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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/06/2002 Minutes of a Special Meeting June 6, 2002 Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Special Meeting Thursday, June 6,2002, 6:30 P.M. Congregation Beth Am. 26790 Arastradero Road 1. CALL TO ORDER,ROLL CAf,L, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Casey called the Special Meeting of the City Council to order at 6:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road Present: Mayor Casey and Councilmembers Cheng, Fenwick, Finn and O'Malley Absent: None Staff: City Manager Maureen Cassingham, City Attorney Sandy Sloan,Planning Director Carl Cahill, City Engineer/Director • of Public Works Mintze Cheng, John Chau Assistant Engineer, Administrative Services Director Sarah Joiner and City Clerk Pat Dowd Press: Liz Cloutman,Los Altos Town Crier; Chuck Carroll, San Jose Mercury 2. STUDY SESSION: PRELIMINARY MASTER PATH PLAN UPDATE Casey commented on the procedure that would be undertaken for this discussion of the pathways issue. The basis of the discussion would be the 2002 Master Path Map as proposed by the Town Pathways Committee (printed 5/9/02 and on file at Town Hall). Input would be received from interested parties and direction would be given to staff. After the study sessions were completed, public hearings would be held by the Planning Commission and City Council, including an environmental impact report and negative declaration on this General Plan update. Council planned on going through the map before them quadrant by quadrant and receiving input primarily from those directly affected by the path under discussion. Casey also commented that all members of the Council believed the path system in Town to be a treasured asset. However,the locations of certain paths and whether certain paths should be eliminated might be subjects of discussion. Casey expected everyone to respect each other's opinions during this discussion. Casey further noted that she had asked DuBose Montgomery and Ginger Summit to comment on the two differing philosophical approaches to this issue. June 6, 2002 Special City Council Meeting 1 DuBose Montgomery, Chairman of the Pathways Committee, stated that a lot of hard work, dedication and long meetings went into the map before Council tonight for review. The Pathways Committee found that some future off-road pathways routes identified on the 1981 Master Path Plan including those with existing easements would not be necessary or practical to construct because they were duplicates or parallel pathways or too steep to be useable. The map did not include the elimination of any paths now open for public use. Mr. Montgomery further commented that safety and security and private property rights were subjects of discussion during their review. Ginger Summit, member of the Pathways Committee, stated that the map before Council was not the result of unanimous agreement on the part of the Pathways Committee. She felt the map was incomplete and inaccurate. She also believed that to discuss such an important issue in as brief a time frame as a couple of study sessions was not adequate and did not allow enough time for public input. Mrs. Summit cautioned Council to accept their responsibility to keep path options open for future use and to conduct ongoing evaluations of the path system in Town. Casey pointed out that the first paths to be discussed were the existing off-road pathway easements with paths as reflected on the map by solid red lines'and additional off-road pathways identified on the 1981 Master Path Plan as identified by the solid orange lines. As noted earlier Council would be approaching this • discussion on a quadrant by quadrant basis with input being received from those directly affected by the path shown on the map. Martha Bowden, 27833 Saddle Court, stated that the easement shown off Saddle Court was not correct. Jan Fenwick, 28011 Elena Road,referred to the path shown in quadrant Al and B1 and stated that this was a treasure of aath and should be kept. She did note that p p Council should make sure it has an outlet. Malcolm Clarke, 26135 Kinsgley, supported an easement into Esther Clarke Park. He also noted that the easement as shown was incorrect. William Downey, 14330 DeBell, supported Malcolm Clarke's comments. Mr. Downey also stated his support for keeping all the path easements. Dot Schreiner, 14301 Saddle Mountain,referred to quadrants B1 and B2 and stated that the paths shown were inaccurate and incomplete. Gary Whitehous, 12345 Page Mill