HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/07/2005 Meeting Minutes
+� July 7, 2005
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting
Thursday, July 7, 2005 6:00 P.M.
Town Hall Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road
1. CALL TO ORDER,ROLL CALL, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Kerr called the City Council Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers at Town Hall.
Present: Mayor Breene Kerr, Mayor Pro Tem Dean Warshawsky, Councilmember
Jean Mordo and Councilmember Mike O'Malley
Absent: Councilmember Craig A. T. Jones
Staff: City Manager Maureen Cassingham, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Planning
Director Carl Cahill, Administrative Services Director Sarah Joiner, Parks
and Recreation Supervisor Jimmy Forbis, Public Safety Officer Steven
Garcia and City Clerk Karen Jost
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Warshawsky
and passed unanimously to limit the length of time for public comments to three minutes.
2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
2.1 Certificate of Appreciation—Santa Clara County Firefighter's
Local Union#1165
Mayor Kerr presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Firefighter representatives of
Santa Clara County Firefighter's Local Union #1165. He thanked them for their
generosity of time and terrific barbeque at this year's annual Town Picnic.
2.2 Appointments to the City Council Ad-Hoc Planning Committee
Council had before them for their consideration applications from Planning
Commissioners Bart Carey, Eric Clow, Ray Collins and Bill Kerns. There were two
positions on the Ad-Hoc Planning Committee available. Following brief interviews,
Council selected by ballot vote Planning Commissioner Bart Carey and Planning
Commissioner Eric Clow to serve on the Committee.
2.3 Appointments to the Environmental Initiatives Committee
Council had before them in their packet applications from Raj Reddy and Mark Jensen
for appointment to the Environmental Initiatives Committee. John Harpoothan,
submitted his application for Council consideration prior to the convening of the meeting.
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Following a brief discussion, it was determined that Harpoothan's application would be
considered at the July 21, 2005 Council meeting in expectation that their would be a
vacancy on the Environmental Initiatives Committee.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by O'Malley, seconded by Mordo and
passed unanimously to appoint Mark Jensen and Raj Reddy to the Environmental
Initiatives Committee for terms of four years.
2.4 Presentation from Bullis Foundation Representatives Regarding Possible
Strategies, Including Acquisition of Property, to Assist in Providing Public
Education within Los Altos Hills
Chris Vargas, Co-Chair, Bullis Purissima Elementary School Foundation, introduced
himself and explained that he was before Council to present a partnership proposal
between the Bullis Charter School, the Bullis-Purissima Elementary School Foundation
and the Town of Los Altos Hills titled the "Hills Education Legacy Project-H.E.L.P.
Vargas reviewed his PowerPoint presentation with Council. It included: 1) a summary of
the reasons that the Bullis Charter School would be an asset for the Town of Los Altos
Hills; 2) the key elements of the proposal that included the financial commitments of the
Bullis-Purissima Education Foundation, expectations of the Town's participation and
Bullis Charter School's role; 3) identification of the benefits of the proposal to the Town;
4) site strategy for the K-6 public school; and, 5) a request for action. In conclusion,
Vargas noted that the proposal would provide a neighborhood school for the Town's
children, increased property values, an enhanced sense of community, and space for Los
Altos Hills recreation programs.
Vargas thanked the City Council for their recent efforts to make an offer for the Bullis-
Purissima School site and acknowledged that the response from the Los Altos School
District had been terse and definitive. He noted that this was the preferred site for a
public school in Los Altos Hills, but because it was not available, the BCS site committee
had reviewed approximately thirty (30) locations in Town over the course of the last
twelve (12) months and determined that the property at 27525 Samuel Lane best suited
their criteria. He requested that the town approve a site feasibility study for the property.
Council discussion of the proposal ensued. Vargas offered that the Town's participation
for the school would be limited to the purchase of the land, which would include
permanent ownership and title to the property. This asset could potentially increase in
value and would provide recreational opportunities for the residents. The Bullis-
Purissima Education Foundation would commit to an initial donation of $1 million
dollars for the purchase of the land and $4 million to develop and operate a school.
Vargas added that the information he had provided regarding the decrease in residential
property values in comparison to the increased values in adjoining communities since the
closure of Bullis School was taken from an article in the Palo Alto Weekly whose data
was derived from the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.
