HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/05/1973TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
December 5, 1973
cc: Reel 60 - Side 1, Tr. I - 000-1526
STUDY SESSION
Mayor Leslie A. Helgesson explained that the purpose of the Study Session
was to thoughtslonwMr. Dan the energylexanecrisisrnow confronting the natiof Pacific Gas and c to present some
onj
Mr. Dan Alexander explained some of the reasons we are faced with the crisis
in the view of Pacific Gas and Electric. Some of these reasons given for
the present shortages were: the denial of all pending export permits by
the National Energy Board of Canada; set -back in operating dates for energy
supplied by nuclear generating plants (Diablo 1 8 2, and Sacramento's
Rancho Seco); curtailment of natural gas from El Paso; and the low priority
set by the Federal Power Commission on the use of gas by steam electric
generating plants.
Mr. Alexander requested the Town and the Townspeople to do their part in
this present crisis by reducing consumption of gas and electricity by 10%.
kw Some ways this can be done are: the use of lower watt bulbs in lamps;
shutting lights off when not in use; setting thermostat to 67-68 degrees,
and any other way they can to conserve fuel.
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Leslie Helgesson called the regular meeting of the City Council of the
Town of Los Altos
FrHills
emontRoad. Los
to order
g:55 P.M. in the CouncAltos Hills, Californian Chambers of
Town Hall, 26379
A. ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmen Cheney, Grabowski, Councilwoman Miller, Mayor
Helgesson.
Absent: Councilman McReynolds.
B. CONSENT CALENDAR:
At the request of Mr. Mart Fritchle, Item 4c was removed from the
toNrENT emoveAItemAR. Mr. Bruce Lawson, 4c completely from the CAgenda ity nforrthisgmeetinCouncil
g.
Councilman Grabowski asked that Item I be removed, and Councilman
Cheney asked that Item 3 a) be removed for separate consideration.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 5, 1973
MOTION,
cilmanSECONDED
CheneyAND
andCARRIED:
unanimouslyCouncilman
carried to adoptithevseconded
s
remaining items
on the CONSENT CALENDAR, namely:
2. Approval of Warrants: $25,816.74
4. a) Resolution #731 calling the General Municipal Election for
Tuesday, March 5, 1974.
b) Resolution #732 requesting the Board of Supervisors of the
County of Santa Clara to permit the Registrar of Voters to
assist the City Clerk in conducting the General Municipal
Election to be held on Tuesday, March 5, 1974.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION:
1. Approval of Minutes: November 7, 1974
Councilman Grabowski requested that the tape of the meeting of Nov. 7th
be checked as to his exact comment on the Community Health Abuse Council.
The correction as to Mr. Grabowski's comment should read as follows:
"Councilman Grabowski stated that when the Program was first presented
he had a rather jaundiced view of the entire idea, not because he
opposed the correction of drug abuse, but because it was rather vague
what the Program was going to encompass."
Councilman Grabowski also commented that though he originally took a
dim view of the Program, he had voted for it.
Approval of Minutes: November 14, 1973
Page 2, fourth para. should read, "Councilman Grabowski then motioned
to agenda this matter until next meeting.
Page 3, third para: Councilman Cheney asked for a clarification of
the $25 charge by Land Resources on land owned by them in Palo Alto.
Thirged
horse-
men wished lto use ahpath 5crossing tofee was aother fproperty owned or a key �by ng e
is as Land
Resources."
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by
Councilman Cheney and unanimously approved to accept the Mdnutes of
November 7th and November 14th as corrected.
