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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/22/1972�. CITY COUNCIL TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING February 22, 1972 Reel 41 Side 2 Track 2 970 -End Side 1 Track 2 00-950 Mayor Walter A. Benson called the regular meeting of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills to order at 7:45 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, with the following members answering roll call: Present: Councilmen Corbett, Davey, Grabowski, Helges- son, and Mayor Benson. Absent; None. PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE: Commissioner Spencer APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of December 6, 1971. Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Helgesson and carried unanimously that the minutes of December 6, 1971 be approved as written. COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Mr. Donald Logan, Chairman of the Airport Land Use Commission advised of formation of its subcommittee.to review development proposals and requests for zoning changes and requested Tam representation. Council concurred that Dr. ` Marjorie Evans be asked to represent the Town on this committee. 2. City of Santa Clara requested Town participation on the Countywide Eike Committee. Mayor Benson asked that Mrs. M. Saviano provide this representa- tion and Mr. R. C. Cheney be designated alternate. 3. League of California Cities (Peninsula Division) meets 3/24/72 at Royal Coach Motor Hotel in San Mateo. 4. County Board of Supervisors advised: a. Adoption of Park and Recreation Element of County General Plan. b. Initiation of studies for qualifying certain highways as scenic routes, which includes IS 280. Council requested staff to investigate the records to verify that the Town had adopted a resolution several years ago urging the State to declare IS 280 as a scenic highway. NOTE: Although unscheduled items were discussed out of sequence, these min- - were prepared in the sequence of the agenda to provide continuity. SCHEDULED ITEM NO. Is BUILDING SITE APPROVAL FOR THOMAS W. SPAIN (BSA -59-70) 1 lot, 1.178 acres, fronting on both Fremont Road and Ciceroni Lane. Engr. John W. Riley. The City Manager reviewed that this application had been continued from the i last meeting to allow further attempts by Staff to obtain a suitable access to this property from Ciceroni Lane. Staff stated that neighbors on either side had been contacted to determine whether they would be willing to grant a driveway easement across the corners of their property to facilitate ad- equate access, but neither neighbor was receptive to this proposal. Council discussion ensued with participation from Commissioner Spencer. Con- .tinued concern was expressed over the hazardous entrance and exit of this site onto Fremont Road. Following considerable discussion, initial motion by Councilman Grabowski, seconded by Davey to deny building site approval was withdrawn, since it was felt outright denial would result in undue hardship upon the applicant. A second motion by Councilman Grabowski, seconded by Davey to grant building site approval conditioned upon dedication of a It non - access strip along the Fremont frontage and necessitating Mr. Spain to ob- tain legal access to Ciceroni by means of civil action failed by a 3-2 vote. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Corbett moved, seconded by Helges- son and carried by majority vote (Davey and Grabowski opposing) that building site approval for T. W. Spain (BSA 59-70) for one lot fronting on Fremont Road be granted in accordance with the check list dated Jan. 24, 1972. SCHEDULED ITEM NO. 2: BUILDING SITE APPROVAL FOR PETER LINDRS (BSA -74-72) 1 lot, 2.1 acres, located 900' west of Moody Court on north side of Moody Road. Engr. J. W. Riley. Staff reviewed the Planning Commission discussion and read their recommended check list conditions. It was noted that the Commission unanimously con- curred with the applicant's request to retain an existing redwood water tank for irrigation and fire protection. Council discussion concurred with the recommendations. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Grabowski and carried unanimously that the Building Site Approval for P. Lindes (BSA 74-72) for one lot on Moody Road be granted in accordance with the check list dated Feb. 14, 1972. SCHEDULED ITEM NO. 3: USE PERMIT FOR A BOARDING STABLE (SHALOM ACRES) at 24970 O-AMWE LANE (UP 363-72) (Former Melton Ranch). APPLICANT: Z. BRANDSTETTER. Staff reviewed the Planning Commission discussion of this application and read the fifteen conditions recommended for approval of this Use Permit to board fourteen horses. Council discussion concurred with the recommendations. MDTIW9, SECONDED AND CARRIEDs Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Grabowski and carried unanimously that the Use Permit Request of Z. Brand - stetter (UP 363-72) for a boarding stable (Shalom Acres) at 24970 O'Keefe Lane be approved in accordance with the 15 conditions of approval dated Feb. 14, 1972. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 1• CONSIDER EMERGENCY ORDINANCE TO CONTROL DEVELOPMENT IN THE PORTION OF LOS ALTOS HILLS LYING WITHIN THE MOMS BELLO RIDGE STUDY AREA. Staff reviewed the discussion of this item continued from the Feb. 7th Council meeting. Councilman Grabowski expressed continued opposition to the ordinance as an erosion of local autonomy. Councilman Corbett urged support in the form of a resolution instead of as an emergency ordinance. Councilman Helgesson noted adoption would conform to the Town's thinking and in essence the emergency ordinance would strengthen the Town's stand to control develop- ment during the interim period. Councilman Davey stated that the criteria as outlined in the Ordinance, regarding seismic, geologic and soils hazards within the Monte Bello Ridge study area warranted review by the County Planners and the Policy Planning Committee. Mayor Benson noted that the Tawn's zoning was the most stringent in the County and he questioned the need for advice from an agency outside the Town. -2- Floor comments were heard from Mr. A. M. Laws, 11210 Hooper Lane; Mrs. Judy Carico, 25311 O'Keefe Lane; Mr. John Goodrich, 27101 Horseshoe Lane, and Mr. R. C. Cheney, 10737 Magdalena Ave. The City Attorney summarized views expressed and noted that a resolution is a Town Policy, while an Ordinance is a Town law. He stated, if the in- tent is to limit subdivision of areas with 40% slope to five acre parcels, an ordinance would be required. MDTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Corbett moved, seconded by Grabow- ski that the City Manaqer prepare a resolution for next meeting indicating that although the Town reerves the right to make the final decision on all subdivision applications within its jurisdiction, that the Town would cooper- ate with the Policy Planning Committee (PPC) on any development of land with- in the Monte Bello Ridge study area by: 1. Advising PPC of all proposed subdivisions and 2. Upon request, would forward such applications to PPC for their recommendations and 3. The Town would consider PPC's recommendations, provided they were submitted back to the Town within the time frame presently followed in processing subdivision applications. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilmen Corbett, Grabowski and Mayor Benson. Noes: Councilmen Davey and Helgesson. Council discussion concurred to agenda an emergency ordinance for the next meeting that would restrict all subdivisions in the Monte Bello Ridge area with over 40% slope to five acre lots. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 2: CONSIDER ACTION ON PAPER ENTITLED "LOS ALTOS HILLS - OPEN SPACE AND YOU". Staff reviewed the Planning Commission comments and their recommended resolu- tion establishing the Town policy regarding cancellation of Williamson Act contracts and abandonment of open space easements. The Council concurred that their comments and the resolution be incorporated into the paper. It was also agreed that the document be provided the approximately 160 residents who would qualify to place land under the Williamson Act or Chapter 6.5.(See Resolution No. 661, under Resolutions). MDTICN, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Corbett moved, seconded by Helges- son and carried by unanimous roll call vote that the paper entitled "Los Altos Hills - Open Space and You" incorporate resolution No. 661 and that it be mailed to all residents qualifying to place open space under the Williamson Act or Chapter 6.5. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 3: CONSIDER PURCHASE CF 8.124 acres of SURPLUS STATE LAND ON O'KEEPE LANE. Staff showed several slides of this property and noted that the Planning Commission had recommended purchase of this surplus land and urged an imag- q%,, inative plan be formulated for the use of this property. A letter was read from the Normandy Lane Association, also urging the Council to purchase this property appraised by the Division of Highways at $20,100. -3- Councilman Grabowski referred to the Townwide questionaire of 1970 which indicated the majority of residents opposed any additional Town general 'funds being expended for open space. He moved the purchase of this land be passed up and allowed to go to the highest bidder, noting the Town had al- ready zoned it as open space, and had budgetary problems without further t dipping into the reserve. The motion died for lack of a second. The other Council members expressed reservations on taking a chance at losing the land offered, noting a request for rezoning from a successful bidder could possibly result. Also it was noted that the asking price was based upon the current zoning and it easily would be worth $60,000 if not zoned OSR. Floor comments were heard from Mrs. M. Saviano and Mrs. J. Carice supporting purchase of the land. The majority of the Council concurred that further Staff investigation be made to determine if a time extension to decide upon its purchase was possible and meanwhile individual contributions towards its purchase to make the down Payment would be pursued. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 4• �PORS FROM PLANNING COMMISSION ON SPHERES CF INFLUENCE. Staff reviewed the Planning Commission discussion of Feb. 14, and their re- solution urging the City Council to take strong action in the establishment of the Sphere of Influence boundaries between the Town, Cupertino and Palo Alto. Staff stated that Kaiser (Permanente) will submit a letter of intent that they will not develop the Kaiser Ridge nor the north side of the ridge, since they intend to mine the present area for the next 20 years. It was noted that representatives of the adjoining Roman Catholic church property advised that they would be willing to leave the lands above the 440 line open and hoped to trade off less density of upper lands in return for ig acre sites in the lowlands. They indicated some of the land might be reserved for a cemetery or a golf course. Council discussion ensued with floor participation from Mr. A. M. Laws. The Council concurred with the Planning Commission recommended Sphere of Influence boundaries for presentation to LAFCO on March 14, 1972, and agreed to hear Resolution No. 658 defining these boundaries under Resolutions. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 5• CONSIDER RESOLUTION URGING IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION OF STANDARDS OF MERCURY CONTAMINATION. Staff reviewed that this item had been placed on the agenda in response to a request from the Santa Clara County Flood Control and Water District that urged the Food and Drug Administration thoroughly review the matter of safe mercury levels in the flesh of fish intended for human consumption. Council concurred and agreed to hear Resolution No. 660 under Resolutions. MENLED ITEM NO. 6s TION FROM THE LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COMMISSION RECEIVED FROM MRS. JAMES E. PIPER. Staff advised Mrs. Piper, who had been the representative from Los Altos Hills on the Los Altos Library Commission since Jan. S. 1970, had asked to be replaced since she was unable to regularly attend the meetings. Council concurred to accept Mrs. Piper's resignation and directed the City Manager to convey the Town's appreciation for her past service. Mayor Benson appointed Mr. R. S. Glidden, 23600 Ravensbury Road to complete this unexpired term. -4- . _UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 7: REPORT OF THE TOWN'S PUBLIC PROTECTION COMMISSION. Staff reviewed and Council considered the following recemmendations from the Public Protection Commission. 1. Council concurred with r4nor improvements in the sight distance at the intersection of Elena and Moody Roads, which can be done by the relocation of a portion of the chain link fence around the Purisaima Hills County Water District pump house and the trimming of brush. 2. Council sanctioned the scheduling of a public meeting at one of the local schools within the next four to six weeks on a Saturday morning to present information on "THE WAYS RESIDENTS CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES AIM THEIR PERSCNAL PROPERTY FROM BURGLARIES". 3. Council agreed that the planting of trees and shrubs along the winding edge of El Monte Road, adjacent to Foothill College would improve this hazardous area but felt the cost should be deferred and budgeted during the 72-73 fiscal year, 6. Council concurred with the suggestion that a $100 reward be offered for information leading to the arrest of the mailbox vandals. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Helgesson and carried by unanimous roll call vote that the Town offer $100 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons in- volved in the malicious destruction of mailboxes within the Town of Los Altos Hills. 5. In response to the Committee's resolution that legislation be en- acted to protect small cities, such as ourselves, from the cost impact of furnishing police and fire protection, additional road maintenance, etc, resulting from a college whose enrollment is larger than the population of the Town, the Council concurred that Councilman Grabowski relate this proposal to Senator Bradley and Representative Hayden for consideration at the State level, that relief and protection from such encroachments on the Town's limited finances be provided by the State. Staff reported that the Committee's report and recommendations on Town Police service was near completion and Would be presented soon. STAFF REPORTS; None. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOORS None RESOLUTIONS 1. Res. No. 658, stating our desires on Sphere of Influence Boundary Lines. City Attorney introduced and read in entirety, Resolution No. 658, a Re- solution of the City Council of The Town of Los Altos Hills Establishing Town Policy with regard to the Town's Sphere of Influence. 4%W MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Davey moved, seconded by Helgesson and carried by unanimous roll call vote that Resolution No. 658 be adopted as read. .5. 2. Res. No. 659 providing for Consolidated Precincts, Election Officers and ` Polling Places for Municipal Election, April 11, 1972. ` City Attorney introduced and read in entirety Resolution No. 659, a Resolu- tion and order of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills Designating Precincts and Polling Places and appointing members of Precinct Boards for the General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, April 11, 1972, and Directing the City Clerk to Post a Notice of Election, List of Election Officers and Polling Places and Notice of Nominees for Public Office. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Helgesson and carried by unanimous roll call vote that Resolution No. 659 be adopted as read. 3. Res. No. 660, urging immediate investigation of Standards of Mercury Contain nam tion: City Attorney introduced and read in entirety Resolution No. 660, a Resolu- tion of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills urging Immediate In- vestigation of Standards of Mercury Contamination. MOTION, SECQmED AND CARRIED: Councilman Davey moved, seconded by Helgesson and carried by unanimous roll call vote that Resolution No. 660 be adopted as read. 4. Res. No. 661, re Open Space and You. ow The City Attorney introduced and read in entirety under Unscheduled Item 2, Resolution No. 661, a resolution of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills establishing Town Policy regarding concellation of Williamson Act con- tracts and abandonment of open space easements. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Corbett moved, seconded by Helgesson and carried by unanimous roll call vote, that Resolution No. 661 be adopted as read. ORDINANCES: 1. Ord. No. 193, an EMERGENCY ORDINANCE establishing interim control of de- velopment in the Monte Bello Ridge Study Area. City Attorney introduced and read the title of Ordinance No. 193, an ordinancc of the Town of Los Altos Hills imposing interim controls upon construction, site development, building site approval, subdivision and the issuance of Use Permits, Conditional uses and Variances as to properties within specified portions of the Town, being an urgency measure effective immediatel> upon adoption. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Grabowski and carried by unanimous roll call vote, that further reading of Ordinance No. 193 be waived. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Corbett, that Ordinance No. 193 be tabled carried by the following roll call vote. Ayes: Councilmen Corbett, Grabowski and Mayor Benson. Noes: Council- men Davey and Helgesson. -6- WARRANTS: NOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Grabowski, and carried by unanimous roll call vote that the warrants as presented in the amount of 1WENTY-NINE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY THREE DOLLARS and Ninety three cents ($29,773.93) be approved and the City Clerk authorized to draw the appropriate warrants. OTHER BUSII)ESS BY COUNCILMEN: 1. Councilman Grabowski noted newspaper article concerning statement by Los Altos School Board member Albright regarding possible closure of all Los Altos Hills schools. Staff was requested to have representative of the school district clarify his statement and present the school districts plans. 2. Council agreed to agenda discussion of Permanente Use Permit for the next meeting since their operations were wearing away the ridge within our Sphere of Influence. 3. Staff was requested to investigate possible zoning violation on O'Keefe Lane where it appeared several unrelated persons resided. ADJOURNMENT; Since there was no further business, Mayor Benson adjourned the meeting at 4 10:50 P.M. to Ar NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, March 6, 1972 at 7:45 P.M. at Town Hall TJK/dq Respectffully, submitted, �� v City Clerk Town of Los Altos Hills -7-