Council thanked Chris Vargas for his presentation.
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3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
SPlanning Director Carl Cahill reported that the Planning Commission had reviewed two
items at their June 23, 2005 meeting: Lands of Wessbechers, a request for a Grading
Policy exception and the proposed residential annexation policy. Cahill reviewed the
Wessbecher application with Council noting that the grading exception had been
approved by a 4-1 vote. The Commission approved the project due to the geotechnical
uncertainty of the property. The applicant's property was a part of the reclaimed quarry
site and his geotech consultant had submitted a slope stabilization plan and a geotechnical
report for Town review. The applicant's neighbors were supportive of the project. Cahill
added that the proposed annexation policy would be forwarded to Council for their
consideration at the next City Council meeting.
• Pending Zoning and Site Development Permits
Planning Director Cahill had provided Council with a spreadsheet of pending Zoning and
Site Development permits in their Council meeting packet. He reviewed the item with
Council and noted the extensive staff workload with Council. Cahill explained that it was
staff's goal to ensure that all applications complied with the Town's ordinances and that
applicants were all treated equally under the laws and with due process.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items Removed: Item 4.6 (Mordo),Item 4.2 (Kerr recused himself from consideration of
check#22533 payment to Toeniskoetter&Breeding due to a potential conflict of interest)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by O'Malley, seconded by Mordo and
passed unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar, specifically:
4.1 Approval of Minutes: Special City Council Meeting June 16, 2005
Special City Council Meeting June 16, 2005
Special City Council Meeting June 28, 2005
4.2 Review of Disbursements: 06/08/2005—06/27/2005 $907,279.42
4.3 Dedication of Right-of-Way;Lands of Eshghi and Doroodian, 13530 Fremont
Road Reso#61-05
4.4 Approval of Agreement for Information Technology Support Services
Reso#62-05
4.5 Approval of Agreement for False Alarm Billing Services
Reso#63-05
4.7 Notification of Fast Track Approval: Lands of Jarvis, 23923 Jabil Lane
(243-04-ZP-SD-GD); CEQA Status: exempt 15303 (a). A Request for a Site
Development Permit for a 6,714 square-foot New Residence (maximum
height 30')
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4.8 Notification of Fast Track Approval: Lands of Padmanabhan, 13114 Maple
Leaf Court (23-05-ZP-SD-GD); CEQA Status: exempt 15303 (a). A Request
for a Site Developmetn Permit for a 5,745 square-foot New Residence
(maximum height 27')
4.9 Grant of Open Space Easements: lands of Fang; 27053 Taaffe Road
Reso#64-05
Item Removed:
4.6 Resolution to Approve Installation of Audio Visual and Broadcast Equipment
at the New Town Hall—Reso#65-05
Councilmember Mordo requested clarification of the item. Mayor Kerr explained that the
proposal, in lieu of a contract, had been reviewed and accepted by the New Town Hall
Committee but not formally approved. He explained that Magic Wave had completed a
majority of the installation of the Council Chambers audio visual and was not billing for
the installation of the broadcast system. He recommended approval of the costs for the
audiovisual work completed and Council revisit the Broadcast system at a future date.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Warshawsky
and passed unanimously to approve the proposal presented by Magic Wave for the
installation of the audiovisual equipment.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5.1 Town Goals
5.1.1 Implementation of Strategic Conservation Goals
No report was presented.
5.1.2 Bringing Public Education Back to the Hills
No report was presented.
5.2 Underground Project Status Report
No report was presented.
5.3 Report on Fence Permit Administration
Planning Director Carl Cahill explained that at the direction of the City Council at their
last meeting, staff had prepared a memorandum dated July 7, 2005 titled " Fence Permit
Administration". He clarified that the report did not speak to the specific fence that had
been previously discussed at tonight's Council meeting under Presentations from the
Floor and noted that if Council wanted a more definitive report on the fence, it would be
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appropriate to reschedule the discussion to permit the applicant an opportunity to
participate.
Cahill reviewed the current fence application process with Council and noted that the
Town had a very rigorous site development review process with public hearings for
numerous types of applications with the exception of fence permits. He spoke to the
small Town Planning staff that facilitates the process. Cahill added that staff was not
opposed to a fence notification requirement, but was concerned about the staff workload.
