HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/20/1971f CITY COUNCIL
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
September 20, 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, Grabowski, Helgesson, Davey, and Mayor Benson. Absent: None.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE: Chairman McReynolds
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of August 2, 1971, August 16, 1971,
and September 6, 1971 were not completed for approval.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Councilman R. J. Stephens of Menlo Park expressed appreciation to
the Council for their encouragement in opposition to the proposed
Willow Expressway.
2. Bay Area symposium on Cable TV, sponsored by ABAG will be held on
October 15, 1971 at SRI in Menlo Park.
SCHEDULED ITEM NO. 1:
WALROD, WARREN V-356-71) - Request for reduction of side setback of
18' to 12' for residence addition at 25690 Chapin Road.
Staff reviewed that the Planning Commission had recommended approval
of this variance request, after finding the six conditions existed
that are specified in Section 13:60 of Ordinance 78 as amended. The
recommendation was conditioned upon the approval of the closest neigh-
bor, Mr. Trinidad Ramirez who was currently in Mexico.
Council discussion expressed reservations as to the "hardship" beyond
the need to enclose the outside stairwell, which currently provided
the only access to the second floor. Staff noted that the residence
had been constructed prior to incorporation, (35 years ago) and
that the variance request would allow the applicant to enlarge the
existing undersize rooms, yet maintain essentially the same floor
plan without major relocation of the plumbing as well as other in-
ternal structural changes.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Corbett moved, seconded by
Davey and carried by a majority roll call vote that the variance
request for W. V. Walrod (V356-71) for reduction of side setback
from 18' to 12' for a resident addition be approved, but that it be
conditioned upon the acceptability to the nearest neighbor Mr. T.
{ Ramirez. Councilmen Grabowski and Helgesson voted no.
SCHEDULED ITEM NO. 2:
L ACTION ON PENDING LEGISLATIVE MATTERS - Councilman Grabowski.
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I Councilman Grabowski requested this item be continued to a future
meeting. Council concurred.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 1.
REPORT ON BICYCLE PATH PLANS - Mrs. Millie Saviano.
Pathway Committee Chairman Saviano reported on the work being done
by the Committee to establish a Master Plan for Bicycle Routes in the
Town and priorities were outlined to facilitate its accomplishment.
Council concurrence was requested to the Committee's concept of com-
bining paths and roads to attain a complete, effectual, safe, adequate-
ly posted Bike Route system supplemented by 831 x 11 hand maps that
would define the designated routes.
Following discussion, the majority of the Council concurred that prior
to their adoption of this proposal as the Master Bike plan for the
Town, the Bike Route plan should be referred to the Planning Commission
for its review and comments, as it relates to the overall Town Master
Plan. An earlier motion by Councilman Grabowski to accept the report
in tote as the Town's Master Bike plan was therefore withdrawn.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded
by Helgesson and carried unanimously that the Pathway Committee's
Report on Bicycle Path Plans, dated September 20, 1971 is acceptable
( to the Council, but review by the Planning Commission is desired,
provided their comments are submitted back to the Council in time for
discussion and action at the next Council meeting on October 4, 1971.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 2:
REQUEST FOR AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING BICYCLES AND PEDESTRIANS FROM
USING FREMONT ROAD AT THE "LITTLE TWISTER".
Staff noted that this matter discussed several weeks ago had been re-
ferred to the Pathway Committee for a recommendation. A letter from
Mr. G. Bullis, 14085 Manuella Road was read urging adoption of an
ordinance that would prohibit bicyclists and pedestrians from using
Fremont Road at the "Twister". A letter from M. Willits, 26444
Ascension Drive noted bicyclists traveling on the right, heading down
the Twister would encounter danger if required to utilize the path,
since they would be forced to cross over Fremont Road to reach the
Path. He therefore proposed that cyclists going downhill be allowed
to use the road since they could travel at the same speed as an
automobile anyway.
,,.eaking for the Pathway Committee, Chairman Saviano expressed re-
servations as to the feasibility of prohibiting bikes from Fremont
Road at the Twister. Council discussion concurred with the reserva-
tions expressed by the Pathway Committee and Mr. Willits. Staff was
requested to send letters to the schools urging use of the path by
uphill traffic; that larger bike signs be posted at each end of the
Twister Path; and that the lower access to the path be improved.
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r/ UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 3:
REPORT ON COST OF SPRINKLER SYSTEM POR vowN HALL.
Staff noted that although three firms had indicated their interest to
bid on a sprinkler system for Town Hall,only one had submitted a
proposal as of this date. Their estimate was $5100. Council 6on-
curred that Staff obtain additional proposals and report back.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 4:
REPORT ON PATHWAY ENCROACHMENTS IN ROSEHILL ESTATES 01.
