HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/15/1991 Minutes of a Regular Meeting
her May 15 1991
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Meeting
Wednesday, May 15, 1991, 7:15 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 7:15
p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall.
Present: Mayor Siegel and Councilmembers Casey, Hubbard, Johnson
and Tryon.
Absent: None
Staff: Acting City Manager Richard DeLong; City Attorney Sandy Sloan;
Director of Public Works Bill Ekern; Planning Consultant
Margaret Netto, Intern Brian Yager and City Clerk Pat Dowd
talir Press: None
Council congratulated the Mayor on the celebration of his seventieth birthday.
2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
2.1 Presentation by Dr. Howard Martin: A Reasonable Reappraisal of
Quarry Hills Water
Dr. Howard Martin, 11666 Dawson Drive, presented a report to the Council on a
review he had done on the potential development of Quarry Hills. He commented
on the obstacles to the proposed 15+ acre lake which included in part the following:
the groundwater basin was incapable of maintaining level because of evaporation,
percolation and plant consumption; an extra water source would be needed; geologic
risks; maintenance and safety/reliability. Dr. Martin also commented on the water
history and why the by-pass would not work. He offered a new approach which was
to ask for a lake/reservoir which would be limited in size to certain determinants
which included the following: wall safety, Hale Creek adequacy, geologic and
earthquake safety, evaporation prediction, percolation/seepage loss and planting
consumption. This smaller lake would be primed with purchased water and the by-
pass concept would be abandoned. He believed there should be a park with a big-
enough lake rather than just a great big lake. Dr. Martin also suggested the Town
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look into annexation of the area. Mr. Vidovich was now a member of the Santa
Clara County Planning Commission and in their review of their General Plan they
were considering changing some of the designations. If the area were not annexed,
the Town would have no say in future development. Comments were made by
Councilmembers on annexation laws in general and the reclamation plan for the
quarry in particular.
Johnson noted that the Santa Clara County Cities Association had appointed him to
the County's General Plan Sub-Committee and if anyone had any comments they
should let him know.
Council thanked Dr. Martin for his presentation.
2.2 Presentation by Wes Henderson: Progress Report on the Joint Town-
Little League Program to Maintain and Improve Purissima Park Fields
Wes Henderson, President - Little League, reported that in December of 1990 an
agreement was reached between the Town and the Little League for joint
maintenance of the little league fields. Projects and goals included the protection of
public safety, the maintenance and improvement of the fields and grounds,
irrigation system, painting, replacement of turf with drought tolerant grasses (long
term goal), fence repairs, gopher control, snack bar and restrooms, and dealing with
4 the issue of pet control on the fields (signage hopefully will help correct the
�r problem). Mr. Henderson noted that the infrastruture had been greatly improved
and they were being treated fairly by the Water District which included the option of
a water banking program. He stated that they were within their budget this year and
in response to an inquiry about how they raised funds, he noted registration,
corporate sponsors and monies raised from the snack bar, hit-a-thons, etc. He noted
that the major expenditures were grading, replacement of grass and painting.
Council reminded Mr. Henderson that the public hearing for the 1991-92 proposed
budget was scheduled for Wednesday, June 5th should he wish to attend and they
thanked him for the responsible effort and creative work on the behalf of Little
League in working with the Town.
3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Councilmembers expressed concerns that no staff reports had been available on the
Lands of Adams, major remodel and addition and Lands of Moos, new residence to
replace earthquake damage. The Director of Public Works stated that these were not
considered to be controversial applications and had been heard by the Planning
Commission sitting as the Site Development Committee. For these meetings staff
reports were not prepared. Council did not concur and believed major remodels
should be heard by the full Planning Commission.
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Planning Commissioner Comiso reported that five public hearings were held at the
May 8, 1991 Planning Commission Meeting: 1) Lands of Choo, request for a site
development permit for a new residence, cabana, tennis court and swimming pool -
denied; 2) Lands of Yu, request for a site development permit modification for a new
residence - denied; 3) Lands of Owen, request for a site development permit for a
new residence, second unit, tennis court and swimming pool - approved; 4) Lands of
Circle, request for adoption of a negative declaration and approval of a tentative
map for a two-lot subdivision - denied; and 5) Lands of Malek, request for adoption
of a negative environmental declaration for a three-lot subdivision - denied. Mrs.
