HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/12/2006 i Meeting Minutes
October 12, 2006
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting
Thursday, October 12, 2006 6:30 P.M.
Town Hall Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road
1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Warshawsky called the City Council Regular Meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. in the
Council Chambers at Town Hall.
Present: Mayor Dean Warshawsky, Mayor Pro Tem Craig A.T. Jones,
Councilmember Breene Kerr, Councilmember Jean Mordo and
Councilmember Mike O'Malley
Absent: None
Staff. City Manager Carl Cahill, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Administrative
Services Director Sarah Ragsdale, Planning Director Debbie Pedro, Public
Works Director/City Engineer Henry Louie, Parks and Recreation
• Supervisor Tod McLemore, Public Safety Officer Steven Garcia and City
Clerk Karen Jost.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Kerr and
passed unanimously to limit comments from the floor to two minutes
2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
2.1 Appointment to the Westwind Community Barn Committee- 1 Vacancy
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Kerr and
passed unanimously to appoint Colette Cranston to the Standing Westwind Community
Barn Committee for a term of four years.
2.2 Appointment of Associate Youth Commissioner— 1 Vacancy
Applicant Lisa Kellman introduced herself to Council and commented that she was
interested in serving as the Town's Associate Youth Commissioner and could draw on
her previous experiences with the Standing Community Relations Committee if
appointed to the position. Kellman, a junior at Los Altos high school, has been a resident
of the Hills for eleven years.
• Council thanked Kellman for applying for the position and her offer to serve in this
volunteer capacity.
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MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Kerr and
is passed unanimously to appoint Lisa Kellman to the position of Associate Youth
Commissioner.
2.3 Los Altos Hills Single Stream Recycling Program—John Zirelli, General
Manager, Los Altos Garbage Company
John Zirelli, General Manager, Los Altos Garbage Company (LAGCo, commented that
he was before Council in response to their request for a status report on the single stream
recycling program that was currently being implemented by the company in the services
provided to Los Altos Hills residents. Since the program was introduced, recycling
volume was up and the volume of trash had decreased during the same period. In
comparison to similar cities (geographical characteristics and primarily residential), the
Town's recycling efforts were encouraging. Portola Valley's recycling percentages were
higher and Zirelli attributed this to customer education especially programs targeted for
school age children that were taught in the classrooms.
Zirelli spoke to the efforts of LAGCo to disseminate information to residential customers
about the single stream program. During the next scheduled townwide clean-up event,
company representatives will provide information to each participant. Additionally, the
company has included recycling information in their newsletter included with all billings.
Following Council discussion, staff was directed to update the Town's website with a
• visible and easily accessible link to LAGCo's website to further facilitate consumer
education on the availability of recycling alternatives available to LAH residents.
3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
No report. Planning Director Debbie Pedro explained that the Planning Commission had
not met since the last Council meeting. Their next meeting was scheduled for October
19, 2006.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Item Removed: 4.4 (City Clerk)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Jones, seconded by Mordo and
passed unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar; specifically:
4.1 Approval of Minutes: Regular City Council Meeting September 28, 2006
4.2 Review of Disbursements: 9/20/2006— 10/3/2006 $770,958.76
4.3 Notification of Fast Track Approvals: Lands of Jung; 25810 Vinedo Lane, A
Request for a Site Development Permit for a 998 square foot Second Unit
(maximum height 21' 6"), a 1080 square foot Pool, 7,174 square foot Tennis
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Court and Hardscape Improvements. (130-06-ZP-SD-GD) CEQA Review:
is Exempt per 15303 (a) and(e)
4.5 Adoption of Amendment to the Municipal Code to Increase the Limit for
Purchases Which May Be Approved by the City Manager
(SECOND READING) Ordinance 505
Motion to Waive Further Reading Motion to Adopt Ordinance
4.6 Annual Approval of Investment Policy
Item Removed:
4.4 Adoption of Amendment to Resolution 82-06 Establishing Standing
Committees and Adopting General and Special Rules Pertaining Thereto
Increasing the Membership of the Westwind Community Barn Committee
City Clerk Karen Jost explained that the language in the draft resolution required a
revision for the purpose of clarity. She proposed that the paragraph relating to the
Westwind Community Barn Committee membership (page 9, item (i)) be amended to
read; "The membership of this Committee shall consist of from seven (7) to twelve (12)
members including two City Councilmembers who shall be voting members."
