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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/21/2001 Minutes of a Regular Meeting June 21, 2001 Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, June 21, 2001, 6:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Mayor Finn called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Mayor Finn and Councilmembers Casey, Cheng, Fenwick and O'Malley Absent: None Staff: City Manager Maureen Cassingham, City Attorney Sandy Sloan, Planning Director Carl Cahill, Public Works Manager • Jim Rasp, Administrative Services Director Carol Ferrell and City Clerk Pat Dowd Press: Liz Cloutman, Los Altos Town Crier MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Finn,;seconded by Cheng and passed unanimously to add the following item to the agenda under new business as an urgency item: Nomination application for project funding through the State Department of Parks and Recreation's Urban Recreation and Cultural Centers Grant Program IA. REORGANIZATION OF COUNCIL MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Finn, seconded by Fenwick and passed unanimously to appoint Toni Casey as Mayor for a one year term. Mayor Casey nominated Bob Fenwick Mayor Pro Tem. Finn seconded this motion. A discussion then followed during which O'Malley nominated Cheng as Mayor Pro Tem. Cheng seconded this. In response to an inquiry from the Mayor however the City Attorney advised Council that they could not have two motions on the floor. Council could however discuss the issue. O'Malley stated that traditionally June 21, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting 1 i the Councilmember longest in office had been appointed Mayor Pro Tem and he believed that tradition should be followed. Casey stated that she had been on the Council since 1988 and there was no protocol nor precedent for appointing the , Mayor Pro Tem. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Finn and passed by the following roll call vote to appoint Bob Fenwick Mayor Pro Tem for a one year term. AYES: Mayor Casey and Councilmembers Cheng, Fenwick and Finn NOES: Councilmember O'Malley Casey presented Finn with a framed picture of the Town's Seal in appreciation for his many contributions as Mayor. She thanked him on behalf of the Council for leading them through an exciting year filled with many accomplishments. Casey _ also commented that he would be a hard act to follow particularly noting his fairness, generosity and effectiveness in conducting well run meetings. Finn thanked the Council and noted that he had enjoyed working with them and was pleased with their many accomplishments. Casey proceeded to comment that since she had first joined the Council in 1988 the Town had come a long way and it had been quite a journey. She particularly referred to the fact that the Councilmembers, Planning Commissioners and staff all were working so well together. Casey then listed her goals and objectives for 2001-02 in priority order. First, break ground for- a new Town Hall funded by resident donations. Toward this end she asked that the Finance/Investment Committee be asked to bring forward a fundraising plan and a clearer idea of the costs involved in this project. Second, complete the building and planning fee study and revise fees in accordance with State law. Third, implement a Resident Customer Satisfaction Survey. Fourth, complete an analysis of all Town codes, policies and ordinances for consistency, relevance and conformance with the General Plan. To assist in the accomplishment of this goal, Casey with Council concurrence established a sub-committee of Evan Wythe, Chairman, Bill Kerns and Councilmember O'Malley. Fifth, have broadband internet access available to all residents. Casey asked that this goal be sent to the Utility and Information Systems Committee as a first priority for review and recommendation. Sixth, adopt and implement a town pathway policy which includes a specific five-year program for the new construction of along side the road paths and a plan which improves the maintenance and materials of current town pathways. Casey asked that this goal be sent to the Pathways Committee for review and comment. Seventh, complete the review of setbacks and height limits and revise town ordinances accordingly. Eighth, continue to explore alternatives to underground all utilities in Los Altos Hills. Ninth, adopt a plan for the highest and best use of town property for all town residents. (Los Altos Hills owns 27 parcels totaling 168.04 • acres of unused and/or underutilized property.) Casey asked that the maps, legal June 21, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting 2 descriptions, etc. on these properties be sent to the Finance/Investment Committee and Parks and Recreation Committee for review and recommendation. Tenth, approve a five-year capital spending budget to assure the infrastructure of the Town is sound. 2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS 2.1 Law Enforcement Services Recap—Captain Miles and Capt. Bacon Captain Miles introduced Captain Dennis Bacon who was assuming the position of Captain of the West Valley Patrol Division. Captain Miles also introduced Lt. Ernie Smedlund of the Westside Station. Captain Miles distributed copies of the 2000 Statistical Data and Public Safety Report from the Santa Clara County Sheriff s Office. He noted that Santa Clara County had the lowest crime rate of all the large counties in the State and had held this record for fourteen years. Los Altos Hills also had one of the lowest crime rates in the Santa Clara County cities. Referring to the statistics, Captain Miles noted that the domestic abuse figures were up but this was due to an increase in the reporting of these crimes not in the number of crimes themselves. Captain Miles commented that the Plan of Service was similar to last year's with an ongoing goal to improve response times. Captain Miles also stated that the cost of the contract would be increasing 6% this coming • year. Captain Miles thanked Council for the good working relationship they had enjoyed and he concluded that when he assumed his new position as Commander of the Sheriff s Office he would be continuing his contact with the contract cities. 