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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/21/1974u CITY C^H"!CIL Town of Los Altos Hills 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, California Minutes of a Regular Meeting Auqust 21, 1974 NO TAPE AVAILABLE flavor Pro Tempore Leslie A. Helgesson called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 7:30 P.M. in the Multi -Purpose Room of the Fremont Hills Elementary School, 26800 Ortega Drive, Los Altos Hills: A. ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmen Cheney, McReynolds, Councilwoman Miller, Mayor Pro Tempore Helgesson, Commissioner Spencer for Planning Commission. Absent: Mayor Grabowski Staff: City Manager Bruce Lawson, City Attorney Frank Gillio, City AW Engineer Alex Russell, Deputy City Clerk Norma Hislop �/ Press: Los Altos Town Crier - fir. Mark Levine San Jose Mercury -.'Jews - Mr. Chuck Anderson 9. COHSE"!T CALENDAR: City Manager Bruce Lawson requested that Item 5 d) be stricken from the Consent Calendar. Mr. Lawson also requested that a Resolution approving a Contract between the Town and 14illiam Spangle and Associates for the un -dating of the Subdivision Ordinances be added to the Consent Calendar. MOTION SECONDED ,AND CARRIED: Councilman Cheney moved, seconded by Ceur:cilwoman Miller and unanimously carried to adopt the items on the Consent Calendar as changed and amended, namely: 1. Approval of Minutes: August 7, 1974 (Regular Meeting) 2. Approval of Harrants: A22,129.42 3. Actions of Variance & Permit Commission: a) Amended the anproved Check List for BSA for Lands of Shaner (Archibald property), 25761 Miranda Avenue (File #BSA5023). 6W CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - August 7.1, 1974 4. Actions of Planning Commission: a) Apnroved Tentative Subdivision Man, Dawn Ridge Estates, subject to the conditions set forth and recommended by Staff. b) Recommended the tentative subdivision, Lands of Morgan, be exempt from the moratorium on subdivisions, (File #TM2013-74). 5. Resolutions for Adoption: a) Resolutions #811 awarding contract, S.A.D. #10 to V. N. Vukasin in the amount of $77,640.00. b) Resolution #812 authorizing examination of Sales and Use Tax Records. c) Resolution #813 .setting Public Hearing on proposed abandonment of a road. d) Stricken. C. SPECIAL REPORTS: 1. Presentations from the Floor:' a) P7rs. M. Gallo, LaLanne Court: Criticized Minutes of August 7th under "Presentations from the Floor", Item a), which did not indicate 4W specifically, Mrs. Goldsmith was in the audience, nor were her comments included; specifically, Mrs. Goldsmith said she failed to see what the Horsemen's Association meant by "up -dating" the Trails and Paths Courtesy pamphlet, since good manners and courtesy did not require revision. Mrs. Gallo also referred to p. 12, stating that the Minutes were not specific enough on what either Mr. Happ or Fir. Saladino said. Mayor Pro Tem Helgesson commented that firs. Gallo's point was well taken. 2. Mrs. Lucille Gould, Ortega Drive: Read letter from LAN Historical Society requesting that the Town Historian be granted parmission to use the Engineer's Shed as an office and a place in which to house historical articles of interest. She also presented Council with a petition signed by interested residents supporting the request. D. STAFF REPORTS, CORRESPONDENCE & ANNOUNCEMEMTS: 1. Mr. Lawson said that a copy of a draft Environmental Impact Report had been received this day from the Purissima 'later District reqardinq a proposed underground water tank to be located between the Palo Alto Unified School District lands and the Lands of Marcus Stedman. He said the report indicated that a domed roof would be the only thing visible, and would extend approximately 8' above the ground. -2- CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - Auqust 21, 1974 After hearing the explanation and intent of the District, Councilman McReynolds recommended that the report be directed to the Planning Comnisswhetherion thefor tankewasmination as necessary. tCouncil omnleteness of the Report, and unanimously agreed. E. SPECIAL ORDERS: 1. Ordinances for Introduction: a) Ordinance # an Ordinance of the Town of Los Altos Hills amending Title 4 of the LAT -Municipal Code by adding thereto Chapter 6 entitled "Abatement and Removal of Abandoned and Other Vehicles." lir. Lawson explained that this Ordinance had been proposed several months ago and was defeated by Council at that time. Mayor Grabowski suggested certain modifications and the City Attorney had been instructed to re- write the Ordinance. Mr. Lawson explained the modifications, the major change being that the Chief of Police would be the enforcement Officer rather than the Building official. City he whichAttoney hadrbeenFrank inade tollio the amendeded with Ordinanceuncil beingtproposed. changes Councilwoman Miller moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Helgesson to waive further reading of the Ordinance and introduce it by its title. The motion failed by the following vote: AYE: Councilwoman Miller, Mayor Pro Tem Helge.sson. MO: Councilmen Cheney, McReynolds ABSENT: Hayor Grabowski Councilwoman Miller then moved that the matter be agendad to the next meeting, and Mayor Pro Tem Helgesson seconded the motion, which failed by the following roll call vote: AYE: Councilwoman Miller, Mayor Pro Tem Helgesson. NO: Councilmen Cheney, McReynolds Councilman I1cReynolds moved to table the Ordinance, seconded by Councilman Cheney. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYE: Councilmen Cheney, McReynolds, Councilwoman Miller h!0: Mayor Pro Tem Helgesson Councilwoman ableMtoler agree to an alternater,eorCifnthey were opposod to they any such Ordinance. Councilman Cheney commented that he felt the Town had enough Ordinances -3- CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - August 21, 1974 and that any problem concerning abandoned vehicles could be handled without an Ordinance. Mr. Lawson explained that the original plan for such en Ordinance was in order to be eligible for State reimbursement of expenses for the removal of abandoned vehicles. Councilman McReynolds said he was more concerned over the possible abuse of such an Ordinance rather than the money the Town would be reimbursed from the State. Mr. Gillio explained that the Ordinance was prepared based on a model suggested by the League of California Cities. Discussion ensued regarding present problems with abandoned vehicles and accomplishments to date in its abatement. 2. Resolution #814 adopting Tax. Rate for FY 1974-75: Mr. Lawson informed Council that in order to collect property taxes it was necessary to set a tax rate for this fiscal year. The daadline for this was August 28th. �, After discussion between Council and Staff regarding monies now in the Reserve Fund and possible affects of a tax reduction, Councilman Cheney commented that the City Manager had been able to increase the Reserve funds this past fiscal year through wise investments. He th;as felt a $.10 tax reduction was in order. He moved that the tas rate be reduced from the $.40 present rate to $.30 per hundred dollars assessed valuation. The motion died for lack of a second. After further discussion regarding the Town's surplus funds, Ccanoil- wam.Miller stated that there were two lawcuits t.`.a;: could concei n V711) cost the Tram money; specifically, "a S.A.D. #9 litigation 3rd th^_ Oe La Raza suit. She said she was Sao aleare of tha infiai:ion fact^r r�iich was on the rise. She agreed in principle with Ccuncilman Chert that the Taw:n should not have that much money in reserve; fila the money shc�1W be given back to the people or somethl^g done with the money for the people. M,yor Pro Tern Heluesson announced he had received a Fl>mo `rasa '?ay""r Grabowski he would read to Council. However, he stated that ha fait there should be money available in case a law suit went against ti= Town, so thorn would be some money to fail back on. He also thOu�3r;t the Town had not pursued the Public Norks Program as it shculd and money was needed for emergencies and proper Planning. He felt tha To;<n should Le spending at least $100,000 per year on Public lior!:s in order to complete the Program, which was not as out of line as it seemed. He said that unless the Town planned effectively for drainage %r and Public Herks it would be far babind. He alto said the Study doae several years ago on the 15 -year program was done at I^>69 pr^cos. -4- CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - August 21, 1974 Mayor Pro Tem Helaesson then read Mayor Grabowski's Memo in which he urged Council to look beyond the short range gain of a tax redction. He aresed himself to the andu uits affect oo thesTown. His recommendationswas ufor for Council retain the present tax rate. Councilwoman Miller moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Helgesson to retain the tax The motion failedby the following tlnroll callavotessessed valuation. Th AYE: Councilwoman Miller, Mayor Pro Tem Helgesson NO: Councilmen Cheney, McReynolds Aftlds d to taxeratertoe$.35, butmthe motion lfai�ledRforolack�ofea second. the Questions were then raised as to the liability of the Town if the S.A.D. #9 litigation were to go against the Town. Mr. Lawson said the Town would collected, whileave to payingpof thekcontract onpsewersawith Paloof uAltalready Alto. Mayor Pro Tem Helgesson stated that for this reason he did not feel comfortable in decreasing the tax rate. Discussion continued. Mr. Lawson said that a tax rate of $.35 would decreas the Town's income by approximately $20,000. Speaking from the Floor: Mrs, M. Gallo, La Lanne Court: Regarding funds used by Town for drainage and road improvements. Discussion continued regarding inflation, litigation, and the affect of a tax decrease on the budget. Councilman McReynolds moved for a reduction from $.40 to $.35 per hunthedmotionllars which wasssed adoptedubyion. Mayor Pro Tem the following roll callevoievote: : AYE: Councilman McReynolds, Councilwoman Miller, Mayor Pro Tem Helgosson. NO: Councilman Cheney 3. Delineation of Duties - Public Works Committee: Mr. Keith Brown, representing the Public Works Committee, addressed Council on the undertakings of the Committee to date. He said all members of the Committee favored a conservative approach regarding the roadsbutnotds. He said of straighteningyorlimprovingdth continual roads. r,.rasr tc -5- CITY COUNCIL MI7IUTES - August 21, 1974 Discussion ensued between Council members and Mr. Brown rleative to the Committee's undertakings, and the report they were working on their findings on the roads to date. After discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Helgesson said he thought Council wanted to know if the Committee and the Council were thinking together insofar as their charges went. Councilman McReynolds asked how soon the Committee could give Council a report of thier course of action and their plans. Mr. Brown responded that he thought the Committee could have this report in within two months. Mayor Pro Tem Helgesson asked that Mr. Brown convey to the committee that Council would like to be as helpful as possible and would like to hear their recommendations as to what they feel should be done with the roads. F. GENERAL ORDERS AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Lawson reviewed the recommendation of the Traffic and Public Safety Committee that Penfold and Associates conduct a traffic survey so the Town could use radar in an effort to maintain the speed limits within 16w the Town. He said that the decision was now up to Council. Mrs. Irma Goldsmith, Chairwoman of the Traffic and Public Safety Committee spoke briefly of the study done by the Committee and the report submitted which was available at Town Hall for review. She hoped Council would fromi theStateewhichnwouldn covera athfavorble costs ofsince esuch re aa sus a rveyt available Discussion ensued regarding the deadline for grant applications, and Mrs. Goldsmith commented that the committee would like to get started as qucikly as possible, and that the Committee would assist Mr. Penfold as much as it could. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilwoman Willer moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Helgesson, to accept the proposal as submitted by the Traffic and Public Safety Committee and that the Staff be instructed to apply for the necessary grant from the State of California. 2. Request from Town Historian to designate Engineering Office as Councilman Cheney asked for a clarification of what, specifically, was being asked for since the building is presently being used as an office for the Town Engineer. Speaking from the floor: Mrs. Florence Fava, Town Historian: Commented that Council had seen the -6- ( CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - August 21, 1974 exhibit she had done at the Town Hall for the Town's birthday. She said that presently the historical artifacts, scrap books, files, etc. were being stored in her home, and there was hardly a place for her with all the historical data she had stored. She said she would like a place where she could display her collection permanently so school children and interested residents could visit. She said the Historical Society and she would have regular hours when the display could be visited. Councilman Cheney said the question was whether the Town was willing to accept the responsibility of giving the appointed Historian room for these things. Mr. Lawson raised the question of the Town's liability in the case of a fire or theft, and if the Town granted use of the building, was the Town assuming that responsibility. Responding to questions by Council, City Attorney Frank Gillio said that an agreement could be drawn up between the Historical Society and the Town as to who is liable. Councilwoman Miller asked Council what happens to the plans for a room for the Maintenance Men. Speaking from the Floor: Mrs. Lucille Gould, Ortega Drive: Said Mrs. Fava and the Historical Society were hoping to perform a service for the Town and strongly urged Council to give this structure and work space to the Town Historian. She felt the citizens would become more aware of its history if there was access to the sources of information. Councilman Cheney asked if it would be possible to consider up -grading the Engineering Shed. The question was raised as to the City Manager's contention that the shed was not fit for human habitation and should be torn down. Mayor pro Tem Helgesson said the building would not have to be torn down, but the proposal had been to take the whole office occupied presently by the City Engineer, 701 -ling Inspector and Draftsman and make it into a storage and locker room for the Maintenance Men. Councilwoman Miller asked if Mr. Minckley, the architect for the present construction, might not look at the shed and see what could be done to solve the problem. She said that he could report to Council on his findings at the next Council meeting. Speaking from the Floor: Mrs. Irma Goldsmith, Elena Road: Said she thought that historical data belonged to the Town and the Historian was more