HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/16/2011 Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road
CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Summit called the City Council Regular Meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. in the Council
Chambers at Town Hall.
Present: Mayor Ginger Summit, Mayor Pro Tem Rich Larsen, Councilmember Jean
Mordo, Councilmember John Radford, Councilmember Gary Waldeck
Absent: None
Staff. City Manager Carl Cahill, Planning Director Debbie Pedro, City Engineer/Public
Works Director Richard Chiu, Finance Director Nick Pegueros, City Attorney
Steve Mattas
CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION: EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
• Title: City Manager and City Attorney
CLOSED SESSION: Conference with Legal Counsel—Anticipated Liti ag tion
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b)
Significant Exposure to Litigation—One Case
CLOSED SESSION: Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Liti ag tion
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Moisson v. Preston Pipelines and Town of Los Altos Hills
City Attorney Steve Mattas reported that Council provided direction to staff.and took no
reportable actions.
7:00 P.M. —RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION
APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentations of Commendation for Retiring City Clerk
a. Co-Authored Resolution from Representative of Senator Joe Simitian and
Assembly member Rich Gordon
b. Resolution from the Office of Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz Kniss
s
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16,2011
Mayor Summit presented Karen Jost with a resolution from the Santa Clara County Board of
Supervisors. Tyler Haskell, representing Senator Joe Simitian's office, presented Ms. Jost with a
resolution.
Ms. Jost expressed appreciation for the resolutions and for the privilege of working for the Town
of Los Altos Hills. She thanked the Council, Staff, and the Town's volunteers.
2. Appointments to Committees and Outside Agencies
a. Palo Alto Unified School District(1)
Mayor Summit advised that Councilmember Radford volunteered to represent Los Altos Hills in
the capacity as a Council Liaison to the Palo Alto Unified School District.
b. Community Relations Committee (2)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Mordo, seconded by Larsen and passed
(Waldeck-recused)to appoint Barbara Waldeck to the Community Relations Committee.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Waldeck, seconded by Mordo and passed
unanimously to appoint Barbara Cannon to the Community Relations Committee.
The Council expressed appreciation to the members of the Community Relations Committee for
a very successful picnic.
• c. Youth Commission(1)
Mayor Summit invited Megan McKinney to introduce herself.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Mordo, seconded by Larsen and passed
unanimously to approve the appointment of Megan McKinney to the Youth Commission.
3. Recognition of Outgoing Los Altos Hills Youth Commission Leadership
Allika Walvekar, Los Altos Hills Youth Commission Chair thanked the Council for its support.
Audrey Waschura spoke about the fun she had planning events for the community and
volunteering for other events. Courtney Chuang commented on the enjoyment. she received
being on the Youth Commission. Ms. Walvekar introduced Eric Nevalsky, next year's Co-Chair
of the Youth Commission.
Councilmember Waldeck commented on the number of youths that participated in the picnic and
the contribution they provided to the Town.
Mayor Summit presented certificates to the outgoing Los Altos Hills Youth Commission
members.
•
2 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16,2011
AGENDA REVIEW
Mayor Summit moved item 24 to follow item 14.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Larsen and passed
unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar, specifically:
4. Approval of Meeting Minutes: City Council Special Meeting—May 12, 2011
City Council Regular Meeting—May 19, 2011
5. Review of Disbursements: May 1, 2011 —May 31, 2011 $908,741.65
6. Approval of 2011-12 Budget Amendments (Staff. N. Pegueros)Reso#28-11
7. Approval of Contract with Excursions Unlimited(Staff. N. Pedro)
8. Grant of Pathway Easement: Lands of Kearney, 27361 Moody Road(Staff. R. Chiu)
Reso#29-11
9. Approval of Final Map: Lands of Sissu, LP/Brockway (formerly Lands of Moeller), 11990
Page Mill Road,File#132-06-GD-IS-ND-TM(Staff. R. Chiu) Reso# 30-11
• 10. Approval of Natoma Road Sanitary Sewer Main Extension Reimbursement Agreement
(Staff. R:Chiu) Reso# 3 1-11
11. Notification of Fast Track Approval: Lands of Yu, 12697 Roble Ladera Road; File #284-
10-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 4,963 square foot new two
story residence (Maximum height: 27'). CEQA Review: Categorical Exemptions per
Section 15303(a) (Staff. D. Pedro)
PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Gary Vondran, Say Hi Senior Support Group, spoke about the Beverly Foundation, a national
organization that sponsors senior transportation programs. The Foundation has a Star Awards
program and tabulates data from the various agencies; out of 281 agencies, they provided almost
5 million rides, with volunteer drivers, and have tracked very few incidents or accidents.
