HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/08/1978 (2)PLANNING COMMISSION
Town of Los Altos Hills
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, February 8, 1978
Reel 66, Side 2, Tr. 2, 441 to End; Reel 67, Side 1, Tr. 1, 001 to 677
Chairman Stewart called the meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 7:50 P.M.
in the Council Chambers of Town Hall.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Stewart, Perkins, VanTamelen, Dochnahl, Kuranoff
Absent: Commissioners Carico and Lachenbruch
Also Present:City Manager Robert Crowe, Town Planner/Engineer John Markl, Secretary
Ethel Hopkins
CONSENT CALENDAR:
It was requested that Item 2(c) on the Consent Calendar be removed for separate
consideration.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl, seconded by
Commissioner Stewart, and carried that the remaining items on the Consent Calendar
be approved, namely:
(1) Minutes of January 25, 1978
(2) Acceptance for Filing of Tentative Maps:
(a) LANDS OF ARMES, Parcel C, File #TM 2076-78, Saddle Mountain Drive,
John Clegg, Engineer
(b) LANDS OF NOLLER, File #TM 2080-78, LaPaloma and Alta Tierra Roads,
Paul Nowack and Associates, Engineer
All Commissioners voted for the motion. However, Commissioners VanTamelen and
Perkins abstained from voting on the approval of the Minutes of January 25.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by
Commissioner Dochnahl, and carried that LANDS OF BAHR, File #TM 2079-78,
South Fork Lane, Paul Nowack and Associates, Engineers, be accepted for filing.
All Commissioners voted for this motion except Commissioner Kuranoff who abstained.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Owi ht Me er, Bas Homes, General Partner and Partnership, Saddle Mountain Estates,
reques s4
tia omission move to the second item under "Unfinished Business".
2. Letter of December 13 1977 from Santa Clara County re Jobs and Housing:
{ Commissioners concluded, after discussion, that they had insufficient information
on hand to respond intelligently to Councilman McReynolds' request for a statement.
NOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Perkins
and seconded by Commissioner Dochnahl that Item C-2 under "Unfinished Business"
re Jobs and Housing be continued until more information is available.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - February 8, 1978
Page two
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: (continued)
1111' 1. Lands of Saddle Mountain Estateass Fite #TM 2060-77, Review of Entranceway
o a eMountain saes ram rra ero oa
Mr. Markl reviewed the history of the plans being shown to Commissioners, noting
that the plan before the Commission was the result of opinions expressed by the
Planning Commission, members of the City Council and the results of the traffic
study done for the subdivision.
Present at the discussion of the entranceway plans were John Clegg, Engineer for
Saddle Mountain Estates and Dwight Meyer, Bas Homes.
Commissioners raised various issues not adequately addressed by the proposed plans.
They were: 1) that no provision had been made for getting around the entranceway
by bicycles, 2) that bots dots be used to delineate the centerline of Stirrup Way
while the area on Arastradero Road be striped, 3) the need for stop signs to be
placed appropriately, 4) whether the berm area should be planted or left as a
dirt area (Commissioner VanTamelen specifically requested that the area be planted.),
5) ways that a left turn lane and bike path could be accommodated.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY: It was moved by Commissioner Perkins,
seconded by Commissioner VanTamelen, and passed by unanimous vote that the matter
of the Entranceway review for Lands of Saddle Mountain Estates be re -considered
and new plans with the above items considered brought back to the Planning Commission
at the meeting of February 22.
`r 3. Model Community Noise Ordinance:
Commissioner Perkins made the suggestion that each Commissioner and also the Chair-
man of the Noise Abatement Committee Mr. Gregorwich make up a summation of their
thoughts on the proposed noise ordinance. These would be submitted to the Planning
Commission and the Noise Abatement Committee for consideration at the next meeting
of the Planning Commission.
