HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/17/1993Minutes of a Regular Meeting
tr• November 17, 1993
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Meeting
Wednesday, November 17, 1993, 6:00 P.M.
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road
1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Johnson called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 6:08
p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Mayor Johnson noted with
sadness that Peggy Alexander had recently passed away. He extended to the
Alexander family condolences on behalf of the Council and all at Town Hall.
Mrs. Alexander, wife of Dan Alexander - former President of the Historical
Society - had been Vice President of the Historical Society as well as active in
the National Association for Historic Preservation, Filch and the Nature
Conservancy. Mayor Johnson noted that this meeting would be adjourned in
her honor and memory.
Present: Mayor Johnson and Councilmembers Dauber, Hubbard,
Siegel and Tryon
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Les M. Jones, II, City Attorney Sandy Sloan,
Director of Public Works Jeff Peterson, Town Planner
Linda Niles and City Clerk Pat
Dowd
Press: Jan Shaw, Los Altos Town Crier
2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Planning Commissioner David Takamoto reported on the following issues
which had been discussed at the November 10th Planning Commission
meeting: Lands of Lohr, 24001 Oak Knoll Circle: approved request for a
Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool, spa and
tennis court and Lands of Carrie, 25655 Fernhill Drive: approved request
November 17. 1993
Regular City Council Meeting
for a Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel. Planning
Commissioner Takamoto commented on the siting of the Lohr house in
response to Council inquiries about a two-story house on this lot. The
Commission had believed that if the house was moved forward on the lot,
the house would have more of a visual impact. He also referred to the
nature of the topography. Concerning the Carrie application, Council
stated that the conditions of approval should state that the project is at the
maximum allowed development levels and should also include street
dedication conditions. Staff noted that these conditions were part of the
Commission's approval of the application and would be included.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items Removed: 4.1 - 10/20/93 Adjourned Regular Meeting (Tryon), 4.1 - 10/20/93
Regular Meeting (Dauber) and 4.1 - 11/3/93 Regular Meeting (Hubbard), 4.3a (Siegel)
and 4.5 (City Manager)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Tryon, seconded by Hubbard and
passed unanimously with Dauber abstaining on 4.9 and Tryon abstaining on 4.15
through 4.18 to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar, specifically:
4.2 Approved Warrants: 538,935.38 (11/1/93)
4.3 Decided Not To Review the following Planning Commission Actions at
Its Meeting on November 10, 1993:
4.3b Lands of Carrie, 25655 Fernhill Drive: approved request for a
Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel
4.4 Accepted Agreement for Conservation Easement, Lands of
Addison, 13470 Carillo Lane -- Reso #150-93
4.6 Issued Proclamation: "Winter Weather Preparedness Week" --
November 15-19, 1993
4.7 Accepted Improvements, 1992-93 Pavement Management
Program, Phase lI - O'Grady Paving Company -- Reso #151-93
4.8 Accepted dedication for pathway over Rhus Ridge Road -- Reso #152-93
4.9 Accepted dedication for pathway at 27975 Roble Alto Road -- Reso #153-93
4.10 Accepted dedication for pathway over Chaparral Way -- Reso #154-93
V*W November 17, 1993
Regular City Council Meeting
4.11 Accepted dedication for pathway at 12000 Moody Springs Court --
Reso #155-93
4.12 Accepted dedication for pathway at 12020 Moody Springs Court --
Reso #156-93
4.13 Accepted dedication for pathway at 12005 Moody Springs Court --
Reso #157-93
4.14 Accepted dedication for pathway at 12025 Moody Springs Court --
Reso #158-93
4.15 Accepted dedication for pathway 12871 Atherton Court -- Reso #159-93
4.16 Accepted dedication for pathway at 12940 Atherton Court -- Reso #160-93
4.17 Accepted dedication for pathway at 12933 Atherton Court -- Reso #161-93
4.18 Accepted dedication for pathway at 12911 Atherton Court -- Reso #162-93
4.19 Accepted dedication for pathway at 27755 Edgerton Road -- Reso #163-93
4.20 Accepted dedication for pathway at 27330 Ursula Lane -- Reso #164-93
4.21 Accepted dedication for pathway at 27769 Edgerton Road -- Reso #165-93
4.22 Accepted dedication for pathway at 27781 Edgerton Road -- Reso #166-93
