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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/03/1997Minutes of an Adjourned Regular Meeting �w June 3, 1997 Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 3,1997,3:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Mayor Hubbard called the Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City to order at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Casey, Dauber, Johnson and Siegel Staff: City Manager/ City Engineer Jeff Peterson, Planning Director Curtis Williams, Finance Director Carol Ferrell, Public Works Manager Jim Rasp and City Clerk Pat Dowd Press: None 2. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR FY 97-98 The City Manager presented his report on the goals and obectives for FY 97-98. He noted that his report was, he believed, a realistic approach to the goals for the coming year. Council reviewed the goals and objectives. Concerning the goal of working with the fire department on fire codes, Council recommended that the Town work with the Fire Commission on as many of these projects as possible. Council further recommended adding the following goals: update the Master Path Plan, develop standards for spraying and arrive at a recycling program for construction materials. On this last issue, Council suggested investigating programs that were already in place and further commented Los Altos Garbage Company should look into this matter. Dauber also commented that she did not think the Town was using its volunteer base to its fullest extent. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Casey and passed unanimously to approve the proposed goals and objectives for FY 97-98 with the following additions: update Master Path Plan, develop a strategy for weed control spraying along streets and pathways and investigate a construction materials recycling program. Council also directed that the goal of developing a strategy for maintenance `, of the pathway system be moved from delivery of services to infrastructure. June 3, 1997 Adjourned City Council Meeting 3. REVIEW OF PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FY 97-98 Council reviewed the proposed budget and made the following changes: PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To delete the line item "Donations for Emergencies" in the General Services Fund (page 12). Under the City Clerk's Budget the microfilming budget was discussed. It was noted that all Town microfilming was included in this budget. Council further requested that in addition to microfilming, the Council and Planning Commission Agendas and Minutes be saved on disks. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: In the Community Services Budget the following contributions were approved: CHAC, $7.024; Los Altos Senior Center, $1,000; Community Services Agency, $10,000; Chamber of Commerce, $600; Mid -Peninsula Support Network, $1,000; Los Altos Mediation Program, $1,000 and the Los Altos Hills Historical Society, $2,000. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Hubbard and passed by the following roll call vote to contribute $1,000 to Joint Venture. AYES: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Johnson and Siegel NOES: Mayor Pro Tem Casey and Councilmember Dauber PASSED BY CONSENSUS: In the Town Committees Budget the following changes were made: add $2,000 to the Safety Committee's budget for a special event for the Neighborhood Coordinators; add $2,000 to the Community Relations Committee for special events and to keep the newsletter costs a separate line item; and to direct the Environmental Design and Protection Committee to bring a proposal back to the Council for a planting brochure. In the Public Works General Fund budget it was suggested that a separate line item be shown for maintenance of the Little League Fields. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: It was agreed that the Capital Improvement Fund should be shown in the Operating Budget (General Fund = 80%; Capital Improvement Fund = 20%. %W June 3, 1997 Adjourned City Council Meeting Jim Steiner, Chairman of the Finance Committee, commented that the committee had (` reviewed the proposed budget and their comments were reflected in the minutes of their May 20,1997 meeting. He did comment though on the issue of hiring more staff rather than using consultants. There were pros and cons to this issue but the committee believed the Council should review this issue at some future date to determine the benefit of proceeding one way or the other. %W Council thanked staff for presenting a well done budget for the coming year. The City Manager noted that the final budget would be agendized for the June 18,1997 City Council Meeting. 4. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR 5. ADJOURNMENT There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council Meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Dowd City Clerk The minutes of the June 3,1997 Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting were approved at the June 18, 1997 City Council Meeting. June 3, 1997 Adjourned City Council Meeting Minutes of a Regular Meeting June 4, 1997 Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Regular Meeting Wednesday, June 4, 1997, 6:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Mayor Hubbard called the Regular Meeting of the City to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Casey, Dauber, Johnson and Siegel Staff: City Manager/City Engineer Jeff Peterson, City Attorney Sandy Sloan, Planning Director Curtis Williams, Jim Rasp Public Works Manager and City Clerk Pat Dowd Press: Clyde Noel, Los Altos Town Crier 2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS 2.1 Appointments to Joint Volunteer Awards Committee It was noted that Roger Burnell, Carol Gottlieb, Bob Johnson and Janet Saudis would continue to represent the Town on the Joint Volunteer Awards Committee. Casey agreed to contact Judy Marcus to see if she would like to continue on this committee 2.1 Public Works Manager The City Manager introduced the Town's new Public Works Manager, Jim Rasp. He further noted that Jim, in addition to many years of experience in public works, was also a fully licensed engineer. The Council welcomed Jim to the staff. 3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT The Planning Director reported that the following applications were heard at the 5/28/97 Planning Commission Meeting: Lands of Carnes, 14090 Tracy Court: approved request for a site development permit for a second story addition; Lands of Hu, 11240 Magdalena: approved request for a site development permit for a new residence; Lands of Duncan, 12254 Tepa Way: approved request for a site development permit for a second story addition and garage; Lands of Groff & Taylor, 28625 Matadero Creek Court: approved request for a site development permit for a new residence; Lands of Bonds, 27320 & 27330 Elena: approved request for a site development permit for a new residence, guest unit, cabana, pool, spa and lot merger; Lands of Stitt, 25703 Lomita Linda Court: continued request for a site development permit for a new residence, pool and spa 4. CONSENT CALENDAR Items Removed: 4.1 and 4.7 (Dauber) June 4, 1997 Regular City Council Meeting MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Siegel and passed unanimously to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar, specifically: 4.2 Approved Warrants: $172,857.99 (5/19/97) 4.3 Decided Not To Review the following Planning Commission Actions at its meeting on May 14, 1997: 4.3a Lands of Zhu & Xu, 12580 Miraloma Way: request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence 4.3b Lands of Rogez, 25561 W. Fremont Road: request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool and spa 4.3c Lands of Ware and Cates, 13961 Fremont Pines Lane: request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence 4.3d Lands of Hsiao, 13001 La Cresta Drive: request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence 4.4 Approved Byrne Preserve Fire Prevention Project 4.5 Approved Michael Duffy as the Town's Emergency Coordinator Radio Officer 4.6 Denied Claim -- Michael Kilgroe 4.8 Approved Certificate of Appreciation: Lew Throop, Finance Committee 4.9 Approved agreement for emergency animal control and sheltering services between the Town and the City of Palo Alto --- Reso #26-97 4.10 Approved Agreement with Pollart Consulting for Interim Planning Services -- Reso 927-97 4.11 Awarded Purchase Order for new small dump truck for the Public Works Department 4.12 Adopted new standard drawings; standard detail #17,precast manhole; standard detail #24, roadside path (Type 2B); standard detail #25, street time sign; standard detail #28, street sign; standard detail #31, pathway handrail; and standard detail #32, pathway water bar; and elimination of standard details #31 A, #31B and #31 C, standard equestrian bridges -- Reso #28-97 4.13 Adopted Ordinance #385 amending the conflict of interest code Items Removed: 4.1 Approval of Minutes: May 21, 1997 June 4, 1997 Regular City Council Meeting 2 �w MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Dauber and passed by the following roll call vote to approve the minutes of the May 21, 1997 City Council Meeting with the following corrections: Page 3, Item 4.6, first paragraph, change the word'curve' to 'curb; Page 7, Item 11.5, second paragraph, last sentence, change'at this time' to'at the time of development; Page 7, Item 11.5, third paragraph, insert'l98 F before Master Path Plan; Page 7, Item 11.5, fourth paragraph, insert' the opportunity' after residents; Page 8, second motion, should read: "delete the path that runs along the rear of the lots on Amherst Court along 280 to the Stanford lands'; Page 8, third motion should read: "include on the Master Path Plan a proposed path along 280 on Caltrans property along the rear of the Amherst lots and to include on the path plan a notation that this is subject to the opening of the Stanford Lands to the public'; Page 8, sixth motion, should read: "failed by the following roll call vote to abandon the path along the Town boundary easement on Old Page Mill'; and Page 9, first paragraph, change 'secondary unit' to 'sitting area'. AYES: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Casey, Dauber and Siegel NOES: None ABSTAIN: Councilmember Johnson (was not present at the May 21, 1997 City Council Meeting) 4.7 Request for a Lot Line Adjustment: Lands of Vidovich and Wise, Lot 11, Quarry Hills and 24301 Elise Court Dauber stated that she would vote for this lot line adjustment but also stated that she would not support the tennis court in the location which was made possible by this lot line adjustment. She believed it had a negative impact on Dr. Walker who had a narrow view corridor and there was a better location for the tennis court. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Dauber and passed unanimously to approve the request for a lot line adjustment - Lands of Vidovich and Wise, Lot 11, Quarry Hills and 24301 Elise Court. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1 Discussion of Membership of Planning Commission Council discussed the issue of reducing the membership of the Planning Commission from seven to five. All Council agreed that having a fewer number of Commissioners could result in a more efficient process primarily because it would require fewer to make a quorum. Dauber however did not think this abrupt action of adopting an ordinance should be taken when the Town could gradually work toward a five member Commission. Council also discussed the process to arrive at a five member Commission and in particular reviewed the lottery process. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Sigel, seconded by Casey and passed by the following roll call vote to introduce an ordinance amending Chapter 2 of Title 2 of the Town of Los Altos Hills Municipal Code regarding the Planning Commission and to direct the Mayor to confer with the City Attorney to determine the appropriate process and bring this recommendation back to the Council. AYES: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Casey, Johnson and Siegel NOES: Councilmember Dauber June 4, 1997 Regular City Council Meeting 5.2 Approval of lease with Purissima Hills Water District -- Reso #_ MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Johnson and passed by the following roll call vote to adopt Resolution #9-97 approving a lease with Purissima Hills Water District. AYES: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Casey, Dauber and Johnson NOES: Councilmember Siegel Siegel stated that he could not support signing a five year lease. The Town did not have enough room presently for all its staff and equipment. 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1. Discussion of Proposed Budget for FY 97-98 The City Manager reported that the budget had been discussed at the June 3, 1997 Adjourned Regular Council Meeting and a final budget document would be brought to the June 18, 1997 City Council Meeting for adoption. 7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES. SUB -COMMITTEES AND COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES 7.1 Communications Subcommittee Casey reported that the committee would be bringing their final recommendations to the Council on June 18". These recommendations would include a request for another Town -wide survey. 8. STAFF REPORTS 8.1 City Manager 8.1.1. Rhus Ridge The City Manager reported that Midpeninsula Regional Open Space wanted a decision from the Town regarding the issue of parking/Sheriffs patrol on Rhus Ridge and would be sending a letter to the Town with their position. The City Manager further noted that the neighbors on Rhus Ridge had changed their original request for patrol and were still discussing the issue. The City Manager would be bringing this issue back to the Council when the letter was received from Midpeninsula Regional Open Space and the neighbors on Rhus Ridge would be advised when this matter was agendized. 8.2 City Attorney 8.3 City Clerk 8.3.1 Report on Council Correspondence It was agreed that the winners of the Tech Challenge from Bullis Purissima and Pinewood would be invited to attend a Council Meeting for acknowledgement of their achievements. June 4, 1997 Regular City Council Meeting 9. COUNCIL -INITIATED ITEMS 10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Les Earnest, 12769 Dianne Drive, noted that next year the Town's area code was going to be changed. Since everyone would be changing their stationery, etc., he recommended that the name of the Town be changed. He thought it was much too confusing having such a similar name to Los Altos. In addition the Town should have its own post office. Bob Owen, Los Altos, concurred that the similarity of names was often confusing. But he suggested Los Altos change their name. 11. PUBLIC HEARINGS 11.1 Request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Rose, 25810 Vinedo Lane Dauber stated that she was pleased to get the revised plans for this project. By moving the house the goal of saving the trees would be accomplished. Bob Owen, representing the applicants, noted that they concurred with the proposed conditions of approval for this project. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Johnson and passed unanimously to approve the request for a site development permit for a new residence, Lands of Rose, 25810 Vinedo Lane. 11.2 Review of a Conditional Use Permit for operation of a country club, Lands of Fremont Hills Country Club, 12889 Viscaino Place PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To amend condition #11 to state that no additional outdoor public address system is permitted. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Johnson and passed by the following roll call vote to approve the revised conditions of approval for the Fremont Hills Country Club use permit, as modified by the Planning Commission on May 14, 1997 and amended by Council on June 4, 1997, with review required in two and one half years. 