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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/03/1987 L CITY COUNCIL TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, California MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, June 3 , 1987 cc: Reel 185 , Tr. II , Side I , 001-end Mayor Tryon called the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills to order at 7: 00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall . The Mayor noted that the meeting would be adjourned in honor of Mrs . Lucille Packard who had recently passed away. Councilmember van Tamelen paid a brief tribute to Mrs . Packard noting that she had been a dedicated, civic minded, kind, generous and concerned resident of the Town. She had actively participated in several organizations including Childrens ' Hospital and the Community Services Agency. Mrs . Packard ' s contributions to the Town and the 4 community were many and she would long be remembered for her ' ` thoughtful and philanthropic participation in local activities . A. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Present: Mayor Tryon and Councilmembers Dronkert, Plummer, Siegel and van Tamelen Absent: None Staff : City Manager George Scarborough, City Attorney Frank Gillio, City Engineer Michael Enright, City Planner Nancy Lytle and City Clerk Pat Dowd Planning Comm: Mary Stutz Press: Herb Muktarian, Los Altos Town Crier B. PRESENTATION BY LOS ALTOS POLICE DEPARTMENT ON POLICE PROTECTION PROPOSAL: Arne Croce, City Manager - Los Altos , thanked the Council for the opportunity to present their proposal on police services . He stated that they had an outstanding product to offer the Town and they had an excellent reputation among law enforcement agencies and officers in the County. Mr . Croce further commented that Los Altos and Los Altos Hills already share services such as fire protection, sewer and libraries and the sharing of police protection seemed a logical extension of shared services between the two. B. PRESENTATION BY LOS ALTOS POLICE DEPARTMENT ON POLICE PROTECTION AGENCY (continued) : Brown Taylor, Acting Police Chief and Chief Designee, introduced the following members of his department who were also available to assist I in the presentation: Captain Ron Jones - Administrative Services Commander; Sergeant Cliff Balch - Communications Center Manager; and Officer Suzie Galvez . Acting Chief Taylor discussed the criteria for the police services proposal which included the statement that the Town would receive the same high quality of field services now enjoyed by Los Altos. He noted that Los Altos would provide full law enforcement services 24 hours a day and the elements for the first year' s service would include the following: five police officers, one communications officer, one community service officer, two patrol vehicles and recruitment costs. Taylor commented on the following advantages to the proposed contract: 1) strong community identity; 2) local facility for immediate personal service; 3) administrative access; 4) 24 hour coverage; 5) automation; 6) fiscally conservative; and 7) communications center. A general question and answer period followed between Council and Acting Chief Taylor. Mayor Tryon thanked Taylor and other members of his department for an interesting and well done presentation and noted that discussions on this subject would continue with Los Altos. a lir Betsy Bertram, 11854 Page Mill Road, asked when it would be possible for the public to make comments and suggestions and/or ask questions concerning the proposal from Los Altos . Tryon stated that at this time it was not a public hearing; however, anyone could submit their comments on the subject in writing to the Council at any time. C. APPOINTMENT TO PATHWAYS, RECREATION AND PARKS COMMITTEE: This item was continued to the 7/1/87 Council Meeting to allow for additional advertising and notice of the committees and Planning Commission vacancies in the Town. D. CONSENT CALENDAR: MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by van Tamelen, seconded by Siegel and passed unanimously, with the exception of Dronkert abstaining on Item 5.a) Lands of Collinson - File VAR #5-86, due to Council ' s policy on not voting on an application within 300 ' of one' s property, to approve the Consent Calendar, specifically: 1 . Approval of Minutes: May 7 , 1987 and May 20 , 1987 2. Approval of Warrants: $ 6 , 235. 10 (5/31/87) $137, 062 . 33 (6/3/87) [ 2 6/3/87 D. CONSENT CALENDAR: (continued) : 3. Resolutions for Adoption: a) Resolution #49-87 setting public hearing for adoption of the 1987-88 budget b) Resolution #50-87 amending Resolution #1465 Nunc Pro Tunc (Lands of Bavor - Williamson Act) c) Resolution #51-87 approving and authorizing execution of an agreement for the resurfacing of Elena Road and Moody Road 1 4. Request from Los Altos Fire Department for Council authorization to remove fire hazards on certain properties within the Town (letter from Stu Farwell dated 6/ 1/87 on file at Town Hall) 5. Actions of the Planning Commission: approved the following: a) LANDS OF COLLINSON, FILE VAR #5-86, 27500 Edgerton Road, request for reconsideration of variance for constructing a carport b) LANDS OF SUMMIT, FILE VAR 311-87 , 13390 Lennox Way, request for approval of variance and site development permit for construction of an addition ' c) LANDS OF CLEMENT, FILE VAR 310-87 , 12785 Dianne Drive , request for approval of variance and site development permit for construction of a garage E. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR: Mr. Malek, Ace Consulting Engineers , addressed the Council concerning Lands of Currie, 25545 O' Keefe Lane. Mr. Malek noted that the tentative subdivision for this property had been approved by Council on 1/7/87 subject to certain conditions of approval . It was certain of these conditions that Mr. Malek expressed concerns about. He noted, on behalf of Mr. Mohammidian, developer of the project, that great time and expense had been incurred in their effort to comply with these conditions. At this time, Mr. Malek was requesting that Council approve the following: 1) allow Mr. Mohammidian to be responsible for a reasonable, equitable amount of the improvements with the remainder to be the responsibiity of the Town; 2) approve the removal of the oak tree; and 3) require the Town to provide drainage for the subdivision. It was agreed the City Engineer would provide a staff report on this matter at the next Council meeting. 3- 6/3/87 F. REPORT FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION: Commissioner Stutz reported that the following items were discussed at the 5/27/87 Planning Commission Meeting: 1) Lands of Fremont Hills Country Club, File CUP #8010-76 , annual review of conditional use permit approved with condition concerning signs; 2) Lands of Westwind Farms , File CUP #8022-77 , annual review of conditional use permit continued to the fall to allow for review of landscaping by the Site Development Committee; 3) Lands of Carse, Altamont and Taaffe, request for approval of site development permit for new residence, swimming pool and decking and accessory structure - sent back for redesign; 4) Lands of Collinson, File VAR #5-86 , approved; 5) Lands of Summit, File VAR #11-87 , approved; and 6) Lands of Clement, File VAR #10-87 , approved. In addition, the Commission agreed to continue the current process of routing Site Development Permit reviews along with Variances and Conditional Use Permits to the full Planning Commission, with the comment that if at the public hearing there was a problem or concern, then the item could be continued at the Site Development Committee level . van Tamelen commented that she was concerned that the Planning Commission appeared to be approving variance requests in spite of recommendations of denial by the staff. van Tamelen questioned whether this was a change of philosophy on the part of the Commission. Commissioner Stutz was requested to convey van Tamelen' s concerns to the Commission. G. PUBLIC HEARING: 1 . LANDS OF LIN, FILE VAR #5-87, 11645 Dawson Drive, request to exceed the maximum development area and site development permit for construction of a swimming pool The City Planner referred to her staff report dated 5/28/87 which noted that the Planning Commission had referred this application to Council without taking any action. The report further included the following staff recommendation: that the Council adopt a motion to deny both the original and revised variance requests (original request to exceed maximum development area by 1, 602 square feet for a pool and revised request to exceed maximum development area by 922 square feet for a reduced swimming pool ) due to an inability to support the necessary findings . The report also included an explanation of the original application. The Lins had received approval for zoning and site development permits in 6/86 and a special land use permit in 7/86. The approved plans showed a pool in addition to the new residence and the applicant was requested to submit structural pool plans if they wished to receive approval for the pool . Had the Lins received a permit for the pool , they would have needed to obtain a building permit prior to 1/2/87 in 4- 6/3/87 G. PUBLIC HEARING: LANDS OF LIN (continued) : conformance with Ordinance #306 . The Lins requested a permit for the pool in conjunction with their landscape plan in 1/87 and were advised they would now have to request a variance as a result of the new Town ordinances. Part of the confusion resulted when the pool was not redlined off the approved plans for the new residence. The Planning Commission did not feel they could support the necessary findings for a variance, but did feel there were overriding administrative circumstances and determined that the appropriate decision making body was the City Council . John Teter, applicant' s attorney, explained for Council the background of the Lins ' application for a home and pool . Mr. Teter stated that his clients had always felt that the pool had been approved at the time the plans for their home were approved. The pool was on these approved plans and had not been marked off. Even when the Lins were advised that a permit would not be issued for a pool unless structural pool plans were submitted, they understood this to mean that their pool was approved but to get the actual permit to build it, they would have to