4.23 Accepted dedication for pathway at 27791 Edgerton Road -- Reso #167-93
4.24 Accepted dedication for pathway at 27801 Edgerton Road -- Reso #168-93
4.25 Accepted dedication for pathway at 27800 Edgerton Road -- Reso #169-93
4.26 Accepted dedication for pathway at 27790 Edgerton Road -- Reso #170-93
4.27 Accepted dedication for pathway at 27764 Edgerton Road -- Reso #171-93
4.28 Accepted dedication for pathway at 27760 Edgerton Road -- Reso #172-93
4.29 Accepted dedication for pathway at 13131 Delson Court -- Reso #173-93
4.30 Accepted dedication for pathway at 13139 Delson Court -- Reso #174-93
November 17, 1993
Regular City Council Meeting
3
4.31 Accepted dedication for pathway at 13140 Delson Court -- Reso #175-93
4.32 Accepted dedication for pathway at 13132 Delson Court -- Reso #176-93
4.33 Accepted dedication for pathway over Parcel "A" (Tract #5874) Delson
Court -- Reso #177-93
4.34 Accepted dedication for pathway at 27500 La Vida Real -- Reso #178-93
4.35 Accepted dedication for pathway at 12821 La Vida Real -- Reso #179-93
4.36 Accepted dedication for pathway at 12560 La Vida Real -- Reso #180-93
4.37 Accepted dedication for pathway at 12833 La Vida Real -- Reso #181-93
4.38 Accepted dedication for pathway at 13977 Campo Vista Lane --
Reso #182-93
4.39 Accepted dedication for pathway at 13901 Campo Vista Lane --
Reso #183-93
y,. 4.40 Accepted dedication for pathway at 13941 Campo Vista Lane --
Reso #184-93
4.41 Accepted dedication for pathway over Parcels I and 2 of PM465-M-50-51
-- Ravensbury --Reso #185-93
4.42 Accepted dedication for pathway at 11641 Buena Vista Drive --
Reso #186-93
4.43 Accepted dedication for pathway at 11640 Buena Vista Drive --
Reso #187-93
Items Removed:
4.1 Approval of Minutes: October 20, 1993 (Adjourned Regular)
October 20, 1993 (Regular Meeting)
November 3, 1993 (Regular Meeting)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Tryon, seconded by Hubbard and
passed unanimously to approve the minutes of the October 20, 1993 Adjourned
Regular City Council Meeting with the following correction: page 2, first paragraph,
next to the last sentence, delete "was not particularly in favor of it but".
�W November 17. 1993
Regular City Council Meeting
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Johnson and
Vkv passed unanimously to approve the minutes of the October 20, 1993 Regular City
Council Meeting with the following corrections: page 8, Item 7.4, last sentence
should read: "Siegel also reported that he asked Mr. Vidovich for a reading of the
level of the lake before the rainy season and had not received it."; page 9, Item 9.1,
add the following statement before the motion: "Dauber pointed out that the
conditions were standard such as repairing any damage to the paths. Staff pointed
out that there already was some damage to the path and Mayor Johnson stated that
he was sure the Puris would repair any damage."; page 10, Item 9.5 add the word
"construction" before sign; page 10, Item 9.7 add the following sentence: "It was
pointed out that a Councilmember could appeal a denial without paying a fee." and
page 12, Item 11.2, second paragaph should read" "......Elena path project, ruing
the giving up of the Dean easement and the fact that the project would not have had
to be done."
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Dauber and
passed unanimously to approve the minutes of the November 3, 1993 Regular City
Council Meeting with the following corrections: Page 10, Item 8.2, add the following
sentence "It was agreed that the animal ordinance, parking tickets and vehicle and
bicycle ordinance issues would be addressed before the others."; page 11, Item 9.4,
sentence should read: " ....Central Fire District, Palo Alto and Mountain View
regarding fire protection services."; Page 11, Item 9.5, sentence should read: ".. .
Committee planned to walk the Packard property the following Saturday and
invited Council to attend."; and page 13, Item 11.2, second paragraph, reference to
maximum development area in first sentence should be changed to maximum floor
area.
4.3a Lands of Lohr, 24001 Oak Knoll Circle: approved request for a
Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool, spa and
tennis court
Siegel commented on height of the proposed house on this project and the visibility
of the lot. He asked that this application be set for review by the Council.
4.5 Grant of Easement for Pathway, Lands of Chown, 13822 Page Mill
Road -- Reso #
The City Manager asked for continuation of this item to the next Council Meeting
for clarification of certain issues.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To continue this item to the next Council Meeting.
