06 Draft Minutes
CITY OF
CUPEIUINO
DRAFT MINUTES
CUPERTINO CITY COUNCIL
Regular Adjourned Meeting
Tuesday, October 17,2006
ROLL CALL
At 6:00 p.m. Mayor Richard Lowenthal called the meeting to order in City Hall Conference
Room A, 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California, and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Mayor Richard Lowenthal, Vice-Mayor Kris Wang (6:05), and Council members Patrick
Kwok, Orrin Mahoney (6:05), and Dolly Sandoval. Absent: none.
INTERVIEWS
1. Conduct interviews for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Committee
vacancy.
The City Council interviewed Catherine Thaler for the CDBG Committee and voted
unanimously to appoint her to a partial term ending January 2010.
RECESS
The City Council was in recess from 6:20 to 6:45 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 6:45 p.m. Mayor Richard Lowenthal called the 'meeting to order in the Council Chamber,
10350 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California, and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Mayor Richard Lowenthal, Vice-Mayor Kris Wang, and Council members Patrick
Kwok, Orrin Mahoney, and Dolly Sandoval. Absent: none.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS - PRESENT A TIONS
2. Presentation of a plaque to the City of Cupertino from the Department of Homeland
Security regarding Cupertino's National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating
System. (No documentation in packet).
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City Manager David Knapp presented a plaque to the City Council that commemorated
the work which resulted in a 10% decrease in flood insurance costs for Cupertino
residents. The City Council acknowledged Ms. Nina Daruwalla for her volunteer work
on this project which resulted in the cost decrease.
3. Presentation of a proclamation to the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission for its effort in
organizing the Monta Vista Walk and Bike to School Day. (No documentation in packet).
Mayor Richard Lowenthal presented the proclamation to the Bicycle Pedestrian
Commission. May Koski, the current chairperson, accepted the proclamation on the
commission's behalf, and said she would also be distributing certificates thanking the
many volunteers who had participated on the project.
POSTPONEMENTS
Because there were requests to remove both items 10 and 11 from the agenda, Mayor Lowenthal
re-ordered the agenda to take up the public hearing section next.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. Consider an appeal of the Planning Commission's decision to deny a Use Permit and
Height Exception for a telecommunication facility consisting of a 65-foot monopole (tree
pole) and ground equipment, Application Nos. U-2006-05, EXC-2006-03, Jim Mattison
(Union Pacific Railroad), McClellan Road & railroad tracks, APN 362-01-025. The
appellant is Jim Mattison. (Continued from September 19).
The City Clerk distributed a letter from AA T Communications Corporation stating that
they withdrew their appeal of this item.
Shing-Schwang Yao thanked the City Council for making the community a better place to
live. He said he had objected to this proposal because of their location in an area that is
used as public recreation area, and because cell towers are the least-preferred new
structure in residential areas. He wondered if the wireless signal would have had a
negative affect on the local bat population, which helped to control mosquitoes.
K wok/Sandoval moved and seconded to remove this item from the agenda. The motion
carried unanimously.
11. Consider Application No. MCA-2006-03, City of Cupertino, APN: 357-10-007. This
amendment would create a new conditional use in this zoning district, which would allow
the Blue Pheasant to operate until midnight, subject to a conditional use permit. (The
owner for the Blue Pheasant has withdrawn his request).
Martin Bishop said that handicapped accessibility at the restaurant was inadequate, and
the porch lift should be replaced with a ramp.
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Marjan Kashvad asked for clarification of the request for postponement. Mayor
Lowenthal explained that this application had been withdrawn and cannot come back
unless a new application is filed.
Mahoney/Sandoval moved and seconded to remove this item from the agenda. The
motion carried unanimously.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
The City Clerk distributed the following written communications:
. Item 10, a letter from AA T Communications Corporation withdrawing their appeal of U-
2006-03.
. Item 15, a from the principals of Monta Vista High School, Kennedy Middle School, and
Lincoln Elementary School encouraging alternate pedestrian and bicycle routes. Also, a
letter from Stewart Kelly who was opposed to reopening the gate from Scenic Circle to
Blackberry Farm.
