HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/13/1965Yy
s0
CITY COUNCIL.
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS ..HILLS '
p MINUTES OF A SPECIAL. MEETING
^h _ January 13, 1965
h `The Special Meeting of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos.'
Hills .was called to order by Mayor Wm. B. Clayton, Wednesday,
;January_13,. 1965 at .7:46,P..M. at the Town Ha1.1.; .26379 Fremont
"Road, Los Altos Hills, California.
'.ROLL CAI:L: PRESENT: Councilmen Bowler, Fowls, Mayor Clayton
AB81NT:- .Councilmen Aiken, Henley
PLANNING COMMISSION ,
`REPRESENTATIVES: Chairman Arthur S. Alter
'Commissioner Walter A. Benson
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: December 7., 1964. - -
ACTION:.
Adopt. Minutes of December 7, 1964 -
. - as submitted.
Councilmen Aiken and Henley arrived at 7:52 P. r7. c
�) COM!MUNI.CATIONS: None,other. than items of the Agenda.
,NNOUNCET`ENTS:
-'',1. Committee Meeting of the Santa Clara County Planning'
Commission on January 20, 1965 to consider request o£, Howard
Garver for cluster permit for 25 dwellings,with a common
green area,.. on a 27 acre parcel located on the west side o£
`Page Mill -Road, opposite Altamont Road, and bordering the
Town's :limits.
This ma'tter'wasbrought before the Council since the .County
meeting will take place. before the next Planning Commission
meeting.
Since cluster development is contrary to the Master Plan
of; the Town, even '.though it is outside the Town's limits,
the Mayor.'requested the City Clerk to obtain .further informa-
tion as to how the common green area would be protected.
This matter will then be taken up at the January 18tmeeting "
of the Council.
,PLANNING COMMISSION. REFERRALS::
COP?MITTEE....REPORTS:
1. Variances on Underground Wiring - City Manager.
The City Manager-submitteda report of action on variances
for eoverhead -utilities considered by Planning Commission
and Council under Ordinance No. 96.
It. was the, opinion of the Council that the report showed
adefinite: pattern had been established, providing an
effective-. guide toward amending Ordinance No. 88 with these.
exceptions.
The criterion as set forth bythe-Council on: January 20,
.1964 was discussed as the guidelines forthe exceptions.
,It was suggested the ordinance be :.mended to give the Staff
authority to screen the requirement for underground utilities
(for residences in a subdivision recorded prior tothe
enactment of Ordinance No. 84 but under Ord. No. 88) at the
time a building permit is applied for;. however, Councilman
Aiken felt the Staffwould be under heavy criticism regard-
less of the -,judgment made and that the Council should be
cognizant of this fact at this time. Therefore an apreal
..procedure was discussed and the following amendments -
'suggested:
C) ACTT ON:
That the City`Attorneybe directed to prepare
for Council review amendments to Ordinance No. 88
along the following guidelines:
1) That the Staff will have full authority and
approval of the Council to make a,,decision.
.when overhead utilities may be.. granted,, if.
all of the following criterion is met:.
_ a) .Service is from the rear (or side rear)
and does not cross the .road;
b) No new poles are required (if PUE�..
.easements exist, only the house
drop is considered); -
c) Natural screening is present or if
planned, screening would produce the
same.effect.
2) That a procedure for appeal be established.
following the variance. procedure..
MOTION:., Bowler; SECOND: Henley; VOTE: Passed unanimously.
f
'OLD BUSINESS:.
1. Traffic Signals (El Monte-Stonebrook), -
1
City Manager read letter dated October 23, 1964 from .Calvin
C. Flint;. President of Foothill College.
Although not in a position to commit future Councils,
Councilman Aiken proposed the following Motion:-
, ACTION: .
Thatadirective be sent to the Chief of Police
showing that it is -the -sense of thisCouncilthat
settings of the electrical traffic signal con-
troller at the entrance to Foothill College on
E1 Monte Road be governed by professional decisions
and that the Town of Los Altos Hills is not in any
way interested in placing College traffic at an
unreasonable disadvantage. -
MOTION: Aiken; SECOND: Bowler; VOTE: passed unanimously.
2. Bishop., Stanley (V-209-64) - Appeal of planning Commission's
Denial for Overhead Utilities.
The City Manager reported he had met with Pacific Gas &
Electric Co.: regarding the removal of the guy line on the
J Bishop property, with the result they would be willing to
move the guy line in a westerly direction in conjunction
with grading that is needed; but, for the safety of the pole,
the guy line. could not be completely removed.
