CC 01-15-93
CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA C-850D
10300 TORRE AVENUE, CUPERTINO, CA 95014
TELEPHONE: (408) 252-4505
MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING, HELD JANUARY 15, 1993, CONFERENCE ROOM A,
CITY HALL, 10300 TORRE AVENUE, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 1:34 p.m. by Mayor Szabo in Conference Room A.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. CALL TO ORDER
Counc. Present:
Dean, Goldman, Koppel, Sorensen, Mayor Szabo
Staff Present:
City Manager Brown
City Clerk Cornelius
City Manager Brown presented an update on the State budget and its potential effect on
Cupertino.
2. Setting of 1993 goals.
Mayor Szabo had attended a Chamber of Commerce breakfast. The Chamber has
requested that the City prioritize its goals. This was done informally with last year's goals.
Counc. Sorensen said she believed the Executive Director of the Chamber wants the
Council as a whole to have goals and not individual Councilmembers.
The City Manager suggested that Council do a secondary exercise once the goals have
been established and they could be ranked at that time. Mr. Brown said that he is meeting
with department heads January 22 and would like to come back to Council after that
meeting with a report on what can be accomplished this year.
Counc. Sorensen suggested a facilitator to assist retail developers coming in with plans.
This facilitator or ombudsman could help them through the process.
MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 15, 1993, ADJOURNED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING (CC-850D)
Counc. Koppel suggested a pre-project review consisting of a group meeting with the
applicants to review all of the steps.
Council was informed that this is done for big projects.
Mayor Szabo suggested designation of the kinds of large capital improvement projects the
City will need over the next few years and the approximate cost of each of those projects,
possibly as far out as ten years. The City Council could then hold a work session
regarding how many could be done and how that would be accomplished. Possibilities
include library expansion, senior center expansion, and Memorial Park expansion.
Counc. Goldman requested a strengthening of communications and cooperation between
the City and the school districts. He felt the City should actively pursue the joint
committee and joint use concepts.
It was suggested that these agencies share information even regarding programs.
Other items Councilmembers suggested as goals would be designating Stevens Creek
Boulevard as a primary street and coordinating the signals so someone could easily drive
from one side of town to the other; completion of the General Plan and EIR; working
closely with DeAnza College regarding neighborhood impact from parking fees; a multi-
cultural committee to address community diversity; another look at traffic and whether or
not the City can do more to improve it; a specific plan for Stevens Creek Boulevard;
making the computer network operational; including parking fees in the cost of Flint
Center tickets; formation of a citizen budget advisory committee; expanding the volunteer
program; a Summit '93; review of what could be done to capture any lost sales tax;
completion of the Master Plan for the Sports Center report; periodic Council working
sessions with department heads on items that are not on a Council agenda; completion of
contract documents and implementation of school field renovations; update on status of
Fremont Older; completion of the sign ordinance. Council also suggested the possibility
of combining the duties of Planning Commission and ASAC following completion of
ASAC's role in preparation of the sign ordinance. It was also suggested that the City
investigate the possibility of a State exemption and/or tax incentives for companies
providing housing. This would not include companies paying an in-lieu fee. Council
requested that the City Manager review how he would like City staffing to look in the next
5-10 years.
Other items for the City Manager to look at include retail development, the economic
return issue and approach, the growth of big companies and the future of the LINK
Committee.
2
MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 15, 1993, ADJOURNED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING (CC-850D)
Mayor Szabo said that Supervisor McKenna wants the mayors in Santa Clara County to
meet with her regarding a Joint Powers Agreement for preservation of the foothills. She
does support this.
It was suggested that Council focus on selecting the top three goals for the City. Many of
the other items are already on the work program.
Council determined that top priorities include completion of the General Plan and
Environmental Impact Report; combining duties of ASAC and the Planning Commission;
creating a specific plan for the area on or near Stevens Creek Boulevard; quarterly City
Manager/City Council evaluation sessions with the next one scheduled for April, at which
time a facilitator will be used; awarding bids for and completion of the school sports fields
projects; and completion of the sign ordinance update.
RECESS: 3:00-3:15 P.M.
Council discussed streamlining the planning application process and reducing the amount
of government. Multiple points of view can be achieved with one advisory body. This
would also eliminate multiple preparation for applicants and staff. It was determined that
at the interviews for appointment to Architectural and Site Approval Committee,
applicants will be informed that the committee could be disbanded by the end of the year.
Council, with Counc. Dean dissenting, approved of this concept. Mayor Szabo will let the
current members know of this possibility.
Council also discussed the possibility of attending a team building seminar at the beginning
of 1994. This workshop is put on by the League of California Cities. Council suggested it
be placed in next year's budget.
