HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 23 2018LOS ALTOS HILLS PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting on Monday April 23, 2018
Scribe: Alisa Bredo
1.Call to Order (roll call)
a.PWC Chair called the meeting to order at: 7:09pm
Members Associates
Alisa Bredo (AB)
Nick Dunckel (ND)
Ann Duwe (AD)
Melissa Dyrdahl (MD)
Bob Elson (BE)
Val Metcalfe (VM)
Rachelle Mirkin (RM)
Bridget Morgan (BM)
Judy Nagy (JN)
Sonja Wilkerson (SW)
Denise Williams (DW)
Susan Cretekos (SC)
Eileen Gibbons (EG)
Bob Stutz (BS)
(AB, ND, AD, VM, RM, BM, JN, DW)
Council Liaison(s) present: Roger Spreen
Other City Council Members Present:
Town Staff
Carl Cahill, City Manager
Allen Chen, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Jeremy Koch, Assistant Engineer Public Works Dept.
Marni Moseley, Sr. Planner
Other:
Members of the public Present:
Kjell Karlsson
2.Approval of Agenda
a.DW moved to approve the Agenda as presented. ND seconded, and the motion
passed unanimously.
3.Approval of Minutes from Jan 22, 2018 and Feb 26, 2018 PWC Meetings:
a.RM updated PWC regarding PWC minutes. Town Council approved taking high
level aggregate minutes instead of verbatim minutes. Motions should still be
called out verbatim and votes identified.
I.AD noted that we have few records of PWC and no searchable records so
important to keep as much detail in minutes as possible.
LOS ALTOS HILLS PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting on Monday April 23, 2018
Scribe: Alisa Bredo
II.DW noted that detailed minutes of prior Ursula discussions (as an
example) helped to support decisions, and may be needed to highlight
key points for topics that are less clear-cut.
b.ND moved to approve minutes from Jan. 22, 2018, as amended by AD. BM
seconded, and the motion passed.
c.Feb 26 minutes - AD had suggestions for edits for Feb minutes but did not bring
to meeting. PWC Chair decided to table Feb Minutes for review in next PWC
meeting (June).
d.AD suggested a ‘cardinal rule’ to avoid pronouns in minutes.
4.Announcements/Updates and Disclosure of any Ex Parte communications
a.MD sent out pathway naming overview [Attachment A] to identify criteria used
for naming pathways. Subgroup needed to work on this.
I.AD and MD currently involved and will make recommendations at next
PWC meeting. No other PWC members volunteered.
b.AD spoke with Kavita, who is interviewing people in town prior to run for Council
c.Earth Day
AD thanked ND, VM, and SC for manning the PWC table at Earth Day. There was
lots of interest and many pathways maps sold. Suggestion to put maps under
plexiglass sheets to protect them at future events.
d.Chris Vargas has gathered youth group to clean pathways, will send pictures of
the recent event.
e.AD noted that recent LAHHA Newsletter highlighted LAHHA support in building
two pathways bridges in town.
5.Staff and Town Updates
a.Bob Stutz Connector update
I.Original bid ($240k) to connect the Bob Stutz path to Magdalena (which
included tree removal, earth moving, installation of fence, and retaining
walls, IIB path, and inspection) was rejected by the Town Council per staff
recommendation. Current allocated funds cover crew time, and a native
path was installed instead.
II.BM noted that a fence is in progress on far side of path (along back of
first property). Jeremy noted that Town is reimbursing the fence along
the dedicated easement but not the connection to the homeowner’s
existing fence, which homeowner will install. The reimbursement is due
to an opening that was cut in CalTrans fence.
b.Ursula path
I.A pathway sign was installed at the bottom of the path
c.Altamont ‘Plunge’
LOS ALTOS HILLS PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting on Monday April 23, 2018
Scribe: Alisa Bredo
I.This project is on hold due to a right-of-way dispute incurred when the
town attempted to remove eucalyptus trees (one was in disputed
territory). Town had a survey done and upon preliminary results the
trees appear to be in the pathway easement. Town is also changing
processes for notifying residents to avoid such issues in future.
d.Fremont to Arastradero
I.This project is on hold pending Measure B pedestrian and bike funding
lawsuit.
e.Staff Transitions/GIS Project Update
I.Allen, Marni, and Jeremy to meet with Alta May 2, may transition project
to team effort. Marni was heading project but is transitioning out, and
Erin has also given notice. GIS map went live (linked on town website)
with pathways and base map layers available. Some layers are password
protected.
