HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/19/1996%W Minutes of a Regular Meeting
June 19,1996
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Meeting
Wednesday, June 19, 1996, 6:00 P.M.
Council Chambers 26379 Fremont Road
1. CALL TO ORDER. ROLL CALL, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Siegel called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 6:00
p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall.
Present: Mayor Siegel and Councilmembers Casey, Dauber,
Hubbard and Johnson
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager/City Engineer Jeff Peterson, City Attorney
�, Sandy Sloan, Planning Director Curtis Williams, Public
Works Manager Ed Taylor, Finance Director Carol Ferrell
and City Clerk Pat Dowd
Press: Clyde Noel, Los Altos Town Crier
LA REORGANIZATION OF THE COUNCIL
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Casey and
passed unanimously to appoint Sid Hubbard as Mayor for a one year term.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Hubbard and
passed unanimously to appoint Toni Casey as Mayor Pro Tem for a one year term.
Council thanked Siegel for his contributions to the Town as Mayor. He had made
significant contributions to the Town and had achieved accomplishments such as
the approval of the Quarry Hills Project, a Pathway Element to the General Plan and
completion of the Adobe Creek Subdivision. In addition he was a member of the
Fire Commission and had seen the completion of the new fire station at Foothill
College. As a thank you for his efforts, an oak tree was to be planted in the Town.
L June 19, 1996
\r Regular City Council
2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
2.1 Interviews and Appointments to Planning Commission and
Town Standing Committees
Council interviewed four applicants for the two positions on the Planning
Commission. A fifth applicant, John Fitzpatrick, had withdrawn his application
stating that at this time he would be unable to commit the time to serving on the
Commission. He hoped to reapply at a later time.
Guy Jinkerson, 12579 Corbetta Lane, commented that he was presently serving on
the Environmental Design and Protection Committee and was therefore familiar
with the applications that came before the Commission. He believed good
communication was a must between the Council and the Commission and was
looking forward to the opportunity to serving the Town as a member of the
Planning Commission.
Robin Robison, 27801 Edgerton Road, noted that she was a new member of the
community having lived here only two years. She wanted to become involved and
was eager to learn.
Ray Rooker, 12819 Viscaino Court, stated that the had been a resident of the Town
for about seven years, was a realtor, a licensed architect and had experience in
planning processes. He was familiar with plans and could visualize projects. He
noted that if there was a conflict of interest which he did not anticipate he would
step down from consideration of that application.
Dot Schreiner, 14301 Saddle Mountain Drive, noted that she had served on the
Commission for four years and had found it a very rewarding experience. She
looked forward to continuing as a Commissioner and helping to further the Town's
goals.
MOTON SECONED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Dauber and
passed unanimously to appoint Guy Jinkerson and Dot Schreiner to the Planning
Commission, each for four year terms.
Council had received an application for the Safety Committee from Jay Jenson,
27050 Elena Road. Mr. Jenson had served on the Community Relations Committee
and at this time was interested in serving on the Safety Committee. He had been
unable to attend this meeting due to business conflicts.
June 19, 1996
Regular City Council
7
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Johnson and
passed unanimously to appoint Jay Jenson to the Safety Committee for a two year
term.
3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Planning Commissioner Shreiner reported that the following items were discussed
at the June 12, 1996 Planning Commission Meeting: Lands of Lau/Liang, 12894
LaCresta Drive: approved request for a site development permit for a new residence;
Lands of Shideler, 27994 Via Ventana: approved request for a site development
permit for a new residence and an exception to a conservation easement to allow
grading and construction of a driveway; Lands of Gerena/Roach, 24020 Oak Knoll
Circle: approved request for a site development permit for a new residence, pool and
spa, pool house and detached garage/living quarters; Lands of Parikh, 26875 Elena
Road: approved request for an amendment of a Site Development Permit for a new
residence, secondary dwelling unit, pool and gazebo, to reflect correct grading
quantities; and Lands of Fong, 26756 Palo Hills Drive: approved request for a site
development permit for a new residence, pool and pool house. Commissioner
Schreiner also noted that a Special Meeting of the Planning Commission was
scheduled for July 2nd to discussed the proposed three lot subdivision for Lands of
Rogez, 13901 W. Edith.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items Removed: 4.5 (City Manager) and 4.7 (City Manager)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Dauber and
passed unanimously to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar, specifically:
4.1 Approved Minutes: June 5, 1996 (Adjourned Regular Meeting)
June 5, 1996 (Regular Meeting)
4.2 Approved Warrants: $134,951.26(5/31/96)
4.3 Approved second amendment to Agency Agreement for Countywide
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program -- Reso #47-96
4.4 Authorized the City Manager to enter into a Joint Exercise of Powers
Agreement and Cooperation Agreement to undertake or to assist in the
