CC 02-03-09CUPERTINO
APPROVED P/IINUTES
CUPERTINO CITY COUNCIL
Regular Adjourned Meeting
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
ROLL CALL
At 5:32 p.m. Mayor Orrin Mahoney called the regular meeting to order in Conference Room A,
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California.
Present: Mayor Orrin Mahoney, Vice-Mayor Kris Wang, and Council members Dolly Sandoval,
Mark Santoro, and Gilbert Wong. Absent: none.
STUDY SESSION
A. Review the City Coninzission Process - An informal discussion to explore ways of
improving Council/commission integration., including, but not limited to:
1) Interview processes
2) Formation of new commissions
3) Retirement of existing commissions
4) Council/commission integration
5) Progress reporting of commission work and issues
Council members discussed the interview and appointment process for commissioners.
Council member Sandoval noted for the record that many times when the Council has an agenda
item and finds that the item has not been noticed, or the affected organization has not been
invited, the matter is postponed in order to send the notice and invitations. She said that in this
case, the commissioners were not notified or invited, and she felt that was a necessary step to
promote open and transparent government.
Sandoval moved to cancel the study session at this time, give notice to the commissions, and
reschedule the item to a 5:30 p.m. televised session. Mahoney seconded for purposes of
discussion. Wong called for the question, and the motion failed with Wang, Wong, and Santoro
voting no. Wong noted that tonight's study sessiori had been legally noticed.
Discussion continued regarding the interview process. Topics included: (1) Who is the
appropriate person to notify incumbents that wer<: not reappointed; (2) Consider extending the
interview length for more complex interviews; (3) Consider a Council discussion session after
the interviews but before the vote in order to analyze what the Council is looking for in certain
February 3, 2009 Cupertino City Council Page 2
commissions; (4) Should the Council members allow or discourage lobbying or endorsements for
commissions or members; (5) Identify ways to better coordinate with the City Clerk's Office to
arrange back-to-back interviews; (6) Consider an orientation for commissioners before they are
interviewed or appointed; (7) Consider whether ~i more formal process is needed to create or
dissolve a commission; (8) Should there be formal presentations from the commissions every
year; (9) Should there be formal Council liaisons Ito commissions, informal drop-ins by Council
members, or other solutions for Council to stay informed about commission activities; (10)
Consider ways to improve attendance reporting and enforcement; (1 1) Should a process be
developed to review commissioners annually instead of every four years when they are up for
reappointment; (12) Should there be a process to replace an incumbent with a new applicant at
any time during the incumbent's term.
Former Bicycle Pedestrian Commissioner May Koski noted that at the Mayor's monthly
breakfast, it was common for the commissions to ;send a different representative every month so
that many people got to hear what the other commissions were doing. She also suggested that
Council members make a point of visiting other commissions when the staff liaison is present,
for those commissions that are staffed at only half of the meetings.
Council members concurred that: (1) The mayor should personally notify any incumbent who is
not reappointed; (2) Commission attendance should be reviewed by the Council every six months
instead of annually; (3) Commissions should report to Council annually; (4) Council members
will make informal visits to the commissions, and report those visits under the category of
"Council Reports" at their Council meetings.
RECESS
At 6:32 p.m., Council recessed the study session, and reconvened in the Council Chambers for
the regular business session at 6:50 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:47 p.m. Mayor Orrin Mahoney called the regular meeting to order in the Council Chamber,
10350 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California, and lei the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Orrin Mahoney, Vice-Mayor Kris Wang, and Council members Dolly Sandoval,
Mark Santoro, and Gilbert Wong. Absent: none.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS -PRESENTATIONS -None
POSTPONEMENTS -None
February 3, 2009 Cupertino City Council Page 3
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
The City Clerk distributed the following written communications:
For item No. 13:
• A letter from Darrel Lum with suggestions for the Heart of the City Specific Plan
• A handout from Darrel Lum titled Attachment 1, Heart of the City Landscape at the Oaks
• A handout from Darrel Lum titled Attachment 2, Heart of the City Specific Plan/Library
• A copy of the staff PowerPoint presentatiori
• A copy of the City's report from the Grand Boulevard Committee dated November 6,
1991
For item No. 14:
• A copy of the staff PowerPoint presentatior~.
