HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-14 City Council Summary Minutes
05/14/2007 101-499
Special Meeting
May 14, 2007
STUDY SESSION....................................................................................501
1. Stanford Shopping Center: Review of the Conceptual Plans and Status
for the Expansion of the Stanford Shopping Center............................501
2. Stanford Medical Center: Review of the Update of the Stanford Medical
Center Area Plan and Conceptual Plans for the Expansion and
Modernization of the Medical Center ................................................501
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS.......................................................................502
CONSENT CALENDAR.............................................................................502
3. Approval of a Lease Amendment to Relocate from 1003 Elwell Court to
1005 Elwell Court and to Extend the Term for 1005 and 1007 Elwell
Court to 2013...............................................................................502
5. Approval of Amendment No. 2 to Management Agreement with Brad
Lozares for Golf Professional Services at 1875 Embarcadero Road, Palo
Alto ............................................................................................502
6. Approval of a First Amendment to Lease for 300 Hamilton Avenue,
Suite B, to Exercise Second Option to Extend....................................502
7. Approval of Amendment No. 2 to Lease with the Elizabeth Gamble
Garden for Property Located at 1431 Waverley Street, Extending the
Term for Twenty Years ..................................................................502
8. Ordinance 4946 entitled “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending the Budget for the Fiscal Year 2006-07 to
Provide an Additional Appropriation of $121,000 from the
Infrastructure Reserve into Capital Improvement Program
(CIP) Project Number PL-02005, El Camino Real/Ventura
Intersection Improvements”......................................................503
05/14/2007 101-500
9. Recommendation from the Historic Resources Board at the Request of
Aida Merrill, Owner, to Reclassify a Category 4 Building on the City of
Palo Alto’s Historic Inventory to Category 2 Pursuant to Municipal Code
Chapter 16.49 at 564 University Avenue ..........................................503
10. Agenda Number Intentionally Not Used............................................503
10A. (Old Item No. 4) 1st Reading - Adoption of an Ordinance Amending
Section 18.08.040 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (the Zoning
Map) to Change the Classification of Property known as 3401,
3415 and 3445 Alma Street from PC Planned Community 1362
to PC Planned Community _____...............................................503
11. Roth Building, 300 Homer Avenue – Reject $300,000 Contribution
Condition - Approval of Option Agreement and Lease, and
Consideration of Addendum to the Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
for the South of Forest Area Coordinated Plan...................................511
12. Resolution 8711 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Appointing a Council Member to the Boards of the Bay Area Water
Supply and Conservation Agency and the San Francisco Bay Area
Regional Water System Financing Authority”.....................................517
COUNCIL COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND REPORTS FROM
CONFERENCES .............................................................................517
FINAL ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 12:01 a.m. .....................517
05/14/2007 101-501
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council
Chambers at 6:05 p.m.
Present: Barton, Beecham, Cordell (arrived 7:00 p.m.), Drekmeier,
Kishimoto, Klein (arrived 7:00p.m.), Kleinberg, Morton
Absent: Mossar
City Attorney Baum noted Council Members Cordell and Klein would not be
able to participate in the Study Session due to conflicts.
STUDY SESSION
1. Stanford Shopping Center: Review of the Conceptual Plans and Status
for the Expansion of the Stanford Shopping Center
2. Stanford Medical Center: Review of the Update of the Stanford Medical
Center Area Plan and Conceptual Plans for the Expansion and
Modernization of the Medical Center
City Manager Frank Benest provided an update on the Stanford Shopping
Center project. The applicant and architect gave a presentation on the
proposed addition of 240,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space, 120-
room hotel and the modified parking structure. Mr. Benest noted the project
was key to the City’s economic development.
Mr. Benest gave an update on the Stanford University Medical Center
project. The project has been divided up into two phases. Additional work to
be performed in Phase I includes a community meeting in June, and the
Planning and Transportation Commission and City Council would review the
draft area plan in June and July. Phase II would start with the submittal of
formal applications in June and July, followed by an Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) scoping session in August.
Staff has identified five key area plan objectives for which they are seeking
Council feedback. These area plan objectives include:
1) Transportation – Goal of producing no net new trips.
2) Housing – strategies for accomplishing below-market rate units.
