By Robert Haugh
Here are the highlights of a pretty routine meeting that ended around 10 p.m.:
- Jonathan Marinaro was appointed to the Cultural Commission.
- A 12-unit townhome project at 1900 Warburton was approved by a 4-1 vote (Debi Davis opposed) after a lengthy discussion. The building currently is occupied by Fujii Florist. Several residents of 1700 Civic Center Drive spoke against the project, citing traffic, parking and privacy concerns. Councilwoman Teresa O’Neill quipped that it seemed that the 100-unit, seven-story building at 1700 Civic Center suffered from inadequate parking. During discussion, the Council asked City staff to follow up on a possible parking study for the area. Controversial Santa Clara Weekly Publisher/Lobbyist Miles Barber is an owner/occupant at 1700 Civic Center, but he was a no-show at the meeting.
- A satisfaction survey of the Police Department showed residents generally find Santa Clara police officers trustworthy. However, the African-American and Hispanic respondents had the most negative comments – citing direct experience, family history and general opinions of Police. For the 300 respondents of the My90 study, the biggest concerns of residents are property crimes, traffic enforcement, and homelessness.
- A vacancy was declared on the Planning Commission as Mike O’Halloran stepped down. The Council will screen applicants next week, or at a future meeting.
- Mayor Lisa Gillmor was absent. But she requested it not be considered an “excused absence,” as she was not attending City business. Gillmor was attending a college orientation with her daughter. Vice Mayor Kathy Watanabe led the meeting.
