HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-07-28 City Council Summary MinutesCITY
COUNCIL
MINUTEs
Regular Meeting
July 28, 1986
CITY
of
Pr11O
ALTO
ITEM PAGE
Minutes of June 9, 1986 and June 16, 1986
1. Resolution Welcoming Students from Oaxaca,
Mexico
7 5 0 3
7 5 03
2. Resolution Welcoming Students from Enschede, 7 5 0 4
The Netherlands
Consent Calendar 7 5 0 4
3. Park Ranger Services for Palo Alto Baylands
Area
4. Ames:ican Public Power Association - "Power
Manager" Software Site Test Participation
6. Ordinance re Changing the Zone Classifications
of the Majority of Existing CC and CS
Properties in the Downtown Area ,_Area
Surrounding University Avenue Between Alma
Street and Middlefield Road) From CC or CS to
CD (2nd Reading)
7. Ordinance re Changing the Zone Classification 7 5 0 5
of the Properties Known as 215-239 High Street
fro : CC to RM-3 (2nd Reading)
8. Ordinance .re Moratorium on Certain Development 7 5 0 6
and Demolition of. Historic Structures/Sites in
the Downtown Area (2nd Reading)
Agenda Chan #ea, Additions and Deletions 7 5 0 6
9. Finance _ and Public Works Committee
Recommendation re Proposed Wholesale Water Rate
Decrease
7 5 0 4
7 5 0 5
7 5 0 5
7 5 0 6
7 5 0 11
7/28/86
ITEM PAGE
9-A. (O: ; 5) , Ordinance Adding Chapter 18.48 to
Title 18 to Crease a Commercial Downtown (CD)
District (2nd Reading)
7 5 0 5
10. Golden Triangle - Palo Alto Participation 7 5 0 7
11. Matter of Preparation of Bingo Ordinance 7 5 1 1
Adjournment to Closed Session re Litigation and 7 5 1 4.
Employer; Employee Relations at 8:50 p.m.
Final Adjournment at 10:05 p.m. 7 5 1 4
7 5 0 2
.7/28/86
Regular Meeting
Monday, July 28, 1986
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the
Council Chambers, 250 Hamilton Avenue, at 7:35 p.m.
PRESENT: Bechtel, Cobb, Fletcher, Klein, Levy,
Patitucci (arrived at 7:40 p.m.),
Renzel (arrived at 8:05 p.m.), Woolley
ABSENT: Sutorius
Mayor Cobb announced the need for a Closed Session re Litigation
to discuss Greer, et al. v. City of Palo Alto, pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956(a) to be held at some point during
or after the meeting.
Mayor Cobb announced that a Closed Session re Employer/Employee
Relations would be held after the regular meeting.
MINUTES OF JUNE 9, 1986 AND JUNE 16, 1986
.MOTION: Councilmeober Woolley Moved, seconded by Bechtel,
approval of the Minutes -If June 9, 1986 and June 16, 1986, as
submitted.
MOTION PASSED unanimously, Renzel; Sutorius absent.
1. RESOLUTION WELCOMING STUDENTS FROM OAXACA, OAXACA, MEXICO
(PRE 2-1-1)
MOTIONS Mayor Cobb Moved, seconded by Klein, approval of the
resolution.
RESOLVETION 6 542 *staled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF
lfiEr—CITY OF PALO AL►O ALTO RECOGNIZING THE PRESENCE OF AND
WELCOMI1G TO THE CITY OF PALO ALTO. REPRESENTATIVES OF
OAXACA, OAXACA, MEXICO"
Mayor Cobb said the cultural exchange resolution from people -to -
people communication was the foundation of the Sister City
Program, which attempted to further international understanding.
The City of Oaxaca was Palo Alto's Sister City in Mexico. He wel-
comed Maribel Zarate Gijon; Alicia Bernal Fernandez; Gloria Elena
Jarquin Fernandez; A.driana Aguilar Escobar; Teresa Abed Garcia;
Miguel Angel Cossio Jarquin; Pedro Luis Candiani Gutierrez; Edith
Silva Ruiz; Claudia Velazquez A.; Nora Cecilia Olvera Lopez;
Andrea Sandoval Centeno; Carlos Garrido E.; and Edda Faviol.
