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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/13/1957Im l� CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF ADJOURNED V17ETING TOWN OF LOS ALTOS H -T LLS May 139 1957 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Sidney W. Treat at 7:45 P.M., at the Town Hall, 26379 West Fremont, Los Altos Hills, on May 13, 1957• ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mayor Treat, Councilmen Hoefler, Bledsoe, Fowle, Rothwell ABSENT: None. MINUTES: May 6, 1957: Following corrections to the minutes: Page 21 Item #5: Page 2, Item #6: Page 5, Item #4: Page 6, Item //6: CORRESPONDENCE: add to end of paragraph, 'no action'. add 'referred to Freeway Committe,- add 'location of the sign to be decided by the committee with Mr. Paul as chairman'. under ACTION: add 'and Purissinr.'- Strike AMENDMENT and continua, 'Councilman Bledsoe adding that the Council go on record as generally favoring acquirin;- ownership of sewers'. 1. League of California Cities - May 9, 1957• There will be a dinner meeting in Burlingame at Bob's on Broadway, 1443 Broadway, Thursday, May 16, 1957• 7:30 P.M. Speaker: Theodore Merian, League President. 2. Los Altos Hills Association - May 5, 1957• S�Fy't hack-Tenjamin. Re: O'Keefe property next to property of Louis F. Wilson. The Associatio-c. considers the commercial use of this resident,i zoned property a flagrant violation, and requewri: that the Town Council take action to stop the violation. Mayor Treat will direct a letter to the Association stating that the proper steps are being taken. -2- 40 NEW BUSINESS: 1. Report on Use of Town Hall - Councilman Hoefler. 2. General Use: Cultural, discussion, and general groups during the evening hours and. all day Saturday and Sunday, providing no Town business meetings are scheduled. Town Hall shall not be available for social functions unless sponsored by the City Council. There was discussion as to whether the door should be locked from the meeting room to the office section and also the possibility of a fee. Mr. Lenzen, 1 -Jest Fremont, stated that it is a state law that any place used for a public meeting can charge a fee only if rest rooms are available. The City Attorney will check this. Mrs. Sugden, La Paloma, suggested that one person be designated and be given a key to open the office section for use of the rest rooms and phone if necessary. The Council agreed to strike the word "controversial" from the recommendations as submitted. Also, to charge a fee ranging between 15.00 and $10.00 for janitorial services and overhead. The exact amount to be decided by the City Clerk, H.G. Paulman. ACTION: Accept the recommendations on Use of the Town Hall experimentally for a sixty-day period and then re- examine. Motion: Rothwell; Second: Fowle; Vote: Passed iii S.vBullis, Chairman of the Planning Commission, which were unanimously adopted by the Commission. `Whenever the Council questions a Commission action, when advisable the matter will be referred back to the Commission. In cases of emergency, all parties Xwhich are concerned will be notified. Mr. James Wilson, Magdalena, suggested that at least, three days notice be given to effected parties in reference to an appeal of a Planning Commission acticr�, -2- Corrections to Planning Commission and Council Procdrues as Amended by Planning Commission ^ Chairman and Councilma.n. Hoefler - Council Meeting of May 13, 1957, Page 2, Item,1r2, Second Paragraph. (delete existing second paragraph). 1. All Planning matters, whether they be for approval of maps or variances, be listed by the name of arplicant 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. 2. That no final action be taken at a Council meeting on any Plan- ning approval, unless that matter is on the agenda as in 1. 3. 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 4. Appeals to the Council from Planning Commission rulings: a) all parties to be notified immediately, including all proponants and opponents. b) Planning Commission and other interested Town agencies to be present at Council meeting. c) 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 recommenda- tions in any way, and feels that there are grounds for approval, the Council may refer the matter back to the Planning Commission, ` stating the Council's reasons and requesting Planning Commission reconsideration and a formal report at the next Council meeting when final action will be taken. 5. 'A complete study should be initiated at onee by the Town administration of all approvals made on past land divisions, to bring our files up to date in the following: a. That deeds for required dedications have been received., approved by the Town Attorney, and recorded as directed by the City Council. b. That copies of all recorded maps be in the files bf our Town. c. That all provisions for improvements, dedications and so forth, required of the subdivider have been, or are being, met. 6. 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 5. above, where maps, variances and use permits are approved in the future. �. 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 ction. Lowi 7. 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 arproval and give the Planning Commission recommendation before any discussion or motions of individual Council members. P1 11 t -.3- The Council expressed their appreciation to Mr. Bullis and`the Planning Commission for attempting to establioh a better working relationship between the Commission and Council. These policies and procedures accepted in principle by the Council to be used for general guidance. 3. App royal of Maps a. Lloyd Copenhaver 2 lots located on Myers, Attorney. ACTION: (?3-57) Engineer: Mark Thomas El Monte. Represented by Paul Refer back to Planning Commission for clarification of Fire District disarproval, completion of map, and road improvement review. Motion: Rothwell; Second: Hoefler; Vote: Passed b. William Henderson (39-56) Engineer: George Nolte blots located on Fernhill Avenue. Referred back to Planning Commission. Fire District disapproved because of a narrow road and bad access over Fernhill. c. Merton Williams (40-56) Engineer: George Nolte lots located on Moody Road. Was referred back to Planning Commission to obtain Town Engineer's estimate of cash or bond require! for improvements to road fronting subdivision. 4. Report of Freeway Committee - Councilman J.M. Fowle. The report prepared by the Freeway Committee was read in its entirety by Councilman Fowle (also chairman of the committee) and copies are available at the Town Hall. PlanninE Commission Recommendation: The Commissicn concurs in general with the Freeway Committee report- However, Route A, the Green Route, has always seemed to serve the planning needs of the Town of Los Altcs Hills the best. The Planning Commission recommend^ Route A from terminus of Junipero Serra at Arastradero parallel to the railroad tracks. -3- -4- to The following interested residents spoke in the general discussion period.: Mss. Benson, Magdalena, Los Altos Hills if ir. James Wilson, Magdalena, Los Altos Hills Mr. Jack Snell, West Fremont, Los Altos Mr. Gutt, Summerhill Ave., Los Altos Hills Mr. Lengsen, West Fremont, Los Altos Hills Mr, Pierce, Manuella, Los Altos Hills Yl.rs. Mary Wright, West Fremont, Los Altos Hills Mr. E. 0. Huttlinger, 101 Main st., Los Altos Mrs. Laub, Monte Vista, Los Altos Hills Mrs. Sugden, La -Paloma, Los Altos Hills The City Council accepted the Freeway Committee's report with gratitude and hopes the Committee will continue its interest and study of this matter. Members: J.M. Fowle, Chairman; Alan Kinkead, Vice - Chairman; Channing Cathcart, Secretary; Earl Dawson; Proctor Mellquist; L.H. Price; Harold Beaver; Mrs. H. Schroll; William Cusack; Harold Sherman; Daniel Bosschart; Malcom Smith; Ralph Hayden; John Lohman; Jack McCullough. 