HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-12-03 City Council Summary MinutesCITY
couriai
M 1NUT€S
Regular Meeting
December 3, 1979
ITEM
Minutes of November 5, 1979
Oral Communications
Consent Calendar - Action Items
Site and Design Review of Palo Alto Golf Course Driving
Range Fence --Park Improvement Ordinance
Revision of Joint Powers Agreement for Intergovernmental
Employee Relations Services
North Santa Clara County Municipal Solid Waste Management
Program - One Year Extension of Joint Powers Agreement
Approval of Contract Extension/Amendment with Earth
Metrics, Inc., - Coordinator for North Santa Clara
County Municipal Solid Waste Management Joint Exercise
of Powers (JPA) Agreement
727 and 744 Ramona Street - Application for Change: of
District by Thomas Harrington
Appointment of Two Human Relations Commissioners for Three
Year Terns Commencing January 1, 1980
Canvass of Results of November 6. 1979 Special Election
i+ sures A and B
y
Proposed Housing Development —Parking Lot Q
School Site Purchases: Status Report
Reports re Item Pricing of Goods in fiery Stores
Recess
Report of City Attorney re #end 'ts to Chapter 9.14
of the Palo Alto Municipal Code re Smoking
Public Hearing: Peter Coutts Hill Comprehensive Plan
Amendment -
Annexation of Peter Coutts Hill
Finance and Public Works Committee Recommends re Proposed
PASCO Contract
Request of Mayor Henderson re Pennington Parcel Division
Application
Adjournment
CITY
Or.
PALO
ALTO
PAGE
304
304
304
304
304
305
305
305
305
306
306
3 I 0
3 1 0
3 I 2
3 -1 3
3I 9
319
322
322
323
Regular Meeting
December 3, 1979
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto
Councilchamber at 250 Hamilton Avenue, at
presiding.
PRESENT: Brenner, Eyerly, Faezino, Fletcher,
Renzel, Sher, Witherspoon
ABSENT: None
met on this date in the
7:43 p.m., Mayor Henderson
Henderson, Levy,
MINUTES F NOVEMBER 5�. 1979
Councilmember Renzel asked that on page 249, the motion to continue give
her name as the person to second that motion,
Councilmember Renzel asked that on page 252, asked that the third line
of the second paragraph read instead: "I think the Comprehensive Plan
should direct land -use, and not the other way around
MOTION: Councilmember Fazzino moved, seconded by Menzel, that the
minutes of November 5, 1979, be approved as corrected. The lotion
passed on a unanimous voice vote.
(ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
Referral Items
None
Action Items
Mayor Henderson ascertained that no member of the public nor Councilmember
wished to speak to an item on the Consent Calendar. The following items
reined:
SITE AND DESIGN REVIEW OF
MIO At GOLF COURSE DRfY1NG
)ANgE FENCE—PARFINCE—PARY MI NTORDI CE (CMR:418:9)
ORDINANCE 3172 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE
COWOCIL OF THH CITY OF PALO ALTO APPROVING
AND ADOPTING A PLAN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
FENCE IMPROVEMENTS IN BYXBEE PARK."
(First reading 11/19/79)
REVISION OF JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT
IMEItsavelwarA tlipiftEE
Funding for City of Palo Alto fees of about $2000 under this agreement
are budgeted annually in the Personnel Department.
AGREEMENT. JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT FOR
INTERGOVERNMENTAL NTAL RELATIONS SERVICES
304
12/3/79
NORTH SANTA CLARA COUNTY MUNICIPAL SOLID
WXITTRUTMILI CITTITTENs
OF JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT
Staff recommends that Council approve the °°Agreement to extend until
January 1, 1981, the Joint Exercise of Powers agreement."
AGREEMENT TO EXTEND UNTIL JANUARY 1, 1981,
THE JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT --
NORTH SANTA CLARA COUNTY MUNICIPAL
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
APPROVAL OF CONTRACT EXTENSION AMENDMENT
Staff recommends that Council, as general administrator for the Joint
Powers Agreement, approve the amendment to the agreement with Earth
Metrics, Inc., to provide for coordinating services through March 31, 1980,
at a cost of $9000.
AMENDMENT 2 TO AGREEMENT 3853 --PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES --EARTH METRICS, INCORPORATED
MOTION: Councilrnember Fazzino moved, seconded by Renzel, that Council
approve the Consent Calendar. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
NOTION: Vice Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Renzel, that Council bring
the matter concerning 727 and 744 Ramona Street forward for continuance.
The motion passed an a unanimous voice vote.
727 AND 744 RAMONA STREET
DISTRICT
MOTION: Vice Mayor She. roved, seconded by Renzel, that the application
of Thomas Harrington concerning 727 and _744 Ramona Street be continued
to January 21, 1980.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
APPOINTMENT OF TWO i# i RELATIONS COMMISSIONERS
Mayor Henderson read the names of the candidates; saying -that Council
had i niervi a tie on. November 26, 1979.
Ahisgard, Harry W. Podolsky, Joseph L.
Brown, Pat Robinson, Jerry E.
Cahill, Salty Ann Tao, Helen
Cottrell, Stan Weiner* Fred S.
Oeerkop, Barbara Winslow, Douglas S.
Kass, Michael
He said that the first candidate to receive five Ccuncilmembers1 votes
wind be elected to the post of commissioner.
Helen Tao was elected on the first ballot to serve a three-year term on
they SRC, commencing January 1, 1980 and ending member 31, 1982.
Joseph Podolsky Ms elected on the fourth ballot to serve a three-year
ter on the ice, commencing January 10 1980 and eadi ng December 31,
1982.
305
12/3/79
1
1
ANVASS OF RESULTS OF NOVEMBER 6 1979
SPECIAL ELEdr i -grXtUREcX AND if
Mayor Hendersee announced that 10,985 votes had bean cast in favor of
amending the Charter to hold the general municipal election at the same
time as county, state and national elections, in November instead of May
in odd numbered years; 797 votes had been cast in opposition. Also,
voters had approved amendment of the park dedication ordinance re El
Camino Park.
MOTION: Councilmember Witherspoon introduced the following resolution
and, seconded by Fazzi no, moved its adoption by Council.
RESOLUTION 5753 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO DECLARING
THE RESULTS OF THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
HELD ON NOVEMBER 6, 1979."
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
PROPOSED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT --
Mayor Henderson said that Council would address itself to the question
of whether or not it epproved the general concept of the proposed housing
development. If Council did approve, it would direct staff to proceed
with preparing an option agreement, that would cover the details mentioned
in the September 27, 1979 staff report CMR:431:9, now before Council,
with the matter then to return to Council before further action took
place.
