HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-01-09 City Council Summary MinutesA
CITY
COUNCIL
MINUTES'
Regular Meeting
Monday, January 9, 1984
CITY
of
Mt
ALIO
FILM PAGE
Ural Communications 4 0 8_4
/Minutes of September 19, 1983 4 0 8 5
Minutes of September 26, 1983 4 0 8 5
Minutes of October 1.0, 1983 4 0 8 5
item #1, Election of Mayor fur 1984; Election of 4 0 8 5
"Vi ce Mayor for 1984
Item #2, Resolution of Appreciation to Zoe Fagan 4 0 8 6
item ,3, Resolution of Appreciation to Joseph
Longabaugh
Item #4, Resolution of Appreciation to Charles
Challenger
Item ,, Resolution of Appreciation to William
Moon
Item #6, Appointment of an Historic Resources Board
Member (PAHA Nominee), to Fill Term Ending May 31,
1986
Consent Calendar '. 4 0: 8 9
Referral 4 0 8 9
Action 4 0 8 9
Item #7; Foothills Fire Facility .4 0 8 9
Items #8, Front Easement Power Ling Clearing
item 09, Mitchell Park Tennis Court -Repairs and 4 0 8 9
Resurfacing
Item #1U,. Exterior Painting of Certain Facilities 4.0-8 9
Item 01"2, Ordinance re Classification- of _Piroperty , 4 _0 9 CO.
at.:"3341 Park Boulevard -(2nd Reading)
Agenda .changes, Additons and Deletions 4 0 9 0
IteM #13, Amendment to. Smoking Ordinance 4 0 9.0
Item #14, Ottiities Personnel Requirements 4 _0 9 1
Item #15, kagoest of Councilmember Fletcher. re 4 0 9 3
Flashing Traffic Signals
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[TEM
Item #16, Request of Councilmember Renzel re
Support for the Established Policies of the San
Francisco Bay Conservation and Development
Commission
Item #17, ?bequest of Councilmembers Cobb and
Fletcher and Mayor Klein re Palo Alto Contribution
to National Lobbying Effort to Work for Federal
Cable TV Legislation Moce Favorable (Than
566 HR41U3) to Local Governments
Item #18, Request of Councilmember Fletcher re
Metropolitan Transporation Commission (MTC) Public
Hearing at State Building, San Francisco, on
January_ 12, 1984 with Follow-up on January 26,
1984
Item #19, Report by Councilmember Cobb re National
League of Cities (NIL) .Conference in New Orleans in
Uecember
Adjournment.
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1/09/84
Regular Meeting
Monday, January 9, 1984
The City Council of the City of 11.113 Alto met on this day in the
Counci 1 Chambers at City Ha 1 l , 25U Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, at
1:40 p,m.
i'HLSLNT: Bechtel, Cobb, Fletcher, Klein, Levy, Renzel,
'Sutorius, Witherspoon, Woolley
Mayor Bechtel said the meeting started slightly late because
Council was interviewing candidates for the Palo Alto Planning
Commission. The Council would vote on those candidates the
following Monday evening.
Mayor Bechtel welcomed Gail Woolley and Jack Sutorius to their
first meeting as City Councilinembers.
URAL COMMUNICATIONS
Thomas Fryer of the Foothill -De Anza Community College. District
distributed copies of a publicietion to the Council. The situation
of the College District was unique in its 26 -year history. The
downward slope in dollars per ADA (th2 measure -of the full-time
equivalent of students which provided the funds they worked with)
was now $1,737 per student, which was lower than any public school
district, elementary, unified, or nigh school district in the
area, below the PAUSU, and below the funding level for all other
post -secondary public colleges and universities. It was believed
that tuition was the answer to Community College problems,, and the
answer was being debated in Sacramento. He called tie Council's
attention to the chart on page 15 which showed what happened to
'student fees and fines In the College District over the past
several years. Ten years ago they charged virtually no student
fees, whereas this year they had almost $6 million in the budget
from student fees. It was interesting that the solution being
proposed in Sacramento to impose a modest $50 per semester on
full-time students in Community Colleges had, as one of its princ-
ipal provisions, the elimination of some of the local option fees
they charged. It was possible the State might impose a State-
controlled tuition and eliminate the College's capacity to charge
local option fees for such things as instructional materials and
health services. It was a Catch 22 situation, and showed the
extent to which local control of the College District had deter-
iorated over the last several years. On page 16 there were two
pie charts --the upper one showed that An 1974 the State controlled
only about 45 percent of the basic support for instruction, and
was the largest piece of that pie. The lower pie showed that the
State now controlled about 73 percent of the basic support of the
educational programs. He wanted to ca 1 1 attention to the lower
pie chart on -"page 17, which showed that the proportion of the
expenditure going to management salaries and benefits was a little
less than tive -percent, which they believed was a good record.
Tne chart was indexed to the Fall of 1977,_ and showed that while,
enrollment was about the sane as, six years . ago, weekly student
contact hours, €i'c WSCH--another way of presenting ADA—had
declined. The full and part-time faculty, the classified, and
management .staff had -the unusual job of talking briefly tb
acquaint the Council with their circumstances and let them know
they were ' ons"ideririg a variety of alternatives. One alternative
was a continued interest in project independence, where he hoped
the State -.would.. return a_ measure elf control to local jurisdic-
tions, including cities. As the Counci l knew, ,,the Board of.
