HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/20/2014Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California
CALL TO ORDER (6:00 P.M.)
Mayor Radford called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
A. Roll Call
Present: Councilmember Harpootlian, Councilmember Larsen, Mayor Radford,
Vice Mayor Corrigan, Councilmember Waldeck
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Carl Cahill, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Community
Development Director Debbie Pedro, Public Works Director/City
Engineer 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
A. Reappointment to the Open Space Committee
George Clifford, Chair of the Open Space Committee, stated that Alice
Sakamoto has been a valuable member of the committee and he recommended she
be reappointed.
Bill Balson, Los Altos Hills, spoke in defense of ethics. He did not think the
appointment should take place as Ms. Sakamoto attended a subdivision committee
meeting where a quorum of Open Space Committee members also present.
Nancy Couperus, Los Altos Hills, stated that committee members have been very
careful to observe the "letter of the law."
Council discussion ensued.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2014
City Attorney Steve Mattas stated that Ms. Sakamoto did not speak at the
subdivision committee meeting on Tuesday and it not against the rules of the Brown
Act for her to attend.
Jim Abraham, Los Altos Hills, stated that there were three Planning
Commissioners at the subdivision committee meeting and they were very careful
not to express an appearance of anything other than being "squeaky clean" as far as
the Brown Act goes.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Moved by Councilmember Waldeck to
reappoint Alice Sakamoto to the Open Space Committee for a third, four -yea The motion was seconded by Councilmember Harpootlian.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember HgMootlian, Councilmember Larsen, Mayor
Radford, Vice Mayor Corrigan, Councilmember Waldeck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
B. Appointment to the Finance and Investment Committee
Chris Welborn, Los Altos Hills, introduced himself to the City Council.
The Council asked questions of the applicant and received his responses.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Moved by Vice Mayor Corrigan,
seconded by Councilmember Waldeck and passed unanimously to appoint Chris
Welborn to the Finance and Investment Committee for a four-year term. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Waldeck.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember Harpootlian, Councilmember Larsen, Mayor
Radford, Vice Mayor Corrigan, Councilmember Waldeck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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ABSTAIN: None
C. Drought Update Presentation by the Water Conservation Committee
Kit Gordon, Chair of the Los Altos Hills Water Conservation Committee,
presented the report.
Brian Schmidt, Vice Chair of the Santa Clara County Valley Water District
Board, introduced himself to the City Council and offered any assistance of the
water district.
Ray Collins, Administrative Manager and District Secretary for Purissima
Hills Water District, stated that currently there is a 10% voluntary reduction
request for individuals in the district. If the situation becomes more severe, the San
Francisco Public Utilities Commission would require a mandatory reduction for the
district, as a whole, of 48%.
Council discussion ensued. The Water Conservation Committee will prepare a
model ordinance for review by committees and ultimately the City Council.
No action was taken.
D. Annual Presentation by the Education Committee
Heather Rose, Chair of the Los Altos Hills Education Committee, provided an
annual report on the activities of the Education Committee.
Council discussion ensued.
Council received the report. 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 Speaker 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.
Torie Dye, Mountain View, provided the Council with a status update on the activities at
Westwind Community Barn.
4. ONGOING BUSINESS
A. Update on the Caltrans S_gnalization Project at Page Mill Road and I-280 (Staff:
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March 20, 2014
R. Chiu
Public Works Director Richard Chiu presented the report.
Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills, speaking as a citizen said that the web was
quoting a document from the Santa Clara County Roads and Airport Department.
He requested the Town send a letter clarifying the Town's position.
Nicholas French, Los Altos Hills, stated that his family signed the petition
protesting the signalization project at I-280.
Eric (Last Name Unknown), Los Altos Hills, expressed his concerns about the
project and encouraged the Council to take the Los Altos Hills residents' interests to
heart.
Garo Kiremidjian, Los Altos Hills, stated that as of today they have 511
signatures on a petition protesting the signalization project.
