HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/15/1969CITY COUNCIL
TOWN OF IAS ALTOS HILLS
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
September 15, 1969
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Mayor Wm. Ross Aiken called the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the
Town of Los Altos Hills to order at 7:55 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 Benson, Davey, Fmle, Helgesson,
Mayor Aiken. Absent: None.
PLANNING COIM1ISSION REPRESENTATIVE: Commissioner Priscilla R. Weisbart.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 21 1969.
Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Fowle and carried unanimously, that
the Minutes of September 2, 1969 be approved as submitted.
COIMUNICATIONS•
Assistant City Manager reviewed the following:
�r 1) Lois C. Hogle and Ruth B. Spangenberg, dated September 10, 1969, express-
ing appreciation and support for Council efforts to participate in the Palo
Alto Foothills development.
2) Mrs, Donald Spencer, President Los Altos Hills Association, dated
September 9, 1969, extending invitation to meeting at the Tann Hall,
Wednesday, September 17, to discuss the proposed developments on the Stanford
and Palo Alto lands bordering the Town.
3) David Jansson, 27440 Sherlock Road, dated September 13, 1969, appealing
to the Council to proceed with a planning study for the Central Drive Area
without imposing a moratorium on development.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. City Manager noted the next regular meeting of the Transportation Policy
Committee will be held October 83 1969,
2. Mayor Aiken reported on Palo Alto City Council meeting re development of
the Coyote Hill Area, noting that Palo Alto, by a 6 to 3 vote, has proceeded
with the subdivision plan which the Town feels is inadequate and incomplete,
due to lack of traffic impact analysis. Mayor Aiken stated that the Town has
asked for cooperation from the City of Palo Alto and has informed Palo Alto
that Los Altos Hills' residents will not stand for a tax increase to widen
Arastradero and Page Mill Roads to four lanes, in order to serve an area
outside of the Town limits. Mayor Aiken stated he would continue to seek
cooperation from Palo Alto and Stanford University and suggested he meet with
these jurisdictions to assure that the Town's strong feelings on proposed
development were made clear.
Council concurred.
SCHEDULED ITEM NO. 1:
PRESENTATION OF BIDS AND CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR RECONSTRUCTION
OF CONCEPCION AND LOWER PORTION OF ALTAMONT ROAD.
City Engineer submitted bid summary for Gas Tax Project No. 22, noting the
following bids had been received:
Bahr & Ledoyen, Inc. - $141,925.29
Perham Construction Co. - $162,836.55
L. C. Smith - $183,049.45
City Manager stated the law bid by Bahr & Ledoyen, Inc, was within the
Engineer's estimate for the project, noted only State Gas Tax Funds would
be spent on the project, and recommended the contract be awarded to the law
responsible bidder.
Council concurred to consider action under RESOLUTIONS on the agenda.
SCHEDULED ITEM NO. 2•
PRESENTATION OF TOWN -WIDE CITIZENS' DRAINAGE COMMITTEE REPORT.
Councilman Helgesson, Chairman of the Town -wide Drainage Committee, reviewed
the Town -wide Citizens' Drainage Committee Report dated September 4, 1969
(copies on file at the Town Hall). Councilman Helgesson reviewed drainage
deficiencies and Committee recommendations for improving the Tam drainage
system, noting the following:
4W 1. Future Town policy should incorporate the concept of using natural channel;
wherever possible.
2. The Town should embark on a drainage program as soon as possible and work
toward completion within fifteen years.
3. Select System road drainage improvements should be completed as Gas Tax
funds become available.
4. Financing totalling $750,000 for the recommended drainage priorities
should be obtained from the following sources:
(a) Adopt an ordinance establishing an assessment of $800.00 per
building site for new subdivisions.
(b) Adopt an ordinance establishing an assessment of .030 per square
foot of paved and roofed area for new construction.
5. A minimum amount of $20,000 per year be set aside for rehabilitation
andimprovements to drainage facilities.
