Hilton, Farkope & Hobson representative Robert Hilton addressed the council concerning the selection process for a new contract for collection and recycling facilities. The city's current contract with Green Valley Disposal Services expires Feb. 28, 2008. In February, the West Valley Solid Waste Management Authority approved a competitive bidding process for the selection of a new contract.

Hilton said between four and five companies have expressed interest in bidding for a contract with Saratoga. He said he expects more companies to step forward because Saratoga is a desirable city for contractors to do business with.

The council expressed concern that Norcal Waste Systems was one of several companies Hilton listed as likely to make a proposal. Norcal has been involved in a scandal with San Jose City Hall concerning irregularities that took place during bidding procedures for a garbage service contract. The council agreed that an effort should be made to ensure the bidding process in Saratoga remain transparent to avoid a similar situation.

Hilton outlined changes expected for a future collection and recycling service contract. Wheeled carts, instead of 32-gallon containers, will allow for automated weekly curbside collection. Recyclables will be mingled rather than sorted. Curbside collection of used oil and filters will be eliminated. A drop-off facility will be provided for household dry cell batteries, oil, paint and information technology "e-waste." An option for the collection of food waste will also be provided.

Three residents addressed the council with concerns about sidewalk maintenance and repair. Budget limitations have caused the city to examine changing the current policy where the city pays 100 percent of repair costs. Six options were provided, including having the property owner pay 100 percent of repair costs as in San Jose, and having the city share the cost 50/50 with the property owner as in Mountain View. With the council divided on the issue, Public Works director John Cherbone said that any savings to the city budget from changing the current policy would not be enough to justify a change of current policy. The council agreed for the time being to "limp along" with the current complaint-based policy where the city covers 100 percent of sidewalk repair costs.

President of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce Nomita J. Shahani congratulated the council on great strides made on the Gateway Project, a $2.8 million plan to upgrade the road, medians and sidewalks in the district. Shahani requested that the city inform the chamber of businesses inquiring about Saratoga so that it could help to better promote the city. She discussed preparations for Celebrate Saratoga!, scheduled for Sept. 17 in the Village. This year's event will include a dunking booth, allowing Saratogans unhappy with city government to take a shot at dunking the mayor.

The council reviewed a number of ordinances and discussed prioritizing them for future action. It attempted to decide which ordinances could be tackled and which could be deferred due to budgetary, staffing and time constraints. Village parking changes and ordinances intended to help revitalize the Village were seen as areas that needed attention.

The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 7. A city council special meeting Aug. 10 will address the application by Starbucks Coffee for a conditional-use permit for a new store at Corinthian Corners.