5. Report on Roads & Traffic - Paul C. Edwards. Mr. Edwards presented the report prepared by the special committee appointed to explore the traffic and road problems arising from the rapid growth of Los Altos Hills and neighboring areas. Mr. Edwards briefly outlined the purpose and goals of this committee. Copies of the report are available at the Town Hall. ACTION: Council accepted. this report with gratitude and extends their appreciation to all members of the committee: Paul C. Edwards, Chairman; Ernest A, Brittain; Robert R. Buss; Richard S. Dawson; Donald T. Hibner; Mrs. P.J. Meredith; Thomas Sherlock; James C. Wilson; Mrs. David Packard. Mo .on: Mayor Treat; Second: Hoefler; Vote: Passed O, An-o4j.ntment of Omar Spain to Planning Commission: ACTION: Appoint Omar Spain to the Planning Commission to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of William Simrell� Term of expiration: April 14, 1958• -4- -5- fv Motion: Rothwell; Second.: Bledsoe; Vote: Passed ROLL CALL: A _�S: Mayor Treat, Councilmen Rothwell, Hoefler, Bledsoe, Fowle. NOES: None ABSENT: None Mr. Omar N. Spain was sworn in by Mayor Treat and members of the City Council. 7. Petition for Three -Ton Limit on Magdalena. This petition, submitted by Mr. James Wilson, Magdalena, is in reference to the operations of the Neary quarry, Mr. Wilson contends that the operation of this quarry is seriously damaging the roads, particularly Magdalena, and is attemiting to bring legal action against said quarry. Petition and complaint referred to Town Attorney, Gardner Bullis, Road Commission, Don Hibner. Council requested that reports be submitted on the condition of the roads effected by the operation of this quarry, particularly Magdalena, at the next Council Meeting. 8. Appointment of William Cusack ACTION: Appoint Mr. Cusack to work with the City of Los Altos and other interested parties on the problems involved in connecting with that city's sewer system. Mr. Cusack is to collect facts and data for study and decisions by the Council; he is not authorized to bind the Town of Los Altos Hills in any way. Motion: Fowle; Second: Hoefler; Vote: Passed ROLL CALL: AYES: Mayor Treat, Councilmen Bledsoe, Fowle, Hoefler, Rothwell. NOES: Yone ABSENT: None 9. Ordinance 7 - Regulating the Cutting of Pavement. Held over for further study. Referred to Town Attorr.eg, Gardner Bullis, Road Commissioner, Don Hibner, and Town Engineer, Charles McCandless. 10. Resolution #42 - Reciprocal services by Los Altos for Building Inspection. ACTION: Approve Resolution #4; setting up reciprocal building inspection services by the City of Los Altos and the -5- EA Im -6- Town of Los Altos Bills when deemed necessary. Motion: Bledsoe; Second: Mayor Treat; Vote: Passed ROLL CALL: AYES: Mayor Treat, Councilmen Bledsoe, Fowle, Hoefler, Rothwell. NOES: None ABSENT: None 11. Report b4 Warren A. McClure - Housing and Home Finance Agency, ommunity Facilities Administration, Program of Advances for Public Works Planning. Report concerning borrowing of money by public agencies for the purpose of public works. Additional copies of this rer.ort have been ordered for distribution to Council members. Filed for study and reference. 12. Bills - $312.43 ACTION: Approve these bills as submitted and authorize the City Clerk to issue warrants for payment. Motion: Rothwell; Second: Fowle; Vote: Passed ROLL CALL: AYES: Mayor Treat, Councilmen Fowle, Hoefler, Rothwell, Bledsoe. NOES: None ABSENT: None 13. Inter -city Council Commission on Highways - report introduced v Havor Sidnev W. at. Mayor Treat submitted the above-named report, dated March 26, 1957, concerning financing a City -County study of the major highway system as it affects both the cities and unincorporated areas of this County. Additional copies will be made for each councilman for further study. Filed for reference. MEETING ADJOURNED: 12:15 A.M. NEM' TTrETING: Monday, May 20, 1957, 7:45 P.M., Town Hall, 26379 West Fremont, Los Altos Hills. SIDNEY W. TREAT Mayor db Respectfully submitted H.G. PAULMAN City Clerk -6- ' F Tru Copy City Clerk City Council May 13, 1957 Town Council Town of Los Altos Hills Sirs: Your Freeway Committee respectfully submits the following report and recommendations with regard to the proposed Junipero Serra Freeway: GENERAL CONCLUSIONS We believe that the projected freeway is a necessary traffic facility and we favor its construction. We believe that the freeway route should be so loca- ted as to cause minimum cutting and destruction of natural land contours, minimum removal of existing buildings, and minimum damage to already developed property. We believe that the freeway route, as far as possible, should go between, rather than through, existing municipalities. RECOMMENDATIONS We make these specific recommendations: 1. In the interest of the Town of Los Altos Hills the route designated as C (Blue Route) is absolutely unacceptable to this committee. This route literally cuts the Town in half. The eastern half, trapped between the Freeway and the railroad would find it difficult if not impossible to retain the country type of living for which the town was incorporated. Furthermore, in the viewpoint expressed by the state highway engineers, this route is located too far away from the source of traffic r to accomplish the purpose for which it is to be built. It also traverses 21,000 feet of Los Altos Hills as against 3,700 feet for the A route and 8,500 feet for the B route. It destroys more houses than either the A or B routes, and it would permanently disfigure the natural landscape with cuts .and fills. 2. The freeway route, as far astpossible, should rr pass between Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. Such a route for the most part might follow state route B, but might conceivably pass to the west of the old Los Altos church area as suggested 13 n -2- in state route A. -alternate, and might follow portions of state route A in the vicinity of Arastradero. Los Altos objections to routes A and B are under- standable, but a minor adjustment of these routes might move the freeway to the edge of Los Altos at the outskirts of that city's business center. The B route proposed by the state generally skirts the perimeter both of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills and does not cut either community in half. The access roads for either the A or B routes would also create a minimum problem and expense to Los Altos Hills. 3. The freeway, no matter where it is located, can be a noisy and visually disturbing nuisance to nearby property owners. The Committee therefore strongly recommends that any portions of the freeway passing through, or adjacent to, Los Altos Hills be landscaped with tree screens and shrubs. 