Napttali Knox, Director of Planning and Community Development, said the
proposal by Pr. Kinney and Mr. Arutunian represented the first proposal
made to the City for the use of air rights. Specifically the two men
proposed to construct housing between Alma and High Streets and Lytton
and University Avenues using the air right of the present City parking,
while at the same time adding to the number of available parking places
in that Parking Lot Q. On September 24 Council had asked the Policy and
Procedures Committee to dicrueC the mat�'er, of it _righi�.
.... matter �.c� er s air r rights yn �� 9eii@Z`dil i y. The
Committee had toured the subject area; an application for zone change
would have to be made, and, since the City owned the property, the
Committee felt that Council had to know about the proposed project
before coesidering the zone change. A seven -point list of criteria had
been drawn up by the Planning Department in 1975 for guidelines to judge
whether or not air rights should be granted should application for thews
be ate, Those criteria had been reviewed and minor changes had been
made November 6, 1979, by the Policy and .edures-Committee.: Council
would review the ceittria January 7, 1984. Mr. Kinney, in the brown
spiral notebook presentation, hod presented his proposal to Council and
addressed the seven-po i n t cri ter, i . -
Mr. Krox pointed out that a proposed development, whether or not it was
for air rights or other, could not exceed zoning restrictions on height,.
density, parking, or daylight plane.
Mr. Kit continued: he said that zoning restrictions applied to air
right -held lots as well es conventional lots; each air -right proposal
would be considered individually, and in the sane fashion as all Planned
Community (PC) applications and so consideration of specific details
would be inappropriate at this time. The nature of the option agreement
staff would draw pup would be quite broad and not pre -determine matters
to be resolved during the P -C approval process. The option agreement
would establish whetter the property would be sold or leased, number of
below-.arket-rate (MR) units, and nor of public and private parking
spaces, and the like, then the option agreement would return for Council
approval.
3 0 6
12%3,79
Charles Kinney, partner in AK Properties, 125 University Avenue, outlined
his partner's and his history of property ownership at the 125 University
Avenue address relating to the proposed project. He said the project
would give more housing without disrupting a settled neighborhood.
There would be two levels of public and one level of private parking at
a place that now offered only 74 spaces. He lauded the potential housing
opportunities in downtown Palo Alto. He referred to the model AK Properties
had submitted of the proposed project, explaining that AK Properties had
been involved with the proposal for over a year.
Kermit Knopf, 930 Palo Alto Avenue, represented Downtown Palo Alto,
which, he said, supported the AK Properties' concept. He qualified that
support by saying that Downtown Palo Alto had asked that more'dowhtown
parking be provided; the project could excavate for additional parking,
he thought, with longterm to be the deepest, and shortterm closest to
the surface.
Council ber Witherspoon asked how the parking assessments would be
worked out.
Roy Abrams, City Attorney, said his office was at present researching
where funds from sale or lease of air rights might be apportioned, and
more information would be available January 7.
Vice Mayor Sher said the question of whether or not it was advisable to
make available to other contractors the opportunity to bid on air rights
had cone up; if a decision had been made to wait instead for proposals
for contractors to bid on specific projects, Council should be aware of
having made that policy decision.
Jean Diaz, Real Property Administrator, said that staff had suggested
that the Policy and Procedures Committee discuss that; he thought that
whenever possible the City should use the market process, that is,
competitive bidding, to determine values of properties. In the present
matter, :however, the developer was to use his own adjacent property as a
part of the development. Mr, Diaz said that the Comprehensive Plan
stated that incentives for developers of air rights plans should be
offered. This first proposal could play the part of a "trial run" for
additional air rights proposals; competitive bidding processes could be
used on ensuing projects.
Vice Mayor Sher ascertained it was staff's recommendation that competitive
bidding not be used on this project. He noted that in the option agreement
to be worked out by staff and the developer a broad range of areas would
be worked out; those questions about density and the like, then, would
be fully debated Area the matter returned to Council, was that the case?
Mr. Knox replied that staff planned to keep the option agreement broad --
details were to 1... worked ..._i --h-- .. _� --
d_oa.ls be woe ked out n the P -C application was addressed.
For example, the proposed number of units had ranged from 30 to 40 --"the
"the
number of units has a great bearing on whether or not the project will
fly."
Mayor Henderson said he thought it might profit staff to have some
guidelines from Council.
Vice Mayor Sher said that a staff study had begun on the balance of the
properties on the subject block, with an eye to ultimate private development.
lie thought the staff study should take into account the possible wish
that this private development of underground parking should be so planned
that it could perhaps tie into other development on the block,
Roy Abrams, City Attorney, said that the option agreement would have to
recognize the ultimate decisionmaking authority of Council on such
matters as zoning and site and design review, both a part of the P -C
process. That authority could not be negotiated away.
3 07
12/3/79
Conncilmember Brenner said that Mr, Abrams' remarks spoke to her concerns also,
and Downtown Palo Alto's wish for more parking was a case in point --that
is, the need to keep access for more parking.
Councllmember Levy said he thought that the project should be open to
competitive bidding --the City would profit from input from various
developers; rather than a detriment the ownership of the lot by AK
Associates would work to AK's advantage in the bidding. "I would be
uncomfortable working out a negotiated arrangement.°
Mayor Henderson said that before staff was directed to draw up an option
agreement Council should decide whether or not the project was to he
opened to competitive bidding.
Mr. Diaz said that if Council wanted to open the project to competitive
bidding it could hake some difference in how the terms were structured.
Information would have to be obtained from developers about their concept,
their experience, their financial resources, as was the case in other
properties put out for bid.
Councilmeiber Levy said that the Policy and Procedures Committee meeting
had discussed leasing or selling the property with the qualification
that a specific number of parking spaces be developed,
Mr. Abrams said Council had to go through a specific process to declare
a portion of the proposed development 'surplus' so that it could be used
for something other than the assessment district --they were trying to
decide what that process might be, and if a sale with a leaseback provision
might necessitate some differing procedures --the enswer was not yet
known.
Councilmember Renzel said she thought it was important for the City to
have a solid proposal in order "...to figure out where to begin and how
to proceed." Though she favored competitive bidding she thought the
proposed project afforded a simplified case without "...an enormous
number of variables. . . ." She was willing to proceed with an option
agreement with AK Associates.
MOTION: Council nber Renzel moved, seconded by Witherspoon, that
Council approve the conceptual proposal and direct staff to prepare an
option agreement to be returned to Council for its approval.
Council tber Renzel added that fill excavated from the proposed project
be stockpiled for the City's use to cap the dump.
Couftcilmember E,yerly favored the motion. He wanted to emphasize that
the project concerned a new ldei--air rights, and proceeding with an
option egreeaent did not preclude other developers from making proposals
on the proposed site. Ile recal i ed having talked with two developers
some time back about air rights, and neither had cane forward with a
prowl yet. If Council proceeded with directing the option agreement
to be drawn up other developers might be encouraged.
Councilmember Fletcher supported the idea of the project --she hoped some
solar conservation was to be included.
d.
