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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/01/1971CITY COUNCIL TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS MINUTES CF A REGULAR MEETING November 1, 1971 Reel 39 Side 1 Track 1 00 -End Side 2 Track 1 00-225 Mayor Walter A. Benson called the regular meeting of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills to order at 7:46 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, and Mayor Benson. Councilman Davey arrived at 7:50 P.M. PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE: Commissioner Perkins APPROVAL OR MINUTES: Minutes of August 16, 1971, Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Corbett and carried unanimously (Davey, absent) that the minutes of August 16, 1971 be approved as written. COMIENICATIONSi 1. Office-orEmergency Services explained brochures they plan to mail to all citizens which outline various emergency procedures. 2. State Assembly Committee on Elections and Reapportionment will hold a public hearing on November 3, 1971 in Sacramento for discussion of Assembly reapportionment. 3. Mr. A. Lambert of Gerard Homs protested the Storm Drainage Fees he was assessed on Lot #6 of Tract 4392. SCHEDULED ITEM NO, is PUBLICHEARING TO CONSIDER THE ABANDMOGM OF CERTAIN UNUSED ROAD EASEMENT ON LOT #14, TRACT #4897 - LANDS CF ESHNER. Staff stated Mr. J. Eshner had requested an unused easement for roadway pur- poses along his westerly side of Aitamcnt Road be considered for abandonment. Floor comments were heard from Pathway Committee Chairman M. Saviano and A. M. Laws, 11210 Hooper Lane. Their concern regarded the adequacy of the path width, which staff stated would vary from 4' to 10t. Council discussion noted that Mr. Eshner had dedicated a sizeable portion of land in that general area to facilitate widening of Altamont Road, and agreed that this unused easement could be abandoned since the Town would have no need for it. There being no further discussion, the public hearing was closed and the City Attorney was requested to read the resolution of abandonment. The City Attor- ney introduced and read in entirety, Resolution No. 644, of the City Council of the Tam of Los Altos Hills vacating certain unused road easements. MOTION, SECONDED AMID CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Grab- owski and carried unanimously that Resolution No. 644 be adopted as read. '`w. SCHBDULRD ITEM MO. 23 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING CERTAIN PUBLICLY CWNED LANDS FROM R/A (Residential Agriculture) to OSR (Open Space Reserve). Staff reported that at the Public Hearing on this matter before the Planning Commission, it was recommended that all of the Town's property except the Town Hall site, be zoned Open Space Reserve. The various parcels were illustrated on the Town Map and comprised many small parcels along IS 280, Byrne Preserve, Park Corridor (below Parkside Sub -Division), the Wheeler dedication abutting Byrne Preserve, Los Altos Hills Youth Recreation Canter (Little League Park), and a portion of land along Adobe Creek dedicated by the Duvenecks. Since no floor comments were voiced, the public hearing was closed. Follow- ing discussion the Council concurred with the recommendation and requested that the City Attorney prepare for next meeting an ordinance amending the Municipal Code. SCHEDULED ITEM NO. 3: DISCUSSION OF THE ROLE OF LOS ALTOS HILLS IN THE PLANNING POLICY COMMITTEE OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY. Councilman Grabowski reviewed the Town's involvement and participation with the Planning Policy Committee. He stated that Commissioner Weisbart and `, he, after careful deliberation could not in good conscience continue to attend the PPC meetings and therefore tendered their resignations. He stated that the Committee had not responded to the wishes of the Town or the hillside communities and suggested that the Town join with its hillside neighbors and form its own Committee to further its common interests. Lengthy discussion by the Council with floor participation from Mrs. J. McIlwraith, 13431 Wildcrest Drive, ensued. The rest of the Council in varying degrees expressed their reservations as to the effectiveness of Town representation. They generally concurred, however that the Town should be represented in the Committee's functions and that involvement at least provided a means of communicating the Town's desires, even though it frequently is outvoted. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 1 - DEMONSTRATION OF A FIRE/SMDMB SENSORY SYSTEM FOR TOWN HALL. Staff reviewed that this presentation was being made as an alternate approach to installation of a $5000 sprinkler system in the Town Hall. Mr. D. Hake of Westinghouse Security Systems demonstrated their system which would de- tect the presence of smoke and/or heat and transmit a signal to a central communications office. Installation of the system in the Town Hall could be accomplished for $1000 plus a flat monthly rate, thereafter of $13. Council concurred to take the proposal under advisement. -2- UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 2: VARIANCE TO REDUCE FRONT SETBACK FROM 40' to 13' for a pool and from 40' to 25' for a tennis court. Applicant: Kenneth Elvin, Rhus Ridge Road. V-358-71. Staff reviewed and noted that the Planning Commission had recommended approv- al of the requested variances for the applicant, Mr. Kenneth Elvin. Council discussion concurred with the recommendation. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Grabowski and carried unanimously to approve the variance requests of K.P. Elvin (V358-71) that would allow a reduction in front setback from 40' to 25' for a tennis court and a reduction in front setback from 40' to 13' for a swimming pool, both in accordance with the six criteria of section 13:60 of Ordinance No. 78, as amended. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 3: PRESENTATION OF AN ADDITION TO THE TOWN'S TRAIL.WAYS. Pathway Committee Chairman M. Savimo presented a proposal for a sawdust horse ring to complement the Town's Trail System. The proposed ring would be approximately 80' x 200' and be located adjacent to the Little League Field at the Los Altos Hills Youth Recreation Center. Cmdr. J. W. Dochnahl, (Ret.) noted that the designated area would be left as is except lower tree limbs would be removed to allow horse and rider clearance. Comments were heard from Mmes. Judy Carico, June McIlwraith, Chase Gieseler, Diane Stmbels, Messrs. S. Whittelsey, A. M. Laws and Commissioner Perkins. Council discussion endorsed the concept but discussion noted provisions for adequate drainage should be considered as well as compatibility with the neighboring youth functions. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED, Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Helgesson and carried unanimously to endorse the proposed horse ring and that the National Guard volunteer labor be utilized to trim the area desig- nated by the Staff as an initial step in preparation of the site. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 4: PRESENTATION OF GOLF TROPHY. Staff stated that the golf team, comprised of Councilman Grabowski, Planning Commissioner Weisbart, City Attorney Faisant, and City Manager Fritschle, won the golf tournament for the Town of Los Altos Hills at the First Annual Inter -City Golf Tournament. The trophy was exhibited and Council congratu- lations were extended. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 5• OPEN SPACE BASEMENTS - Chapter 6.5 of the Government Code. Staff reviewed that this item continued from the last meeting at the request of Councilman Corbett was to allow further study and concerned the Planning Commission recommendation of publicizing Chapter 6.5 along with the William- son Act. In addition, they suggested an "instrument" for those who might be interested in placing land under an open space easement be made available. Council discussion concurred with the Planning Commission recommendation. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Corbett moved, seconded by Helgessor. and carried unanimously that Staff prepare a draft instrument to facilitate placing land under an open space easement as provided by Chapter, 6.5 of the Government Code and that this as well as information on Chapter 6.5 be disseminated along with the Williamson Act data and contracts currently pro- vided to interested citizens. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 6: CONSIDER AN APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS TO PERMIT TOWN PLANNER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE "HILLSIDE STUDY". Staff reviewed that in early 1970, the Town had requested LAFCO to postpone the establishment of the sphere of influence boundary line between Cupertino and Los Altos Hills until a mountain study could be made of the area bordering the two cities, and the land between. Due to delay in funding, the Hillside Committee was just formed and the Town was now asked to provide Council and Planning Commission representation as well as have a staff member attend its Technical Advisory Sub -Committee meetings. Mr. Fritschle noted that the first meeting had been attended by the Tawe Engineer, since the budget did not include funds for the Town Planner to attend. He estimated an additional $700 would be required to enable the Planner to attend these meetings during the balance of this fiscal year and since this would necessitate drawing from the General Fund Reserve, he recommended against this expenditure. Councilman Davey urged that the Council designate a Councilman and Planning Commissioner to represent the Tarn on the Hillside Committee, of which she was Chairman, and that planning funds be allocated to enable participation by the Town Planner. She noted that this study had been undertaken in response to the Tom's request and that the resultant Committee formed had assumed representation of the Town's professional Planner would be provided to its Technical Advisory Commitee. The other members of the Council ex- pressed concern over further "dipping" into the Reserve Fund, noting that the Planning budget had already been increased by $1200 this year from its original allocation to accomplish updating of the Zoning Ordinance. Mayor Benson stated he had asked the Planning Commission for a representative but had not as yet received an indication of interest and as far as the Council representation, Councilman Davey as Chairman of the Committee should fulfill this need. AsthePlanning Commission representative to the Council, Commissioner Perkins stated his willingness to attend whenever his schedule allowed but he noted his attendance would not substitute for the "professional expertise" of the Town Planner. Floor comments were heard from Mees. D. Miller and J. McIlwraith. Following lengthy discussion, the majority of the Council concurred that additional funding for the Town Planner's participation could not be pro- vided and therefore his participation would be limited to that allowed under existing retainer fee. The Town Engineer was requested to attend the Tech- nical Advisory group meetings, whenever Mr. Mader could not do so under his retainer. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 7n CLAIM FOR DAMAGES TO CAR ($74.80) CAUSED BY ACCIDENT AT LA CRESTA AND ANACAPA-- A.H. SACKS. Staff reported on a claim presented by Mr. A. H. Sacks for damages to his automobile in the amount of $74.80. He claimed the accident was caused by loose gravel on the road and therefore the Town should reimburse him for this amount. Staff recommended that the Town deny this claim. Council discussion concurred. MOTION, SECCHDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Cor- ftW bett, and carried unanimously that the claim presented to the Town by Mr. A. H. Sacks, 12682 Roble Veneno for damages to his automobile involved in an accident at the corner of La Cresta and Anacapa be denied. -4- UNSCHEDU[8D ITEM ND, 8 REPORT FROM' NOISH AHATBMBNT COMMITTEE. Since the State Division of Highways had not acted on a request from the Noise Abatement Committee, this report was continued to the November 15th meeting. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 9: RBPORT FROG PLANNING COMMISSION RE: ABANDONMENT OF PATHWAY EASEMENTS IN ROSEHILL ESTATES NO. 1. Staff reported on the Planning Commission meeting of October 26th, when they recommended the abandonment of certain easements in Rosehill Estates No. 1, Staff stated that the next action to be taken was for the Council to set a date for a Public Hearing to hear arguments for or against the abandonment. Council concurred to set a Public Hearing re: abandonment of easements in Rosehill Estates No. 1 for 8:00 P.M. on December 6, 1971, UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 10: REPORT FROM PLANNING COMMISSION RE: STUDY", SUPPORT OF THE "MID -PENINSULA PLANNING Staff reviewed the Planning Commission recommendation that the City Council express their interest in the Mid -Peninsula Planning Study and send a letter to Palo Alto so stating. Although the Counties of San Mateo and Santa Clara have resubmitted an application for State financing for this study, these funds are not yet approved. Palo Alto wishes to begin the preliminary collection of data prior to receipt of these Funds, (if forthcoming) to preclude further delay in accomplishing completion of the Mid -Peninsula Study. Council discussion noted agreement in concept but conditioned this expression of interest, whereby if financial participation from the Town is expected to accomplish this study, the amount of funds expected from Los Altos Hills must first be approved by the Council. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 11: REQUEST FOR PERMISSION TO OBTAIN LAND APPRAISAL ON THE LOT AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF EDITH AND FREMONT ROADS. Staff reported Mr. Richard Glidden, one of the owners of the parcel at the northeast comer of Edith and Fremont, might consider its dedication to the Town if the Town would obtain a land appraisal satisfactory for Internal Revenue pruposes. Staff recommended authorization of the appraisal which would cost no more than $100.00. MOTION, SECONDED, AND CARRIED: Councilman Grabowski moved, seconded by Davey, and carried by unanimous roll call vote that the City Manager be authorized to expend $100.00 to proceed with the appraisal of the parcel at the north- east corner of Edith and Fremont Road. UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 12: STAFF REPORTS kw 1. Mr. Fritschle noted that Los Altos Hills could not participate in HUD grants, since the Town did not qualify under its four criteria. -5- MAW 2. Status report on CATV will be presented at the November 15, 1971 Council meeting. 3. Mrs. R. L. Paddock will show a film with sound on the proposed sister city -- St. Emilion, France, at the November 15th Council Meeting. 4. Mr. Fritschle advised that Town participation in a Spay & Neuter Clinic could cost between $4000 to $4500 per year and thus appeared to be prohibitive. 5. Mr. Fritschle advised that a joint meeting is proposed of the four cities contracting with the Sheriff's department for law enforcement. The Council expressed interest in a joint meeting of the four Councils to discuss mutual problems and means of improving the law enforcement service and instructed the City Manager to follow up this proposal. 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 FOUR THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED TWENTY SIX DOLLARS and forty nine cents ($4226.49) be approved and the City Clerk authorized to draw the appropriate warrants. OTHER BUSINESS BY COUNCILMEN: 1. Councilman Grabowski discussed pending legislative bills SB6781 AB8389 and AB9350 all relating to environmental protection. 2. Councilman Grabowski questioned Councilman Davey's use of Town mailings to transmit data of a controversial nature. Councilman Davey stated that the data transmitted were sent as a courtesy and intended as informative. The subject transmittals related to a status report on the proposed regional park, Civil Rights, Housing, Conservation and Open Space. Floor comments were expressed by Mr. A. M. Laws, Mmes. L. Foster and M. Saviano. Following Council discussion, the Council unanimously concurred to restrict Town mailings to official business. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Benson adjourned the meeting at 11:35 P.M. to NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, November 15, 1971 at 7:45 P.M. at Town Hall. Respectfully submitted, TED J. KLUZ094/ City Clerk Town of Los Altos Hills TJX/dq -6- 11/1/71