November 17, 1993
Regular City Council Meeting
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5.1 Review of the State's comments on the Town's Draft Housing
Element
Council discussed the Town Planner's report dated 11/17/93 on the draft housing
element and the comments made by the State. Council agreed that a subcommittee
should be appointed to work with the Planner on this issue. One of the issues to be
handled by this subcommittee would be the survey of secondary dwellings in the
Town. The Planner noted that she had distributed copies of a secondary dwelling
questionnaire which she had received and Council concurred that this document
could be most helpful.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Tryon and
passed unanimously to appoint Elayne Dauber and Bob Johnson to a subcommittee
on the housing element. This subcommittee will also include staff and two
Planning Commissioners.
The Town Planner noted that she would agendize this issue for the next Planning
Commission Meeting and Dauber suggested contacting former members of the
Planning Commission.
5.2 Introduction of Ordinance requiring General Muncipal Election to be
consolidated with Statewide General Election (FIRST READING)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Hubbard and
passed by the following roll call vote to waive further reading of ordinance
requiring the General Municipal Election to be consolidated with Statewide General
Election
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Dauber and Councilmembers Hubbard and Tryon
NOES: Mayor Johnson and Councilmember Siegel
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dauber, seconded by Hubbard and
passed by the following roll call vote to introduce ordinance requiring the General
Municipal Election to be consolidated with Statewide General Election
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Dauber and Councilmembers Hubbard and Tryon
NOES: Mayor Johnson and Councilmember Siegel
November 17, 1993
Regular City Council Meeting
t,- 5.3 Arborist report on the proposed heritage oak trees in Byrne Preserve
Council had before them the Director of Public Work's staff report which included
his recommendation that the Council adopt the recommendation of the
Environmental Design and Protection Committee for designation of two oak trees
in Byrne Preserve as Heritage Oaks and the report prepared by horticultural
consultants Barrie D. Coate.
A brief discussion was held on the availability of wood chips for use around oak
trees. It was noted that tree companies as well as the County had wood chips
available if anyone wanted them for their trees.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Johnson and
passed unanimously to direct the City Attorney to prepare a resolution for the next
Council Meeting designating two heritage trees in Byrne Preserve (California Live
Oak and Heritage Tree No. 2 and the Valley Oak as Heritage Tree No. 3) and to
further authorize the signing of each of these trees at a cost for each tree of
approximately $150 - $300.
Mayor Tryon left the Council Meeting at this time.
6. NEW BUSINESS
7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB -COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
7.1 Residential Design Guidelines Subcommittee
Dauber reported that the public meeting on November 4th had gone quite well and
good suggestions had been received. A meeting of the subcommittee had been
held this morning to discuss these comments and review the document and
she and the Mayor planned to meet with the artist on Friday afternoon.
7.2 Town Handbook Subcommittee
Johnson reported that a meeting with PRX had been cancelled since Tryon had been
unable to attend. It would be rescheduled in the near future.
7.3 Quarry Subcommittee
Siegel reported that Mr. Vidovich had filed part of his subdivision application with
the Town. The subcommittee planned to meet on Friday morning and the
Board of Supervisors had continued their discussion the County' General Plan
amendment to December 9th.
November 17, 1993
Regular City Council Meeting
`, 7.4 Water District Subcommittee
Hubbard reported that a meeting had been held to discuss various options and it had
been agreed to work within the existing footprint. This also included use of the
Heritage House as potential space. The subcommittee had discussed the use of
a space planner as it was felt expert advice was needed on the best way to utilize
space. Hubbard further suggested referencing the Town Hall Master Plan. In
conclusion he noted that a meeting would be held with the members of the
Water District's subcommittee on this issue.
7.5 Packard Subcommittee
Johnson reported that he had had a conversation with Mr. Wilbur of the Packard
Foundation and Mr. Wilbur had commented on how pleased he had been
about the Pathways Recreation and Parks Committee walk around the Packard
property. The Town Planner reported that she had met with Pat Webb and
Julie Maser on the Packard property and they were in the process of putting a
package together. Siegel commented on the public conservation easement and
urged that the open space be made as permanent as possible to prevent any
future Councils from changing it.
7.6 Composting Subcommittee
Dauber commented on the procedure including placing orders, delivery and
exhibition. She noted that she would be bringing back a complete proposal to
the Council. Dauber thanked Jan Shaw for her article in the Town Crier.
8. STAFF REPORTS
8.1 City Manager
8.1.1 Parcel Data Base
The City Manager reported that he had received three bids for this project and
they had been sent to the subcommittee for review. The subcommittee
would be making a final recommendation to the Council.
8.1.2 Solid Waste
The City Manager reported that a draft proposal had been received from the Los
Altos Garbage Company which was being reviewed by the subcommittee.