Mayor Aiken expressed Council appreciation to Councilman Helgesson and the
members of the Drainage Committee, Messrs, Albert R. Clark, James G. Gable,
John L. Heid and Francis J. Jean.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Benson moved, seconded by Fowle and
carried unanimously, that the Council accept for review, with appreciation,
the report of the Town -wide Citizens' Drainage Committee.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 1:
CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST LF H. A. NEIDHART FOR REPLACEMENT OF FENCE AT
10779 MAGDALENA ROAD.
City Manager reviewed letter from Mr. Neidhart dated August 13 requesting
Town installation of a fence removed from his property. Staff report was
presented, noting that in December of 1966 the fence had been removed to
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UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO, 1: Neidhart cont'd.:
06 allow the Town to install a path adjacent to the Neidhart property. City
Manager stated the fence had been located in the public right-of-way and had
been removed and the path installed at Town expense.
City Attorney stated that the fence was public property due to its location
in the public right-of-way and that there was no legal basis to expend
public funds on private property, unless the Town could find public need
for the fence.
Council discussion ensued with Floor participation by Clayton J. Smith,
Building Inspector, and Mr. Neidhart, Mayor Aiken noted it was unfortunate
that the claim had not been presented in December, 1966, rather than waiting
until 1969.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Benson moved, seconded by
Helgesson and carried unanimously, that the claim of H. A, Neidhart, 10779
Magdalena Road, for replacement of fence be denied.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 2:
STAFF REPORT ON REALIGNMENT OF SHERLOCK ROAD.
City Manager reviewed summary of events, noting Mr. James Bell, 27471 Sherlock
Road, had received tentative approval from the City Engineer to relocate a
section of Sherlock Road in mid-July. City Manager stated that upon receipt
of complaints and inspection, the realignment work had been stopped until a
Site Development Permit had been granted by the Town. Letter was read dated
40 September 8, 1969 signed by five property owners adjacent to Sherlock Road
stating their support of the relocation and their intent to not deprive anyone
of any rights -o£ -way which exist over Sherlock Road.
Mayor Aiken stated that, since Sherlock Road is a private road on private
property, the Town's interest is restricted to whether Town ordinances have
been violated and the only consideration before the Council is the require-
ment of a grading permit.
Council discussion ensued, with Floor participation by Thomas Williams,
18844 Dundee Avenue, Saratoga; Mrs. D. Miller, 13076 Vista del Valle Court;
Mrs. J. G. Ronsiek, 13023 Vista del Valle Court; James Bell; David Jansson;
and Commissioner L. Dawson.
Letter dated August 30, 1969 from Mr. David Janssen was read in its entirety,
at his request, stating free passage over Sherlock Road has been obstructed
and requesting the Town to restore Sherlock Road to its original grade and
alignment.
City Attorney noted the following:
1) Any private road could be realigned and the only jurisdiction the Town
would have would be to require compliance to Town ordinances, i.e., Site
Development Ordinance No. 133.
2) The Town Staff has an obligation to see that the plan and complete road
conform to Ordinance No. 133, but they have no jurisdiction to refuse to grant
a site development permit if the plan conforms to ordinance requirements.
04W Mayor Aiken requested the Staff to review penalties that could be added to
the Site Development Ordinance for enforcement by the Council, without court
action (such as, double fees required when the ordinance is violated,)
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UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 2: Sherlock Road cont'd.:
4W MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Fowle moved, seconded by Helgesson
and carried unanimously, that the Staff be instructed to meet with Mr. James
Bell to review in detail proposed plans for realignment of Sherlock Road and
to grant a permit for said realignment if all requirements of the Site
Development Ordinance are satisfied.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 3•
COMMUNICATION FROM MRS. E. R. HANSEN REQUESTING ESTABLISHMENT OF A LEASH LAW.
City Manager read letter from Mrs. E. R. Hansen, 12395 Melody Lane, dated
August 29, 1969, reviewing dog attacks on children and urging establishment
of a leash law within the Town. Mrs. Hansen read letter from William Elliott,
Principal of Fremont Elementary School, dated September 15, supporting any
action which would eliminate the "free run" the dogs now have on school
grounds.
Council discussion ensued, with Floor participation by the following speaking
in favor of a leash law: Mrs. E. R. Hansen; Mrs. Frank Wezniak, 12374 Melody
Lane; A.M. Laws, 11210 Hooper In.; Mr, L. Watkins, 27200 Altamont Road; and
additional Floor participation by the following: Commissioner Weisbart;
Mrs. F. Fava, 26991 Moody Court; Robert Stauffer, 27760 Sherlock Road; and
Mrs. M. Saviano, 12620 Corte Madera Lane.