Staff reviewed that at the last Council meeting, it was mentioned that
there were a great many pathway encroachments existing in Rosehill
Estates #1 and Staff was asked to inspect the area and report on
these encroachments at this meeting.
The City Manager stated he had inspected the area and had taken numer-
ous slides but that they were not processed as yet and therefore re-
quested that discussions of this item be continued. Council concurred
and floor comments were heard from Mrs. M. Saviano.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 5:
REVIEW FORMS TO BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE WILLIAMSON ACT.
Staff reported that the packet of forms for processing land to be
placed under contract per the Williamson Act previously distributed
to the Council had been reviewed by the City Attorney, City Planner,
County Assessor's office and the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.
In addition, a set had been sent to the State Board of Equalization,
Property Tax Division, but as yet no response had been received. Staff
reiterated that lands containing one or more building sites or poten-
tial sites not used for a residence or a parcel containing a residence
but with sufficient acreage to allow it to be further sub -divided into
two or more sites would be considered for contract. Council discus-
sion ensued with floor participation from Mrs. P. Weisbart.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded
by Davey and carried unanimously that the forms for use in connection
with the Williamson Act contracts be approved.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 6:
REVIEW PLANS FOR REBUILDING THE V -DITCH BETWEEN THE BOONES AND HAHNS
AND AUTHORIZE A "CALL FOR BIDS".
Staff noted that the Purissima Hills Water District, although willing
to participate financially, did not wish to commit to any specific
amount until they had had opportunity to look at the plans and review
the bids. The Town Engineer presented plans and specifications for
the rebuilding of this ditch and compared the advantages and dis-
advantages of installing a pipe over an open ditch. He recommended
that a 240 perforated corrugated metal pipe be installed in the ditch
and covered with crushed rock. The aesthetic effect of this proposal
was preferred by the Council over the alternative concrete lined open
ditch.
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4/ MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Davey moved, seconded by
Helgesson and carried by unanimou; roll call vote to approve the Town
Engineer's recommendation that a rock covered perforated, corrugated
metal pipe be installed for 1000' in the V -Ditch near the Boone and
Hahn residences of Fremont Hills after the ditch has been cleared
of brush and that he be authorized to "Call for Bids."
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 7:
CONSIDER A "PUBLIC INFORMATION" LETTER.
The City Attorney reported on the responses from the attorneys handling,
the Confederacion de la Raza Unida suit and the S.H.D. #9 suit, and
noted that both attorneys strongly recommend against either a public
meeting or a letter dealing with these matters.
Council concurred to table further discussion of this proposal.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 8:
REPORT ON ACTION OF PLANNING COMMISSION RE: INTERSECTION OF ARAS-
TRADERO AND PAGE MILL ROADS.
Staff stated that the Planning Commission at their meeting of September
13th concurred that no work should be done at this time at the inter-
section of Arastradero and Page Mill Roads and that Page Mill Road
should not be straightened as it would simply increase the speed of
the traffic, which would make the bridges on either side of this in-
tersection more dangerous. It was noted that they had -asked the Path-
` way Committee to study the two bridges and recommend improvements
for the safety of pedestrians, equestrians, and bicyclists. x.1:;0 staff
was preparLng cost estimates on the different alternatives for making
these bridges safer.
Council discussion ensued with floor participation from Mrs. P. Weis-
bart, Mrs. M. Saviano and Mr. L. Dawson. Councilmen Corbett and
Helgesson noted that the Town would be derelict in its responsibility
if it ignored the existing hazards since the fear of increased speeds -_
that might result from improving the safety along this route would
not justify continuation of the present hazards to pedestrians,
equestrians and bicyclists. They felt proper traffic signs and law
enforcement would minimize and control speeding. Following lengthy
discussion with no unanimity among the Council, the Council concurred
that this matter be further studied.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded
by Helgesson and carried unanimously that discussion of improvements
along Page Mill Road be deferred pending further study.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 9:
STAFF REPORTS:
1. Staff stated that the California National Guard will be available
for path clearing work in Los Altos Hills on November 13th.
2. The City Manager announced that an Inter -City Golf Tournament
`, would be held October 21st and requested volunteers for a foursome.
Following discussion, Councilman Grabowski, Commissioner Weisbart,
City Attorney Faisant and Mr. Fritschle agreed to represent the Town.
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3. City ettorney stated that he was in the ,process of ,�re.aring the
taw forms to be utilized for Open S -pace Easement under Cha;-Dter 6.5.
