Leslie Arroyo

The agenda for the regular meeting included reviewing and approving the minutes from the October 20, 2025, meeting. Key discussion items under the Staff Report included updates on pending trails, traffic safety, specific pedestrian crossing projects (Blue Hills Elementary at Union Pacific Railroad, Saratoga Village to Hakone Gardens Trail, Hakone Gardens to Quarry Park Trail Gap Closure - Phase I), the Pierce Road Trail, and upcoming Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Projects. Member Reports were also scheduled for information only.

The primary focus of the special meeting was public hearings concerning annual cleanup amendments to Chapter 15 (Zoning Regulations) of the City Code to clarify ambiguities and conform to best practices. The Commission voted to adopt Resolution No. 25-016, recommending the City Council adopt an ordinance with these amendments. Other items included a report on appeal rights, a mention of an upcoming presentation on the Wildlife Urban Interface at the City Council meeting, and a request for staff to add project noticing to a future agenda.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call. The agenda included the approval of minutes from the previous Planning Commission Meeting of September 10, 2025, and the Special Planning Commission Meeting of September 24, 2025. The primary public hearing concerned Application FER25-0005, which involved a request for a Fence Exception for a fence measuring 4'-2" open metal with 4'-4" columns located within the front setback area at 19518 Glen Una Dr. The Commission subsequently adopted a resolution approving this project subject to specified conditions of approval. No items were presented under Director or Commission items.

The council held a joint session with Valley Water & San Jose Water, followed by a regular session. Discussions included accounts payable check registers, an agreement with Central Square Technologies for financial software, a contract award for the KSAR Booth Addition project, an agreement with Santa Clara County for weed abatement services, and a PERB Factfinding Report. The council also adopted a resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saratoga Employee Association, designated a giant sequoia tree as a Heritage Tree, reviewed the Saratoga Climate Action Plan 2030, and discussed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Chester/Allendale Builder's Remedy Project. Additionally, they discussed emergency preparedness, wildfire preparedness, the process for opening a business, and revisions to the Youth Commission application and selection process.

The City Council held a closed session for a conference with Labor Negotiators and a joint session with Saratoga Schools. The council discussed obtaining food assistance, the upcoming Book Donation Event, Let's Work Volunteer Event, and the Saratoga Commission Recruitment. Approvals were granted for budget amendment resolution for the Greenbriar Landscape and Lighting Assessment District, a contract with Urban37, Inc. for Public Works Department staffing services, and final map approvals for two lots located at 15261 Norton Road and 21711 Mount Eden Road. The council also discussed mobile food establishments and Mills Act Policy and Agreement updates.