HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/26/1979CITY COUNCIL
Q TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
4+ 26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California
MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED MEETING
Monday, February 26, 1979
cc: Reel 116, Side I, Tr. II, 304 -End
Mayor Hillestad called the Adjourned Meeting of the City Council to order at 4:15 p.m.
in the Council Chambers of Town Hall.
Present: Mayor Hillestad, Councilmembers McReynolds, Perkins, Proft and Nystrom (arrived
late).
Staff: City Manager Robert Crowe, City Engineer John Carlson and Deputy City Clerk
Susan Buttler.
Don Skinner, ABAG and Gordon Jacoby, ABAG.aq 3V�9
Council determination was to take the Items scneauiea out o order so that all Councilmembers
might be present, and to first discuss a matter that was not agendized.
The City Manager introduced a letter received this date from the Palo Alto Unified School
District requesting Council response by March 1, 1979 to four questions relative to the
Fremont Hills school site. Councilmembers discussed the recreational uses currently being
made of this site along with the private school, Town financing needed if purchase was made
available and their desire to preclude development of this property.
e
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To direct the City Manager to draft a letter to the Disposition
Committee nd Palo Alto Unified School District responding to the four questions and out-
lining the Town's wish to purchase this property should review of the entire financial
package prove favorable.
B. Review and Recommendations on future status of Inter -City Council.
Mayor Hillestad advised of the two alternatives, specifically: (1) Phasing out Inter -City
Council completely, or (2) Funding of postage only from cities and changing meeting schedule
from every month to once every two months.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To participate actively in the second alternative in order to keep
t is organization functioning as a viable communications link for the cities.
A. Review and Resolution on Santa Clara Valley Corridor Evaluation.
Councilman McReynolds outlined his Report as follows: (1) Frustration is being expressed by
all cities in the County as to the recommendations in the Study; (2) The transportation system
proposed is too dependent upon the auto and bus, thus increasing energy consumption and pollu-
tion; (3) Requesting that more housing be placed closer to industry sounds good, but goes
against all principles of freedom of choice; (4) This County's problems are unique and should
not be closely compared with others, such as Marin; and, (5) Not enough investigation was made
of utilization of a light rail transportation system which could prove to be the most cost
and energy efficient.
Mr. Jacoby, ABAG, told of the problems faced in the preparation of this Study, i.e., limita-
4W tions on matching funds from federal/state sources to highway uses only, the need for each
city to expand General Plan projections for housing which is only being requested on a volun-
tary basis, light rail was explored and found to not pay for itself and recommendations were
made to try and take the most advantage of existing facilities.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - February 26, 1979
4 A. Review and Resolution on Santa Clara Valley Corridor Evaluation. (Continued)
�r Councilmembers discussed with Mr. Jacoby their concerns as to the holding capacity of the
County which might have already been met, the need for industry to also actively address
these housing problems, frustration with the Study's merging of the transporation issue
to only a highway funding source and objection to regional or County dictation as to each
city's General Plan objectives.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To forward Councilman McReynolds' Report along with a letter citing
Council recommendations and objections to the Santa Clara County Corridor Evaluation out
to the appropriate agencies.
There being no further new or old business, the City Council adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Buttler
Deputy City Clerk
-2-
L CITY COUNCIL
4/ TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, March 7, 1979
cc: Reel 117, Side I, Tr. I, 001 -End; Side II, Tr. I, 001-336
Mayor Lucile Hillestad called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 7:37 p.m.
in the Council Chambers of Town Hall.
A. ROLL CALL & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Present: Mayor Hillestad, Councilmembers McReynolds, Nystrom, Perkins and Proft.
Absent: None.
Staff: City Manager Robert Crowe, City Attorney Frank Gillio, City Engineer John
Carlson, Commissioner Michael Stewart for the Planning Commission and Deputy
City Clerk Susan Buttler.
Press: Florence Pallakoff, Los Altos Town Crier and Steve Gruber, San Jose Mercury -News.
B. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mrs. Wood, Stonebrook Drive, asked for removal of Item B.2. for separate consideration.
Councilman Perkins requested removal of Item B.4. a) for separate consideration.
