HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/18/1989 411.
CITY COUNCIL
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills , California
Wednesday, January 18 , 1989
cc: Reel 198 , Tr. II , Side I , 001-end, Tr. II , Side II , 001-596
Mayor Johnson called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order
at 7 :20 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall .
A. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Present : Mayor Johnson and Councilmembers Casey, Siegel , Tryon
and van Tamelen
Absent : None
Staff : Acting City Manager Bill Ekern, City Attorney Frank
Gillio, Engineering Consultant Sam Nash and City Clerk
Pat Dowd
Planning
Comm: Mary Stutz
Press : Don Brignolo, San Jose Mercury; Mary Fortney, Peninsula
Times Tribune and Todd Shumway, Los Altos Town Crier
Mr. John Vidovich addressed the Council and requested a continuance of
the Quarry Hills Project until after the June 6th Special Election. As
only 90 day continuances could be granted at one time, he would
request another continuance at the end of 90 days. He noted that the
time could be used to explain the County' s options and to educate the
public regarding the project.
Siegel stated that the issue of geologic safety particularly in the
lower quarry area still needed to be addressed and he suggested that
the applicant use this time to provide site specific geologic safety
information as requested by William Cotton ' s office. Tryon suggested
that the applicant consider resubmitting a tentative map which would
show no lots above a certain elevation, would show the road
redesigned, would limit access and would dedicate a large part of the
upper area as open space . Council also discussed the formation of an
ad hoc committee to study the Quarry Hills Project and the scheduling
of a study session on the subject. van Tamelen stated that she was not
in favor of an ad hoc committee as she believed this important subject
ihr should be discussed by all members of the Council . She did favor a
study session on the matter.
A. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: (continued) :
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Tryon, seconded by Johnson and
passed unanimously to grant a continuance to April 19 , 1989 of the
consideration of the Lands of Quarry Hills application.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Tryon and
passed by the following roll call vote to appoint William Siegel and
Barbara Tryon to an ad hoc committee to study and review the Quarry
Hills Project .
AYES: Mayor Johnson and Councilmembers Casey, Tryon and van Tamelen
NOES: Councilmember van Tamelen
B. REPORT FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION:
Commissioner Stutz reported that the following items were discussed at
the 1/11/89 Planning Commission Meeting: 1) Lands of Warner , File TM
#5-87 - denied without prejudice; 2) Lands of McHale, File TM #5-88 -
approved; 3) Lands of Ghafouri , File VAR #27-88 - approved; 4) Lands
of Bella , File VAR #26-88 - continued; 5) Lands of Santy, File VAR
#32-88 - approved; 6) Lands of Snedigar, File VAR #31-88 - approved
and 7) discussion of film presentation on creeks - more details will
be available at a later date.
C. APPOINTMENT TO THE SAFETY COMMITTEE:
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel , seconded by Tryon and
passed unanimously to appoint Linda Kramer, 27800 Edgerton Road, to
the Safety Committee for a two-year term.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Item Removed: D. 1 - Minutes , Regular Meeting (Tryon)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Johnson and
passed unanimously to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar ,
specifically:
1 . Approval of Minutes: January 4 , 1989 (Special Meeting)
2 . Approval of Warrants : $53 ,056 . 17
3 . Resolutions for Adoption:
a) Resolution #7-89 setting the time and place of public
hearing on an application by the estate of Irma C.