Comiso also noted that a resident had brought to their attention a photo montage
which was done on computers and more information on that would be
forthcoming. She noted that the sub-committee on fences had met with the next
meeting scheduled for May 22nd. The first meeting was a general discussion
including 'why are variances being requested for fences?
In response to an inquiry from Council on the rationale behind the approval of the
Lands of Owen, Commissioner Comiso noted that the elevation of the house was
one story, only one neighbor complained and heavy mitigation was planned with
landscaping.
Council asked staff the status of the fence on O'Keefe and the Director of Public
Works responded that they had advised him that they liked their fence the way it
was. Casey asked how many complaints had been received about the fence and she
asked staff to keep a log. Staff stated they would be in touch with the owners of the
O'Keefe fence under discussion and efforts would be made to mitigate the impact.
Siegel asked staff to resolve this issue in an expedient fashion.
The City Attorney commented that she did not believe it was appropriate for
Planning Commission Stutz to participate in the Commission meetings by phone.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items Removed: 4.1 (Johnson), 4.4 (Tryon), 4.5 (Siegel), 4.8 (Hubbard), 4.10 (Hubbard)
and 4.14 (Hubbard)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Tryon, seconded by Hubbard and
passed unanimously (with Johnson abstaining on the approval of the April 17, 1991
minutes) to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar, specifically:
4.1 Approved Minutes: April 17, 1991 (Regular Meeting)
April 30, 1991 (Adjourned Regular)
May 1, 1991 (Adjourned Regular)
May 6, 1991 (Special Meeting)
4.2 Approved Warrants: $137,966.40 (4/30/91)
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$ 46,397.32 (5/1/91)
4.3 Awarded Certificate of Appreciation: O.D. Peterson - Safety Committee
4.6 Approved Agreement with William Cotton and Associates for
Preparation of Geotechnical Report Guidelines
4.7 Approved Agreement with William Cotton and Associates for
Update of the Town Geotechnical Maps
4.9 Approved Third Amendment to Agreement to Provide Local Law
Enforcement Agency Access to the California Identification System
4.10 Proclaimed: California Peace Day: May 19, 1991
4.11 Approved Request to the State of California that the Town become
self-insured for Workmens' Compensation with ABAG -- Reso #18-91
4.12 Approved Contract with new City Manager -- Reso #19-91
4.13 Approved Deferred Annexation Agreement -- 2090 Robin Hood Lane, Los
( Altos
�/ 4.15 Approved request for Support of the Child Care Ombudsman Program
Items Removed:
4.1 Approval of Minutes: May 1, 1991 (Regular Meeting)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Hubbard, seconded by
Johnson and passed unaniously to approve the May 1, 1991 Regular City Council
Meeting Minutes with the following corrections: page 1, item 3, insert the
following sentence after "The City Attorney responded that video teleconferencing
was allowed but not telephone." "Council agreed that Mary should be able to
participate by phone even if she could not vote."; page 5, first motion changed to
read: " MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Tryon, seconded by
Johnson and passed unanimously to rescind the action taken by Council regarding
health plans at their December 19, 1990 meeting and to state that effective August 1,
1991 the Town will pay the premium for health insurance for Town employees,
retirees and dependents from a State approved list of insurance carriers but not to
exceed a monthly contribution for one person of $162; two persons $318 and three or
more persons $423. These maximum amounts shall be determined annually by
determining the average premium for the State appointed list of companies."; page
5, item 8.1, first paragraph, should read: ". . . .only addresses the location and height
4100 of fences."; and page 7, item 10.2a, change the following sentence "Johnson
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reiterated his opposition to the expense incurred by applicants when going through
the appeal process." to "Johnson reiterated his opposition to charging Town
expenses to the applicant whose permit was being appealed."
