HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/08/1970CITY COUNCIL
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
MINUTES OF A REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING
September B, 1970
REEL 30 - SIDE 1, TRACK 2 -- FOOTAGE 00 - 920
Mayor Walter A. Benson called the Regular Adjourned Meeting of the City
Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills to order at 7:52 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 Aiken, Davey,
Grabowski, Helgesson and Mayor Benson. Absent: None.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE: Commissioner Lachenbruch.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 3, 1970
Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Aiken and carried unanimously, that
the Minutes of August 3, 1970 be approved with the following changes:
Page 4, lines 3 and 33: correct typographical errors; page 6. Scheduled Item
No. 2, Lands of Eshner: change date from September 21st to "August 17th".
(Note: this was changed at the August 17th meeting to September 21, 1970.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 17, 1970.
`r Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Aiken and carried by majority vote
that the Minutes of August 17, 1970 be approved as written, Councilmen Davey
and Grabowski abstaining, since they were absent at that meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Letter from Mr. Carl J. Simpson, 23460 Camino Hermoso, requesting road
improvements be made on Camino Hermoso from the end of Magdalena to
Ravensbury.
2. Water Quality Control Board advised that the South Bay Dischargers Study
was underway and that they would be providing periodic status reports.
3. Letter from Santa Clara County Health Department advising of their
approval for an onsite sewage disposal system for the M. R. Johnson
subdivision (301-65) and one building site (B.SA-45-68) on Purissima near
Arastradero Road.
4. Staff reviewed a claim for damages from Bartholomew P. Serini, Conceta
Serini, B. P. Serini, Jr. and Richard Serini.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Aiken moved, seconded by
Helgesson and carried unanimously, that the above mentioned Serini claim
be denied.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Final publicity committee meeting for the Transit District Election to
be held on September 16th at 7:00 P. M., at the Bold Knight, Sunnyvale.
2. League of California Cities, Peninsula Division, meeting to be held on
Thursday, September 17, 1970 at Lake Pilarcitos (San Mateo County).
UNSCHEDULEDI18M . 2:
REQUEST FOR C INODETERMINATION THAT LOT #19, TRACT #3609. IS A BUILDING
SITE.
Staff advised that when this subdivision was approved, Lot #19 was declared
"NOT A BUILDING SITE" because sanitary sewers were not available. This was
a recommendation of the Health Department, and the Planning Commission and
Council concurred. Since thent a sanitary sewer has been installed on
Christopher's Lane, which connects to the Palo Alto line in Page Mill Road
and lot #19 can be served by this line. The City Attorney stated that the
Council could declare that lot #19 is now a legal building site.
POTION, SBCCNDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Aiken moved, seconded by
Helgesson and carried unanimously that lot #19 0£ Tract #3609 be declared
a building site.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 3:
GRANT EASEMENT TO P. G. & E. FOR UNDERGROUNDING ON FREMONT ROAD.
Staff reported that in connection with the undergrounding project to be
started soon on Fremont Road between Concepcion and St. Francis Drive that
the Town must grant P. G. & E. three small easements to accommodate under-
ground cable and a transformer box.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by
Grabowski and carried unanimously, that Pacific Gas and Electric Co, and
Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co, be granted easements requested to
accommodate underground cable and a transformer box, and that the Mayor and
06 City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 4:
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL TO ADOPT NEW TRAIL AND PATH STANDARDS.
Staff stated that the Pathway Committee had studied the different types of
trails and paths needed for Los Altos Hills and concluded that three basic
types were needed. Type 1-A and B would be for equestrian/pedestrian use
located in easements or along shoulders of the roads. Type 2-A and B would
be for equestrian/pedestrian use in any location. Type 3 would be for
pedestrian/bicycles in any location.
The above was recommended to the Planning Commission who did not concur
100% in this recommendation. They would prefer that Type 1-A and B be
called a "Trail", located in either easements or along the shoulders of
roads and that there be no designation as to the users of such a trail;
Type 2-A and B would be called a "Path", without designating the users; and
Type 3 would also be a path, without designating the users.
The Planning Commission's reasoning for making these changes was:
(1) For clarity, that is, trails will always be of native soil and paths
will always have improved surfaces.
(2) We should not designate the use of trails and paths, unless we intend
to patrol and enforce this regulation.
A copy of the details and sections for the three types of trails and paths
and their description were presented.
Council discussion ensued with Floor participation by Mr. A. M. Laws,
11210 Hooper Lane.
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UNSCHEDULED NO. 4: New Trail and Path Standards cont'd.:
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by
Grabowski and carried unanimously, that the new trail and path standards
dated April 1970, as amended to delete the users' designation, as recommended
by the Planning Commission, be approved.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 1•
REPORT ON PROGRESS OF PATH ON FREMOVT ROAD (LITTLE TWISTER).
