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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/07/2002 Minutes of a Regular Meeting March 7, 2002 Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, March 7, 2002, 6:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road 1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tem Fenwick called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Mayor Pro Tem Fenwick and Councilmembers Cheng and O'Malley Absent: Mayor Casey and Councilmember Finn Staff: City Manager Maureen Cassingham, City Attorney Sandy Sloan, Planning Director Carl Cahill,Director of Public Works/City Engineer Mintze Cheng, Assistant Planner Angelica Herrera and • City Clerk Pat Dowd Press: Liz Cloutman, Los Altos Town Crier 2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS 2.1 Presentation by the Housing Trust of Santa Clara Valley Carl Guardino, President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group and Board Member of the Housing Trust, commended Council for their $10,000 contribution to the Housing Trust and stated that the Trust had attained its initial goal of$20 million. Poncho Guevara, Acting Executive Director of the Housing Trust, presented Council with an overview of how the money had been invested and spent. To date there had been 48 first time homebuyer loans leveraging $14.9 million; 4 multi-family loans, producing 517 units and leveraging $127 million; 5 homeless loans, producing 217 units and leveraging $40.5 million; and loans made in 11 cities from Palo Alto to Morgan Hill. Mr. Guardino and Mr. Geuvara presented the Mayor Pro Tem with a plaque in recognition of the Town's generous contribution to this important program. • March 7, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting 1 2.2 Presentation by Dawn Jackson, Government Relations Representative - PG&E Dawn Jackson, Government Relations Representative — Pacific Gas and Electric Company, reported that after the U.S. Bankruptcy Court issued its decision on preemption and sovereign immunity, PG&E was able to proceed with its plan of reorganization. In a press release dated 2/27/02 it was stated that "PG&E continues to believe the structure of its plan of reorganization, which pays all creditors in full without selling assets or asking Bankruptcy Court to raise rates or the state for a bailout, is the only feasible solution to getting the company out of bankruptcy." Ms. Jackson noted that she would keep Council up-to-date on decisions regarding PG&E. 2.3 Appointment to the Emergency Communications Committee and the Parks and Recreation Committee This item was continued to the April 18,2002 City Council Meeting. 3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT 4. CONSENT CALENDAR Items Removed: 4.1 (O'Malley), 4.6 (O'Malley) and 4.7 (Cheng) MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by O'Malley, seconded by Cheng and • passed unanimously by all members present to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar, specifically: 4.1 Approved Minutes: February 21, 2002 Special Meeting 4.2 Approved Warrants: $186,466.82 (2/15/02—2/28/02) 4.3 Concurred with Fast Track Application: approved by the Planning Director: Lands of Schiebold and Stulz, 27260 Sherlock Road: request for a new residence and pool 4.4 Concurred with Fast Track Application: approved by the Planning Director: Lands of Wu, 12661 Robleda Road: request for a new resident, pool house and pool 4.5 Concurred with Fast Track Application: approved by the Planning Director: Lands of Wilson, 25852 Westwind Way: request for a new residence Items Removed: • 4.1 Approval of Minutes: February 21, 2002 Regular Meeting March 7, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting 2 MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by O'Malley, seconded by Cheng and passed unanimously by all members present to approve the minutes of the February 21, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting with the following corrections: page 12, last paragraph, first sentence should read"O'Malley commented that the Santa Clara Valley Water District and Swanson Hydrology and Geomorphology had differing expert opinions on this issue."; and the reference to `upstream' should be changed to downstream'. 4.6 Acceptance of work—Sanitary Sewer Line across Matadero Creek— Resolution # O'Malley asked for clarification of this project from the Director of Public Works. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by O'Malley, seconded by Cheng and passed unanimously by all members present to adopt Resolution #24-02 accepting as completed the work of the Sanitary Sewer Pipeline Replacement at Matadero Creek, authorizing final payment concerning such work and directing the City Clerk to file Notice of Completion. 4.7 Acceptance of work—Elena Road Pavement and Drainage Project— Resolutions# The Director of Public Works/City Engineer noted that the staff report had an error in it concerning the agreement with Wilsey Ham. The amount should be $55,000 not $64,000. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Cheng, seconded by O'Malley and passed unanimously by all members present to adopt Resolution #25-02 accepting as completed the work of the Pavement and Storm Drainage Improvements Project, CIP99-00, authorizing final payment concerning such work, and directing the City Clerk to file notice of completion; to adopt Resolution #26-02 approving and authorizing execution of an amendment to the agreement between the Town and Wilsey Ham; and to approve an additional $127,460.99 for the Elena Road Pavement and Drainage Project. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1 Update on Mayor's Goals 1) Break ground for a new Town Hall funded by resident donations. Revised renderings and elevations are being refined and a meeting with concerned neighbors has tentatively been scheduled for April 2°d 2) Complete the building and planning fee study and revise fees in accordance with State law. March 7, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting 3 The Maximus draft fee study is being reviewed by staff and will be presented for • Council consideration on March 21, 2002. 3) Implement a Resident Customer Satisfaction Survey Program. This survey was implemented by the Planning Department on September 1, 2001. Surveys received will be provided to Council with each Council packet. 4) Complete an analysis of all Town codes, policies and ordinances for consistency, relevance and conformance with the General Plan. O'Malley reported that the committee had completed their review of the Town's codes, policies and ordinances at their 3/7/02 meeting. The were now reviewing the LUF committee's report. 5) Have broadband internet access available to all residents PacBell's latest projection for the completion of Project Pronto, their Town-wide DSL project, is by the end of this year provided they encounter no further unforeseen obstacles with PG&E and other jurisdictions. The City Manager referred to the letter received from Stacey Wagner, Director of External Affairs, Pacific Bell regarding HR1542 which passed in the House of Representatives. • 6) 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. Staff is continuing to research grant deeds and files and updating the path maps. A study session will be held on March 21, 2002 and April 4, 2002. 7) Complete the review of setbacks and height limits and revise town ordinances accordingly. The proposed wording for the Town-wide notice on these issues is on the 3/7/02 Council agenda for approval. 8) Continue to explore alternatives to underground all utilities in Los Altos Hills. The City Clerk noted that the mailing was delivered to the Post Office on 3/7/02. 9) 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.) March 7, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting 4 This project was still on hold pending receipt of the information from Caltrans concerning the O'Keefe property. Staff was looking into the property at Page Mill and Story Hill Lane and will report back to Council. 10) Approve a five-year capital spending budget to assure the infrastructure of the Town is sound. Completed An additional goal was added: 11) Joint Meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission A Joint Meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission was conducted on Thursday, December 6th at 6:00 p.m. This meeting was a Study Session to review planning issues. 12) Data Base for Emergency Emails The City Clerk reported that 948 entries had been made and this project was complete. 5.2 Update on unauthorized import material at Sayar property on O'Keefe next to Knight property on Vista Serena The City Engineer/Director of Public Works reported that there were differences of opinion between Mr. Sayar's engineer and the Town's engineer regarding the site plan prepared by Sayar's previous engineering firm, BKF. Staff is in contact with the BKF engineer who signed the 1989 site plan and is requesting his opinion of Mr. Sayer's engineer's submittal versus the previously existing topographic conditions. George Knight, 15411 Vista Serena, stated that there were hundreds of yards of fresh dirt on the Sayar property and it was in his opinion industrial dredging. Mr. Knight did not think it took a PHD to figure this situation out and believed the conversations had gone on long enough. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To continue this issue to the next Council Meeting to allow Council the opportunity to visit the site and to schedule a Closed Session on this matter at the 3/21/02 meeting. 5.3 Approval of public hearing notice for setback and height ordinances PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the Town-wide notice as prepared by the Planning Director for the public hearing on setback and height ordinances and to schedule the public hearing for April 18, 2002. March 7, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting 5 M 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1 Request from Little League for modification of no parking regulations on Purissima Ben Gikis, representing Little League, addressed the Council and explained the reasoning behind their request for modified parking during the Little League Season (March 15 to July 1) to allow parking after 4:00 p.m. on weekdays and all day on Saturday. He noted that with four fields they had as many as 100 kids using the fields and there were overlapping games. This additional parking would open up about 50 spaces. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To grant an exception to the no parking regulations on Purissima Road for the weekends of March 16/17 and March 23/24, 2002 and to direct the Little League to advise the neighbors who were impacted. This request will come back to the 4/4/02 Council Meeting and at that time a reevaluation will be made with input received from the Sheriff s Department. 