HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-06-25 City Council Summary MinutesRegular Meeting
June 25, 1979
ITEMS
Oral Communications: Howard J. Smith; Frank Manfredi
Consent Calendar - Action Items
- Professional Services for Alcohol Tests - Renewal
of Contract for 1979-80
- Palo Alto Housing Corporation - Renewal of Contract
- Project lei l i ty •- Renewal of Contract
• Palo Alto Community Child Care, Inc. - Renewal of
Contract
• Senior Coordinating Council - Renewal of Contract
- Palo Alto Area Information and Referral Service -
Renewal of Contract
• Fair Housing Inc. a Renewal of Contract
- Ordinance Adopting 1978 national Electrical Code
• Ordinance Amending Section 2.04.210 re Closing
Hours in Parks
Ordinance Amending Section 12.12.010 Authorizing
City Manager or Designee to Issue Ercroac1xieat
Permits
- State Solid Waste Management Board
• Landfill Design Plan
Arastradero Road Landscaped Median Islands
- Findings re Denial of Certificate of Public Con-
venience and Necessity to Peninsula Cab Leasing,
Inc.
- 325-245 Ramona --Application for Division of Land by
Creative Environments
- 1766 E arcadero Road - Application to Amend PC
Zone District by Cal.rlsen-Ely Company
- 520 Meybell - Application for Change of District by
Grant and Bridges
- 31570 Page Hill Road - Change of District of Property
Struggle Mountain, Inc.
- 3895 Upper Page Mill Road - Application for Site and
Design Review by George Yule
- 3885 Page Mill Road - Application for Site and Design
Review by Richard Bad
P l i c Hearing: Underground Utility District 20
Public Hearing: Underground Utility District 21
820 Los Trances Road - Application far,.Site and Design
Review of Joseph Mocelin
Ordinance Amending Various Sections of Zoning Ordinance
1078 Lime Verde - Application for Change of District by •
George Cody
Revery of Precious Metals Iron $lodge Ash - Auendmeut to
Agreement t with Verld Resources CoMpiny
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Regular Meeting
June 25, 1979
Page 2
S
4260 Manuel a - Appl isatton for Preltminary Parcel Map by.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ccltert
PAGE
753
Resolution of intention to Discontinue Use of a Portion 7 5 4
of El Camino Park
Request of Councilor Fletcher Re SB440
Request of Counctlmember Fletcher Re Greyhound Bus
Service - Palo Alto to San Francisco
Vice Mayor Henderson Re Plaudits to Mayor Carey and
Councilmember Clay on the Occasion of Their Last Council
Meeting
754
757
757
Oral Communications: Emily Reuel, Leland Levy, Charles 1 5 8
Grel ner
Adjuurnent 7 5 G
June 25, 1979
Regular Meeting
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this day at 7:35 p.m.
in the Couneiichamber, Mayor Carey presiding.
PRESENT: Brenner, Carey, Clay, Eyerly, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson,
Sher, Witherspoon
ABSENT: one
isaammusdam.
1. Howard J. Smith, Jr., 720 LaPara Avenue, expressed pleasure at now
receiving Palo Alto's rather than Pi's utilities services. He
also praised Palo Alto's recycling program. He explained that
Barron Park's refuse pickup service was son-exiateat now because
the company with which Barron Park had contracted Was on strike. He
asked Council if it would investigate the possibility of converting
Barron Park's refuse pick up contract to Pslo Alto service.
2. Frank Manfredi, 219 Addison Avenue, suggested that welfare recipients
be made to work with the City in a City -vide recycling program. He
outlined a program for truckers so that they could save gas through
use of railroads. He urged that gas stations be spoliated and he
predicted stores and other suppliers would be boubed to bring
prices down. That would lick faacisce.
Mayor Carey read the Consent Calendar. He removed the matter concerning
an application for change of district by George Cody for property
located at 1078 Loan Verde,
Councilmembers Sher and Witherspoon asked that their votes be recorded
as abstentions on the matter of the landscaped median islands at
Arastradero Road, because it affected Stanford University, who was their
employer.
Counciimeeeber Brenner asked that the matter concerning recovery of
precious *etsls from sludge ash be removed from the Consent Calendar.
Counciimeaber Eyerly asked that the matter concerning amendments of
sing sectioua under title 18 be removed from the Consent Calendar.
Councilaebers Sher and Clay asked that their votes be recorded as
sbetent.iona on the matter of the Peninaula Cab Leasing may, since
both had been absent the week before when it had been disused.
The Following items remained on the Consent Calendar:
Referral Items
Action Items
Staff recommends that Council authorize the Mayor to execute the attached
73.7
6/ .5/79
agreement with Milton W. Smith, Jr., for the 1979-80 fiscal year to
provide service as required by the California Vehicle Code in an amount
not to exceed $17,400. Sufficient f►tnda are available in the 1979-
80 police department budget.
AMENDMENT 1 TO AGREEMENT 3927
CLINICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST SERVICES
Milton Smith, Jr.
(048:314:9)
AMENDMENT 8 TO CONTRACT 3526
LOW AND MODERATE /NCO HOUSING SERVICES
Palo Alto Housing Corporation
Staff recommends that the amendment be approved to renew the Housing
Corporation contract for one year at an amount of $31,000.
aa.aa (Q2 .:318:9)
AGREEMENT --PROJECT MOBILITY
InterTrans Corporation
Staff recommends that Council authorize the Mayor to,execute the contract
with InterTrann Corporation for Project Mobility tax. and handicapped
van services for fiscal year 1979-80.
,rAt, o i" 3d CT Pt i 1971-80 (C :320:9)
Staff recommends that Council approve the agreement and authorize the
Mayor to execute the contract.
AGREEMENT —COMPREHENSIVE CHILD CARE PROGRAM (1979-80)
Palo Alto Cimm ity Child Care
( :320:9)
AGREEMENT —SENIOR SERVICES 1979-80
Senior Coordinating Couccil of the Palo Alto Area, Inc.
AGREEMENT Trianon INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES
1939-8
Palo Alto Area Information and Referral Services
MALURRILMLing•--
makivagemminsammaztalQ9:320:9
AGREEMENT--PROFESSIONALAGREEMENT--PROFESS/ONAL SERVICES TO ELIMINATE
HOUSING DISCRIKINATION THROUGH mama (1979-80)
Fair Sousing, Inc.
(Cxa:278:9)
First reading: Juno 11, 3.979
ORDINANCE 3126 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE
COUNCIL OF THZ CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING
CHAPTER 16.16 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE
TO ADOPT THE 1978 EDITION 0? THE NATIONAL
ELICT LCAL CODE, AND TO NANZ CHANGES MOTO."
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O DINANCF aD1NC S1?CTTON 22.0 .2A
PALO HIIWhLPAL_ coni_ REL TTNG
! SOSINC HOURS FOR PA XS (CMR:292:9)
First reading June 11, 1979
ORDINANCE 3127 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING
SECTION 22.04.2100F THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO CLOSING HOURS FOR PAPY . "
Staff recommends that tines for parks being cloyed be extended from
12:00 midnight to 6:00 a.m. , with the exception of Foothills Park, which
is covered in Section 22.04,150.
OVDT ts_$r _._ � c SRICT?(]N t2_12_O�4
LiP1s3lYQ T'1_T CT iY M�� 0 D�-°�+T®
almainUnclagal PFA'�(i'l'fi
First reading June 11, 1979
ORDINANCE 3128 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO ACING -
SECTION 12.12,010 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL
CODE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY SAGER OR HIS
DESIGNEE TO ISSUE ENCROACHMENT PERMITS."