He offered comparisons with Woodside and Portola Valley fence administration
procedures, noting their staff size and parcel numbers/populations.
Councilmember Mordo expressed his concern that neighbors are not notified under the
current fence permitting administration and suggested that notification would identify
potential problems that could be mitigated prior to the issuance of permits. He suggested
that this could prove to be a benefit to a small staff because it would alert them to
problems that could be more easily and efficiently addressed. Mordo commented on the
importance of maintaining the rural character of the community and open space to the
Council.
Mordo questioned whether any modifications could be made to the fence (referenced in
Presentations from the Floor/Sakamoto).
The City Attorney clarified that the property owner had the right to construct the fence. A
permit had been approved, issued and paid for and the fence had been constructed
compliant with the Code and it appeared that the City Council had no grounds for
modification to the permit.
Following Council discussion, it was determined that the Council Ad-Hoc Planning
Committee would use the "fence" as a case study/history for the development of a fence
administration policy and procedure.
5.4 Request for Approval of an Agreement between the Town of Los Altos Hills,
City of Los Altos and the Santa Clara Valley Water District for Noise
Mitigation North of the West Edith Avenue Bridge as Part of the Adobe Creek
Reach 5 Restoration Project-Reso#60-05
City Manager Maureen Cassingham introduced this item to Council. She explained that
Council had before them a multi-party agreement that would equally fund noise
mitigation work as part of the Adobe Creek Reach 5 Restoration Project. The agreement
called for noise mitigation at 400 Cypress Drive, Los Altos, as a condition for donation of
necessary easements for the Adobe Creek Restoration Project. The cost for the work was
a not-to-exceed $30,000 with the Town of Los Altos Hills' share of $10,000. The
agreement had been approved by the Los Altos City Council at their June 28, 2005
meeting. Cassingham added that the City of Los Altos had agreed to waive all applicable
fees for the project. Council had before them a revised agreement that identified the
deletion of any Los Altos fees associated with the construction of the sound wall. Staff
recommended approval of the agreement to permit the Adobe Creek Restoration Project
to move forward.
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Councilmember O'Malley spoke to the agreement, noting that he had been closely
involved with the project during its duration. He reported that he had attended the last
meeting of the Adobe Creek Collaborative. All participating agencies were in
concurrence with the agreement and the Council had approved it in concept in December.
The project is scheduled for 2007.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: ' Moved by O'Malley, seconded by
Warshawsky and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #60-05 and approve the
agreement for sound attenuation from Edith Avenue Bridge.
Susan Mandle, Adobe Creek Collaborative, thanked the Los Altos Hills staff for their
participation in the year-long process and their many efforts in bringing the project to
fruition. She added that residents of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills were appreciative of
the support.
6. NEW BUSINESS
6.1 Report on the Town of Los Altos Hills Information and Safety Committee
City Manager Cassingham introduced this item. The staff report before Council was in
response to direction from Council at the May 14, 2005 goal-setting session to "review
and recommend the feasibility of retaining the Town's Standing Emergency
Communications and Information and Safety Committee" and the feasibility of.initiating
a high technology committee. Cassingham reviewed the report with Council and outlined
the charges of the three existing Committees that included safety services: the Emergency
Communications Committee, Information and Technology Committee, and the
Emergency Preparedness Committee. She noted the Committees overlapping charges
that related to emergency planning, organization, communications and services. The
Information and Technology Committee currently had a membership of two and was
intended to have eight members and it had been difficult to fill the vacancies.
Cassingham explained the Council's options that had been identified by staff relating to
the Standing Committees. At this time, staff was recommending that Council postpone
consideration of a new high technology Committee and revisit the concept in 2006 with
the possible reconvening of the Ad-Hoc Information Technology Committee.
OPENED PUBLIC COMMENT
Dru Anderson, Emergency Communications Committee Chair, suggested that it would be
more productive for a small community like Los Altos Hills to focus their safety energies
on fewer committees. Anderson offered that she supported incorporating the membership
of the Information and Safety Committee into another Committee and explained that one
of the requirements for membership to the Emergency Communications Committee was
to be a licensed radio amateur or in training to earn a license. She questioned if the
existing I&SC members would be interested in fulfilling this requirement and suggested
that it was more appropriate to incorporate the I&SC membership into the EPC.
