Saratoga public meetings in 2022

City Council

The City Council authorized a $65,000 increase for a housing element update and approved an amended agreement for ALPR cameras. The council also appointed two members to the Heritage Preservation Commission and approved a $135,000 program support agreement.

• Appointed Margarete Minar to Heritage Preservation Commission for full-term ending Dec 31, 2026 (5-0)
• Appointed Zhen Li to Heritage Preservation Commission for partial-term ending Dec 31, 2024 (5-0)
• Authorized $65,000 increase for Urban Planning Partners, Inc. for 2023-2031 Housing Element Update (5-0)
• Approved amended agreement with Flock Group Inc. for ALPR cameras (5-0)
• Authorized $135,000 agreement with Crystal Bothelio for City Manager’s Department program support (5-0)
• Adopted 2023 City Council assignments (5-0)
• Accepted AB1600 Development Impact Fee reports for FY ended June 30, 2021 and 2022 (5-0)
• Adopted Local Appointments List for terms expiring in 2023 (5-0)

Public Art Commission

The subcommittee agreed to propose consolidating and revising the State Route 85 and sculpture work plan items into a living sculpture project. Members discussed potential locations, including the Saratoga Avenue median, and the use of recycled materials. Staff was asked to contact local artist Rick Waltonsmith.

• Approved minutes from December 8, 2022 meeting (2-0)
• Agreed to propose consolidating State Route 85 and sculpture work plan items into a living sculpture project
• Requested staff reach out to artist Rick Waltonsmith

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved a project to build three detached two-story townhomes at 12650 Saratoga Avenue. The approval includes the removal of three protected trees. The commission also approved the minutes from the November 9, 2022, meeting.

• Approved Resolution No. 22-027 for three townhomes at 12650 Saratoga Avenue (7-0)
• Approved minutes of the November 9, 2022 meeting (7-0)

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Saratoga Heritage Preservation Commission will hold a regular meeting on December 13, 2022, with no new business items. The agenda includes approval of minutes from three prior meetings and a review of a project status worksheet. No public hearings or action items are listed.

• Approval of minutes from September 13, October 11, and November 8, 2022 meetings
• Review of project status worksheet (no details provided)
• Recognition of Commissioner Shah
• No site visits or new business scheduled

The commission approved the minutes from the September 13, October 11, and November 8, 2022 meetings. Commissioners discussed the project status worksheet and potential HRI properties. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes for September 13, October 11, and November 8, 2022 (3-0)

City Council

The City Council adopted Resolution 22-046 to declare the results of the November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election. The council administered oaths of office to newly elected members and appointed a new Mayor and Vice Mayor.

• Adopted Resolution 22-046 declaring November 8, 2022 election results (5-0)
• Administered Oath of Office to Council Member Elect Yan Zhao
• Administered Oath of Office to Council Member Elect Belal Aftab
• Administered Oath of Office to Council Member Elect Chuck Page
• Nominated Council Member Fitzsimmons for Mayor (5-0)
• Nominated Council Member Zhao for Vice Mayor (5-0)

Public Art Commission

The subcommittee received information that the State prohibits artwork on structural elements of overpasses. Members discussed alternative projects for the Fiscal Year 2023/24 work plan and requested more information on other potential art locations. No final recommendations were made.

• Requested staff report graffiti on State Route 85 overpass to the State for cleanup
• Requested information on artwork options for the Union Pacific overpass
• Requested information on artwork options for Saratoga Avenue retaining walls near State Route 85
• Inquired about providing input on artwork for the walkway to Hakone project
• Considered a live sculpture in a City median involving a structure and plants
• Requested a meeting before January to discuss work plan changes or alternatives
• Requested Public Works Director attend the next meeting to discuss live sculpture options
• Proposed a review of subcommittee assignments at the January Commission meeting

City Council

The City Council adopted the 2022 California Building Standards Code with local modifications and approved responses to HCD comments on the Draft Housing Element. The council also passed ordinances regarding heritage preservation and vehicle parking restrictions.

