HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/22/2009 Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road
CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Warshawsky called the City Council Regular Meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. in the
Council Chambers at Town Hall.
Present: Mayor Dean Warshawsky, Mayor Pro Tem Breene Kerr,
C6uncilmember Jean Mordo, Councilmember Richard Larsen and
Councilmember Ginger Summit
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Carl Cahill, City Engineer/Public Works Director Richard
Chiu, Finance Director Nick Pegueros, Planning Director Debbie Pedro,
City Attorney Steve Mattas, City Clerk Karen Jost, and Consultant
Planner Cynthia Richardson
Mayor Warshawsky congratulated City Manager Carl Cahill on the birth of his sixth
child. Warshawsky additionally acknowledged and thanked the Town staff, Fire
Department, and Police Department for all the work they did during the recent storm.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item Removed: Agenda Item#4 (Staff. City Engineer/Public Works Director Richard Chiu)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Summit, seconded by Mordo and
passed unanimously to approve the remainder of the consent calendar, specifically:
1. Review of Disbursements: 9/1/09—9/30/09 $861,740.73
2. Acceptance of the Moody Road, Page Mill Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project
(Staff: R. Chiu)Resolution No. 57-09
3. Acceptance of Quarterly Investment Report for the Period ending September 30,
2009 (Staff. N. Pegueros)
Item Removed:
4. Encroachment Permit for Sewer Mainline Extension Project Proposed for a Sewer
Reimbursement Agreement(Staff. R. Chiu)
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City Engineer/Public Works Director Richard Chiu made a correction noting that the
sample sewer reimbursement agreement in the packet indicated a 15 year term; however
the new Town policy called for 25 year terms for reimbursement agreements.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Larsen and
passed unanimously to approve Agenda Item#4.
PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Jolon Wagner, Robleda Court, representing the Los Altos Hills Horseman's Association,
thanked the Council for the improvements at the Town riding arena. The improvements
will add to the functionality of their events as well as provide safety elements at the ring.
A check in the amount of$1,500 will be submitted by the group to be used toward the
holding pens; a grant had been received from the Bay Area Barns and Trails Trust.
Carol Gottlieb, Summerhill Avenue, thanked the Council for the improvements to the
ring.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
5. LANDS OF PURISSIMA HILLS WATER DISTRICT (Applicant: Verizon
Wireless); (#120-09-CUP), 12862 La Cresta Drive: A Request for a Conditional
Use Permit Renewal and Modification to an existing wireless communications
facility; CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15301(a) (Staff D.
Pedro)
Consultant Planner Cynthia Richardson provided an overview of the application to the
Council. The project was reviewed by the Planning Commission on October 1, 2009. No
concerns have been received from adjacent property owners.
Crystal Wood, representing Verizon Wireless, described the project which included the
addition of two panel antennas to an existing wireless facility, and is part of a larger, area
wide campaign to improve services to the Town of Los Altos Hills by bringing in 4t'
generation wireless technology.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
There were no comments from the public.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Council Discussion:
Mayor Warshawsky offered two actions: approve the application or provide council
comments.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kerr, seconded by Larsen and
passed unanimously to approve a Conditional Use Permit and Modification to an existing
• wireless communications facility subject to the conditions in the staff report as
Attachment#1.
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6. LANDS OF IRANI; (#154-09-MISC), 24008 Oak Knoll Circle; Resolution for
granting of an Open Space Easement and partial summary vacation of an existing
Open Space Easement; CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15307
(Staff. D. Pedro)
Consultant Planner Cynthia Richardson reported'that the application before Council was
consideration of an amendment to an existing Open Space Easement located at the back
and through the middle of the subject property. The intent of the originally approved
Open Space Easement was to protect existing oak trees and steep slopes. The vacation of
a portion of the Open Space Easement would bring the edge of the easement to the limit
of the existing grading. In exchange for the reduction of the existing easement, the
applicant had proposed a new area to be placed in an Open Space Easement that was
located along the southern portion of the property. The oak trees were still protected in
the new proposal. The application had been reviewed by the Open Space Committee who
had no concerns. No public comment had been received regarding the application.
Richardson reviewed the two actions before the Council: consideration of the vacation of
a portion of the existing Open Space Easement and acceptance of the new easement.
