HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/05/1997 (2)L
Minutes of a Regular Meeting
February 5, 1997
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Meeting
Wednesday, February 5,1997,6:00 P.M.
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road
1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hubbard called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 6:05 p.m. in
the Council Chambers at Town Hall.
Present: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Casey, Dauber, Johnson and
Siegel
Absent: None
4 Staff: City Manager/City Engineer Jeff Peterson, City Attorney Sandy Sloan,
Planning Director Curtis Williams, Public Works Director Ed Taylor
and City Clerk Pat Dowd
Press: Clyde Noel, Los Altos Town Crier
2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
2.1 Appointment to Safety Committee
Michael Duffy, 27474 Sunrise Farm Road, introduced himself to the Council and
expressed his interest in serving on the Safety Committee. In addition, he noted he was
a ham radio operator.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Dauber and
passed unanimously to appoint Michael Duffy to the Safety Committee for a two-year
term.
3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
The Planning Director reported that the following applications were discussed at the
1/22/97 Planning Commission Meeting: Lands of Wong, 12352 Priscilla Lane: request
for a site development permit for a new residence -- continued; Lands of Zhu/Xu, 12580
%kr Miraloma Way: request for a site development permit for a new residence -- continued;
1 Regular City Council Meeting
February 5, 1997
and Lands of Sprint Spectrum, 12345 El Monte Road -- application set for public hearing
`„ at 2/5/97 Council Meeting. In addition the Planning Director reported that five of the
Planning Commissioners were planning to attend the Planning Conference to be held in
Monterey in March; the 2/12/97 Planning Commission had been cancelled as it was a
Town Holiday and a mutually agreed upon alternate date could not be found; the
3/12/97 Planning Commission had been changed to 3/11/97; and the discussion on the
grading policy had been deferred for a full Planning Commission. The delay in
addressing ordinance changes was a concern and to address this issue the next Planning
Commission Meeting was scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. and the scheduling of future
special meetings was a possibility.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items Removed: 4.1-1/15/97 Regular and 1/29/97 Adjourned (Siegel); 4.3 (Casey) and
4.5. (Siegel)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Johnson and
passed unanimously to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar, specifically:
4.1 Approved Minutes: January 29,1997 (Special Meeting)
4.2 Approved Warrants: $169,749.82 (1/21/97)
4.4 Issued Proclamation: Random Acts of Kindness Week
4.5 Approved use of a master Public Officials' Bond -- Reso #7-97
This item was approved with the correction to the resolution to include
all Town employees, not just the City Clerk and City Treasurer.
4.6 Approved vacation of existing sanitary sewer easement, Lands of Sissu,
L.P., a California Limited Parnership, 25518 and 25528 Hidden Springs
Court and 25505 Bledsoe Court -- Reso #8-97
4.7 Authorized execution of an agreement with Aleuron Systems and
amending the 1996-97 operating budget for Computer Consulting
Services — Reso #9-97
4.8 Approved amendment No. 2 to the City Manager/City Engineer
Employment Agreement -- Reso #10-97
4 Items Removed:
kw
Regular City Council Meeting
February 5, 1997
%W 4.1 Approval of Minutes: January 15, 1997 (Regular Meeting)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Johnson and
passed unanimously to approve the minutes of the January 15, 1997 City Council
Meeting with the following corrections: Page 3, Item 4.8, change the word "owner" to
"neighbor"; Page 7, Item 9.2, change the last sentence to read: "No policy change was
made on these issues."; and Page 10, third paragragh, amend Siegel's comments to read:
"Siegel referred to the drainage problems on La Paloma and the value of wide
easements to enhance the openness of the Town. Other lots on La Paloma had
dedicated a 30 foot half -street."
4.1 Approval of Minutes: January 29,1997 (Adjourned Regular Meeting)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Johnson and
passed unanimously to approve the minutes of the January 29,1997 Adjourned Regular
Meeting with the following correction: Page 3, first paragraph, 2) should read: "identify
why changes to projects were made and make this quite clear to the applicants so they
understood why their development area, floor area, etc. was reduced".
4.3 Rejection of Claim: Casey Construction
Casey asked if the claimant had been notified of this meeting and was advised that he
had.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Dauber and
passed unanimously to reject the claim from Casey Construction.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. NEW BUSINESS
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB -COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
7.1 Subcommittee on amendments to Master Path Plan — Recommended
Procedure for Review of Master Path Plan
Council discussed the recommended procedure for review of the Master Path Plan.
This procedure stated: 1) The Pathway Committee should review the 1981 Master Path
Plan Map section by section and submit their recommendation to the Council showing
existing off-road paths and additions and deletions of future off-road paths.; 2) The
Council reviews the recommendation and can approve or modify them, and 3) The
Regular City Council Meeting
February 5, 1997
( Council shall hold a public hearing to consider the recommendations as approved by
the Council. Notice of this hearing shall be published once in the Los Altos Town Crier
together with a map of the proposal.
