HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/18/1973CITY COUNCIL
TORN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
F MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
4 April 18, 1973
CC Reel 53 Side I Track 1 000-999-386
CC Reel 53 Side 2 Track 1 000-158
Mayor Leslie Helgesson called the regular meeting of the City Council of the
Town of Los Altos Hills to order at 7:50 PM in the Council Chambers of Town
Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California.
A. ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmen Davey, Grabowski, Kubby, Miller and Mayor Helgesson
Absent: None
Planning Commission Representative: Commissioner Mueller
B. CONSENT CALENDAR
At the request of Council and the public, Items B-1, B-2, B -3-a through
B -3-j, B -4-a and B -4-c were removed from the Consent Calendar for separate
consideration.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Davey moved, seconded by Council-
man Grabowski and carried unanimously to adopt that portion of the Consent
Calendar which remained after separation of certain Items for discussion.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 4, 1973
Speaking from the floor, Mrs. Theodora Schick inquired as to the
reasons for the Minutes of City Council Meetings not including fully
the comments and views expressed from the floor.
The City Attorney stated that the Minutes are properly a record of the
actions of the City Council, and do not require that all comments and
discussion be reiterated though citizens' cements are often reflected
In the Minutes as a courtesy.
City Manager Lawson Indicated that the current form of City Council
Minutes conforms to the recommendation for Minutes of the League of
California Cities.
Councilman Grabowski stated his belief that the consensus of Council
was that any citizen may make remarks from the floor, but that It is
not required that all such remarks be reflected in the Minutes, unless
the speaker specifies that he wishes his opinion shown in the record,
stating clearly whether his position concurs with, or opposes, the
issue under discussion.
C Speaking from the floor, Mrs. Schick asked further why correspondence
�,r received by the Town was not reflected in the Minutes --specifying In
later discussion that the correspondence to which she referred was only
that kind addressed by citizens to the attention of the Council with
the intention that such letters be read at City Council meetings for
the record. Following additional discussion, Mayor Helgesson stated,
on behalf of the Council, that such letters are read by Council as long
as the writer Indicates specifically that he or she wishes the letter
read and entered Into the record.
Speaking from the floor, Mrs. Schick further requested that a copy of
the Warrant List be made available.
It was agreed by the Council, at the suggestion of Councilman Miller,
that,In future,copies of the Warrant List be available to the public
at the counter in Town Hall.
Councilman Kubby requested the following amendments to the Minutes of
April 4, 1973:
a) That the spelling of the name of the citizen reported as "Mr.
Bob Basil" (pg. 4) be corrected to read, "Mr. Bob Boesel."
b) That paragraph 2, pg. 9, be corrected to read: "Councilman
Kubby inquired about the language regarding the right of a
person to defend himself, and the Inherent weakness of the
Ordinance by reason of inclusion of this language."
c) That paragraph I, section M- I, pg. II, be corrected to read:
L
"Councilman Kubby reiterated his desire to have the City
in
Attorney review the possibility of becoming a charter city
order to totally al iay any fears of a terat ion of the basic
zoning policy of the Town by Council members."
d) That paragraph 5, section M-1, pg. 11, be corrected to read:
"Councilman Kubby Indicated that he had spent a good deal of
time talking with Townspeople regarding the petitions they
had signed to recall him. Many of these had signed the
petition In order to hear the Issues of the campaign, not
because they were dissatisfied with any City Council members^
Councilman Kubby further requested that, in future, the official
Minutes of the Town be corrected on the face of the Minutes so that
corrections may be read Immediately rather than having to refer to the
Minutes of the following meeting. The City Manager stated that this _
would be done.
Councilman Grabowski requested the following amendments to the Minutes
of April 4, 1973:
a) That the Traffic and Public Safety Committee of the Town be
referred to by that title, rather than the title, "Public
Protection Committee," as shown in the Minutes, and that this
reference be corrected wherever It appears In said Minutes.