Mayor Pro Tem Kerr understood that open space easements were established for a public
purpose and questioned why it was being vacated. His assumption was that the easement
originally had a purpose,which he thought still existed.
Planning Director Debbie Pedro responded that the situation was unique in that the
original Open Space Easement was irregularly shaped and dedicated in 1990. The
contractor, when building the pool and pool house on the property, inadvertently graded
some fill in the easement area. The area that is proposed to be exchanged for the existing
easement is, in staff s opinion, more appropriate. Staff recommended approval of the
request.
Councilmember Summit asked for clarification between an Open Space Easement and a
Conservation Easement.
Planning Director Pedro exp
lained that an Open Space Easement was a required easement
dedication for a development proposal, and a Conservation Easement was an easement
that was voluntarily dedicated by the homeowner.
Councilmember Mordo questioned whether conservation easements could be changed.
City Manager Carl Cahill responded that changes to conservation easements had to be
consistent with purposes of State law as well as the Town's General Plan; changing
conservation easements was a complicated procedure.
Mahyar Irani, applicant, addressed Council. She explained that the site had been difficult
to build on; the retaining wall of the pool was on the easement which was the reason for
• swapping the easement areas.
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OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Richard Partridge, Briones Way, expressed shock in the fact that the pool was built to the
edge of the easement; it was something that should have been foreseen and preventable.
The attitude appeared to him to be "do it and ask for forgiveness later," which he felt was
a bad precedent.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Council Discussion:
May Pro Tem Kerr questioned whether the contractor was fined because of the code
violation.
Planning Director Pedro responded that there was a lOx penalty fee for the permit which
was about$9,000.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Larsen, seconded by Mordo and
passed unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 58-09 "To Vacate Summarily a Portion of
the Open Space Easement on Lands of Irani" and Resolution No. 59-09 "Authorizing
Execution of an Agreement between the Town of Los Altos Hills and Mahyar Irani and
Erbnaz Irani for an Open Space Easement.
7. Consideration of a Resolution for Annexation of the Unincorporated La Loma
Drive #2 area, consisting of 13 parcels (12.79 acres) of residentially developed
land bounded by the Town of Los Altos Hills to the west, north, and east, and to
the south by an unincorporated portion of Santa Clara County. File# 118-09-
MISC. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15319(a) (Staff. D
Pedro)
Consultant Planner Cynthia Richardson introduced the item to the Council. The proposed
island annexation consisted of 11 homes (13 parcels). Two concerns had been raised at
the initial review of the annexation by Council. The Council had asked staff to provide
more land use information and a land use analysis had been included in the Council
packet. All the homes meet the Town's goals and policies; the only development issue
was that some of the homes did not meet the Town's side and rear yard setbacks. The
homes would be considered legal but nonconforming. The remaining two parcels were
access easements. The Town had received via email correspondence, an objection to the
proposed annexation from Dick Aurelio. He had objected to the annexation unless the
road was brought up to Town standards. The correspondence had been included in the
Council packet. No additional new objections to the annexation had been received since
the initial hearing.
City Engineer/Public Works Director Richard Chiu proceeded with a PowerPoint
presentation. He provided an overview of the road and its "ownership". A section of the
road was private and had never been offered or dedicated to the Town. There was a
possibility that additional documentation could indicate a dedication in the past; if the
• Council was interested in considering the road as public and doing improvements, the
Council could direct staff to do further research.
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OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
• There were no comments from the public.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Larsen and
passed unanimously to approve a Resolution for Annexation of the Unincorporated La
Loma Drive#2 area, consisting of 13 parcels (12.79) acres of residentially developed land
bounded by the Town of Los Altos to the west, north, and east, and to the south by an
unincorporated portion of Santa Clara County. Resolution No. 60-09
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8. Town Goal
• Discussion of Potential Annexation of Hidden Villa
Planning Director Debbie Pedro reported that Hidden Villa had set up a task force to look
at the process of annexation. She had spoken to their Land Use Attorney last week, and
they had questions about the next steps and costs. Her understanding was that Hidden
Villa would be coming to the Town with a written correspondence formally requesting
the annexation. She estimated four to six months to complete the annexation.
