HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/06/1996 (2)iaw
Minutes of a Regular Meeting
March 6, 1996
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Meeting
Wednesday, March 6,1996,6:00 P.M.
Council Chambers. 26379 Fremont Road
1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL. AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Siegel called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 6:10
p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall.
Present: Mayor Siegel and Councilmembers Dauber, Hubbard and
Johnson
Absent: Councilmember Casey
Staff: City Manager/City Engineer Jeff Peterson, City Attorney
Sandy Sloan, Planning Director Curtis Williams, Public
Works Manager Ed Taylor and City Clerk Pat Dowd
Press: Clyde Noel, Los Altos Town Crier
2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
2.1 Appointment to Community Relations Committee
Juliet Helft, 11975 Murietta Lane, introduced herself to the Council. She
commented on her interest in serving on the Community Relations Committee
and also noted she might have some suggestions for getting more volunteers
involved.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Hubbard
and passed unanimously by all members present to appoint Juliet Helft to the
Community Relations Committee for a two-year term.
`b� March 6, 1996
Regular City Council Meeting
�bw 3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Planning Commissioner McMahon reported that the following applications were
heard at the 2/28/% Planning Commission Meeting: Lands of Lohr, 24040 Oak Knoll
Circle - approved request for a site development permit for a new residence, pool
and spa; Lands of Sorensen, 13820 La Paloma Road - approved request for a site
development permit for a new residence, pool, spa, and pool house; Lands of
Goldsobel, 14415 Miranda Court - approved request for a site development permit
for a new residence; and Lands of Ploss, 13349 La Cresta Drive - request for a
conditional development permit and a site development permit for a carport, and a
variance to allow the structure to encroach 15 feet into the front setback -continued.
Dauber asked that the following issue be agendized for Council discussion: Are there
situations when the Town can state that someone cannot use all of their
development area?
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items Removed: 4.1 - 2/21/96 Regular Meeting Minutes (Hubbard) and 4.8 (staff)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Hubbard
and passed unanimously by all members present to approve the balance of the
Consent Calendar, specifically:
4.1 Approved Minutes: February 21, 19% (Adjourned Regular)
4.2 Approved Warrants: $92,894.30(2/16/96)
4.3 Decided Not To Review the following Planning Commission Actions at
its Meeting on February 14, 1996:
4.3a Lands of Chang, 26228 Scarff Way: approved request for a site
development permit for a new residence, pool, spa, secondary
unit and greenhouse
4.3b Lands of Vallner, 10723 Magdalena Avenue: approved request
for a site development permit for a major addition/remodel
4.3c Lands of Pang, 28138 Story Hill Lane: approve request for a
site development permit for a new residence, pool and spa
4.3d Lands of Lam, 13597 Robleda Road: approved request for a site
development permit for a major addition/remodel and pool
March 6, 1996
Regular City Council Meeting
4.4 Approved agreement for legal services between the Town of Los Altos
Hills and the law offices of Jorgenson, Siegel, McClure & Flegel, LLP --
Reso #11-96
4.5 Accepted grant of easement for pathway, Lands of Potel and Frantz,
13320 Wildcrest Drive -- Reso #12-96
4.6 Accepted grant of dedication of 1) conservation and open space easement
and 2) sanitary sewer easement on the Lands of Neal, 13691 Old Altos
Road, Reso #13-96 and Reso #14-96
4.7 Adopted Ordinance #380 pre -zoning the Lands of Vidovich to 'R -A
(Residential -Agricultural) (SECOND READING)
Items Removed:
4.1 Approval of Minutes: February 21, 1996 (Regular Meeting)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Hubbard, seconded by Siegel and
passed unanimously by all members present to approve the minutes of the February
21, 19% Regular City Council Meeting with the following corrections: page 10,
second motion, one and two should read as follows: "1) to amend Condition #13 to
require that the incremental increase in drainage runoff due to the increase in
development area be conveyed toward Fremont Pines instead of La Paloma Road;
and 2) to include a basement with openings only as required to meet the minimum
standards of the UBC."
4.8 Request for authorization to purchase computer equipment
The Public Works Manager reported that recent news reports indicated a reduced
price in certain computer equipment. CompUSA had agreed to pass any savings
and/or lower rates on to the Town.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Siegel and
passed unanimously by all members present to authorize the City Manager to
purchase computer equipment for the Town as recommended by the Technology
Improvement Committee and amended by staff, through the State Department of
General Services for a total of $55,147.21 in accordance with Section 2-4.08 of the Los
Altos Hills Municipal Code.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5.1 Public/Private Street Map for Thru Streets
March 6, 1996
Regular City Council Meeting
The City Manager noted that he had prepared a map for Council showing the
through streets and which of these were 'private'. This map included in part
Briones, Tepa, La Loma Drive, Summerhill and Camino Hermoso.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To direct the City Manager to prioritize these through
private streets and to bring them back to Council for review. After these streets were
dealt with, then individual requests regarding public/private roads would be
addressed.
