HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/21/2015Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California
Mayor Corrigan called the Closed Session to order at 5:30 p.m.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6)
Agency Negotiator: Carl Cahill
Position: City Attorney
Closed Session adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER (6:00 P.M.)
Mayor Corrigan called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
A. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Corrigan, Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian, Councilmember Larsen
(Participated via Teleconference from the Hyatt Ka'anapali Beach in
Hawaii), Councilmember Waldeck, Councilmember Radford
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Carl Cahill, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Planning
Director Suzanne Avila, Public Works Director/City Engineer Richard
Chiu, Interim Administrative Services Director Pak Lin, City Clerk
Deborah Padovan
B. Pledge of Alle lance
The Pledge was led by the Gardner Bullis Kindergarten Daisy Troop.
Mayor Corrigan presented a pin to each Daisy Troop participant.
AGENDA REVIEW
There were no changes to the agenda.
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2. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
A. Introduction by Mike Sanders of the Newest CERT Members and the
Administration of Oath to the CERT Volunteers
Mike Sanders, Emergency Services Coordinator for the Los Altos Hills County
Fire District, introduced the newest CERT members to the City Council.
City Clerk Deborah Padovan administered the oath to the CERT members.
Mr. Sanders explained the CERT program. Council asked questions and received
his responses. No action was taken.
B. Reappointments to the Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian moved to
appoint George Clifford, Roger Spreen, Nancy Couperus and Jean Struthers to
the Open Space Committee for a four-year term. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Waldeck.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck, Mayor Corrigan,
Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian, Councilmember Radford
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
C. Appointment to the Los Altos/Los Altos Hills Senior Commission
Mr. Basiji introduced himself to the City Council.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Larsen moved to appoint
Jamshid Basiji to the Los Altos/Los Altos Hills Senior Commission for a four-year
term. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Waldeck.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck, Mayor Corrigan,
Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian, Councilmember Radford
NOES: None
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ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
D. Appointment to the Los Altos/Los Altos Hills Joint Community Volunteer Service
Awards Committee
Mr. Tomanek was not present and Councilmember Waldeck spoke to Mr.
Tomanek's qualifications for serving on the committee.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Waldeck moved to
appoint Gerald Tomanek to the Los Altos/Los Altos Hills Joint Community
Volunteer Service Awards Committee for a four-year term. The motion was
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Harpoothan.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck, Mayor Corrigan,
Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian, Councilmember Radford
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
E. Appointment to the Los Altos Hills Community Relations Committee
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Corrigan moved to appoint
Mansour Moussavian to the Community Relations Committee for a four-year
term. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Waldeck.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck, Mayor Corrigan,
Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian, Councilmember Radford
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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May 21, 2015
F. Annual Presentation by the Los Altos/Los Altos Hills Library Commission
Cathie Perga, Los Altos/Los Altos Hills Library Commission, provided an
annual report on the activities of the Commission.
Council discussion ensued. No action was taken.
G. Annual Presentation by the Los Altos Hills Environmental Design and Protection
Committee
Pat Ley, Chair of the Los Altos Hills Environmental Design and Protection
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 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 agenda.
Peter Evans, Los Altos Hills, provided an update on the Silicon Valley Community
Choice Energy partnership.
Rick Sung, Captain, Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office, provided an update on an
incident that occurred on Hilltop Drive.
The Council now considered Item S.A.
5. ONGOING BUSINESS
A. Review and Receive the 2015 Townwide Compensation Report (Staff. P. Lin)
Pak Lin, Interim Administrative Services Director, presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Waldeck moved to
receive the total compensation study report and accept the report for
implementation in the 2015-16 proposed salary schedule. The motion was seconded
by Councilmember Radford.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
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May 21, 2015
AYES: Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck, Mayor Corrigan
Mayor Pro Tem HgMootlian, Councilmember Radford
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Council Recessed at 6:54 p.m.
Council Reconvened to Open Session at 7:01 p.m.
The Council now returned to consider Item 4.A.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Resolution Increasing Sewer Service Charges in Both Palo Alto and Los Altos
Sewer Basins (Staff. R. Chiu)
Mayor Corrigan opened the Public Hearing.
Public Works Director Richard Chiu presented the staff report.
Mayor Corrigan read into the record the following: "When the Town increases its
sewer service charges, it must follow the majority protest process under Proposition
218. Under this process, the Town cannot increase charges if a majority of the
parcel owners subject to the charges present written protests. At the conclusion of
the public hearing, the clerk will determine whether a majority protest exists in this
instance. If you have a written protest, please submit it to the clerk before the
conclusion of the hearing." Council discussion then ensued.
Ex Parte Communications. Councilmember Larsen stated that he has been on the
ad hoc sewer committee with several citizens advising and constructing sewer plans
for the Town; there were several meetings on this topic to discuss the situation; he
also disclosed that he has discussed proposed increases extensively and believes it
is the best approach; he spoke with members of staff and the Finance and
Investment Committee. Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian stated that he attended the
study session that the Town had for this topic and there were four or six residents at
that meeting. There were no other disclosures.
