HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/21/1966CITY COUNCIL
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
r February 21, 1966
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos
Hills was called to order by Mayor Albert T. Henley, Monday,
February 21, 1966, at 7:45 P. M. at the Town Hall, 26379 Fremont
Road, Los Altos Hills, California-.
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmen Aiken, Bowler, Clayton, Fowle,
Mayor Henley
ABSENT: None
PLANDTING COMMISSION
111;1. ENTATIVE: Commissioner Helen Ashby
APFROV.A,S OF MINUTES: February 7, 1966.
Addition:
Regarding the discussion on Central Drive and
the Wheeler Subdivision (310-65) beginning on
Page 6 in the above Minutes, Councilman Aiken
indicated the records failed to show his fol-
lowing remarks:
"1) About the residents not wanting Central
Drive to be a through road;
2) My opposition to it being through road,
though no land owner should be deprived
of access for development;
3) My suggestion that Wheeler only dedicate
a non -vehicular way;
4) My opposition to the temporary solution
that would allow the road to be put
through later;
5) My not wanting the people to have to have
continued. "fire -drills" to prevent the
road from being put through every time a
lot is subdivided. I wanteda permanent
solution."
Correction:
Page 7, Flan Line Study and Wheeler Subdivision
3rd para., 4t line, change 'factions' to
"portions".
ACTION:
Adopt Minutes of February 7, 1966 as
amended and corrected.
MOTION: Bowler; SECOND: Clayton
_.�" VOTE: Passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE REFORT:
1. Tree Planting P. C. Burchard, Chairman.
Chairman.Burchard. made the following announcements:
1) Saturday, March 5, 1966, at 11:00 A. M., will be the
official opening of the tree planting program, with the
first trees to be planted at the corner of Fremont and
Arastradero Roads by the boy Scouts of Troop 76. All
City Officials and-resid.entsare invited, to attend.
2) Bids were opened on Friday, February 18, 1966 at 4:00 F. M,
at the Town Hall, .the following bids having been received:
1) Ken Sims $3,800.00
2) Frank Clawson - $2,450.00
3) Palo. Alto Landscaping 36,980.00-
4) Los Altos Nursery - 3"1,626.00
5) Associated Landscaping - `1,500.00
Bids were based on 150 trees, with a unit price in order to
add or subtract trees.
Chairman Burchard referred to the Plaster Tree Planting iisp
showing locations for .176 trees (primarily pistache, red-
woods, eucalyptus and pines), with planting to be completed
by April 524• Chairman Burchard announced the award of
contract to Associated Landscaping of Los Altos with the
low bid of $$1,500.00. However, 25 trees were added by the
Committee to the contract bid, totalling '^1,760.00.
Inquiry has been made by the Tree Committee as to the
responsibility and workmanship of the contractor.
ACTION:
That the City Council accept the low bid
and that the City Clerk be authorized to
award the contract to the lowest bidder,
Associated Landscaping, as discussed above.
MOTION: Fowls; SECOVD: Clayton
ROLL CALL: AYES: Aiken, Bowler, Clayton, Fowls,
Mayor Henley
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
3) Since the landscaping design for the Freeway has not yet
been started, there will be an informal meeting with the
State Highway Department in conjunction with the Tree
Planting program for the Town.
4) Aproject is underway with another group of Boy Scouts
under the sponsorship of Mike Brown for a tree survey and
rescue operation in the Fremont Hills area.
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COMMITTEE REPORT: Tree. -Planting Committee(Cont'd.):
—~5) Chairman Burchard requested of the Council that additional
(� funds be allowed for further consultation with the land -
scans architect, since his services were most helpful in
design and specifications.
The Mayor suggested Mr. Burchard submit definite figures
when the Committee is ready for this service and the
proper motion can be made to authorize the expenditure.
Chairman Burchard thanked the property owners and his Committee
for their fine cooperation.
PLANNIPTQ COMP"ISSION REPERR1ALS:
1. A, Lukavitch Substandard Lot.
Planning Commission has requested a ruling on eligibility
of the one acre site of Albert Lukavitch (P/C Minutes of
January 24, 1966.)
Council instructed the City Attorney to submit a written
ruling to, the Planning Commission.
-OLD BUSINESS:
1. Possible Annexation of the Summerhill Area.
1 Councilman. Aiken reported there seems to be some confusion
among those indicating a desire to annex to Los Altos Hills
and others who were not aware of this action, and requested
Mr. J. R. Milmoeto report.
Pir. Milmoe stated, although the survey is not .complete, there
seems to be a trend to annex to the City of Los Altos and they
are working. out a joint system that .would be advantageous to
the Hills as well as their area and reduce the cost. The survey.
will be continued and he should have a definite answer by the
next. Council meeting.