Mayor Henderson agreed with the motion; he amplified that in this case
the developer, not the City, had taken the initiative.
Courcilaember Fazzino praised AK's air rights proposal --it would have
been difficult for the City to have developed an air rights concept and
AK had done so; It was in line with Comprehensive Plan guidelines and
the proposed price range seed reasonable; it offered some actual, not
in -lieu pal nt, BOIR units also ---a rare thing. He supported the motion.
308
12/n79
Councilmember Witherspoon agreed with Councilmember Fazzino's points.
The developer was not only taking a financial_ risk. h',t al:;o a risk
toward overcoming psychological resistance to the idea; it would provide
a well run demonstration project, and so she would forego the idea of
competitive bidding.
Councilmember Levy said he thought it would be irresponsible for the
City not to let the project out for bids as it did in other sales or
leases of its land --a competitive bid process would also assure that
nothing illicit was taking place.
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Levy moved that Council direct staff to draw
up an option agreement with the provision that air rights be offered for
competitive bi d
The amendment died for lack of a second,
Vice Mayor Sher said he had wanted the question of offering air rights
for competitive bid to be discussed by Council and he was glad to have
participated in the discussion; stiff had decided that in this case
it would be more efficient to work with AK Associates on this demonstration
project. - There were merits in that recommendation, but he foresaw
that the option agreement would have so many elements of the AK Associates'
proposal it would not provide a good base for comparison. He thought
it was important for Council to understand that it was choosing to
work with AK Associates and that such would be the case.
Councilmember Renzel added that each air rights proposal had to be
evaluated independent of other air rights proposals, with the evaluation
aimed at the goal of providing the most public benefit for the City.
She thought the major benefit to the City in this case was that AK
was willing to take large risks in a heretofore untried process.
Pat Cullen, 409 Melville, said she was uneasy about the process Council
was setting precedent for, without, having discussion on legal
definition of air rights; she thought that to make a decision now
would be premature. She acknowledged that delay would increase
costs to the developer, but she wanted the project to be pondered more.
She would like to see a study session held on air rights in general,
Mayor Henderson said that the overall subject of air rights would be an
agenda item January 7, before any approval of the option agreement was given.
Joseph Hirsch, 4149 Georgia Avenue said he agreed that the protect
should be let out for bids --he feared the City was being locked into a process
preietureiye Hie - feared Palo Alto would become a, m ni-San Francisco and he
thought it would 1ead.to more than allowable density.
Cuwe i fi ber grenner recalled that -the Planning Commission had discussed
the scatter of air rights extensively before it had presented the Comprehensive
Plan to Council for approval in 1975 --in that sense an open invitation
to developers to bid on air rights had been extended for about four
years. She reviewed the process when both Bryant Avenue site and the
eorparation yard site were up for bid, they were long involved matters
and bidders had always extended the parameters of the project. She
would favor the staff proposal to draw up an option agreement with AK
Associates.
NOTION PASSED: The motion that Council approve the conceptual proposal
for developing air rights over parking lot Q, and direct staff to prepare
an option agreement to be returned to Council for its approval, passed
on the following vote:
:YES: Brenner, Eyerly, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Renzel,
Sher, Witherspoon
NOES Levy
1
1
1
SCHOOL SITE PURCHASES:
: 9, 484:9)
William Zaner, City Manager, said he had given Council a report two
weeks ago giving the status on Terman and Ventira school sites; the Palo
Alto Unified School District and the City were still in negotiations.
Council had asked that the staff report on the purchase of school sites
be ready by December 15; since there were other topics Council had to
deal with this month, Mr. Zaner recommended that Council extend its
December 15 deadline to late February, 1980, at which time both the City
and the school district would have more definite information.
MOTION: Mayor Henderson roved, seconded by Renzel, that Council extend
the time for staff to report to Council on the status of the school
sites, to the end of February, 1980.
Vice Mayor Sher favored the motion. He said that on the matter of --
price, mentioned in the memo, he questioned those prices mentioned,
along with the underlying assumption that those amounts had to be paid.
He noted that it had been said that the taxpayers had bought the sites
once already --were they to buy them again? and at the appraised value?
The sites were, after all, to be publicly owned, albeit under another
governmental entity. Vice Mayor Sher said he also thought some public
groups had faulty ideas about the City's ability to pay. He thought
that how the City was to acquire means for payment, that is, issuance of
bonds, or the like, should be a part of the negotiations in the option
agreement. He would like the staff report to speak to those questions.
Mayor Henderson noted that how the land was zoned would have a great
deal to do with what the price of the land would be.
MOTION PASSED. The motion that staff return to Council with a report on
the status of school sites in late February instead of December 15
passed on a unanimous vote.
REPORTS RE ITEM PRICING OF GOODS
Mayor Henderson recalled that Vice Mayor Sher had first requested information
on the matter of item pricing.
Vice Mayor. Sher complimented both City Attorney and City Manager for
assembling information helping Council to decide if a local jurisdiction
ought to adopt an ordinance for item pricing since a state law requiring
such pricing was about to expire, He said he would like to hear members
of the public who wished to speak on the matter.
Meyer Henderson sale. that C154114;11 had rece=ived a great deal of inforsation
on• the matter, ont large detailed pamphlet from the Northern California
Grocers Association, and others.
Richard Kluzek, president and manager of the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce,
said he thought the conce: ► v1th item pricing was trivial. r :e'do not
need more government regulation over our daily lives." The electronic
scanner, he said, had been designed so that lower prices to consumers
would result. At present no Palo Alto food store had installed such a
devrice--he understood they cost $l 50,000 --about 150 stores in the state
had such devices. He thought legislation on item pricing was unnecessary --
consumers would decide, he said.
Claude L. Fernandez, secretary and treasurer of the Retail Store Employees
Union in Santa Clara County, 240 S. Market Street, San use, said he had
given Councilmembers a copy of San Francisco's ordinance on item pricing;
he noted that municipalities could legislate on the utter so long as
311 0 -
12/3119
x.
their legislation was not in conflict with legislation of the state. He
said his union had 8000 members; they were concerned as consumers and
they thought that though the automated checkstand was fast and efficient,
visible and understandable pricing was a right of the consumer. His
union was not afraid of losing jobs by the process --the contract had
been adjusted for that.
Councilm ber Eyerly asked how long the current clerks' contract ran and
what the protection was.
Mr. Fernandez said that the current contract ran out December 31; he
felt that any job loss inherent in automation had been adjusted for in a
contract written some six years ago,
Vice Mayor Sher asked if Mr. Fernandez knew of stores where automated
checkstands were used; if so, had steps been taken to monitor the prices
to avoid inaccuracies?
Mr. Fernandez replied that Continental Market was fully automated at the
checkstand. He thought neither consumers nor checkers could be expected
to remember prices. He said no stores abandoned item pricing --.it was
compatible with the automated checkstand.