Goldsmith for a conditional certificate of compliance
b) Resolution #8-89 approving and authorizing execution of
an addendum to agreement between the Town of Los Altos
4 - Hills and Wilsey and Ham for City Engineer Services
-2- 1/18/89
D. CONSENT CALENDAR (continued) :
c) Resolution #9-89 setting the time and place of the public
hearing to consider adoption of a resolution ordering the
tentative approval of the cancellation of certain land
conservation contracts for the Lands of McCulloch
d) Resolution #10-89 accepting as completed the work of con-
struction of 1988 pavement management road improvements ,
authorizing final payment concerning such work and
directing the City Clerk to file notice of completion
e) Resolution #11-89 accepting certain improvements in
connection with Tract No. 7614 (Lands of Taaffe)
f) Resolution #12-89 of support for the San Francisco Bay
Area Ridge Trail
g) Resolution #13-89 approving the application for grant funds
for the per capita grant program under the California
Wildlife, Coastal and Park Land Conservation Act of 1988
for the following project : Reconstruction of Trails in
Byrne Park Preserve
h) Resolution #14-89 approving the application for grant funds
for the trails grant program under the California Wildlife,
Coastal and Park Land Conservation Act of 1988 for the
following project: Reconstruction of Trails in Byrne Park
Preserve
4. Certificate of Appreciation: Betsy Bertram (Safety Committee)
5. Request from Judy Duque for reappointment to a second four-year
term as Library Commissioner
6 . Request to hold Northwest Flood Control Zone Advisory Meeting in
Council Chambers on2/15/89 at 10 :00 a.m.
7. Approve staff recommendation regarding request for ' children at
play' sign on Newbridge Road
8 . Approve staff recommendation regarding a request for reinstallation
of stop sign on Fremont at Deerfield, Burke and Fremont intersec-
tion
9 . Actions of the Planning Commission: approved the following:
a) LANDS OF GHAFOURI , FILE VAR #27-88 , 27580 Elena Road,
request for variance to exceed the allowed maximum
development area for 27580 Elena Road by 608 square feet
to allow for driveway and parking modification
lir
-3- 1/18/89
D. CONSENT CALENDAR: (continued) :
b) LANDS OF SANTY, FILE VAR #32-88 , 27881 Elena Road, request
for variance for a swimming pool and decking to be located
within the 30 ' setback from the rear and side yard property
lines
c) LANDS OF SNEDIGAR, FILE VAR #31-88 , 12291 Conception Road,
request for variance to allow a maximum development area of
15 ,450 square feet and maximum floor area of 6 , 180 square
feet
Item Removed:
1. Approval of Minutes: January 4, 1989 (Regular Meeting)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Tryon and
passed unanimously to approve the minutes of the January 4 , 1989
Regular Meeting of the City Council with the following corrections:
page 6 , Item G.1 , title of resolution should be changed to read: 'and
ordering termination of the proceedings for the proposed annexation;
page 7 , Item G.3 , third paragraph should be corrected as follows : line
two insert the word 'not ' before voted and add the following at the
end of the paragraph: 'but members had been informally polled after
the meeting regarding the deletion of #32. ' ; page 7 , Item G. 3 , fourth
E paragraph, line six, should read: ' . . . .had spoken with Frank
` Gillio, Portola ' ; page 8 , first paragraph, delete ' and Mrs .
Elaine Dauber , 27930 Roble Alto each' from the first sentence and add
the following sentence to the end of the paragraph: ' Mrs . Elaine
Dauber , 27930 Roble Alto, believed the question should be included but
the wording should be changed. ' ; page ten , Item G.b) delete
underlining of the word 'vesting ' .
The City Council also commented on the inclusion of Mrs . Bertram' s
letter to the Council under Presentations from the Floor and requested
that the policy regarding letters read into the record at Council
meetings be researched and brought back to the Council at a future
date for comment and review.
E. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR:
Mrs. Lorrie Graham, 11630 Jessica Lane , submitted a petition to
Council signed by 150 residents requesting that the following
questions be included in the Town Survey: ' Some seniors have expressed
the thought that they do not wish to continue to maintain a large
house; but, they wish to remain in Los Altos Hills . Would you approve
a senior citizens housing development , such as condominiums , clustered
housing, or townhouses , if approval were granted with a conditional
use permit such as is now used for country clubs , convents and
schools? Development approval using a conditional use permit would not
set a precedent for change in the Town' s zoning. '
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_¢_ 1/18/89
E. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR: (continued) :
Mrs . Teddi Schick, 26400 Weston, stated that Weston Drive led into
Pinewood School and they were encountering serious problems with
traffic. Last night she noted that cars were parked on both sides of
Weston and there was a real safety hazard. Mrs. Schick asked the
Council to look into this matter. She also noted that the Los Altos
Hills Homeowners Association had been formed when the Town was one
year old and several polls had been conducted over the years . This was
certainly not the first survey ever conducted in the Town.