Trustees called a special election for Aori 1 10, . 1984 in an` .affart
to take their case to the people and explain to them why they
needed supplementary funding for the repair and maintenance of the
buildings and for the purchase of instructional equipment for the
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shops and labs in the College District. He was not there for
Council endorsement of the measure,' only to yive background about
the situation. They intended to continue the best they could with
the resources provided, enjoyed a good relationship with the City
of Palo Alto, and a significant instructional center in the City.
Both colleges served a large number of young people and adults
from Palo Alto, and it was a pleasure for him to make the presen-
tation to the Council.
Mayor Bechtel thanked Mr. Fryer and wished him good luck.
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 19, 1.983, SEPTEMBER 26, 1983, and OCTOBER 10
Minutes of Se tember 19, 19133
Councilmember Klein submitted the following corrections.
Paye 3.769, the list of Councilrnernbers in attendance was incorrect.
i,uunci irnember Fletcher was listed twice• as being present, whereas
he had not been listed at all.
Pa a 3/94, paragraph 3, line 16, the word "metal" should read
nett e.
Louncilrnember Fletcher submitted the following corrections:
Paae 379Z, paragraph 1, line 2, the word "bumps" should read
pumps.
Faye 3792, paragraph 1, line 7, the word "but" should read "and."
Minuut s s� ,r�Se tember 26, 19#I3
Councilinember Fletcher submitted the following correction:
Faze 3138 , paragraph 4, line 5, the word "not" should -be deleted.
MOTION: • Vice Mayor Witherspoon moved, seconded by Fletcher,
approval of the Minutes of September 19, 1983 and September 26,
1983* as amended, and the Minutes of October 10, 1983 as sub-
mitted.
MOTION PASSEL) unanimously.
1ftM #1, ELECTION OF MAYOR FOR 1984. ELECTION OF VICE MAYOR FOR
Mayor Bechtel said it was an honor for her to represent Palo Alto
for the past year as Mayor. She appreciated `'the support of the
Councilmembers present and the two who _completed their terms--
Councilmernber Eyerly and Councilrnember Fazzino. The staff was
supportive, and anyone who worked closely with Ann Tanner, the
City C I erk, knew how she and her staff ;jiel ped the Mayor to func-
tion efficiently.: The City Attorneys, the City Manager, and the
Assistant City Manager were all helpful. it was a cooperative
Council, and there were_many members qualified to be Mayor It
was an opportunity that all Councilmemoer°s might like at one time
or another. She would not seek another term that evening, but
might again in the future. Her sights were on another seat, and
she encouraged her colleagues to vote, as she ".Intended, for
Cuuncilmember Klein. He showed leadership abilities, a good mind,
and a persuasive tongue. He would be of fect•i ve as Mayor.
1UESULTS OF VOTING:
Voting for Klein: Fletcher, Sutorius, Menzel', Witherspoon,
Hechtel,: Klein, WoQ.iley, Levy, Cobb.
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City Clerk Ann Tanner announced that Councilmemher Klein had nine
votes, and was elected Mayor.
Mayor Bechtel congratulated the new, Mayor.
Mayor Klein thanked his colleagues and friends. He appreciated
the confidence bestowed upon him, and hoped he would live up to it
during the next year. It was a particular honor and privilege for
hiin to succeed Betsy Bechtel as Mayor because she was a good
friend. Politicians were fond of saying that everyone was a good
friend, but in Betsy's case, it was true. She was one of the
first people he came to know after moving to Palo Alto in the
bd's, and their families were close friends ever since. They even
shared football tickets to Stanford. Betsy was a superb Mayor in
his judgment, and he hoped to live up to the standards set by her.
Her conduct as Mayor, her fairness to the public, the indefatig-
able good nature and warmth she brought to the job would be diffi-
cult to match. She was also superb as Mayor in her ability to
keep the Council informed, get input, and reach solutions that
were beneficial to the Mayor.
Counci lme ber Bechtel thanked Mayor Klein.
RESULTS OF VOTING FOR VICE MAYOR:
Voting for Witherspoon: Cobb, Witherspoon, -Sutorius
Voting fur Levy: Levy, Woolley, Bechtel, Klein,- Renzei , Fletcher.
City Clerk Ann Tanner announced that Counci linernber Levy received
six votes and was elected Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayor Levy thanked his colleagues for their votes. He had
double the pleasure of Mayor Klein in succeeding two excellent
Vice Mayors --Gary Fazzino and Anne Witherspoon. He looked forware
to working with Mayor Klein and to continue functioning as a good
Council, a Council with the right instincts for what was good for
the community.
ITEM #Z, RESOLUTIUl'I OF APPRECIATION TO ZOE FAGAN
Mayor Klein said Loe Fagan and Joseph Longabaugh were. in the audi-
ence that evening, and both were Fire Department ,employees.
Fire Chief Bob Wall said Zoe Fagan was more than -the Fire Chief's
secretary, she was a special member of the Palo Alto Fire Depart-
ment. In the traditional sense, Zoe was a super Fire Chief's
secretary, but he was amazed that she could type the City budget
and make the numbers come out right, answer complaints, or send a
bi l i and have a citizen end the conversation with a "thank you."
Wtcen he was Fire Marshall and -Acting Fire Chief, she stepped in
and helped supervise the Senior Citizens Residential inspection
team, and regularly identified problems and routinely provided
solutions. She attended staff meetings, took min'ctes, and provid-
ed opinions, her -vote always counted. She was a leader to Palo
Alto City employees, and fellow workers sought her advice. Zoe
Spoke her mind, but had time- to listen to the other person. She
had a special ownership quality ,toward her City and her. Fire
Department and represented them professionally. Het dedication
and excellence set a standard for other employees. Even-- though
she - retired,- he expected :Zoe to be -involved in the City. On
behalf of the entire Fire Uepartuient, he thanked Zoe Fagan.