4. Proposals of a higher level foothill route were considered by the committee (among them the "F" route recently suggested by Cedric McAbee). Such a route interested the Committee, but did not seem practical in the light of the state's ecpressed purpose to build a road which will serve maximum traffic needs. Route F would also be so remote as to necessitate a four land expressway along the railroad with stop light traffic control. BACKGROUND The Freeway Committee is com.nosed of townspeople repre- senting the different neighborhoods and geographic areas within the town limits. Included in its membership is one representative of the Town Council and one repre- sentative of the Planning Commission, also a civil engineer and a subdivider. The Freeway Committee has met at regular intervals since the middle of December and members of the Committee have in addition carried out numbers of individual interviews and investigations in preparation for this report. Among those consulted or interviewed have been engineers of the State Highway Department, officials and planners of our own and adjacent towns, and numerous townspeople living in the vicinity of different proposed freeway routes. The following matters received discussion and consideration.! -2- T -3- Routes: Maps of routes A -green and its alternates; B- re'ed•,G-blue and its al.terrate; and F -(McAbee proposal) were studied carefully and discussed with a represen- tative of the State Highway Commission. The Committee felt that any advocacy of the high foothill (F) route, which has considerable support from townspeople in Los Altos Hills, was nevertheless unrealistic in the light of the established state policy of locating freeways to serve maximum traffic need.s. Furthermore, unqualified support of Route A as at presently shown was unrealistic because of its almost certain abandonment to the north of Los Altos Hills due to extreme opposition. Access: The future problems which the Town of Los Altos Hills might need to solve in terms of freeway access roads and traffic attraction to the freeway were discussed. It is our understanding that the state at present is not prepared to underwrite the cost of freeway access roads and that the town would have to accept the traffic load and maintain or reconstruct access roads to handle the traffic. Obviously this problem would be minor if the freeway were located on the eastern per- imeter of the town, but most costly if the freeway were located back in the hills. Landsening: It is our understanding that our town, by enacting certain ordinances, can make it mandatory for the state to landscape any freeway section passing through Los Altos Hills. The Committee feels such landscaping is not only desirable, but absolutely necessary. Tree screens to reduce noise, minimize the visual impact of the freeway, and. generally enhance the landscape seem to this Committee to be a necessary requirement. A wider right of way to permit dense landscaping seems desirable. TI -Licking: The committee realizes that the elimination of freeway truck traffic is a controversial and, no doubt, presently impractical goal. Owen so, the Committee would like to raise the idea that a passenger -car - only freeway would. be desirable and that experience in other states makes it clear that such a limited freeway can be achieved. One possibility might be to eventual! -.7 make Fayshore Freeway and passenger car and truck route and Junipero Serra a landscaped parkway for passen- ger cars only. Community Cooperation: The problems presented to the state by conflicting minicipal opposition are obvious. It was the general opinion of the Committee that Los Altos Hill -3- -4- N might well take the lead in exploring the possibility of a reasonable co nprajftise route acceptable to a ma jori'iz~ of tie separate mini.cipalities in Northern Santa Clara Members: Iq Respectfully submitted, FREEWAY COMMITTEE LOS ALTOS HILLS J.M. Fowle, Chairman Alan Kinkead, Vice -Chairman Channing Cathcart, Secretary Earl Dawson Proctor Mellquist L.H. Price Harold Beaver Mrs. H. Schroll William Cusack Harold Sherman Daniel Bosschart Malcom Smith Ralph Hayden Juhn Lohman Jack McCullough -4-- To: April 30, 1.c Y1 The Honorable Mayor and Town Council of The Town of Los Altos Hills Gentlemen: Following is the report of the special committee appointed by you to "explore the traffic and road problems arising from the rapid growth of Los Altos Hills and neighboring areas," particularly "to identify the.problems, to assess their magnitude, importance and urgency, to estimate their meaning for the Town, and to establish some priorities for their consideration." Since March 1, the committee has held weekly meetings on Wednesday nights in the Town Hall. The committee has had the assistance of the Mayor and Council, the Planning Commission, the Road Commission, the Town Engineer, the Town Clerk and the Town Counsel. The Committee's purpose wa3 to ascertai:.1 the facts, so far as possible, pertaining to traffic and road problems and to apply them to tete various studies the Council asked it to make. It was not the purpose of the committee to act as arbitrator or attempt to settle any issues that may have arisen among any individuals or groups within the community. The committee, in its studies, assumed that the prevailing policy of the TcTrm is "preservation of the rural atmosphere" and "to retnin cur. present country type roads as they are whezeve:o possible." Los Altos Hills presently h9s 29'Vz miles of accepted roads in various stages cf repair and alignment, not including private roads .1c;r which the town has no responsibility for mainteaance. On none of these rublic roads, except Westand a portion of Edith and Altos Avenues, does a serious traffic condition exist at the present -10-Lime, As general traffic increases a problem may ar:.re at the intersection of E1 Monte Avenue and Stor_ebrook Road. -2 - In "identifying the problems" the committee considered. maintenance and construet-ion of roads as of first importance. Under this general heading it undertook to secure information upon minimum and maximum maintenance, possible necessity for major improvements, possible construction of new roads, and tentative designation of primary, secondary and tertiary roads. It also tried to determine the effect upon roads of increase in population of the town and also of adjacent areas that conceivably can contribute to the town's road problems. It sought to arrive at some idea of the road costs involved and the ability of the town to meet them. In "assessing the magnitude, importance and urgency of the problems" the committee agreed that maintenance of existing roads, being a mandatory duty of the town, is of first importance. Traffic control of West Fremont Road was considered an important and urgent problem, but probably a special and temporary one which will find at least partial solution ultimately and hopefully in construction of the proposed new freeway. Regulation of traffic on the remaining roads of Los Altos Hills, with the possible exception of El Monte and Stonebrook, is not regarded as a difficult problem. The committee's findings may be more speci- fically stated as follows: IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEMS: 1. Maintenance and construction of roads The committee thought it desirable, since this is such a large part of the road problem, to set forth in detail what is meant by minimum and maximum maintenance, and construction. The following memorandum was prepared by Road Commissioner, Don T. Hibner, a member of the committee. A. Maintenance Defined The Road Commission has defined maintenace to include the following: 1) The preservation end keeping of rights of way, and each type of roadway, structure and facility in a safe and useable condition to which it has been improved or constructed but does not include reconstruction or other improvements. -2- -3- 2) The necessary provision for special safety conveniences and devices. 