Henry Meyer, saber of the Northern California Grocers Association, 591
Pico Way, Sacramento. He represented independent grocers in Northern
California, who opposed the proposed ordinance because automated checkout
reduced amount of needed labor and increased productivity. State law
had forbidden automated checkout --the first major advance in the food
industry since the self -serve concept in the early 40's. He thought the
savings would be passed on to customers, in spite of stated belief by
others that it would rots because food marketing was very competitive.
Since there was no price scanning in Palo Alto food stores, no law would
be needed.
Leslie Howe, California Retailers Association, 1127 Eleventh Street,
Sacramento, said he had battled the issue of unit pricing for five years
in state legislature. Now, with discontinuance of the law, the public
could find out if scanning was economical and practical. He thought unit
pricing would continue even though the store had scanning equipment.
National Cash Register, IBM and National Semiconductor sold- such scanning
equipment. He asked that the consumer make the choice by where he/she
bought groceries.
Norman Hightower, 248 Lytton Avenue, said he had an independent market
in Palo Alto, He thought the scanner would make labor costs less and
the record of groceries purchased more clear to the consumer, Though he
did not have one now, competition might force him to install one.
Carl usniro, attorney with hest Coast office of the Consumers' _ Union,
the non-profit publisher of Consoler Reports magazine, with 2 million
circulation. Since 1974 his publication had recommended price -marked
i trams , and it recommended unit pricing now also: prices on each item
facilitated comparison shopping. Prices did not have to be removed --
automated checkout could be used along with unit pricing. Shelf labeling
was not adequate. He thought savings resulted from lowered labor costs
would go to shareholders rather than consumers. He foresaw rising costs
and blind buying as a result of automated checkout.
Ctwnc11a tuber Eyerly asked the differences between a scanner tape and a
unit pricing tape.
Kr. Oshira replied that the scanner tape gave consumers more information;
consumers should have both systems, he thought. He thought that when
the legislation terminated January 1 more stores might go into scanning.
311
12/3/79
E
1
Councilmember Fletcher said she had heard some talk about having customers
mark their own groceries when they talk them from the store's general
supply.
Fir. Oshira said that system would not be adequate --it represented a
"let -'em -eat -cake" attitude on the part of store owners.
Councilmember Levy asked what the case was wieen it was legal not to
price mark.
Mr. Oshira replied that there was much less consumer consciousness.
RECESS
Council recessed from 9:47 to 9:52 p.m.
Ronald A. Howard, 646 Tennyson, said that City government's intervention
in the matter of grocery pricing was inappropriate. He did not think
anyone would buy anything without knowing the price of it. He said he
thought the message had been made clear that people wanted less government.
Robert Johnson, board member and vice president of Co-op Groceries, Palo
Alto, The Co-op had 28,000 members. He did not think installation of
scanners would result in food cost savings, nor did he think that: if
such savings resulted they would be pessed on to the consumer. He thought
Palo Alto Co-op members were unanimous in their wish to have unit pricing
because it made comparison shopping easier.
Bernice DeGiovanni, 632 Chi lus Drive, asked that item pricing be
continued. She had learned that if one large chain store started using
scanners other chains would follow suit. She reviewed some of the
hazards of unit pricing but she felt it was a guard against inflation.
Gypsy M. Lawrence, 1031 Harker Avenue, concurred with Mr. Oshira's
comments. She felt item pricing was best, particularly with senior
citizens, and she listed some of the hardships they endured while shopping for food.
Melvin Bernstein, 126 Loma Verde, rationalized the virtues and ills of
unit pricing and scanners; he favored unit pricing for the present, and
perhaps more coMperison could be wade with scanners as time went on.
Councilmember Levy ascertained from Mr. Johnson that Co-op members would
not choose to drop unit pricing and goo to scanners.
Vice Mayor Sher said that people favoring each side of the question had
spoken with him; he said he was impressed by the technology that could
perhaps lover prices, and from what he had heard that evening he did not
think adoption of the ordinance for unit pricing wuu d eliminate price
scanner. systems.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sher introduced the following ordinance for first
reading and and, seconded by Renzel, moved its adoption by Covncilr
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALO ALTO ADDING CHAPTER 5.30 Tt) THE
PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
ITEM PRICING
Cou ci 1 r Eyeriy said that as an inert retailer he would
resist legislation that told him how to run his business and interfered
with free enterprise. He thought the scanner did save costs and also
gave more information on the tape. He urged Councilmembers to vote.
against the motion.
312
12/3/19
Councilmember Brenner said she favored the ordinance; it retained the
customary procedure, and that avoided confusion. She noted that goods
were in effect, purchased, when they were removed from the shelf, not at
time of checkout.
Councilmember Witherspoon said she thought some of the speakers from the
food industry equivocated, depending on what locality they were in. She
hold that speakers from the present locality knew their own situations
best, relative to grocery shopping. "As far as I'm concerned, it's a
non -issue and I'll vote against the ordinance."
Councilmember Fazzino said he thought that broad issues of productivity,
emploernent, and pricing level were not appropriate concerns of a municipality.
He thought it might better be lobbied at the state level, and he thought
the proposed legislation might have a negative effect on smaller businesses
in town.
Councilmember Levy said he thought the issue was freedom of choice --he
thought that was best effected by letting opposing issues compete. He
did not wart to make choices for consumers, and he would vote against
the ordinance. _
Councilmember Renzel said the consumers could handle the issue by choosing
to buy where there was the kind of pricing they favored. She recalled a
study in which it had been demonstrated that a number of grocery stores
raised their prices on the first and fifteenth of the month, taking
advantage of when consumers felt they had money. She equated that with
gas stations that no longer took charge card payments. She favored
keeping unit pricing and would vote for the motion.
Councilmember Fletcher said that enactment of the ordinance would maintain
the status quo. Testimony showed that the consumer would be at a disadvantage
if item pricing were eliminated, and also, with scanners, prices could
be changed too rapidly. She favored retaining the present method of
unit pr=icing: when grocery stores wanted to go to scanners they could
appeal for that change.
Mayor Henderson said he did not want to regulate until need for regulation
had been demonstrated.
MOTION FAILED: The motion that Council adopt an ordinance regarding
it.em pricing in Palo Alto grocery stores failed on the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Fletcher, Renzel, Sher
WOES: Eyerly, Fazzi no, Henderson. Levy, Witherspoon
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY RC AMENDMENTS
Counciliar Witherspoon asked why the City Attorney's report suggested
prohibited smoking at events and performances but not art exhibits or
fashion shows or the like.
Roy Abrams, City Attorney, said Council had di reel ted the City Attorney
to make the City ordinance accord with the county ordinance; places had
been designated saucing or non-smoking according to the public or private
nature of ,the place.
