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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/01/1999 Minutes of a Regular Meeting July 1, 1999 Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, July 1, 1999, 6:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Mayor Dauber called the Regular Meeting of the City to order at 6:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Mayor Dauber and Councilmembers Casey,Finn, Johnson and Siegel Absent: None Staff. City Manager William Norton, City Attorney Sandy Sloan, Planning Director Curtis Williams, Public Works Manager Jim Rasp and City Clerk Pat Dowd Press: Wendy Marinaccio, Los Altos Town Crier 2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS • 2.1 Interviews and Appointment to the Planning Commission Council had received four applications for the Planning Commission. Of the four one was unable to attend this meeting due to a previous commitment. Council agreed to hold the other three interviews and to continue the appointment to the next meeting at which time the final candidate would be interviewed. Harry Emerzian, 11670 Dawson Drive, noted that he had been a member of the Pathways Recreation and Parks Committee for the past year and a half. He believed that good planning was important to the Town and further noted that issues should be dealt with on a case by case basis. The Planning Commission should be objective and an applicant should not have to deal with personalities. Fred Fallah, 12374 Priscilla Lane, commented that he too was a member of the Pathways Recreation and Parks Committee. He believed that one of major issues facing the Town was the enforcement of the approved building requirements for projects. He also supported the objective evaluation of projects before the Planning Commission. Sandra Humphries, 26238 Fremont Road, noted that she had been a member of the Environmental Design and Protection Committee for the past two years. She commented that they had worked on a brochure on landscaping guidelines and the committee also planned to plant a demo garden on native plants at Town Hall. Concerning the fast track ordinance, she had hoped that it would pertain only to smaller homes. She also expressed concern about the timing July 1, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting 1 of the hearings noting that it might be difficult for interested parties to attend day meetings. She • further commented that she believed both individual and group rights were important. Council thanked everyone for their interest and noted again that an appointment would be made at the next Council Meeting. 3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT The Planning Director reported that the following actions were taken at the 6/23/99 Planning Commission Meeting: Lands of Barth, 14350 Manuella Road: findings for approval of site development for new residence, with conditions - approved; Lands of Blair, 27161 Fremont Road, request for a site development permit for a secondary dwelling unit, basement and cabana - approved; Lands of Olcott, 12950 Brendel Drive: request for a site development permit for a new residence, including an attached two-car garage and a variance to allow development area in excess of the maximum permitted- approved; and proposed amendments to Matadero Creek Subdivision Conditions of Approval,related to building coverage and maximum development area and a negative declaration-recommended approval - set for 7/15/99 Council public hearing. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR Items Removed: 4.1 - 5/20/99 regular minutes (Dauber), 4.1 - 6/18/99 special minutes (Casey), 4.2 (Dauber), 4.3 (Dauber) and 4.10 (Dauber) MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Siegel and passed unanimously to approve the balance of the consent calendar, specifically: 4.1 Approved Minutes: May 20, 1999 (Special Meeting) S June 17, 1999 (Regular Meeting) 4.3 Approved request for approval and authorization to execute 1996 Measure B Pavement Management Program(PMP) Cooperative Agreement with the County of Santa Clara-- Reso#38-99 4.4 Accepted agreement for sanitary sewer easement, Lands of Ventura, 25398 La Loma Drive--Reso#39-99 4.5 Accepted agreement for sanitary sewer easement, Lands of Denny, 25400 La Loma Drive-- Reso#40-99 4.6 Authorized City Manager to sign Joint Powers Agreement for Community Development Block Grant(CDBG) Funding --Reso#41-99 4.7 Approved agreement with Pollart Consulting for planning services -- Reso#42-99 4.9 Approved agreement with Aleuron Systems for computer consulting services --Reso #43-99 Items Removed: 4.1 Approval of Minutes: May 20, 1999 (Regular Meeting) June 18, 1999 (Special Meeting) July 1, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting 2 MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Johnson and passed unanimously to approve the minutes of the May 20, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting with the following corrections: Page 5, Item 8.1 last paragraph, change fourth sentence to read: "Dauber suggested the Town ask the Packards for a copy of what they planned to present to the neighbors."and page 7, second paragraph should read: "The Planning Director explained the difference of 6,825 sq. ft. of development area which was reported to the Planning Commission and the 6,610 sq. ft. which was originally in the plans. From the first meeting with the