submit such plans . At no time were they aware that they had a definite time frame in which to do this and after a certain time they would not be able to have a pool because of new Town ordinances. Mr. Teter asked the Council to allow the Lins to build a pool . He noted that due to Dr. Lin' s career he was on call much of the time and a pool was the major source of recreation for he and his family. Dr. and Mrs. Lin, applicants , addressed the Council explaining their understanding of the approved plans they had received from the Town. While they knew they did not have a building permit for the pool , they did not think this was a problem as they had the approval for the pool . Had they known there was a time frame involved, they certainly would have gone ahead and obtained a building permit, built the pool and avoided all of this time, expense and confusion. Tryon noted that everyone involved seemed to have operated in good faith; it appeared to be a matter of confusion over approvals versus permits. Dronkert questioned the City Attorney whether or not it was too late to include this particular property in the urgency ordinance passed earlier to include those owners whose projects were in the process of completion when the new ordinance went into effect. Although the deadline stated in the urgency ordinance had passed, this application before Council had been going on for some time. The City Attorney noted that although the Lins could have put in a pool if they had obtained the necessary permits earlier, now they would have to obtain a variance to comply with the Town ' s ordinances. L 5- 6/3/87 G. PUBLIC HEARING: LANDS OF LIN (continued) : MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dronkert, seconded by Plummer and passed by the following roll call vote to grant the variance request for Lands of Lin, File VAR #5-87, 11645 Dawson Drive , for the reduced swimming pool application (9 , 296 square feet) as outlined in the 5/28/87 Town Planner ' s staff report and to direct staff to prepare the findings for the variance. AYES: Mayor Tryon and Councilmembers Dronkert, Plummer and Siegel NOES: Councilmember van Tamelen H. OLD BUSINESS: I . NEW BUSINESS: 1. Presentation of Preliminary 1987-88 Budget Council had before them the City Manager ' s staff report dated 6/3/87 which outlined the preliminary budget for 1987-88. In response to a question from Council , the City Manager responded that the Finance Committee had met to review the preliminary budget and it was possible another meeting would be scheduled prior to the public hearing scheduled for 6/17/87. Alma Wood, Los Altos Senior Center, asked if there was still time for 111/ the Senior Center to request a contribution from the Town in the amount of $200-$300 for the Center ' s copier which was in need of repair. The Senior Center did provide services for residents of the Town and the contribution while not large would be of great assistance. Council advised Mrs. Wood to place her request in writing prior to the public hearing. Mrs . Wood also supported Council ' s contribution to the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce when reviewing their budget for the coming year. Dronkert questioned one of the requests for financial support they had received. She stated that in her opinion support should be centered on local organizations such as Community Services Agency. Dronkert also commended the complete, professional request from the Community Services Agency and suggested that the Community Health Abuse Council be advised that their request should also include objectives, budget, etc. van Tamelen stated that she would convey these comments to CHAC. Council thanked the City Manager for his thorough report on the preliminary budget and noted that that public hearing was scheduled for the next meeting, June 17, 1987. 2. Draft Housing Element Council had before them the 5/27/87 report on the Draft Housing Element as prepared by Lori Scott, Planning Consultant. thew 6- 6/3/87 ihor I . NEW BUSINESS: DRAFT HOUSING ELEMENT (continued) : PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To appoint Councilmembers Siegel and van Tamelen to a sub-committee to review the Draft Housing Element, to request the sub-committee to appoint one Planning Commissioner to serve with them and to bring a report back to the Council . Any comments on the subject by Council should be submitted to the sub-committee prior to their meeting on the issue. J. OTHER BUSINESS: 1. Reports from Standing Committees: a) Roads and Drainage Committee (continued to a later Council Meeting) 2 . Reports from Ad Hoc Committees: K. STAFF REPORTS: 1. City Manager: a) Status Report on nuisance complaint filed against Lands of Gilfoil , 13470 Carillo Lane E The City Manager referred to his report dated 5/29/87 giving the �/ status report on the nuisance complaint filed against the Lands of Gilfoil . The report included the recommendation that Council choose one of the following actions: 1) determine the order to abate a public nuisance at 13470 Carillo Lane has been complied with by the property owner; or 2) continue this item and determine whether the Council wishes a Councilmember and/or the City Manager to meet with Mr. Gilfoil to discuss these matter. Mr. Paul Borg, 13452 Carillo Lane, had additional pictures of the property, stated the tarp had not been placed over the boat and reiterated that in his opinion the nuisance had not been abated. He further commented that he had spoken with realtors who agreed the nuisance lessened property values . PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To direct Councilmember Siegel and the City Manager to meet with Mr. Gilfoil to discuss the status of the nuisance complaint filed against 13470 Carillo Lane and to report back to the Council . 