�r
b) That paragraph 4, pg. 9, be changed to read: "The City
-2-
Attorney stated that he did not believe the Ordinance to be
perfect and that the ideal situation would be created by
declaring the Town a part of the Fish and Game Preserve.
However, there is probably no perfect solution to the prob-
lem."
c) That in paragraph 3, section 1-2, pg. 9, the reference to
"Members serving on the Planning Commission....." be changed
to "Members serving on the Board of Planning Administration
would necessarily serve on the Environmental Planning
Commission."
d) That in paragraph 2, section M -I, pg. 11, the first sentence
be changed to read: "Councilman Grabowski Indicated that
most charter cities are metropolitan areas and that 10 of the
15 cities In Santa Clara County are not charter cities."
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Davey moved, seconded by Council-
man Grabowski and carried unanimously to approve the Minutes of April 4,
1973, as amended.
2. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS:
Councilman Grabowski Inquired as to why four checks on the Warrant List are
shown as "voided." The City Manager explained that they were voided
because of machine alignment errors and that such checks are marked "void"
and kept In the file as they are prenumbered and may not be destroyed.
Councilman Grabowski further inquired regarding an amount of $119.48 for
gasoline, asking whether It would not be possible to purchase gasoline
through Santa Clara County or the Town of Los Altos.
The City Manager stated that such a procedure had been Instituted and that
the Town was now purchasing gasoline on the County Contract through the
Purissima Water District.
Councilman Grabowski requested that the record show again his view that the
monthly expenditure for coffee, shown as $62.48 on the Warrant List for
April 18, 1973, is a needless expenditure; stating further that he had
checked with the Town of Los Altos and had learned that their procedure
was to assess the staff $1.00 or $2.00 per month for coffee.
Councilman Kubby congratulated the City Manager on the format of the War-
rant List, Including the "description" section provided for each warrant
listed.
Councilman Miller stated her view that the expenditure for coffee was a
small amount and that she favored it as of public relations benefit to the
Town.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Kubby moved, seconded by Miller
and carried unanimously to approve the Warrant List of April 18, 1973, in
` the amount of $13,255.48.
-3-
3. MOTIONS FOR ADOPTION:
Motion authorizing approval of lease for Byrne Preserve to Westwind
Hungarian Horse Farm for a two-year period at an annual rental of
$2400.
City Manager Bruce Lawson reported that in early February, the City
Council authorized Staff to renew the lease for Byrne Preserve,
held by Mr. Richard Thomas since April 23, 1968. Mr. Lawson fur-
ther reported that as Mr. Thomas had not responded to the Town's
offer to renew the lease, by the date requested04arch 15,1973),
other Interested groups and Individuals were contacted, with the
result that Mrs. Linda Tellington-Jones of Westwind Hungarian Horse
Farm had made an offer of $200 per month ($2400 per year) for a
two-year term with the option to renew the lease for an additional
one-year period. Mrs. Tellington-Jones had also agreed to replace
all Inadequate fencing along Altamont Road and to continue to allow
the public access to the property as In the past. All other pro-
visions of the lease would remain as in the current lease. Mrs.
Tellington-Jones further requested that 10 spaces be kept for her
own horses, with the rem lning 5 spaces available to local resi-
dents. (Mrs. Tellington-Jones has been renting the 10 spaces from
Mr. Thomas during the past year.)
Mayor Helgesson Inquired whether adequate fencing exists between
Westwind Hungarian Horse Farm and the Byrne Preserve property. The
City Manager affirmed that fencing in that area was adequate though
replacement of fencing is needed on Cortez Lane.
Speaking from the floor, Mrs. Pat Standring stated that the
citizens of Los Altos Hills have first choice of such pasture land.
She further questionned whether the property will continue as It
was --that Is, for pasture use only. Mayor Helgesson answered
afflrmatively, stating that that was Included in the terms of the
lease.