4.4 Consideration of Whether To Concur with or Review the following
Planning Commission Actions at Its Meeting on May 8, 1991:
4.4a Lands of Owen, 14850 Manuella Road, approved request for a
site development permit for a new residence, second unit, tennis
court and swimming pool
Tryon stated her concerns about this application which included in part no site
analysis nor photo montage done on the project and the existence of a low
ridgeline.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Tryon, seconded by Johnson
and passed by the following roll call vote to appeal the Planning
Commission's approval of a request for a new residence, second unit,
tennis court and swimming pool for Lands of Owen, 14850 Manuella Road
AYES: Mayor Siegel and Councilmembers Hubbard, Johnson and
Tryon
NOES: Councilmember Casey
4.46 The Planning Commission, sitting as the Site Development
Committee, voted unanimously to approve:
4.4.1 Lands of Adams, 12608 Via Ventana, a major remodel
and addition
4.4.2 Lands of Moos, 25661 Fremont Road, a new residence
to replace earthquake damage
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Hubbard, seconded by Tryon
and passed unanimously to concur with the Site Development Committee's
approval of Lands of Adams, 12608 Via Ventena, a major remodel and addition and
Lands of Moos, 25661 Fremont Road, a new residence to replace earthquake damage.
4.5 Approval of Continuing to be Subject to Meyers-Geddes State Employees'
Medical and Hospital Care Act and Fixing the Employer's Contribution at
an Amount Greater Than That Prescribed by Section 22825 of the
Government Code -- Reso #
May 15, 1991
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MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Hubbard and
passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #20-21 electing to continue to be Subject to
Meyers-Geddes State Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act and Fixing the
Employer's Contribution at an Amount Greater Than That Prescribed by Section
22825 of the Government Code, with the following amendment: Section 2 should
read: "The employer's contribution of the Public Agency for each employee or
annuitant shall be equal to the premium selected by the employee, but shall not
exceed the following: City Contribution Per Month: 1 party, $162; 2 parties, $318; and
3 or more parties, $423"
4.8 Grant Fund Application for 1988 Urban Forestry Program -- Reso #
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Hubbard, seconded by Siegel and
passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #21-91 approving the application for grant
funds for the Urban Forestry Grant Program under the California Wildlife, Coastal
and Park Conservation Bond Act of 1988 for the following project: implement a tree
planting program on Arastradero-Page Mill pathway and to refer the establishment
of an oak tree nursery to the Environmental Design and Protection Committee for a
recommendation.
4.10 Proclamation: Foster Care Awareness Month: May, 1991
111, Santa Clara County Foster Parent Appreciation Week:
May 19-25, 1991
Hubbard noted that this proclamation referenced over 3,000 children in Los Altos
Hills who were provided services through the foster care system and he did not
think this was a correct number. It was pointed out that this was a typographical
error and should read over 3,000 children in Santa Clara County.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Hubbard, seconded by Tryon and
passed unanimously to proclaim May 1991 as Foster Care Awareness Month and the
week of May 19-25, 1991 as Santa Clara County Foster Parent Appreciation Week.
4.14 Setting the Time and Place of a Public Hearing to Consider Adoption
of a Proposed Town Budget for the Fiscal Year 1991-92 -- Reso #
Hubbard asked for clarification regarding this hearing and the meeting scheduled for
June 4th. It was noted that the June 4th meeting was a study session and the June
5th Council meeting included a noticed, advertised hearing on the budget, as legally
required.
May 15, 1991
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MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Tryon,seconded by Hubbard and
passed unanimously to adopt resolution #22-91 setting the time and place of a public
hearing to consider adoption of a proposed Town Budget for the Fiscal Year 1991-92.
5. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7.1 Status Report on Yard Waste Dropoff Restrictions
Brian Yager, Intern, presented his report on the performance and concerns of
the solid waste disposal and recycling program. This report included the
recommendation that the Town allow the Los Altos Garbage Company to
provide either a compacting collection vehicle or compactor at the
Purissima yard-waste collection site. Mr. Yager noted that the Town's
recycling program has been exceptionally successful but quite expensive.