. Item 16, a draft resolution denying the petition for reconsideration and a letter from
petitioner Jane Wu requesting continuance of this item to the November Council meeting.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
John Kolski thanked Public Works Director Ralph Qualls for making and installing a new plaque
in the Redwood grove that honors the founding fathers of Cupertino. He presented a check for
the funds donated by Cupertino citizens to pay for the plaque. He also thanked the Public Works
staff for their work in making the recent Cupertino Jubilee the very best project it could be.
Bob Power, Executive Director of the Santa Clara County Audubon Society, invited everyone to
the 15th Annual Wildlife Education Day. It will be held at McClellan Ranch Park and will
include over 25 participating organizations educating over 500 attendees about native California
wildlife and habitats.
Martin Bishop asked for City Council endorsement of his request for a computer from Apple
Computer. He described the work he had done to negotiate a cable franchise agreement for
disabled and/or very-low-income residents, and also mentioned the student housing project he
was working on with Council member Sandoval.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Wang/Mahoney moved and seconded to approve the items on the Consent Calendar as
recommended. Ayes: Kwok, Lowenthal, Mahoney, Sandoval, and Wang. Noes: None.
4. Approve the minutes from the October 3 City Council meeting.
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5. Adopt resolutions accepting Accounts Payable for September 22, 29, and October 6,
Resolution Nos. 06-168 to 06-170.
6. Adopt a resolution accepting Payroll for October 6, Resolution No. 06-171.
7. Accept the Treasurer's Budget report for August 2006.
8. Accept an application for an Alcoholic Beverage License for Royal Tofu House, 21271
Stevens Creek Blvd. (Oaks Shopping Center).
9. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Director of Public Works to negotiate and execute a
Cost-Sharing Agreement between the Cities of San Jose and Cupertino for additional
Cupertino traffic system improvements to be constructed as part of the Silicon Valley
Intelligent Transportation Systems West Corridor Proiect, Resolution No. 06-172.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR (above) - None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
12. Conduct a hearing and adopt a resolution to approve the recovery of costs of abatement of
a public nuisance at 10200 Stern A venue (overgrown weeds, scrap material including old
carpet and trash, in view of the public right of way), APN 375-12-002, Patrick W.
McGrath property owner, Resolution No. 06-173.
Mayor Lowenthal opened the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. There were no speakers and the
public hearing was closed.
Sandoval/W ang moved and seconded to adopt Resolution No. 06-173 to approve the
recovery of costs for this public nuisance abatement through a lien assessment. The
motion carried unanimously.
13. Review the bids and award the contract for Reconstruction of Curbs. Gutters and
Sidewalks. Proiect No. 2006-03, to JJR Construction, Inc., in the amount of$412,125.00,
and approve a contingent amount of up to $ 72,875.00 for additional work that may be
identified and approved by the Director of Public Works, for a total of$485,000.00.
Kwok/Mahoney moved and seconded to award the contract to JJR Construction, Inc. The
motion carried unanimously.
14. Consider the Stevens Creek Corridor Proiect - Phase I:
a) Base scope and schedule, implications of alternative project scheduling, and
options
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b) Project budget for Phase 1- 2009 completion in the amount of up to $11,198.00
million, including a budget augmentation of $6.0 million over fiscal years 07-08
and 08-09
c) Establish a fiscal year 08-09 project contingency reserve of $1.0 million
d) Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute
Amendment No.2 to the agreement with HNTB Corporation, not to exceed
$925,000 for completion of architectural design, civil design, project
management, and construction related management services for the bid, award
and construction of Phase I of the Stevens Creek Corridor Park Project, and
extend the term of the agreement from December 31, 2006 to December 31, 2010,
and provide an amount not to exceed $100,000 for additional services which may
be approved as necessary by the Director of Public Works for a total amount of
$1,575.00, Resolution No. 06-174
Parks and Recreation Director Therese Smith and Public Works Director Ralph Qualls
presented a project history and background; discussed the project scope of Phase I;
reviewed the budget and cost estimates as well as funding sources; outlined the project
schedule; reviewed alternatives, and reviewed the staff recommendations, with emphasis
on Alternative 3 in the staff report.
Administrative Services Director Carol explained a chart titled Fund Balance Trends
which represented a revised 5-year projection of General Fund revenues.
Jeanne Bradford said she had been a member of the Stevens Creek Park task force, and is
currently a Parks and Recreation Commissioner and Cupertino resident. She spoke in
support of Alternative 3 as recommended by staff.
