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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/18/1963 CITY COUNCIL TOWN OF LOS AUTOS HILLS • MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING • February 18, 1963 The Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order Monday, Feb- ruary 18, 1963 by Mayor Wm. B. Clayton at 7 : 55 P. M. at the Town Hall , 26379 Fremont Road , Los Altos Hills, California. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmen Aiken, Bowler, Fowle , Mayor Clayton ABSENT: Councilman Henley APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 4., 1963. Corrections: Page 4: Resolutions No 226 & 227 - ROLL CALL: Councilman Fowle 's name .r • was mispelled-: Item 4, Page 6: Roads : Councilman Fowle question- ed the estimate of damage to roads ($125,000 to $150,000) . The City Clerk stated that the figures were as he had- stated them. ACTION: Adopt Minutes of February 4, 1963 as corrected. COMMUNICATIONS: None.. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None . COMMITTEE REPORTS-: None-. - OLD BUSINESS: 1. Breyman, E. A. - Appeal of Path Requirement for Tract No . 3280. Mr, Paul Myers , Jr. appeared as Counsel for Mr, Breyman. Mr. Breyman' s letter of appeal, dated January 30 , 1963 , was read by the City Clerk. Mr. Myers referred to the conditions as stated in Minutes of Dec. 17; 1962, and stated that Mr. Breyman feels that the path requirement is not one for the best interests of the people in his subdivision; that there is no Master Path Plan established to determine that this is the best place for a path; that the Planning Commission 's recommendation of December 6, 1962 would do essentially what Mr. Breyman requests-- to establish an in lieu payment for the path from Robleda to the end of the public road, and that the requirement previously imposed for the granting of approval of Tract No. 3280 should be changed to delete the requirement for a pathway for Tract No. 3280 and allow the payment in lieu of construction of the path. Councilman Bowler commented that the Planning Commission did not re- j commend deleting the path from Robleda to the end of the cul de sac, but would recommend the in lieu payment for the in-tract road: Breyman cont 'd. -2 ( ginutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of Dec. 6, 1962 were read. It was determined that the Planning Commission did not recommend the re- - quirement for easement for a path be repealed, but that an easement be granted to the Town from public road to the westernmost limit of the property abutting Lot 5 of Tract No. 2980; that the path be constructed when and as needed. - Councilman Fowle illustrated what has been required with a sketch on the blackboard. Mr: Myers explained that the real need for when the path should be con- structed has not been established . The City Attorney explained that , so far, the easement was never imposed by the Council ; that it was an offer by Mr. Breyman' s son; that the Council is not authorized to require this easement from Mr. Breyman. • He further stated that the requirements of Tract No. 3280 should be con- sidered on its own merit , and that he would recommend referring the Map back to the Planning Commission. Mr. Myers stated that Mr. Brad Breyman did not state that Mr. Breyman, his father, would dedicate the easement . 4YTL:H TK-iiItrn Councilman Fowle asked Mr. Myers if the paEhirequirement were deleted , would Mr. Breyman be willing to grant the easement . Mr. Breyman answered that he would not as a condition of approval of Tract No. 3280. He stated that he would like to hear the conditions. The Mayor stated that the Map should be resubmitted and referred back to the PlanningCommissionbecause the requirements under which the ap- proval was granted are unacceptable to Mr. Breyman. - He commented there has not been a meeting of the minds. • Mr. Myers said he would urge that the matter be solved without too much delay, and commented on Mr. Breyman' s position with the Hudecs, owners of -Tract No. 3280, stating that this delay will be a great inconvenience to his client and the Hudecs . • Councilman Bowler commented on the public hearing held for Zone 4, stating that there was good turnout at one hearing and that the other one was not so well attended. - Councilman Fowle commented that he would be willing to accept an in lieu payment for a path from Robleda Road to the end of the cul de sac , and accept an easement over