undertaking of essential activities pursuant to Title 1 of the Housing
and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended for Fiscal
Years 1997-1999 -- Reso #48-96
June 19, 1996
Regular City Council
4.6 Accepted Improvements, Francemont Subdivision, Lands of
Gaither -- Reso #49-96
4.8 Approved eighth amendment to the agreement to provide Local Law
Enforcement Agency Access to the California Identification (Cal -ID)
System -- Reso #50-96
4.9 Accepted Goals and Objectives for FY 96-97
Items Removed:
4.5 Action on Final Map, Elmberg Subdivision, 26731 Taaffe Road --
Reso
The City Manager noted that this item had incorrectly been placed on the Consent
Calendar and he asked that it be moved to New Business.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To move Item 4.5 to New Business
4.7 Approval of Final Map and Subdivision Improvement Agreement,
Wythe and Vitu (Moon Lane Improvement LLC) Subdivision,
13826 Page Mill Road -- Resolutions #
The City Manager reported that the applicants had provided the required insurance
which the City Attorney had approved and staff recommended approval of the final
map for the Wythe/Vitu Subdivision.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Dauber and
passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #51-96 approving final subdivision map
and authorizing the execution of the subdivision improvement agreement and
reimbursement agreement for Lands of Wythe and Vitu; Resolution #52-96
accepting grant of sanitary sewer easement and storm drain easement on Lands of
Ewald; and Resolution #53-96 approving and authorizing execution of an
agreement for conservation easement between the Town of Los Altos Hills and
Evan T. Wythe and Janet M. Vito.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5.1 Request for Approval of Barclays' Parcel Data Base and Mapping
Package -- Reso #
June 19, 1996
`► Regular City Council
The City Manager presented a background on this data base project. He noted that
(� this agreement was being recommended for approval by the staff and the
Technology Improvement Committee. The cost of the agreement was not to exceed
$14,491.85 with the understanding that there was a ninety day period during which
the Town could cancel the contract if it was not satisfied with the services.
Regarding the input of information, the City Manager stated that initially the
interns would input data concerning sewer, geology, etc. Additional information
would be more difficult and time consuming to put in place and would probably be
done application by application. Eventually interns would take the information on
each lot from the microfilm and input it into the data base.
Siegel believed that Council should approve what information went in the data base
and suggested that staff prepare a report on proposed information to be included.
He further noted that Council may want to modify what would be added or even
add interns to accelerate the process.
MOTON SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Johnson and
passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #54-96 approving and authorizing
execution of a license agreement between the Town of Los Altos Hills and Barclay
Maps and approving purchase order relating to the license agreement. Council
further directed the City Manager to prepare a report on staff's plan of entry of
information to the data base.
6. NEW BUSINESS
6.1 Approval of Consulting Agreement for Geologist Services with
William Cotton and Associates -- Reso #
Casey asked why the Town could not have more than one geologist and the City
Manager responded that he would rather take the contract out to bid if Council did
not want to approve this agreement. it could become very confusing if the Town
had more than one geologist. The City Manager stated that William Cotton and
Associates were conservative and responded in a timely manner.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Johnson and
passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #55-96 aproving and authorizing
execution of a consulting agreement between the Town and William Cotton and
Associates.
6.2 Presentation of Town Accomplishments for FY 1995-96
The City Manager commented that the letters to residents concerning clarification of
street addresses would be mailed on June 20th.
June 19, 1996
%W Regular City Council
Council thanked the City Manager for his report on FY 1995-96 Town
accomplishments.
6.3 Action on Final Map, Elmberg Subdivision, 26731 Taaffe Road --
Reso #
Jack Elmberg, applicant, requested a two month extension of his final map. He
explained that almost all of the work had been completed but he had run into some
delays due to medical problems.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Casey and
passed unanimously to approve an extension for the final map for Lands of Elmberg
located at 26731 Taaffe Road to no later than the September 18, 1996 City Council
Meeting.
7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB -COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
8. STAFF REPORTS
8.1 City Manager
8.1.1 Fire on Buena Vista
The City Manager reported that the fire on Buena Vista was more than likely
due to faulty wiring in the shed. There was little damage and no one was
hurt.
8.1.2 Compost at Westwind (Councilmember Dauber)
The City Manager commented that on a trial basis the garbage company would be
delivering compost to Westwind. The first delivery was scheduled for Friday and
would be delivered once or twice a month.
8.2 City Attorney
8.3 City Clerk
8.3.1 Report on Council Correspondence dated 6/12/96
Council referred to the letter from the Stevensons concerning the drainage problem
and mosquito infestation on Emerald Hill Lane. Staff responded that a service
request had been filed and PG&E would also be doing some work in the area.
