HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/01/1971CITY COUNCIL
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
March 1, 1971
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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, Helgesson and Mayor Benson.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE: Commissioner Magruder
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 16, 1971
Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Corbett and carried by majority vote,
(Helgesson was absent and thus abstained) that the minutes of February 16, 1971
be approved as written.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1. J. S. Farwell, Fire Marshal, requested that we amend Section XXIII of Ordinance
06 No. 105 regarding swimming pool regulations.
2. Resignation of Frank A. Graber from the Traffic and Public Safety Committee
and explained his vote on the question of a local police department.
3. Mrs. H. N. Coulter, 26541 Purissima Road, regarding unsightly conditions existin;
on Purissima and Robleda Roads.
4. Mrs. Carmella Savianc, 12620 Corte Madera Lane, expressed her objections to
participation in Regional Park obligations.
5. City Manager reviewed numerous proposed bills before State Legislature that
were outlined in the League of California Cities Bulletin.
6. Mr. John S. Ewing, 27811 Lupine Road, expressed criticism of the appointment of
Councilman Helgesson to replace Councilman Davey on the Garbage Committee.
7. Letter from Mrs. C. Paddock requested the Council to consider St. Emilion,
France ("The Home of the Most Famous of all Bordeaux Wines") as its Sister City.
8. Nature Conservancy advised the commemorative placque for Byrne Preserve should
arrive soon.
9. Mr. D. K. Curlin, General Manager of County Flood Control Water District
advised that assuming their budget is approved that the Adobe Creek Flood Plain
Study would begin this Fall. Mayor Benson noted that Councilman Helgesson has
been named Chairman of the Santa Clara County Water Commission.
10. Mr. K. M. Cuthbertsou of Stanford University has submitted copies of recommend
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tions prepared by Livingston 6 Blayney, and Palo Alto and Regional Planners
pertaining to Stanford land use policies and plane. Copy is on file at Town Hall.
11. Copy of "Annual Survey Report on Ground Water Conditions" prepared by the
County Flood Control Water District has been received and is on file at Town Hall.
12. Mrs. J. A. Muncie, 27060 Appaloosa Way, advised of noise. Problem generated
from minibike and motorcycle traffic in the park corridor near Byrne Preserve.
Staff was directed to investigate and take action required.
13. New City Manager of Cupertino, Mr, Robert Quinlan, proposed that the Town
participate in costs of a consultant study for a law enforcement agency. In view
of the extensive studies already undertaken by the Town,Staff was requested to
decline this invitation to participate.
SCHEDULED ITEM NO. 1:
PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED NOISE ORDINANCE.
Staff stated that this ordinance prepared by the Noise Abatement Committee was
presented in draft form at the last meeting end that the City Attorney has since
reviewed it and made certain changes.
Council discussion with floor participation from Mr. Don Miller, 13076 Vista del
Valle Court, Mr. A. M. Laws, 11210 Hooper Lane and Mr. Bob Ward, 12910 Robleda Road,
noted the difficulty of having personnel available to provide enforcement, but
that enactment was important to provide the vehicle for enforcement. Staff noted
that at this time members of the Noise Abatement Committee were most knowledgable
as to the operation of the noise meter and thus beat qualified to check for
possible violations. Since no objections were voiced during the public hearing,
Mayor Benson stated the First Reading of this Ordinance would be heard later in the
Agenda under Ordinances.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 3:
RESOLUTION TO PRESERVE THE AUTOMONY AND ASSURE THE SELF-DETERMINATION OF THE
ELECTORATE OF LOS ALTOS HILLS IN THE MATTER OF THE MID -PENINSULA REGIONAL PARK
DISTRICT... COUNCILMAN GRABOWSKI.
Councilman Grabowski had requested this item be agended in order to alert the
Town's residents of the consequences they should anticipate should the proposed
Regional Park District, which was supported in theory by Resolution 608, be placed
on the November ballot and approved by the electorate. He noted that the Town, if
embraced by the district could be outvoted 25 to 1, since the Town represents
only 2h% of the voters within the proposed district. Thus, even if the majority
of the Town's residents should vote against this proposed district, a majority of
the total electorate (which would be composed of the area from Woodside in San Hateo
County in the north to the Santa Cruz County line in the south) could approve it
and subject the Town's taxpayer to the Districts taxing power of 104 per $100
assessed valuation. If the district should pass, "Los Altos Hills would be in it,
like it or sot." Councilman Grabowski moved that the council adopt by resolution
a petition to LAFCO at its March 3 meeting, that the Town of Los Altos Hills be
withdrawn at this time from the boundaries of the proposed mid -peninsula Regional
Park District, and until April 1972 at which time and by its citizens, a legal
election will be held to determine whether or not the electorate of Los Altos Hills
wishes to join by annexation such district in the event that it is established.