3) Open Space – open space within the campus area and the surrounding
area to ensure maintenance of the views and access are available
to pedestrians and bicyclists.
4) Linkages – promote use of existing transit areas and non-vehicular
forms of transportation; and to ensure that alternative forms of
transportation are used.
5) Sustainability – encourage a high level of LEED designed buildings.
05/14/2007 101-502
Mark Tortorich, Vice President of Planning Design and Construction for
Stanford Hospital, gave a presentation for the Medical Center.
Jean McCown, Stanford University Director of Community Relations,
requested the Council consider the existing language in the City’s
Comprehensive Plan regarding the Medical Center. Her concern is that the
expansion of the area plan geographically and in scope could create a delay
of the process. She asked the Council to be open to how the identified
objectives are applied until the EIR is prepared with broader public input.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Sheri Furman, 3094 Greer Road, spoke regarding the importance of
maintaining the VTA Bus Route No. 88.
Mayor Kishimoto mentioned on June 4, 2007 there would be a study session
with VTA.
Stephen Ames, 515 Laurel Avenue, Menlo Park, spoke regarding revisions to
the massage therapy ordinance.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION: Council Member Klein moved, seconded by Kleinberg, to remove
Item No. 4 from the Consent Calendar to become Item 10a.
MOTION: Council Member Morton moved, seconded by Beecham, to
approve Consent Agenda Item No. 3 and Agenda Item Nos. 5 through 9.
3. Approval of a Lease Amendment to Relocate from 1003 Elwell Court to
1005 Elwell Court and to Extend the Term for 1005 and 1007 Elwell
Court to 2013
5. Approval of Amendment No. 2 to Management Agreement with Brad
Lozares for Golf Professional Services at 1875 Embarcadero Road, Palo
Alto
6. Approval of a First Amendment to Lease for 300 Hamilton Avenue,
Suite B, to Exercise Second Option to Extend
7. Approval of Amendment No. 2 to Lease with the Elizabeth Gamble
Garden for Property Located at 1431 Waverley Street, Extending the
Term for Twenty Years
8. Ordinance 4946 entitled “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending the Budget for the Fiscal Year 2006-07 to
05/14/2007 101-503
Provide an Additional Appropriation of $121,000 from the
Infrastructure Reserve into Capital Improvement Program
(CIP) Project Number PL-02005, El Camino Real/Ventura
Intersection Improvements”
Resolution 8710 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Authorizing Execution of an Agreement with the State of California
Department of Transportation for the Installation of Traffic Control
Signals and the Construction of Roadway Improvements at the
Intersection of El Camino Real (Route 82) and Ventura Avenue”
9. Recommendation from the Historic Resources Board at the Request of
Aida Merrill, Owner, to Reclassify a Category 4 Building on the City of Palo
Alto’s Historic Inventory to Category 2 Pursuant to Municipal Code
Chapter 16.49 at 564 University Avenue
10. Agenda Number Intentionally Not Used
MOTION PASSED 8-0 Mossar absent.
10A. (Old Item No. 4) 1st Reading - Adoption of an Ordinance Amending
Section 18.08.040 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (the Zoning
Map) to Change the Classification of Property known as 3401,
3415 and 3445 Alma Street from PC Planned Community 1362
to PC Planned Community _____
Director of Planning and Community Environment Steve Emslie stated the
Ordinance was brought to the Council with the changes requested.
Council Member Morton asked if it would be possible for the Planning and
Transportation Commission (P&TC) to change the location of a unit.
Mr. Emslie stated the change could not reduce the number of units or
housing type.
Council Member Morton asked if the P&TC could add commercial space to
the main mixed use buildings.
Mr. Emslie stated the square footage parameters needed to remain the same
for retail, community, and Below Market Rate (BMR) units.
Council Member Morton asked whether the Council could amend the plans
during the meeting.
Mr. Emslie stated yes.
05/14/2007 101-504
Council Member Morton asked whether the square footage was limited to the
minimum of 10,000.
City Attorney Gary Baum stated the Council had the ability to change,
accept, or reject the project.
Council Member Drekmeier asked when the Quimby Act would apply.
Mr. Emslie stated the Quimby Act applied to residential subdivisions of land
and was imposed at the time of the sub-division. Also, projects of less than
fifty units do not require an outright dedication of land.