Road, referred to quadrant 2A and stated that the path near his home was very steep, next to a cliff and could not be put in. It was a difficult piece of property and he recommended removal of the path as it does not make sense. June 6, 2002 Special City Council Meeting 2 Jim Papp, 13263 Simon Lane, supported removing the path. He believed it was • redundant and unapproachable from Natoma. Resident, 27261 Black Mountain Road, supported keeping the path noting the path was on Edgerton along-the creek bed. Sid Hubbard, 25228 La Loma Drive, questioned the procedure put in place by the Mayor of only allowing those directly affected by the path under discussion to comment. He believed these were issues that affected other residents and the Town as a whole in addition to the person adjacent to the path. Carol Gottlieb, 24290 Summerhill, commented on the Page Mill path and the decision when it was placed on the 1981 Master Path Plan. She noted that it was thought to bring the path up the back way to Page Mill and schematically it was thought that this would work. She also noted that when the previous speaker on the Page Mill path bought his property he knew this path was there. Patty Ciesla, 11990 Page Mill, commented that there was no other way to get up Page Mill in the area and asked if there were alternatives available without going through the owner's property. Jack Caffey, 27133 Adonna Court, commented that the properties at the end of Adonna were reclaimed by Caltrans. Also he noted that the Adonna path connected to Black Mountain and was used for years until it was fenced. He • recommended rebuilding the Black Mountain to Elena and Natoma to Elena pathways. Mike Scott, 27844, 27856 and 27860 Black Mountain, asked for a clear explanation of what this map before them meant. What did it mean if a path was there? How were the costs of putting in paths and maintaining them going to be handled? What was the timetable? Why was Council undertaking this project when there did not seem to be any measurable criticisms? Jim Waller, 26105 Elena Road, wanted to see the path next to his property removed as it was a dead end. Twinkie Lyman, 13770 Wildflower Court, stated that they had lived in Town for many years and the path issue has often been one of controversy. The residents knew of the paths when they purchased the property and with this proposal there were forty four residents who, if the map was approved, would have the path easements removed. She believed the `not in my backyard' attitude was prevalent today. She did not think it was fair to expect a minority to bear the burden. If some easements were removed then all should be. Mrs. Lyman recommended putting this issue on the ballot in November. • June 6, 2002 Special City Council Meeting 3 Sandra Jensen, 13830 Campo Vista, believed everyone should be polite to each other and respect each other's opinions. Concerning the path next to her property she noted that it did not connect and was a dead end. Paul Jensen, 13830 Campo Vista, reiterated the comment that the path did not connect to Robleda and he suggested that the area be looked at more carefully. Craig Lund, 13826 Templeton Court, recommended keeping the path next to his property as it was an important link. Nancy Fouquet, 13470 Robleda, believed this was a cumbersome way of going through the pathway issue and she offered her services to help with a different approach. Dolly Chu, 26985 Orchard Hill Lane, asked about the. existing road pathways but was advised by Council that they were not being discussed at this meeting. Arthur Bussi, 25980 Todd Lane, stated that the path shown at the end of Todd Lane was incorrect. Doni Hubbard, 25228 La Loma Drive, commented on.the procedure and thought it was shameful that Council was making consensus decisions before everyone was given an opportunity to speak on this issue. • Rich Cassams, 27400 Altamont, stated the path next to his property was critical as it connected between Altamont and Central. Ralph Savoie, 11640 Buena Vista, stated it was important for the Town to maintain this easement as it was an important connector to Conejo. Ellen Cunningham, 27980 Central Drive, supported the comments of the previous two speakers. Doug Peterson, 26910 Dezahara Way, stated that the off-road path shown on the map went right across his property and it was impossible to use and not possible to make it useable. He believed other options were available. Tony Win commented that the path was within fifteen feet of their home and he had serious safety and privacy issues with this path in that location. Jane