The motion died for lack of a second and, although no further discussion was
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required, council sentiment suggested that due to the large turnout of interested
citizens audience participation be allowed.
00 NOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Corbett and
carried unanimously that thirty minutes of discussion be allowed.
Floor participation included Mrs. Robert Moody, 12858 La Barranca, Mr. Steve Purcell
of Los Altos, Mrs. Lois Bogle, 2000 Page Mill Road, Mrs. Robert Leonard of Palo Alto,
Mrs. Millie Saviano, 12620 Corte Madera, Mr. Harlow Williams, Newbridge Road,
Mr. George Hays, 26735 St. Francis Drive, Mrs. Mark Hinton, 11571 Buena Vista Drive,
Mrs. Irma Goldsmith, 27330 Elena Road, Mr. A. M. Laws, 11210 Hooper Lane, Mr. Vincent
Otto, 26955 Orchard Hill Lane, Mr. Frank Wheeler, 27174 Elena Road and Mr. J. G.
Gable, 11011 Magdalena Avenue.
Councilman Grabowski stated his opposition to the Regional Park proposal stems from
the denial to the electorate the privilege of expressing their opinion at the polls.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 1:
APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSIONER TO FILL UNEXPIRED TERM OF DON T. HIBNER
(January 1973).
Council concurred that this item be deferred until the next meeting.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 2:
CONSIDER REQUEST FOR RATE INCREASE - IAS ALTOS GARBAGE CO.
Staff noted that the Los Altos Garbage Company has asked for a rate increase to be
effective immediately, raising the minimum one can service from $1.90 per month to
$3.40 per month.
Mr, Paul Myers representing the Los Altos Garbage Company noted the contract
executed in February, 1966 provided for regular rate reviews and allowed for a
possible rate increase after three years or in 1969. He emphasized that this was
the first rate increase requested and stated that although labor rates were $26.02
per day in 1965 and $39.54 per day in 1969, they had attempted to avoid an increase.
He noted that this amounted to a 52% increase in wages over the contract period and
that starting in July this would reflect a 65% increase when per day pay exceeds
$43. In addition to the rising labor costs he pointed out the extra operating
costs incurred by the equipment within the Town due to the distance between homes,
the hilly terrain which results in more wear and tear and fuel consumption.
Theunc11 discussion that ensued noted that current garbage rates in the area
comnr:red to the Town's $1.90/Mo. - 1 Can Minimum were:
V,odside - $3.20/mo - 1 Can Minimum
Tortola Valley - 3.20/mo - 1 Can Minimum
..zmty 2.00/mo - 1 Can Minimum
3.00/mo - 2 Can Minimum
Los Altos - 2.50/mo - 2 Can Minimum
Cupe-tino - 2.40/mo - 1 Can Inside or 2 Cans Outside Minimum
Since the projected figures were unaudited and 18 months old, the Council requested
[ that current figures be submitted to enable a more realistic analysis.
e
A letter from Mr. Charles Boyenga, 12425 Hilltop Drive, inquired whether pickup at
one point for five residents would allow billing at the 1 house/30 can lower rate.
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Mr. Meyers stated substantial pooling of
in any substantial rate adjustment. He
4W in policing problems due to vandals and
this possible work simplification.
this nature would be required to result
also noted this could result in an increase
animals but they would be willing to consider
During the initial meeting with the Los Altos Garbage Company, Staff stated
consideration of a rate increase was coupled with the implementation of a recycling
program of usable materials. Mr. Myers noted that presently the only transfer
station on the peninsula with respect to recycling of cartons, glass, cane and
ferrous materials is the recently opened multi-million dollar installation at
Brisbane and is not yet in full operation. Mr. Myers noted that a more centrally
located transfer site is required to serve Los Altos Hills, Portola Valley and
Woodside and that Stanford is being contacted to determine whether some of their
lands could be utilized. Additional problems of recycling noted were increased
costa for containerized equipment to allow segregation of refuse; educating
households to segregate refuse; and unprofitability of attempts to date to recycle
(much has resulted in stockpiles of unwanted materials).
Mr. Myers stated that a recycling program initially would most likely prove
unprofitable and could result in increased collection rates, but that they would
support a pilot program if desired for the recycling of aluminum cans. This plan
entailed placing a large container bin at Town Hall into which residents could
dump their segregated aluminum cans.
Resident opinions on recycling were expressed by Mrs. W. M. Eastman, 13221 West
Sunset Drive;. Mr. Cochran, Altamont Road; Mrs. June McIlwraith, 13431 Wildcrest
Drive; Mrs. I. M. Cribbs, 12695 Roble Veneno Lane and Mrs. E. L. Ginzton,
28014 Natoma Road; Mies Shuck of Palo Alto Recycling Center; Mr. George Kessler,
Manager of Awalt Highs recycling center; Mrs. Ruth Edwards, Los Altos and
Mr. Paul Smith of Los Altos Solid Waste Management Committee.