MOTION: Mayor Klein moved, seconded by Sutorius, approlial of
the Resolution of Appreciation to Zoe Fagan, Os her retirement.
RESOLUTION 6214 'RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
bp 'PLb ALtO LXP*ESSIN i APPRECIATION TO ZOE CATHERINE
FAGAN UPON HER RETIREMENT"
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Mayor Klein said Ms. Fagan's retirement on December 29, 1983 as
Executive Secretary to the Fire Chief was after 18 years of con-
tinuous service. She was a public servant for the City's
Treasurer's and Tax Collector's office for nine years, for a total
of 2/ years. Knowledge of her job, and sensitivity to her peers
had made her an exceptional employee and co --worker. Her con-
scienciousness was an inspiration, as was her ability to handle
all types of people and situations. The City was losing a dedi-
cated and knowledyeabre employee. The City gratefully recorded
its appreciation far the community fear her flithful service and
extended sincere best wishes for a long and happy retirement.
MOTION PASSED unanimously.
Ms. Fagan said it was nice to be appreciated, and she was pleased
that the City appreciated her. She was an employee of the City
with pride and satisfaction. Palo Alto would always hold a spe-
cial place in her heart, and it would be fun to look at the
Council as a citizen. She appreciated the resolution.
ITEM #3, RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO JOSEPH LONGARAUGH
Chief Wall said Captain Longabaugh was in the Fire Department for
over 24 years. Eighteen years ago, he was his training officer,
and his basic skills helped others through.dangerous situations,
for which he was grateful. His skills red to lifesaving services
for the City and community. It was difficult to express the
impact of a quarter of century of service from a fire fighter. A
bond developed in the Fire Department among firefighters --they
were a family. Their high level of friendship was unusual in
today's society. He quoted from his favorite book, "Greater love
hath no one but this, that a man lay down his life for his
friends." Joe was that kind of friend:: to the Palo Alto
fire fighters, and he thanked him.
MOTION: Mayor Klein moved, seconded by Bechtel, approval of the
Resolution of Appreciation to Joseph Louis Longabaugh upon his
ret.irement.°
KESoLUTIUI, 6215 entitled RESOLUTION Of THE COUNCIL OF
U ALTO EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO JOSEPH
LOUIS LUN(At AUGH UPON HIS RETIREMENT"
Mayor Klein said Captain Longabaugh had been a fire --fighter for
Palo Alto since 1953, was appointed Fire Captain in 1959, and
served as training officer and suprssion captain for a combined
24 years. He pursued his duties for the safety of citizens with
enthusiasm, thoroughness, common sense, fairness and courtesy. He
took an active part in Fire Department programs for training, -pre-
vention inspections, public - educations, emergency medical ser-
vices, and fire ground command. His efforts and contributions
enabled the C•+ -to continue ti c t s f f
City -to Rr V1'iLiri �7� a of respect 1!1 {.elsii3 V1
its emergency services provided to citizens by the Fire Depart-
ment. The City desired to recognize the meritorious service of
Mr. Longabaugh, and commended his outstanding public service. It
recorded its, and the citizens', appreciation of the service and
contributions rendered during his 30 years of employment with the
City.
MOTION PASSED unanimously
Mr. Longabaugh said he became a resident of the City of Pa i o Alto
in 1940,, and one of his first goals was to become a: City fireman,
which he was. happy to have achieved., His second goal -was to serve
for 30 years, and although he sometimes had doubts, he was glad,.to
have achieved that too. It was a pleasure and enjoyable working
with the men, the people of the City- of Palo HAlto, and everyone
witn whom be had -contact. ,The citizens- of Palo Alto were great.
He had considerable contact with the i;ndu.stry,- and believed Palo
Alto was ,one of the best cities there ..was, and had a number one
Fire Department.
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ITEM #4 RESULUI IUN OF APPRECIATION TO CHARLES CHALLENGER
Mayor Klein said Mr. Challenger was unable to attend the meeting.
MOTION: Mayor Klein moved, seconded by Levy, approval of the
Resolution of Appreciation.
RESOLUTION 6216 entitled 'RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF
711 CITY OF plrU ALTO EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO CHARLES
WILLIAM CHALLENGER UPON HIS RETIREMENT"
Mayor Klein said Mr. Challenger had served the City as Fire
Captain from 19b1 through 1964; and Battalion Chief from 1964
through 1983. He pursued his duties for the safety of citizens
with enthusiasm, thoroughness, common sense, fairness, compassion,
and courtesy, and took an active part in Fire Department programs
such as fire station design and modifications; vehicle specifica-
tion, highrise fire tactics-, and training in hazardous materials.
Through his efforts and contributions, the_City continued to be
respected for the emergency services provided by the Fire Depart
meat. The City desired to recognize his ,meritorious services, and
commended the outstanding public service of Mr. Challenger, and
recorded its, and the citizens' appreciation, of his service and
contributions during the 22 years he was employed by the City.
MOTION PASSED unanimously.
ITEM #5, RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO WILLIAM MOON
Mayor Klein said Mr. Moon was also unable to be present.
