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Home My WebLink About6/2/1958CITY COUNCIL T014N OF LOS ALTOS HILLS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING June 2nd, 1958 The meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor John M. _+Powle at 7:50 P. M. Monday, June 2nd, 1958 at the Town Hall, 26379 West Fremont Avenue, Los Altos Hills. ?JLIL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmen Clayton, Rothwell, Treat, Mayor Fowle, Councilman Bledsoe arrived 7:55 P. M. AB13ENT : None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: ANNOUNCEMENTS: May 19%,. 1958. Corrections: Page 2, Variances: (a) and (b) were recommended for approv-aby the Planning Commission on T1ay 17tb, 1958. ACTION: That the minutes of P"ay 19t, 1958 be adopted as corrected. May 23rd_ and 24%, 1958. ACTION: That the minutes of May 23rd and 24t, 1958 be adopted as presented. 1. Councilman Rothwell - Letter, dated June 2, 1958, was read by the Mayor from ouncilman Rothwell, announcing his resignation from the City Council, to become effective immediately following the meeting of June 2nd, 1958. The Mayor and Councilmen expressed regret of receiving the resign- ation of Dr. Rothwell from the Council, and also expressed sincere gratitude for his services rendered the Town. The following action was taken with great reluctance. ACTION: That Dr. Rothwell's resignation be accepted as of the end of this meeting of June 2nd, 1958• MOTION: Treat; SECOND: Clayton; ROLL CALL: AYES: Clayton, Treat, Mayor Fowle NOES: None ABSTAINED: Bledsoe, Rothwell 6-4-58 ABSENT: None i 2. Appointment of Councilman to Succeed 'fir. Rothwell. 40 The Mayor announced that the Council would accept nominations for or a Councilman to succeed -Dr. Rothwell. NOMINATIONS: That Richard Dawson succeed Councilman Rothwell. MOTION: Treat; SECOND: Bledsoe; ROLL CALL: AYES: Bledsoe, Clayton, Treat, Rothwell, Mayor Fowle NOES: None ABSJT4Z_T: None NEW BUSINESS: 1. Variances: Beth Am Congregation (V-25-58) - Request for Use Fermit for Church. Approval recommended by arming Commission on May 17n, 1958. At the request of the Ilayor, Commissioner `ailliams gave a resume of the recommendations made by the Planning Commission, and. factors leading to the recommendations. The Mayor pointed out that there are two problems to be considered, namely, the variance of the Beth Am Congregation and the establish- ment of a policy regarding churches in the Town of Los Altos Hills. He suggested that they be considered separately. Commissioner Sherlock commented that any action taken on the var- iance prior to establishment of, would set the policy. The following persons expressed opinions favoring the establishment of a policy before considering the variaiance of the Beth Am Con- gregation: Mrs. Irma Goldsmith, Mr. E. A. Breyman, and Mr. Ralph Rockwell. Speaking in favor of allowing churches in the "'own were Mr. 'lilliam Faulin, Mr. William Powell, and Mr. Gardner Bullis. Fr. Bullis stated that he wanted it noted that he had not been consulted, by the Town, to advise legally or otherwise regarding this variance, and that he was stating his views as a citizen --not as legal coun- sel for Town. He stated that he thought churches should be in- cluded in residential area. Mr. Gus Christensen, stating that he was representing the Paul B. Hunters, his sister, I'Iiss Caroline Christensen, spoke against granting the variance. Councilman Rothwell and Commissioner Mellquist concurred that when the Town was first incorporated, and in zoning restrictions.for an agricultural and residential area, it was assumed that churches would be included. b-4-58 -3- P1r. Goodwin B. Steinberg, architect for the Beth ��.m Congregation, *AW explained the architectural plans, and commented regarding the the type of buildings, placement of buildings relative to the topography of the lot, use of the buildings, the location of the parking area, and entrance. Questions regarding the amount of money that would be removed from the Town's tax roll were brought up, and it was suggested that a tentative estimate be made and presented to the Council. The question of the legality of denying cgurches because of the tas reason was answered. by Commissioner Sherlock that it is un- constitutional and illegal. Concurring with the City Attorney that there are many legal aspects that should be decided prior to any action, the Council tabled further discussion of the variance of the Beth Am Congregation un- til the meeting of June 16%, 1958 at which time it will be consid- ered under Old Business. 