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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/13/1977PLANNING COMMISSION 4W Town of Los Altos Hills 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, California Minutes of An Adjourned Meeting Monday, June 13, 1977 Reel 59, Side I, Tr. 2, 543 to End; Side 2, Tr. 2, 001 to 1851 Chairman Hahn called the meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 7:32 P.M. In the Council Chambers of Town Hall. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Present: Comnlsstoners Caries, Stewart, Young, Schick and Hahn. Co Issloner Perkins arrived at 7:37. Also Present: Town Engineer Alexander Russell, Town Planner/Engineer John Markl, Secretary Ethel Hopkins Chairman Hahn referred to several newspaper articles within the previous week that had discussed a reorganization of the Planning Commission planned by the City Council. There was a short discussion on whether all or some of the Commissloners,. would be replaced. v CONSENT CALENDAR: After some question as to whether the Minutes of May II(Amended) and the Minutes of May 25, the two items on the Consent Calendar, were correct as presented, 14he following motions were passed: It was moved by Chairman Hahn, seconded by Commissioner Schick and passed unanimously that the Minutes of May II be approved as amended and presented. It was moved by Chairman Hahn, seconded by Commissioner Stewart and passed unanimously that the Minutes of May 25, 1977 be approved as presented. PUBLIC HEARINGS: I. LANDS OF SADDLE MOUNTAIN ESTATES, File #TM 2060-77, Arastradero Road, J. Clegg, Engineer, Environmental Impact Report prepared by Earth Metrics, Inc., Request for Recommendation of Approval. Chairman Hahn stated that by order of Resolution No. 704 passed by the City Council of the Town, a public hearing was required to be held on a Draft Environmental Impact Report. He noted that the Commissioners should have the following information: I. Memos from Mr. Markt dated June 3 and June 6 containing background informa- tions and recommendations on the DEIR. L' V 2. Draft Environmental Impact Report on Saddle Mountain Estates Subdivision. 3. Noise Abatement Committee Minutes where Saddle Mountain Estates Subdivision is discussed under Item C in "New Business." PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - June 13, 1977 Page two L PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued) LANDS OF SADDLE MOUNTAIN ESTATES File #TM 2060-77, DEIR: (continued) Mr. Mark[ responded to a question from Commissioner Perkins on what relationship the DEIR had to the matter of Lands of Saddle Mountain Estates, Item 2 on the agenda. Mr. Markt stated that if a public review of the DEIR determined that the report was not sufficient in evaluating potential impacts, effects and mitigating efforts, further studies could be undertaken. After some discussion on how to proceed with the public hearing, it was decided by consensus that the Planning Commission should vote to accept or reject the DEIR and recommend forwarding it to the City Council with amendments as are deter- mined appropriate by the Commission and the public. Commissioner Schick questioned if the public had had an opportunity to review the DEIR, and Mr. Mark) informed her that copies had been on file from January 3 to the present at the Town Hall Office and at Palo Alto and Los Altos Public Libraries for the public to review. Mr. Markt referred the Commissioners to his June 6 staff report which contained Agency Evaluations of the DEIR on page two, and his own evaluations and recommendation on pages three and four of his report. In addition to comments in the staff report, Mr. Markl reviewed Items on the DEIR specifically related to geological hazards. He noted that the Staff report for Lands of Saddle Mountain Estates subdivision 60 should be corrected on page four. On that report, he had stated that Mr. Cotton, the Town Geologist,had not reviewed the DEIR. Mr. Markt noted that this statement was erroneous, and that Mr. Cotton's review and comment could be found as Appendix 9 of that same staff report. Mr. Markt discussed geological effects at some length, but for the purpose of brevity only the suggested changes are listed in the Minutes. Further reference to his remarks may be had by listening to the tape of the meeting. Suggested Corrections: -(in addition to those recommended in the Staff report of June 6) I. Page C-24:'Prepa re a soils report prior to the recording of the subdivision map.' He feels here that they are referring to the Final Map. 2. He stated he could not find a discussion on the effects of keeping or stabling horses on exposed, steep hillsides in the DEIR. (Condition 3 of his evaluation also refers to