MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL

 

SAN JOSÉ, CALIFORNIA                                                   TUESDAY NOVEMBER 16, 1999

 

The Council of the City of San Jose convened in regular session at 9:30 a. m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

Present: Council Members:       Chavez, Dando, Diaz, Diquisto, Fiscalini, LeZotte, Matthews, Powers, Shirakawa, Jr., Woody; Gonzales

 

               Absent: Council Members:        None.

 

            Upon motion unanimously adopted, the City Council recessed to a Closed Session at 9:35 a.m. in Room 600 to (A) confer with Legal Counsel with respect to existing litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 Subsection (a) to consider the case of Zavala v. City of San José, et al.; and (B) to confer with Legal Counsel regarding anticipated litigation of two matters where there is significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subsection (b) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code.

 

            By unanimous consent, Council reconvened from the Closed Session and recessed at 11:30 a.m. and reconvened at 1:35 p.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall.

 

Present: Council Members:       Chavez, Dando, Diaz, Diquisto, Fiscalini, LeZotte, Matthews, Powers, Shirakawa, Jr., Woody; Gonzales

 

               Absent: Council Members:        None.

 

INVOCATION

 

            Simonds Elementary School Third Grade Choir, under the direction of Music Teacher Terry Bermudez, performed two selections from the full musical which is scheduled for Tuesday evening, November 23, 1999 at Simonds Elementary School. (District 10)

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

            Mayor Gonzales led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

ORDERS OF THE DAY

 

               Upon motion by Vice Mayor Fiscalini, seconded by Council Member Diaz and unanimously carried, the Orders of the Day and the Amended Agenda were approved. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

CEREMONIAL ITEMS

 

5f         Presentation of a proclamation declaring November 14-20, 1999, as National Homeless Awareness Week. (City Manager's Office)

            (Orders of the Day 4a)

 

Documents Filed: None.

 

Discussion/Action: Mayor Gonzales presented the proclamation to Barry Del Buono, Executive Director of Emergency Housing Consortium, and encouraged residents of the City of San José to be generous in their volunteer efforts and financial support of programs seeking to end hunger and homelessness.

 

CONSENT CALENDAR

 

            Upon motion by Vice Mayor Fiscalini, seconded by Council Member Diaz and unanimously carried, the Consent Calendar was approved and the below listed actions were taken as indicated. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

Minutes for Approval

 

6a(1)    Regular Meeting of September 28, 1999

 

Documents Filed: Minutes of the regular meeting of September 28, 1999.

 

Discussion/Action: The Minutes were approved. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

 

Public Hearings Set by Council

 

6c(1)    Adoption of a resolution initiating the conforming rezoning of certain properties consisting of approximately 18.29 gross acres generally bounded by West Hedding Street, The Alameda, Vermont Street, Elm Street, and the Union Pacific Railroad, from (1) M-1 Manufacturing to A-Agriculture and (2) R-1 Residence and R-2 Residence to R-1 Residence and C-Commercial and setting a public hearing on January 18, 2000 at 7:00 p.m., and referring the rezoning to the Planning Commission for its report and recommendation.

(Planning, Building and Code Enforcement)

            CC 99-10-080

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement, James R. Derryberry, dated October 28, 1999, recommending Council adopt said resolution.

 

Discussion/Action: Resolution No. 69207, entitled: “Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Initiating Proceedings On Its Own Motion to Rezone Certain Real Properties Generally Bounded by West Hedding Street, The Alameda, Vermont Street, Elm Street, and the Union Pacific Railroad From M-1 Manufacturing to A-Agriculture and R-1 Residence, and R-2 Resident to R-1 Residence and C-Commercial Zoning Districts”, was adopted. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

6c(2)    Adoption of a resolution of intention to vacate a portion of a Public Utility Easement on former Eighth Street between Jackson and Taylor Streets and setting a public hearing on December 7, 1999 at 7:00 p.m.  CEQA:  ND.  (Public Works)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Public Works, Ralph A. Qualls, Jr., dated October 28, 1999, recommending Council adopt said resolution.

 

Discussion/Action: Resolution No. 69208, entitled: “Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Approving a Certain Map Showing That Portion of a Public Service Easement on North Eight Street Between East Taylor Street and East Jackson Street Which the Council Proposes to Vacate; Directing the City Clerk to File the Map in the Office of the City Clerk; Setting a Public Hearing Thereon; and Directing Notice Thereof to be Posted”, was adopted. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

 

6c(3)    Adoption of a resolution of intention to conditionally vacate Dove Hill Road between Colt Way and Deans Place Way, reserving a portion as a Public Service Easement and setting a public hearing on December 7, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. CEQA: ND.