II.BM noted a concern with property owners’ names being available to the
public. Santa Clara County provides this information online, but concern
with this being available from town. BM discussed with LAH Mayor
Radford and believed that this information sharing was not intentional.
PWC verified that names are in GIS database and currently show up on
the map.
a)Roger will follow up with Carl and Jeremy will follow up with
Marni on removing names from GIS map.
f.Summerhill Path
I.Engineering Dept. proposed to do the design portion only in FY 2018-
2019 for $80k. Proposal from PWC was for 150k project, but this would
increase overall cost due to doing it in two parts, so current plan is for
design this year and construction in Fiscal Year 2019-2020.
a)Staff needs final list of missing segments by Friday, April 27, RM
will provide.
g.Fremont and Redwood Grove
I.AD clarified that path is entirely on land owned by the City of Los Altos.
The City of Los Altos is aware of LAH desire to move the project forward
but permission is needed from Los Altos prior to design or construction.
h.Estacada and Fremont
I.RM clarified that Estacada and Fremont projects are in planning for FY
2018-2019.
i.Maintenance
I.JN noted that Town Maintenance Staff had added new gravel on the
corner of La Paloma and Fremont, and asked about the condition of the
LOS ALTOS HILLS PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting on Monday April 23, 2018
Scribe: Alisa Bredo
path on the other (Town Hall) side of La Paloma. Per GIS there is a path
there but if so it was built long ago. Maintenance can repair if it is an
existing path, but unclear currently.
a)Jeremy will follow up on status of path.
II.AB noted that Fran’s Path septic leak has recurred.
j.AD noted that while doing research for MPP update, Sue Welch recorded data
information updates for every property that had a pathway reviewed between
2005 and 2017. Not electronic currently - handwritten.
I. JN will scan documents and send to PWC in pdf format.
II.Roger Spreen will follow up with Carl during planned meeting on May 7
to determine how Town Staff can house this information.
6.GIS Pathways Mapping
a.PWC subcommittee has been working to verify the work of the consulting
company Alta on the GIS map, auditing the contractor’s output.
I.ND noted two concerns:
a)Numerous issues were found; pathway segments were missing or
placed in incorrect locations on the map (in one case placed
directly through an existing house). The contractor used segment
numbers as the key for maps, and the definition of a segment was
where the pathways surface remained the same.
b)PWC would benefit from GIS database if easements included.
PWC considered whether to continue auditing or put on hold.
BM noted the contractor seemed to choose endpoints of path segments
and then draw line between, rather than actually following path.
AB noted that currently some segments are far from accurate (e.g. drawn
through existing house). Unclear whether it is more efficient to start
fresh or try to work from the consultant’s work and make corrections,
since there are so many corrections.
AD noted that there are areas where people walk on shoulder of road,
and PWC needs to distinguish area that were built vs. areas that have
been used as paths without any easements or construction. If paths
were tied to parcels it would be easier to reference.
ND and AB voted to start anew since it will be very difficult to reassign to
parcel numbers, and they felt this would add value.
JN noted that Marni may be able to adjust map to align with lot lines.
RM made decision to hold PWC work for now and to bring back for
discussion in future meeting.
LOS ALTOS HILLS PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting on Monday April 23, 2018
Scribe: Alisa Bredo
It will be critical to link pathways segment with associated parcel
numbers.
May be helpful to share list of problems with consultant as examples, to
see how/if they can adjust the system to work.
In future properties will come in one parcel at a time, so will need to be
able to update one parcel at a time.
Roger will raise the topic with Carl to make sure Marni’s transition includes
a plan for how to fix the map. PWC noted the need to be able to search
pathways by parcel numbers, not just segment numbers. Segments
currently include multiple properties. Plan to present all mistakes to GIS
consultant.
