HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/11/1977 (2)PIANNING CDVVISSICN
`I Tam of Los Altos Hills
26379 Fxermt Road
Los Altos Hills, California
MINCTl'ES OF A REaHAR MET•I'lNG
Wednesday, May 11, 1977
Tape 58, Side 1, Tr. 2, 483 to End; Side 2, Tr. 2, 001 to 245
Chalman Hata called the meeting of the Plsrminq Co mission to order at 8:05 P.M.
in the Council Chambers of Tam Hall.
..• � air • an «
Present: Candssicners Perkins, Stewart, Yang, Schick and Hahn
Absent: Casnissioner Carico
Also Present: Toon Engineer Alexander Russell, Tam Planner/Engineer Tchn Markl,
Secretary Ethel Hopkins
Press: Ellen Norman, Palo Alto Times
CCNSEW CALENDAR:
Item 1, the Minutes of April 13, April 27 and May 2, were remyv d from the Consent
Calendar.
040
The Minutes of April 13 were corrected by Chairman Hahn who requested that "Minutes
of a Regular Meeting" be added to the heading for the minutes.
Pg --ICN SBOM ED AND WMISDASLY APPRO7W: It was moved by Cammissioner Perkins
and seconded by Chairman Hahn that the Minutes of April 13 be approved as amended.
'Ilse Minutes of April 27 and May 2 were not approved because they were not ready
for the Camussion in time for appropriate review.
M71ZCN S1X7a= AND LWI 4 0MLY APPROVED: It was moved by ComAissioner Schick,
seconded by Cam asioner Stewart, and unanimously approved to approve the ranai.ning
iffin on the Consent Calendar, specifically:
2. Acceptance for Filing of Tentative Map Application, LANDS OF CRIST,
File #TM 2062-77, Page Mill and Lupine Roads, Paul Naoack, Engineer.
PUBLIC BEARINGS:
9lere were no public hearings for the meeting of May 11, 1977.
DISQ7SSICN ITEMS:
1. Building Site Approval Maps:
Discussion occurred on Mr. Markl's draft items to be required with Building Site
Approval maps. Ousstions were raised on whether an ordinance designed for sub-
divisions could also be applied to Building Site Approval remnsts; whether the
PLAR13NG CMUSSICN N MTMS - May 11, 1977
Page two
DISC[1S.SICN ITFM: (continued)
1. Building Site Approval Maps: (oonti.nued)
access to the lot should be more clearly defined, particularly when the lot is
further sub�dditvlidable, and whether an aerial photograph should be required for
_
every BSA _quest. It was the consensus of opinion that aerial photographs should
be optimal and required only at the Planner's discretion. The Commission suggested
that Item 6 on page three be modified by the addition of "and a provision of access
to future lots." Mr. Markl was camended for the thoroughness of his presentation.
2. Public Hearing: Zoning Ordinance to be Pbdified for Use of Town Hall and Adminis-
trative Center.
Chairman Hahn reviewed events culminating in the present discussion on zoning for
the Tom-aaned property at 2.6379 Fremont Iniad. fie referred to three alternatives
for the site outlined in the report on "Zoning Ordlil ce Application to public
Agencies and Functions" dated January 26, 1977. He referred Caamissioners to
two motiass passed at the adjourned meeting of May 2, 1977 and to a memorandum
dated May 11 frau the City Manager regarding this discussion item on the agenda.
Finally, Chairman Hahn quoted from the January 1977 Tann Newsletter the follavinq:
"A legal opinion has been prepnsed stating that the Town should have a specific
provision with regard to Tam activities. In this regard, it has been suggested
that the Conditional Use section be amended to allow for Council Charbers, Than
Hall and Maintenance facilities. All qualified legal judgments state that
riding additional uses for 7bum facilities in no way jeopardizes the one acre
single family zoning."