Peter Bagatelos, 1 Maritime Plaza, San Francisco, said he represented
the Tobacco Institute. He said the basic message he had was that Council
or others should not legislate unreasonably or unnecessarily. If an
313
12/3/79
ordinance were drawn it should be precise. He felt that the requirement
that 50 percent of a restaurant be set aside for non-smokers "...is
extremely burdensome." He enumere ted some of the ambiguities, such as,
would 1t mean 50 percent of the bar? He thought times of business
fluctuations should be taken into account. He wondered why Palo Alto
was drawing up an ordinance that duplicated a county ordinance. He hoped
Council would consider information on•smoking regulations before it had
the second reading of the ordinance,
Mayor Henderson said that the county ordinance applied only to unincorporated
areas of the county.
Jerry Richter, 2700 El Caminos owner of the Antique Restaurant, said his
restaurant had about 25 percent area designated non-smoking. He thought
the requirement to have 50 percent non-smoking was excessive. He said
that eating and drinking were not only life sustaining they were also
social events; selling drinks was what kept him in business, and drinking
went with smoking. He noted that Proposition 5 had lost by a majority.
He said he himself had quit smoking, but fer business purposes he hoped
Council would not legilate 50 percent non-smoking area.
Counci lmember Renzel ascertained from Mr. Richter that at present the
non-smoking 25 percent at the &ntique Restaurant was not fully utilized.
Richard Kluzek, president of the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, said he
approved the legislation against smoking in public rooms where people
were compelled to share space, such as elevators and public meeting
rooms and theaters. He thought prohibition of smoking in retail stores
would be acceptable to store owners. He thought 50 percent was excessive
for restaurants; he questioned the right of government to limit smoking
in meeting rooms of private employers. He cautioned about the amount of
policing needed to enforce the proposed ordinance.
Vice Mayor Sher ascertained that Mr. Kluzek did not think it inconsistent
with the w i eh for less government to approve a prohibition against
smoking in retail establishments --for. Kluzek said that the prohibition
protected the merchant as well as the general public. It was difficult
for the merchant to zone his own establishment a non-smoking area.
Dr. Robert Decker, University Avenue, said that his group, the Lung
Association, had pressed for legislation. He cited the low number° of
restaurants and coffee shops that had voluntarily set aside non-smoking
sections. He gave figures showing how many people did not smoke; he
alluded to the great number of diseases related to smoking. He praised
the Palo Alto City Council "...for taking steps to clear the air."
Frank Koch, President, Syntex, said Dick Kluzek had spoken to their
concerns re use of Syntex facilities by outside groups. If the ordinance
is soap -tea, as proposed specifically sections f) and e), Syntex would
have to pot i c,.e these private events on the € r premises and would be
liable.
Gloria Wall, 291 Creekside Drive, spoke in favor of the ordinance and
the effects of smoking on cardiac and respiratory problems.
Ed O'Dwyer, President, S.C.C. Chapter, GASP, spoke in favor of the
ordinance.
Melvin 5ernstein, Palo Alto, expressed dismay that 5O percent non-
smoking requirement applied to restaurants with seating for 50 or more.
That comber exerted many restaurants, and Na predicted many would state
that they had seating for 49. He did not think 50 percent was at all
excessive.
314
12/3/79
Mr. Abrams noted that application of smoking proscriptions to places of
private ownership was a matter of policy rather than one of law; that
right, which was to benefit the public health, safety, and welfare, was
pursuant to the City's charter authority and its police authority. He
said that, for example, Section (f) would apply to Syntex's meeting room
when private groups not under their control used their facilities. He
noted that subsection (e) had a provision for private banquets. Mr.
Abrams added that places serving food were affected; bars, which did not
serve food, would not be affected.
Mayor Henderson said he thought the proposed ordinance would afford
health protection to people who could not have the protection in any
other way.
MOTION: Mayor Henderson introduced the following ordinance, and, seconded
by Fazzino, moved its approval by Council:
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALO ALTO AMENDING CHAPTER 9.14 OF
THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
SMOKING
Counci barber Witherspoon said she favored the protection to non-smokers
the ordinance would provide; she noted there were inconsistencies in
it --some locations, for example, had been excluded and others had not,
and some events had been excluded, but not others, and so on.
Mr. Abrams replied that the ordinance distinguished between public and
private restaurants and meeting rooms.
Councilmecnber Fletcher noted that in 1978 Ballot Measure Proposition 5
had passed in Palo Alto, and that proposition had prescribed 50 percent
non-smoking area in restaurants. She thought it important to cover
places of employment because employees found it hard to object because
they might jeopardize their positions. She thought banks should be
included.
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Fletcher moved, seconded by Henderson, that to
AMENDMENT: 4'1 s
the prohibition on smoking in retail stores be added a prohibition to
sacking in barks.
Councilmember Renzel said she did not think people were compelled to
stay in banks; she thought it would be difficult to enforce the non-
smoking in hanks and commercial establishments.
Counci lrsmrriber Levy noted that if the amendment were passed 100 percent
of the bank would have no smoking, whereas only 50 percent no -smoking
was asked of restaurants -.he noted that the municipal code was entitled
"Public ice, morals, and safety.- He rhOught some prohibitions reere
made -for r=easons of safety, as in retail stores, but for health -in
restaurants. He thought the reason given for the prohibition in each
case should be made clear. 14e thought that where people could smoke
should be stipulated.
Vice Mayor Sher said he thought theater and store operators could establish
areas where it was all right to smoke
Councilaember Fletcher said she would include that modification in her amendment.
Councilmember Fazz#no said he thought smoking should be prohibited in
all commercial establishments and not single out certain kinds of stores.
He would vote against the amendment.
3 1 5
12/3/79
AMENDMENT PASSED: The amendment that to the prohibition of smoking in
retail stores be added a prohibition on smoking in banks, and that
permitted smoking areas be designated, passed on the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Fletcher, Henderson, Levy, Sher, Witherspoon
NOES: Eyerly, Fazzino, Renzel
Councilmember Fletcher said she would propose an amendment giving a
subsection of Proposition 5 passed in 1978.
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Fletcher moved, seconded by Fazzino, that the
language, "Any entire room or hall for a private social function, which
function is under the control of the sponsor of the function and not
under control of the owner or manager,..." be included in the ordinance.
The motion passed on the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Eyerly, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Renzel,
Sher, Witherspoon
ABSTAIN: Levy
Councilmember Eyerly said testimony from restaurant owners asking for 25
percent non-smoking, rather than 50 percent, was persuasive to him.
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Eyerly moved, seconded by Witherspoon, that
the ordinance prohibit smoking from 25 percent of tables in restaurants%
rather than 50 percent.