Councilman Aiken reported he had talked with Mayor Thurber of
Los Altos and if the confusion does not settle, it was suggested
a joint session of the two City Councils might be in order.
Wheeler Subdivision - Central Drive -- Councilman Aiken.
Since representatives of the various committees to preserve
CentralDrive will be meeting to discuss the Central Drive
problem, Councilman Aiken submitted the following solution.
for consideration:
"I have proposed a possible solution to the 'Central Drive
problem to Mr. Wheeler, and he is considering it. This
solution is based on the following:
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OLD BUSINESS: Councilman Aiken, Central Drive (Cont'd.):.
"Mr. .Wheeler and most of the residents of that area do not
�)
want Central Drive to be a through street as it would
damage some very beautiful country andmay very well become
a raceway as -traffic would take it instead of the "twisters".
The dedication by Mr. Wheeler of almost 3 acres for- the road
requested by the Planning Commission would cut off more of
his land from the main parcel and destroy almost 5 acres.
This is too high a price to. ask from a total of less than
20 acres. -
The Town is interested in acquiring parks, and a portion of
this area is exceptionally well suited to this rurpose.
I would like to see a park here with access only by those
who are willing to hike, bike, or ride a horse (not motor-
bikes). This should keep out undesirable elements who are
responsible for parks often being a problem in regard to
crime, debris and maintenance cost to the Town.
A new law now allows the Town to require land. dedications
(within reason) for parks from subdividers who can then take
the market price as tax deductions.
The proposed solution is to:
Allow Mr. Wheeler to only dedicate a 15` non -vehicular right-
of-way across the lot he is dividing off. Fire trucks can
use this trail in an emergency by cutting a chain. The fire
equipment will not meet any opposing traffic, and would
always have the area clear for their action.
Ask Sir. Wheeler to dedicate, say, 2 acres to the Town for a
park. This area to be at the place most desirable for a park.
This area is at the confluende of three large parcels of land
(owned by Wheeler., Burns and DeZahara). This area is mostly
very steep, unsuited for homes, and costly to develop for
that purpose.
A future dedication of as little as 4 acres from each of the
adjoining (Burns and DeZahara properties) land - which are
large - would probably be enough to -preserve this idyllic
area and keep it free from encroachment. (Note: the numbers
given for acreage are representative only.)"
Council was united in the wish to preserve this area, but
agreed access is still a serious problem which should be
solved now. Councilman Bowler suggested the plan answer this
question -if not a through road, then what is the access?
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NEW
BUSINESS:
1.
Mrs. G. Boege
- Bay
Area League of '',,omen Voters Re ^BAG.
In joining ABAG, Mrs. Boege stated the Council's responsibility
would lie in electing a Council representative to attend
general assembly meetings, presently held twice a year, and
possibly at a later date, membership on the Executive Committee
(one city representative from each County, Santa Clara County
being presently represented by Mayor Thurber of Los Altos).
Fees are based on a population basis, 126.00 being the sum
for the last population census, and would be pro -rated since
their fiscal year begins the first of June. For membership,
the Council must first declare to ABAG of its intention to
join and then a joint powers agreement is signed.
Following a discussion on the merits of ABAG, the following
was proposed:
ACTION:
That the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills
declare its intentions of joining the Association of
Bay Area Governments.
MOTION: Clayton; SECOND: Fowle; VOTE.: Passed unanimously.
2. Resignation of Town Treasurer.
ACTION:
Receipt of the resignation of the Town Treasurer,
Mrs. Don T. Hibner, is hereby acknowledged with
regret, but that acceptance be deferred until
there is an opnortunity to consider a replacement.
MOTION: Fowle; SECOND: Clayton; VOTE: Passed unanimously.
VARIANCES:
1. John T. Price (V-244-65) Appeal .of Parking Requirement.
City) hanager reviewed Planning Commission's recommendation
of anuary 10, 1966 and Council action of January 17, 1966.
Mas. 'rice was present and submitted a modified plan,
providing for additional parking area and stating the Fire
Chief inspected the property and had no objection.
ACTION:
That the variance request of John T. Frice
(V-244-65) be approved as submitted.
f TIOTIO17: Clayton; SECOND: Aiken; VOTE: Passed unanimously.
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ACTION:
That the Final hap of R
No. 4143, be approved.
',`OTI O,'+: Clayton; SECOND:
RESOLUTIONS:
D. Clement, Tract
Bowler; VOTE: Passed unanimously.
1. Resolution No. 337 - Appointing Election.Officers and
?tilling Places.