9. Verbal Update on Sewer Maintenance Program (Staff: R.Chiu).
City Engineer/Public Works Director Richard Chiu updated the Council on the Town's
Sewer Maintenance Program. Chiu presented a PowerPoint that showed the areas where
the Town's new sewer maintenance contractor, Able Underground, had completed
cleaning the sewer lines. As of mid-October, 44% of the Town's lines have been cleaned.
The expectation was for the contractor to have 100% of the lines cleaned on schedule. As
a result of the inspection and cleaning process, Town staff had been preparing a list of
areas that would require repair. Presently, 17 locations had been identified as needing
some type of repair. Projects would be prioritized and scheduled over several years. Staff
was taking a proactive approach to address the major problem areas.
Councilmember Larsen questioned whether the requirement to clean was part of the
contact or if additional money was being spent to have the pipes cleaned. He also asked
who confirmed the needed repairs.
Chiu responded that the work was written into the scope of the contract when the Town
went to bid. Repairs were confirmed by staff.
10. Consideration of grant funding request from The Housing Trust of Santa Clara
County(Staff: D. Pedro)
• Planning Director Debbie Pedro introduced the item to the City Council. The Council had
considered donations to nonprofits at its last meeting and decided to defer the request
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from The Housing Trust of Santa Clara County to a future date. The Housing Trust was
requesting $5,000. A PowerPoint slide showed the contributions of other jurisdictions in
Santa Clara County to the agency as a comparison. The Town's General Plan Housing
Element had included a program for the Town to participate in opportunities to provide
affordable housing. Between 2005 and 2007, the Town contributed $5,000 per year for
The Housing Trust.
Councilmember Larsenq uestioned whether the Federal Government AARA, which
provided low cost loans and additional funds for first time homebuyers, offsets the needs
of The Housing Trust.
Mayor Warshawsky explained that The Housing Trust helped first time homebuyers and
low income buyers.
Councilmember Summit commented that she had recently served on the Town's Housing
Element Sub-Committee and pointed out that Los Altos Hills had very little opportunity
to fulfill its obligation for affordable housing. Assisting The Housing Trust would help to
comply with legal obligations.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Summit and
passed unanimously to approve the grant funding request from The Housing Trust of
Santa Clara County in an amount not to exceed $5,000.
NEW BUSINESS
11. Consideration of Sewer Connection Fund(Staff. N. Pegueros)
Finance Director Nick Pegueros reported that staff had been working over the last several
months to investigate a variety of questions that had been raised relating to the Town's
sewer fees by the public. In that review, the question had been asked if the Town's sewer
connection fee was subject to the special reporting requirements imposed by State law.
The City Attorney's Office had researched this matter and had determined that the
Town's basis for collecting the fee makes it a"charge for public facilities" and subject to
the annual reporting requirements imposed by State law.
Pegueros explained that in accordance with State law, the Town must establish a fund for
the purpose of accounting for sewer connection fees. The transactions in that fund must
be made public within 180 days after the last day of each fiscal year. Pegueros reviewed
the components of the report with Council. If Council were to authorize the creation of
the fund, the required report would be prepared by staff for the fiscal year ending June 30,
2009 and forwarded.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Summit and
passed unanimously to authorize staff to establish a Sewer Connection Fund for the
purpose of recording sewer connection fees as established by Ordinance No. 443 passed
by the City Council on February 16, 2006.
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12. FY2010 Budget Update Presentation(Staff N. Pegueros)
Finance Director Nick Pegueros reported that it was too early in the fiscal year to identify
any significant changes to the revenue stream. Staff had not received any information
regarding the Town's primary revenue from property taxes that would imply that the
Town's projections would be off for property tax. Pegueros presented a PowerPoint
Presentation that illustrated the changes to date of the 2009-2010 Adopted Operating
Budget (net change of$457,000 higher revenue than projected) and Capital Improvement
Budget (net change to Capital Project Funds of $128,000). Capital Project Funds are
restricted to the stated purpose. The Town has no information that would indicate that the
budget situation is worse than expected.
Council discussion of the proposed annexation of Hidden Villa ensued. Council Member
Mordo questioned the related costs of the proposed annexation.
Mayor Pro Tem Kerr noted that the Town, as part of an agreement with the County,
agreed to annex pockets of properties. Hidden Villa's objectives align with the Town's
objectives, and could potentially provide better access to open space recreational
opportunities for Town residents. Additionally, there could be cooperation on parks and
recreation programs.