3) The general utility servicas ;.Ch as roadside planting and weed control. 4) The special or emergency maintenance or repair necessitated by accidents or by storms or other weather conditions, slides, settlements, or other unusual or unexpected damages to a roadway, structure, or facility. 5) Such illumination of streets, roads, highways, and bridges which in the judgment of the body authorized to expend such sums is required for the safety of persons using said streets, roads, highways, and bridges. B. Maintenance Interpreted Maintenance as defined is interpreted to include: 1) The general repair of the pavement or surfacing, structures, and appurtenant facilities. a) Resurfacing 1" or less in thickness. Resur- facing 1" to 112" in thickness may be classified as maintenance where it is solely for the preservation of the roadway and not to provide an addition to its structural stability. b) The application of a light viscosity oil as a dust palliative where the road has been previously oiled. c) Placing an oil seal on a pavement or on a surface that has previously been oil treated or sealed. d) Placing an armor coat over an old armor coat, or, oil treatment. e) Placing a retread (single or double shot of 0 & S), plant mix, or other asphaltic surfacing over a pavement or on an oil treated surface where the thickness of the retread or plant mix does not exceed 111 is classified as maintenance. 2) The installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance of stop signs, warning, directional, informational, and mandatory signs. Painting traffic stripes and pavement markings; repair of guard rails. -3�- +4- 3) Removal of fallen. trees or branches from the roads, a. Remo-ral cf garbage and trash. 4) Roadside planting and weed control within the road right of way. 5) Removal of slides of earth, rocks, or debris washed onto the pavement by floods and storms. 6) Repair of any unusual or unexpected damage. C. In general, maintenance may be divided into two main categories - minimum and maximum. The line of demarcation between the two is very thin and is derende:rt on the attending factors. For example, maintenance will vary with the weather. During the we; winter months the amount of main- tenance will increase because of deterioration caused by the moist -are in the roads. For the corm.ittee's purpose, minimum or normal maintenance is understood to include the following: ,► 1) Patching holes in pavement. 2) Repairing fractures in pavement by application of oil and screenings. 3) $olstering shoulders of roads. 4) Blading out shoulders of roads. 5) Blading ditches along roads. 6 Removing earth or obstructions from the roads caused by storms or floods. ? Cleaning out culverts. 8 Construction of catch basins to channel water into culverts. 9) Marking pavement with traffic stripes. 10) Placement of traffic .signs, warnings directional, or informative signs. 11) Repair of guard rails. 12) Cut weeds along side of road. D. Maximum maintenance may be identified by the following: 1) All items shown under minimum or normal maintenance. 2) Resurfacing of a portion of a road in the following manner: scarifying or Blading the surface, cleaning off pavement and adding oil, applying plant mix to required thickness and rolling. An example of this procedure was the job done S6W on Stonebrook Avenue. It has held up very well under the impact of heavy trucking. 3) Resurfacing of a portion of the road by the approved method of oil and screenings. 4) Repair of any unusual or unexpected damage to the road system. -4; .- w E. Construction.nefined. Construction may be defined. as follows: 1) Acquisition of rights of way. Securing land necessary for the street or road. Includes moving, removing buildings or structures or other. i.mprovements. Payment of damage claims according to state law. 2) The grading, paving or surfacing, installation of culverts, bridges, or other drainage structures$ placing curbs and appurtenant facilities. This is the original grading and surfacing or paving. 3) replacement and reconstruction includes the same as above. This includes any subsequent operation after the original construction. Resurfacing 1.16" or more is classed as recon- struction. 4) Any surfacing or paving of a higher type than the existing surface is classed as reconstruction while subsequent reoilings would be classed as maintenance. The placing of crushed rock on a graded road bed world be construction. The oiling and road mixing of such surfacing at a later date would also be classed as con- struction. Subsequent oiling and screenings, however, would be classed as maintenance as such work does not result in higher type surfacing. Up to the present time road work in the Town of Los Altos Hills has been strictly maintenance work. The amount of money the town. expects to receive for construction is very limited. It is permitted to use 60 per cent of gas tax subventions for this purpose or a sum of approx- imately $5,535• It is readily understood that not much construction can be done with this small a sum. It may be wise to let the sum accumulate until it reaches a figure with w1lich the town can really accomplish sub- stantial construction. Our Town Engineer, Mr. McCandless, has prepared standards for new roads. When the plans are adopted as standards, there will be a signature space provided. for the Planning Commission, Road Commission, and the Town Council, as well as for the City Engineer. 'These standards are now ready for approval by three bodies mentioned. The committee also considered desirable some approximate designation of primary, secondary and tertiary roads, as related to the problems of maintenance and construction. Again we are indebted to Road Commis- sioner Hibner for the following classification, which is based largely on use of roads as revealed in traffic counts made last year: -5- w 01 -6- A. Primary or Through Roads West Fremont 2 E1 Monte -Moody Moody -West 3) Page Mill Page Mill to Arastradero Arastradero & Page Mill East B. Second.arg or Collector Roads 1) Purissima 2 Concepcion 3 La Paloma 4) Robleda 5) Burke 6) Chapin 7) Altos 8 Edith 9 Manuella 10 Miranda 11 Marion 12 Elena 13) Altamont 14) Taaffe 15 Elizabeth 16 MagO.alena 17 Stonebrook 18) St. Francis .7.rive C. Tertiary or Local. Roads Estimated. Mileage 2.0 Miles 21,1+ Miles 2.2 Miles 2.76 .O8 1.02. 