HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/15/1957CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF 'IDJOURITED M 3E LING
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
July 15, 1957
The meeting was called to order. by Mayor Sidney W. Treat
at 8:00 P.M. at the Town Hall-, 26379 West Fremont, Los
Altos Hills, on Monday, July 1.5, 1957.
POLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmen Bledsoe, Fowle, Rotlwell,
Hoefler, Mayor Treat.
ABSENT: None
MINUTES: July 1, 1957:
Page 1 - Old Business: Hugh Monohan - South El Monte
Delete complete paragraph and substitute:
For several Council meetings, there has been
disuession as to methods to improve the private
road of South E1 Monte. The Planning Commission
will not give approval. to any further subdivisions
on this road until a solution has been reached.
Although not on the agenda, Mr. E.R. Mastin from
George Nolte's office, Civil Engineer, appeared
representing Mrs. Monohan, property owner on South
E1 Monte. Mr. Mastin requested permission to
submit an estimate prepared by Nolte of the cost of
an 18' road, dth 6" base rock and armour coat.
This is equivalent to existing La Loma Drive. Mr.
Monohan proposod that he improve the 1385 feet
of South El Monte from the northwesterly corner
of his property to the intersection of La Loma
Drive. The estimated cost was $2.50 per foot.
ACTION:
This proposal be referred without comment to the
Planning Commission to be added to the data they
are studying. Also in view of the present confusion
on the matter, that the entire Monohan problem be
referred to the Planning Commission for clarification.
Motion: Mayor Treat; Second: Bledsoe; Vote: Passed
ROLL CALL: AYES: Mayor Treat, Bledsoe, Hoefler,
Rothwell
'' NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilman Fowle.
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Minutes stand approved as corrected.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. William A. Edson - July 7, 1957. Re: Request for
division of property into two parcels, and issuance
of building permit conditional on road improvement.
Letter referred to Planning Commission.
2. Gardner Bullis - July 14, 1957• Re: Recent injunction
obtained against Ordinance #17 in case of Neary
vs Town of Los Altos Hills. Attorney Bullis recom-
mended that the City Council pass an emergency reso-
lution restricting speed on Stonebrook and. Magdalena,
and further that signs be posted cautioning that
travel is at the risk of the user owing to road
conditions. Mr. Bullis also expressed appreciation
to Mr. Bledsoe for the legal work contributed in this,
case. (See New Business, Item #10, for Council action.).
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Report on Freeway - Councilman J.M. Fowle.
Councilman Fowle reported on a meeting held July
10,7, with the State Department of Highways,
chaired by Mr. Booker, Chief Engineer. Representatives
from every city in Santa Clara Valley were in atten-
dance, except Stanford which was not considered an
incorporated jurisdiction. After preliminary review
by Mr. Greene, each city was asked to state their
official stand.
Mr. Greene from the State Division of Highways, was
in attendance and expla ned the various alternative
routes, costs, location, user benefits, and number
of improvements for condemnation. Maps were displayed
showing the suggestions from neighboring communities.
Mr. Greene summarized the results of the study
requested by the Town of Los Altos Hills embodied
in Resolution #46, which requested information
regarding Route F and Routes A and B if the railroad
tracks were removed.
Mr. Greene stated that Route F (Macabee Route) would
not give the proper service to those who need the
freeway. He also clarified that the State Highway
Commission has not endorsed any route, but stated
Route A or B is acceptable, but Route F would not
be. A formal reply to the Town's Resolution will
be forthcoming this week,. with a complete breakdown
of statistics.
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Councilman Hoefler attempted to clarify misrepresentation
in the pr.ess o? Ekie Town's position in regard to
its official stand on the freeway. The City Council
does not recommend the "B" route if it will bisect
the Town. The Council has recommended a combination
of the A and B route.
Engineer Greene explained cross-section designs of
the sunken portion of the railroad route, and answered
questions from the Council and residents.
The Council thanked Mr. Greene for his presentation.