The City Manager pointed out Hidden Villa was excluded from the list of charitable
donations that had been approved by the Council; the thought was that the Town's
contribution might be toward the annexation costs.
Council Member Mordo suggested $50,000 be put in the projected budget for the
annexation. Finance Director Pegueros noted he was unsure that the Town would spend
$15,000 this year, and the cost for the next year could be $35,000.
City Manager Cahill indicated that staff would come back to Council with the precise
cost of all the annexation fees.
Councilmember Mordo suggested that the Council discontinue any expenditures and staff
time on the proposal until the Town received the letter from Hidden Villa requesting
annexation. At that time, Council could consider the option to donate the annexation
costs.
Mayor Pro Tem Kerr questioned the amount of staff time that would be spent on this
matter during the next six weeks. City Manager Cahill responded that the cost would be
nominal, as it would be the same amount of time staff would spend with any other
annexation requests.
Mayor Warshawsky commented that he would work with City Manager, Planning
Director, and Hidden Villa on the annexation. He explained that he had been to the
Hidden Villa Board meetings and was aware of interest from Hidden Villa to make the
• annexation happen.
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13. A Resolution Approving the Form of and Authorizing the Execution and Delivery
of a Purchase and Sale Agreement and Related Documents with Respect to the Sale
of the Seller's Proposition lA Receivable from the State; and Directing and
Authorizing Certain Other Actions in Connection therewith. (Staff. N. Pegueros)
Finance Director Nick Pegueros introduced the item. Council had before them a
resolution authorizing the sale of the Town's Proposition lA receivable from the State of
California. The County of Santa Clara had estimated the amount to be$273,021.
Pegueros provided an overview of the history of Proposition lA and the process for the
sale of the receivables. The Town's sale of the Proposition IA receivables was
irrevocable. The financing costs for the Securitization Program would be picked up by the
State with no cost for the Town to participate. Participating local agencies would have no
obligation on the bonds and no credit exposure to the State.
Pegueros explained the benefits to the Town for participating in the program. The action
would provide the Town with 100% of its Proposition IA Receivable in two equal
installments on January 15, 2010 and May 3, 2010. Alternatively the Town could opt out
of the program and carry a receivable from the State of California on the books through
June 30, 2010 with an interest rate of 2%.
Council discussion ensued. There was a consensus that participation in the program was
a positive means to safeguard the Town's funding given the State's economic issues.
MOTION SECONDED AND .CARRIED: Moved by Kerr, seconded by Summit and
passed.unanimously to approve Resolution No. 61-09 "A Resolution Approving the form
and Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of a Purchase and Sale Agreement and
Related Documents with Respect to the Sale of the Seller's Proposition lA Receivable
from the State; and Directing and Authorizing Certain other Actions in Connection
Therewith"
14. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing Application for California Energy
Commission Low Interest Loan Programs (Staff. N. Pegueros)
Mayor Pro Tem Kerr introduced the item to the Council. He referenced Council's
approval of expenditures from the General Fund to reduce energy costs at the barn. Kerr
offered that the California Energy Commission (CEC) had announced their intent to use a
portion of their stimulus dollars to subsidize energy efficiency low interest loans (1%
fixed rate) to towns, cities and school districts. Use of the loan would afford the Town the
opportunity to do more at the barn with less of the Town's General Funds being
expended. The Town did meet the criteria for a $50,000 loan which would allow the
Town to approach net zero energy consumption at the barn. The request before Council
was to authorize the application for the loan.
Councilmember Larsen expressed appreciation to Mayor Pro Tem Kerr for finding
alternative sources of funds. He supported the project but would not be in favor of
spending an extra$33,000.
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Peter Evans, Chair, EIC, commended Mayor Pro Tem Kerr and explained that if the loan
was approved, cash that was committed to Westwind Barn could potentially be freed up.
The problem with energy projects was that the money was spent upfront and the benefits
occur overtime; a low interest loan would align the payment with the benefits. With the
passage of time, the Town will be asking developers and homeowners to do more to
reduce energy consumption.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kerr, seconded by Summit and
passed unanimously to approve Resolution No. 62-09 "A Resolution of the City Council
of the Town of Los Altos Hills Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for an Energy
Efficiency Loan from the California Energy Commission to Implement Energy Efficiency
Measures"
15. Naming of Edith Avenue/Fremont Road Park
City Manager Carl Cahill pointed out that the park located at the corner of Edith and
Fremont is referred to as Edith Park in the General Plan. He was seeking direction from
Council on formalizing a name for the newly renovated park.
