HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/21/2011 Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 21, 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 6:30 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:
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
Conference with Labor Negotiator(s)
• (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6)
Agency Designated Representative: City Manager
Unrepresented Employee: All
City Attorney Steve Mattas reported that the Council provided direction to staff with regard to
labor negotiation issues, and staff will bring back further actions for Council consideration.
7:00 P.M. —RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION
Mayor Summit thanked everyone who worked on the Earth Day Celebration Event at Westwind
Barn, which was a very successful event.
APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificate of Appreciation: Duffy Price, Los Altos Hills Town Newsletter
Mayor Summit thanked Duffy Price for her years of service with the Town and presented her
with a Certificate of Appreciation.
2. Appointment(7) to the Los Altos Hills Youth Commission
Mayor Summit invited the applicants to introduce themselves.
•
Approved City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 21,2011
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Larsen, seconded by Waldeck and passed
unanimously to approve the appointments of Arjun Sandev, Aliesa Bahri, Leo Patmore-Zarcone,
Caroline Steffens, Tiffany Zhong, Elaine Lee, and Matthew Mellea to the Los Altos Youth
Commission.
3. Re-Appointments to Standing Committees
Education Committee:
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Radford, seconded by Mordo and passed
unanimously to re-appoint Bart Carey and Eric Ramberg to the Education Committee.
Open Space Committee:
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Waldeck, seconded by Mordo and passed
unanimously to re-appoint Roger Spreen, Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, and
Jean Struthers to the Open Space Committee.
Environmental Design and Protection Committee:
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Mordo, seconded by Larsen and passed
unanimously to re-appoint Lysbeth Goodman to the. Environmental Design and Protection
Committee.
AGENDA REVIEW
Mayor Summit moved items 24, 25 and 19 ahead of item 15 with the consensus of the City
Council. For the purpose of minutes items remain as they appear in agenda.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Items removed: Agenda Item 6 (Waldeck)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Radford and passed
unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar, specifically:
4. Approval of Meeting Minutes: City Council Regular Meeting—March 17, 2011
5. Review of Disbursements: March 1, 2011 —March 31, 2011 $660,522.64
7. Notification of Fast Track Approval: Lands of Rizzi, 12595 & 12615 Miraloma Way; File
#24-11-LM; A request for a lot merger of two existing parcels into one 3.11 acre parcel.
CEQA Review: Exempt per Section 15305(a) (Staff. D. Pedro)
8. Approval of Agency Agreements for Countywide AB939 Implementation Fee and
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program (Staff. R. Chiu) Reso# 16-11
9. Award of Construction Management Services: Inspection Services for Ginny
Lane/Purissima Road Sanitary Sewer Force Main Extension Project (Staff. R.Chiu) Reso #
• 17-11
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April 21,2011
10. Encroachment Permit for Ginny Lane/Purissima Road Sewer Force Main Extension Project
Proposed for a Sewer Reimbursement Agreement(Staff: R. Chiu)
11. Grant of Pathway Easements; Lands of Pearson, 26301 Silent Hills Lane (Staff. R. Chiu)
Reso# 18-11
12. Acceptance of Eastbrook Avenue Sanitary Sewer Diversion Project (Staff. R. Chiu) Reso#
19-11
Contract for La Paloma Road and Purissima Road Drainage Improvements
e Im
13. Award of Co g p
Project(Staff. R. Chiu) Reso#20-11
14. Approval of Community Development Specialist Job Class Specification and Annual
Salary Range (Staff. N. Pegueros)
ITEMS REMOVED
6. Adoption of Ordinance Amending Title V, Chapter 2 (Noise Ordinance) of the Los Altos
Hills Municipal Code. Proposed amendments include changing the scale of noise
measurement from the C-weighting network to the A-weighting network, incorporating
standards for stationary sound producing devices, changes to the "daytime" and "nighttime"
periods, and other minor changes. (SECOND READING) (Staff. D. Pedro)
Councilmember Waldeck voiced opposition to the adoption of the ordinance because it did not
take into account any ambient conditions.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Waldeck, seconded by Mordo and passed
unanimously to waive further reading of the ordinance.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Mordo, seconded by Radford and passed
by a 4-1 voice vote (No-Waldeck) to adopt Ordinance # 527, Ordinance of the City Council of
the Town of Los Altos Hills Amending Chapter 2 of Title V of the Municipal Code with Regard
to Noise Standards.