architects, he had indicated that while 5,000 sq. ft. of development area may be prohibitive, 4,000 sq. ft. of floor area would be excessive. Appropriate numbers appeared to be in the area of 3,500 sq. ft. and 6,500 sq. ft. of floor area and development area respectively. He had suggested the applicant look at prior approvals and try to be consistent with numbers and designs of other projects that fit into the slopes." MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Dauber and passed unanimously to approve the minutes of the June 18, 1999 Special City Council Meeting with the following correction: Page 2, last paragaph, insert the following before the last sentence: "Casey also stated that a Town-wide mailing should be sent to all residents if a discussion was going to take place on a possible ordinance change regarding water conservation and landscaping issues." 4.2 Approval of Warrants: $232,119.72 (6/1/99 -- 6/22/99) Dauber referred to the charge for microfilming and asked if the records were also being saved on disk. In addition, she recommended that the pathways map be updated and/or corrected every three years rather than just having an outdated one reprinted. Dauber also asked that a printout of the schedule of accounts. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Johnson and passed • unanimously to approve the warrants in the amount of$232,119.72 (6/1/99 -- 6/22/99) 4.3 Approval of agreement with Wilsey Ham for technical and engineering services --Reso # Dauber questioned the reference in the agreement to Ron Calhoun as the contact person. She understood this was an agreement for the services of Jeff Peterson through Wilsey Ham. The City Manager reported that Ron Calhoun was the president of Wilsey Ham and the primary contact. Wilsey Ham would determine which employees worked on a project as a part of their consulting contract. This contract did however stipulate that Jeff Peterson would be working on Town projects at a certain fee. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Johnson and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution#44-99 approving a contract with Wilsey Ham for technical and engineering services. 4.10 Approval of amendment to the agreement for Countywide Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program --Reso# Dauber commented that this program was poorly publicized. She suggested copies of the brochure telling people how to use the program,who to call, etc. be placed at Town Hall. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Johnson and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution#45-99 approving and authorizing execution of the second amendment to the Agency Agreement for Countywide Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program for FY 1999-2000. July 1, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting 3 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS i5.1 Adoption of an ordinance of the Town of Los Altos Hills providing enhancements to the Site Development Review Process and establishing a fast-track process for review of new residences and major additions (SECOND READING) Dauber referred to section 1(e)which stated that'Specific design and architectural features, including,but not limited to,architectural style, chimneys, window treatment and skylights, shall not be considered or altered by the Site Development Authority.' She noted that this section was open to different interpretations and needed clarification. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Casey and passed by the following roll call vote to waive further reading. AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Finn and Councilmembers Casey, Johnson and Siegel NOES: Mayor Dauber MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Casey and passed by the following roll call vote to adopt Ordinance#400 providing limitations to the Site Development Review Process and establishing a fast-track process for review of new residences an major additions., AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Finn and Councilmembers Casey and Johnson NOES: Mayor Dauber and Siegel 6. NEW BUSINESS • 6.1 Presentation by General Plan Consultant of Land Use Issues; Consideration of Formation of Land Use Committee; and Community Survey of Land Use Issues Chris Clark, Crawford Multari Clark&Mohr, reported on several land use issues which would be addressed in the review of the Land Use Element of the General Plan. These include: residential development--how does the Town want to approach concerns about the development of individual properties; annexations --their appropriateness and potential timing; non-residential facilities (schools, churches, etc.) -- should land use designations be created to accommodate these uses; and Town open space properties -- should they be designated open space preserve. This issue of a community land use survey was also discussed. He noted that their firm was experienced in doing such surveys which included the following four major tasks: survey document refinement, mail-out data, data analysis and data presentation. Mr. Clark noted that their work of examining the technical components of the Town could be done on a parallel with the work of the committee. As this two track process was completed they would then start drafting the land use element. Betsy Bertram, 11854 Page Mill Road, commented that standing committees were