2. Planning Commission Referrals.
a. R. J. Wilson (V-10-57) Engineer: McKay & Senps
Request for approval of two building sites on
0.92 and 0.96 acres. Councilman Fowle and Hoefler
appointed to a committee to study the request
for a Conditional Exception of Mr. R.J. Wilson
and will bring a report to the next Council meeting.
3. Committee to Study Drainage Problems in the Town :
Councilman Fowle and Councilman Hoefler appointed to
above-named committee. 75-, f 1/-,'11jC7
4. Participation in Branch Library for Town - Councilman
Rothwell reported on a letter which was referred to
him in regard to participating with the City of Los
Altos and the County of Santa Clara in the creation
of a Branch Library.
ACTION:
The City Council approves the sum of $444.00 per year
for participation in the .rental of a building for a
Branch Library with the City of Los Altos and the
County of Santa Clara.
Motion: Rothwell; Second: Hoefler; Vote: Passed
ROLL CALL: AYES: Councilmen Hoefler, Fowle, Bledsoe,
Rothwell, Mayor Treat
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None,
5. Report on Improving South E1 Monte - Mayor Treat reported
on the Mann g Gomm3s on meet ni g of July 13, 1957,
at which time the Commission met with residents on
this private road. (See Planning Commission minutes
of 7/13/57 for complete discussion). No assessment
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district will be formed at the present time. However,
the Planning Commission did recommend that the road
be considered in three sections and the following action
be taken:
a. Planning Commission concurred in the abandonment
of South E1 Monte from Moody Road to Tepa Way
as a private right-of-way.
b. That South El Monte from Tepa Way to La Loma be
established on the Official Town Map as a 60'
right-of-way for a public road.
c. That South E1 Monte from La Loma to its terminus
at the lands of Lawlor and Steele be established
on the official Town Map as a 60' right-of-way
for a public road.
6. Report on Location for Disposal of Rubbish - Report on
letter frommit'y of Palo Alto, dated—Tuly-11, 1957, by
City Clerk, H.G. Paulman.
Non-residents are authorized to use the Palo Alto
disposal area for a fee. Fee schedule attached to letter.
The disposal facilities will be open from 9 A.M. to
5 P.M. Monday to Saturday, and closed Sundays and Holidays.
7. Replacing Street Name Posts - Mayor Treat will contact
the AdoberGreeeek Lodge to ascertain whether their workmen
will have time to repair these signs.
8. Placing of Dead -End Sins - Mr. Paulman, City Clerk,
will answer anyni q it es regarding Dead -End signs, by
stating that the Town does not have sufficient funds
for such signs, and request residents to put up their
own. The Town is responsible for all street name signs
except in new subdivisions.
9. Resolution #48 - Presented by Councilmen Rothwell,
requests from the State Division of Highways a study
of the Southern Pacific railroad right-of-way from a
point approximately at the location of its intersection
with Arastradero Road to Simla Station, assuming the
abandonment of the railroad throughout this length.
ACTION:
Move the adoption of Resolution #48.
Motion: Rothwell; Second: Mayor Treat; Vote: Passed
ROLL CALL: AYES: Councilmen Bledsoe, Fowle, Hoefler,
Rothwell, Mayor Treat.
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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10. Discussion of Recent Court Decision - Iniunction Sustained
Againstrdlnance „-. lease see Correspondence,tteem�-
letter from Uardner Bullis, July 14, 1957).
ACTION:
That the City Attorney of the Town of Los Altos Hills
be requested to take the necessary steps to carry an
appeal from the decision on the case of the Neary Quarry
vs the Town of Los Altos Hills on Ordinance #17 to the
Appellate Court.
Motion: Rothwell; Second: Mayor Treat; Vote: Passed
ROLL CALL: AYES: Councilmen Bledsoe, Hoefler, Rothwell,
Fowle, Mayor Treat.
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
11. Request by Mr. Wilson, Resident on Magdalena Avenue.
Mr. Wilson requested the City Council to take emergency
action to remedy the serious trucking condition on
Magdalena.
ACTION:
Refer the request and petition of Mr. Wilson and residents
on Magdalena to the City Attorney, and a broad study be
made of all remedies available to the Town with reference
to truck traffic.