• A color-coded map of wireless communication facilities
• An email from Santa Clara County Sheriff Capt. Terry Calderone supporting the
ordinance
For item No. 15, a copy of the staff PowerPoint presentation
For item No. 16, a letter from Adam Montgomery, Silicon Valley Association of Realtors,
suggesting an amendment to the ordinance
For item No. 17, a petition from property owner: of John Way and Kirwin Lane requesting a
rural designation and sidewalk exemption
For item No. 18A, an agenda of the Cupertino Senior Center Volunteer Advisory Council
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Sparky Cohen noted that, prior to each Council meeting, the lobby television showed
programming highlighting various city events. He suggested a similar resource for the Cupertino
Library. In addition, Mr. Cohen noted that the current Mayor's picture in the lobby was not
displayed in the proper order. The City Manager stated that he would check that all three
locations where the photos were posted were current.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Wong moved and Wang seconded to approve the items on the Consent Calendar as
recommended, with the exception of Item Nos. l0 and 12 which were pulled for discussion.
Ayes: Mahoney, Sandoval, Santoro, Wang, and Wong. Noes: None. Abstain: None.
1. Approve the minutes from the January 12 City Council meeting.
2. Adopt resolutions accepting Accounts Payable for January 16 and 23, Resolution Nos.
09-013 and 09-014.
February 3, 2009 Cupertino City Council Page 4
3. Adopt a resolution accepting Payroll for Jariuary 23, Resolution No. 09-015.
4. Accept the Treasure's Investment Report for December 2008.
5. Adopt a resolution approving the Treasurer/Deputy Treasurer appointment, Resolution
No. 09-016.
6. Accept an application for an Alcoholic Beverage License for Regus, 10297 S. De Anza
Blvd., On-Sale Beer 8z Wine -Public Premises (42). (Continued from Jan. 20. Regus
withdrew the application).
7. Accept municipal improvements, Tantau Investments, LLC, 10900 Tantau Avenue, APN
316-09-029.
The applicant has completed City-specified improvements in the City right-of--way,
including easement, grading, and on-site storm drain work as required by the
improvement agreement with the City.
Accept city projects performed under contr~ict: Local Streets Pavement Management 1,
Project No. 2008-03 (O'Grady Paving, Inc.;i.
The City's contractor O'Grady Paving, Inc. has completed work on the Local Streets
Pavement Management 1 Project. The work included Slurry Seal, Cape Seal and Overlay
on Various streets throughout the city.
9. Accept city proiects performed under contract: Maior Streets Pavement Manaeement,
Project No. 2008-04 (O'Grady Paving, Inc.;i.
The City's contractor O'Grady Paving, Inc. has completed work on the Local Streets
Pavement Management 1 Project. The work included Slurry Seal, Cape Seal and Overlay
on Various streets throughout the city.
11. Accept a donation of furniture, fixtures, library reference books, and other items at an
appraised value of $16,495.00 from Charles, Kilian.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR (above)
1 O. Accept city proiects performed under contract: 2007-08 STP Overlay, Project No.
2007-01 (G. Bortolotto 8c Company, Inc.)
The City's contractor O'Grady Paving, Inc. has completed work on the 2007-08 STP
Overlay Project. The work included asphalt overlay on various streets throughout the city.
February 3, 2009 Cupertino City Council Page 5
The City Clerk noted a typographical error in the agenda, and said that the contractor
name should have been O'Grady Paving, In.c., and not G. Bortolotto 8c Company, Inc.
Wang moved and Sandoval seconded to accept the project. The motion carried
unanimously.
12. Accept the Planning Commission recormendation to appoint Lisa Giefer as the
Environmental Review Committee representative.