Mr. Jim Viso, 28515 Matadero Creek; Mrs . Joyce Clarke, 12544 Corbetta
Lane; Mrs. Edwina Comiso, 27933 Briones Way; Mrs . Nancy Horton, 26050
Altamont and Mr. Tom Lynch, 25701 Lomita Linda, each addressed the
Council and asked that the question regarding senior housing be
included in the Town Survey. Mrs. Comiso also commented that it had
not been a vote of the General Plan Steering Committee to omit the
question on senior housing. For one thing there had not been a quorum
present at the General Plan Steering Committee meeting at which this
issue was discussed and furthermore it had been a poll of the
committee members conducted by Mrs . Meyerott after the meeting. Mrs.
Pat Lynch, 25701 Lomita Linda, submitted a letter written by Dr.
Walter Bortz of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation which supported
including a question regarding senior housing in the survey.
kir Planning Commission Jones stated that he favored having some question
in the survey concerning senior housing. He did not believe this issue
was answered in the last election and believed it was important
information for the Planning Commission to have.
Mrs. Judy Carico, 25311 O' Keefe and Mrs . Carol Phy, 25616 Moody Road,
both spoke against including a question regarding senior housing in
the survey. They believed the question was misleading in that such
housing would change the Town' s Zoning. This issue had been clearly
addressed in the last election. Prior to asking such a question of the
residents it should be clearly identified what is being talked about
and what affect it would have on the Town ' s Zoning.
Ms. Pat Johnson, Los Altos Library Commissioner, submitted a letter
from the Commission asking that the question in the survey regarding a
branch library in the Town be eliminated in that it was misleading and
counter productive.
Mrs. Latady, 10933 Northcrest Lane and Helen Daly, 10944 Stonebrook
addressed the Council concerning the issue of Stonebrook Drive and the
Quarry Hills Project. It was confirmed that this issue too was
continued to April 19 , 1989 . Mrs . Daly asked how those interested
would know when the ad hoc committee was going to meet on the*Quarryright-
issue as the matter of Stonebrook Drive was of importance to them andof-way
they wanted to be informed of such discussions. Tryon noted that sub-m nittee
n.etings were not open to the public. (AMENDED BY COUNCIL 2/1/89)
-5- 1/18/89
Sir E. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR: (continued) :
MOTION SECONDED AND WITHDRAWN: Moved by Tryon, seconded by Casey and
withdrawn to move discussion of the community survey ahead of the
public hearings.
As the consultant, Nancy Alexander, was informed this matter would be
discussed later in the evening and she was not yet present , it was
agreed to proceed with the regular agenda.
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. LANDS OF BENNETT, SELLS AND VALDEZ , FILE TM #2-88 , 12100 Hilltop
Drive, request for approval of tentative map and negative declara-
tion for a three-lot subdivision - Resolution approving tentative
map
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Casey, seconded by Johnson and
passed unanimously to drop this item from the agenda at the request of
the applicant.
2 . LANDS OF SHADAN, FILE VAR #21-88 & CDP #7-88 , 25561 Deerfield Drive
appeal of Planning Commission' s denial of a variance, site develop-
ment permit and conditional development permit for a new residence
Mr. Rick Alves and Mr. Bill Kavanagh, representing Shadan, addressed
the Council concerning their appeal of the Planning Commmission' s
actions regarding their application. They explained that a house had
existed on this property for forty years and they were now attempting
to design a house that would fit well on the lot, that would include
most of the existing landscaping and that would be low profile. There had
been no negative responses from the neighbors . They also commented on
the drainage issue noting that they could not connect to Los Altos
Sewer for at least two years and the Health Department did not want
the septic system placed on certain sections of the lot. They did not
believe they should be penalized because they could not connect to
sewer and further apologized for the confusion regarding the submittal
of incorrect maps to the Planning Commission.
