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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/27/1957CITY COUYICIL TOWN OF LOS ALTOS FALLS MINUTES OF ADJOURNED METING May 27, 1957 The meeting was called to order by Acting -Mayor, C. Easton Rothwell, at 7:45 P.M., Monday, May 27i 1957, at the Town Hall, 26379 West Fremont, Los Altos Hills, ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Acting -Mayor Rothwell, Councilmen Fowle, Bledsoe, Hoefler ABSENT: Mayor Treat MINUTES: May 20, LU2 Page 5, #8, Subdivision Ordinance #35 - correction to number. May 13, 1957 Page 2, Item #2, paragraph 29 delete and substitute the followin (add to end of first 4 paragraph 'as follows : 5 a. All Planning matters, whether they be for approval of maps or variances, be listed by the name of applicant and the date of Planning Department approval. on Council agendas; with a one or two word explanation of just what is being considered, whether it be for a record of survey, a subdivision, use permit or variance request for setback, etc. b. That no final action be taken at a Council meeting on any Planning aproval, unless that matter is on the agenda as in (a3. c. That agendas be prepared in enough time so that they might be received in the mail at least one day prior to the Council meeting. d. Appeals to the Council from Planning Commission rulings: 1. 11 parties to be notified immediately, including all proponants and opponents. 2. Planning Cormission and other interested Town agencies to be present at Council meeting. 3. Aggrieved parties to be notified at least two days before meeting. When the Council deems that the recommendation of the Planning Commission is unwise, or unjust, or questions such recommendations in any way, and feels that there -2 - are 2 - are grounds for &?409%ml, the Council may refer the matter back to the Flaizning Commission, stating this Council's reasons and regne sting Planning Commissiciz reconsideration and a formal report at the next Couracll meeting when final action will be taken. e. A complete study should be initiated at once by the Town administration of all approvals made on past land divisions, to bring our files up to date in the following: 1. That deeds for required dedications have been received, approved by the Town Attorney, and recorded as directed by the City Council. 2. T.znit copies of all recorded maps be in the files of r,'jr Town. 3. That all provisions for improvements, dedications and so forth, required of the subdivider have been, or are being, met. f. That a follow-up procedure is being set-up immediately, that makes certain no laxity will exist from now on in the matters referred to in (e) above, where maps, variances and use permits are approved in the future. g„ That it is clearly and openly understood that when any city official has an indirect, or direct, interest in any action being taken by his body, that he will so state and abstain from entering into any action. h. When planning matters come up in the Council meeting that the Chairman or representative of the Planning Commission be called on first to explain briefly the matter pending Council approval and give the Planning Commission recommendation before any discussion or motions of individual Council members. ACTION: Move the approval of the minutes of May 13, 1957, as amended. Motion: Bledsoe; Second: Hoefler; Vote: Passed CORRESPONDENCE: 1. Bruce F. Allen - May 24, 1957. Re: Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 184. Enclosed a copy of a proposed route for the Junipero Serra Freewa (essentially the Blue route - Purissima Valley and announced the date for hearing before the Assembly Committee on Conservation, Planning, and Public Works. (see New Business, Item ##1). -2- -3- 2. BuildinR Trades Council - Joint Resolution with entra Labor CouneI , signed Walter L. Jones, Pre- sident, and Earl A. Hoorhead, Secretary. This resolution requested thet when vacancies occur on any Commissions, that Labor candidates be considered, Tatter of acknowledgment will be forwarded to the Central Labor Council expressing the Council's agreement with the Resolution in principle. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Freeway Committee Report - J.M. Fowle Councilman Fowle, also Chairman of the Freeway Committee, reported on the sequence of events occurring in regard to the Freeway. Meeting, Mal Oma, 1952, Town Hall, at which were present two 'representatives from Engineering Division and one Right -of -Way Agent from State Division of Highways, and held an open forum. Mr. Jack Benjamin, reporting on an informal poll conducted by the Los Altos Hills Association: 75% A -B -route; 251/6 high -valley; .5/ Blue. Mr. Fowle stated the majority of the discussion consisted of q�uestions to State representatives. Meeting, May 17� �, Stanford University, called by Mayor o� Los Altos, Irving L. Atkinson. Repre- sentatives from Division of Highways met with Mayors, Chairmen of Planning Commissions and City Managers of most of the cities in the area. In summarizing this meeting, Councilman Fowle statedthat with a few exceptions the opinions of the various communities were qualified in such a way that a mutually acceptable solution is entirely possible. Also, +-hat there was almost complete disregard foa a high-level route. Meeting, M��a�y� 17 1957, also called by Mayor Atkinson o rang fog ' oef ericials from Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. Press was present. This meeting was considered a dead -lock, and little compromise re- sulted. However, the two cities have agreed to further meeting. Resolution prepared by Four Assemblymen and T Senators: hhis-ILesolution proposed the endorsement of essen- tially the Purissima Valley route, and requested the State Highway Commission accept this route and forget about the others. The Town of Los Altos Hills felt this Resolution was interferring with the democratic process of public hearings and procedure clearly set forth by the Highway Act, and negotia- tions currently being carried on between neighboring cities. Senator Thompson, Assemblyman Clark Bradley, and Assemblyman Bruce Allen were contacted by telegram and resulted in a promise to withdraw Resolution. -3- -4 - Councilman Hoefler reported on his telephone conversa- tion with Senator Jack Thompson who stated that the Resolution has been withdrawn and is presently being revised. The Town will be informed of current harpen- ings, and the new Resolution will attempt to avoid 1 -he dissection of airy community through which it must pass, Acting -Mayor Rothwell reported on his telephone conver- sation with Clark Bradley, Assemblyman. Mr. Bradley stated that this Resolution was essentially an enabelling Resolution to allow the Freeway to go through Santa Clara County. Dr. Rothwell replied to Mr. Bradley that he felt this Resolution went far beyond an enabelling Resolut-_on. Mr. Bradley replied that J.W. Vickerey, State Highway Engineering Department, requested this Resolutior. be prepared. Also, Mr. Bradley stated he wculd be willing to meet at the Town Hall with City Officials on Sunday, June 2, 1957• J.W. Vickerey was contacted and stated he did not approve of the route outlined in the Resolution. Assemblyman Bruce Allen will be contacted Tuesday, May 28th, to ascertain exact status of Resolution and whether or not the Hearing will be held Thursday, May 30, 1957• In a statement which was released to the press, Assembly- man Gubser stated he was not endorsing any route, as he felt this was not within his jurisdiction. The entire question should be kept open for reconsideration and within his power, would see that "everyone has his day in Court". In summarizing current happenings in regard to the Freeway which have transpired by Council members, Acting -Mayor Rothwell reiterated that the Council is presently intensively studying all matters concerned with the Freeway and a specific recommendation from the Town will be ready soon. Discussion Period from Interested Parties: George Pfeiffer, 13647 Robleda, suggested that the City Council make recommendations which are representa- tive of the Town's opinion. John Daley, Hill Way, stated that in a conversation held with Clark Bradley, Mr. Bradley was surprised that the Town of Los Altos Hills had not been specifically notified of all events, and that he will attend.the meeting at the Town Hall on Sunday, June 2, 1957• Gardner Bullis, Town Attorney, suggested that the Town should not go into any meeting with a closed mind, and "compromise" should be considered until definite decisions have been reached. .-5- Mr. Gutt, Summerhill, suggested that Los Altos and Los Altcs K -1-11's decide where they want the Freeway to v -o and then "I..crse•-trade". G- gorge ffa;rsr, requested that the Council consider the of all Members of the community and not "horse - trade" out certain residents. Also, Mr. Hayes pointed out that the residents of the De Bell Tract are more concerned that the Freeway should be properly land- scaped and screened, rather than the location. Richard Dawson, Planning Commissioner, clarified that th1.s is, the only community where friction exists (re- ferring to the proximity of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills). In the meeting held between the two communities on May 17th, Los Altos proposed three routes, all of which were in Los Altos Hills, and did not feel a spirit of real compromise existed at the meeting. Mr. Dawson felt any point of departure for discussion should consider the engineer's recommendations, and from a planning point of view, the Red and Green routes were well thought out. Political interference