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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/20/1972CITY COUNCIL TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING March 20, 1972 Reel 42 - Side 2, Track I 165 -END 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: Councilman Corbett, Davey, Helgesson, and Mayor Benson. Absent: Council- man Grabowski. PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE: Commissioner Weisbart APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 7, 1972 MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Deputy Mayor Helgesson moved, seconded by Councilman Corbett and carried unanimously (Grabowski absent) that the Minutes of February 7, 1972, be approved with a correction, noted by Councilman Davey, on Page 4, last paragraph, changing "was proposed" to "were proposed". COMMUNICATIONS: I. Letter, dated March 7, 1972, from Thomas H. Clements, President of Normandy Lane Association, asking for Information regarding Improvements in that neighborhood. 2. Letterjiiated March 6, 1972, from Senator Clark L. Bradley, commented on the City Council's recent resolution (#654), requesting stricter requirements of discharge to the ocean of municipal and Industrial wastes. 3. Letter, dated March 9, 1972, from the City of Morgan Hill, urged support of the San Felipe Water Project. 4. Letter, dated March 13, 1972, from Thomas M. Jenkins, Attorney for the Purisslma Hills County Water District, advised that the Water District will conduct a full Environmental Impact Study for the proposed 5,000,000 -gallon water tank on the Mt. Helen site. 5. Letter, dated March 9�.1972�,faom the Santa Clara County Flood Control and Water District, urged support of the San Felipe Water Project. 6. Letter, dated March 7, 1972, from Howard W. Campen, County Executive, Informed of the County's plans and programs for the treatment of public Inebriates. 7. Letter, dated March 13, 1972, from Albert T. Henley, requested changes in the cutting of the plaque to be placed in Byrne Preserve. Mayor Benson asked Deputy Mayor Helgesson to Investigate and suggest changes. 8. Letter, dated March 10, 1972, from Santa Clara County Department of Public Works, f regarding contingent claim to Metropolitan Transportation Commission for Fiscal f Year 1972-73 Chapter 1400 Funds. 9. Letter, dated March 10, 1972, from Santa Clara County Transportation Policy Committee, regarding the deletion of certain routes In the Baylands from the `. Trafficways Element from the County General Plan. 10. The Citizens' Advisory Committee on Cable TV for the City of Palo Alto trans- mitted Minutes of their February 23 and March I meetings. II. Letter, dated March 13, 1972, from the City of Palo Alto to Mr. J.K. Bartholet, Executive Officer for LAFOO, with Palo Alto's recommendations for the esta- blishment of the sphere of Influence boundary line between Palo Alto and Los Altos Hills. 12. Letter from California Museum Foundation to determine If there is any Interest In participating in a National Pilot Program for California cities with sister cities in Japan or Mexico. 13. Agenda and Minutes of Santa Clara County Transportation Policy Committee. 14. "Policy Plan for the Baylands of Santa Clara County" from Santa Clara County Planning Policy Committee and request for comments by June i to schedule hearing within sixty (60) days. 15. Letter from Ehvirbnmental Protection Agency, advising of a meeting re: A Report on "The Cost of Cleaning the Environment" In Los Angeles on March 30. 16. State Department of Industrial Relations notified of Public Hearings to de- termine fee schedules for trench excavating permits Issued by them; the adop- tion of new tire Inflation safety orders; the repeal of certain electrical regulations. 17. Santa Clara County advised "Omnibus Crime Control $ Safe Streets Act" will be subject of April 6th Inter -City Council Meeting. 18. Public Utilities Commission notified of Increase in gas rates, effective March 15, 1972. 19. League of California Cities, Peninsula Division, meeting on March 24, 1972, will consider Nominating Commlttee recommendation to fill unexpired term of Francis P. Pacelllas, State League Board Director. 20. California Chamber of Commerce "Solid Waste Management Conference" in Sacra- mento on April 3 - 5, 1972, will discuss the solid waste disposal problem and record what Industry, government and others are doing to seek solutions. 21. Santa Clara County Planning Policy Committee re: Notice of Monte Bello Ridge Mountain Study Hillside Committee Meeting on March 21, 1972. 22. Letter from neighbors near Foothill College objected to the night fighting at the Horticultural Center and asked for help from the Town. 23. Dr. Marjorie Evans' report on "Motor Vehicle Noise in California: Magnitude, Community Views and Abatement Enforcement" was received. - 2 - SCHEDULED ITEM NO. I: PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER PURCHASE OF 8.124 ACRE PARCEL ON O'KEEFE LANE. Mayor Benson called a public hearing to consider the purchase of 8.124 acre parcel of State-owned surplus land on O'Keefe Lane, appraised at $20,100. Staff stated that the Right -of -Way Agent for the Division of Highways had granted a 45 -day delay to allow the Town time for this public hearing to consider the purchase of this property, as well as to rev l ew a more des l rab le schedule of payments than or lg InaI I offered. The new schedule would allow the Town to pay $6,000 down (30%) and the balance of $14,-00 over a period of years from the 5 cents of the tax rate allo- cated for open space, as is