Espe jo, Maurer. Participation in the cultural exchange exemplified
the mutual objectives of the two cities to promote, encourage and
cultivate understanding.
MOTION PASSED unanimously.
Arturo Molina Gutierrez thanked the City Council.
2. RESOLUTION WELCOMING STUDENTS FROM ENSCHEDE, THE NETHERLANDS
PRE 2-1-3)
MOTION: Mayor Cobb moved, seconded by Levy/ approval of the
resolution.
_RESOLUTION 6543 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL. OF
TOE . CITT OF PALO ALTO. RECOGNIZING THE PRESENCE OF AND
WELCOMING TO THE CITY OF PALO ALTO REPRESENTATIVES OF
ENSCHEDE, THE NETHERLANDS"
Mayor Cobb said cultural exchange resulting from people -to -people
communication was the foundation of the Sister City Program. The
City of Enschede was Palo Alto's Sister City in The Netherlands
and honored Palo Alto by sending its representatives to visit. He
welcomed Amal Kafu, Tanya Roscher, Peter Wesselius, and Sandra van
Spankeren. Participation in the cultural exchange exemplified the
mutual objectives of the two cities to promote, encourage and
cultivate understanding.
MOTION PASSED unanimously, Renzei, Sutorius absent.
Duco Duenvo thanked the City Council and presented a box of
chocolates from Amsterdam.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice 'Mayor Woolley removed Item 5, Ordinance Adding Chapter 18.48
to the Palo Alto Municipal Code.
MOTION; Councilmember Bechtel moved, seconded by Leery, approval
of the Consent Calendar.
3. PARK RANGER SERVICES FOR PALO ALTO BAYLANDS AREA
FIB._ 9-1)
PL.A 9-1/
Staff recommends Council authorize the Mayor to execute the con-
tract wi s. h California Land Management Services, Inc. for park
ranger services in , the amount of $69,900 per year for three
years...
CONTRACT
California Land Management Services, Inc.
7 5 Q 4
7/28/86
4. AMERICAN PUBLIC POWER ASSOCIATION -- "POWER MANAGER" SOFTWARE
w�fr Y
SITE TEST PARTICIPATION (UTI 3) (CMR:413:6)
Staff recommends Council adopt the resolutionapproving the letter
agreement with the American Public Power Association, and adopt
the budget amendment ordinance to reflect receipt and disbursement
of the $12,000 for services associated with testing the
"PowerManager" software package.
ORDINANCE 3695 entitled °ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR 1986-17 TO PROVIDE AN 40DITIONAL APPROPRIATION FOR
THE DATA SERVICES PROGRAM OF TEE ELECTRIC UTILITY AND TO
PROVIDE FOR RECEIPT OF REVENUE rRom THE AMERICAN PUBLIC
POWER ASSOCIATION"
RESOLUTION 6544 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF
UTILITIES TO EXECUTE A LETTER OF. AGREEMENT WITH THE
AMERICAN PUBLIC POWER ASSOCIATION"
6. ORDINANCE RE CHANGING THE ZONE CLASSIFICATIONS OF THE MAJOkITY.
OF EXISTING CC • AND CS PROPERTIES- IN THE. DOWNTOWN AREA (AREA.
SURROUNDING UNIVERSITY AVENUE BETWEEN 'ALMA STREET AN
MIDDLEFIELD ROAD) FROM CC OR CSC TO CD _ (2nd Reading) - Wit
(Pi.A 7-14)
ORDINANCE 3697 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL or THE
CITY OF PALO ALTO &MENDING SECTION 18.01.0►40 OF THE PALO
ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE (THE ZONING NAP) TO CHANCE THE ZONE
CLASSIFICAT::` S OF THE MAJORITY OF EXISTING CC AND CS
PROPERTIES 'IN T8R DOWNTOWN AREA (AREA SURROUNDING
UNIVERSITY AVENUE 14TWEZP ALMA STREET AND MIDDLEFIELD
ROAD) FROM CC OR CS TO CD" (1st Reading 7/14/86, PASSED
9-0)
ORDINANC,3 RE CHANGING THE ZONE, CLASSIFICATION OF THE PROPER-
TIES KNOWN AS 215-239 HIGH STREET FROM M CC TO' PM -3 2nd
Reading ): PLA -14) ...