Philippa Strahm spoke on the issue of senior transportation and the El Camino Hospital
sponsored Road Runner Service which has many limits. The Say Hi Service provides a valuable
service to seniors at no fee.
Kathy Evans reminded the Council about the Barn to Barn Run, a fundraiser to pay for the sand
that goes into the arena at Westwind Barn.
•
3 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16,2011
PUBLIC HEARINGS
12. A Request to Construct an Identification Sign at the Intersection of Viscaino Road and
Viscaino Place, 12879 Viscaino Road; Lands of Cannon (Applicant-Fremont Hills Country
Club)File#233-10-ZP; (Staff. D. Pedro)
Assistant Planner Nicole Horvitz introduced the item to the Council. The Town Code allows for
the placement of identification signs on a property; however, the proposed sign for Fremont Hills
Country Club is not located on the Club's property. The request is that the sign be placed on the
Lands of Cannon; the property owner has provided consent for the sign to be located on his
property. The 3' x 2' sign would be placed outside the public right-of-way. One neighbor sent
objections via email because he felt it was unnecessary. The action requested of the Council is to
approve the requested sign with recommended conditions and findings listed in the staff report.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
The manager of the Fremont Hills Country Club, Scott Domnie spoke about the former,
unattractive sign. He added that funds will be spent to beautify everything around the area
of the proposed sign.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Mordo, seconded by Waldeck and passed
unanimously to approve the requested sign at the intersection of Viscaino Road and Viscaino
• Place, subject to the conditions-of approval and findings of approval.
13. Consideration of Proposed Operating and Capital Improvement Budget for the Fiscal Year
2011-12 (Staff. N. Pegueros) Reso# 32-11
Finance Director Nick Pegueros introduced the item to the Council. He provided an overview of
the process used to build the budget including major changes. The Council and Finance and
Investment Committee (FIC) met on May 12 to review the assumptions used to build the revenue
and expense forecast and looked at a variety of capital programs for the next fiscal year. The FIC,
at its June 2 meeting, voted unanimously to recommend approval of the budget.
Council discussion ensued. Councilmember Mordo suggested that the Town, at a later date, look
at alternatives to the services provided by the County and look at comparative bids.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Mark Breier recommended that the Town consider allocating $10,000 for Los Altos Hills
Families next year to continue its activities within the Town.
Council discussion ensued. Council expressed appreciation for the good work of the Los Altos
Hills Families but suggested changing the structure of the group, perhaps as a part of the Parks
and Recreation Committee. Concern was expressed about giving Town money to a private group.
•
4 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16,2011
Mr. Breier did not believe that members of the Los Altos Hills Families wanted ties with the Park
and Recreation Committee or the Community Relations Committee.
Councilmember Radford recommended that the Los Altos Hills Families provide a reporting to
the Parks and Recreation Committee including a forecast of the annual anticipated expenses for
reimbursement.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Mordo, seconded by Radford and passed
unanimously to allocate $10,000 for the five events of the Los Altos Hills Families and direct the
City Manager to work with staff on coordination with existing committees.
Resident Jitze Couperus suggested that the Council consider the cost savings if the Council were
to use a"tablet"to save costs on printing, ink, paper, and mailing.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Mordo, seconded by Larsen and passed
unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 32-11 that establishes the Town's 2011-12 Appropriations
Limit; 2011-12 Appropriations; and the 2011-12 Compensation Plan.
14. Consideration of Appropriation for Citizens' Option for Public Safety Fund(COPS)
(Staff. N. Pegueros)Reso# 33-11
Finance Director Nick Pegueros introduced the item to the Council. The item before the Council
is to adopt the budget for the Citizens' Option for Public Safety (COPS) funded program. Staff
anticipates that the State will eliminate funding for this program in 2011-12. The COPS funding
has enabled the Town to hire a Public Safety Office and to provide equipment and supplies for
the Emergency Operations Center. The request is for a$25,000 transfer from the General Fund.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
There were no comments from the public.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Mordo, seconded by Larsen and passed
unanimously to approve Resolution # 33-11 Adopting the Operating Budget for the Citizens'
Option for Public Safety Fund for Fiscal Year 2011-12.
COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
24. Status Report on North County Library Authority Review of the Santa Clara County
Library JPA and Consideration of Support for Option Analysis for the Los Altos Library to
Withdraw from the County Library JPA(Councilmember, J. Mordo)
Councilmember Mordo provided a brief explanation of the Santa Clara County Library JPA.
Documents before the Council included a Requested Budget Summary and the formula share for
the cities in the JPA. Factors involved include the Town not receiving its fair share, the
5 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16,2011
expensive system, and fees for library cards. The NCLA Board met on June 13 and passed three
resolutions, which were before the Council for action.
Council discussion ensued. Mordo recommended Council approve a motion to request that the
JPA Board and staff consider extending the fee exemption to college students and volunteers. He
also suggested looking at the City of Burlingame's cost structure for its own library.
Barbara Mordo, Vogue Court, advised that the Council would be asked again in two years for
additional funds for the JPA. She added she was Chair of Measure L for the NCLA and was
concerned about what she heard at the June 13 meeting. She believed a study was the best way to
get answers.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Larsen and passed
unanimously that the Council send a letter to the County JPA requesting that they modify their
policy on the $80 fee to include college students as well as school students and volunteers.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Radford and passed
unanimously to notify the County that the Council approved a study to be conducted under the
auspices of the NCLA to look at alternative services for the library and request cooperation from
the County Controller in terms of getting all the data.
COUNCIL RECESS 9:15 P.M.
COUNCIL RECONVENED TO OPEN SESSION AT 9:20 P.M.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
15. Town Goals 2011
• Personal and Public Safety for All Residents
a. Increased Commitment of Resources to Traffic Safety
Mayor Summit advised that her main goal was Personal and Public Safety for all residents; one
commitment was to increase resources to traffic safety. The Town's Public Safety Officer has
been handing out advice, friendly recommendations, warnings and tickets to bikers and vehicle
drivers. Council discussed areas of concern with regard to bicyclists.
b. Monitoring of Arastradero Corridor/C-1 Trail
Mayor Summit advised that the Council authorized an additional study to check on the Page
Mill/Arastradero corridor which is ongoing. She reported that the Stanford Path that goes around
Page Mill pastures has been open for about a month and a good number of residents are using the
path to walk their dogs or for exercise.
c. Intersection Improvements, Page Mill Road and Buena Vista Drive
Mayor Summit advised that progress has been made on the intersection; Palo Alto did some
• grading but residents felt more grading should have been done. The County will do some striping
and improved signage.
6 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16,2011
City Engineer/Public Works Director Richard Chiu explained that he received information from
the County that they completed their striping and signage improvements; he authorized the Town
Consultant to visit the site and reevaluate the sight distance. He described the work that the City
of Palo Alto did to the intersection.
Erik Evans, Buena Vista Drive, thanked everyone who got the City of Palo Alto and the County
to make improvements; however, he expressed disappointment that Palo Alto was not willing to
take out any additional trees. He added that there was no change in the sight line which was the
primary issue with the safety of the intersection. His suggestion was that the Traffic Consultant
provide a diagram showing how the geometry of the sight lines were calculated
Tim Williams, Moody Road, commented that drivers coming down the road drive at a good rate
and the turn is very difficult. The signage helped but he did not believe all drivers paid attention
to the signs. He encouraged more work to be done to improve the situation.
Twyla Woods, Moody Road, spoke about the dangerous corner, the speed of cars and bicyclists
coming down the hill, and the difficulty she has had making a left hand turn.
Cheryl Evans, Buena Vista Drive, expressed concern that the liability of making the left hand
turn has been put on the residents. More improvement is necessary.
Clay Woods, Moody Road, concurred with the speakers about the dangerous situation making a
left hand turn onto Moody. He believed part of the problem was the line of sight and speed was
also a problem.
Mayor Summit assured everyone that staff is working closely with the City of Palo Alto and has
been in contact with Supervisor Liz Kniss.
City Manager Cahill's understanding is that the embankment is very steep, and it might require
an engineered solution in terms of money for retaining walls. His suggestion was-to give Palo
Alto the benefit of the doubt and staff will present objective facts to Palo Alto to get them to do
more work.