3. a) Adopt Prevailing Wage Rate Schedule for Public Construction:
Councilman Cheney inquired if the adoption of the prevailing Wage
Rate schedule was only for improvements of Elena Road.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 5, 1973
City Manager, Mr. Bruce Lawson, explained that if a City planned to
do any kind of construction during the coming year, they would have
to adopt such a Resolution and that it was not specifically for
improvements scheduled for Elena Road.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by
Councilman Cheney and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution #733
ordering participation in publication of prevailing wage rates paid on
construction projects by County.
c) Resolution Mo. ecce tin im rovements Silent Hills
u v stun, ract
Mr. Murl Fritchle, speaking from the floor, explained to Council that
the Town had never formally accepted the improvements on this sub-
division a year ago, and he asked that Council overlook this error
of the Town's Staff when he was the Town's Manager. City Engineer,
Mr. Alex Russell, substantiated Mr. Fritchle's statement.
City Manager Mr. Bruce Lawson, requested that this matter be continued
on the advice of the City Attorney so the legal aspects of the matter
could be studied.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Cheney moved, seconded by
Councilwoman Miller to agenda Iteir, 4c to the meeting of December 19th.
Motion passed by following vote:
Aye: Councilman Cheney, Councilwoman Miller, Mayor Helgesson
No: None
Abstain: Councilman Grabowski
Absent: Councilman McReynolds.
C. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR:
Mrs. Artemas Ginzton Matoma Road: Reported to Council about the
County a an. ounce man rabowski asked Mrs. Ginzton if the
Sheriff was currently issuing citations in Los Altos Hills for bicycles.
Mrs. Ginzton replied affirmatively. Following is the manner in which
these citations for juvenile offenders is handled by the County:
Offenders 12 ears of age and under:
first tat on: am ng letter or moving violation; 2nd Citation,
Letter to parents regarding child's attendance at Bicycle Safety School;
3rd Citation, Along with non-attendance at Bicycle Safety School, the
third citation results in referral to the Juvenile Probation Dept.
Offenders 13 thru 17 ears of aoe:
st rtat on: spos ton same as above, but attendance at Bicycle
Safety Class is required; 2nd citation, referred to Juvenile Prob. Dept.
16 Mayor Helgesson thanked firs. Ginzton on bohalf of Council for bringing
this report before them.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 5, 1973
Mrs. Mildred Gallo anne Court: Asked Council and City Manager to
o s met ng a out t,
present P.A. System because of the noise it created
in the Chambers during the meetings.
D. CONTINUING BUSINESS:
1. Review of Bids for Security Patrol Service:
The City Manager reported to Council regarding bids. A total of seven
bids were received out of eleven requests for bids that were sent to
private firms. The three lowest bids were as follows:
Spartan Industrial Security Service `15,119
Woodside-Portola Private Patrol 15,844
Pinkerton, Inc. 17,026
Following the report by the City Manager, a discussion ensued regarding
the break -down of costs for these services. Councilman Grabowski
suggested that Council study the history and background of the Security
Patrol Companies and choose one with a background of rural patrol and
not necessarily on the basis of "low bid".
The Mayor inquired of the City Attorney as to any legal problem which
might arise as a result of Councilman Grabowski's suggestion for
`, further study. Mr. Gillio advised that there were no problems since no
definite date was set on the bid issued.
Councilwoman Miller asked Council to also consider the City Manager's
suggestion for the Town's own Security Patrol at the next meeting in
light of the bids received.
Staff was directed by Council to contact the three Services listed above
for background information relative to their experience in rural areas
and to comment on any foreseeable curtailment of services that might
result from a gas shortage.
Speaking from the floor:
Mrs. Irma Goldsmith, Chairwoman Traffic and Public Safety Committee:
Asked Council if it were not under an obligation to accept the lowest
bid. The City Attorney responded that Council reserved the right to
reject all bids, and also stated that when services were being contracted,
Council was not bound to accept a proposal in the terms of money.
Mrs. Goldsmith also urged Council to act with promptness in this matter
because of the holiday season and the need for more Patrol of the Town.
She also asked Council to urge residents to use a lower watt bulb in
their outside lights, but not to omit lights entirely from the outside
of their homes as a safety precaution.