Council Member Drekmeier asked whether the Quimby Act related to the size
of the project and who would actually own the BMR units. He questioned if
the location of the BMR units could be changed.
Mr. Emslie stated the option of a 59-year lease held by the City or the Palo
Alto Housing Corporation had been considered and that Council could make
the decision on the location of the units.
Len Filppu, 3621 Ramona Circle, stated the Friends of Alma Plaza continued
to support the P&TC recommendation.
Sheri Furman, 3094 Greer Road, stated retail should be primary and housing
secondary.
John Grant, 3583 South Court, stated his support for retail space.
Patricia Saffir, 2719 Bryant Street, supported the wrap-up discussion and
urged the Council to move forward.
Greg Schmidt, Janice Way, requested the Council inform the community
what was planned for Alma Plaza.
Robert Moss, 4010 Orme St., stated he supported the P&TC
recommendation.
Marilyn Keller, 3476 Waverley Street, said she supported the P&TC
recommendation.
Jeff Greenfield, 3476 Waverley Street, stated he supported the P&TC
recommendation.
Rex Garr, 353 Whitclem Drive, recommended the Council not accept the
developer’s plan.
05/14/2007 101-505
Ellen Wyman, 546 Washington Ave., urged the Council to reject the current
plan.
E.T.Perkins, 514 Thain Way, stated he supported the P&TC recommendation.
Lawrence Clark stated he supported the current plan.
John McNellis, Developer, 419 Waverley, stated his appreciation for the
community support.
Karen Kalinsky, 210 E. Meadow Drive, stated she supported the P&TC
recommendation.
Beverley B. Bryant, 675 North 1st Street, San Jose, stated she supported the
current plan.
Rita Sodos, 3612 Arbutus Avenue, said she supported primarily retail on the
site.
Rudy Battier, 3503 Emerson Street, stated he supported the current plan.
Pat Constance, 43160 Osgood Road, Fremont, stated the plan had multiple
compromises. The community had been consulted and considered greatly in
the changes made.
Tom Jordan, 474 Churchill Avenue, stated the current plan did not comply
with the Comprehensive Plan adopted by the City.
James DeVoy stated he supported the current plan.
Marlene Prendergast, 725 Alma Street, stated she supported the current
plan.
Maria Urruela, 2074 Sandlewood Court, stated she supported the current
plan.
Cindy Patrick, 54 Roosevelt Circle, stated she hoped there would be a full
service grocery store.
Ellie Gioumousis, 992 Loma Verde Avenue, stated she supported the P&TC
recommendation.
Jeff Yao, Moser Avenue, stated he supported the current plan.
Brendan Galvin said he supported the current plan.
05/14/2007 101-506
MOTION: Vice Mayor Klein moved, seconded by Kleinberg, to approve
staff’s recommendation to adopt the first reading of an ordinance that
approves Planned Community (PC) zoning for the three properties located at
3401, 3415, and 3445 Alma Street, subject to public benefits and conditions
of approval, as outlined by the City Council at its April 16, 2007 meeting,
and refer the project to the Architectural Review Board and Planning and
Transportation Commission for site development plan review with the
following changes:
1) The three commercial out-buildings, “D” Street and associated
removable bollards shall be sited to enhance the retail quality of this
portion of the property. The Applicant and staff may consider
alternative configurations provided that an equivalent ratio of ground
floor commercial is provided;
2) Change the minimum size of the grocery store to 15,000 square feet.