(CMR:321:9)
Staff recommends that Council 1) approve an agreement with State Solid
slaste Management board in the amount of $151,910 for "-Project Reclaim:
Home Separation and Separate Collection for Recycling Program"; 2) find
that expansion of the Home Collection Program results in no significant
environmental impact; 3) instruct staff to negotiate a recycling contract
with the Palo Alto Sanitation Company to take over complete operation of
the Rotas Collection Program, expand that program City --wide, and continue
the operation of the Recycling Center.
AGREEMENT —SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT RECYCLING GRANT
State of California
Magialsarmikanatit (cMR:322:9)
Staff reeds that Council approve the budget amendment transferring
$138,587 from the Refuse Reserve Fund for Systems Ie rovement to the
Refuse Operating Budget for the Eck -Fay and Associates Landfill Park
Design contract.
ORDINANCE 3129 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL
OF TUE Cm OF PALO ALTO AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR
THE FISCAL TEAR 197$-79 `1'O PUNIME FUNDS FOR THE
DEIGN FOCt CLOSURE OF THE LANDFILL."
( :319:9)
(Councilmembere Sher and Witherspoon abstain . )
Staff recommends that Cecil 1) approve the 1976-79 Capital Improvements
budget amendment ordinance forfunding the median island design and
coeestr tiot; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute the coat -sharing agreement
with Stanford University.
ORDINANCE 3129 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITE OF PALO ALTO SING
1BE BUDGET FOR TUE FISCAL naiR 197$-79
TO PROVIDE, FUNDS roi THE DESIGN FOR.
CURE OF THE um''I s
,., 7 39
p. 4/25179
F*1 !
ARASTRAPCRO 1001 PROJECT—
CCM-SWAIM
board ofWWI oftUO Lelaod Stanford Junior Univarnity
end 8ya0i6 17.18.A.0 fie.
riunimcs gm/way cPRTTFTCATE
gigalaw CONVENIENCE Arip NECESSI7
TOP IJTJSfl a CAA L L TAc:_ iJc
Staff recommends that Council approve the findings re denial of a certificate
of public convenience and necessity to Peninsula Cab Leasing, Inc.,
(Council. berg Sher and Clay abstained).
1
11.1•1 R L— PPr_zGAL=nJ
P f:1V T t F Ae4r11
R 1_Q9r
P ATTv t TS
/ ue
The Planning Commission unanimously recommends approval of the application
of Creative Environments fora division of land for property at 325-
345 Ramona.
'i"�t s PC 2.01E DTI, T
r
�7 r�►e�.cR —EL' [1 PAhh°'Y
The Flanging Commission, by a vote of 5-0, one abstention, recommends
approval of the application of Carleen-Ely Company to aid the P -C zone
district at 1766 Embarcadero Road.
ORDINANCE OP THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OP PALO ALTO SING SECTION 18.08.040
OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIP41, CODE (THE
ZONING MAP) TO CHANGE THE CLASSIFICATION
OF PROPERTY KNOWN AS 1766 EMBARCADERO ROAD/
2500 FABER PLACE, FRa4 P -C (PLANNED
COMMUNITY) TO th-t (LIM.I t9 INDUSTRIAL/
RESEARCH PARK DISTRICT/SITE AND DESIGN
REVIEW) AND AM NDLNG ORDINANCE 2365.
FINK -2 TO P -C
rX GRANT AND BRIDGES
The Planning Commission, by a 5-0 vote, one abstention, recommends
approval of the application of Grant 6 Bridges for a change of district
for property at 520 Naybell from R-2 to P -C.
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALO ALTO AMENDING SECTION 18.08.1140
OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE (THE
ZONING MAP) TO aunal Tat CLASSIFICATION
OF PROPERTY ISOM AS 520 MA LT. AVENUE
ram It2 TO 7-C
The Planning Commission unanimously recommends approval of the appii..aation
of Struggle Mountain, Inc., (Warren & Glenda Hannibal, Charles & Carol
McCulley, for a change of district for property located at 31570 Page
Mill goads from 0-S to P -C.
Thn Planning Commisaionj by a 4--0 vote, too abstentions, recommends
approval of the application of -; r Tula fo.Site and Design review
for property erty at 3895 Uppe . .: ; Road.
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.3 ' MIL ROAD
DI' Wain PREY.
a. r.rcATl 1 F(DB_ ET_'I . ANI] DF.SI ,(' REVIEW
The Planning Commission unanimously recommends approval of the application
of Richard Barry for Site and Design review for property st 3885 Page Mill Road,
MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson, !seconded by Brenner, moved that Council
approve the ordinances for both first readings and second readings,
authorize the mayor to sign the agreements, approve the Planning Commission
recommendations, and approve the findings on certificate of denial. The
motion pasued on a unanimous vote, Councilmember:s Sher and Clay abstaining
on the denial of certificate, and Councilmembers Sher and Witherspoon
abstain+#tag on the matter concerning Arastraadero Road medians.
Mayor Carey announced that it was the time and place set for the public
hearing on the matter of formation of Underground Utility District 20.
The purpose of the public hearing was to hear all protests and receive
evidence for and against the proposed formation of the underground
utility district. The ultimate question to be determined by the Council,
based on the public hearing, was whether the public neceaeity, health
and safety requires the establishment of the District and the removal of
poles, overhead wires, and associated overhead structures and the underground
installation of wires and facilities for supplying electrical communication
or similar casaoc1 ted services in the proposed district The Mayor said
that to that end the Council was required to take evidence and consider
the question of whether such undergrounding is in the general public
interest for one or more of the following r sons : 1) Such undergrounding
will avoid or eliminate an unusually heavy concentration of overhead
distribution facilities or the reconstruction of an ex1atlug pole line;
2) the streets within the proposed district are extensively used by the
general public and carry a heavy volume of pedestrian and vehicular
traffic; 3) the streets within the proposed district are scheduled for
major new roadway construction, reconstruction or alignment; or 4)
math streets adjoin or pass through the civic center
Mayor Carey said that the effect of the formation of the district would
be that no person or utility would be allowed to event or construct
within the district any pole, overhead litre or associated overhead
structure used or useful in supplying electrical communication or associated
services. Anyone interested, therefore, is invited to present protests
and to present evidence either for or against the formation of the
prapoaed .district with particular emphasis oa the foregoing netters.
Mayor Carey declared the hearing open, and requested City Clerk Ann
Tyr to read letters protesting the proposed €s d.rsr und1ag. The
Letters .Groan the following were road;
D. D. re11eer, 1216 Forest Avenue. Palo Alto
Thomas D. Reese, 80 Kirby Place, Palo Alto
Janes K. Early and Mary Agnes Early, 740 Center Drive, Palo Alto
Charles E. Faulkner, Jr., 1382 Forest. Avg, Palo Alto.
Homeowners bad written reeaaotos for protesting la stallation of underground
wirings the letters of protest are on file at the City Clerk's office,
350 Eton Avenue, Palo Alto.
Jack Taylor, Principal Electrical Engineer, spoke of the response he had
aada,to Mr. Raeese's objection*, wbich he bad also node in a written
letter dated June 15, 1979, to Mr. Reese. He said the City bed a relatively
ill cruet and undergrounding electrical service for 153 boss. vas
7.41
V25/79
/ j r
outside the crew's capabilities with its other duties. Unlike private
contractors who can hire extra people when they need them, then lay them
off when the job has ended, the City hires a small force whose work has
to be scheduled rather carefully. The City had issued a request for
bids on a flat fee basis in reasponae to a request that such be done in
the interests of economy. Contractors were to gat 80 or more houees to
do, of the total 153. Bids from contractors would be available in about
three weeks. That method of flat fee bidding had worked well -.An the past
with tract hoaxes. Should the flat fee bid come in lower than 80 or more
of the City's estimates, (each of the homes had been individually estimated
by the City) there was an assumption that at least 80 people would sign
up for it. The City was offering low coat loans, which Mr. Reese had
inquired about. Work on private property had to be the responsibility of
the hover, and the City "cushioned the shoes" by offering opportunity
to pay over a period of five years, at an interest of 7 percent. The
yearly cost on the tax bill would be $225-$250.
