HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/20/2015Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California
CALL TO ORDER (6:00 P.M.)
Councilmember Waldeck dedicated the meeting to Rex Gardiner, who played a large role in
the founding of the Town of Los Altos Hills.
Mayor Corrigan called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. in Rex Gardiner's memory and with
deep gratitude.
A. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Corrigan, Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian, Councilmember Larsen,
Councilmember Radford, Councilmember Waldeck
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Carl Cahill, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Planning
Director Suzanne Avila, City Engineer/Public Works Director Richard
Chiu, Administrative Services Director Pak Lin, City Clerk Deborah
Padovan
B. Pledge of Allegiance
1. AGENDA REVIEW
There were no changes to the agenda.
2. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
A. Recognition of Councilmember Rich Larsen and Remarks
Mayor Corrigan recognized Councilmember Larsen's contributions to the Town
and presented him with a parting gift.
Assemblymember Rich Gordon presented a framed resolution on behalf of
himself and Senator Jerry Hill.
Lisa Chung, a representative from Senator Hill's office, acknowledged
Councilmember Larsen's service to the Town.
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Rick Sung, Captain with the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office, presented
Councilmember Larsen with a plaque of appreciation from the County Sheriff.
The City Councilmembers each expressed their appreciation for Councilmember
Larsen.
Breene Kerr, Los Altos Hills, personally thanked Councilmember Larsen for all
his hard work on the Council and on the VTA.
Ginger Summit, Los Altos Hills, acknowledged her pleasure at serving with
Councilmember Larsen on the City Council.
Enrique Klein, Los Altos Hills, said that Councilmember Larsen will be missed
on the City Council.
Jim Abraham, Los Altos Hills, thanked Councilmember Larsen for all his past
work on the Emergency Communications Committee and the City Council.
Councilmember Larsen provided closing remarks, including appreciation for his
fellow Councilmembers, the public and staff.
The City Council recessed at 6:40 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 6:47 p.m.
B. Status of Brown Act Training and Reappointment to Committees After
Completion of the Training
City Clerk Deborah Padovan presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Corrigan moved to reappoint Mike
Wagner, Michael Schoendorf and Karen Emerzian to their respective
committees to complete their terms; the remaining five candidates are not capable
of being appointed as full members until the training is completed and/or reapplied.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian.
Motion Carried 4 - 1.
AYES: Councilmember Larsen Councilmember Waldeck Mayor Pro Tem
Harpootlian Mayor Corrigan
NOES: Councilmember Radford
ABSENT: None
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ABSTAIN: None
At this point, Mayor Corrigan acknowledged Supervisor Simitian and invited him to speak.
Supervisor Simitian expressed his appreciation for Councilmember Larsen and presented him
with a resolution from the Board of Supervisors.
C. Reappointments to the Emergency Communications Committee
City Clerk Padovan presented the staff report.
Councilmember Waldeck, as liaison to the Emergency Communications
Committee, spoke in favor of the two applicants.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Waldeck moved to
reappoint Andrew Kirk and James Heintzelman to the Emergency
Communications Committee for a four-year term The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Larsen.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen Councilmember Radford Councilmember
Waldeck Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian Mayor Corrigan
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
D. Appointment to the Art in Public Places Committee
City Clerk Padovan presented the staff report.
Farah Tabatabai, Los Altos Hills, introduced herself to the City Council.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Corrigan moved to appoint Farah
Tabatabai to the Art in Public Places Committee for a four-year term. The motion
was seconded by Councilmember Waldeck.
Motion Carried 5 - 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen Councilmember Radford Councilmember
Waldeck Mayor Pro Tem HWootlianMayor Corrigan
NOES: None
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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IM
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
E. Appointment to the Environmental and Design Protection Committee
City Clerk Padovan presented the staff report.
Pat Ley, Chair of the Environmental Design and Protection Committee, spoke
on behalf of Ed Smith expressed her support for his appointment.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian moved to
appoint Ed Smith to the Environmental Design and Protection Committee for a
four-year term The motion was seconded by Councilmember Larsen.