The 15,000 square feet may include retail subtenants and services that
are compatible with the intended use of the grocery store to provide
food services, and shall be more specifically defined as part of the
approval of the site development plan;
3) No building permit shall be approved (other than for up to 4 model
homes) for residential development prior to submittal to the Director
of a lease agreement or other legally binding commitment from a
grocery operator to occupy the 15,000 square feet of grocery store
used in the mixed use building. Occupancy of the grocery store shall
occur not later than 15 months after issuance of building permits for
the retail development. No final inspection and occupancy (other than
for up to 4 model homes) of residential development mixed use
building shall be permitted prior to final inspection and occupancy
approval for the grocery use. Bonding or other financial security may
be considered in lieu of these requirements only upon review and
approval by the City Council as an amendment to the Planned
Community (PC) ordinance;
4) Regarding the community room, add the language proposed by staff
that basically states that prior to approval of the site development
plan, the Developer would provide written documentation as to how
the room would be used, for how long and appropriate enforcement
mechanisms;
5) Add the suggested language by staff to Section 4(d) of the proposed
Ordinance to assure compliance to LEED Silver standards with
appropriate City inspections (at Applicant’s expense); and
6) If the Applicant does not accept the proposed ordinance in writing prior
to second reading of the ordinance, and within 30 days of the Council’s
adoption, the question of the appropriate zoning of the Alma Plaza site
shall be referred to the Planning and Transportation Commission for
the consideration and recommendation, which may include the CN
zone, the CN zone plus various overlays, a newly crafted zone
05/14/2007 101-507
applicable to neighborhood centers or such other zone as the
Commission deems appropriate.
Council Member Kleinberg stated although not every person in the
community would agree with the decision, this was a compromise to satisfy
a large portion of the community.
Council Member Drekmeier stated concern that the retail space was located
in the rear of the project.
Planning and Transportation Commissioner Lee Lippert asked whether the
proposal included parcelization of the land and whether the proposal
included the 12,000 square feet of parkland and open space combined.
Vice Mayor Klein stated the current proposal did not include parcelization
and the 12,000 square feet was combined.
AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION: Council Member Morton moved to convert
the housing unit identified as Lot 26 from Commercial Space to Open Space.
AMENDMENT FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
Council Member Cordell stated she wanted to consider the plan presented by
the developer at this evening’s meeting before making a rushed decision.
Council Member Beecham asked staff whether there was flexibility to modify
the building to have a more useful and functional design for commercial
capacity.
Director of Planning and Community Services Steve Emslie stated that would
be included in the site and design review.
Council Member Barton asked if the zone was accepted as a CN, would there
be a way to compel a grocery store to lease the space.
Mr. Emslie stated no.
Council Member Barton asked how many housing units could be build in a
CN zone.
Commissioner Lippert stated fifteen housing units per acre were allowed in a
CN zone.
AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION: Council Member Beecham moved to
modify the language in No. 6 to indicate the item return to the Planning and
Transportation Commission for initiation of a CN Zone Change.
05/14/2007 101-508
AMENDMENT FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
Council Member Drekmeier asked the number of votes required to move
forward.
City Attorney Gary Baum stated five votes were required.
Council Member Drekmeier asked whether the current proposed plan was
consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Assistant Director of Planning and Transportation Curtis Williams stated the
language in the Comprehensive Plan was not specific to consistency.
Mr. Baum stated charter cities were not generally required to follow the
General Plan.
Council Member Drekmeier requested the Alma Street turn lane be
lengthened for a smoother traffic merge.
AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION: Council Member Drekmeier moved to
modify the wording of No. 1 to “delete one housing unit and add 1,865
square feet of retail services/offices.”
AMENDMENT FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION: Vice Mayor Klein said the language in No.
1 should remain as stated, but add a sentence stating that the applicant and
staff may agree on a substitute as long as it produces the same amount of
additional ground floor retail.
AMENDMENT FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
Council Member Drekmeier stated he cut the square footage of the building
in half and what was suggested was less commercial with all ground floor
retail.
Vice Mayor Klein stated the ground floor square footage was the same ratio
as the other two sites.
Council Member Drekmeier stated each building had a total of 1,860 square
feet with half on the ground level and half on the upper level. To be
consistent, 930 square feet of retail would be required with an equal amount
of 2nd floor retail.
Mr. Williams stated that was correct.
05/14/2007 101-509
Vice Mayor Klein stated in some cases the ground floor may have more
square footage due to stair cases.
Mr. Baum asked for clarification on the identification of Lot 26 as land
whereas the motion implied it would be building area.
Mayor Kishimoto asked whether the Council was leaving parcelization open
for the P&TC and the Architectural Review Board (ARB).
Mr. Williams stated parcelization was a portion of the site design and the
tentative map.
Mayor Kishimoto asked about the possibility to alter the housing types and
sizes from the proposed development plan and noted that the proposed plan
referred to Attachment A but there was no attachment.