Motion: Bledsoe; Second: Hoefler; Vote: Passed
ROLL CALL: AYES: Councilmen Bledsoe, Hoefler, Rothwell,
Fowle, Mayor Treat.
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
12. Installation of Sims to Limit Speed.
ACTION:
Move that the Chief of Police and Road Commissioner
install signs restricting speed limit to 15 miles per
hour upon any section of any roadway which is deemed
temporarily unsafe for traffic at a greater speed, and
that CAUTION signs be installed thereon.
Motion: Mayor Treat; Second: Fowle; Vote: Passed
ROLL CALL: AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmen Bledsoe,
Fowle, Mayor Treat.
None
None
54",
Hoefler, Rothwell,
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13. Approval of Bills_ - Month of June - $3,104.09
ACTION:
Approve these bills and authorize the City Clerk to
draw the necessary warrants for payment.
Motion: Rothwell; Second: Powle; Vote: Passed
ROLL CALL: AYES: Councilmen Bledsoe, Hoefler, Fowle,
Rothwell, Mayor Treat.
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
14. Report on Budget - Councilman Rothwell reported on the
preliminary estimates for the fiscal. year 1957 - 1958.
Expenditures = $67,000.00 Annual Income = $68,000.00
It appears no modification will have to be made in the
present tax rate.
15. Firearms Ordinance - Discussion. Action postponed until
after further-'stu' y. ' _ 1/11, ;,7
16. Emergency Ordinance31 —Liscensing Ordinance.
This Ordinance was read in its entirety by Mayor Treat.
It was moved by Mayor Treat, seconded by Councilman Hoefler,
that this Ordinance be adopted.
Councilman Fowle introduced an amendment to change the
wording in Section 13:17 which reads: "This Ordinance is
hereby declared an Emergency Ordinance", to read: "This
Ordinance will become effective 30 days after adoption".
Amendment failed for lack of second.
ACTION: 3'/.,,/ i
Move the Adoption of Emergency Ordinance #31 - Liscensing
Ordinance.
Motion: Mayor Treat; Second: Hoefler; Vote: Passed
ROLL CALL: AYES: Councilmen Bledsoe, Hoefler, Rothwell,
Mayor Treat
NOES: Councilman Fowle
ABSENT: None
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MEETING ADJOURNED: 12:30
Q-M
NEXT MEETING: Monday, July 22, 1957, 7:45 P.M., Town's
Hall, 26379 West Fremont, Los Altos Hi_ ,
•::
Respectfully submitted,
H.G. PAULMAN, CITY CLERK
SIDNEY W. TREAT, Mayor City Council
db -6- July 15, 1957
INTERIM REPORT OF PLMING COMMISSION ACTIVITY
Submitted by Chairman Richard S. Bullis to City Council
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
July 11, 1957
A. Status of Ordinances:
1. Subdivision Ordinance: This ordinance is being
studied prior to adoption by the City Council. It
is urged that no haste be made, and that it is
thoroughly understood and polished before adoption.
It is requested that a final joint meeting of the
Council and Commission be held prior to its adoption.
2.
Zoning Ordinance: This ordinance has been mimeographed
for study. There is no particular rush for adoption
until the Subdivision Ordinance is adopted. The
same thorough study and understanding is recommended.
3.
General Plan: This is in process of development by
Plan ning—Commission Committee headed by Proctor Mell-
quist. It will be completed before the year's end.
It is not expected that professional aid will be needed
for the first interim plan in process.
4.
Town Standards: These standards for Planning and
Engineering of roads, drainage and improvements have
been adopted and are deemed adequate by the Planning
Commission at this time. We feel adoption by resolution
of these standards is more practical than incorporation
in ordinance form. It is easier to make improvements
and corrections by resolution at the present time.
5.
Sign Ordinance: This ordinance needs revision to
eliminate several defects. The Planning Commission
is anxious to make suggestions to make it more operative.
B. Road
Improvement Policy:
The Planning Commission has consistently
followed the policy of requiring a subdivider to
improve existing public roads serving his subdivision.
