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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/23/1987 CITY COUNCIL TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, California MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING Thursday, July 23 , 1987 Mayor Tryon called the Adjourned Regular Meeting to hold a joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission to order at 4: 00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall . All Councilmembers and Planning Commissioners were present as were the Town Planner Nancy Lytle, Planning Consultant Lori Scott and City Clerk Pat Dowd. STUDY SESSION WITH E. I .P. ASSOCIATES REGARDING REVIEW PROCESS FOR QUARRY HILLS PROJECT: Mayor Tryon commented on the format for the joint meeting. After a brief report by staff on the application process and description of the project, the applicant would make a presentation on his proposal . 41111,0 Representatives from E. I .P. would then report on various issues of concern outlining the work to be done and giving a status report. The Town Planner outlined the process for the project which included the following: environmental impact report, general plan amendment, prezoning, tentative map, urban service area and annexation. The EIR was the first step which included public hearings held by the Planning Commission and the City Council and if approved the certification of said EIR. The Planning Consultant gave an overview of the proposed tentative map. The property included 358 acres, 255 of which would remain as open space. The remaining 103 acres would be divided into 80 lots of at least one acre. The Planning Consultant also commented on slope density, reduction in road right of way width, road configuration and proposed increases in allowed maximum development area and maximum floor area. John Vidovich, applicant, commented on the project he was proposing and stated he thought it was a good project for a unique property which presently included two quarries . He wanted to do a good job and please the community. For a more detailed explanation of the proposed plans, Mr. Vidovich introduced his engineer, Ron Simpkins . Mr. Ron Simpkins , applicant ' s engineer, commented that they were requesting 80 lots in the project. The neighbor to this property was 11011/ the Midpeninsula Open Space District and their proposal included keeping the lots further back from the border to the Open Space District. This additional area of open space would act as a buffer between the homes and the Open Space District lands. The lots would be minimum one acre with joint ownership of the commonly owned open space areas. Mr. Simpkins also commented on the importance of a good reclamation plan. He noted that there should be coordination between this project and the reclamation plan; however, as this project could take some time, it was important to have a good reclamation plan in place. Mr . Simpkins referred to the issues of grading and ridge lines and noted that the entrance to the proposed subdivision was off Stonebrook; no improvements had been planned off Ravensbury. Mr. Mark Trembley, Project Manager - E. I .P. Associates , introduced the following members present who would report on various issues of interest: Mr . Don Dean, Environmental Planner - E.I .P. ; Jean Thompson, Thompson Engineers; and Yane Nordhav, Principal with Baseline Environmental Consulting. Mr. Don Dean reported on land use and slope density calculations . He noted it was a mineral reserve area, in the Williamson Act and an open space preserve. He particularly noted two issues: 1) if annexed to the Town what impact would there be on the land use, noting that the annexation would create ' islands ' of County lands; and 2) what would be the appropriate density on the property. Mr. Dean reported that ` presently contacts had been made with the County and with LAFCO and analysis was being developed. Mr. Brian Litt, representative from the County Planning Department and LAFCO, commented on the procedures for Williamson Act. Non-Renewal took a period of nine years; however, cancellation was a much more difficult process and required some very specific findings. As the land in question was in the County, it would go through the County ' s Planning Department and would be approved by the Board of Supervisors. Ms. Jean Thompson reported on the traffic issue. Regarding accesses to the project, Ms. Thompson noted that Stonebrook was the primary access with secondary access off Olive Tree and Ravensbury (emergency accesses) . This could result in double the amount of traffic on Stonebrook. It was also noted that gates were proposed for the accesses to the project. In addition to accesses, Ms. Thompson commented on internal circulation including garbage trucks, parking and response times for emergency vehicles. Ms. Thompson reported that she would be working with Stu Farwell of the Los Altos Fire Department and Marc Kaufman, Los Altos Fire Protection District and would also be contacting the Sheriff ' s Department for additional information. Analysis was also being worked on comparing similar roads in the area. Mr. Trembley reported on biotic resources, visual quality and cultural resources . Concerning biotic resources the following issues were commented on: removal of oak woodland; requirement of permit from -2- 7/23/87 4111, California Department of Fish and Game; protection of wooly sunflower, damsel fly and horned lizard; possible requirement of spring count to arrive at accurate information; diversion of Hale Creek and potential impact, and trenching of utility lines . Regarding the visual quality, it was noted there are three ridgelines and the visual impact of homes from Rancho San Antonio was being studied. Addressing the cultural issue, Mr. Trembley noted that it was a potential archaeological site and a letter had been sent to the State requesting information. To address these issues, they were presently mapping vegetation to identify sensitive and endangered species, using aerial photography and waiting for a response from the State. Yane Nordhav addressed the geotechnical factors . How does the existing geology affect the potential development? Status of seismicity and active faults in the area? How does the reclamation plan for the quarry correlate with the proposed project? How the development of the site affect the water quality particularly during construction? How does the increased runoff affect the downstream areas? Ms . Nordhav reported that data was being reviewed from various agencies such as the DSGS and the Regional Water Quality Control Board and aerial photographs were being used in the analyses. Mr . Don Dean reported on public services and fiscal impact. California Water and Purissima Water could both service the area with additional lines and pump facilities although it was unknown at this time where the pumps would be . Pacific Bell could service the area but was somewhat concerned about trenching. The estimate was for eighty new students which could be accommodated by the local schools . Fiscally there would be no financial obligation on the part of the Town and there would be an increase to the tax base. Mr. Trembley stated that the Site Environmental Assessment Report would be available the 2nd or 3rd of August which would provide ample opportunity for review prior to the Community Participation Workshop. Mr. Trembly also asked that everyone complete the questionnaire he had distributed which ranked the environmental issues addressed at the meeting in order of their significance. The questionnaire also asked for a ranking of proposed and alternative development. Commissioners Emling and Yanez presented a report which they had worked on which showed exactly what development was proposed for each lot and where each lot was located in the proposed project. This report was explained further in a visual display by Commission Emling. Council thanked Commissioners Emling and Yanez for their efforts in working on this project and suggested that the applicant review their report. Council commented on the following issues which had been discussed: 1) relating to traffic, suggested that serious consideration be given to the general circulation of the Town particularly as construction of the project would affect it; 2) gates at the access points would delay -3- 7/23/87 response times from the Fire Department; 3) suggestion of opening up more than Stonebrook as an access; 4) concern expressed about the creation of County ' islands ' ; 5) adequate amount of open space dedicated to the Town. Dr. Howard Martin, 11666 Dawson Drive, specifically addressed the issue of Hale Creek. He was most concerned about the impact downstream and stated it was most important that this issue be carefully addressed in the EIR. Mrs . Sheri Emling, 11853 Murietta, was concerned about potential financial costs to the Town and also stated that she did not think the Town should give the developer any exceptions to the Town' s regulations. Mrs. Alma Wood, 12151 Stonebrook, expressed her concerns about the potential increase of traffic on Stonebrook and also did not support the concept of a recreational lake. Mr. Roland Riser, 11665 Dawson Drive, also expressed concerns about the rerouting of Hale Creek and commented on the potential fire hazard. Barbara Danluck, 23423 Toyonita, inquired about alternative projects for the site and Charles Lattotti, 10993 Northcrest, inquired about where the documents for the proposed project were kept and what the notification process was. Mayor Tryon thanked everyone for their participation in the meeting and noted that the Community Participation Workshop was scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on August 18 , 1987 . It was further agreed to continue the kby study session regarding variance procedures to a later meeting. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further new or old business to discuss, the City Council adjourned at 6 :40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Dowd, City Clerk -4- 7/23/87