Mr. Williams stated generally the house size was specified and the location
was determined by the site development review process. Attachment A was
marked as Attachment D.
Council Member Cordell asked if the current Motion was approved would the
City Attorney draft a new Ordinance consistent with the approved language.
Mr. Baum stated Planning would draft the Ordinance for editing by the City
Attorney’s Office.
Mayor Kishimoto requested a more integrated mix of housing designs.
Council Member Kleinberg was concerned with another last minute change
presented to the community.
Council Member Morton requested an amendment to the minimum size of
the grocery store.
AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION: Council Member Morton moved, seconded
by Drekmeier, to reduce the minimum size of the grocery store to 12,000
square feet.
Council Member Drekmeier stated there was a set amount of ground floor
square footage of 17,300.
Council Member Kleinberg asked if the minimum square footage was set at
15,000, what was the probability of subleasing to a secondary food service.
She commented the goal was to increase the amount of service space with
the maximum amount of flexibility.
05/14/2007 101-510
Mr. Baum stated the language refers to 15,000 square feet, which may
include sub-tenants compatible with grocery stores, including services to be
approved through site and design review.
Council Member Morton stated the wording needed to specify the minimum
size for a grocery store.
Vice Mayor Klein stated his support for the language.
AMENDMENT FAILED 4-4 Kleinberg, Klein, Kishimoto, Cordell no, Mossar
absent.
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
MAKER AND SECONDER that the 15,000 square foot grocery store may
include sub-tenants compatible with grocery stores including services to be
approved through site and design.
Mr. McNellis stated a 12,000 square foot market was an acceptable request.
Council Member Kleinberg asked why the usable square footage was 11,500
of the total 12,000 square foot store.
Mr. McNellis stated the basement was added space. When the square
footage was set it was a total amount of usable area.
Pat Constance, Green Briar Homes, confirmed the removal of the occupancy
language and the 180-day clause.
Mr. Baum said the developer could pull the building permit only when there
was a signed one-year lease.
Mr. McNellis stated the necessary timeline for construction to secure a
tenant lease was approximately fourteen months and the lease was usually
tied to the completion of the building.
Mr. Baum commented the Council had discretion to determine the timeline
and he suggested going out further than one year.
Mayor Kishimoto asked whether the changed language would return with the
2nd reading of the Ordinance.
Vice Mayor Klein stated concern that a lessee would terminate the lease
prior to the completion of the building.
Council Member Beecham suggested a two-year period built into the lease.
05/14/2007 101-511
Vice Mayor Klein said with the current proposal the two-year period was
unacceptable because at that point the houses would be occupied. He
stated the Council’s plan was for a grocery store with the leverage of
occupancy.
Council Member Beecham asked whether the suggestion was to not have
housing until after the grocery store was complete.
Vice Mayor Klein stated there would be no building permit until after a
signed lease and requested the developer to propose a new plan that
guaranteed a grocery store.
Mr. McNellis stated the ideal project would be for a simultaneous build.
Mr. Baum asked for the requested language prior to the vote and he
suggested the language be clear that item no. 6 not return for a 2nd reading
unless the project had been accepted.
Mr. McNellis stated if the lease was signed as a pre-condition to the building
permit being issued, and the space was delivered to the market within 30-
days of completion, it would be fine. He said the lease would read “as soon
as the building was complete in accordance with the plan, scheduled
payments began.”
Council Member Kleinberg asked how to lock-in the occupancy of the market
and not the rental payment.
Mr. McNellis stated the lease language provided for specific move-in time,
scheduled payment time, and the duration of tenancy. He requested a
fifteen month schedule.
Mr. Baum asked whether fifteen months was acceptable to the Council.
Council Member Kleinberg stated that was acceptable.
Vice Mayor Klein stated that was acceptable
MOTION PASSED 8-0 Mossar absent.
REPORTS OF OFFICIALS
11. Roth Building, 300 Homer Avenue – Reject $300,000 Contribution
Condition - Approval of Option Agreement and Lease, and
Consideration of Addendum to the Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
for the South of Forest Area Coordinated Plan
05/14/2007 101-512
Manager for Administrative Services Real Estate Bill Fellman stated staff and
the Museum had agreed to all terms except for the use of additional City
funds for the repair of a leak.