ORDINANC`- 3699 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL or TH 2
CX Y OF `a• ALTO AMENDING SECTION 18.08.040 OF THE. PALO
ALTO HUl :IC'P L ,CODE (THE' ZOWING MAP) TO CHANGE THE WOW
CLASSIFICATION OF TOE PROPERTIES KNOWN AS 215-239 HIGH
STREET FROM CC TO RN 3' (1st Reading 7/14/86, PASS
9-0)
8. ORDINANCE RE MORATORIUM ON CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT AND DEMOLITION
OF HISTORIC STRUCTURES/SITES IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA (2nd
Reading) (PLA 7--1i)
ORDINANCE 3699 entitled 'ORDINANCE OF„ THE COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALO ALTO IMPOSING A MORATORIUM FOR SIX !MONTHS
ON CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT AND DEMOLITION OLL HISTORIC
STRUCTURES/SITES IN THE DOWNTOWN ARIA' (1st Reading
7/14/86, PASSED 9-9)
MOTION PASSED unanimously, Renael, Satorius absent.
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
City Manager Bill Zaner announced #5, Ordinance Adding
18.48 to the Palo Alto Municipal Code, would become #9-A.
9. FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION RE
Chapter
PROPOSED
WHOLESALE yWATER RATE DECREASE (UTI 1-3) (CMR:3v$7:6 )
Councilinember Bechtel said the day after Council voted to approve
a water rate increase, the San Francisco Public Utilities
Commission ruled that Palo Alto's rates should be decreased.
MOTION: Councilaember Bechtel for the Finance and Public Works
Committee moved to approve the proposed decrease in water rates.
The amount of reduced water purchased costs retained by the City
is a refund from the San Francisco Water District because of the
excess in the Suburban Us:erns Balancing M. at. Those_ .funs will
be placed in the Transfer Stabilization Reserve. The additional
funding to the Transfer Stabilization Reserve will be discontinued
in the event wholesale water rates increase in the future. The
Transfer Stabilization *eaerve contribution can be used to par-
tially or wholly offset the wholesale rate increase. The
remaining savings in reduced voter purchased costs to the City
beginning August 1, 19$6are passed an to the consumer.
RESOLUTION 6545 esti toed *RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF
TES CIt or Wvo ALTO AMENDING SCHEDULE W-1 OF THR CITY
OR PALO ALTO UTILITIES RATES AND CHARGES PERTAINING TO
GENERAL, WATER SERVICE*
MOTION PASSED asimeusly$ Reasel,, S*torius absent.
9-A (OLD 5) ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 18.48 TO TITLE 18 TO CREATE
COMMERCIAL DOWNTOWN (CD) DISTRI T (2nd Reading) (PLA 7�-ITr
City Attorney Diane Northway said the first sentence of Section.
18.48.060(b) (5) should reads 'In the CD --S . and CD -N subdist,ricts,
(1) RM-3_ or RM-2 shall apply to residential developments; and, (2)
in mixed residential and nonresidential developments, RM-3 or RM-2
density shall be allowed in addition to the 0.4 nonresidential
FAR.' The .previous language was confusing in terms of whether the
0.4 FAR would also apply to residential developments, which it did
not. The newly drafted language distinguished between residential
developments and their allowed density which would be RM-3 and
RM-2, and mixed used developments where there would be the
residential density for the residential portion of the project and
.4 FAR for the nonresidential portion of the project.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Woolley owed, seconded by Levy, to revise
18.4x.0.60, subsection 5, to read as follows: 'In the CD -S and
CD -w subdistricts, (1) RM-3 or RN -2 shall apply to residential
developments; and, (2) in a wined residential and nonresidential
development, RN -3 or RN -2 density shall be allowed in addition to
the 0.4 nonresidential FAR.
ORDINANCE. 3696 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE
Calf OF AU) ALTO ADDING " CHAPTER 10.48 TO TITLE 18
(ZONING CODE) TO CREATE A COMMERCIAL DOWNTOWN (CD)
DISTRICT' (1st loading 7/14/86, PASSED 9-0)
TION PASSED unanimously, Renzel, Sutorius absent.