June 19, 1996
Regular City Council
9. COUNCIL -INITIATED ITEMS
9.1 Report on Home Composting Meeting (Councilmember Dauber)
Dauber reported that she had represented the Town at a recent meeting on home
composting. Cities were holding classes on home composting and they were quite
impressed with the successful composter program conducted by the Town a couple
of years ago. The Town had a much higher percentage rate of participation than
other cities with similar programs.
9.2 Parking at Rhus Ridge (Councilmember Dauber)
Dauber referred to the recent minutes of the Environmental Design and Protection
Committee in which they refer to the parking problem at Rhus Ridge. She
recommended that the Sheriff's deputies be alerted to patrol for illegal parking. The
Planning Director noted that Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District was
holding public hearings on alternate parking sites and it was agreed that they should
be given the opportunity to solve the problem before the Town took any steps.
9.3 Fire District (Councilmember Siegel)
Siegel noted that Los Altos was reviewing bids from Palo Alto and the Central Fire
District for fire services. January 1st was the target date for transfer of services. The
%, dedication for the new fire station on the Foothill Campus was scheduled for
Saturday, June 29th. The new fire station would open during high fire season
months and high fire hazard days.
9.4 Private/Public Roads Issue (Siegel)
Siegel asked that the issue of private/public roads be agendized for each Council
Meeting so that this project could move forward in a timely manner. The City
Manager responded that this project involved a lot of work especially in the area of
title search. Due to the staff's work load, this project would have to be contracted
out if Council wished to move forward rather quickly on it. Dauber suggested that if
residents were eager to resolve the status of their street, they do some of the
preliminary research work. Hubbard considered this a goal for the coming year and
if necessary the work should be contracted out. It was agreed that this issue would
be addressed at the time of capital budget discussions and staff would be asked to
obtain a cost estimate from Wilsey and Ham for work on title searches.
9.5 Garbage Services (Councilmember Siegel)
June 19, 1996
Regular City Council
Siegel suggested that the City Manager plan to meet with the City Manager of
Woodside to discuss bid process, lead time, and other issues related to going out to
bid for garbage services. Woodside had recently changed solid waste companies.
9.6 League of California Cities Bulletin: legislation regarding retention fees
for public works projects (Councilmember Dauber)
Dauber referred to proposed legislation which would reduce retention fees from
10% to 5%. The City Manager explained the reasons for opposing this legislation
and gave specific examples from Town projects.
9.7 Drainage - La Paloma (Councilmember Dauber)
Dauber noted that she had met with the residents in the La Paloma area about their
drainage concerns. Discussions were proceeding and additional meetings would be
scheduled.
10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Mark Jensen, 26225 Purissima Road, referred to a new concept concerning solid
waste which allowed residents who wished to generate no garbage to be relieved of
their garbage fees. Mr. Jensen had just heard about this program which he
understood was in place in a number of cities in the Bay Area and he stated that he
would get more information and report to Council at a later time.
Ray Rooker, 12819 Viscaino Road, reiterated his suggestions about better
dissemination of information to Town residents. He asked that Council provide a
published agenda of meetings and a better way of displaying plans, etc. Council
noted that a subcommittee had recently been established to look into these very
issues and they would be contacting Mr. Rooker for his input.
Stephanize Munoz, 13460 Robleda Court, commented on the garbage service in
Town as outlined in the original agreement with the Los Altos Garbage Company.
Mrs. Munoz did not believe the Town should be collecting fees for the garbage
company.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
11.1 Request for a Conditional Use Permit Renewal for a Construction
Equipment and Storage Yard, Lands of Taaffe, 12308 Concepcion Road
(12060 Elise Way)
Johnson stepped down from consideration of this matter due to a possible conflict of
interest.
June 19, 1996
Regular City Council
The Planning Director explained that this was not a renewal of the existing
conditional use permit. It was a new permit with new conditions, a new
identification number and it superseded all prior permits. He distributed a
statement which would be an introductory portion of the conditional use permit
and which reiterated these comments. The Planning Director noted that the current
permit would expire in 1997 (a twenty year permit) and the Planning Commission
was recommending approval of a new twenty year permit with a one year initial
review to be followed by three year reviews.
Siegel commented that the conditions should be very specific as twenty years was a
long time. Presently service uses were allowed in the Town such as emergency
service benefits. It was noted that the Taaffe Company had provided such services
many times over the years in clearing roads and creeks and by having their
equipment in Town during the earthquake.
Ben Taaffe, applicant, stated that they wanted to continue the business they had run
for over fifty years. They did no steam cleaning of their equipment on site and
concurred with the condition for additional landscaping.