6.2 Award of contract for the 2001-2002 Phase I Street Rehabilitation Project— Resolutions # MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Cheng, seconded by O'Malley and • passed unanimously by all members present to adopt Resolution #27-02 awarding a contract for the construction of the 2001-2002 Phase I— Street Rehabilitation Project to Duran and Venables; to adopt Resolution #28-02 approving and authorizing execution of an agreement between the Town and James Boyle for construction inspection services; and to approve a project contingency fund of$100,000 and authorize the City Manager to approve potential contract change orders within said fund. 7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES 7.1 Community Relations Committee 7.1.1. Spring Family Picnic 7.1.2 Newcomers' Welcoming Reception Roy Woolsey, Chairman of the Community Relations Committee, presented two proposals to Council, one for the June 2°a Town Picnic and one for the September Newcomers' Reception. Mr. Woolsey outlined the committee's plans for the picnic and also outlined the suggestions for the newcomers' reception. They had suggested alternating between private homes and the gardens at Town Hall for this reception but were open to Council's comments. Council suggested that a private home would be Mpreferable for the newcomers' reception. March 7, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting 6 MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Cheng, seconded by O'Malley and passed unanimously by all members present to approve the $11,945 budget for the June 2nd Town Picnic and the $825 budget for the September Newcomers' Reception. 7.2 Parks and Recreation Committee Cheng reported that at the last committee meeting a discussion was held on the use of the horsemens' ring on Purissima. It was not being used much and was in need of repair. The committee's recommendation was that it be changed to a different use such as basketball courts. It was agreed staff would work with the committee on this suggestion. Cheng also reminded everyone that a Pathways Run/Walk was scheduled for May 11 to 7.3 Santa Clara Valley Water District O'Malley reported that the Santa Clara Valley Water District was considering expanding its sphere of influence. He noted that this would have a negative impact in Town because of our large number of creeks. There would definitely be a significant increase in the number of permits that would be needed. 7.4 Library Cheng asked the City Attorney to comment on what power the position of mayor had in • general and also concerning sending correspondence on certain issues. The City Attorney said she would send the Council a report on this request. 8. STAFF REPORTS 8.1 City Manager 8.2 City Attorney 8.3 City Clerk 8.3.1 Report on Council Correspondence Council agreed that the letter from Jorge Fernandes, Pathways Committee, requesting approval of a proposal for consultant's work on outside financing for pathways be sent to staff to review and comment. 9. COUNCIL-INITIATED ITEMS 9.1 Request to postpone study session on pathways until all Councilmembers can be present(Mayor Pro Tem Fenwick) • Fenwick noted that he had spoken with Mayor Casey and a compromise had been reached on this issue. March 7, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting 7 PASSED BY CONSENSUS: The study session on pathways would still be scheduled for 3/21/02 and another one would be scheduled for 4/4/02. The April 4I' study session would be a joint meeting with the Pathways Committee. Both study sessions would begin at 5:00 p.m. and would be taped. At the 4/18/02 Council Meeting a discussion will be agendized on the process to be followed regarding the pathway issues. 10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Ginger Summit, 13390 Lenox Way, referred to the Mayor's goals especially goal number one, the Town Hall Project. She commented that there seemed to be an urgency to this project but there were a lot of issues that were not being addressed or not being made public. Mrs. Summit questioned the cost involved and where the funds would be coming from. She also commented that no one from the community appeared to be involved in this project. Council responded that that the goals including this one have been discussed at Council Meetings and draft designs of the Town Hall project had been displayed. Funding for this project may come from fundraising or the Town's General Fund or a combination of both. In addition some neighbors had expressed an interest in the project and a meeting with the neighbors was tentatively scheduled for April 2°d 11. PUBLIC HEARINGS S11.1 Ravensbury Action Group, request for annexation to the Town of approximately 57 acres of developed and infill property, unincorporated Santa Clara County lands located east of the Town of Los Altos Hills and south of the City of Los Altos, generally on cul-de-sacs adjacent to Ravensbury Avenue—Reso# Staff noted that no official protests had been filed regarding this annexation and a letter had been received from the County stating that they would repair the road (Ravensbury). Jim Abraham, 12831 Viscaino Road, stated that he was against this annexation for two reasons. First, there was a finite number of sewer connections in Town and second many of the properties in the area under discussion did