already in place and could review and exchange information at the committee level and bring their comments back to the Council. Dot Schreiner, Planning Commissioner,noted that one of the charges of the Planning Commission was long-range planning. She recommened two Planning Commissioners (she and Carl Cottrell) be appointed to the committee. She further commented that since Commissioners Gottlieb and Jinkerson worked it would be more difficult for them to attend these committee meetings. July 1, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting 4 MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Siegel and passed unanimously to appoint a Land Use Committee comprised of the following: two Planning Commissioners, one representative from each of the following committees: Finance, Environmenal Design, Pathways, Safety and Utility. In addition each Councilmember would appoint one person to serve on this committee. It was further agreed that all survey questions would be brought back to the Council for approval. 6.2 Discussion of suggestion that the Planning Director rather than a Planning Commissioner present the report to the Planning Commission on actions taken at Council Meetings The Planning Director reported that at their 6/23/99 meeting the Planning Commission voted to keep the present process of the Commissioners reporting on the Council Meetings rather than the Planning Director. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Casey and passed by the following roll call to table this item. AYES: Mayor Dauber and Councilmembers Finn, Johnson and Siegel NOES: Councilmember Casey 6.3 Amendment of the charter of the Los Altos/Los Altos Hills Community Volunteer Awards Committee to delete the limitation on committee members that they may Serve for a maximum of two years on the committee MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Casey and passed unanimously to approve an amendment of the charter of the Los Altos/Los Altos Hills • Community Volunteer Awards Committee to delete the limitation on committee members that they may service for a maximum of two years on the committee. 7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES,AND COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES 7.1 Council Appointments to Committees, Subcommittees and Outside Agencies PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Council approved the following appointments: Committee Liaison Community Relations William Siegel Environmental Design and Protection Steve Finn Finance Elayne Dauber Pathways, Recreation and Parks Toni Casey Safety Bob Johnson Utility and Information Systems Committee Toni Casey and Steve Finn Exhibit Curator Mayor Town Historian Mayor Volunteer Awards Bob Johnson July 1 1999 Regular City Council Meeting 5 Appointments to Outside Agencies • ABAG William Siegel a Elayne Dauber (alternate) Community Health Awareness Council Rory Kaplan (CHAC) City Selection Mayor Emergency Preparedness Council Mayor League of California Cities -Peninsula Elayne Dauber Division William Siegel (alternate) Los Altos Hills County Fire Protection District William Siegel Commission Sid Hubbard Los Altos Senior Coordinating Council Ramona Chown North County Library Authority Elayne Dauber Dottie Harrison-Brown Joint Powers Authority Library Board Elayne Dauber Valley Transportation Authority Policy Advisory Board William Siegel Los Altos Library Commission Barbara Lamparter Dottie Harrison Brown • Santa Clara Valley Water Commission Elayne Dauber Santa Clara Valley Water District Elayne Dauber Northwest Flood Control Advisory Jim Rasp (alternate) Committee Santa Clara County Cities Bob Johnson Association Elayne Dauber(alternate) Santa Clara County Housing and Community Gloria Shiff Development Citizens Advisory Committee Joint Venture Silicon Valley Network Toni Casey Council on Tax and Fiscal Policy City/Schools Breakfast Forum Peggy Esber Bicycle Advisory Committee, Santa Clara Les Earnest County Transportation Authority Los Altos Sister Cities Bill Sun General Plan Committee To be determined/not currently active • July 1, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting 6 Council Sub-Committees: Newsletter Elayne Dauber William Siegel Solid Waste Toni Casey Steve Finn Website Bob Johnson William Siegel Review of Design Guidelines Booklet Toni Casey Elayne Dauber 7.2 Report from Subcommittee (Casey and Dauber) on review of design guidelines This item was continued to the next meeting. 7.3 Report on newly established subcommittee on airport noise This item was continued to the next meeting. 8. STAFF REPORTS 8.1 City Manager 8.2 City Attorney • 8.2.1 Report on Trademark for Los Altos Hills Logo The City Attorney reported that the Town had been able to secure a service mark for the Town's logo. The registration was effective as of June 18, 1999 through June 18, 2009 and could be renewed at that time. 8.3 City Clerk 8.3.1 Report on Council Correspondence Dauber commented on a phone call she had received about a downed tree and resulting confusion when she called 911 to report it. The Public Works Manager reported that the public works desk at County Communications had the list of Town emergency numbers and Council now had an updated list of all pager and beeper numbers. Dauber also referred to a letter received from MTC concerning SB428 which would establish a Bay Area Water Transit Authority to operate ferry services. It was agreed Siegel would write a response on behalf of the Council. 