Speaking from the floor, Mrs. Barbara Hawkins stated that she and
her husband, Mr. Greg Hawkins, had been acting as caretakers for
Mr. Thomas on the Byrne Preserve property, and that they had not
received notification that the current lease was due for renewal.
The City Manager replied that the Town's contract had been entirely
with Mr. Thomas and that he was not aware until that afternoon that
Mr. Thomas was not managing the property personally. Mr. Lawson
stated further that Mr. Thomas should have notified his caretakers
personally of any Impending changes.
The City Attorney stated that if Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins wish to bid
on the lease, the Town would be agreeable to receiving their bid.
Speaking from the floor, Mr. G
arrangement with Mr. Thomas, u
property, forwarding a certain
nues to Mr. Thomas each month.
-4-
eg Hawkins outlined his current
der which he and his wife manage the
percentage of pasture rental rave-
Councilman Grabowski stated that he felt the current lease to be
Imperfect.
Following discussion, and speaking from the floor, Mr. Greg Hawkins
stated that he wished to submit a bid to the Town for the Byrne
Preserve Lease.
Speaking from the floor, Mr. David Jansson inquired whether the
Byrne Preserve's use as income-producing pasturage will expire in
1976 when other businesses do. Mayor Helgesson stated that the
Byrne Preserve constituted an agricultural, rather than commercial
use, and would not, therefore, fall in the same category as
businesses of a non-agricultural nature.
Speaking from the floor, Mrs. Jean Jones stated that her Interest
In the Byrne Preserve lay In being a current lessee of 2 spaces on
the Preserve. Mrs. Jones further stated that It was in the
Interests of the Town that Byrne Preserve be well cared for and
that her only objection to Westwind Hungarian Horse Farm as lessee
was that they Intended to make available only 5 spaces for citizens
of the Town.
MOTION, SECONDED AND DEFEATED: Councilman Kubby moved, seconded
by Councilman Davey, and opposed by Councilman Grabowski, Council-
man Miller and Mayor Helgesson, that approval of the Byrne Preserve
Lease be continued for two meetings and that bids upon the lease
L be Invited by advertisement In the newspapers, with such bids to be
returned to Town Hall.
MOTION, SECDNDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Miller moved, seconded
by Councilman Grabowski, and carried unanimously, that a decision
on the Byrne Preserve Lease be postponed for 2 weeks so that Mr.
Greg Hawkins may offer a bid on the lease.
b. Motion accepting subdivision agreement for Improvements in Altamont
Heights Subdivision, located at southerly terminus of Juliette
Lane and adjacent to Eshner property, Tract No. 5266.
c. Motion accepting bonds guaranteeing Improvements In Altamont Height
Heights Subdivision, Tract No. 5266.
d. Motion accepting final map of Altamont Heights Subdivision, Tract
No. 5266, and authorizing its recordation.
e. Muton accepting agreement for Improvements in Laureleen Acres,
Unit No. 2, located on Natoma Road. Applicant: Robert W. Foulk.
f. Motion accepting Letter of Credit for Improvements In Laureleen
Acres, Unit No. 2.
g. Motion accepting parcel map for Laureleen Acres, Unit No. 2.
1 h. Motion accepting subdivision agreement for Improvements in Byrd
�W Subdivision, Applicant: Mr. Oliver Byrd.
-5-
I. Motion accepting bonds guaranteeing Improvements in Byrd
L Subdivision.
�r J. Motion accepting parcel map for Byrd Subdivision.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Davey moved, seconded by
Councilman Grabowski and carried unanimously, to approve Motions 3-b
through 3-J.
Speaking from the floor, Mr. A. M. Laws expressed the view that Items
such as Motions 3-b through 3-j should be discussed and voted upon
separately because much Is learned by all present when each Item Is
discussed.
4. RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION:
a. Resolution No. supporting Assembly Joint Resolution No. I and
Senate Joint Resolution No. I regarding the busing of school chil-
dren.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Miller moved, seconded
by Councilman Kubby and carried unanimously that prior to Council
action on this Resolution It be referred to the two existing School
Districts, Palo Alto and Los Altos, which serve the Town, request-
ing that they advise the Council concerning It.
Councilman Grabowski stated his agreement with the above-mentioned
Motion as long as the Resolution is placed before the Council again
at some future time.
c. Resolution No. 704 adopting Guidelines under the California
Environmental Quality Act.
Councilman Grabowski Inquired whether exemptions from the Environ-
mental Impact Report would require review by the City Council or
some other elected body when they come up. The City Attorney
stated that the Guidelines referred to In the Resolution are mini-
mum requirements so that any additions the Council may wish to make
are certainly permissable. Mr. Faisant suggested that the follow -
Ing be inserted after Paragraph V of the Resolution:"Each exemption
determination made pursuant to subsections b, c, and a of Paragraph
IV above shall be promptly reported to the City Council."
POTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded
by Councilman Miller and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution
No. 704.
C. CURRENT BUSINESS:
I. Discussion of Preliminary Report relative to the Town of Los Altos
Hills adopting a City Charter.
L City Manager Bruce Lawson presented a Preliminary Report, compiled by
�r City Attorney Robin Faisant and the City Manager relative to the
characteristics and merits of both General Law and Charter Cities In the
State of California.
4 Councilman Kubby expressed thanks to the City Attorney and City Manager
for their efforts In the Report's preparation, stating that it contained
the Information that the Council had been seeking In requesting the
Report.
Councilman Kubby further proposed that the following calendar for con-
sideration of a City Charter be agreed upon:
a) Further Report by Staff to Council: May 2, 1973
b) Public Hearing, Including suggestions and views of Townspeople:
May 16, 1973
c) First draft of Charter for presentation to the Council: June
6, 1973
d) Public Hearing on the draft: June 20, 1973
e) Second draft of Charter: July 4, 1973
f) Public Hearing of second draft: July 18, 1973
Councilmen Grabowski and Miller expressed concern that the calendar
presented might not allow time for thorough study of the Charter.
Councilman Davey expressed the view that the time frame would allow
reasonable time for the Staff and City Attorney to do further work on
the question, and two public hearings for comments from citizens.
Councilman Miller Inquired whether it would be possible to organize as
a Charter City relative solely to the question of zoning. The City
Attorney indicated that it is possible to have a single page Charter
which relates to zoning and which states that in all other respects the
Town would follow the general laws of the State of California.
Speaking from the floor, Mrs. Florence Magruder, Mr. R. C. Cheney, Mr.
Don Spencer and Mr. William Perkins expressed the view that the time-
table under discussion would not permit enough time for complete study
of the Charter question.
MOTION, SECONDED AND DEFEATED: Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by
Mayor Helgesson, with Councilmen Davey, Kubby and Miller opposed, that
consideration of a City Charter be tabled for an Indefinite period pend-
ing further Investigation by the Staff.
MOTION, SECONDED AND DEFEATED: Councilman Davey moved, seconded by
Councilman Kubby, and opposed by Councilman Grabowski, Councilman Miller
and Mayor Helgesson, that the schedule proposed for consideration of
adoption of a City Charter be accepted.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Davey moved, seconded by
Councilman Miller and carried by a vote of 4-1 with Councilman Grabowski
opposed, that the Council follow Staff's recommendation and hear
additional Staff input relative to consideration of a City Charter at
the Council's first regular meeting in May, 1973.
iir Speaking from the floor, Mr. David Jansson stated that if zoning was
-7-
V
an Issue causing disturbance In the Town, It would be well to move
quickly on the Charter question.
Speaking from the floor, Mrs. Theodora Schick questionned the need for
a Charter as long as the Town Incorporates zoning into its General Law
form, and the City Council is responsive to public wishes.
