HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/20/2005 Meeting Minutes
January 20, 2005
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting
Thursday, January 20, 2005 6:00 P.M.
Bullis School Multi-Purpose Room, 25890 Fremont Road
1. CALL TO ORDER,ROLL CALL, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present: Mayor Mike O'Malley, Mayor Pro Tem Breene Kerr, Councilmember
Craig A. T. Jones, Councilmember Jean Mordo and Councilmember Dean
Warshawsky
Absent: Norte
Staff: City Manager Maureen Cassingham, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Planning
Director Carl Cahill, Administrative Services Director Sarah Joiner and
City Clerk Karen Jost
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Warshawsky, seconded by Kerr
and passed unanimously to limit the length of time for public comments to three minutes.
2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
2.1 Relay for Life Proclamation and Request for Support-Ken Clifford
Ken Clifford, Chair, Los Altos Relay for Life, addressed Council. He thanked them for
the opportunity to discuss the upcoming fundraiser and for their support of last year's
inaugural and very successful event. In 2004, the Los Altos Relay for Life raised
$245,000, ten times their original goal. This year's goal is $375,000. Clifford explained
the 24 hour relay event, noting that teams would be responsible for manning the relay
track with a team member every hour during the "race". The organizers would provide
the logistics, including food, water, and entertainment. The Relay for Life is the signature
event of the Cancer society and raises more monies worldwide than any other fundraiser.
Funds raised from the event are used for cancer research and support programs for cancer
patients, survivors and caregivers. Clifford explained that he would be working with Los
Altos Hills staff and Town Standing Committees to form teams and encouraged
Councilmembers to consider personally supporting the event.
Council thanked Clifford for his presentation and wished him success with the 2005 Los
Altos Relay for Life.
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MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kerr, seconded by Warshawsky and
passed unanimously to approve a Proclamation proclaiming June 20-June 26, 2005 as
Relay for Life Week in Los Altos Hills. The Proclamation would be presented to the
public at the February 27, 2005 promotional "kick-off' rally for the fundraiser.
2.2 Certificate of Appreciation—Jean Mordo, Planning Commission
Mayor O'Malley presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Councilmember Mordo in
recognition of his recent service as a Planning Commissioner.
2.3 Certificate of Appreciation- Craig Jones, Finance and Investment Committee
Mayor O'Malley presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Councilmember Jones for his
recent membership on the Finance and Investment Committee.
2.4 Certificate of Appreciation-Richard Cassam, Pathways Committee
Mayor O'Malley presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Richard Cassam in
recognition of his tenure on the Pathways Committee.
2.5 Certificate of Appreciation-Kelly Porter
Mayor O'Malley presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Kelly Porter and his family in
recognition of their gracious hospitality in hosting the Los Altos Hills Newcomers
Reception at their residence. O'Malley noted that the event had been deemed a success
and acknowledged the participants had enjoyed seeing the splendor of the restoration
project the Porters had successfully completed and the transformation of Morgan Manor
to its former beauty.
2.6 Certificate of Commendation-University of California Berkeley Golden Bears
and Wide Receiver Chase Lyman, Los Altos Hills
Mayor O'Malley offered his congratulations to Chase Lyman, Los Altos Hills resident
and the California Bears Football Team for their successful year. He noted that it was a
bittersweet salute due to the injury sustained by Lyman but thanked him for the national
recognition that he had brought to the Town and wished him a speedy and full recovery.
3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Planning Director Carl Cahill reported that the Planning Commission had not met since
the last City Council meeting. Their next scheduled meeting was January 27, 2005 and
Cahill noted they had a full agenda of items to be reviewed. Cahill added that the
Commission had scheduled the Path Map Public Hearings for February 10, 2005.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items Removed: 4.7 (O'Malley) and 4.10 (O'Malley)
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MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Warshawsky, seconded by Kerr and
passed unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar, specifically:
4.1 Approval of Minutes: Regular City Council Meeting January 6, 2005
4.2 Review of Disbursements: 12/20/2004— 1/12/2005 $0
4.3 Approval of Certificate of Correction, Tract No. 1286 Lands of Garverick;
14460 Miranda Court
4.4 Acceptance of Grant of Conservation Easement; Lands of Crozier Hogle; .
2000 Page Mill Road—Resolution#2-05
4.5 Approval of Amendments to Personnel Policy Manual and Employee Benefit
Plan—Resolution#3-05
4.6 Resolution Approving Additional Architectural Services Associated with
Construction of New Town Hall Resolution#4-05
4.8 Resolution Authorizing Approval of Professional Services Agreement for
Audio Visual Consulting Associated with the New Town Hall—
Resolution#5-05
4.9 Resolution Authorizing Change Orders for the New Town Hall—
Resolution #6-05
Items Removed:
4.7 Resolution Authorizing Extra Work at New Town Hall to Extend Gas Line to
Service Water District Building—Resolution#
4.10 Resolution Approving Contract for Gas and Electric Line Extensions to
New Town Hall -Resolution#7-05
Mayor O'Malley explained that he had requested separate consideration of the items to
permit further discussion of the appropriate funding for the projects. He clarified that he
would support approving the work and expenditures but would like to review the options
for allocation of the payment. Council concurred.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kerr, seconded by Warshawsky and
passed unanimously to approve the expenditures as identified in the staff reports 4.7 and
4.10.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5.1 Town Goals
5.1.1 Complete Town Hall On Time and On Budget
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5.1.1 a TBI Update
• Tony Vierra, TBI Construction, addressed Council. He reported that staff had visited the
site and provided input on their workspaces. Vierra was working with the utilities for
service to the building including Comcast, PG&E, Purissima Hills Water, XO and SBC.
He noted that the interior framing was progressing and the ductwork, electrical work and
window installation were moving forward. Vierra added that he was working on the
procurement of the Audio Visual and landscaping bid. He had met with the Chair of the
Town's Emergency Communications Committee to assist them in relocating their
flagpole antenna away from the solar panels.
5.1.2 Identify and Fund Underground Project
Councilmember Warshawsky reported that the Subcommittee had scheduled their project
"kick-off" meeting for February 15, 2005 at the Purissima Road undergrounding site.
Surveying for the project would begin shortly thereafter.
5.1.3 Complete Master Pathway Map
Councilmember Warshawsky reported that the Pathways Committee had extended
invitations to the Planning Commissioners, and Councilmembers to attend their next
regularly scheduled meeting on January 24, 2005. The Committee would provide an
overview of the map update process and background for their recommendations to the
attendees. The Public Hearings on the map have been scheduled for February 10, 2005
before the Planning Commission and March 8, 2005 before Council and March 9, 2005,
if additional time is required. Warshawsky noted that a town-wide notice of the meetings
had been mailed.
5.2 Discussion of Refuse Vehicle Fuel and Emission Reduction-John Zirelli,
General Manager, Los Altos Garbage Company
Mayor Pro Tem Kerr introduced this item to Council. He provided a brief overview of
the Town's Bay Area Air Quality Management District grant for retrofitting devices that
would reduce nitrous oxides on the refuse vehicles that operate in the Town. Kerr
explained that when Los Altos Garbage Company appeared before Council requesting
support for the grant, he had asked for additional information on alternate fuels and bio-
diesel fuels for the refuse vehicles. Kerr noted that since LAGCo was a significant
service provider to the Town and their vehicles were significant users of fuel, this
discussion was an important step in his proposed Green Energy Initiative for Los Altos
Hills. Kerr advised that additional research and discussion on the issue of fuels would be
required.
John Zirelli, General Manager, Los Altos Garbage Company, addressed Council. LAGCo
representatives Joe Renati and Mike King were available to Council to answer questions.