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Councilman Grabowski asked that the record show 'hat on p c.� 5, last cc
Council paragraph if
ilfailed to y
fillthetvacancyrlexisting onr. Gillio.�tne EnvironaentaltPlanning5 173
Commission, the Council could face a citizen's suit for not complying
with the Town's Ordinance.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 5, 1973
%W
Council unanimously agreed to continue the decision on a Security Patrol
Service until their meeting of December 19, 1973.
2. Resolution No. callin far bids in improvements to Elena Road
etween atanw an ur ss ma.
Mayor Helgesson asked City Engineer, Mr. Alex Russell, if he anticipated
that the calling for bids at this time would get positive results or
if anything would be gained by postponing this matter until January or
February.
Mr. Russell responded that there were contractors during the winter
season who would be willing to bid so they could keep their men employed.
Mr. Russell informed Council that there was an oil shortage and some
asphalt plants were slowing down, and that it was possible that the
Town would not get any bids because of the energy crisis.
Mayor Helgesson commented that the Council had received sets of plans
on the improvements, but had not gone over them as a group. He asked
for Council's comments on the plans.
After discussion regarding the planned improvements, it was Council's
general agreement to meet with the City Engineer at an Adjourned
Meeting to go over the plans. The meeting was set for Wednesday,
4W December 12, 1973 at 3:00 P.M.
S akin frau the Floor: Mr. A. M. Laws, Mrs. Irma Goldsmith and
r. eF1 K n Young. #ter Fearing their comments, Mayor Helgesson commented
that the public, particularly the residents along Elena, were invited
to attend the meeting and give their comments to Council.
E. CURRENT BUSINESS:
1. Discussion regarding formation of Public Works Commission:
Mayor Helgesson said he had received a long distance call from Council-
man McReynolds requesting that any discussion on a Public Works
Commission be postponed until next Council meeting so that he could
be in attendance.
Councilman Grabowski made several comments about the size of such a
Commission, but was agreeable to holding the matter over. He also
requested the City Attorney's legal opinion concerning an unfilled
vacancy on the Environmental Planning Commission.
Mr. Gillio stated that simply allowing a vacancy to continue was not
out of order on the part of Council. The State law says the size of a
Planning Commission can be 9, 7 or 5 members, at the option of Council.
He suggested that the Ordinance pertaining to the size of the Commission
be amended, if that was Council's wishes.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 5, 1973
2. Discussion of Building Permit and.Business License Fees:
City Manager, Bruce Lawson, read the proposal and recommendation
section of his memo to Council on the Fee Study.
A discussion ensued regarding various fees, particularly the fee
charged for business licenses in the Town. Councilman Cheney suggested
that smaller contractors pay only $5 for a one-time only license, with
the fees accumulating toward a yearly business license to encourage
smaller contractors to work in the Town.
At the request of the Mayor, Mr. Lawson commented that because of
administrative costs involved, the Town would probably lose money on
this type of business license. Councilman Grabowski also felt that
this suggestion would be unworkable because of the costs and the
inability of the Town to police violators.
After further discussion, Councilman Cheney requested Staff to do
additional study and report back to Council. The matter was continued
until the first meeting in January.
3.
8'121 n Lme-nt
ointment to fill one existingvacancyon the Environmental
Plann ng Comm ssion:
This matter was continued to December 19, 1973 at the request of
Councilman McReynolds.
4. Discussion of Septic Tank Pumping Company Franchise:
Because City Attorney, Mr. Frank Gillio, submitted a memo to Council
stating that in his legal opinion the Town could not grant a franchise
to a septic tank pumping company, there was no further discussion on
this matter, except for several questions put to the Attorney by
members of Council.
F. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS BY COUNCILMEN:
1. Councilman Cheney:
a) Wished to comment on the number of Executive Sessions that
were being held by Council and suggested that some of the business
being conducted in this session could be discussed on the floor.
After discussion, Council agreed to an effort to keep Executive
Sessions to a minimum, and to give the public at least a general
idea of what is to be discussed when Executive Sessions do come up.
b) Commented that Mr. Hahn, a heighbor of Town Hall, had been
promised a report on the efforts to abate various problems
resulting from his home being in close proximity to the Town Hall
and Corporation Yard. Mr. Lawson said a report would be presented
to Council under Staff Reports.