The Town was already achieving AB 939 1995 standards and was close to
or at reduction levels mandated for the year 2000. However, the current
41111. contract with Los Altos Garbage Company allowed for sixteen free loads
per month of yard waste for the Town but required the Town to pay $250
for each additional load. At the program's peak use, the Town was paying
for an additional forty-four loads per month at a cost of$11,000 per month.
On April 17, 1991 new restrictions were imposed on the yard waste
collection site in an effort to decrease the cost of this service. Specifically,
the service was limited to Town residents only with proof of residency
being required. Mr. Yager reported that since these new restrictions had
been in effect, there had been a 10 load decrease (about $2,500).
John Angin, Los Altos Garbage Company, explained the placement of a
compacting collection truck at the yard waste site. It was a rear loading
truck with a 26 yard capacity. It was used on dean up days and although it
was highly unlikely that it would fill up in one day, on weekends they
could arrange to have a box in addition to the truck. The box could take
items like large tree stumps that could not go in the truck and light
materials could go in the truck for compacting. No additional staff would
be needed. Mr. Angin also noted that in April, as part of the new
restrictions, the hours and days of the collection site had been changed and
for the last two weeks Sundays had been the busiest days. He too
commented on the great success of the recycling program but on the
expense to the Town and the Garbage Company.
May 15, 1991
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Council stated their concerns about the restriction of not allowing a resident's
gardener access to the collection site but rather requiring the resident to
bring the materials themselves. Tryon suggested a book listing all Town
addresses be used at the site. Names of gardeners would also be included
and tonnage abnormalities would be noticed. Johnson suggested the
option of charging a small fee which would discourage outsiders and also
noted that this high usage may be an aberration due to the winter freeze.
Hubbard asked what the impact had been on the dean up days and John
Angin responded that the volume on those days was down. Siegel
commented that the program was just too expensive and the first priority
should be Town residents and their gardeners and then those in the
unincorporated area if they financially participate. Casey asked how the
success of the program was measured and was advised it was by tonnage.
She believed there were problems with the suggestions that had been
made and believed the issue should go back to John Angin and Brian
Yager for further analysis.
Elayne Dauber, 27930 Roble Alto, asked if the material was more difficult to
recycle when it got to Zanker Road if it had been compacted and the
answer was no.
Edwina Comiso, 27933 Briones Way, suggested that people were clearing out
their properties more in view of the five year drought and the increased
hir fire danger.
Mrs. Howard Martin, 11666 Dawson Drive, asked if residents could register
their gardeners and pay a small fee.
The City Manager noted that proposals had been received from Ferrari for
reducing the dump fees paid to the Los Altos Garbage Company but these
included chipping which had been eliminated as an option because of the
noise.
Hubbard asked about the possibility of a soundproof chipper and John Angin
noted the following problems with chippers in addition to noise: potential
liability, dust and no long term market for what they would be doing.
John Angin, Los Altos Garbage Company, commented that a variation of
Tryon's suggestion might work as it was a good idea to have a list. He
looked forward to working with staff on the various options.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To continue the current restrictions for the yard
waste collection site, to use a compactor truck as soon as possible, to
monitor the situation, to pursue different options to include the gardeners
and to report back to Council.
May 15, 1991
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8. NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Presentation of Photo Montage
Council was shown a photo montage which had been prepared for Lands of Yu
on Emerald Hills Lane. The pros and cons of requiring applicants to
submit a photo montage were discussed and it was agreed that for critical
locations staff would request photo montages. For the appeal of the Owen
project on Manuella, Council commented that they would appreciate a
photo montage. Concerning the computer photo montage mentioned
earlier by Planning Commissioner Comiso, it was mentioned that a
presentation on this would be made to the Planning Commission.
8.2 Council Review of Development
Council had a report from the Mayor which included the following
recommendation: Instruct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary
ordinances to accomplish the following: At the next regular meeting of the
Council following approval by the Planning Commission or Site Development
Committee of a new residence, a major remodel or a secondary dwelling, any
member can announce his/her decision to call up the matter for review by the
Council. Follow this same procedure for variances, use permits and
conditional development permits.
