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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/19/1992 Minutes of an Adjourned Regular Meeting hair August 19, 1992 Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 19, 1992 , 4:30 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Mayor Tryon called the Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 4:40 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Mayor Tryon and Councilmembers Dauber, Hubbard, Johnson and Siegel Absent: None Staff: City Manager Les Jones, II, Director of Public Works Jeff Peterson and City Clerk Pat Dowd fit Press: None 2. ONGOING DISCUSSION OF SOLID WASTE ISSUES Jon Angin and Joe Renati, representatives of the Los Altos Garbage Company, were present to address issues of solid waste. Jon Angin, in his presentation to the Council, discussed the following: industry-wide changes to business methods; breakdown of operating expenses, current disposition of wastestream in tons; projected composition of wastestream in tons; what makes Los Altos Hills different; current status of operations in the Town; short-range plans for the future; projected financial statements; distribution of revenues collected; component breakdown of per ton disposal cost; and projected expenses for the residential yardwaste composting program. Mr. Angin reported on the following industry-wide changes to business methods: 1) Move toward "segmentation" of the wastestream requiring additional equipment and routes plus separation of many collected materials.; 2) Disposal accounting for nearly 40% of total operating costs and likely to grow still higher in future years.; 3) "Margin for error" has increased as a result of wastestream segmentation and greater number of routes with corresponding increase in customer service costs.; 4) Industry has become MiwAugust 19, 1992 Adjourned Regular Meeting 1 much more regulated and compliance issues now account for approximately ilir 6% of the total operating costs and are expected to increase rapidly in the next few years.; 5) All phases of business are now franchised.; and 6) Specialized equipment now used in most cases to accommodate 'personalized' service concept. Mr. Angin explained the following breakdown of operating expenses for 1992: Disposal 37%, Labor/benefits 21%, Compliance 6%, Operating 19%, General/Administration 7% and Franchise Fees 10%. On the subject of what makes the Town different, Mr Angin noted that the mountainous terrain was more difficult to negotiate; more equipment and labor was involved because of the smaller and more difficult routes; more personalized backyard service was more labor intensive and expensive; there was no commercial base; the make-up of the typical family unit in the Town provided less revenue per home than in most cities; the Town had a long- term contract with a landfill that was 25 miles one way from the middle of Town; garbage service was not mandatory; and there were higher customer service expectations. Mr. Angin commented on the following short-range plans for the future: complete a comprehensive "solid waste management agreement" between the Town and the Los Altos Garbage Company and set forth an implemention plan for wastestream reduction as enumerated in the Source Reduction and Recycling Element including specific timelines for new (`, programs and regular monitoring of progress along these lines. Council thanked Mr. Angin for his presentation (a copy of the complete presentation is on file at Town Hall). They also urged the sub-committee on solid waste issues (Councilmembers Hubbard and Johnson) to continue meeting to address issues such as yard waste, curbside pickup, clean-up days as well as when should a rate increase go into effect. 3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR 4. ADIOURNMENT There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council Meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Respectf1 submitted, Patricia Dowd City Clerk libr August 19, 1992 Adjourned Regular Meeting 2 Minutes of a Regular Meeting August 19, 1992 Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 19, 1992, 6:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road 1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Tryon called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 6:20 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Mayor Tryon and Councilmembers Dauber, Johnson, Hubbard and Siegel Absent: None Staff: City Manager Les Jones II, City Attorney Sandy Sloan, Director of Public Works Jeff Peterson, Town Planner Linda Niles and City Clerk Pat Dowd Press: Don Brignolo, San Jose Mercury Mayor Tryon reported that a request had been received from the applicant to continue Item 11.3 to the September 2, 1992 City Council Meeting. Council concurred with this request. 