4 Thereafter, the following changes to the February 21, 1979 Minutes were made:
Page 1, first paragraph under Item B.S. a), third line - change "set" to "recommended".
Page 2, last Motion under Item B.3. a), third line - add "meeting" after "next".
Page 3, before the last two Motions under Item E.I. b) - add the following sentence:
Councilman Proft asked the Applicant's Engineer if he realized that the approval of
the plan line for the road would result in cutting off a portion of land that would
probably render it insufficient to support a building site and the Engineer indicated
that he was aware of this.
On the February 26, 1979 Minutes the following persons were added as Present:
Don Skinner, ABAG and Gordon Jacoby, ABAG.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Perkins, seconded by Councilman
McReynolds and passed unanimously to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar,
specifically:
1. Approval of Minutes: February 21 & 26, 1979 (as amended above).
3. Resolutions for Adoption:
a) Resolution #1183 approving destruction of City records, documents and papers.
Mrs. Wood, Stonebrook Drive, questioned Warrant #4381 and was advised of the purchase
of a new Dodge pick-up truck to replace one that was wearing out.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Proft, seconded by Councilman Nystrom
Lo and carried unanimously to approve the Warrants.
Councilman Perkins then ascertained from Staff the effects of increases outlined in the
Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement and that they had been considered at budget time.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Perkins, seconded by Councilman Nystrom
god gpsed unanimously to adopt Resolution #1184 approving the Agreement for the Traffic
ign Maintenance Contract.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - March 7, 1979
C. SPECIAL REPORTS:
t 1. Reports of Standing Committees:
�s a) Traffic & Public Safety Committee - Burglary Alarm Ordinance.
Mrs. Yeend, Chairman/Traffic & Public Safety Committee, referenced her letter to Council
citing the frequency of false alarms within the Town, approximate cost for Sheriff's res-
ponse time and similar ordinances in neighboring communities providing for fines to be
levied for the chronic abuse on some alarm systems.
Councilmembers commended the Committee's efforts and requested back-up data on frequency
of false alarms by area, further review of ordinance action by adjacent cities and a
sample ordinance for the Town be brought back before Council.
Mrs. Yeend, Chairman/Traffic & Public Safety Committee, introduced a memo and cost break-
down sheet, outlining the work accomplished thus far on the upcoming Mayor's Safety Aware-
ness Run. She suggested April 22nd as a tentative date to hold the Run and advised of
ideals being considered to provide for safety emphasis, personnel required and promotional
techniques to be undertaken in conjunction with a representative from "Runner's World".
Councilmembers reiterated their concerns that jogging safety be paramount and endorsed
the Town's underwriting of costs as well as the go ahead for proposed plans for this Run.
Mrs. Wood, Stonebrook Drive, suggested installing a burglary alarm and sprinkler system
in the Town Hall facility as much needed protective measures.
2. Reports of Ad Hoc Committees: None
3. Reports from the Planning Commission:
Commissioner Stewart advised of a memo from the Commission requesting the presence of a
Councilmember at each Planning Commission meeting. The Mayor and City Attorney put forth
the following in opposition to initiating this practice: (1) It is felt that no one
Councilmember can speak on behalf of the entire Council; (2) Due to press of work all
Councilmembers currently do not have the time to attend another meeting; (3) The purpose
of having a Councilmember at Planning Commission meetings has never been clearly defined;
(4) Historically, Planning Commissions are recommending bodies only, thus pre-cluding
final action or advice at that level; and, (5) The Councilmember involved would be hearing
the same matter twice which might constitute taking evidence outside of the Council meeting.
It was then directed that a memo to the Planning Commission offering Council's commendation
on their efforts to date and the above reasons against having a Councilmember attend each
meeting.
4. Presentations from the Floor: None
D. STAFF - REPORTS, CORRESPONDENCE & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. City Manager:
a) Liability Insurance Report.