Staff reported that Mr. Ray F. Galli, 1320 Bayport Avenue, San Carlos,
advised of his desire to trade part of the corner of the Galli property
(which did not fall within the road right of way) for another piece and that
also he wished to be guaranteed three building sites when he subdivides the
property. It was noted that one lot would be less than an acre.
Council discussion noted that this consideration could not be guaranteed but,
even if it were within a fraction of an acre, such consideration could not be
given until a map was presented.
Additional queries were made as to applicability of gas tax monies for this
project. Staff reiterated that this money could not be used unless actual
road work was incorporated in the project, but it was suggested that when
plans axe finalized that they be referred to the State for a reading.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 5:
RECOMMENDATIONS OF PLANNING COMMISSION TO HAVE THE TREE COMMITTEE INSPECT ALL
TENTATIVE MAPS AND REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
Staff reported that the Planning Commission had recommended that the Tree
Committee be asked to inspect all Tentative Maps and report to the Planning
Commission on the matter of preserving trees and the planting of new trees.
The Tree Committee on the other hand, recommended that this be done by a sub-
committee of the Planning Commission and that they only be called in on
special cases.
Staff noted the present long lead-time required to process Tentative Maps,
without requiring additional input. City Manager requested that the Tree
Committee's recommendation be adopted as it is more workable and would not
further delay this activity.
Council concurred.
UNSCHEDULED NO. 6:
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PLANNING COMMISSION RE: PATH EASEMENTS FOR FREDERICK
T. ADAMS ON ARIC LANE.
Staff stated that having been referred to the Planning Commission for a
recommendation, it was considered by them at their last meeting (8/24/70).
The Planning Commission recommended to the Council "that the path easement
along the easterly side of Lot #3 be abandoned and the 10' path dedication
acceptance along the northerly boundaries of Lots #2 and #3 should be held in
abeyance until eventual development of the Palo Alto land, so that the Town
of Los Altos Hills could then determine its best interest as to the pathway."
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Davey
40 and carried unanimously that the above noted recommendation by the Planning
Commission be approved.
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SCH®UIED ITEM NO. 4:
PUBLIC HEARING ON AMENDMENTS TO UNIFORM FIRE CODE.
This item was continued from last meeting to allow time for our Fire
Commissioners to make comments on this proposal. Staff noted that proposed
Ordinance No. 178, which would adopt those applicable sections of the
Uniform Fire Code, had been reviewed and no objections were submitted by
the Fire Commissioners.
The Public Hearing was opened at 9:00 P. M. and Floor participation
included Fire Marshal J. S. Farwell, speaking for adoption, and Mr. A. M.
Laws and Mrs. Florence Fava, 26691 Moody Road, opposing adoption of the
Uniform Fire Code. The Public Hearing was closed at 9:25 P. M.
Council discussion ensued as to desirability of adoption of the Uniform Fire
Code, since the current Ordinance No. 105 did not cwer commercial ventures
and also that Ordinance No. 178, as proposed, would have no new effect on
individuals. Any reservations regarding discing for weed abatement was not
felt to be a valid objection since discing to abate fire hazards was possible
under Ordinance No. 105, which was adopted on June 7, 1965.
Council concurred that the First Reading of Ordinance No. 178 be heard later
in the Agenda under Ordinances.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 7:
REQUEST FROM PLANNING COMMISSION FOR ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON PATH EASEMENTS.
Staff stated that the Planning Commission, while studying the question of what
controls to recommend to the City Council for keeping pathways clear of
obstructions, submitted the following questions to the Council for comments
from the City Attorney.
1) Can a property owner be required to remove obstructions from path
easements?
2) Where does the liability lie if a path easement is offered for
dedication, but not accepted by the Town?
3) What prevents property owner from building or growing an obstruction
on a path easement?
4) Can a property owner legally be charged for the removal of obstructions
in a path easement? Does this depend on whether the Town has accepted
the easement or not?
Staff was requested to refer these questions to the City Attorney for a
legal reading.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 8:
REQUEST FROM SANTA CLARA COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT FOR A MEETING TO DISCUSS
THE CREATION OF A JOINT CITIES -COUNTY PLANNING AGENCY.
Staff noted that the Santa Clara Planning Department wished to meet with the
City Council at a special meeting to discuss the feasibility and desirability
of creating a joint Cities -County Planning Agency, They would take about two
hours for such a meeting and preferred this be scheduled some evening in
40 October.
Council agreed that the City Manager and the Mayor meet to arrange this date.