Council Member Cordell asked what repairs were made costing $415,000.
Director of Public Works Glenn Roberts stated numerous repairs had been
completed since the City acquired the building. He noted the roofing,
electrical, ventilation and the water proofing in the basement were the main
repairs.
Council Member Cordell asked whether the leaks in the basement came from
the removal of the wings and whether the work of the contractor who
removed the wings caused the problem.
Mr. Roberts stated his belief was the removal of the wings and the retention
of the spine caused the leaks.
City Manager Frank Benest stated the basement leaked and flooded on a
regular basis prior to the repairs.
Council Member Cordell asked whether the City was unaware of the problem
prior to the acquisition.
Mr. Roberts stated the City had knowledge of basement leaks and the
decision was to continue with the acquisition.
Council Member Cordell inquired as to why additional funds were not
requested up front for the project.
Mr. Roberts stated the intent was to remove both the wings and the spine to
alleviate the concern. The City Council directed to retain the spine and the
original basement, which in turn produced the leakage.
Council Member Barton asked whether other parties were interested in the
Roth Building.
Mr. Fellman stated no.
Council Member Barton asked regarding the cost to complete the Museum,
how much has been raised and how long has it taken to raise the funds.
Robin Robinson, 101 Alma, stated the estimated cost was $145,000 to
$300,000 to complete the upgrades. The current funds available to the
05/14/2007 101-513
museum are $1 million from pledges and cash. Raising funds has been
difficult without a lease in place.
Council Member Barton asked the amount of the contractors estimated list
for completion.
Ms. Robinson stated $7 million.
Council Member Kleinberg asked why the Museum was authorized to charge
admission.
Mr. Fellman stated the change was made by the Museum with staff’s
agreement.
Council Member Kleinberg stated the Council had not seen or agreed to the
change.
Mr. Fellman stated it has been brought before the Council for discussion.
Council Member Kleinberg questioned the term habitability; there was no
discussion of someone residing in the museum.
Mr. Fellman stated the lease authorized custodial personnel to reside in the
building.
Council Member Morton stated the Museum was required to undertake the
improvements prior to the City’s consideration to pay the $145,000 to
$300,000 estimate.
Mr. Fellman stated usually the work was completed and the Museum would
submit invoices for reimbursement.
Council Member Morton stated the upfront cost to the City for the
improvements was negligent.
Mr. Fellman stated the City gained the improvements by the Museum for the
cost of the liability for a pre-existing condition.
Council Member Morton recommended acceptance of the request of the
Museum and improving the option with the understanding that once they
have improved the building the City would reimburse up to $300,000.
MOTION: Council Member Morton moved, seconded by Cordell, to accept
the request of the Palo Alto History Museum and approve the option
agreement and, once the building has been completed, the City would
05/14/2007 101-514
reimburse up to $300,000 for waterproofing to the Palo Alto History
Museum.
Council Member Drekmeier asked the accuracy of the Heritage Park drainage
and the roof drainage, which flow directly to the rear of the Roth Building.
Mr. Fellman stated that was corrected as part of the $415,000.
Council Member Drekmeier asked about grading Heritage Park away from
the Roth Building.
Mr. Roberts stated the grading had been completed. He added there were a
number of cracks in the concrete and ground water surfaces through the
floor of the basement.
Council Member Drekmeier asked whether there were basement repairs as
part of the $415,000.
Mr. Roberts stated some repairs were made at the time with further work
necessary.
Council Member Drekmeier asked the confidence level of waterproofing with
further work.
Mr. Roberts stated the building was a 70-year old concrete structure with a
large amount of cracking. He believed there will continue to be a support
system for drainage to the basement.
Council Member Drekmeier asked the possibility of bypassing the usage of
the basement and the probability of filling it in.
Mr. Roberts stated the basement was an intricate part of the spine for the
building and it may not be possible to fill it in.
Ms. Robinson stated the fix for the basement was to put a membrane on the
floor and up the walls to prevent seepage. The basement was necessary for
storage.
Council Member Beecham stated there is a shared responsibility for the pre-
existing leakage and he recommended the City pay a portion not to exceed
$150,000 for repairs.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Council Member Beecham moved, seconded by
Kishimoto, to share the costs of the repairs where the City would contribute
the maximum amount of $150,000 for waterproofing.