In regard to the meetings the Mayor has had with Supervisor McKenna, he stated that the
supervisor said she is willing to look at the possibility of redevelopment, but on a smaller
scale than previously proposed. She had suggested that discussion occur at staff level
between Sally Reed and Don Brown. The Mayor will contact Supervisor McKenna
regarding Cupertino's position prior to the City Manager meeting with the County
Executive.
It was also suggested that Cupertino may wish to hold off on any meetings until the State
is in better shape.
City Manager Brown also felt that the County Executive would need direction from the
Board of Supervisors prior to any meeting. In the meantime, he would like to meet
informally with companies and see if there is any common ground. He will report back to
City Council. The companies will not lead in any discussions.
3
MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 15, 1993, ADJOURNED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING (CC-850D)
By consensus, Council agreed that the City Manager will do some preliminary work while
the State is dealing with the budget. In regard to an open space Joint Powers Agreement,
Council approved, by consensus, that Mayor Szabo coordinate support with other mayors
while Supervisor McKenna works with the Board of Supervisors.
It was moved by Counc. Sorensen, seconded by Counc. Koppel and passed with Counc.
Dean dissenting that Cupertino push for tax credit for companies that provide housing.
The City Manager said he would request companies to provide suggested legislation. He
would also request that the State provide additional funds for housing. Mr. Brown
informed Council that on the next agenda, under Written Communication, will be the letter
from John Sobrato regarding proposed development. It will be discussed at that Council
meeting.
In connection with a specific plan for Stevens Creek Boulevard, Mayor Szabo stated that
he feels the public would also like any "Heart of the City" identified.
Following information from Mr. Brown regarding the possibility of an architectural
contest, Counc. Sorensen suggested that Cupertino keep the names of architects
interviewed for appointment to commissions in mind.
In regard to development of the sports fields, Counc. Koppel pointed out that Council
does need to be cautious. If it is necessary to cut the budget, this item will also have to be
examined.
Counc. Goldman volunteered to work with the City on the bidding process. Sometimes
the way the bidding is structured can make a difference in the outcome. He offered to
review the bid documents and suggest things that might result in better bids.
The next list of priorities included large capital improvement projects. The City Manager
will get back to Council regarding the process related to those projects not funded. Also
included is development of a facilitator/ombudsman and examining the role of the
Environmental Review Committee and whether or not it could be the first step.
Counc. Sorensen will work with the City Manager and Director of Community
Development.
The Cupertino Education Liaison Committee will continue to meet. In addition to
communication and cooperation between the agencies, the City will encourage inter-
agency training, when possible.
Counc. Goldman informed those present that the committee does need some staff time.
4
MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 15, 1993, ADJOURNED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING (CC-850D)
The traffic flow on Stevens Creek Boulevard and its designation as a major street will be
reviewed after the opening of Highway 85. It could be a study session type item.
Counc. Sorensen expressed interest in establishing a multi-cultural committee. Counc.
Goldman stated he was also somewhat interested. The issue of traffic is under the charge
of the Public Safety Committee.
In regard to the computer network proposed, City Manager Brown informed Counc. Dean
that he would need to know what would be required of City staff as far as workload.
Counc. Dean said that the plan is to phase in the network starting in March with the
current staff. Counc. Dean will coordinate the program.
Counc. Koppel will meet with DeAnza College board members in regard the impact of the
parking fee onto City streets. The issue discussed will be parking problems resulting from
events at Flint Center.
In regard to a citizen budget committee, City Manager Brown stated that there is a
window of approximately 3-4 weeks for a committee in the process.
It was suggested that Jerry Matrenga talk with staff regarding the school district's process.
(City Clerk's Note: Counc. Koppel leaves 4:45 p.m.)
The City Manager reviewed a proposed process regarding the budget and the citizen
budget committee. The committee will present a recommendation to Council the same
time as staff. In regard to the volunteer program, the City Manager recommended that it
be implemented slowly and build on its successes. It may also be necessary to increase the
hours of the program's coordinator.
Counc. Dean will plan and implement Summit '93 with the assistance of Counc. Goldman.
In regard to sales not being rung up on a register, which results in the loss of sales tax to
the City, this is a matter for the State Board of Equalization.
Director of Parks and Recreation Dowling will prepare a Sports Center Master Plan report
and submit it to Council.
Counc. Sorensen passed out copies of statistics showing the needy in the community.
City Manager Brown will review the future organization of City staff and report back to
Council.
5
MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 15, 1993, ADJOURNED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING (CC-850D)
At 4:50 p.m., Council adjourned to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 19.
__________________________
City Clerk
6