6. NEW BUSINESS
6.1 Options for disposition of Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Funds
The Planning Director's report stated that the Town's current balance of CDBG
funds was $178,926 with an additional $83,000 to be added as of July 1, 1996. The
County had requested that the Town either develop specific programs to use CDBG
funding for low-income housing purposes or the funds would be redirected to the
County for County -wide housing rehabilitation loans.
Susan Russell and Janet Stone, representing the Mid -Peninsula Housing Coalition,
asked Council to support their project to provide housing for developmentally
�. disabled persons.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To schedule a public hearing on the proposed use of the
Town's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds.
7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES. SUB -COMMITTEES. AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
8. STAFF REPORTS
8.1 City Manager
8.2 City Attorney
8.3 City Clerk
8.3.1 Report on Council Correspondence dated 2/28/%
It was agreed no action would be taken on the request from the
Independent Cities Association requesting the Town to join an
amicus brief concerning property taxes.
March 6, 1996
Regular City Council Meeting
9. COUNCIL -INITIATED ITEMS
9.1 City Council Vacation Meeting Schedule (Mayor Siegel)
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To cancel the August 7, 1996 and January 1, 1997 City
Council Meetings.
9.2 Council Meeting to discuss garbage issues
Johnson noted that he was unavailable for the second meeting in April. Since this
was the meeting at which garbage issues were going to be addressed, Council
discussed different dates for the meeting.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To tentatively schedule a special meeting on either April
8th or April 9th to discuss garbage issues.
9.3 Status on Code Enforcement
Siegel asked for a status report on certain code enforcement issues. The Planning
Director reported as follows: 1) Sayars on O'Keefe - plans due in this week from
Brian Kangas Foulk for removal of structure; 2) Rouse - no further action needed; 3)
Stonebrook - Town to proceed with legal steps; and 4) Chapin - staff investigating.
9.4 Legislation regarding developers fees
Dauber referred to the League of California Cities' Legislative Bulletin concerning a
bill on developers fees and she inquired if this would affect the Town. A report will
be made at the next Council Meeting. The City Attorney asked if Council wanted a
regular report on legislation but it was felt this was unnecessary at this time.
Reports would be made upon the specific request of Council.
10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Mr. William Trabucco, 27355 Sherlock Road, addressed the Council concerning his
bill from Los Altos Garbage Company. He had not used this service for over a year
and did not believe he should have to pay for a service he did not use. He had
refused to pay the bill which had recently been sent to collection by the garbage
company. He informed Council that he was paying this bill at this time but under
duress. Mr. Trabucco referred to a March 6, 1996 letter to the Council in which he
gave a history of his dealings with the garbage company and his concerns. (A copy
of this letter is on file at Town Hall.)
March 6, 1996
Regular City Council Meeting
1hw 11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
11.1 Review of Planning Commission's approval of request for a site
development permit for a new residence, secondary dwelling unit
and pool, Lands of Parikh, 26875 Elena Road (continued from
February 21, 1996 City Council Meeting)
It was noted that an agreement had been reached between the applicant and Mr. and
Mrs. Hall concerning the impact of this project on the Halls' property and methods
to mitigate concerns. Council commended all parties for working together toward
the resolution of these issues.
Mr. Hall, 12140 Foothill Lane and Mr. Parikh, applicant, both thanked the Council
for helping them with this project.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Johnson and
passed unanimously by all members present to approve the request for a site
development permit for a new residence, secondary dwelling unit and pool for
Lands of Parikh at 26875 Elena Road, subject to the conditions of approval
recommended by the Planning Commission and amended by Council, specifically
the deletion of Condition #16 (The applicant shall redesign the new residence to
lower the roof height by at lest 1.5 feet. The parking/ turnaround bulb at the rear of
the residence shall be redesigned to be raised by at least 1 foot in elevation. The
changes shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Director and Engineering
Department prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check.)
11.2 Request for approval of conditional use permit, site development
permit and negative declaration for existing cellular telephone
facility; GTE Mobilnet; Lands of Foothill College, 12345 EI Monte Road
Julie Cameron and Ray Hashimoto, J.M. Consulting Group, addressed the Council
on behalf of GTE Mobilnet. They clarified the project and discussed the issue of co -
location. They noted that negotiations with other carriers were ongoing but no
agreements were in place at this time.
Council expressed their concerns about the siting of such facilities and the increase
in such applications. They addressed use of public lands and co -location. In
addition Council discussed the review process and recommended a one-year review
period.
Viole McMahahon, Via Ventana, commented on co -location. She referred to the
engineering for this particular facility and suggested that co -location was a good
suggestion for other facilities but not particularly for this one.