Zirelli explained that he had been exploring the options for vehicle fuel reduction. They
included; bio-diesel fuel, natural gas engines and a possible reduction in the number of
trucks used for service. Zirelli noted that the company supported the use of bio-diesel
fuel, however the new State Law ARB that mandated the use of an emission device
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created an obstacle. The manufactures of the device require the use of ultra low sulfur
diesel fuel or it would void the warranty. Zirelli is hopeful that this would be rectified in
the near future. He explained that natural gas engines in refuse vehicles were in the test
stage and being used in San Francisco, however, at this time they are not a viable option
in hilly terrains. Zirelli added that the discussion of using fewer pick-up vehicles for
garbage, green waste and recycling would require curbside service which is currently used
by only 30% of residents in Los Altos Hills. Long driveways and the steep terrain are a
deterrent to this option.
Council thanked Zirelli for the presentation. Mayor Pro Tem Kerr voiced his support for
continuing the discussion and moving forward with LAGCo to reduce fuel use and
emissions. He believed that there was a high probability that bio-diesel would be a
successful solution.
Zirelli offered that he would continue to work with the vendor of their emissions device,
Cleaire Longview. He would keep Council apprised of his findings.
5.3 Discussion of Revitalization of Soccer Playing Fields at the Bullis-Purissima
School Site (continued from 1/6/05)
Rodney Robinson, Via Arline, addressed Council. He distributed a revised draft proposal
for the revitalization of the Soccer Playing Fields at Bullis. Robinson reviewed the
highlights of his proposal that included: the installation of a full size synthetic field; the
reconfiguration of the existing field; the fence around the field would be unlocked and the
field would be available to the public when not scheduled for use. Robinson explained
that the proposal was being sponsored by AYSO region 43 and the Mountain View-Los
Altos Soccer Club. The groups had a membership of 1500 kids with approximately 250
Los Altos Hills children participating. He reviewed the parking, costs of installation and
field users and times. Robinson added that the biggest obstacle to the proposal was
funding. He believed that the sponsors would be able to contribute substantially to the
proposal and was hopeful that the Town would support the project.
Council requested clarification on the useage and scheduling for the field. Robinson
explained that the use times in his draft were proposals and that the Town would have the
final determination through their permit process. He offered that the sponsors would like
to manage the fields.
Council discussion ensued regarding the proposal. It was suggested that the Town could
potentially lease the site from the Los Altos School District for a minimal cost and that
the land was the most expensive component in the proposal. Council noted that there was
a precedent with a cooperative project between the City of Los Altos and the School
District for recreational facilities on school lands and agreed that they were a major factor
in the proposal. Council reiterated the requirement that the public have access to the field
and the importance of adding recreational facilities to the community. It was noted that
there was a great need for soccer fields in the area and that it was a sport enjoyed by both
boys and girls.
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OPENED PUBLIC COMMENT ,
Jane Lombard, spoke to Council as a parent, coach, regional commissioner and
cardiologist. She offered that there were probably 300-400 Los Altos Hills children
participating in soccer programs. Lombard concurred with the Council's assessment that
the land was a valuable resource and encouraged them to support the proposal. She
explained the difficulty in finding adequate playing fields and noted that spring soccer
had been cancelled and teams were looking for indoor gym space for practice areas. She
suggested that the field had the potential to bring the community of Los Altos and Los
Altos Hills together and urged the Council to work with the School District to investigate
the revitalization of the Bullis field.
Sandy Humphries, Fremont Road, expressed her concern with the use of synthetic turf.
She did not believe the safety concerns had been adequately addressed.
Nicki Locker, resident, explained that her children all actively participated in sports. Her
son was a baseball player who had the option of using the wonderful Los Altos Hills
baseball fields, however, her daughters played soccer and there were no fields in Town
for them. She would like to see this remedied and for the girls to have the same
opportunities and the same access to facilities.
Jamie Kelly, Ravensbury Avenue, explained that Town residents are often shut out of
using other local communities' fields because they are used by residents. He described
the lack of field resources for the soccer teams. A synthetic field would be preferable
• because it is the least impacted by weather and wouldbe the easiest to maintain and
sustain for year round play.
Henry Nesmith, Templeton Place, thanked the Council for reviewing the proposal. He
supported the project and noted that he would support it financially. Nesmith explained
that the field would be a community asset that could be enjoyed and used by the soccer
clubs, public and small schools.