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Jones, seconded by Mordo and
• passed unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 104-06 as amended.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5.1 Town Goals
5.1.1 Public Education: Bring the Future of Public Education to a Vote
5.1.1a Report on
p Ad Hoc Committee on District Reorganization
(ADHCDR): Townwide Informational Meeting on School District
Reorganization(November 15'') and Public Notification of Same
(Through Townwide postcard notice)
Mayor Pro Tem Jones requested Council consideration of a standard postcard townwide mailing
(noticed area to include the Town's Sphere of Influence) to publicize an informational meeting
on school district reorganization. It would be an opportunity for citizens to give input and
receive an update on the reorganization effort.
Council discussed the timing of the postcard notification and Councilmember attendance at the
meeting. Mordo commented that he did not want the postcard delivered during the election. He
believed that it might be perceived as "propaganda". Councilmember O'Malley queried if it was
constructive to schedule the informational meeting prior to the December 7t` scheduled hearing
before the County Committee. He suggested that there might be more definitive information to
offer residents after the hearing. Jones concurred that more would be understood after the
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• hearing; however, the purpose of the informational meeting was to provide an opportunity for
people to offer their views prior to the hearing. O'Malley favored giving people at least 10 days
notice of the meeting.
Council discussion ensued on the timing of the card. The City Clerk advised that if Council
wishes were for residents to receive the postcard notification post election, she would mail it out
on November 7t`. She would also send a press release announcing the meeting to the local
papers.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kerr, seconded by Mordo and passed
unanimously to schedule a Special Meeting of the City Council for November 15, 2006; to direct
the Ad Hoc Committee on District Reorganization to design/approve a suitable postcard to
advise residents of the November 15th informational meeting; to authorize expenditure of the
appropriate funds for the printing and mailing of the postcard to arrive after election day
November 7, 2006.
5.1.2 Underground Utilities: Complete Pilot Projects and Assist Underground
Assessment Districts
Discussed in conjunction with Agenda Item 10.1
5.1.3 Sanitary Sewers: Update and Implement the Master Plan
• Discussed in conjunction with Agenda Item 8.3
5.1.4 Wireless Communications: Continue to Improve Townwide
Cell Coverage
Discussed in conjunction with Agenda Item 5.2
5.1.5 Complete General Plan Review
Councilmember O'Malley reported that the Ad Hoc Committee had been meeting with
Standing Committee members, representatives of the Purissima Hills Water District, and
knowledgeable residents to garner input on water issues, soils and geological factors;
clean air and energy sources for the General Plan update. The committee was making
considerable progress on the project.
5.1.6 Develop Plan For and Begin the Process of Approval of the Building
of a New Town Park/Recreation Facility
Parks and Recreation Supervisor Tod McLemore reported that the Parks and Recreation
Committee were scheduled to review neighborhood parks and he would be providing a
report to the Committee on Palo Alto's Briones Park to the committee for background
purposes.
•
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• 5.2 Consideration of Proposed Revisions to Town Policies on Wireless
Communications Facilities
Planning Director Debbie Pedro introduced this item to Council. She noted that staff, at the
direction of the City Council, had prepared an amendment to the Town's Wireless
Communications Policy to allow applications to be processed under a ministerial permit. The
amendment was before Council for their consideration. The revised policy would allow
administrative review of collocation applications if the proposed project complied with the
following requirement: `The collocated antennas and ground equipment shall be mounted or
installed within an existing tower, building, or structure where the physical appearance of the
existing facility is not altered to accommodate the additional antennas and equipment."
Pedro explained that the requirement that additional antenna arrays and ground equipment be
installed within pre-existing structures with no visual alteration of the existing facility would
ensure that the project was consistent with requirements established under the original use permit
for the communications facility.
Mayor Pro Tem Jones offered that collocation of wireless facilities was non controversial and the
proposed amendment to the review process was appropriate and consistent with the City
Council's pro cell policy. There would be no incremental neighborhood impact if the revised
policy were adopted. Jones requested that Council be kept apprised of project approvals.
Council discussed the option of council notification similar to Fast Track notification and the
• addition of an appeal process to the policy. Council consensus was that this additional step was
not necessary. Collocation reduced the number of cell towers required to improve cell coverage
in Town and the proposed policy change would encourage collocation on existing facilities.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Jones and passed
unanimously to approve the proposed Wireless Communications Policy as presented in the staff
report dated October 12,2006 as Attachment 1.
