HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/01/1976FE
CITY COUNCIL
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, December 1, 1976
cc: Reel 96, Side 2, Tr. 1 - 182 -End; Side 1, Tr. 2 - 001-274
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: Councilmembers Brown, Grabowski, Hillestad, Proft, Mayor Cheney
Staff: City Manager Robert Crowe, City Attorney Frank Gillio, City
Clerk Norma Hislop
Press: San Jose Mercury -News; Palo Alto Times
B. CONSENT CALENDAR:
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Brown moved, seconded by Councilwoman
Hillestad, and unanimously carried to approve the Warrant. List in the amount of
L $12,807.26.
fir' C. SPECIAL REPORTS:
1. Report on Town Entrance Sign Designs - Mr. Chris Smith, Chairman,
Environmental Design Committee:
Mr. Smith reported that the Environmental Design Committee had been investigating
different types of signs that could be used for the Town's entrances, keeping
in mind the funds budgeted for this item. The criteria had been to maintain
a rustic -type sign in wood that would be well -constructed and of good work-
manship. The quotation received for four signs was $2,107, based on the Town
doing the installation.
Council expressed concern over possible vandalism and considered ways this
might be avoided or discouraged. Concensus was to Agenda the matter for
further consideration at a forthcoming Council meeting, and asked Mr. Smith
and the Committee to investigate a more simplified sign within the budget
figure, and also to consider ways to discourage the vandalism of these signs.
Speaking from the Floor:
Mr. Mike Schoendorf, Byrd Lane: Suggested the use of concrete signs.
2. Report on Committee Orientation Day - Mrs. Elizabeth Fiksdal, Ad Hoc
Committee on Committee Reorganization:
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 1, 1976
SPECIAL REPORTS (Cont'd):
Committee Orientation Day (Cont'd):
Mrs. Fiksdal stated that December 11, 1976 had been scheduled by the Ad
Hoc Committee for an Orientation Day for residents who might be interested
in serving on a Standing Committee, but who would like to learn more
about the various Committees and their charges. The program was scheduled
for 10:00 A.M. , and included a talk by a Council Member on the Standing
Committee's relationship with Council; the Chairmen of the Committees would
review their duties and what each entailed. Mrs. Fiksdal noted that attending
was neither a committment on the part of the residents attending, nor a
guarantee that an appointment would be forthcoming; however, she noted that
it was important to get this information to the public so any person
interested could attend the meeting. She asked if anyone were interested, to
call the office and leave their name, or the name of anyone who might be
interested in finding out more about serving on a Standing Committee.
3. Presentations from the Floor:
Mrs. T. Schick, Weston Road: Requested that Council reconsider their
action of the last Council meeting regarding subscriptions to Minutes
and Agendas.
Mr. L. Dawson, Mir Mirou Drive: Supported Mrs. Schick's request for
reconsideration.
Mrs. Mildred Gallo, LaLanne Ct: Read a letter from Mr, and Mrs. Walter
Benson protesting the Summary of Proceedings which Council had authorized
for distribution in lieu of Official Minutes. Felt those wishing to
subscribe to the Minutes should be allowed to continue.
Mrs. Irma Goldsmith, Elena Road: Felt Town should absorb the costs of
reproducing Minutes since this was the only means of communicating with
residents.
Mr. Dick Tole, Grass Valley: Former resident of Town noted that the
Summary of Proceedings was used by their County Board of Supervisors and
it worked, but hoped that such a summary would contain information on
how Council voted on each Agenda item.
Mr. Donald Spencer, Sherlock Ct: Willing to pay money to get a copy of
Minutes which contained more information than the summary he had received.
Councilman Grabowski stated that he did not feel Council should reconsider
their actions unless the Summary of Proceedings proved unworkable.
Councilwoman Hillestad noted that no fees had been established at the
last Council meeting for residents wishing to subscribe to the Official
Minutes, and thought this should be done for the benefit of these people.
She therefore moved, seconded by Councilman Brown to Agenda the matter of
L setting a rate for subscriptions to Council and Commission Minutes for
the next Council meeting. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 1, 1976
`. D. STAFF REPORTS, CORRESPONDENCE & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. City Manager:
a) Called attention to the exhibit of paintings and sketches by Mrs.