2. City Attorney: a) Liu vs. Town of Los Altos Hills The City Attorney reported that the above referenced case had been 4111/ settled. 7- 6/3/87 K. STAFF REPORTS: CITY ATTORNEY (continued) : b) Golden Gate Bridge - Birthday Celebration The Council commended the City Attorney for participating in the walk across the Golden Gate Bridge in celebration of its birthday. 3. City Clerk: Report on Council Correspondence dated 5/29/87 4. Council Business: a) Mayor 1) Installation of traffic signal at Magdalena and and Summerhill , request by County for cost sharing participation MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel , seconded by Dronkert and passed unanimously to add the above referenced item to the agenda as an urgency matter. Tryon reported that she had received additional information from the County on the reasoning behind the installation of this traffic signal at Magdalena and Summerhill . There had been many serious accidents at ' this intersection and it was becoming more and more difficult for people to come out of Summerhill . The project had been approved by the County and was scheduled to go to bid in the near future with construction to begin in July. Tryon also noted that the maintenance of the signal would be taken care of by the County. van Tamelen commented that the Town was being asked to participate in a project over which it would have no control . van Tamelen further noted that she still did not see the need for a traffic signal at that interesection. Mary Stutz, 25310 Elena, noted that five or six years ago quite a bit of support had been expressed for a traffic signal at Magdalena and Summerhill . MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Tryon, seconded by Dronkert and passed unanimously to enter into an agreement with the County to participate in the construction cost (Town ' s share to be one sixth of total cost of project, with Town' s participation not to exceed $13 , 000) for traffic signal at the intersection of Summerhill and Magdalena. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Dronkert, seconded by van Tamelen and passed unanimously to authorize an encroachment permit for construction of that portion of the work for the traffic signal that will take place within the Town limits. 8- 6/3/87 K. STAFF REPORTS: COUNCIL BUSINESS - COUNCILMEMBERS (continued) : b) Councilmembers I 1) Dronkert: Minutes of 5/11/87 Environmental Design and Protection Committee Dronkert requested and Council agreed that the committee' s request for Council to draft a letter to Caltrans requesting their completion of the landscaping in the IS280/E1 Monte/Stonebrook area be agendized for the next Council Meeting. 2) Dronkert: Minutes of 5/21/87 Roads and Drainage Committee Meeting Dronkert noted that these minutes included the notation that a catch basin at Manuella and Estacada had been badly damaged and was in need of repair and she requested a status report from staff on this subject. ' 3) Dronkert: Minutes of 5/26/87 Pathways Recreation and Parks Committee Meeting Dronkert commented on Dr. Fee ' s report concerning other uses for the Little League Fields. She noted that any negotiations should be 4111, handled through the City Manager ' s office and it was agreed the City Manager would clarify this with Dr. Fee. 4) Dronkert: Minutes of 5/26/87 Safety Committee Meeting Dronkert commented on the committee ' s report on the request from the Bullis Purissima School PTA for stop signs at Fremont and Manuella. The report states that there are adequate warning signs in both directions for the striped crossing marked on the road at Fremont and Manuella. Dronkert disagreed with this opinion in that she did not think there was adequate signing for this crossing at all . This request from the PTA will be discussed at the next Council meeting. Dronkert requested that the Safety Committee look into the area on Natoma between Simon and Black Mountain. Dronkert stated her safety concerns for this area in part due to the sharp curves in the road and she requested the Safety Committee provide a recommendation on this matter to the Council . 5) van Tamelen: 6/10/87 Planning Commission Meeting van Tamelen noted that she was scheduled as the Council representative to the 6/ 10/87 Planning Commission Meeting but would be unable to attend due to a conflict. If any Councilmembers could change meetings with her, she would appreciate hearing from them. 9- 6/3/87 Lw L. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council adjourned at 9 : 20 p.m. in memory of Mrs . Lucile Packard. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Dowd, City Clerk ISM -10- 6/3/87