Vice-Mayor Wang noted that this appointment was not urgent, and she recommended
deferring the appointment out of respect and courtesy to the recently-appointed Planning
Commission. Council member Sandoval stated that the seated Planning Commission had
made the recommendation and she wa.s in favor of moving forward with their
recommendation. Council members Santoro and Wong raised concerns about this
Planning Commission appointment being made via email and believed the vote should be
done in a public meeting. Councilme:mber Sandoval supported continuing this
appointment as she did not support the Commission voting by email.
Wang moved and Wong seconded to defer this item for two weeks. The motion carried
unanimously.
Mayor Mahoney reordered the agenda to hear Staff Reports next.
STAFF REPORTS
19. Receive a report concerning a citizen complaint regarding excessive noise from roof-
mounted mechanical equipment located at the Marketplace Shopping Center
(Yogurtland), 19770 Stevens Creek Boulevard.
City Planner Gary Chao reported that in April, 2008, a complaint had been received
concerning the noise levels at Yogurtland. Code Enforcement had reviewed the matter
and determined that the noise levels were below those allowed by code. A further
complaint was made in January, 2009, and staff again determined that the noise levels
were within the allowed amounts. Staff worked with the property owner and the business
owner, and the business owner took mitigating measures to correct the situation but the
property owner said the noise issue had shill not been sufficiently addressed. Staff noted
that the noise ordinance did not address this type of situation where there may be a
constant noise generated which is below th<: noise limitation.
The following individuals spoke regarding the noise ordinance: Virginia Tamblyn,
George Monk, Keith Murphy and Tom Hugunin. They supported an ordinance which
would address constant noise levels. It was suggested that the property owners be
responsible for getting certain issues resolved within a certain timeframe and that the city
officials be aware of the neighbors' needs.
February 3, 2009 Cupertino City Council Page 6
Council agreed that more information was needed about the issue of constant noise and
whether it should be addressed in the municipal code. In this situation there was little
recourse since the noise levels were below those currently allowed, but the issue could be
re-examined during the use permit review. Staff noted that Cupertino's noise levels were
comparable with other cities and no other c:ity addressed the issue of constant noise. Staff
recommended that input be obtained from both businesses and neighbors, since lowering
allowable levels could create non-conforming situations.
Council agreed that staff should report bacl~: to Council in a month on this issue.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
13. Consider Application No. SPA-2008-01; Heart of the City; Stevens Creek Boulevard
between Highway 85 and the Eastern ~~ity limit. Heart of the City Specific plan
amendments to achieve conformance with the General Plan. (Postponed from January
20).
The City Clerk distributed the following items at the meeting:
• a letter from Darrel Lum, Feb. 2, 2009, with suggestions for the Heart of the City
Specific Plan
• A handout from Darrel Lum titled Attachment 1, Heart of the City Landscape at
the Oaks
• A handout from Darrel Lum titled Attachment 2, Heart of the City Specific
Plan/Library
• A handout of the staff PowerPoint presentation
• A copy of the city report from the Grand Boulevard Committee dated November
6, 1991
Senior Planner Aki Honda Snelling presented the staff report. She said that on December
16, 2008, Council reviewed the updated version of the Heart of the City, accepted
comments from the public and directed staff to prepare a map of the Heart of the City
Plan area showing the land uses by type and percentages. Council also directed staff to
clarify miscellaneous items in the draft Conceptual Plan. For tonight's meeting staff had
prepared a map based on the current boundaries and had clarified several items within the
Conceptual Plan.
The following addressed the Council concerning the Heart of the City Plan: Jennifer
Griffin, Tom Hugunin, Keith Murphy and Virginia Tamblyn. These speakers supported
the Heart of the City Plan and urged Council to make good decisions for the city's future.
Change was good but they supported keeping the basic layout of the city. They also
strongly supported the protection of the trees along Stevens Creek Boulevard as well as
the full public rights-of--way. They believed the Heart of the City Plan, while needing
some modification, was a reasonable plan.