Motion Carried 5 - 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen Councilmember Radford Councilmember
Waldeck Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian Mayor Corrigan
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
F. Appointments to the Pathways Committee
City Clerk Padovan presented the staff report.
Ann Duwe, Chair of the Pathways Committee, explained that appointing
Rachelle Mirkin was in the hands of the City Council.
Alisa Bredo, Los Altos Hills, introduced herself to the City Council explained why
she wanted to serve on the committee.
Jim Basiji, Los Altos Hills, introduced himself to the City Council and explained
why he wanted to serve on the committee.
Council discussion ensued.
Breene Kerr, Los Altos Hills, spoke on behalf and in support of Rachelle Mirkin.
Mayor Corrigan spoke on behalf of applicant Nicholas Erndt.
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Eileen Gibbons, Los Altos Hills, spoke on behalf and in support of Rachelle
Mirkin.
Council discussion ensued.
Ann Duwe, Los Altos Hills, informed the Council that Ms. Mirkin just arrived
home from Europe and was unable to attend the meeting.
City Clerk Padovan distributed and collected the ballots for the Pathways
Committee and read the majority vote as follows: Alisa Bredo received three votes
and Jim Basiji received four votes.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian moved to
appoint Alisa Bredo and Jamshid "Jim" Basiii to the Pathways Committee for a
four-year term The motion was seconded by Councilmember Waldeck.
Motion Carried 4 — 1:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen Councilmember Waldeck Mayor Pro Tem
Harpootlian Mayor Corrigan
NOES: Councilmember Radford
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
G. Appointment of an Art Curator
City Clerk Padovan presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
Daniela Octavia Friedmann, Mountain View, introduced herself to the City
Council.
Sabina Jagoda, Los Altos Hills, introduced herself to the City Council.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Corrigan moved to appoint Daniela
Octavia Friedmann as Art Curator. The motion was seconded by Councilmember
Larsen.
Motion Carried 5 - 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen Councilmember Radford Councilmember
Waldeck Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian Mayor Corrigan
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NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
H. Presentation on Multi-Purpose/EOC Building Concept
Councilmember Radford introduced the concept for a multi-purpose building.
Architect Peter Duxbury provided additional information.
Council discussion ensued.
Administrative Services Director Pak Lin provided information regarding the
financing of the building.
Breene Kerr, Los Altos Hills, provided background information on the
construction of the new town hall in 2004.
Mr. Duxbury commented on the potential cost of the building.
Further Council discussion ensued.
Councilmember Radford asked if an ad hoc committee was formed of a non -
majority of the Council, do the meetings need to be noticed. City Attorney Mattas
stated that a subcommittee of the Council does not require noticing, must be of a
limited duration, and for a limited purpose. Councilmember Radford agreed to
chair the subcommittee and Mayor Corrigan agreed to participate.
Jim Abraham, Los Altos Hills, asked how the EOC will fit in this new building.
Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills, explained the History Committee's concern about
the heritage house.
Pat Ley, Los Altos Hills, said that she thought the whole point of the basement was
to include space for HAM radio operators.
Breene Kerr, Los Altos Hills, stated that this is an opportunity to create a stand-
alone EOC building.
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, stated that the availability of funds depends on the
other long term needs in Town.
There was agreement that the subcommittee would consist of Councilmember
Radford and Mayor Corrigan.
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I. Presentation on Potential Sphere of Influence Amendment for the San Antonio
Hills Neighborhood East of I-280 (10 minutes)
Ted Brown, Los Altos, presented information regarding a sphere of influence
change for the San Antonio Hills neighborhood.
Council discussion ensued.
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, said it would take Los Altos Hills, Los Altos and
LAFCO to all agree to any changes.
Eileen Gibbons, Los Altos Hills, suggested that the Eastbrook area be returned to
the Los Altos area of influence.