Marjorie Kellogg, a local artist whose sketch had won the contest
sponsored by the Bicentennial Commission earlier this year. Mr.
Crowe noted that the paintings would be on display at Town Hall through
December, and he hoped that other local artists might want to
display some of their work after that.
b) Mr. Crowe also noted that the public hearing before the Local Agency
Formation Commission (LAFCO) relative to the Town's request for
detachment from the Mid -Peninsula Regional Park District had been
held that afternoon at 2:00 P.M., and the Town's request had been
turned down by a unanimous vote of the Commission. He also noted
that the other cities in San Mateo County had been refused, by a
4-1 vote, their request for their petitions to be heard in San Mateo
County.
2. Mayor Cheney:
Mayor Cheney noted that he had received a telephone call earlier in the
week from Mr. Dawson of MirMirou Drive asking about the status of a letter
he had sent to Council. Mayor Cheney expressed concern that he had not
L received this letter. City Clerk Norma Hislop stated that the letter in
fir' question had been referred to the City Engineer because of the timeliness
of its content. Mayor Cheney stated that he had no objection to this
procedure, but stated that he should have received a copy. At the request
of Council, copies were reproduced for Council during a short recess.
After Council reconvened, Mayor Cheney read Mr. Dawson's letter, in which
he expressed concern over the condition of Paseo del Roble, and the fact
that the subdivision bond would soon expire. He urged Council to act
on this matter before the Town's residents had to pay for the repair of
this street when it was, in fact, the subdivider's responsibility.
Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Councilman Proft, and unanimously
carried, to consider Mr. Dawson's letter under "New Business" later in
the evening.
3. Councilman Proft:
Asked City Attorney if Town had any recourse to the decision made by
LAFCO this afternoon. Mr. Gillio stated that the only recourse the Town
would have would be through the courts.
Councilman Brown wished it noted that his main purpose in voting to
detach from the District was to place this matter on the ballot for the
voters themselves to decide, and he felt this was true for the rest of
Council as well.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 1, 1976
\P E. SPECIAL ORDERS:
29
1. Appointments to Legislative Review Committee
Councilwoman Hillestad noted that she and Councilman Brown had been appointed
to serve on the Legislative Review Committee, along with three members of
the Public. She submitted the names of Mr. Frank Ugie, O'Keefe Lane; Mr. Steve
McReynolds, Moody Road; and Mrs. Pearl DuHamel, Rhus Ridge Road, who had
indicated their willingness to serve on this Committee.
Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Councilman Proft, and unanimously
carried to close nominations for the Committee.
Councilwoman Hillestad moved, seconded by Councilman Brown, to appoint Mr.
Frank Ugie, Mrs. Pearl DuHamel, and Mr. Steve McReynolds to the Legislative
Review Committee for a term of two years, respectively. Motion carried unanimously.
Seakin from the Floor: Mrs. T. Schick, Weston Road - Hoped that the charges
o the Committee wou be clearly spelled out, to which Councilwoman Hillestad
noted Council's adoption of Resolution #971 which clearly defined the duties
and charges of the Committee.
2. Announcement of Standing Committee Vacancies:
Mr. Crowe announced that several vacancies existed on all Standing Committees
He indicated that some Committee members were eligible for reappointment for
another term; others had served the maximum two -term appointment specified
under Resolution #696. Mayor Cheney requested that Staff provide him with
an up -dated list of vacancies for his information.
Because of the Orientation Day scheduled for December 11th, Councilman Brown
moved, seconded by Councilman Grabowski, and unanimously carried, to set
the first Council meeting in January as the date to appoint Standing Committee
members.
Council also directed Staff to contact Committee members to determine those
who wished to be considered for re -appointment.
3. Cost Analysis Study for Road/Maintenance Work:
Councilman Grabowski noted that this subject was an off -shoot of the Mayor's
effort to form a Citizen's Ad Hoc Committee for this purpose. He said he
felt that such a study should be undertaken by a professionally qualified
firm, if there was such a need, and not be done by persons who might not be
objective or have the ability to conduct such a study.
Council discussion included concerns over the cost of such a study; what that
study would entail; possibility of referring matter to Public Works Committee,
and whether such a study was, in fact, necessary.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 1, 1976
SPECIAL ORDERS (Cont'd):
COST ANALYSIS STUDY (Contji-.