• John Harpootlian, resident, suggested that the charges of the Information and Safety
Committee were directed more towards safety issues than communications.
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CLOSED PUBLIC COMMENT
SFollowing discussion, Council consensus was to sunset the Information and Safety
Committee due to the overlapping charges and merge the existing membership into the
Emergency Preparedness Committee with its broader safety charges.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Warshawsky
and passed unanimously to sunset the Information and Safety Committee and merge the
membership with the Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Staff was directed to extend an invitation to the two Information and Safety Committee
members to join the Emergency Preparedness and return to Council with a revised
Standing Committee Resolution that phased out the Information and Safety Committee.
6.2 Proposed 2006 Council/Staff Goal-Setting Session
Consensus of the Council was to schedule the 2006 Council/staff goal-setting session for
March 24 and March 25, 2006.
6.3 Los Altos Hills General Plan Update
Mayor Pro Tem Warshawsky suggested that it would be appropriate for the Ad-Hoc
Planning Committee to address the General Plan update concurrently with the planning
issues that Council had charged them to investigate. He noted the recent letter from the
Governor's Office of Planning and Research that notified the Town that the General Plan
was older than the recommended ten (10) years.
Councilmember Mordo concurred that it would be productive to widen the charter of the
Ad-Hoc Planning Committee offering that the planning issues could be resolved with the
revised General Plan as a supporting document for new ordinances.
Mayor O'Malley commented that he would like to participate in the Committee with
respect to the General Plan revision. He believed the historical perspective that he could
bring to the review would be beneficial.
Council discussed the Special Meeting requirements that would be necessitated by adding
a third Councilmember to the Committee. Council consensus was to have
Councilmember O'Malley, resident Dot Schriener and Planning Director Carl Cahill
focus on the underlying research and process for the General Plan update and to return to
Council with procedural recommendations. Council would revisit Councilmember
O'Malley's request at that time. The Ad-Hoc Planning Committee's charter would be
amended to include the General Plan update and they would begin reviewing the fence
administration process and the addressing the definition of a highly visible lot.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Warshawsky, seconded by Mordo
and passed unanimously to direct staff to work with Councilmember O'Malley and
resident Dot Schriener to document the process for updating the General Plan.
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II
OPENED PUBLIC COMMENT
Dot Schreiner, Saddle Mountain Drive, supported Council's decision to begin work on
the General Plan update. She reviewed the Town's previous efforts to update the General
Plan and acknowledged that there was a wealth of information that had been previously
produced.
CLOSED PUBLIC COMMENT
Council thanked Schreiner and appreciated her volunteering to work on the update
project.
6.4 Application for California Department of Parks and Recreation Department
2002 Per Capita Park Bond Funds
Mayor Pro Tem Warshawsky recused himself from consideration of this item due to the
proximity of his residence to Westwind Barn and the potential for a conflict of interest.
Parks and Recreation Supervisor Jimmy Forbis introduced this item to Council. Council
had before them a staff report that provided an overview of the Park Bond application and
funding process and a copy of the completed application. The Parks and Recreation
Committee had recommended approval and authorization of the project application on the
basis that the development of paddocks would provide the required infrastructure for the
Department's horse riding program. The City Council at their May 14, 2005 Special
meeting endorsed the Committee's recommendation for the use of the Park Bond funds.
Forbis explained that to apply for the Town's bond allocations from the State, projects
must be submitted to the City Council for approval and thereafter to the State for review
and approval. The Town would be responsible for the initial payments for the project and
be reimbursed by the State.
Council briefly discussed the request for approval of the application submittal for
$153,590. Council consensus was that they were committed to the year round riding
program and supportive of the application.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by O'Malley and
passed unanimously to approve the project and submittal of the application to the State of
California Department of Parks and Recreation for the 2002 Resources Bond Act-Per
Capita Grant Program. (Mayor Pro Tem Warshawsky recused himself from the vote)
7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
7.1 Proposed Town of Los Altos Hills Golden Anniversary Celebration—
Community Relations Committee
Roger Burnell, Community Relations Committee, presented an overview to the Council
on the Community Relations Committee's recommendation regarding a proposed Town
of Los Altos Hills Golden Anniversary celebration to be held on January 27, 2006, the
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date of the Town's incorporation. Burnell reviewed the potential venues, entertainment
options, costs and publicity. He suggested the Los Altos Country Club with a full kitchen
Sand capacity for approximately 25% more participants than the Fremont Hills Country
Club would be a preferred site. The Club had tentatively agreed to the Friday night event.
