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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/17/1976CITY COUNCIL TOW OF LOS ALTOS HILLS 40 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, California MINUTES OF A REGULAR NEETINIG Wednesday, March 17, 1976 cc; Reel 35, Side 2. Tr. 1; 001-1446 Mayor Robert Cheney called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall: A. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmen Brown, Grabowski, Proft, Councilwoman Hillestad, Mayor Cheney Absent: None Staff: City Manager Robert Crowe, City Attorney Frank Gillio, City Encrineer Alex Russell, Tovin Planner Ken Pastrof, Chairman Carico for Planning Commission, Deputy City Clerk Morma Hislop Press: None B. PLEDrE OF ALLEGIAMCE: Mayor Cheney led the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. 4W C. CONSEMT CALENDAR: At the request of Councilman Grabowski, Item 4 was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration, and Deputy Clerk Norma Hislop requested the removal of Item 1. Councilman Proft asked that Item 3 be removed. Councilman rrabowski moved seconded by Councilman Brown an,i unanimously carried to approve Item 2 ;emaining on the Consent Calendar, Approval of Uarrants - $59,198.34. ITEMS REPIOVED FROM CONSENT CALEMDAR FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION: 1. Approval of Minutes: March 3, 1976 (Regular Meeting) Deputy Clerk Norma Hislop requested that Council amend the Minutes on page 6, pertaining to LANDS OF COOLEY with reference to Item 3 of the applicant's engineer's letter, stating that the paragraph should read that Mr. Riley had withdrawn this request for consideration. Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Councilwoman Hillestad and unanimously carried to approve the Minutes of March 3� 1976 as amended above. 3. Actions of Planninn Commission: Recommended approval of Tentative Map, LjVjOS OF MOYER, File #2029-75, Sandis A Assoc., Engineers: 4W CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - March 17, 1976 ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION (Cont'd 3. LANDS OF MOYER (Cont'd): City Manager Robert Crowe explained the difference between a Conditional Exception and a Variance at the request of Councilman Proft. Town Planner Ken Pastrof presented a view graph of the subject Property, noting that the developer had agreed to enter into an agreement to improve the road when adjacent properties came in for subdivision, and expanded upon the Planning Commission's recommendations concerning the property. Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Councilwoman Hillestad to approve the Tentative Map, LANDS OF MOYER, File #2029-75, as recommended by the Planning Commission and correcting the Memo to Council dated March 11, 1976. page 2, item 17.c to read, "Item 17.c.2)". I -lotion carried unanimously by roll call vote. 4. Resol uti ons - for Adopti on: Resolution # _C_ formalizing the procedure for -reimbursement of certain expenses to ouncilp.en: Councilman Grabowski addressed the proposed Resolution, stating that he felt strongly that Council Members should be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties, and that they should receive a 4W stipulated amount for mileaqe reimbursement outside Santa Clara County. He said he would like to see the expenses paid in the way of a salary in the amount allowed under the law for a city of the size of the Town, and also a mileage reimbursement, as opposed to the proposed Resolution for auto expenses. City Attorney Frank Gillio noted that, throue .1h the adoption of the Budget for - FY 1974-75, Council had approved the reimbursement of automobile expenses, but that he would like to see a back-up document to this purpose. He also noted that, if it was Council's wish to establish a salary for Council Members, this should be done by Ordinance, with a Resolution adopted con- cerning the reimbursement policy with regard to mileage or other expenses incurred by Councilmen in the performance of their duties. After discussion, Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Councilman Proft to adopt Resolution #944 formalizing the procedure for reimbursement of certain expenses to Councilmen. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Councilman Proft to direct the City Attorney to prepare the proner Ordinance and Resolution that would authorize payment of a salary in the maximum amount permited by law for the size of the City, and reimburse Coumcilmen the stun of $.15 per mile for travel, plus for other expenses incurred in relation to their councilmanic duties. 4W Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. �_2_ CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - March 17, 1976 D. SPECIAL REPORTS: 1. Reports of Standing ComitteeS: Environmental Design Committee, Mr. Chris Smith, Chairman: Mr. Smith, Chai man of the Committee, presented Council with the accomplish- ments of the Committee during the year to date, showing slides of the median strips along El Monte and Arastradero Road before and after their landscaping. He noted that the Committee had also planned to improve the entrances to the Town, but did not feel that this would be accomplished in the present fiscal year. He stated that the Committee had approximately $6,000 remaining in their budget which they would like to use toward the completion of two other projects they felt were more timely: one, the landscapinq of the Town -owned property at Edith and Fremont, to be designated "Anza Corner." The second would be the completion