Tract No. 2980. Mr. Myers commented that the Town bodies (Planning Commission and Council) have been over this problem and keep coming back over the same area; that he would like the Council to give some determination this evening based on what is presently before them. Mayor Clayton stated that the Council wouldnot depart too far from the advice of the City Attorney. Mr. Paisant recommended the Map be returned to the Planning Commission that the Council not consider the Map piecemeal , but consider it it in its entirety. • -3 Breyman cont 'd. ( j ACTION: That the E. A. Breyman Tentative Map , Tract 3280 be referred back to the Planning Commission for reconsideration.- MOTION: Bowler; SECOND : Aiken; Councilman Fowle suggested that the Council rescind the approval of the Map. AMENDMENT: That the approval be rescinded and that the Map be referred to the Planning Commission. AMENDED BY: Bowler; SECOND : Aiken; Councilman Bowler questioned what directive should be given the Plan- ning Commission. Mr. Myers again urged that the matter not be delayed. Councilman Bowler pointed out that there is a path missing along Robleda Road. Councilman Fowle stated that he would be in favor of accepting an in lieu payment for path along the cul de sac and private road and accept ing the easement .. The Question was called for.• VOTE: Passed unanimously NEW BUSINESS: 1. Path Guidelines - Planning Commission Recommendation. Guidelines for Planning Footpaths and Equestrian Trails , dated Dec. 6,- 1962, and recommended by the Planning Commission was read by the City Clerk and discussed by Councilman Bowler. Copy is attached to Record Copy of Minutes.- After being welcomed as Chairman of the Planning Commission, Commission- er Hawley commented on the Town' s proposed path program=-that within the Town, there five or six areas of concentration that logically call for paths , mostly near schools ; that p=ths should be constructed , rad- iating outward from the schools ; that the standards are too rigorous and should not be so formal , so that they can be more readilycon- structed. He further stated that the paths need not be established on all streets in the Town; that a plan should be available so that the Planning Commission would know where to require paths ; that easements should be established so that paths may be constructed when needed, and that the in lieu payment plan shouldbe maintained. Commissioner Hawley commented that he would prefer expending money along the more ( hazardous roads. He commented that an overall Master Path Plan is needed so that the Planning Commission can take into consideration the overall area when considering subdivision maps . paths contld, -4- ( In consideration of the pth plan, Mr. Hawley stated that he felt paths t should run from main artery to main artery, where there is an obvious hazard ; that the path income should be projected and in lieu payments should be accepted so that paths may be constructed in the future . Mayor Clayton mentioned the projection £or the Town' s population in ten years , and commented that the Town should plan ahead . He commented further that if the paths are not used, the designated easements would be planted by residents, and it is very difficult to obtain the ease- ments again. He felt that the paths should not be abandoned. Commissioner Hawley commented on subdivisions which are being approved which have no requirement for paths or road improvements because they lack frontage on a public road, stating that funds might be collected and could beused for paths in other areas. The City Attorney explained that money collected from a subdivider must be expended within the general area. Commissioner Hawley suggested that the Staff make a study of every road and recommend to the Planning Commission which side a path should be re- quired, and be prep-red to answer questions. In answer to Councilman Fowle 's inquiry relative to a plan for paths from the City Engineer, Mr, Whaley stated that this could be done . Mr. Salfen commented on the expense involved. Commissioner, su gested constructing paths within a one-mile radius from each school and adding roads that are heavily traveled and dangerous , and that the funds collected in the Path Fund for the next ten years be expended. Councilman Fowle commented that from an engineering standpoint , this plan would cost about $5000.00. He commented that the present planning has been a result of requests from