being done currently to purchase Byrne Park and the Los Altos Hills Youth Recreation Center. Floor comments, supporting purchase of this land, were expressed by Messrs. Robert Stutz, 25310 Elena Road, and Max Brown, 12670 Diane Drive, Mrs. J. Carioo, 25311 O'Keefe Lane, and Pathway Committee Chairman M. Savlano, 12620 Corte Madera Lane. Messrs. R. C. Cheney, 10737 Magdalena Road and A. M. Laws, 11210 Hooper Lane opposed the purchase, In view of more pressing financial priorities facing the Town. Mayor Benson declared the public hearing closed at 8:35 p.m, and noted that the State indicated that if the Town doesn't purchase this acreage, it would put it out to open bid and the buyer could ask for a zoning change. He emphasized that he felt this was an excellent opportunity to buy eight (8) acres of open space at an extremely reasonable price. Councilman Davey noted that any open space is a valu- able asset to the community and favored this open space acquisition. Councilman Corbett thought this was an excellent price for an $80,000 value and urged that the Town purchase it Immediately. Deputy Mayor Helgesson supported the purchase,' stating that it 1s not only valuable to the Town now, but would become more valu- able In the future. Councilman Grabowski, who was absent, submitted written com- ments, requesting that any decision on purchase be deferred until after the Municipal Election. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Corbett moved, seconded by Mayor Benson and carried by unanimous roll call vote (Grabowski absent) that the Town of Los Altos Hills purchase the 8.124 -acre parcel on O'Keefe Lane for open space and directed the City Manager to proceed to negotiate acceptable purchase terms. SCHEDULED ITEM NO. 2: REQUEST TO AMEND PATHWAY REQUIREMENTS FOR LOT #18 TRACT #1684, PINK HORSE RANCH NO. I (BSA -61-70). The Planning Commission, at their March 13 meeting, recommended that the require- ment for the pathway easement, cutting the corner of this lot, be deleted and that substituting for this, the applicant construct a 5 -foot wide Type IIA path adjacent to the road. He is also to construct a plant mix berm, starting at the catch basin at the intersection of Willow Pond Lane and Tepa Way, running northerly along Tape Way to a point northerly of Adobe Lane (extended). It will be necessary for the owner to dedicate a small pathway easement at the corner of Willow Pond Lane and Tape Way, immediately back of the catch basin to provide sufficient room for the pathway. MOTION, SEOONDED AND CARRIED: Deputy Mayor Helgesson moved, seconded by Corbett and carried unanimously (Grabowski absent) that the Council should approve this f request, per the recommendations of the PJanning Commission. - 3 - SCHEDULED ITEM NO. 3: REPORT ON PENDING LEGISLATIVE MATTERS INCLUDING SCR 4 AND SCA 19 - COUNCILMAN GRABOWSKI. Because of the absence of Councilman Grabowski, this Item was continued. Staff reviewed the discussion before the Planning Commission on March 13th re: the Pathway Committee proposal that a "Trailways Service Center" be constructed adjacent to the Little League field at the Youth Recreation Center. The proposal to construct a saw -dust horse ring, watering trough, picnic tables and water foun- tain was endorsed by the Commission. They urged that the walnut trees be removed from the center of the ring, as well as construction of a rail around the outside of the ring for safety and to facilitate training. The Commission recommended that the Interested parties present an adequate plan for approval and that money, materials and labor be donated to accomplish construction. The City Manager read a letter from the Los Altos Hills Horsemen's Association, which Indicated the appointment of Mr. Bob Stutz as Chalrman and Mr. Ray Whitley as Co-Chalrman of the project, and stated that their plan would be ready for sub- mission for Planning Commission and Council approval around the end of April. Council discussion ensued, with floor comments heard from Pathway Committee Chair- man M. Saviano and Mr. S. Whittlesey of the Los Altos Horsemen's Association. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Corbett moved, seconded by Councilman AV Davey and carried by majority roll call vote (Mayor Benson voting no) that the concept for the Trailways Service Center be accepted; that the Los Altos Horsemen's Association prepare and submit adequate plans of the project for approval, and that the Town underwrite $300 of the cost. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 2 - DISCUSSION OF COMPLAINT FROM MR. R.D. SCOTT: RE: TOWN'S BUSINESS LICENSE ORDINANCE AND ITS ENFORCEMENT. Staff reviewed that Mr. R. D. Scott, who had been requested to obtain a business license to do painting within the Town, had requested a hearing before the City Council to discuss the Town's method of establishing business license fees, their duration, and their enforcement. Mr. Scott stated that, having examined the Town's business licenses, he had con- cluded that many companies and Individuals doing business In the Town have never taken out a license; therefore, he was being discriminated against. He also ob- jected to having to buy a 11 cense for one year. In reply to Mr. Scott, the City Attorney noted that the Business License Ordinance was In effect when this action took place and that he was required to pay. In regard to the licensing period, he stated that due to the limited Town staff, it was administratively Impossible to have the license period for less than once a year. Although noting the City Attorney's comments