Virgil S. Haugse, 802 Center Drive, said he would like to see specificificatione
used in drawing up the City's estimate of costs. He wanted to know the
type of conduit to be used, type and sire of electrical conductor and
the household electrical load. He asked what building permit was required
and 1f the homeowner had to pay for it.
Councrilmember Sher asked if Mr. Haugee was in favor of or opposed to the
project.
Mr. Haugee replied that he thought homeowners had to upgrade their
systems, but overall costs were high.
Sigrid Rupp, 1220 Hamilton, favored the undergrounding. She noted that
near Lincoln and Center Avez;ue.s there were power lines at both rear and
front of some properties. She asked thet the City consider undergrounding
the lines new running on Hamilton Avenue, as well.
Seth Haber, 1375 Pitaran, said that together with the Earlys andlite
Faulkners he had paid for undergronnding at %is corner where it adjoined
Forest. He said the estimate of $1000 each for the Earlys, Faulkners
and himself seemed inequitable. Mr. Haber said that the reasons listed
for undergrounding did not seem applicable: no increased power lines
%ere required in the area; the area did not have heavy traffic and no
new major roadway was under construction. Re asked Mr. Taylor of the
City Utilities Department the following questions: 1. What is the cost
to the City to reroute all of the lines proposed to be undergrounded; 2.
what is the total cost to homeowners in the area to route their own
private lines; 3. what would the cost be to Palo Alto to maintain the
lines as they now were; 4. in view of the impact on plantings was an
euviron mental impact statement necessary; 5. did the City intend to
rnliuquirmh the back easements should the proposed undergrounding take
place; 6. did homeowners have to give front easements to the City?
Keeneth S. Robertson, 1284 Forest Aver favored the proposed undergrounding.
If, at his former hose, his mreighbors _ .. ,,one ahead with undergrounding,
which they did not, it would have coat less than power poles used as
replacement at today's pole costae. He added that placing poles in position
by helicopter seed so fraught with difficulty it was another case for
undergrounding.
Paul Drapkin, /215 Forest Avenue, noted the safety problem of power
poles in a yard, for children tended to cliff b them. He had seen rats
when ivy had been reeoved from a power pole. He thought the pole,
should come down, thou the process was wetly.
ee
Albert Antolick, 1060 I.inxalu, oa f thfelppleo would be rid if
the dram were under ed. Hee aci d wi ' costs were for maintaining
usdatrzioaud ceblea. ., ' did no .' if he fevered the pro ect or not.
ft
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6/25/79
%` `
T. M. Robins, Jr., 1257 Forest Avenue, said Mr. Haber had covered the
questions he had. He deplored the high coat of the project end he
wanted to have more information from the Engineering Department.
Jeffrey Stack, 1386 Dana Avenue, said he was opposed to the idea of
undergrounding the utilities, and he opposed the methods used to persuade
residents to agree to it. He thought the Utilities Department had not
given alternatives but had instead selected the most expedient and
wetly method. Of the 60 power poles to be replaced he had been told
that 24 were inaccessible and would require tree trimming or even full
replacement. Mr. Stack said that $300,000 for underground and another
$150,000 for hookup vas too much to pay for replacing 60 power poles,
and it seemed out of proportion to the benefits. Also, appearances
would not be improved as most poles were now overgrown with plantings.
He asked that the Utilities Department prepare an economic impact atateaent
to analyze and compare the cost of uadargrounding with the cost of
replacing the 60 poles, and to show why underground is "a public necessity,"
as had been stated in point 6 of resolution 5678. Mr. Stack held that
undergrouoding was, instead, a convenience to the Utilities Department.
He asked that Council examine all alternatives before committing its
residents to a major fiscal outlay.
Leland Levy, 1564 Walnut Drive, asked that Council accede to residents'
request that an analysis of costa be given them before Council made a decision.
Mayor Carey ascertained that there were no further speakers.
MOTION: Councilmember Sher moved, seconded by Henderson, that the
public hearing be closed. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote,
Mayor Carey asked staff if the unit costs of alternatives were available
that evening.
Mr. Taylor said that coats had been prepared: over a period of 30 years
there would be a saving of about $106,000 for the City.
Mayor Carey dented that savings in that amount to the City did not
make the people happy.
Mr. Taylor said that the $106,000 savings would result from reduced tree
trimming costs.
Councilmember Sher asked who had taken the initiative in starting the
uadmrgroonding.
Mk. Taylor said that the City had taken the initiative because some of
the poles were bed unsafe to climb.
Councilmember Sher said that usually amdergrounding initiatives had been
taken by neighborhoods. He did not know of undergrouniing being forced
on an unwilling aei*hborhood. He thought the specific costa should be
gig residents who were involved. Agreement had to be reached that
undergrounding would be to the neighborhood's advantage, and that was
not now the feeling.
Mayor Carey said he could understand bow residents might see the coat of
placing the wires underground as being a somewhat poor iuveatment.
Councilmeiber Witherspoon said she would like undergroundins in her home
location; she ascertained that the homeowners) could obtain the specifications
for the work to be done, so that they perhaps could contract for the
work themselves et less coact. What was the cost of installing new poles
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6/25/79
Ire
if it were done immediately?
Mr. Taylor replied that the cost would be $184,000--$452,850 with tree
trimming, over a period of 30 years.
Counci.leember Witherspoon hoped the project would go forward because the
City had intended to underground its utilities for many years --this was
the second such section to be specifically undertaken in fulfilling that
longterm wish.
Councileeeaiber Eyerly said that neighbors had spoken of undergrounding
front and back lines on lots, ens to for the reew front lines, and the
1'ke, all related to coats. He favored undergrounding because costs to
the City for maintenance were lower. He thought the specific costs for
such utters to those who would be paying the assessments should be wade
more clear.
MOTION: Councilaeebe.r Eyerly moved, seconded by Fletcher, that the
hearing for underground wiring for Utility District 20 (Crescent Park)
be continued for 30 days, to July 23.
Councilamember Paeano said he wanted staff to be instructed as to specific
question to be answered, such as those Councilmember Eyerly had listed.
Mayor Carey said he wanted to have answered the question•, as to whether
or not: the poles would be removed, easements would be abandoned,
additional easements would be required, undergrounding could be extended,
and total costs to both Palo Alto and homeowners, along with electrical
load information and possible liability to the City.
Councilmenaber Fazzino said he would like a brief history on the financing
methods of previous undergrounding projects within the last 10-15 years.
°corrected
see page 55
8/6/79
1
s
t
Counctlm er Sher said he would like to have information developed by
the staff on alternative coat -sharing formulas, based or relative benefits
to residents and to the City to be derived from the project.
Council.s er Fletcher said she would like to see angers to questions
raised by residents in their written protests.
Vice Mayor Henderson said he would like to know how many poles, in
addition to the subject 60 poles, would need replacement over the next
30 years; and also the impact on plantings that would have to be replaced
vhen poles were removed. He did not recall that connection costa had
been leeled on residents in foram undergrounding projects.