Steve Kellenberger, Los Altos Hills, stated that the Palo Alto interchange should
be a carbon copy of Sand Hill Road; a full cloverleaf.
Ann Kiremidjian, Los Altos Hills, said she has been struggling with Caltrans
claim that this is a safety issue. She is a professor of civil and environmental
engineering with a specialty in risk assessment and the data provided by Caltrans
does not support their claim of safety concerns at that intersection.
Tim Warner, Los Altos Hills, stated he is a biker, pedestrian, equestrian, and a
driver and wants the rural character protected. Moveover, he said there is no data to
support claims of safety issues.
Edwina Cioffi, Los Altos Hills, said that this Caltrans project will enable Palo Alto
and Stanford to gain additional high density approvals along the Page Mill corridor.
Kim Cranston, Los Altos Hills, spoke about the ill effects of traffic in the hills.
Robert Chao, Los Altos Hills, stated he was opposed to the development.
Tom Wheelock, Los Altos Hills, said that the project seems overall illogical.
Eileen McGinnes, Los Altos Hills, asked if simulations can be made available of
the lights and how they will work.
Council discussion ensued.
No action was taken.
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Council recess at 8:03 p.m.
Council reconvened at 8:14 p.m.
B. Review of Proposed Construction Time Limit Ordinance for all New Construction
and a Draft Policy for Addressing Time extensions on Existing Building_ Permits,
File #19-14 MISC (,Staff. D. Pedro)
Consultant Planner Steve Padovan presented the report.
Adam Seiver, Los Altos Hills, appreciated any discretion allowed for special
circumstances.
Jim Abraham, Los Altos Hills, said that in looking at other cities, most have a
building official that has the authority to grant an extension in unique situations. He
requested that such a provision be made available in Los Altos Hills.
Council discussion ensued.
DIRECTION: The item was sent to the Planning Commission for discussion and
presentation of a proposed ordinance to the City Council.
The Council directons to staff were as follows:
■ an ordinance that is less expensive, less burdensome to the
homeowners by using an internal, administrative process to approve
extensions;
■ a clear understanding of the process after the expiration of two-time
extensions;
■ penalty for pulling a new permit when a permit has expired;
■ square footage vs. valuation or a hybrid approach;
■ if a project is 90% done, the permit can be amended, but the project
needs to be completed and the property owner will not be given an
additional four years;
■ if a modification of an existing permit is sought, it does not stop the
original time period for completion of the permit;
■ the time period should be long enough for changes to a project;
■ time limits on existing projects should not be longer than for a new
project.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Introduction of an Ordinance (First Reading) Repealing 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
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Including Modifications and Amendments to the Codes and to Renumber and
Amend the Existing Chapters in Title VIII not related to the Code Updates; File
#380-13-MISC, CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15061(b)(3)
(Staff. D. Pedro) - Continued from the February 20, 2014 City Council meeting_
Consultant Planner Steve Padovan presented the report.
Mayor Radford opened the Public Hearing;.
Bill Balson, Los Altos Hills, stated that the proposed amendments to the fire code
regarding the sprinklers and small arms ammunition should be rejected. He stated
that he incorporates his written comments by reference.
Jim Abraham, Los Altos Hills, spoke about the fire sprinkler requirements and
said they were way above what the state requires and should not be required in
remodels.
Scott Overstreet, Los Altos Hills, said that he agreed with the first two speakers
and more needs to be said about the cost about installing sprinklers into existing
structures.
Kjell Karlsson, Los Altos Hills, said that there could be unintended consequences
and he urged the Council to consider all ramifications.