MOTION: Mayor Klein moved, seconded by Renzel, to adopt the
Resolution of Appreciation to Mr. Moon.
kESUUTION 6217 entktied *RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF
1717777771711tu Ai U EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO WILLIAM
ORAULEY MOON UPON HIS RETIREMENT"
Mayor Klein Maio Mr. Moon served the City as a fire fighter and
apparatus, operator from 1959 through 1962, as Fire Captain from
1962 tnrough 1970, and Battalion Chief from 1970 until 1983. He
pursued his duties for the safety of citizens .with enthusiasm,
thoroughness, common sense, fairness and. courtesy, and took an
active part in Fire .Department programs such as training, fire
apparatus maintenance, -specifica..ions, purchasing, firefighter
recruitment, teStiny ana training, and promotional processes for
fire captain and battalion chief. The efforts and contributions
of Mr. Moon enabled the City to continue to be respected in terms
of its emergency services provided to its citizens by the Fire
Department. The City recognized'the meritorious services of Mr.
Moon, and commended his outstanding public service. It `recorded
-� i ,1 i .n for than rarei ces and tci tri-
its, and its citizens', vfi}ii Vii. iia 5. Iidii �::� Y� � _ -�-� ---.
butions rendered during his 24 years of employment with the City.
MOTION PASS• O unanimously.
Mayor. Klein said the resolutions would be mailed to Mr. Challenger
and Mr. Moon, respectively.
ITEM #b APPOINTMENT OF AN HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD MEMBER (PAHA
A
Vice Mayor Levy said .the Historical Association nominated Ruth
Wilson to replace Gail Woolleje as a member of the Historic_
Resources Board.
MUf IU : Vito Mayor Levy *oiled, seconded by Reozel-, to appoint
Ruth i l son to the Oli storic *AsOurces Boird.
MOTION PASSED unanimously.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Klein said the Council received a notice from staff that
Item II, Medical Screening Services, did not need to be voted on
that evening, and he removed the item from the Consent Calendar.
City Manager Bill :saner said the item would be reagendized at the
appropriate time. ,
MOTION: :.ouncilmember Cobb moved, seconded by Levy, approval of
Consent Calendar Items 7 through 10 and Item 112.
Referral
None
Action
ITEM #7 FOOTHILLS FIRE FACILITY (CMR:108:4)
Staff recommends that Council:
1. Authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement with Law/
Woodson/Barksdale for $11,000.
2, Staff be authorized to execute change orders of up to $4,000
for reimbursable and additional costs.
AGREEMENT - PROFESSIONAL DESIGN CONSULFAMT SERVICES
Law/Woodson/Barksdale, Inc.
ITEM 08, FRONT EASEMENT POWER LINE CLEARING (C1R:113:4)
Staff recommends that Council:
I. Authorize the Mayor to --execute a. contract- with the -Pied Piper
Exterminators, Inc. for $78,500 for 1,768 crew hours of line
clearing.
Authorize staff to issue change orders up to $8,000, if_
r=equired. -
AWAKU OF CONTRACT
The Pied Piper Exterlaiastors, Inc.
ITEM' #9 M1 ICHLLL PARK TEMIIS COURT REPAIRS AND - RESURFACING
Staff recommends that Council-:
1. Authorize the Mayor to execute a contract with Tennis
Track Builders, USA in the amount of $23,500.
2. Authorize staff to execute charge orders up to $5,000.
AWARD OF CONTRACT
Tennis and Track Builders, USA
ITEM #10 EXTERIOR PAINTING OF CERTAIN FACILITIES (CMR:109:4)
Staff recommends that Council:
I. Authorize the Mayor to execute a contract with Stanford
Painting in the amount of $17.790.
2. Authorize staff to issue change orders up to $2,600.
AWARD. OF,, CONTRACT
Stanford Painting
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i l tm w12, ;WF 1NNANi . Fit CLASS! F CAI 1UN OF I'RUPEKIY AT 3341 PARK
BOTfLtVARU- 2nd Readin
ORDINANCE 3501 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF
THE C1Ti' QF Pao ALTO AMENDING SECTION 18.08.040 OF THE
PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE (THE ZONING MAP) TO CHANGE THE
CLASSIFICATION OF THE .PROPERTY KNOWN AS 3341 PARK
bUULEVAKU FROM R-1 TO R-2" (1st Reading 12/19/83, PASSED
9-0)
MOTION PASSED .unanimously
AGENDA CHANGES AUDITIONS AND DELETIONS
Counci ireimber Fletcher said that, at the conclusion of the agenda-,
she wished to mention a public hearing for the Metropolitan Trans-
portation Cornm'ssion (MTC).
ITEM #I3, AMENDMENT TO SMOKING ORDINANCE
Mayor Klein ascertained that staff had nothing to report.
Councilmember Fletcher wanted to accept the ordinance as presented
by staff, with an amendment as described in her .memo of January 5,
1954. The last .time Council discussed the issue, it was asked to
modify the section regarding employee lounges to permit separate
lounges for smokers and nonsmokers rather than the two-thirds/
one-third division with the provision that if there were more than
one Iounge, the two lounges had to be on one floor. She believed
it was unrealistic to expect many bui'-'ings to have more than one
lounge per floor. The lounges might be small, and any one smoker,
even though they might be a small percentage of the total people
in the room, could still .make it unpleaJant for the rest of the
people in the room. She believed it was advisable to allow sepa-
rate smoXing and nonsmoking lounges as long as the lounges were in
the same building.
MOTION: Councilmember Fletcher moved, seconded by Renxel,
approval of the ordinance for first reading to amend the Municipal
Code regulating smoking in the office workplace.