9. COUNCIL-INITIATED ITEMS 9.1 Request for authorization to attend the Mayors and Councilmembers Executive Forum, Monterey Conference Center, July 28-30, 1999 (Councilmember Johnson) MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Johnson and passed unanimously to authorize Councilmembers to attend the Mayors and Councilmembers Executive Forum in Monterey. is July 1, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting 7 9.2 Discussion of desirability to change the appeal ordinance from 21 to 22 days (Mayor Dauber) This item was continued to the next meeting. 9.3 Community Health Awareness Council (Mayor Dauber) Dauber noted for Council's reference that the Town was a member of a Joint Powers Agreement for the operation of the Community Health Awareness Council. 10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Dot Scheiner, 14301 Saddle Mountain,thanked whomever was responsible for the free chipping program. Siegel responded that this program was run by the Los Altos Hills County Fire District. Betsy Bertram, 11854 Page Mill Road,noted that the compost at Westwind was ususally gone in two days and she also noted that the map in the reception area at Town Hall was fading and needed to be restored. Mrs. Bertram also suggested that before an applicant's plans were microfilmed and then thrown away,the applicant should be given the opportunity to get their plans back. Staff noted that the map had been restored and an appropriate cover was being obtained for it. Siegel also asked for a report on the composting issue. Alan Epstein, 23828 Ravensbury, raised the issue of sewer service for county homeowners adjacent to the Town in the Ravensbury area. He asked Council to make it clear that county homeowners in this area could connect to the Town's sewer system provided they pay the usual • and customary connection and operating charges paid by the Town homeowners. Mr. Epstein stated that he had been advised by staff that this was not the current Town policy and he was therefore bringing the matter to Council's attention. The City Attorney noted that Council did not have the authority to extend the sewer line without the approval of LAFCO even though this area is in the Town's urban service area. It was agreed that the City Manager would meet with Mr. Epstein to discuss this issue. Nader Zatparvar, 25461 Fremont Road, addressed the Council on the sewer issue regarding his project on Fremont Road. He noted that when he applied for the project they were going to go on septic. However, Town staff at that time recommended that he connect to a sewer line which would be going in in that area. He was now in the final stages of his project but the sewer line was not in and it was too late to go back to septic. It was agreed that the City Manager would discuss this issue with Mr. Zatparvar. Mr. Suzuki, 11666 Dawson Drive, raised the issue of fencing that was installed near his property. He believed this gave the appearance of a gated community and was not in keeping with the spirit of the Town. He had contacted the Town and while the fencing may be legal Mr. Suzuki did not believe this was what the Town wanted. He did not agree with fencing off open space. The Planning Director noted that the fencing did meet the Town's Codes and was part of the subdivision improvements for the Quarry Hills Subdivision. The fencing should not block any paths or drainage and would be inspected by staff. Betsy Bertram, 11854 Page Mill Road, asked if Quarry Hills had been approved as a gated community and was advised that it had not been. July 1, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting 8 11. PUBLIC HEARINGS 11.1 Request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence with attached garage, a detached carport and pool, Lands of Green Earth, 27168 Moody Court Sylvia Leung, applicant, addressed the following issues which the Planning Commission had raised when they denied their project. She referred to overall site disturbance, lack of landscape screening, steep driveway, lack of design change to house and carport and relocation of house to lessen visual impact. Mrs. Leung did not agree that there would be overall disturbance to the site. She stated that the existing building pad was barren and only some brushes were going to be cleared. Concerning landscaping they believed an appropriate landscaping plan could be established to screen their home as well as their neighbor's. On the driveway issue they had approval of both designs (long and short) for the driveway from County Fire. Their preference was for a shorter driveway even if this meant a reduction in allowed maximum floor and development areas. She stated they had designed their home within the Town's guidelines and it was well within the allowed development figures. Their carport was also open on three sides as defined by Town codes and should not be counted as floor area. Regarding the visual impact, she noted that the house was presently located where it had the least impact on the neighbor. The house was also in an L-shape which reduced the impact. Mr. Siudzinsk, 27150 Moody Court, stated he was concerned about the size of the proposed house and its proximity to his. He supported the redesign of the driveway and stated that he did not want to share a driveway. On the landscaping, he noted the ground • was