It has been ascertained by careful study that the 29
miles of existing public roads will be brought up to
our present engineering standards within ten to
fifteen years without additional taxation. It is
urged that funds so collected are carefully accounted
for and expended by the Road Department within a
reasonable period of time after receipt. If the
new per -lot road assessment is adopted in the
Subdivision Ordinance, it is recommended that ?5% of the
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appropriation be spent on improving existing roads
and the remaining 25/ used for drainage improvements
on dedicated right} -of -way. If the Latter balance
increases, excess funds should go to road improvement.
The amount of $975. per lot was carefully arrived at
through study of potential lot divisions and reasonable
estimates of road improvement costs.
No mention is made of new public roads. We
believe that the Town Engineer should set standards
for road construction of such quality that they will
not pose any maintenance burden for years to come.
This policy seems only fair to taxpayers. In no case
do the majority of residents follow the "Chamber of
Commerce theory" of seeking land division. Hence, it
is the developer's responsibility to assume the full
cost of subdivision.
C. Improvement of South E1 Monte.
The Planning Commission has made certain
recommendations by formal Resolution to the City
Council, dated May 21, 1957. Meeting held on July
13, 1957, with residents effected, resulted in
further clarification of Planning Commission recommen-
dation. (See minutes dated 7/13/57)
D. Private Road
It is Planning Commission policy to follow the
advice of the Town Attorney and allow private roads in
new subdivisions only in the most exceptional cases.
In all cases, dedications will be recommended to
facilitate these roads being brought to Town Standards
as public roads. In no case will a private road
receive Planning Commission approval where it connects
two public roads.
The Planning Commission is most grateful for
the Council's support in adopting uniform codes of
procedure in processing planning matters as outlined
in Council minutes of May 13, 1957•
E. Summg of Regular Business_ Transacted:
1. Variances:
a. Number applied for since incorporation 1?
b. Number approved since incorporation 13
c. Number in process of submission 2
The Planning Commission has set the policy of
not recommending favorable approval unless there is
overwhelming evidence that effected neighbors approve
the request. We believe this is in accord with our
incorporation platform. We urge that in the future
great care be exercised to properly notify all interested
parties of a pending Variance.
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2. Conditional Exceptions:
a. Number of applications for nursery schools = 3
b. Number of applications approved = 2
The Planning Commission recommended denial
of a Use Permit for a. Home for the Aged, submitted
to Santa Clara County, which would have bordered the
Town of Los Altos Hills.
3. Records of Survey:
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a. Number submitted - 4 lots or less
= 59
b. Total number of building sites
= 115
c. Number of records of survey withdrawn
= 6
d. Number in process of submission
= 19
with number of building sites
= 44
e. Total number of records of survey
processed or in process of submission
= 78
'. with total number of building sites
= 159
4.
Subdivisions:
a. Number submitted - 5 lots or more
= 8
b. Total number of lots
- 149
c. Number of subdivisions withdrawn
= 1
d. Number in process of submission
= 14
with number of building sites
- 253
e. Total number of subdivisions processed
or in process of submission
= 22
with total number of building sites
= 402
5.
Fees Collected for Submission of Tentative and
Final Maps:
a. Records of survey and subdivisions
= $11,787.10
b. Variances
170.00
6.
Planning Commission Meetings:
a. Number held since incorporation
51
(at an average of 20 man hours per member)
b. Total Number of man hours
= 1020 hrs.
(this excludes all study sessions)
7.
Tree Planting and Roadside Landscaping:
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This is under the direction of Commission Tom
Sherlock
and still in the process of development.
8.
Budget for Fiscal Year 1M - 1958:
At the Planning Commission meeting of July 2,
1957,
the following budget was unanimously adopted:
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That the budget be forwarded to the City Council with
approval of the foil -owing items:
a. Secretarial. help - $250.00 per month.
b. Technical Plarining Assistance - $1500 year.
Exact amount to be ascertained and appropriation
requested for:
a. Plat Book
. Set of Composit Contour Maps for Town.
c. Pro -rated salary of Building Inspector for
time spent on Planning Commission matters.
d. Miscellaneous expense
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD S. BULLIS
Chairman, Planning Commission
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