Jim Abraham, Los Altos Hills, commented on past annexations.
Further Council discussion ensued. No action was taken.
3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Persons wishinp, to address the Council
on any subiect 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 ap-enda.
Breene Kerr, Los Altos Hills, spoke about a process by the VTA and Silicon Valley
Leadership for a transportation ballot measure and the need for a project list.
Naomi Nakano -Matsumoto, Mountain View, introduced herself as the new Executive
Director of CHAC and thanked the City Council for the long time partnership with
CHAC.
At this point the Council considered 5.A.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Appeal of the Planning Commission's Approval of a Conditional Development
Permit for a Single Story Addition Setback Variances for the Addition Hardscape
and Surface Parking Spaces in Addition a Variance to Allow a Parking
Configuration that Creates Obstructed Vehicular Access for the Garage Parking
Spaces; Lands of Ingham• 25531 Fremont Road FILE #248-14 -CDP-VAR (Staff:
S. Avila
Mayor Corrigan opened the Public Hearing.
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Ex Parte communication. Mayor Corrigan stated she met with the homeowner
earlier this week and planning staff, Councilmember Larsen said he had spoken to
members of the Planning Commission; Councilmember Harpootlian spoke with
planning staff and Planning Commission members; Councilmember Waldeck
stated he spoke with planning staff; and Councilmember Radford said he had no
disclosures.
Planning Director Suzanne Avila presented the staff report.
Council asked questions of staff and received responses.
Councilmember Larsen explained his reasons for appealing the Planning
Commission decision.
Council discussion ensued.
City Attorney Mattas advised that Councilmembers have a right to appeal and that
this item presented this evening should be considered a public hearing.
Lisa Ingham, Applicant, Los Altos Hills, stated that they have complied with all
the requests of the planning department and the Planning Commission; they also
have the support of surrounding neighbors.
Erik Garfmkel, Los Altos Hills, outlined the process taken to reach this point and
requested the Council's approval of the project.
Councilmembers asked questions of the homeowner and received responses.
Sanjay Srivastava, Los Altos Hills, expressed his support for the project.
Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills, spoke regarding the procedure followed at this
City Council meeting.
Jenny Polyakov, Los Altos Hills, spoke in support of the project.
Jim Abraham, Los Altos Hills, stated that this project does not meet the
requirements of the Town ordinances.
Richard Partridge, Los Altos Hills, spoke about the process as it was heard by the
Planning Commission.
Christina Lee, Los Altos Hills, spoke in support of the project.
The Public Hearing was closed and the Council discussion continued.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Radford moved to
continue the meeting past 10.00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Councilmember
Larsen.
Motion Carried 5 - 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen Councilmember Radford Councilmember
Waldeck Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian Mayor Corrigan
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Corrigan re -opened the Public Hearing.
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, stated this is a single story house, had neighbor
support and is a reasonable accommodation.
Jim Abraham responded to questions from Councilmember Waldeck.
Mayor Corrigan closed the Public Hearing.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Corrigan moved to deny the appeal
and uiphold the Planning Commission's determination for a conditional development
permit for a single story addition setback variances for the addition hardscape and
surface parking spaces in addition to a variance to allow a parking configuration
that creates obstructed vehicular access for the garage parking spaces; Lands of
Ingham' 25531 Fremont Road,• File #248 -14 -CDP -VAR. The motion was seconded
by Councilmember Radford.
Motion Carried 3 — 2:
AYES: Councilmember Radford Councilmember Waldeck Mayor Corrigan
NOES: Councilmember Larsen Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Council recessed at 10:18 p.m.
The Meeting Reconvened at 10:30 p.m.
4. ONGOING BUSINESS
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A. Review of the Community Services Agencies Grant Distribution Process for 2015-
16 (Staff: P. Lin)
This item was not heard and continued to the September 17, 2015 City Council
meeting.