Chairman Hahn went on to say that people were confused about what action had
actually been taken to deal with Town Hall facilities. He noted that if the Municipal
Cale is changed, advertised public hearings must be held and an environrental irraet
report must be written in order to conform with State quidelines. He said he had
personally gone on record, signing a petition stating his opposition to maintenance
facilities located on the same property as the Town Hall Administrative facilities.
Commissioner Perkins raised a point of order and asked if, indeed, public hearings
Fere being held. He noted that the Onavdssi n had already taken action at the
May 2 meeting, voting on a split vote to add another subsection to Section 9-5,703
of the Los Altos Hills Nmicipal Oode titled "Town of Lee Alto Hills Facilities."
CamhLasiahes Schick held up a Rale Alto Times"article stating that a public hearing
was being held by the Planning Commission. Mr. Russell reminded all the Commissioners
that what was under way in the meeting was a public meeting, and not a public hearing.
He stated that no resolution had been passed calling for a public hearing, and no
posting had been done to inform the townspeople. The information in the neaspga r
article was erroneous and possibly was gleaned frau the Agenda sent to the news-
paper that was prepared at the direction of the Planning Camd.ssim Chairman.
Various citizens in the Council Chambers requested to speak on the issue, and
([ the Camdssioners, after stating pro and cob opinions on the wisdom of allowing
V discussion despite the fact that this was not a public hearing per se, passed
L a motion that allcxed the people in the audience to co neat.
fir' M7rICN SEMTM AND UNANIPMMy CARRIED: It was moved by C.omiisaioner Perkins
and seconded by Camdssimer Schick to allow thirty minutes for public discussion
PLAMING Ca4ussicN KMTf'ES - May 11, 1977
Page three
4 DISCUSSICH MEMS: (continued)
2. Public Hearing: Zoning ordinance Modification: (continued)
for the agendand item, not as a public hearing but as an agendaed item.
BW. L. E. Jack Valladeo 26363 Esperanza referred to a letter from the law
fano of Dirk, DoUg�aznd Anderson dated December 13, 1976 and quoted the last
paragraph of that letter.
"It is requested that notices of all actions, considerations of Ins Altos
Hills Planning Commission and City Council be given to the undersigned
and in advance .... for ample opportunity to take such steps as may be
necessary to protect the interest of our clients." (signed Imbert T. Anderson)
R. C. Cheney 10737 Magdalena Avenue spoke as a private citizen and asked if
$heron or _ to a Conditional Use Permit for Town facilities
was published in an agenda.
Mr. Hahn informed Mr. Cheney that the April 27 Planning Commission greeting had
been adjourned to the meeting of May 2.
Mr, Chem inferred that the Town had been remiss in its obligation to keep citizens
in o50 He said that the fact that that this is not a public hearing does not
anter into thefactthat Mr. Anderson, an attorney for a gram of concerned towns -
4W people, had requested to be kept informed and had not been. He said that the
Planning Ccmmdssion's credibility should not be exposed to erosion of public cnfi-
dance.
Mr. Russell noted he felt it would be highly remiss if Mr. Anderson were not notified
of a public }raring, but that the Planning Commission had asked for possible alterna-
tives fcraccamndating Tbvm Hall facilities. The Planning Commission was taking
action on a City Council reauest for their recommendations. The City Council would
then direct the City Attorney to prepare a resolution calling for a public hearing
on the matter. Mr. Russell noted that the City Attorney was out of Tuan at present,
but that he would be contacted in order to check if some omhission had occurred
in the matter of keeping Mr. Anderson informed. If such an omission had occurred,
a letter of apology would be sent to Mr. Anderson.
Larry Giller, Vinedo Lane suggested that the Planning Commission rescind whatever
actron rt took at we May 2 meeting. He noted that if the Planning Commission
wished to respond to the City Council's requests, it should be placed on an
agenda so that the public may be informed.