Staff Pedro explained that the current ordinance, measured at a C-scale, was not enforceable; a
Nose Consultant was hired who advised that the Town's ordinance should be changed to measure
at an A-scale, in keeping with other communities.
Councilmember Mordo suggested that Councilmember Waldeck study this matter with Staff
Pedro and return to the Council.
PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Nancy Couperus, Open Space Committee member, acknowledged the Parks and Recreation
Committee for the great job it did on the Earth Day Celebration.
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April 21,2011
I- —
PUBLIC HEARINGS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
15. Town Goals 2011
• Personal and Public Safety for All Residents
a. Consideration of Formation of Ad Hoc Traffic Safety Committee
Mayor Summit recommended that Council consider formation of an Ad Hoc Traffic Safety
Committee that would focus on traffic and safety issues, specifically automobile and bicycle
traffic, and equestrian and pedestrian safety. The Committee would work with staff and the
Mayor to discuss the issues. She received interest from members of the community.
Discussion ensued by Council. City Manager Cahill supported citizen involvement in the process
to work with staff. Council was supportive of a strategic ad hoc committee. Mayor Summit
advised that she received interest from five residents to be on the committee.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Radford, seconded by Waldeck and passed
unanimously to approve an Ad Hoc Traffic Safety Committee, with Mayor Summit as the
Council liaison; and the Mayor would make the appointments to the Committee.
b. Traffic Study for Arastradero/Stirrup Way Intersection
• City Engineer/Public Works Director Richard Chiu introduced the item to the Council. With
regard to the Stanford C-2 Pathway Project, residents expressed concern about the intersection at
Arastradero Road and Stirrup Way, specifically adequate sight distance from Stirrup Way to
Arastradero Road. The Town's Traffic Consultant looked at the intersection and provided a letter
indicating there was adequate sight distance at the intersection.
Councilmember Radford questioned whether staff was looking at the crossing of Page Mill Road
into the Arastradero Preserve. Chiu advised that the intersection would be looked at with the
analysis for the Stanford C-2 trail. Mayor Summit added that the Pathways/Open Space
Committee would have a joint meeting to look at the corridor prior to the item returning to
Council.
c. Trail Crossing Improvement Project (Staff: R.Chiu) Reso# 21-11
City Engineer/Public Works Director Richard Chiu introduced the item to Council. The
Pathways Committee, in August 2010, approached staff with regard to crossings at four
locations: Artemis Ginzton Path at Moody Road, Packard Path at Elena Road, Black Mountain
Path at Elena Road, and Moody at Elena. The Town authorized a traffic consultant to look at the
four locations and make recommendations. Based on the recommendations, staff obtained
estimates from various contracts; two proposals were received, with the low bidder being
Republic ITS, in the amount of$80,000. Staff's recommendation is that the Council approve the
contract with Republic ITS and authorize the City Engineer a contingency fund of$10,000 for
the project.
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April 21,2011
I
Eileen Gibbons, Pathways Committee Chair, advised that the Pathways Committee held
discussions about the proposed signage; the Committee suggested moving one of the signs at the
Packard Path.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Waldeck, seconded by Radford and passed
unanimously to approve Resolution No. 21-11 Authorizing the Public Works Director to award
the contract for the Trail Crossing Improvement Project.
d. Page Mill, Moody, Buena Vista Site Distance Issue
City Engineer/Public Works Director Richard Chiu provided an update on the status of the Page
Mill, Moody/Buena Vista intersection. Staff worked with the County and City of Palo Alto; Palo
Alto agreed to move forward with cutting back the embankment and removing vegetation to
increase site distance at the intersection. The County agreed to improve signage and striping at
the intersection.
COUNCIL RECESSED: 8:45 PM
COUNCIL RECONVENED TO OPEN SESSION: 8:50 PM
16. Update on Town-wide Online Survey Program (Staff. D. Pedro)
Planning Director Debbie Pedro provided a report on the Town-wide Online Survey Program,
which was launched in April 2011. The first survey dealt with maximum home sizes, with 501
residents responding to the survey. The survey results showed that 42.3% favored limits on the
maximum size of a home. The Town received comments and suggestions from eight of the
respondents which were included in the Council packets. The results of the survey would be
posted on the Town's website on April 22, 2011.