1.37 .63 .50 1.1 3.28 1.41 1.6 1.40 .45 1 i..amino Hermosa 2 El Caminito 3) Toyonito 4) Blandon Way 5) Hooper Lane 6) Hillview Drive 7) Hilltop Drive 8) Miraloma Way 9) O'Keefe Lane 10) Oneonta Drive 11 Sunset 12 Deerfield Road 13 �uintaro Avenue 14 Alta Tierra 15 Yuba 16) South Elena 17) Estacada 18) DeBell Drive 19) Sactamontes 20) Guisti 21) Fremont Hills Subdivision: Anacapa Drive, Alejandro Drive, Ascension, Conejo Court. -6- -7- 3. Population as related to roads With some exceptions, of which ',Test Fremont and El Monte are notable examples, so far as use of roads by the residents of Los Altos Bills is concerned, the committee believes no serious problems can be anticipated in the near future. There will have to be some construction expenditures made to widen pavements and straighten curves for the sake of safety. Various estimates obtained were virtually in agreement that the ultimate possible population will range between 10,000 and 12,000 residents. These will not be evenly distributed over the area, so that there will be a heavier burden on some roads than upon others. Town Engineer, Charles McCandless, Il the opinion (see his letter attached to this report that the areas most likely to be heavily populated in the future will be the Fremont Hills subdivision at first and later the area centering at the intersection of Marian and Purissima avenues, especially in the large open spaces along Page Mill Road. It is estimated that most families will have at least two cars and that ten trips per day per home will be the measure of traffic on the roads. West Fremont, of course, is an exception. As to the above suggested range of population the committee had before it two calculations made independently on each other which generally coincided in results; one by Mrs. McCandless, the other by Mr. William Simrell, former plannin Corrmissi.on. Mr. McCandless (see his letterattached5 estimated there can be 3000 building sites averaging 11h acres in size. If the average is 2 acres, 2500 parcels will result. Based upon these considerations, he estimates the ultimate population will be in the neighborhood of 10,000. Mr. Simrell's memorandum, prepared for the committee, is as follows: "At tho present time we have approximately 6,000 acres within the limits of the Town of Los Altos Hills. Of this total of 6,000 acres we must deduct 25 per cent for roads, driveways, etc. This would leave a balance of 4,500 acres that could be used. "If we would allow 13� acres for the average building site, this would mean a total of 3,000 possible building sites. We now have approximately 800 families, so the increase would occupy 2,200 additional sites. If we assumed the average family of 3.5 persons, this would give a totat potential population of 10,500." _g_ "If we figured. 4 persons per household, on the above figures the potential population would be 12,000 residents." It is Mr. Simrell's opinion that the total potential population of Los Altos Hills will range between 10,500 and 12,000 residents. How long it will be before maximum population is reached. can only be guessed at. Mr McCandless thinks it will be twenty years. The number of new homes built in the last five years probably cannot safely be used as an index for calculating the number to be built in the next five years because of the depressing effect on home builders and subdividers of the tightening of home loan credit policies. This, however, may be only a temporary deterrents It is traffic that originates.outside the town that presents the n:st serious problem. .Jest Fremont is ap example. t -Ie k.aow that the industrial and residential development of Stanford University lands to the northward will be under way for a number of years, but we have no way of knowing how rapid the development will be. If we assume the Stanford commercial development in the industrial park and adjacent to the shopping center will be as rapid in the next three years as it has in the past three, the amount of moving population (people moving from home to work to home) will double. Stanford's land development program may be radically changed by construction of the new freeway so that more acreage will be given over to industrial and commercial uses and less to residential. This will have a bearing on the use of Los Altos Hills roads, but will remain an intangible element for some years. The Veterans' Hospital, when. completed, will contribute appreciably to Los Altos Hills road use, but present indications are that arpropriations for the hospital will be held up by Congress and construction will be indefin- itely delayed. Firm projections of population growth to the south- ward of Los Altos Hills have not been obtainable. Home construction has been slowed appreciably by the afore- mentioned more stringent credit requirements, so it is reasonable to suppose the increase in population will not be as rapid as in the past five years. However, the people employed in the fast growing electronic industry in this region will have to find homes somewhere nearby and a proportion of them will be likely to locate in the areas to the southward. too. With maximum development, that is, one home on the average to every 1�A acres, Los Altos Hills would cease to be a rural co-n-munity and would become a suburban community. Needless to say this eventuality would produce decidedly different road problems. -8- rt9_ 4. Financing The committee reviewed present costs and expenditures as well as income for road upkeep and construction. Following is a memorandum submitted by Mr. Iiibner, covering this phase of the study, which is in substantial agreement with the findings of the Town Engineer (see his letter attached): 1. Cost of minimum maintenance. The approximate cost of minimum maintenance from July 1, 1956, to March 15, 1957, has been $7,189.00 on an average of $239.00 per mile. The approximate breakdown of this figure to April 1 ,1957, as as follows: Fatching--labor and materials 35,39?.00 Cleaning culverts, repairing and Building catch basins 935.00 Grading of roads 387.00 Miscellaneous road repairs 420-00 ,18 .00 2. Cost of maximum maintenance. To date we have spent 31,146.00 repairing two areas of El Monte and Stonebrook. Both of these repair jobs were done last August and have held up extremely well under heavy traffic of both trucks and passenger cars. The total cost of all maintenance up to April 1 is as follows: Normal maintenance (minimum) $7,189.00 Maximum maintenance 1 146.00 $8,335-00 If we receive $18,000 for maintenance of our roads as anticipated, there will be deducted approximately $1,900 for road signs and other expenses, leaving a total balance to be spent on the roads of „16,100. Projected plan of Road. Commission for balance of fiscal year: Since we have spent a total of 'a8, 335.00 from July 1, 1956 to March 15, 1957, we have a balance of 3P7,765.00 ($161100 - 38,335 = 4"7,765) or 47.6 per cent of our remaining road funds to spend the balance of our fiscal year ending June 30, 1957• The Road Commission ha as to how this balance wil examination of the entire made. A tentative program fiscal year has been made complete change: -10 - s not made complete plans 1 be spent. A more thorough .road system will have to be for the balance of the as follotas and is subject to 4W (a) Patching entire system as soon as moisture is out of the ground.. Tabor, 1850.00; materials, "250.00. Total = $1,100 (b) Repairing road fractures, entire system with oil and screenings. Labor, $1,?50; materials, $350.00 Total = $2,100 (c) Repairing sectional failures in the roads. This will require scarifying, additional base rock and asphaltic resurfacing. Estimated cost; $2,500 (d) Repairing 300 feet ou Stonebrook Estimated cost; $1,000 (e) Balance to spend $1,065 This balance may be used for striping of roads, patching, etc. 3. Major Improvements At the present time, no plans have been formulated as to just how we will spend the °15,535 allotted for major improvements. This sum is so small, it may be wise to let the amount accumulate until it reaches a figure substantial enough to make a major improvement. 