R. J. Hahn, 26359 Esperanza asked if the May 2 response to the City Council request
TNF—= u cue comsideration for the location of Tann maintenance equipmrit. He
noted that at the February 16 Council meeting the City Council had voted to remove
the corporation yard from the Town Hall site. He urged that the maintenance
facilities be excluded when the Conditional Use Permit is written for the facilities
at Tann Hall.
Mr. R. J. Hahn was assured by Chairman Hahn and Planning Commissioner Perkins that
regarding Tuan "Facilities",the Commissioners had specifically decided against the
inclusion of maintenance facilities at the Tuan Hall site.
PLANNING COM•ffSSICN tM=S - May 11, 1977
[ � Page four
DISCOSSICN ITEM: (continued)
2. Public Hearing: Zoning Ordinance Modification: (continued)
Mr. Valladeo.C. 26363 E za noted that the first time he had heard the designation
o�—am l.es _ Mr Town Administration and Maintenance Facilities was
in the Town Newsletter.
Discussion among Oonmi.ssionere continued on the matter of whether they had acted
correctly and in conformance with the City council direction. Thereafter, the
follaaing unctions were passed.
MYLTON SECMIM AND UNANDMIUSLY PASSED: It was moved by CmTnissioner Stewart,
seconded by Cmrissioner Schick and unanimously passed in a roll can vote to
rescind the motion of May 2 calling for an amerb3 ent to the Municipal code
to accomodate a "Facilities" section, and to agenda a duly notice public
hearing on zoning in reference to Tuan Hall facilities.
MYTIM SECCNDED AND UNANIcusLY CARRIED: It was mood by Caanissioner Perkins,
seconded by Camdssicner Schick, and unanimously passed to ask Mr. Gillio to
take Planning Commissioner Perkins memorandun dated May 2, 1977 and to use it
as a starting point to develop the appropriate phraseology for an amendment to
Section 9-5.703, and that this proposed amendment serve as a basis for a oublic
hearing.
4V Mr. R. J. Hahn reminded that Councilmen Brawn and McIIynolds had formed a suh-
oamut'tee to Took into a new site for the Twm maintenance equipment. Ile noted
that the Town had agreed to notify a list of 102 Tam citizens on this matter.
Thereafter, he gave to the secretary a list of 1,000 or more interested citizens
and requested that they be notified in connection with hearings on Tam facilities.
Mr. Russell noted that a public hearing would be the best way to acoomTcdate
discussion on the matter of Tann facilities, and thereafter Chairman Hahn declared
a recess. The meeting was recessed frau 9:25 to 9:42.
3. Use of Conditional Exception When Considering A Tentative subdivision Map:
C9y=rnun Hahn said that the request for clarification on the above came up in
connection with the Lands of Sisson Subdivision. He noted the present discussion
was in order to formally acknowledge receipt of Mr. Gillio's reply. Mr. Russell
called attention to Mr. Gillio's legal advice that where a structure is not in
coumpliance with zoning requirements, the applicant mast ask the Tann for a variance.
CaTudssioner Penicins thereafter, stated that he wanted to have Staff prepare a
memorandum defining precisely where variances, conditional uses, and conditional
exceptions apply, and when this mewrandun is prepared, to agenda the matter for
discussion among the C= ssimners.
4. Storm Water Runoff from Subdivided Land:
(hairnan Hahn acknowledged receipt of Mr. Cillic's response of April 25, 1977 giving
legal advice on the matter of store water runoff fron the Lands of Anderson. In
essence, he acknowledged that Mr. Gillio had stated that the subdivider is responsible
for taking adequate steps to channel water flowing off his subdivision onto adjacent
properties.
plAM]NG OMCSSIcN m WIF-c; - May 11, 1977
Page five
5. Development of Program re General Plan Residential Uses:
Chairman Hahn noted Mayor Reith Brown's reply to his memorandum, the subject
being "Development of Program re General Pian" directing the Planning Commission
to "study the General Plan and produce a Program to implement its intent with re-
gard to the six designated residential areas within the Town." Chairman Hahn
also noted for the record the receipt of a May 6 mennrandum fran the City Clerk
requesting that the Planning Oamdssicn study and report within sixty days on the
"undeveloped lands renaining within the Tom, specifically, the hills and canyon
areas, to determine the feasibility of requiring larger lots in those canyon
areas because of topography, geology and drainage problems."