10. GOLDEN TRIANGLE PALO ALTO PAZTICIPATIION (PRE 3)
(CMR:42236)
City Manager Bill Zaner said Council was presented with a packet
of information (.on file in the City Clerk's office) the City
received from the. Golden TriangleTask Force that day. The Golden
Triangle Task Force Floor Area Ratio (.FAR)\Policy was adopted by
the Task Force= and each of the agencies as the controlling policy
for the .35 FAR regulation. Hospitals were exempt from the .35
FAR program. A paragraph was added to read: "In, a case where
current ordinances controlling densities are more restrictive than
.35 FAR, the .35 FAR fides not apply." In a came where a project
resulted from a local .election, .35 FAR doeii not apply. Be
believed the Council's concerns were covered. Regarding the
question of to whom one turned to exceed the .35 FAR, Co -until was
the final arbitrator of what project would go :ahead, but projeots
exceeding the .35 FAR would probably be taken before the Golden
Triangle Task Forcefor review. The Agreement between the City of
Palo Alto arid the Santa Clara County Manufacturing Group would
allow the Manufacturing Group to act as administrator of the
project. The dement required a commitment by the City of Palo
Alto of $40,000. The remaining documents were copies of letters
sent by each of the Golden Triangle participants to. the
Manufacturers Groups and while each of the cities and the County
approved the Golden Triangle objectives and the articles in the
FAR policy, comments were reflected in the letters.
Vice Mayor Woolley was still concerned about the California Avenue
area because she did not see it as more restrictive than a .35
FAR.
7 5 0 7
7/28/86
Director of Planning and Community Environment Ken Schreiber
interpreted the California Avenue regulations, which included the
100,000 square -foot cap on new development, at least as restric-
tive as Downtown.
Vice Mayor Woolley asked whether it night be valuable tor Council
to direct staff to return with the ordinance to include a one-year
sunset clause.
Mr. Zaner said whatever steps were necessary to implement the .35
FAR, staff would include a sunset clause effective May 29.
Councilmember Patitucci asked how the .35 FAR ordinance would
relate to the recently rezoned area around San Antonio Road.
Mr. Zaner said staff would return with a series -of docUments to
adopt the .35 FAR, one of which would be the policy statement, and
any ordinances or resolutions necessary to place the .35 FAR into
the Council approval process regulations on a temporary basis
until the "summit meeting."
Me. Northway said if something was not in the 'pipeline," once a
35 FAR was passed, it would be controlled.
Mr. Zaner said the guidelines indicated those projects which
received al -1 discretionary approvals may proceed.
Ms. Northway clarified if someone on San Antonio had a project
with a .4 FAR, but did not have an completely approved project,:
including Architectural Review Board (ARB) approval, it could not
go forward.
Councilmember Levy clarified that, since a few uses were exempted,
a project could be a .4 FAR, including .35 of nonexempted uses and
.5 of exempted uses such as retail space.
Mr. Schreiber believed the zoning action could be structured to
apply to all development on parcels or to apply to types of uses
which were nonexempt from the proposal. The ps biem with trying
to sort out exempted and nonexempted uses was oftentimes the use
of the space was unknown. There were potential implemention
prohleas to be discussed with the City Attorney's office. Staff
welcomed Council guidance as to whether the action was to covet
a►ll development on a property or all development subject to the
FAR policy of the Golden Triangle Task Force.
Councilmember Levy said there were cash outlays of $95,000 on a
$40,000/$55,000, ` and there appeared to be significant indirect
expenses of staff time. He asked for an estimate.
Mr. Zaner said the cash outlay would probabW,be about $9.5,000:
Staff time might equate to A one-third or 'A -1111f time person
plus time by he, City Attorney Diane Northway and ` Messrs. Overway
and Schreiber, which would probably cost an additional $25,000 to
$30,000.
Mayor Cobb said Councilmember Sutorius was disappointed he could
not attend the meeting, but was concerned about the general
subject of the various downtowns.
Mr. Zaner said every city expressed concern about problems ,with
its downtowns, whether it be historic downtowns, planned down-
towns, or redeveloped downtowns. Members of the Golden Triangle
Task Force temporarily set the downtown issue aside to get the
operation underway. The Task Force recognized the downtown issue
was a high priority for each jurisdiction, and the success or
failure of the Golden Triangle Task Force might turn on whether
the jurisdictions reached a concensus about how to treat develop-
ment in their respective downt Iwns.