4. Based onrp osp2etive.future use: Faturally, any future changes in our present road system will be a result of our future population growth. It is the opinion of the Road Commission that for the next three years the change in the existing road pattern will be negligible. The funds at present are not available to widen, straighten out curves, or re -surface existing roads to any extent. However, within the next following two years, it is the opinion of the Road Commission that we may, have to select certain roads that are winding, narrow, hazardous, and in poor condition, yet are carrying a substantial increase in traffic; these particular roads should be widened in the most narrow portions and the most dangerous curves should be straightened. -10- -11- 5• Fu_ tune town master plan: The State of California, Department of Public Works, has reoues--ed a report of town street deficiencies and estimated costs for development by 1971. This report is due by August 1, 1957, and will require considerable study and work. This report will show the projected long range thinking of the future. In trying to project what may be the ultimate .road income of the town from allocation of state funds, the committee did a little crystal -ball gazing, Assuming a total population of 11,000 end that the state's division of road funds will remain the same as at present, rough calculations indicated the annual receipts of the town would be on the order of $22,000 for new construction and $91,000 for maintenance. The committee heard an extended and illustrated discussion of small town roads by Mr. Proctor Mellquist, editor of Sunset Magazine, in which he stated that, assuming retention of the one acre minimum lot size, the total possible population of Los Altos Hills could be handled easily iithout major change in the existing; road system pattern. 5. Private Roads The problem of private roads was dis- cussed by the committee, but, in view of the Town Attorney's opinion that private road agreements are not desirable, the only suggestion the committee has to make is that the whole private road situation be reviewed by the Town Council. The question was raised in the committee's discussions as to whether private roads serving two or.more parcels should be permitted to be established. 6. Subdivision Roads. The committee felt that the filing with the Council, the Load Commission and the Planning Commission by Town Engineer, McCandless, of plans and specifications for subdivision road standards removed the problem from its consideration. however, the committee suggests that approval of road standards should not relieve subdividers from responsibility for correction of errors or omif3sions that may occur in subdivisions. If, during the course of construction of improvements the public interest requires a modification of the Town specifications, the Town Engineer should have authority to require such modi- fications and shall specify the manner in which they are to be made. _11_ -12- 7. Traffic Control To make sure that the 35 miles per hour speed limit signs aimed also signs for slower speeds and warning of intersections, curves, bridges and narrow roads are properly placed and distributed the committee believes it would be worth while to employ a safety engineer to make a survey and indicate where such signs should be placed. There are no points, except possibly the inter- section of West Fremont and Arastradero, where stop -and - go lights seem to be needed. Even there a question arises as to how effective such lights would be. Pre- sumably they would need to operate only at the peak traffic hours morning and evening. West Fremont, Altos Lane and Edith Avenue are the only roads upon which DAILY traffic congestion occurs, and they experience it only at the peak hours. Inasmuch as practically all this peak traffic originates out- side Los Altos Hills, it becomes a community rather than a town problem. The committee believes a thorough exploration by the Council of possibilities of securing financial aid from the County or the Federal Government might possibly be productive. There is nothing the Town can do on its present income except assure normal maintenance of these roads. E1 Monte Avenue is fairly heavily traveled on week -ends at certain seasons of the year, due to the presence of Adobe Lodge. There also is some congestion at peak hours at the intersection with Stonebrook Avenue Otherwise it does not present a serious traffic problem. The most recent traffic counts the committee was able to secure were taken at various times in 1956 and were supplied from county records by Road Commissioner', Ernest A. Brittain. They do not cover all Los Altos Hills roads, but those for the primary roads showed the following counts on a 24 hour basis in both direc- tions: 1. At West Fremont and Arastradero on West Fremont 4433 on Arastradero 895 2. At Page Mill and Arastradero on Page Mill 814 1%W on Arastradero 367 3. At E1 Monte and Stonebrook on Stonebrook 1162 -12- -13- 4. At El Monte and Elizabeth was made on March . on El Monte .?12 on Elizabeth 139 5. At El Monte and iurissima on El Monte 529 on Furissima 410 6. At Robleda and Furissima 21667 on Robleda 407 7. At Furissima and Arastradero on Furissima 375 on Arastradero 36? 8. At Purissima and Marian. on Marian 281 on Furissima 99 These data are significant only as reflecting the comparatively light traffic on all but one or two of Los Altos Hills roads at the present time. Information on traffic counts submitted by Mr. Brittain, May 11 1957, is as follows: to 11 hour period from 7 A.M. to 6 F.M. was made on March 2, 1955, and again two years later on March 27, 1957• Direction and traffic count is as follows: West Fremont- northerly direction l._. st 2,286 - 2nd 51080 southerly direction 1,169 21667 Arastradero - 1st - 2nd easterly direction 412 539 westerly direction 401 641 A better system of name signs for the town's roads is highly desirable. They should be uniform throughout and properly located. The committee considered the possibility that they might be of a distinctive pattern and color to distinguish them from street signs in adjacent areas. 8. Drainage affecting roads. Moisture is the enemy of our roads. Water and its control are the prime considerations in any road maintenance program, particularly in hilly country. At the present time we have approximately 100 culverts �ke in our entire road system. These culverts were installed by the county years ago and in many instances are inadequate. The entire system of culverts should be reviewed by a drainage engineer and proper measures taken so that storm waters are correctly channeled. -13- -14 - Also, the town is justified in adapting regulations that will protect its roads from water running off of private property in such a way as to damage public roads. It is most imperative that the Town Council con- sider the adoption of an ordinance requiring culverts under private driveways wherever needed to protect the roads. A considerable portion of our maintenance is lost because of the moisture condition of our roads. In precipitous areas, and where roads are narrow, the storm water must cut its own ditch along steep banks with the result that the shoulders of the road are undermined and weakened, causing them to disintegrate. This