HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/06/1995Minutes of a Regular Meeting
September 6, 1995
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Meeting
Wednesday, September 6, 1995, 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 and City Clerk Pat Dowd
Press: Clyde Noel, Los Altos Town Crier
2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Planning Commissioner Schreiner reported on the following items at the 8/9/95
Planning Commission Meeting: Lands of Lohr, 12101 Oak Park Court, request for a
Site Development Permit of a new residence - continued at request of applicant;
Lands of Kim, 12005 Finn Lane, request for a site development permit for a fence,
lighting and landscape plan - approved; Lands of Drumm, 12001 Finn Lane, request
for a site development permit for a fence, lighting and landscape plan - approved;
Lands of Lohr, 24025 Oak Knoll Circle, request for a site development permit for a
pool and spa - approved; Lands of Micko, Kingsley Avenue and Altadena Drive,
request for a lot line consolidation, Lots 1 through 14 - denied, set for public hearing
at 9/20/95 Council Meeting; and Lands of LeFevre, Altamont/Taaffe/Byrne Park,
request for approval of a tentative map for a four -lot subdivision - continued at
request of applicant. Schreiner also commented that the hearings on the Quarry
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Regular City Council Meeting
Project were scheduled to begin on September 7th. She further commented that
Commissioner Stutz would be the Commission liaison to the Site Development
Meetings until the Joint Meeting of the Council and the Commission at which time
the Site Development process would be discussed.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items Removed: 4.3 (Casey), 4.10 (Casey) and 4.18 (City Manager)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Hubbard and
passed unanimously to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar, specifically:
4.1 Approved Minutes: August 2, 1995
4.2 Approved Warrants: $ 89,442.49(7/31/95)
$134,643.66 (8/11/95)
$178,165.23 (8/31/95)
$ 19,071.82 (8/31/95)
4.4 Issued Proclamation: Honoring the Duveneck Family
4.5 Adopted Ordinance #377 updating the Conflict of Interest Code
( Ilr 4.6 Approved Grant of Easement for Pathway, Lands of Ward, 11841
Francemont Drive -- Reso #64-95
4.7 Approved acknowledgement of irrevocable offer of dedication of
right of way adjacent to Winton Way, Lands of Roley, 12200 Winton
Way -- Reso #65-95
4.8 Approved acknowledgement of irrevocable offer of dedication of
right of way adjacent to Vinedo Lane, Lands of Bilger, 25901 Vinedo
Lane -- Reso #66-95
4.9 Approved Grant of Easement for pathway, Lands of Bilger,
25901 Vinedo Lane -- Reso #67-95
4.11 Approved acknowledgement of irrevocable offer of dedication of right
of way adjacent to Ginny Lane, Lands of Hong, 26370 Ginny Lane --
Reso #68-95
4.12 Approved amendment to agreement with Wilsey and Ham for
engineering services -- Reso #69-95
September 6, 1995
Regular City Council Meeting
4.13 Authorized the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Palo Alto Area Chapter of the American Red Cross and
Town of Los Altos Hills -- Reso #70-95
4.14 Adopted Resolution amending the budget for FY 1995-1996 and the
appropriations limit for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 1996 --
Reso #71-95
4.15 Awarded Contract for Adobe Creek Estates, Tract No. 8207,
Subdivision Improvements, 1995 -- Reso #72-95
4.16 Granted permission to readvertise Robleda Road Retaining Wall Project
4.17 Awarded Contract for Pavement Management Project FY 95-96 --
Reso #____
4.19 Approved request for authorization to purchase office copiers
Items Removed:
4.3 Approval of policy regarding circular (double access) driveways
(� PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve page 9 of the Design Guidelines on the policy
of circular driveways as presented in the Planning Director's staff report dated
9/6/95 with the deletion of the words "desirable and allowed".
4.10 Rejection of Claims: Reynold and Sheryl Cochran
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To continue this item so that the Cochrans could be
notified that this matter was on the agenda.
4.18 Authorized Mayor to sign Settlement Agreement with DICO Bonding
Company for completion of the Francemont Subdivision Improvements --
Reso #_____
The City Manager noted that there were corrections to his 9/6/95 staff report on this
matter. There were two bonds totalling $24,000 rather than $14,000. Also the
recorded copy of the Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions for the subdivision had
been received today.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Hubbard and
passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #74-95 approving and authorizing the
Town to enter into the settlement and release agreement with Developers Insurance
Company.