Mr. Abrams suggested setting a date certain for
reopened.
public hessiteg LO be
Couseilmember Bremner asked if it would, not have been custo pry for
residents to pay the entire casts of the project if they had been the
initiators of the undergrounding project.
Jack Taylor, Utilities Department, replied that the financing would have
been different. In previous undergrounding projects iasitiated by petition
of residents, the City bad paid 75 percent of costs of the work in the
public right-of-vey—the distribution system. Residents hed 25 percent
of those costa, alone with paying for the cot of converting their own
louse service. This project differed in that the City had initiated it
because poles were becoming unsafe to climb therefore caking restoration
of power very difficult, should there be an outage. And so the project
had been considered to be of "ga .ral �bcnefit" anUresidents had been
moused fro the usual 25 pe asseasment, buxt, its was the case in
all other under tee asked to pay the cost of work
on their on properties. x f t 26 of the 60 pole*
would have to be = � �. tidings sod plantings
were Dot to be 1
6/25/79
MOTION PASSED: The motion that the hearing for underground wiring for
Utility District 20 (Crescent Park) be continued to July 23 passed on a
unanimous voice vote.
i]is'I�fRT� �1 f A P MI
Mayor Carey said that this is the time and place set for the public
hearing on the natter of the formation of Underground Utility District
21. He said that the purpose of the public hearing was to hear all
protests and receive evidence for and against the proposed formation of
the Underground Utility District. The ultimate question to be determined
by the Council, based on the public hearing, was if the public necessity,
health and safety required the establishment of the District and the
removal of poles, overhead wires, and associated overhead structures,
and the underground installation of wires and facilities for supplying
electric communication or similar associated services in the proposed
district. To that end, Mayor Carey said, the Coozncil vas required to
take evidence and consider the question of whether or not such undergrounding
is in the general public interest for one or more of the following
reasons: 1) such undergrounding will avoid or eliminate an unusually
heavy concentration of overhead distribution facilities or the reconstruction
of an existing pole line; 2) the portion of Page Mill Road within the
District is extensively used by the general public and carries a heavy
vol.ume of pedestrian and vehicular traffic; 3) the portion of Page Mill
Road within the District is scheduled for major new roadway construction,
reconstruction, or alignment, or 4) the portion of Page Mill Road within
the District adjoins or passes through a civic center. The effect of
the formetiozi of the district would be that no person or utility would
be allowed to erect or construct within said district any pole, overhead
line or associated overhead structure used or useful in supplying electrical
communication or similar or associated services. Mayor Carey said that
anyone interested was therefore iuvited to present protests and to
present evidence either for or against the formatiot of the proposed
district with particular emphasis on the foregoing matters. He declared
the public hearing open, and asked the City Clerk to read any written
protests received in connection with the establishment of Underground
Utility District 21.
City Clerk Ann Tanner said she had received no written proteste.
Mayor Carey said he had received no cards from people indicating interest
in speaking on the proposed assessment district, and be ascertained that
there was no one present who wished to speak on the matter.
MOTION: Councilmember Passim moved, seconded by Henderson, that the
Public Hearing be closed. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
MOTION: Cu+sacilmember Eyerly introduced the following ordinance for
first reading and, seconded by Witherspoon, mowed its approval by Council:
AN d DINANCR AMENDING SECTION 12.16 .020
OP MOTEL 12.16 OP TITLE 12 OF THE
PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE EY ESTABLISH
UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT 21
The motion passed on a bus voice votes.
Mayor Caey proposed that Coil take a short recess after the following
items had been heard, fox a brief Executive SeaaLos►.
a The fleemies Commission, by A INKSof 4-1, ou abstention, r
*royal• of the application of *cella for Site and
for pity located at .
i
1 23f
F
Vice Mayor Henderson determined that the height was now within the 25 -
foot limit.
Mario Sanchez, Zoning Administrator, said there had been conditional
approval of the variance, but the applicant had withdrawn his wish for
that, and so Site and Design application was all that was before Council.
The applicant had agreed to meet conditions, as staff recommendation had
indicated. Approval had been administrative ---Council had only to approve
the Site and Design application.
Council'ber Brenner ascertained that the house covered 8800 square
feet, the maximum size a houae could be on 10 acres, and that it was
designed as a single-family home. She assumed difficulties had been
inherent in the ordinance, since there was no identifiable visual impact
of the design.
Mr. Sanchez said the circumstances had beenunusual--normally roads were
not going through parcels to get to other parcels. Without the road the
plan would have met with the 3.5 percent coverage requirement of the
lot --he saw no fault with the ordinance from that standpoint.
Councilasember Eyerly ascertained that the structure vould be visible
only to people traveling to the third lot at the top of the hill --
830 Los Trancos.
MOTION: Councilmenber Clay moved, seconded by Eyerly, that Council
approve the Planning Commission recommendation.
Councilrember Sher observed and commented on the wording of the Planning
Ct iseion about being "boggled" by the size of the development, along
with the leek of subtlety of design. Ce- ncilmeabsr Sher shared those
reactions but, since owners were entitled to build as they wished on
their own property he felt "...constrained to vote for it. He would
like to have seen more sensitive design in that part of the City.
MOTI04 PASSED: The motion passed on the following vote:
AYES: Carey, Clay, Eyerly, pazzino Fletcher, Henderson,
Sher, Witherspoon
ABSTAIN: Brenner
O :315'9)
rat reading Juno 11, 1979)
Councilmomber Eyerly said be had removed the matter from the consent
calendar because when Council approval the ordinance for first rem4ing
it had asked staff to report on motion 22 concerning the lot merger
question. Council had some thought that owners of substandard lots
might suffer loss of anticipated income for their retirement years.
MOTION: Co mciimmsmber Eyerly introduced the following ordinance and,
second by Henderson, moved its apprcvml by Council:
ORDINANCE 3130 entitled "ORDINANCE OF TER
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO ACING
VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 18 (ZONING C*1)IC)
OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE."
AMENDMENT: Couacilmea ber Eyerly moved, seconded by Henderson, that
section 22 of the ordinance be deleted.
Counctlmember Eyerly said that lot -tine standards had bean set by the
746
6/25/79
state, thereby forcing merger of lots; the state had withdrawn those
specifications.
Ctunci1memaber Witherspoon asked if the City had contacted the 104 owners
of so-called substandard lots.
George Zimmerman, Planning Department, replied that notification awaited
adoption of both the merged lots and the subdivision ordinance.
Naphtali Knox, Director, of Planning and Community Environment, said the
ordinance with the merged --lot provision had been adopted in July.
Counci1member Witherspoon said she thought miners of such bats should be notified.
Councilmember Brenner asked if the already -adopted ordinance would be
negated if section 22 were removed, as the motion before them proposed.
Roy Abrams, City Attorney, avid that "...although technically the mergers
have occurred, until the document is recorded against the lots affected
those properties can be sold without clouding the title. The Subdivision
map act requires that the cities establish a procedure to give the
rights to appeal to persons who are affected by merging lots."
Councilmember Sher recalled that on June 11 the whole procedure had come
before Council, and an amendment was made reducing from 133 to 104 the
number of lots involved. He said he thought it was a matter for the
Planning Commission to handle so that those of the public who wished
could be heard. He asked to hear from Me. Renzel, chairwoman of the
Planning Commission, on the motion before Council.
Chairwoman Renzel said the Planning Commission had been concerned that
Iota which approached customary lot size not be '...merged out of existence.'
The provision that had already been amended iu the zoning ordinance
iacarporated such lots. That amendment was a part of the subdivision
ordinance which would goon come before Council. Twenty-five foot lots
mere still considered substandard, however.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councf,lmenber Sher moved, seconded by Eyerly, that
the matter be referred back to the Planning Commission with the request.
that they reconmiider the msrger question after notifying property owners
affected by tine merger.