ORDINANCE FOR FIRST READING entitled *ORDINANCE OF THE
ALO ALTO AMENDING SECTION
9.14.09U OF THE PALO ALTO' MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING
SMOKING IN THE OFFICE WORKPLACE TO ALLOW THE USE OF THE
INTERNATIONAL "NO SMOKING" SYMBOL OR SIGN IN LIEU OF A
WORDED NO SMOKING SIGN AND TO PROVIDE FOR SEPARATE
SMOKING AND NO SMOKING LOUNGES UNDER CERTAIN
CIRCUMSTANCES"
AMENDMENT: Coencilmember Fletcher moved, seconded by Levy, to
*wend Section 9.14.090(2) to delete the words "per floor/ and sub-
stitute the word "in" for ,,*for" in line six of that section.
Mayor Klein said the amendment to the smoking ordinance was the
language used in the City Attorney's letter of December. 28,._1983,
with the exceptions noted by Counc i i member Fletcher.
Rolf Horn, Varian Associates, 611 Hansen Way, represented the
Palo Alto -Chamber of Commerce. He believed the amendments Were
among . those proposed the previous month by the Palo Alto Chamber
of l:ornrrer•ce and several H P,a 1 o 'Alto members of the Santa C l a r
.County Manufacturing Group. The amendments represented the mini -
r um .refinements to . the ' ordi na;nce to give ernpl oyers --a degree of
f.ex1bi l ity when _implernenti.ng the ordinance. Councilmember
F 1-satcher ` s amendment . was , strongly endorsed with_ respect to
iup l oyee 1 orange prov i s i on since it was the concept i n Sri nd When
the amendment. was proposed last "month. ,They supported the rever-
s i on to the original concept, supported both amendments and urged
adoptions
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AMENDMENT I NCOMPQKATFIS INTO MAIN NOTION BY MAKER ANO SECOND.
MOTION PASSEL unanimously.
Councilmember Sutorius commented that there were no smokers'on the
Council last year.
ITEM s14, UTILITIES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS (CMR:102:4)
Mayor Klein said the item referred to a report from the City
Manayer with regard to Utilities Personnel requirements, 'and
requested that Council authorize the addition of a Supervising
Engineer, a Principal Engineer, and one Electrician to the Utili-
ties staff.
City Manager Bill Zaner reminded the Council that the positions
were discussed during the last budget session. Staff did not
include them in the budget because the positions would not be
required fur a full year, and staff did not know when the PG&E
agreement would take effect. The PG&E agreement was in effect,
and the positions were now needed. -
Counci llnember Cobb said that as he read the report, after the
immediate need was satisfied, the. people would go on to other
activities. He asked if the other activities would be needed on a
long -terra basis, or whether an overstaffing situation would be
created for ttie future to take care of an immediate problem. He
asked if it made sense to add jobs because of a short-term need,
whether the job could be done with consultants, or if a private
firm could be hired in an effort to keep. the long-term staffing as
low as possible.
Ui actor of Utilities Richard Young said the positions had speci-
fic goals, and staff had expanded concepts in mind in terms of
where the positions would yo. The Northern California Power
Agency (NCPA) activities involved a lot of contract work, and that
was where the Supervising -Engineering would work. The man who was
' in treat position took en early retirement. Staff was now having
to backup the position with - new Supervising Engineer, which job
would be ongoing "in terms of_the future. Staff anticipated the
position would not only handle the particular work outlined in the
report, but possibly the tale and purchase Of -energy from differ-
ent sources. ;he other —two positions were more construction -
oriented towards the particular problems brought on by'the Inter-
connect Ayreement, which speciftealiy called for certain ongoing
activities. PG&E had to be provided with a specific load'forecast
on an annual basis and came within a certain parameter' percentage,
b percent plus or minus, or pay the penalties involved in the
price of eneryy at that time. Staff was looking at the control of
the system with the electrician doing the maintenance work with
the types of equipment to be installed. His h i rst job would be to
put it in`, and thereafter he would help' with maintenance: Addi-
tional equipment was coming -on board to support that person. The
SCAUA Project, System Control and Uata Acquisition, was an expen-
sive job that would require- additional support in terms of main-
tenance.
Vice -Mayor Levy was concerned about the procedures that ci rcum-
vented the Finance & Public Wcrks (F&Pw) Connmittee, and asked if
the matter was heard by the Committee.
Per. Zaner said the matter was discussed by the F&PW Committee dur-
my the previous year`s budyet sessions.
Vice Mayor Levy asked abut the F&PW Committee's position.
ee
-Mr. Zaner said -the F&PW--Conrraittee neither au`ttiorized nor rejected
the, positions. The positions were Laid out, but since they were
not needed at the time, no request was made for them.
Vice Mayor Levy said the report mentioned a cost of $40,000 for
the remainder of the fiscal year, and the asked abuut the annual
cost to support the three positions.
Mr. Young said it would cost somewhere between $70,000 and $80,000
annually.
Vice Mayor Levy clarified that approximately $15,UUU each would be
funded for salaries.
Mr. Young said that. wan the average, but it would be spread much
less for the Electrician and much more for the 5usaervisiny
Engineer.
Vice Mayor Levy said the $80,000 did not include benefits, and he
asked if the personnel would require support, clerical or secre-
tarial.
Mr. Young said staff hoped to function with the Current clerical
support.
Vice Mayor Levy was concerned the proper procedure for an item of
that nature was to go before the F&PW Committee. He asked if
there was any reason it could not be referred to F&PW and returned
to the Council within a three or four -week period.
Mr. Young saw no particular problem, with that except it would
delay the recruiting process.