Mayor Aiken stated he would like to appoint a Citizens Committee to review
this problem. Council concurred.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 4:
CONSIDERATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION RE: POSITION OF
CHIEF OF POLICE.
Staff reviewed Law Enforcement Committee recommendation that the position of
Chief of Police be held by either the City Manager or Assistant City Manager,
so as to provide direct contact with the County Sheriff's Office. Clayton
J. Smith, Building Inspector, stated he had no objection to relinquishing
the honorary title of Chief of Police, which he has held for the past several
years.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Benson moved, seconded by
Helgesson and carried unanimously, that the City Manager, Murl M. Fritschle,
be appointed Chief of Police.
Mr. Joseph Parise, 26875 Elena Road, inquired if this was to be an active
position. Mayor Aiken stated this would not be an active position, would not
result in an increase in salary nor any increase in duties, except for
contact with the Sheriff's Office.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 5:
COMMUNICATION FROM MRS. W. CROWSON REQUESTING DRAINAGE SCLUTION FOR OLIVE
TREE COURT.
Assistant City Manager read letter from Mrs. Walter Crowson, 24692 Olive Tree
Court, dated August 31, 1969, reviewing history of drainage development in
the vicinity of Olive Tree Court, and requesting Town action to alleviate
flooding damage to their property.
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UNSCHEDUIED ITEM No. 5: Crowson letter cont -d.:
City Manager stated that the drainage problem originated on private property
and that the Town had no legal jurisdiction to force a solution. City
Manager stated a letter had been sent to nine area property owners, trying to
establish voluntary participation on this private road to correct drainage
deficiencies and offering Staff assistance concerning design standards, etc.
Council discussion ensued, with Floor participation by Mr. and Mrs. Crowson.
Mrs. Crowson stated drainage requirements imposed by the Town during
development of lots #20, 22, 23 and 19 had not been complied with or cm-
pleted.
Council concurred the following action should be taken:
1. Staff was instructed to review drainage requirements and make certain
that required drainage improvements were completed.
2. Staff was instructed that no more building permits should be issued in
this area, unless the drainage has been effectively handled.
3. Staff was instructed to consider amendment of Site Development Ordinance
No. 133 to insure that building permits will not be issued, if the City
Engineer feels that drainage problems are not solved.
Mayor Aiken stated he wou Id neet the Crowsons on the site and further
review the drainage situation.
Mr. Jack Snell, 26630 Snell Lane, noted that the so-called "Snell Lane
drainage problem" is related to drainage deficiencies in the vicinity of
Altadena and not Snell Lane. Mr. Snell suggested drainage improvements in
the vicinity of Altadena be initiated.
UNSCHEDULED ITEM NO. 6.:
STAFF REPORTS:
City Manager reviewed the following:
1. The Tree Committee recommended Council action requesting the State
Division of Highways to provide additional landscaping along the Junipero
Serra Freeway in the vicinity of Little League ballpark and a letter request-
ing the State Department of Public Works provide additional landscaping as
a buffer zone against the Freeway in the Little League area, the Robleda Road
area, El Monte area, and the Magdalena overpass area.
City Manager suggested that a draft letter be prepared for Council approval
and signature at the next meeting. Council concurred.
Mrs. D. Miller suggested notifying the State that a number of trees and
plantings are dead and also request the State Landscape Architect to meet
with the Town. Council concurred a separate letter regarding the landscaping
deficiencies would be in order, following review by the Tree Committee.
2. Planning Commission recommended adoption of the Housing Element for the
General Plan. Council concurred a Public Hearing to consider adoption of
the Housing Element should be set for 6:00 P. M., October 63 1969, at the
Town Hall.
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STAFF REPORTS Cont'd.:
City Attorney:
1) Stated the City Engineer had met with Mr. J. Kilburn concerning slide
damage in the vicinity of Anacapa Drive and that Mr. Kilburn had engaged a
soils engineering firm.
2) Requested brief litigation session at the end of the meeting.
PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR:
1. Mrs. Miller questioned Town policy concerning allowing future private
roads. Mayor Aiken stated private roads would continue to be allowed,
subject to compliance with required construction standards, adequate road
maintenance agreements, etc.