ACTION:
That the request of Stanley Bishop (V-209-64)
fordeletion of the requirement for: under- _
ground -utilities be. granted.
I°10TION Fowls; SECOND: Bowler; VOTE: passed unanimously.
NEW .BUSINESS:
1. Mrs.. V. Voorhees — Traffic Signals at St. Nicholas School.
Mrs. Voorhees explained because of the widening of. El Monte
and the installation of a control light box and pole in
front of their pump .house, they have been unable to form a
common driveway with .adjoiningg propertyowner, H.C.. Clausen,
which road wouldserve any future subdivision of her property.
Mrs. Voorhees said she then approached St. Nicholas School
regarding a common driveway; however, the School vetoed this
arrangement. Mrs. Voorheesrequestedat this time that either
L the County or the Town .contact the. School. Mrs. Voorhees also
3-
ing!.tham-of-'a le£'t turn ..from Lneir ,properly.
Councilman Aiken commented itmight not be practical to
combine the Voorhees drive with,the-schoolentrance because.
of the steep grade, and offered an 'alternative of using
the. public road right-of-way to widen the base of the
driveway. If the pump house weremoved, one would have toa.
drive against the traffic on El Monte when making the left'
<hand turn and the , island has been moved as much as possible.
However, a second cement pad has been built for future move-.
ment-of the box,, if it becomes necessary.
ACTION:
That the Council requestthe City Engineer '
to investigate the alternative solution,
determining'the..exact boundary lines, and
to. prepare recommendations for. the February 1st
Meeting.
MOTION: Aiken; SECOND: Fowls; VOTE: Passed unanimously.
2. Mrs. F_Olgiati - Stop Signs -E1 C?onte Road and Elena Road.
City Manager read Mrs.Olgiati's letter dated December 31,
1964.
&a'a solution to the problem created by the "No Left Turn"
sign on College property at the southerly exit from the
main parkin.lot; the City Manager suggested araised, plant
:mix berm to form a. double line and painted yellow.
In regard to the other stop signs cited by Mrs. Olgiati,
it was the .opinion of the Councilthat stop signs should be
used with caution,')as agreat deal of frustration can be
'caused to the residents, as well as create hazardous con-
ditions if not
onditions-ifnot enforced.' _
ACTION:
That the City Manager contact Foothill College
and take such corrective measures at the
southerly:. exit -of the College as are appro-
priately in agreement with the College.
5^O:ION: Aiken;,.SECOND; .Henley; VOTE: Tossed unanimously.
1. Ford Country D2y chool {V-210-64) - Request. for Extension
Plot plan plan was reviewed showing location of shower house,
1 2 additional tennis courts and extension of present playfield.
There was one unsigned letter of objection delivered by 1
-Mrs.. J. Courtney,:. 24875Prospect .Road, and read by the City
Manager. -
In view of the fact that the Santa Clara County. Health
Department requires a shower room where there is a "public""
swimming pool and since the pool has been in use, it was
the opinion of the Council there would be no added noise if
a -shower room were built.
Mr. Courtney was present and objected to the noise emanating
from the.school,especially during the summer:
Since this is a conditional use, with enrollment limited
to 250 maximum students, the noise of the school will always
be present; however, the Council sympathized with Mr: Courtney
and Councilman .Bowler felt if the variance were granted,
"something should be done about reducing the noise.
Councilman Fowle suggested the request be voted upon in
two parts.
ACTION(
That the requestof the Ford Country Day ,
-School for addition of shower house be
granted.
MOTION: Fowle; SECOND: Henley; VOTE: Passed unanimously.
ACTION:
That the ,request of the Ford Country Day School
to extend facilities to include two tennis courts
be granted, but that acondition of the approval
bethat the Ford Country Day School maintain a
planned program of minim= noise in an effort to
develop a. good relationship with the neighbors.
MOTION: Bowler; SECOND: Aiken; VOTE: Passed unanimously.
2. Calvin, Allen D: -(V-211-64) - Request for Overhead Wiring.
. ACTION:.`
That the request of Allen D. Calvin. (V-211-64)
for overhead wiring for second telephone wire
be approved.
NOTION: Bowler; SECOND: Aiken; VOTE: Passed unanimously.
-5-
ate ,
,AARIANCES (Cont'd ):...
