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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/02/1997Minutes of a Regular Meeting khr April 2, 1997 �w Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Meeting Wednesday, April 2,1997,6:00 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 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Casey, Dauber, Johnson and Siegel Absent: None Staff City Manager/City Engineer Jeff Peterson, City Attorney Sandy Sloan, Planning Director Curtis Williams and City Clerk Pat Dowd Press: Clyde Noel, Los Altos Town Crier 2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTAUONS 2.1 Appointment to the Los Altos Library Commission Council interviewed three candidates for appointment to the Los Altos Library Commission Dottie Harrison -Brown, 25231 La Rena Lane, noted that she was a Friend of the Library and strongly supported the library system which served the entire community. She was particularly interested in library programs for teenagers and the internet issue. Rosemary Bittman, 14350 Manuella Avenue, was also a Friend of the Library and wanted to become involved in the community. She has lived in Town since 1991 and used the library frequently and for diverse projects. She was particularly interested in the parking issue. Lawrence Olinger, 13241 Burke Road, commented that he used the library often and was particularly interested in how they budgeted and spent their money. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To appoint Dottie Harrison -Brown to the Los Altos Library Commission for a four-year tem. Council thanked all of the applicants for their interest in the community and especially their interest in the Los Altos Library Commission. 3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT April 2, 1997 City Council Meeting The Planning Director reported that the following items were discussed at the 3/26/97 Planning Commission Meeting: Lands of Wu & Chen, 26998 Beaver Lane: approved request for a Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel; Lands of Addison, 27863 Black Mountain Road: approved request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence; Lands of Beato, 23505 Fernhill Drive: approved request for a Site Development Permit for a minor addition and a variance to encroach into the setback and to exceed the maximum development area; Lands of Simmons, 26350 Esperanza Drive: approved request for a Site Development Permit for a second story addition and major remodel; Lands of Rose, 258 10 Vinedo Lane: approved request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence; Lands of Rabbam, 25630 Darling Lane: approved request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence; Requests from Sprint Spectrum and Pacific Bell Mobile Services for Site Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit and Variance for installation (co -location) of wireless telecommunications facilities, and adoption of a negative declaration, Lands of California Water Services, Magdalena at Eastbrook Avenue/ 1-280 — recommended denial; discussion of amendments to the Town's Code on non -conforming structures and pavement in setbacks was continued to the 4/9/97 Planning Commission Meeting. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Johnson and passed unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar, specifically: 4.1 Approved Minutes: Much 19,1997 4.2 Reviewed Warrants: $57,301.05 (3/17/97) 4.3 Decided Not To Review the following Planning Commission Actions at its meeting on Much 11, 1997: 4.3a Lands of Holing, 26045 Torello Lane: request for a Site Development Permit for a secondary dwelling unit 4.3b Lands of Lohr, 12117 Oak Park Court: request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool and spa 4.3c Lands of Lohr, 24036 Oak Knoll Circle: request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence 4.3d Lands of Firm, 12000 Finn Lane: request for a Site Development Permit for an accessory building, and a variance to exceed the allowable floor area for the property 4.4 Accepted Grant of Conservation and Storm Drain Easements, Lands of Dorrian, 13113 Byrd Lane -- Resolutions #13-97 and # 14-97 4.5 Accepted Grant of Easement for Pathway, Lands of Morrison, 14494 Liddicoat Circle -- Reso#15-97 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. NEW BUSINESS April 2,1997 City Council Meeting P %W 6.1 Request from KLASS (Keep Los Altos Schools Strong) for endorsement of Measure A (parcel tax) for the June 3, 1997 Election Terri Sachs addressed the Council on Measure A and urged their support of this parcel tax on the June 3rd election. She commented that this tax last went to the voters four years ago. This time they were asking for an increase to $264 and a two-thirds vote was required. Ms. Sachs noted that the Measure A funds would continue to be used for the following: provide academic programs without cuts; support class size reduction programs; preserve the libraries and basic text book budgets; and repair and maintain the school buildings. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Casey and passed unanimously to endorse Measure A for the June 3, 1997 Election. 