Mike Stanley, Julietta Lane, voiced his opinion that this area had the worst facilities for
youth sports. There are no sports courts, La Cross fields, soccer fields, only baseball
fields. He believed there was only one lot available for development and that was here at
Bullis. Stanley offered his opinion that the Los Altos School District was interested in
retaining the school site and believed there was a precedent in them working with a
municipality (City of Los Altos) for the development of sports facilities. He added that
there was a core group of people that would support the project financially and would
work to bring the project to fruition.
Resident, Priscilla Lane, encouraged Council to consider the proposal. He was a coach
and treasurer for CYSA and.commented that he was confident that the club could meet
the financial goals necessary to fund the development of the field.
CLOSED PUBLIC COMMENT
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Mayor O'Malley explained that it was appropriate for the staff to review the proposal and
further investigate the issues including cost and drainage and to return to the Council with
their findings. At that time the formation of a committee to move forward with the project
could be considered.
Mayor Pro Tem Kerr offered that he and Councilmember Warshawsky had previously
investigated the field revitalization and at time there had been a number of obstacles and
issues that cautioned them from going forward. The main impediment had been funding.
He suggested that he would have an issue with any proposal that used rental fees as part
of the capital budget and would like to see the funding component of the proposal more
clearly delineated. Kerr added that he would like to see the Town's Parks and Recreation
Department in charge of the fields.
Robinson noted that the organizations would be amenable to the Parks and Recreation
Department running the fields as long as the groups that were funding the proposal were
permitted to use the fields on a scheduled basis. He added that the Town could regulate
the schedule and hours of operation through their permit process.
Coucilmember Mordo requested that the broader question of who would be responsible
for raising the funds, construction of the field and running of the field be included in the
proposal.
Robinson responded that the clubs would raise the funds, the draft proposal identified the
Town as the entity responsible for building the field and management of the field was to
be reviewed but they would be acceptable to the Town assuming the role.
Council thanked Mr. Robinson for his presentation. Staff was directed to review the
proposal and return to Council with their findings.
5.4 Green Initiative Strategic Goals for the Town—Mayor Pro Tem Kerr and
Councilmember Jones
Mayor Pro Tem Kerr explained that Council had initially discussed the Green Initiative
Goals at their December 2, 2004 meeting. He suggested that many of the elements for the
Green Initiative had been engaged by the Town on an informal basis for the past year,
including the solar system and energy savings system for the new Town Hall and the
recent purchase of the hybrid car for staff use. Kerr offered that if the Council were to set
strategic goals for the Town, they would be useful reference tools for Council when they
considered items presented to them for their review. Kerr used the recent BAAQMD
application by the Los Altos Garbage Company as an example that lead to further
discussions on fuel consumption. He requested that Council consider setting strategic
goals and offered: (1) 50%reduction in electrical use; (2) 25% reduction in transportation
and fuel use; and (3) 30% reduction in metered water use. The goals were for Town
owned and operated property and facilities using 2003 as the base year with(5) five years
as the target. Kerr acknowledged that these were proposed numbers but believed that
they were achievable noting that the Town Hall energy savings program would help to
achieve the first goal. He explained the reduction in transportation and fuel use was a
more difficult and challenging goal and added that he had chosen the water reduction goal
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of 30% because if the Town were to achieve this they would be at their base water
allotment number. Kerr suggested that if the Town set and met these goals it would be a
• positive example for Town residents.
Council discussed the Green Initiative Strategic Goals for the Town as proposed by
Mayor Pro Tem Kerr.
Councilmember Jones explained that he had reviewed the conservation programs of other
cities and noted that many have a staff dedicated to achieving the municipality's strategic
goals. He offered Berkeley, San Francisco and Davis as examples. He suggested that the
goals would serve as a positive framework for the Environmental Initiatives Committee
and assist Council in reviewing projects.
Councilmember Warshawsky concurred and noted that it was an admirable proposal and
reiterated that a number of elements had been accepted and approved by Council
including the solar orchard, hybrid vehicle, and drought tolerant landscaping plan. for the
new Town Hall. His only concern was the proposed timetable in the report and
questioned the requirements on staff. Kerr clarified that.he was not proposing ordinances
or public hearings initially and did not expect much staff time to be dedicated to his
proposal. He was recommending adopting strategic goals for Town owned property.