Mayor Carey ascertained that the strict lot merger provision stayed on
the books while the broader interpretation was being studied.
Mr. Abrams aai4 that the City would not go forward with the appeal
procedure becalese the actual merger would not occur.
Mayor Carey saw he preferred to see *action 22 as amended passed, rben
have the item referred back.
Counci. er Sher said that pass agreeable to him, he would withdraw his motion.
He had wanted; with his substitute motion, to avoid the matter of
urgers entirely.
Councilaeeber Eyerly agreed to withdrew his motion to delete section 22.
Ha said he wanted also, in aections 2, 3, and 4 to substitute the 39 -
foot height limit for the present 35 -foot height limit.
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Eyerly moved, seconded by Witherspoon, that
the 33 --toot height limit be replaced with a 39 -foot height limit.
George Zimmerman, Planning Department, said that the height limit appeared
to be for commercial zoning b ,seetioza 2, 3 and 4 were residential. A
discussion ensued es to whe :: ' not the specification of a different
747
5/23/79
height limit would be applicable to the ordinance now before Council.
Mayor Carey, after some discussion with staff, concluded the amendment was
out of order.
corrected
sea page 55
8/6/79
1
Councilme er Brenner asked what would be the case with height limit,
if, hypothetically, the aidevalle of a building were nonexistent since
they were formed by a steep pitch of a roof.
Mr. Knox said that design also deter ineed permissible heights.
Councilmember Eyerly returned to the matter of the daylight plane restrictions.
AMENDMENT: Counci1member Eyerly moved, seconded by Carey, that section
14 paragraph 2, list height limit at 39 feet.
M. Renzel waid that "two and one-half storeys" had formerly been the
phrase used to mean 35 feet,
AMENDMENT FAILED: The motion that the height limit be eet at 39 feet in
section 14, paragraph 2, failed on the following vote:
AYES: Carey, Clay, Eyerly, Witherspoon
NOES: Brenner, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher
.N MOTION PASSED: The motion that Council approve for second reading
the ordinance amending various sections of the Zoning Ordinance passed
on a unanir oue voice vote.
MOTION: Comcileeel,er Sher moved, seconded by Witherspoon, that Council
refer the amended zoning ordinance back to the Planning Commission
asking that it reconsider the merger question after notifying property
owners who would be affected,
Counci1member Sher said Council had shown that perhaps there were enough
votes to kill the matter of merged lots. The Planning Commission could
have another look at it, with involved property owners.
M ICK PASSED: The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Mayor Carey asked for a show of hands from the audience ram to how many
were present to speak on various remaining items on the agenda, and then
asked for the follo .ng motions
MOTTOW: Vice Mayor - Henderson moved, seeded by Brenner, that the
utter concerning the application of application for change of district
by C rCeari6 CiAly be woven forward on the alitende. The motionp ctod on a
unanimous voice vote,
George Cody, 212 High Street, Palo Alto, said the project related to a
former storm drain, the Sterling Canal, sold by the City of Palo Alto
and zoned LK. nz. ouki fined the bounds adding thet bows and other
information was on a map before Council. The site provided sparse for
10 -foot wide building over 1000 fest long, or for residential, but, es
now soned„ LK zoning required transition space to residential that the
site did not afford. Mr. Cody said he had discussed various uses of the
site with several City officials, and concluded that the site va.` beet
used for residential ---about 17 units were planned. Mr. Cody shy
slides that confirmed some of his statements on the adaptability of the
site to reee dantial. It was proposed to place the power line underground.
7 4.8
6/25/79
He showed how privacy would not be affected and the line of houses would
diminish Bayshore traffic sound. He said that traffic would not he
undue, flood risk would be no more than to present housing in the area.
He noted that all of the living apace of the proposed units was on the
second floor. He thought the proposed P -C residential housing would be
a fine contribution to Palo Alto's housing stock.
Mayor Carey asked if the area alluded to by Mr. Cody would still be iii
the flood plain "...when the reduction of that area occurs?"
Mario Sanchez, Zoning Administrator, said a revised map would become
effective January 1, 1980 -'-the project would have to be designed and
made floodproof to 8 feet above sea level. He added parenthetically
that it might mean that the buildings, so raised, might be in the daylight
plane required in the P -C district.
Mt. Cody said that raising i:le building 8 feet would not present a problem.
Mayor Carey said that he had understood that Mr. Cody had not met the
flood none ordinance requirements with his present application; the
added 8 feet night present some new issues not yet discussed. Mayor
Carey said he could not support the project as it was now written.
Councilmember her Witherspoon asked if it was feasible to underground high voltage lines.
Mr. Knox said staff had discussed the matter in connection with the
Barron Square project; with a 50 -thousand volt line, oil was needed in
the
b __ end measures had to ye i-a en Alen_ ants thoeF regntY'et�tants
E. f!C' ti�17 ,(43, rJ i1t3 other ems sza e►�vv ►.env �.. a�.�.-« Alen,* .__- ------ - - :- -- -- -
made the project very costly, possibly even more costly in the flood
zone.
Councilmember Brenner said she was concerned that the Sterling Canal,
now within pipes, might be built over by thie project. She did not
think it was possible to do that.
Mr. Sanchez read from a report from the City Engineer, who stated that
the cal, or storm serer drain, ran the entire length of ehe property
and with sale of the property it was to be kept accessible for maintenance;
that fact was to be made Absolutely clear to all potential buyers.
Counciiaember Brenner said she was still unclear as to the project plan
in relation to the store sewer; Mayor Carey said he was concerned at
present with the flood plain zone, and the atorm sewer problem was
subsequent to that.
Councilmember Eyerly said Mr. Cody s six -point presentation clarified
some of staff's questions, but the location of the project in relation
to the power poles was not cleat on the drawing. He thought the matter
might have to return to the Planning Commission.
Mx. Sanchez said he had not seen the revised drawings that Mr. Cody
referred to, but staff held the opinion that housing vas an inappropriate
use of the location with its nary site problems. The Planning Commission
recommendations had expressed its coueern on housing for that site.
MOTION: Councilmember Brenner moved, seconded by ) sszzino, that Council
approve the Planning Commission recoemendatiou to deny the application
of George Cody for change of district for property located at 1078 Loma
Verde, from LK to P -C.
Councilmmeber Brenner ,listed the problems of the flood plain, drainage
easement, and, incidentally, the fact that nearby residents had become
accustomed to having the subject strip of land as a buffer between them
and industrial uses.
Mayor Carey ascertained that akers on the subject, pose opinions he
749
8/25/79
assumed were negative toward the project, would permit Council to vote
on acceptance or denial of the project before they spoke, and if the
motion was denied their statements would become unnecessary.
Councilmemb`r Eyerly asked where on the site it was proposed to have the
power lines swing.
Mr. Sanchez replied that the power lines ran parallel with the easterly
property line.
MOTION PASSED The motion that Council uphold the Planning Commission
recommendation to deny the application for change of district passed on
the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Carey, Clay, razzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher, Witherspoon
NOES: Eyerly
Council recessed from 9:50 pea. to 1O3Q p.m,, with some time given to
scatters of litigation.