6. NEW BUSINESS
6.1 Amendment to the Horse Lease Agreement for the Year Round Riding
Program(YRRP) and Funding for Riding Programs
Parks and Recreation Supervisor Tod McLemore introduced this item to Council. The
request before the City Council for their consideration was two fold: 1) to approve the
amendment to the current horse lease agreement with Excursions Unlimited/Jane
Kawasaki for the Year Round Riding Program that stipulated the Town's responsibility to
pay stabling and pasture space rent at Westwind Barn; and 2) to authorize funding in the
amount of$8,408 to cover the shortfall in revenues versus expenditures for the Parks and
Recreation horse riding programs.
Councilmember Mordo commented that after reviewing the existing contract from a
• financial perspective, he was uncomfortable that it was incomplete and did not record the
Town's coverage of the stabling costs for the programs horses. He had requested Council
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• consideration of the contract amendment and the economic status of the program. Mordo
reviewed the analysis of the fixed costs and revenues for the horseback riding programs
that had been prepared by Administrative Services Director Sarah Ragsdale and appeared
as Attachment 3 in the staff report.
Mordo suggested that the program was in its infancy and there were several methods that
could be adopted to increase the revenues including an increase in non-resident fees and
the addition of more sessions. He explained the issues that currently affected additional
arena time for the programs and suggested that a long term solution would be
construction of a third arena or covered arena.
Mordo recommended approval of the requests being proposed by the Parks and
Recreation Department with the caveat that they investigate ways to increase the revenues
including the option of revised fees for nonresident program participants.
Council discussed the proposal. Council consensus was that they were not opposed to
subsidizing the programs. Mayor Pro Tem Jones requested information on the current
status of availability of arena time for the program. McLemore offered that the Friends of
Westwind had been cooperative and that Jane Kawasaki was satisfied with the
accessibility of the arena for the programs.
Council directed the Parks and Recreation Department to investigate the option of
increasing the fees for nonresidents as a means to reduce subsidy of the program. City
Manager Cahill offered the revision would return to Council as a consent calendar item.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Kerr and
passed unanimously to approve the amendment to the current horse lease agreement
(Attachment 2) and to authorize temporary funding in the amount of not-to-exceed $8,408
to cover the shortfall in revenues for the riding programs. Staff was directed to return
with suggestions to increase revenues for the program at a future meeting.
6.2 Proposed Amendment to Title 4. Public Safety, Chapter 3. Traffic
City Manager Carl Cahill introduced this item to Council. In a post project review of the
recent stop sign installations, staff had determined that there had been resident interest in
notification prior to the installation of the signage. The signs had been installed on the
basis of standard traffic engineering principles; but residents had expressed a desire to
offer their opinions on the signs. Cahill noted that support for the installations had been
expressed but there were also quite a few complaints with regard to the absence of any
prior notice to the affected residents. Cahill proposed an amendment to the Town's
Traffic Code that would establish an administrative Traffic Safety Review Committee and
establish procedures for notifying residents when the Town proposed to install stop signs.
Controversial stop signs would be forwarded to the City Council. He noted that no
additional stop signs were being proposed at this time but that it seemed appropriate to
amend the code prior to any project.
•
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Council discussion ensued. Councilmember Mordo supported the proposal. He believed
fe that it would offer the residents an opportunity to provide input on proposed signage.
Mayor Pro Tem Jones commented that he preferred to have safety issues resolved by
technical safety professionals and did not support their approval elevated to a political
process with Council delegated to making the final decisions on stop signs. He concurred
with the suggested notification of affected residents. Councilmember O'Malley agreed
with Jones that he was not comfortable making stop signs a political issue and both
favored administrative approval of signage.
City Manager Cahill explained that the proposal would establish a technical review body
consisting of the City Manager, Police Chief and City Engineer and notifying procedures.
Only controversial signs would be forwarded to Council and those issues are usually
brought forward to Council.
MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED TO CARRY: Moved by Mordo, seconded by
Kerr and failed to pass by voice vote to direct staff to draft the amendment to the Traffic
Code as presented. AYES: Kerr,Mordo NOES: Jones, O'Malley, Warshawsky
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by O'Malley, seconded by Jones and
passed unanimously to direct staff to draft an amendment to the Town's Traffic Code to
establish the Traffic Safety Review Committee consisting of the Police Chief, City
Manager and City Engineer and establish procedures for notifying residents of the
proposed signage with the final authorization for the signs designated to the Traffic
Safety Review Committee. Any controversial signs or complaints would be adjudicated
by the Traffic Safety Review Committee.