7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB -COMMITTEES, AND COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES 8. STAFF REPORTS 8.1 City Manager 8.1.1 El Monte and Magdalena Bike Plan The City Manager reported that he and Mayor Pro Tom Casey had met with Mr. John Nicholson and Mr. and Mrs. Lee and both parties had agreed to give the Town easements for this bike path. However, the Lees had some privacy concerns and had requested the Town to put in a fence �W and/or landscaping. In addition the Town would pay the legal costs for both parties of preparing the legal documents involved. It was agreed that Mr. Nicholson's request for a single drive to serve his lots would be agendized for Council review once staff had received more information about Mr. Nicholson's plans for developing his lots. 8.1.2 La Paloma Drainage The City Manager reported that a meeting of the La Paloma neighbors had taken place on 4/l/97. At this meeting all but one had been in favor of the revised alignment. Another meeting would be scheduled and it was hoped the issue would be resolved by the end of the month. 8.1.3 Budget Meetings The City Manager commented that a budget study session was planned before the 6/4/97 regular City Council Meeting with final adoption plarmed for the second meeting in June. The City Manager asked if Council could let the City Clerk know of their availability for mother budget study session either on 6/2/97 or 6/3/97. 8.2 City Attorney 8.3 City Clerk 8.3.1 Report on Council Corrcspondenc %W April 2, 1997 City Council Meeting Council agreed that the Cities Association should look into the request from CELSOC concerning the Government Cost Savings and Taxpayers Protection �Aw Amendment. 9. COUNCIL -INITIATED ITEMS 9.1 Landscaping and Tree Planting -- Is Further Discussion Necessary? (Councilmember Dauber) Dauber produced pictures which clearly showed the negative impact of trees on views and the fact that not all trees were appropriate mitigation. Barbara Wardenberg, Hilltop, noted that she had lived in Town for nine years and they too were losing their view because the pines were growing. Many residents seemed to be using trees as an alternate to fencing. Mrs. Wardenberg highly recommended something be worked out to save the views. Ralph Vetterlem, Los Altos Mediation, stated that trees impacting vistas was the number one issue in mediation. He suggested that the public should be educated on the rights and responsibilities concerning trees. They would be pursuing this during the "Yea of the Good Neighbor". Siegel questioned whether government should get involved in residents' issues. Casey commented on the conflict: people don't want to see their neighbors' houses yet they want to keep their views. She also noted that the communications subcommittee was looking into mother Town -wide survey which could ask residents for comments on this issue. Dauber suggested scheduling a public hearing and asking for the public's input. Council agreed to �w agendize this issue for a future Council Meeting. q9 L Dauber also raised the issue of the current landscaping policy that requires landscaping plans at the time of site development of the house. It seemed that residents were finding out too late about projects underway and needed to see the houses framed to provide input on landscaping. Dot Schreiner, Planning Commission, noted that there was confusion on the part of the neighbors as to what exactly they were looking at with the house, landscaping and lighting issues all before them. The policy did seem to need revision. Presently projects did not go back to Site Development but the conditions of approval were being used. Perhaps all new homes should go back to the Planning Commission for landscaping. The Planning Director reported that this issue was on the Planning Commission's next agenda. They certainly did not want to review the landscaping twice and would discuss a change to the present policy. 9.2 Magdalena Paving Project (Mayor Pro Tent Casey) Casey commented on the excellentjob done on the Magdalena Paving Project. 9.3 Santa Clara County Cities Assocition (Councilmember Johnson) Johnson reminded the Council that on 4/10/97 the Cities Association would be holding its General Membership Meeting and Richard Wittenberg, County Executive, would be discussing the issue of welfare reform. April 2,1997 City Council Meeting �w 9.4 WebPage (Couricilmember Siegel) Siegel inquired about who controlled what information was put on the WebSite. It was agreed the administrative arrangement and control of the WebSitc would be agendized for Council discussion. 