HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/29/19754br CITY COUNCIL
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 29, 1975
cc: Reel 74, Side 1, Tr. I - 001-265 (Joint Meeting with Water District
Board)
" 265 -End (Regular Meeting)
Side 2, Tr. 1 - 001-229 "
Council convened at 7:00 P.M. with the Board of Directors of the Purissima Hills
County Water District in the Committee Room of Town Hall. The meeting adjourned
at 8:05.P.M.
Mayor Stanley Grabowski called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order
at 8:05 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road:
A. ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmen Cheney, Helgesson, McReynolds, Councilwoman Miller,
Mayor Grabowski, Conn. Carico for Planning Commission.
Staff: City Manager Robert Crowe, City Engineer Alex Russell, Deputy
City Clerk Norma Hislop
Press: NONE
B. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mrs. T. Schick, Weston Road, requested that Item 2 be removed from the
Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
Councilman Helgesson and Deputy Clerk Hislop requested that Item 1 be
removed.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Council-
woman Miller and unanimously carried to adopt the remaining items on the Consent
Calendar, namely:
3. Actions of Variance E Permit Commission:
a) Granted Building Site Approval, Lands of Strathdee, subject to
conditions imposed.
4. Actions of Planning Commission:
`
a) Lias Lan9s o` ::tevcns/Larbert, (;°ile f
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - January 29, 1975
`' CONSENT CALENDAR (cont'd):
5. Resolutions for Adoption:
a) Resolution #862 approving and authorizing execution of Sewer
Reimbursement Agreement between Town and William Jarvis.
6. Confirmation of Ad Hoc Tax Reformation Committee.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE COWSIDERATION:
1. Approval of Minutes: January 15, 1975 (Regular Meeting)
Councilman Helgesson noted that on page 6 of the Minutes, Item 5,
paragraph 2, that the record should indicate that the the street
sign was directed to be installed at the intersection of Mir Mirou
Drive and Paseo del Robles.
Deputy Clerk Hislop corrected the error in the term of reappointment
for Mrs. Irma Goldsmith on page 6 from four years to two years.
She also noted that on page 1, under Roll Call, that Commissioner
Young was the Commission representative, and not Comm. Perkins.
2. Approval of Warrants: $59,171.89:
Mrs. T. Schick, Weston Road questioned several warrants on the list,
which the City Manager explained. In response to a question from the
Mayor, Mr. Crowe stated that an itemized list of expenditures for the
warrants in question were on file at Town Hall for review.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Cheney moved, seconded by Councilman
Helgesson and unanimously carried to adopt the Minutes of January 15, 1975 as
amended, and the Warrant List total of $59,171.89.
C. SPECIAL REPORTS:
1. Presentations from the Floor:
a) Mrs. T. Schick, Weston Road: Inquired whether Staff had completed
the study on the costs breakdown of Town -owned equipment versus
contracting out services as directed by Council.
The Mayor responded that the study had been done, but Council had
not acted on this matter to date. Mrs. Schick requested that the
Council resolve the problem forthwith.
D. STAFF REPORTS CORRESPONDENCE & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. City Manager:
a) Staff Planner: Proposed position description and salary range.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - January 15, 1975
STAFF REPORTS (cont'd):
Mr. Crowe stated that Council had before them the proposed position
description and recommended salary range for a Staff Planner as they had
requested at their last meeting. He said that Council had the choice of
either proceeding with the adoption of the said position description and
begin recruiting for a Staff Planner, or looking for another Planning
Consultant firm. He noted that Council had requested a complete analysis
to be completed before April 15; however, since that time, the Town had
received a letter of resignation from the firm of William Spangle G Assoc.
effective February 28th. He thought Council would need to determine where
the Town's best interest lay and proceed accordingly.
Mr. Crowe listed some of the advantages and disadvantages of either choice,
and commented that the Planning Commission would be finishing their hearings
on the proposed changes to the subdivision Ordinances and would be presenting
their recommendations to Council shortly. This meant that many sub-
division applications now held in abeyance would be reactivated, along with
many new applications which would be coming in to the Town would rerjurinq
Staff or Consultant handling.
When questioned by Councilman Cheney as to whether there would be any legal
problems if the Town did not have a Planner, City Attorney Frank Gillio
responded that there was no legal requirement to have a Planner, and that
without one, Council had the option to act instead.
Councilman McReynolds said he felt this was a good opportunity for the Town
to evaluate the situation and urged Council to proceed thoughtfully and
slowly in its determination. He also urged Council to seek the recommendation
of the Planning Commission as to what that body felt the Town would need
both now, and in the future in the way of Planning Services.
Councilman Helgesson supported the ideas and recommendations put forth by
Councilman McReynolds. He questioned the need for a full-time Planner, and
thought Planning Commission input along this line would be valuable for
Council evaluation. Councilman Helgesson said that the work that is being
done could also be done by Staff, and said that an Engineer -Planner to
assist the City Engineer would be a good idea.