Councilmember Mordo supported the proposal and suggested that Council move forward
with the proposed reduction numbers adding that they could be adjusted at a later date if
changes were warranted.
Mayor O'Malley explained that he was in agreement with Councilmember Warshawsky's
statement and could support the proposal if they could minimize the staff effort. He
commented that the Town was nearing the completion of the new Town Hall and the
update of the Path Map Element and he could support starting the process of forming the
new Standing Committee by advertising for membership. O'Malley supported the
Committee defining the goals.
OPENED PUBLIC COMMENT
Sandy Humpries, Environmental Design and Protection Committee, suggested that the
Committee would like to add the Green Initiative charge to their charter.
CLOSED PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Kerr explained that he would like the new committee to be charged
solely with the Green Energy Initiative. This would afford the committee the ability to
focus on their charge and offer an opportunity to new volunteers.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kerr, seconded by Jones and passed
by the following roll call vote that the Town adopt the Green Initiative Strategic Goals as
identified in the Council packet; specifically, to adopt a five (5) year Strategic Goal for
reductions relative to 2003 base year for Town owned and operated property and facilities
that include 1) 50% reduction in electrical use, 2) 25% reduction in transportation fuel
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use derived from petroleum sources, and 3) 30% reduction in metered water use. The
adopted strategic goals would be subject to review by the Environmental Initiatives
• Committee.
AYES: Mayor O'Malley, Mayor Pro Tem Kerr, Councilmember Jones,
Councilmember Mordo and Councilmember Warshawsky
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
5.5 Consideration of Environmental Initiatives Committee
Councilmember Jones explained that the general proposal was for the Environmental
Initiatives Committee to be established with the charter to: 1) assist the Town in the
development of and refinement of the Environmental Strategic Goals for Town owned
property; 2) help recommend a set of initiatives that would lead to progress and
achievement of those goals; and, 3) review other environmental initiatives to be proposed
to Council and subject to appropriate public hearings that would affect other aspects of
Town policy, including residential development.
Councilmember Jones encouraged a working relationship between the Environmental
Design and Protection Committee and the Environmental Initiatives Committee and
suggested that this be included in the new Committee's charter. He suggested a
membership of nine members.
SCouncil supported the proposal. Mayor O'Malley noted that the membership size could
be modified according to the response.
City Attorney Mattas clarified that the motion to establish the Committee should be made
consistent with the parameters identified by Councilmember Jones and that staff would
amend the Standing Committee Resolution to include the newly established Committee
and return to Council with the revised Resolution on the Consent Calendar for Council
approval.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Jones, seconded by Kerr and passed
by the following roll call vote to direct staff to amend the Standing Committee Resolution
to include a new committee entitled the Environmental Initiatives Committee that is
comprised of a membership of nine (9) or greater and is charged: 1)to assist the Town in
the development-of and refinement of the Environmental Strategic Goals for Town owned
property; 2) help recommend a set of initiatives that would ,lead to progress and
achievement of those goals; and 3) to review other environmental initiatives to be
proposed to Council and subject to appropriate public hearings that would affect other
aspects of Town policy, including residential development. The Committee would be
encouraged to work with the Environmental Design and Protection Committee and other
Standing Committees.
AYES: Mayor O'Malley, Mayor Pro Tem Kerr, Councilmember Jones,
Councilmember Mordo and Councilmember Warshawsky
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NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Staff was directed to advertise for membership to the Environmental Initiatives
Committee.
Council Meeting Recessed at 8:05 p.m.
Council Meeting Reconvened at 8:15 p.m.