The City Lanager presented and read in its entirety
Resolution No. 337, a Resolution and order of the City Council
of the Tom of Los Altos pills designating precincts and
polling. places and appointing members of precinct Boards for
General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, April 12,
1966, and directing the City Clerk to post a notice of
election, list of election officers and polling places and
notice of nominees for public office.
Resolution No. 337 listed five consolidated precincts as
follows:
No. 1 - Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road
2 - Gardner Bullis School, Fremont Road
( ) 3 - Purissima School, Elena Road
4 - Worcester Residence, 24221 Hillview Drive
5 - Taa£fe Residence, 26645 Furissima Road
Polls open between hours of 7:00 A. t.. and 7:00 P. M.. for the
election of two Councilmen for the full term of 4 years each.
ACTION:
That Resolution No. 337 be adopted as read.
11OTION: Clayton; SECOND: Bowler
ROLL 0A11: AYES: Aiken, Bowler, Clayton, Fowle,
Payor Henley
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. R_esiPnation of planning Commissioner.
The Mayor referred to the resignation of ,",rthur S. Alter,
former Chairman of the planning Commission. "ince this letter
was received too late for the Agenda, the Mayor recommended
no action be taken, but that the Council immediately consider
a replacement.
DIVISIONS OF
NAND:
Final Maps:
-'�
1. Clement,
-"Z. D.
- Tract No. 4143
- 1�ngr. Riley &.
Floyd.
ACTION:
That the Final hap of R
No. 4143, be approved.
',`OTI O,'+: Clayton; SECOND:
RESOLUTIONS:
D. Clement, Tract
Bowler; VOTE: Passed unanimously.
1. Resolution No. 337 - Appointing Election.Officers and
?tilling Places.
The City Lanager presented and read in its entirety
Resolution No. 337, a Resolution and order of the City Council
of the Tom of Los Altos pills designating precincts and
polling. places and appointing members of precinct Boards for
General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, April 12,
1966, and directing the City Clerk to post a notice of
election, list of election officers and polling places and
notice of nominees for public office.
Resolution No. 337 listed five consolidated precincts as
follows:
No. 1 - Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road
2 - Gardner Bullis School, Fremont Road
( ) 3 - Purissima School, Elena Road
4 - Worcester Residence, 24221 Hillview Drive
5 - Taa£fe Residence, 26645 Furissima Road
Polls open between hours of 7:00 A. t.. and 7:00 P. M.. for the
election of two Councilmen for the full term of 4 years each.
ACTION:
That Resolution No. 337 be adopted as read.
11OTION: Clayton; SECOND: Bowler
ROLL 0A11: AYES: Aiken, Bowler, Clayton, Fowle,
Payor Henley
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. R_esiPnation of planning Commissioner.
The Mayor referred to the resignation of ,",rthur S. Alter,
former Chairman of the planning Commission. "ince this letter
was received too late for the Agenda, the Mayor recommended
no action be taken, but that the Council immediately consider
a replacement.
OTHER BUSINESS:
City Manager - Intersection of Arastradero-Fremont Road.
In reviewing the above traffic problem, City Manager reported
this matter was brought to the attention of the Council by
Councilman Bowler on November 23, 1964, and letters were
written to the County of Santa Clara and Palo Alto on
December 18, 1964. Replies were received stating they feel
the ultimate solution will be the opening of the Foothill
Expressway, and offered no specific recommendations at this
time. City Manager reported that Councilman Fowle had sug-
gested to mark the right lane of the four lane arproach at
Arastradero as a right turn only and move back the merging
sign, but they did not wish to cooperate in this regard.
Council expressed the opinion that the Expressway would
hopefully solve the problem.
2. City Manager - Swimming Pool Ordinance No. 60 (Fencing).
At the request of the Council on February 7, 1966, City Manager
submitted excerpts from the Minutes wherein Ordinance No. 60,
Safety Regulations for Swimming Pools, was submitted on Oct. 5,
1959 for a first reading, and, on Oct. 19, 1959 following a
Public Hearing, Ordinance No. 60 was tabled and referred to
the Committee on Public Safety. The file contains one letter
in favor of fencing pools, and one objection. Comments from
theFlooropposing the fencing objected to the problems of
landscaping and hardship on present owners of pools.
Councilman Bowler felt the problem posed by Fir. Barlow is a
serious one and was of the opinion consideration might be
given, not to all pools, but to problem pools which fall within
the attractive nuisance category; as the Town becomes more
populated, he felt sure some action must be taken against
pools which provide hazards to children.
In order to review the entire situation on swimming pools,
Councilman Clayton stated the Public Safety Committee's report
should be before the Council and that everything should be
done to protect the children.
ACTION:
That this matter be turned over to the Committee
on Fublic Safety and that the Committee bring its
report up to date, and report to the Council all
pertinent information of which it should be aware.
