Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/15/1965CITY COUNCIL, TO4ni OF LOS ALTOS HILLS ") MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING November 15, 1965 The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills was called to order by Mayor Albert T. Henley, Monday, November 15, 1965 at 7:55 P. M. at the Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmen Aiken, Bowler, Clayton, Fowle Mayor Henley ABSENT: None PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE:- Commissioner Charles R. Garbett APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 11_1 965• ACTION: Adopt Minutes of November 1, 1965 as submitted. COMMITTEE REPORTS: -;) 1. Landscape and Tree Committee. Mayor Henley reported the Council and Planning Commission were in receipt of the written report of the Landscape and Tree Committee and complimented the Committee for its excellent report. Chairman Freston C. Burchard was requested to submit their immediate recommendations for Council consideration. Mr. Burchard said his Committee proposes an overall planting plan, heavily stressing maintenance .after the trees are planted; a tank truck and a general Town caretaker with gardening experi- ence and recommended a budget of $9,000 annually over the next five years. It was specifically recommended the planting of groups of trees at Town entrances and on main routes, with the acquisition of some park land for the Town, which also could be planted with trees. Since Federal funds are now available for Beautification Aids to Urban Areas", the Committee would like to investigate this possibility further. However, they are immediately requesting $2,800.00 for tree planting and care for one season. Chairman Burchard thanked the members of the Committee, Mesdames Ginzton and Eastman, and Messrs. Taylor and Breyman. City Manager advised the Council that '$3,000.00 has been budgeted for the 1965-66 fiscal year. Inds reponseid asum o to how this money would be expended, Mr. $2,800.00 would cover 400 trees at approximately $7.00 a piece, COMMITTEE REPORTS: Landscape and Tree Committee (Cont'd.): which included care for the first growing season, and the sum �) $200.00 for the consulting services of a landscape architect. Discussion followed on the request, with each Councilman personally commending the Committee for its fine work and all concurring wholeheartedly in favor of the program, and that the press should have full knowledge of this report in order to fully advise the Town's people. Councilman Aiken was in favor of proceeding immediately withinthe limit's. of the budget; but he felt the Town already has. 1pts_.of trees and only limited planting is required. He especially emphasized that plantings should not block the view of the Town from the roads or the view from "our residents' homes where such view is treasured by the occupant In view of this discussion, Councilman Clayton proposed that a report should be received from the Committee of Revenue and Taxation before any funds are expended. ACTION: That the matter of expending funds of x2,800.00 as immediately suggested and following that, a larger figure, be referred to the appropriate Committee of Revenue and Taxation for study. MOTION: Clayton; SECOND: Bowler SincetheTree Committee submitted no specific tree list and since time is of the essence for fall planting, Council con- curred a landscape architect should be consulted, pending the report of the Revenue and Taxation Committee. AMENDMENT: That the Mayor, in consultation with the Tree Committee, be authorized to enter into a con- tractual agreement with a landscape architect or designer for a preliminary planning of a tree planting program, the expenditure not to exceed 1200.00. AMENDED BY: Fowle; ACCEPTED BY: Clayton The Question was called on the Motion and Amendment: VOTE: ROLL CALL: AYES: Aiken, Bowler, Clayton, Fowle Mayor Henley NOES: None ABSENT: None The Mayor requested the Revenue and Taxation Committee report to the Council at the December 60 meeting and assured the Landscape and Tree Committee that ,the Council is united in �J that the program will be carried forward. -2- COMMITTEE REPORTS (Cont'd.): 2. Staff Report - Utility Rates. As requested by the Council at meeting of November lot, the City Manager reported he was in receipt of a letter from Mr. 0. H. Thornall, Manager of the Pacific Gas & Electric Co., Mountain View Office, dated November 12, 1965, explaining the schedules for the gas .and electric rates within the Peninsula Area. Schedules were attached.. City Manager advised the Council the rates are the same as other surrounding communities. 3. Report of the Mayor re Citizens' Investigating Committee. Mayor Henley read a prepared statement supporting his request to rescind action taken by the Council on May 3, 1965, by which it was moved to form a Citizens' Committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the prior action of a majority of the Council in declaring the office of Mayor vacant. In an effort to achieve the degree of harmony the Council once enjoyed, Mayor Henley relinquishedthe gavel in order to present the following Motion, with the hope that Mr.. Clayton would Second the Motion: ACTION: That Council action of May 3, 1965, relating to the aforesaid Citizens' Committee, be rescinded. MOTION: Henley; SECOND: Clayton; VOTE: Passed unanimously. The gavel was returned to the Chair and the Mayor thanked the Council forits unanimous vote. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Junipero Serra Freeway - Western Extension. This item was rescheduled at the request of Deputy Mayor Bowler so that any interested parties would have this last opportunity for comments. Since the City Manager had received no reauests from the citizenry for further information and as no comments were received from the audience, no further action was required of the Council. -3- NEW BUSINESS: —) 1. Abandonment of E1 Caminito Way. City Attorney referred to Mr. H. S. Rust's letter dated November lot (see Council Minutes of 11/1/65) and letter of Mrs. Charles D. McDonald, dated november 8th, offering no objection to the abandonment of E1 Caminito Way. Since this meeting, however, a letter dated November 15U" has been received from Colonel Edward I. Supple, 15'70 Klamath Drive, Sunnyvale, former owner of Parcel 2 of Supple R/S, objecting to the abandonment on the grounds there is a great potential growth of the area and in view of a recently installed gas main down the center of the street by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Mr. Phil Zeitman, 999 Highlands Circle, Los Altos, present owner of forementioned Parcel #E2, was present and strongly objected to the abandonment. Although Mr.. Zeitman's lot is half way between Ravensbury and E1 Caminito and could be reached either way, Mr. Zeitman stated he was informed at the time of purchase that he had right of access and held 1/5th ownership in this road. City Attorney assured Mr. Zeitman that any abandonment would not affect his right of access. Comments were heardfavoring the abandonment by Messrs. Rust and M. Bellandi. It was further discussed, since this private road had. never been developed for vehicular traffic, the road could be properly abandoned and Mr. Zeitman still retain his rights of access, with the advantage of constructing a driveway. If the road were not abandoned and right of way utilized, a paved public road to Town Standards would be required. The Mayor suggested, in view of the new development, that -Mr. Zeitmanwithdraw his protest and confer with the City Attorney for a definiteunderstanding of his rights. In the meantime, the City Manager is awaiting a reply from Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to indicate their interest in the abandonment. The City Attorney advised Mr. Rust that his setback problems can be solved by treating E1 Caminito Way as a driveway and may go ahead with its construction. However, the City Attorney recommended this issue of the abandonment be concluded within a reasonable period of time. ACTION: That the matter will be brought back at the suggestion of the City Attorney when he and Mr. Zeitman have reached an understanding. MOTION: Clayton; SECOND: Aiken; VOTE: Passed unanimously. -4- NEW BUSINESS (Cont'd.): 2.Kan lap Com, Tract No. 3529- Request for Extension of Time for pletion of Improvements.. ACTION: That the request of L. Kaplan for extension of sixty (60) days to January 4, 1966 for completion of improvements in Tract #3529 be approved, subject to the bonding agencies. MOTION: Bowler; SECOND: Fowls; VOTE: Passed unanimously. 3. Councilman John N. Fowls - Clarification of Driveway and Parking Requirements. Councilman Fowls expressed the opinion that 800 sq. ft. of parking space in addition to driveway was in excess and requested the Council to consider an amendment with a more suitable wording. It was pointed out, however, that the wording in the ordinance is "access and circulation" and the o££ street parking for a minimum of four cars was a requirement the City Council did l -not wish to relax in view of "spec" builders in. the Town. Cl Rather than have access and circulation for a three car garage, Councilman Aiken proposed "ingress or egress for one car" or such wording that "o££ street parking shall be provided for a minimum of'four cars in addition to the required access for emergency vehicles". The Mayor suggested the matter be deferred until such time as the City Attorney and Councilmen Fowls and liken could meet to suggest specific wording. 4. Parker R. G. - Request for Postponement of Improvements - Engr— Riley. City Manager referred to Engineer Riley's letter dated November 9b, requesting postponement of improvements regard- ing Parker Division of Land, Summerhill Road. In response to the Council question of why this map was not submitted under Section 3:40, of Ordinance No.,69 since postponement of improvements was requested, Engineer Riley stated he had submitted the Tentative Map as a two lot sub- division but the Health Department would not approve Lot 72 as a building site with septic tank. Further, Mr. Parker is without approval and without increase to his benefits and in any event the improvements will be installed when building site approval is before the Council at a later date. -5� NEW BUSINESS: Parker, R. G, (Cont'd.): t� Bonding to guarantee the installation of improvements at time of building site approval was discussed. The City Manager suggested that Mr. Parker make an in lieu path pay- mont and assign driveway and wire clearance easements over Lot #2, with the option to complete the driveway at a later date. L;a Councilman Aiken stated there is a well defined equestrian and foot path in this area. Therefore, the case that it is not needed because there is no connection does not apply here; it is used and intended to be there. If imrrovements are postponed, Councilman Aiken requested the record to show a rat'a is strongly urged at this location. LCTION: That the request of R. G. Parker for postpone- ment of improvements be approved, if in fact there is appropriate bonding guaranteeing improvements, and including all agency approvals. MOTION: Clayton; SECOND: Bowler Engr. Riley stated the bond would still require cash and the developer cannot sell the lot because of the Health Department restriction. It was then suggested by the Council that the Tentative Map be withdrawn and resubmitted under Section 3:40 of Ordinance No. 69; however, it was noted in thefilethat property owners within a 500 foot radial distance had,been notified of this division. It was the City Attorney's opinion, since there had been no objection from surrounding property owners on the original posting as a 2 -lot subdivision, that no substantial rights would be violated if approved under the 'conditional exception' wording, without further posting. ACTION: That prior Council action of November 1, 1965 approving Tentative Map as submitted be rescinded, and That the Tentative Map of R. G. Parker (311-65) be approved under Section 3:40 of Ordinance No. 69, with the notation Lot 7i2 is not approved as a building site. MOTION: Bowler; SECOND: Fowle; VOTE: Passed unanimously. -6- VARIi.NCES: �. 