Councilmember Witherspoon ascertained with Mr. Abrams that the percentage
of floor space in which smoking was to be prohibited included any floor
space available for the serving of food. "Presumably," he added, "at
certain seasons when outside areas are not available." An upstairs room
that was available to the general public would be included in available
floor space. He said he would return this present ordinance for another
first reaiing, so some points could be define; further.
Councilmember Fazzino said he did not like regulating the behavior
of others, but smoking was a health issue. He knew of only two restaurants
in town who gave patrons a choice of a non-smoking area. He did rot
think setting aside 50 percent was excessive. He added that he thought
smoking was prohibited from coliseums and the like out of consideration
for the health of the players.
AMENDMENT FAILED: The amendment that smoking be prohibited from 25
rather than SO percent of available floor space in restaurants, failed
on the following vote:
AYES: _ Eyeriy, Levy, Vitherspoon
NOES: Brenner, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson. Renzel, Sher
Counrilmember Eyerly said that he thought section 2 of the proposed
ordinance asking employers to designate smoking and non-smoking areas
had the effect of having employers do the City's work for it.
ART: Councilor Eyerly moved, seconded by Witherspoon, that.
section 2 of the proposed ordinance be deleted.
Councilmember Witherspoon noted that the City of Palo Alto, with 750
employees, had not designated smoking and non-smoking areas. The
Cite should practise before it legislated.
William Z aver, City #tanager, said a draft stroking p l icy for City buildings
had been prepared.
316
12/3/79
Vice Mayor Sher agreed that section 2 was not consistent with what
other sections of the ordinance were designed to accomplish.
Councilmember Renzel noted section 2 appeared to have been taken
from the county ordinance which had adopted a policy and procedure
for companies to follow; perhaps itcould be shortened and included
as part of section f.
AMENDMENT TO AMENDMENT: Councilmember Fazzino moved that the
words "Each public and private employer with 50 or more employees
shall inform its employees of the City smoking ordinance and its intent" be added.
Councilmember Eyerly said he thought the amendment to the amendment
kept a bulky and puzzling ordinance just that way.
The proposed amendment to the amendment died for lack of a second.
AMENDMENT PASSED: The amendment, that section 2 be deleted from the
ordinance, passed on the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Eyerly, Levy, Sher, Wi therspotion
NOES: Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Renzel
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Eyerly moved, seconded by Witherspoon, that
section 1(f) concerning smoking in private conference rooms and the like
be deleted. The motion failed on the following vote:
AYES: Eyerly, Levy, Sher, Witherspoon
NOES: Brenner, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Fenzel
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Fazzino moved, that the following language
replace the language now in section 2: "That each public and private
employer with 50 or more employees shall inform its employees of
the City's smoking ordinance and that ordinance's intent.`.
Mayor Henderson ascertained
that way the employee would
of the smoking ordinance in
Councilmember Levy said he
the ordinance's intent, was
that Councilmember Fazzinc meant that in
also learn about the employer's application
his place of business.
thought the ordinance would be well known;
not clear.
Councilmember Witherspoon said that it would be difficult for the City
to suppy the employer wi g information on the ordinance, and difficult for
the comer/employer to interpret.
►4 . f $said there was a provision in the ordd i nance that required the
posting of no smoking' signs in certain areas.
Couacilmember Brenner said she seconded the proposed wmendment because
she favored having the employer understand the obligation to inform that
the ordi nanee imposed.
Councilmember Fletcher asked how the employer would be informed of his
obligation if the proposed ordinance passed.
Mr. Abrams replied that it was presume that people affected by an ordinance
knew about the ordinance: It was not the responsibility of the
City to inform ail of those who were affected by the ordinance individually.
Should a complaint be lodged against an employer people found out about
it through the posting of fines.
Untie
Councilmember Fletcher was curious how many employers in the City had 50 or
more employees, and if it would not be wise to send each of them a copy
of the ordinance, if it passed.
AMENDMENT FAILED: The amendment that the language in Section 2 be replaced
with "That each public and private employer with 50 or more employees
shall inform its employees of the City's smoking ordinance and that
ordinance's intent," failed on the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Fazzino, Fletcher, Renzel
NOES: Eyerly, Henderson, Levy, Sher, Witherspoon
MOTION TO RECONSIDER: Councilmember Brenner moved that Council reconsider
the question of deletion of Section 2 of the proposed ordinance, The
motion passed on the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Renzel
NOES: Eyerly, Levy, Sher, Witherspoon
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Brenner moved, seconded by Fletcher, that
Section 2 be reinserted in the ordinance.
Councilmember Levy said he had ascertained that an employer could tell
the City that he had set his own policy in regard to smoking in his
establishment, in that way obviating the municipal law.
Mr. Abrams said that any employer who wished to establish a policy that
was consistent with the law could do so.
Councilmember Renzel said she thought the portion of the ordinance that
required that 'no smoking" signs be posted filled the primary need in
places of employment.
AMENDMENT FAUEI): The amendment, that section 2 be reinserted in the
proposed ordinance failed on the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson
NOES: Eyerly _ Levy, Refuel, Sher, _ Witherspoon
Councilmember Eyerly said he would vote against the ordinance and its
amendments; he thought that all of the time that Council had spent on it
demonstrated how unclear it was, He would approve of sending it back to
staff for re..writing, however.
Mr. Abraem said that he would rewrite the ordinance; even with amendments
further_ciairificatfnn-race Lei i
-
MOTION: Councilmember Lever moved, seconded by Eyerly, that the proposed
erdifialce return tp staff then go to the Policy and Procedures C i ttee .
The motion failed on the following vote:
AYES: Eyerly, levy, Witherspoon
NOES: Brenner, Faezino, Fletcher, Henderson, Renzel, Sher
MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED: The ordinance, adopting amendments to Chapter
9.14 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code regarding smoking, as amended,
passed for first reading, on the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Faz ino, Fletcher, Henderson, Levy, Reuel, Sher
NOES:
Eleerly, Witherspoon
318
12/3/79
MOTION: Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Eyerly, that Council bring
forward the matter concerning annexation of Peter Coutts Hill (which was
continued from 11/5/79) to be discussed at the same -time as a discussion
an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan related to that site. The motion
to hear three items together passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Councilmember Witherspoon and Vice Mayor Sher did not participate since
Peter Coutts Hill is owned by STanford University, their employer.
PUBLIC HEARING:
TZTERMOTTrrtl
tomkamtms141 PLAN AMENDMENT
The Planning Commission, by a vote of b-0, one absent, recommends regarding
the Comprehensive Plan amendment, Peter Coutts Hill.
ANNEXATION OF PETER COUTTS HILL (CMR:491:2 and CMR:49b:9)
z ou rn n Vem r 9)
Councilmembers Sher and Witherspoon withdrew from the discussion because
they are employed by Stanford University.