Discussion began among Commissioners on how best to proceed with the City Council's
request. when several of the Cammi.ssioners raised the issue of a great deal of
time put in on a report on the Moody load, Altamont Road and Page Mill area
only to have it scrapped by the City Council, and the several subdivision requests
and building site approval requests recently turned dam by the City Council after
a great deal of Planning Camnission effort, it was decided that before proceeding
further with effort that might be wasted effort, a joint meeting of the Planning
Camrission and City Council should be held to clarify what exactly was wished by
the Council and haw the Planning Camission should best go about fulfilling this
request.
Beverly Brockw 23215 Nora Glen Drive Ios Altos referred to a "Palo Alto Times"
article regarcirng pons r Ly that after arty Corncil action on May 4th, the
Town may be requiring larger lots.She noted that this recent City Council action
had caused panic among land owners. She stated that the Tian had some good ordinances
and urged that a press statement be made to the effect that there was no intent on
the part of the Two to increase slope density or to go to a five -acre parcel
requ moment for the Town. She urged that the Camnissioners formulate a clear state-
ment on what the Town was considering.
Wnmissioner Perkins replied to Mrs. Brockway's statement that she should go to
the City Council for clarification, and that he had talked with Councilman Proft
and found that Mr. Proft is not interested in requiring a five acre parcel TewrWide.
Ns. Proft was concerned with the steeper areas in the Town which might require larger
lots because they are so steep.
Mrs. Mildred Gal'I'aLarme Ccurt urged the Planning Cammssion to take no action
—mMe- matter o a _ o of size unless directed to specifically do so by
the City Cantil.
Mr. Hahn noted that only the matter of a Program re General Plan and Residential
Areas was on the agenda. He was not discussing the City Clerk's May 6 memorandum,
merely recording the fact that it had been received. It was concluded that the
six residential areas was an issue tied with the review of the General Plan, and
that the nutter should be dealt with in this way, but after a meeting with the
city Cantil.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Flection of Officers for the Planning CWmission:
MMCN SEcoN= HND FAILED: It was moved by Camdssioner Perkins and seconded by
Commissioner Young that the election of officers for the Planning Comdssion be
PUNNING COMVISSICN MINUTES - May 11, 1977
Page six
NEW BusmsS: (continued)
deferred until after June 30 when five of the seven Planning Commissioner terns
will expire:
AYES: Cormissicnexs Perkins end Young
NOES: Cmmissicners Stewart, Schick and Hahn
Cam:issioner Stewart nominated William C. Hahn as Chairman of the Planning Connission
for 1977-78. There being no other nominations, Camdssioner Schick moved, seconded
by Camdssioner Stewart, that the secretary cast a white ballot for the election
of Chairman Hahn as Chairman of the Planning Commission.
AYES: Commissioners Stewart, Schick and Hahn
NCFS: Camdssioner Young
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Perkins
Omnissioner Young stated after the motion passed that he did not believe it correct
to ommit a new Planning Commission without their having the riot to elect their
onm Chairman as his reason for voting against the motion.
Commissioner Schick nominated Judith Carico as Vice -Chairman of the Planning Commission.
There being no other nominations, it was moved by Camdssicner Stewart and seconded
by Commissioner Schick that the secretary cast a white ballot nominating Judith Carico
as Vice -Chairman of the Commission for 1977-78.
AYES: Camnissioters Stewart, Schick and Hahn
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioners Young and Perkins
There being no further new or old business, the Planning Camission was adjourned
by Chairman Hahn at 10:55 P.M.
i�aspectfully sukmitted,
Ethel Hopkins
Secretary
AW