04/27/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4.17 Award of Contract: Geotechnical Investigation and Design Services for Proposed Guard Railing Project at Page Mill Road—Resolution#32-06 4.18 Authorizing and Directing the City Manager to Act on Behalf of the Town Entering into an Agreement with the VTA—Resolution#33-06 4.19 Amendment to Agreement with Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Mueller & Naylor, LLP to Add $5,000 for Additional Special Counsel Services Item Removed: 4.10 Approval of Draft Resolution of Support for the Santa Clara Initiative for the Conservation and Preservation of Hillsides, Ranchlands and Agricultural Lands Phyllis Carmichael, resident, addressed Council. She explained that she had requested separate consideration of this item because it would establish zoning restrictions that were unfair to property owners and would not create new accessible public open space. She urged the Council to continue the item to a future date and consider all of the inherent issues before offering their support. Mary Davies, resident, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board member, commented that the purpose of the initiative was to keep the agricultural hills of Santa Clara Valley"green" and unfettered by development. It was not meant to promote public accessible open space. Davies noted that the Town had always been supportive of open space and this was an appropriate initiative for the Council to endorse. Paul Cardus, Government Affairs Director, Silicon Valley Realtors Association, addressed Council. He stated that the Association favored responsible open space but had voted to oppose the initiative noting the concern expressed by farmers, property owners, and ranchers on the affect the initiative would have on their ability to keep their family lands together. He suggested that it would be very costly to amend and correct the initiative policies once it was law. Peter Drekmeier, Palo Alto City Council member, commented that the Palo Alto City Council had recently passed a resolution in support of the initiative. He offered that the initiative would protect view sheds, water sheds and reservoirs and prevent urban sprawl and it would encourage the continuation of large scale agricultural. Drekmeier added that similar initiatives had been passed in San Mateo County and Alameda County. Council discussion ensued. Councilmember Jones offered that he had endorsed the initiative as an individual and believed it was moderate and reasonable and would assist in maintaining the "rural character"in Santa Clara Valley. Council concurred. 5 City Council Meeting Minutes April 27,2006