Blackwell Drive Benefit Zone. RESOLUTION
2008-072
b. Adopt resolution confirming the diagram and assessments, and
levying and authorizing collection of assessments for Landscape and
Lighting District No. 1 - Kennedy Meadows Benefit Zone.
RESOLUTION 2008-073
c. Adopt resolution confirming the diagram and assessment, and
levying and authorizing collection of assessments for Landscaping
and Lighting District No. 1 - Santa Rosa Heights Benefit Zone.
RESOLUTION 2008-074
d. Adopt resolution confirming the diagram and assessments, and
levying and authorizing collection of assessments for Landscape and
Lighting District No.1 - Vasona Heights Benefit Zone. RESOLUTION
2008-075
e. Adopt resolution confirming the diagram and assessments, and
levying and authorizing collection of assessments for Landscape and
Lighting District No. 1 - Hillbrook Drive Benefit Zone. RESOLUTION
2008-076
f. Adopt resolution confirming the diagram and assessments, and
levying and authorizing collection of assessments for Landscape and
Lighting District No. 2 - Gemini Court Benefit Zone. RESOLUTION
2008-077
Open/Closed Public Hearing
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Joe Pirzynski to adopt the
Landscape and Lighting Districts 1 & 2 and to include the
adoption of Resolutions a through f.
Seconded by Vice Mayor Mike Wasserman
VOTE: Carried unanimously.
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Public Hearing Item #19
19. Consider an appeal of a Planning Commission decision denying a
request to demolish a single family residence built prior to 1941 and a
3,250 square-foot office building, merge two existing parcels and
construct a new 15,510 square-foot office building on property zoned
O. No significant environmental impacts have been identified as a
result of this project, and a Mitigated Negative Declaration has been
made. Architecture and Site Applications S-07-34, Subdivision
Application M-07-13. APN 424-27-011 and 051. Property location:
15720 and 15736 Winchester Boulevard. Property owner: Martin
Dermer. Applicant: John Lien.
Staff report made by Bud Lortz, Director of Community Development
Council Comments
The Mayor and Council disclosed that they met with the applicant and
toured the building site.
Open Public Hearing
Mr. Dermer (Martin), Applicant
Commented about additional landscape to the front of the proposed
building.
Commented on the design of the building and that the project does not
require any variances.
Commented on homes in the neighborhood that are taller than the
proposed building.
Commented that the building fits the architecture of the Town.
Mr. Dermer (Joe)
Commented that, in retrospect, the story poles should have been erected
prior to the Planning Commission meeting.
Commented that the parking for the proposed project is located at the rear
of the building.
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Public Hearing Item #19 – Continued
Mr. Gemignani
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Brandt
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Makechuck
Commented that the applicant is not listening to the feedback from the
neighbors and feels that the project does not fit with the surroundings.
Mr. Wiley
Commented on supporting the proposed project and that the building is an
asset to Winchester Boulevard.
Mr. Batanides
Commented on supporting the proposed project and that the proposed
building acts as a gateway for the area.
Mr. Zelaya
Commented that he does not support the project and that the mass of the
proposed building should be reduced.
Mr. Simon
Commented against the proposed project and suggested that the design
of the project be broken up to fit the residential look of the neighborhood.
Ms. Pozas
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Karski
Commented against the proposed project and suggested breaking up the
mass of the proposed project to fit in with the residential look of the
neighborhood.
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Public Hearing Item #19 – Continued
Mr. Kilkenny
Commented on supporting the proposed project and that the architecture
is appealing.
Mr. Virk
Commented on supporting the proposed project and that the project
complements the Town.
Mr. Schivo
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Wong
Commented supporting the proposed project.
Ms. Mains
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Nelson
Commented on supporting the proposed project and that the proposed
building is a benefit to the location.
Mr. Bella
Commented on supporting the proposed project and that the building
would be an asset to the neighborhood.
Mr. Ransom
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Ms. Cunningham
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Cunningham
Commented on supporting the proposed project and that the project is an
improvement to the area.
Commented that the underground parking is a plus for the project.
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Public Hearing Item #19 - Continued
Mr. Robson
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Baker
Commented on supporting the proposed project and that the project
enhances the neighborhood.
Mr. McLaren
Commented against the proposed project.
Commented that the proposed project impacts the neighborhood and
suggested that the applicant reduce the mass of the building.