Jack Goodman said the City's General Plan states this area should retain some form of
revenue generating potential, but it has been losing money for 5 years. He said that the
current plan does not transition the property to permanent open space for Cupertino
residents, which was the original intent behind its purchase, nor does it increase the park
acreage.
Rhoda Fry objected to the removal of so many trees, about half of which are native
species, and said that the location of the proposed golf maintenance shed puts hazardous
materials in proximity to residents and city employees. She discussed the financial history
of the Blackberry Farm, the Sports Center and the library, and said they all cost much
more than their original estimates; for this reason it is important to know the Phase II
costs before starting phase I.
Joyce Eden asked that the city not allow a bike path in the park, because it will degrade
the natural corridor and will eventually end up paved despite the city's original intentions.
She asked that they reconsider including the commercial uses in the park, which result in
trash and damage to the creek.
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Robert Hirt said he was a Cupertino resident and President of the Santa Clara Valley
Audubon Society. He invited the community to McClellan Ranch Park for the Wildlife
Education day on Saturday. He said they supported the creek relocation to benefit the
fish, but asked Council to minimize tree removal, since many of the non-native trees are
habitats for a variety of birds, including the Western Screech Owl.
Pat Showalter, senior project manager with Santa Clara Valley Water District working
with the city, said this reach of stream is very valuable as a steelhead trout habitat, an
endangered species in the county.
Jennifer Griffin asked why money is not being spent to create parks in north or east
Cupertino. She was concerned about promoting the breakup of the Vall co shopping
center from a shopping district into a piecemeal project that would support parks at the
other end of town. She also questioned whether it was wise to annex the Hanson
Permanente quarry because of the associated environmental problems.
Gail Bower showed a slide of the impartial analysis of Measure T which stated that
Blackberry Farm was to be purchased and preserved as open space, and noted that it
delineated between the Fremont Older school site which was designated for public
recreation. She said that the picnic grounds planned for the Stevens Creek Corridor Park
are a major public recreation activity and not open space, and she was opposed to the
picnic facility and tree removal.
Alex Tsai said he had been a resident in the park for 15 years, and felt that the
environmental and neighborhood issues had not yet been fully addressed. He said the
park should be preserved for nature and a trail only, and the current plan to open a
driveway around his house year-round is a violation of the deed, as is the fencing around
the pool area.
Barbara Banfield said she had been employed as a naturalist at the City of Cupertino's
McClellan Ranch for 20 years. She said that although she loves the trees that are there
now, the area is impoverished because there is no understory, which is a valuable habitat
for birds, and the deadwood has been removed, which supports the insects on which the
birds feed. She suggested that when the trees are removed, their large trunks should be
left on the property, and said that the new tree~ are necessary to replace the sycamores and
oaks that are naturally declining.
Kwok/Sandoval moved and seconded to approve Resolution No. 06-174 as recommended
by staff, selecting Alternative No.3 with a completion date of April 2008 for the basic
Phase I project. Mahoney offered a friendly amendment to change the word "budget" to
"scope". The amendment was accepted and the motion carried unanimously.
15. Request from the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission to encourage the reopening of
the Scenic Circle gate, the preservation of the existing Blackberry Farm Bridge over
Stevens Creek, and propose the formation of a neighborhood Task Force to consider use-
related conditions for this bicycle and pedestrian corridor. (No documentation in packet).
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The City Clerk distributed a letter dated October 16, signed by the principals of Monta
Vista High School, Kennedy Middle School; and Lincoln Elementary School regarding
alternate pedestrian and bicycle routes. She also distributed a letter from Stewart Kelly, a
resident opposed to reopening the gate from Scenic Circle to Blackberry Farm.
Bicycle Pedestrian Commissioner Joe Walton, representing the Cupertino Bicycle
Pedestrian Commission, asked the City Council to commission a task force to attempt to
reach consensus about a number of issues, and specifically to find a west-side access
through the park to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians. He explained that many of the
people who signed the original petition asking for the gate closure have changed their
mind, because they only wanted to prohibit parking in the area, not to have the park
access closed. He suggested the task force be made up of 10 or 12 volunteers from the
neighborhood who will work with the public works staff and a facilitator.
Paul Orleas said that as part of his employment, he was licensed to a first responder
operational level, so in case of emergencies he would be one of the first on the scene. He
said that an access point at Scenic circle was necessary to provide access for emergency
vehicles and responders, for the safety of both residents and responders.