7.Pathway Promotion
a.May 5 Pathways Run is coming up, and volunteers are needed starting at
8:30am.
I.AD volunteered and has a Los Altos volunteer lined up to help as well
b.Fall Activity Guide will include a 2p article on Pathways, and there is also an
article for the Town Newsletter coming up.
I.MD and SW requested suggestions for pathways to highlight
a)PWC suggested Taffe and Bob Stutz connector
c.RM will send PWC a powerpoint presentation Councilmember Spreen shared
with LAH Town Council.
d.LAH Town Council decided not to send Pathways Maps to residents at this time.
8.New Properties for Review:
ND provided chart of properties [Attachment B] and associated characteristics, which
was well received by PWC.
a.26550 Anacapa Drive
I.This property has an existing roadside path. ND moved to restore the
path to current condition and to verify that an easement exists (and if
not, to request one). AD seconded and passed unanimously (AB, ND,
AD, VM, RM, BM, JN, DW).
b.26634 Snell Court (Lands f Dan Campbell & Catherine Zhou, APN 175-33-073)
I.PWC decided not to make a motion, and to stick to recommendation
made in Dec. 4 PWC meeting requesting an in-lieu fee.
c.27411 Altamont Road (APN 182-26-003)
I.There is an existing IIB path on the property.
LOS ALTOS HILLS PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting on Monday April 23, 2018
Scribe: Alisa Bredo
ND moved for 27411 Atamont that the Town verify the easement and
roughen the driveway. AB seconded, and the motion passed
unanimously (AB, ND, AD, VM, RM, BM, JN, DW).
d.27447 Edgerton Road (Subdivision, APN 182-19-044)
I.The parcel has roughly 760 feet of roadside frontage on Edgerton and
extends around the corner of Black Mountain. PWC noted that since the
recently built connecting path to Ursula is not open to horses,
equestrians must currently use Edgerton Rd, which is steep, and a path
on this parcel would provide a safer alternative. There is a slope that
would require retaining walls due to steepness of the slope. ND noted
that BE reviewed the parcel, and suggested either building a path along
the bank or on top of the bank. With rough cost estimation for IIB path
from top of parcel to the driveway of 27525 Edgerton Rd. (which is not
the end of the roadside property), the cost of going on top of bank vs.
nearer to road with retaining wall were not markedly different ($60-70k
along road, $50-60k on bank).
A few options discussed were:
a)Request IIB path along full Edgerton frontage and around the
corner, either along road or on top of the bank.
b)Request a native pathway along the full Edgerton frontage on top
of the bank (with 2 and 3 foot retaining walls as needed).
c)Request a wider easement along whole length of the property,
and build the path later as a CIP project due to the expected cost.
PWC discussed the expected cost of a path in comparison to the in lieu
fee, and estimated that it would be significantly larger than the in lieu
fee, once calculated. Councilmember Spreen noted that the City Council
is currently studying the fee structure for in lieu fees, which might cap
pathways construction costs at a value similar to the in lieu fee
calculation. There was some discussion on this. PWC Chair noted that
PWC has not been chartered with incorporating costing consistency into
recommendations.
A few clarifications and suggestions were made:
PWC Chair confirmed that an easement request does not
take away from MFA for the homeowner or restrict
building.
LOS ALTOS HILLS PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting on Monday April 23, 2018
Scribe: Alisa Bredo
AD noted that PWC could collect in lieu fee to allocate to
the Ursula path to make it accessible for horses and
bicycles.
AB noted that Edgerton is a cul de sac with >8 homes and
an off road path, so per the Pathways Element it should
have a path.
PWC Chair clarified that PWC can (and frequently does)
request both an easement and an in-lieu fee.
BM suggested requesting an easement pushed far enough
in to have a IIB path up on the bank (since cost would be
similar to native path and IIB would be preferable), and
not having the homeowner be responsible for constructing
path
JN noted that PWC could request an in-lieu fee, easement,
and have homeowner sign a letter stating that they will
support any path town decides on in the easement, as has
been done previously.