It was noted that the venue was located in the unincorporated area of Los Altos. Burnell
suggested that a minimum cost of $50.00 per person be charged for the celebration and
reservations be on a first come basis.
Council discussed the proposal. They directed Burnell to investigate additional venues
that could potentially hold more guests and to increase the cost of the event. Council
consensus was that due to the limited space for attendance at the January 27th event the
2006 Town Picnic also feature the Town's anniversary. This would be a more
inclusionary celebration and ensure that everyone could participate
Council thanked Burnell for his presentation and the Committee for hosting the January
27, 2006 50th Anniversary celebration.
Roy Woolsey, Community Relations Committee Chair, thanked the Council for their
direction. Woolsey explained that he wished to advise Council of several vendors that
had not received payment for their services at the Town picnic and volunteer
reimbursements. He requested special consideration for volunteers. Woolsey suggested
Council consideration of Committee advances or credit cards.
Administrative Services Director.Joiner reviewed the procedure for payment of invoices
and vendor services. Council acknowleged that a municipality must adhere to standard
business practices and maintain internal controls.
City Attorney Steve Mattas cautioned the Council on the issuance of credit cards and
advancing funds to volunteers noting case law with regards to disbursing funds in
advance of the receipts and before approval of the expenses.
Council consensus was to permit staff to review and administer the reimbursement
process internally.
Burnell reported that he had several candidates for the Youth Commissioner position. He
requested Council consideration of establishing an Associate Youth Commissioner
position that would report to the Community Relations Committee and work in
conjunction with the Youth Commissioner and potentially fulfill the vacancy when the
Youth Commissioner.graduates.
Council directed staff to forward the item for their consideration on the Consent Calendar
at the next City Council meeting.
COUNCIL REPORTS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
Councilmember O'Malley reported that he had attended the Adobe Creek Collaborative
meeting and the Adobe Creek Restoration Reach 5 Project was tentatively scheduled for a
2007 start date.
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Councilmember Mordo reported that he had attended the North County Library Authority
meeting. They considered methods for increasing revenues for the library that included a
• possible new parcel tax when the special library assessment sunsets.
Mayor Pro Tem Warshawsky reported that he attended the Joint Policy Collaborative.
The members are currently investigating two key issues: cell phone coverage and high
speed Internet. He will keep the Council apprised of their progress.
Mayor Kerr reported that he had attended the VTA Board meeting. He advised the Board
that the City Council did not support a sales tax increase at this time.
Mayor Kerr announced that he had scheduled a meeting with the new Los Altos School
District Superintendent.
8. STAFF REPORTS
8.1 City Manager
8.2 City Attorney
8.3 City Clerk
8.3.1 Report on Council Correspondence
9. COUNCIL-INITIATED ITEMS
9.1 Discussion of Town—Owned Property at Story Hill Lane/Page Mill Road-
Mayor Pro Tem Warshawsky
Mayor Pro Tem Warshawsky reported that he had requested this item on the agenda
following an exploratory mission with Councilmember Mordo to investigate cell phone
sites on Town owned property. A site visit to the Story Hill Lane property prompted
interest in the potential to swap the property that appeared to be only appropriate for
residential development for a parcel that would be more useable for the Town's needs. It
had been determined that the Story Lane property was not included in the Open Space
Initiative. Council had before them a preliminary title report for the property.
Planning Director Carl Cahill explained the the parcel was a constrained lot and was
within an open space conservation area. This did not restrict development on the site but
would require development under highly regulated circumstances. Cahill suggested that
additional research would be required to assess any original dedication restrictions or
requirements.
Council discussed the options for"swapping" the parcel i.e. selling the land and using the
generated funds to purchase a more appropriate piece of land.
Staff was directed to report back to Council on the mechanism that the Town received the
property and advise the Council of any applicable restrictions on the land.