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Councilwoman Miller also requested that the rern;q indicat;. that she G�
was excused from the meeting after Item M, "Star:` Reports", immediately �z��9/23
after City Manager read his memo to Council regarding Planning Services.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 5, 1973
G. HEARINGS:
The City Manager commented that Item G3 could be striken from the
Agenda since the assessment had been paid in full.
1. Segregation of Assessments, S.A.D. #9. Laureling Acres Subdivision:
The Mayor asked for any comments or objective,- from the public. There
being no comments from the floor, the following actnu„ «ken:
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilwoman Miller motioned, seconded by
Councilman Cheney, and unanimously carried to adopt Resolution No. 737
ordering division of unpaid assessment, S.A.D. #9, Assessment No. 1007.
2. Segregation of Assessments S A D #4 Altamont Heights:
There being no comments or objections from the floor, the following
action was taken:
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilwoman Miller moved, seconded by
Councilman Cheney and unanimously carried to adopt Resolution #736 ordering
division of unpaid assessment, S.A.D. #4, Assessment #44-001.
` H. STAFF REPORTS:
�r 1. City Attorney:
Mr. Gillio commented that the Town had received a letter from the
Nature Conservancy asking Council's desires regarding the purchase of
Parcel #6 of the Byrne Preserve. Council reviewed the map of the
Preserve and the parcels remaining from the original agreement with the
Nature Conservancy. After several questions directed to the City
Manager regarding funding, and to the City Attorney regarding the
Agreement, the following action was taken:
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilwoman Miller.moved, seconded by
Councilman Grabowski and unanimously carried to adopt Resolution #734
authorizing exercise of option to purchase real property and ordering
payment of money; and approving and authorizing execution of lease of real
property between the Town of Los Altos Hills and the Nature Conservancy.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by
Councilwoman Miller and unanimously carried to adopt Resolution #735
accepting Corporation Grant Deed and ordering recordation thereof.
2. CITY MANAGER:
a) Mr. Lawson informed Council that the Town had received three
applications for Open Space Contracts under the Williamson Act
44W, as follows:
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 5, 1973
1. Mr. William E. Jarvis, Assessor's Parcel #182-31-61,
total acreage o 12.65.
NOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by
Councilwoman Miller and unanimously carried to adopt Resolution #738
approving Williamson Act Contract.
2. David G. and Joanne Proft, Assessor's Parcel #182-25-007,
total acreage = 4.15.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by
Councilman Cheney and unanimously carried to adopt Resolution #740 approving
Williamson Act Contract.
3. Mr. frank K. Ugie, Assessor's Parcel #175-39-002,
total acreage - 3 1/3.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Cheney moved, seconded by
Councilwoman hiller and unanimously carried to adopt Resolution #741
approving Williamson Act Contract.
b) Mr. Lawson brought to Council's attention the regular meeting
scheduled for January 2nd and asked if they would like to move
the meeting date. It was the consensus of the Council to keep
the regular meeting date as scheduled.
c) The City Manager read his memo to Council regarding Planning
Services. He outlined certain Planning Services that would be
performed by Town Staff and those which should be performed by the
Planning Consulting firm of William Spangle & Assoc.
Mayor Helgesson commented that the consensus of Council opinion
was that these duties seemed to be as they should.
Councilman Grabowski commented that he agreed and felt that the
City Manager should play a more important part in Planning, which
had not been done before.
After discussion, the City Attorney's opinion was asked, and he
responded that a contract should be drawn up between the Town and
the Planning Consultant with exact terms and duties spelled out in
that contract.