not conform to Town zoning regulations. He asked what was in this annexation for the Town and questioned why it would be going forward. Allan Epstein, 23828 Ravensbury, noted that the Town had already moved to annex this area and this meeting was to hear and/or receive official protests filed by registered voters and/or property owners in the area to be annexed. Mr. Epstein noted that the benefit to the Town would be increased money received from the assessed value of 53 properties. • March 7, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting 8 MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Cheng, seconded by O'Malley and passed unanimously by all members present to adopt Resolution #29-02 making determinations and approving the reorganization of territory designated "Ravensbury Annexation Property" approximately 57 acres located between Magdalena Avenue and Ravensbury Avenue and to adopt the negative declaration. It was noted that this resolution would take effect when the road(Ravensbury) had been brought up to Town standards to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. 11.2 Request for a site development permit for a 12,750 square foot addition and a conditional use permit for an existing monastery, Lands of Poor Clares, 28210 Natoma Road Salvatore Caruso, architect for the applicants, stated that they concurred with the conditions but were asking if they could bring their building plans in tomorrow, if the project was approved at this meeting, and submit their fire sprinkler system plans at a later date. They wanted to move forward with this project as quickly as possible. On the issue of the path, if it was required he reiterated that the nuns relied on donations but they would use volunteers and provide the materials to get it done. Matthew Weider, Los Altos, noted that he was a member of Troop 37 and was working on his Eagle Scout badge. He commented that he would like to take on the project of building the path on the Poor Clares' property for his Eagle Scout project. He could get • 15 to 25 scouts to assist with this project. Ginger Summit, Co-Chairman of the Pathways Committee, supported this opportunity of having this path done as an Eagle Scout project. She believed this would benefit everyone involved. Nancy Ginzton, 28012 Natoma Road, suggested that the paths be on both sides of the road in this area for safety purposes. Libby Lucas, Los Altos, concurred saying that paths on both sides were necessary. Bob Stutz, 25310 Elena, believed the safer side of the road was on the Poor Clares' side. The Planning Director referred to the architect's question about the fire sprinkler plans and noted that he would not have a problem with this request as long as the applicants received a letter from the Fire Department stating that they(the Fire Department) would assume responsibility. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by O'Malley, seconded by Cheng and passed unanimously by all members present to approve the request for a site development permit for a 12,750 square foot addition and'a conditional use permit for March 7, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting 9 an existing monastery, Lands of Poor Clares, 28210 Natoma Road, subject to the conditions of approval as recommended by the Planning Commission with condition #14 to read as follows: "Prior to final inspection, a Type IIB pathway shall be constructed along Natoma Road to the satisfaction of the Engineering Department." 11.3 Request for a site development permit and a conditional use permit for the location of a 55-foot monopole and five equipment cabinets at an existing telecommunications facility, Lands of Crown Castle/Metro PCS, 27400 Purissima Road Andrew Rattner, representing METRO/PCS explained their other sites in Town and the importance of this location. He also clarified the photos of the different types of poles. Ravikanth Ganesan, 27080 Purissima, expressed his concerns about the negative impact of this pole on his property value. He recommended that Council require landscaping of this pole and also stipulate that this will be the last pole in this location. Council stated that they thought this was a good location for the pole and the City Attorney noted that if approved the lease would be prepared and on the next Council agenda for approval. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by O'Malley, seconded by Cheng and passed unanimously by all members present to approve the request for a site development permit and a conditional use permit for the location of a 55-foot monopole • and five equipment cabinets at an existing telecommunications facility, Lands of Crown Castle/Metro PCS, 27400 Purissima Road subject to the conditions of approval as recommended by the Planning Commission including the following three added conditions: 1) applicant shall submit a construction schedule for review by the Planning Director; 2) applicant shall provide a legal description of the area to be leased; and 3) applicant shall install landscaping if determined by staff to be necessary. 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Res ectfully submitted, Patricia Dowd City Clerk The minutes of the March 7, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting were approved at the March 21, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting. March 7, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting 10