HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 19 2014
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Los Altos Hills Pathway Committee FINAL APPROVED (06/23/14)
Minutes of Regular Meeting of Monday, May 19, 2014
1. ADMINISTRATIVE
Chairman Joe Kleitman called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM
Members present: Weegie Caughlan, Eileen Gibbons, Vic Hesterman, Breene Kerr, Joe Kleitman, Rachelle
Mirkin (arrived 7:06), Tim Warner (arrived 7:06), Sue Welch, Denise Williams
Members/Associates absent: Nick Dunckel and Ann Duwe (both excused), Bob Stutz (Associate)
Council Members present: Courtney Corrigan (PWC Council Liaison)
Members of public present: Bruce Avery (representing developers of 27071 Dezahara Way)
Kjell Karlsson (Traffic Safety Committee)
Bill Balson (Dori Lane)
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND MINUTES
Agenda was unanimously approved as written (moved by W C; seconded by EG; WC, EG, VH, BK, JK, SW,
DW). Bill Balson requested that item 5c be removed from the agenda for reasons described in his handout (see
attachment). Chair explained that PWC did not plan an appeal, but discussion of the topic would be of va lue.
BK moved that item 5c be kept on the agenda. EG seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor (WC, EG,
VH, BK, JK, RM, TW, SW, DW). Minutes from the April 28, 2014 meeting were unanimously approved with
minor amendments (moved by WC; seconded by EG; WC, EG, VH, BK, JK, RM, TW, SW, DW).
3. Properties for Review
The following property was reviewed for pathway recommendations:
A. 27071 Dezahara Way (File 119-14-ZP -SD-GD). Reason for pathway review is construction of an addition.
Bruce Avery was present representing the developer. PWC reviewed this parcel in July 2009 when a new
residence was constructed. At that time the PWC recommended that the developers restore the IIB path
along the Taaffe frontage and trim back the vegetation and construct a new II B path along the Dezahara
frontage. The parcel is on the northeast side of Dezahara (a public road) at the western intersection with
Taaffe and has frontages on both streets. A IIB path exists along the Taaffe frontage and a 10 -ft pathway
easement along the Dezahara frontage was dedicated in March 1999 (Council Resolution CR-9-99). No
path exists here. The PWC “bubble map” indicates this side of Dezahara is the preferred side for a roadside
pathway, should one be constructed and roadside paths exist on adja cent parcels along this side. Vegetation
is encroaching close to the pavement on the Dezahara frontage, but because Dezahara is not a busy road
only 3 to 5 feet would have to be cleared to accommodate a native roadside pathway. EG moved that the
Town ask the developers of 27071 Dezahara Way to restore the pathway along Taaffe to standard IIB
conditions after construction is finished and to construct a native path along the Dezahara frontage and trim
the existing landscaping back five feet into the easement. BK seconded and the vote was unanimously in
favor (WC, EG, VH, BK, JK, RM, TW, SW, DW).
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Pathway development community outreach to improve community understanding of LAH General Plan
Pathway Element. PWC discussed how to inform new and potential homebuyers and developers that the Los
Altos Hills’ General Plan and ordinances require dedication of pathway easements on many properties. The
lengthy discussion included how to identify and inform stakeholders; the role of realtors (e.g., responsibility
to inform clients of possible easement requirements); ways to improve public access to the Master Path Plan;
the pathway system as a public asset that enhances property values; possible methods to convey information
about the pathway system and easement requirements to potential buyers (e.g., via brochure, web site,
video). TW moved that the PWC make a recommendation to City Council to form an interdisciplinary
committee comprised of representatives of various standing committees to better publicize and promote the
unique responsibilities and opportunities of living in Los Altos Hills. RM seconded and the vote was
unanimously in favor (WC, EG, VH, BK, JK, RM, TW, SW, DW). TW proposed RM as spokesperson to
Council. Topic will be put on the agenda for the next meeting.
B. History Walk to Town Picnic. EG asked for volunteers to help docent the joint History Committee PWC
walk from Town Hall to the Town picnic on June 1, 2014. DW volunteered to help.
5. OLD BUSINESS
A. Report on Foothill Expressway Plans. RM sent an email link to PWC members about the May 5, 2014
community meeting to discuss the Expressway Plan 2040. She summarized the main outcomes as follows:
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1) this will be a long-term process; 2) the City of Los Altos is creating a Master Walking Plan and LAH
should try to connect the LAH pathway system to the LA system, especially in the vicinity of Edith and
Main.
B. Pathway Mapping Project update. EG reported that the subcommittee has not met again, but members are
continuing with monitoring and documenting status of paths. BK reported a trail software app called
“Groundhog” (sundancemedia.com) that can be used to track trail routes on maps and annotate them with
photos and other site-specific data. RM suggested discussion of the scope of the elec tronic pathways map
be put on the agenda for the next PWC meeting.
C. Review and possible appeal of May 8, 2014 Planning Commission recommendation for 13140 Avila Court .
Chair reviewed the Planning Commission (PC) decision to request a pathway in-lieu fee from the
developers and to move the off-road pathway recommended by the PWC for this parcel to the adjacent
parcel (27801 Via Feliz). JK has discussed this with City Manager Carl Cahill and Planning Director
Debbie Pedro and has prepared a document (not distributed). PWC discussed the issues at length, including
options going forward and how to clarify to the PC and others the purpose of the Master Path Plan and its
intended use as specified by the LAH General Plan. BK moved that the PWC ask the City Council to look
at the action taken by the Planning Commission and determine if it was made in accordance with the
General Plan. TW seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor (WC, EG, VH, BK, JK, RM, TW, SW,
DW).
6. REPORTS FROM OTHER MEETINGS.
A. City Council. EG reported that at the May 15, 2014 CC meeting the County presented their plan for
Foothill Expressway (Expressway 2040 Plan); Council denied approval for signs and traffic calming
devices on Fremont Road; and the Sheriff reported capture of an individual carrying stolen property who is
suspected of burglarizing several LAH homes.
7. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR. None.
8. GENERAL DISCUSSION AND PATHWAY REPRESENTAION REQUESTS
A. Ex Parte Communications. RM met with Passarelle about walking routes in Los Altos.
B. Draft item for Town newsletter. Draft was distributed; members will bring edits to next meeting.
C. Bob Stutz Path Update. EG asked Richard Chiu to have the Town work crew repair the surface of this new
off-road path, sections of which have been torn up by recent firebreak disking.
D. Openings on Pathway Committee. Terms for one member will be expiring this summer and one in fall.
Members who opt to serve an additional term are invited to reapply.
9. NEXT SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Next Pathway Walk: Saturday, June 21, 2013 at 8:30 AM at Town Hall
Next Regular Meeting: Monday, June 23, 2013 at 7:00 PM at Town Hall
10. TOPICS FOR NEXT AGENDA.
A. Interdisciplinary committee for community outreach about pathway easement requirements in LAH
B. Scope of the electronic pathways map
11. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 PM
Attachments: Balson handout
Minutes approved at regular PWC meeting of June 23, 2104