6. NEW BUSINESS
6.1 Presentation of Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Year Ended
June 30, 2004
Administrative Services Director Sarah Joiner introduced this item to Council. Joiner
explained that the Council had before them a copy of the Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report for the Town of Los Altos Hills year ended June 30, 2004. The Town
had received an unqualified opinion of the financial statements from their auditor,
Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Company, LLP. Joiner explained that this was the first year the
Town had implemented Statement 34, the new reporting model required by the
Government Accounting Standards Board. Four new features had been added to the
financial report as a result of the new reporting model that included: 1) statements that
provided the reader a broader overview of Town finances in a manner similar to private
sector business reporting with a full accrual reporting method that included all Town
• assets including infrastructure; 2) a new report entitled, Management Discussion and
Analysis where management provided certain financial information highlights and
compared them to prior years and analyzed the variances; 3) expanded budgetary
reporting that showed the original and final budgets for government funds which include
the General Fund, Capital Improvement Fund and Special Revenue Fund; and 4) an
expanded fund financial statement report that included a reconciliation that tied the
traditional fund financial statements to the Town wide statements.
Joiner explained that accountability is the paramount objective of financial reporting for
governments. The old model presented fiscal accountability and demonstrated the
Town's compliance with legal requirements with a focus on short term. Joiner noted that
with the new reporting model, in addition to fiscal accountability, the statements now
reflected operational accountability and demonstrated the extent to which the Town had
met its operating objectives efficiently and effectively, using all resources available.
Joiner noted that the draft statement had been presented to the Finance and Investment
Committee and the final report had been submitted to the two award programs that had
recognized last year's report and she was confident that they would again be award
recipients. Joiner added that A. J. Major of the Town's auditing firm Vavrinek, Trine,
Day & Company had offered to make a presentation to the Council at a study session if
they would like additional information on the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
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OPENED PUBLIC COMMITTEE
• Frank Lloyd, Finance and Investment Committee, addressed Council. He praised
Administrative Services Director Sarah Joiner and Accountant/Office Manager Cindy
Higby for the excellent report. He reviewed the new reporting sections with the Council
and offered that he would like to see the inclusion of more Town statistics i.e. number of
parcels in Town, number of houses, secondary housing units, etc. Lloyd recommended
that the City Council consider the offer from A. J. Major for a study session and
acknowledged that he believed this would be very helpful. He concluded his comments
by reiterating his appraisal that this was a great financial report.
CLOSED PUBLIC COMMENT
Council reviewed the report with Joiner. She discussed the management letter that would
be sent by the auditor and was expected shortly. Joiner noted that the remarks were
expected to be similar to last years and she reviewed the procedures the Finance
Department had taken to mitigate the lack of separation of duties within the department.
The letter would be reviewed with the Finance and Investment Committee Chairperson.
Council thanked her for her presentation and congratulated her on the report.
Council directed staff to schedule a joint study session with the Council, Auditor and
Finance and Investment Committee for 5:00 pm before a future Council meeting.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To receive and file the Comprehensive Annual Financial
• Report for Year Ended June 30, 2004
7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES,AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
Councilmember Mordo reported that he and Councilmember Jones had attended the
League of California Cities conference for newly elected officials. It had been a
rewarding experience. Mordo noted that it had been brought to his attention that in other
jurisdictions, Council Members had the ability to participate in health benefits. He
suggested that he would be interested in having the ability to purchase medical insurance
through the Town's group plan.
City Manager Cassingham offered that the issue had been broached previously and during
a preliminary review of benchmark cities, those cities that did not pay their Council a
monthly stipend, benefits varied from city paid benefits to Council self-funded plans. She
explained that the Town' retirement contract and health benefits contract were with
PERS, which required that for the Council to participate in the health contract they would
also have to participate in the pension contract. This would trigger cost ramifications
even if the Council chose to pay for their own health plan. She suggested that an alternate
option might be to form a separate small plan that would offer competitive rates. She
offered to return to Council with a more comprehensive report.
Council directed staff to investigate the issue and return to Council with their findings.
•
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Mayor Pro Tem Kerr reported that at the last New Town Hall Committee meeting, the
Donor Wall Subcommittee had discussed a proposed fundraising phonathon to be held on
• February 16 and 17. The Town Hall Committee had suggested that Councilmembers
participate in the event. This would necessitate the cancellation of the February 16, 2005
regular City Council meeting.