Councilmembber Brenner saie that shu. had removed this matter from the
Consent Calendar because the contract had been based on net rather than
gross; the proposed greenhouse to be used as a drying kiln for sludge
rah to reduce moisture content from 40 percent to 15 percent raised the
question of who paid for the greenhouse. She said that further she had
understood that under the terms of the contract the pile was to be
covered immediately so that leaching from whiter rains would not take
place and a1zo to cut down OD pos=sibility of blowing duet. She added
that she understood the size of the drying pad was not to exceed one
acre --she wanted to mike sure that the proposed structure would not
exceed that one -acre size. She knew the proposed 16,000 square feet was
leas than one -pelf acre. She wondered if any structure of that size
could be built for leas than $100,000 ---that amount was to have been Palo
Alto's anticipated aunual income, ehe recalled.
Mark Harriet City Treasurer, said that Vorl d R.eetourcee would p y for the
pay �s��
construction of the proposed greenhouse. The City was paid, he_ said,
not m net but on gross value of the precious metals. Net payment to
the City wee to occur after the revery pr®cs had taken place with
about the first 7500 tons of sludge. _The City . vas able a to naurfat,R 0111
the arose, he staid; beerbi4sse it hed 'mid it would cooperate in whatever -way
way possible to keep the project economicslly viable. Staff thought
that the greenhouse idea was hest, although the present pile was Wired
now, and had been covered early in the spring; it had not been fully
covered during the winter rains. Construction of the greenhouse and
other drying activities would be confined to one acre, the location of
whichwould be ;specified by the City and the proem** of Site and Design
review would brim the matter of the process to be used before Council.
Councilmember Screamer confirmed that the structure would belong completely
to krld end would not be paid for by Palo Alto.
Councilmember Sher asked if the payment to the City wets gross, whet
advantage to the City was there in permitting the 16,x? square -foot
,structure in the Baylsnda.
Mr. Harris replied there was no Advantage. The City had agreed
750
6/25/79
7 �4,
cooperate in whatever way possible to facilitate recovery of precious
metals from the ash, and permission to construct the greenhouse was
fulfillment of that stipulation.
Council mber Sher said the City had not agreed to construction of a
16,000 square -foot building in the Baylands. If so, it was the first
time he'd heard of it.
Mr. Harris said the City had agreed to specify a one -acre site for a
drying pad. At the time of that agreement it had not been known if the
project would be economically viable. If the structure were going to be
unacceptable to Council, World Resources would have to find other solutions.
The contract had stated 1800 tons of ash were to be removed during the
first year if the process were making money after that time World would
remove not only the new ash but also 1200 tons of existing ash each year
until the pile was gone. World was committed with the building of the
greenhouse, to removing the ash .at least twice as fast as by the method
originally preoosed. There were about 10,000 tons of ash at present
that, at 1200 tons per year, would take eight years to remove. World
had not committed to removing any of the ash until after the first
year --since the project was going so well World was willing to invest in
art arse.=ironrneatalla acceptable structure to speed the drying.
Councilmember- Sher asked what a fair rental value would be for City land
where a 16,000 square -foot building was to be erected.
Mayor Carey said he thought the rental value would be less than the
City's share of the ore.
Councilmember Sher said the City was entitled to its share of the ore,
irrespective of rental, of land for the prosassin.g of the ore. He acknowledged
that the City was to provide area to World for drying, but he had understood
that World was going co take the sludge away,, and were not going to
process it on City -owned land. Based on those earlier discussions he
found it completely surprising that a proposal was now before Council to
permit World to build a 16,000 3ruare-foot structure in the Baylands.
Mr. Harris said he would like to see the process go through the site and
design review. He thought the terms of the contract warranted that.
Councilmember Sher noted that the contract portion which spoke of new
ash having a moisture content in excess of 15 percent. The amendment
now before Council was for old ash, and the 15 percent moisture content
stipulation did not apply, It seemed to him, he said, that the f:ityy was
being asked to de srs *ething that would have considerable impact on the
Baylands, and he was concerned.
Vice Mayer Henderson said that he thought it would be of value to the
C ley i u c.spe its the removal of the ash—pricesfor void and silver
were high now.
Mayor Carey noted that with payment alac to be expedited it would be an
advantage to the City to have the concomitant speed-up of removal.
Councilmemhser Sher AAiA nta' �itizniv± tF t - -
A —$...e .r`v:ii�a be asu�C�d1L�i�;COii& if i�a$in
agreed to remove the building in 43 months and also to process and
move all the ash within 43 months, along with making payment for
recovered metals in that spa of tiac. Would World agree to that?
Paul. Berk, of World Resources-, 1600 Henderson Road, ?cLean, Virginia,
said World would intend to do as Counci1member. Sher asked, but he had to
think it over. The contract provided land for an ash -drying operation,
and Mr. gerick said "...we don't see how we cau`have an ash -drying
75I
6/25/79
i
operation out in the wind somewhere --it's going to have to be in a
building, whatever it is. A mechanical drying operation, using oil or
gas, would have to be in a building, and that's pretty wasteful of
energy."
Councilmember Sher said that the clause about the City's cooperation
said "The City will cooperate in the handling and removal of ash to
maximize the values of such ash without causing any environmental or
safety hazards. Such cooperation shall include providing World with a
pad area. . . ." Councilmeeber Sher said there was nothing written
about a building with 16,000 square feet. He thought the City should
find out if `.grid, as a tradeoff for the City's permission to build the
building, was prepared to make a firm commitment to process end get ri0
of the ash pile and pay the City its share of the resources recovered
within the 43 months. If World was so prepared, he said he would look
at it differently, then, for as it was now he saw little advantage to
the City.
MOTION: Councilmember Sher uoved, seconded by Brenner, that the matter
be continued for time sufficient to give World a chance to respond to
questions on time of removal and payment.
Councilmember Witherspoon asked about the significance of stating 43 as
the number of months.
Me. Harris said that seven months in addition to three years afforded
leeway for contingencies; ataff die lot want ash -processing activities
in the Baylands any longer than necessary.
Councilmember Witherspoon said she thought that World had acted so far
in good faith and so she would accept World's statement that it would
get rid of the sludge ash pile in 43 months, and so she did not favor
the motion.
Mr. Berick of World Resources explained that three months to construct
the greenhouse were needed, and then 40 months for drying the ash.
Councilmember Brenner favored the motion to continue. There had been
delay in covering the wile against the rains, and au the drying period
was now needed. She did not think it safe to assume that World would
complete its drying and hauling and uske payment in 43 months --the
matter Mould be made clear before the e 1 trsact amendment was aired.
Councilmember Sher said that Council's job wee to act in the best interests
of the City, and it had to explore whether air net World's proposed
modification of the original contrect was just that.
Vice Mayor Henderson said "Well, I've just newer understood vby re`vee _ __--
throean , eveZ7 pow4i h 1 R Y^.dyas. ....'. - .A.; , `c iii alUdge_Aan buainesa e f ve 7_
do i M : i andPne i i `_ _ . - Ve've got tistitis6ent and we said that
a w+auld faeci litate the proa:esaitg,7t#ae :pad, one acre• --if - ws don't
Ilk* the building we don't approve the building, but t just dun't see
why we want to start this vhole prtrcees again; it's going -very well,
we're getting more inch from it than vs ever anticipated. To say
''Well, they didn't cover 1' timi....tharafor$ rem blot _ cf :;..:h to kituAlitt
them by dotegesamethint else to delay it' doesn't make too Much sense to
amp t went to go as feat as we can in drying out this sludge ash and
getting the ray we're entitled to."