Linda Orvick said she was in support of the proposed task force as well as reopening the
gate to Scenic Boulevard, and talked about the need to create safe routes for pedestrians
and cyclists.
Theresa Dickerson was in favor of the task force and she talked about the number of
accidents involving children crossing McClellan and how critical it was to create a safe
access.
Denise Montijo said her son was one of the children in an accident in that area. She said
that there is not sufficient room for a bicycle and car to share the road there. She
supported creation of the task force.
Rhoda Fry talked about the future impacts on the park, which at this time can not be
known, but if this gate is reopened she wondered what additional mitigation measure will
be taken. She said that many of the roads around the park are substandard and the safety
issues have not been studied.
Leslie Fowler was in support of the task force and reopening the pedestrian and bicycle
access at Scenic Boulevard. She was also in favor of creek restoration but felt the
development of recreation facilities should be done at some other site.
Norm Donovan was in favor of the task force and reopening the gate.
Max Bokelman was opposed to the opening gate, and said the idea for a task force has
been tried before in 2000. He said when the gate was open there was little use by
children, but teenagers used it as a party location. Bokelman said there had been a
number of arrests across from his home, some of which occurred in the day time, and
reopening the gate would again expose the neighborhood to those same kinds of
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disturbances. He explained which schools were attended by students from that
neighborhood, and said that McClellan Road is not a safe route to school.
Ari Strod said the solution is to improve the condition of McClellan Road, not to reopen
the gate, and mentioned that his property had also been vandalized. He did not oppose
the formation of the task force.
Steve Moody said this is rehashing the issue and may result in additional costs, and said
that this neighborhood should not be looked to as the first solution. He said that if the task
force is formed, it should review ways to improve McClellan Road.
Larry Loo agreed that this was a rehashing of a previous discussion, and he was opposed
to forming a commission to look at it again.
Bob Hoxsie in was in favor of the task force and reopening the gate to pedestrians and
cyclists.
Jennifer Griffin suggested that the task force also explore the possibility of school buses.
Art Rodrigues said he was in support of the task force.
Carol Stanek said that since there is new information from the neighbors who had
originally petitioned to have the access closed, it is appropriate to review the situation.
She said it needs to be determined what kind of access would be safe on Scenic Circle, if
any.
I. Yuen said that "safe route to school" is simply a slogan, and not a sensible
implementation in the Scenic Circle neighborhood, and instead the focus should be on
improving safety around the schools and on McClellan A venue.
The Council members agreed that they were willing to have a task force look into this
issue as long as it addresses the larger issues of safety around the tri-school area and not
just reopening access to the park. Staff was directed to prepare a recommendation for the
composition of the task force and how it would function, with emphasis on identifying a
safe access to school for pedestrians and cyclists.
16. Consider a petition for reconsideration of the City Council's decision to approve
Application Nos. U-2006-06, ASA-2006-06, TR-2006-09, & EA-2006-09; Cliff Chang
(Chang Architecture), 10495 N. De Anza Blvd., APN No. 326-33-110 (former Any
Mountain building):
a) Use Permit and Architectural and Site Review to demolish an existing 27,000
square foot office building and construct a 60,000 square foot office building and
parking structure
b) Tree Removal and replanting for a proposed 60,000 square foot office building
and parking structure .
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The City Clerk distributed a draft copy of Resolution No. 06-175 denying the
petition for reconsideration. She also distributed a letter from Mrs. Jane Wu, who
had filed the petition for consideration, requesting a continuance to a later
meeting.
Mrs. Wu of the Mariani Business Center asked for a continuance. She explained
that her husband was away on a trip to China, and it was important that he be
present for this discussion. She said that she had tried to meet with Peter Pau of
Sandhill Properties but had not been able to accomplish that yet. In response to a
question by Mayor Lowenthal, she acknowledged that she had attended the
Design Review Committee and had agreed to the decision regarding the garage
design, but she said she now had a new idea.
Peter Pau, Sandhill Properties, said that this appeal had no merit, and that his
company had been meeting and talking with the appellants throughout the
process. He said that he had an in-depth conversation with Mrs. Wu and her
interest was not concerns about parking or design but only compensation.
Mahoney moved and K wok seconded not to continue this matter to another date.