September 6, 1995
Regular City Council Meeting
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5.1 Discussion of changes to conditions of approval regarding landscaping,
landscaping maintenance and outdoor lighting
Bob Owen, developer, commented on the proposed conditions on landscaping. He
believed having to provide a complete landscape plan prior to final could be quite a
hardship on applicants. It was difficult to see the whole picture of the property
before the house was done or at least almost completed. In addition contractors are
delivering supplies, etc. as the house is nearing completion and this does not help
new landscaping. Mr. Owen also noted that weather could delay putting in
landscaping. Mr. Owen referred to the phrase in the landscaping condition which
stated subsequent to framing and/or grading and/or installation of hardscape. He
considered grading the beginning of a house and suggested removing this phrase to
avoid confusion in future years.
Council discussed the proposed conditions. Casey asked how big a problem it was
that residents did not put in their landscaping. While she acknowledged that there
were a few properties that had no landscaping, she believed almost all residents
were anxious to complete their landscaping. The Planning Director responded that
there were a significant number of properties which did not have the landscaping
done and the issue at hand was particularly landscaping for screening and erosion
control. Dauber commented that sometimes people overextended and she believed
it was important to have the landscaping put in before other amenities were done
for the house.
Mary Stutz, 25310 Elena Road, believed there was a problem with terminology. The
word "mitigation" was no longer being used. Instead the word "screening" was
being used. She noted that originally the purpose of mitigation was to make the
project look a little better, not to hide something by, for example, putting a single
row of trees along a property line.
Jean Struthers, 13690 Robleda Road, concurred with Mrs. Stutz and noted that the
old wording was "Mitigation to soften the view from off-site."
Dot Schreiner, 14301 Saddle Mountain, commented on the impact on neighbors
especially of such issues as lighting which occurred in part because the landscaping
was not completed.
Guy Jinkerson, Chairman of the Environmental Design and Protection Committee,
supported the modified conditions as recommended by staff. They believed there
was a responsibility of new neighbors and developers to present neighbors.
September 6, 1995
Regular City Council Meeting
Council discussed the costs of landscaping and the financial burden this could place
on applicants. It was agreed that the Planning Director should review applications
and arrive at average costs for landscaping and bring back a recommenation on
maximum limits for landscape installation and maintenance deposits. Further it
was agreed that the landscape condition should be modified to reflect that all
landscaping for screening and erosion control should be installed prior to final
inspection unless the Planning Director finds that unusual circumstances require
delay such as weather. A further modification to be made to the landscaping
condition was to state that plantings should be used to break up the view of the new
residence from the surrounding properties and streets.
Council directed the Planning Director the rewrite the landscape and landscape
maintenance conditions and bring them back to Council for approval.
6. NEW BUSINESS
6.1 Request to allow a vineyard in a conservation easement, Lands of
Kresek, 13470 Carillo Lane
Mr. Robert Kresek, applicant, asked if the following statement could be added to the
proposed conditions of approval: "Upon approval of the Planning Director and City
Engineer of a plan to landscape the right-of-way along La Cresta Drive and Carillo
Lane with a native vegetation border, the vineyard may be planted up to the
`r property line."
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Casey and
passed unanimously to approve the request to allow a vineyard in a conservation
easement on Lands of Kresek at 13470 Carillo Lane subject to the conditions of
approval recommended by staff in the 9/6/95 report with the following
modifications: Add the following statement to Condition #4: "Upon approval of the
Planning Director and City Engineer of a plan to landscape the right-of-way along La
Cresta Drive and Carillo Lane with a native vegetation border, the vineyard may be
planted up to the property line."; require that the conservation easement
modification be recorded; and delete Condition #5 as follows: "The applicant shall
provide a $2,500 landscape deposit with the Town prior to any work occurring in the
conservation easement to assure that the vineyard is installed per the above
recommendations. 50% of the deposit will be refunded upon the satisfactory
installation of all plant materials and a letter from DeVine Consultants certifying
that installation occurred in accordance with their recommendations. The
remaining 50% will be refunded one year after the initial refund, if the plants and
vineyard have been adequately maintained."
