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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/26/1970PLANNING COMMISSION TO1411 OF LOS ALTOS HILLS MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING October 26, 1970 Chairman Priscilla R. Weisbart called the Regular *testing of the Planning Commission of the Town of Los Altos Hills to order at 7:50 P. M. at the Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California. The following members answered roll call: Present: Commissioners Hibner, Lachenbruch, McReynolds, Spencer, Chairman Weisbart. Absent: Commissioner Perkins. COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE: Councilman Mary Davey. 1. Letter from Nr. Mark S. Comes who represented a group of students from Santa Clara University that were seeking National Science Foundation funds, requested the Commission's endorsement that they would utilize the findings of their proposed study of social and psychological aspects of population optimum. Commissioner McReynolds is to investigate and further advise the Commission of the intent of this request and what specific information that they intend to provide. COMMITTEE REPORTS: 1. Commissioner Hibner stated the Private Road Committee had met twice and discussed the revisions of Ordinance No. 69 as related to private roads. They were to meet on the following day to further review the MAPS area to finalize their recommendations and would report to the Commission at the next meeting. Chairman Weisbart appointed Commissioner McReynolds to the Private Road Committee and reiterated that the charge of the Committee was to study the private road situation to jell with the proposed revision of Ordinance No. 69. DIVISIONS OF LAND: Tentative Maps: 1. RHOS RIDGE RANCHOS UNITS #2 and #3 (357-69) 9 lots, Engr. Geo. S. Nolte. Staff noted that previous meetings on this subdivision related to access via Summitwood Road but that do to the problems that had arisen since then, the applicant had submitted a new map with access to this subdivision from Moody Road. It was noted that the map as revised had still met slope density requirements, but that since Peck/Rhus Ridge Road and Bassett Lane were still to he private roads exceeding 850' that a conditional exception would be required. In response to Commission Spencer's suggestion that a path be located between lots 2 and 3, Mrs. Saviano, Chairman of the Pathway Committee, noted that they had considered this, but that since an existing PUS already fell between lots 3, 4, and 5 that it would be acceptable to the Committee to have the pathway overlap. The pathway between lot 5 and along 3 and 4 should, however, be relocated as necessary to provide a suitable grade from Peck Road. A letter from the Santa Clara Flood Control District was read indicating their willingness to conduct a study as to the feasibility of creating a flood plain along Adobe Creek provided the Town would be willing to provide ncessary dedications. The letter further noted that should the box culvert crossing Adobe Creek from Peck to bloody Road fail, it would have to be rebuilt to their standards. DIVISIONS OF LAND: Tentative Maps: Rhus Ridge Ranchos Units 82 and 63 Cont'd. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Hibner moved, seconded by Spencer and carried unanimously that the communication from the Flood Control Water District be referred to the City Council for their consideration of the flood control plain. Speaking from the Floor, Mr. G. Ferrari questioned whether the applicant had agreed to pay in -lieu fees. Mr. Dana stated he would like to further investigate before deciding. Commission discussion complimented the applicants on their generous open space dedication and their subdivision which averaged 1.5 acres per lot. It was further noted that there would be deed restrictions on tree cutting. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Hibner moved, seconded by McReynolds and carried unanimously to proceed to the Check List. Discussion noted that all reference to Peck Road be deleted since that portion was to be renamed Rhus Ridge and that the path easement along lot #5 be relocated as necessary to provide a suitable grade from Rhus Ridge Road. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Spencer moved, seconded by Hibner and carried unanimously, (Perkins absent) that the Tentative Map for Rhus Ridge Ranchos as revised October 22, 1970, be recommended to the Council for approval in accordance with the Check List, Revision A, as corrected above. RECESS: 9:15 P.M. to 9;35 P.M. 2. MATADERO OAKS (374-70) 44 lots, Engr. Geo. S. Nolte. Staff reviewed this subdivision submitted by Land Resources Corporation, which comprises 75 acres along the west side of Page Mill Road between I4lrmirou and Alexis Drive. It was noted that the proposed 44 lots would be served almost exclusively by interior, 60' right-of-way, public roads, which were to be named Paseo Del Robles and a loop road to be named Circulo Robles. Access would be via Mirmirou and Alexis Drive. There were four short private culs-de-sac with 32' right-of-way which would serve some of the lots but all roads would be paved to Town standards. Staff recommended that road design should be such as to minimize cutting and filling; that curb and gutters be colored to blend with the environment; name all cull -de -sac and that in -lieu payment be required for 11 width of Page Mill Road. The in -tract drainage proposed consisted of catch basins and pipes as needed to carry surface drainage from the roads to natural drainage swales, which would allow the run-off to make its way to Matadero Creek through existing channels. Drainage ease- ments would be provided. Staff