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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/16/1967CITY COUNCIL TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING January 16, 1967 The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills was called to order Monday, January 16, 1967 by Mayor Albert T. Henley at 7:48 P. M. at the Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmen Aiken, Davey, Fowls, Mayor Henley ABSENT: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 3, 1967. ACTION: Adopt Minutes of January 3, 1967 as submitted. PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE: Commissioner Gertrude Sherlock. 'Nsf iul hbr�3Gil 1. Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce - Invitation to dinner honoring Tony Fazio, re- tiring City Councilman, to be held February 7, 1967 at 7:30 P. M. at the Friendly Inn in Morgan Hill. The Mayor suggested anyone who is interested in attending should contact the City Clerk. 2. League of Women Voters of Los Altos -Los Altos Hills - Letter, dated December 27, 1966, requests permission to solicit funds in the Town from February 1 to 10, 1967 during their annual finance drive. The City Attorney was advised to write a letter to the League of Women Voters and apprise the organization of the provisions of the Town's Anti -Solicitation Ordinance. :IPIAGIIG[H�Iu1R1YY.77 1. Town of Los Gatos will hold an informal Open House in the Los Gatos Civic Center on Saturday, January 28, 1967 from 10:00 A. M. to 2:00 P. M. in recognition of the Town's receiving an Award of Exceptional Distinction in the Public Buildings Category of the Governor's Design Awards for 1966. 2. Community Council of Central Santa Clara Count Inc. - Invitation to attend the Seventh Annual Recognition Event on February 7, 19 7 at 6:00 P. M. in honor of all Foster Parents of Santa Clara County. 3. Councilman Davey announced that the Little League of Los Altos Hills will be able to use the facilities of the Palo Alto Unified School District during the next season. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS: 1. Oath of Office - City Clerk. �1 Oath of Office was administered to Juanita L. Morgan, as City Clerk, by Lowell W. Morse, City Manager. 2. Roscoe. Wendell W. - Request for Extension of Time to File Final Map of Pink Horse Ranch Subdivision Unit No. e. ,I Building Inspector recommended approval of the request. ACTION: That Wendell W. Roscoe be granted an extension of time, to Jan. 16, 1968, to file final subdivision map of Pink Horse Ranch Unit No. 2. MOTION: Fowle; SECOND: Aiken; VOTE: Passed unanimously SCHEDULED ITEMS: 1. Discussion of Open Spaces and Parks. Councilman Davey presented a communication from twenty-five citizens of the Town, urging the Council to undertake a study to determine the desires and needs of the community. This communication was referred to the Planning Commission for study, public hearings and a recommendation to the Council. It was pointed out that the public hearings should be well advertised, with the ultimate goal being the gaining of the consensus of opinions and a recommendation to the Council for action. Councilmen Aiken and Fowle concurred with this recommendation. The Mayor, hearing no objections, referred the matter to the Planning Commission as recommended by Councilman Davey, 6CHEDULED ITEMS: Cont'd. 2. Consideration of Council Vacancy. Mayor Henley announced that the City Clerk had received a letter of resignation, from the City Council, from Gordon E. Bowler, effective 12:00 Noon, Jan- uary 9, 1967. He presented Resolution No. 376, expressing gratitude for the public service of Councilman Gordon E. Bowler. ACTION Adopt Resolution No. 376 as read. MOTION: Mayor Henley; SECOND: Fowle; ROLL CALL: AYES: Aiken, Davey, Fowle, Mayor Henley NOES: None ABSENT: None Councilman Fowle stated that he deplored the action taken against Mr. Bowler, and classified it as being unwarranted. He pointed out that, in his opinion, the suit )hould have been withdrawn. He further expressed personal appreciation to Mr. Bowler, and suggested that his talents not go unused. -2- Council Vacancy - Cont'd. Councilman Davey expressed her opinion that the suit in question was not in the best interest of the Town of Los Altos Hills, and stated the action has de- prived the Town of the services of a public spirited man, and classified the action as a misuse of the courts. Mayor Henley expressed his opinion that 'the suit is a shabby way to treat long service'. Mr. David Janssen expressed thanks to Mr. Bowler for his service, presenting him with a bouquet of flowers. 