�. City .,ttorney noted that he has filed the lest Da;oers to remove
the Town from further )c-tici?a.tion in the Domenic Case.
5. City 1.ttorney reported that the Munici Jal Code Manuscript had been
received which codifies existing ordinances through March 15, 1970.
COpies are on file and available for review at the Town Hall.
6. Town Engineer reported on errors in computing S.A.D.$9 assessments
580, 808, 9,7 and 978 and recommended that they be reduced as follows:
4580 - from $844.50 to $563.00
#808 - from 563.00 to 281.50
¢$9%7 - from 281.50 to 0.00
'9 78 - from 4222.50 to 3659.59
Council concurred with the Engineers recommendation end directed the
City Attorney to int:=,duce these reductions under "Resolutions"
PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR:
1. Mr. L. Dawson, 13835 Page Mill Road expressed objection to the
Town requiring that cash payment of S.A.D. #9 assessments be made by
September 27, 1971, in view of the pending litigation which has frozen
the use of these funds until the suit is resolved. He noted that in
the event that the Town should lose the suit that he had been informed
and objected thereto that those who had paid easy and thus would receiv�
a refund were not to receive interest for the period the Town held
these funds. The City Attorney noted that the matter of interest
would be subject to the decision of the court, but noted that the
Town legal expenses incurred were a cost to this assessment district
and could likely negate any accrued interest.
ORDINANCES:
1. ORD NO. 190 (First Reading). An ordinance adopting the Los Altos
Hills Municipal Code.
The City Attorney introduced and read the title of Ordinance No. 190,
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE
LOS ALTOS HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE, TOGETHER WITH THE FOLLOWING SECONDARY
CODES THEREIN ADOPTED BY REFERENCE, TO WIT: THAT CERTAIN CODE ENTITLEL
"UNIFORM BUILDING CODE, 1967 EDITION, VOLUME 1", TOGETHER WITH ITS
APPENDICES, PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF BUILDING
OFFICIALS, SAVE AND EXCEPT SUCH PORTIONS THEREOF AS ARE DELETED,
MODIFIED, OR AMENDED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE LOS ALTOS HILLS MUNI-
CIPAL CODE: THAT CERTAIN CODE ENTITLED "NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE,
1965 EDITION", TOGETHER WITH ITS ADDENDA, PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL
FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION, SAVE AND EXCEPT SUCH PORTIONS THEREOF AS
ARE DELETED, MODIFIED, OR AMENDED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE LOS ALTOS
HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE: AND THAT CERTAIN CODE ENTITLED "UNIFORM PLUMB-
ING CODE, 1967 EDITION", TOGETHER WITH ITS APPENDICES, PUBLISHED BY
THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL OFFICIALS,
SAVE AND EXCEPT SUCH PORTIONS THEREOF AS ARE DELETED, MODIFIED, OR
AMENDED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE LOS ALTOS HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE:
PRESCRIBING CERTAIN PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS
THEREOF: AND REPEALING CERTAIN ORDINANCES AS SPECIFIED THEREIN
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MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by
Grabowski and carried by unanimous roll call vote that further reading
of Ordinance No. 190 be waived.
The City Attorney noted that a public hearing is required prior to
adoption of this Municipal Code and is called for by means of Reso-
lution No. 641. (See below.)
RESOLUTIONS:
1. Res. 0.a a Resolution setting a Public Hearing on October 18,
1971 for t e adoption of the Municipal Code.
The City Attorney introduced and read in entirety, Resolution No. 641
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS FIXING THE TIME AND PLACE
FOR A PUBLIC HEARING IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF THE LOS ALTOS
HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by
Corbett and carried by unanimous roll call vote that Resolution No.
641 be adopted as read.
2. Reo. 642 a Resolution reducing a certain number of assess-
ments in S.A.D. 9.
The City Attorney introduced and read in entirety, Resolution No.
642, A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS AUTHORIZING REDUCTION
OF CERTAIN ASSESSMENTS IN SANITARY SEWER ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 9.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded
by Corbett and carried by unanimous roll call vote that Resolution
No. 642 be adopted.
This resolution decreases the total amount of S.A.D. #9 from
$338,363.00 to $336,955.50 and from 1,202 units to 1,197.
WARRANTS:
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded
by Grabowski, and carried by unanimous roll call vote, that the warran
as presented in the amount of SEVENTEEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED
EIGHTY EIGHT DOLLARS and seventy four cents ($17,388.74) be approved
and the City Clerk authorized to draw the appropriate warrants.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Benson adjourned the meeting at 10:15 P.M. to
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, October 4, 1971 at 7:45 at Town Hall.
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