Mr. Sandy Barker, applicant ' s architect , asked that Council take into
consideration the proposed design of the house . He believed the
Commission thought the design of the house was good but they were
concerned about the variance.
Planning Commissioner Kaufman explained the confusion regarding the
maps for the Lands of Shadan which were reviewed by the Commission. He
also commented on the issue of the conditional use permit and asked
that the Council determine the amount of the conditional development
permit for the lot.
-6- 1/18/89
Ihr F. PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) :
Council discussed the efforts of the applicant to design a house that
would fit well onto the lot and also discussed the requested
conditional development permit and whether or not they should make the
determination or whether it should be sent back to the Commission.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Casey and
passed by the following roll call vote to grant the appeal of the
Planning Commission ' s denial of a variance for Lands of Shadan.
AYES: Mayor Johnson and Councilmembers Casey, Tryon and van Tamelen
NOES: Councilmember Siegel
MOTION SECONDED AND WITHDRAWN: Moved by Johnson, seconded by van
Tamelen and withdrawn to refer the conditional development permit and
site development permit back to the Planning Commission for a
decision.
MOTION FAILED DUE TO LACK OF A SECOND: Moved by Casey to grant a
conditional development permit of 3 ,900 square feet for Lands of
Shadan.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by van Tamelen, seconded by Johnson
and passed by the following roll call vote to refer the determination
of a conditional development permit for Lands of Shadan back to the
Planning Commission for a decision in an amount they deem appropriate.
AYES: Mayor Johnson and Councilmembers Siegel , Tryon and van Tamelen
NOES: Mayor Pro Tem Casey
Casey stated that she believed the house had been sensibly designed
and the Council could make a decision on this issue at this time.
3 . LANDS OF FRAMPTON, FILE TM #10-88 , 11480 Magdalena Road, request
for approval of tentative map and negative declaration for a four
lot subdivision - Resolution approving tentative map
Rosemary Meyerott , Town Historian, noted that this property was an
historic site (the Hale Ranch) . Mrs . Meyerott did not concur with the
proposed street name of Kelsey Court but suggested Hale Court instead.
Mr. James Shibley, Magdalena, requested the installation of a stop
sign at Hale Court as it was a location of serious traffic accidents.
Mr. Bill Kull , applicant' s engineer, stated that they concurred with
the proposed conditions of approval and the proposed change of street
name from Kelsey to Hale Court.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To change all references in the conditions of
approval from Kelsey Court to Hale Court, subject to the approval of
the Fire Department .
_�_ 1/18/89
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) :
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To add condition 20.a) as follows : "An inventory
of all trees on this subdivision which are 20" circumference at 4'
shall be made by a qualified tree surgeon and the need for trimming,
cabling and other protective steps shall be reported to the Director
of Public Works . Subdivider shall perform the work prior to
recordation of the final map or bond to insure that this work is
done . "
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To amend condition 23 , second paragraph, to read
as follows : ' . .submitted to the Town Engineer and the Town
Geologist. . .
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Tryon, seconded by Casey and
passed unanimously to approve the negative declaration for Lands of
Frampton, 11480 Magdalena Road.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Tryon, seconded by Casey and
passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #15-89 approving tentative
parcel map for Lands of Frampton with conditions of approval as
amended by Council .
4 . LANDS OF CLAUSEN, FILE TM #9-88 , Voorhees Drive and El Monte Roads ,
11111, request for approval of tentative map and negative declaration for
a six lot subdivision - Resolution approving tentative map
Mayor Johnson stepped down from consideration of this item.
Casey assured those present from St . Nicholas that there concerns
about the driveway issue would be resolved. Her suggestion would be
the formation of a sub-committee of representatives from the
applicant , St. Nicholastthe residents of Voorhees Drive.
Mrs. Teddi Schick, 26400 Weston, asked why Mayor Pro Tem Casey had not
also stepped down from hearing this item since she had two children
who went to St. Nicholas. It was noted that Mayor Johnson had stepped
down for personal not legal conflicts .