(Public Works)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Public Works, Ralph A. Qualls, Jr., dated October 28, 1999, recommending Council adopt said resolution.

 

Discussion/Action: Resolution No. 69209, entitled: “Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Approving a Certain Map Showing That Portion of Dove Hill Road Which the Council Proposes to Conditionally Vacate; Subject to the Reservation of a Certain Public Service Easement; Directing the City Clerk to File the Map in the Office of the City Clerk; Describing the Street to be Vacated and Public Service Easement to be Reserved; Setting a Public Hearing; and Directing Notice Thereof to be Posted”, was adopted. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

Plans and Specifications

 

6d(1)    TRACT NO. 9206 – East side of north White Road, 360 feet south of McKee Road – I. One Investments, Inc., a California Corporation (Developer) – 10 single family attached residential units. Adoption of resolutions approving the plans, final map and contract, and approval of a Parkland Agreement for Tract No. 9206. CEQA: ND. District 5. (Public Works)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Public Works, Ralph A. Qualls, Jr., dated November 9, 1999, recommending Council adopt said resolutions for Tract No. 9206.

 

Discussion/Action: Resolution No. 69210, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Fixing Official Curb Grades and Position of Curbs, and Adopting Plans For Tract No. 9206”; Resolution No. 69211, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Approving and Accepting Final Map of Tract No. 9206”; and Resolution No. 69212, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Approving and Authorizing the Execution of Contract and Approving Bonds for the Improvement of Tract No. 9206”, were adopted. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

 

Contracts/Agreements

 

6e(1)    Approval of award of open purchase orders for supplies, materials, equipment, and services for FY 1999-2000 #16, and authorization for the Director of General Services to execute the purchase orders.  (General Services)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of General Services, Steve S. Yoshino, dated October 28, 1999, recommending Council approve said open purchase orders list, and authorize the Director of General Services to execute the purchase orders.

 

Discussion/Action: The award of open purchase orders List No. 16 for FY 1999-2000 was approved and execution of the purchase orders authorized. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

 

6e(2)    Adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a consultant agreement with Continuing Development, Inc. to provide unlimited child and elder adult care enhanced resource and referral services to City of San José employees, for the period July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000, in the amount of $55,000. (Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, Mark Linder, dated October 28, 1999, recommending Council adopt said resolution.

 

Discussion/Action: Vice Mayor Fiscalini entered into the public record a disqualification from Council discussion and voting on the item because of his position on the Board of Directors of the Continuing Development, Inc. Resolution No. 69213, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute an Agreement With Continuing Development, Inc. to Provide Unlimited Child and Elder Adult Care Enhanced Resource and Referral Services to City of San José Employees in an Amount Not to Exceed $55,000 For the Period July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000”, was adopted. Vote 10-0-0-1. Disqualified: Fiscalini.

 

6e(3)    Adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with the County of Santa Clara to provide a nutrition program for senior citizens for the period July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000, resulting in reimbursement to the City of San José in the amount of $371,614.

(Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, Mark Linder, dated  October 28, 1999, recommending Council adopt said resolution.

 

Discussion/Action: Resolution No. 69214, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute An Agreement With the County of Santa Clara for the Funding of the Senior Nutrition Program for Fiscal Year 1999-2000”, was adopted. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

6e(4)    Approval of Contract Change Order No. 7 with J. W. Ebert Construction Corp. for the Willow Glen Way Storm and Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project, in the amount of $70,691.08, for a total contract amount of $1,343,122.61, and a time extension of 34 working days, for a total of 149 working days. CEQA: Exempt. (Public Works)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Public Works, Ralph A. Qualls, Jr., dated October 28, 1999, recommending Council approve said contract change order with J.W. Ebert Construction Corp.

 

Discussion/Action: Contract Change Order No. 7 with J. W. Ebert Construction Corp. was approved and its execution authorized. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

6e(5)    Approval of the first amendment to the consultant agreement with APC International, Inc., to increase compensation by $25,000, for a total agreement amount not to exceed $60,000, for schedule monitoring and construction inspection services for the South Bay Water Recycling Program (SBWRP) Infill Pipeline Project.  (Public Works)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Public Works, Ralph A. Qualls, Jr., dated October 28, 1999, recommending Council approve the first amendment to said consultant services agreement.