John Justice, Fire Marshal and Deputy Chief with the Santa Clara County
Fire Department, spoke in support of the fire code amendments.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE: Moved by Councilmember Harpooltian to form an ad hoc
committee to review the ordinance and return to the City Council. The motion
failed due to lack of a second.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Moved by Mayor Radford to send the
proposed ordinance back to the Planning Commission for further review based on
the discussion at the Council meeting of March 20, 2014, including the comments
from the public. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Corrigan.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember Harpootlian, Councilmember Larsen, Mayor
Radford, Vice Mayor Corrigan, Councilmember Waldeck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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ABSTAIN: None
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Councilmember Larsen to extend the
meeting past 10.00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mayor Radford.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember HgMootlianCouncilmember Larsen, Mayor Radford, Vice
Mayor Corrigan, Councilmember Waldeck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
B. Introduction of an Ordinance (First Reading.) to Amend Title 6 Sanitation and
Heath Chapter 4 Sewage Article 1 Sewage Disposal of the Los Altos Hills
Municipal Code and Amends by Reference Provisions of the Santa Clara County
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Ordinance; File #376-13-Misc; CEQA
Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15061(b)(3) (Staff: D. Pedro)
Community Development Director Debbie Pedro presented the report.
Mayor Radford opened the Public Hearing.
Jim Abraham, Los Altos Hills, explained why he voted no on this item at the
Planning Commission.
Bill Balson, Los Altos Hills, said that septic tanks were a healthy and effective way
of treating home waste.
Ann Peedan, Santa Clara County Environmental Health Department,
responded to questions from the Council.
Council discussion ensued.
Mayor Radford closed the Public Hearing.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Larsen moved to waive
reading and introduction an Ordinance Amending Title 6 Sanitation and Heath,
Chapter 4 Sewage Article 1 Sewage Disposal of the Los Altos Hills Municipal
Code and Amends by Reference Provisions of the Santa Clara County Onsite
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Wastewater Treatment Systems Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Mayor
Radford.
Motion Carried 4 to 1.
AYES: Councilmember Harpootlian Councilmember Larsen Mayor
Radford Vice Mayor Corrigan
NOES: Councilmember Waldeck
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB -COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
A. Request by the Pathways Committee that the Town Name the Path at 280 Between
Magdalena and El Monte, the Bob Stutz Path
Eileen Gibbons, Los Altos Hills Pathways Committee Member, presented the
request.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Moved by Councilmember Larsen to
adopt the recommendation of the Pathways Committee to name the path at I-280
between Magdalena and El Monte the Bob Stutz Path. The motion was seconded by
Vice Mayor Corrigan.
Motion Carried 5 to 0.
AYES: Councilmember HarpootlianCouncilmember Larsen Mayor
Radford Vice Mayor CorriganCouncilmember Waldeck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
6. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution of the City Council Authorizing Adjustments to the Cost of Services
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Schedule User Fees) for Fiscal Year 2013-14 (Staff. Y. Carter)
Administrative Services Director Yulia Carter presented the user fee study and
introduced Chris Fisher, Willdan Financial Services.
Chris Fisher of Willdan Financial Services, presented the comprehensive user fee
study.
Council discussion ensued, including asking questions of Mr. Fisher.
Bill Balson, Los Altos Hills, said that most of the increase in the building fees is in
overhead. He stated that he incorporates his written comments by reference.
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, offered to answer any questions regarding the
process and methodology.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Larsen moved to approve
Resolution 9-14 updating the Town's Cost of Services Schedule as proposed in
Attachment 1 to the staff resortwith the planning fees at 100% located in section 1
of the attachment and the building permit fees at 90% in section 2 of the attachment
and the Town's Cost of Services Schedule shall be evaluated one year from now.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Waldeck.
Motion Carried 5 to 0.
AYES: Councilmember HarrpootlianCouncilmember Larsen, Mayor
Radford Vice Mayor CorriganCouncilmember Waldeck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
B. Traffic Calming Guide; File #333-13-MISC (Staff: D. Pedro)
This item was not considered.
C. Consider Installation of Traffic Calming Measures for Fremont Road and Robleda
Road (Staff: R. Chiu)
This item was not considered.