Staff was directed to return the discussion of the meeting cancellation to Council for their
consideration at the February 3, 2005 City Council Meeting.
Councilmember Warshawsky reported that he had attended the Santa Clara County Cities
Association Joint Policy Collaborative meeting. He explained that this was a joint effort
between cities and business to address similar interests. Warshaswsky had suggested that
the Collaborative consider investigating regional cell phone coverage.
Councilmember Jones reported that at the League Conference, he had observed that
universally city councils hold formal annual goal and strategic planning sessions lead by
outside facilitators. He suggested that he would like to see this implemented in the Town.
Following a brief discussion, Council directed staff to agendize the item for discussion at
a future meeting. It was suggested that the goal and strategic planning session should be
scheduled for May or June and that Town staff be included as participants.
Mayor O'Malley reported that he had presented a report outlining the accomplishments of
the Lower Peninsula Flood Control District and Advisory Board to the Santa Clara Valley
Water District Board of Directors. His report emphasized the Board's support of the
Collaborative process on the Adobe Creek project.
Mayor O'Malley added that he had meet with the City of Los Altos to discuss sewers.
There is some progress and a future meeting is to be scheduled.
Mayor O'Malley also attended the Santa Clara Counties Cities Association meeting.
8. STAFF REPORTS
8.1 City Manager
City Manager Cassingham reported that she had received a check for $80,000 from Kathi
Noe, Director of Government Relations and Franchising, Comcast. Cassingham noted
that this was basically the grant monies for the Town's acquisition of cable cast studio
development and equipment. She explained that she and the City Engineer would
monitor the progress of Comcast bringing service to residents in the public rights-of-
ways. She would provide Council with a status report when more information was
available.
Cassingham updated Council on the status of their request to Friends of Westwind to
consider the postponement of maintenance projects until after June 30, 2005 to allow the
Town to participate in the Door Replacement Project at the Barn. She had received a
tentative verbal response from Board President Dan Alexander that the Friends would
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agree to refrain from major maintenance projects but would proceed with several projects
deemed critical and would pay for the work and expect the Town to pay their cost share
after July 1, 2005.
Mayor Pro Tem Kerr announced that the VTA would be scheduling a brief presentation to
Council at a future meeting. He had requested they specifically address the Moody
Road/El Monte Corridor.
Cassingham reported that Acting City Engineer Dave Ross and the Town's Engineering
Staff would present a completed Draft Master Plan for the Moody Road/El Monte Road
Corridor at their February 3, 2005 City Council meeting. This would assist the Council in
their briefing with the VTA.
City Attorney
8.3 City Clerk
8.3.1 Report on Council Correspondence
9. COUNCIL-INITIATED ITEMS
10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
• Sandy Humphries, Fremont Road, stated that she did not support the recent
implementation of the Road Impact Fee and added that the Environmental Design and
Protection Committee had suggested a similar fee be imposed on trucks used to haul off
dirt for large grading projects. She believed this would have been a better deterrent to
large grading projects.
Frank Lloyd, Brendel Drive, suggested that Council not take a micro-view of garbage
service for the Town. He used the backyard pick-up program and explained that he paid
an additional charge for the service that is assessed by the length of his driveway. It
would be very difficult for him to participate in curbside pick-up.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Warshawsky, seconded by Kerr and
passed unanimously to adjourn to the Closed Session at 9:05 p.m.
12. CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING
LITIGATION: Government Code Section 54956.9(a): Campbell and Ligeti v. Town of
Los Altos Hills
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CLOSED SESSION: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING
LITIGATION: Government Code Section 54956.9(a): Town of Los Altos Hills v.
Los Altos School District
The City Council reconvened to the Regular City Council meeting at 9:35 p.m.
No action was taken.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the Regular City Council meeting was adjourned at 9:36
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
.
Karen Jost
City Clerk
The minutes of the January 20, 2005 Regular City Council Meeting were approved as
presented at the February 3, 2005 meeting.
•
14
City Council Meeting Minutes
January 20,2005