MOTION: Vic* Mayor Woolley moved, seconded by Klein, to take
the following actionss
1. Adopt the Phase 1 objectives;
2. Enter into an agreement with the Santa Clara County
Manufacturing Group for administration and development of tha
Golden Triangle Modeling Process, Capital Improvement Program,
LOS -FAR Policy and for project support;
3. Adopt the Golden Triangle Task Force floor area: -ratio policy,
which limits FAR to .35 with certain exceptions and direct
City staff to return to Council with the changes needed to
accomplish it;
4. Commit to the appropriation $40,000 for Palo Alto's share of
the consultant stedy;
5. Instruct staff to review the Comprehensive Plan to determine.
whit conmercial or industrial property can be rezoned to
residential, And followimiLeoft a determination and at the
Cousci1os discretion, ams44 1041 General Plan to accomplish
this lead use change by April 1, 1907; and
i. Commit to the appropriation of an additional $55,000 for the
establishment of a transportation demand management
Organization;
7. Commit to the considerationof adoption of a uniform model
transportation demand ordinance which might include trip
reduction measures, reporting standards, evaluation criteria,
etc.;
7 5 0 9
7/28/86
MOTION CONTINUED
8. Acknowledge the commitment of senior transportation and admin-
istrative staff time to this effort. and.recognize that other
projects might be delayed; and
9. Authorise the Mayor to select a member of the City Coikacil to
serve on the Golden Triangle Task Force.
Vice Mayor Woolley was on the Land Use Committee of the
intergovernmental Council who looked toward the Golden Triangle
Task Force as a model. It was important tor Palo Alto to ensure a
successful effort.
Councilmember Klein was enthusiastic about the process. He saw no
higher priority than for Palo Alto to participate with the Task
Force and contribute to its success.
Councilmember Patitucci associated himself with the comments of
Vice Mayor Woolley and Councilmember Klein. He believed the key
difference between the Golden Triangle Task Force and previone
attempts was the involvement of the private sector.
Councilmember Levy was encouraged by the changes to the policy
documents, and agreed with the previous comments. The goals of
the Task Force were consonant with the goals of Palo Alto. The
associated costs were not insignificant, but were worth it.
Councilmember Re azeI agreed with her colleagues. She urged Pal
Alto encourage transit as a means of dealing with the
transportation problems and that land use be scaled down. The
quality of life in the area would be better if the jurisdictions
worked toward a balance.
Mayor Cobb said the Golden Triangle Task Force was of massive
significance to the future of the valley and Palo Alto. The City
Council was united in; moving forward. It was not often a city
'eldertook something of such magnitude and importance with such
unanimity. The members of the Task Force were diverse as were the
interests, and the road would not be easily traveled. It was
imperative for Palo Alto .to participate.
$OflOM PASSED unanimously, Sutorius absent.
7 5 .1 0
7/28/86
11. MATTER OF PREPARATION OF BINGO ORDINANCE (LEG 5.4-1)
(CMR;418;6)
i
City Manager Bill Zaner referred to th Council assignment
regarding bingo, and said staff was advised by Mr. Ralph Scheer,
Executive Directnr eE the Community Association for the Retarded
(CAR), that the arrangements being made by the nonprofit
organization* with Fiesta Bowl were set aside. He queried whether
the conditions previously agreed upon by Council still applied and
whether staff should continue its efforts.
Vice Mayor Woolley asked eu an estimate of staff time to proceed
with the ordinance
Ms. Nor►hway conservatively estimcted 60 to 70 attorney hours to
prepare the bingo ordinance excluding any administrative time.
George Wilson, 340 Lowell, spoke on behalf of himself and Richard
Placone, who ,spearheaded the effort on tte part of the volunteers
and staff of the respective agencies. He asked the record reflect
the following statement of Richard Placone (on file in the City
Clerk's office): "He regretted his absence. The CAR and its
sister organizations hoped to establish a recreational bingo
center at Fiesta Lanes, but_lost the opportunity because the site
was no longer available. As stated in CAR's letter to Mr.