In response to Councilmember Mordo's question about the name "Edith,"
Councilmember Summit explained that the Historic Committee had information on the
source of all the names of streets in the Town.
Council agreed to refer the naming of the park to the Standing History Committee for
suggestions. Proposed names would return to Council for their approval.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
16. Notification of Planning Commission Approval:
LANDS OF PARIKH: 26880 Elene Road (181-08-ZP-SD-GD); A Request for a
Site Development Permit for a 4,970 square foot new residence (maximum height:
27 feet). The applicant is requesting a grading policy exception for up to 13 feet of
cut for the driveway. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a)
(Staff. C. Richardson)
Planning Director Debbie Pedro reported that the Planning Commission had met on
October 1, 2009, and approved the application for a new residence on Elena Road, Lands
of Parikh. Pedro explained that the new residence had required the Planning
Commission's n review because the application included a grading policy exception. It
had been approved by a 4-0 vote with Planning Commissioner Partridge absent. The
approval had included an additional Condition of Approval requirement that any retaining
walls along the driveway not exceed four feet.
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REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
Councilmember Summit reported attending the Santa Clara County Cities Association
meeting.
Councilmember Mordo reported that the North County Library Authority had voted to
move forward with a renewal of the parcel tax in June 2010; it will be a 20-year parcel
tax. The tax is currently$52 per year which will be increased to approximately$75.
Mayor Pro Tem Kerr reported attending a seminar on financing of solar energy; the Town
can reasonably expect to have a county-wide energy efficiency financing district
sometime in 2010.
Councilmember Larsen reported that the Environmental Initiatives Committee held a
forum on greenhouse gas emissions last week at Town Hall; another forum on energy
efficiency will be held on December 9. All members of the Council and audience were
encouraged to attend. Additionally, the Emergency Communications Committee had
expressed an interest in partnering with the Neighborhood Network Program as they set
up the neighborhoods. Larsen reported on his participation in the Lucile Packard
Children's Hospital intern program for local officials. The outreach program had been a
rewarding experience
17. AB1881 Status Report—John Harpootlian, Chair, Standing Water Conservation
Committee
John Harpootlian, Water Conservation Committee Chair, provided a report on AB1881.
The legislation passed in 2006, requires municipalities to adopt a water efficient
landscape ordinance by January 1, 2010. He suggested that the Town could easily
implement its own ordinance but will most likely miss the prescribed timetable. He
presented a PowerPoint presentation that outlined the advantages and disadvantages of
AB1881. One advantage was the design flexibility in landscaping; however, he suggested
that the primary disadvantage was that AB1881 would not reduce water use. He noted
that a letter could be sent to the State informing them of the Town's intent to comply.
City Manager Cahill reported that beginning January 1, 2010, building a new residence
would become more challenging; California Title 24 regulations were changing; the
Town has its Green Energy ordinance; and the AB1881 mandate will require another set
of calculations, consultants, and other expenses on the part of people building homes.
There was a concurrence that the Town's process should not be onerous for residents.
The Council agreed to become more familiar with the water problem. They supported
demonstration projects and would continue to monitor the efforts being done by the
Water Conservation Committee to develop an ordinance that would be easy to implement
and save water. Mr. Harpootlian was encouraged by the Council to continue his efforts.
• Peter Evans, La Loma Drive, member of the Water Conservation Committee, concurred
with moving ahead and encouraging everyone to use less water. He added that it was
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additionally important that the Town support methodology to correct the Town's
allocations of Hetch-Hetchy water so that it would be better aligned with the way
residents use the resource.
18. Potential Co-Operation with City of Los Altos on Senior Center Activities—
Standing Parks and Recreation Committee
This item was re-ordered by the consensus of the Council and heard earlier in the
meeting.