B. Review and Approval of Questions for Candidates Applying for Potential Vacated
City Council Seat (Mayor Corrigan)
Mayor Corrigan presented the report.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Radford moved to
approve the City Council implication questions as presented. The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Waldeck.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen Councilmember Radford Councilmember
Waldeck Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian, Mayor Corrigan
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Further Council discussion ensued.
DIRECTION: The City Council scheduled a special City Council meeting on
Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. to review applications. If needed, a
second special City Council meeting to review applications was scheduled for
Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Radford moved that all
City Council applications must be complete signed and delivered to Town Hall by
the deadline of 9.00 a.m. Monday September 21 2015. The motion was seconded
by Councilmember Waldeck.
Motion Carried 4 - 0 — 1:
AYES: Councilmember Radford Councilmember Waldeck Mayor Pro Tem
Harpootlian Mayor Corrigan
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NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Larsen
6. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB -COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
This item was not considered.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Larsen moved to approve the
CONSENT CALENDAR specifically. The motion was seconded by Councilmember
Waldeck.
Motion Carried 5 - 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen Councilmember Radford Councilmember
Waldeck Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian Mayor Corrigan
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
A. Review of Disbursements: July 1, 2015 -July 31, 2015 $1,583,624.00
B. Resolution 47-15 Awarding Contract for the 2015 Pavement Rehabilitation Project
(Staff: R. Chiu)
C. Resolution 48-15 Accepting Right -of -Way Easement; Lands of Frankie Bud, LLC,
13350 Burke Road (Staff: R. Chiu)
D. Resolution 49-15 Awarding a Contract for a New Town Website Design and
Hosting Service (Staff: D. Padovan)
E. Resolution 50-15 Approving the Contract for Professional Services Agreement for
Emergency Preparedness and Planning with Marsha Hovey, LLC (Staff: C. Cahill)
F. Resolution 51-15 Supporting the State and Local Transportation Infrastructure
Funding (Staff: C. Cahill)
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G. Consideration of a Request for the Mayor to Sign a Joint Letter to the Valley
Transportation Authority Requesting Support for West Valley and North County
Cities Regional Transportation Issues (Staff: C. Cahill)
8. STAFF REPORTS
A. City Manager — No report.
B. City Attorney — No report.
C. City Clerk — No report.
D. Planning Director
i. Update on Ham Radio Antenna Ordinance
Planning Director Avila stated that the ad hoc committee of the Planning
Commission and staff had drafted some amendments to the antenna ordinance
to address emergency communications and amateur radio antennas. The draft
ordinance will first be presented to the Planning Commission and ultimately the
City Council.
E. Administrative Services Director — No report.
F. Public Works Director — No report.
9. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
A. Discussion on Directing Staff and Committees/Commission to Update the Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Mayor Pro Tem HgMootlian and Councilmember
Waldeck
Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian presented the report.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian moved to
direct the planning staff to develop an updated water efficiency ordinance and
authorize the committees to review and continue the process. The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Waldeck.
Motion Carried 5 - 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen Councilmember Radford Councilmember
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Waldeck Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian Mayor Corrigan
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
B. Discussion and Possible Action to Amend the Town's Emergency
Communications Committee Charter to Include a Qualified Council Liaison Shall
be a Voting Member of the Committee (Councilmember Waldeck)
Councilmember Waldeck presented the report.
Council discussion ensued.
This item was continued to September 17, 2015 regular City Council meeting.
C. Exploration of Additional High Speed Internet Service in Town (Councilmember
Waldeck
Councilmember Waldeck presented the report.
Gail Solomon, Los Altos Hills, asked the Council to find out if there is interest in
fiber optics.
Council discussion ensued. No action was taken.
10. ADJOURN
Mayor Corrigan remembered the contributions Rex Gardiner made to the Town and
acknowledged that we lost a dear resident recently, Charlene Geers. The meeting
adjourned at 11:22 p.m. in Ms. Geers' memory.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Padovan
City Clerk
The minutes of the August 20, 2015 Regular City Council meeting were approved as presented at
the September 17, 2015 Regular City Council meeting.
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