Mr. Mike Schoendorf, Byrd Lane: Felt such a study would be too costly.
Mrs. T. Schick, Weston Road: Felt common sense more important than professional
qualifications for such a study.
Mr. Oscar Sobel, Christopher's Lane: Felt a private contractor could give
estimates, and that no such study was needed.
Mr. Dick Tole, Grass Valley: Noted similar study undertaken by the County where
he now resides where it was determined that an outside contractor could
do roadwork cheaper than the County could do it.
After discussion, Councilwoman Hillestad moved, seconded by Councilman Brown,
to note and file this item on Council's Agenda. Motion carried by the following
roll call vote:
AYE: Councilmembers Brown, Hillestad, Proft, Mayor Cheney
NO: NONE
ABSTAIN: Councilman Grabowski
ABSENT: NONE
Councilman Grabowski noted that he failed to see the significance of the
previous motion, and therefore, had abstained from voting.
L 4. Security and access to Administrative Offices:
Mr. Crowe stated that this matter had been placed on the Agenda because Staff
had come to work on several mornings to find that the Xerox machine had been
broken; that on several occassions files had been missing, to turn up at a
later date. He expressed concern that unauthorized personnel might have
access to the Administrative Offices. He stated also, that, subsequent to
these occurrences, a method to secure the machine.
Mayor Cheney noted that on one occassion he had attempted to operate the
machine and had found it already broken; and that he had attempted to fix the
machine when the collator jammed on him and broke some of the trays off, but
had left a note on the Clerk's desk.
Council Members expressed concern with regard to access to the Offices,
discussing how security could be tightened to prevent future occurrences.
One suggestion was the changing of locks to the Administration portion of
the building, and no keys be assigned to them except for Staff.
Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Councilman Brown, that the operation
of the Xerox machine be limited to office hours only, including evening
Council and Commission meetings, and that Staff personnel only be authorized
to operate the machine. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYE: Councilmembers Brown, Grabowski, Hillestad
NO: Councilman Proft, Mayor Cheney
L ABSENT: NONE
40r ABSTAIN: NONE
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 1, 1976
SPECIAL ORDERS (Cont'd):
Administrative Office Security (Cont'd):
Councilman Proft did not feel such a motion would resolve the security
problem, and felt that other steps should be taken by Council as assurance
that access was not available to the Offices by unauthorized personnel.
Mr. Crowe stated that he would come before Council for further action if
it was further determined that such unauthorized access was occurring.
5. Resolution # amending Council Rules of Procedure:
Councilman Grabowski noted that all organizations had rules of procedures
applicable to the conduct of meetings, from fraternal organizations to the
Supreme Court. He pointed out that the Municipal Code contained such
procedures for the conduct of Council meetings, but that they were very
broad, referring the reader to Robert's Rules Of Order with regard to
how the meetings should be conducteT. Counci'TFan TraSwsTci stated that,
quite often, people who had been scheduled to be heard before Council had
to wait because matters impertinent to the evening's Agenda took up so
much time. However, because there appeared to be concern over an unweildy length,
Councilman Grabowski suggested that a sub -Committee of Council Members be
appointed for the purpose of reviewing the City Attorney's Resolution
governing Council meeting procedures, along with Councilman Grabowski's
proposed amendments, and coming before the whole Council with recommendations.
Mayor Cheney stated that he wished to read the proposed Resolution for the
benefit of the public who did not have copies of the Resolution already.
Councilman Proft called for a point of order, which Mayor Cheney ruled against.
Councilman Proft appealed the ruling of the Chair. Council sustained the
ruling of the Chair by the following roll call vote:
AYE: Council Members Brown, Hillestad, Cheney
NO: Councilmen Grabowski, Proft
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
The Resolution was read by the Mayor, who stated that amendments to this
Resolution had also been prepared by Councilman Grabowski for Council's
consideration. City Attorney Frank Gillio also clarified that the Resolution
before Council had been drawn up at the request of Councilman Grabowski based
on his suggestions and recommendations.
Councilman Grabowski pointed out that the suggestion before Council was that
this matter be referred to a sub -Committee for study and recommendation.
Speaking from the Floor:
Mr. Larry Geller, Vinedo Lane: Addressed proposed Rules of Procedure, suggesting
the addition of another section which he read.