Danaher, Robleda, stated that this was a vital link to Bullis School. Richard Lamparter, 12864 Viscaino Road, commented that dead end roads in Town limited the circulation to residents and the circulation pattern provided by the paths was being disregarded. In his opinion the pathway easements belonged to everyone in Town. June 6, 2002 Special City Council Meeting 4 Kim Cranston, 27080 Fremont Road, noted that when the residents bought the • property they knew about the easements. Bob Clifford, 24820 Cantata Way, commented that the path circulation was a Town asset. He also noted that there was an existing easement along his property. Mrs. Mark Jensen, 26225 Purissima, commented on the off-road path identified on the 1981 Master Path Plan at Foothill College and stated it was important to keep this path as Elena was a dangerous road. Bala Balaknishnan, 12376 Priscilla Lane, noted that he lived on a cul-de-sac and was concerned about vandalism. Sylvia Leung, 25386 La Loma,recommended soliciting more input and putting this issue on the November ballot. Sid Hubbard, 25228 La Loma Drive, stated his concerns about the process that was being taken. He believed it was flawed and that to vacate these easements was wrong. Peter Evans, 25259 La Loma Drive, stated that Council needed to make findings to vacate these easements . This map was in violation of the General Plan and in direct conflict with the Pathway Element. • Steve Bristow, 11235 Hilltop, stated that the path link next to his property was an important one. Resident, 12804 Clausen Court, stated that there was no problem with safety or security in their area. The paths in Town were a community asset and all easements should be kept. Council discussed the map by quadrant and the comments made those present and directed the staff as follows: Quadrant 1A: supported the recommendations of the Pathways Committee Quadrant 1B: keep the path at Mandoli Quadrant 1 C: supported the recommendations of the Pathways Committee Quadrant 2A: supported the recommendations of the Pathways Committee Quadrant 2B: supported the recommendations of the Pathways Committee Quadrant 2C: supported the recommendations of the Pathways Committee Quadrant 3A: supported the recommendations of the Pathways Committee June 6, 2002 Special City Council Meeting 5 Quadrant 3B: supported the recommendations of the Pathways Committee Quadrant 3C: supported the recommendations of the Pathways Committee Quadrant 3D: supported the recommendations of the Pathways Committee Quadrant 41): supported the recommendations of the Pathways Committee Council then discussed the 2002 Proposed Master Path Plan quadrant by quadrant as it related to the recommendations made by the Pathways Committee for additional paths and removal of certain paths. Kim Cranston, 27080 Fremont Road, asked if the pathway map had been adopted as part of the General Plan. Walter Bowden, 27833 Saddle Court, supported the recommendation of the Pathways Committee to remove the path(quadrant 1A) Ron Tully, 13435 Saddle Mountain Drive, supported Pathways Committee recommendation to remove path. (quadrant 1A) Karen Emerzian, 11670 Dawson Drive, asked when general comments on the • proposed map would be received. Erica Willson, 24824 Robleda, supported removal of path in part because it was a steep area(quadrant 1A) Patty Ciesla, representing Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Commission, supporting retaining this path as it was an important link(quadrant IA). Dot Schreiner, 14301 Saddle Mountain Drive, supported removing two paths put in at the time of subdivision at the back of Saddle Court(quadrant IA). Bob Laskin, 27821 Baker Lane, stated that the map was not accurate and the path as shown would not work(quadrant 1B). Resident, 27220 Mandoli Drive, supported removal of path as it did not go anywhere (quadrant 1B). Kim Cranston, 27080 Fremont Road, supported keeping path as it provided an access to Esther Clark Park(quadrant 1B). Barbara O'Brien, 26815 Ortega, concurred with Mr. Cranston's comments (quadrant 1B). June 6,2002 Special City Council Meeting 6 Nancy Ewald, 26131 Altadena, noted that in this area there were very few off-road easements (quadrant 1B). Marian Caffey, 27133 Adonna Court, strongly opposed vacating any of these easements. She believed they were significant assets of the Town. Dale Peterson, 14161 Miranda Way, noted that for 35 years there had been an entrance off Scarff into Esther Clarke Park(quadrant 1 Q. Nancy Ewald, 26131 Altadena, supported Mr. Peterson's comments (quadrant 1 Q. Mike Schoendorf, 13145 