10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Bill Hofing, 26045 Torello Lane, commented that his request for a site development permit for a secondary dwelling unit was on tonight's consent calendar and the Council had concurred with the Planning Commission's approval. Mr. Holing stated that he wanted to proceed with the project and did not want it delayed; however, he felt it necessary to share his feelings about the pathway condition imposed on his project. He did not agree with this condition nor did he think it was fair and equitable. This particular path went nowhere and one of his neighbors did not have to put in a path. He commented that he had tried unsuccessfully to talk about this with the pathways committee and the vote on the Planning Commission was 3-3 to impose this condition Casey thought this should be an in lieu path fee rather than requiring the applicant to put in the path now. Hubbard noted that the Town was following the master path plan and developed policies. Les Earnest, Chairman - Pathways Recreation and Parks Committee, referred to Mr. Holing's comments about his dealings with the Pathway Committee. Mr. Earnest believed the comments to be untrue and the requirement for a path on the Hofing property was consistent with the Master Plan. 11. PUBLIC HEARINGS 11.1 Requests from Sprint Spectrum and Pacific Bell Mobile Services for Site Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit and Variance for installation (co -location) of wireless telecommunications facilities, and adoption of a negative declaration, Lands of California Water Services, Magdalena at Eastbrook Avenue/ 1-280 The Planning Director reported that the applicants had indicated in writing that they would not contest the Planning Commission's recommendation for denial of this project. Denial of this project was being recommended due to its potential visual impact on the neighbors. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Casey and passed unanimously to deny the requests, without prejudice, from Sprint Spectrum and Pacific Bell Mobile Services for a Site Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit and Variance for installation (co -location) of wireless telecommunications facilities, and adoption of a negative declaration, Lands of California Water Services, Magdalena at Eastbrook Avenue/ 1-280, subject to the findings listed in Exhibits A and B and to direct the applicants to further consider alternative sites including residential properties. 11.2 Request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence; a variance to allow grading and improvements to cross a property line; and an amendment to a recorded tract map to allow access from Westwind Way, Lands of Krause, 25858 Westwind Way April 2, 1997 City Council Meeting Questions were raised concerning the Krause's application on the following issues: driveway access, chimney height, lighting and landscaping. Dauber commented on multiple curb cuts but �w other Councilmembers concurred that access from Westwind Way did not raise a safety issue. The height of the chimney, the arnount of lighting and the need to mitigate the structure were also discussed. Hubbard and Siegel expressed particular concerns about the height of the chimney and asked the applicant for an explanation of the proposed height. Dauber also noted that some residents had concerns about the visual impact of this project but Siegel noted that these residents were not within the legal notification area and he did not believe everyone could be noticed on all projects. �kw Mr. Krause, applicant, commented on the chimney height and basic design of the home. This structure which was basically going to be used for his mother in law was designed to blend in with their home. There was also much less development than allowed and two of the lots remained undeveloped. On the subject of the chimney height, he noted that part of the reason was so that the chimney would draw properly. Mr. Krause further stated that they planned no increase in their normal entertainment pattern and the neighbors who had originally expressed some concerns about their project, had written letters of support. Art Everett, applicant's architect, addressed the architectural integrity of the project as it tied in with the main house. He commented on the french influence and their attempt to make the house historically accurate. He also noted on the ordered architecture of all the chimney heights being the same. Tom Klope, applicant's landscape architect, addressed the landscaping and particularly the lighting design. They planned to use modest lighting with down lights, no lights on the trellis and low wattage. They also planned to extend the architectural space onto the terrace by lighting the inside of the colurms. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Johnson and passed unanimously to approve the request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence; a variance to allow grading and improvements to cross a property line; and an amendment to a recorded tract map to allow access from Westwind Way, Lands of Krause, 25858 Westwind Way with the amendment to the lighting condition that the lighting would not be visible from the northern elevation. 11.3 Proposed Policy Regarding Secondary Dwellings and Accessory Structures Casey asked that this issue be continued to the next Council Meeting so that the communications subcommittee could discuss and make a recommendation to the Council on appropriate notification to the residents on such matters. Dauber suggested holding this public meeting tonight as it was only a clarification of an existing policy. If there were my changes made to the policy residents could be notified. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Siegel and passed by the following roll call vote to continue the public hearing on the proposed policy regarding secondary dwellings and accessory structures to the April 16, 1997 City Council Meeting. AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Casey and Councilmembers Johnson and Siegel NOES: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmember Dauber 11.4 Proposed Policy Regarding Grading April 2,1997 City Council Meeting MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Siegel and failed by the following roll call vote to continue this item to the next Council Meeting. AYES: Mayor Pro Tern Casey and Councilmember Siegel NOES: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Dauber and Johnson The Planning Director noted that the draft policy had been sent to several local developers and the comments received had been incorporated into the proposed policy. Casey asked for a list of the developers who received and commented on this policy. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Siegel and passed by the following roll call vote to adopt the policy on grading as stated in the Planning Director's 4/2/97 staff report with the amendment that in the first policy the word 'total' be changed to 'a combination of cut and fill must not exceed'. AYES: Councilmembers Dauber, Johnson and Siegel NOES: Mayor Hubbard ABSTAIN: Mayor Pro Tern Casey Casey abstained because the communications subcommittee had not met to give the Council its recommendations. 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council Meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Res ect Ily s mitted, �Pr �fu �ys u Patricia Dowd City Clerk The minutes of the April 2, 1997 City Council Meeting were approved at the April 16, 1997 Regular City Council Meeting. April 2,1997 City Council Meeting Minutes of an Adjourned Regular Meeting April 16,1997 Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Meeting Wednesday, April 16, 1997,4:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road 1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Hubbard called the Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Casey, Dauber, Johnson and Siegel Absent: None Staff: City Manager/City Engineer Jeff Peterson, Planning Director Curtis Williams and City Clerk Pat Dowd Press: None 2. COMMUNICATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE (4:00 - 5:00 P.M.) Casey reported that the subcommittee on communications had met on 4/15/97 to finalize their report to the Council. The members of the subcommittee included: Roger Burnell, Duffy Price, Berin Fank, Lalla Carsten, Ray Rooker, Councilmember Johnson, Planning Commissioners Shelley Dorm and Guy Jinkerson and Mayor Pro Tern Toni Casey. (All were present except for Shelley Doran.) Before Council was a chart showing recommended changes to the public notification process. Several subjects including,but not limited to, planning, building and financial issues were listed as well as vehicles for communication. The vehicles included the local newspaper, newsletters, advisory ballots, mailed notices, the three posting locations in Town and the WebSite. The committee had reviewed the list of subjects and recommended to the Council that residents be advised of most of them by way of a mailed notice. A sample notice was also before Council for their reference. The notice included the following five points: intent of current definitions in Code; statement of the current definition; background issues before the Town which prompted the possible definition change; the proposed change; and the impact of the proposed change of definition. While the subcommittee �w April 16, 1997 Adjourned Regular Meeting felt the Town Newsletter was a good vehicle, it was mailed only twice a year which made the timing difficult for appropriate notification. The subcommittee further did not think the Town Crier was an effective source for local news as the subcommittee did not think most residents read the Agenda Digest. The sample notice before Council was resident friendly and would be quite effective. Before any mailing the notice would be reviewed by the City Manager and the City Attorney and would be submitted to Roger Burnell and Duffy Price for marketing changes. The subcommittee was recommending to the Council that this notification process be undertaken for a trial period of say three months and then reagendized for discussion as to its value. Guy Jinkerson, subcommittee member, did not agree with the recommendation for a notice. He did not think anyone would read it as it was too long and detailed. He felt a postcard would be a more effective vehicle for notification. Another suggestion would be to increase the number of newsletters sent during the year with agenda items to be discussed during the year highlighted. Lalla Carsten, 13761 La Faloma, commented on the importance of good communications. Siegel questioned the subject matter list and particularly referred to the housing element. He believed this particular issue to be quite complex and questioned how an appropriate notice would be prepared. Siegel also expressed concerns about delays �W incurred while undertaking such noticing and suggested the recommendation of additional newsletters be explored. Hubbard was concerned about sending out notices on policy issues and procedures which were still under review and discussion. They would be getting feedback on partial information. Dauber recommended improving and expanding what was currently in place, i.e. more newsletters, more press releases and better newspaper coverage. It was agreed this issue would be continued to allow Council time to review the recommended documents from the communications subcommittee. 