Mr. Lawson said that if Council agreed, then their action should
be to authorize the Manager to negotiate a contract with 1411liam
Spangle and Associates along the lines spelled out in the City
Manager's Memo. Council so directed.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 5, 1973
d) Purchase of Property on Purissima (Henry Property):
Mr. Lawson reported that the Environmental Planning Commission
made the recommendation to Council that all offers be dropped
concerning this matter.
e) Correspondence to Council:
Letters received by Council and included in their packet for
this evenipg were as follows:
Mr. and Mrs. R. J. De Cristoforo - thanking Council for having
a stop sign nsta a -at t e corners of Natoma and Elena.
Dr. and Mrs. G. Polford: Complaining of two new stop signs in Town
because of fuelcr s s, pollution and not being conducive to
rural atmosphere.
Mr. D. Bri s Robleda Lane: Complaining about flooding on his
N
cause yDJOCKed drainage ditches and bank of road.
The City Manager commented that the Maintenance Crew was scheduled
to clear out the ditches in question during the coming week.
Mr. William White Principal of Purissima School regarding the
Lr placemen
acemen� t o�p signs at Fremont and Weston.
Los Altes Fire De artment - regarding request of Town for consideration
o property owne y tem as Corporation Yard for Town.
Noise Abatement Committee, - regarding suggestion for joint venture
with other cities n an effort to abate the noise on IS280.
f) Landscaping of IS280:
Mr. Lawson summarized his Memo to Council regarding the State Dept.
of Transportation's final plans for the landscaping of IS280 corridor
within the Town boundaries, in which it was estimated that the
project should be completed by the end of January. At the same
time, trees have been ordered from the Dept. of Forestry for planting
of private property on those lands that abut IS280. A letter to
residents affected asking for their cooperation and participation
In this venture would be going out this week.
Councilman Grabowski asked about the planting of the median strips
along E1 Monte Road. Mr. Lawson responded that the Env. Design
Committee was handling this matter. Mr. Minckley, Secretary for
that Committee, speaking from the floor, stated that this planting
was being given R1 priority by the Committee at the present time.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - December 5, 1973
g) Lands of Creasy:
The City Manager stated that the Board of Planning Administration
approved a change of conditions for the lands of Creasy regarding
In -lieu fees.
Mr. Creasy, speaking from the floor, requested that this matter
be agendad for the next Council meeting for disposition so that
he could prepare a letter to Council concerning this matter.
The City Attorney, when asked for his opinion, stated that it was
customary that appeals be done by letter. Staff and Council
agreed to agenda Mr. Creasy's appeal to the December 19th meeting.
3. City Engineer:
a) Mr. Alex Russell asked Council's direction regarding road and
pathway improvements on La Paloma Road which Mr. Jerry Bishop was
to have done.
After discussion, it was the consensus of Council that Mr. Russell
have the work done at the Town's expense and collect the money from
the bond that was posted for these improvements because of the
deteriorating condition of the road.
` b) Mr. Russell asked the Council what they wished done about the
deteriorating condition of Robleda Road where serious erosion was
occurring between Dori Lane and Lindell. He suggested that the
drainage ditches be cleaned; installing two cross drains, and putting
another drain on Dori Lane to help eliminate the problem.
It was the Consensus of Council opinion that the City Engineer take
whatever steps were necessary to halt the deterioration of Robleda.
(NOTE: By the time this article came up for discussion, Council-
woman Miller was not present).
At this point, Mr. Wilton Hinckley, Architect, was requested to
cane before Council with his plans for an acoustical wall to be installed
between Town Hall and the neighbors on Esperanza Drive. Mr. Minckley
explained'his olan5 to.COunCil and anwered th4ir gdestions'corcerning the
placement of the wall, types of materials that could be used, and the
aesthetics of the design when complete. After discussion, Mr. Hinckley
was directed by Council to get some firm quotes on materials and
present them to Council at next meeting.
I. EXECUTIVE (PERSONNEL .& LITIGATION) SESSION: None
J. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 A.M. to an Adjourned
Fleeting on Wednesday, December 12, 1973 at 3:00 P.M. in the Council
Chambers for the purpose of discussing the improvements of Elena Road.
Respectfully submitted,
Norma Hislop
Deputy City Clerk
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