or less the custodian of -7- 6W CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - August 21, 1974 that data. She therefore felt this was the Town's responsibility, and suggested that the Town might have fire -proof material installed with volunteer labor. Mrs. Fava said that the displays, in fact, do not belong to the Town, but were year,hbut she the Ton otheriven her a booksbandeted expenser e this past sherself. Mrs. Ann Baboricken, Moody Road: Schoolteacher for Foothill College District in favor of a permanent place to display historical artifacts in view of increasing concentration in the schools on local history and ecology. Mrs. Barbara McReynolds, Moody Road: Supporting Mrs. Fava's request. Mrs. Gallo, La Lanne Court: Suggested alternative of letting the Maintenance Crew change in the bathroom. Concilomnr. toulookwatathre�buildingller tbak to her andc come backs togestion Counciltwithrlsuggestions ate the next meeting. Mr. Lamson commented that this was the only Town where the Maintenance Crew were treated as being lower than animals, and he felt that they should be andvequdipment.decent saidfacilities the Crewwhich workedcvery hard forstore thetheir Town, andclothes he invited ed Mrs. Gallo or under other which interestedthey citizen to ride with the Crew see Councilman McReynolds addressed himself to the statements of the City Manager, and reminded him that the sole purpose of the Staff was to. serve the Town. "ounciiman Cheney seconded the motion made by Mrs. Miller that Mr. Minckley be directed to look at and make recommendation as to how much space could be made available, structure. The motiontwasace there w, and unanimously approvedpbycall or remodeling the Mrs. Goldsmith, Elena Felt the or her expenses, and that Rshe .wshould should not beforcedtorspendrherPiown moneyfon historical items. 3. Appointments to Standino Committees: a) Noise Abatement Committee: Councilman Cheney nominated Mr. John Hettinger, Priscilla Lane to 1. serve on the Committee, and Councilwoman Miller seconded the motion, ,r which was unanimously approved by Council. 10 4V CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - August 21, 1974 b) Pathway Committee:; y Lane. wasnsecondedhbye Mayor �ProeTemrHelgesson natd Ms. Lucy iand sunanimouslydapproved wbych Council. c) Traffic and Public Safety Committee: Councilman Cheney nominated Mr.Richard Rydell, Menalto rive,bwhich was seconded by Councilwoman Miller and unanimously approved Council. d) Environmental Design Committee: Mayor Pro Tem Helgesson suggested that since no letters had been received from residents regarding the two existing vacancies on this Committee, that the matter be held over until next meeting along with the one remaining vacancy on the Moise Abatement Committee. Council agreed. Mayor Pro Tem Helgesson asked Council for an additional member of the Council who would serve as the alternate representative to the Santa Clara County Water Commission since he would be out of Town for their next meeting. 4W After discussion, Councilman Cheney said he would serve as the first alternate, and if the meeting date conflicted with his schedule, Councilwoman Miller said she would be the representative. Staff was advised to notify the District of these alternates. 4. Coincil Chamber Assembly Chairs: Discussion was held between Mr. Hinckley and Council regarding the chairs on display and the prices of each. Speaking from the Floor: Mrs. M. Gallo, La Lanne Court: Did not want the town to spend any money on chairs and was against the chrome legs on certain chairs. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilwoman Miller moved that this subject be continued to the next Council Meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Cheney and unanimously carried. 5. Budget Programs: This item was continued to the next Council meeting. G. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Mr. Lawson announced that the Fremont Hills Elementary School had notified the Town that it would need the Multi-purpose room after August 30 Staff was instructed to check to see if facilities could be provided for -9- CITY COUNCIL NINUTE5 - August 21, 1974 s at Foothill College until City Council and Planning Commission meeting the new Council Chambers were completed. 2. Mr. Lawson said a letter had been received from the Fire District regarding property within the Town which created a fire hazard because it had not been disced. councilman Cheney moved, seconded by Councilwoman Miller and unannecessary imously approved, that theinstruct the Fire fees trict assessed tokthehproperty. seashtpropertyand the 3. Mr. Donald Spencer, Chairmanthe , Planning Commission: Asked if the Budt SubdivisionFOrdinancecrevisions relattiveoto the pmoratoriumConsultant for city Manager said that those monies were included in the budget which was approved. H. ADJOURNMENT: Coucil then purposeoofnconductingdanuExecutivel(Personnel)dSessAiO9. t 24tugust for at Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills. Respectfully submitted, Norma J. Hislop Deputy City Clerk L