is a constant maintenance expense. It is important that an engineering study be made of these areas. These storm waters, rushing down the sides of our roads, should be contained in concrete ditches to protect the shoulders C the roads and also to protect the banks from sliding into the road. It is an engineering reality that new subdivisions increase water runoff. For this reason, drainage and flood control work in existing water channels is most important. Thebond issue for the Flood Control. District takes care of major drainage channels in most cases only up to our town boundaries. The Flood Control District is spending money to correct situations that are the result of the Zack of adequate drainage and flood funds in the past. Funds to take care of most present and future flood and drainage must be secured by the Town of Los Altos Hills. It is most important that we develop the policy of securing funds from new subdivisions in order to offset the heavy flood and drainage costs created by these subdivisions. An equitable basis would be to assess the subdivider a flat amount per acre to assist in taking care of drainage work. Drainage and road problems are inter -related but there is no money at present in the road budget available for major drainage work. 9. Road Inspection Fees. The committee believes it would be desirable for the Council to consider setting up by ordinance a schedule of inspection fees for the Town Engineer's inspection of roads that are to be added to the Town's public road system. -14. -15 - ASSESSING MAGITITUDE, IMOt TANCE ATTR UP.G-737CY OF PROS The largest and most important continuing problem is maintenance of the existing road system. Prudent economy dictates that roads be kept in constant good repair. Even minor roads, if permitted to deteriorate seriously can become the cause of heavy town expenditures. The problem is governed by the amount of money available for road maintenance and construction. At present the town's income for these Purposes is not large and must be expended with great care and in accordance with the best engineering advice. Although some major improvements are pressing, such as straightening curves and widening certain narrow roads, these projects will have to wait until funds are accumulated sufficient to cover the cost. Regulation of traffic is important and will be- come increasingly urgent as population grows, both inside and outside the town, but, except for a few special cases such as West Fremont, should present no serious problem in the next three years. wetting up and enforcing standards for subdivi- sion roads and any other roads that may become a part of the public road system is exceedingly important and urgent. Drainage also is a problem of major magnitude. It is important to keep track of population growth in areas adjacent to Los Altos Hills which is likely to contribute to increased road use within the town. The 1960 Federal census should furnish accurate information on this score. ESTIMATING THEIR MEANING FOR THE TOWN Roads, as the arteries of communication in the town, are of utmost importance in preserving the rural atmosphere. But they must be kept adequate to accomodate the traffic safely and comfortably. This means they must be kept in good repair and alignment, properly signed to discourage fast and reckless driving, and protected from a storm water damage. It means also that road problems must be the subject of constant and careful planning. The purpose should be to formulate an official road plan that will. forecast changes and improvements that will be necessary and possible in three or five year stages. This would be an important part of a general master plan for the town. -15- 7 -16 - The foregoing discussions in this report of the road problems of Los Altos Hills indicate the committee's judgment as to the priority in which the Council should consider them, at least within the next three years. They may change in relative importance with future growth of the town and surrounding areas. And. it is probable they can be met with greater public satisfaction as the town's income for road purposes grows larger. In their solution much patience will be required on the part both of the Town Council and the citizenry. The Committee: Ernest A. Brittain, Road Commissioner Robert R. Buss -Richard S. Dawson, Planning Commissioner Donald T. Hibner, Road Commissioner Mrs. P.J. Meredith - Thomas Sherlock, Planning Commissioner James C. Wilson Mrs. David Fackard, Secretary -Paul C. Edwards, Chairman Respectfully submitted, PAUL C. EDWARDS Chairman, Road Committee db -16-- April 30, 1957 A440 OUTLINE FOLLOWED BY ROAD STUDY COMMITTEE IDENTIFYING FROBLEMS 1. Maintenance and construction of roads a) Minimum maintenance - patching holes, bolstering shoulders, repairing storm water damage. b) Maximilm maintenance - items in a) plus major resurfacing when needed c) Improvement - realigning and widening, repaving, gutters and curbs d) Construction of new roads - standards for same . Designating primary, secondary and tertiary roads a) Based upon present use b) Prospective future use c) As components of a future town master plan 3. Population as related to roads a) How much population can be expected in the town Ar and in adjacent areas in 5,10, or 15 years. bWhat are the areas of its most l _rely concentrat,4 c How adequately will the existing road system take care of it? d) ghat road changes and enlargements will have to be made for future population? 4. Financing b8Costof minimum maintenance Cost of maximum maintenance c) Cost of major improvement d) Cost of constructing new roads e) Present income available fcr (a) f) Fresent income available for (b) g Methods of raising additional funds for (c) (d) 1) Assessments; 2) Road districts; 3) Taxes; 4) Bond Issues; 5) Inspection fees. 5. Private roads - what, if any, standards? 6. Subdivision roads - what standards? Rights of wa�7" �. Traffic control a) Speed limits b) Intersection stop signs and signals c) Origin and destination of traffic 8. Drainage affecting roads. Outline - Page 2 AW ASSESSING MAGNITUDE, IMIT OR`i'ANCE AND URGrNCY OF PROBLEMS a) Maintenance - mandatory, hence of `i_rst impo_,tance b) Determining what, if any, roads. :: acquire early major improvement c) Projection of population growth and subdivision locations d) Determining subdivision road standards V e ) Financing f) Regulating traffic ESTIMATING THEIR MEANING FOR THE T014N a) Influence of roads on town's objective of remaining rural. 1. T-, o lane roads 2. Four lane roads b) Possible effects of taxes and bond financing on town population 1. Taxes vs ability to pay 2. Town's bonding ability c) Goal of a well-planned, integrated rural community 0 Mc CA RDT,ESS & JETT Menlo Farb, Cali fc_�Lr�.0 Mr. Paul C. Edwards Chairman Special Road Committee Town of Los Altos Hills California Dear Sir: April 23, 19-577 Your letter of March 17th requested that we answer for your Committee, a number of questions concerning your study. We have collected as much factual information as we could, so that we could avoid voicing an opinion as much as possible. 1. What is the cost of minimum maintenance of existing roads", A. Investigation of the costs incurred. by several agencies responsible for roads similar to ours indicates that $500.00 per year per mile will take care of minimum 40 maintenance on roads with light surfacing. As compared to this, roads with excellent surfacing which we intend to require in the future will cost about $1500.00 per year per mile to keep them at a very hig3. level of maintenance. 