2. Mrs. Miller questioned the feasibility of a Town -wide Drainage System
without considering sewers. Councilman Helgesson stated these were separate
problems and sewer problems would have to be corrected outside of the
drainage program.
3. Commissioner Neisbart noted the need for a clear Town policy in regard
to Palo Alto development, adjacent to the Town. Council concurred that the
Planning Commission should be requested to take the initiative and set a
definite date and place for a meeting with the Palo Alto Planning Commission.
RESOLUTIONS:
1. Resolution No. 542 - Awarding contract - GTP -22.
City Attorney introduced and read in its entirety Resolution No. 542, a
resolution of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills awarding
contract for reconstruction of Concepcion Road and a portion of Altamont
Road GTP #22 (awarding contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Bahr &
Ledoyen, Inc. of Palo Alto, as noted in Scheduled Item No. 1).
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by
Benson, that Resolution No. 542 be adopted as read, was carried by the
following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilmen Benson, Davey, Fowle, Helgesson,
and Mayor Aiken. Noes: None. Absent: None.
ORDINANCES•
1. Second Reading - Ordinance No. 162, establishing fire breaks.
City Attorney read the title of Ordinance No. 162, an ordinance of the Town
of Los Altos Hills amending Ordinance No. 105 of said Town by making further
provision for fire breaks.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Benson moved, seconded by Helgesson,
that further reading of Ordinance No. 162 be waived, was carried by the
following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilmen Benson, Davey, Fowle, Helgesson,
and Mayor Aiken. Noes: None. Absent: None.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Benson moved, seconded by Helgesson,
4 that Ordinance No. 162 be adopted as read, was carried by the following roll
call vote: Ayes: Councilmen Benson, Davey, Fowls, Helgesson, and Mayor
Aiken. Noes: None. Absent: None.
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ORDINANCES cont'd.:
2. Second Reading - Ordinance No. 163 - Moratorium on development in Central
Drive Area.
City Attorney read the title of Ordinance No. 163, an ordinance of the Town
of Los Altos Hills imposing a moratorium upon building site development,
building site approval, subdivision, use permits, conditional uses and
variances within a portion of the Town of Los Altos Hills (area bounded by
Moody Road, Moody Court, Central Drive and Page Mill Road.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Benson,
that further reading of Ordinance No. 163 be waived, was carried by the
following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilmen Benson, Davey, Fowle, Helgesson,
and Mayor Aiken. Noes: None. Absent: None.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Helgesson moved, seconded by Benson,
that Ordinance No. 163 be adopted as read, was carried by the following roll
call vote: Ayes: Councilmen Benson, Davey, Fowle, Helgesson, and Mayor
Aiken. Nces: None. Absent: None.
WARRANTS:
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Councilman Benson moved, seconded by Helgesson,
that the warrants as presented in the amount of TEN THOUSAND, NINE HUNDRED
SEVENTY-SIX DOLLARS and Thirty-four Cents ($10,976.34) be approved and the
City Clerk authorized to draw the appropriate warrants, was carried by the
following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilmen Benson, Davey, Fowle, Helgesson,
and Mayor Aiken. Noes: None. Absent: None.
OTHER BUSINESS BY COUNCILMEN:
1. Councilman Davey inquired when discussion of the Drainage Committee
Report would be scheduled. Council concurred discussion should be scheduled
for the next meeting, October 6th.
2. Mayor Aiken stated he had met with Mayor Peter B. Lewis, of Los Altos,
concerning police coverage for Los Altos Hills and that discussions with
Los Altos were proceeding.
3. Mayor Aiken requested Councilman Helgesson and the City Manager meet
with the Flood Control District to discuss expenditures of District funds
within the Town, exclusive of concrete -lined ditches, which the Town does
not desire in any event.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Aiken
adjourned the meeting at 11:36 P. M. to: EXECUTIVE SESSION re litigation.
At 11:51 P. M., Mayor Aiken reconvened the meeting for the purpose of
adjourning to: NEXT REGULAR MEETING, Monday, October 6, 1969,
DRL/mam
9/15/69
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R"pectful�y submitted,
„
DE 5 R. LAHR
Assistant City Manager
Town of Los Altos Hills