people and from observations made , and that the enrineer would probably come up with about the same thing. Mr, Salfen disagreed with Mr. Hawley, Commissioner Bowler commented on Item I on the list , relative to use by equestrians using footpaths , and the problems of separate footpaths and horse trails, and stated that it does not turn out this way; that the statement is not correct, and that the two should be desegregated. Mr. Salfen commented that there many people who use the paths; that many of them walk to Los Altos , and cited one case where a lady pushes a baby carriage. He reported that the path system serving the Gardner Bullis School is almost completed, The Mayor suggested that the matter of paths be referred to the Council as a Committee of the Whole to study the problems. Councilman Fowle suggested that the City Clerk and the City Engineer ( I meet and discuss , and set a degree of priority of paths so that the Council will have such a complicated Plan to study. Ntk Paths Contid. - .-5- Commissioner Bowler commented on Item 5 of the ' Guidelides' relative to -' ( the acceptance of payment in lieu of construction of paths where there is little traffic which would permit pedestrians to walk. He stated that is :i£ the road is suitable for foot traffic, there is no need for construction of formal paths. The City Clerk stated that this has already been done ; but that he dis- agrees that there be no paths constructed along cul de sacs because the mothers will not like this ; they feel that their children should walk on protected paths. Commissioner Hawley disagreed with the City Clerk. The Mayor mentioned that the weed sterlization program might help in keeping paths in shake when shoulders are (;traded. ACTION: That after Commissioner Hawley and Mr. Salfen have discussed the existing path plan between themselves for not less than one hour and a half , the Council will have a Study Session to study the Path Plan. MOTION: Fowle ; SECOND : Bowler; VOTE: Passed unanimously 2. Subdivision Improvements. Mayor Clayton announced that this Item will be taken off the Agenda be- cause of legal implications , and will be discussed with the City Attorney. DIVISIONS OF LAND: 1. Cranston, Alan - Tract No. 3327. Engr. John W. Riley. The City Clerk stated that all conditions of approval have been com- plied with. ACTION : That the Final Map of Alan Cranston, Tract No 3327 be approved,. MOTION: Aiken; SECOND : Bowler; VOTE: AYES : Aiken, Bowler, Mayor Clayton NOES: None ABSTAINED : Fowle ABSENT.: Henley ORDINANCES: • 1. Ordinance No. 84 - Underground Utilites. The City Attorney reported that he attended a Study Session with the Planning Commission at which the Underground Utilities Ordinance was discussed , and that , it was the consensus of opinion of the Commissioners 1 , that they did not have a clear mandate from the Council to proceed with drafting provisions to be added to the existing ordinance. In view of this , Mr. Faisant recommended that the Council issue specific instruct- ions to the Planning Commission as to what is desired. Ord. No. 84 cont 'd. ACTION: That the Planning Commission be requested to study and to make recommendations to the Council on the following matters per- taining to underground utility installations ; 1. The desirability of a long-range program which would re- sult in ultimate placement of all utilities within the Town un- - derground. 2. The presently established requirement that all utilities in new subdivisions be placed underground , and the corresponding present requirement that all house connections .from such under- ground installations innew subdivisions also be placed under- ground. 3. The desirability of a program for placement underground of new house connections from existing above-ground utilities.. 4. The desirability and feasibility, with particular emphasis upon £inanciig questions, of a program for placement of existing utilities lines underground. 