Council discussion ensued. Councilmember Waldeck would like to see the survey program
expanded to allow for comments.
17. Update on Arastradero Trail (Verbal Report) (Staff. D. Pedro)
Planning Director Pedro introduced the item. She explained that a webpage for the Arastradero
Trail Improvement Project was launched on April 7, 2011, including background information
and project status. Since that date, the webpage received over 220 hits. A Joint Pathways and
Open Space Committee meeting is scheduled for May 23, and neighbors and interested parties
would receive notice prior to the meeting. The intent of the meeting is to share information on
proposed design modifications, receive public comments, and make recommendations.
City Engineer/Public Works Director Chiu advised that the Town had made improvements on
Arastradero with regard to signage and physical barriers. Staff was observing the improvements.
Mayor Summit commented that the barriers opposite the Liddicoat area were very effective.
Councilmember Radford questioned the status of crossing Page Mill. Chiu advised that there
were options for the crossing including flashing lights or stop signs. Staff planned on receiving
information from residents and neighbors.
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April 21,2011
f Surplus Bond Proceeds for the West
18. Disposition o rp Loyola Sewer Assessment District No.
• 1 Series 2009 Limited Obligation Improvement Bonds (Staff. N. Pegueros)
Due to potential conflict of interest, Mayor Pro Tem Larsen recused himself and stepped down
from the dais.
Finance Director Nick Pegueros introduced the item which was a declaration by the Council to
direct the use of surplus proceeds from the bond issuance of the West Loyola Sewer Assessment
District No. 1 in 2009. He explained that the project was under budget by approximately $1.4
million, largely due to lower than projected construction costs. The recommendation was that the
Council take three actions: (1) Determine that the unencumbered balance of $1,402,336.18 be
declared surplus bond proceeds, and authorize $15,250 of the surplus to be applied to costs
incurred by the Town in determining the surplus and making credits to the property liens that
were recorded by the loan; (2) Transfer the balance of the surplus to the redemption fund, which
was the fund used to pay the bonds to make the debt service, and authorize the use of a portion of
the surplus towards the interest payments due in September 2011 and March 2012; and (3)
Authorize the use of the remaining balance to redeem outstanding bonds and perform a
corresponding reduction in outstanding principal for the 47 active parcels.
Council discussion ensued. Pegueros offered two options for the Council: (1) As recommended
in the staff report, use the surplus money to reduce the liens on active parcels beginning the next
fiscal year through a combination of assessment credits and redemption of outstanding bonds; or
(2) Use the surplus money to reduce liens on active parcels solely through the redemption of
outstanding bonds.
• MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Mordo, seconded by Radford and passed
unanimously (Absent-Larsen) to Adopt Resolution # 22-11 Determining Surplus and Ordering
Disposition Thereof. Due to potential conflict of interest, Mayor Pro Tem Larsen recused himself
and stepped down from the dais and did not participate in discussion or vote of this item.
NEW BUSINESS
19. Request for Funding for Construction of Additional Paddocks at Westwind Community
Barn in an Amount Not to Exceed $42,400 (Staff. S. Gualtieri)
Community Services Coordinator Sarah Gualtieri introduced the item to the Council. Staff
recommended the expenditure of funds not to exceed $42,400 for construction of paddocks at
Westwind Community Barn, contingent upon the renegotiated agreement with Excursions
Unlimited to cover daily operation and maintenance costs of all paddocks.
City Manager Carl Cahill advised that the Parks and Recreation Committee and staff recommend
the construction of the additional paddocks to store the Year Round Riding Program (YRRP)
horses, and staff would like to renegotiate the agreement with the vendor in order for the YRRP
to continue to break even.
•
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April 21,2011
Councilmember Mordo clarified that discussion at the Parks and Recreation Committee resulted
in the need for an enclosed area for the horses, and the $42,000 would be an investment to
rehabilitate the area with drainage, retaining wall, fencing and shelters.
OPENED PUBLIC COMMENT
Jitze Couperus spoke about the openness, welcoming atmosphere, and increase in use by children
since Jane Kawasaki brought her program to the Westwind Community Barn. He supported the
request for additional funding.
Maya Nagaraj, member of the United States Pony Club, spoke in support of the YRRP and
additional space for horses.
Howard Kwo supported the paddock at Westwind Community Barn, pointing out the value to
children learning about taking care of horses.