4W Councilman Proft requested that the Minutes of December 1st be amended on page
6, bottom of page prior to the words "Noted for the Record", the following
statement: "Councilman Proft requested recognition from the Chair twice, and
was not recognized." Thereafter, Minutes to continue as written.y.�y/y,
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 1, 1976
16,
SPECIAL ORDERS (Cont'd):
Council Rules of
Procedure
(Cont'd):
Mr. Donald Spencer, Sherlock Road: Thought such procedures should be studied
in view of occurrences at this evening's meetings. Suggested some procedures
went too far, but felt that a set of rules was in order.
Mrs. Joan Bliss, representing League of Women Voters: Read letter from League
complimenting Councilman Grabowski on his intentions; suggesting certain
revisions.
Mr. Jitze Couperous, Old Page Mill Rd: Appreciated intent of Resolution; however,
objected to such matters being acted upon prior to hearing comments from the
public.
Mrs. T. Schick, Weston Road: Wished it noted for the record that Councilmen
Grabowski and Proft had left the Chambers without permission from the Chair,
a violation of Robert's Rules of Order.
Mr. Mike Schoen or�rd _Lane Re�ietter to Council from Mrs. Jo Cook and
signed also by Mr. and Mrs. Jack Elmberg questioning intent of Resolution.
Mrs. Mildred Gallo, LaLanne Ct.: Did not think Council should consider this
issue because Councilman Grabowski had left the Chambers.
Councilman Brown commented that he did not think such Rules of Procedure were
necessary; that procedural provisions were already in Robert's Rules Of Order.
Councilman Brown also noted that, in the months he hadsermon Council tat
he had observed members of the audience strike out at Council, and that at
times, members of Council were equally guilty. He stated that the fact
remained that Council served the Town voluntarily; that he appreciated respect
shown to Council, and at the same time, hoped he would give the same.
The previous question was called, that being the motion made by Councilman
Grabowski, seconded by Councilman Proft, to refer the Rules of Procedure as
set forth in the Resolution by the City Attorney and the proposed amendments
by Councilman Grabowski to a sub -Committee of Council for study and report
back to Council. Motion failed by the following roll call vote:
AYE: None
NO: Councilmembers Brown, Hillestad, Mayor Cheney
ABSENT: Councilmen Grabowski, Proft
ABSTAIN: None
Councilwoman Hillestad moved, seconded by Councilman Brown, to table the
proposed Rules of Procedure. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYE: Councilmembers Brown, Hillestad
NO: Mayor Cheney
ABSENT: Councilmen Grabowski, Proft
ABSTAIN: None
F. GENERAL ORDERS & UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Set date for Joint Meeting between City Council and Planning Commission:
4 Council concensus was to set the date for a joint Planning Commission and
City Council meeting tentatively for Tuesday, January 4, 1977 at 5:00 P.M.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 1, 1976
G. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Parking on Pathways:
Mr. Crowe stated that this matter had been placed on the Agenda at the
request of Councilman Grabowski, and briefly outlined some of the reasons
that this parking was presenting a problem. He suggested that Council might
wish to refer this matter to the Traffic and Public Safety Committee for
study and recommendation.
Mrs. Irma Goldsmith, Chairman of the Committee, stated that this kind of
parking continued to be a problem around Town, and had been a great concern
to her Committee because of the problems it presented for the safety of
non -vehicular traffic. She noted that the Sheriff was unable to cite
violations because the Town's Ordinance was inadequate.
Mrs. Elizabeth Fiksdal, Chairman of the Pathway Committee, expressed an
interest in having this Committee study the problem also.
Council concensus was to refer this matter jointly to the Traffic and
Public Safety Committee and Pathway Committee for study and report back to
Council for the first meeting in January.
2. Consideration of Reso. # re expense reports and reimbursement:
Mayor Cheney stated that this Resolution had been prepared by the City
Attorney at his request. He noted that this proposed policy would apply
to any trips made by Council or Staff Members in excess of 100 miles.
Councilwoman Hillestad pointed out that the Town already had a policy with
regard to trips and expense reimbursement, and felt that this was adequate.
Councilman Brown stated that the Town was small enough to control and audit
the activities of Staff and Council without such a Resolution.
SDeakinq from the Floor:
Mr. Larry Giller, Vinedo Ct.: Suggested that in addition to reimbursement
procedure, all expenditures and trips should be approved by the public before
they were taken.