Preference for IIB path
Town is currently accepting bids from consulting
companies for new in-lieu fee calculation, but it has not
yet been implemented in the municipal code, so the
current code applies to this review.
Black Mountain is not designated a 2-sided road
The path should be as far from the pavement as possible.
ND moved that the homeowner at 27447 Edgerton Rd. pay an in-lieu
fee and donate a 20’ pathway easement for the full ~760 feet of the
roadside frontage along Edgerton Rd. The PWC expects at a future time
to decide whether it should be IIB or native pathway and will request
funding from the Town Council to build the complete pathway. The
path should be as far from the pavement as possible. The near side of
the easement shall begin at the edge of the 60’ road ROW on Edgerton
and shall extend 20’ or to the property line, as appropriate. BM
seconded and the motion passed unanimously (AB, ND, AD, VM, RM,
BM, JN, DW).
e.13673 La Paloma (APN 175-35-025)
JN recused herself for proximity. PWC noted that La Paloma is a two-
sided road. The neighboring property has a IIB path under construction,
so a path would connect with IIB paths on both sides.
LOS ALTOS HILLS PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting on Monday April 23, 2018
Scribe: Alisa Bredo
AD moved that PWC ask homeowner to build IIB path on La Paloma
frontage and to roughen the driveway. DW seconded, and the motion
passed unanimously (AB, ND, AD, VM, RM, BM, DW) with one recusal
(JN).
f.14510 Manuella Road (Lands of Feng Niu, APN 175-05-008)
PWC noted that there is an existing IIB pathway, and Manuella is a 2-
sided road which is a major route to school and has a lot of pedestrian
traffic. AD noted at the far end of the property there is a telephone pole
and fire hydrant, and the path should go behind these (away from road).
Need a IIB path to go away from pavement around telephone pole and
fire hydrant. In addition there are many large curbs on Manuella, so it
may need a curb cutout.
AD moved to ask the homeowner at 14510 Manuella to build a IIB path
on the Manuella frontage, so that the path toward the back side is away
from the road as it approaches the telephone pole and the fire hydrant.
ND seconded and the motion passed unanimously (AB, ND, AD, VM,
RM, BM, JN, DW).
g.26100 Duval Way (APN 175-48-035-00)
This development is for a new house and in-law unit. There are 9
properties on Duval and there is an off-road path connection to
Josefa/Foothill College at the end of the cul-de-sac. Another off road
path connecting to Robleda ties into Duval just prior to the property.
ND moved to request both Duval properties to build a IIB pathway
along their complete extent along Duval Way. AB seconded, and the
motion passed unanimously (AB, ND, AD, VM, RM, BM, JN, DW).
h.10570 Blandor Way (Lands of Urban Pacific Homes LA, LLC, APN 336-35-081)
I.This property is a flag lot.
BM moved to collect an in lieu fee, JN seconded, and the motion passed
unanimously (AB, ND, AD, VM, RM, BM, JN, DW)..
i.25380 Becky Lane (Lands of Fei Li, APN 182-16-027)
I.This parcel is on a cul-de-sac with 4 properties, and connects between
Becky Ln. and Moody Rd. On the Moody frontage there is a path on the
other side of street. DW noted that Moody is a 2-sided road and has a
10’ pathway easement. There was some discussion regarding the
feasibility of building a path on the Moody frontage, and also regarding
the need for safety along Moody Rd.
BM requested that PWC ask for a 10’ easement on the Moody Rd.
frontage and pay an in lieu fee. AD seconded. The motion passed with
6 in favor (AB, AD, VM, RM, BM, DW) and 2 opposed (ND and JN, who
LOS ALTOS HILLS PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting on Monday April 23, 2018
Scribe: Alisa Bredo
felt that the the easement request was unnecessary since the proposed
path would be within the road right of way and could create possible
hassle for the homeowner).
j.26088 Duval Way (Lands of Dutchints Development LLC, APN 175-48-036)
This development is for a rebuild of the current house. There is minimal
street access. A motion addressing this parcel was made during
discussion of 26100 Duval above.
k.26644 Purissima Rd. (Lands of Robert &Lisa Wheatley, APN 182-06-023)
I.PWC noted that there is an existing IIB path currently, and that Purissima
is a two-sided road per the Pathways Element. There is a cut-out on the
corner of Purissima where the path was very narrow, and rocks blocked
the other side. This could potentially be handled by Town Staff. AD
noted that the header board should continue and fill should be placed to
fill the current gap. PWC clarified that the driveway is a shared
driveway,and may have been paved in a way that cut into the corner.
