On July 6, at the request of Councilwomen Aileen Kao and Ann Waltonsmith, the council discussed the formation of an ad hoc committee to explore the use of the North Campus for community-related uses. All the other council members, however, stuck to their original decision to sell the campus and did not agree to the formation of a committee.

John Feemster, president of the Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council, had requested that the council take a look at using the property for community-related activities.

Charles Butterfield, who owns a real estate firm, made a presentation to the council and said that the property could be used for church or school-related activities.

"We need to save the property for future use of the city," Butterfield said.

Jack Mallory, chairman of the Citizens Committee to Save the North Campus, said formation of an ad hoc committee would enable a proper discussion on the subject. "The committee can bring some organized ideas to the table. We should not be selling public space," he said.

But Mayor Kathleen King, Vice Mayor Norman Kline and Councilman Nick Streit remained undeterred.

"I'm not interested in continuing the dialogue. A timetable has been set for the sale of the property," Streit said.

"The original intent was to move the seniors to the North Campus while the Sheriff's Department moved to the city's community center. But that did not happen," King said.

She pointed out that selling the property would enable the city to earn nearly $300,000 in interest annually. "That money can be used for the maintenance of roads," she said.

At the meeting, the council also discussed the future use of funds from the sale of the North Campus.

"The money should go into non-operating expenses. This is one-time money," Kline said. He also suggested that some part of the money be used for the development of the city's civic center.

"It is a bit early to discuss this matter. The money should be saved for future use," Kao said.

According to John Cherbone, the city's public works director, the North Campus is expected to sell for between $4.5 million and $7 million.

The city purchased the Prospect Road property, formerly the Grace United Methodist Church, for $4.5 million in 2002.

Prior to the council meeting, members of the city's planning commission and council members held a joint meeting.

The development of the Village figured prominently in the discussions. So did the issue of allowing the construction of second story homes in single story neighborhoods.

"These meetings allow the planning commission to hear the council's views on various subjects," Planning Commissioner Manny Cappello said.

Kline said that the city is interested in developing the Village into a planned development zone.

City Attorney Richard Taylor said that declaring the Village a planned development zone would enable the city to use its regulatory powers to stimulate more commercial activity in the Village. "The city will have more flexibility when it comes to codes and ordinances," he said.