HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/16/1988 'V
CITY COUNCIL
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills , California
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, March 16, 1988
*Los Altos High School
cc: Reel 191 , Tr. I , Side I , 001-end (AMENDED BY COUNCIL 4/6/88',
Mayor Tryon called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order a
7: 20 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall . Mayor Tryon referred
to a press release the Council had received concerning theI' Main Street
Singers . She congratulated this outstanding group for being chosen by
the government of Israel from among 35 other U.S. choirs to be the
only group to represent the United States at Israel ' s Independence Day
Celebration on April 21, 1988 at Liberty Bell Garden in Jerusalem.
A. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Present: Mayor Tryon and Councilmembers Dronkert, Siegel and
van Tamelen (Dronkert arrived at 7 : 30 p.m. )
Absent: Councilmember Plummer
Staff: City Manager George Scarborough, City Attorney Frank
Gillio, Director of Public Works Bill Ekern, Planning
Director Sally Lyn Zeff and City Clerk Pat Dowd
Planning
Comm: Judith Carico
Press : Daphne Wysham, Los Altos Town Crier; Charles Halleck
(free-lance reporter)
B. APPOINTMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN AND PROTECTION COMMITTEE:
Council had before them two applications for the Environmental Design
and Protection Committee.
Brenda Butner , 14565 Harvard Court and Ruth Buneman, 12655 La Cresta
each addressed the Council and stated their interest in serving on
this committee.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by van Tamelen, seconded by Siegel
and passed unanimously by all members present to appoint Brenda Butner
and Ruth Buneman to the Environmental Design and Protection Committee
each for a two year term and to increase the number of members serving
on this committee from seven to eight until such time as the next
Ihr vacancy occurs .
C. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Items Removed: C. 1 (Tryon) , C. 6 .a) (van Tamelen)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel , seconded by van Tamelen
and passed unanimously by all members present to approve the balance
of the Consent Calendar, specifically:
2 . Approval of Warrants: $93 , 525 . 79
3 . Resolution for Adoption:
a) Resolution #23-88 accepting as completed the work of con-
struction of the Lupine Road Storm Drain and Slurry Seal ,
authorizing final payment concerning such work and
directing City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion
4. Proclamation declaring April 1988 'California Earthquake Prepared-
ness Month'
5 . Proclamation declaring May 22-28 , 1988 as 'California Traffic
Safety Week '
Items Removed:
1. Approval of Minutes: March 2 , 1988
411/
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel , seconded by Tryon and
passed by the following roll call vote to approve the minutes of the
March 2 , 1988 City Council Meeting with the following corrections:
page 4 , first paragraph, the word ' variance ' should be ' garage ' and
page 11, item 5) , title should read: 'Complaint received by Board of
Supervisors from Mr. Parise regarding Sheriff ' s Department. '
AYES : Mayor Tryon and Councilmember Siegel
NOES : None
ABSENT: Councilmember Dronkert
ABSTAIN: Councilmember van Tamelen
Councilmember Dronkert arrived.
6 . Actions of the Planning Commission: approved the following:
a) LANDS OF WILLIS, FILE VAR #1-88, 26970 Arastradero Road,
variance request to construct a porch roof overhang a
maximum of 13 1/2 ' high in setback area; overhang to
encroach into setback by maximum of 6 '
Commissioner Carico raised the subject of the fees for this project
and the Commission ' s recommendation that the $1 , 000 deposit be waived
as it seemed to them an excessive charge for the project undertaken.
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ilw C. CONSENT CALENDAR (continued) :
Planning Commissioners Jean Struthers and Lee Patmore each addressed
the Council concerning this application noting that the fees did
appear to be excessive in that the variance was actually for a small
peaked portion of the roof, not for replacement of the existing porch.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel , seconded by van Tamelen
and passed unanimously by all members present to concur with the
Planning Commission' s approval of the Lands of Willis , File VAR #1-88,
variance request to construct a porch roof overhang a maximum of 13
1/2 ' high in setback area and overhang to envroach into setback by a
maximum of 6 ' and to concur with the Planning Commission' s
recommendation that the $1,000 deposit be waived and this amount be
returned to the applicant as soon as possible.
D. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR:
Lee Patmore, 27650 Central Drive , requested the Council to hold a
public hearing on the San Antonio Hills (west) annexation issue prior
to the public hearing scheduled for April 13 , 1988 by the Local Agency
Formation Commission.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dronkert, seconded by van
Tamelen and passed unanimously by all members present to add the
411/ possible scheduling of a public hearing on the San Antonio Hills
(west) annexation to the agenda under New Business as an urgency item.