Mayor Mahoney read one of the letters th:~t had been submitted by Darrel Lum. In part
Mr. Lum's letter stated that the Heart of the City Plan dated Feb. 3, 2009, was primarily a
February 3, 2009 Cupertino City Council Page 7
landscape plan and lacked the original policy framework of overall goals, policies and
strategies. In addition Mr. Lum stated that the original Heart of the City Specific Plan
should be updated to reflect the changes ~idopted in the 2005 General Plan and should
continue to be in the form of a specific plan.
Council discussed several issues, includin€; definition of a conceptual plan vs. a specific
plan, tree protection, conformity with the General Plan, zoning, boundaries (including the
suggestion of expanding the boundaries as part of the General Plan amendment process)
and format of plan. Mayor Mahoney suggested making the Heart of the City Plan
consistent with the current General Plan, knowing that there would be changes made in
the future, or making the Heart of the Cite Plan match what Council thought they were
going to have.
Interim City Attorney Mark Hynes concurred with the Mayor's comment, stating that
Council could create a draft that was consistent with the current General Plan, with the
idea that was where Council thought things, were headed, and with the understanding that
Council would be doing this in conjunction with future amendment of the General Plan.
Council could draft a working document while working on the General Plan amendments.
Any applications received before any such amendments were approved would be subject
to the current General Plan and adopted Heart of the City Plan.
Community Development Director Steve Piasecki suggested adopting a Heart of the City
Plan with boundaries as defined in the current plan, with an expanded area to be reviewed
when General Plan amendments were discussed in six months.
Council reviewed the document before them and made the following changes:
Introduction: change 250 acres to 552 acres
• Policy Framework: 1. Should read:: Require shared parking arrangements in the
Crossroads area in mixed use deveaopments; 2. Correct to state streetscape plan;
3. Delete; 5. Should read: Plans for -the new projects should include pedestrian and
bicycle pathways, incorporating the City's existing network; 6. Delete; and
• Eliminate section Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 6 in the Policy Framework as recommended by
the Planning Commission.
• streetscape Design: staff will redraft wording regarding trees particularly as
related to retail visibility -city may adjust requirements on a case by case basis
• Development Standards and Design Guidelines: delete fourth paragraph;
• Development Standards: 1) delete: the statement - "Drive through uses are
discouraged"; 2) add wording to section A.3 on height regarding noise mitigation;
3) concurred with highlighted sections and on page 18 staff to develop wording
for #2 concerning residential/existing residential uses;
• Application Requirements and Approval Authority -concurred with wording and
on page 25 change the last word `recommended' to `allowed'.
Council agreed that the following sections would be brought back for additional
discussion: page 12 item 3; all of page 13, page 14 section C.l.b; page 16 section B.1;
February 3, 2009 Cupertino City Council Page 8
and all of page 19. Council further directed staff to prepare acolor-coded map regarding
zoning for Council's review.
Wong moved and Sandoval seconded to c:ontinue this item for 2 months to a televised
study session with special advertising done in the Cupertino Courier. The motion carried
unanimously.
RECESS
The Council was in recess from 9:50 p.m. to 10:03 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued)
14. Consider Application Nos. MCA-2008-04 (EA-2008-09), City of Cupertino, Citywide:
Wireless Communication Facilities.
a) Neeative declaration
b) Municipal Code Amendment to Chapter 19-108-Wireless Communications
Facilities, regarding additional si-ling options, clarifying review criteria and
streamlining some of the minor review processes.
Conduct first reading of Ordinance ]~lo. 09-2038: "An ordinance of the City
Council of the City of Cupertino amending chapter 19.108: Wireless
Communications Facilities, of the Cupertino Municipal Code regarding the
expansion of potential site location:, adding design and siting review criteria and
miscellaneous technical changes".
The City Clerk distributed the following items at the meeting:
• A copy of the staff PowerPoint presentation.
• A color-coded map of wireless communiication facilities
• An email from Santa Clara County Sheriff Capt. Terry Calderone supporting the
ordinance
Senior Planner Colin Jung gave the staff report, and explained that the updated map
Council had received included proposed wireless locations in residential planned
development areas. He also handed out letters from Gail Brownell, Praud Consari and
Seth Ferry, CEO of Joint Venture Silicon Valley in support of the ordinance amendments.