Father LaRocca, St. Nicholas Parish, stated that the diocese wanted it
clearly understood that they were not against the proposed
subdivision, they were, however, looking at alternatives regarding
access and were concerned about the safety of the children.
Mr. Dieter Kopal , 12530 Barley Hills Road, stated that he supported
the Clausen subdivision and also inquired if at the time of the review
of their conditional use permit, St. Nicholas could be required to
move the driveway to the other side. Mr. Kopal noted that such a
requirement would be expensive and unfair to the school .
_g_ 1/18/89
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) :
Ihr
Mr. Eugene Ravizza, 24700 Voorhees Drive, referred to the letter dated
1/16/89 which he had written to the Council on this subject . In that
letter he raised in part the following issues : gutters, cul-de-sac at
end of public road (Voorhees) , extension of Barley Hill , modifications
to intersection of St. Nicholas driveway and El Monte and need for
more definitive plans . He strongly supported the inclusion of the
residents of Voorhees on any sub-committee concerning this
subdivision.
Mr. Jim Steinmetz , 24635 Voorhees , commented on the safety issue and
suggested more detailed traffic analysis and a meeting with St.
Nicholas School representatives before the tentative map was approved.
Mr. Bill Owen , 24601 Voorhees Drive, commented on the traffic problems
at the intersection of Voorhees and El Monte and suggested the
following improvements be included in the tentative map: flashing wite
light, change timing of lights , improve visibility, widen Voorhees ,
install street light and install no right turn on red sign.
Mr. Al Traficanti , 24615 Voorhees Drive, supported the views expressed
by his neighbors regarding safety and suggested using Barley Hill
rather than Voorhees for access to the subdivision.
Mrs . Carmella Saviano, 12620 Corte Madera, commented on the extension
of the driveway to the school ' s parking lot and expressed her concerns
for the human safety of the children.
Mr. Paul Nowack, applicant ' s representative, noted that he concurred
with the conditions of approval except for the issue of access. He
stated that they had implemented several of the improvements which had
been suggested earlier in the meeting. Mr. Nowack did not believe his
client should be required to bear all the costs of the proposed
driveway as St . Nicholas would be responsible for most of the traffic.
Planning Commissioner Kaufman stated that the Commission had not been
aware of the problem off Voorhees . In earlier discussions regarding
this subdivision, there had been a recommendation that Barley Hill be
used as the access but the neighbors had strongly opposed this
recommendation.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To add Condition 4 .a) as follows : ' If the right-
of-way dedication is obtained from St. Nicholas School , the applicant
shall not be required to dedicate road right-of-way which would make
this entrance in excess of 60 ' in width. '
PASSED BY CONSENSUS : To amend Condition 10 by deleting the following
from the first sentence : ' and a driveway connection shall be
constructed to provide access to St. Nicholas from Voorhees Road. '
`br
-9- 1/18/89
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS : (continued) :
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To add condition 14 as follows : 'An inventory of
all trees on this subdivision which are 20" circumference at 4 ' shall
be made by a qualified tree surgeon and the need for trimming, cabling
and other protective steps shall be reported to the Director of Public
Works . Subdivider shall perform the work prior to recordation of the
final map or bond to insure that this work is done. '
PASSED BY CONSENSUS : To add Conditions 15.a) , 15 .b) and 15 .c) as
follows :
15 .a) If, prior to recordation of the Final Map, additional
public road right-of-way is dedicated by the property of
St. Nicholas School such that a single entrance combining
Voorhees Drive and the existing location of the driveway
entrance to St . Nicholas School can be constructed, the
applicant shall cause this entrance to be constructed.
15 .b) The design of the revised connection of Voorhees Drive and
El Monte Road is to be shown on the improvement plans for
the subdivision and approved by the City Engineer.
15 .c) The improvement is to be done prior to recordation of the
final map, or bonded against, to the satisfaction of the
Director of Public Works .
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Tryon, seconded by Casey and
passed by the following roll call vote to add Condition 15 .d) as
follows: ' The Improvement Plans , once reviewed and found to be
acceptable to the City Engineer, shall be approved by the City Council
prior to the filing of the Final Map.