• Adopted 2022 California Building Standards Code with local modifications (5-0)
• Approved responses to HCD comments on the Draft Housing Element (4-1)
• Adopted ordinance amending Heritage Preservation City Code Chapter 13 (4-0)
• Adopted Commercial and Recreational Vehicle Parking Restriction Ordinance (5-0)
• Directed staff to explore options for permanent outdoor seating at Saratoga Village Parklets (5-0)
• Confirmed findings to continue teleconference options for Brown Act bodies (5-0)
• Accepted 2021-22 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and supplemental reports (5-0)
• Took no action on budget amendment for Allendale Landscape District LLA Zone 36 (5-0)

Library & Public Art Commission

The Commission approved the minutes from the October 18, 2022 special meeting. Members discussed refining the 2023/24 Work Plan to include resource needs and engagement metrics. The October 2023 meeting was rescheduled to October 10, 2023.

• Approved minutes from October 18, 2022 Special Meeting (5-0)
• Rescheduled October 2023 meeting to October 10, 2023
• Agreed to refine 2023/24 Work Plan items and resource needs before February meeting

Traffic Safety Commission

The Commission approved several traffic calming measures, including speed humps on Mendelsohn Ln and Reid Ln and striping on Montalvo Rd. Members also voted on signage, reflectors, and curb changes at various intersections. The Commission elected Jason Mount as Chair and Robert Eng as Vice Chair.

• Approved city-led speed hump process for Mendelsohn Ln (4-0)
• Approved striping plans for Montalvo Rd (4-0)
• Approved increasing center-median reflectors on Old Oak Way (4-0)
• Denied crosswalk at Fruitvale Ave and Montauk Dr (4-0)
• Approved four-speed-hump plan for Reid Ln (4-0)
• Approved foliage trimming and traffic mirror installation at Quito Rd and Maude Ave (4-0)
• Approved red curb installation on Saratoga Ave at Sun Valley Ct (4-0)
• Elected Jason Mount as Chair and Robert Eng as Vice Chair (4-0)

Finance Advisory Committee

The Finance Committee approved the minutes from the October 27, 2022, regular meeting. The committee received reports on the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, and the 2023-24 Capital Improvement Program development.

• Approved October 27, 2022 Finance Committee minutes (2-0)

Public Art Commission

The Commission approved the minutes from the September 19, 2022 meeting and confirmed the 2023 meeting schedule. Members discussed revisions for the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Work Plan, including poetry contests and the #SaratogaROCKS program.

• Approved September 19, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Confirmed 2023 meeting schedule

City Council

The City Council introduced and waived the first reading for ordinances regarding commercial vehicle parking restrictions, heritage preservation, and the 2022 California Building Standards Code. The council also extended a CEQA support services contract and approved a response to a Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury report.

• Approved one-year contract extension for Environmental Science Associates through 12/31/2023 (4-0)
• Introduced and waived first reading of Commercial and Recreational Vehicle Parking Restriction Ordinance (4-0)
• Introduced and waived first reading of Heritage Preservation Ordinance update (3-0, 1 recused)
• Accepted report on Annual Review of Climate Action Plan 2030 (4-0)
• Approved draft response to 2022 Civil Grand Jury of Santa Clara County Report (4-0)
• Introduced and waived first reading of 2022 California Building Standards Code with local modifications (4-0)
• Confirmed continued use of teleconferencing for Brown Act bodies per AB 361 (4-0)
• Commended Captain Rich Urena for service as West Valley Patrol Division Commander

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved a 10-lot subdivision at 14521 Quito Road and several residential design and variance requests. The commission also approved a new home and ADU at 20538 Lynde Court despite a failed motion to deny the application.

• Approved minutes from October 12, 2022 meeting (6-0-1)
• Approved Resolution No. 22-020 for new home and ADU at 20538 Lynde Court (4-3)
• Denied motion to deny application PDR21-0032/ARB21-0120 at 20538 Lynde Court (3-4)
• Approved Resolution No. 22-025 for outdoor kitchen, firepit, and shed variance at 20711 Leonard Road (7-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 22-023 (Mitigated Negative Declaration) and Resolution No. 22-024 (10-lot subdivision and removal of 56 protected trees) at 14521 Quito Road (7-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 22-026 for 6-foot fence exception at 14920 Sobey Road (6-1)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will receive an update on the El Quito Pickleball Court Project, continue discussing food truck options for Movie Night, and hear a progress report on the Historical Plaque Program. The Commission will also brainstorm ideas for the 2022-2023 workplan and community engagement. No final votes or decisions are scheduled on these items.