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9.2 Discussion of Expansion of Cell Phone Coverage in Los Altos Hills—
Councilmember Mordo
• Councilmember Mordo offered that he initiated this item for Council discussion to
facilitate the efforts of cell phone companies in expanding service in Town by identifying
the number of feasible locations to locate antennas. He suggested the development of a
base map of town owed property and large parcels that could support cell tower antennas.
Planning Director Cahill noted that the majority of the mapping efforts would be
performed by the Engineering Department and the Planning staff would provide existing
antenna locations to facilitate the development of the map.
Council consensus was to direct staff to move forward with the base map.
Councilmember Mordo volunteered to work with staff.on the project.
9.3 Discussion of Leash Law Enforcement—Councilmember Mordo
Councilmember Mordo explained that he initiated this item for discussion after receiving
an email from resident Roy Woolsey and a picture of people walking their dog without a
leash. Woolsey had lost two pet cats to an attack by an unleashed dog. Mordo expressed
his belief that it was important to enforce the Town's codes and explained that this
particular code was enforceable by citation from the Sheriff's Department.
• City Manager Maureen Cassingham reported that staff has been proactive in educating
Town residents with regard to the leash law. Public Safety Officer Steven Garcia had
authored articles for the Newsletter and Town Crier and the City Clerk would be posting
leash law information to the Town's website. The Town has been very diligent regarding
dangerous dogs and in the past nine months, two dangerous animal hearings have been
conducted resulting in serious conscious for the animals, including euthanasia for one and
banishment from the community from the other. Cassingham added that via the Sheriff's
weekly reports, she had garnered that they were taking appropriate actions and addressing
violations in the normal course of their duties.
Roy Woolsey, Snell Lane, related the tragic death of his pets from an unleashed dog. He
encouraged the Council to enforce the leash law and suggested that a Town wide mailing
advising residents of the leash law and how to report a loose dog. Woolsey had provided
Council with a photo of"walker's" and their off leash dog.
Council discussed the request. There was no consensus of Council to move forward with
the Town wide mailing.
9.4 Discussion of Water Well for Irrigation Purposes Only—
Councilmember O'Malley
Councilmember O'Malley initiated this item. He had reviewed the requirements for
water wells and discussed the environmental impacts and health hazards with the County
Environmental Resources Agency regarding irrigation wells, possible contamination and
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septic systems. O'Malley believed it would be best to defer the issue to the experts at the
agency.
Council concurred.
10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
OPENED PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Jitze Couperus, Page Mill Road, invited Council and the audience to attend a release of
rescued baby owls the following evening at Westwind Barn.
Jeremy Kelum, resident and public school student, addressed Council. He provided an
overview of what the closure of his elementary school had meant from a student's
perspective that included enrollment at four different schools in the past four years and
the loss of friendships and encouraged the Council to support the BCS proposal.
Steve Bristow, Hilltop Drive, regarding the BCS proposal advised, the Council to proceed
with caution. He voiced his concern that students from Los Altos Hills would not receive
preferred enrollment to the Charter School and that Town funds (public funds) would be
invested for the project.
Mary Davey, La Cresta Drive, resident and former Councilmember, encouraged the
Council to embrace the proposal which would return a public school to Los Altos Hills.
• Jim Abraham, Viscaino Road, explained that he shared the concerns of resident Steve
Bristow. He questioned the impact of the proposed school on the neighbors and traffic in
the area. Abraham offered that most residents in the Palo Alto Unified School District
were happy with the schools.
Roger Spreen, Rhus Ridge Road, commented on his recent involvement with his child's
Palo Alto preschool. He noted the sense of community that had developed around his
participation and believed it would be advantageous for the Town and community to have
a school in Town.
John Radford, resident, strongly supported the proposal presented by the BCS. He
believed that it offered a positive financial opportunity for the Town. Radford suggested
that this was an important step towards the redistricting of the Town for public education.
He noted that a new district would be well funded by local property taxes. He urged the
Council to move quickly on the proposal and to direct the Public Education Committee to
investigate the redistricting procedure.