6.2 Request for direction on whether the Town should solicit a proposal for
providing polices services from the Los Altos Police Department
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Regular City Council Meeting
The City Manager reported that the plans to relocate the Westside Substation had
been put on hold. Instead there were plans to decentralize the station in part by
setting up regular office hours for the deputies at the contract cities. The deputv
would be available at the Heritage House on dates and times to be worked out.
Council commented that they were pleased with the services provided by the
Sheriffs Department and their goal was to have the best police services available to
the community at the most reasonable cost.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To take no action on soliciting a proposal from the Los
Altos Police Department for police services.
6.3 Urgency Ordinance regarding closing restrictions at Byrne Preserve
for nighttime and high fire danger days
The City Manager referred to his staff report which included the recommendation
that Byrne Preserve be closed during nighttime and high fire danger days for safetv
reasons.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Johnson and
passed unanimously to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance #378 as an
urgency ordinance regarding Byrne Preserve.
6.4 Adoption of Resolution electing to become subject to the California
Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act -- Reso #
The City Manager explained that the California Uniform Public Construction Cost
Accounting Act allowed public agencies to contract for small projects under $25,000
without going through the lengthy process for advertisement of projects. He
recommended approval of this process.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Hubbard
and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #76-95 electing to become subject to
the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act.
7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB -COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
7.1 Newsletter Subcommittee
Dauber reported that the September Newsletter was running about two to three
weeks late due to the need for extensive editing.
7.2 Development Process
`" September 6, 1995
Regular City Council Meeting
The Development Process Subcommittee had a meeting scheduled for 9/8/95.
7.3 Joint Meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission
A Joint Meeting had been scheduled for Tuesday, September 19th.
8. STAFF REPORTS
8.1 City Manager
8.1.1 Quarry Project
The City Manager reported that he and the Planning Director had met with Mr.
Vidovich to discuss the drainage improvements. Changes had been made
by Mr. Vidovich to the drainage improvements but after their meeting lie
had agreed to comments made by staff. Council directed the City Manager
to put in writing to Mr. Vidovich the decisions regarding drainage
improvements and to copy the letter to the County and the Council.
8.1.2 Eagle Scout Projects
The City Manager reported that the emergency radio antenna project was
( almost complete with installation to take place on September 9th. After
installation the antenna would be tested. The Eagle Scout who was going
to complete the screening of the propane tank/generator had completed
another merit badge project but new volunteers were being recruited.
Council directed staff to proceed with this project within two to four weeks
whether or not it was done by volunteers.
8.1.3 Town Hall Remodel
The City Manager reported that the remodel was proceeding and should be
completed mid-October.
8.2 City Attorney
8.1.1 Curatola Settlement Agreement
The City Attorney reported that a settlement agreement had been signed
with the Curatolas concerning construction and landscaping
code compliance issues.
8.3 City Clerk
14r September 6, 1995
Regular City Council Meeting
8.3.1 Report on Council Correspondence dated 8/30/95
Council inquired about the status of Mr. Bussi's letter regarding code
compliance. They were advised that the Planning Director had a
meeting scheduled with Mr. Bussi this week.
9. COUNCIL -INITIATED ITEMS
9.1 Discussion of Color Board Policy (Councilmember Casey)
Casey removed this item from the agenda.
9.2 Authorization to attend the Bay Area Council 50th Anniversary
Dinner (Councilmember Casey)
No action was taken on this item.
9.3 Request from the Domestic Violence Council concerning a two-day
conference in October entitled Ending Family Violence: A Community
Challenge (Mayor Siegel)
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To authorize the Community Services Agency to send
two representatives to this conference whose registrations will be paid by the Town
and to request that these representatives report back to the Town on the conference.
9.4 Landscaping of Flag Pole at Town Hall (Mayor Pro Tem Hubbard)
Hubbard commented on how nice the landscaping looked around the flag pole at
Town Hall. The City Manager acknowledged that this project was the result of joint
efforts between the Town and the Purissima Hills Water District with landscaping
designs contributed by Ray Rooker and specific assistance provided by Office
Manager Judi Crowley. It was agreed the Mayor would send a letter thanking the
parties involved.