3: Tierney, Robert_E. (V-212-64) - Request for Reduction of
Setback Requirement.
r ACTION
That the .request of Robert E. Tierney (V-.212-64)
for reduction of setback requirement to 19'
for stable and hay shed be approved.
MOTION:: Henley; SECOND: Aiken;. VOTE: Passed unanimously.
"DIVISIONS OF LAND: Tentative Maps:
1. Weber, Irwin J. (290-64) 2 lots. Engr. Charles L. Coburn.
City Manager read Planning Commissions recommendations and
List, noting easement is substandard, having only 30'.
width instead of 32' as required by .ordinance. .Council
was assured water facilities were adequate.
ACTION:.`
That:the Tentative Map of Irwin J. Weber
(290-64) be approved, subject to the
l conditions of the Check List.
v MOTION: Aiken; SECOND: Henley
Engr. Coburn questioned what kindofroad maintenance
agreementwould berequired as it was acondition of the
:Check List. The City Attorney informed him no formal
agreement is necessary as it is covered by the Civil Code,
-'and contended there is no standard form as each case is
different.
I twas discussed the Civil Code isgeneral and a maintenance.
agreement. can be specific and provide for :funds to be setup..
to maintain theprivate road. However, it was further dis-
cussed that if a maintenance agreement is not upheld,` the
recourse is in the Civil Code.
AMENDED NOTION:
That a signed maintenance agreement will not
be required as a condition of the Check List
of the Tentative Map of Irwin J. ober; however,
this is'by no means a matter of precedent.
AMENDED BY: Aiken; SECOND: Henley; VOTE: Passed. unanimously.
-6-
> DIVISIONS OF LAND: Final Maps:
1. -Macdonald. Frank D., Tract #3689• Engr. Kingston..
hCTION:
That the Final ,Map of Frank D. Macdonald,
Tract #3689, be approved. -
MOTION: Aiken; SECOND: Bowler; VOTE: Passed unanimously.
ORDINaNCES:.
1. :Ordinance No. 103 - Amending Traffic Ordinance, No. 87•
Provisions of the proposed ordinance concern the number of
.hours avehicle may remain parked on the street (72 hours),
`turning lanes and posting of traffic signs.
The title of Ordinance No. 103 was read by the City Attorney.
ACTION:
That further reading of Ordinance No. 103 be waived.
MOTION: Henley; SECOND: Aiken
CJ ROLL CALL: LYES: Councilmen Aiken, Bowler,-Fowle, Henley
Mayor Clayton
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ACTION:
That. Ordinance No. 103 be adopted as read.'
MOTION: Bowler; SECOND: Henley -„
.ROLL CLLL: LYES: Councilmen Aiken, Bowler,.Fowle, Henley
Mayor Clayton ,
NOES: None
ABSENT: None -
WARRANTS:
1. Councilman Fowls. presented three sets of warrants as follows:
Dec 15,'1964 - SEVEN THOUS^TH) FOUR HUNDRED EIGHTY-
NINE DOLLARS and Sixty-three Cents -(.$ 7,489.63)
Dec 31, .1964 - THREE THOUS.ND FOUR HUNDRED SEVDNTY
SIX DOLLARS and Eighty -nine -Cents -($ 3,476.89)
Jan 15, 1965 - FIVE THOUSAND THIRTY -THREE -DOLLARS -
and Forty-two Cents - - - - - -.-($ 5.033.42)
BILLS TOTALLING FIFTEEN THOUSI:ND NINE HUNDRED NINETY-
NINE DOLLARS and Ninety -Four Cents - - - - - $15,999.94)
-7-
ACTION:
That the bills, as. presented, tie approved; that
the City Clerk be authorized to draw the appro
priate warrants.
MOTION: Fowls; SECOND: Aiken;
ROLL CALL: Aiken; Bowler, Fowle, Henley, Mayor Clayton
'NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTIONS:.
1. Resolution No. 294, a Resolution. of the. City Council of the
Townof Los Altos Hills, adopting and submitting abudget
for expenditure of State allocated (Engineering)funds, was
read in its entirety by the City Clerk.
The City Clerk explained this is aBudget proposal for
Engineering Funds available to the Town for the period
ending June 30, 1966.
.ACTION:
Adopt Resolution No. 294 as read.
U PTOTION: Fowls; SECOND: Henley
ROIL C,.".LL: .AYES: liken, Bowler, Fowle, Henley, Mayor Clayton
NOES: -None
ABSENT: None
OTHER. BUSINESS:
1. Councilman Henley reported he had attended the December 28th
Planning Commission meeting and there is a. continued r concern
of the Commission regarding per lot assessment for off -tract
improvements and that it still might be a -better plan than.
construction of off -tract improvements by the developer.
