Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/31/2019 1 City Council Special Meeting Minutes January 31, 2019 Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Special Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 31, 2019 Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California Mayor Spreen called the meeting order at 5:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER (5:00 P.M.) A. Roll Call Present Mayor Spreen, Vice Mayor Wu, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Tankha, Councilmember Tyson Absent: None Staff: City Manager Carl Cahill, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Contract Attorney Shawn Ridley, Public Works Director/City Engineer Nichol Bowersox, Administrative Services Director Kelly Mayes The Council adjourned to Closed Session. 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Closed Session – Conference with Legal Counsel (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)) Initiation of Litigation: One Case 2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9) Donnelly v. State of California, et al.; Case No. 16CV303137 The Council adjourned Closed Session at 5:45 p.m. Mayor Spreen called the Open Session to order at 6:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER (6:00 P.M.) A. Roll Call Present: Mayor Spreen, Vice Mayor Wu, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Tankha, Councilmember Tyson Absent: None Staff: City Manager Carl Cahill, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Planning Director Suzanne Avila, Public Works Director/City Engineer Nichol 2 City Council Special Meeting Minutes January 31, 2019 Bowersox, Administrative Services Director Kelly Mayes, Finance Manager Tran Nguyen, Assistant Planner Jeremy Loh, City Clerk Deborah Padovan B. Pledge of Allegiance 1. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION City Attorney Steve Mattas said there were no reportable actions resulting from the closed session. 2. AGENDA REVIEW There were no changes to the agenda. 3. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS A. Recognition of Science Fair Winners Russell Anthony Yang and Keshiv Shaan Tandon Mayor Spreen asked each student to describe their projects. Science Fair Winner Russell Yang stated that along with his partner, they developed a machined-based web app that takes in information about a lung cancer patient and predicts whether they will survive a surgery. They were able to achieve a classification accuracy of 97%. Science Fair Winner Keshiv Shaan Tandon stated that he was experimenting with a thermo-electric strip to see if it would allow cars to produce electricity. Mayor Spreen then presented the Science Fair Winner awards to the two students. B. Presentation by Girish Balachandran, CEO of Silicon Valley Clean Energy on the Annual Silicon Valley Clean Energy Update Girish Balachandran, CEO of Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE), provided a presentation to Council on achievements of the SVCE over the past year. Council asked questions of Mr. Balachandran and received his responses. No action was taken. C. Report by the Los Altos/Los Altos Hills Library Commission Requesting Support for a State-of-the-Art Library for the Los Altos/Los Altos Hills Communities; Consider and Potential Action on a Motion to Support the Los Altos Library Redevelopment Project (Councilmember Corrigan) Councilmember Corrigan introduced Barbara Adey who currently serves on the Library Redevelopment Task Force of the North County Library Authority. 3 City Council Special Meeting Minutes January 31, 2019 Barbara Adey, Vice Chair of the Library Redevelopment Task Force provided an update on their recent work. She requested that Los Altos Hills support a new library with a parcel tax. Councilmember Corrigan introduced Cindy Hill, outgoing chair of the NCLA and the Los Altos Branch Librarian Marlene Iwamoto. Chair Hill and Librarian Iwamoto responded to questions from the Council about the Los Altos Community Center upgrade and how the library would be affected. They also invited the Council to tour the library. David Struthers, Los Altos Hills, stated that as a former library commissioner, the needs assessment in 2008 said the library needed 40,000 square feet. Eleven years later, we are still working on it. He expressed that it is very important that the NCLA take the lead on this. Steve Katz, Los Altos, said he was on the library task force and requested the Council's support. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to state that Los Altos Hills formally supports the North County Library's Redevelopment Project. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tankha. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Spreen, Vice Mayor Wu, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Tankha, Councilmember Tyson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 4. 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. Peter Evans, Los Altos Hills, referred to an item in the Town Crier last September regarding undergrounding utilities. He said that the estimated cost to underground utilities in the entire Town is twenty million. 4 City Council Special Meeting Minutes January 31, 2019 Les Earnest, Los Altos Hills, said he has seen corruption around the area of historic preservation and expressed his opinion about the role of Council liaisons. Mayor Spreen responded to comments to Mr. Earnest and stated that an item would appear on the February City Council agenda to define the roles of Council liaisons. Steve Schmidt, Los Altos Hills, spoke about climate change and requested the Town maintain our sustainability goals. Karen Lemes, Los Altos Hills, addressed the Council about an issue with a fence on her property. Carol Gottlieb, Los Altos Hills, said that the Los Altos Hills History Committee wanted to invite the Council and all residents for a Hills resident's day at Los Altos History Museum to view the Juana Briones exhibit on Sunday, February 17, 2019. Sue Welch, Los Altos Hills, asked to remove Agenda Item #5.J from the consent calendar for discussion. Eileen Gibbons, Los Altos Hills, pleaded with the new City Council to focus priorities on the pathways master plan update that has not been approved yet. Kjell Karlsson, Los Altos Hills, asked the Council to put together an ad hoc committee to determine the role of a Council liaison. 5. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to approve the CONSENT CALENDAR with the exception of items H. and J. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tankha. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Spreen, Vice Mayor Wu, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Tankha, Councilmember Tyson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None A. Approval of City Council Special Meeting Minutes - November 15, 2018 B. Approval of City Council Special Meeting Minutes - December 13, 2018 5 City Council Special Meeting Minutes January 31, 2019 C. Review of Disbursements: December 1-31, 2018 $2,525,534.00 D. Resolution 01-19 Approving the Fund Balance and Reserve Policy (Staff: K. Mayes) E. Resolution 02-19 Accepting the Town's Annual Financial Reports for the Year Ending June 30, 2018 (Staff: K. Mayes) F. Resolution 03-19 Authorizing $60,000 for Contract Services within the Town's Finance Department (Staff: K. Mayes) G. Resolution 04-19 Authorizing Bank Account Signatories (Staff: K. Mayes) I. Resolution 05-19 Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement to Repair the El Monte Road/Foothill College Entrance Cabinet (Staff: N. Bowersox) The Council now considered Consent Calendar Items 5.H and 5.J. H. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement to Purchase a New Field Mower for the Public Works Department (Staff: N. Bowersox) City Manager Carl Cahill presented the staff report. Council discussion ensued. Joe Siudzinski, Los Altos Hills, spoke in support of purchasing the electric mower. Steve Schmidt, Los Altos Hills, said he didn't believe the staff analyzed the GHG input. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to proceed in purchasing an electric mower for the maintenance of the Purissima ball fields; with the added condition authorizing an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $30,000. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tankha. Motion Carried 4-0-1: AYES: Vice Mayor Wu, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Tankha, Councilmember Tyson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Mayor Spreen 6 City Council Special Meeting Minutes January 31, 2019 J. Resolution Accepting the Grant of an Open Space Easement on the Lands of Delia; 26880 Ortega Drive (Staff: S. Avila) Planning Director Suzanne Avila presented the staff report. Council discussion ensued. Sue Welch, Los Altos Hills, said it is unfortunate this project came to the Open Space Committee after the fast track hearing. City Attorney Mattas stated that there is nothing in the agreement the specifically allows the fence to remain. The agreement prohibits the construction of new structures. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to adopt Resolution 06-19 accepting the grant of an open space easement on the Lands of Delia; 26880 Ortega Drive. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tankha. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Spreen Vice Mayor Wu, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Tankha, Councilmember Tyson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS Ex Parte Disclosure: Mayor Spreen said he spoke with Jim Abraham on item 6.B and for item 6.A he did hear the topic discussed at History Committee meetings; Councilmember Corrigan stated she viewed item 6.A from outside the fence and on 6.B she met with Jim Abraham and another neighbor named Scott; Councilmember Tankha stated that for item 6.B she met with Jim Abraham and also the owner/applicant; there were no other disclosures. A. Waive Reading and Introduce an Ordinance Designating the Greenhouse, Cottage and Grounds at 14700 Manuella Road as a Historical Landmark; Lands of Hauser; File #SP19-0001 (Staff: S. Avila) (Motion to Waive Reading and Introduce the Ordinance) Planning Director Avila presented the staff report. 7 City Council Special Meeting Minutes January 31, 2019 Mayor Spreen opened the Public Hearing. Les Earnest, Los Altos Hills, said he has pointed out that the historical list that has been compiled is inconsistent with the town ordinances. If you put this on the list, it has no meaning whatsoever. Council discussion ensued. Mr. Hauser, property owner, explained his reasons why he wanted to have the property designated as historic. Mayor Spreen closed the Public Hearing. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to make the findings in Attachment 1, waive reading and introduce an ordinance designating the greenhouse, cottage and grounds at 14700 Manuella Road as a historical landmark. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tankha. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Spreen, Vice Mayor Wu, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Tankha, Councilmember Tyson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None B. Appeal of a Planning Commission Decision Approving a Conditional Development Permit and Site Development Permit for additions to an existing residence and construction of a pool; Lands of Cheng and Reising; 12825 Viscaino Road; File #92-18-ZP-SD-GD (Staff: S. Avila) Assistant Planner Jeremy Loh presented the staff report. Council asked questions of staff and received responses. Scott Reising, Applicant, Los Altos Hills, presented his case before the Council. Council asked questions of the appellant and received his responses. Mayor Spreen opened the Public Hearing. 8 City Council Special Meeting Minutes January 31, 2019 Brigitta Indaco, Los Altos Hills, said she is a member of the Los Altos Hills Environmental Design and Protection Committee and the committee supports the decision of the Planning Commission. Carol Gottlieb, Los Altos Hills, expressed that she was not in support of the appeal. Jim Abraham, Los Altos Hills, expressed concerns about the driveway. Council discussion ensued. Mr. Hauser provided further information after the close of public comment. Mayor Spreen closed the Public Hearing. City Attorney Mattas clarified the driveway easement right on the property. Council discussion ensued. The Council asked questions of the applicant and received his responses. Councilmember Corrigan stated that she does expect the applicant to work with the neighbors on a shared agreement as the Planning Commission stipulated and that should include how they accommodate each other with that 12 foot all the way to Viscaino for everyone's safety. Councilmember Tankha asked for clarification on where the appellant’s property started in terms of the neighbors. Staff provided information where the easement would be located and said anyone with shared rights to the easement will be included in any agreement. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to deny the appeal as it pertains to the pool; modify the driveway condition to allow the homeowner to work with staff and find a 12-foot accommodation and to work with the neighbors, including the fourth property owner of the driveway. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tyson. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Spreen, Vice Mayor Wu, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Tankha, Councilmember Tyson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 9 City Council Special Meeting Minutes January 31, 2019 The meeting went into Recess at 9:14 p.m. The meeting Reconvened to Open Session at 9:20 p.m. 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion and Action on Appointment Recommendations to the Los Altos Hills County Fire District (Mayor Spreen) Mayor Spreen provided background on this item. Vice Mayor Wu offered to step down from the Los Altos Hills County Fire District. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Wu moved to state the Los Altos Hills City Council supports Councilmember Tyson for reappointment to the Los Altos Hills County Fire District. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Corrigan. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Spreen, Vice Mayor Wu, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Tankha, Councilmember Tyson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None B. Council Appointments to Committees and Outside Agencies and Discussion of Committee Functions (Mayor Spreen) Mayor Spreen presented a proposed list of council liaison assignments. Council discussion ensued and agreed on the following appointments: Town Standing Committees 2019 Council Liaison Public Art Tyson Community Relations Corrigan Education Tankha Emergency Communications Tankha 10 City Council Special Meeting Minutes January 31, 2019 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to accept the annual appointments to outside agencies and committee liaisons. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tyson. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Spreen, Vice Mayor Wu, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Tankha, Councilmember Tyson NOES: None Environmental Design & Protection Wu Environmental Initiatives Wu Finance/Investment Spreen/Wu History Spreen LA/LAH Jt. Comm. Vol. Service Awards Tankha LA/LAH Senior Commission Wu Open Space Tyson Parks & Recreation Spreen Pathways Spreen LAH Emergency Council Spreen/Wu Outside Agencies 2019 Council Liaison Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Tankha North County Library Authority Corrigan Joint Powers Authority Board (Library) Corrigan Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Board (Group 2) Tankha SCVWD Water Commission Corrigan Santa Clara County Cities Assn. Board Wu Los Altos Hills County Fire District Spreen/Tyson CHAC JPA Tyson Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority Corrigan / Tyson 11 City Council Special Meeting Minutes January 31, 2019 ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Mayor Spreen also mentioned that he has been working on a formal document for Council liaison responsibilities and duties that he will present to the Council in February. C. Waive Reading and Introduce an Ordinance (First Reading) Amending Los Altos Hills Municipal Code Section 2-4.01 Limit on the Amount of Purchases that may be Approved by the City Manager (Staff: K. Mayes) (Motion to Waive Reading and Introduce the Ordinance) Administrative Services Director Kelly Mayes presented the staff report. Council discussion ensued. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to waive reading and introduce the ordinance amending the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code Section 2-4.03 "Open Market Orders." The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Wu. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Spreen, Vice Mayor Wu, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Tankha, Councilmember Tyson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 8. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES A. Report on the Garbage Contract Subcommittee (Mayor Spreen) Mayor Spreen presented an update on the status of the garbage contract request for proposals. Council discussion ensued. No action was taken. 12 City Council Special Meeting Minutes January 31, 2019 B. Report on the Emerging Technology Ad Hoc Committee (Vice Mayor Wu) Vice Mayor Wu presented a report on the Emerging Technology ad hoc committee. She confirmed the committee has adjourned its work. 9. STAFF REPORTS A. City Manager City Manager Cahill reported that Administrative Services Director Kelly Mayes is leaving due to her husband being in the Coast Guard. Tran Nguyen will be designated as the Interim Administrative Services Director. B. City Attorney - No report. C. City Clerk - No report. D. Planning Director – Update on CASA Planning Director Avila provided an update on the Committee to House the Bay Area (CASA). E. Administrative Services Director Administrative Services Director Mayes thanked the staff, committees and council. F. Public Works Director Public Works Director Nichol Bowersox welcomed a new senior engineer to Town staff. 10. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS - There were no Council initiated items. The meeting adjourned at 10:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Deborah Padovan Deborah Padovan City Clerk The minutes of the January 31, 2019 special City Council meeting were approved as presented at the March 21, 2019 regular City Council meeting.