March 6, 1996
Regular City Council Meeting
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To direct that if GTE was approached by another carrier,
they would, in good faith, consider co -location with that carrier.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Hubbard, seconded by Johnson
and passed unanimously by all members present to approve the request for a
conditional use permit, site development permit and negative declaration for
existing cellular telephone facility; GTE Mobilnet; Lands of Foothill College, 12345 El
Monte Road, subject to the conditions of approval recommended by the Planning
Commission and amended by Council specifically to require a one-year review
period.
11.3 Proposed revised pathway element of the General Plan; amendments
to the Site Development and Subdivision Ordinances regarding
pathway requirements and proposed negative declaration
Council had before them the Planning Director's staff report dated 3/6/96 which
included the proposed revised pathway element of the General Plan; amendments
to the Site Development and Subdivision Ordinances regarding pathway
requirements and the proposed negative declaration. Council also had before them
comments from Siegel and Dauber on the proposed documents. Siegel referred to
his recommendation that the Pathway Committee should give notice and a hearing
to the applicant of a site development permit or a subdivision before it makes a
recommendation to the Planning Commission for an off-road path to be located on
the applicant's property.
Viole McMahon, Chairman of the Planning Commission, did not agree with this
recommendation. She commented that if the issue became confrontational, it
became quite difficult for the committee member. She believed it was easier if the
committee's recommendation came to the Planning Commission. McMahon
agreed that the applicant should be notified of the pathway issues as early as possible
by staff but in actuality the off-road paths were on the Master Pathway Plan so there
really should not be any surprises. Carol Gottlieb, Planning Commissioner,
concurred with McMahon's comments. She gave a brief history of the Master
Pathway Plan and noted that the committee had no authority to make decisions
regarding paths. Katherine Stella, member of the Pathway Committee, concurred.
While she believed in as early a notification process as possible to the applicant, she
did not agree with Siegel's recommendation regarding the Pathway Committee
involvement. Les Earnest, Chairman of the Pathway Committee, noted that they
did meet with the applicants and there were rarely surprises at the Planning
Commission level. Siegel recommended that the recommendation on pathways be
included in the Planning Director's report so that the applicant received the
information as soon as possible. Siegel also withdrew his recommendation about a
hearing at the Pathway Committee level.
March 6, 1996
Regular City Council Meeting
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To make the following changes to the 3/6/% Planning
Director's staff report:
Page 1, first sentence should read: "The Town's Pathways System serves three basic
and important functions - circulation, recreation and preservation of the open
character of the community."
Page 2, first paragraph, last sentence change 'generally designed' to 'frequently
designed'.; third paragraph, third sentence should read: was built, the use and
need for roadside and off-road paths increased."
Page 4, A4: "...Commission or Council, however, for topographic or for safety
reasons, and shall be required where an off-road path exists."; B2, Class 1, last
sentence delete 'only'; B3 should read: "Off-road paths are a permitted use in a
conservation and open space easements and should be reflected as such in the
language of the easement when dedicated."
Page 5, B7: add "or special use or topograph makes it necessary."; C, second
paragraph, add 'Aric Lane' after 'Old Trace Lane' and add the following to the last
sentence: "and for a connection from Olive Tree Lane." Insert the following
paragraph: "The DeAnza Trail which Congress has designated as a National Historic
�w Trail passes through Town and should be properly designated on the Town's Master
Path Plan."
Page 6, Al, A2, A3 and A4 change the reference to 'which is recorded' to 'showing'
and in A2 change the reference to City Manager to City Engineer.
Page 7, Bl, first sentence should read: ".....incrementally as Town funds permit
and as development...." and change references to'pathway in lieu fee' to'pathway
fee'.
Page 8, #12, add the following: "or discing too close to the path."
Page 9, #15 should read: "The Town shall accept offers of dedication of pathway
easements made at the time ..: ; #16, second sentence should read: "...involved
with the preparation of donations unrelated to ..."; add Condition #21 to read as
follows: "When a pathway crosses driveway or walkway, the pathway surface shall
take precedence. Where a paved surface is required, it must be acceptable as a
pathway, e.g. roughened."
March 6, 1996
Regular City Council Meeting
�W
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Siegel and
passed unanimously by all members present to continue the public hearing on the
proposed revised pathway element of the General Plan; amendments to the Site
Development and Subdivision Ordinances regarding pathway requirements and
proposed negative declaration and to introduce an ordinance amending the
municipal code to provide for a pathway fund and to revise requirements for
pathway easements, construction and in -lieu fees.
12. ADIOURNMENT
There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council
Meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully fitted,
Patricia Dowd
City Clerk
The minutes of the March 6, 1996 Regular City Council Meeting were
approved at the March 20, 1996 Regular City Council Meeting.
March 6, 1996
Regular City Council Meeting