this.) Chairman Hahn directed the Commissioners to state their concerns after Mr. Markt had concluded his discussion. Commissioner Perkins: wanted to know why the DEIR was before the Planning Commission; stated that he did not see any recommendation on house design to accommodate the noise factor reviewed in the DEIR. After Mr. Markt pointed out that the report had suggested a minimum number of windows In houses near Highway 280, Commissioner Perkins stated that while this may be adequate for the DEER, the Town needed to be more specific in Its requirements on the subdivision tentative map. Mr. Perkins' last comment was that wind was a real problem on the site which he did not find addressed at all in the DEIR. 40 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - June 13, 1977 Page three PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued) I. LANDS OF SADDLE MOUNTAIN ESTATES File #TM 2060-77, DEIR: (continued) Commissioner Young: Stated that in reference to Staff Evaluation on report of June 6, Item 2 in reference to the DEIR on the Park and Recreation Area. He stated it was very important to note who is going to maintain this area and care for it in the future. He wanted to see in the final report some requirement of the residents of the subdivision to maintain the area in a manner suitable to the Town of Los Altos Hills He noted that there is some question of landslide potential in the development, stating that in a previous application for subdivision on the same area, a very wide conservation easement on the 280 side of the subdivision was requested. He noted nothing in the DEIR addressed this and stated that a conservation easement should be considered as a means of preserving the slope. Commissioner Carl co: Rather than specific items needing correction in the DEIR, Com- missioner Carico stated concerns: they were traffic; the geology report; Impact of the subdivision on the wild life; and suggested that rather than a specific subdivision being addressed in the DEIR, the whole area including the Lands of Kinkead and Berry Hill Farm should be addressed. Commissioner Stewart: Referred to Appendix 5 of the Staff report by Mr. Markl(Santa Clara Valley Water District letter of January 31, 1977) Mr. Stewart referred to Item 7 on Appendix 5 where concern is expressed for a potentially inactive fault. He referred to the C-14 drawing in the DEIR where a Monterey Shale Formation and a Santa Clara Foundation contact is shown. He stated that perhaps a geological investigation is needed on this item. He referred to Page C-15 reference to ripping or blasting, stating that this should not be allowed in the Town; and on the use of equipment, none should be allowed on Sunday. On C -I8 on the geologic information - he did not feel that the inactive faults had been addressed. On pages C-20 and on C-22 under'Site Investigations required unless waived.' He questionedthat if a fault were on the property, shouldn' it be located. On C -t4 drawing showing 3 springs - asked if Mr. Chown, a neighboring property owner In the area of Lots 26 and 27 could answer if there is a spring there also. Commissioner Schick: Asked about past subdivision activity on Lands of Saddle Fountain Estates, why an FIR report was being required, and expressed concern on the Park and Recreation area. She said she could see problems with it and stated it needed to be fully addressed. She said she would abide by the geological report. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - June 13, 1977 Page four 4 PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued) I. LANDS OF SADDLE MOUNTAIN ESTATES, File MTM 2060-77, DEIR: (continued) Commissioner Hahn: Referred to page three on Tentative Map Staff Report, and stated that he is not sure that drainage has been taken care of on the Tentative Map conditions or in the DEIR. Questioned If horses should be allowed on all lots, also tennis courts and swimming pools, and suggested that this should be addressed to prevent the need for future variances. He also questioned the emergency fire access from the Moon Lane area; he suggested that both the final EIR and Tenative Map recommendations should deal with this. Other items referred to but not needing correction in the DEIR were soils slumping, water tie In and access being of importance in dealing with the Lands of Mourad BSA, and pathway requirements. He referred to Appendix 13 request for land for a future tank site and stated he did not see this addressed in the Tentative Map or the DEIR. The hearing was opened to the public. Jack Chown, 13822 Page Mill Road stated that the DEIR did not mention the design for 4W a retention basin on Lots 26 and 27 which border his property; he asked about debris