 

Discussion/Action: William J. Garbett spoke against the proposed action. The first amendment to the consultant agreement with APC International, Inc. was approved and execution of the amendment authorized. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

Routine Legislation

 

6f(1)    Adoption of a resolution:

(a)        Accepting an irrevocable offer of dedication of parkland from Irvine Apartment Communities for park purposes.

            (b)        Approving a turnkey parkland agreement with Irvine Apartment Communi-ties for PD Permit No’s. PD 99-05-025, PD 99-05-028, and PD 99-05-029.

            CEQA: Resolution No. 67894.  (Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services)

            [Deferred from 10/26/99 – Item 6f(2)]

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, Mark Linder, dated October 6, 1999, recommending Council adopt said resolution.

 

Discussion/Action: This item was dropped.

 

6f(2)    Adoption of:

            (a)        Appropriation ordinance and funding sources resolution amendments in the Services for Redevelopment Capital Projects Fund to provide $120,000 for the Opera San José at the Fox Theatre Project.

            (b)        A resolution making certain determinations regarding the expenditure of Agency Funds on Certain Public Improvements.

(City Manager’s Office)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Budget Director, Larry D. Lisenbee, dated

October 28, 1999, recommending Council approve said appropriation ordinance and funding sources resolution amendments in the City-side Redevelopment Fund.

 

Discussion/Action: Ordinance No. 25983, entitled: “An Ordinance of the City of San José Amending Ordinance No. 25916 to Appropriate Moneys in the Services for Redevelopment Capital Projects Fund in the Amount of $120,000 for the Opera San José at the Fox Theatre Project; and Providing That This Ordinance Shall Become Effective Immediately Upon Adoption”; Resolution No. 69215, “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Amending Resolution No. 68980 Setting Forth the Estimated Sources of Funds for the Fiscal Year 1999-2000 to Adjust Revenues in the Services for Redevelopment Capital Projects Fund”; and Resolution No. 69216, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Making Certain Determinations Consistent With California Health and Safety Code Section 33445 With Regard to Funding by the Redevelopment Agency of the City of San José of Certain Fees or Costs Incurred by the City of San José in Fiscal Year 1999-2000 in Connection With Certain Public Improvements”, were adopted. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

6f(3)    Adoption of a resolution authorizing the reorganization of territory designated as McKee No. 118, which involves the annexation to the City of San José of 7.6 acres of land, located on the east side of Capitol Avenue, between Gay and Riverrun Avenues, and the detachment of the same from the Central Fire Protection District and the County Services Area No. 1 (Library Services).  CEQA:  ND.

(Planning, Building and Code Enforcement)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement, James R. Derryberry, dated October 28, 1999, stating that in approving the reorganization proposal, the City Council is required to make the following findings: [a] That the unincorporated territory is within the City’s Urban Service Area as adopted by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO); [b] That the County Surveyor has determined the boundaries of the proposal to be definite and certain and in compliance with the LAFCO Road Annexation Policies; [c] That the proposal does not split lines of assessment or ownership; [d] That the proposal does not create islands or areas in which it would be difficult to provide municipal services; [e] That the proposal is consistent with the City’s adopted General Plan; [f] That the territory is contiguous to existing City limits; and [g] That the City has complied with all conditions imposed by LAFCO for inclusion of the territory in the City’s Urban Service Area..

 

Discussion/Action: Resolution No. 69217, entitled: “Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Ordering the Reorganization of Certain Uninhabited Territory Designated as McKee No. 118 Subject to Liability for General Indebtedness of the City”, was adopted. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

6f(4)    Acceptance of the San José Arena Authority’s recommendation that one proposed “City Event” date be approved for the 1999 Mayor’s Cup Basketball Games at San José Arena on December 1, 1999, as provided in the San José Arena Management Agreement. (San José Arena Authority)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from San José Arena Authority Executive Director, Chris Morrisey, dated October 28, 1999, recommending Council approve the proposed “City Event” date as provided in the San José Management Agreement.