• El Quito Pickleball Court Project update
• Movie Night food truck discussion
• Historical Plaque Program progress report
• Workplan and community engagement brainstorming

The Commission approved the "Timeline/Approach for Events" document and the minutes from the September 13, 2022 meeting. Members discussed the El Quito Pickleball Court project and the potential use of food trucks for a trial Movie Night event.

• Approved September 13, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved 'Timeline/Approach for Events' document (3-0)

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Heritage Preservation Commission will hold a regular meeting to review previous minutes and project status worksheets. No specific new business or commission items are listed on the current agenda.

• Approval of September 13, 2022 and October 11, 2022 meeting minutes
• Review of Project Status Worksheet

The commission held a brief meeting with no new business or votes. Approval of previous meeting minutes was continued to the December meeting.

• Approval of September 13 and October 11, 2022 minutes continued to December meeting

City Council

The City Council approved a cost share agreement with the City of Cupertino for Prospect Road and granted final map approval for a 90-condominium project on Cox Avenue. The Council also introduced an ordinance to adopt the 2022 California Building Standards Code with local modifications.

• Approved $164,833.91 Prospect Road Cost Share Agreement with City of Cupertino (5-0)
• Approved final map for 90 condominiums at 18764 Cox Avenue (5-0)
• Introduced and waived first reading of 2022 California Building Standards Code ordinance (5-0)
• Confirmed continued use of teleconferencing for Brown Act meetings per AB 361 (5-0)
• Approved October 19, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Accepted accounts payable check registers for 10/13/22 and 10/19/22 (5-0)
• Accepted Treasurer’s Report for month ended September 30, 2022 (5-0)
• Commended Cynthia Chang for community service

Finance Advisory Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the September 22, 2022, meeting. Members received reports on the Other Post-Employment Benefits Actuarial Valuation Project and the fiscal year 2022 single audit update.

• Approved September 22, 2022, meeting minutes (2-0)

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Commission will meet via teleconference to approve previous meeting minutes and review project statuses. The agenda includes an informational update regarding the Heritage Orchard.

• Approval of September 13, 2022 minutes
• Informational update on Heritage Orchard
• Review of Project Status Worksheet 10112022

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Heritage Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss new business regarding a property at 14495 Big Basin Way. The body will also review commission recruitment and a project status worksheet.

• Review of 14495 Big Basin Way, including plans and window specifications
• HPC recruitment
• Project status worksheet

Heritage Preservation Commission

The Heritage Preservation Commission will conduct a regular meeting via teleconference. The agenda includes an update regarding the Heritage Orchard and a review of the project status worksheet.

• Heritage Orchard Update from Orchard Keepers
• Project status worksheet review

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission will discuss follow-up from July 4th events and select a park for an upcoming drone video project. Members will also receive updates on the Beauchamps Park playground replacement and the Historical Plaque Program.

• Selection of a park for the next Drone Video Project
• Beauchamps Park Playground Replacement Project update
• Update on the Historical Plaque Program
• Discussion of the 2022-2023 PRC Work Plan and community engagement

Heritage Preservation Commission

The regular meeting of the Saratoga Heritage Preservation Commission scheduled for July 12, 2022, has been cancelled.

Heritage Preservation Commission

The regular meeting of the Saratoga Heritage Preservation Commission scheduled for June 14, 2022, has been cancelled.

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission will review a new draft plan for the Beauchamps Park playground replacement project. Other discussion items include drone video for El Quito Park, equity in parks, and a resource table.

• Beauchamps Park Playground Replacement Project draft plan review
• El Quito Park drone video project review
• Historical Plaque Program update
• Resource Table options discussion
• Equity in Parks discussion

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss summer movie night events and equity in parks. The body will review resident comments to recommend changes and approve the final design for Beauchamps Park. Other items include a workplan review and an update on the Historical Plaque Program.

• Approval of final design for Beauchamps Park based on resident comments
• Recommendations for summer Movie Night events
• Review of 2021 Workplan and community engagement brainstorming
• Discussion and recommendation regarding equity in parks
• Information update on the Historical Plaque Program

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to review and recommend a design for the Beauchamps Park Playground Replacement Project. The body will also discuss the Park Video Program, community engagement, and equity in parks.

• Review and recommendation of Beauchamps Park Playground Replacement designs from Ross Recreation, Spec Play, and KYA Group
• Recommendation for the next park to be featured in the Park Video Program
• Discussion and recommendation on community engagement ideas
• Discussion and recommendation regarding equity in parks
• Progress update on the Historical Plaque Program