7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
Councilmember Kerr reiterated that the VTA was a good source of funding for pathway
projects and commented that he was interested in hearing of any proposals of proposed
paths. He announced that Anna Brunzell, Pathways Committee Member had been
appointed and was now serving as the Town's official representative to the VTA's
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
Councilmember O'Malley reported that the Sewer Agreement with the City of Los Altos
had been reviewed by the respective City Attorneys and was currently on the desk of the
City Manager of Los Altos. He was hopeful that the agreement would be forwarded to
Council in the near future.
8. STAFF REPORTS
8.1 City Manager
No report.
8.2 City Attorney
No Report
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8.3 City Engineer
8.3.1 Moody Road Pathway
City Engineer Henry Louie provided a brief update to Council on the Moody Road
Pathway Project. He shared a PowerPoint Presentation that identified the area that had
been completed on Segment 1 and the section that had been delayed due to a back order
of steel beam which required special fabrication. Louie expected construction to resume
on this section of the pathway project in mid-November.
In response to a Council inquiry, he explained that the path curb height was currently
being reviewed and discussions were underway with the Santa Clara Valley Water
District to see if there could be a revision to their requirement.
Council discussed the path section near Hidden Villa that was maintained by the County.
Councilmember Kerr offered that this would be an opportune time to enter into a
cooperative relationship with the County to assist with maintenance of the pathway. The
goal of the project was a useable path from Foothill College to Hidden Villa.
Louie advised Council that the Moody Road Pathway Segment 1B between Rhus Ridge
Road and El Monte Road was currently being advertised and the bid openng was
scheduled for October 31, 2006. Segment 1B Foothill College Bike/Pathway was also
being advertised and the scheduled bid opening date was similarly October 31St. He
expected the agreement between Foothill College and Los Altos Hills to be approved by
the Trustees on November 6, 2006.
Louie provided a map of the Robleda Road Pathway between Wildcrest Drive and
Atherton Court. The project was currently being advertised. Bid opening date was
scheduled for October 31, 2006. The original construction cost for the project of
$280,000 had been substantially reduced by value engineering and the revised anticipated
cost of the project was $170,000.
Louie explained that he was hopeful that the concurrent advertising and bid opening of
the three projects would encourage more contractor interest.
8.3.2 Town Hall Solar Expansion Project
City Engineer/Director of Public Works Henry Louie reported that the Request for
Proposals (RFP) for the Town Hall Solar Expansion Project had been sent out in late
September. Staff had met with the Environmental Design and Protection Committee to
discuss the scope of work.
Councilmember Mordo questioned if a cost benefit analysis had been performed for the
project and it was noted that the project had not been approved by Council but was in its
exploratory stage. Cost of the project was not yet determined but would benefit from
rebates.
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Councilmember Kerr explained that since the installation of the Cingular cell tower, at
Town Hall, energy consumption had increased. The proposed solar expansion would
accommodate power for the cell tower and EOC antennas.
Following discussion, staff was directed to include solar trackers as an option for the
solar expansion. The item would return to Council for discussion and their consideration
once staff had a project cost from the contractors.
8.3.3 Pine Lane Sanitary Sewer Diversion Project
City Engineer Louie provided a brief overview of the Pine Lane Sanitary Sewer Diversion
Project to Council. The design of Phase I of the project, the construction of 1,100 feet of
8 inch pipe connecting the Los Altos Hills and Palo Alto sewer system, was located in the
County portion of Foothill Expressway. The design has been reviewed by the County and
comments were being incorporated into the project. For Phase-11, the City of Palo Alto
has requested that the Town upsize their existing pipe to accommodate the project or
construct a new line parallel to the sewer main on Foothill Expressway. Staff had
scheduled a meeting with Palo Alto officials to discuss this request.
8.4 City Clerk
8.4.1 Report on Council Correspondence
No Report
9. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
OPENED PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
No public comments.
CLOSED PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.1 Consideration of Amendment to Add Territory to Existing Underground
District IA Boundary at Purissima Road from Samuel Lane to Minorca Court,
Viscaino Road from Purissima Road to Roble Ladera Road and Viscaino
Place
Mayor Warshawsky explained that before Council for their consideration was a proposed
resolution to add territory to the existing Rule 20A Underground District No. IA.