2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS 2.1 Appointments to Pathways Recreation and Parks Committee Council had received three applications for the Pathways Recreation and Parks Committee. Currently there were three vacancies on the committee. Kathy Freeman, 26922 Dezahara Way, commented that she served on this committee previously and was particularly interested in getting the trails established and maintained. August 19, 1992 Regular Meeting 1 Viole McMahon, 27975 Via Ventana, noted that she had at one time served on the Roads and Drainage Committee and was now interested in serving on the Pathways Recreation and Parks Committee. Katherine Stella, 27975 Via Ventana, referred to her interest in hiking and horses and noted that although she had only lived in Town for a couple of months she was interested in participating in the Town by serving on this committee. Dauber suggested that geographical diversity was very important on this committee but Siegel commented that he would consider increasing the number of members on this committee at a later date if applicants were available to attain geographical diversity. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Hubbard and passed unanimously to appoint Kathy Freeman, Viole McMahon and Katherine Stella to the Pathways Recreation and Parks Committee for two year terms. 3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT Planning Commissioner Dot Schreiner reported that the following actions were taken at the July 22nd Planning Commission Meeting: I) A. Richard Jones and Clyde ` Noel were thanked for their service on the Planning Commission; 2) Lands of Lohr, tar 24048 Oak Knoll Circle, request for a site development permit for a new residence - approved; 3) Lands of Hoover, 13820 La Paloma, request for a tentative parcel map for a proposed subdivision on an existing 2.75 acres into two lots - continued to 9/23/92 Planning Commission Meeting; and 4) Lands of Eshner/Wong, Altamont Road and Altamont Lane, environmental impact report and preliminary review of tentative subdivision map - continued to 9/9/92 Planning Commission Meeting. Siegel expressed concerns about one architect designing a subdivision such as McCulloch on Stonebrook. He believed this should be avoided so that subdivisions did not take on the look of tract homes. Tryon asked if agreements were in place to stipulate the use of one architect and it was noted that staff would look into this. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To add Item 6.2 to the Consent Calendar. Item Removed: 4.1 Minutes of Adjourned Regular Meeting ((Dauber) MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Johnson and passed unanimously to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar, specifically: August 19, 1992 Regular Meeting 2 4.1 Approved Minutes: July 15, 1992 (Regular Meeting) 4.2 Approved Warrants: $81,384.24 (7/17/92) $51,789.44 (7/31/92) 4.3 Adopted Ordinance #355 Adopting the Updated Mechanical Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, CABO One and Two-Family Dwelling Code and Housing Code 4.4 Adopted Ordinance #356 Amending Title 8 (Building Regulations) to Adopt the 1991 Uniform Building Code and to Require Fire-Retardant Roofing 4.5 Awarded Contract for Byrne Preserve Fencing Project -- Reso #32-92 4.6 Approved request from Westwind Barn to hold their annual "Hoedown" on Saturday, September 12th, to display a banner on their outside fence and to use an audio system for the event Item Removed: 4.1 Approval of Minutes: July 15, 1992 Adjourned Regular Meeting MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Hubbard and passed unanimously to approve the minutes of the July 15, 1992 Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting with the following correction: page 1, last paragraph, first sentence, change the words "by franchise revenue" to "from the General Fund". 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1 Council Consideration of Adoption of an Urgency Interim Ordinance to require Fire-Retardant Roofing MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Johnson and passed unanimously to adopt Ordinance #357 as an urgency interim ordinance to require fire retardant roofing. 6.2 Request from Westwind Barn to hold their annual "Hoedown" on Saturday, September 12th, to display a banner on their outside fence and to use an audio system for the event August 19, 1992 Regular Meeting 3 tit This item was moved to the Consent Calendar. 7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES 7.1 Council sub-committee on billing procedures Hubbard reported that this subcommittee had met and had submitted a set of recommendations regarding the Town's billing procedures. In part this subcommittee supported the concept that it would be easier to keep tract of accounts if once deposits were made, costs were deducted. This sub-committee had now completed its task of reviewing the billing procedures. 