The City Manager outlined the work accomplished on the agreement and by-laws for pooling
liability insurance for cities in the County and answered Council questions as to the
advantages and quality of risk coverage offered. Council consensus was to direct that a
letter of intent to join this pooling of insurance coverage.
b) Composition of Solid Waste Planning Committee.
or
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Following a brief discussion, it was moved by Councilman
McReynolds, seconded by Councilman Proft and carried unanimously to endorse the appointment
of a representative from the private sector representing environmentalists and recycling
only if that member is chosen by the small cities of the County.
-2-
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - March 7, 1979
The Council adjourned at 8:45 p.m. to an Executive Session and re -convened at 9:30 p.m.
000. STAFF - REPORTS, CORRESPONDENCE & ANNOUNCEMENTS: (Continued)
2. City Attorney:
a) Assessment District Challenge to Jarvis -Gann.
_MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: After a review of the City Attorney's memo of February 23,
1979, it was moved by Councilman Proft, seconded by Mayor Hillestad and passed unanimously
to join as a friend of the court in the Assessment District Challenge to Jarvis -Gann.
b) Report on Moffat vs. Los Altos Hills.
The City Attorney introduced his memo of March 2, 1979, stating that there had not as
yet been a decision reached in this matter.
c) Claim - Saddle Mountain Estates/BAS Homes.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Proft, seconded by Councilman Perkins
and carried unanimously to continue this matter to an Adjourned Meeting on March 15, 1979.
d) Report on Truck Traffic Routes and proposed Ordinance.
The City Attorney advised that the Council thoroughly review the proposal he had provided
and outlined the procedures to be followed in hearing this matter with May 16, 1979 being
the first date possible for a Public Hearing.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Nystrom, seconded by Councilman McReynolds
and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #1185 setting a time and place of hearing on a
44W proposed Ordinance to establish truck traffic routes and reduce weight limits.
Councilman Perkins urged that the outcome be a clear statement of what the Council hoped
to accomplish and Mayor Hillestad asked that the City Attorney further review what similar
cities (with hillside topography) have done about this problem.
E. SPECIAL ORDERS:
1. Request for Final Map Approval, LANDS OF HIGHTOWER, File FM #3070-79.
During his introduction, the City Engineer askedthat two changes from the Tentative Map be
approved, i.e., that the cul-de-sac had been re -worked to a hammerhead configuration and
rolled curbs be modified to a.c. berm.
Mrs. Struthers, Pathway Committee, spoke for ramps, if at all possible, at the driveways
Tor bicycle access.
It was determined that the City Engineer could work with the Committee in resolving this.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Perkins, seconded by Mayor Hillestad
and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution #1186 approving Final Subdivision Map and
approving and authorizing execution of Subdivision Agreement, LANDS OF HIGHTOWER.
2. Ordinance # amending Chapter 2 of Title 5 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code
relating to Noise. (FIRST READING)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Proft, seconded by Mayor Hillestad and
passed unanimously to waive further reading of the Ordinance.
Councilman Perkins suggested the following changes to Page 2 of the proposed Ordinance and
Council agreed with the clarification of intent this provided.
Section 5-2.02. Standards.
Thg below prescribed standards are hereby established to be applicable to the
classifications indicated when measured as follows:
-3-
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - March 7, 1979
E. SPECIAL ORDERS: (Continued)
`, 2. Noise Ordinance (Continued)
(a) Use a standard noise level meter as prescribed by ANSI-SI.4. All measure-
ments will be taken with the meter switched to the weighting network labeled "A".
(b) When the source is on private property, measurements shall be made at any
location on or beyond the property boundary.
(c) When the source is on public property, measurements shall be made fifty feet
(50') from the source or at the private property line, whichever is closer.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Proft, seconded by Mayor Hillestad and
carried unanimously to introduce Ordinance #249 amending Chapter 2, entitled "Noise" of
Title 5 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code by amending Section 5-2.01 and 5-2.02
thereof, and adding Section 5-2.07 thereto, with the amendment as provided above.
3. Ordinance # amending Chapter 4 of Title 9 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code
relating to parcel merging. (FIRST READING)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Proft, seconded by Councilman McReynolds
and passed unanimously to waive further reading of the Ordinance.
Following questions by Council, the City Attorney advised of the intent of this Ordinance.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Proft, seconded by Councilman McReynolds
and passed unanimously to introduce Ordinance #250 amending Chapter 4 entitled "Sub-
divisions" of Title 9 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code by adding thereto Section
4 9-4.310.