Nancy Couperus commented that the YRRP brought families and the community to the Barn.
Additional paddocks would be an improvement to the Barn and a good investment of funds.
Kathy Evans, Parks and Recreation Committee member, spoke about the need for the horses to
be located closer to the Barn and the importance of getting children and families involved.
CLOSED PUBLIC COMMENT
• City Manager Cahill explained that staff was looking for clarification from the Council; the
previous City Council policy was that the YRRP needed to break even in terms of operations and
maintenance. Staff would like to specify that the paddocks would be used exclusively by the
YRRP which would possibly free up use of the Bryne Preserve for fee paying boaders.
Jane Kawasaki advised that she would like to continue with allowing horses to spend 16 hours
per day in Bryne Preserve and eight hours in the paddocks.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Radford, seconded by Mordo and carried
unanimously to authorize the expenditure of funds not to exceed $42,400 for the construction of
paddocks to be built at Westwind Community Barn.
20. Proposed Draft Ordinance Amending Title 6 "Sanitation and Health" by Amending Section
6-1.603 "Dangerous Dogs and Animals" and Section 6-1.604 "Possessing Dangerous Dogs
or Wild Animals" (Staff: S. Garcia)
Public Safety Officer Steven Garcia introduced the item which was a proposed amended
ordinance to include a cost recovery provision in the "Dangerous Animals" ordinance. He
explained that the amended ordinance would allow him to recover costs of staff time and fees
involved in the enforcement of ordinances.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Mordo, seconded by Radford and
• unanimously approved to waive reading and introduce a proposed ordinance amending Title 6,
Chapter 1 "Animals" by amending Los Altos Hills Municipal Section 6-1.603 entitled
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April 21,2011
"Dangerous Dogs and Animals77 GG and 6-1.604 entitled Possession of Dangerous or Wild
Animals."
i
21. Parks and Recreation Department Reorganization for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1,
2011 (Staff: N. Pegueros) Reso#23-11
Finance Director Pegueros introduced the item. He explained that the recommendation was to
abolish funding for the position of Parks and Recreation Supervisor and reallocate the cost
savings.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Mordo, seconded by Waldeck and passed
unanimously to (1) Authorize reorganization of the Town's Parks and Recreation Department to
be included in the 2011-12 budget; and (2) Adopt a Statement of Intent to abolish funding for the
position of Parks and Recreation Supervisor in accordance with Section 9.4.1 of the Personnel
Rules and Regulations.
Consensus of Council was to acknowledge the outgoing Supervisor who-provided considerable
value to the Town.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT
No report
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND
• COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
22. Mayor's Meeting with Committee Chairs (Mayor G. Summit)
Mayor Summit reported the meeting is scheduled for May 26; she will meet with
Chairpersons of each Committee. Council discussion ensued, and it was determined that
the meeting should be noticed in the event more than two Councilmembers attend.
23. Update on Lehigh Quarry Ad Hoc Alliance (Councilmember, G. Waldeck)
Planning Director Pedro provided the update which included a PowerPoint presentation.
She explained that staff has worked with the City of Los Altos Engineering staff to
develop a scope of work for a third party environmental consultant to review the Lehigh
data. The recommendation is that the contract with the consultant be finalized after both
the Los Altos and Los Altos Hills Councils approve the scope of work. She highlighted
the key tasks that were expected of the consultant, which include surveying the existing
documents, water testing, making sure compliance action taken by the regulatory agency
is proper, and rendering opinion on health risks, with a written report to be delivered
within 30-60 days. The Los Altos City Council will review the scope of work at their
April 26 meeting and will make the selection of the consultant.
Pedro reported that the tentative date for the joint Los Altos/Los Altos Hills public
• information forum is June 6 in the Council Chambers. Staff is requesting Council's
8 Approved City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 21,2011
direction regarding sending out a town-wide postcard notice. Concurrence of the Council
was to m a out it postcard notice.
a
Councilmember Waldeck advised that the forum would be a moderated session with an
agenda, including an interacting mixer from 6 PM to 6:30 PM, 20 minutes for both
Water and Air Quality Boards to speak, and an open session for questions.
Bill Almon spoke about the Air Quality District's indication that there were no health
concerns; however, many people responded that they felt there was a problem because of
high levels of mercury. He referred to a document that included a health risk assessment.