1. Petersen-, Stanley (233-65) - Reduction of Setback Requirement. ACTION: That the request of .Stanley Petersen (233-65) be approved, in accordance with the recommends- tions of the Planning Commission. MOTION: Aiken; SECOND: Fowle; VOTE: Passed unanimously. 2. Krebs, Mrs. Otto (237-65) - Reduction of Setback Requirement. ACTION: That the request of Mrs. Otto Krebs (237-65) be approved, in accordance with the recommendations of the Planning Commission. MOTION: Aiken; SECOND: Clayton; VOTE: Passed unanimously. RESOLUTIONS: 1. Civil Defense and Disaster Program. As Assistant Director of Civil Defense of the Town of Los Altos Hills, the City Attorney recommended the Town look l 1 favorably upon the proposed study to determine the cost of l J putting the Civil Defense Program on a professional footing and to this end, presented and read in its entirety, Resolution Ho. 327, a Resolution of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills expressing support for a feasibility study to investigate possible methods of centralization and improve- ment of Civil Defense and Disaster preparedness. ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 327 as read. MOTION: Clayton; SECOND: Bowler; ROLL CALL: AYES: Aiken, Bowler, Clayton, Fowls, Mayor Henley NOES: None aBSENT: None WARRANTS: 1. Bills, inthe amount of TWO THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED '"- DOT;LARS 8� Thirty Cents (12,130.30), were presented for-pe.=ygnt by Councilman Fowls. ACTION: That the bills, as presented, be approved and the City Clerk be authorized to draw the appro-priate warrants. MOTION: Fowle; SECO:TD: Bowler; ROLL CALL: AYES: Aiken, Bowler, Clayton, Fowle, Mayor Healey COMMUNIC.GTIONS: 1. California Highway Commission, dated November 8, 1965, attaching resolutions adopted by the Commission regarding 1) Federal Government in Highway Beautification, and 2) Federal_Government in the highway safety area. Copies of the forementioned resolutions will be circulated to the Council for its consideration. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None. OTHER BUSINESS: 1. Parade Controls within Los Altos Hills. Councilman Bowler requested the City Attorney to examine reasonable control of parading within the Town for Council consideration. City Attorney will submit a report at the December 6th meeting. 2. State Legislation requirinM revision to Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. City Attorney reeuested the Council to continue considering the codification of the City Ordinances and he will submit samples of work done by two companies, but in the immediate future, the Town is faced with thorough revisions to the zoning and subdivision ordinances. Briefly, there are three major areas of change, which will require technical changes in our Subdivision Ordinance: 1) Establish a soils engineering test in every subdivision. (Can be waived; however, Council instructed City .Attorney to pay particular heed to this requirement for a 2 -lot subdivision and the implied liability for the Staff and Council.) 2) Subdivision procedure is now required by State Mar Act for 2 -lot subdivi.sion.(Town policy - no change required.) 3) Town may require dedications or in lieu payments in regard to parks. I£ a requirement, a recreation element is necessary. (The City Manager was asked to contact Mr. Nestor Barrett, Town Planning Consultant, for a cost estimate on the possibility of including in the General Plan a Forks -and Recreation element.) -8- OTHER BUSINESS: State Legislation (Cont'd.): City Attorney reported the zoning situation is more sweeping. -There is strict language for variance procedures, but is still basically hardship. The City Attorney recommended imposing reasonable charges for off-site drainage for subdividers, and .consideration of a new definition of "family" and include in the proposed zoning ordinance. Although the procedure for adoption has been simplified to two public hearings instead of three, these revisions will require a great deal of thought and study and the City Attorney requested suggestions from the Council and Planning Commission (i.e., parking areas) at the December 6T meeting. - 3. City Attorney referred to letter dated November 15th from Mr. M. R. Johnson, President of the Board of Directors of the Purissima Hills Water District, regarding the past practices in relation to Town and Water District, in re excavations. The City Attorney recommended that Ordinance X52 be amended to waive certain formalities involved in terms of the Town's req,:irements. The Mayor instructed the City Attorney to submit the appropriate wording and in the interim the Council will study Mr. Johnson's letter, which will be .discussed at the December 6th meeting. C-) The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 10:00 P. M. to an Executive Session on litigation. At 10:13 P. M., the Mayor reconvened the meeting. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION: Aiken; SECOND: Fowle MEETING. ADJOURNED: 10:15 F. M. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, December 6, 1965 at 7:45 P. ?I. at the Town Hall. Respectfully submitted, 11/15/65-mam U PAUL W. SALFEN City Clerk Town of Los Altos Hills moo