Council discussed this recommendation and addressed such issues as whether or
not to include denials and whether or not an appeal should be made by one or
two Councilmembers.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To instruct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary
ordinances to accomplish the following: At the next regular meeting of the
Council following approval by the Planning Commission or Site Development
Committee of a new residence, a major remodel or a secondary dwelling, any
member can announce his/her decision to call up the matter for review by the
Council. Follow this same procedure for variances, use permits and
conditional development permits.
9. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
9.1 Pathways, Recreation and Parks Committee: Review Detailed
Mapping Project for Areas C, D and E
May 15, 1991
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MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Hubbard, seconded by Casey
and passed unanimously to approve the Pathways Mapping Project for
Areas C, D and E with the following corrections to the report prepared by
the Pathways, Recreation and Parks Committee:
Area C — Off-Road Paths: 1) Fremont to Ascension from Town Hall Parking Lot
- sign at Ascension and parking lot; 2) 26705 St. Francis to water district
easement - sign on St. Francis; 3) 26855 Ortega to Fremont - signs at both
ends; 4) reject path off bulb of Palo Hills to Alejandro for Town
maintenance until Pathway Committee reaches agreement of owners as to
best locations; and 5) Town Manager requested to contact Water District to
open to public use Water District easement from Fremont to Ortego.
Area D -- Off-Road Paths: 1) Old Trace Road from Fremont to Clarke Park - sign
at Fremont; 2) end of Aric Lane to Clarke Park - sign at bulb of Aric and
between 26333 and 26360; 3) Alexander Place to Catherine Court- already
has signs at both ends; 4) Alexander Place to Lowell Lane -sign at
Alexander Place; 5) Lowell Lane to Clarke Park - sign at corner of Lowell
and Altadena; and 6) request City Attorney to review path dedication from
26650 Snell Road to Lowell Lane to determine if it is a city path.
thir Area E — Off-Road Paths: Access to Clarke Park from east side is not available
except up Scarff Way. Major constrution work through rows of large trees.
Easement not secured from Scarf f at time of use permit for large secondary
dwelling. A future project.
10. STAFF REPORTS
10.1 City Manager
10.2 City Attorney
10.3 City Clerk
10.3a Report on Council Correspondence dated 5/10/91
Council accepted the report with the following notations: 1) The Director
of Public Works would respond to the letter from the Kapurs
regarding sewer lines and to Mr. Young's letter on well digging;
and 2) The Director of Public Works would continue working
with the Carnes and the City of Palo Alto on the power lines
issue and would send Council a copy of his letter to the Carnes.
May 15, 1991
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11. COUNCIL-INITIATED ITEMS
11.1 Approval of Attendance at the Mayors and Councilmembers
Legislative Conference -- June 10-11, 1991 in Sacramento
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To authorize attendance at the Mayors and
Councilmembers Legislative Conference by any Councilmembers who wished to
attend including expenses for Sunday, June 9 since the conference started at 9:00 a.m.
on Monday in Sacramento.
11.2 Notice to Taaffe Residents
Casey commended the Director of Public Works for the notice recently sent to
residents on Taaffe concerning work which was going to be done on their street.
11.3 Wallace Stegner - Lifetime of Achievement Award
Tryon commended Wallace Stegner as one of the recipients of the Lifetime of
Achievement Award.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Tryon, seconded by Hubbard and
4111, passed unanimously to add a closed session for litigation to the agenda as an
urgency item.
12. CLOSED SESSION: LITIGATION: PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54957.8
The City Council adjourned at 10:55 p.m. to a closed session for litigation and
reconvened at 11:05 p.m.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further new or old business to discuss, the meeting was
adjourned at 11:05 p.m. to an adjourned regular meeting on Tuesday, June 4,
1991 at 7:15 p.m.
Res ectfully submitted,
Patricia Dowd
City Clerk
The minutes of the May 15, 1991 City Council Meeting were approved at the
June 5, 1991 Regular City Council Meeting.
May 15, 1991
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