Vice Mayor Levy said in the past he was satisfied with the opera-
tion of the Utilities Department, and saw no problem in approving
positions. Froia a procedural standpoint, he believed it made
sense fur Council to follow normal procedures and enable the F&PW
Committee to review the positions more specifically.
MUTIUK. Vice Mayor Levy moved, seconded by Renzel, to refer
the matter of the Utilities Personnel Requirements to the. Finance
& Public Works Committee.
Counci liners}ber Renzel said she seconded the motion because the
Council carefully screened positions added to City staff over the
years, and particularly since Proposition 13. While tae cost for
the end of the fiscal year was given, there were long-term impli-
cations for addin►e three staff members, and it was appropriate for
F&PW Committee review.
Councilrnember Fletcher asked what additional information was
expected to return from the F&PW Committee. She believed the nec-
essary information- Was before the Council, and saw no advantage
f rom: the referral.
tlice Mayor Levy said Councilmemher Cobb brought up elements that
were not within the explanation about the. ongcing use of the per-
sonnel. He wanted toyinquire more specif►cally into the overall
cost, including benefits, and the support staff that might be
required for those individuals.
Counci lmesnber Cobb asked what was discussed at the previous F&PW
Committee meeting.
Mr 40nereeeid staff reviewed with the F&PW -.Committee the fact
that.additiunal staffing would be required when the PG&E inter-.
connect Pyree»`Scent was consummated, and it was also indicat'd to
(:ounce l that assistance would be necessary when the Calaveras
project ,lot moving. There were a .°whole series of projects corning
up, and additional personnel was not requested because the funds
were riot needed at the time. _He Eradicated that` staff would return
i.n January, 1934 with a request for the positions.
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109/84
Councilmember Bechtel said just because the F&PW Committee did not
authorize -the positions last June did not mean it was not thor-
oughly discussed at the time. It would have been premature to
authorize positions at that time, and as pointed out by Mr.
Laner, why fund three positions when they were not be needed for
six months. It was a reasonable management approach to wait to
come to the Council, and the Council was previously warned about
the need. Council also knew, when the Interconnect. Agreement was
signed, that additional staff would be needed. The same was true
with regard to the Calaveras project, when it got up to speed.
She believed it would not be a good use of F&PW Committee or staff
time to delay the natter a month, and would=mean much later
recruiting. She believed the matter should be voted on that
evening.
Councilmember Witherspoon believed that when it was discussed in
the budget hearings, it was a question of time. She understood
that staff would return when the positions were needed. They were
accelerated by the early retirement of Mr. Nagel, and the Commit-
tee had not disapproved the positions. The Committee was aware
of their forthcoming, and the Council was notified that the posi-
tions were now needed. She saw no reason for them to be discussed
further at the F&PW Committee. The Council could estimate that if
the cost was 44U,Ul)U -in salaries, a further one-third or_ so would
be benefits.
Councilmember Menzel agreed with Vice Mayor Levy on a procedural
point.. The fact that the possible need for additional staff mem-
bers was raised at the F&PW Committee without the desue being sub-
stantively discussed meant those employees were not factored into
the overall picture of how many new employees were added to the
City and evaluated in that context. She believed that if the hire
date was unknown, it would cost nothing to budget for them. If
the positions were not used, the money would return to.the General
Fund at the end of the year as unused. She believed if staff knew
the positions would be fi l led within the year, they should have
been bude ted and discussed as part of the budget process.i If it
was only mentioned in passing, it was not evaluated in the context
of all other personnel policies with respect to all departments.
She believed procedurally, it was important that Council did
things that way.
Mayor Klein intended to support the referral. He believed Council
should follow the_procedLtres it established. He recollected that
the F&PW Committee ttee hearing on the item did not focus the same way
it wouid normally because it did not have to. While he expected
that the three positions would ultimately be approved, it would be
well to have the additional scrutiny of the Finance Committee. He
was conces ed abuat where the City Would go with the additional
people, and that should be laid out. He believed the City would
end up spending more money than Mr. Young stated with regard to
salary and benefits, and believed those figures were low for
people today. For all those -reasons, he believed it was appropri-
ate to have a hearing\on the matter before the Finance Committee.
Councilmember Cobb believed the positions would turn out to be
well justified because he knew the needs corning from the NCPA, but
agreed with the procedural point.
WIWI PASSED by ar vote of 5-4, Fletcher, Bechtel, Woolley„
Witherspoon votln9 "no."
ITEM W,, KEQUEST (if CUUIICILMEMBER FLETCHER RE FLASHING TRAFFIC
- Coounc i i member Fletcher sail d the Council received a letter in the
packet pointing out that' when traffic signals had a mechanical
failure, they automatically went on a flashing yellow and red
mode. When there was the .usua-1 amount of heavy traffic, as com-
pared to nighttime traffic where it might work out better, the
1
1
t /b99/8
ynl Iow si na l indicated to drivers to go straight through, and it
was difficult to yet across. The suggestion in the letter was fur
the signals to flash red in- all directions, -which made sense to
ner. She wanted staff to consider the suggestion and return to
the Council with a recommendation.
MOTION: Councilmember Fletcher moves, seconded by Renzel, to
refer the matter of flashing traffic signals to staff for study
ind recomaendatfon,
MOTION PASSED unanimously, i:obb temporarily absent.