Ken Daniel , Video Engineering, introduced himself to the Council and
stated that on this date he had submitted a proposal to the Town for a
cable tv franchise. Mr . Daniel explained briefly why he felt the Town
entering into an agreement with Sun Country would be a mistake, in
part because they would not be building a State of the Art System, and
urged the Council to give his proposal strong consideration.
Alma Wood, 12151 Stonebrook, asked the Council to publicize the
Council agendas in the local newspapers. Mrs. Wood stated that she
felt the public should be aware of the issues before the Council .
E. REPORT FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION:
Planning Commissioner Carico (SEE PAGE 11)
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
G. OLD BUSINESS:
1 . Establishment of format for Special City Council Meeting scheduled
for Friday, March 25, 1988
INV
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G. OLD BUSINESS (continued) :
ibr PASSED BY CONSENSUS: A staff report would be prepared by the City
Manager and City Attorney addressing certain issues related to Measure
B; Council would direct questions to staff and would then take
statements from those in attendance who wished to speak on the
subject.
2 . Ordinance # amending Chapter 5 entitled 'Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance ' of Title 7 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dronkert, seconded by Siegel and
passed unanimously by all members present to waive further reading of
ordinance.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel , seconded by Dronkert and
passed unanimously by all members present to adopt Ordinance #320
amending Chapter 5 entitled ' Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance ' of
Title 7 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code.
H. NEW BUSINESS:
1 . Dr . Howard Martin: report on changes to Hale Creek
Dr. Howard Martin, 11666 Dawson Drive, presented a report to the
Council on the changes of Hale Creek. This report included a brief
history of Hale Creek and addressed the issue of riparian rights -
authority and enforcement. Dr. Martin also presented a series of
photographs which depicted the changes in Hale Creek.
Dr. Martin stated his strong concerns about the changes to Hale Creek.
In his opinion it was drying up and would indeed be lost if something
was not done to correct the situation. It was a question of ' riparian
rights ' and the enforcement of those rights. In part Dr. Martin noted
that the State of California Department of Fish and Game addressed
activities which alter stream flows and/or create contamination and
the State of California Water Resources Control Board, Division of
Water Rights, addressed the impounding and use of creeks and streams .
This agency usually superceded local jurisdictions and referred
uncorrected problems to the State Attorney General for prosecution.
While noting that the County, and not the Town, was the lead agency
for the quarry' s reclamation plan, Dr. Martin did state that if a
complaint was filed with the California Water Resources Control Board,
they would be obligated to follow up and investigate the complaint and
could refer it to the Attorney General ' s office if necessary. Dr.
Martin strongly suggested that anyone with concerns contact the
appropriate State agency.
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H. NEW BUSINESS (continued) :
John Vidovich, DeAnza Properties, stated that he purchased the quarry
property about one year ago and does not think that anything is being
done any differently now than it has been for the last twenty years. A
reclamation plan has been filed with the County and a lake management
report has been prepared. Mr. Vidovich commented that it had been a
very dry year and he certainly wanted to cooperate with the Town. He
had recently met with Dr. Martin and they had walked the quarry
property and Hale Creek area and had discussed their concerns.
Mr. Harry Emerzian, 11670 Dawson Drive; Mr. Alan Brauner, 11623 Dawson
Drive and Roman Rycerz, 11665 Dawson Drive each addressed the Council
stating their concerns about the changes to Hale Creek and the lack of
water in the creek. Mr. Rycerz stated he would like to see a pumping
schedule from the quarry.
Mr. David Proft, 26271 Moody Road, commented that he had been on the
Council when the Dawson subdivision was approved and the Town had a
responsibility to see that the Town-owned open space (as required in
that subdivision agreement) was preserved.
Mr. Doug Gordon, Los Altos , asked how the level of the lake would be
maintained in the future and stated his concerns for the residents
downstream.
C Siegel thanked Dr. Martin for his detailed report on Hale Creek and
noted that indeed Mr. Vidovich was responsible to correct the
situation as part of the reclamation plan. van Tamelen reminded those
concerned that the Town was not the lead agency and concerns should be
addressed to the appropriate agencies.
**(ShE BELOW)
2 . Presentation of Revised 1987-88 Budget
The City Manager noted that the revised 1987-88 budget was being
reviewed by the Finance Committee and he recommended continuing this
matter until comments had been received from this committee.
Alma Wood, 12151 Stonebrook, commented that the Senior Center may want
to submit a request for financial support and questioned if this was
time to make such a request. The City Manager noted that this was a
revised 1987-88 budget and that the Senior Center could request
financial support from next ydar ' s budget by submitting a letter to
the Town.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS : To continue consideration of the revised 1987-88
budget to the next Council Meeting.