The following addressed the Council speaking against approval of a twenty year
conditional use permit: Jim, Janet and Linda Taaffe, 26645 Purissima, Roger Barkoff,
26613 Purissima and Jim Sandman, 26545 Purissima. They each explained that they
�W understood the current twenty year permit would eventually end and another one
would not be given. They did not believe this was an appropriate use in the Town
and as far as helpful during an earthquake there was no reassurance that the
equipment would be in Town when one occurred anyway. Concerns were also
expressed about negative impact on property values. The Taaffes commented that
they were part of the original owners of Taaffe Company but they too had always
understood that at the end of twenty years the permit would not be reissued. Paul
Eckert, realtor for the Sandmans, noted that the previous owners of that lot had
stated it was their understanding that the permit would be terminated at the
completion of the twenty year period.
Siegel commented on the beneficial relationship between the Town and the Taaffes
over the years but times change and he did not think that this was an appropriate
use now in the Town. Casey, Dauber and Hubbard concurred in part with Siegel but
agreed that by approving a conditional use permit for a three to five year period the
applicant would have the opportunity to relocate and the neighboring properties
could develop.
Ben Taaffe, applicant, stated that he agreed with a five year permit and with all of
the proposed conditions. He also concurred with stipulating that no business would
be conducted on Saturdays unless it was an emergency situation.
June 19, 1996
Regular City Council
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Dauber and
passed by the following roll call vote to approve a five year conditional use permit
for an existing construction equipment and vehicle storage yard for the M.B. Taaffe
Company at 12308 Concepcion Road, with a one year review after the third year and
subject to findings as stated in Exhibit B of the permit. In addition Condition 5a
shall be modified to eliminate work on Saturdays unless it was an emergency
situation and the minutes from the June 19, 1996 Council Meeting on this issue
shall be attached to the conditional use permit specifically noting the intent of this
Council that at the end of the five year period this conditional use permit shall be
terminated.
AYES: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Casey and Dauber
NOES: Councilmember Siegel
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Johnson
Siegel noted that the service use allowed in the Town's Code had been specifically
written in to allow for the Taaffe's operation. He asked that the Planning
Commission rewrite this section deleting this service use.
11.2 Appeal of Planning Commission's decision on a Site Development
Permit for a new residence, Lands of Lohr, 12121 Oak Park Court
Steve Lohr, applicant, addressed the Council concerning his appeal of the condition
not allowing stucco on the home at 12121 Oak Park Court. He explained that this
was a custom built home and they had complied with all of the Town's regulations
and had included more stone than originally planned. His client however did want
to use stucco on parts of their home.
Mr. Ayyar, owner of 12121 Oak Park Court, concurred with the comments made by
Mr. Lohr on their behalf and hoped that agreement could be reached on this matter.
Casey supported the applicant's request. She noted that they had worked well with
the Town and she believed it was inappropriate for the Town to tell them they
could not use stucco. Dauber raised several concerns about this project as a whole.
She recommded the use of more eaves to make the house less visible; the house
was at the maximum on development area yet had no outdoor living area; the
amount of turnaround in the setback; and the entire second floor had no
architectural features. Siegel commended the Planning Commission for attempting
to address this issue. The Town did not want the appearance of tract homes and
with two large subdivisions in progress the potential was there for this to happen.
Siegel asked the Commission to consider how they planned to address this issue in
the future and suggested a section be added to the design guidelines. Johnson
concurred with Siegel.
June 19, 1996
Regular City Council
10
�W
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Johnson and
passed by the following roll call vote to grant the appeal and modify condition of
approval #1 in the site development permit for a new residence at 12121 Oak Park
Court deleting the requirement that the applicant use a material other than stucco
for the portions of the house which are not faced with stone.
AYES: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Casey, Johnson and Siegel
NOES: Councilmember Dauber
11.3 Adoption of Town Budget for FY 1996-97 and Adoption of the
appropriations limit for FY 96-97 -- Reso #_ and approval
of the Town's Compensation Plan -- Reso #
The Finance Director noted that the budget would be published at this time rather
than waiting for the final audited figures. Dauber commented that she believed the
public works budget would be clearer if a one page summary for this department
was provided.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Johnson and
passed unanimously to adopt Resolution#56-96 adopting the Town Budget for FY
1996-97 and adopting the appropriations limit for FY 96-97 and Resolution #57-96
approving the Town's Compensation Plan.
12. CLOSED SESSION: DECISION WHETHER TO INITIATE LITIGATION:
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(c)
Council adjourned to a Closed Session at 10:20 p.m. and reconvened at 10:55 p.m.
13. ADIOURNMENT
There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council
Meeting was adjourned at 10:55 p.m.
Res pectfbmitted,
Patricia Dowd
City Clerk
The minutes of the June 19, 1996 City Council Meeting were approved at the
July 17, 1996 Regular City Council Meeting.
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June 19, 1996
Regular City Council