and silt that would collect there and who would maintain the basin, also he asked about mosquitos that might breed in the retention basin. He stated that the DEIR did not address the impact that a 60 feet road that abuts Moon Lane would have on the housing sites in the area. He suggested measures that might be taken to restrict horses on steep lots. He stated further, in reponse to Commissioner Stewart's comment on spring water, that the DEIR did not address the ground water that was present late into the summer on Lot 25 in wet years and which showed some present even in these very dry years. John Clegg, Engineer, responded to a number of the issues addressed. He stated that Mr. Armes was in no position to address the possible future location of Moon Lane. The owners of Moon Lane were the ones to do this. He commented on the fact that geology concerns keep surfacing, and that the geologists had addressed these concerns. He discussed efforts to mitigate noise problems, and noted on the matter of wind that trees and buildings would help in this matter. On the Park and Recreation area, he felt this was addressed because of the private ownership and stated that the homeowners would eventually be responsible for maintenance. He stated the subdivider was willing to deal with conservation easements if needed. He stated that there was no drainage easement on Lot 16 because they don't want to propose anything until the spec plans for the subdivision are complete. On the Purissima Hills water tank proposal, he said that they no longer wanted the tank site because they have an adequate supply of tanks on present sites. He recited past history of subdivision proposals for the site. Edward Armes, Subdivider discussed the park and recreation area and stated he was open to comments and suggestions. Tim Miller, Earth Metrics stated that the Town Staff and Earth Metrics would come up with the final EIR report. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - June 13, 1977 Page five �. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued) 1. LANDS OF SADDLE MOUNTAIN ESTATES, File HTM 2060-77, DEIR: (continued) Commissioner Carico referred to chart C-14, specifically the dashed line which indicated an area of the Monta Vista fault zone. She asked which came first, the environmental impact report or should the EIR report include more evaluation on this. Tim Miller, Earth Metrics pointed out the need for more detailed study before this information could be Incorporated into the EIR report. Mr. Miller answered questions on the problem of speeding on Arastradero Road, stating That there might be no problems with access on Arastradero if there were no speeding on the road. He suggested various ways to deal with the problem. He answered questions Commissioners had on noise from surrounding roadways. When Commissioner Stewart asked if consideration were given for another ingress and egress from Page Mill Road, Mr. Miller stated that when access was prevented by the Moon Lane entrance, the only other alternative was to approach access from the horse ranch and an area of very steep slope. Because of the slope problems, he stated that this alternative was not discussed at length In the DEIR. Commissioner Stewart referred to the parcel map for the Lands of Armes which was approved in February. He stated that an access easement was provided across all the parcels and asked why this was not addressed in the DEIR. Mr. Clegg stated that after January Mr. Miller was not involved with any of the pro- ceedings, and no EIR was required on the parcel map. The easement across all parcels was placed in the requirements so that Mr. Armes would not be landlocked. He did not advise putting a road on this steep land. Ernest Galleotti Rancho de Los Caballos owner commended the dead end streets of the Town and stated a road through the ranch area would necessitate a big cut. Eric Brace, 13820 Page Mill Road spoke against Moon Lane becoming a public thoroughfare. 4 Ramona Chown 1820 Page Mill Road, spoke for retaining Moon Lane as a private road, She asked ab,.T acul -de-sac for twenty-nine homes and stated this violated ordinances of the Town. She asked that the subdivider provide his own emergency fire access, and recommended that the emergency road connect from Lupine Road. The public hearing was closed, and a recess was called at 9:40 P.M.. The meeting was resumed at 9:50 P.M.. Mr. Markt said he did not notice in the DEIR any mention of the effects on visible aesthetics that construction of pathways might have. He felt it could be amplified more. Commissioner Hahn asked that the erasion problems and visual impacts of horse paths be discussed more fully in the DEIR. Mr. Russell clarified Mr. Hahn's request by pointing out that it really was two separate problems when dealing with erosion: 1) the bog -like condition that occurs on a flat property In the rainy season; and 2) on trails on hills, a velocity kind of erosion. Discussion was summed up as Commissioner Schick stated she wanted to go on record as accepting the DEIR with notations and responses made by the applicant and citizens. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - June 13, 1977 Page six PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued) I. LANDS OF SADDLE MOUNTAIN ESTATES FILE #TM 2060-77, DEIR: (continued) MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Hahn and seconded by Commissioner Young that the Planning Commission accept the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Lands of Saddle Mountain Estates, File #TM 2060-77, with the amendments as recommended by the public hearing in accordance with page 8, I5 -61C of the State EIR guidelines. AYES: Commissioners Perkins, Stewart, Young, Schick, and Hahn NOES: Commissioner Carico ABSTAIN: None 2. LANDS OF SADDLE MOUNTAIN ESTATES, File #TM 2060-77, Arastradero Road, J. Clegg, Engineer, Request for Recommendation of Approval of Tentative Map. The Planning Commission had before them the June 6 staff report prepared by Mr. Markl. Before discussion began, however, Mr. Russell addressed the Commission with advice to consider the matter of circulation in the general area of the subdivision. He referred to recent City Council requests for this information in dealing with other areas in the Town. He requested the Commission deal with traffic from the southern boundary of the subdivision, and expressed the desire to see Moon Lane become an access road. He noted for the record, however, that for the present it is a private road, but referred to other parcels bordering Moon Lane needing an access and with c their development would create the problem of more than five homes on a private road. M' He noted the need for an emergency fire access road and stated that access from Lupine Road and the Lands of Kinkead is difficult. He noted that the issue of private roads_ must be dealt with by the Town, stating that routing traffic through the horse ranch would necessitate severe scarring of the hillside. John Clegg, Engineer noted his client was doing his part for the Town's circulation needs. He stated that access could be gained from Moon Lane, but residents there did not wish it. Discussion occurred among Commissioners on the following: Should Condition I be amended to require further geological and soils investigations, would a stacking lane be needed from Arastradero Road to provide line -of -sight for access to the subdivision, should horses be restricted and how, storm drainage easements, ways of providing for sewage flow, and whether a conservation easement should be required. The hearing was opened to the public. Jack Chown Page Mill Road discussed the keeping of horses on Lots 24 through 29, and expressed concern on drainage flowing off lots bordering his property. There was a question on whether the Commission should recommend approval of the sub- division after considering the questions posed, or considering it further. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Carico to adjourn the meeting to June 21 at 7:00 P.M. for an Adjourned V( Meeting to consider further the Lands of Saddle Mountain Estates, File #TM 2060-77. AYES: Commissioners Carico, Ferkins, Stewart, Young, Hahn. NOES: Commissioner Schick ABSTAIN: None Respectfully submitted, Ethel Hopkins Secretary PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - June 13, 1977 C 1' Page seven 2. LANDS OF SADDLE MOUNTAIN ESTATES, File NTM 2060-77: (continued) Mr. Russell requested the Commissioners to enumerate what further information they wished. The Commission requested the following: I. Traffic entrance contingency on the Final Map filing. 2. Drainage question at the southern end of the subdivision - retention basins and how to get to them. 3. Saddle Mountain Court bulb and Stirrup Way bulb pulled back and extended roadways used to get into lots. 4. Some way to prevent access to Moon Lane from the subdivision by motorcycles and other undesirable vehicles. 5. A program for dealing with the recreation area. 6. Access to Lots 9, 21, 22, and 23 dealt with. 7. How many trees were worth saving on Lots 16 through 21. 8. What driveways will have a 20% slope? 4W 9. A demonstration on how roads would tie in with the subdivision. 10. A circulation map. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further new or old business, the meeting was adjourned to the June 21st meeting. Adjournment occurred at 11:40 P.M.. Respectfully submitted, Ethel Hopkins Secretary