Councilmember Spreen clarified that if there is evidence that in leiu fee
was paid for an existing parcel, the town does not re-request an
additional fee.
AD moved to fix the transition so that the IIB path continues between
the IIB path and the paved driveway. ND seconded and the vote was
unanimously in favor (AB, ND, AD, VM, RM, BM, JN, DW).
l.12869 La Cresta Dr (APN 175-44-026)
Path is on the opposite side of the road.
ND moved that PWC request an in lieu fee. BM seconded, and the
motion passed unanimously (AB, ND, AD, VM, RM, BM, JN, DW).
m.26950 Arastradero Rd (APN 175-42-064)
I.There is an existing asphalt strip outside of the road which may have
been a prior path. The southern side of Arastradero is within LAH
boundary, Northern side is Palo Alto. PWC noted that Arastradero is busy
street with limited visibility and pedestrians wanting to access south side
need to cross Dear Creek, Arastradero. No known easement. MPP map
shows line signifying planned path on town boundary. Narrow asphalt
strip outside curb currently.
BM recommended that the homeowner construct a IIB path along the
North side of the property inside the road right of way as far away from
the road as possible, and to request an easement from the homeowner
as needed once surveyed. VM seconded and the motion passed
unanimously (AB, ND, AD, VM, RM, BM, JN, DW).
n.11871 Hilltop Drive (APN 336-19-037)
LOS ALTOS HILLS PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting on Monday April 23, 2018
Scribe: Alisa Bredo
I.This parcel has a path on two sides. There is a paved parking area in
place along one side instead of a pathway. A segment between the
driveway to fire hydrant and mailboxes is currently not part of the path,
and users would need to step around this area. There is a native off-road
path in place connecting to lower Hilltop Rd that is on the neighbor’s
property. There is also an existing IIB path along the Hilltop frontage at
the bottom of the property, but it is almost obliterated by weeds. BM
noted that responsibility for maintenance of this existing path belongs to
the Town rather than the property owner, and the parcel contributed to
PW system by building path initially. PWC Chair noted that it has
degraded recently due to weather. PWC did not feel that the lower path
would be degraded by construction because access would be from the
upper Hilltop cul-de-sac. PWC had some discussion of asphalt covering of
the pathway and the fire hydrant/mailbox blockage. AD suggested
leaving an open gravel area between road and native path on Hilltop side.
AB noted that it will be difficult to enforce no parking on path if path is a
paved parking area, and suggested some sort of barrier if a IIB path is not
requested to block cars from parking on path.
AD Moved that for 11871 Hilltop Dr, the PWC remind the Town that the
IIB path on lower Hilltop requires maintenance, and remind
homeowner to restore the native path to good condition after
construction, and to ask that the homeowner keep the gravel area
between the end of the paved part of the pathway and the beginning of
the native pathway clear. ND seconded. The motion passed with 7 in
favor (ND, AD, VM, RM, BM, JN, DW) and 1 opposed (AB, who felt that
the upper path should be IIB standard or at the least have markings to
prevent parking on the path).
9.Continuing Business / Recap and Next Meeting
a.Councilmember Spreen updated the PWC that LASD agreed to the requested
easement for a path in front of Gardner Bullis School.
10.Presentations from the floor
11.Open Discussion (Request Topics for Next Agenda)
12.Next pathway walk: PW walk June 2
Next pathway meeting: Mon June 4 (changed from May 28, Memorial Day)
13.Request topics for the next agenda
14.Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 10:12pm