The city government held its annual retreat at Hakone Gardens on June 24. The dress code might have been informal, and they even played a little game to break the ice. By mid-morning, though, the council members and staff were discussing the future needs of the city.

For the next eight hours, they held forth on their vision for Saratoga. Each of the council members articulated a few ideas that they think are vital for the city.

"These values are going to manifest themselves in various issues that come up," said City Manager Dave Anderson.

There was talk of intangibles like professional demeanor and a decentralized public process. Council members also talked about infrastructure and roads, revitalization of the Village and a more professional and customer service oriented city staff.

Council members then elaborated on some of the key ideas that they would like to see integrated into Saratoga's future.

Vice Mayor Norman Kline suggested that the business owners in the Village start their own business improvement district. "They can tax themselves and help improve the Village," he said.

Ann Waltonsmith said that the city needed to have more discussion when it comes to contentious public issues. "With the commissions being done away with, the structure has become too top down," she said. "There seems to be a certain zeal to get things done before election year."

Councilwoman Aileen Kao said that sometimes the council has too little information about issues they are discussing. She also suggested that the city have a consistent policy when it comes to announcing meetings and the way information is posted on its website.

Anderson said that group email lists might be the easiest way of keeping interested citizenry informed about goings-on in city government.

Mayor Kathleen King talked about how trying to serve the needs of the larger community might aggrieve certain neighborhoods.

When the group reconvened after lunch, the discussion moved to more concrete issues that the city wants to tackle in the next 18 months.

A majority on the council agreed that proceeding with the sale of the North Campus and resolving development issues at Kevin Moran Park are two of the most important issues for the next few months. The council also decided that it would look into the construction of a 6,000-square foot room on city property that can be used by different groups in the community.

"We want to encourage new businesses to move to downtown Saratoga. Reducing the number of parking spaces that a new business has to buy might be one way of doing it," said King.

"The parking issue should also be tied into the planned development of the Village," said Kline. He stressed that there is a need to change some of the zoning laws in the city.

Councilman Nick Streit suggested that the city also look at leasing flat grass areas from West Valley College to address the needs of organized sports bodies.

"The demographics of the city are changing. There is a going to be a need for flat grass to play cricket and lacrosse. We're behind the curve," he said.

Kao said that the city should work with school districts so that their facilities are shared by the community.

Some of the issues talked about at the retreat will be more elaborately discussed at future council meetings.

The last city council retreat was held in January 2004. A retreat was cancelled in February of this year after the city council decided that some of the items to be discussed were more suited for public hearings or regular city council meetings. The items included the future of the North Campus and economic viability of the various commissions. Those issues have already been addressed by the council.

Anderson said that retreats are designed to discuss policy and philosophical issues in a low pressure environment.

"Retreats are highly useful. The council as a whole takes some stands on future issues and policies. We missed our retreat in February. This was a chance to get back on track," said Anderson.