Mr. Jung noted that the amendments included the expansion of potential site locations,
adding to the design and siting criteria and miscellaneous technical changes. He also
noted that in 1997 the Wireless Communications Ordinance was adopted and in 2003 the
Wireless Facilities Master Plan was adopted. In 2007 the Technology, Information, and
Communications Commission (TICC) conducted a survey on cell phone coverage and
antennae in the City, and in 2007 Council directed the TICC to work with staff on
regulations to address cell phone coverage issues. The Planning Commission held public
hearings on the draft ordinance, and it was unanimously approved by the Planning
February 3, 2009 Cupertino City Council Page 9
Commission as amended. The ordinance before Council would allow site locations in
RHS, OS and PR (public park) zoning districts with city review; would allow site
locations in common-interest areas of residential and mixed use planned developments
with use permit and homeowner association approval; and would allow site locations on
non-city utility poles and towers, regardless of zoning district. The ordinance also
included the recon~.n~endation that mast and antenna setbacks be left at a minimum of 50
feet from a residential property line with certain modifications. Staff recommended
approval of the ordinance before Council rind noted that the amendments would actually
facilitate the development of a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) communications
network if one were proposed by a wireless carrier.
Andy Radle, TICC Commissioner, supported the proposed ordinance and believed that it
provided a measured change that would .address the needs of the coningunity and the
residents, would improve public safety communication needs and would have a positive
effect on the business community. He also noted that other options were available but
there were limitations and they were not readily available. These options however could
be reviewed by their committee. He further commented that the aesthetic concerns would
be addressed.
Peter Freidland, TICC Commissioner, noted that the committee had worked closely with
staff and the Planning Commission. He said that currently there were two major carriers
in the city (ATB~T and Verizon) but there were gaps in the service areas. He believed this
ordinance provided the city with options to fix the existing gaps in cell phone usage in the
city while remaining open to other technological opportunities. He also noted that the
DAS system was less obtrusive but was a low power system that required many smaller
antennas and had limitations.
Jonathan Lin, Jan Edbrooke, Tom Hugunin, Virginia Tamblyn, Keith Murphy and Steve
Scharf stated they did not support this view ordinance. Their concerns were that the
proposed ordinance did not address all of the issues, the residents did not want the towers
near their homes or in public parks, and other technology such as DAS should be
investigated.
Jennifer Griffin believed that the Council should demand the telecommunications
companies conducting business in the city to provide the best service and less obtrusive
options. She also thought the 50 foot setback should be from the property line and not
from the house.
Darren Merritt, representing the Verona Board of Directors, stated their support for the
ordinance because it addressed the needs o_P the community. He said they were willing to
have a tower placed on their property since it would provide better service as well as
providing additional revenue.
Sandoval moved and Wong seconded to adopt a Negative Declaration. The motion
carried unanimously.
February 3, 2009 Cupertino City Council Page 10
Council discussed several issues including towers on hillsides, school sites and in public
parks, the notification to neighbors of potential cell site installations, aesthetic concerns
and the setback requirements. Vice-Mayor Wang wanted to have a 1,000 foot notification
if a neighbor raised a health concern but staff stated that there was a federal law that
stated if the application could not be refused if it met federal standards for safety.
Peter Freidland, TICC Commissioner, recommended that the Planning Commission be
the primary review body with one TICC member giving a recommendation at the
Planning Commission meeting as part of the formal process.
Sandoval moved and Wong seconded to a~~proval MCA-2008-04 as shown in the model
ordinance, with the amendment the Planning Commission will ask a TICC member to
weigh in on any applications, the notification radius will be 1,000 feet, and the setback
will be a minimum of 75 feet from residential property. The motion carried unanimously.
Sandoval moved and Wong seconded that the TICC research the feasibility of
implementing a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and also evaluate other technology
that may be available. The motion carried unanimously.
