HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/13/1957THE TOWN OF IAS ALTOS HILLS
%W SPECIAL MEETING OF PLAITING COMMISSION
July 13, 1957
This meeting was called with members of the Planning Commission
and residents on South E1 Monte, Tape Way, La Loma Drive, to
discuss improvements needed on South E1 Monte.
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday,
July 13, 1957, by Chairman Hart Tantau at the Town Hall,
26379 West Fremont, Los Altos Hills.
ROLL CALL: -PRESENT: Chairman Tantau, Commissioners Mellquist,
Powell, Bullis, Williams, Spain, Sherloc'r.,
ABSENT: Commissioner Dawson; Stedman on leave.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND. Chairman Tantau.
There are approximately 136 acres of land which may
receive some benefit from an improved road on South
El Monte. Twenty-five acres are presently built
upon and 35 more acres are in the process of sub-
division. The Fire Chief is particularly concerned
with a proper road because of inadequate access on
the present private lane and a water problem. A
future school will be located on Crescent Lane off
of Purissima and school buses will probably use
this road.
A Resolution prepared by the planning Commission at
their meeting of May 21, 1957, was re -read by Secre-
tary Williams. This Resolution recommended a Town -
sponsored Road Assessment District to finance any
road improvement on E1 Monte from Tape Way to its
terminus, and that it be made a public road. This
would require all property owners to dedicate 30'
as the land abutting the road is developed. Where no
development was eminent, require a 20' dedication.
This Resolution also recommended that E1 Monte between
Moody and Tepa Way in the rink Horse Subdivision #2
be abandoned.
Commissioner Mellquist, who had been chairman of
the committee to study this problem, further summarizes:
the Commission's thinking that went into preparation
of the Planning Commission Resolution.
GENERAL DISCUSSION:
Charles McCandless, City Engineer, outlined the
process o crea ng an assessment district and the
types applicable in the case of South E1 Monte.'
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The City Engineer further stated that an assessment
district is primarily a method of borrowing money to
`, improve roads. Annual payments are made on a bond.
There is a fairly standard overhead for maintaining
any assessment district, and in the case of South
E1 Monte, the costs of operating such a district would
be high in proportion to the small size of the project.
Of 100% cost, 60% would be construction and 40%
overhead bonding costs, according to Engineer McCandless.
Therefore, it would be cheaper if the people involved
would voluntarily contribute to a fund to improve
the road. This would be Town -sponsored, although the
disadvantage is that the financing has to be cash.
Mr. McCandless suggested that La Loma to the lands
of Lawlor, be considered separately from the other
portion, because it will serve much less traffic.
The Road Commissioner, Don Hibner, stated that he
would not like to see any lesser standard apply to
that portion of the road.
Commissioner Omar Spain pointed out the reasons for
the nor � a — need 60 foot right-of-way for road
purposes, although the actual paving according to
Town Standards would be only 20 feet wide. These
reasons include space for paths and walks, room
for adequate drainage, and slope "easements". Even
t though the 60 feet would be dedicated to the Town,
�r property owners can use the land for their private
use until the Town needs to improve that portion.
All over the valley, property owners have improvements
along the rights-of-way. Commissioner Spain suggested
that the Town develop a public road with a 60'
right-of-way and 20' pavement built to Town Standards,
with adequate drainage to prevent erosion, from
Tepa Way out to Edson's property.
Mr. Norris, La Loma, stated that the residents on
Loma axe completely satisfied with the road
serving their property. They originally paid for
a fine road in the cost of their lots and do not
wish to contribute to an assessment district for
South E1 Monte.
Mrs. Monohan summarized the outcome of a meeting
he a -aT"=e Monchan home, and referred to the bids
which were submitted by George Nolte's office for
improving the road to an 18' width with 6" base
rock and a coat of asphalt and screenings. This
type of surfacing is the same as that on Prospect
and La Loma. Sondgroth bid $2.50 per lineal foot.
Ernest Brittain corrected Mrs. Monohan and the
f gurea w� were quoted. Mr. Brittain stated the
$2.50 did not include the cost of drainage, properly
contouring the curves, etc., and the*cast would
probably be considerably more.
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Mr. Goett felt the road should be considered in two
sect ons. The section from Tepa Way to La Loma
serves only seven property owners and could be left
a private road. The other section is needed for
access and should be improved.
Don Carr, Civil ineer, questioned the Commission
as to tfie mec anics of operating an assessment district.
McCandless, in answer, Stated that an assessment
strict must be initiated by the people in the area
by petition. This petition is presented to the Council
and the Council has to sponsor such a district. An
engineer estimates the costs, a hearing is held to
notify each property owner what his share will be, and
gives a chance for those who object to the costs or
protest the assessment district,to be heard. The
biggest problem in this project is to ascertain who gets
the most benefit and who should pay how much.
Commissioner Sherlock stated the road should be consideree
n tee port ons. See second recommendation below for
exact definition of these sections). Portion #2 is
critical (from Tepa Way to La Loma) because it serves
school buses. Commissioner Sherlock suggested that since
the concensus of opinion from the property owners is
against an assessment district, that the creation of
one be postponed indefinitely. However, Portion #2
should be put on the Official Town Map as a future
public road.
RECOMMENDATION:
Postpone the creation of an Assessment District at this
time.
Motion: Sherlock; Second: Powell; Vote: Passed Unanimously
To summarize the thinking of the Planning Commission
and the concensus of opinion of residents at the meeting,
the following recommendation was presented:
RECOMMENDATION:
1. That the Planning Commission concurs in the
abandonment of South E1 Monte from Moody Road to
Tepa Way as a private right-of-way, and so
recommends to the City Council.
2. That South E1 Monte from Tepa Way to La Loma be
established on the Official Town Map as a 60'
right-of-way for a bublic road.
3. That South E1 Monte from La Loma to its terminus at
the lands of Lawlor and Steele be established on the
Official Town Map as a 60' right-of-way for a
public road. -3-
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Motion: Bullis; Second: Spain; Vote: Passed Unanimously
�I Mr. Colin Peters requested an official statement of
action-Tr-om the Planning Commission as to the use of
the $909.00 which he was requested to donate to the
Town for road improvement. The Commission suggested
that Mr. Peters address a letter to the Town Clerk and
receive an answer to satisfy his request-.
MEETING ADJOURNED:
12:45 P.M.
NEXT MEETING:
Saturday, July 20, 1957, 9:30 A.M., Town Hall,
26379 West Fremont, Los Altos Hills.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS.. HAL WILLIAMS
ecretary.
Planning Commission
db -4- July 13, 1957