AYES: Councilmembers Casey, Siegel , Tryon and van Tamelen
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Mayor Johnson
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Tryon, seconded by Casey and
passed by the following roll call vote to approve the negative
declaration for Lands of Clausen, Voorhees and El Monte.
AYES: Councilmembers Casey , Siegel , Tryon and van Tamelen
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Mayor Johnson
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel , seconded by Tryon and
passed by the following roll call vote to adopt Resolution #16-89
approving tentative subdivision map of Lands of Clausen.
AYES: Councilmembers Casey, Siegel , Tryon and van Tamelen
�� • NOES: None
-10- 1/18/89
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) :
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To direct staff to form a sub-committee of
representatives from St. Nicholas Parish, the residents on Voorhees
and the applicant to work with staff on the issue of access to the
Clausen subdivision.
G. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Quarry Hills Subdivision - continued items
a) Consideration and action for procedures for development
agreements (resolution)
b) Consideration of amendments to the plan diagram of the
land use and circulation elements of the Town ' s General
Plan (resolution)
c) Tentative subdivision map for a proposed quarry hills
subdivision (resolution)
1) Consideration of request for vesting tentative map
At the request of the applicant , these items were continued until
after the June 6 , 1989 special election.
H. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Request from Santa Clara County for review and comments on applica-
tion to subdivide unincorporated lands within the Los Altos Hills
Sphere of Influence and Urban Service Area (Scott Mitchell - 10415
Berkshire)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel , seconded by van Tamelen
and passed unanimously to advise the County that the Town does not
intend to annex the property at 10415 Berkshire.
2 . Request from Mr . and Mrs . Olin Nichols for a letter from Council
regarding the new residence proposed for County land along the
south side of Moody Road (Moody and Page Mill Roads)
Council had before them a letter and background information from Mr.
and Mrs . Nichols which addressed their concerns regarding the proposed
house on Moody Road on County lands'. In part their concerns were
safety, visual impact , height and size. The proposed house did not fit
into the rural atmosphere of the Town.
Planning Commissioner Kaufman noted that the Commission had decided
this area did not need to be annexed. This particular project was in
the middle and would create two pockets if it were annexed. At the
time it was thought to wait and annex the entire area at one time. Mr.
Kaufman noted that if the County had not granted a variance for this
house, it would not have a visual impact on the Town. With the variance
granted, it had a substantial visual impact on the area.
-11- 1/18/89
{11110 H. NEW BUSINESS: (continued) :
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel , seconded by Tryon and
passed unanimously to direct staff to prepare a letter for the Mayor ' s
signature asking that the County require the development of the house
on Moody Road be in conformance with the standards of Los Altos Hills
and to send a copy of said letter to the applicant .
I . OTHER BUSINESS :
1. Reports from Standing Committees :
2 . Reports from Ad Hoc Committees :
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Tryon and
passed unanimously to go past the 11 :30 p.m. hour of adjournment.
J. STAFF REPORTS:
1 . City Manager:
2 . City Attorney:
3 . City Clerk:
4. Council Business :
a) Los Altos Senior Coordinating Council
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Tryon, seconded by Johnson and
passed unanimously to appoint Kitty Weiss , 13208 East Sunset , as the
Town' s representative on the Los Altos Senior Coordinating Council .
b) Casey: Community Survey
Casey stated that after the last meeting she worked on alternative
wording for the question on senior housing and had submitted to
Council two alternatives as stated below. Of the two, she preferred
the second alternative .
Alternative One : Some seniors have expressed the thought that they do
not wish to continue to maintain a large house; but , they wish to
remain in Los Altos Hills . Would you approve a senior citizens housing
development, such as condominiums or townhouses , if approval were
granted with a conditional use permit such as is now used for country
clubs , convents and schools .
-12- 1/18/89
J. STAFF REPORTS: (continued) :
11111,
Alternative Two: Los Altos Hills currently addresses the needs for
senior housing by allowing and encouraging the rental of secondary
units to seniors. How strongly do you agree or disagree with each of
the following two statements? Secondary housing units adequately
address the needs for senior housing in Los Altos Hills . I would not
encourage the Town Council to explore the feasibility of a senior
housing development which might include condominiums or townhouses .