7.2 Joint Volunteer Awards Committee Johnson reported that volunteers were needed to serve on this committee. If anyone was interested they should let him know. 8. STAFF REPORTS 8.1 City Manager 8.1.1 State Budget The City Manager reported that the budget had still not been approved and education was a major point of controversy. Hubbard commented that the Los Altos County Fire Protection District as well as the libraries could be very hard hit by budget reductions. 8.1.2 Agreement with Bay Area Cellular Telephone Company to lease Town-owned land The City Manager commented that this item would be on the next Council agenda. 8.1.3 Pathway Poles Siegel asked the City Manager to report on plans for installation of the pathway posts. 8.2 City Attorney 8.2.1 Pending Litigation August 19, 1992 Regular Meeting 4 11111, Siegel asked the City Attorney to prepare a report on pending litigation. 8.3 City Clerk 8.3a Report on Council Correspondence 9. COUNCIL-INITIATED ITEMS 9.1 Authorization to attend the League of California Cities Annual Conference -- Los Angeles, October 10-13, 1992 MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Hubbard and passed unanimously to authorize attendance at the League Conference for any Councilmember who wished to attend. 9.2 Designation of Voting Delegate for League Annual Conference MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Hubbard, seconded by Johnson and passed unanimously to designate Mayor Tryon as the Voting Delegate and Councilmember Hubbard as the Alternate. how 9.3 Stanford University Siegel suggested that the Mayor write a letter of welcome to the new President of Stanford University. 9.4 Measure A Tryon asked if the Council wished to have the new Measure A issue agendized for discussion at a future Council Meeting. Council agreed noting that this was a confusing issue and it would be beneficial to have it clarified. 9.5 Lands of Bellucci Siegel asked when the public hearing on the Lands of Bellucci would be on the Council's agenda and was advised that the date was September 2, 1992. 9.6 Creeks Dauber suggested that the Council agendize a discussion on creeks and their philosophy on creeks. L August 19, 1992 �r Regular Meeting 5 9.7 Goals and Objectives Tryon noted that an Adjourned Regular Meeting was scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2nd to discuss goals and objectives and if anyone had any suggestions they should submit them to the City Manager prior to the meeting. 10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Ruth Buneman, 12655 La Cresta, referred to the discussion earlier in the meeting on the issue of geographical diversity. She did not believe this was necessary. On her committee, Environmental Design and Protection, the committee members went around Town and learned about the different areas. 11. PUBLIC HEARINGS 11.1 Request for a Site Development Permit for a New Residence, Lands of Young, 27840 Saddle Court (continued from the July 1, 1992 Council Meeting) Aaron Green, applicant's architect, addressed Council and elaborated on the changes which they had made to the original design of the house in response to comments made at the July 1st Council Meeting. He noted in part that they had modified both the house floor area and the site development coverage area; had also modified the original drainage collection system; and had relocated the position of the house to provide the adjoining neighbor on the east the most view possible. Drew Anderson, 27820 Saddle Court, noted that they had reviewed the proposed modifications and supported them. They were encouraged by Mr. Green's efforts to work with them and commented on the importance of peaceful co-existence among neighbors. Mrs. Anderson also stated that they would appreciate a little more notice when the landscaping plan for Lands of Young is reviewed. Dot Schreiner, Planning Commissioner, clarified where the paths were located on and near this property. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Siegel and passed unanimously to approve a site development permit for a new residence at 27840 Saddle Court for Lands of Young subject to the conditions of approval as recommended by the Planning Commission with the deletion of condition #6 recommending fire retardant roofing (this was now required by ordinance) and with the addition of the following condition on pathways: "The pathway existing in the south portion of the property heading east to west shall be improved in the location dedicated on the final map." August 19, 1992 Regular Meeting 6 11.2 Request for a Site Development Permit and Variance to allow a Sport 1111/ Court to encroach into the required rear yard setback and for a Sport Court fence to exceed the allowed height in the rear yard setback, Lands of Dorricott, 26710 Birch Hill Way Council had before them the Town Planner's staff report which included the recommendation that the Council reverse the Planning Commission's approval of the variance and deny the requested site development permit and variance subject to the staff findings in the August 19th report. In part these findings include the following: 1) There are no exceptional or extraordinary circumstances applicable to the subject property