A special Council meeting was going to be scheduled for Monday,
November 17, 1993
Regular City Council Meeting
November 29th at 2:00 p.m. to discuss this issue. It was further noted that he
and the Mayor had attended a meeting of several agencies all of whom
were customers of Los Altos Garbage Company. Several issues were
discussed including the increase in technology, reporting capabilities, cost
and need for an audit. The next meeting of this group was scheduled for
January 1994. The City Manager referred to the use of a consultant to
review the solid waste agreement at a cost of $1,500 to $2,000. If Council
agreed he could provide them with a possible timetable for review by the
consultant at the November 29th Special Meeting.
8.1.3 Parking Program
The City Manager reported that he had met with the deputies from the
Sheriff's Department and the Safety Committee and they were going to
attempt to work the parking ticket program through the county.
8.1.4 Veterinary Clinic - Town Ring
The City Manager noted that he had become aware of a veterinary clinic
scheduled for Saturday, November 20th at the Town Ring. He asked that
Council agendize this issue as an urgency item.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by
Hubbard and passed unanimously by all members present to add
discussion of a veterinary clinic scheduled for Saturday, November 20th at
the Town Ring to the agenda as an urgency item.
The City Manager commented on this proposed event noting that it was not
sponsored by any group and had not received approval by the Town. In
addition the person running the event did not have a business license in
the Town.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Dauber
and passed unanimously by all members present to deny the use of the
Town Ring for a veterinary clinic on Saturday, November 20, 1993 noting
specifically that such an event should have an official sponsor such as the
Horsemens' Association or Westwind Barn. The doctor intending to put
on this event would be so notified of this action by the City Manager.
8.2 City Attorney
8.2.1 Sales Tax
Ift. November 17, 1993
Regular City Council Meeting
The City Attorney reported that the decision by the courts to rule the 1992 sales
L tax illegal would probably be appealed.
8.2.2 San Jose Landfill Issue
The City Attorney stated that the trial court had ruled for San Jose and against
the cites with regard to the landfill issue. This decision would be appealed.
8.3 City Clerk
8.3.1 Report on Council Correspondence dated Novbember 10, 1993
9. COUNCIL -INITIATED ITEMS
9.1 Appointment of Subcommittee regarding East Sunset Drive Road
Acceptance (Mayor Johnson)
Johnson referred to the September 1, 1993 Council Meeting at which this issue was
discussed. At that meeting it had been noted that it appeared the Town was
responsible for the road but that the Town should ask for rights of way from the
residents. He suggested that a subcommittee be appointed to address this issue.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To appoint Johnson and Siegel to a subcommittee on the
East Sunset Drive Road issue.
9.2 Adobe Creek -- Bellucci Property (Mayor Pro Tem Dauber)
Dauber referred to earlier discussions on the creek work to be done on the Bellucci
property such as rocks to be installed to make it a meandering creek. It appeared this
had not taken place. The City Engineer commented on the channel work which had
been done. Although efforts to make it a meandering creek had been discussed, it
had turned out that this had not been possible in part due to the size of the creek.
9.3 Robleda/Fremont Footpath (Mayor Johnson)
Johnson commented on how well the footpath project at Robleda and Fremont had
been completed.
10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
11.1 Request for a site development permit, use permit and variance
for a new firehouse, Loop Road, Foothill College (El Monte, Elena and
Moody Roads) -- Los Altos County Fire Protection District
November 17, 1993
Regular City Council Meering
10
Hubbard noted that he and Councilmember Siegel were also members of the Los
�r Altos County Fire Protection District Board. However, they had been advised by the
City Attorney that since they had no financial interest in this application, it was
appropriate for them to vote on the issue. Hubbard further asked for clarification of
when certain of the conditions of approval (specifically 3, 5, 6 and 9) had to be done
and the Town Planner responded that she would check on this.
Glen Miller, representing applicant, commented that he had been working on this
project for six months. He referred to the cost effective study which had been done
concerning whether to remodel the old station or to build a new one. The issue of
Americans With Disabilities Act requirements also had to be addressed. Mr. Miller
further commented that they had been able to obtain a 99 year lease from the college
for $1/year, would keep the original firestation as an historical site and there would
be no interrruption of fire service. On the subject of traffic flow at Elena and Moody,
he noted that they had not experienced any increased activity or problems at that
intersection. Concerning the angled parking spots in front of the station, Mr. Miller
reported that these were designated spots for the firefighters and the stall in front
was for emergency calls only. In response to an inquiry from Dauber as to the
architecture of the station, Mr. Miller reported that brick had been chosen over
wood to blend in better with the newer buildings on campus.