of the landscaping project at Town hall. Mr. Smith stated that the amount needed to complete both projects would be approximately $10-11, thousand dollars. Mr. Smith also discussed the possibility of community involvement in the project of landscaping Anza Corner, but if the landscaping at Town Hall were also to be completed, additional funds would be needed. He requested Council input as to what they felt the priorities should be, but the Committee had favored Anza Corners. In response to Mayor Cheney, Mr. Smith stated that if both projects were done at once, a savings could be realized. Councilman Grabowski, after discussion about including Town Hall landscaping 4W in next year's budget, agreed that much time would be lost. In response to Council, Mr. Crowe'said that, if Council wished, the additional funds could be reallocated for this purpose. Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Councilwoman Hillestad and carried unanimously by roll call vote to appropriate an additional $6,000 for the completion of Anza Corner and Town Hall landscaping to be undertaken immediately. 2. Reports of Ad Hoc Committees: NONE 3. Presentations from the Floor: a. Mrs. Irma Goldsmith, Chairman, Traffic & Public Safety Committee: Speaking in regard to the Bicycle Safety Contest presently underway, Mrs. Goldsmith said there was much enthusiasm and felt the contest would generate nuch good will, as well as making students more aware of bike safety. She noted that the drawing for the prizes was scheduled for Saturday, March 20th at 2:00 P.M. at Town Hall, and invited the members of the Council to attend. Mayor Cheney requested that as many members of Council as possible be on hand for the drawing. Mrs. Goldsmith also announced that Purissima School would be sponsoring a bicycle safety Rodeo to be held some time in April. -3- 4W 6W 4W CITY COUNCIL lIBUTES-Harch 17, 1976 E. STAFF REPORTS,, CORRESPONDENCE & ANNOUNCEME,,rrS: City Manager: a. Report on Employee's Retirement System: fir. Crowe directed Council to his Memo of Narch 12th which advised that the two year waiting period W terminate the ToWs Social Security contract would be ending at the end of this fiscal quarter. He noted that at the time this Resolution of Intent was adopted, Council had agreed to amend the Public Employees Retirement System contract (P.E.R.S.) to include the death benefits that would be lost in dropping Social Security. Mr. Crowe also pointed out that, because of recently enacted legislation, the Town could increase the benefits for employees under P.E.R.S., and at the same time realize a further savings to the Town. lie therefore recommended that Council adopt the Resolution of Intent to amend the P.E.R.S. contract and schedule the Ordinance for Introduction for the next Council meeting. Councilman Grabowski moved� seconded by Councilman 3rown and unanimously carried by roll call vote to adopt Resolution #945 declaring intention to amend contract between Town and Public Employees Retirement System. b) Request for support of SBI510: Hr. Crowe noted that a letter had been received by Council from the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), requesting that Council support S51510 introduced by Senator Alquist. This bill would permit cities to annex unincorporated islands of territory of any size without elections. The procedures for these annexations would be similar to those used for annexing uninhabited territory. After discussion by Council, Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Mayor Cheney to direct the City Manager to write a letter to the Senate Local Government Committee, who would be hearing the bill, indicating support for the passage of SB1510. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYE: Councilmen Brm4n, Grabowski, Councilwoman Hillestad, Mayor Cheney 110: Councilman Proft ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIH: MONE c) Introduction of SB#1634: fir. Crowe inforT.ied Council that, as a result of the efforts of former Mayor Grabowski, Senator deromL Smith had introduced SBI634, coauthored by Assemblyman Richard Hayden, which, if adopted, would authorize community college governing boards to re- inburse cities, counties and other governmental entities for services Which provide a benefit to the district. F. SPECIAL ORDERS: 1. Public Hearing: Consideration of abandonment of a portion of a certain road (Flena Road): At the request of City Attorney Frank Gillio, Councilman Brown moved, seconded by Councilman Proft and unanimously carried to continue this matter to the next Council meeting (April 7, 1976). -4- CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - March 17, 1976 4�w SPECIAL ORDERS (Cont'd.): 2. Request for exemption from subdivision moratorium: LANDS OF LA PERA, APN#175-21-76: Mr. Crowe presented Council with the background of subject property, noting that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the request with the condition that the applicant comply with the future subdivision Ordinances and sign a waiver of the fifty (50) day action period mandated under the State Subdivision Map Act. Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Councilwoman Hillestad to grant the request for exemption from the subdivision moratorium, LANDS OF LA PERA, subject to the conditions recommended by the Planning Commission at their meeting of March 10, 1976. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYE: Councilmen Brown, Grabowski, Councilwoman Hillestad, Mayor Cheney NO: Councilman Proft ABSENT: 140HE ABSTAIN: NONE 3. Request for change in designation of historical point of interest (Juan Prado Mesa Adobe) - Mr. Ray Rossi: At the request of Mayor Cheney, City Attorney Frank Gillio outlined the procedures within the State for designating historical points of interest and historical sites, and the requirements and significance of the respective designations. Mr. Gillio also noted that, regardless of whether the County withdrew their recommendation of this property being designated a historical point of interest, it would have nothing to do with the building site approval for the property or the actions of the City Council in this regard. He thought the Town's position was that it had made the recommendation that the property in question be designated a historical point of interest; the County had made the recommendation; and the State had acted on that. He thought the burden of proof was on the applicant, Mr. Rossi, to show that the Mesa site was not at that location. Mayor Cheney noted that Council should examine the evidence presented fairly so the applicant would not be burdened with unnecessary expenses and costs, but that the burden of proof was upon Mr. Rossi. Mr. Ray Rossi, presented view graphs to Council which showed property lines of the land grants and discussed the original markers and how they appeared. His contention was that, from the evidence he could gather, the Mesa had not been located on the knoll of his property, but on another knoll closer to the creek. After Mr. Rossi's presentation, Councilman Grabowski agreed that there was a voluminous amount of documentation presented, yet he did not feel qualified to respond to Mr. Rossi's contention since he was neither a land surveyer or an engineer. He said he would like to see something presented from some 4W impartial person as suggested by the County's Planning Department before making a decision. -5- 4W 4W CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - March 17, 1976 LANDS OF ROSSI (Cont'd.): Mr. Rossi also stated that, in discussing the matter with his Engineer, Mr. Dexter Algren, it was felt that the original location of the Mesa Adobe could not be certified, and in response to Councilwoman Hillestad, he stated that he had been aware of the Town's designation of the property as a historical point of interest when he purchased the property. Further discussion ensued with the concersus of Council being that an impartial person who was qualified should study the evidence and make a report of the fin�ings to Council. Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Councilman Proft to deny without prejudice the request for change in the designation of the historical point point of interest, LANDS OF ROSSI. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. Speaking from the Floor: Mrs. Irma Goldsmith, Elena Road: Requested to know What objection the appli- cant had to such a designation on his property. G. GENERAL ORDERS AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Council appointments as representatives to Inter -Government Agencies, Commissions and Committees: Mayor Cheney noted that, because of the recent Council changes, many vacancies existed on various Commissions, Agencies, etc., which were held by former Council members. He said that, although the Mayor had the prerogative of appointing, he would like to know if any Council members had any preference for the agencies listed. Councilman Grabowski noted that the City Engineer was now the official representative to the Northwest Zone Flood Control Advisory Board, and that former Councilwoman Miller had been the principal representative to the Regional Criminal Justice Planning Board. New Council Members asked if more information could be supplied regarding meeting dates and times, and the duties of each appointment, so they would be better able to respond. Mayor Cheney requested that the secretary obtain the requested information for the next regularly scheduled Council meeting. Mayor Cheney also indicated that he would like to continue as Council's representative to the Planning Policy Committee to provide continuity, and Planning Commission Chairman, Mrs. J. Carico, requested to remain the Plannin( Commission's representative on that Committee. H. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Town Planner: Requested that Council consider at least one appointment to the Planning Commission as a priority of business, since there were only four members on the Conmission presently. Council discussion ensued. and (1W concensus was to interview applicants at an adjourned meeting and appoint at least one Commissioner at that time. -6- CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - March 17, 1976 4W NEW BUSINESS: Council set the date of Tuesday, March 23rd at 7:30 P.M. for an Adjourned Meeting for the purpose of interviewing applicants to fill the existing vacancies on the Planning Commission. 2. Planning Commission Chairman Carico: Thanked Mayor Pro Tem Grabowski and Mayor Cheney for allowing the Planning Commission to invite Professor Aitken to the Commission's meeting to discuss solar energy. She said the meeting was well attended and very informative. UNSCHEDULED ITEM: Council adjourned to an Executive (Personnel & Litigation) Session at 10:32 P.M. I. ADJOURNMENT: Council adjourned to an adjourned meeting on Tuesday, March 23, 1976 at 7:30 P.M. to interview Planning Commission Candidates. Meeting adjourned at 11:35 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Norma J. Hislop 4W Deputy City Clerk 4W