Mr. Fishback
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Zanardi
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Anoosheh
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Ms. Bonh
Commented on supporting the proposed project and that the project is an
improvement to the site.
Mr. Bonh
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Williams
Commented on supporting the proposed project and that it does not block
the views from Winchester Boulevard or Daves Avenue.
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Public Hearing Item #19 – Continued
Mr. Morris
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Ms. Lamborn
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Commented that the building located on University Avenue and Highway 9
was also designed by Mr. Lein and is a wonderful asset to the
neighborhood.
Mr. Marchbank
Commented against the proposed project and that the project will impact
the neighborhood.
Ms. Lindecker (Laura)
Commented against the proposed project and that the building is out of
scale with the neighborhood.
Commented that the property values around the neighborhood will
decrease.
Ms. Lindecker (Diane)
Commented against the proposed project and stated that the property
value of the homes in the neighborhood will decrease.
Ms. Eppigia
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Commented that the improvements to the location will increase property
values of the homes in the neighborhood.
Ms. Anderson
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Ms. Lackovic
Commented that the proposed project is an improvement to the
neighborhood, but the size of the building blocks her view.
Suggested reducing the size of the building.
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Public Hearing Item #19 – Continued
Ms. Karski
Commented against the proposed project and that the proposed project
does not blend with the neighborhood.
Mr. Hawks
Commented against the proposed project.
Commented on the size of the project and the increase of traffic to the
neighborhood.
Mr. Fils
Commented on supporting the proposed project and that the project fits
the neighborhood and the Town.
Ms. Riching
Commented against the proposed project.
Mr. Miller
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Dermer (Joe), Applicant
Commented that most neighbors will not have a view of the existing
project.
Commented that Winchester Boulevard is one of the gateways into Los
Gatos.
Commented that parts of Winchester Boulevard are not zoned residential.
Council Comments
Questioned how the applicant came up with the total square footage of the
building.
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Public Hearing Item #19 – Continued
Mr. Dermer (Martin)
Clarified the way they calculate square footage relative to the cost to the
developer.
Commented that the front of the building would have the same
appearance if the square footage was decreased.
Offered the community benefit to upgrade the existing wiring to
underground wires or sidewalk improvements for the area.
Explained the mitigation of the view shed.
Mr. Dermer (Joe)
Commented that the street light and trees are in the view shed.
Mr. Lortz
Commented that the cost of undergrounding wires is very expensive and
staff would not be able to give an estimated cost until consulting with
PG & E
Commented that the sidewalk repairs as a community benefit could be
done for approximately $25,000.
Closed Public Hearing
Council Discussion
Commented that Winchester Boulevard is a large thoroughfare to Los
Gatos.
Commented that when driving down Daves Avenue, the story poles did
not come into view until three houses from Winchester Boulevard.
Commented that Winchester Boulevard serves as a buffer bet ween Monte
Sereno and the Town.
Commented that the building will affect the image of Los Gatos when
coming down Winchester Boulevard.
Note:
The first motion was made by Vice Mayor Mike Wasserman and
seconded by Council Member Steve Glickman.
Council Member Glickman retracted his second to the motion due to the
fact that the motion reflects that the Planning Commission did not error.
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Public Hearing Item #19 – Continued
MOTION: Motion by Vice Mayor Wasserman to grant appeal of a
Planning Commission decision denying a request to
demolish a single family residence built prior to 1941 and a
3,250 square-foot office building, merge two existing parcels
and construct a new 15,510 square-foot office building on
property zoned O. No significant environmental impacts
have been identified as a result of this project, and a
Mitigated Negative Declaration has been made. Architecture
and Site Applications S-07-34, Subdivision Application M-07-
13. APN 424-27-011 and 051. Property location: 15720 and
15736 Winchester Boulevard. Property owner: Martin
Dermer. Applicant: John Lien and to include:
The findings that reflect that new information was
submitted to the Council during the appeal process
that was not readily available for submission to the
Commission and that the new information has a
minimal effect on the application.
That the community benefit include $50,000 to go
towards the construction and improvement of
sidewalks along Winchester Boulevard.
Seconded by Council Member Joe Pirzynski
Council Discussion
Commented that the building color should be less intrusive.
Commented that the community benefit for underground wiring may be of
some benefit to the community.