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p UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 9:
�yREQUEST FRQA TAE GUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES TO DUSIGNATB A VOTING
REPRESENTATIVE AND AN ALTERNATE FOR THE FALL BUSINESS SESSION IN SAN DIBGO.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Aiken moved, seconded by Grabowski
and carried unanimously by roll call vote, that Mayor Walter A. Benson
be designated as the voting representative and Councilman Stanley W.
Grabowski as the alternate for the League of California Cities meeting in
San Diego, assuming they both are able to attend the Business Session.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 10:
REQUEST FOR ENDORSEMENT OF MEASURE "A" ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT (PUBLIC TRANSIT).
City Manager stated it had been requested that each jurisdiction in Santa
Clara County endorse Measure "A", urging a Yes vote on this issue in order
to establish public transit systema for the County.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by
Mayor Benson and carried unanimously that the Tam of Los Altos Hills go on
record as supporting Measure ^A", which if passed, would establish a
Countywide Transit System.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 11:
STAFF REPORTS:
1. Staff suggested consideration be given to the establishment of a
voluntary Palo Alto Basin Sewer Fund, so that the Townes financial obligation
to pay off the sewer capacity indebtedness to Palo Alto can be met. Staff
4 further noted that the current and anticipated revenue would be insufficient
to meet the July 1972 payment of $80,000. It was noted that the alternatives
would necessitate a substantial tax increase or a change to the present sewer
policy.
Councilman Aiken proposed that Staff investigate to see if the Palo Alto
contract could be amended to reduce this obligation. He suggested the
Holding Capacity Report recently distributed might indicate a lesser density
than was originally negotiated for capacity rights to the Palo Alto sewer.
MDTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Aiken
and carried unanimously, that the City Manager investigate the possibility of
setting up a voluntary Palo Alto Sewer Capacity District.
2. Staff advised of a renovated structure, located on a small piece of
property owned by Mr. Hugh Jackson, that was a residency violation since
this was not a legal building site.
Council noted that ample warnings were preVously given to Mr. Jackson and
that he was well aware of this violation. City Attorney was directed by
the Council to proceed with legal action against Mr. Jackson.
9. Staff was requested to advise Mr. J. W. Delles of steps being taken to
have the trailer moved.
4. City Manager advised of his desire to attend the International City
Managerts meeting in San Diego.
NATION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Aiken moved, seconded by Helgesson
and carried unanimously that the City Manager be excused from September 18,
1970 through September 249 1970 to attend the ICMA meeting in San Diego.
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STAFF REPORTS cont'd.:
AW 5. Staff advised that the Town will probably be reg886h0d toparticipate
in the recently announced joint venture of Mt. View and Palo Alto to
establish a Cable TV eyatem.
6. City Manager reported on a newspaper article that mentianed-Los Altos
Hills as being among Towns not having MexiCan.American employees.
7. Mrs. F. Fava reported on her efforts to preserve thw Roscoe barnand
silo as an historical monument. Also, she -expressed thm 'dasire to establish
an historical center for containing those items donated by'interested
persons.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Aiken moved, seeo::ded by Benson
and carried unanimously that the City Attorney be directed to proceed to
have the Roscoe barn secured, pending its outcome.
B. City Attorney advised of a proposed covenant received from Mr. A.
Traficanti to run with the Voorhees property. It was recommended that the
covenant run for twenty (20) years. Council concurred. -
9. City Attorney advised the preliminary hearing for the -Kilburn suit will
be held September 23, 1970.
ORDINANCES: Ord. No. 178 . First Reading.
City Attorney introduced and read the title of Ordinance No. 178, an
ordinance of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills adopting by
4W reference portions of the revised 1967 Uniform Fire Code.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Aiken moved,.secooded by Helgesson
and Carried by unanimous roll call vote, that further reading of
Ordinance No. 178 be waived.
WARRANTS:
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Aiken
and carried unanimously, that the warrants as presented in the amount of
SIXTEEN THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED SIXTY -FNS DOLLARS and Ninety-two Cents
($16,165.92) be approved and the City Clerk authorized to,draw the
appropriate warrants.
OTHER BUSINESS BY COUNCILMEN:
1. Councilman Aiken requested Staff investigate fence along Pathway at
Blandor and Magdalena.
2. Councilman Aiken advised that he was changing his.resignation date to
September 21, 1970.
ADJOURMGM:
There being no further business, Mayor Benson adjourned the meeting at
10:05 P. M. to PERSONNEL SESSION and reconvened the meeting at 10:40 P. M.,.
.,solely for the purpose of adjournment.
14= REGULAR NESTING: Monday, September 21, 1970 at 7:4S P. M. at Town Hall.
6 -Respectfully submitted,
"TED J K[.IIZBK �
-City Clerk
TJK/mam 9/8/70 Town of Los -Altos Hills