A Los Altos Hills resident spoke and questioned why the larger increases are
necessary.
Council discussion ensued.
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May 21, 2015
Colin Knight, Los Altos Hills, asked about the number of protests needed to
prevent the sewer increase and how residents would be billed.
City Attorney Steve Mattas informed the Council that the increase will be
reflected as an assessment placed on one's property tax bill.
Tad Hofmeister, Unincorporated Santa Clara County, stated that he is serviced
by the Town's sewer system and objected to the sewer increases.
Mayor Corrigan closed the Public Hearing.
The City Clerk read the following into the record: "As of the conclusion of the
public hearing, the Town of Los Altos Hills received seven (7) written protests to
the proposed increase. The number of written protests does not amount to a
majority of the identified parcel owners subject to the fee. Consequently, there are
an insufficient number of written protests to constitute a majority protest under
Proposition 218 and the City Council may proceed with considering the
Resolution."
Further Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Larsen moved to approve
Resolution 28-15 increasing sewer service charges in both Palo Alto and Los Altos
sewer basins. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Waldeck.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck, Mayor Corrigan,
Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian, Councilmember Radford
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The Council now returned to consider Item 5.B.
B. Review of Conditional Development Permit Standards (Staff: S. Avila)
Councilmember Larsen introduced the topic.
Planning Director Suzanne Avila presented background information on conditional
development permit standards.
Council discussion ensued.
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Forrest Linebarger, Los Altos Hills, said that his project is currently in progress and
requested that any changes to the standards be limited to include projects not currently in
progress.
Art DeGeus, Los Altos Hills, strongly supported the formation of a team to look at the
rules.
Further Council discussion occurred.
City Attorney Mattas advised that if the Council were to adopt a moratorium, it would
have to come back at another meeting and then could then act at that point.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Larsen moved to create an ad
hoc committee of the Planning Commission to review conditional development permit
policy. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Waldeck.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck, Mayor Corrigan,
Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian, Councilmember Radford
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian moved to schedule
a special meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. to consider a moratorium.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Waldeck.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck, Mayor Corrigan,
Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian, Councilmember Radford
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
6. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB -COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
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May 21, 2015
A. Request by the Art in Public Places Committee Requesting City Attorney
Assistance in Researching_ Acceptance of Stocks as a Donation
Councilmember Waldeck, as the Art in Public Places Committee liaison,
presented the topic
DIRECTION: There was Council consensus to authorize legal expenditure to
examine and return with legal guidance for a policy to accept donations of stock.
B. Request by the History Committee for Approval of Cupola Plaque and Wording
Maryann Malcolm, History Committee Member, presented the Committee's
request for the wording for the cupola plaque.
Jitze Couperus, History Committee Member, explained the background behind
the requested wording.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Corri!an moved to have a plaque
made, at an appropriate size on the cupola, at average height of eye sight between
5'2" and 5'8", or whenever deemed appropriate, at the base, or on a free stand,
whatever seems most logical; the plaque shall read: "Original Los Altos Hills Town
Hall Cupola" and include the exact dates that it stood on the building (date to and
from) and then below that, "Restored Through the Generous Donation of the Los
Altos Hills Historical Society."
Councilmember Radford requested an amendment to include the restoration date of
May 2015. The amendment was accepted. The motion and amendment was
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian.
Motion Carried 3 to 2:
AYES: Mayor Corrigan, Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian, Councilmember
Radford
NOES: Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
C. Report from the Ad Hoc Committee on Private Roads
Councilmember Waldeck introduced the topic.
Director Chiu provided background information.
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May 21, 2015
Council discussion ensued.
Colin Knight, Los Altos Hills, provided background on the research he has
completed.
Shetal Divatia, Los Altos Hills, outlined information retrieved from the Town's
records.
Ameesh Divatia, Los Altos Hills, said that the ad hoc committee was created for
the express purpose of solving his neighborhood's problem.
Colin Knight, Los Altos Hills, explained the road standards.
Further Council discussion ensued. Mayor Corrigan stated that the intent of the
meeting tonight was a report out from the ad hoc committee on the work done to
date. No action was taken.
6. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB -COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
Councilmember Waldeck reported out from the Art in Public Places Committee and
questioned the placement of the skyscraper sculpture in the lobby of Town Hall.
Staff provided background on the placement.