Mrs. Wu said that she had changed her mind about the project and no longer felt
the design was acceptable, and she needed her family present to help present her
case.
Jennifer Griffin felt that the continuance should be allowed, because Mrs. Wu
may need translation assistance from her son.
The motion to deny the continuance carried unanimously. The City Council next
heard the staff report regarding Mrs. Wu's Petition for Reconsideration.
Council member K wok said he wished to clarify comments by Mrs. Wu that
indicated he and Council member Wang had told her she should continue
negotiations. K wok said that he did not ask her to negotiate, but rather told her
since she and Sandhill Properties are neighbors they should work together to make
a win-win project. Council member Wang confirmed that she was present during
the conversation but did not make any comments at that time.
Mrs. Wu said her issue was not about negotiation, but about traffic, and she felt
the Mariani traffic safety should be improved before construction begins.
Sandoval moved and Mahoney seconded to adopt Resolution 06-175 denying the
Petition for Reconsideration. Mahoney noted that in the Petition for
Reconsideration there was no mention of traffic, but tonight that is Mrs. Wu's
issue, so there are no grounds for reconsideration.
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Lowenthal moved and Sandoval seconded to defer the remaining items on the agenda to the
already-scheduled regular adjourned meeting of Wednesday, October 18. The motion carried
unanimously.
17. Receive a report on commissions and committees with terms expiring January 31, 2007,
and select an application deadline date of January 10 and interview dates of January 22
and 23, 2007.
This item will be heard on October 18.
ORDINANCES - None
STAFF REPORTS
18. Receive status report on General Fund Revenue and Expenditures. (No documentation in
packet).
This item will be heard on October 18.
COUNCIL REPORTS - None
ADJOURNMENT
At 12:08 a.m. the meeting was adjourned to Wednesday. October 18 at 5:30 p.m. for a field trip
to view the Macy's parking garage at the Vallco shopping center. The field trip will be followed
by a Council meeting in the Community Hall at 6:45 p.m.
Kimberly Smith, City Clerk
For more information: Staff reports, backup materials, and items distributed 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 Agendas & Minutes/ City Council! Packets.
Most Council meetings are shown live on Cable Channel 26, and are available at your
convenience from our web site. Visit www.cupertino.org and click on Watch Meetings.
Videotapes are available at the Cupertino Library, or may be purchased from the Cupertino City
Channel, 777-2364.
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CUPEIUINO
DRAFT MINUTES
CUPERTINO CITY COUNCIL
Regular Adjourned Meeting
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
CALL TO ORDER
At 5:34 p.m. Mayor Richard Lowenthal called the meeting to order at the TGI Friday's parking
lot near Vallco Shopping Center, 10343 N. Wolfe Rd., Cupertino.
Present: Mayor Richard Lowenthal, Vice-Mayor Kris Wang, and Council members Patrick
Kwok, Orrin Mahoney, and Dolly Sandoval. Absent: none.
FIELD TRIP TO V ALLCO
1. The City Council and members of the public congregated at the TGI Friday's parking lot,
then walked to the west side of the Macy's structure, and up the ramps to the top deck of
the parking garage.
Dan Orloff, representing Vallco client services, introduced Vall co General Manager Mike
Rohde and project engineer Scott Anderson. Orloff and Anderson discussed the points of
the proposal noting where there would be no parking; planting of 20 mature trees along
the neighboring wall; a green screen that would be constructed from top to bottom of the
structure; a 4 foot wall constructed to avoid headlights into the neighborhood; 8 light
poles at 16 feet and 20 feet, which would not be visible from the neighborhood - shaded
lighting deflected downwards would be reduced by 25% after 11 :00 p.m. and an
additional 20% after 1 :00 a.m.; and the parking garage would be closed after 9:00 on the
upper levels to new traffic.
RECESS
The meeting was in recess from 6: 15 - 6:45 p.m. Council reconvened in the Council Chamber at
City Hall, 10350 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California and showed the video from the Macy's
parking garage beginning at 6:45 p.m. At 7:30 p.m. Mayor Lowenthal led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Present: Mayor Richard Lowenthal, Vice-Mayor Kris Wang, and Council members Patrick
Kwok, Orrin Mahoney, and Dolly Sandoval. Absent: none.