The City Clerk read the title of the ordinance No. 09-2038 as amended. Sandoval moved
and Wong seconded to read the ordinance by title only, and that the City Clerk's reading
would constitute the first reading thereof. eyes: Mahoney, Sandoval, Santoro, Wang and
Wong. Noes: None.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
15. Review and approve 2008-09 mid-year bu<ieet adjustment No. 2 which includes a report
on City revenue and expenditures. (Continued from Jan. 20).
The City Clerk distributed a copy of the staff PowerPoint presentation.
Finance Director David Woo reported that Cupertino was doing well financially,
compared to other municipalities, primarily because of the strong property tax base and
the city's Strategic Fiscal Planning Proce:;s. However the decrease in sales tax, permit
fees and interest earnings as well as the closing or bankruptcy of local businesses was
having negative effects. The proposed budl;et adjustments were included in a list of mid-
year 2008/09 expenditure reductions and increases that in total would offset this year's $1
million revenue decline. In part this list i~icluded the sheriff's contract, capital projects
and a selective hiring freeze. The Finance Director also commented on the redevelopment
agency monies in his report. The City Council asked for a study session to be scheduled
for a tutorial on the Redevelopment Agenc}~.
Wong moved and Sandoval seconded to approve the 2008/09 mid-year budget
adjustment.
February 3, 2009 Cupertino City Council Page 11
16. Conduct the first reading of Ordinance 710. 09-2037: "An Ordinance of the City of
Cupertino adding Chapter 19.118.00 requiring artwork in public and private
developments." (Continued from Jan. 20).
The City Clerk distributed a letter from Adam Montgomery, Silicon Valley Association
of Realtors, suggesting some amended wording to Section 19.118.060 (J), and an
additional modification of that section by Community Development Director
Adam Montgomery, Government Affair:> Director - Silicon Valley Association of
Realtors, stated that he concurred with the amendment suggested by staff. While he was
not in a position to speak for the Chamber of Commerce at this meeting, Mr.
Montgomery noted that there might be some other discussion points regarding this
ordinance but that could be done at a later elate.
Jennifer Griffin thought that more discussion was needed regarding attaching a piece of
art to a property as part of the CCBaRs. For example what would happen if the artwork
was abandoned or the company went out of business.
The City Clerk read the title of the ordinance.
Sandoval moved and Wong seconded to amend the ordinance, section 19.118.060 (J) to
read as follows: "The artwork shall be a permanent, maintained fixed asset of the
property, and statements to this fact shall 1>e attached or recorded to the existing CCBLRs
or otherwise recorded on the property deed, to advise subsequent property owners of their
obligations to maintain the artwork," and to read the ordinance by title only, and that the
City Clerk's reading would constitute the first reading thereof. Ayes: Mahoney, Sandoval,
Santoro, Wang and Wong. Noes: None.
The City Council members concurred to consider raising the expenditure cap and/or
percentage for art next time the city council. considered a General Plan Amendment.
NEW BUSINESS
17. Adopt a resolution approving a request for ;semi-rural designation to eliminate sidewalk
requirements along John Way pursuant to Ordinance No. 1925, Resolution No. 09-017.
The City Clerk distributed a petition from property owners of John Way and Kirwin Lane
requesting a rural designation and sidewalk exemption.
Lin Tu stated that he was a resident on Jolui Way and the neighbors supported this semi-
rural designation for their street.
Sandoval moved and Wong seconded to adopt Resolution No. 09-017. The motion passed
unanimously.
February 3, 2009 Cupertino City Council
Page 12
18A. Consider recommendation from the Cupertino Senior Citizens' Commission to dissolve
the Commission.
The City Clerk distributed the agenda of the Cupertino Senior Center Volunteer Advisory
Council.
Director of Parks and Recreation Mark Linder reported that currently there were two city
organizations that were focused on senior issues. It was believed it would be a more
effective use of volunteer and staff time to have only one such group, and the Senior
Center Volunteer Advisory Committee had been in place for 44 years.