11.3 Request for a Site Development Permit for anew residence and a variance to allow grading across a property line, Lands of Wythe & Vitu, 13824 Moon Lane, Lot #3 11.4 Request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and a pool and a variance to allow grading across a property line, Lands of Wythe & Vitu, 13824 Moon Lane, Lot #2 Casey stated that she appealed the denial of these applications by the Planning Commission because this was a difficult application which had been through three Planning Commission public hearings. She hoped that the Council could make a determination on these projects. June 4, 1997 Regular City Council Meeting IL Janet V itu, applicant, noted that they had lowered the homes to lessen the impact; had addressed grading; had stepped the homes into the hillside; had changed the exerior of the homes; and were going to use wood rather than a the roof. She further commented that they had complied with the restrictions of the subdivision agreement and were actually proposing smaller homes than were being built elsewhere in Town. She noted that the homes would be well screened in a few yews. On the road issue, they were willing to do additional repairs. Ms. Vitu concluded her comments by noting that they had provided improved services to the neighborhood including water, gas and improved storm drainage. Glenn Cahoon, applicant's designer, addressed three main issues including grading, floor area and amount of visibility. By way of overhead transparencies he proceeded to show how each of these issues had been resolved. John Germino, representing Mr. and Mrs. Handley, stated that his clients were 45 year residents of the Town and they had some real concerns about the condition of Moon Lane. In light of the additional traffic which would result from these homes, they were asking for road improvements (specifically a two lane road with cut outs) to be completed before construction began. The following residents addressed the Council in opposition to the WytheNitu projects: David Ewald, 13830 Page Mill Road; Valerie, Ramona and Tim Chown, 13822 Page Mill Road; Dot Schreiner, 14301 Saddle Mountain Drive; Nancy Bavor, 13816 Page Mill Road; Leslie Geddes, 26355 Calle del Sol; and Mrs. Eric Bredo, 13820 Page Mill Road. They stated that the Moon Lane neighborhood was rural and these proposed homes did not fit into the neighborhood. The residents supported the Town's Design Guidelines and Site Development Policy and did not agree that the proposed large homes conformed to these guidelines. They further commented that they liked the country uniformity of Moon Lane and not the proposed pretentious homes. Dr. Evan Wythe, applicant, stated that they were not professional developers but had complied with the conditions of the subdivision. He noted that it was difficult to screen these homes because they were in an open area but they were working on a solution. He also commented they they were not only working on developing the two lots but were also planning to live in the neighborhood as well. Siegel commented that the subdivider had made a lot of effort on two difficult lots. However, he believed these homes were too large for the neighborhood and the owners had been advised that the maximim floor and development areas may not be allowed. Siegel suggested that these houses go back to the Planning Commission for redesign with the direction to the owners that they be reduced in size. To give the owners clear direction, Siegel suggested a specific number such as 4,000 square foot maximum floor area on each lot. Johnson noted that the proposed houses were large for the Moon Lane area but not for the Town in general. He further commented that there really were not any other options for locations of the houses but that they would eventually be screened. While it would change the neighborhood to a certain extent, such changes did happen. furthermore, the developer had made several improvements to the neighborhood including storm drain, water and gas lines. Dauber commented on the road issue and noted that this was a private road and the residents should get together to resolve their improvement issues. Regarding the proposed houses, she did not think they fit in the area. The shape of the homes should fit the shape of the land. The better the homes fit into the land the less important the size of the homes. She suggested simplifying the homes, making them more horizontal. Dauber also commented on the large amount of blacktop basically positioned in the June 4, 1997 Regular City Council Meeting %W area of the hillside. She suggested this be redesigned. Hubbard noted that this was a sensitive area and the developer had not met the spirit of the conditions of the subdivision. He believed the architect for this project could work to fit the homes better on the lots. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Hubbard to direct the applicants to redesign the residences for Lots 2 and 3, Lands of WytheNitu, 13824 Moon Lane. 11.5 Request for a Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel of an existing residence, Lands of Wu & Chen, 26998 Beaver Lane Casey stated that she appealed this decision of the Planning Commission because she thought the condition requiring the owners to step the bedroom wing by at least three feet was an unnecessary hardship for the applicants. This remodel was not seen by the neighbors and the applicants had elderly visitors which would find the step difficult. Robert Aviles, applicant's designer, explained the remodel project and the fact that it was not visible to the neighbors and there had been no comments from the neighbors. He asked that condition #1 stating that the south bedroom wing (foundation and roof line) be lowered by a minimum of three feet be deleted. Johnson stated that this was a totally landscaped property and he could support the request due to the unique nature of the site. Casey concurred with Johnson and further noted that this was not a natural grade and could be one level. Dauber referred to the Town's grading policy. This project already had multiple levels and this condition posed no hardship on the applicant. Hubbard concurred with Dauber and noted that there was a large tree which could very possibly be removed as it was not healthy. If this was the case, this project could be seen by the neighbors. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Dauber and passed by the following roll call vote to uphold the Planning Commission's approval of the site development permit for an addition and remodel for Lands of Wu & Chen, 26998 Beaver Lane, subject to the approved conditions of approval including the provision to step the bedroom wing by at least three feet. AYES: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Dauber and Siegel NOES: Mayor Pro Tem Casey and Councilmember Johnson 11.6 Request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Addison, 27863 Black Mountain Road Casey stated that she had appealed this application because of her concerns about grading and drainage. Mr. Addison, applicant, addressed the issue of the visibility of his project. He referred to the line of evergreen trees along the ridgeline and further commented that his project did not impact the neighbors, specifically the Burrells. He did not think it was logical to require him to dig a hole to build the house. Mr. Addison also stated that he did not believe drainage was an issue. Roger Burrell, 27911 Black Mountain, distributed pictures of the impact of this project on his home. He commented that a compromise had been reached at the Planning Commission hearing on this project and he believed those conditions of approval should be upheld. June 4, 1997 Regular City Council Meeting MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Johnson and passed by the following roll call vote to uphold the Planning Commission's approval of the site development permit for a new residence for Lands of Addison, 27863 Black Mountain Road. AYES: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Dauber, Johnson and Siegel NOES: Mayor Pro Tem Casey 11.7 Request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool and spa, Lands of Rosenbaum, 10560 Blandor Way Mr. Morrison, applicant's architect, addressed the Council on the issue of basements and their interpretation of fill. He also showed diagrams of the proposed project which depicted why they were not in agreement with the requirement to lower the building pad two feet. Lee Clements, Blandor Way, stated that he was in agreement with the Rosenbaum's project and their request before Council. Council commended the applicant and his architect on the low profile design of this project. Dauber, however, believed the applicant's request was a challenge to the Town's basement ordinance and to allow it would be precedent setting. She further believed the applicant could comply with the ordinance. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Johnson and passed by the following roll call vote to approve the request for a site development permit for a new residence, pool and spa, Lands of Rosenbaum, 19560 Blandor Way, subject to the conditions of approval recommended by the Planning Commission and amended by Council to delete the �r following sentence in condition #1: `The applicant shall lower the elevation of the basement, building pad and pool area by two feet to reduce the amount of fill to no more than two feet at any point.' AYES: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Casey, Johnson and Siegel NOES: Councilmember Dauber 11.8 Approving the Los Altos Sewer Service Charges and Setting the Los Altos Hills Sewer Basin Reserve Fund -- Reso 9 - MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Johnson and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #30-97 approving the Los Altos Sewer Service Charges and Setting the Los Altos Hills Sewer Basin Reserve Fund 11.9 Accepting the Palo Alto Sewer Service Charge Final Report and authorizing transmittal to the Santa Clara County Assessor's Office -- Reso #_ MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Johnson and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #31-97 accepting the Palo Alto Sewer Service Charge Final Report and authorizing transmittal to the Santa Clara County Assessor's Office 11.10Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance Regarding 1) Non -conforming structures and 2) Pavement in Setbacks; and Proposed Negative Declaration (FIRST READING) L This public hearing was continued to the June 18, 1997 City Council Meeting. June 4, 1997 Regular City Council Meeting %W 4. ADJOURNMENT There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council Meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Dowd City Clerk The minutes of the June 4, 1997 City Council Meeting were approved at the June 18, 1997 Regular City Council Meeting. June 4, 1997 Regular City Council Meeting