Director Chiu advised that the consultant had been authorized and he expected to receive a report
within two weeks. Following review of the report, staff can determine the next steps to take.
City Manager Cahill recommended that the Town receive the report from the consultant prior to
lobbying the County for stop signs.
Mayor Summit advised that a public joint meeting of the Traffic and Safety ad hoc Committee
and Pathways Committee on Wednesday, June 29, specifically addressing the Fremont Road bike
lane. A preliminary conceptual drawing was prepared and input was received from the
neighborhood.
Director Chiu reported that at the June 29 joint meeting, he will share the new conceptual plans
for an off road bike path along Fremont Road, beginning at Edith and heading toward Town Hall.
7 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16,2011
Councilmember Mordo questioned when the Arastradero path will come before the Council.
Mayor Summit advised that a traffic study would be done once the Page Mill pastures opened to
see what would happen to parking and additional traffic. A study has been scheduled to see what
was happening with the Arastradero corridor.
Director Chiu advised that the traffic survey was done the previous Saturday, and results were
expected within one week.
Mayor Pro Tem Larsen asked how the no-parking signs on Altamont near the Arastradero
Preserve were working. Director Chiu advised that he heard from the Sheriff that there have
been improvements with the parking. Concern was expressed about the number of no-parking
signs but the Council concurred that the signs were necessary at the current time.
Mayor Pro Tem Larsen questioned the Council's thoughts about the rush hour traffic on I-280
and whether it was an issue from the Town's perspective. One suggestion was to extend the HOV
lane further north for the afternoon traffic. Council recommended that Mayor Pro Tem Larsen
discuss this issue with the VTA.
16. Introduction of Ordinance of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills Authorizing
an Amendment to the Contract Between the Town and the Board of Administration of
California Public Employees Retirement System (Staff: N. Pegueros)
Finance Director Nick Pegueros introduced the item to the Council, which is a continuation of
the Council's direction to staff to implement a second tier pension plan. The Council, at its May
123 2011, meeting adopted the Resolution of intent. The ordinance was introduced.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Mordo, seconded by Waldeck and passed
unanimously to waive reading and introduce a proposed ordinance to authorize an amendment to
the contract between the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees'
Retirement System and the Town Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills.
NEW BUSINESS
17. Consideration of Proposed Draft Ordinance Amending Title 12, Chapter 1 "Parks,
Preserves and Public Areas" by Adding Section 12-1.04 "Powered Model Vehicles
Prohibited" (Staff: S. Garcia)
City Manager Cahill reported the Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance amendment to
prohibit model car racing in public lands where horses are.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Mordo, seconded by Radford and passed
unanimously to waive reading and introduce an ordinance amending Title 12, Chapter I "Parks,
Preserves and Public Areas" by adding Los Altos Hills Municipal Code Section 12-1.04 entitled
"Powered Model Vehicles Prohibited."
•
8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16,2011
18. Approve the Resolution Regulating Parking on Fremont Road between La Paloma and
Concepcion Drive (Staff: S. Garcia)
City Manager Cahill introduced the item to the Council and explained that the resolution allows
the Town to regulate parking on Fremont Road between La Paloma Road and Concepcion Drive.
No-parking signs would be added if parking became an issue.
Council discussion ensued. Concern was raised about to many no-parking signs. City Attorney
Steve Mattas advised that a category of vehicles could be specified, such as commercial vehicles.
City Manager Cahill suggested that staff revise the resolution to specify commercial vehicles.
Staff would like to work with the property owners regarding the parking of vehicles.
19. Consideration of City Council Summer Meeting Schedule (Staff. N. Pegueros)
Councilmember Mordo advised that he would be out of the country in August; Councilmember
Radford advised that he would unable to attend the meeting in September.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Radford, seconded by Mordo and passed
unanimously to cancel the August City Council meeting.
Council concurred to discuss the September meeting date at the July Council meeting.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT
20. Notification of Planning Commission Approval
Lands of Ahy, Conditional Development Permit for a 788 Square foot First Floor
Addition; 13500 Fremont Road: File#77-11-ZP-SD-CDP (Staff. D. Pedro)
• Planning Commission Vote: 4-0 (Partridge absent)
• Appeal Deadline: 5:00 pm, June 24, 2011
Planning Director Pedro introduced the item to the Council and explained that the
Planning Commission approved the application on June 2, 2011. The lot is substandard;
the proposed addition is 788 square feet which meets the Town's standards.