4. Public Hearings:
a) Ordinance #248 amending Chapter 1 of Title 6 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal
Code to adopt by reference Santa Clara County Ordinance No. NS -600.12 relating
to animals. (SECOND READING)
The City Attorney outlined the procedures that had been followed and the bringing into
compliance the County Ordinance to Town regulations by this proposed Ordinance.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Proft, seconded by Councilman McReynolds
and carried unanimously to waive further reading of Ordinance #248.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Proft, seconded by Councilman Nystrom and
passed unanimously to adopt Ordinance #248 amending Chapter 1 of Title 6 of the Los Altos
Hills Municipal Code to adopt by reference Santa Clara County Ordinance No. NS -600.12
relating to animals.
b) Underground Utility District No. 3.
The City Manager outlined the work to be accomplished and the necessity of obtaining ease-
ments from two property owners in the area.
Mr. Alexander, Pacific Gas & Electric representative, explained his company's efforts to
uniformly provide for undergrounding throughout this area.
Councilmembers discussed with Mr. Alexander that the number of poles to be removed was
now seven and the free 100' of wire given to customers by the utility in these instances.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Proft, seconded by Councilman Perkins
and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #1187 establishing Underground Utility District
No. 3 in Los Altos Hills.
-4-
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - March 7, 1979
E. SPECIAL ORDERS: (Continued)
`. 4. Public Hearings: (Continued)
c) Request for Tentative Map Approval, LANDS OF DAWSON, File TM #2094-78, 15 Lots.
(Continued from 2/21/79 Meeting - Negative Declaration adopted at that time.)
The City Manager advised of Planning Commission review (at their last meeting) of geo-
technical problems raised by the Council and their recommendation of approval. Commissioner
Stewart then outlined issues discussed and answered Council questions relative to fault
line placement and building site setbacks.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Proft, seconded by Councilman McReynolds
and carried unanimously to add as new Condition IO.E: The face of the Final Map shall note
the approximate location of the inferred fault line going through the conservation easement
on Lots 7, 13, 14 and 15.
Discussion followed on revised slope density calculations, review of safety considerations
for driveway access to Page Mill Road and path easements along Page Mill Road.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Nystrom, seconded by Councilman Perkins
an passed by the following roll call vote to approve LANDS OF DAWSON, File TM #2094-78,
subject to conditions as recommended by the Planning Commission and, as amended by Council.
AYES: Mayor Hillestad, Councilmembers McReynolds, Nystrom and Perkins.
NOES: Councilman Proft.
Councilman Proft attributed his No vote to the potential building problems caused by the
shear zone through Lots 1, 2 and 3 which could be eliminated by removing one of these lots
from the application.
d) Request for Tentative Map Approval, LANDS OF STEERS, File TM #2087-78, 2 Lots.
(Continued from 2/21/79 Meeting.)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Perkins, Councilman Nystrom and passed
unanimously to adopt a Negative Declaration, LANDS OF STEERS, File TM #2087-78.
Mr. Miller, Applicant's Attorney, stated they did not understand the rationale behind
conditions imposed upon his client to cause improvements along Buena Vista Drive, provide
for a pathway which hasn't a connecting link and underground utilities which would only
benefit an adjacent property owner.
Councilmembers discussed a Motion (subsequently withdrawn) to return this item to the Plan-
ning Commission for further mitigation and their extensive concerns about this proposed
development, which are briefly as follows: (1) Need for further review of the conservation
easement location; (2) Problems raised by Applicant's request for four conditional exceptions
to Town ordinances; (3) Direct conflict caused to an overall planning concept by not de-
signating Applicant's remaining property as "not further subdividable" or, if it is to be
subdivided in the future, the inclusion of data necessary to achieve this; and, (4) Objec-
tives to be realized by defining the holding capacity of Buena Vista Drive with the im-
plementation of a precise plan line (directed to the City Engineer for preparation).
Mr. Miller, Applicant's Attorney, spoke for resolving these issues as quickly as possible.