Mr. Miller addressed four of the conditions of approval and asked for certain
changes. Regarding condition number 3 which required an arborist report, he noted
that they had hired a landscape architect and asked that this professional be charged
with providing the arborist report. On condition number 5 concerning certifications
of location of the building, he asked that the engineer and contractor could certify
that the building was in the correct location. Relating to condition number 13, Mr.
Miller asked that the term of the conditional use permit be 99 years to match the
term of the lease with Foothill College. In conclusion, Mr. Miller addressed
condition number 15 and asked that if an issue arose they be directed to deal with it
but not that the conditional use permit would be reviewed in its entirety. They
were concerned about spending $2 million on a project and then having the use
permit revoked.
Mr. and Mrs. David Conrad, 25360 Becky Lane, addressed the Council with their
concerns and also referred to their letter dated November 9th on this issue. They
were quite concerned about the noise impact on their property and the fact that the
value of their property would be reduced because of this negative impact. They also
supported keeping the existing location for the firestation as the ideal location in
part because there are no nearby dwellings. Mr. Conrad specifically addressed the
cost analysis report which had been referred to and asked where this report was and
if it had been made public. Mrs. Conrad asked why the firestation was able to get a
variance when variances were difficult for a resident to obtain.
November 17, 1993
Regular City Council Meeting
Dave Wilgram, 25440 Crescent Lane, referred to the original firestation and asked if
its historic designation had been a determining factor in this decision. He further
commented on the amount of traffic in front of the proposed station particularly on
Saturdays for such events as the flea markets. Mr. Wilgram further asked if the cost
study had been reevaluated.
Bob Stutz, 25310 Elena, commented that the fire trucks had their sirens going all the
time to get the students out of the way.
Council discussed the possibility of additional traffic on Elena, the proposed warning
light, the angled parking places, the placement of the emergency phone, the survey
of the property prior to obtaining a building permit. Dauber believed the emergency
phone should be relocated to college parking across the way. Hubbard thought this
would be used so infrequently that the safety hazard was minimal. Hubbard further
commented that there had never been any discussion of tearing down the original
firestation (the carriage house to the Griffin House). It had been upgraded a few
years ago but not all of the issues had been corrected (living quarters and head room
were still deemed to be inadequate). Dauber believed it would be appropriate to use
the applicant's landscape architect for the arborist report provided he was qualified
in this area of expertise.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To delete condition number 13 as recommended by the
Planning Commission.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To modify condition number 15 to read: ...... The
reports and a recommendation shall be forwarded to the City Council for their
information and review. If problems are noted, staff shall agendize the report for
review by the City Council which may include installation of a warning light."
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To add a condition requiring the Fire District to review
the traffic situation at the Elena and Moody intersection and if necessary resolve the
issue to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To direct staff to work with District architect on issue of
parking places in front of station and to return this issue to Council for review.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Hubbard and
passed unanimously by all members present to approve the request for a site
development permit, conditional use permit, certification of a negative declaration
and variance for a new firehouse, Loop Road, Foothill College (El Monte, Elena and
Moody Roads) -- Los Altos County Fire Protection District, subject to findings and
conditons of approval as recommended by the Planning Commission and amended
by Council.
November 17, 1993
Regular City Council Meeting
12
11.2 Review of proposed General Plan Amendment to add an appendix
to the Conservation Element of the General Plan regarding mineral
resources
Siegel commented on the proposed amendment before them and commented on
several changes he was proposing for Council's consideration. (Siegel's comments
are on file at Town Hall.) He further supported proceeding with the adoption of this
amendment to the General Plan rather than waiting until the other elements were
ready for adoption.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Dauber and
passed unanimously by all members present to direct the City Attorney to prepare a
resolution for adoption at the next Council Meeting adding an appendix to the
conservation element of the General Plan concerning mineral resources based on
the draft as recommended by the Planning Commission and as amended by Council.
12. CLOSED SESSION:
12.1 Real Estate Negotiations: Pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.8 -- Caltrans Property at Page Mill and 280
12.2 Decision Whether to Initiate Litigation: Pursuant to Government
Code Section: 54956.9(c)
The City Council adjourned to a Closed Session at 9:35 p.m. and reconvened at 10:25
p.m.
13. ADIOURNMENT
There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council
Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. in honor and memory of Peggy
Alexander.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Dowd
City Clerk
The minutes of the November 17, 1993 Regular City Council Meeting were
approved at the December 1, 1993 Regular City Council Meeting.
%W November 17, 1993
Regular City Council Meeting
13