Mayor Carey said he weel4 vote against t
there was a potential for ecological and
He tilt the proposed t the
and Council had spent muck on tts.
with staff recommend/Lao"
setter to Council again
concerned •
to Oontinue. He said
oinl bet fit to the City.
t of the contract. Staff
react and Council should go
reviewwould bring the
impact of the building was
NOUN TO =TIM YAt a notion that the natter of the greenhouse
7 5 2/
6/25179
,If
conztruction be continued for time sufficient to give World a chance to
respond to questions on time of removal of the ash pile and payment for
recovered ore failed on the following vote:
AYES: Brerner, Clay, Sher
NOES: Carey,Eyerly, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Witherspoon
Councilmember Fazzino said he also had had some question about changing
the financial arrangements to some degree; Ie thought Council should
have some review of the structure World planned to build.
Mr. Knox said the plan would go first to tha Flanging Commission then
the Architectural Review Board and then it would cote to the City Council
MOTION: Councilmmaer Witherspoon moved, seconded by Henderson, that
Council approve the amendme-at to the agreement with World Resources:
AMENDMENT 1 TO CONTRACT 3970
World Resources Company
MOTION PASSED: The motion passed on the following vote:
AYES: Carey, Clay, Eyerly, Fazzino Fletcher, Henderson, Witherspoon
NOES: Brenner, Sher
-141-4414114.
4PAi.7C'.la vhF-_1 7 II i i� g
ir�so�nm �.Qa.� +rmti�.ea,�w.�
Richard Collart, 4260 Manueia, said he represented himself and his wife,
Margaret. Though he had requested withdrawal of his application in a letter
to Council, earlier, he now wanted to proceed and try to have Council
vote approval for the property. He said the land had been sold as 1.2
acres and he and his wife planned to move in, but now he had .found the
property was 1.45 acres when the 15 -foot radius for the corner was taken
into account. His application suggested splitting the parcel into two
equal parcels of .73 acres each. He referred to the lot using a transparency
projected on the C ounci1chamber wall. He felt his application should bi
approved on the same grounds as those upon which the Noble application
had been approved. He acknowledged that he was hoping for economic
advantage were the lot split approved. He suggested that he could also
ioubdivida into a one —sere lot then a 204000 square --foot lot to be consistent
with other land use. HS outlined points he thought would satisfy objections
of others to his proposed subdivision.
V.lee Re7ea_ iienel 1)'ee _ reeeYi.e.Ia ^m P* t' ..1 ! aalr �,e ...twa..v....a_ .si..e . 1 the
...�.� ��++cJ.�— �.v�..��..«.. s_...�._��.��. s.. . ---.r-v_.n - ---i'i.rrrHfr �l Tb.c -
aim tee of the .. Plenn ag Commission that "...the both - are the only
neighbors who have stated they will not object." Since withdrawal
had been proposed by Mr. Collart earlier perhaps the neighbors who
objected had not thought they had to, appear, so Council should perhaps
not take action that evening. He did not think that Kr. Cohort's comparison
with the Noble property was applicable to the Collart property_ with its
lesser acreage.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Witherspoon, that
Council uphold the Planning Commission recommendation to deny the application
for subdivision
Councilmeiber Witherspoon concurred that the Noble subdivision specifics
did not apply to the Cohorts' application.
Councilme er Brenner favored the motion to deny. She added that the
6/25/79
1
burden of upholding a zone lay with the
neighbors, she thought, should not feel
being threatened if they did not appear
MOTION PASSED: The motion to uphold the
and deny the application to subdivide at
vote.
(Continued from June 18, 1979)
fanning Commission and Councile
as though their interests were
in person to speak in defense of them.
Planning Commission recommendation
4260 Manuela passed on a unanimous
Councilmezz er Fletcher said that the new language, though improved,
still seemed to conceal the fact that a full-fledged restaurant was to
operate at the Veterans Building, along with meeting facilities and
office space. She said that the building vas to be primarily a restaurant.
NOTION: Councilmember Fletcher introduced the following resolution and,
seconded by Bremer, moved its adoption by Council:
RESOLUTION 5705 entitled "RES0LUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PAIR ALTO STATING ITS
ITKNT TO DISCONTINUE THE USE OF A PORTION OF
EL CAMINO PARK AND TO SUBMT raE QUESTION
OF DISCONTINTANCF TO THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
ELECTORATE."
AMFNDNENT: Councilmember Fletcher moved, seconded by Brenner, that
Council request staff to change the wording of the resolution to read,
in the second paragraph beginning with "whereas,"... ring facilities
and restaurant," rather than the other way around, as it now read, and
also to remove the reference to the Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Councilmember Sher said he had inquired of the developer and found he
did not have plans to develop commercial offices at the Veterans Building.
The developer had agreed that it would be useful to state clearly what
the uses were to be for the wording when the issue was on the ballot.
Counci. meeber Sher supported the amendment.
Vice Mayor Henderson asked the necessity for the specific reference to
the Junior Chamber of Commerce, since, like the Veterans, it was a non-
profit group.
AMMatimENT TWO Ate: Vice Mayor Henderson moved that instead of
specifically removing "Junior tamer of Commerce" the phrase, "and
other non-profit groups" be added.
Horn— CISZCY ascertained see wuncilmemher rietcner would agree to
inclusion of that phr her amendment without formal mtion.
AMENDMENT PASSED: The ant passed on a unanimous vote.
KILN AS AMENDED PASSED: The motion that Council approve the resolution
as amended maasanad an i *v 4 * _
SLAW
Councilmceber Pletcher said she hoped that Council would favor SB40 to
help fades with children find rental housing. The bill was new
baring its third reading in committee,
MOTION: Councilmember Fletcher moved. seconded by Brenner, that Council
direct the Meyer to s?ps a letter to b* writian tOlingialatore is
7-54
6/25/79
Sacramento stating Palo Alto's support for SB440.
Councilmember Eyerly listed his reasons for not supporting SE440: he
wanted further input from the community; the county had enacted a similar
ordinance and litigation had been filed against it; supporting a bill
such as SE440 would impose new contingencies on single -owner housing and
would reduce Palo Alto housing stock ea further. He thought S?440 too
stringent,
MOTION TO TABLE FAILED: Couecileember Eyerly moved, seconded by Witherspoon,
that Council table the notion to support SE440. The motion to table failed
on the following vote:
AYES: Carey, Clay, Eyerly, Witherspoon
NOES: Brenner, Faz:ino, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher
Douglas Winslow, 117 Colorado, member of the Hume Relations Commission
(SRC), said he had been very involved in the housing s d rental housing
crises. He had found that over BO percent of the rentals in Palo Alto
banned children, he said, and statewide it wee between 50 end 70 percent,
Prevailing "Adults only" housing practises required a statewide ordinance.
Co mcilme'mber Witherspoon pointed out that 50 percent of the rental
units in Palo Alto were single -family —she thought that HRC surveyed
only apartments, that is, multi -family housing.
Cindy Elwood, 359 Hawthorne, represented the Mid -Peninsula Support
Network for Battered Women. She knew fres fitatha d experience that
families with children could mot compete equally for housing. A statewide
ordinance was needed because the problem wee qty -vide throughout
the Bay Area. San Francisco and Berkeley had ordinances preventing
discrimination against families with children. In her work with the
Santa Clara County Commission on the Statue of Ibsen the diec vered that rousing
discrimination was not against women but against women with children,
and so the diecrin,tnation could not be said to be sexists She said that
on a battered inmemu hotline about 40 calla a month were received, from
Palo Alto as well as nearby East Palo Attc and Redwood City and Mountain
Miser. One-third of the clients neede4 honstag. She aatd that woman
etrnyed in eituations that were brutal because it was their only alteruative
to living in poverty.
Roger Smiths 130 Ely Place, held that the situation of housing pooed the
question of what should be tended to: private profits or general welfare.