MOTION PASSED BY CONSENSUS: It was moved by Commissioner Perkins, seconded by
Commissioner Kuranoff, and the consensus that the matter of the Model Community
Noise Ordinance be continued until a representative of the Noise Abatement Committee
was present to discuss it with the Commission.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. LANDS OF MUELLER File #TM 2072-77, Natoma Road, Paul Nowack and Associates,
ng neer, equest or Recommendations of Approval of Negative Declaration and
Tentative Map
Mr. Markl reviewed pertinent information on the above request as contained in his
staff report dated January 27, 1978. Specific items discussed were the intersection
and site distance of the proposed Mueller Court and Natoma Road and various pro-
posals for dealing with the blind curve area on Natoma Road, and pathway requests.
He. noted that new pathway requests wtfre made in the Pathway minutes of February 6.
` Mrs. Fiksdal Chairwoman Pathwa Committee, noted that the new pathway request did
no— ci Donee o oEiier pa ways, u also sad that the only gap would be with the
property of the Poor Clares. The Alexanders would be willing to have a path on
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - February 8, 1978
Page three
fir' PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
1. LANDS OF MUELLER, File #TM 2072-77: (continued)
their property, _and she felt that this could connect to the Casterson property
which would soon be under discussion. She introduced Mrs. Stevenson who discussed
further the new pathway request.
Fran Stevenson Beaver Lane, interested citizen and volunteer on the Pathway
ommi tee, s a e a e Alexanders had indicated a willingness to have a path
on their property, and this in turn could connect to the Casterson property which
would soon be under discussion. She spoke for the new pathway request.
Several Commissioners expressed consternation at having to consider a new pathway
request on such short notice and without definite word from the Alexanders or
the Castersons on their willingness to provide easements for paths. Discussion
turned to the matter of the various alternatives for the entry way into the sub-
division. Mr. Markt spoke in favor of plan submitted because it utilized the
abandoned quarry area for the roadway, but he discussed the alternatives submitted
and noted that they were two good alternatives. Thereafter, the hearing was opened
to the public.
Paul Nowack En ineer, discussed the roadway alternatives, noting that he did not
favor erna ve , that Alternative A would necessitate more earth moving, and
spoke in favor of the road as proposed because it was routed through the quarry
area and minimized unsightly scarring, etc..
MM�ar,yy �Muulleer_��Ap�l__ic�ant, spoke against the new pathway request. She said that the
p l ed b a real invasion of privacy as one arrived at Lot 3, and would be
obtrusive to the Lands of Palm. She noted that people on horses would be able
to look into owners' pool areas.
Jean Palm 12770 Dawn Lane, expressed strong opposition to a horse trail on any
par o proper y e ind them. She noted the problem of privacy was involved
because of a pool and bedroom area that would be accessible to the view of horsemen.
Fran Stevenson Beaver Lane, spoke for the pathway request. She noted that it was
a way or i ren o go lap,
one area to another in a safe manner. She noted that
the Alexanders were strongly in favor of a trail, and there would be no problem of
getting land from them.
The public hearing was closed, and discussion returned to the Commission. Chairman
Stewart asked about the disposition of several buildings on the property and was
told by Mrs. Mueller that there was no plan to take these family farm buildings down.
Thereafter, the Connnission began a review of the Conditions, with the review beginning
at the proposal submitted by the Pathway Committee at the beginning of the meeting.
Commissioner Dochnahl stated that the Town should be careful not to extend its paths
to the point that they become a nuisance, noting that he objected to paths that
went through people's yards. He .felt that paths should get one in and out of a
t subdivision and onto other paths.
�r MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - February 8, 1978
Page four
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
1. LANDS OF MUELLER, File #TM 2072-77: (continued)
Commissioner Perkins, and carried that there be no path along the northern boundary
of the Mueller property as proposed by the Pathway Committee Minutes of February 6,
1978.
AYES: Commissioners Stewart, Perkins, Dochnahl, Kuranoff
NOES: Commissioner Van7amelen
ABSTAIN: None
Considerable discussion occurred on Condition 9(a) on whether it was helpful to
have a pathway along Mueller Court, and whether or not it should be a natural path
or a Type IIA path. It was the consensus, after discussion, that Condition 9(a)
be left as written.
