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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/03/1998Minutes of an Adjourned Regular Meeting June 3, 1998 Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Wednesday, June 3, 1998, 4:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Mayor Pro Tem Johnson called the Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City to order at 4:10 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Mayor Pro Tem Johnson and Councilmembers Hubbard and Siegel Absent Mayor Casey and Councilmember Dauber Staff: City Manager/City Engineer Jeff Peterson, Finance Director Carol Ferrell, Planning Director Curtis Williams, Public Works Manager Jim Rasp and City Clerk Pat Dowd Press: None 2. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR FY 98-99 The City Manager presented an overview of the proposed goals and objectives for FY 98-99. He noted that the number of proposed goals had been reduced with a greater focus on the larger scale L planning projects. Council discussed the proposed goals and specifically discussed the proposed review of building and planning fees. They believed the Town was on average with other cities in this area and did not believe a review was necessary at this time. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Siegel and passed unanimously by all members present to delete the following objectives: 2.13: Analyze building fees and planning fees in relation to the cost to provide the services. Determine the basis for "impact" fees and differentiate from permit review fees.; and 53 Update the municipal fee schedule to reflect the results of the building, planning and impact fee analyses as well as other proposed fee changes. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To agendize final approval of the FY 98-99 goals and objectives for the June 17' Council Meeting. 3. REVIEW OF PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FY 98-99 The Finance Director commented on the new contract with the Los Altos Garbage Company and the resulting change in the method of payment. LAGCO now sends the Town a list of receipts and the Town pays the fees and expenses. The Finance Director distributed updated budget information on solid waste issues which in part reflected this new process. Siegel asked when the Town might begin a two-year budget. He commented that Los Altos used a two-year budget process and he thought it would save staff a lot of preparation time. June 3, 1998 Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting 1 PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To request the Finance Committee review the pros and cons of a f two-year budget process and make a recommendation to the Council. �/ PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To reduce the proposed budget for the Historical Society from $4,000 to $2,000. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To add a $1,000 contribution to the Morgan Center for their services in preparing Town -wide mailings and to further request the Mayor to send a letter with the check expressing the Town's appreciation. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To add $5,000 to the Office Equipment budget for a new computer to be used for public access. (Although there was no room in Town Hall for such a computer, it was felt it could be located in the Council Chambers.) Siegel referred to the Public Safety budget and asked if this included funds for the Teleminder project. The City Manager responded that it did not. Siegel recommended that the City Manager advise the Sheriff that the Town would consider the Teleminder project a priority use of COPS money if, after staff review, Council decided the Teleminder system a worthwhile project for the Town. Johnson referred to the Office Equipment Capital budget and specifically to the microphones and presentation equipment for Council Chambers. He highly recommended looking at the entire system and notjust approaching this in a piecemeal fashion. Johnson recommended a system such as that used at Michael's at Shoreline. The City Manager did comment that they hoped to put in place a workable system but also cautioned against a sophisticated, expensive system that may be made obsolete if Chambers were remodeled in the future. Hubbard referred to the autocad system and asked how much the Town used this. He noted from experience that it required constant updating to make it worthwhile and also required a lot of training. The City Manager reported that both the Assistant Engineer and Engineering �W Technician were trained in autocad and the autocad system was a part of the Town's parcel data base. He foresaw the use of the amocad system as being quite worthwhile and of interest to those involved in projects. Siegel referred to the Vehicle and Equipment budget and the replacement car for the Building Official. The Planning Director responded that the vehicle currently used by the Building Official was a Taurus and not a suitable car for the terrain of the Town. The Taurus had actually replaced a former vehicle which was not in running order nor fixable. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Hubbard and passed unanimously by all members present to approve the proposed budget for FY 98-99 with the changes made by Council and to schedule said budget for a public hearing at the June 17" Council Meeting. 3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR 4. ADJOURNMENT There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council Meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m. espect� by'tted, Patricia Dowd City Clerk The minutes of the June 3, 1998 Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting were approved at the June 17, 1998 City Council Meeting. June 3, 1998 Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of a Regular Meeting [ June 3, 1998 Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Regular Meeting Wednesday, June 3, 1998, 6:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Mayor Pro Tem Johnson called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Mayor Pro Tem Johnson and Councilmembers Hubbard and Siegel Absent: Mayor Casey and Councilmember Dauber Staff: City Manager/City Engineer Jeff Peterson, City Attorney Sandy Sloan, Planning Director Curtis Williams, Public Works Manager Jim Rasp and City Clerk Pat Dowd Press: Carol Tiegs, Los Altos Town Crier MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Hubbard and passed unanimously by all members present to add the following to the agenda as an urgency item: Attendance at League of California Cities, Mayors and Councilmembers Execrative Forum, Monterey, July 22-24, 1998. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Hubbard and passed unanimously by all members present to authorize attendance at the Executive Fonrrn in Monterey by any Councilmember who wished to attend 2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT The Planning Director reported on the following items discussed at the May 271' Planning Commission Meeting: Lands of Hill and Chambers, 12051 and 12101 Stonebrook Drive: recommended approval of lot line adjustment; Lands of Gorham, 15829 Stonebrook Drive: request for a site development permit for an entryway and gate and a variance for a 14 foot high entryway and an 8 foot high gate within the setback- denied; and Lands of Ratner, 28500 Matadero Creek Lane: request for a site development permit for a new two-story residence, second unit, cabana and pool, with a total floor area of 7,507 square feet and a maximum height of 26 feet - continued. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR: Item Removed: 4.1 (Hubbard) MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Hubbard, seconded by Siegel and passed unanimously by all members present to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar, specifically: June 3, 1998 Regular City Council Meeting 4.2 Decided Not To Review the following Planning Commission Actions at its meeting on May 13 ,1998: 4.2a Lands of Wong, 14470 DeBell Road: approved request for a Site Development Permit for a new 4,363 square foot residence with an attached 651 square foot three -car garage. 4.2b Lands of Dorrian, 13113 Byrd Lane: approved request for a Site Development Permit for a shed, and a variance to encroach into the side yard setback. 4.2c Lands of Dorian, 13113 Byrd Lane: approved request for a Site Development Permit for a 410 square foot addition on the first floor, and a 500 square foot addition on the second floor with no increase in height. 4.2d Lands of Kwong, 14470 Manuella Avenue: approved request for a Site Development Permit for a swimming pool and a major addition and remodel, adding 300 square feet to the first floor and 1,114 square feet to the second floor 4.2e Lands of Ewald, 26131 Altadena Drive: approved request for a Site Development Permit for 2,145 square foot one-story addition, and a 825 square foot garage with a maximum height of 16 'h feet 4.3 Adopted a Resolution ordering and calling a General Municipal Election to be held in the Town of Los Altos Hills on November 3, 1998; requesting the services of the Registrar of Voters; requesting consolidation of elections and providing for giving notice of election — Resolution 434-98 4.4 Approved grant of Storm Drain and Pathway Easements, Lands of Prime Home Development, 12129 Oak Park Court — Resolutions #35-98 and #36-98 4.5 Approved grant of Right -of -Way Dedication, Lands of Urbach and Effland, 10703 Magdalena - Resolution #37-98 Item Removed: 4.1 Approval of Minutes: May 20, 1998 (Regular Meeting) MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Hubbard and passed unanimously by all members present to approve the minutes of the May 20, 1998 City Council Meeting with the following corrections: page 7, fifth paragraph, replace "Hubbard questioned the wording of the Civic Association's survey. He agreed that most residents would not want a path through their backyard." with the following: "Hubbard stated that the wording was misleading in the Civic Association's survey regarding the paths through backyards. Most off road paths would be located along a property line and great cue was given to mitigate any impact on the nearby homeowners.'; page 8, third paragraph, replace "He did not agree that Council could take one path at a time; the entire issue needed to be addressed." with the following "Any request for review of an easement or a condition of approval should be done on a systematic basis."; and page 9, the votes on the last motion should be: AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Johnson and Councilmembers Dauber, Hubbard and Siegel and NOES: Mayor Casey. June 3, 1998 Regular City Council Meeting 5. 5.1 AB 1614 Internet Tax Compromise Johnson reported that at their May W meeting the Board of Directors of the Cities Association agreed to send a resolution supporting a compromise proposal to the California Internet Tax Freedom Act, AB 1614 to each member city for consideration. MOTION FAILED DUE TO LACK OF A SECOND: Moved by Johnson to support AB 1614 and so inform the Cities Association. Council discussed the pros and cons of taking a position on this legislation. They also noted that the League of California Cities had stated their opposition to AB 1614. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To table any decision on AB1614 Internet Tax Compromise 5.2 Report on Removal of Graffiti The City Attorney presented an overview of her report on options for removal of graffiti. The Council could either adopt an ordinance or volunteers could be enlisted to remove the graffiti. She referred to graffiti ordinances which were in place in Menlo Park, Pleasant Hill and Mountain View and the County of San Mateo. The ordinances were similar in that they required the timely removal of graffiti and specifics for the removal process. Pleasant Hill and Mountain View offered an owner the opportunity for a hearing if the owner disagreed with the order to abate the graffiti. Menlo Park offered an owner who abated the graffiti within certain time frame a reimbursement for supplies up to $100. The Public Works Manager commented that he had written to the five owners in Town with graffiti currently on their property. One had said they would remove it; one said the fence was not on his property; and one said they would remove it once but wanted extra patrol to prevent it from happening again. In response to this last comment, the Public Works Manager stated that the Town would close off an access road in that area as a deterrent to vandals. Responses from the other two owners had not been received but it was anticipated that the Town would be able to work something out for the removal of the graffiti. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance to abate graffiti based on Menlo Park's with the reimbursement amount increased to $250. 6. NEW BUSINESS 7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB -COMMITTEES, AND COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES 8. STAFF REPORTS 8.1 City Manager 8. 1.1 Byrne Preserve —Goats The City Manager reported that about 300 goats were now in Byrne Preserve as part of the weed abatement program. A temporary use permit for the goat herders' trailer had been issued. June 3, 1998 Regular City Council Meeting 8.1.2 Fire Hydrant Flow Testing The City Manager commented that the fire department was finishing up on the fire hydrant flow testing and in the near future a report would be made to the Council with the findings. 8.1.3 Town Picnic The City Manager congratulated the Community Relations Committee for putting on a wonderful and well attended Town Picnic on May 31". It was agreed the Mayor Pro Tem would send a letter to the committee thanking them for all their efforts and great success with this event. 8.2 City Attorney 8.2.1 Fair Political Practices Commission Regulation 18703.1 The City Attorney reported that the rule making session on the above -referenced regulation concerning conflict of interest had been rescheduled for July 2"". This issue had been discussed at the recent City Attorneys' Conference and there was shared support for modifying conflict of interest regulations for smaller cities. 8.3 City Clerk 8.3.1 Report on Council Correspondence 9. COUNCIL -INITIATED ITEMS 9.1 Paramedics (Councilmember Hubbard) Hubbard noted that all three fire stations now had paramedics on duty. 9.2 Status of fire road access project (Councilmember Siegel) The Public Works Manager reported that bids had been requested for the three fire road access projects. It was difficult getting responses, however, because the projects were small and contractors were quite busy at this time. The work scope was also being prepared for an additional two fire access roads. 9.3 Campaign Reform (Councilmember Siegel) Siegel asked about the authority of cities to enact campaign reform, when it could become effective and could the Town set campaign spending limits. The City Attorney responded that she believed the Town, as a general law city, could set such campaign limits. 9.4 Zanker Road (Councilmember Siegel) Siegel referred to the notice on the new services provided by Zanker Road and was advised by the City Manager that this notice had been included with a recent updated mailing from the Los Altos Garbage Company. June 3, 1998 Regular City Council Meeting 10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Ralph Vetterlein, 26035 Todd Lane, addressed the Council on the subject of campaign reform He was speaking on behalf of a committee (Jan Fenwick, Nancy Couperus, Bill Smith and Data Rip) that was requesting the Council to place election reform on their agenda so that voluntary election reforms could be in place for the November 3`d election. Mr. Vetterlein stated their voluntary election reform recommendations which included, in part, the following: a voluntary spending limit of $4,000; $100 contribution limit from an individual or group contributor; all contributions of up to $50 would be published in the Town Crier; all fundraising would cease two weeks before the election; and public hearings should be held on term limits. Mr. Vetterlein distributed a package of background information on campaign reform including a campaign spending recap from the Town's last three elections. Hubbard and Johnson referred to past elections in which they both experienced last minute mailings which included their names with no authorization on their part. The perception of a slate of candidates running together was an issue over which they had no control. Hubbard also noted that during the last two weeks there was often the most interest in a campaign so he questioned no fundraising during that time. He also did not concur with publishing contributions below $50 in the newspaper. Siegel referred to Fair Political Practice Committee rulings on campaign issues particularly those addressing mass mailing regulations. He also inquired what the Town's enforcement capabilities would be for campaign reforms and what other cities did. Siegel also referred to a code of ethics and commented that even if the candidates and committees signed such codes, these ethics may not apply to other residents sending mailings, etc. Nancy Couperus, 13680 Page Mill Road, distributed a handout showing a comparison of Los Altos, Palo Alto, Cupertino and the Town concerning campaign financing. She also recommended making public the participation in a code of ethics. Les Earnest, 12769 Dianne Drive, asked if State laws would preempt local laws? Mrs. Karen Emerzian, 11670 Dawson Drive, asked if regulations were different for 'towns' as opposed to `cities'? The City Attorney responded that actually there were legally no towns only cities. She further explained the difference between General Law Cities and Charter Cities. John Dukes, 27783 Lupine, supported campaign reform and commented that even if was not perfect it would be a big step in the right direction. He further applauded the committee and Council for moving this campaign reform ahead. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To agendize a discussion of campaign reforms for the June 171' Council Meeting and to direct the City Attorney to report on enforcement, options, time limitations for November 3" election, and other related issues. Scott V anderlip, member - Pathways Committee, noted that about 50 people had attended the pathway walk on May 31" and everyone seemed to have a great time and enjoyed the paths. He thanked staff for clearing the paths that were walked that day. Council also thanked the Pathway Committee for organizing this pathway walk. June 3, 1998 Regular City Council Meeting 11. PUBLIC HEARINGS 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council Meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Dowd City Clerk The minutes of the June 3, 1998 Regular City Council Meeting were approved at the June 17, 1998 City Council Meeting. taw June 3, 1998 Regular City Council Meeting