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Public Hearing Item #19 – Continued
Council Discussion
Commented on the surrounding neighborhood and how well the proposed
building fits the site.
Commented that the changes to the project are not that minimal.
Suggested to make the finding that the Planning Commission erred.
Commented that Mr. Lien was also the architect of the University Avenue
and Highway 9 building and commented that the building is an
improvement to the corner.
Commented that the Planning Commission did not err.
Commented that the building is too large for the neighborhood.
Commented that there was new information and that the Pla nning
Commission did not err.
Commented that the proposed project is a good project and enhances the
neighborhood.
VOTE: Motion passed 4/1. Mayor Barbara Spector voting no.
OTHER BUSINESS
20. Consider staff report and recommendations regarding community and
youth sports facilities and disposition of Town land within Vasona
Park.
Staff report made by Greg Larson, Town Manager
Council Comments
Questioned the process for adopting an ordinance to retain the funds from
the sale for sports uses.
Questioned if an ordinance could ever be changed by Council.
Questioned if additional funds could be leveraged.
Mr. Larson
Clarified that the Council could change an ordinance by following the
multiple steps for amending an ordinance.
Clarified that the Town could seek matching federal, state, foundation
and/or private grants to augment the $6 million provided for a future sports
facility.
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Public Hearing Item #20 – Continued
Open Public Comments
Ms. Kilough, Parks Director Santa Clara County
Commented that Vasona Park will continue as a passive use park.
Recommended that the Town move forward with the recommended
actions regarding the sale of the property to the County.
Council Comments
Questioned why the County is offering to buy the park land from the Town.
Ms. Kilough
Clarified that the boundaries need to be cleared up.
Ms. Marshall
Commented against the sale of the Town-owned property at Vasona Park.
Mr. Leonardis
Questioned if the Town could lease the land to Vasona Park.
Commented that the land is priceless and should not be sold at this time.
Mr. DiNapoli
Commented on supporting the sale of the land to the County
and designating the funds from the sale for sports uses.
Mr. Davis
Commented against the sell of the Town-owned property at Vasona Park
and stated that $6 million is not enough.
Ms. Rogers
Commented on supporting the sale of the town-owned property at Vasona
Park and using the funds to support a sports facility.
Mr. Eshkar
Suggested that the Town look into a piece of property above Lexington
that he is selling.
Commented that the property would be a great place for a sports facility.
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Public Hearing Item #20 – Continued
Council Comments
Questioned if Mr. Eshkar could provide Council with information about the
property and the sale price.
Mr. Chase
Commented on supporting the sale of the property and feels that keeping
the natural habitat in exchange for money for sports facilities is a good
trade.
Ms. Cockrum
Commented that there is no other land is available in Los Gatos to build
soccer fields and that the Town should preserve its assets.
Ms. Rahmil
Commented that he is opposed to the land being used as sports fields and
is in support of the sale of the land.
Mr. Reichwein
Commented that there are other sports facilities that are available to
residents.
Commented that $6 million dollars is not enough for the land.
Stated that he would like to see a skate park built on the land.
Ms. Howell
Commented on the need to preserve wildlife at Vasona Park.
Mr. Piazza
Commented on his letter previously sent to Council and that the sale of
the land is below fair market value and should not be sold.
Suggested exploring creative ways to use the Town-owned property at
Vasona Park.
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Public Hearing Item #20 – Continued
Mr. Carroll
Asked Council to look at what’s best for Los Gatos today - cash or land.
Suggested that the Town should find other land before selling the land
located in Vasona Park.
Commented that he does not support the sale of the property.
Mr. Finkle
Commented on the positive effect of sports in the community.
Ms. Quintana
Commented on supporting the sale of the Town -owned property in
Vasona Park.
Commented that it is the beginning of a cohesive strategy of supporting
sports in Town.
Mr. Chapman
Commented against the sale of the Town-owned property at Vasona
Park.
Would like to see the County partner with the Town.
Mr. Perez
Suggested having clear next steps and a phased solution before the sale
of the property to the County.
Mr. Yellich
Commented against the sale of the Town-owned property at Vasona Park
and suggested that Council take more time to look at other options.
Mr. West
Commented on supporting the sale of the Town-owned property located at
Vasona Park.
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Public Hearing Item #20 – Continued
Ms. Kawakami
Commented on supporting the sale of the Town -owned property at
Vasona Park.
