Saratoga News

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Library Commission phase-out suggested

The Saratoga Library Commission is scheduled to discuss phasing itself out at its monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m., Wed., July 23, in the community room of the Saratoga Community Library. The library is located at 13650 Saratoga Ave., at the corner of Fruitvale and Saratoga avenues.

Commission chairwoman Marcia Manzo said the possibility of the dissolution of the commission came as a shock to her when she found out the item was being put on the commission's agenda. She called the idea ludicrous. "I don't know what it's about," she said. "I'm sort of dumbfounded about it."

Manzo said the item seems to have stemmed from a suggestion by an administrator at City Hall, but added that although she is concerned about such an idea being considered, she is not worried about the commission's future. "I don't think anything will happen because the City Council is very much behind the commission," she said.

Other items on the agenda include summary reports of visits to other libraries whose architects are being considered for the Saratoga Library expansion project.

City Council passes speed ordinance

The Saratoga City Council last week approved an ordinance to change the speed limit on Saratoga Avenue, from the Fruitvale Avenue intersection to the eastern city limit, from 45 to 40 mph. The ordinance will take effect 30 days from last week's July 16 vote.

The changed was based on information the City Council received in the most recent speed survey by the Public Works Department, which found vehicles, on average, travel 3 mph slower than five years ago along the same stretch of road. The October report attributed the reduction in speed to an increase in traffic on Saratoga Avenue since the opening of Highway 85 in 1994.

Starbucks permit goes before city

The Saratoga Planning Commission is scheduled to consider a use-permit request from the Starbucks Coffee Company at its next meeting at 7:30 p.m., Wed., July 23, in the City Council Chambers, located at 13777 Fruitvale Ave. The permit is for the Seattle-based company to move into the Argonaut Shopping Center on Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road.

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