Councilmember Brenner noted that in the Planning Commission minutes of
October 15 Commissioner Nichols pointed out that the Commission did not
deal with the annexation issue, as it was awaiting agreement between
Stanford and the City on that point. Councilmember Brenner said it was
yr: that basis that she would make a very slight amendment to the Planning
Commission recommendation. She said the staff report, CMR:491:2 of
October 27, 1972, noted that property taxes from Frenchman's Terrace
would more than balance expenditures for City services based on a very
low and premature estimate of the development's value. She said that in
relation to costs and revenues, the report said "The subject under
discussion isannexation to the City, and whether such annexation will
cost the City more in services than it can expect in revenues, or vice
versa." On page 4 of the report it said, "The summary of expenditures
and revenues prepared by the staff in December, 1971, for discussion of
annexation of Stanford residential areas, has been slightly revised and
is attached....The revenue and expenditure estimates were based on the
anticipated annexation of not only Frenchman's Terrace but also Frenchman's
Hill and mine Hill I and II."
The report, in discussion of policing costs, noted that patroling Peter
Coutts would be an extension of an existing beat, rather than addition
of an another beat. The report, on page 5, pointed out that the Stanford
employment situation had been a major factor in creating scarcity of
low- and moderate -income housing in this area. Page 9 of the same
report read, "For the City to encourage development of . Frenchman's
Terrace in an unincorporated area would be to oppose the County's goal
of _ pro ±oti _orderly+ _urban_ th__w sthi n _ ci ties . This _ philosophical
concept," the report said, '°should be kept in mind _while _discussing thR
practical possibilities of providing service,"
Corrected
See Pg.
373
1/ltl8P 9
Councilmember Brenner continued: She read from a letter to the Local
Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) "As you know, the application for
annexation is being made by Stanford.University, not by Palo Alto, as
was indicated in your April 10th letter."
Councilmember Brenner said she had read the three quotes because, they
pointed out to her that a definite direction had been taken, both by
Stanford - amp• the City. She wondered what had changed since Stanford
petitioned in 1972 to have the City of Palo Alto .annex•Peter Coutts Hill.
LAM had heard the petition and approved it July 6, 1972; the City
Council unanimoesly approved a resolution on the annexation December 18,
1972. The annexation discussion lapsed in 1977. bemuse of la►ck.of •
funding for the project. It was during this activity. regarding •Peter •
Coutts Hill, when tht County CS ordinance was under discussion and •
evolved, that Stanford was asking and the City was accepting the Concept
that Peter Coutts iii l l is an i ntegra l part of -P0,10 Al to . • She thought
the discussion hod the effect -of separating Peter Coutts ° fiill from the
ongoing discussion about how to handle the rest of Stanford Universlt "s
land. •
12/3/79
Councflnrember Brenner said she would welcome the new neighborhood --it
was adjacent to Stanford land that was already a part of Palo Alto, and
it is across the fence from College Terrace, She said that in any case
Palo Alto's new neighbors shared the same College Terrace Library and
the same view from the hill. She said the City would also share with
these residents the ballot box and Foothill Park. 'In my view it is
high time we shared the problems as well as the amenities of our City,"
she said.
The amendment she oroposedo she added, did not imply that annexation had
to be a part of approval of the project --it meant only that the City's
Intent was that Peter Coutts Hill be welcomed whenever the proper time
for annexation, in the opinion of Stanford, the City, and residents of
the Hill, was reached.
NOTION: Councilmember Brenner introduced the following resolution, and
seconded by Renzel, moved its adoption by Council:
RESOLUTION 5754 "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL
OF NE CITY OF PALO ALTO ADOPTING AN AMENDMENT
TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT
OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
(Continued from 11/5/79)
AMENDMENT: Counci lm ber Brenner moved, seconded by Renzel , that the
words, 'S...consistent with the general objectives of the 1972 pre-
zoning,4 be inserted into the Planning Commission recommendations, at
the end of the first sentence on page 61, under „Major Institution/Multiple
Family Residential, with the recommendation then to read: "This designation
is applied to peter Coutts Hill in anticipation of a Stanford faculty
housing development of approximately 125-140 units, most of which will
be available at below market rates, consistent with the general objectives
of the 1972 pre -zoning. This housing is to be combined with a contiguous
reasonably shaped open space area of approximately 4-6 acres, including
the top of the hill, and is to be accessible to the public."
Mayor Henderson recalled that in 1972 disfussio1, atm u sclosed that
annexation had been specifically related to a federally subsidized
housing programme -it was not the faculty housing development now being
discussed. He thought the 1972 proposed project and the present project
should not be discussed together. The proposed change in the Comprehensive
Plan now before Council that evening was undertaken to eliminate that
reference to 1972 and make the Plan current. "So I just can't see how
we can use the phrase as relating back to 1972 --we might as well leave
the old Comprehersive Plan statement.'
AMONOMENT TO AMENDMENT: Mayor Henderson moved, sec e*_ by Everl y. _ that the mo da, ^eohaiatent with the general objectives of the 197P . pre:ming,' be eliminated.
Couvici lmmxsmnber Levy asked if the general objectives of 1972 had been
below market rate housing or federally subsidized housing.
Mr. Knox said that as he recalled the 1972 pre -zoning called for 225
units with 135 units to be subsidized under federal Section 236 --that
section no longer• existed, he said. The present project of 125-140
emits was to be all Stanford University related. Subsidy was to be by
Stanford rather than federally. P -C zoning permitted any kinds of
conditions.
Mayor Henderson added that the City had pre -zoned in 1972 because the
Mill was to be annexed to the City. Now the project was to be a county
development. Pre -zoning had occurred before because the land was to
have come into the City.
320
12/3/79
Councilmember Brenner said she thought the land related to the City and
the area much as it had in 1972.
Councilmember Levy said he thought that, according to Mr. Knox's comments,
the 1972 pre -zoning objectives had been changed. He understood clearly
that the choice to annex Peter Coutts Hill should remain to the City,
but he would vote against the Brenner amendment.
Mayor Henderson emphasized that the City dii not want to preclude the
annexation of this portion or any portion of Stanford land.
AMENDMENT TO AMENDMENT PASSED: The amendment that the words, "consistent
with the general objectives of the 1972 pre -zoning," be deleted from the
page 61 statement proposed by Councilmember Brenner, passed on the
following vote:
AYES: Eyerly, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Levy
NOES: Brenner, Renzel
NOT PARTICIPATING: Sher. Witherspoon
Colin Mick, 2130 Hanover, suggested modifying the Planning Commission
recommendation so that it was specified that the planned housing go to
people whose incomes were below the county median. Mr. Mick said he
supported the movement toward annexation of the area; people in his
neighborhood at present had to discuss nearby land with the county --he
preferred that it be controlled by the City.