** PASSED BY Q7NSENSUS: To designate Bill Ekern, Director of Public Works, to represent the
Thum and to meet with Mr. Vidovich and other appropriate persons to discuss potential
plans for the quarry. (AMENDED BY EDUNCIL 916/88)
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H. NEW BUSINESS (continued) :
16110
3 . San Antonio Hills (West) Annexation
Lee Patmore, 27650 Central Drive, expressed concern that there would
not be a public hearing held prior to the 4/13/88 hearing scheduled by
the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) . She referred to the
reference in the City Manager ' s report to a 'different zoning
district ' and stated that there was no opportunity for public input on
this important issue.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by van Tamelen, seconded by Siegel
and passed unanimously by all members present to schedule a public
hearing for Wednesday, April 6 , 1988 at the Regular City Council
Meeting to discuss the San Antonio Hills (West) Annexation and to
place an ad in the Town Crier to inform residents of this hearing.
I . OTHER BUSINESS:
1 . Reports from Standing Committees :
a) Safety
1) Recommendation regarding pedestrian crossing
at Arastradero/Purissima
41111, 2) Recommendation regarding traffic speeding on
Robleda between Chapin and Fremont
Council had before them the minutes of the 2/23/88 Safety Committee
Meeting which included the recommendations that the Sheriff ' s
Department be requested to sample vehicle speed at Arastradero and
Purissima (between 7: 45 and 8 : 30 a .m. ) and on Robleda between Chapin
and Fremont (between 11: 30 a .m. and 12 : 30 p.m. )
Mrs . Elaine Dauber, 27930 Roble Alto, stated that her daughter had
been hit by a car while using the crossing at Arastradero and in her
opinion the problem was not so much speeding traffic as non-ending
traffic .
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Additional attention will be paid to the area of
Arastradero/Purissima and Robleda between Chapin and Fremont,
including the possibility of crosswalk signs , and staff will report
back to Council at a later date.
2. Reports from Ad Hoc Committees :
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CPI
J. STAFF REPORTS:
1. City Manager:
a) Report on legislation regarding ' no and low property tax'
cities
Council had before them the City Manager ' s staff report dated 3/16/88
which included background on legislation regarding ' no and low
property tax' cities.
Siegel asked the City Manager to find out how much the Fire District
received in property tax on the dollar. It was also suggested the same
information be obtained regarding the library.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To request the Mayor send a letter to appropriate
Assembly committee members supporting AB 2817 and a letter to
appropriate Senate committee members opposing SB 1725 . The Mayor was
also requested to send a letter to appropriate legislative committee
members supporting the piece of legislation which will implement SB
709 consistent with initial interpretation, when that legislation is
drafted and presented to committee.
b) Change in Salary Resolution
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel , seconded by van Tamelen
and passed unanimously by all members present to adopt Resolution #24-
88 amending the salary step schedule for Town employees.
The City Manager at this time introduced Sally Lyn Zeff, the newly
appointed Planning Director, to the City Council .
c) Budget request for professional survey -- General Plan
Steering Committee
Council had before them the City Manager' s report dated 3/16/88 which
noted that the General Plan Steering Committee would be using a
community-wide survey to help guide the development of a draft General
Plan Policy Document. The Planning Commission recommended the use of a
professional public opinion surveyor and staff had obtained two
proposals (one for $8, 500 and one for $19 , 120) from bay area firms
with experience in community surveys . The report also included the
following recommendation: ' If the Council finds the use of a
professional public opinion surveyor important to the General Plan
development process and finds the cost to be generally acceptable,
direct the City Manager to negotiate the least expensive arrangement
and return with a contract at a future Council meeting. '
L
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4 J. STAFF REPORTS (continued) :
Judy Zurbriggen, 11800 Murietta, read the following letter into the
record: 'We, the following members of the Citizens General Plan
Steering Committee, feel the minutes from the 1/14/88 meeting are
incorrect for these reasons: 1) There was no vote taken to conduct
either a Town-wide survey questionnaire or to pursue some other
method; 2) The committee members did not make a final decision about
hiring a professional survey consultant. Therefore, we feel it would
be premature for the Council to budget any monies for a consultant at
this time since no definite procedure had been established by the
Citizens Committee. Signed: Judith Zurbriggen, Lew Throop, Rosemary
Meyerott, Teddi Schick and Alma Wood. '
Dr . William Perkins , 26623 Snell Lane, supported Mrs. Zurbriggen' s
comments and stated that careful consideration should be given to the
matter of a professionally done survey. Dr. Perkins further commented
that the committee needed direction and suggested that the minutes
from this Council meeting be distributed to the committee members.
Mrs. Ruth Buneman, 12655 LaCresta, suggested that the election of
officers of the committee be agendized at the beginning of their next
meeting so that they can begin to get organized.