Further discussion was continued to the April 19, 1971 council meeting to allow
receipt and review of current coat data.
UJcry';DULED ITEM NO. 4:
API'Ui::"=T OF A SPECIAL ANTENNA COMMITTEE.
At tti^ last meeting the Council agreed to accept recommendationp ro: neooie tc
serve on a committee to catedy television and ham radio antennc !n i.os Altos Bills.
Council concurred that an antenna committee be charged with the task of evaluating
present regnIations pertaining to all types of antennas in regards to quantity,
types, heighths and setbacks, so that residents desiring may pursue their hobby,
yet intrusion on his neighbors view will be respected.
MOT'OF, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Corbett moved, seconded by Helgesson
and carried unanimously that the following residents be appointed to an antenna
committee:
1. Dr. R. C. Smithwick, 25215 La Loma Drive
2. Mr. J. A. McCullough, 12950 Robleda Road
3. Mr. J. 0. Norbach, 27040 Elena Road
it 4. Mr. W. G. Wegener, 12841 La Create Drive
5. Mr. F. L. Harper, 26835 Ortega Drive
6. Commissioner T. P. McReynolds, 26045 Moody Road
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and that they be charged with the task of reviewing ordinances regulating all
types of antennae and to recommend to the Council any changes deemed necessary.
4W In response to Mrs. McIlwraith's suggestion that the committee should be composed
of a broader representation, it was noted that experience with the horse ordinance
has shown the effectiveness of special interest groups in policing themselves.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 5:
DISCUSSION OF THE PALO ALTO SEWER CONTRACT AND APPROVAL OF ADDENDUM TO PAY OUR SHARE
OF THE TRI -CITY TREATMENT PLANT.
Since discussion to pending between the City of Palo Alto and the Town of Los Alto$
Hills to see if relief can be obtained regarding the sewer contracts between the
two cities, Mayor Benson requested this item be continued.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 6:
REPORT FROM TRAFFIC AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE.
Since Chairman James B. LeRoy was unable to attend, this item was continued for
30 days.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 7:
CONSIDER AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE NO. 179 (Horse Ordinance), as suggested by Stuart
Whfttelsey.
This item was continued for 30 days.
06 UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 8:
REPORT FROM COUNCILMAN GRABOWSKI RE NOISE CONTROL AT FOOTHILL COLLEGE.
This item was deferred to the next meeting.
STAFF REPORTS:
1. Since an increasing number of requests for copies of subdivision maps were being
received by Staff, the Council was requested to reconfirm their policy on this
matter. Council concurred that since copies of maps are on file and accessible to
the public that such requests be denied. It was noted that since blueprint facilitic.
are not available at Town Hall nor is the Town equipped to support this additional
accountability and billing burden, that anyone desiring copies of maps be redirected
to the applicant or their agent.
2. City Engineer reported on the status of Rosehill Estates and the Forbes antenna.
3. City Attorney reported on the status of pending litigation.
PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR:
1, Mrs. Ann Spencer, 27490 Sherlock Road thanked Councilman Grabowski for supportint
the Town questionaire results which indicated the majority opinion of residents were
against any tax increase for the purchase of open space.
2. Mr. Frank Wheeler objected to participation in the Regional Park without a
supporting vote of the Town's residents and noted a large number of those that spoke
401 tonight were not residents.
ORDINANCES: 1. First Reading. Ordinance No. 181, an ordinance of the Town of
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Los Altos Hills re: Noise.
` The City Attorney read the title of Ordinance 181, An Ordinance of the Town of
` Los Altos Hills Prohibiting Conduct which Produces Noise Levels which Exceed
Specified Standards, Providing a Schedule for Implementation, and Prescribing
Penalties for Violation.
MOTION. SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Grabomaki moved, seconded by Nelgesson
and carried by unanimous roll call vote that further reading be waived.
WARRANTS:
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilmen Helgesson moved, seconded by Grabowski
and carried by unanimous roll call vote, that the warrants as presented in the
amount of SEVEN THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED NINETY FIVE DOLLARS and Seventeen cents
($7,595.17) be approved and the City Clerk authorized to draw the appropriate
warrants.
OTHER BUSINESS BY COUNCILMEN:
1. Councilman Grabowski requested Council concurrence that Town Historian Florence
Fava be reimbursed for the anniversary cake and the $200.00 in expenses incurred as
Historian. Council concurred that a list of expenses should be submitted to the
City Manager for review and approval by the Council.
2. Council concurred that any councilman so desiring should have a key to the
Council Chambers.
4/ ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Mayor Benson adjourned the meeting at 12:10 A.M.
to:
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, March 15, 1971 at 7:45 P.M. at Town Hall.
TJR/ j p
3/1/71
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Respectfully submitted,
'&
TED J. UZEE
City Clerk
Town of LOS Altos Hills