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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/11/2017 1 City Council Special Meeting Minutes October 11, 2017 Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Special Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 11, 2017 Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California CALL TO ORDER (6:00 P.M.) Mayor Waldeck called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. A. Roll Call Present: Mayor Waldeck, Vice Mayor Radford, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Wu Absent: None Staff: City Manager Carl Cahill, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Planning Director Suzanne Avila, City Engineer/Public Works Director Allen Chen, City Clerk Deborah Padovan B. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Waldeck asked for a moment of silence for the victims of the North Bay fires. 1. AGENDA REVIEW There were no changes to the agenda. 2. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS A. Recognition of Service Award to Los Altos Hills Employee John Chau Mayor Waldeck presented a twenty-year service award certificate to Los Altos Hills employee John Chau. City Manager Carl Cahill thanked Mr. Chau for his loyal service to the Town. John Chau, Assistant Engineer, thanked the Council, his fellow employees and supervisor Allen Chen. B. Annual Report by the Los Altos Hills Youth Commission 2 City Council Special Meeting Minutes October 11, 2017 Members of the Youth Commission, namely, Katelyn Moussavian, Aliesa Bahri, Serena Theobald, Cody Theobald, Spencer Wood, Meena Karamcheti, Nikki Karnick, Sanjana Mishra, Mihir Mishra, and Keela Zambre provided an update on the activities of the Youth Commission over the course of the past year. The Council thanked the Youth Commission for all their hard work and active participation. The Council received the report and no action was taken. C. Annual Report by the Los Altos Hills Parks and Recreation Committee Ingrid Sperow, Chair of the Los Altos Hills Parks and Recreation Committee, presented the annual report of the activities of the committee. Council asked questions of Ms. Sperow and received her responses. No action was taken. D. Appointment/Reinstatement to the Los Altos Hills Community Relations Committee City Clerk Padovan presented the application of Mr. Lew Jamison. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to reinstate Lew Jamison to the Community Relations Committee to complete his four-year term. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Wu. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Waldeck, Vice Mayor Radford, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Wu NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None E. Presentation by the Ad Hoc Committee on Emerging Technology Requesting Approval to Proceed with Townwide Internet Connectivity Josh Salcman presented an update of the activities of the ad hoc committee in the last few months. In addition, he requested approval to proceed as outlined and an authorization to communicate with other municipalities and vendors on behalf of the Town in order to collect information. He expressed that the vendors are more likely to respond if the communication is signed by the Mayor. Council discussion ensued. 3 City Council Special Meeting Minutes October 11, 2017 DIRECTION: The council instructed the ad hoc committee to move forward as outlined by Mr. Salcman and work with the staff. Any correspondence with the Mayor's signature will first need to be approved by the City Council. 3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Persons wishing to address the Council on any subject not on the agenda may do so now. Please complete a Speaker Card located on the back table of the Council Chambers and submit it to the City Clerk. Comments are limited to two (2) minutes per speaker. California law prohibits the Council from acting on items that do not appear on the agenda. Under a Resolution previously adopted by the Council, such items can be referred to staff for appropriate action, which may include placement on the next available agenda. Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills, said that Vines and Wines is sold out for the October 15th event. There are 24 vintners, and 300 tickets sold. Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, requested the Council reconsider the appeal of the Ursula Lane matter from last month. City Attorney Mattas outlined a process to consider modifying the decision made at the last meeting regarding the pathway on Ursula stating it would be done by making a motion to rescind. The Council would have to provide direction to staff to put consideration of a motion to rescind the action on the Ursula Lane path on the next City Council agenda. Given that the action referenced, from the September 21, 2017 City Council meeting, was a final action of the City Council previously, the direction should come from the majority of the Council. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Radford moved to consider a motion to rescind, at the next City Council meeting, the City Council’s decision to deny the appeal of a planning commission decision affirming the requirement to construct a native path along the westerly property line in conjunction with the development at a new residence; Lands of Emad-Vaez; 27333 Ursula Lane from the September 21, 2017 regular City Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Corrigan. Motion Failed 2 to 3: AYES: Vice Mayor Radford, Councilmember Corrigan NOES: Mayor Waldeck, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Wu ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Roy Woolsey, Los Altos Hills, discussed undergrounding utilities in neighborhoods where new development is taking place. 4 City Council Special Meeting Minutes October 11, 2017 The Council directed staff to clarify the condition at the next City Council meeting. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Spreen moved to approve the CONSENT CALENDAR with the exception of item 4.D. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Corrigan. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Waldeck, Vice Mayor Radford, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Wu NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None A. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes: City Council Meeting – August 18, 2016 B. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: City Council Meeting– August 21, 2017 C. Resolution 64-17 Awarding a Contract for Site Preparation and Installation of Outdoor Fitness Equipment at Purissima Park (Staff: S. Robustelli) E. Resolution 65-17 Approving a Grant of an Open Space Easement; Lands of Progressive Capital Development, LLC; 25700 Bassett Lane; File #370-14-TM- IS-ND (Staff: S. Avila) The Council now considered Consent Calendar Item 4.D. D. Resolution Extending Contract with CSG Consultants, Inc. for Building and Engineering Services (Staff: S. Avila and A. Chen) Councilmember Corrigan asked about the cost increases in the CSG Consultants agreement. Planning Director Avila responded and explained why some of the rates were changing while others were not. She further expressed that she did complete cost comparisons with other firms. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Spreen moved to adopt Resolution 66-17 authorizing an extension of the agreement with CSG Consultants, Inc. for provision of consultant building, planning and engineering services. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Corrigan. 5 City Council Special Meeting Minutes October 11, 2017 Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Waldeck, Vice Mayor Radford, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Wu NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Election of 2018 Vice Mayor Mayor Waldeck requested that information be handed out from 2003 showing how the mayor and vice mayor were elected in the past. He asked who would like to start the discussion? Councilmember Spreen said that the discussion of vice mayor occurred last year before the election in the event three of the seated members were no longer on the Council. In discussing the line of succession, one of the conditions discussed is that he would be the next in line as he has never been the mayor before as he has served the most years without serving as mayor. It was discussed and agreed last year and he has not seen anything that alleviates that process. Vice Mayor Radford stated that he was so upset with the last failed motion, that he is not interested in having anyone as vice mayor except Courtenay Corrigan. No previous actions by the Council set current actions by the Council. No policy is binding on future councils. He said it is very clear if one looks at the past, that the individual who has served on the Council the longest without being the vice mayor, should be next in line to do that. Under that scenario, that would indicate that Roger Spreen would be the next vice mayor. Councilmember Spreen said that he thought the Town deserves a bit more consistency in how the vice mayor is selected. He mentioned that Councilmember Corrigan previously stated that it is important to give everyone a shot to serve as vice mayor. Vice Mayor Radford said that he needs a vice mayor with whom he has confidence and believes in their decision making. He said that he is aware that it requires a vote of the Council. 6 City Council Special Meeting Minutes October 11, 2017 Councilmember Spreen responded that he believes the focus should be on the Mayorship over the course of the past few years and the policy that has been followed throughout the years. The Council now entertained comments from the public. John Harpootlian, Los Altos Hills, spoke in support of a policy that allows all councilmembers to serve as mayor/vice-mayor. Mayor Waldeck stated he had a conversation with both Roger Spreen and Michelle Wu and asked them for their qualifications. At the time when Councilmember Spreen was appointed to the Council, in that term he could not be considered for vice mayor, but once elected he could be. He said that the current council were actually chosen by a group of people to represent them. Having said that, if we were to revert to the fundamental policy that was in place in 2003 , it seems to be the fairest rotation we can get. And we need to be mentoring a group of leaders to have in place to have us all line up behind them and support them. Councilmember Wu said that she viewed the Council meeting last year and understood that diversity, new blood, healthy democracy and leadership are all important to give everyone a shot to serve as mayor. She said she understood that the policy is not set in stone and it can change year by year. Although not set in stone, we should be promoting what is in the best interest of the Town. She introduced herself since as she is the newest member on the Council. She said that she has lived in the Town for 20 years and has been through the education system with her daughters. She is available right now as both of her daughters are away at college and has put her professional career aside in order to serve the Town. She said she has the time, energy and the passion to serve the Town. Further, she stated she was 100% ready to serve the mayor and assist him to be successful. Councilmember Corrigan said there is a difference between policy and procedure and the Town has never had a policy. She was happy to have a discussion about policy, but the mayor and vice mayor appointment has happened multiple ways and at multiple times over the course of many years. Further, she stated it was a tremendous honor to serve as mayor, but she does not need to do it again based on her circumstances. As of tonight, there is no current policy, but if within the next year, that becomes a situation that one chooses not to serve as vice mayor or if the majority decides otherwise, she reserves the right to change her position on the topic next year. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to nominate Roger Spreen as Vice Mayor for 2018. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Spreen. Motion Carried 5 to 0: 7 City Council Special Meeting Minutes October 11, 2017 AYES: Mayor Waldeck, Vice Mayor Radford, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Wu NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 6. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES A. Request by the Public Art Committee to Submit a Grant Request to the Los Altos Community Foundation to Purchase Public Art Vice Mayor Radford stated that he serves on the Los Altos Community Foundation and recused himself and stepped down from the dais. Gail Solomon, Public Art Committee, presented the request of committee to seek a grant from the Los Altos Community Foundation for funds to purchase a labyrinth art sculpture. Council asked questions of Ms. Solomon and received her responses. Council provided comments. No action was taken. At the end of the discussion, Vice Mayor Radford returned to the dais. B. Town of Los Altos Hills Assessment of Town Operations Key Recommendations and City Council Subcommittee Report on Proposed Implementation Measures (Staff: C. Cahill) - added with Revision No. 1 City Manager Cahill presented the recommendations of the subcommittee on the Town's organizational assessment report. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Radford moved to approve the City Council Subcommittee Report on Proposed Implementation Measures for the 25 recommendations in the consultant's report. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Corrigan. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Waldeck, Vice Mayor Radford, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Wu NOES: None 8 City Council Special Meeting Minutes October 11, 2017 ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 7. STAFF REPORTS A. City Manager - No report. B. City Attorney - No report. C. City Clerk - No report. D. Planning Director - No report. E. Administrative Services Director - No report. F. Public Works Director Public Works Director Allen Chen provided an update on the traffic and speed counts on Purissima, Elena and Fremont Roads. Council discussion ensued. Gail Solomon, Los Altos Hills, asked about Waze. The Council asked Director Chen to think about temporary solutions that can be managed. It was suggested that staff work with surrounding jurisdictions and the County to find a solution. Mayor Waldeck asked that this topic be agendized for the next City Council meeting. 8. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS A. Consideration and Action on Letter to Bay Area Air Quality Management District in Support of Proposed BAAQMD Regulation 11, Rule 18 (Mayor Waldeck) - added with Revision No. 2. Mayor Waldeck presented the item. Paula Wallis, Cupertino, requested the Council support the Bay Area for Clean Environment letter. She had three items for which she was seeking support: 1. support the swift adoption and implementation of this regulation; 2. significantly increase the number of air monitors surrounding Lehigh; 3. request that Lehigh be at the top of the list of the industries that come into compliance with this rule very quickly. 9 City Council Special Meeting Minutes October 11, 2017 Barry Chang, Councilmember in the City of Cupertino, said that as this item was coming to the Cupertino City Council agenda, he had no comment. Council discussion ensued. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Waldeck moved to approve a letter to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, to be signed by the Mayor, encouraging the District adopt Rule 11, Regulation 18, requesting supplemental requirements as follows: 1. support the swift adoption and implementation of this regulation; 2. significantly increase the number of air monitors surrounding Lehigh; 3. Request that Lehigh be at the top of the list of the industries that come into compliance with this rule very quickly. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Radford. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Waldeck, Vice Mayor Radford, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Wu NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Councilmember Corrigan stated she was in receipt of a letter from Supervisor Simitian regarding Stanford University submitting an application for 2.275 million square feet of academic development and 3,150 new housing units. The draft environmental impact report has been released and the comment period runs for 60 days. City Attorney Mattas stated a generalized letter could be sent and then staff could follow up with a more detailed letter before the end of the comment period. Planning Director Suzanne Avila stated that there two public meetings coming up and the Town has webpage on this project that links to Stanford and the County. One on October 12th and a second one on November 30 and both are within the comment period. The Santa Clara County Planning staff will be presenting to the Council at the November City Council meeting. There would be time after that meeting to submit a formal comment letter to the County. Staff shall post on Nextdoor information regarding the next public meeting on this project. Mayor Waldeck asked about the charters for the standing committee resolutions that needed updating. Staff replied that the time would be on the November City Council agenda. Further, Mayor Waldeck stated that his term on the Fire District is up in December and requested other Councilmembers consider taking his 10 City Council Special Meeting Minutes October 11, 2017 place. Councilmember Wu volunteered. This topic will be agendized for the November City Council agenda. 9. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Deborah Padovan Deborah Padovan City Clerk The minutes of the October 11, 2017 special City Council meeting were approved as presented at the November 16, 2017 regular City Council meeting.