Wong moved and Mahoney seconded to dissolve the Senior Citizens' Commission based
on the recommendations of the Senior Citizens' Conin~ission and the city staff. The
motion carried unanimously.
18B. Report from the study session on commission review process.
Mayor Mahoney reported that Council had held a study session earlier in the evening and
had agreed on certain issues as follows: (1) If a commissioner was reappointed the Mayor
would contact that person first; (2) Council. had discussed changing the interview process
but no decision was made; (3) Include additional materials in applications about informal
orientation available from staff; (4) The Council would review commission attendance
every six months instead of annually; (5) Council members were encouraged to sit in on
some commission meetings to see how things were going; (5) Require annual status
reports from commission; and the Mayor will provide a template for that report.
Councilmember Sandoval stated for the record, that she was uncomfortable with having
such a briefly noticed public session at 5:30 on commission interviews and process
because the commissioners were not invited to attend. She said next time it should be on
camera, on the dais, and commissioners should be invited to attend to provide input.
Craig Lee, newly appointed Public Safety Commissioner, said he agreed with
Councilmember Sandoval's comments. He said he was surprised to see this study session
scheduled without any solicitation of input. He said he also believed that there needed to
be a clearer statement regarding what Council expected from commissioners in terms of
their scope of responsibility and their accoLmtability.
Councilmember Santoro said he believed this meeting had been properly noticed and
Council should continue the study session tonight after the regular session was finished.
Council discussed whether or not to continue with the study session this evening or set it
for another date. It was agreed to adjourn the meeting to the conference room and, due to
the lateness of the hour, to continue the study session for only an additional twenty
minutes.
February 3, 2009 Cupertino City Council Page 13
ORDINANCES -None
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council members highlighted the activities of their committees and various community events.
STUDY SESSION (continued)
At 12:58 a.m., Council reconvened the study session in Conference Room A.
Council discussion continued, including the following: (1) What is the appropriate method to
address the situation when commission members refuse to follow the policies or directives of the
Council; (2) Should there be a code of conduct for Council members and/or commissioners; (3)
What message may be sent to the volunteer community by Council's actions; (4) Since
commissioners serve at the pleasure of council, what corrective measures, if any, should be taken
before removing a commissioner.
Interim City Attorney Marc Hynes said that if the Council wished to remove a person that they
had appointed to a commission, at a minimum thc: commissioner should be given notice and an
opportunity to be heard.
Wong moved to remove Lisa Giefer from the Planning Commission. Santoro seconded for
purposes of discussion.
Acting City Attorney Marc Hynes explained that the Brown Act requires that the agenda notify
the type of action that is anticipated, and he recommended that the Council not take action at this
time because the agenda description was not sufficient for the proposed action to dismiss a
commissioner.
Sandoval offered a substitute motion to follow the city attorney's advice and take no action at
this time. The substitute motion failed for lack of ai second.
Hynes explained that a meeting in compliance with the Brown Act could be scheduled within 24
hours.
Discussion followed as to whether the matter was urgent, if it was best to make changes on the
Planning Commission while the recent interview:> were fresh in the Council member's minds,
and whether the possibility of creating a negative public relations message outweighed an
intention for prompt resolution of the matter.
Wong and Santoro withdrew their motion.
February 3, 2009 Cupertino City Council Page 14
ADJOURNMENT
At 1:40 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4, the meeting was adjourned to Monday, Feb 9, at 6:00
p.m. f/or a`R/egular/Adjo~urn~ed~M~eeting to consider dismissal of a Planning Commissioner.
Kimberly Smith, ity Clerk
Staff reports, backup materials, and items distribLited at the meeting are available for review at
the City Clerk's Office, 777-3223, and also on the Internet at www.cupertino.org. Click on
Online Services, then Watch City Meetings.
Most Council meetings are shown live on Cable Channel 26, and are available at your
convenience on the web site: Visit www.cupertino.ort~ ,then click Online Services and Watch
City Meetings. Videotapes are available at the Cupertino Library, or may be purchased from the
Cupertino City Channel, 777-2364.