noted special attention should be given to run-off into the subdivision from the east and south across lots Ill through #4 and whether existing channels without improvements can accept the additional run-off from this subdivision. Special consideration should be given to the culverts on Page Mill Road at Mirmirou Drive and Alexis Drive. An equestrian trail would be provided along the north side of Mirmirou Drive and along the west side of Paseo Del Robles as well as one in the triangular section of lot Sl to coincide with an existing trail and a second trail between lots @1 and 112 to connect AWwith the Palo Alto trail system. Paths would also be provided along M.irmirou Drive, the east side of Paseo Del Robles and along the inside of Circulo Robles. -2- DIVISIONS OF LHdD: Tentative Maps: Matadero Oaks Cont'd. Speaking for the Pathway Committee, mfrs. Saviano recommended that the path easements connecting to Palo Alto be offered but not accepted. Staff recommended in -lieu fees be required along Page Bill Road rather than building a pathway. In addition to the above pathway easements the applicant proposed a 50' wide access easement running between Mirmirou Drive and the lower end of a park dedication between lots 39 and 40. Also a conservation easement approximately 100' in width was proposed for the subdivision's entire length along Page Mill Road. Staff accepted the proposal for park and open space noting it met the minimum requirements of Ordinance Ido. 117. Mr. Mader noted that a common turnaround serving lots M9 and 1110 would provide better access to lot 119; that care should be taken in selecting the building site for lot #35 so as not to straddle a water course; adequate cul-de-sac widths should be allowed so as to serve future development, specifically the Fowler property above lots 1133 and #36; the 11irmirou Drive/Paseo Del Robles road system should carry one name, rather than two. In addition, the dangerous intersections at Paseo Del Robles, Alexis Drive and Page Mill Road would require special attention to minimize the hazards. Town Engineer noted brush clearing would give some improvement but would not eliminate the hazard. The Town Engineer noted that the 44 lots proposed appeared to exceed slope density calculations and that since the soils report had just been received, he had not had an opportunity to review it. LCommunications from Mr. Sohn S. Ding, 27811 Lupine Road and George Drowning, 13680 Page Mill Road, were read which expressed their feelings on the proposed subdivision and objected that consideration be given to it prior to the Palo Alto foothill's study recommendations as regards to land usage. Discussion was opened to the public and floor participation included: Messrs. Larry Dawson, 13835 Page Mill Road and Dick Stark, 13686 Page 11111 Road. Objections were voiced regarding: the dangerous intersection, deed restrictions against horses, the proposed 60' easement between lots R1 and 112 leading to the applicant's undeveloped land in Palo Alto, as well as expressing general agreement to sentiments expressed by Mr. Ewing in his letter and due to the slide problems along Page Mill Road, that provision for a wider conservation strip would be desirable. Following the public hearing, Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Lachenbruch requested that slope density be recalculated since he felt 42 lots appeared to be more accurate and also expressed the desire to review the soils report. He felt that if the road easement between lots 111 and #2 was granted, that the Town should retain control. He suggested that culs-de-sac should be 40' wide instead of 32' since it would be unreasonable to give an economic benefit to the developer, while creating a Town problem. Commissioner Spencer proposed that since the upper portion of Page Mill has already been subdivided that it might be advantageous to have the entire lower h of Page Hill Road improved, incorporate the path and also resolve the slide problems, since it would all be within the applicant's domain. --3- DIVISIONS OF LAND: Tentative Maps: Matadero Oaks Cont'd. Commissioner Hibner reitereated that the Town must control the 60' easement to prevent a future traffic load and that the 3 -way intersection as well as Mirmirou Drive at Page Mill Road were hazardous. Commissioner McReynolds stated that traffic appears to be the majorproblem noting that Alexis Drive at peak hours has cars every 30 seconds. Ile questioned tie benefit of the culs-de-sac being private roads. Chairman Weisbart also voiced concern as to the 3 -way intersection danger and noted that since there was not agreement as to the number of lots allowable per slope density that further study was required and that it might result in a revised map. She proposed that the Commission review the map on a lot by lot basis so that in the event the applicant did need to resubmit a map other suggested per lot changes could be incorporated. Commissioners felt that an in-depth review at this time would be premature, but concurred that the number of lots must be determined before proceeding. The applicant agreed to a continuance to finalize this question. I40TION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner McReynolds moved, seconded by Spencer and carried unanimously (Perkins absent) to continue the Tentative Map for Hatadero Oaks Subdivision (374-70) to November 23, 1970. ADJOURNI4ENT: There being no further business, Chairman Weisbart adjourned the meeting at 11:35 P.M. to: NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, November 9, 1970, at 7:45 P.W. at Town Hall. TJK:jm 10-26-70 11 Respectfully submitted, TED �J. KL'. UZEK City Clerk Town of Los Altos Hills -4-