Jim Culpepper, 2121 herst Street, said he represented the
College Terrace Residents' Association. He said his letter now in
Counciyaembers' packets contained his suggested revisions. He thought
the Comprehensive Plan should describe the proposed housing development
as being designed for junior faculty members. The initial reason for
the proposed housing was for Stanford's lower level employees and workers
in the Industrial Park. He said he thought the federal Section 8 program
should be applied, to provide housing for lower incomes. He favored
some statement that intended annexation in due course --annexation, he
said, would afford common solutions to problems common to both College
Terrace and residents on the Hill. He would like open space on the
Hill to be five acres, minimum --he thought the developer would use as
much lard as zoning permitted. With 4.6 acres being the stipulation,
Mr. Culpepper predicted the developer would leave the rainier! -.4 acres.
John Schaefer, 1487 College Avenue, said he supported the
compromise on the Peter Cutts Hill issue. He asked that Council
support fir. Culpepper's suggestions. He asked that Planning decisions
ha gad. 116fir°
John; 3reedlove, Stanford University, said he thought a return to
trying for federal funding on some of the hews i ng would be a death
blow to the project, because the federal government would not accept
the eligibility standards set by Stanford for its own faculty and staff.
That had killed the first "Frenchman's Terrace° project, and it would
kill this one as well, he thought. He said Stanford would not restrict
the housing to junior faculty only, as Mr. Culpepper had
suggested; it was intended that the housing serve older retiring staff
and faculty also.
MAIN MOTION PASSED: The main motion, that Council approve the resolution
making changes in the Comprehensive Plan for the development of the
City of Palo Alto, passed on a unanimous vote, Councilmember Witherspoon
and Vice Mayor Sher not participating,
321
12/3/79
Councilmembers Witherspoon and Fazzino left the muting at 12:30 a.m.
and did not return.
FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
, T (CMR :499:9)
an nue ran oveaT er ,
Vice Mayor Sher, chairman of the Finance and Public Works Committee,
recalled the background of the proposed contract. Staff proposed that
the City pay the operating deficit between what PASCO took in and what
PASCO had to pay out on refuse collection and resale of recyclable
materials, up to a total of $171,000 for an 18 -month contract, calculating
a $9500 average deficit per month. Vice Mayor Sher said that while the
program was not inexpensive, the City thought it was important --he
emphasized that the cost figures were potential expense. The incentive
for PASCO wa3 to keep its costs at $171,000, because it could not draw
down more.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sher, on behalf of the Finance and Public Works
Committee, moved the fcilowing recommendations and budget amendment
ordinance, for their approval by Council: that Council approve the proposed
contract with the Palo Alto Sanitation Company (PA!C0) for the operation
and expansion of the curbside collection program and the operation of the
recycling center, to become effective through June 30, 1981; and, approve
the budget amendment ordinance transferring $57,000 from the refuse reserve fund
for system improvements to the 197980 refuse operating budget for this
PASCO contract through June 30, 1981.
AGREEMENT OPERATION OF CITY OF PALO
ALTO RECYCLING 50Li0 WASTE PROGRAM
Palo Alto Sanitation Company
ORDINANCE 3173 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING
THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1979-80
TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR THE RECYCLING CONTRACT WITH
THE PALO ALTO SANITATION COMPANY."
Councilmember kennel said she preferred to have more incentives in the
contract; she hoped thet would be the case in the subsequent contract.
Counci lm a ber Levy noted that the stated increase was 8 percent but the
net figure was about 12 percent; he wondered why charges to the City
went up yet the revenues stayed constant.
Da l e Pfeiffer, Department of Public Works, answered that revenues had
been predicted as constant by-'taff because it was an average figure
taking into account recent years when they had fluctuated. The 12 percent
_ s.�.a.s.e nw 1'.sd �aa� _ S 4_�w.rlfe _ ..eas.�. ___. �rJ.. west - 6 a7..+bl.. peri e, 4 - tcta1 l.. 1 2 4 .
• r,:i ...».•w.0 Va.b a, e�--o.�Mi. Wi'�wYi , Nim 4.i $I v' : ii .*l �J*.i 1Vta, *4 f # 1 t 4 % )art
Councilmember Brenner ascertained that PASCO collected refuse only in Palo Alto.
The motion that Council approve the agreement and the ordinance passed
on a unanimous vote, Councilmembers Witherspoon and Fazzi no absent.
REQUEST OF MAYOR HENDERSON
ION APPLICATION
Mayor Henderson said there had been some misinformation at the hearing
on this matter on November 19, 1979. It was not possible, Mr. Abrams
had advised him, to waive the fee from that former application;.
Mr. Abrams said that Council could direct the City Manager to establish a
no -fee category in the municipal fee schedule.
NOTION: Mayor Henderson moved. seconded by Fletcher, that Council direct staff
to amend the muwicipal fee schedule to p # t persons rem -applying for as
substantially similar permit within % days of, denial of the original
permit* to petition the Ci .Coemctl for waiver of application fee. 3 2 2
12/3/75'
Mayor Henderson amplified that his motion did not intend that there be
automatic dismissal of fee --the applicant would have to petition Council.
City Attorney Abrams said that Council would have to establish a no -fee
category; Council could not waive the fee based or an undefined set of
circemetances. Council could establish categories of circumstances. He
said he advised that a no -fee category, across the board, be established --
then the City Manager could determine if the fee was legally entitled to
waiver,
MOTION WITHDRAWN: Mayor Henderson said he would withdraw the motion,
with the agreement of the second.
Councilre tuber Renzel asked if a person could reapply at any time or did
the applicant have to wait a year,
Mr. Abrams said that the code addressed different permits in different
fashions,
Councilmember Renzel said that the applicant could have avoided being
charged another fee had he used the means then at his disposal. She did
not see the value of changing the code for one isolated case.
Mayor Henderson replied that the applicant's representative had made a mistake.
Councilnember Levy asked if the applicant could not appear before Council
in regard to his former application.
Mr. Abrams said he thought Council had to recognize that its November 19
action had been final, but nothing in municipal ordinances precluded the
applicant from reapplying. To reconsider the former application was to
consider evidence outside the proper problem. He said that in the legal
sense the applicant had received a fair hearing.
Councilmember Renzel noted that procedurally the applicant would come
through the Planning Commission when he reapplied --it would be bad for
Council to direct the outcome of Planning CoCommission deliberations.
Council ber Brenner noted that the fee helped offset City services, it
was not a penalty. She added that the applicant had called her and
other Councilmembers, and in effect had been heard.
ITEM WITHDRAWN: Mayor Henderson said he would withdraw the item from
the agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Councllet' r shoved."_Secon0d .h,-Le?y y: 1.-w Cw;inci o
ediOurh, ine motion passed on a uneni us vie -ice vote, Couneilmembers
448 s3_
Wi rspoon-and Fazzlno absent, The meeting adjourned at 12:55 a .m.
AFFIRM: APPROVE:
0
Ci ty C . Mayor
323
12/3/79