But the city has cancelled the retreat for city council scheduled for Feb. 5 at Hakone Gardens.

Mayor Kathleen King said that she made the decision herself.

"Unlike other years, there was a lot of public interest in the retreat this year. We estimated that more than 60 or 70 people could show up for the meeting," said King.

She said that if each one of them decided to speak up, council members would have very little time to discuss the issues themselves.

King said that the city has decided instead to discuss the issues at regular council meetings spread over the next two months.

"A retreat is a place where one talks about policy and philosophical issues. It is a sort of low-pressure environment. But there were some items that needed more public discussion," said City Manager Dave Anderson.

The main issues that were to be discussed at the retreat include the definition of a minimum service city, the future of the North Campus, economic viability of the various commissions, revitalization of the Village and communication with the public.

"We are breaking with a tradition here," King said.

She said that if the public was not given enough time to speak, they might get frustrated with the council. "And if there is not enough discussion, we will not be able to give any direction to staff," she said.

"The subjects were important, so public input was important," said Vice Mayor Norman Kline.

King said that once the items for discussion were moved to regular city council meetings, everyone would get a chance to speak.

The retreat was of special importance this year because of the failure of the utility users tax measure in the November election. The Saratoga seniors have also been pushing the city council to let them use the North Campus facility. The city is expected to announce some cuts in services very soon.

"We spent more money than we took in this year. We cannot keep doing it," King said. "Most of the discussions are going to be about cost versus services."

Ten employees have left for opportunities elsewhere since July. "We are reaching a stage where someone might have a great idea, but we might not have people to work on it," King said. "I don't see a vast improvement in services coming in because there's not a lot of money coming in."

She said public safety was the most important priority for the city followed by roads and public works, planning and commercial development.

The city plans to use notices, flyers and newspaper advertising to inform citizens about the important items that will be listed for discussion in the next few city council meetings.

"In the last few years we have not had such dynamic discussions," she said.