The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About11/10/2014Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Special Meeting Minutes Monday, November 10, 2014 Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California Mayor Radford called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER (4:00 P.M.) A. Roll Call Present: Mayor Radford, Vice Mayor Corrigan, Councilmember Harpootlian, Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck Absent: None Staff: City Manager Carl Cahill, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Interim Planning Director Suzanne Avila, City Engineer/Public Works Director Richard Chiu, Administrative Services Director Yulia Carter, Consultant Planner Steve Padovan, City Clerk Deborah Padovan B. Pledge of Allegiance 1. AGENDA REVIEW There were no changes to the agenda. 2. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS The Council first considered Item 2.C. C. Presentation by Consultant Marsha Hovey on the Status of the Town's Emergency Preparedness Program Emergency Management Consultant Marsha Hovey provided a report on the activities of the Town's emergency preparedness over the last two years. Council discussion ensued. No action was taken. A. Annual Presentation by the Community Relations Committee Roger Burnell, Chair of the Los Altos Hills Community Relations Committee, provided an annual report on the activities of the committee. 1 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 10, 2014 Council discussion ensued. No action was taken. B. Annual Presentation by the Art in Public Places Committee Roger Burnell, Member of the Los Altos Hills Art in Public Places Committee, provided an annual report on the activities of the committee. Council discussion ensued. No action was taken. 3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Persons wishing to address the Council on any subject not on the agenda may do so now. Please complete a Sneaker Card located on the back table of the Council Chambers and submit it to the City Clerk. Comments are limited to two (2) minutes per speaker. California law prohibits the Council from acting on items that do not appear on the agenda. Under a Resolution Previously adopted by the Council, such items can be referred to staff for appropriate action, which may include placement on the next available agenda. Martha Bowden, Los Altos Hills, requested that the Town put a process or procedure in place for notifying neighbors of building permits issued. DIRECTION: Agendize a conversation about issuing parking permits for construction vehicles, as part of ongoing projects, so that contractors can have dashboard identification and residents near construction sites can be made aware. Dru Anderson, Los Altos Hills, said that she supported Martha's comments. Carol Gottlieb, Los Altos Hills, thanked the Town and Pathways Committee on the opening of the Bob Stutz Path. Nancy Couperus, Los Altos Hills, said that Sereno Realty selected Westwind 4H to be one of the recipients of the "1% For Good" award. This last quarter of the year, Sereno Realty has indicated that they will dedicate some of their commission money for the Westwind 4H Horse Riding Program for the Handicapped. 4. ONGOING BUSINESS A. Election of 2015 Vice Mayor Vice Mayor Corrigan) Vice Mayor Corrigan introduced the topic. Councilmember Larsen stated that he respectfully withdrew from the running of Vice Mayor. 2 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 10, 2014 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Corrigan moved to nominate John Harpootlian as Vice Mayor for 2015. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Waldeck. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Radford Vice Mayor Corrigan, Councilmember HpMootlianCouncilmember Larsen Councilmember Waldeck NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Introduction (First Reading) of an Ordinance Amending Title IV, Chapter 2, Section 4-2.116 and Resealing Chapters 1 Through 9 of Title VIII (Building Regulations) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code and Adopting by Reference the 2013 California Building Standards Code including but not limited to, Building Residential Electrical Mechanical Plumbing Energy, Historical Building Fire Existing Building and Green Building Standards Including Modifications and Amendments to the Codes and to Renumber and Amend the Existing Chapters and Sections in Title VIII• File #380-13-MISC CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15061(b)(3) (Staff- S. Avila) - Continued from the March 20 2014 City Council meeting. Ex Parte Communications. Vice Mayor Corrigan stated she had several conversations about the ordinance amendments with Jim Abraham and perhaps one or two other commission members along the way. There were no other ex parte communications. Consultant Planner Steve Padovan presented the staff report. Council asked questions of staff and received responses. Mayor Radford opened the Public Hearing. Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills Planning Commissioner, said that when this item initially came up it was an enormous project. He complimented staff on the time and energy spent on the project. Jim Abraham, Los Altos Hills Planning Commissioner, addressed the Wildland Urban Interface Fire Area ("WUI") map. He said he voted against the ordinances because the WUI map is a flawed document. City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 10, 2014 Susan Mandle, Chair of the Los Altos Hills Planning Commission, offered to explain the 4-1 votes. She said the majority of the Planning Commission felt that the WUI map should be revisited as it is more restrictive than the state map. Duffy Price, President of the Los Altos Hills Fire District, said she had a conversation with the Fire Chief on the WUI map and the department would be willing to collaborate on a map. Kjell Karlsson, Los Altos Hills, said that if we adopt a more restrict WUI map, who will have an incentive to come up with something more reasonable? Mayor Radford closed the Public Hearing. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Corrigan moved to waive reading and introduce the Ordinance Amending Title IV Chapter 2 Section 4- 2.116 and Repealing Chqpters 1 Through 9 of Title VIII (Building Regulations) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code and Adopting by Reference the 2013 California Building Standards Code including but not limited to Building, Residential, Electrical Mechanical Plumbing Energyy, Historical Building, Fire, Existing Building and Green Building Standards Including Modifications and Amendments to the Codes and to Renumber and Amend the Existing Chapters and Sections in Title VIII The motion was seconded by Councilmember Larsen. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Radford Vice Mayor Corrigan, Councilmember HarpootlianCouncilmember Larsen Councilmember Waldeck NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Council discussion ensued. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Corrigan moved to provide direction to staff to create a taskforce made up of appropriate members at staff s discretion to review the Wildland Urban Interface Fire Area (")WUI") map; take it to Planning Commission for their approval and recommendation and then return to the City Council for final approval The motion was seconded by Councilmember Harpootlian. Motion Carried 5 to 0: City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 10, 2014 A AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: 6. NEW BUSINESS Mayor Radford Vice Mayor CorriganCouncilmember HarpootlianCouncilmember Larsen Councilmember Waldeck None None None A. Resolution Awarding Contract for Landscqpe Maintenance Services at Purissima Park (Staff: R. Chiu) Public Works Director Richard Chiu presented the staff report. Council discussion ensued. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Harpootlian moved to approve Resolution 67-14 awarding the contract for landscape maintenance services at Purissima Park to Jensen Landscaping Services. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Larsen. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Radford Vice Mayor CorriganCouncilmember HarpootlianCouncilmember Larsen Councilmember Waldeck NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None B. Review of a Policy Statement and Uniform Administrative Procedures for the Receipt of Public Donations and Gifts to the Town (Staff: Y. Carter) Administrative Services Director Yulia Carter presented the report. Council discussion ensued. Les Earnest, Los Altos Hills, offered to turn over the Los Altos Hills Historical Society existing 501(c)3 to the Town with certain conditions. City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 10, 2014 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Larsen moved to accept the policy for gifts and donations to the Town with the modification by Councilmember Harpootlian (to remove the paragraph relating Form 700 language) and include a six month check point for Council to review the process. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Waldeck. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Vice Mayor CorriganCouncilmember Harpootlian, Councilmember Larsen Councilmember Waldeck, Mayor Radford NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB -COMMITTEES, AND COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES A. Emergency_ Communications Committee Report and Request Regarding Amateur Radio Regulations that are in Effect in Los Altos Hills and which are compared to a Survey of Federal State and Nearby Cities Regulations Council Recess at 6:13 p.m. Council reconvened to Open Session at 6:18 p.m. Dru Anderson, Secretary of the Los Altos Hills Emergency Communications Committee, presented the report on the results of the committee survey of California cities building codes and HAM radio operators. Council discussion ensued. City Manager Carl Cahill provided a background on HAM radio applications in Town. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Waldeck moved to direct the collaboration of the Town's Planning_ Department and the Emergency Communications Committee and any other interested persons in the community to evaluate amateur radio regulations or policy and return with a recommendation that this Council can consider and admit The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Corrigan. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Radford Vice Mayor Corrigan, Councilmember 6 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 10, 2014 Harpootlian Councilmember Larsen Councilmember Waldeck NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 8. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Harnootlian moved to approve the CONSENT CALENDAR The motion was seconded by Councilmember Waldeck. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Radford Vice Mayor Corrigan, Councilmember Harpootlian, Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None A. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: City Council Regular Meeting -October 16, 2014 B. Receive Investment Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2014 (Staff. Y. Carter) C. Resolution 68-14 Approving the 2014-15 Community Service Grant Disbursements (Staff. Y. Carter) D. Notification of Fast Track Approval: Lands of Shah and Chawla; 12364 Priscilla Lane; File #20-14-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 6,002 square foot residence (Maximum height 27') with a 3,524 square foot basement, a 616 square foot cabana, 1,064 square foot sports court, and a 480 square foot swimming pool. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) and (e). (Staff: S. Avila) E. Resolution 69-14 Summarily Vacating a 5 -Foot Public Utility Easement; Lands of Wallace; 12400 Stonebook Drive (Staff. R. Chiu) F. Resolution 70-14 Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Sanitary Sewer Reimbursement Agreement Mora Drive Sewer Project, dated November 20, 2003, City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 10, 2014 By and Between the Town of Los Altos Hills and Mora Drive Sewer Project Installers (Staff. R. Chiu) Q Resolution neeepti 1g Gfant of Pathway Easement; Lands of White, r r rte. 13880 Cie ' Lane (St _€•-R. Chiu) This item was removed from the agenda and not considered. 9. STAFF REPORTS A. City Manager - No report. B. City Attorney - No report. C. City Clerk - No report. D. Planning Director - No report. E. Administrative Services Director - Status on Pathway In -Lieu Fee Director Carter provided a snapshot of the Pathway Capital Project Fund. Council discussion ensued. Eileen Gibbons, Member of the Pathways Committee, questioned the fund balance and asked for clarification between designated and undesignated funds. Director Carter explained the difference between designated and undesignated funds. No action was taken. F. Public Works Director - Status on Townwide Sign Evaluation Project Director Chiu provided an update on the sign survey study. No action was taken. 10. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS A. Consider Accepting_ a Financial Donation from the Los Altos Hills Historical Society and Placement of the Restored Town Cupola on a Cement Pad in Front of the City Council Chambers (Councilmember Larsen) Councilmember Larsen presented the item. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Larsen moved to accept the offer of a donation to the Town in the amount of approximately $21,000, the donation would be designated for historical purposes as recommended by the History Committee and subject to the donation agreement that we receive from staff City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 10, 2014 at the December City Council meeting The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Corrigan. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Radford Vice Mayor CorriganCouncilmember HarpootlianCouncilmember Larsen Councilmember Waldeck NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Jitze Couperus, Member of the Los Altos Hills History Committee, provided the Committee's proposal for the cupola. Council discussion ensued. Carol Crites, Chair of the Los Altos Hills History Committee, reported that she met with Karen Druker and Pat Ley to come up with a plan. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Waldeck moved to request that the Art and History committees collaborate and form an ad hoc committee and return to the City Council with a resolution; any impacted committees can be included The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Corrigan. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Mayor Radford Vice Mayor CorriganCouncilmember Harnootlian, Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None B. Consider Making a Recommendation to the District 5 County Supervisor for an UpcominizOpening on the Los Altos Hills County Fire District Commission (Councilmember Waldeck) Councilmember Waldeck introduced the topic and suggested the Council make a recommendation to the County Supervisor, separate from the District's recommendation. City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 10, 2014 Duffy Price, President of the LACFD, stated that the District 5 Supervisor does not want to receive a recommendation; he has requested seeing the applications and would like to be guided by the Commission in terms of who might be appropriate based on the District's needs. The Council agreed that any Councilmember that has a candidate interested in the open position needs to inform the prospective applicant on where and how to complete application in accordance with the process they are following at the end of November. The District will provide the Town with a complete list of all applications received and at the December 11th meeting the Council can decide whether to make a separate recommendation to Supervisor Simitian. C. Review Current Size of all Volunteer Committees (Vice Mavor Corrigan) Vice Mayor Corrigan presented the report. Eileen Gibbons, Member of the Los Altos Hills Pathways Committee, said that every report that she provided to the council, she always said that 11 members is cumbersome, 9 may be better. Council discussion ensued. DIRECTION: Place the topic for further consideration on the January agenda. D. Consider a Request to the Los Altos Hills County Fire District to Prioritize the Removal of Dead or Dying Pine Trees (Mayor Radford) Mayor Radford presented the report and directed that the City Manager work with the Fire District to remove dead trees. Duffy Price, LAHCFD, said that the District is very much aware of the dying trees. The District currently has a program in effect to evaluate every tree and they are responding based on the need. Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills, stated that based on his experience, there are a number of trees in Town where the homeowner says "it is not my tree." Eileen Gibbons, Los Altos Hills, stated that she signed a petition for Caltrans to remove trees on I-280. 11. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m. 10 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 10, 2014 Respectfully submitted, Deborah Padovan City Clerk The minutes of the November 10, 2014 special City Council meeting were approved as presented at the January 15, 2015 regular City Council Meeting. 11 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 10, 2014