that would create the necessity to place a sport court use at 10' from the rear property line in the required 30' rear yard setback, since the lot is of an average size and average slope for the area and is not of unusual shape or location.; 2) The applicant was exceeding the allowed maximum development area by approximately 45% before the removal of the slabs and foundation in the setback and was now proposing to change the use of the previously existing development area in the setback from building slabs and foundations for the old pool house and patios to a sport court use. According to the Town's Code nonconforming uses could not be changed.; and 3) The impact of an active sports court use at 10' from the rear property line, encroaching 20' into the rear yard setback would be materially detrimental to the public welfare and injurious to the property, improvements or uses within the immediate vicinity. Robert Dorricott, applicant, explained that his home was built in 1957 and the property did have development that encroached into the setbacks. In 1989 the earthquake had caused considerable damage to the house, the pool house and the decking. Major repairs were made to the house and the pool house was not rebuilt because of an addition to the house. The sport court they were now requesting had less impervious surface than they had previously had. Mr. Dorricott noted that they were requesting no lighting and only a six foot fence and the intensity of usage would be less. He too was concerned about privacy and planned to plant more mature cypress trees for screening. Stephen Jordan, 12600 Viscaino Court, explained the impact on his property of the proposed sport court. He had recommended an alternative site for the sport court to Mr. Dorricott as the siting of the sport court appeared to be optional. He referred to the letter from William Cotton and Associates, the Town's geologist, and he supported the findings for denial as presented by the planning staff. Norma Hollowell, 12605 Viscaino Court, objected to the intensified use of the area and the impact on the neighbors. She concurred with the planning staff's recommendation that a variance not be granted for the sport court. ibr August 19, 1992 Regular Meeting 7 ` Berin Fank, 12625 Viscaino Court, commented that he had lived in Town for 28 years and enjoyed the tranquility but did note that sound did travel. He believed the setbacks should be adhered to and concurred with the findings made by the planning staff. Phil Park, Alamo California, stated that he owned a company, Allsport, that installed these sport courts. He supported granting a variance so that the sport court could be installed as planned. In his opinion more grading would be required if it was moved to another location and it would be much more expensive. Mr. Park explained the games that were played on such a court and noted that there was very little noise involved. He also commented that the sport court would be shielded with plantings. Tad Cody, applicant's engineer, referred to the earthquake which had caused substantial damage to the house, the pool house and the paving on the property. The property also has a spring under it. Mr. Cody recommended approval of the variance as necessary for the stabilization of the site in future earthquakes. Council discussed the request before them. Dauber raised the issues of drainage and the siting of the sport court. Tryon believed that noise was a serious factor and also stated that the Town would not be assuming liability by not allowing the sport court which in the applicant's opinion was necessary to save the land from drainage problems. Hubbard noted that the intent of the Town's ordinances was to provide 11 room between neighbors and he found it difficult to justify this variance. Johnson believed this was a small overcrowded lot and he did not see a hardship which was one of the required findings of a variance. Johnson further stated that he believed that other alternatives were available to the applicant. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Hubbard,seconded by Dauber and passed unanimously to deny the request for a site development permit and variance to allow a sport court to encroach into the required rear yard setback and for a sport court fence to exceed the allowed height in the rear yard setback for Lands of Dorricott at 26710 Birch Hill Way based on the findings of the planning staff as set forth in the Town Planner's staff report dated August 19, 1992. 11.3 Request for modifications to conditions of approval for Tentative Map for Tract 8207, Lands of Bellucci, Moody Road This item was continued to the September 2, 1992 City Council Meeting at the request of the applicant. August 19, 1992 Regular Meeting 8 4r 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. to an Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 1992. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Dowd City Clerk 1 • kir August 19, 1992 Regular Meeting 9