As the first order of business, the council declared July 24 "Billy Jones Day" in recognition of the man behind the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad. Jones died in 1968 but his popular steam railroad has become a landmark for the Santa Clara County region, having served nearly 4 million riders over the last 35 years.

Joe Parker, new battalion chief of the Saratoga Fire Department, was introduced to the council. Parker replaces Gordon Duncan, who is retiring. Parker said he will be the new go-to guy at the fire department and he looks forward to working with the city.

An amendment to the city code was adopted to increase the city's fines for building code violations from $200 to $500 for the second violation and from $500 to $1,000 for the third violation. The amendment to the code also clarifies that fines for the second and third violations can be imposed only for a second violation of the same code requirement.

The council awarded a street sweeping contract to Universal Sweeping Services in the amount of $75,993. The Los Altos Garbage Company is the current street sweeping contractor but the company will continue services only for one additional month.

Eight contractors submitted proposals to replace the Los Altos Garbage Company; Universal Sweeping Services was the low bidder. Even so, Universal's proposal is a cost increase of $24,513 over the previous fiscal year. The city is required to perform street sweeping services by environmental regulations.

Both Mayor Kathleen King and Vice Mayor Norman Kline were away on vacation at the time of the meeting.

The council is winding down for the summer with the next city council meeting on Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Ave. There will be no meeting on Aug. 17 due to a summer recess; the next regular meeting is on Sept. 7.