Sneaking from the Floor:
Mr. Ron Ottsman Cit of Fremont: Presented Council with further pros and
cons o a Staff Panner versus Planning Consultant.
Councilwoman Miller agreed that Council must look at all alternatives very
thoughtfully, but also supported Councilman McReynolds'suggestion that the
Planning Commission present their recommendation to Council for consideration.
Discussion ensued between Council and City Manager regarding the various
alternatives the Town had, including the possible re -distribution of the
�r Planning workload as far as site development, building site approvals,
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - January 29, 1975
`' STAFF REPORTS (cont'd):
variances, etc. were concerned, and using a Consultant only for Special
Studies. Council directed City Manager to present Council with the
in-depth cost analysis requested at the last meeting, along with the
advantages and disadvantages of the alternative choices suggested this
evening. The complete study is to be presented to Council, along with
the Planning Commission input for the City Council meeting of February 19th.
b) Proposed Street Program 1974-75:
Mr. Crowe presented Council with his recommendations for certain street
improvements within the Town for FY 1974-75. fie noted that the Public
Works Committee had endorsed the Program at their meeting of January 16th.
Mr. Crowe presented views of the proposed areas and said the estimated
cost for the nine projects presented, covering nearly two lineal miles
of street would be $76,125.00. He estimated that $17,500 would be
spent on drainage improvements from that figure; $11,700 for road re-
construction, and $46,925.00 for asphalt overlays.
The project, he noted, would be funded within the existing 1974-75
budget by re -allocating $112,000 appropriated for road reconstruction,
` with $17,500 to be charged to the Drainage In -Lieu Fund; $20,000 to the
4br Road In -Lieu Fund, and $38,625 to Gas Tax.
Mr. Crowe commented that if the Program is approved, the plans and
specifications would be prepared by the City Engineer and himself, with
the bid award in the latter part of March. Following are the areas
of proposed improvements:
1. Elena Roar. (Robleda to 1950' North)
2. Robleda Road (Fremont to Chapin)
3. Robleda Road (Wildcrest to 600' Westerly)
4. Natoma Road (Horseshoe bend to Lucero Lane)
5. Natoma Road (between Lucero Lane and Altamont)
6. Miranda Ave. (Fremont to Carado Court)
7. Magdalena (Albertsworth to Camino Hermoso)
3. Camino Hermoso (Magdalena to Ravensbury)
9. La Cresta at Viscaino.
Council discussed various aspects of the proposed Program with Mr.
Crowe.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Councilman
McReynolds and unanimously carried to approve the Street Program F, 74-75 and
directed the City Manager to proceed with the preparation of plans and speci-
fications for the Program.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - January 29, 1975
`► STAFF REPORTS (cont'd):
2. City Engineer:
a) Reort on meetin s c and Staff recommendation regarding CooleySub-
division approved eck Hst concerning sewers.
City Engineer Alex Russell presented Council with the background of
the problem presented, in that the owner of the subdivision had been
unable to obtain the easements necessary to comply with the Santa Clara
County Health Department's requirement that sewers be installed as part
of the conditions of acceptance of the tentative map for this sub-
division. He noted that meetings had been held with the owner, his
Engineer, the Health Department and himself concerning this problem.
He said that four proposals were considered at the meetings, but the
conclusion reached was that the best method would be for the City
Council to condemn property for a sewer easement, with the subdivision
owner assuming all costs connected with such proceedings.
After he presented his recommendation to Council, Mr. Koo, owner of the
subdivision, addressed Council, stating that he would abide by any
decision Council made, either in condemning the necessary easements for
sewers, or anending the check list to allow septic tanksif percolation
tests warranted their use.
Councilman Helgesson questioned Mr. Koo on the relative costs, and Mr.
Koo stated that installing septic tanks would mean re -drawing the
tentative map to the extent of changing (possibly) several lot lines
to accommodate drain fields.
The City Attorney advised Council of the legal aspects of condemnation
procedures, the approximate length of time involved, and what control
Council had over the tentative map if lot line changes were presented.
Councilwoman Miller spoke against Council's condemning property for the
sewer requirement, since she understood that building sites would be
affected on some of the property concerned.
.'After further discussion, Councilman Cheney moved, seconded by `layor
Grabowski to amend the approved check list of the Cooley Subdivision
(File #TM396-72) to read: Item 6 (b) "Sewage disposal by sanitary
sewers or septic tanks." The motion carried by the following roll
call vote:
AYE: Councilmen Cheney, Helgesson, McReynolds, Councilwoman Miller,
Mayor Grabowski
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - January 29, 1975
E. SPECIAL ORDERS:
1. Aooroval of Emergency Medical Service .System Plan (cont'd from 12/18/74
Mr. Crowe informed Council that this item was on the Agenda this evening
for action by Council after they had a verbal report from Mr. Donald Miller
at the last meeting concerning the Plan. He said that the implementation of
of the Plan would be via a federal grant to be obtained by the County which
would cover equipment, training and manpower. He commented that the Plan
was not perfect; however, it was quite workable and flexible enough to be
modified to meet changing needs.
NOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Mayor Grabowski moved, seconded by Councilman
McReynolds and unanimously carried to approve the Santa Clara County Emergency
Medical Service System Plan as presented.
2. County Arterial Bikeway Plan:
Mayor Grabowski moved, seconded by Councilman Helgesson and unanimously
carried to approve and authorize the execution of a Bikeway Agreement between
the Town and Santa Clara County.
Mr. Crowe noted that since Council approved the Agreement, a Resolution was
in order prohibiting pedestrian and other uses of that portion of the
` Foothill Expressway within the limits of the Town.
4✓ Discussion ensued regarding exigencies, and the City Attorney responded to
questions raised by Council. ' Mayor Grabowski suggested the substitution of
several wordsto clarify the proposed Resolution before Council, which were
accepted and incorporated into the Resolution.
Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Mayor Grabowski and unanimously
carried to adopt Resolution #863 prohibiting pedestrian and other uses of
the Foothill Expressway.
3. Lands of Stedman/Bahl (File #393-72):
a) Consideration of request for exemption of certain check list
Condit ons approved by the Planning Lomm ssion:
Mr. Don Bahl, owner and developer of the subdivision in question, appeared
before Council requesting certain conditional exemptions from the approved
check list recommended by the Planning Commission. The requests, and the
actions taken by Council are as followed, numbered according to their
order in the approved check list:
1. "Country Way shall be improved to Town standards to the satisfaction of
the Town Engineer. After improvement, Country Way shall be offered for
Dedication to the Town." Mr. Bahl requested that Country Way become
a private road, and stated that a Corporation would be formed to in-
sure sufficient funds for the upkeep and maintenance of the road if
Council granted this exemption.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - January 29, 1975
f`„ SPECIAL ORDERS (cont'd):
After Council discussion, Councilman McReynolds moved that the applicant's
request be granted provided the resultant articles of incorporation be
approved by the City Attorney, along with covenants and deeds of restriction
prior to the sale of the first lot. Councilman Helgesson seconded the
motion which failed by the following roll call vote:
AYE: Councilmen Helgesson, McReynolds
NO: Councilman Cheney, Councilwoman Miller, Mayor Grabowski
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
5. "Easements for emergency access...." Mr. Bahl requested that this item
be deleted in its entirety and stated his reasons.
After Council discussion, Councilman McReynolds moved, seconded by Council-
man Helgesson that the applicant's request be denied. The motion carried
by the following roll call vote:
AYE: Councilmen Cheney, Helgesson, McReynolds
NO: Councilwoman Miller, Mayor Grabowski
After further discussion, Councilman Cheney moved that check list item H5
4 be amended to read as follows:
"Easements for emergency access shall be provided from the end of Country
Way along the general alignment of what would be the driveway to lot 8
(i.e. along the property line common with lot 7), across lot 7, and along
the southern and eastern property lines of lot 7, generally following the
route shown on Exhibit B -Emergency Access Connection, Lands of Stedman, dated
April, 1974, on file at Town Hall. Necessary easement widths shall be
determined on site by the Town Engineer, applicant and representative of the
Fire District.' The applicant will be required to make in -lieu payment
which will include the price of a suitable barrier at both ends of the
access road for the construction of a 10' (ten foot) travel way which shall
be based on specifications of the City Engineer and the Fire District. Costs
will be predicated upon costs at the time of filing of the final map..
The motion carried unanimously.
7. "A public pathway easement (the width to be determined by the Pathway
Committee, Town Engineer and developer) shall be provided between lots 10
and 11. Within this easement, a Type IIA path shall be constructed." The
applicant requested that this item be deleted in its entirety.
Councilman McReynolds moved, seconded by Councilman Cheney that the
applicant's request be granted. The motion carried by the following
roll call vote:
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - January 29, 1975
c SPECIAL ORDERS (cont 11,
�r AYE: Councilmen Cheney, Helgesson, McReynolds
NO: Councilwoman Fuller, Mayor Grabowski
40
8. "A public pathway easement..." Because Council had denied conditional
exception #1, Mr. Bahl withdrew this item for consideration.
Discussion continued concerning other pathway requirements. Because of
the lateness of the hour, the applicant agreed with Council's request to
continue further discussions and review of the tentative map until the
next meeting.
Because of the lateness of the hour, all remaining items on the evening's
agenda were continued to the next meeting.
H. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 11:40 P.M. to the next regular meeting on
Wednesday, February 5th.
Respectfully submitted,
Norma J. Hislop
Deputy City Clerk
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION:
1. Approval of Minutes - January 29, 1975 (Regular Meeting):
Mrs. Shick noted on page 4, b) -Proposed Street Program 1974-75 that the
Minutes should be corrected to indicate that the Street Program was the
one drawn up by the Public Works Committee and not the City Manager.
LC .21,jrl,s
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