Mr. Abram, Applicant's Engineer, cited objections to cuts and fill required for the re-
alignment of Buena Vista Drive.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman McReynolds, seconded by Mayor Hillestad
and passed unanimously to deny, without prejudice, the Tentative Map application, LANDS OF
STEERS, File TM #2087-78.
-5-
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - March 7, 1979
E. SPECIAL ORDERS: (Continued)
4W 4. Public Hearings: (Continued)
e) Appeal of Planning Commission Denial, LANDS OF LOW, File TM #2088-78.
Following a brief introduction by the City Manager, the City Engineer displayed on the
viewgraph the proposed common driveway to serve one of these lots and Lands of Love.
Mr. Gulickson, Applicant's Attorney, cited his objections to the reasons given for denial
of the proposed subdivision and legal clarification he felt should be addressed.
Thereafter, the City Attorney cautioned Councilmembers against debating the matter at hand
and offered his agreement with the effectiveness of items covered by the Planning Commission
relative to the denial.
Mr. Low, Applicant, stated that he was open to a re -location of driveway access and whatever
measures felt necessary to obtain approval for this map application.
Council concerns are as follows: (1) Awkward configuration for driveway access; (2) Noise
mitigation problems caused by proximity of IS280; (3) Inadequacies on Lot 3 resultant from
two fault lines as well as noise of IS280; and (4) Ability of the land to possibly only
support two lots rather than three as proposed.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Proft, seconded by Councilman Nystrom
and carried unanimously to uphold the Planning Commission denial subject to the reasons
given for LANDS OF LOW, File TM #2088-78.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman McReynolds, seconded by Councilman Proft
and passed unanimously to continue the meeting until 12:00 to finish items on the Agenda.
f) Request for Building Site Approval, LANDS OF LOVE, File B.S.A. #6103-77.
(Continued from 2/21/79 Meeting to be considered with Lands of Low.)
Councilmembers reiterated their problems with the consideration of a sub -standard lot and
their wish to view proposed house plans for this property.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Proft, seconded by Mayor Hillestad and
passed by the following roll call vote to delete Condition 6B.
AYES: Mayor Hillestad, Councilmembers McReynolds and Proft.
NOES: Councilmembers Nystrom and Perkins.
Discussion followed on methods of obtaining viable alternatives for dealing with this
parcel as split by Council previously, grading necessitated by driveway re -location and
Council's overall unhappiness with the problems posed.
MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Moved by Mayor Hillestad, seconded by Councilman Perkins and
ailed by the following roll call vote to approve LANDS OF LOVE, File B.S.A. #6103-77.
AYES: Mayor Hillestad and Councilman McReynolds.
NOES: Councilmembers Nystrom and Proft.
ABSTAIN: Councilman Perkins.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilman Proft, seconded by Councilman McReynolds
and passed unanimously to re -consider the above Motion at the March 21, 1979 Meeting.
Consensus was to hear this matter early in the meeting in order to avoid detaining the
Applicant until a late hour.
��. NEW BUSINESS:
Councilmembers talked with the City Engineer and City Attorney regarding claims against
the Town by BAS Homes, Inc. and contents of a letter to be sent. Determination was to
hear as to the disposition of the claims at an Adjourned Meeting on March 15, 1979.
-6-
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - March 7, 1979
,.F. NEW BUSINESS: (Continued)
4 Mayor Hillestad introduced a communication from the Palo Alto Unified School District
and discussion followed on the iniquities with their recommendations for disposal of
school sites within the Town versus the tenets of our General Plan and Ordinances.
Determination was to forward a letter citing these differences.
Councilman McReynolds requested that traffic circulation and plan lines be researched
for the Chaparral Way/Moody Road area and that Staff keep in mind the concepts of the
General Plan as well as avoidance of excessive scarring of the land. Consensus was
that Councilmembers Nystrom and Perkins aid in this project.
G. ADJOURNMENT:
4W
fop-
There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council adjourned at
12:45 a.m. to an Adjourned Meeting on March 15, 1979 at 5:00 p.m. for Council re-
organization and other matters as previously discussed.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Buttler
Deputy City Clerk
-7-