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WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - There were two handouts for item no. 2: the
Environmental Review Committee recommendation and copies of a children's book titled, If
You Give a Mouse a Cookie. from Lisa Warren.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Consider Application Nos. ASA-2006-19, M-2006-05 (EA-2006-17), Mike Rohde
(Vallco Fashion Park), 10123 N. Wolfe Road, APN: 316-20-037:
a) Mitigated Negative Declaration
b) Architectural and Site Approval, and a Modification to a Use Permit (U-2005-19)
for the parking structure north of Macy's to exceed the permitted 32-foot height
limit and to allow parking on the fourth level
Community Development Director Steve Piasecki reviewed the staff report via a
PowerPoint presentation.
Dan Orloff, representing Vallco client .services, reviewed the application.
At 8:27 p.m. Mayor Lowenthal opened the public hearing. The following
individuals spoke:
Howard Trudeau said that Council had earlier agreed to a height of 32 feet. He
noted that at the neighborhood meeting, Mr. Rohde said that Vallco went ahead
with the design and building of the 4th level because they needed the parking
structure by the holiday season. He asked Council to express its intent on what
will be allowed in the future.
Patty Chi showed quoted remarks made by Council members from past Council
meetings regarding the Vallco development.
Pam Hershey asked if the Planning Commission had allowed the 4th level to be
built. Council members clarified that if the 4th level was not approved at tonight's
Council meeting, then no parking would be allowed on that level.
Al DiFrancesco said that the developer built the 4th level without approval and
urged Council to not approve it. He said that to approve it would send a message
to developers that they will get whatever they want, and it tells voters not to
bother participating in local government.
Ruby Elbogen said that she wondered how a project could be built without the
knowledge of the building inspectors. She said that her neighborhood doesn't feel
respected by Vallco. She urged Council to tear down the 4th floor or use it as a
skatepark.
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Sue Chang complained about the noise, views, and smell from the construction
project, and that construction is taking place as late as midnight.
Nelson D'Souza said that he is able see the parking structure from his house. He
said he hoped that trees would be added to the west. He urged Council on the
following: allow the 4th level but make Vallco get a use permit to use it; only
open the 4th level for special events with heavy restrictions; turn off the lights
when not in use; to allow no future construction higher than 4 levels; avoid use of
the structure until the trees are planted and the green screen is constructed.
Jennifer Griffin said she was unhappy to see the public having to come back for
this item. She said that she expected Council to keep the building height at 32 feet
as voted for in January, and that Valko shouldn't be rewarded for doing
something they weren't supposed to do.
Steve Scharf read excerpts from the January 2006 Council meeting. He said that
he hoped Council would not approve the extra parking.
Lisa Warren referred to a copy of a children's book she distributed earlier that
evening, which illustrated that if someone keeps getting what he or she wants,
then he or she will keep asking for more. She said that Vallco built something that
wasn't approved and is now asking for permission after the fact.
Christine Giusiana, Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber supports Vall co
because they are one of the best businesses in Cupertino supporting the general
fund. She noted that shopping should be encouraged at Vallco and that there
should be enough places for shoppers to park.
Mayor Lowenthal closed the public hearing.
During Council discussion, Anna Jucawa informed Council that during
Christmastime, the stores at the Stanford and Santana Row shopping malls tell
their employees that they must park on the top level even if the other levels are
empty, or they will be ticketed. She said she was concerned that the same thing
might be true at Vallco and wanted to pass along the information to Council
regarding this practice.
Mahoney/K wok moved and seconded to approve the negative declaration. The
motion carried unanimously.
Mahoney/K wok moved and seconded to approve the application as staff
recommended with the following conditions:
· The applicant shall design additional barricades or walls on the ramp
leading to the 4th level (after the 32-foot height limit) that will channel
cars away from westerly edge of the garage to the satisfaction of the
Director of Community Development. Said walllbarricade shall ensure
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some visibility for security and block headlights from any vehicles that are
directed toward the residential neighborhood.
· A solid parapet wall shall be required along the westerly edge of the access
ramp leading up to the fourth level ending at the 32-foot height limit. After
the 32-foot limit, there shall only be cable railings/poles to help minimize
visual impacts on the neighbors to the west.
· The 4th parking level shall not be open until the theaters are open and
when the average occupancy levels exceeds 70% at all three lower levels
(1 to 3). The occupancy level shall be measured at the maximum peak
hour over a period of pre-determined range of time/days. The detailed
parking monitoring program shall be reviewed and approved by the
Director of Community Development.