2. Discussion of the Position of Town Historian.
Councilman Miller reported that when the Town Historian, Mrs. Florence
Fava, was appointed, she was to receive compensation for expenses
Incurred on behalf c but had received no notification from
the Town verifying this. Mrs. Miller also stated that it appeared the
Council had never formally acted to appropriate such expenses. While
they cannot be paid retroactively, they could be pro -rated over time in
payment for historical artifacts gathered by Mrs. Fava. Mrs. Miller
further reported on the question of finding an appropriate place for
housing such historical materials.
Councilman Grabowski stated that Mrs. Fava was deserving of some
remuneration she has not hitherto received, and that it might be proper
to consider her expenses as a late inclusion Into the Town Budget for
Fiscal Year 1973-74, once a figure has been determined. Relative to
the location for housing historical artifacts, Councilman Grabowski
suggested that Foothill College or Bullis School, If the Town should
purchase It at some future date, might provide a location free from the
danger of vandalism.
Councilman Kubby requested that the record show his total opposition to
the Town's purchasing Bullis School for Town use, stating that he
considered the idea wild and Irresponsible.
Councilman Davey suggested that Mrs. Fava submit an expense account for
payment and that Mrs. Miller consult with an architect concerning the
possibility of a joint location with Los Altos or Foothill College for
housing the historical materials collected by Mrs. Fava.
Speaking from the floor, Mr. A. M. Laws stated that the Council had
discussed the question of the Town Historian's expenses a couple of
years ago and had some difficulty resolving the issue. Mr. Laws
suggested that a monthly salary of some sort replace the expense account
proposed.
Speaking from the floor, Mr. David Jansson stated that an Individual
recording the Town's history should not live within the Town.
Speaking from the floor, Mr. Frank Gorman stated that Town Hall itself
might be a suitab!e location for the Town's historical collection, but
that any decision relating to this should be postponed until after the
election in June.
Mayor Helgesson stated that it was unclear whether the Town had
actually established a title of Town Historian and that a definite
!SD
description of the position was needed. Mayor Helgesson requested
that the City Manager prepare a Job description and a more definite
`r idea of the appropriate expenses for the next Council Meeting.
D. CONTINUING BUSINESS:
I. Presentation from Mrs. Lisa Merritt relative to her resignation from
Town employment.
Mayor Helgesson announced that the hearing requested by Mrs. Merritt
had been cancelled at the request of her attorney.
E. ORDINANCES FOR ADOPTION:
I. Ordinance No. 209 being an Ordinance of the Town of Los Altos Hills
amending portions of the Municipal Code relating to Administration,
Plan Lines, and Site Approval.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Miller moved, seconded by
Councilman Grabowski and carried unanimously to waive further reading
of Ordinance No. 209.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Davey moved, seconded by
Councilman Grabowski and carried unanimously that Ordinance No. 209
be adopted.
F. STAFF REPORTS:
The City Attorney reported that an $1100 cash deposit for storm drain-
age had been filed by a certain developer some time ago, but that
nothing had been done to make the improvements nor had anything been
done about the cash deposit. The title company Involved has come
close to filing an interpleader suit for Its expenses In this matter,
but the developer has agreed to release the $1100 to the Town to make
the storm drainage improvements if he is released from further respon-
sibility in the matter.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Davey moved, seconded by
Councilman Grabowski and carried unanimously that the Town release
the developer from responsibility for any increase in cost, and to
accept the $1100 as payment In full for the purpose.of making storm
drainage Improvements.
G. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS BY COUNCILMEN:
I. Councilman Grabowski stated that the election of Leslie A. Helgesson
as Mayor of Los Altos Hills took place one year ago, with the Mayor
to serve a one year teen. Consequently, he wished to nominate Mr.
Helgesson to succeed himself for one year from this date.
Mayor Helgesson announced that he would entertain other nominations
for Mayor.
V MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Kubby moved, seconded by
Councilman Davey „ to table the matter of nominations for Mayor for an
Indefinite period. The motion was carried by roll call vote as follows:
L Councilman Davey; Aye. Councilman Grabowski: No. Councilman Kubby:
4r Aye. Councilman Miller: Aye. Mayor Helgesson: No.
Councilman Davey urged that the Council reconsider the City Manager's
earlier request for approval to call for bids on a backhoe as it takes
considerable time for bidding to be accomplished and an order placed.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Davey moved, seconded by
Councilman Kubby, and carried unanimously that the City Manager be
authorized to receive bids for a backhoe for use by the Town
Maintenance Staff.
Councilman Miller reported concerning a letter received from Mr. David
Bellucci regarding the status of Adobe Creek Lodge and a mailing
survey conducted by Mr. Bellucci to learn the feelings of Townspeople
concerning the future of Adobe Creek Lodge as a recreational income-
producing business. Councilman Miller further suggested that In the
interest of obtaining an unbiased analysis of the area in question, the
City Manager contact the firm of Livingston and Blaney, who are
currently doing a study of Adobe Creek for Los Altos --with the Idea of
considering an extension of their study into Los Altos Hills.
Councilman Davey stated that Livingston and Blaney, are expert in the
area of the mid -Peninsula and that It would be worthwhile to have the
City Manager Inquire into the cost and content of such a study.
Councilman Kubby questioned the need for such a study, Indicating that
existing one -acre zoning was the present standard for evaluating such
questions.
Commissioner Mueller, representing the Planning Commission, stated that
he would be Interested in knowing what such a study would contain.
Speaking from the floor, Mr. R. C. Cheney stated the view that
currently -existing Town standards have already determined how land
should be used, and that the study Is, therefore, not needed.
Speaking from the floor, Mr. David Bellucci stated that he had received
500 cards representing Townspeople as a result of his mailing, the
majority of which favored the continued use of Adobe Creek Lodge as a
recreational facility.
Following discussion, and at the request of Councilman Davey, the
replies to Mr. Bellucci's study were left at Town Hall for further
study and report by Staff.
Councilman Grabowski requested that the following short section from
Robert's Rules of Order be entered Into the record verbatim: "That a
motion to lay on the table is often incorrectly used with the Intention
of either killing an embarrassing question without a direct vote, or
of suppressing a question without debate. If an Important question
164W must be settled immediately and there is no urgent reason to lay It
am
aside, a motion to lay the question on the table Is clearly dilatory
and, consequently, should be ruled out of order by the Chair."
H. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR:
Mrs. Shirley Smith expressed great concern and a demand for action with
regard to the condition of roads within the Town, to the extent that
school buses and cars must drive Into an oncoming lane In some places
to avoid holes In the road.
City Manager Lawson stated that Mrs. Smith had expressed his feelings
exactly, reiterating that major work is required in some areas, with
patching being done where patching Is possible. Mr. Lawson further
stated that the present problem lies In establishing priorities inas-
much as only about 10% of the Town's almost 50 miles of roadway are
currently In good condition. Mr. Lawson stated that the forthcoming
budget will contain Items covering this work.
Mayor Helgesson inquired whether the Town is doing all repair work
with its own forces. The City Manager stated that at present the Town
crew is doing preliminary work, such as cutting out road base in
damaged areas, with Taaffe (Martin J. Taaffe Co., Inc.) Construction
following with the patching operation.
Mr. Lawson stated that proper equipment would be of great assistance in
allowing the Town crew to do all Its own work inasmuch as the present
crew consists of only 2 men.
Mayor Helgesson suggested that a greater use of the facilities of
Martin J. Taaffe Co. may be required In order to meet current repair
needs.
Speaking from the floor, Mrs. Florence Magruder reiterated the
concern of Mrs. Smith, stating that the north side of Alta Tierra Is
particular problem area, and requested that chuckholes at least be
filled In and that Staff offer a timetable showing the schedule for
planned road ma lntenance.