ITEM #Ib, RE UES1 OF COUNCILMEMBER RENZEL RE SUPPORT FOR THE
THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY CONStRVAIION )1NU
Councilmember Renzel was concerned that some people believed a
solution was found to the housing crunch in the Bay Area by renew-
ing attempts to fill in the Bay without mitigations for the loss
of the wetlands and open surface waters. She believed Palo Alto
had a good record with the San Francisco Bay Conservation and
Development Commission (BCDC) for protecting the Bay. Bay fill
was virtually halted and a lot of public access was provided along
the Bay to improve access for people in the Bay Area and every-
where. it was important for the Council to renew its support for
the BCOC policies to minimize fill and mitigate against that
deemed necessary and useful, and continue its history of fair
administration of the McAteer-Petris Act.
MUUIUN: Councilmewber. Renzel moved, seconded by Fletcher, to
adopt the resolution re support for the established policies of
the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission.
RESOLUTION N:18 entitled 'RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF
TN ALTO SUPPORTING THE POLICIES OF THE SAN
FRANCISCO BAY CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION"
DEVELOPMENT �. v� n
Councilmember Fletcher supported the resolution, and believed
Council concern was justified by the proposed developments on the
day side of IUI between San Francisco and the end of the Bay. She
believed the seventh paragraph of the resolution should read
"requiring a minimum, of bay fill," and not "bay
Councilmember Renzel said she intended for.her motion to include
tnat the resolution would be sent to the Governor, legislators,
and members of the Bay Commission.
COPIES OF RESOLUTION .TO 8E SENT TO THE GOVERNOR, LEGISLATORS,
AND -MEMBERS OF -THE BAY COMMISSION INCLUDED AS PART OF MAIN MOTION
BY MAKER AND SECOND
MOTION PASSED unanimously
ITEM ill RE `UESI OF COUNCILMEMBERS COBB AND FLETCHER AND MAYOR
L N L ALU
0 C Kin
N
Councilmember Cobb said the amount mentioned in the,memo --f.rom he
and his colleagues --was $600, and it should be .$1,009. e r the
record, he: said that he and Councilmember Fletcher attended the
League of California Cities Convention in New Orleans; -Cable
television was a -major issue, and some .discussions dealt -with, the
politics of the issue rather than its mechanics. Specifically,
there -was a considerable effort by the City of --Lakewood,
California, OA a nurber of other cities to. try and get .something
done about hiJ leg#slat on that's had been moving through . Congress
since 19tI. That legislation started as Senate Bill 66, and was
sponsored by Senator Goldwater, and was slowed somewhat, by: Senator
Gordon :from Washington. Although..the League of Cities was less
4 0 9 4
1/09/84
than thrilled with the structure of the legislation since it woold
take away many of what was perceived as city prerogatives, and
they were essentially faced with a situation that was the hest:
they would get, and they better compromise while they could. A
compromise was met although it was not one with which people were
happy. As the legislation, sponsored by Congressman Wirth, moved
into the House the effects of such legislation on cities became
more clear to the'cities, and a great many participants' hands
would be tled in terms of refranchising Ioca-l- control, and speci-
fying thinys like institutional networks, and a number of things
where great interest was expressed by the Pa 1 o Alto City _ Councl l .
The City of Lakewood was effective in getting a national lobbying
effort to do something about the legislation in the House where
the legislation currently resided. He and Counciimember Fletcher
attended public and private meetings, and discussed the matter
with various people involved. Congressman Wirth was pushing the
bill hard in the Congress, and it was a bill cities considered not
beneficial to the kinds of issues he raised. The subcommittee of
the House Commerce Committee passed his legislation out by a 9-4
vote, and as it was described to there, Congressman Wirth called in
a lot of old favors to get that 9-4 v' te. It had to go through
the full committee, and action was expected i -the next Congress
that would involve some 42 members of the Commerce Committee. It
was interesting that a representative from Congressman Wirth's
staff was at the first of many meetings they attended, and rris
attitude was much like it was before the compromise. The cities
should yet in line because if they did not, they would get worse,
not better, legislation. He was a key man from Congressman
Wirth's staff, and also in attendance was the key man from
Congressman Di ngel l 's sta''d . Congressman Dingell was the Chairman
of true full committee, end he said that although it was late in
the -game,, if they wa ted, to improve -tI a legislation and get some-
thing better n=
for the cities, and if they got their ac:: together
and did some serious, cohesive lobbying to those 42 people, they
could get a good bill out of the House, and one they would like.
There were some names and numbers associated with the --appropriate
legislation, but they were less relevant than its substance.
Clearly, if the Chairman of the full committee sent his key staff
member to say that what the subcommittee said was not necessarily
the way it had to be, there was a clear message. The morning fol-
lowing the private discussions, a public breakfast meeting was
held and attended by several hundred people from cities all aver
the country, and the same points were made. Again, Congressman
Ui ngel l's man took the microphone and clearly stated that if a
proper message was received from the cities, and if it was under-
stoo& by._.Congress, the legislation could be turned arounu and
become more favorable to the cities and passed out of the House.
to that end,. they asked for a national lobbying effort to enable
them to do what the National League of Cities was unable to
accomplish on its own. He .believed the general consensus was the
League of Cities, by itself¢ could not mount the kind_of lobbying
necessary to change the result of that committee., :the kind of
effort started by the City of Lakewood, the Association of Texas
Municipalities, and a number of other -cities could achieve the
goal because support of the bi l 1 in the subcommittee was con
sidered 'to be asoft." Even though it had many cosponsors, many
were unhappy with the House bill because it .had provisions that
were undesirable and it was pushed through too fast by Congressman
Wirth _-and was flawed.. It was interesting that Congressman
Dingell, the Chairman of the full committee, and Mr. Broyhill, the
nurnbet two man on the committee from the mi npri ty , side, were both
opponents of the bill in its present form. There was a lot to
work with if a lobbyiny effort could be mounted, and with the.