MOTION: Clayton; SECOND: Aiken
Councilman Aiken understood from court cases he has read that
a swimming pool, even though fenced and properly signed, is
still an attractive nuisance and asiced ,what was the court
ruling on this, since it would have a bearing on any action.
The City Attorney said he was unfamiliar with any one particular
case, but would check into the matter.
OIC
OTHER BUSINESS: Fencing of Fools (Cont'd.):
Councilman Fowle felt that the Citizens' Law Hnforcement
Committee would be well suited to review this and he would
C) be willing to get the feeling of the people. In reviewing
past history,. Councilman Fowle stated that at the time
Ordinance No. 60 was tabled and referred to a Committee in
1959, the Town was newly incorporated and it was felt not
organized enough to set forth many and restrictive rules on
individual limits; so to that end, this ordinance was
probably being too restrictive for the general character of
Los Altos Hills and for that reason the subject remained
dormant of its own accord. Councilman Fowls now feels it is
a good time to review the subject and the feelings of the
people at large, and especially it needs to be known whether
fences are effective.
Following this discussion, CouncilTnan Clayton withdrew his
Motion, with the consent of the Seconder, and proposed:
ACTION:
That the Committee which is now studying our
police situation be made aware of the foregoing
discussion and request this matter be added to
its overall safety program.
TTOTION:. Clayton; S',COND: Aiken
S'AYOR HENLmY ASICE-) Tilr:T THE CITIZ ITS' COPS°ITTEE GIVE PREFERTH.:TCE
TO THIS P?dTT-R OVER sIE OTHER ITEMS OF ITS AGEPIDA AND SUPIMIT
A RETORT TO THE COUNCIL AS SOON AS FOSSIP.IE.
Councilman Aiken coamented this Citizens' Committee has been
doing commendable work on a difficult matter, meeting once a
week.
The Mayor asked for comments from the Yloor. There were none,
and no further discussion from the Council. The question was
called: VOTE: P4.SS-2 UNANIMOUSLY.
CO!7UNI ^ ." ,I DNS :
1 R. W. McCulloch, letter dated Feb. 17, 1966 (received before
deadline for C..genda) requesting additional fees be waived to
submit a revised plan in order to determine the status of his
subdivision in connection with litigation over the condemnation
of his property by the County of Santa Clara.
City Lanager reviewed Planning Commission and Councilaction
from the time the Tentative Map was submitted on Feb. 21, 1961
to May 27, 1963, when the maps were withdrawn. Following dis-
cussion, it could be seen that the problems and many delays
stemmed from the proposed Foothill Expressway and a determina-
tion of a right-of-way involving this property.
Since Mr. McCulloch has been cooperative and since there has
been some benefit to the Town, Councilman Clayton felt that
in view of the foregoing discussion and in this particular
( I instance, the fees could be waived.
WZ
COP?MUNICLTIONS: McCulloch (Cont'd.):
ACTION:
.. That the revised Tentative reaps of R. W. McCulloch
be accepted,. with waiver of tentative filing fees.
POTION: Clayton; S�sCOND: Aiken; VOTE: -Passed unanimously.
r7FORT FROM CITY ATTORNF,Y:
1. City Attorney reported the premises at 25293 Cantata Way
have been vacated and title to the property will be settled
this week. City Attorney has the cooperation of the owner and
there will be a thorough change of the premises. In view of
these circumstances, no injunction proceedings were started.
There were no objections from the Council.
2. City Attorney reported the James Breen suit against the 'Town
has been dismissed without expense to the Town.
if 4R.A['TS:
1. Bills, in the amount of SI. `SPL' Y THOUS:1,71), FIFTY-TWO DOLLARS
and Thirty-five Cents ('16,052.35), ,,,ere presented for pay-
ment by Councilman Fowle.
ACTION:
That the bills, as presented, be approved and
the City Clerk be authorized to draw the
appropriate warrants.
MOTION: Fowle; SECOND: Clayton
ROLL CALL: AYES: Aiken, Bowler, Clayton, Fowle
Mayor Henley
NOES: None
ABSEPIT: None
At 9:15 r• P'., the Mayor adjourned the meeting to an Executive
Session. At 10:55 F. i"•, the Nayor reconvened the meeting and
appointed Councilman Fowle as Secretary pro tem. There being no
further business, the meeting was adjourned.
.ADJOURNMEPIT: MOTIOY: Henley; SECGYD: Aiken
MG7ING ADJOURNED: 10:56 P. M.
TIG i�T R -=IL R MEETING: Monday, March 7, 1966, at 7:45 r. II.
at the Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
rAUL W. S',LFEPT.
City Clerk
Town of Los Altos Hills
2/21/66-mam -9-