is dangerous and Mr. Dawson suggested that the Council and Town come to a decision for a specific route and fight for it. Councilman Fowle asked Mr. Jack Benjamin, Los Altos Hills Association, whether he felt another public meeting was called for. Mr. Benjamin will bring up the question to his group. Further discussion of Freeway at Council meeting, Monday, June 3, 1957• 2. Report from Gardner Bullis, Town Attorney - Petition_ for hT reert-Ton�imit on Maddalena. In answer to a question from the Mayor, the City Attorney stated that his research had established there was no authority for the Court to entertain a petition for modification of the injunction against enforcement of the weight truck limitations to meet the Magdalena situation. However, from a suggested case citation from Councilman Bledsoe, the Town Attorney did feel we were entitled to an application for increase of bond to the amount which was deemed commensurate with damage being inflicted. 3. Variances: a. Dr. Nathan Boarti - V-7-57 Purissima Avenue. Planning Commission'at meeting of May 18, 1957, recommended approval of this variance. ACTION: Approve the action of the Planning Commission and -5.. -6 - grant the Variance to Dr. Nathan Boartz for a reduction of rsar yard setback to 23'. M,t"f on, 7-oer'.er; Second: Bledsoe; Vote: Passed b. Paul Szarvas - V--8-57. Fdgecliff Drive. Planning Commission at meeting of May 18, 1957, recommended sideyard setback variance to 20' be granted, but front yard setback variance of 60' be denied. Mr. Szarvas, in attendance, stated he was willing to comply with Planning Commission recommendation, and would not appeal. ACTION: That a Variance be granted to Mr. Szarvas for a 20' sideyard setback, and the regular 75' setback from centerline of street apply. Motion: Hoefler; Second: Bledsoe; Vote: Passed 4. Bids for Landscaping of Town Hall - report by Commissioner Tom SheFlZck. Two bids were received for installation of pole barriers for cars and preparing planting area around front and rear of building. Lowery and Little, Landscape Contractor, San Jose = $846.00 Foust Landscaping Co., Morton Ave., Los Altos = 742.00 Currently in treasury for this purpose = 783.00 ACTION: Accept bid by Foust Landscaping Company for the first phase of submitted bid. Motion: Bledsoe; Second: Fowle; Vote: Passed ROLL CALL: AYES: Acting -Mayor Rothwell, Councilmen Fowle, Hoefler, Bledsoe. NOES: None. ABSENT: Mayor Treat. The Council noted a vote of commendation to Commissioner Tom Sherlock for handling the landscaping in a bid fashion. 5. Presentation of Badge - Chief of Police. The City Council presented Commander Wayne Litchfield with a badge designating his office as Chief of Police. 6. Report on Hospital - Report by Mrs. Hal Williams. Mrs. Williams outlined the proposed hospital plan which involves a $7,300,000 bond issue. There will be an \ -6- -7 - election on June 11, 1957, at the home of Town Attorney, Gardner Bullis. Mrs. Williams requested the Council endorse proposed Pesol,).tica 0 6 in principle., This Resolution ca11s for the approval of Lhe General Obligation bond issue to finance constru3t].on of the El Camino District Hospital. ACTION: Move the adoption of Resolution #4.6 as amended. Motion: Fowle; Second: Hoefler; Vote: Passed. 7. Report on Recreation Services Meeting Held M,�a . Mrs. Williams reported on this meeting with Miss Gladys Snyder, Recreation Specialist of the State of California, and presentation of a plan of development for recreation services in the Los Altos Area. A complete report has been prepared which Mrs. Williams summarized, and same will be forwarded to the Planning Commission. 8. Ordinance #36 - Regulating the Cutting of Pavement First Reading. ACTION: Ordinance x#36 was introduced and after the title had been read, it was moved by Councilman Bledsoe, seconded by Councilman Fowle, and unanimously carried that further reading be waived. ROLL CALL: AYES: Acting -Mayor Treat, Councilmen Bledsoe, Fowle, Hoefler NOES: None ABSENT: Mayor Treat 9. Resolution on South El Monte Improvement - prepared by ming Gomnission-,—Introduced by Charman, Richard Bullis. The Town Engineer submitted a letter dated May 23, 1957, recommending that an assessment district be formed to bring about the improvement of South E1 Monte. Resolution from Planning Commission read in its entirety. Referred to study and conference between Council and parties concerned, Any action will be deferred until the possibility of an assessment district can be discussed with the Town Attorney and the Town Engineer. 10. Study Session - Ordinance,#35 - Subdivision Ordinance... MEETING ADJOURNED: NEXT MEETING: C. E. ROTHliMLL cti hg- layor db 10:30 P.M. Monday, June 3, 1957, 7:45 P.M., Town Hall, 26379 West Fremont, Los Altos Hills. Respectfully submitted, PATTL W. SALFEN, Deputy City Clerk