Patty Radlo, Parks and Recreation Committee, reported that a joint meeting of the Los
Altos Hills Parks and Recreation Committee and the Los Altos Parks and Recreation
Commission had been convened to discuss key points between the two jurisdictions; the
most compelling consideration for collaboration was senior activities. The Parks and
Recreation Committee was before the City Council to request their support in moving
forward on an investigation of potential avenues to develop recreation programs for
seniors. A joint committee with representatives from both jurisdictions had been
suggested as a vehicle for the study.
Rebecca Hickman, Parks and Recreation Committee, asked that representatives to the
joint committee be appointed by Council. She suggested that individuals within the
community who have an avid interest in senior programming would be ideal candidates
with the committee spearheaded by a Councilmember, such as Councilmember Summit.
• Councilmember Summit offered to work with the Parks and Recreation Committee and
the City of Los Altos representatives to see how the two cities could best engage senior
citizens.
STAFF REPORTS
City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
No reports were given.
COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
19. Discussion of City Council Regular Meeting Date and Time (Councilmember
Summit)
Councilmember Summit reported that the City Council's meeting schedule had presented
a conflict with her assignment as the Council representative to the Santa Clara County
Cities Association Board. She had recently attended her first meeting when the Council's
regular meeting had been canceled. Summit offered that there was value in the Town
being represented at the Board meetings. She questioned if the Council would be open to
changing their meeting date to Tuesday, noting that this was the most common date for
council meetings for other jurisdictions. The Council meeting date has been changed in
• the past to accommodate attendance at other outside agency meetings and work related
travel.
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Mayor Pro Tem Kerr and Mayor Warshawsky indicated that they travelled during the
i
week and Thursday night meetings were best suited to their schedules.
• Mayor Pro Tem Kerr commented that a Councilmember could not attend the Santa Clara
Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) meeting, Santa Clara County Cities Association
meeting, and the Council meeting in one month because of scheduling conflicts. The
possibility existed that a Councilmember could attend the "Cities" meetings but it was
felt that it was more important to attend the VTA meetings which are held on the first
Thursday of the month. Currently the VTA board representation had not been confirmed.
Council consensus was to defer consideration of the Council meeting date for 2010 to a
future meeting.
City Clerk Karen Jost asked for direction from the Council regarding cancelation of the
regular city council meetings that fall on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Council
concurred and directed the Clerk to post the cancellations.
20. Discussion of Traffic Safety in Los Altos Hills
(Councilmember Summit)
Councilmember Summit reported that she had requested the Council discussion on traffic
safety to address concerns that had arisen after the bike accident on Purissima Road. She
noted that there was a general awareness of most people that the speed of cars and bikes
has been increasing which generally leads to dangerous situations. In her conversations
with Captain Calderone, he had indicated that the Sheriff's Department routinely makes
an effort to give tickets to bikers and automobiles drivers who exceed speed limits.
Captain Calderone, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, addressed Council. He reported
that his office has received complaints about vehicular and bicycle traffic with the most
common issue being speeding. Complaints are also voiced about bicyclists not obeying
the rules of the road.
Council discussion ensued. There was a consensus that they wanted to have danger spots
in Town identified and efforts made to improve safety issues. Purissima Road, Taaffe
and Altamont Roads were noted as possible areas of study.
Councilmember Summit questioned the viability of speed bumps and whether they would
be effective in slowing down cars. Fremont Road was given as an example of a problem
area.
Captain Calderone suggested bringing a traffic team to Los Altos Hills to evaluate current
data, look at roadways where there have been citations and accidents, and look at ways to
make roadways safer. He noted that the Sheriff's Department had done similar studies in
their other contract cities and there would be no cost to the Town for this service.
Council thanked Captain Calderone and encouraged him to move forward with his
proposal.
•
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21. Consideration of Joint Study Session with the City of Los Altos City Council on
issues pertaining to the Los Altos Library(Mayor Warshawsky)
City Clerk Karen Jost-reported that the dates for a possible joint study session with the
City of Los Altos were November 3 or December 1. Council consensus was to schedule
the meeting on December 1. Staff was given direction to agendize potential items for
council discussion at the November 12, 2009 regular city council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the October 22, 2009, regular meeting of the City
Council was adjourned by consensus of the Council at 10:20 p.m.
Respectfully submi ed,
Karen Jost
City Clerk
The minutes of the October 22, 2009 regular City Council meeting were approved as
presented at the December 10, 2009 regular City Council meeting.
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