 

Discussion/Action: The recommendation was approved. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

6f(5)    Adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute grant agreements for the Mentoring Program for the 1999-2000 Fiscal Year in an amount not to exceed $175,000 and adoption of related appropriation ordinance amendments in the General Fund. (City Manager’s Office/Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services)

            (Rules/Agency Rules Committee referral 11/10/99)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Budget Director Larry D. Lisenbee, and Director of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Mark Linder, dated November 10, 1999, recommending Council adopt said resolution and appropriation ordinance amendments in the General Fund.

 

Discussion/Action: Resolution No. 69218, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute Grant Agreements for the Mentoring Program in a Total Amount Not to Exceed $175,000”; and Ordinance No. 25984, entitled: “An Ordinance of the City of San José Amending Ordinance No. 25916 Which Appropriates Moneys in the General Fund to the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department in the Amount of $175,000, for the Mentoring Program; and Providing That This Ordinance Shall Become Effective Immediately Upon Adoption”, were adopted. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

 

Council Member Chavez left Council Chambers during discussion of Item 7b.

 

COMMISSION, COMMITTEE, AND STANDING REPORTS

 

7b        Report of the Rules Committee – Meeting of November 3, 1999

 

Documents Filed: Rules Committee Report of November 3, 1999.

 

            (1)        Review November 16, 1999 Draft Agenda

 

The Committee approved the November 16, 1999 City Council Agenda with one addition.

 

            (2)        Add New Items to November 9, 1999 Amended Agenda

 

The Committee recommended four additions to the November 9, 1999 City Council Agenda.

 

(3)        Meeting Schedules. Attachment: Memorandum from Interim Council Liaison, Deanna J. Santana, dated October 29, 1999, recommending approval of the proposed date for a Committee of the Whole meeting on “Investing in Results”.

 

                        (a)        Approve Committee of the Whole meetings entitled “Investing in Results” on December 15 and December 16, 1999.

 

The Committee recommended a Committee of the Whole meeting entitled “Investing in Results” to be held Wednesday, December 15, 1999 and Thursday, December 16, 1999, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on both dates.

 

(4)        The Public Record. Attachment: Memorandum from City Clerk, Patricia L. O’Hearn, dated October 28, 1999, listing the items filed for the Public Record for the period October 20-26, 1999.

 

The Committee noted and filed the Public Record for the period October 20-26, 1999.

 

            (5)        Council Referrals for Assignment to Appropriate Committee, Administration, or Council Appointee

 

None Presented.

 

            (6)        Oral communications

 

None Presented.

 

            (7)        Adjournment

 

The meeting was adjourned at 2:25 p.m.

 

            Discussion/Action: Upon motion by Vice Mayor Fiscalini, seconded by Council Member Diaz and unanimously carried, the Rules Committee Report and actions of November 3, 1999 were accepted. Vote 10-0-1-0. Absent: Chavez.

 

Council Member Chavez returned to the meeting at 1:55 p.m.

 

7d        Report of the Economic and Community Development Committee – November 1, 1999

 

Documents Filed: Economic and Community Development Committee Report of the meeting on November 1, 1999.

 

(1)        North Coyote Valley Status Update. Attachment: Memorandum from Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement, James R. Derryberry, dated October 19, 1999, providing a status report on existing plans for and recent development interests and planning activities in North Coyote Valley.

 

The Committee recommended acceptance of the status report.

 

(2)        Convention and Cultural Facilities Annual Performance Report. Attachment: Memorandum from Director of Conventions, Arts and Entertainment, Nancy Johnson, dated October 18, 1999, recommending approval of the 1998-99 Performance Report for the San José Convention & Cultural Facilities.

 

The Committee recommended acceptance of the report.

 

(3)        Public Outreach (Noticing) Procedure for Planning Department Related Notices. Attachment: Memorandum from Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement, James R. Derryberry, dated October 18, 1999, recommending approval of the Public Outreach Policy, and the initiation of an ordinance changing the Zoning Ordinance to reflect inclusion of on-site notification signs in the Public Hearing section of the Code.

 

The Committee recommended acceptance of the report with the following changes: Under the category Definitions, “Large Development Projects” be defined as 100 dwelling units or more, or 60,000 square feet of commercial uses, or 100,000 square feet of office or industrial uses; and that the Policy read “signs will be 4 feet by 8 feet”.

 

                        Discussion/Action: See Item 9f for Council action taken.