Secondary housing units do not adequately address the needs for senior
housing in Los Altos Hills. I would encourage the Town Council to
explore the feasibility of a senior housing development which might
include condominiums or townhouses.
Mrs . Lorrie Graham, 11630 Jessica Lane and Mrs . Edwina Comiso, 27933
Briones Way, supported Casey and urged that the question on senior
housing be included in the survey.
Mrs . Judy Carico, 25311 O' Keefe Lane, stated the problem should be
clearly defined. Mr. Edward Emling, 11853 Murietta, stated that it was
important to clearly tell the residents that such housing would indeed
change the Town' s Zoning. Mrs . Teddi Schick, 26400 Weston Road,
reiterated that this question has been brought up over and over again
over the years .
Dr. Philip Dauber, 27930 Roble Alto, suggested that the question be
asked in a very straightforward manner, such as 'Do you support
cluster housing for senior citizens in Los Altos Hills? ' Mrs. Joyce
Clark, 12544 Corbetta Lane, supported using the word 'cluster' as
opposed to 'condominium' .
van Tamelen stated that the issue was much more complicated than was
stated in the suggested questions . She believed it was too late to ask
the question. With the press coverage, it had been too divisive an
issue and there had been too many misstatements already made. Siegel
also commented on the complexity of the issue and the impact on the
Town' s Zoning. Tryon stated that it was a difficult issue to present
fairly particularly in view of the recent press coverage and the
complexity of the issue. Casey supported including the question on
senior housing. She noted they would just be asking for an opinion
from the residents and as surveys were not done that often it would be
a good opportunity to ask for comments. Casey also referred to an
opinion she had received from Assemblyman John Vasconcellos concerning
conditional use permits (copy of letter on file at Town Hall ) . In part
the letter read: ' As a general proposition, then, a conditional use
permit would not bind a local jurisdiction to approve a similar
conditional use permit in the future. '
Nancy Alexander, consultant, stated that out of 370 surveys 160
surveys had been completed. If Council decided to include the question
on senior housing they could either ask the remainder of those residents
`` to be surveyed or they could re-call the ones already done. Ms. Alexander
commented that the survey was going very well.
-13- 1/18/89
J. STAFF REPORTS (continued) :
MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Moved by Johnson, seconded by Casey and
failed by the following roll call vote to include the following
question in the survey: 'Would you support condominium housing for
senior citizens in Los Altos Hills? '
AYES: Mayor Johnson and Councilmember Casey
NOES: Councilmembers Siegel , Tryon and van Tamelen
c) van Tamelen: Independent Council Actions
van Tamelen stated that at the last Council meeting it had been agreed
by the majority of the Councill4delete question #32 concerning senior
housing from the survey. After that decision, the consultant had been
asked by Casey to continue pretesting including this question. van
Tamelen questioned this action by one Councilmember in contradiction
to a Council action.
Casey stated that no extra money had been spent nor had there been a
contract change. She had spoken individually with Council members in
her effort to find acceptable alternative wording for this question.
Johnson stated that he found fault with the consultant in this matter.
Ms . Alexander was present during the debate on question #32 and knew
of the 4-1 vote to exclude it from the questionnaire. As an
experienced consultant she should have contacted either the Mayor or
the Acting City Manager for clarification regarding the continuation
of pretesting with this question.
Ms. Nancy Alexander, consultant, stated that she had worked with the
sub-committee, on which Casey served, regarding the wording for the
survey' s questions . She understood the matter was to be agendized for
the next Council meeting and the additional information from
pretesting would be helpful . Ms. Alexander stated it was an
outstanding survey and the results would be forthcoming at the first
meeting in March.
Tryon suggested that the issue of senior housing be discussed at a
later time when everything was much calmer.
K. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City
Council adjourned at 12: 30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Dowd, City Clerk
-14- 1/18/89