number of ` cities in sufficient numbers for about one cent per
capita, it would cost about $1,000. It was a small price to pay
to yet something better out of Congress -and enable a broader- set
of choices for cable Legislation for Palo Alto, which was:: -the
bottom `I pie in ,terms of the City Council . He had to leave_ the
convention before the vote actually took place On the floor. On
the day he left, he went _around the convention center and saw a
4 0 9 5
1/09/B4
1
large number of people with stickers on their badges showing
st_ron4j opposition to both the Senate and House bills. It was
clear that the sentiment at the convention to undo the compromise
the League of Cities agreed to a few months earlier was growing,
and for a statement, by resolution, from the floor of the conven-
tion in support of a better bi 1 l . He left on, Tuesday night, and
on Wednesday, Congressman Wirth decided to address the convention.
Councilmember Fletcher there, and he deferred to her.
Counci lrnember Fletcher believed Counci lmember Cobb gave a good
synopsis of the situation. The day prior to the full convention,
the Policy Committees met, and the Committee on Transportation and
Communication, on which she sat, was presented' with a resolution
in strong opposition to the bi l l without some substantial amend-
ments that would basically change the focus of the hill. She
believed that resolution passed the committee unanimously. It was
amazing that the meetings dealing with the cable issue were over-
flowing for the last few conventions. There was so much interest,
and she was struck that the cities already with franchises for a
number of years were _refranchising. There were so many problems
that the type of protections they now had and which the bill would
take away, were crucial. Word got back to Congressman Wirth that
the League of Cities was actively campaigning against the bill,
and on the last' day of the meeting when the resolutions were voted
on, he asked to speak to the full delegation before it adjourned
to vote. She was concerned that their unanimous position would be
divided if a rebuttal period was not permitted. The President of
the League of California Cities said no provision existed for
rebuttals. She was amazed the resolution passed unanimously. The
League was completely united against the bill at that point,
despite Congressman Wirth's plea for support, and it was up to
Palo Alto and other cities to unite and actively lobby to defeat
the bill as it now stood.
MOTION: Counci 1 member Cobb proved, seconded by Fletcher, that
the City of Palo Alto join in the national lobbying effort against
SEbb/H.R.4103 e':d for federal cable legislation that will be more
favorable to local governments at a financial commitment of
$19000.
Vice Mayor Levy supported the motion, and pointed out that cable
television. was potentially worth we'', over $100,000 per year to
the City of Palo Alto, and $1,000 was a small amount to invest in
the City's future.
MOTION PASSE') unanimously.
ITEM #1S, RE VEST OF CUUtCILMEMBER FLETCHER RE `METROPOLITAN TRANS-
-UP av Vne� nip fib, 1 34
F �
Counci i ember Fletcher said that a' few weeks ago, the Cal -Train
representative, Robert Crockett, made a presentation to the
Council which focused on. the Iowntown Extension proposed by
Ca1Traiis. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)
opposed the downtown extension because it believed there was nu
commitment about how the necessary $300 tai i l i on would
That,had to be worked out, and there would be a public
the "Mew:Rail Starts" at the State Building oite 350
Street, San Francisco, on January 12, with a follow up
2b, I984 at a location not yet determined.
be funded.
hearing on
McAllister
on January
ITLM 119 REPORT by CUUNCILMEMBER COBB RE NATIONAL LEAGUE
glkC
- Councilrnember Cobb said his attendance at the National League of
Cities Conference was his first such trip. It was an -interesting
experience, and he encouraged -his colleagues to_ attend, if possi-
ble. There were many parallel workshops during the regular ses-
sion and it was impossible to attend them all. He focused on the
4 1/009/84
proolef of increased ueIRdIR 1 and decreased resources to run cities,
and found it interesting that everyone in the country had the same
basic problem. One had to go to such a convention to realize how
blessed _Palo Alto was because most cities dealt with different
problems, like how to stop the decayed cores of cities from further
decay and turn them around, and those-cit•ies that only found money
by attracting a lot of industry and building as fast as possible.
There was a lot of discussion about how to deal with that issue,
and Palo Alto was -fortunate that it was much healthier than some
cities. Although at the base it was the same, the manner in which
t manifested was different. It was interesting that in som4
respects Palo Alto was almost another world compared to ether
cities. Some workshops dealt with the use of strategic planniiig
and creating profit centers for various city functions, which had
some -value to Palo Alto. He brought back some materials on the
subject, and would make them available to his colleagues the fol-
lowing week. Both he and Councilmember Fletcher went a day early
to attend an all day seminar on cable television, and his col-
leagues would have to suffer through his 20 pages of notes and
handouts because i,t was interesting and worthwhile. Regarding
Cable television, he corn ;crated that many people looked to Palo
Alto to see what to do because of the possibility of the next
generation's system in the City. Palo Alto had considerable dis-
cussion at the seminar. The things that could be done with cable
that were already bein' done in various places of an institutional
and public service nature were remarkable and fascinating, and
people were constantly experimenting: Palo Alto had an interest-
ing opportunity ahead if it took advantage of all the potential of
cable television. He hoped his colleagues would find usefulness
in the notes and be able to read them.
AUJOUK-14MLt T
Council adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
ATTEST:
APPROVED-:
1
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1/09/84