05/14/2007 101-515
Vice Mayor Klein asked about the timeline to comply.
Mr. Fellman stated the option was for two years.
Vice Mayor Klein asked during the two years, was the City was required to
maintain the building.
Mr. Fellman stated yes.
Vice Mayor Klein stated the City, as the owner, had all responsibilities for the
building.
Mr. Roberts stated ventilation, pumps and an electrical system has been
installed to prevent further water damage.
Vice Mayor Klein asked whether the $300,000 was for further upgrades and
improvements.
Mr. Roberts stated the funds were to waterproof the basement.
Vice Mayor Klein asked if the City was at risk for the upcoming two years
prior to the Museum taking over the building.
Mr. Roberts stated the $415,000 already spent will maintain the building in
status quo condition without further deterioration for the next few years.
Vice Mayor Klein stated he would vote against the Motion.
Council Member Beecham mentioned the Motion may pass if the Substitute
Motion fails.
Council Member Kleinberg proposed removal of references for fees for
admission.
Council Member Beecham stated the fees were to accommodate the funds
required to complete the upgrades.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION APPROVED 6-2 Klein, Cordell no, Mossar absent.
MOTION: Council Member Kleinberg moved, seconded by Klein, that
admission to the Museum would be open to the public without charge.
Mr. Robinson stated the intent was to have free admission to the Museum.
The admission fee was for special events.
05/14/2007 101-516
Council Member Kleinberg said special event fees were acceptable and asked
staff to correct the language in the lease.
INCORPORATED INTO MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE MAKER
AND SECONDER that there would be no admission fee charged unless for a
special event.
Council Member Kleinberg stated concern for the residence in the Museum
for security risk and the loss of square footage to the Museum.
Mr. Fellman stated the plans showed a space for a museum curator.
Council Member Kleinberg asked the total square footage allocated for the
space and the cost to convert the space.
Steve Staiger stated the idea was to provide 700 to 900 square feet of living
quarters to compensate for the low salary for a custodian.
Council Member Kleinberg asked why not rent the space to small non-profits.
Council Member Morton stated numerous other non-profit organizations in
City limits charge fees. The Council had restricted them to charging fees only
during special events.
Council Member Beecham stated their original intent was to charge only for
special events.
Mayor Kishimoto asked for specific timeframes for the Museum hours of
operation.
Mr. Fellman stated the CMR showed operation hours but the City was not
holding them to it since the Museum may want to expand the hours.
Mayor Kishimoto asked whether the Museum would be amenable to a
minimum number of hours for operation such as 20 hours per week.
Mr. Staiger stated the minimum number of hours was acceptable and the
days of operation would depend on the traffic flow for the Museum.
INCORPORATED INTO MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF MAKER AND
SECONDER that the Museum would be open to the public a minimum of 20
hours per week.
MOTION PASSED 8-0 Council Member Mossar absent.
05/14/2007 101-517
12. Resolution 8711 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Appointing a Council Member to the Boards of the Bay Area Water
Supply and Conservation Agency and the San Francisco Bay Area
Regional Water System Financing Authority”
MOTION: Council Member Beecham moved, seconded by Kishimoto, to
accept staff recommendation to approve a resolution appointing Vice Mayor
Larry Klein as a member of the City Council as a director of the Bay Area
Water Supply and Conservation Agency and as a director of the San
Francisco Bay Area regional Water System Financing Authority.
MOTION PASSED 8-0 Mossar absent.
COUNCIL COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND REPORTS FROM CONFERENCES
Mayor Kishimoto reported that Bike to Work Day would be on Thursday, May
17, 2007.
FINAL ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 12:01 a.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
City Clerk Mayor
NOTE: Sense minutes (synopsis) are prepared in accordance with Palo Alto
Municipal Code Sections 2.04.180(a) and (b). The City Council and Standing
Committee meeting tapes are made solely for the purpose of facilitating the
preparation of the minutes of the meetings. City Council and Standing
Committee meeting tapes are recycled 90 days from the date of the
meeting. The tapes are available for members of the public to listen to
during regular office hours.