Byrd Lane, stated that this issue should be put on the ballot. The easement was next door,they enjoyed the paths and believed they were critical for the safety of the children(quadrant 2A) Mike Kuranoff, 13440 South Fork, supported the recommendation of the Pathways . Committee. He stated that there was no path there and any future path would be redundant(quadrant 2A). Resident, 13500 South Fork, supported the Pathways Committee to remove the pathway(quadrant 2A). Andrew Chang, 27801 Via Feliz, supported the Pathways Committee recommendation to remove the path(quadrant 2A). Burt Raphael, 12820 Viscaino Road, stated that the path shown on the map was on his property line on a very steep route. He thought the current map very inaccurate and objected to this path(quadrant 2B) Pearl Chan, 27864 Via Corita, supported removal of the path. She stated there was. no easement, no path and to put one in would be redundant and it would not connect to anything(quadrant 2B). Anthony Perga, 12100 Dawn Lane, stated his support of the paths and his opposition to giving up these easements. Nancy Ginzton, 28012 Natoma Road, noted that she had deeded an easement to the Town and she supported keeping the path(quadrant 2B) Gayle Salim, 27500 Elena, supported the Pathways Committee recommendation for removal of the path(quadrant 2B) Mary Davey, 12645 La Cresta Drive, noted that she had been involved many years ago on the path plan and had worked with Artemas Ginzton on the design of the June 6, 2002 Special City Council Meeting 7 path system in Town. She supported the path along Viscaino to LaCresta Court, noting that this provided a circulation plan to the recreation areas in Town. She also recommended that the Council hold several public hearing on this issue to get input(quadrant 2B) Kevin Perth, 13076 Vista del Valle Court, supported the Pathways Committee recommendation of removal of the path. He noted that they had been robbed several times and he was concerned about the access to his property that this path provided. He also noted his safety concerns in that there was a blind curve on Elena in this area(quadrant 2B). JoAnn Eagle, 12230 Windsor Court, supported the path along Natoma (quadrant 2B). Steve Kellum, Esperanza Drive, stated that the map before them had errors and missing paths (quadrant 2B). Dot Schreiner, 14301 Saddle Mountain Drive, referred to the area around Viscaino and Anacapa and noted that there were general public easements in this Fremont Hills Subdivision. Mrs. Schreiner also stressed looking at the whole picture before removing any easements (quadrant 2B). • Council directed the City Attorney to prepare a report for the next Council Meeting on the issue of general public easements and what specifically they could be used for. Jan Fenwick, 28011 Elena Road, commented on the area at the corner of Elena and 280 and cautioned Council to make sure a path was useable and there for access before eliminating a path(quadrant 2B). Resident, 12820 Viscaino Road, reiterated that there were public easements in the Fremont Hills Subdivision(quadrant 2B). Resident, 26431 Elena, supported removing the path from Elena to La Barranca. It was steep and a dead end(quadrant 2B). Council directed staff as follows: Quadrants IA, 1B, 1C, 2A and 2B: supported recommendations of Pathways Committee with the notation that the path at Black Mountain should be kept. Council also further directed staff to research the comments made by residents concerning the paths along their properties. June 6, 2002 Special City Council Meeting 8 Council thanked everyone for their comments. They noted that this study session would be continued to a future meeting as it was necessary to end this meeting at 10:30 p.m. 3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Jim Abraham, 12831 Viscaino Road, referred to the lease discussions with the Purissima Hills Water District and supported the Water District staying on the Town Hall property. He noted that he was a member of the Town's Emergency Communications Committee and the Water District was an important part in the Town's emergency plans. In part there was the use of the water tank sites in Town. Mr. Abraham urged Council to consider this lease in view of important factors other than the bottom line profit margin. 4. ADJOURNMENT There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, • Patricia Dowd City Clerk The minutes of the June 6, 2002 Special City Council Meeting were approved at the July 18, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting. June 6, 2002 Special City Council Meeting 9