Children are our future: ba maim_ lie e d that eve= Le use late
in the evening Council sold attend to the matter, for it eras coming up
soon in Sacramento:
Tom Gerber, 1224 € avaexlay. ___addressed his _ * ha enfinimtlsomm4eTE _
EYerlv and withal -spoon. He tIhot bt t property all the
s w.� s av � 4Y _. - ia'litSi
strength he needed in the rental situation. Vowing A. very difficult
to Ltd in Palo Alto but that problus was also stateside.
Dr. M fred Uhlmann, 522 Georgia, favored SB440. Es ssid he vas pastor
of the Lh vernity Lutheran Church, at Stanford. He sited instances of
:ha y:z _ ii _ lap4oilUll. _ y Elf Einiang Dousing. - . Me said that discrimination
against housing for families es vas age discrimination.
Ellen Byrom, 336 Byrom, was coordinator fill Ald4aminsula Fair piing.
said that people could sot afford to buy end so they bad to rent, thereby
putting sore pressure on the rental market. Buildings that accepted
children had a three-month waiting list. ms's support was needed
for $1440 to help in a esemingly hopeless situation.
Ann bender, 2315 fir, lip 3 wee chairperson on the Santa Clara
6/25/19
County Commission on the Status of Women. Housing needs had been an
issue at the Commission since 1970, and housing discrimination affected
women with children, usually single women. She said SB440 would help
well --to-do as well as poor people. She urged Council to support SB440.
Connciimember Fateino said a number of representatives of such groups es
realtora,. renters, and tenants, along with the URC, had participated in
a meeting some few months ago, and at that meeting it had been undeniably
shown that there was discrimination in housing. Counciimeaber Fsazino
had been impressed with the fact that, following to timony on the
difficulties of renters with children, some HRC members who had formerly
opposed SB440, had become supporters of it. Re said children, here in
Palo Alto, had become an endangered species. Though the City had no
control, it should not allow the problem to be exacerbated, when it
could help by supporting SB440.
corrected Councilmember Brenner agreed that it was not possible to say that children
see page 55 were not welcome in multi -family buildings bfcause building of condominiums
8/6/79 had proliferated, thereby intensifying the problem. Homeowner association
agreements have replaced restricted covenants, she said, and so the
state preempted the right of cities to create their own ordinances in
order to uake rental markets more equitable.
i
Councilor er Eyerly referred tox HRC's letter to Senator Garcia, copies
of which were in Counc11 embers' packets. Re noted differences between
}RC's suggestions to the Policy and Procedures Committee and recommendations
in the bill, pending at the state capitol: "1) since mobile homes are
the most affordable they should also be covered under the law; 2) since
we (IRC) feel a housing six of senior and young adults is desirable we
recommend permitting those buildings having 70 percent of the residents
6C or more years old to have anadults-onlypolicy." The letter from
RRC . was signed by Tim Trailer, chairman. Co cilmember Eyerly said he
was troubled by restrictions on places where older people lived, It
SB440 became law the 105 -unit building he resided in would have to open
its units to families with children. While be approved the general
premise of non-discrimination against children, he said, still people in
housing had certain righta, and SB440 did not take those rights into
consideration. He preferred that Council build its own ordinance, and
that it would speak to requirements of people in Palo Alto. Otherwise,
by eaupporting $B449, Pepiora in Palo Alto =lea be done an inj*atice.
Vice Mayor Henderson reminded Council er
not write its own ordinance; that right had
The action before Council proposed support
Vice Mayor Henderson said he lived where 30
rentals; children were allowed:
support'
Eyerly that Palo Alto could
been preempted by the state.
the bill as written.
percent of the units were
Mayor Carey said he would like to have a work session on the question
but since it was so late and there was not time for deeper study he
would abstain. The issue was . ca lea. kn fir 3yz.arra that
there eat discrimination ° aeainsit famelies with children ad the atate
legislature suet address that issue. He thought 51440 had flews, in his
opinion, that would create greater problems later, such as perhaps
inducing Landlords to increase cleaning deposits, though the amount of
deposit had now been limited to two months/ rent, inciud inc one Vieth's
advance rat. There were quite a few laws n on the books: Re held_�.tt .....,, ziagl,Q44.ally housing was nov Nan built. If the bill passed
single family rentals of -furnished house sight no longer be available.
able.
He thought 511440 reacts, toraathar then analysing the situation, and so
he would abstain -he supported the intent of the bill, but be did not
support the structure, he said.
756
6/25/79
MOTION PASSED: The motion that Council direct the Mayor to sign a
letter to be wr+tten to state legislators stating Palo Altors support
for SB444 passed on the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Fazzino, Fletcher ;Tegedestion,
NOES: Clay
ABSTAIN: Carey, Eyerly, Witherspoon
aver
Coutecileasher Fletcher said she had recentlyleairned that three Greyhound
buses traveled daily bed Sum Scree and San Francisco and sere not
permitted to pick up Palo Alto passengers unless passengers held tickets
for points north of San Francisco. Sh deplored that a feat and comfortable
bus service such as Greyhound was not available to Palo Altars owing to
such a regulation. The background of the regulation was that when
SamTrans took over the Greyhound operation Greyhound had not wanted to
compete with Sari ans 9 more frequent aervice, and ao Greyhound had
obtained persuasion from Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to di.aaco tttinue
that route. S eTrans now, however, wee overloaded and looking for about
100 new buses at $100,000 each.
MOTION: Councilmember Fletcher moved, seconded by Henderson, that
Council direct staff to look into the matter of how Palo Alto might
effect a change in the regulations so that Palo Alto passengers would be
permitted to board Greyhound buses between Palo Alto and San Francisco.
The action passed on a unaninoes voice vote.
Vice Maayor .Henderson and Coencilaevaasber Sher spoke an behalf of Council
end themselves expressing appreciation for the good relationship they
had experienced in council businees in the reeent yeasts, and extending
good wishes to Mr. Carey and Mrs Clair for the future.
Mayor Carey and Ceencilmelber Clay thanked Councilmembers for their
reline
of esteem. Mir Catty urged those wbo wished to run for
relia�c office do Y x.ii _ !! to
T —..v__.' v to " a�+�i' � d��S �.�i: �� �� ! ! !�� � easy" t� insights
and perspectives thus gainet,were worth all the effort.
2.
- -
:. _ a.a,a:1 _451 �:� va -_ ....��... _. .- :_ _
- 7 ----- map . JAI c �`rai . `ssg , ILMONWd "dse, a ledged
that there was mach hard work and invasion of areas time in order
to serve on the City Council. She thanked Mayor Carey and Cosmcilaeaber
Clay for their work.
]eland Levy, 1564 Vim . t Drive. Co~.m cilm--fir a1 see _ aereed ..a •�,
is r and aid thdt be was lepieneed blr dedication
shows by the outgoiag Councilneebers.
757
6/25/79
758
6/25/79
3. Charles Greiner, attorney-at-lav, said that be had assumed his
letter regarding cable t.v. in Couacilasembers' packets, would have
led to the matter being placed on the agenda, He had waited for
four and one-half hours, and now the meeting was over, and it still
had not come up.
Mayor Carey explained how such matters could not be assured a place on
the agenda. Citizens waiting on non -agenda items should ascertain
in advance that at least one Councilsmmber would list it for the agenda
or raise the matter in new business.
Coumcilmeaber Fazzino said he had intended to put the matter of cable
t.v. on the agenda some v+ ks i ce, so that there could be some discussion
of it.
ArtIOURIMENT
AMOR: Councilmember Fazzino moved, seconded by Witherspoon, that
Council adjourn. The motion passed on a =andscue voice vote.
Council adjourned at 12:03 a.m.
APPROVE
Mayor