Gherman, the American Recreation Company could no longer delay
making some arrangements for use of, the building in the fall.
Since the outcome of Palo Alto's proposed ordinance change to
allow CAR's development to continue was uncertain, American
kecreation Company signed up bowling leagues for the fall and
winter seasons. He understood City staff was askieg Council for
direction with regard to the development of a revised bingo
ordinance, and he urged the study be continued and that ordinance
be developed around which CAR could make future plans, While CAR
would be unable to develop Fiesta Lanes, it believed it found a
better site for the recreational bingo center. CAR was also
concerned the center not have an adverse effect on Palo Alto.
CAR's new proposed site was located in the business park eastof
highway 101 and north of San Antonio Road. The site was under
negotiation. Lease rates would be favorable and it would be
economiea1ly feasible to c=Berate the center. The site had 215
off-street parking spaces v:,iich, when used by the center, would
not interfere with the daytime businesses in the park. Since
there were no residences nearby and there was immediate access to
the freeway andmain arterials, there would be no impact in a
residential area. It was the kind of location CAR would seek for
the bingo center. While other sites suggested themselves, they
were rejected because they would adversely impact the immediate
community. If the ordinance passed, _ but CAR's present effort
failed, it could still move forward with other plans knowing what
restrictions would apply and could complete leasing arrangements
in a timely fashion.. Without the ordinance, CAR ran the riskof
losing another site because of future . delays in ordinances being
written."
Sarita Ledet, 460 California Avenue, Suite 13, represented the
Child AM,ocacy Council. (CAC), and encouraged Council to redirect
staff to continue to draft the ordinance to allow the use of bingo
as a fund raising source. It was important for the ordinance to
be drafted so there were no difficulties once a site became avail-
able.
Joan Weaver, 299 California Avenue, represented United Cerebral
Palsy, and urged Council to continue with the efforts to draft a
bingo ordinance to meet the needs of the various nonprofit organi-
zations and protect the City's interests. Bingo was highly regu-
lated by the state, and only charities could benefit in the
profits. The operations must be maintained by volunteers. Prizes
were limited to a $250 maximum, etc. The City could license bingo
operations and limit the number of licenses on a population basis.
Since large numbers of people were together for specific periods
of time, other restrictions governing parking, hours of bingo
operation, etc. could be imposed. Social concerns such as noise,
proximity to residential neighborhoods, and schools could also be
addressed. The nonprofit organizations had the same concerns and
only sought sites which responded to the concerns. She saw no
problem with a bingo ordinance and welcomed one in order to plan.
Volunteer hours were like: gold and bingo was the beet, most cost-
effective use of volunteer time.
Thom Johnson, 299 California Avenue, President, Board of
Directors, United Cerebral Palsy, was disappointed when he heard
the draft ordinance was not prepared and that he again needed to
attend the City Council meeting. Between United Cerebral Palsy
and CAR, there were almost 100 years of service to Palo Alto, San
Mateo County and Santa Clara County, without scandal or corrup-
tion. They intended to operate the bingo center as a beneficial
business. The proposed requirements and requests were similar to
those requested in the past with regard to exclusions for fast
food franchises, etc. He urged Council continue preparation of
the ordinance.
Sandy Blovad,=4152 Thainway, was Director of the Jewish Community
Center (JCC). The consortium of nonprofits wanted to help serve
its constituents and were interested in a strong ordinance to
protect the integrity of the City of Palo Alto. The project
should continue.
Don Ostrus, Vice President, CAR, asked the record to reflect the
foll.owxng statement by _Pat Morin, President of CAR (verbatim copy
on file in the City Clerk's office) : "CAR was disappointed about
the loss of the Fiesta lanes ac a potential site for charity
bingo, but the loss• of the site did not negate the basic purpose
for the request to conduct bingo games to benefit disabled and
needy. In Palo Alto, CAR served 537 individuals and families, 4nd
over 1,600 people from infants to senior citizens in San Mateo and
Santa Clara Counties. With federal, state and local funds
becoming increasingly unavailable, new ways, were necessary to
enlarge the base for community support, and bingo was a recognized
7 5 1 2
7/28/86
1
1
i
legal and time tested way for charities to raise funds. Churches
and schools did it for years. They lacked the physical facilities
available to other groups and therefore joined with four other
nonprofit organizations to lease ':pace for a bingo center. If
successful, bingo games could provide their agencies with over
$100,0,00 per year which translated to over 1,800 hours of services
to those in need. The kind of program offered by the CAR to a
retarded person in the community cost $891.72 per year per person.