3. Planning Commission Vacancy. The Mayor announced that the resignation of Mrs. Helen Ashby from the the Plan- ning Commission was accepted at the last meeting, and declared nominations were in order to fill the unexpired term. NOMINATION; Gordon E. Bowler; By: Fowls; SECOND: Lavey; Mayor Henley pointed out that a Second is not necessary for nomination according to parliamentary procedure. NOMINATION: Arthur H. Lachenbruch; By: Aiken; Councilman Aiken commented that his nomination was made on the basis that the Planning Commission should have representation from the Altamont -Central Drive area. He further commented that Mr. Bowler had served the Town, and is most capable, but that he would vote for Mr. Lachenbruch. Councilman Davey commented that the area mentioned by Councilman Aiken is very capably and ably represented by Mrs. Gertrude Sherlock. Councilman Aiken concurred with Councilman Davey, but went on to state that the high area is the largest area left to be developed in the Town and that many problems exist, among which are sewers, parks and open spaces and steep terrain. He commented that Mr. Bowler is experienced, but in his opinion, the high area is in need of further representation. Councilman Fowle commented that Mr. Lachenbruch would be a great asset to the Town, but that the Town has a good opportunity to make use of someone who has the organizational ability and experience that Mr. Bowler possesses. He fhrther commented on Mr. Lachenbruch's ability, but stated he felt Mr. Bowler should be appointed at this time. Comments were heard from the following persons in support of Mr. Lachenbruch: Mmes. P, Weisbart, D. Miller and Messrs. D. Spencer and Testa. Mr. Janssen commented that the area has a very good representative, and that the area does not need another. Mr. Lachenbruch expressed thanks for the support shown and further stated that pressing work might prevent him from doing an adequate job, but would servo if appointed. Planning Commission Vacancy cont'd. Mrs. R. Jones inquired whether the appointment of Mr. Bowler to the Planning (^� Commission would mean that the Council will not consider his reappointment to the Council. The Mayor answered that the appointment would, in his opinion, have no bearing on the Council appointment. Councilman Fowle commented that the Council should appoint a man of the 'inner circle'. He explained the choice should be someone who has been able to gain some knowledge of the Town through service. Councilman Davey commented it would be a loss to the Town not having the services of Mr. Bowler, and suggested the Council might consider this appointment at the next meeting after having had time to consider both candidates' qualifications. Councilman Aiken commented that the Council knows both men and should consider the appointment at this time. He further stated his objection to appointments from the 'inner circle'; that the people of the Town would have more confidence in the Town government if appointments were not made from the 'inner circle'. Councilman Fowle explained his intent,'using the expression 'inner circle' as meaning persons who have in some way been connected with or who have served the Town. He further stated he wished these words could be expunged from the record. ACTION: That action be deferred on the appointment filling the Planning Commission vacancy to the next meeting. MOTION: Lavey; Motion died for lack of Second. ACTION: That Nominations be closed. MOTION: Fowle; SECOND: Aiken; VOTE: Passed unanimously Councilman Aiken stated that he did not wish to vote against Mr. Bowler, and suggested that votes be polled for the two candidates. The Council concurred, and the poll was as follows: Gordon E. Bowler ------ 3 votes - Councilmen Lavey, Fowle, Mayor Henley Arthur H. Lachenbruch - 1 vote - Councilman Aiken Gordon E. Bowler was appointed to serve the unexpired term of Helen Ashby on the Planning Commission, to May 5, 1968. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS: Cant I d. 3. Report of Junipero Serra Freeway Landscape Committee - Councilman Lavey. i ) Councilman Davey reported that a meeting had been held with State Highway officials, and that they had assured the Committee of their cooperation with regard to freeway signing. _4_ SCHEDULED ITEMS: Cont'd. 4. Consideration of Master Drainage Study. The City Manager read his memorandum, dated January 16, 1967, recommending a Master Drainage Study for the Town of Los Altos Hills, to be completed by July 1, 1967, at a cost of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars (967,50• He - commented that it is necessary for this study to be made now in order to be prepared for next winter, and stressed the importance of the study as a plan- ning tool. Councilman Fowle called attention to the fact that this item was budgeted about two or three years ago, but the funds were not expended. He was of the opinion the study should be made at this time. The Mayor and Councilman Davey concurred with Councilman Fowle that the study of the drainage problems of the Town should be made. - Mrs. R. W. Towle expressed concern relative to the Town's becoming 'too service directed' and what this will do to the tax bills. Councilman Aiken stated he would go along with having the drainage study in order to give the Planning Commission and the Council the basis for planning around such problems as 'Snell Lane'. He stated he would vote for a drainage study only as the basis for better planning, and stressed the fact that he is not advocating construction of storm drains nor the expenditure of funds, but merely the study for planning purposes. Councilman Davey raised