9.5 Construction Vehicles/ Mailboxes (Councilmember Dauber)
Dauber requested that a standard condition of approval be added to applications
stating that construction vehicles were not to block mailboxes.
10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
11.1 Request for a Site Development Permit for a sports court, Lands of
Hwong, 12813 Clausen Court
September 6, 1995
Regular City Council Meeting
Dr. Hwong, applicant, stated that he was willing to work on a compromise with the
conditions of approval as recommended by the Planning Commission. In particular
he did not agree with lowering the trellis or the height of the fence. He also
commented that the light he was required to move was there when he bought the
house and had no connection with the sports court.
Council discussed the condition addressing the removal of the light and agreed that
this was a code enforcement issue and not related to the sports court.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Casey and
passed unanimously to delete recommended condition 46: "Prior to acceptance of
plans for building plan check, the existing lights on the walkway steps to Clausen
Court must be removed."
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Johnson and
passed by the following roll call vote to approve the request for a Site Development
Permit for a sports court for Lands of Hwong at 12813 Clausen Court, subject to the
conditions of approval recommended by the Planning Commission and amended as
follows: trellis height changed from 9.5' to I1'; fence height changed from 8'to 10';
condition #6 deleted and the second sentence of condition #7 changed to read: "The
recorded restriction will be prepared by the Planning Department and shall be signed
and notarized by the property owners prior to issuance of permits."
AYES: Mayor Siegel and Councilmembers Casey and Johnson
NOES: Mayor Pro Tem Hubbard and Councilmember Dauber
11.2 Setting Rates for Solid Waste and Recyclables Collection Service --
Reso #_
The City Manager referred to the staff report dated 9/6/95 which included the
recommendation that Council approve a rate increase for solid waste services by
1.94%. This rate increase was authorized in the Settlement Agreement approved in
December of 1994. In addition to this increase in the rate table, the Los Altos Garbage
Company was requesting a 1.94% increase for all other solid waste services to the
Town and the City Manager recommended approval of this increase as being a
reasonable request.
Dauber pointed out that in the settlement agreement approved in December of 1994
it was stipulated that the universal rate would not increase. In the table before them
from the garbage company it showed an increase. Council also addressed the issue
of garbage service to the residents on Rhus Ridge. For some time they had an
arrangement for a front loader box, the cost of which the thirteen homes shared.
Council believed that these residents could continue this service if they wished but
to be fair they should at least pay the minimum one can service charge.
September 6, 1995
Regular City Council Meeting
Jon Angin, Los Altos Garbage Company, agreed with Dauber and stated that the
correction would be made to reflect no increase in universal service. He also
referred to the residents on Rhus Ridge and noted that currently they were each
paying about $1 less than the minimum one can service.
Casey commented that she wanted to meet with Mr. Angin to discuss non-
mandatory solid waste services to Woodside and Portola Valley. At this meeting
she would also like to have present representatives of those residents who are
concerned about the yardwaste center issue. She too was sure that this center was
being used by non residents of the Town. Casey further commented on the
exemptions once granted to residents for garbage service and she inquired about the
corrected lien report the garbage company was to have prepared. Siegel stated that
he did not plan to bring this lien issue back to the Council until next year at tax roll
time (August). Dauber suggested bringing the lien issue back to Council now rather
than waiting until next year even if it could not go on the tax roll until then.
Stephanie Munoz, 13460 Robleda, discussed garbage service in general and the
yardwaste center in particular. She recommended turning the garbage service back
to private enterprise and allowing Los Altos Garbage Company to charge whatever it
wanted to residents who wanted their services. Mrs. Munoz did not support
mandatory service.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Hubbard and
passed unanimously to adopt Resolution k75-95 setting the rates for solid waste and
recyclables collection service with the following corrections to the rate schedule:
removal of universal column reflecting increases to universal service; delete line
items reflecting each additional 100' and no stops with service charge; add universal
line item at $15.95; and add Rhus Ridge line item stating $27.48 x 13 households.
12. ADIOURNMENT
There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council
Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia
Patricia Dowd /
City Clerk
The minutes of the September 6, 1995 Regular City Council Meeting were
approved at the September 20, 1995 Regular City Council Meeting.
�hr September 6, 1995
Regular City Council Meeting
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