CAR believed it was in the taxpayer's best interest to provide the
opportunity to conduct charity bingo." CAR did so much for the
community that chart bingo would be a good means of community
support.
Vice Mayor Woolley was advised by the Police Department that
card -rooms were limited to five in Palo Alto, and only one
currently operated. She asked about the distance limitation.
Ms. Northway said the Municipal Code provided for a "spreading"
provision wherein card -rooms had to be a certain distance from
themselves, massage parlors and like uses, various types of
schools and residential. When applied to the previous bingo
facility, it was within 100 feet of residential and not a prolif-
eration possibility. Courcil could also limit the number of
tables allowed in a card parlor, and therefore, the number of
players.
Mr. Zaner said there were some inquiries regarding bingo, and each
requested a copy of the City's ordinance or regulations. No
regulations presently applied to larger scale bingo than what the
Citycurrently er ted; and, in order draft such
C.�tz p��mat..6�, a3Eu, to ca is ordi-
nance, staff needed to know the exact location and what kind of
conditions were appropriate to prevent proliferation.
NOTION: Councilsember Patitucci moved, seconded by Bechtel,
that the City Attorney discontinue developing specific ordinance
as outlined at the July 7, 1986 City Council welting,
Councilmember Patitucci supports/ _,zieinal bingo proposal
because of the organizations `because there was a tangible
project and an operation which seemed acceptable. He was worried
about building such a complex ordinance without having something
specific around which to build. He was not adverse to potential
future modifications to the bingo ordinance, but the City . Attorney
said there were many opportunities within theexisting ordinance
for bingo operations to succeed in Palo Alto. Until Council had a
specific case, he could not see adding to the City Attorney's
workload.
7 5 1 3
7/28/86
Councilmember Fletcher opposed the motion. She was concerned
City Y type
the Attorne 's workload, out n order to have the t e
of revenue -generating bingo the organizations sought, and if the
nonprofits returned when a location was identified and Council
started the process again, by the time the ordinance was final,
the opportunity to lease the facility would be lost, which was
what happened with the previous situation. The nonl:r;ofits
appeared before Council last spring and presented the time frames
and requested quick action. She urged defeat of tne motion. If
the motion failed, she would propose the City Attorney have a
couple more weeks to complete the assignment.
Councilmember Levy original supported the bingo proposal. He
spoke with many people in the .community before casting his vote
and was comfortable the citizens of Palo Alto supported bingo.
Since then, he spoke with many other people, and while a few
people opposed bingo, the overwhelming number of People supported
it. He was concerned about the Fiesta Lanes location because it
was next door to a residential area. One of the best __ways to pre-
vent proliferation was to assure it was a _certain distance away
from residential areas. Like the card parlor ordinance, bingo
facilities would also have to be separated from themselves by a
certain distance. The location discussed that evening was better,
both in terms of an individual bingo parlor and the ability to
build an ordinance with the proposed, and other similar, locations
in mind. He agreed with Councilmember Fletcher.
Mayor,;. Cobb opposed bingo as did his constituency. Council could
not direct the drafting of an organization -specific ordinance.
The ordinance needed to be generic so enyone who met the generic
test could apply. He sympathized with what the organzations were
trying to accomplish, but his needed to look at the worst -case
situation. The worst case invited many policing and other prob-
lems. He was advised by people in the bingo businese that bingo
organizations could work within the law to have small bingo opera-
tions suitable for their operations without having them on their
own premises. He supported the motion.
I TION iiAlaWM, by a ± ete of 5-3, Woolley, rletcb.r, min:. voting
sae,* Setorius absent..
JOURNNENT TO CLOSED SESSION
Council adjourned to a Closed Session re Litigation and Employer/
Employee Relations at 8:50 ,.a.
FINAL ADJOURNMENT
Final adjournment at 10:05 p.m.
ATTEST i `1
APPROVED;
7 5 1 4
7/28/86