Councilmembers noted that while there was a fifteen member committee
4/0 willing to work on a survey, it was difficult to formulate the wording
of a questionnaire by committee. However, the committee could define
the issues to be addressed and their first task should be to address
their goals and policies .
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To defer the consideration of expenditure of
funds for a professional public opinion surveyor and to encourage the
General Plan Steering Committee to meet and to organize with other
groups to begin to develop issues and to determine the manner in which
their goals and objectives will be met. It was also agreed that the
minutes from this Council meeting should be sent to the General Plan
Steering Committee.
d) Cable TV
The City Manager noted that a letter had been received from
Councilmember Plummer concerning cable tv and it was agreed this
matter would be agendized for the next Council meeting.
2 . City Attorney:
a) Change in Municipal Election Date: Ordinance # ordering
its General Municipal Election to be held on the same day
as the day of school district elections -- outline of
procedure
_8- 3/16/88
J. STAFF REPORTS (continued) :
PASSED BY CONSENSUS : To delay consideration of this issue for one
month pending receipt of additional information, in part from the
Registrar of Voters Office.
b) 1988 General Municipal Election Procedure
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by van Tamelen, seconded by Siegel
and passed unanimously by all members present to schedule an Adjourned
Regular Meeting for 5 : 00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19 , 1988 to canvass
the returns of the election including the initiative measure and to
install the newly elected officers .
3. City Clerk: Report on Council Correspondence dated 3/11/88
Dronkert suggested that the letter received from Mr. and Mrs. Puckett
in Los Altos on the subject of the Neary Quarry be responded to by
either staff or Council . It was further noted that staff was handling
the letter from Mrs . Spencer concerning the street sign for Sherlock
Road.
4. Council Business:
a) Mayor
fir' 1) T-2000 Draft Phase III Summary Report - Review and
Comment
PASSED BY CONSENSUS : The Mayor will send a letter to the
Transportation 2000 Steering Commmittee stating the Council ' s
endorsement of the implementation strategy for the Transportation 2000
Final Plan.
2) Intergovernmental Council ( IGC) - Tanner Committee
Costs
Tryon referred to a letter she had received from Alfred Chasuk,
Chairman of the Intergovernmental Council concerning funding
alternatives for the countywide Hazardous Waste Management Plan
(Tanner Program) and asked for Council comment on this subject, as a
recommendation from the Environmental Safety Committee was scheduled
for the April 7 , 1988 IGC meeting.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel , seconded by Dronkert and
passed unanimously by all members present to support the combination
or population alternative formulas for funding the hazardous waste
management plan as opposed to the approach of dividing the total cost
equally among the fifteen cities and county.
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J. STAFF REPORTS (continued) :
b) Councilmembers :
1) van Tamelen: City Council - City Manager/Leadership
Team Workshop May 19-21, 1988
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To authorize a maximum of six (five
Councilmembers and the City Manager) to attend the Leadership Team
Workshop in May 1988.
2) van Tamelen: Transportation Commission
van Tamelen referred to the letter received from Supervisor McKenna
concerning the reorganization of the Transportation Commission and her
request that this matter be placed on a Council agenda. Tryon reported
that additional information was forthcoming and this matter would be
on the next Council agenda.
3) Dronkert: Hale Creek
Dronkert commented that she hoped the Council would be taking formal
action on the Hale Creek issue in the near future as appropriate
contact agencies were identified and additional information was made
available.
11110 K. EXECUTIVE SESSION: PERSONNEL (Pursuant to Government Code Section
54957 .8
The City Council adjourned to an Executive Session for purposes of
personnel at 10: 00 p.m. and reconvened at 11: 30 p.m.
L. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further new or old business to discuss , the City
Council adjourned at 11 : 30 p.m. to a Special Meeting at 7 : 00 p.m.
on Friday, March 25 , 1988 .
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Dowd, City Clerk
4011,
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Minutes from 3/16/88 City Council Meeting
411110
E. REPORT FROM THE PLANNING COMMESSION: (this section was inadvertently emitted
from the 3/16/88 minutes)
Planning Commissioner Carico reported that the following issues were discussed
at the 3/9/88 Commission Mceting: 1) Lands of Christiansen, File VAR #35-87, -
denied; 2) Lands of Willis, File VAR #1-88, approved; 3) Lands of Wong, File
VAR #15-87, continued; 4) Lards of Charvez, lot #1 - O'Keefe Lane, request for
appeal of Site Development conditions regarding circular driveway - denied; 5)
interpertation of floor area determination for Lards of Vogel; and 6) possible
rescheduling of next Planning Commission meeting to avoid conflict with L''FC0
meeting on San Antonio Hills (west) annexation. (AMENDED BY COONCT 4/6/88)
111/
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