Suggested that the County keep the land as open space.
Mr. Pragastis
Commented against the sale of the Town-owned property at Vasona
Park.
Ms. Wright
Commented on supporting the sale of the Town -owned property at
Vasona Park and that the sale is a fair trade.
Mr. Wagner
Commented that the sale to the County is a good idea, but feels the
transaction must happen very quickly.
Ms. Myers
Commented on supporting the sale of the Town -owned property at
Vasona Park.
Concerned that $6 million dollars is not a fair amount.
Commented that the wildlife can not be protected with sports fields in the
park.
Ms. Luehrte
Requested that consideration be given to the price before selling the land.
Mr. Dermer
Commented on his support for the sale of the Town -owned property at
Vasona Park and feels that the residents of Los Gatos will continue to
utilize the park.
Mr. Bawden
Commented on the $6 million offered by the County to purchase the
property.
Commented against the sale of the land until further evaluation of other
possible locations for the Town to purchase.
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Public Hearing Item #19 – Continued
Mr. Miller
Commented on his support of the sale of the property.
Commented that he feels the offer is more than fair, based on the value of
the land as open space.
Mr. Nelson
Commented against the sale of the Town-owned property at Vasona Park.
Mr. Duffy
Commented against the sale of the Town-owned property and that the
sale is premature.
Public Comment Closed
Council Discussion
Commented on the calculation of the dollar price paid per acre.
Commented on leasing the property back to the County.
Commented that the County sets aside funding for parkland requisitions.
Commented on the Town’s negotiations and the mis-information being
reported to the community.
Commented on the Parks, Trails and Open space Inventory.
Commented that the estimated costs for the Library project should not be
the priority for the use of Town funds.
Commented on supporting the allocation of funds from the sale of the
property for sports facilities.
Commented that it would take severe grading and loss of trees to
make that property usable for sports fields.
Commented on the negotiations between the Town and the County of
Santa Clara.
Commented on ways to expand the opportunities for sports fields and
facilities in the community.
Commented that the $6 million dollars will offer the youth an opportunity.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Diane McNutt to accept the 6
recommendations as stated in the staff report.
Seconded by Council Member Joe Pirzynski
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Public Hearing Item #20 – Continued
Council Discussion
Commented on the cost to maintain the Town-owned property at Vasona
Park.
Commented on the County’s commitment of acquiring, preserving and
maintaining the parkland.
Commented on the difference between the last offer and this offer.
VOTE: Carried 4/1 Council Member Steve Glickman voting no.
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
16. Adopt resolutions approving the Town and Redevelopment Agency’s
Fiscal Year 2008/09 Operating Budget, Capital Improvement Program
for Fiscal Year 2008/09-2012/13, carry-forward appropriations, and
other approved adjustments and minor corrections.
RESOLUTION 2008-070
Mr. Davis
Commented that the CIP does not speak to issues he expected to be
listed.
Commented on the Safe Routes to School project.
Commented on missing sidewalks along Wedgewood Avenue.
Mr. Larson
Clarified that the Blossom Hill Park area is one of many traffic safety
issues that staff is evaluating for expenditure of the funds incorporated in
the CIP.
Commented that the Safe Routes to School and Grading Report are
forthcoming from staff in fall 2008.
Commented that there is a current project in process on Wedgewood
Avenue for sidewalk improvements and staff is considering future funding
potential for improvements on the "S" curve along Wedgewood Avenue
which is not a funded project at this time.
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Pulled Consent Item #16 - Continued
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Mike Wasserman to adopt
resolutions approving the Town and Redevelopment
Agency’s Fiscal Year 2008/09 Operating Budget, Capital
Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2008/09-2012/13,
carry-forward appropriations, and other approved
adjustments and minor corrections.
Seconded by Council Member Joe Pirzynski
VOTE: Carried unanimously.
COUNCIL/TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
21. Council Matters
Council Member Steve Glickman
Commented that he will be recusing himself from the Council item relating
to the Bay Tree Condo conversion on Massol Avenue due to the fact
that the project is close to his residence.
Commented that he will be late to the meeting since he is recusing himself
for the item.
22. Manager Matters
Greg Larson, Town Manager
Commented on Police Department bicycles that have been retrofitted to
be used by staff for downtown meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
Attest:
/s/Jackie D. Rose, Clerk Administrator