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8. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Moved by Councilmember Larsen, to approve
the CONSENT CALENDAR with the exception of Item 8.B. The motion was seconded
by Councilmember Harpootlian.
Motion Carried 5 to 0.
AYES: Councilmember HarpootlianCouncilmember Larsen, Mayor Radford,
Vice Mayor CorriganCouncilmember Waldeck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
A. Approval of Meeting Minutes: City Council Regular Meeting - February 20, 2014
C. Resolution 10-14 Accepting the Grant of Public Sanitary Sewer Easement on
Lands of Beese and Lands of J.B. Waugh and S.L. Albers, R.W. Hammond, D.W.
Halliday and T.M. Waugh; 12827 and 12841 La Cresta Drive (Staff: R. Chiu)
D. Resolution 11-14 Accepting Dedication of Right -of -Way; Lands of Creston
Development, LLC (Formerly Lands of Yiu); 26880 Elena Road (Staff. R. Chiu)
E. Resolution 12-14 Acknowledging, but Rejecting the Offer of Dedication of Right -
of -Way; Lands of Pendharkar; 25955 La Loma Drive (Staff. R. Chiu)
F. Resolution 13-14 Acknowledging, but Rejecting the Offer of Dedication of Right -
of -Way; Lands of Chen; 2210 Old Page Mill Road (Gerth Lane) (Staff. R. Chiu)
G. Resolution 14-14 Granting an Open Space Easement; Lands of Chen, 2210 Old
Page Mill Road; File #100-13-ZP-SD-GD (Staff. D. Pedro)
H. Amendment to Resolution 15-14 Establishing Standing Committees and Adopting
General Special Rules Pertaining Thereto to Update Associate Membership (Staff:
D. Padovan)
I. Adoption (Second Reading) of Ordinance 548 Amending the Los Altos Hills
Municipal Code Title 6, Chapter 1, Article 9, Section 6 (Commercial Stables)
(Staff. D. Pedro)
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At this point the Council considered Item 8.B.
B. Review of Disbursements: February 1 2014 - February 28 2014 $340,649.51
Councilmember Harpootlian asked about the payment to Victoria Dye
Equestrian.
Staff replied that the expenditure for Victoria Dye Equestrian would appear on the
March disbursements.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Moved by Councilmember Harpootlian
to receive the disbursements reportThe motion was seconded by Councilmember
Larsen.
Motion Carried 5 to 0.
AYES: Councilmember HarpootlianCouncilmember Larsen, Mayor
Radford Vice Mayor CorriganCouncilmember Waldeck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9. STAFF REPORTS
A. City Manager
B. City Attorney
C. City Clerk
D. Community Development Director
E. Administrative Services Director
F. Public Works Director
Staff Reports were not considered.
10. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
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The Council now considered Item 10.1) and 10.B.
D. Discussion of the Scheduled Volunteer Dinner Date of July 11 2014 (Mayor
Radford
DIRECTION: There was consensus to preserve the date of July 11, 2014 for the
volunteer dinner.
B. Discussion of Pedestrian Crosswalk Signs (Councilmember Waldeck)
Councilmember Waldeck stated that he believes the Town has too many signs.
Council discussion ensued.
Public Works Director Richard Chiu was directed to check with the consultant
on the Safe Routes to School Project to see what signs are required on Fremont
Road.
A. Policy Discussion on the Process of Community Service Grant Distribution
(Councilmember Waldeck)
This item was not discussed, and continued to a future City Council meeting.
C. Request by the Santa Clara Valley Water District to Take a Position on AB 1799
Modification of State Law Governing Funding for the Long-term Stewardship of
Mitigation Properties by Public Agencies (Mayor Radford)
This item was not considered.
11. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
XWgnd
Deborah Padovan
City Clerk
The minutes of the March 20, 2014 regular City Council meeting were approved as presented at
the April 17, 2014 regular City Council meeting.
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