Council discussed the public input process. Casey supported noticing everyone within
300 feet of the path under discussion. Hubbard noted that this was long-term planning
and very general. He believed the notice in the Town Crier was sufficient. Dauber and
Johnson supported putting a notice and map in the newsletter. In line with this option,
Hubbard suggested putting two or three maps and dates of public hearings in the
newsletter.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To put an article, map and notice of public hearing on the
paths to be discussed in Neighborhood #1 in the April newsletter and to re-evaluate at a
later date the future process for public hearing notification. The date for this first public
hearing would be determined by the publication date of the newsletter with an
anticipated date of sometime in April.
Council then discussed the first area of Town to be reviewed which incluced Jarvis
Way, Gerth Lane and Christophers' Lane.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: There shall be no distinction made on the map between
existing paths on the map and existing paths not on the map (delete the color code
pink)
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Delete the proposed added paths on Gerth Lane and
between 2000 and 2050 Page Mill. Delete the previously planned path from the middle
of 2000 Page Mill to Gerth. Keep the route along the creek from Page Mill Road to
Arastradero. Keep the path connecting the ends of Mir Mirou and Tracy Court.
(Johnson thought this was redundant -- one could walk around Paseo del Roble.)
8. STAFF REPORTS
8.1 City Manager
8.1.1 Report on La Paloma Drainage
The City Manager presented Council with a status report on the La Paloma
drainage issue. Several meetings had taken place with the neighbors and
several options had been discussed and issues had been raised. These
included the amount of fill needed to bury a pipe; the necessity of a variance
to put fill across the property line; and the safety concerns of an open ditch.
In addition to the several options of where to place the pipe, there was the
added factor that two of the long-time owners of property had recently
Regular City Council Meeting
February 5, 1997
passed away and ownership was in the process of changing. At the last
�bv meeting it appeared that some consensus had been reached but staff upon
review had many concerns and planned to bring these ramifications back to
the owners involved. The City Manager asked for some direction in this
matter. $110,000 had been budgeted to address the La Paloma Drainage
Issue. Did Council wish to allocate more funds for this project or did they
wish the City Manager to go back to the neighbors and request the needed
easements to address the drainage with the understanding that if they did not
agree to the easements, no further action would be taken by the Town at this
time. At this time, it was agreed that the City Manager would meet with the
neighbors to outline the ramifications of discussions from their last meeting.
If the neighbors wanted to come back to Council with an alternate plan, they
could do so.
8.1.2 Request for additional funds for Volunteer Dinner
The City Manager explained that due to increased prices at the Fremont Hills
Country Club an additional budget request was needed for the volunteers'
dinner. Council discussed the location for the event and Dauber suggested
looking elsewhere such as Beth Am. A discussion followed on whether to
have this event at the Club on February 20th as scheduled or whether to
reschedule it for a later date and a different location.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Hubbard
and passed by the following roll call vote to authorize a $5,200 budget for the
Volunteer Dinner on February 20th.
AYES: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Casey, Johnson and Siegel
NOES: Councilmember Dauber
8.1.3 Rhus Ridge
The City Manager reported that a petition had been received from the residents on
Rhus Ridge concerning parking problems. They were asking for affirmation
that the Sheriff's Department would patrol their streets. Since Rhus Ridge was
a private road, however, the City Manager was working with the City
Attorney and would advise Council of the decision.
8.1.4 Magdalena and Moody Paving Projects
The City Manager reported that the overlay was done on Magdalena and they
were going forward with Moody Road.
Regular City Council Meeting
February 5, 1997
8.1.5 Slides
The City Manager reported that in addition to the Page Mill Road slide which was
under corrective design discussion, there was a new slide on Natoma
8.1.6 City Manager's Conference
The City Manager noted that he would be attending the City Managers'
Conference in Monterey the 6th and 7th of February.
8.1.7 St. Nicholas Traffic Study
The City Manager commented that a meeting was scheduled with Caltrans to
discuss traffic safety issues at St. Nicholas.
8.2 City Attorney
8.3 City Clerk
8.3.1 Report on Council Correspondence
9. COUNCIL -INITIATED ITEMS
9.1 Urgency Item to address potential slide situations
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Dauber and
passed unanimously to add an urgency item to the agenda concerning potential slide
situations.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Johnson and
passed unanimously to authorize the City Manager to spend an additional $20,000 with
the Town's Geologist, William Cotton and Associates, on the review and corrective
designs of Town slides.
9.2 Ravensbury (Mayor Pro Tem Casey)
Casey asked how and when Ravensbury was going to get paved. The City Manager
responded that he had not heard back from the County and they were responsible for
this maintenance work. It was agreed that the City Manager would give Casey a copy
of the County road book including the agreement for this street.
9.3 Path at Magdalena and 280
Regular City Council Meering
February 5, 1997
Casey pointed out that California Water had blocked off the path at Magdalena and 280.
Casey noted that she wanted to discuss this further with the City Manager and also
wanted to meet the new owner of the property under discussion.