2. Freeway - Councilman Rothwell. The Mayor announced that the brief which was discussed at the meet- ing of May 19P, 1958, was completed in two Special Meetings of the Council. Copies of the brief, dated May 26t, 1958, requesting the Highway Commission to make further study of the proposed Freeway routes through the Town of Los Altos Hills before making a final decision, were sent to each of the Highway Commissioners. Councilman Rothwell read portions of the brief, and commented on its contents. 3. Variance: Jonathan C. Engersoll (V-28-58) - Request for reduction of rear setback to and.side setback to 20' to build garage with second story guest room. Approval recommended by Planning Commission on May 17b, 1958. ACTION: That the Council grant the variance (V-28-58) sugject to Jonathan C. Ingersoll executing a covenant running with the land that this structure will not be used as secondary resi- dence and that no cooking facilities be installed. 140TIOIT: Clayton; SECOND: Rothwell; VOTE: Fassed unanimously 4. Road Budget - Councilman Clayton. Councilman Clayton reported on the status of the application to the Federal Civil Defense Administration for reimbursement for monies spent for flood damage. He outlined the procedure for the appli- cation to the State for the rehabilitation of the roads due to flood damage. Councilman Clayton stated that he did not wish to submit a two- year road budget until such time as it is determined what monies will be refunded to the Town for Flood damage. 6-4-58 -4 - Councilman Clayton's appointment as Assistant Director of Civil r► Defense by the Mayor, was approved by the Council. 5. Los Altos Recreation District - Councilman Treat. Councilman Treat read the report, submitted by the Committee on Recreational Activities. The report contained data concerning the newely formed recreation district, its proposed program in conjunct- ion with the schools, the financing of the program, and activities to be included in the program. The Committee had been requested, by the Mayor, to ascertain the facts regarding the proposed program and to bring in a recommend- ation. Councilman Treat read the recommendation of the Committee in the form of a resolution. ACTION: That Resolution 1168 be adopted as read. MOTION: Treat; SECOND: Bledsoe; ROLL CALL: AYES: Bledsoe, Clayton, Rothwell, Treat, Mayor Fowle NOES: Tone ABSENT: None 6. Grading Ordinance:- graft was presented by the City Attorney. The Mayor sug ested that the Planning Commission should study the proposed draft before any Council action is taken. The City Attorney suggested thatthe City Ut y be consulted regarding certain sections of the Ordinance. 7. Warrants: Bills were presented in the amount of '$1,357.39. ACTION: That bills in the amount of "}1357.39 be approved for payment, and that the City Clerk be authorized to draw the appropriate warrants. MOTION: Rothwell; SECT?D : '?ledsoe ; ROLL CALL: AYES: Bledsoe, Clayton, Treat, Rothwell, Maybr Fowle T,TOrS : None 11�SENT : None 6-4-58 •4 —5- 0. Oath of Office - Councilman Richard S. Dawson. Councilman Dawson was sworn into office by the City Clerk, and took his seat at the Council table. 9. 'resolution . X67. Resolution #67 requests an allocation of funds to repair or restore public real property pursuant to Public Law #875. The 'gesolution was read in its entirety by the City Clerk. ACTION: That Resolution '=67 be adopted as read. MOTION: Bledsoe; SECOND: Treat; ROL' CahL: AYZS: Bledsoe, Clayton, Dawson, Treat, Payor ^ovule NOES: TTone A$OEPTT : Prone 10. Communication: County of Santa 'ila.ra - Office of the County Executive - Letter, dated May 27t, 1958 and signe by Howard W. Campen, was read which informed the Town that the charge for patrol service to the Town for the fiscal year 1958-59 will be `a8,255. Comments were made regarding the collection of fines, and the Chief of Police was requested to ascertain the number of citations iss.*d and the number of convictions and .fines imposed as compared with other communities receirring the same type of patrol service. MEETING .4DJOURNrD: 10:20 F. M. to: NEXT ADJOURNED ME'jTITNG: '4'ednesday, June 4th, 1958 at 7:45 F. N. at the Town Hall, 26379 Ilest Fremont, Los Altos Hills. Respectfully submitted, rAUL W. S UFEN City Clerk jlm 6-4-58