ACTION:
That a survey of off -tract road improvements
on land divisions be authorized.
MOTION: Henley; SECOND: Aiken
The Council directed the Staff to make the survey. using its
;judgmentas1to the procedure. However, suggested guidelines
we're discussed, namely: a survey of all the .land -subdivided
since the incorporation of the Town in order to determine the
.total number of lots; estimate the amount of the cost of the
-8-
OTHER -BUSINESS: PerLotAssessment (Cont`d.):
..,� total (roans, paths, planting, drainage;etc..) improvements
t
at today's standards, divide by the .total of lots improved
and arrive at a cost per lot. A contingency cost of 10 to 15%
could be 'added'.
Commissioner Alter offeredthe help of Planning Commission
membevs on the project.
.The City. Attorney was also. requested to investigate similar
ordinances adopted by other Towns as a, matter of precedent..
UMINDED MOTION:
That the City Attorney up -date his inquiries
as to what other Towns are requiring in this
matter and report to the Council.
AM, DM BY: Henley; SECOND: Aiken; VOTE: Passed
unanimously.
The City. Manager was requested to submit an estimate of the
time involved on a per lot assessment study, at the next
Council meeting.
The Mayor concluded that such z. survey, plus up -dated
thinking on the.. repealed: Ordinances Nos. 39, 41, 43, 45,
46, and 47 would enable the Council to reach a decision.
Councilman Aiken questioned .whether the developer's costs
for in -tract improvements, as well as per lot assessment,
would raise the cost of the subdivision and 'out of competition.
Councilman Fowle suggested a comparative report on the cost
of in -tract vs o££ -tract improvements per lot.
2. Cluster Develo mp ent.
Councilman Henley was of the opinion that clusterdevelopment,
in selected instances, was the only solution and requested
the CityAttorneyto study thecluster ordinances of adjoin-
ing Towns in order that the Council may arrive atan intelli-
gent approach.
The City .Attorney stated Mr. Nestor Barrett was asked to
submit such :a report. The City Manager will .inquire as: to
the status of the report.
' 3'• Traffic and Safety Committee Report.
This report will -be reviewed by the Council at its
January 18n meeting.
J
PLANNING COMMISSIONREFERR^LS:
7 1. Ordinance No._q9•
Chairman Alter and the Council discussed the objections of
the Planning Commission to Ordinance No. 99, namely,
1) Excessive costs
2) That the subdivision procedure be eliminated
and record 'of survey substituted
3) Need for guidelines regarding dedications
and improvements
The City Attorney commented that the proposed revision to
Ordinance No. 99 would overcome .the basic objections of the
Planning Commission and with Council approval, he would
draft a criterion to be followed by the Commission in
imposing dedications and improvements; however,_ he wished
to avoid too many sets of procedures and felt it was.
logically a subdivision matter.
The Council was of the opinion that only a general policy
statement should be made, but as time unfolds and experience'
is gained, a criterion could then be passed on to the
Commission.
rr ll The City Attorney will present a proposed revision of
'l --J Ordinance No. 99 at the January 18t Council Meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS (Cont'd.):
4. The City Attorney requested authorization from the Council
to proceed with court action in the matter of the Emerson
Smith property on Cantata Way. -
SCTION:
That the City .attorney be authorized to
proceed with legal action in the Emerson
Smith matter.
MOTION:. Henley; SECOND: Bon;ler;VOTE: Passed unanimously.
5. The City Attorney requested authorization to deny claims
of sub -contractors for work at Page Mill Estates since
.there is no applicationto the funds held by the Town.
ACTION:
That the City Attorney be authorized to deny
claims on Page Mill Estates' funds held by
the Town.
�.+ MOTION: Henley; SECOND: Aiken; VOTE:.. Passed unanimously.
-10-
OTRER BUSINESS (Cont'd.):..
C EThe City Manager reported receirt o£ plans for the con-
struction of Foothill Expressway, Unit II, and that they.
have been turned over to the City Engineer. for review of
the portion affecting the Town's limits.
ADJOURNMENT:. MOTION: 'Henley; SECOND: Bowler '
ADJOURNED: .10:25 P. Fl.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday,. January 18, 1965 at 7:45 F. M.
at the Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
' PAUL W. S_^.LFEN
City Clerk
1/1.3/65-mam Town of Los Altos Hills