10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Karen Lew -Tom, field representative in Assemblymember Ted Lempert's office,
introduced herself to the Council and commented that if the Council had any questions,
concerns, etc.or if there was any assistance Assemblymember Lempert could provide, to
please let her know.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
11.1 Lands of the Department of Transportation - Caltrans —2350 Page MBI
Road (at Christopher's Lane) --Request for a Site Development Permit,
Conditional Use Permit and Negative Declaration for the construction
and operation of a wireless communication facility with the placement
of a 60 foothigh wireless communications pole and antennas, and
adjacent equipment for co -location of the following:
a) Sprint Spectrum (File #190-96-ZP-5D-CUP-ND)
b) Cellular One (File #219-96-ZP-SD-CUP-ND)
c) Pacific Bell Mobile Services (File #50-96-ZP-SD-CUP-ND)
Heintz Lumpp, Sprint Spectrum; Amy Stanton, Pacific Bell; and Dave Thompson,
Cellular One addressed the Council on this co -location request for a wireless
communications facility at 2350 Page Mill Road. It was noted that this project was in
compliance with the Town's guidelines; was on a non-residential site in a sensitive
location, was the lowest height possible with the least visual impact; and had been
unanimously supported by the Planning Commission.
Mr. Araj, 27785 StirrupWay, stated his objection to this request before Council. He was
the owner of the alternate site which in his opinion was a much better choice for the
wireless communications facilities. He believed putting the antenna on Page Mill
would be visually detrimental to the neighborhood. On the other hand if the antenna
was put on his property it could be shorter and thinner and less obtrusive.
Ms. Araj, 27785 Stirrup Way, supported her father's statements and presented a petition
signed by 22 of the residents in the area of Page Mill Road and Christopher's Lane who
were against the location of the antenna at 2350 Page Mill Road
The Planning Director noted that the development on the 27785 Stirrup property was at
the maximum and a variance would be required to place the antenna at that location.
Regular City Council Meeting
February 5, 1997
n
In addition each carrier added approximately 15 feet to a pole so the antenna on the
Stirrup property would not be shorter.
Richard Kane, Pacific Bell engineer, stated that the Page Mill Road location provided
better coverage to the west.
Les Earnest, speaking for relatives who lived at 27766 Stirrup Way, stated their
objection to putting the antenna at Stirrup Way.
Dauber stated that she had driven around Town and the pole on Page Mill was hardly
visible and certainly not from Christopher's Lane. On the other hand, she thought the
location on the Araj property was quite visible. However, she did think that the
applicants could work with staff to better design or blend the antenna so that it would
be even less visible. She did not think the appearance of the pole itself was particularly
well done. Johnson stated his strong support of telecommunications technology but
referred to the petition filed by the neighbors and noted that they had been in the area
first. Johnson believed there were better locations for this antenna which would serve
the same purpose on the Stanford lands. Siegel believed this Page Mill site was a
desirable location and one that followed the Town's policy on co -location. Casey
commented on the importance of both technological improvement and neighbor input.
However, the Stirrup location was not as good as the Page Mill site and co -location was
important. Hubbard also commented that he had driven around Town and could not
see the pole on Christophers' Lane. Concerning color, he suggested grey might be a
better choice.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Hubbard and
passed by the following roll call vote to approve the request for a Site Development
Permit, Conditional Use Permit and Negative Declaration for the construction and
operation of a wireless communication facility with the placement of a 60 foothigh
wireless communications pole and antennas, and adjacent equipment for co -location of
the following:Sprint Spectrum, Cellular One and Pacific Bell Mobile Services, subject to
the conditions of approval outlined in Exhibit A of the 2/5/97 staff report and citing the
findings outlined in Exhibit B of the same report.
AYES: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Casey, Dauber and Siegel
NOES: Councilmember Johnson
11.2 Request for a site development permit and conditional use permit
for the placement of six (6)PCS antennas on parapets of auxiliary
gymnasium building, and adjacent equipment units at 12345 El
Monte Road (Lands of Foothill College)
Regular City Council Meeting
February 5, 1997
Heintz Lumpp, representing Whalen and Company, addressed the Council on the
proposal from Sprint Spectrum for the placement of six (6) PCS antennas on
parapets of auxiliary gymnasium building, and adjacent equipment units at 12345
El Monte Road - Lands of Foothill College. They agreed with the conditions of
approval for this project and he was available if Council had any questions.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Dauber and
passed unanimously to approve the request for a site development permit and
conditional use permit for the placement of six (6)PCS antennas on parapets of
auxiliary gymnasium building, and adjacent equipment units at 12345 El Monte
Road (Lands of Foothill College), subject to the conditions of approval outlined in
Exhibit A of the 2/5/97 staff report and citing the findings outlined in Exhibit B of
that same report.
12. CLOSED SESSION: PENDING LITIGATION (EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION):
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(b)
The City Council adjourned to a Closed Session on Pending Litigation at 9:35 p.m. and
reconvened at 9:45 p.m.
Council returned to Open Session to report, if necessary, any action taken.
13. ADTOURNMENT
There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council Meeting was
adjourned at 9:45 p.m. in memory of George Pfeiffer, a long-time resident of the Town
and former Town Historian.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Dowd
City Clerk
The minutes of the February 5,1997 Regular City Council Meeting were approved at
the February 19,1997 City Council Meeting.
Regular City Council Meeting
February 5, 1997