· Up to 40 additional trees shall be planted strategically along the existing
sound wall and along the west side of the parking garage to further
enhance the visual screening. The applicant shall work with staff to
identify the planting areas and the trees shall be planted prior to the open
of the garage to the satisfaction of the Director of Community
Development.
· A green screen shall be located on the west and partial north and south
elevations and shall be installed prior to the opening of the garage.
· Sound baffle panels shall be constructed on the west and partial north and
south elevations. The sound baffling panels shall completely infill each of
the garage bay opening and any gaps or openings shall be sealed. Said
panels shall be installed prior to the opening of the 4th parking level.
· A solid parapet sound wall shall be provided on the 4th parking level
along the northerly edge, if Measure D passes in the November 2006
election. Said wall shall be installed prior to opening of the 4th parking
level.
· The project shall be reviewed by the City Council after one year from the
date of the garage opening. The Council reserves the right to evaluate the
operational impacts and determine if any additional appropriate
operational limits and conditions are warranted.
· The applicant shall provide the City with a $20,000 newspaper ad deposit
prior to the opening of the garage. The City will utilize the money to
inform Cupertino residents of the progress and the development of the
Vallco Shopping Center over a period of one year utilizing at least a
quarter-page ad in multi-language Cupertino newspapers on a quarterly
basis.
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Cupertino City Council
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· There shall be no light standards on the 4th parking level that exceeds 16
feet in height as measured from the ground; the applicant shall submit a
lighting control plan indicating early shut-off schedules for the roof level
lights; the applicant shall provide a report from a professional lighting
expert confirming that the intensity and number of lights on the 4th level
are minimized and reduced to the maximum extent possible.
Wang offered an amendment to add a condition regarding Council expressing its
intent to not approve any further expansion of the parking facilities west of
Macy's for a period of five years. Kwok seconded for purposes of discussion. The
motion failed with Lowenthal, K wok, Mahoney, and Sandoval voting no, and
Wang voting yes. The original motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
3. Consider opposition to Proposition 90, Government Acquisition, Regulation of Private
Property.
Counc.ilmember Orrin Mahoney reviewed the item and asked for Council support to
oppose the proposition as a Legislative Action Committee recommendation.
Mahoney/Sandoval moved and seconded to oppose the proposition and gave direction to
staff to inform Chris Mckenzie, Executive Director of the League of California Cities, of
the Council's action. The motion carried unanimously.
4. Receive a report on commissions and committees with terms expiring January 31, 2007,
and select an application deadline date of January 10 and interview dates of January 22
and 23,2007. (Continued from October 17).
Deputy City Clerk Grace Schmidt reviewed the staff report.
Council concurred to set the deadlines as recommended by staff. The application
deadline is 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2007.:. Council will conduct interviews
beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, January 22 and 23.
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October 18, 2006
Cupertino City Council
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STAFF REPORTS
5. Receive status report on General Fund Revenue and Expenditures. (No documentation in
packet). Continued from October 17.
Administrative Services Director Carol Atwood said that the financial results for fiscal
year ending June 30, 2006 were much better than projected. She noted a $5.1 million
profit primarily due to sales tax revenue of about $2 million dollars over projected
budget, (Apple and HP), and a $3 million savings in the City's operational accounts. She
said the actual savings would amount to about $3.8 million once carryover and
outstanding encumbrances are finalized. She noted that the unallocated fund balance at
year-end came from this savings. As for fiscal year 06/07, sales tax is on the rise and
property tax is estimated to increase at 8% this next year in addition to TEA revenues.
She said that a major budget adjustment would come to Council the first meeting in
November to reflect the revenue increases, as well as some expenditures not funded with
the initial budget.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council members highlighted the activities of their committees and various community events.
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:50 p.m. the meeting was adjourned. The next regular City Council meeting will be on
Monday, November 6 beginning at 6:45 p.m. due to the election on November 7.
Grace Schmidt, Deputy City Clerk
For more information: Staff reports, backup materials, and items distributed 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 Agendas & Minutes/ City Council! Packets.
Most Council meetings are shown live on Cable Channel 26, and are available at your
convenience from our web site. Visit www.cupertino.org and click on Watch Meetings.
Videotapes are available at the Cupertino Library, or may be purchased from the Cupertino City
Channel, 777-2364.
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