Marlin Miller, Taaffe Road, Co-Chair, Bullis-Purrisima Elementary School Foundation
addressed Council. He thanked the Council for their efforts to return public education to
the Hills. Miller noted that the Bullis Charter School had enjoyed many successes and
there was a current momentum and donor funding commitments that would be
• advantageous to the funding of the proposed school. In response to the concerns raised
regarding enrollment preferences, Miller noted that several options could be employed
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including dual charters with the Los Altos School District and the Palo Alto Unified
School District. He encouraged Council to continue to work to return public education to
Los Altos Hills.
Brad Lyman, Wildflower Lane, commented that he had been a member of the CPR
committee that had sought a solution to returning public education to Los Altos Hills.
Their efforts had not been very successful with little movement from the LASD. Lyman
supported the current BCS proposal and added that it was a positive solution for a school
site that would not have any impact on the Little League fields and Town's riding ring.
Alice Sakomoto, Simon Lane, explained that she was before Council seeking a solution
to a fence that had been constructed on a large parcel of land in her neighborhood. She
distributed photos of the fence in question and stated that she did not believe the fence
was in character with the rural nature of the Town or field property. She provided a
timeline of the construction of the fence and her previous objections. Sakomoto was
frustrated that the neighbors did not receive any notice of the fence. She expressed her
concerns about the loss of views and wildlife access and requested a modification to the
recently constructed fence to address these concerns.
Councilmember Mordo offered that the Ad-Hoc Planning Committee would be
investigating the fence ordinance and different options for fence requirements in Town
under their charter but he would like at this time to address the mitigation of the fence in
question. He believed there was a systemic problem within the fence permitting process
that could be resolved but wanted to pursue options for mitigating the discussed fence and
• it's impact on the views and wildlife passage.
Mayor Kerr noted that it would be appropriate to defer this topic of conversation and
discussions to agenda Item 5.3.
Alexander Atkins, Orchard Hill Lane, relayed a story of combat and battlefield heroism
and offered that the community currently had heroes championing public education and
the rights of children. He applauded the City Council for their stewardship to return
public education to Los Altos Hills and the supporters and founders of Bullis Charter
School for their dedication and commitment.
CLOSED PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
In response to the proposal presented by Chris Vargas, Co-Chair, Bullis Purissima
Elementary School Foundation, Council directed staff to provide them with a site
feasibility study, cost analysis and procedural report at their next meeting.
11. PUBLIC HEARING
11.1 Site Development Permit and Conditional Use Permit for Purissima Hills
Water District to Construct a New Operations Center; Lands of Los Altos
Hills (Town Hall Site); File#35-04-ZP-SD-CUP
•
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Council had before them a staff report dated July 7, 2005 and site plans for the proposed
project.
• John Miller, John Miller Architects, applicant representative addressed Council. He
explained that the proposed 1942 square foot facility was a replacement building for the
Water District offices and would be located at the entrance to the Town Hall site. The
building was designed in the same architectural style as the new Town Hall and would
incorporate many of the design details including copper eves. Miller spoke to the
constraints of the building site and the construction operation plan that had been
developed to minimize the impact on Town Hall operations. Miller displayed a colored
rendering of the front elevation of the proposed building.
Council requested additional clarification regarding construction worker parking and
building material storage. Miller offered that the workers would park along Fremont
Road and if necessary offsite; portable bathrooms and debris box would be near
Concepcion and the construction fence would be on the property line. Water District
allotted parking spaces would be used for the staging of the construction materials.
Planning Director Cahill explained that he had not had the opportunity to review the
construction operation plan and that staff had imposed a condition of approval that
required the plan to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Director and City
Engineer. Cahill added that many of the parking spaces along Fremont Road are now
central to the daily operations of Town Hall and would not be available for construction
parking. This would necessitate the plan clearly identifying the spaces they intended to
use and if appropriate space were not available, staff would require offsite parking.
The applicant agreed to the condition and reiterated that it was a challenging site.
Mayor Kerr asked if the applicant had considered participating in PG&E's energy
"Savings by Design" program. This would be keeping with the Town's efforts to have an
ecologically friendly and energy efficient municipal center.
Miller explained that they had made efforts to make the building energy efficient and
proposed to use heavy insulation and high efficiency units. He spoke to the difficulty of
employing some of the program's standards with the small rooms proposed for the
facility but would address the issue with the owner but agreed to investigate the program.