3. SAFETY COMMITTEE (5:00 P.M.) The following members of the Safety Committee were in attendance: Berin Fank, Chairman, Michael Duffy, Robert Hall, Thomas Turner and Ralph Vetterlein. A. 1996 Accomplishments April 16, 1997 Adjourned Regular Meeting Berin Fank, Chairman, addressed the accomplishments of the past year. He noted that 4W continued work was being done on the neighborhood coordinators' program with quarterly reports on new residents going to the coordinators. In addition a new form was prepared and distributed to the coordinators for the information file. The issue of communications was addressed by the committee and it was determined that the Ham radio was the most reliable source for emergencies. Michael Duffy was working with the Ham radio operators in Town, updating the list of current operators and organizing the equipment in the Heritage House. Mr. Duffy explained their request for a permanent setup of the equipment so that it would be easily accessible in case of an emergency. Also they were discussing with the City Manager the permanent placement of the antenna so it would be ready immediately. During the past year the issue of homes in the Town with different addresses and driveway access roads was reviewed. Letters were sent to those with unclear addresses and the responses were mixed. Some wanted no change, some wanted more information and a few said yes or had already changed their address. Since the Central Fire District took over during the past year and they have enhanced computers for Town locations, it was determined to send the owners involved another letter with an update of this information. A very successful emergency preparedness meeting was held on April 18,1996 and it was determined this would be a good event to hold either annually or bi-ammally. B. Goals and Objectives for 1997 The following goals were discussed: continue to define and upgrade the Los Altos Hills Emergency Network; establish a permanent Ham radio station at Heritage House; update and train the Los Altos Hills Ham operators; complete the abbreviated Emergency Handbook; display the new traffic accident map in Council Chambers and keep up to date with latest reports; make final decision on "incorrect address/driveway access" situation and mail to affected residents; review emergency access road situation and recommend solutions; publish meaningful Los Altos Hills crime report; and work with the Town Crier on publishing a semi-ammal report on safety and emergency new for the Town. Ralph Vetterlein commented on the Los Altos Mediation Program and reported that they were pursing the "Year of the Good Neighbor" in 1998. They planned extensive advertising in the San Jose Mercury, the Town Crier and the San Francisco Chronicle and the Los Altos Community Foundation would be involved with the funding for the events. A different focus was planned for each month including: January - Crime Prevention; February - Neighborhood Rights and Responsibilities; March - Government %5W April 16,1997 Adjourned Regular Meeting Affairs/Volunteerism; April - Disaster Preparedness; May - Understanding Cultural �W Backgrounds; July - Fire Prevention; August - Mediation Month; September - Child Safety; October - Safe Driving; November - Community History; and December - Good Will. C. Discussion of specific items brought up by committee and Council Members or introduced in the Goals and Objectives Bob Hall referred to certain tree diseases and urged that the Town insist residents remove dead or dying trees. Council responded that the Fire Department would respond to complaints of dead trees and would work with the neighbors. Siegel commented on the chipping program being sponsored by the Fire Commission and also invited Safety Committee members to attend the Fire Commission Meetings. Council applauded the plans for the Year of the Good Neighbor and Dauber noted that Block Parties were a fun way to meet your neighbors. Council discussed including the neighborhood coordinators and block captains in the volunteer dinner or perhaps holding a separate event for them as a method of saying thank you for all of their efforts. D. Council approval of 1997 Goals and Objectives Council approved the Safety Committee's goals for 1997 and thanked them for all of �r their contributions to the Town during the past year. 4. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR 5. ADJOURNMENT There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council Meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Dowd City Clerk The minutes of the April 16,1997 Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting were approved at the May 7,1997 Regular City Council Meeting. April 16,1997 Adjourned Regular Meeting