 

(4)        Recommendations for Streamlining Entertainment Permit Process. Attachment: Memorandum from Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement James R. Derryberry, and Chief of Police William M. Lansdowne, dated October 21, 1999, recommending approval of the Staff recommendation that the Entertainment Permit Process remain with the Police Department as specified in Chapter 6.60 of the Municipal Code; and in addition, that certain administrative changes be made to the current permit process to improve interdepartmental coordination and customer service.

 

The Committee recommended acceptance of the report.

 

(5)        Update on the Development of a Master Plan for the Area South of Silver Creek Valley Road in the Edenvale Project Area. Attachment: Memorandum from Redevelopment Agency Interim Executive Director, Richard Rios, dated October 18, 1999, submitting a report in brief for informational purposes only.

 

The Committee recommended acceptance of the report.

 

            (6)        Review and approve the Economic and Community Development Committee Workplan for November 1999 through January 2000. Attachment: Revised Economic & Community Development Committee Workplan for the period covering November 1, 1999 through January 3, 2000.

 

The Committee recommended acceptance of the report and approval of the requested changes (a) to reschedule the January 3, 2000 meeting to January 10, 2000; (b) to add the City Auditor’s Report on Code Enforcement to the December 6, 1999 Committee meeting; and (c) that the Convention Center Expansion Report come forward to the February 7, 2000 Economic and Community Development Committee meeting.

 

            (7)        Oral petitions

 

Saul Wachter, representing Affordable Housing Network of Santa Clara County, requested the Committee review the Draft Replacement Housing Plan for Redevelopment Projects Downtown Report prior to its scheduled review by the Agency Board at its meeting on November 23, 1999. The Committee will review the possibility of scheduling a special Economic and Community Development Committee meeting to review the Report.

 

            (8)        Adjournment

 

                        The meeting was adjourned at 3:36 p.m.

 

            Discussion/Action: Upon motion by Council Member Diaz, seconded by Council Member Dando and unanimously carried, the Economic and Community Development Committee Report and actions of November 1, 1999 were accepted with Council action on Item 7d(3) taken at Item 9f. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

GENERAL GOVERNMENT

 

9b        Adoption of a resolution:

(1)        Approving business terms for a construction/permanent loan of up to $2,368,000 to Vista Park Associates, II, L.P., or its designated partnership, for the development of an 83-unit housing project affordable to very low-income seniors on a 1.59-acre site located on the northwest corner of Capitol Express way and Vista Park Drive.

(2)        Authorizing the Director of Housing to negotiate and execute all necessary documents evidencing such loans on behalf of the City.

                        (Housing)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Director of Housing, Alex Sanchez, dated November 4, 1999, recommending Council adopt said resolution.

 

Discussion/Action: William J. Garbett spoke against the proposed action. Upon motion by Council Member Shirakawa, Jr., seconded by Council Member Powers and unanimously carried, Resolution No. 69219, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José (i) Approving Business Terms for a Construction/Permanent Loan of Up to $2,368,000 to Vista Park Associates, II, L.P., or Its Designated Partnership, for the Development of an 83-Unit Housing Project Affordable to Very Low-Income Seniors on a 1.59-Acre Site Located on the Northwest Corner of Capitol Expressway and Vista Park Drive, and (ii) Authorizing the Director of Housing to Negotiate and Execute All Necessary Documents to Implement the Loan on Behalf of the City in Accordance With the Approved Business Terms”, was adopted. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

9d        Review of the Civic Center Conceptual Design and Cost Estimate.  (Public Works)

 

Documents Filed: None.

 

Discussion/Action: This item was deferred to December 7, 1999.

 

9e        Direction to the Administration to continue development of the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the 2002 Recycle Plus Program.  (Environmental Services)

            (Deferred from 10/26/99 – Item 9b and 11/9/99 – Item 9a)

 

Documents Filed: None.

 

Discussion/Action: This item was deferred to November 23, 1999.

 

9f         (1)        Approval of a policy for public noticing and outreach for projects seeking land use approvals.

(2)        Adoption of a resolution initiating an ordinance to amend Section 20.44.070 of Chapter 20.44 of Title 20 of the San José Municipal Code to allow for the placement of 4 foot by 8 foot public notice signs, and setting a public hearing on January 18, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers and referring the ordinance to the Planning Commission for its review and comment.

            [Economic and Community Development Committee referral 11/1/99 - Item 7d(3)]

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from Senior Executive Assistant, Interim Council Liaison Deanna J. Santana, dated November 5, 1999, submitting Economic and Community Development Committee recommendation for approval of said policy procedures.