Mrs. T. Schick, Weston Road: In response to her question, Mrs. Schick was
assured that expense reports were a matter of public record. Also requested
clarification of Town's policy of air fare versus mileage.
Mr. J. Couperous, Old Page Mill Rd.: Felt that Resolution should be adopted
if this protected Council Members.
In response to Council's question, City Attorney Frank Gillio stated that
the Council did have basic rules for expense reimbursement; that they could,
if they choose, adopt stricter rules. He noted that as long as the charges
for expenses were legal and authorized, and authorized in the budget, Council
did have a procedure.
Speaking from the Floor:
Mrs. Diana Miller, Vista del Valle: Asked Council if reports in newspapers
were factual that the Town had quadrupled Council's budget this fiscal year.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 1, 1976
` NEW BUSINESS (Cont'd
In response to Councilwoman Hillestad, Mr. Crowe stated that the budget
figure approved for FY 1976-77 was $4,500 for the five Council Members,
which included appropriations for meetings.
Councilman Brown reiterated that he felt present policy and procedure was
sufficient control for expense reporting and reimbursement. He moved,
seconded by Councilwoman Hillestad, that Council not consider the proposed
Resolution regarding expense reimbursement. Motion carried by the following
roll call vote:
AYE: Councilmembers Brown, Hillestad
NO: Mayor Cheney
ABSENT: Councilmen Grabowski, Proft
ABSTAIN: None
UNSCHEDULED ITEMS:
1. Letter re road repairs - Mr. L. Dawson, Mirmirou Dr.:
Mr. Crowe noted that the letter discussed earlier in the evening had been
referred to the City Engineer who had been in contact with the developer of
the Matadero Oaks subdivision with regard to proper repairs to Paseo del
Roble. He also explained that, even though the bond covering improvements
required might expire, the developer was still responsible for these im-
provements since he had been notified by the Town that the repairs made had
been inadequate.
Mr. Dawson reminded Council that he had brought this matter to their attention
one year ago, and did not feel it was incumbent upon the taxpayers of the
Town to make the repairs for which the developer was responsible.
Mr. Crowe also explained that the requirement at the time had been for a
chip seal on the road, which he did not feel was adequate.
Mayor Cheney directed Staff to take whatever action was necessary to have
this matter resolved and to report back to Council at the next meeting.
2. Letter from Pinewood School:
With regard to the letter from Pinewood School referencing complaints by
neighbors on the use of the school grounds at unscheduled times by soccer
teams, Mr. Crowe reported that this was a matter that was better directed
to the Palo Alto Unified School District who controlled the lease, and whose
permission was necessary for any extra -curricular use of their grounds.
3. Stop signs on Page Mill at Arastradero:
Councilwoman Hillestad stated that,subsequent to the last Council meeting,
she had doubts that her decision to vote for stop signs at this intersection
46. was the best solution to the traffic and safety problem which existed. She
requested that this matter be placed on the Agenda for next Council meeting
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 1, 1976
NEW BUSINESS: (Cont'd)
so that the matter might be reconsidered. She made this suggestion in the
form of a motion which was seconded by Councilman Brown and unanimously
carried by all Council Members present.
5. Abandoned Swimming Pool:
Councilman Brown expressed concern that an abandoned swimming pool located
in the area of Fremont Road and Miranda might present a liability problem to
the Town in that it was being used by juveniles for skateboard practice.
Mr. Gillio noted that the City Manager had already written a letter to the
property owner in question and that it was his understanding that the pool
was to be filled in. Because the pool was located on private property, it
was the owner's liability should anything happen; however, he stated that,
if abatement procedures were not instituted within a reasonable time frame,
steps would be taken to assure the public's safety.
6. Stop Signs:
Mr. Michael Stewart, Mandoli Dr. reminded Council that a condition for the
granting of a Use Permit for the operation of a private school by the
Pinewood School was the installation of a stop sign at the school exit onto
Fremont Road. He noted that the pavement had been painted; however, there
t was no stop sign which had been installed to date, and it was difficult to
see the street markings at night.
Council directed the City Manager to contact the school regarding compliance.
H. ADJOURNMENT:
Council adjourned at 11:30 P.M.
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Respectfully submitted,
Norma J. Hislop
City Clerk