requiring Mr. Scott to comply with the E. ordinance, Mayor Benson thanked Mr. Scott for his expressions and stated that his 4r comments would be considered when the license fees and renewal period are reviewed. - 4 - Staff stated that Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Glidden were amiable to donating a 1.18 - acre parcel of land, located at the northeast corner of Fremont and Edith, provided the Town prepare the papers for this transfer of title and pay the current back taxes of $371.53. Mr. John Stefanki Indicated that some Scouts would make a project of cleaning up and landscaping this corner for the benefit of the Town. Staff recommended that this gift of land, as well as the offer of help from the Scouts, be accepted. Council discussion concurred, but requested a proposed land- scaping plan be submitted for approval. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Davey, moved, seconded by Helgesson and carried by unanimous roll call vote (Grabowski absent) to accept this donation of land at the corner of Fremont and Edith; to Inform Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Glidden of our appreciation; to allocate $371.53 to clear the delinquent taxes. STAFF REPORTS I. The City Manager reviewed OPERATION IDENTIFICATION, stating that three (3) en- gravers had been obtained by the Town and were available for residents' use. This program discourages theft and burglary by identification of valuables and notifies potential thieves that this action has been taken. Council suggested that Staff maximize publicizing the availability of the engravers - not only through the press, but perhaps by insertion in the Los Altos Hills Association newsletter and as an enclosure with the Purissima Water District billing. 2. The City Manager reviewed the Los Altos Hills/Cupertino sphere of influence boundary I -Ines currently being discussed with regard to the Kaiser and Catholic Church properties. Deputy Mayor Helgesson complimented Staff on Its excellent presentation of the Town's position to LAFCO. Mr. Frltschle stated that the next LAFCO meeting will consider Los Altos Hills/ Palo Alto sphere of Influence lines on April 5, 1972. 3. The City Manager reviewed the Adobe Creek channel Improvements, planned by the Santa Clara County Flood Control and Water District, as presented before the Adobe Creek Channel Committee. It was noted that one of the alternates pro- posed would necessitate acquiring a portion of a lot belonging to Dr. Donald F. Hull, as part of a flood plain. Speaking from the floor, Dr. Hull Indicated that his site development plans had progressed to the point where he was awaiting Issuance of a bul lding permit and that all necessary financing had been completed. He noted that this proposal 4 would cause undue hardship under the circumstances. - 5 - The City Attorney stated that the site development should proceed, but that the Town was obligated to advise the Flood Control District of Dr. Hull's plans. It was noted that the Flood Control District could then condemn that portion through "eminent domain" to obtain the property, if desired. Additional floor comments were heard from Messrs. R. B. Oliver, David Belluci, and Dr. Grossman. They all expressed the belief that If the creek were properly maintained and kept clear of debris, no channel Improvements would be required. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR: I. Mr. David Belluci noted that the pending litigation against Adobe Creek Lodge was costly both to himself and the Town; therefore, he proposed a willingness to resolve this matter. The City Attorney thanked him, but noted that pending litigation could not be discussed publicly. Mr. Faisant stated, however, that Mr. Beliucl's suggestion would be referred to the Town's attorney and that he would be in contact with hii 2. Mrs. Diana Miller suggested that the Town zone those areas along Adobe Creek, proposed for the flood plain, as "no building" Mayor Benson Indicated that such action would be considered after the flood plain study has been completed by the Flood Control District. RESOLUTIONS: I. Resolution No. 664, a resolution requesting Santa Clara County Planning Policy Committee to record votes of representatives at their meetings. Since this Resolution had been proposed by Councilman Grabowski, who was absent, Council concurred to continue this Item to the next meeting. ORDINANCES: None. WARRANTS: MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Deputy Mayor Helgesson moved, seconded by Councilman Corbett and carried by unanimous roll call vote (Grabowski absent) that the warrants, as presented, in the amount of NINE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FORTY- SEVEN d 8I/100 DOLLARS ($9,447.81) be approved, and the City Clerk -Treasurer be authorized to draw the appropriate warrants. OTHER BUSINESS BY CDUNCIL14EN: Councilman Corbett stated that should the Public Protection Commission's final repor regarding the police study, recommend the formation of a police department, this should not be construed as a decision Implying Immedlate Council action to proceed. He noted that much follow-on study would be required and would necessitate a decision. by the electorate, since It would be the largest expenditure from the General Fund. Deputy Mayor Helgesson agreed. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Mayor Benson adjourned the meeting at 11:25 P.M. to NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, April 3, 1972, at the Town Hall. TJK:Im ectfull ubml ed, TLUZEK City Clerk -Treasurer Town of Los Altos Hills