2.2 Appointment to the Los Altos Library Commission MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Cheng, seconded by O'Malley and passed unanimously to reappoint Dottie Harrison Brown to the Los Altos Library Commission for a term of four years. 3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT The Planning Director reported that the Planning Commission had not met since the Council's last meeting so there was no report. He did note however that the public hearing on the Mora Drive Sewer Project was going to be scheduled for the August 2"d Council Meeting and he wanted to confirm that that meeting would be takinglace. Council confirmed that the August 2"d meeting had not been g g p cancelled. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR June 21, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting 3 Item Removed: June 7, 2001 Regular Meeting Minutes (O'Malley) MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Finn, seconded by Fenwick and passed unanimously to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar, specifically: 4.1 Approved Minutes: June 7, 2001 (Special Meeting) 4.2 Approved first amendment to the agency agreement for the Countywide Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program — Reso#41-01 4.3 Fast Tract Application approved by the Planning Director: Lands of Beyer, 26030 Elena Road: site development permit for a new residence—concurred with decision 4.4 Approved request for amendment to 2000-01 Operating Budget— Reso #42-01 4.5 Accepted grant of conservation easements, Lands of Au, 12870 Robleda Road --Reso#43-01 • 4.6 Approved the application for grant funds for the per capita grant program under the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000—Reso#44-01 Item Removed: 4.1 Approval of Minutes: June 7, 2001 (Regular Meeting) MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by O'Malley, seconded by Finn and passed unanimously to approve the minutes of the June 7, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting with the following corrections: page 5, second paragaph, change State Senator Simitian to Assemblymember Simitian; page 5, Item 6.4, first paragaph change the word license to trademark; page six, first paragraph, delete the following sentence: "Council further directed staff to look into the issue of royalties on allowing such uses of the logo."; and on page 9, change the last line of Item 11.2 to read: "O'Malley stated that he could not support the deletion of the path easement." 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1 Adoption of ordinance amending Section 10-2.208 of the Los Altos • Hills Municipal Code regarding the definition of basement (SECOND READING) June 21, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting 4 • MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Fenwick, seconded by Finn and passed unanimously to waive further reading and to adopt Ordinance #413 amending Section 10-1.208 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code regarding the definition of basements. 5.2 Approval of customer satisfaction survey The Planning Director referred to the two surveys which had been prepared. One would be mailed with a resident's conditions of approval and could be returned with the postage prepaid. The other surveyed specifically evaluated the fast track process and would be sent in the same manner. Both surveys could be responded to anonymously. Casey thought the surveys covered the important questions but she suggested sending out both surveys to a limited number of applicants who had gone through the processes to get their comments on the survey. She believed this was an excellent way to judge the effectiveness of a survey. John Harpootlian, 26435 Anacapa, recommended that the surveys also go to neighbors of projects as they would have been impacted and would have comments to make also on the process. • PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To continue approval of these surveys pending the outcome of the test results. 5.3 Decision on number of members in newly established Finance and Investment Committee and adoption of Resolution establishing standing committees and adopting general and special rules pertaining thereto — Reso# PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To set the membership number for the Finance/Investment Committee at eight and to send the resolution on committees to all chairmen of the Standing Committees for review, suggestions, comments, etc. by their committees. In particular the Finance/Investment Committee should review the required qualifications for their members. This resolution shall be brought back to Council for approval when input has been received from- committees. 5.4 Report on Town-owned properties Council thanked the Public Works Manager for his excellent report on Town- owned properties and the corresponding maps which showed their locations. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To direct the Public Works Manager to send copies of his reports and maps to the Chairmen of the Finance/Investment Committee and June 21, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting 5 Pathways Committee for recommendations by their committees. In addition the • Council directed the Public Works Manager to continue further research on certain properties to determine acquisition details and possible use restrictions. 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1 Approval of League of California Cities Proposed Bylaws Amendment to increase dues to implement League Grassroots Network The City Manager noted that the amendment would implement a statewide Grassroots Network to protect local control and reduce the likelihood of city revenues being taken by the State. The Town's share would be an increase of $1,382 in League dues. Casey stated that she could not at all support this request from the League for the implementation of a League Grassroots Network. She believed this was in fact what the League was supposed to be doing and she could not justify the formation of another organization. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Finn, seconded by O'Malley and passed unanimously to not approve the League of California Cities Proposed Bylaws Amendment to increase dues to implement League Grassroots Network. • 7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES 7.1 Council appointments to committees, sub-committees and outside agencies MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Finn, seconded by O'Malley and passed unanimously to approve the following Council appointments to committees, sub-committees and outside agencies: Committee Liaison Community Relations Bob Fenwick Environmental Design and Protection Steve Finn Finance/Investment Steve Finn Pathways Mike O'Malley Parks and Recreation Emily Cheng Safety Bob Fenwick Utility and Information Systems Committee Mike O'Malley Youth Commissioner Mayor Exhibit Curator Mayor Town Historian Mayor Volunteer Awards Bob Fenwick June 21, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting 6 Appointments to Outside Agencies. ABAG Bob Fenwick Steve Finn(alternate) Community Health Awareness Council Rory Kaplan (CHAC) City Selection Mayor. Emergency Preparedness Council Mayor League of California Cities Peninsula Toni Casey Division Los Altos Hills County Fire Protection District Bob Johnson Commission Sid Hubbard Los Altos Senior Center Board of Directors Martha Hunton Win Murray(Alternate) North County Library Authority Elayne Dauber(term ends 9/01) Dottie Harrison Brown Joint Powers Authority Library Board Emily Cheng Valley Transportation Authority Policy Emily Cheng Advisory Board Santa Clara County Library Commission Barbara Lamparter Dottie Harrison Brown Santa Clara Valley Water Commission Bob Fenwick Santa Clara Valley Water District Bob Fenwick Northwest Flood Control Advisory Jim Rasp (alternate) Committee Santa Clara County Cities Toni Casey Association Bob Fenwick(alternate) Santa Clara County Cities Toni Casey Association Legislative Task Force Steve Finn Santa Clara County Housing and Community Gloria Shiff Development Citizens Advisory Committee City/Schools Breakfast Forum Peggy Esber Bicycle Advisory Committee, Santa Clara Ken Olcott County Transportation Authority Los Altos Sister Cities Bill Sun Citizens Advisory Committee for Finance Eric Clow Los Altos School District General Plan Committee To be determined/not currently active • June 21, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting 7 Council Sub-Committees: Newsletter Bob Fenwick Solid Waste Toni Casey Steve Finn Website Mike O'Malley Review of Design Guidelines Booklet Toni Casey Analysis of policies, codes and ordinances for Evan Wythe, Chairman consistency, relevance and conformance with the Bill Kerns General Plan Mike O'Malley 7.2 Nomination application for project funding through the State Department of Parks and Recreation's Urban Recreation and Cultural Centers Grant Program Karen Bergh, member of the Parks and Recreation Committee, presented the nomination form which was being recommended by their committee. This nomination form requested $50,000 to support day camp programs for 16-20 children ages 7-12 for five years. The programs would explore the Ohlone Native American culture and history, local trails, nature, geography and geology in Byrne Park. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Fenwick, seconded by Finn and passed unanimously to approve submitting the nomination form as prepared by the Parks and Recreation Committee for project funding through the State Department of Parks and Recreation's Urban Recreation and Cultural Centers Grant Program. 7.2 Community Relations Committee Casey thanked the Community Relations Committee for putting on an outstanding Town Picnic for over 750 people on June 3`d. Everyone had a wonderful time and the committee did great job. Fenwick concurred noting the committee had boundless energy and had already met to discuss this year's picnic and suggestions and improvements for next year's. The date for next year's Town Picnic was June 2, 2002. 8. STAFF REPORTS 8.1 City Manager 8.2 City Attorney 8.3 City Clerk June 21, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting 8 i 8.3.1 Report on Council Correspondence 9. COUNCIL-INITIATED ITEMS 10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Carol Gottlieb, 24290 Summerhill, thanked the Public Works Manager for the crew's outstanding job on the paths for the Town's Path Walk on June 3`a 11. PUBLIC HEARINGS 11.1 Adoption of a proposed Town Budget for the Fiscal Year 2001-02 and the appropriations limit for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2002 — Reso # and approval of amending the Town's compensation schedule for Fiscal Year 2001-02 -Reso# MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Finn, seconded by O'Malley and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #45-01 adopting a Town Budget for the fiscal year 2001-02 and the appropriations limit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002 with the following amendments to the proposed budget: delete the $2,500 contribution to Joint Venture; add a $2,880 contribution to Wildlife Rescue; delete the $50,000 for a traffic (radar speed) survey; and delete the $1,382 payment for participation in the League's Grassroots Network; and to adopt Resolution #46-01 amending the Town's compensation schedule for fiscal year 2001-02. 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council Meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Dowd City Clerk The minutes of the June 21, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting were approved at the August 2, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting. • June 21, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting 9