 

Discussion/Action: Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement, James R. Derryberry provided a comprehensive overview of the Staff report, which contained the proposed policy responding to the mandate for public outreach and noticing processes for all planning and land use permit processes managed by the Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement. He stated the intent of the policy is to establish a baseline protocol for dissemination of information related to development activity and to encourage early and frequent communication between City Staff, developer representatives, and the public. He stated the proposed Public Outreach Policy increases the minimum radius for noticing of projects from 300-feet to 500-feet for standard applications, with a lead time set from 10 days to 2 weeks, and maintains a 1000 linear-foot radius for noticing for large or controversial projects, and identifies a number of thresholds for controversial projects requiring greater noticing. He stated Planning Staff has worked with the City Attorney’s Office on the issue of on-site signs and supports the use of 4-foot by 8-foot public notifications signs which would replace existing leasing/for sale signs and limit the time period for posting. He recommended Council approve the proposed policy changes amending the City’s Sign Ordinance. Regarding the criteria categorizing each project, Council Member Woody queried Staff on the definitions incorporating “anything over fifty residential units”, and the distinction between a 50, 100 or 150-dwelling unit limit. She stated all project development in the Evergreen community, by the proposed policy definition, would be considered “controversial” and should be noticed accordingly. Noting his preference to resolve the issue of proper noticing, Mayor Gonzales stated the condition of 50 residential units is a good measurement for all development applications filed with the City. In response to Council Member Powers’ inquiry regarding the reasonable accommodations application and whether they are exempt or subject to provisions of the Federal Fair Housing Act, City Attorney Joan R. Gallo stated specific federal restrictions do apply to certain accommodations, however, the Office of the City Attorney will research the matter and submit a report to Council. With regard to the color, design and content of each sign, she stated the details would be reported to Council at a later date. Upon motion by Council Member Diaz, seconded by Council Member Shirakawa, Jr., and unanimously carried, (1) the Public Outreach Policy was approved with the changes that the Policy DEFINITIONS be changed such that “Large Development Projects” be defined as “50 dwelling units or more”; (2) that initiation of an ordinance changing the Zoning Ordinance to reflect inclusion of on-site notification signs in the Public Hearing section of the code, was approved; (3) the City Attorney directed to research the issue of exemptions or restrictions in providing notices relative to “applications for reasonable accommodations”; and Resolution No. 69220, entitled: “A Resolution of the Council of the City of San José Initiating Proceedings to Amend Section 20.44.070 of Chapter 20.44 of Title 20 of the San José Municipal Code to Allow for the Placement of Four Foot By Eight Foot Public Notice Signs, and Setting a Public Hearing on January 18, 2000, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers and Referring the Ordinance to the Planning Commission for Its Review and Comment”, was adopted. Vote: 11-0-0-0.

 

FISCAL AFFAIRS

 

10a      (1)        (a)        Approval of the first amendments to the agreements for Tow Services between the City of San José and the following tow companies:

(1)        Matos Auto Towing & Transport. (Zone One).

(2)        City Tow, Inc. (Zone Two).

(3)        Century Tow (Zone Three).

(4)        Motor Body Company, Inc. (Zone Four).

(5)        Courtesy Tow (Zone Five).

(6)        Delta Towing, Inc. (Zone Six).

                        (b)        Incorporating the City Auditor’s recommendations as identified in the Towing Service Agreements Audit (98-03) into the first amendment to the agreement.

                        (c)        Incorporating minor changes to the boundaries between zones three and six and between zones four and six, to provide that primary storage facilities are located in the towing contractor zone.

            (2)        Adoption of a resolution that revises the fee schedule for tow services agreements with the following changes:

                        (a)        Increase in the basic tow charge from $85 to $90.

Increase in the rate charged for “special tows” from $180 per hour to: $200 per hour for vehicles which are required to be recovered by Class “B”, medium duty tow-trucks; $200 per hour for all vehicles which weigh over six thousand (6000) pounds empty; and $300 per hour for all vehicles in which weight or complex recovery requires the use of a Class “C” or “D” three axle heavy duty tow truck.

            (3)        Direction to staff to report to Council the results of a consultant study’s recommendations by March 2000 regarding the frequency of future rate increases, as well as other factors that may be considered.

            (Planning, Building and Code Enforcement)

            (Deferred from 11/2/99 – Item 10b)

 

Documents Filed: None.