Maurice Johnson, President, Purissima Hills Water District Board of Directors, addressed
Council. He suggested that the District would be agreeable to reviewing the "Savings By
Design" program and the District would be amenable to investing a not-to-exceed amount
to incorporate the design program into their facility and if necessary to facilitate offsite
parking for construction vehicles.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Dru Anderson, Saddle Court, encouraged Council to approve the request for the new
• facility. As a resident and customer of the Purissima Hills Water District she supported
their plans for a new facility.
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July 7,2005
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Warshawsky, seconded by Mordo
and passed unanimously to approve the requested Site Development Permit and
Conditional Use Permit and findings for the Purissima Hills Water District to construct a
new operations center subject to the conditions of approval in Attachments 1 and 2 with
the conditions amended to add: 1) a requirement that the applicant participate in the
PG&E "Savings By Design" program for a not-to-exceed net amount of $3,000; and, 2)
amend condition of approval #16 to include the direct ability that if determined by the
Planning Director and City Engineer that there is a necessity for offsite parking for the
construction crews, the applicant will abide by the requirement.
The applicant agreed to the amendments to the conditions of approval.
11.2 Appeal of Abatement Action Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 6-501. (k)
Ordering the Property Owner to Remove All Debris and unused Objects from
the Site; 25619 Darling Lane
Public Safety Officer Steven Garcia introduced this item to Council. He provided Council
with an overview of his staff report and the abatement action that ordered the property
owner to remove the debris from the site. Garcia made a presentation of slides that
showed the site at the time the abatement notice was issued and the present day condition
of the property, noting that the resident had made considerable progress in clearing the
debris but was still using garbage cans as a barricade to prevent vehicles from entering
• her property and using it as a turn around. He believed that these were unsightly and not
appropriate as a method to deter vehicles. He referred to the Municipal Code for further
clarification. He had suggested other more appropriate barricades to McCain that would
not be unsightly. In addition, Garcia noted that a horse trailer was parked in the property's
setback in violation of the Town's codes. He explained that this was not part of the
Public Hearing or abatement action that was before the Council tonight.
Marilyn McCain, property owner, explained that some of the debris on her property was
created by the removal of two large trees, old fencing and a deck. She spoke to her
dilemma in preventing vehicles from entering her property and her difficulties in
accessing her flag lot due to the street parking of tenants who board their horses on
neighboring properties or rent rooms in their homes. McCain encouraged the Council to
consider adopting an ordinance that would require adequate off street parking for
occupants, tenants and businesses that a resident might employ. She believed the
barricades were the only method she had of protecting her property and her ingress and
egress on the flag lot.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Floyd Kendrick, 25591 Chapin Road, explained the back of his property was the Darling
Lane access that Ms. McCain had referenced. He had never seen the restricted access with
the ingress and egress of her property.
•
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July 7,2005
Resident, 25630 Darling Lane, stated that she found the debris on the property unsightly
and the garbage cans were not appropriate barricades.
Stephanie Munoz, Robleda Road, offered that she believed it was appropriate for a horse
trailer to be parked on a property in a rural community.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Council discussion ensued. In response to questions from Council, Public Safety Officer
Steve Garcia explained that he was recommending that the City Council uphold the
abatement and require Ms. McCain to cease from using trash cans as a barricade on her
property. Council suggested that the property owner speak with staff if she wished to
employ a more appropriate solution to prevent vehicles from accessing her property.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by O'Malley and
passed unanimously to deny the appeal and uphold the abatement action.
Passed by consensus of the Council to adjourn to the Closed Session at 10:40 p.m.
12. CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8: Conference with
Real Property Negotiator-
Property: —27575 Purissima Road APN 175-43-11
Agency Negotiators: Mike O'Malley and Steve Mattas
Under Negotiation: Price and terms for acquisition of property
The City Council reconvened to the Regular City Council meeting at 11:10 p.m.
The Council gave direction to staff. No action was taken by the Council.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Regular City Council meeting was adjourned by
consensus at 11:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Jost, t C rk
The minutes of the July 7, 2005 Regular City Council meeting were approved as
presented at the July 21, 2005 Regular City Council meeting.
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City Council Meeting Minutes
July 7,2005