City Manager Lawson stated that fl l l Ing In chuckholes with gravel or
other filler was a dangerous solution because such fills rapidly
deteriorate and may cause skids. He stated further that decisions of
patching one spot In Town as opposed to another are difficult. Mr.
Lawson reported that the Town hopes to begin a thorough street
resurfacing program by early summer, which will depend, in part, upon
the Budget.
Speaking from the floor, Mrs. Theodora Schick expressed her concern
regarding tabling of nominations for the office of Mayor. Mrs. Schick
stated that citizens of Los Altos Hills need to know the term of their
Mayor and that If, as stated by the City Attorney, tabling nominations
results In an Indefinite extension of the current Mayor's tenure, the
citizen does not have this knowledge.
Councilman Kubby stated that Mrs. Schick was out of order in her
remarks in that a tabled motion may not be brought up again by the
assembly at the same meeting. Mrs. Schick replied that she had
received permission from the Chair to speak. Mayor Helgesson restated
lliiiw the opinion of the City Attorney that the matter could not be raised
again in that meeting.
4. Speaking from the floor, Mrs. Florence Fava stated that she was
concerned by the question of the Mayor's term, Indicating that in her
knowledge of the Town's history, there had never been a one-year
Mayor previously, and that now there was not even a one-year Mayor.
Mrs. Fava stated further that the Council had failed repeatedly to act
upon the matter of expenses incurred by her In researching and collect-
ing materials relative to the Town's history, and that her reinstate-
ment as Town Historian had taken place last year, so that the question
of definition of her position showed disregard for her past contribut-
tions, as well as for the Council's own action In reinstating her as
Town Historian.
5. Speaking from the floor, Mr. A. M. Laws Inquired whether a motion was
not made one year ago to the effect that Mayor Helgesson be appointed
for I year, and Deputy Mayor Mary Davey for one year. The City
Attorney replied that such was not the case.
6. Mr. Laws Inquired further whether zoning could not be maintained in the
same way as the sewer question, which was once a prcblem In the Town,
Is maintained --that is, by permitting changes in the zoning only by a
vote of the people. Mr. Laws stated that he believed the State
Legislature can allow a Town to make zoning subject to election.
The City Attorney stated that zoning may not be taken out of Council
hands because zoning Is not an Issue subject to referendum.
7. Speaking from the floor, Mrs. Theodora Schick said that If both the
present ordinance concerning zoning, and a potential charter (contain-
ing reference to one -acre zoning), may be challenged In court, why Is
It necessary to consider a charter for the Town.
Mayor Helgesson stated that such a question would be better discussed
at a time when the charter question Is heard.
B. Speaking from the floor, Mrs. Shirley Smith Inquired whether some of
the main streets now travelled by school buses could be temporarily
patched.
City Manager Lawson replied that one of the streets indicated by Mrs.
Smith was sc:ieduled for repair the following week.
9. Speaking from the floor, Mr. Frank Gorman expressed concern and support
for Mrs. Florence Fava with regard to her position as Town Historian,
urging the City Council to address a letter of apology to Mrs. Fava
and to make arrangements for just compensation of her expenses as
well as a suitable location for the housing of historical material
relating to the Town.
-12-
Councilman MIIler expressed her agreement with Mr. Gorman and urged
that the Council pursue the matter, stating that an apology was In
` order.
Councilman Grabowski expressed the view that Mrs. Fava was entitled to
compensation and that, for her sake, some definite action should be
taken by the Council. Mr. Grabowski recommended further that a
definite proposal be presented to the Council at its next meeting,
Including a complete Job description for the Town Historian, and
accurate accounting of the costs involved In compensating Mrs. Fava
for her work in this capacity.
1. ADJOURNMENT: 11:35 PM
\'J
lq
Respectfully submitted,
k. .ren R. Halvorsen
Deputy City Clerk
-13-