rock and it was very difficult to get anything to grow. Mr. Leung, applicant,referred to Mr. Siudzinski's comments about the landscaping and noted that the trees around Mr. Siudzinski's house were green but the ones further out that received no care were distressed. He believed that landscaping which was cared for would live. Mr. Yang, applicant's architect, explained the design of the house and its siting. Concerning the siting he noted the constraints which incuded the impact on the neighbor and the leach field. Mr. Yang also described the carport. He noted it was open on three sides but did have a fagade of garage doors so its design was compatible with the house design. Mr. George Koster, 27297 Byrne Park Lane, stated that they were about to purchase a home on Byrne Park Lane and he was concerned about the environmental impact of this house on their home. He noted the concerns of the Planning Commission and he stated that he shared these concerns. He did not think such a large home was appropriate next to Byrne Preserve. Siegel noted that this was the first development on Moody Court and he believed the Town needed to sure the road could handle this and future development. The present road needed to be improved and it was a safety issue. He suggested a report on road maintenance and costs and a plan for the neighborhood. Mr. Siudinski, 27150 Moody Road, stated that Moody Court was private and the residents took care of it. There was no formal agreement. • July 1, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting 9 Dauber expressed her concerns about the high visibility of this house next to the open space of Byrne Preserve. It sat right on the edge of the cliff. Johnson believed the siting of the house was appropriate and the landscaping could be worked out satisfactorily. Either option for the driveway was acceptable and options were available to improve the road. Casey concurred with Johnson. Dauber stated that she was uncomfortable voting on a project which involved so many factors to be worked out satisfactorily. Sandra Humphries, 26238 Fremont Road, suggested adding a condition that native plantings needed to used since this was so close to Byrne Preserve and there could be drainage issues. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Finn, seconded by Casey and passed unanimously to approve the request for a site development permit for a new residence with an attached garage, a detached carport and a pool, Lands of Green Earth, 27168 Moody Court, subject to the conditions of approval as reviewed by the Planning Commission at their 6/9/99 meeting with the following additional conditions: approve short driveway with the stipulation that if the maximum floor area and maximum development area are reduced the applicant will work with staff on revisions to the allowed numbers; eliminate the doors from the carport; a landscaping plan shall determined in conjunction with neighbor and to the benefit of both; native plants shall be used. The applicants shall also pay$25,000 for improvements to be made to Moody Court. This $25,000 shall include the cost of Town engineering services in working on these improvements. The approval of this project also included the findings as prepared by the Planning Director. 11.2 Ordinance amending Title 8 of Municipal Code to adopt by reference the 1998 • California Building Standards Code, including Uniform Building,Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Codes, and the 1995 edition of the Cabo one and two family dwelling code, with amendments, and adoption of negative declaration Dirk Mattern, Deputy Fire Chief, addressed the Council on the issue of Class A roofs. He compared A and B roofing and emphasized the benefits of requiring Class A roofs only. Richard Lamparter, 12864 Viscaino Road,recommended careful consideration of the costs and benefits of both Class A and B roofing. Betsy Bertram, 11854 Page Mill Road, recommended the use of no shake roofs at all in the Town. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Finn, seconded by Casey and passed unanimously to waive further reading. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Casey and passed unanimously to introduce an ordinance amending Title 8 of Municipal Code to adopt by reference the 1998 California Building Standards Code, including Uniform Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Codes, and the 1995 edition of the Cabo one and two family dwelling code, with amendments, and adoption of negative declaration, with the amendment of requiring class A roofing only. • July 1, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting 10 12. CLOSED SESSION: PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT: Government Code Section 54957 -- CitManager The City Council adjourned to a Closed Session regarding public employment at 10:15 p.m. and reconvened at 11:00 p.m. Council returned to open session to report, if necessary, any actions taken. No actions were taken. 13. ADJOURNMENT There being no further new or old business to discuss,the City Council- Meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m. Respectfully sub tted, Patricia Dowd City Clerk The minutes of the July 1, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting were approved at the July 15, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting. • • July 1, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting 11