DIRECTION: There was Council consensus to refer the placement of the sculpture to the
committee for an alternate placement location.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Radford moved to approve the
CONSENT CALENDAR, specifically. The motion was seconded by Councilmember
Larsen.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck, Mayor Corrigan Mayor
Pro Tem HpMootlian, Councilmember Radford
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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A. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes: City Council Special Meeting -March 31,
2015 and Adjourned Special Meeting Minutes - March 30, 2015
B. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes: City Council Special Meeting -April 20,
2015
C. Review of Disbursements: April 1, 2015 -April 30, 2015 $556,500.00
D. Proclamation Expressing Appreciation for Monique Kane, Executive Director of
Community Health Awareness Council (Staff: D. Padovan)
E. Proclamation Expressing Appreciation for May Davenport (Staff: D. Padovan)
F. Proclamation Honoring Sam Pesner as the Recipient of the 2015 Walter and Marie
Singer Award (Staff. D. Padovan)
G. Proclamation Congratulating Barry Groves on his Retirement and Commending
him for his Service as Superintendent of the Mountain View Los Altos High
School District (Staff. D. Padovan)
H. Resolution 29-15 Amending Employee Classification and Compensation Plan by
Adding an Administrative Clerk/Technician Position and Consolidating the Office
Specialist and Community Development Specialist into Administrative
Clerk/Technician Position (Staff: P. Lin)
I. Resolution 30-15 Approving a Final Map for Lands of Energy -Efficient
Sustainable Personal Residence Development, LLC; 13651 Burke Road; File
#238 -14 -TM (Staff: R. Chiu)
J. Resolution 31-15 Acknowledging but Rejecting the Offer of Dedication of Right -
of -Way Easement; Lands of Somekh Investments, LLC; 25055 La Loma Drive
(Staff. R. Chiu)
K. Resolution 32-15 Accepting Dedication of Right -of -Way Easement; Lands of
Jensen and Appling; 26225 Purissima Road (Staff. Chiu)
L. Resolution 33-15 Accepting the Grant of an Open Space Easement; Lands of
ABBE, LLC, 13456 South Fork Lane (Staff. S. Avila)
M. Resolution 34-15 Accepting the Grant of an Open Space Easement; Lands of
Osborne; 26900 Beatrice Lane (Staff. S. Avila)
N. Resolution 35-15 Accepting the Grant of an Open Space Easement; Lands of
Somekh Investments, LLC; 25055 La Loma Drive (Staff. S. Avila)
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IM
O. Notification of Fast Track Approval: Lands of Collin & Fouche; 26925 St. Francis
Road; File #105-15-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new
second story addition and interior remodel; CEQA Review: Categorical
Exemption per Section 15303(a) (Staff. S. Avila) Appeal Deadline: Wednesday,
June 3, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
P. Notification of Fast Track Approval: Lands of Gupta; 26520 St. Francis Road; File
#47-15-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 5,928
square foot, two-story residence, with a 3,680 square foot basement, a 100 square
foot pool cabana, and a 924 square foot swimming pool and spa. CEQA Review:
Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) - construction of a new single-family
residence where public services are available in a residential zone. (Staff. S. Avila)
Appeal Deadline: Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
Q. Approve a Letter of Support for SB 16 (Beall) Transportation Financing for Road
Maintenance (Staff. C. Cahill)
R. Consideration of Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Meyers
Nave (Resolution 36-15) (Staff. S. Mattas)
8. 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 — No report.
F. Public Works Director
Director Chiu informed the council that staff has removed 25 signs and additional
signs will be assessed.
9. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
A. Appointment of Alternate to VTA Policy Advisory Committee (Mayor Pro Tem
Harpootlian)
Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian introduced the topic.
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May 21, 2015
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Corrigan moved to appoint
40 Councilmember Waldeck an alternate to the VTA Policy Advisory Committee.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Larsen.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck, Mayor Corrigan,
Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian, Councilmember Radford
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
B. Discussion and Possible Action for a Letter to be sent to the Santa Clara County
Water District Opposing the State Water Project Property Tax (Councilmember
Waldeck
Councilmember Waldeck introduced the topic.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Corrigan moved to authorize
sending a letter to the Santa Clara County Water District opposing the State Water
Project Property Tax. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Radford.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck, Mayor Corrigan
Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian, Councilmember Radford
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
C. Discussion and Possible Action for a Letter to Support the Environmental
Protection Agency's Consent Decree Against Lehigh Cement Company
(Councilmember Waldeck)
Councilmember Waldeck introduced the topic.
Council discussion ensued.
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2M
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian moved to
approve sending a letter to support the Environmental Protection Agency's Consent
Decree against Lehigh Cement Company. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Radford.
Motion Carried 5 to 0:
AYES: Councilmember Larsen, Councilmember Waldeck, Mayor Corrigan
Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian, Councilmember Radford
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
D. Discussion and Proposed Revisions to the Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance
and Implementation of Other Incentives (Councilmember Waldeck)
Councilmember Waldeck introduced the topic.
Council discussion ensued, including forming an ad hoc committee. No action was
taken.
10. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. in memory Kathryn Green, a resident of Los Altos
Hills since 2006 and beloved wife of Los Altos Hills Planning Commissioner Richard
Partridge.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Padovan
City Clerk
The minutes of the May 21, 2015 regular City Council meeting were approved as presented at
the June 18, 2015 regular City Council meeting.
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