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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/04/1971CITY COUNCIL TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS 2 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING January 4, 1971 REEL 32 - SIDE 2, TRACK 1 --------FOOTAGE 80-900 Mayor Walter A. Benson called the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills to order at 7145 P. M. in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, with the following members answering roll calls Present: Councilmen Corbett, Davey, Helgesson, and Mayor Benson. Absent: Councilman Grabowski. PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE: Commissioner A. H. Lachenbruch APPROVAL OF MINUTES: December 21, 1970. Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Corbett and carried unanimously (Grabowski absent) that the Minutes of December 21, 1970 be approved as written. 1. Letter from Mayor Charles H. Robbins, of Saratoga, addressed to Inter - City Council and questioning the interpretation of AB 2300. 2. Letter from the Santa Clara County Office of Education advised that the 40 purpose of their Inter -District Planning Council, comprised of public school administrators from throughout the County, was to participate in community development planning with the objective of complementary school planning for a more effective educational system. The Town was requested to co- operate in this planning relationship, which is intended to lead to integrated communities in Santa Clara County. Council concurred to cooperate. 3. Mr. A. M. Smith, 26430 Weston Road, wrote assuring the Council of his support of one acre zoning. 4. Deputy Marron forwarded a letter from the Fremont Hills Country Club that was addressed to the Sheriff's Department, expressing appreciation for the service received. 5. Mr. H. B. Aldridge, of the Federal Aviation Administration, advised of tests being conducted on the spacing of inbound flights. 6. Staff advised that an Inter -City Council Mini -Labor Seminar would be held January 27, 1971 and it was to replace the February meeting, 7. The State Department of Public Works advised that a new standard of local interest in the revised Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices pertained to centerline markings. By January 1, 1973, only yellow lines will be used as centerline markings on two-lane, two-way roads. Staff advised that the Town will comply, B. Pacific Gas & Electric Co. notified the hearing for a proposed gas rate .*4w increase will be held January 26 in San Francisco. 9. Staff stated the Preliminary 1971-72 ABAG budget received, indicates a 6,4% increase in membership dues is proposed. UNSCHEDULED TIM NO. 1: REQUEST FOR PERMISSION TO ENCROACH ON THE PUBLIC RIGHT -CF -WAY WITH A PENCE - GERA[D PSE, 10779 MAGDALENA ROAD. Mr. G. Pole, following the recent purchase of his residence, erected a corral with the front side encroaching approximately ten (101) feet onto the public right-of-way along Magdalena Road. It was noted that Mr. Pole had been advised that this was not permissible, as soon as it was noticed that the posts had been placed. This was prior to his subsequently attach- ing the fence boards. Council discussion noted the necessity of upholding the ordinances in this respect and expressed their regrets to Mr. Pole for the time and materials he had expended. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Corbett and carried unanimously (Grabowski absent) that Mr. Pole's appeal be denied and that he remove this fence from the right-of-way. In response to Mr. R. C. Cheney's suggestion, Council concurred that Mr. Pole be allowed six months to accomplish the relocation of this fence. SCHEDULED ITEM NO. 1: PURCHASE OF LITTLE LEAGUE PARK. Staff reported that the lease purchase agreement for the Little League property had been signed by the Palo Alto Unified School District and had been delivered to the Town by the County Counsel. It was noted that upon the Town's request the payment terms had been changed to allow the three annual payments to be paid at the end of each year, instead of at the be- ginning as originally discussed. The Town would be required to provide a two million dollar liability insurance policy during the lease period for each occurrence and $500,000 per person. These amounts exceed the coverage of our current policy and it was estimated the liability coverage would cast an additional $50.00. Council discussion noted that a sub -lease should be negotiated with the Little League since they are to pay all costs incurred for development of this ballpark. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Davey moved, seconded by Helgesson and carried by unanimous roll call vote, Councilman Grabowski absent, that the Lease -Purchase agreement for the Little League Ballpark be adopted and that the agreement be executed with the Palo Alto School District. Mr. Whipple, President of the Little League, expressed appreciation to the Town on behalf of the Little League for this purchase agreement. SCHEDULED ITEM NO. 2: DISCUSSION OF OPEN SPACE PLAN FOR LOA ALTOS HILLS. Mrs. Priscilla Weisbart, Chairman of the Planning Commission, noted that she had recently introduced the Williamson Act as a means of providing tax relief, as well as to retain open space in the upper foothills. She was pleased to report, as a result of this proposal, considerable support had been generated among residents during the past few weeks. Mr. M. G. Boissevain, 27181 Sherlock Road, noted of 26 residents contacted only two were unreceptive to joining with neighbors to create one hundred acres of contiguous lands to contract for ten years of open space. Assuming -2- the acreage of Byrne Preserve, coupled with the corridor acreage below Parkside Estates, could be rezoned to agricultural, consensus was that the minimum one hundred acres to qualify under the Williamson Act could be obtained. Councilman Corbett reviewed the progress of the Committee headed by Mr. C. S. McCandless to acquire open space within the Town. Council discussed the proposal by Wm. Spangle & Associates for preparation of an Open Space Element of the General Plan as required by AB2180. The cost for this service would be $3,000 to $49000 and it was noted that under the State Planning Law an open space element must be adopted by June 30, 1972. Majority consensus of the Council indicated,in view of the current budget limitations, that consideration of this major expenditure be deferred at this time. It was felt that until the Citizens Committee headed by Va. C.S. McCandless had had an opportunity to present their report to the Council, allocation of additional planning funds would be premature. Floor participation included remarks from Mr. A. M. laws, 11210 Hooper Lane, Mrs. Wm, Eastman, 13221 W. Sunset Drive, Mrs. Donald Kleinstuber, 27109 Adonna Court, and Mrs. F. Mills, 12712 Viscaino Drive, UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 2: REPORT ON COSTS OF A 'VOLUNTARY" SEWER CAPACITY DISTRICT FOR THE PALO ALTO BASIN. Staff presented costs prepared by the Town Engineer to form a 'voluntary" sewer capacity district for the Palo Alto Basin, which would be one alterna- tive to raising sufficient money to meet the contract payments with Palo Alto for the years 1972 and 1973. The proposed district would be identical to S.A.D. #4 for the Los Altos Basin. Staff noted that if this proposal is executed but the district is not formed, there would be certain engineering -:osts and legal fees that would have to be absorbed by the General Fund. The other alternatives to a voluntary sewer district would be a Townwide or partial Town tax increase, or for the Town to encourage the formation of new sewer districts in the Palo Alto Basin. Council discussion noted that a Townwide tax increase would be unpalatable and that the proposed voluntary capacity district would be the fairest solution to the financial dilemma. Motion by Councilman Helgesson to proceed with steps necessary to form the district was withdrawn to allow Staff to prepare a cost projection for presentation at the next meeting. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 3: DISCUSSION OF HOLIDAYS, ETC. FOR 1971. This item was continued until the ICC Labor Seminar finalizes their proposal. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 4: REPORT ON ANSWER FROM SENATOR CLARK BRADLEY RE: SHERIFF'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN INCORPORATED AREAS. Staff reviewed a communication from the Legislative Counsel which was in response to the Town request for a definition as to the nature and extent of the police service that the Sheriff must provide an incorporated city. In essence it stated that the primary responsibility for police services in Lan incorporated area was vested with the Town; however, the Town could if -3- desired contract with the Sheriff for services and the contract would therefore specify the extent of the services provided. Councilman Davey noted "there goes the dog chasing his tail". Deputy C. B. Marron, speaking from the Floor, suggested that a "friendly" suit might be the best means of obtaining a more direct answer. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 5: Staff reported that on December 29, 1970, the Mayor, Councilman Grabowski, Mr. Robin D. Faisent, and the City Manager met with Mr. Robert Anderson, who had been City Attorney of Berkeley for twenty years. The discussion pertained to consideration of Mr. Anderson as the legal counsel to represent the Town in the law suit filed by the Confederacion de la Raza Unida. Discussion praised Mr. Anderson's qualifications and it was noted that in the interests of the Town his knowledge of the Federal Court system was especially desirable. The legal retaining fee would be $3,500.00, plus $55.00 an hour and expenses. Floor participation was heard from Mr. David Bellucci, 26220 Moody Road, and Mrs. Mary G. Steers, 11641 Buena Vista. Mayor Benson noted the ultimate cost could be significant, but that it was the Council's impression that the majority of the residents, if not all, wished to uphold Town ordinances and fight this case to the end. He noted he had heard of many citizens wishing to lend financial support. Council concurred that all avenues would be explored and that it is common for cities even to join together in such instances. Since it is a legal matter, further discussion at this time was not felt warranted. -57fZON, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Corbett and carried by unanimous roll call vote that the services of +r. Robert Anderson be retained as the Town's legal counsel for the law suit filed by the Confederacion de la Raza Unida. Sass Cynthia Carp and Mr. Fred Thompson (Foothill students residing in Palo Alto) read prepared statements opposing the Town's zoning policy. tlirs. Florence Fava, 26691 Moody Road, suggested that these students read the reasons for incorporation for this Town, which were to retain the rural life; that our ordinances have consistently furthered this goal; and, there- fore, certainly not, as they have concluded, promoted an exclusive area discriminating against outsiders. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 6: UBPORT OF ACTION TAKEN BY THE TRAFFIC AND PUBLIC SAFETY CCMMITTEB REGARDING !:WN MINI -BIKE. ORDINANCES. Staff advised that the Traffic and Public Safety Committee unanimously recommended at their December 15 meeting that the Ordinances No. 147 and 1o. 148 remain unchanged. +s_ncilman Corbett noted this obviously left a large number of citizens un- �&tisfied. Mayor Benson requested Mr. Corbett to study this matter. :-APF REPORTS: 1, City Manager reported that Mr. Clayton J. Smith, the Town's Building L inspector for the past thirteen years, had resigned effective December 31, 8970. 2. City Manager announced that bicycle licensing would be held at Town Hall; on every Friday between the hours of 3:00 and 4:00 P. M. -4- 3. Staff advised that Foothill College was agreeable to broadcasting the Council meetings, if the Council wished. Since this matter was proposed by Councilman Grabowski, Council concurred to defer discussion until he was present. 4. Staff reported the Beefwood seedlings had been received and were on sale at the Town Hall for 250 each. WARRANTS: MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Corbett and carried by unanimous roll call vote, that the warrants as presented in the amount of TWENTY-ONE THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED NINETY DOLLARS and Twenty-eight Cents ($21,290.28) be approved and the City Clerk authorized to draw the appropriate warrants. OTHER BUSIPIESS BY COUNCILMAN: 1. Councilman Helgesson reported the Transportation Committee agreed not to bring the Mass Transit issue before the voters again this year. He noted San Jose had extended funds for operation of their bus system, pending application of funds for Federal assistance. The Federal assistance would probably require the application be based on a regional concept. Council concurrence was requested to support this plan, if required. Discussion noted that Los Altos Hills did support the Mass Transit Measure at the last election and benefits would be gained from a regional bus system. ri•.:"i(W, SFrCNL)FD AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Davey and carried by unanimous roll call vote (Grabowski absent) that the Council ._ o -t the Transportation Policy Committee in recommending to the Board _. S=r,,ervisors that Los Altos Hills favors the regional concept of .asportation. .4D.;OURNMBNT: ;:55 P. M., the Mayor adjourned the meeting to LITIGATION SESSION and i _,anvened the meeting at 10:30 P. M. solely for the purpose of adjournment -C.. _ REGULAR MEETING: Monday, January 18, 1971, at 7:45 P. M. at Town Hall. Respectfully submitted, TED J. KLUZEK City Clerk Town of Los Altos Hills 1/ .'7', 4W -5-