His concern was that the Air Quality District would approve the document and would not
require public notification.
Discussion by Council ensued. Council concurred that it wanted to see a consultant from
outside the area.
24. Consideration of Request for Continuance from Los Altos/Los Altos Hills Senior
Committee (Committee Chair, Karen Jenney)
Catherine Popell, Senior Committee Member, spoke for Karen Jenney who was unable to attend.
She explained that the Senior Committee is working on the responses from the questionnaires
sent to seniors and is interested in applying to become an Age Friendly City, through the World
Health Organization. The Committee was appointed for one year and believes there is enough
work to do to merit an extension to their mandate.
Mayor Summit acknowledged that the Committee was active, dedicated and enthusiastic and
agreed the Committee should continue. The Committee was originally set up as an ad hoc
committee.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Mordo, seconded by Waldeck and passed
unanimously to make the Los Altos/Los Altos Hills Senior Committee a Standing Committee.
25. Update from Education Committee Regarding PAUSD (Committee Member,
Duncan MacMillan)
Education Committee Member Duncan MacMillan introduced the item and pointed out the two
issues: (1) reasserting the Town's interest in Fremont Hills property, and (2) the request for a
liaison from the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) Board. The Committee's concern
was that PAUSD had no intention to use the property for anything other than a rental site. A
sample letter to PAUSD was provided in the Council packet.
Council discussed the issues. Councilmember Radford suggested that a member of the Property
Committee be on the Committee.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Radford, seconded by Larsen and passed
unanimously to write a letter to reiterate the Town's interest in the Pinewood site and a second
• letter to request a liaison from PAUSD; specifically, from the Property Committee.
9 Approved City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 21,2011
Councilmember Mordo requested that the Town Attorney review the letter before it is sent.
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
Mayor Pro Tem Larsen reported that he has been active with the VTA and was appointed
to the Chair of the Revenue Enhancement Committee.
Councilmember Radford questioned whether there were restrictions on public parking on
Fremont. Pedro responded that staff consulted with the Sheriff and Public Safety Officer
Garcia when there were complaints and found it was not illegal to park on the side of a
street as long as the vehicle did not block a pathway.
Mayor Summit reported on a Mayor's meeting with Anna Eshoo, primarily addressing
high speed rail. She also attended the ABAG meeting in.Oakland where the discussion
addressed small towns merging with larger jurisdictions.
Councilmember Waldeck reported attending a Lehigh Title V notice of planning meeting
which was an opportunity for people to discuss their concerns. He also reported that he
visited Anna Eshoo the prior week in Washington.
STAFF REPORTS
City Manager
City Manager Cahill explained receiving a request from Councilmember Radford for a
paperless packet. Staff will attempt an iPad delivered packet after visiting the Town of
Portola Valley where the process has been successful.
City Attorney
City Clerk
No reports were given.
COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
Fence regulations and wildlife corridors—(Councilmember, G. Waldeck)
Councilmember Waldeck explained that several residents had called him with regard to
fences. His suggestion was that the Council look at the Fence Ordinance.
Open Space Committee Chair Roger Spreen commented that the topic of fencing affects
the atmosphere and character of the Town. One particular issue of the Open Space
Committee involves perimeter fencing, which results in property line disputes between
neighbors and"walled off neighbors. He mentioned a problem with fencing that conflicts
with wildlife corridors. The"compound" effect is also an issue.
Discussion by Council ensued. Councilmember Waldeck expressed concern that the
current ordinance did not limit the "compound" effect. His suggestion was that the Open
Space Committee look at possible changes for future consideration. Councilmember
Radford suggested looking at what other towns are doing to see if changes should be
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April 21,2011
made. Consensus of Council was to set up an ad hoc committee, including members from
the Pathways and Open Space Committees and Planning Commission.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Motion by Mordo, seconded by Radford and
passed by a 4-1 voice vote (No-Larsen) to appoint Councilmember Waldeck as Chair and
Councilmember Radford as member of an ad hoc committee, with a task to come back to
the Council with a list of others to be part of the committee to discuss the fencing issue.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by the consensus of the City
Council at 10:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nick Pegueros
Acting City Clerk
The minutes of the April 21, 2011 regular City Council meeting were approved as
presented at the May 19, 2011 City Council meeting.
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April 21,2011