21. Status Update of Historical Resources Review: Lands of Yong, 13456 South Fork
Lane; File#249-10-ZP-SD-GD (verbal report) (Staff. D. Pedro)
Planning Director Pedro introduced the item to the Council. A hearing for a new
residence was held on May 31, 2011; the hearing was continued because the Town
received a letter from the National Trust for Historical Preservation stating that the
property is not exempt from CEQA because the home was the prior residence of writer
Wallace Stegner and could be considered a potential historical resource. Staff consulted
with the City Attorney and is ready to contract with a historical preservation consultant to
evaluate the property. Mr. Yong contacted staff and requested holding off on
commissioning the study until his attorney is brought up to date. Staff is waiting for Mr.
Yong's direction on whether to proceed with the project.
9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16,2011
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND COUNCILMEMBERS
ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
22. Mayor's Meeting with Committee Chairs (Mayor, G. Summit)
Mayor Summit reported on her meeting with the Committee Chairs. She noted that one
Chair prefers to start the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance; however, some rooms
did not have flags. Staff has purchased several small flags for meetings rooms that do not
have one. Mayor Summit pointed out that some committees are specific while others are
blended. Chairs were asked to review their charters to see what they actually do and let
her know what works and what does not work.
Council discussion ensued. One suggestion was to reactivate the Emergency Preparedness
Committee. The City Manager, as the head of that committee, will set up a meeting and
prepare a productive agenda. Another suggestion was to have each Committee Chair
attend a Council Meeting, on a rotational basis,to provide updates to the Council.
.23. Update on Lehigh Quarry.Ad Hoc Alliance (Councilmember, G. Waldeck)
Planning Director Pedro provided an update to the Council on the joint public meeting
held last Monday; approximately 60 people attended with many from Cupertino and
Sunnyvale. Mayor Ron Packard was the moderator, and the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District provided a presentation and responded to questions that were asked.
A consultant will do testing of the air quality.
Councilmember Waldeck advised that the ad hoc Fence Committee met and reviewed
comparison documentation from other towns. The Committee elected to look at samples
of fencing to submit to Planning. The next meeting will be on July 29.
STAFF REPORTS
No reports were given.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by the consensus of the City Council
at 11:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
w�9mA iVadma &
Deborah Padovan
City Clerk
The minutes of the' June 16, 2011 regular City Council meeting were approved as
presented at the July 21, 2011 City Council meeting.
10 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16,2011
l _
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND COUNCILMEMBERS
ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
22. Mayor's Meeting with Committee Chairs (Mayor, G. Summit)
Mayor Summit reported on her meeting with the Committee Chairs. She noted that one
Chair prefers to start the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance; however, some rooms
did not have flags. Staff has purchased several small flags for meetings rooms that do not
have one. Mayor Summit pointed out that some committees are specific while others are
blended. Chairs were asked to review their charters to see what they actually do and let
her know what works and what does not work.
Council discussion ensued. One suggestion was to reactivate the Emergency Preparedness
Committee. The City Manager, as the head of that committee, will set up a meeting and
prepare a productive agenda. Another suggestion was to have each Committee Chair
attend a Council Meeting, on a rotational basis,to provide updates to the Council.
23. Update on Lehigh Quarry Ad Hoc Alliance (Councilmember, G. Waldeck)
Planning Director Pedro provided an update to the Council on the joint public meeting
held last Monday; approximately 60 people attended with many from Cupertino and
Sunnyvale. Mayor Ron Packard was the moderator, and the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District provided a presentation and responded to questions that were asked.
A consultant will do testing of the air quality.
Councilmember Waldeck advised that the ad hoc Fence Committee met and reviewed
comparison documentation from other.towns. The Committee elected to look at samples
of fencing to submit to Planning. The next meeting will be on July 29.
STAFF REPORTS
No reports were given.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by the consensus of the City Council
at 11:07 p.m.
Respectfully su mitted,
Deborah Padovan
City Clerk
The minutes of the June 16, 2011 regular City Council meeting were approved as
40 presented at the July 21, 2011 City Council meeting.
10 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 16,2011