 

Discussion/Action: This item was deferred to November 23, 1999.

 

GENERAL GOVERNMENT

 

9a        Interview applicants for appointment to fill two vacancies on the Civil Service Commission for four-year terms ending December 1, 2003. (City Clerk)

 

Documents Filed: (1) Memorandum from City Clerk, Patricia L. O’Hearn, dated November 5, 1999, submitting the applications of candidates to be interviewed for the Civil Service Commission. (2) Memorandum from City Attorney, Joan R. Gallo, dated November 3, 1999, highlighting major areas of known potential conflicts that are disclosed by the applications. (3) Letters from Robert C. Bailey, dated November 12 & 15, 1999, explaining his absence from the November 16, 1999 Council interviews and recounting his qualifications to serve on the Civil Service Commission.

 

Discussion/Action: Mayor Gonzales stated applicants Robert Bailey and Dara Ea were unavailable to attend today’s meeting, and that Robert Bailey’s interview would be rescheduled to November 23, 1999. He suggested Council interview those applicants present and defer its final appointment to November 23, 1999. Council interviewed three applicants--Richard J. Giovannetti, Phillip Gordillo, and Leon E. Louie--and by unanimous consent, continued the interview of Robert Bailey and subsequent appointment to November 23, 1999.

 

 

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

 

            Ross Signorino submitted to the Administration and Council Member LeZotte a list of streets needing restriping or crosswalk markings. Resident to meet with appropriate City Department.

 

 

RECESS/RECONVENE

 

            Council recessed at 2:55 p.m. and reconvened at 7:05 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall.

 

Present:  Council Members:         Chavez, Dando, Diaz, Diquisto, Fiscalini, LeZotte, Powers, Shirakawa, Jr., Woody; Gonzales

 

            Absent:  Council Members:          Matthews (excused)

 

 

CEREMONIAL ITEMS

 

5a        Swearing in of Youth Commissioners for Council Districts 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10.  (Mayor)

            (Deferred from 11/2/99 – Item 5a)

 

Documents Filed: Memorandum from City Clerk, Patricia L. O’Hearn, dated October 29, 1999, submitting the names of the Youth Commissioners.

 

Discussion/Action: Council Members Powers and Woody, Vice Mayor Fiscalini and Mayor Gonzales presented biographical sketches of each student’s accomplishments and achievements, and City Clerk, Patricia L. O’Hearn administered the Oaths of Office to Youth Commissioners Rachel Stone--District 2, Jennifer Leung--District 4, Justin Imamura--District 6, Jen Hernandez--District 8, and Danielle Boule--District 10. Mayor Gonzales invited the parents and friends of the newly appointed Commissioners to stand and be recognized.

 

5b        Presentation of a commendation to local students serving the San José community, the National Basketball Association Team-Up Program, Our City Forest, and the Volunteer Exchange of Santa Clara County for planting shrubs and 25 trees at James Lick High School.  (Diaz)

            (Deferred from 11/2/99 – Item 5b)

 

Documents Filed: None.

 

Discussion/Action: Joined by Mayor Gonzales and Council Member Chavez at the Podium, Council Member Diaz presented commendations to the following honorees: Rene Morgan, James Lick High School Beautification Committee; Deana Singleton, Coordinator of the National Basketball Association Team-Up Program; Nicole Ozer, Youth Coordinator, Volunteer Exchange of Santa Clara County; Rhonda Berry, Our City Forest; John Singly from Blue Spruce Landscaping Company, who provided equipment and materials for many of the projects; and students Denielle O’Rielly from Bellarmine High School, and Mene Maschucca, representing Monte Vista High School. The City Council joined Mayor Gonzales in thanking the volunteers for their service to the City of San José.

 

5c        Presentation of a commendation to the Volunteer Exchange of Santa Clara County for the completion of two youth service projects in Council District 3 on October 23, 1999, in celebration of “National Make a Difference Day.”  (Chavez)

 

Documents Filed: None.

 

Discussion/Action: Joined by Mayor Gonzales and Council Member Diaz, Council Member Chavez presented the commendation to Nicole Ozer, Youth Coordinator, Volunteer Exchange of Santa Clara County, and thanked the organization for the completion of several service projects in the City of San José.

 

5d        Welcome and recognition of Mayor Seiji Hagiwara of Okayama, Japan, San José’s sister city.  (Mayor)

            (Rules Committee referral 11/10/99)

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