The Saratoga City Council met on May 1, 2024, and discussed several key issues.

Opening Items

• Oral communications on non-agendized items. Residents expressed concerns about the Saratoga Retirement Community's expansion plan, which they felt would disrupt lives and the environment. They proposed a compromise plan that included renovation of facilities, creation of an emergency access gate, and construction of a single building with underground parking to preserve green spaces and mature trees.
• Ceremonial Items. The Council proclaimed May 2024 as National Preservation Month and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
• Special Presentations. The Council received reports from United Way Bay Area and Catholic Charities.

Announcements

The following items were announced by the Council:

• Saratoga Rotary Art Show. The event will take place on May 4 and 5 from 10 AM to 5 PM at West Valley College and will feature over 125 artists to serve as a fundraiser for local nonprofit organizations and community service programs. Visit https://www.saratogarotaryartshow.org/ for more information.
• Household Hazardous Waste Cleanup. A collection event is scheduled for May 11 from 8 AM to Noon at the Saratoga City Hall Parking Lot. Visit https://www.saratoga.ca.us/632/Saratoga-Spring-Cleanup to schedule an appointment.
• Memorial Day Observance. The 97th annual event will honor veterans and current members of the US Armed Services on May 27 beginning at 9:30 AM at Blaney Plaza.

Consent Calendar, Business, & Public Hearing Items

• Consent Calendar. The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously, including the amendment of the City’s financial policies, animal control service agreement with the City of San Jose, adoption of waste disposal ordinance amendments, CERT shed use agreement, and preliminary approvals for various landscaping and lighting districts.
• Fiscal Year 2024/25 Community Event Grant Program and Policy Update. The Council approved all of the staff’s recommended actions unanimously, including amending the Community Event and Street Closure Grant Program Policy, reviewing the Community Event Grant Program Competitive applications, and approving the event coverage through the City’s insurance program for Secured funding grantees: Saratoga Village Development Council and the Fourth of July Celebration groups.
• Blue Hills Pedestrian Railroad Crossing Project. The Council unanimously authorized a contract for the final design of the project, with funding from state grants and earmarked funds.
• Saratoga Library Roof Replacement. The Council unanimously approved new roofing material to replace the current deteriorating roof.
• Commission Recruitment Process. The Council amended the eligibility requirements for commission appointments, allowing for exceptions to be granted by the City Council in certain circumstances. This item passed with 4 ‘yes’ votes and 1 ‘no’ vote.
• Economic Development Discussion. The Council unanimously authorized forming an ad hoc committee to further study the economic vitality of Saratoga’s commercial areas and recommend strategies.

The meeting concluded with Council assignments, Council communications, and the City Manager's report.

‍