2. What is the cost of maintenance when major resurfacing and major repair of storm damage is added? A. To recondition our existing roads, using the same material:-.; types, etc., is estimated to cost about $30,000. per mile and probably should be done once in ten years. On this basis, reconditioning alone could be expected to cost x3000, per year. When added to the above figure, the total is $3,500 per mile per year. 3,4, & 5. What is the population forecast of the Town of Los Altos Hills, including area, etc.? A. There are approximately 6,000 acres or Qin square miles of land within the present Town boundar_zes. The area most likely to be heavily populated will be the Fremont Hills area, where all lots are absolute minimum size. The center of gravity may eventually be pulled towards the intersection of Marion and La Furissima when large acreages along Fege Mill Road are developed on a one -lot basis. Of the 6,000 acres within the Town limits, about 25% is consumed by public lands, leaving 4500 acres net for actual residential living. By checking individual parcels of land, many of which cannot be further broken A McCandless Page 2 down, we estimate that tine average lot size will be no less than 1Y2 acreas yielding; 3,000 possi'31e building sites. If a two acre lot size average -.i be maintained, about 2,250 parcels will result, or rossi'-)l7 2,500 building sites is the best estimate. E�ao,,d traon this, the ultimate population of Los Altos Hills will probably be in the neighborhood of 10,000 persons, but this probably will not occur for twenty years. At the time of incorporation, there were 800 families but with the advent of .Fremont Hills, at least 1,000 and possibly 1,100 families will reside in Los Altos Hills by 1958. Ve believe that there are about 3,200 persons residing in the Town at the present time. We estimate the population in five years to be at least 5,000 and probably 8,000 in ten years. 6 & 7. Based on present standards, how adequately will existing roads take care of future population? A. All existing roads should eventually be brought up at least to the standards which we recently submitted to the City for adoption. However, Moody, Purissima, Fremont, Arastadero and Page Mill roads are to be donsidered relatively important arterials and be developed so that their traffic capacity is greater than other roads. If this is not done, possibly they will become quite conges- ted with traffic when the population of the Town doubles. This, however, needs much more study and should be con- sidered only as an off -hand. opinion. 8. If the proposed new freeway passes through the Town, what changes in Town roads will be necessary? A. From a traffic standpoint, the Town would probably be better off if the freeway follows the Furissima route. This would mean that the feeder roads into the freeway on both sides of it could be shorter and thus the traffic would not become as congested. However, many other factors are to be considered and personally, we prefer the Fremont route for the freeway. In this event, we should develop feeder roads across Town leading to the freeway. Such roads as Paloma and Concepcion will then take on much greater importance than they do now. 9. What is the present income of the Town for roads? A. At the present time, the Road Commissioner is supplied $18,000 per year for road maintenance. In 1956-57 $1,000 was spent for signs and X900. was paid to the City Clerk, leaving a net of X16,000 to be used for actual maintenance. To date, $8,335. has been spent, or 3275. per mile. There are approximately 33 miles of roads in Los Altos Hills. Based on the $16,000 available, the Road Commissioner has about 3500. per mile per year to spend. -2- rV McCandless - Page 3* The problem is that we have no source of ft:_n3s adequate. to take care of major reconstruction, as it w-11 aril,:. The State Gas Tax Funds supply between t:-ree and four thousand dollars per year to be used for neer c;onstruc'icr at the present time. Dventually, this may go as high a. five or six thousand dollars per year. do not have the exact figures available. However, assuming that we have $5,000. per year available, we can reconstruct 1/6 of a mile of existing street per year. An attempt is being made to collect funds from subdividers mor the improvement of existing roads adjacent to their tracts, which will be of some help. There is also the possibility that the Federal Government w -ill help local. agencies through the State, in improving their road systems. 11. In your estimation. what is the most feasible way of financing maintenance and improvement of roads? We believe that maintenance of roads must be financed by State Gas Tax Funds and current revenues derived by the City through the usual sources. All the money which the Town of Los Altos Hills has available, or will have available from present sources, for improving existing roads, is only a small fraction of what will be required. Assessment districts will probably have to be formed when roads really get into bad shape. However, the Town is no'worse off than the County is in this respect. About all that they can do with the monies available to them, is patch the roads the same as we are now doing.. Examples of assessment districts for improvement of roads can be found in almost every city in California. 13, 14 & 15. What were the cost of roads in the West - ridge addition and Alpine Hills? What were the specifi- cations, etc.? Compare the standards in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, with regard to those areas. The cost of roads in the iJestridge addition and Alpine Hills are meaningless today, because they have been done piecemeal in past years. The County of San Mateo really does not know how much they cost. They think that they cost about .42 per square foot, but are more likely to cost .50 per square foot today. This office recently designed and supervised construction of 11� miles of roan. in Westridge. This was completed during the Fall of 1956. The total cost was $80,000 per mile. This includsd all grading,,drainage, etc., to San Mateo County stand.a~-d- for new roads. -3- Le Ll 9 McCandless Page 4 San Mateo County .road standards are virtually the same as the standards of Santa Clara County, except for relatively minor details. The one exception is that San Mateo County requires 2" of asphalt pavement instead of the 236" as required by Santa Clara County. The 14estridge and. Alpine Halls roads were not constructed to as rigid specifications as are being required now by San Mateo County. In our opinion, the proposed standards for the Town of Los Altos Hills are better than those required in either of the Counties. We think that Los Altos Hills should require that subdividers provide all intract improvements and deposit cash in a Town Fund for the improvement of existing roads. We believe that this should be done on an acreage basis, so that everyone is treated the same, as all persons use the roads, whether they front on the roads or not. We think that the same should be done to develop storm drainage funds, as storm drainage and road construction go hand in hand. Very truly yours, MC CANDLESS AIM JETT Charles S. McCandless -4-