the question of use of funds paid to the Flood Control District by the Town, questioning the responsibility of the District to the Town in taking care of some of these problemsa: Comments were heard from Mrs. R. Jones, Messrs. D. Jannson, D. Spencer and W. A. Perkins. Councilman Fowle stated he could not see the logic of having the drainage study conducted and not implementing it, but commented that financing of necessary structures would have to be resolved. ACTION: That the City Manager and the Mayor enter into a contract with the City Engineers to conduct a Master Drainage Study of the Town of Los Altos Hills, at a cost not to exceed the amount of SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS 07,500.00), to be completed by July 1, 1967• MOTION: Fowle; SECOND: Davey; ROLL CALL: AYES: .'liken, Davey, Fowle, Mayor Henley NOES: None ASSENT: None The City Attorney was requested to prepare an ordinance amending the Budget for the proposed expenditure. -5- SCHEDULED ITEMS: Cont'd. 5. Sewer Assessment District No. P. The City Manager read lotter of January 16, 1967, from Marvin G. Nachtsheim, City Engineer, relative to progress of negotiations with prospective Design Engineers. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS: Cont'd. 4. Gas Tax Ehgi.neering Budget 1967-68. Budget, in the amount of THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($3000.00), was presented by the City Engineer for approval. Resolution No. 377, adopting and submitting a budget for expenditure of State Allocated (Engineering) Funds, was read by the City Attorney. ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 377 as read. MOTION: Aiken; SECOND: Davey; ROLL CALL: AYES: Aiken, Davey, Fowle, Mayor Henley NOES: None ABSENT: None 5. Treasurer's Report. Copies of the report were mailed earlier to Councilmen. In the absence of Arthur S. Alter, Treasurer, Mr. Fred Wickman, Accountant, was present to answer questions. Councilman Davey raised a question regarding the large amount of money in the Town's Path Fund --$19,000, and suggested that paths should be constructed. The Council concurred that the Town's path priority list should be reviewed and some of the funds expended where needed. The City Manager explained that the City Treasurer will be investing some of•the Town's surplus ($72,000) in the active deposit account. 6. City Manager's Report. The City Manager called attention to his memorandum, transmitting letter from Mr. S. G. Sanregret, Chief Administrator of Los Altos, dated January 9, 19671 relative to discussion of sewer problems. Memorandum, regarding vehicle liability insurance, was discussed. City Manager explained that when the vehicles are sold, there will be a credit of Two Hun- dred Twenty -Five Dollars ($225.00) which will be applied to liability coverage on the dump truck the Town has on order, He further stated he would investigate the present liability coverage limits. The City Manager recommended that he and the Building Inspector be requested to show evidence of insurance on personal vehicles being used for Town Business. The Council concurred. -6- City Manager's Report cont'd. Relative to the sale of Town vehicles, the Manager reported that proceedings are in progress. " The Manager reported that he and Mr. Smith had attended a meeting with the Bureau of Land Development and had conveyed the Town's recommendation that the Government retain all public land for open spaces, rather than selling or declaring aurplus. 7. Report of Engineering Expenditures - City Manager. Memorandum, dated January 11, 1967, was read by the City Manager. This Memo- randum is on file in the office of the City Clerk. The City Attorney was directed to prepare an ordinance amending the Budget as recommended by the City Manager. Councilman Fowle complimented the City Manager on the report and work involved. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR: 1. Mr. E. A. Breyman inquired whether the Town is going to hire an Engineer. 'The Mayor asked Mr. Morse, City Manager to explain the matter to Mr. Breyman, relative to the consultant's recommendation. RESOLUTIONS: None. ORDINANCES: None. WARRANTS: Bills, in the amount of Twenty Seven Thousand Five Hundred Eighty -Four Dollars and Sixty -Three Cents ($27,5$4.63), were presented by Councilman Fowls for payment. The sum represented bills for December 31, 1966 - $ 119$9.17 January 15, 1967 - 25,595.46 ACTION: That the bills, as presented, be approved; that the Clerk be authorized to draw appropriate warrants. MOTION: Fowls; SECOND: Davey; ROLL CALL: AYES: Aiken, Davey, Fowls, Mayor Henley NOES: None ABSENT: None Councilman Davey complimented the Staff on the work done to make meeting run so smoothly. Mayor Henley announced that he will be out of Town on January 23, 1967 and will not be able to attend the Planning Commission meeting. Councilman Davey agreed to attend the meeting as Council representative. MEETING ADJOURNED: 9:40 P. M. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, February 6, 1967 at 7:45 P. M. at the Town Hall. e ectf submitted, d, o g_ City C erk 7 Town of Be. Altos lls 1-16-67 -7-