City Engineer Henry Louie commented that after review of the preliminary engineering
evaluation done by staff and PG&E of the Town's underground pilot project, it was being
recommended that the District area be amended to include Viscaino Place. This would
accommodate the existing overhead facilities and structures in the area. Louie noted that
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the revision would provide an estimated additional twenty (20) to fifty (50) linear feet of
undergrounded utilities.
Councilmember O'Malley requested that photographs be taken "before" and "after" to
illustrate the project. Additionally, he suggested that it would be beneficial to maintain an
outline of project costs for future use.
Louie explained that the construction reports and cost analysis of the pilot project would
be used to develop a template for future resident undergrounding projects.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Eve Straub, Viscaino Place, commented that she was thrilled that the utilities pole on her
street was being included in the project.
CLOSED PUBLIC COMMENT
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kerr, seconded by O'Malley and
passed unanimously to Resolution 105-06 "Adding Territory to the Existing Underground
District No. IA."
11. COUNCIL—INITIATED ITEMS
11.1 Consideration of Councilmember Appointment to the Los Altos School
District Bullis Campus Design Committee and Request for Meeting to Discuss
the Development of Playfields and Implementation of Green Components at
Bullis—Councilmember Kerr
Councilmember Kerr advised that he had requested this item be agendized for discussion.
Councilmembers had received a request via email from Superintendent Justus to
participate in the committee that had been established to work with the School District's
architect on the design for the Bullis campus. Several meetings were anticipated and the
expectation was that the planning phase would be completed by December and forwarded
to the State in January. Justus had also spoken to the issue of the development of playing
fields and implementation of"Green Components" at the site and the possible partnering
with the Town in those areas of the project.
Council briefly discussed Superintendent Justus's .proposal. Councilmember Mordo
expressed his confusion with the differing statements being released by the District
regarding construction timelines and bond issues. Mayor Pro Tem Jones explained that
District has authorized refinancing of the earlier bond measure and they have designated
the realized funds to be allocated for the physical improvements of the Bullis campus
equal to Phase I improvements of the other elementary schools. Construction was
expected to begin in the summer of 2007 with school to begin in the Fall of 2008. Jones
noted that there had been no formal vote of the District Board to have a public school at
• the site in '08 or any discussion of the type of school that would be located at Bullis.
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Jones added that simultaneously the Board has been debating the facility for the Bullis
Charter School. It is believed that if the Bond Measure was passed that would fund Phase
H of the improvements and eliminate all temporary structures (portables) on the
campuses; it would trigger the legal obligation of the District to build a campus for the
Charter school. As Phase II, additional money might be available for expansion of the
Bullis campus to accommodate the school.
Jones offered that similar design committees had been formed for construction projects
for the other campuses. He identified the Town's interests that he believed should be
expressed to the District. They included: appropriate size of the school and facilities to
accommodate community meetings; playing fields; and the impact on the neighborhood.
Jones offered that there were a number of broad Town interests that should be discussed
including the provision of education, type of school, recreation opportunities and the
neighborhood before the green components of the site were addressed. He suggested that
it would be appropriate for Councilmember Kerr to return to the Council with a report on
these issues following the committee meeting.
Kerr concurred and offered that he would return to Council with a report on the
committee discussions. He was hopeful that the campus architecture would be similar to
Town Hall and appropriate for the community.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Jones, seconded by Mordo and
passed unanimously to appoint Councilmember Kerr to serve as the Council
representative to the Design Committee identified by Superintendent Justus for the Bullis
campus.
The City Clerk was directed to notify Los Altos School District Superintendent Tim
Justus of the Council appointment.
Councilmember Kerr advised Council that he would request the Committee's chair to
present the plans for the campus at a future meeting.
Council adjourned to Closed Session at 8:30 p.m.
12. CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(c))
Initiation of Litigation: One case
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a))
Carranza et al v. Friends of Westwind et al
Councilmember O'Malley abstained from discussion of this item.
Council reconvened to Open Session at 9:35 p.m.
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No Action was taken
13. COUNCILMEMBER TRAINING—EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER(EOC)
Councilmember training was continued to a future date.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. by consensus of
the Council.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Jost
City Clerk
The minutes of the October 12, 2006 regular City Council meeting were approved as
presented at the October 26, 2006 regular City Council meeting.
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