5. A`time schedule applying to any or all of the above recom- mendations. The Staff is directed to provide to the Planning Commission such information as may be reasonabl9 available and requested by the Commission, • MOTION: Fowle ; SECOND : Bowler: Commissioner Hawley was asked to comment on the Notion. He commented on discussions he has had with F. G. & E. Co. officials relative to un- derground utilities with regard to a new type of metal pole and other alternatives. He suggested that the Council go along on the terms of possible alternatives , stating that each community will have tobe con- sidered specifically. VOTE: Passed unanimously WARRANTS: Bills, in the amount of Two Thousand Two Hundred Eighty-Three Dollars and Sixty-Two cents (12,283.62) , were presented by Councilman Fowle. ACTION: That the bills , as presented, be approved for payment ; that the City Clerk be authorized to draw the appropriate warrants. MOTION: Fowle; SECOND : Bowler; ROLL CALL: AYES: Aiken, Bowler, Fowle , Mayor Clayton NOES: None ABSENT: Henley OTHER BUSINESS: ]0 Traffic Ordinance - Setting Date of Public Hearing. The City Attorney announced that the final draft of the Ordinance is -7- Ordinance cont 'd. (Thready to be mimeographed , and suggested the Council set the date for Public Hearing. ACTION : That a public hearing on the Traffic Ordinance be held Monday, March 18, 1963 at 8:00 F. M. by the City Council . MOTION: Aiken; SECOND: Fowle; VOTE: Passed unanimously Mr. Faisant stated that all residents on private roads will have to be mailed notice of the public hearing. OTHER BUSINESS : cont 'd. 2. Water Importation - Pump Tax and Assessments. Councilman Fowle announced that he would be attending a me-ting of the Santa Clara County Water Commission at which he will be required to voteon a measure to increase the amount of the pump tax for the im- portation of water into Santa Clara County. He explained the effect of the increase in the tax rate as it would affect the Town, and solicited opinions of Councilmen relative to how to represent the Town. He stated that he would favor the middle amount . The Council concurred. 3. Senate Bill #344 -- Additional Financing of City Streets and County Roads- Councilman Bowler commented on Senate Bill 344 which was introduced by Senate Randolph Collier, providing for funds for correcting street-and' roadadeficienies intheCities and'Counties. The Bill was discussed relative to increase in taxes and how money will be allocated for new construction and maintenance of existing streets. Councilmen concurred that the Council should , by adoption of a resolu- tion, endorse Senate Bill 344 and that copies should be forwarded to Senator Collier and other Assemblymen, the League of California Cities, the Santa Clara County Inter-City Council , Santa Clara County Traffic- ways Committee , and the Senate . Councilman Bowler questioned whether the Road Standards of the Town conform with those of the State . Mr. Whaley, City Engineer, commented that the only thing questioned is the widths of roads , but that so far the Town has been able to get State approval of roads narrower thafj State Standards . Mr. Faisant reported that Mr. Salfen negotiated with the State so that narrower roads are accepted because of the forthcoming Traffic Ordi- nance which will provide for no parking on the Town' s roads. The City Clerk announced that the hearing on the Bill will be in Sacra- mento on March 5, 1963. Senate Bill 344 qont 'd. -8- ACTION: That the City Attorney be authorized to draw a resolution, stating the Council ' s support of Senate Bill 344, and that the Mayor be authorized to sign on behalf of the Council; that copies be transmitted to Senator Randolph Collier, the Senate , the Assembly, the League of California Cities , the Santa Clara County Inter-City Council , and the Santa Clara County Tra£ficways Committee. MOTION: Bowler; SECOND : Fowle ; ROLL CALL: AYES: Aiken, Bowler, Fowle , Mayor Clayton NOES : None ABSENT : Henley 4. Town Name Sign - Intersection - Fremont & rastradero Roads. Mr. Joe Herr, a new resident on Mandoli Drive , called attention to the location of the Town Name sign, stating that upon approaching Fremont Rd. traveling northeasterly on Arastradero Road, it is impossible to see traffic aproaching Arastradero Rd . traveling north on Fremont because of the Town Name sign. The City Clerk stated that if motorist stop at the 'STOP' bar, there is no problem. He further commented that the sign has been moved three times , and that it meets the requirements of the Vehicle Code relative to sight clearance . 5. Stonebridge. ,sociates. The City Clerk stated that he would attend the hearing to be held by the Santa Clara Planning Commission on February 20 , 1963. MEETING ADJOURNED : 9:40 P. M. to: STUDY SESSION: NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, March 4, 1963 at 7 :45 P. M. at the Town Hall. Respectfully submitted, PAUL W. BALEEN City Clerk j lm 2-18-63