Chairman Stewart expressed his feeling that a constant charge should be made on
road in -lieu fees rather than a fluctuating charge of $3.50 per lineal foot for
those roads recently re -surfaced and $10.00 per lineal foot for roads not recently
resurfaced. Commissioners and Staff discussed the reasons for the varying contri-
butions required to the road -in -lieu fund. It was the feeling of the Commission,
however, that the Council should be approached and a study made on whether to
equalize funds charged for road -in -lieu fees. No further action was taken on this
matter.
KATION SECONDED AND DEFEATED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded
by Commissioner Perkins that Condition 10(b) fees be changed from 90.00 per lineal
foot to $3.50 per lineal foot.
AYES: Commissioner Stewart
NOES: Commissioners Perkins, VanTamelen, Dochnahl and Kuranoff
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Perkins,
seconded by Commissioner Dochnahl, and passed unanimously that Mueller Court be
constructed as shown on the tentative map dated January 27, 1978.
All Commissioners present voted for the motion.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY: It was moved by Commissioner Perkins,
seconded by Commissioner Dochnahl and passed unanimously that a negative declaration
be recommended for the Lands of Mueller, File #TM 2072-77.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl,
seconded by Commissioner Perkins, and passed by unanimous roll call vote that the
Lands of Mueller, File #TM 2072-77, be recommended for approval with conditions
as amended.
2. LANDS OF GERARD INVESTMENT LTD. File #TM 2071-77, Moody Road, Paul Nowack
an qu
Associates, ng neer, Reest for Recommendations of Approval of Negative
Declaration and Tentative Map
Mr. Markt discussed the above request as proposed in his staff report dated
4W January 31. Specific items discussed were the relationship ofthe subdivision under
discussion to a former subdivision across Moody Road, Chaparral Way, and the relation-
ship of the subdivision map to the General Plan Diagram. He noted finally that the
subdivision was difficult because of steep terrain and various design items involved.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - February 8, 1978
Page five
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
2. LANDS OF GERARD INVESTMENT, LTD., File #TM 2071-77: (continued)
Commissioners began discussion by expressing concerns on how the development of
the subdivision fit in with the General Plan Diagram, the denseness of the sub-
division, and the size of the conservation easements, and whether six lots could
be obtained with the amount of area given to conservation easements, the matter
of access to the subdivision through Tanglewood Court, and whether the driveway
access to Lot 2 was too steep. The Commissioners also asked that after the
subdivision was approved, that the grading plans come back for review by the
Planning Commission.
Mr. Mark] pointed out that the General Plan Diagram was really a broad brush
strokeeffort. This was further elaborated on by Mr. Crowe as he pointed out
that that the conservation easement should follow the swale on the property
and that the General Plan Diagram was in error because it had the conservation
areas in the wrong places. Thereafter, the hearing was opened to the public.
Alan Lambert, Developer, discussed his subdivision proposals. He noted that
pains_a ing cam' are�had-been taken in the design of the subdivision, that the grade
of the driveway was 10%, and that retaining walls were being built to minimize
the amount of cut and fill needed, and that all building sites proposed are actually
excellent building sites. He pointed up that the General Plan Diagram did not
accurately show the areas where conservation easements were needed.
`r PASSED BY CONSENSUS: The hour being late, it was decided that this subdivision
could not be thoroughly discussed at the meeting of February 8. It was the
consensus of the Commission that Lands of Gerard Investment, Ltd., File #TM2071-77,
be continued until the next meeting when it would be the first item discussed under
"Public Hearings".
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Proposed Ordinance re Fences:
It was the consensus of the Commission that the Ordinance on Fences be listed under
"Items of Unfinished Business" for discussion at the next meeting of the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further new or old business, the meeting of the Planning Commission
was adjourned at 11:50 P.M..
Respectfully submitted,
Ethel Hopkins
Secretary