Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-08-04 City Council Summary MinutesClT'y COUNCIL MINUTES ITEM a..�a Oral Communications 1. Gypsy Lawrence, 1301 Harker 2. Ms. Yillafana, 162 Hamilton Regular Meeting August 4, 1980 CITY OF PALO ALTO PAGE 0 9 3 Consent Calendar - Referral Items Members Agreement with I1CPA-Calaveras Hydroelectric Project 0 9 4 Members Agreement with NCPA-Feather River Project 0 9 4 Lytton Gardens -Phase 1II 0 9 4 Consent Calendar - Action Items ',Laster Social Worker Agreement 0 f 4 Adobe Creek at Highway 101 Bicycle dlrfdercrossings 0 9 4 Mitchell Park Footbridge Replacement - Award of Bid and Authorization of Contract 0 9 4 Park Irrigation System Automation - Award of Bid and Authorization cf Contract 0 9 5 1040 Colorado - Final Subdivision Map 0 9 5 Council Compensation 0 9 5 Sign Ord i nance Enforcement 0 9 5 Changes to Visual Arts Jury Ordinance 0 9 5 Bicycle Parking - Business Districts 0,9 6 Policy t Procedures Committee Recomeendations re Smoking Ordinance 0 9 6 Chi n i um Conversion Project Ordinance 0 9 9 Contractural Arrangements for Fire Department Management 1 0 0 Surplus School Sites - P.A. School District Request for Delay in of Election 1 0 1 A.B. 3046 - Energy Conservation Bill Sewage Spill . in Bay Meetf.:1 Dates Continuation from Page 100 of Condominium Conversion Ordinance Adjournnent to Executive Session Final Adiourainnet 1 0.1 102 103. 104 405 1 0 5 092 8141e0 Regular Meeting August 4, 1980 The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date at 7:40 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Mayor Henderson presiding. PRESENT: Brenner (arrived at 8:25 p.m.), Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Levy, Reuel, Sher, Witherspoon ABSENT: Eyerly Mayor Henderson announced that at SOON point durino the meeting the Council would meet in Executive Session re personnel and litigation. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 1. Gypsy Lawrence, 1301 Harker, said it was her understanding that the Post Office has now ordered three -wheel bicycles for all the carriers in Palo Alto, who will be working out of the Hamilton Avenue Post Office. They are re -installing relay boxes all aver town. The carriers are to park their own cars at or near Hamilton Avenue Post Office and pick up their three -wheel bicycles. Mail will be delivered all over town by trucks that will pick up that mail at the Hamilton Avenue Post Offices This is a so-called "fuel saving" device. She said she had some real concerns about this new program. She thought that an employer in Palo Alto had a legal obligation to provide parking for its employees. The cars will be parking ail day in downtown Palo Alto neighborhoods. The additional truck traffic through neighbor- hoods was another serious concern. She requested the Council to inve:;tigate this matter before it goes into effect. City Manager Bill Liner said he was aware of the new program and he would provide Council with informati6.. 2. Mrs. Villafana, 162 Hamilton Avenue, expressed concern about the Craig Hotel. She said it is owned by a man who is having problems with another hotelhe outs in Redwood City. She said that the rules and regulations of the hotel were very strict and she was also concerned about health problems resulting from food being brought into the rovers. She said the manager often goes into the tenants' rooms when they are not there or when they are sleeping and goes through their personal things. She said bother issue she wished to discuss was that she had bean unable to see a Police juvenile officer when she needed help. She related an experience her daughter had with the Pol i ce Department. CONSENT CALENDAR Council rFletcher requested that the item regarding Bicycle Parking in Business Districts be r oved from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Levy asked that the second reading of the ordinance re- gerdi ng condoe1 ni um conversion be r e oved from the Consent Calendar. Vice for Sher requested that his vote be .rac6rded as "no° Gan the item regarding Council Compensation. Councilmember Levy requested that his vote~ also be recorded as "no* re- garding Council Compensation. 093 0/4/80 Councilmember Renzel requested that her vote be recorded as a "no" vote on the ordinance regarding exception procedure for signs. The following items remained on the Consent Calendar. Referral MEMBERS AGREEMENT WITH NCPA - AALAVERE HYDROELEr'RIC PNWECT e erra o nance a :u c or -s • ee • •: Staff recommends that the City Council refer the agreement, which formal- izes the benefits and responsibilities of the City derived from its participation through NCPA in the Calaveras County Hydroelectric Project, to the Finance and Public Works Committee for review and recommendations, MEMBERS AGREEMENT WITH NCPA - rtATHER RIYt RROitCF Referral t nance an u lc or s osrsni t Staff recommends that the City Council refer the issue of Palo Alto's participation with NCPA in this phase of the Feather River Project to the Finance and Public Works Committee. LYTTON GARDENS - PHASE III `ors omm eee Staff recommends that the City Council refer the requests from Lytton Gardens, Inc., to the Finance and Public Works Committee. Action_ MASTER SOCIAL WORKER AGREEMENT (CIIR:362:0) Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to sign a purchase order in the amount of $10,509, payable to the Santa Clara County Department of Social Services. AGREEMENT - Santa Clara County ADOBE CREEK AT HIGHWAY 101 BICYCLE -96 (:364:0) Due to the high cost of construction and maintenance, substandard design parameters resulting from CALTRMS and the Water District's requirements, and potential risk liability, staff recommends that the findings of the report be accepted and that funds not be appropriaeted for the construction of this project. It further recommends that since the project does not appear to be feasible, staff be directed not to pursue this concept further. ITC; ELL PARK FOOTBRIDGE REPLACEMENT -> WARO OF BID . . . T (CNR:373:0) Staff recommends that the Mayor be authorized to execute a construction eontract with Power Anderson, Inc., in the amount of $14,100.00 and that staff be authorized to execute charms orders to the construction contract of up to 1O% x$1,410.00) of the contract amount. AGREEMENT Power Andersen, inc. 0 9 a $%4/80 PARK IRRIGATION SYSTEM AUTOMATION - IU AND AUTHORIZATION OF t CT (CMR : 374 : 0j Staff recommends that the Mayor be authorized to execute a contract with Munkdale Brothers, Inc., in the amount of $28,100.00 and that staff be authorized to execute change orders to the construction contract of up to 25% ($7,025.00) of the contract amount. AGREEMENT - Munkdale Brothers FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP ) Staff recommends that the City Council approve the final map and the street dame Sloan Drive. COUNCIL COMPENSATION RESOLUTION 5822 entitled "RESOLUTION OE THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING RESOLUTION NOS. 5656, 5751, AND 5760 TO DELETE 8I -WEEKLY EXPENSE ALLOWANCE FOR ODUNCILMEMBERS" ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO ADDING SECTION 2.04.395 TO THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING COUNCIL MEMBER SALARIES AT $400 PER MONTH TO BE EFFECTIVE UPON COMMENCE- MENT OF THE NEXT SUCCEEuiNG TERM OF OFFICE FOR EACH COUNCIL MEMBER POSITION (1st reading) SIGN ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT eeo ea Tn ORDINANCE 3217 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO ADDING SECTION 16.20.052 TO THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO SET FORTH AN EXCEPTION PROCEDURE FOR SIGNS" (1st reading 7/21/80) CHANGES TO VISUAL ARTS JURY ORDINANCE „t econa Read i srg ORDI4XE 3218 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING SECTION 2.18.070(a) OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE AND MUG SECTION 2.18.070(d) REGARDING THE VISUAL ARTS JOKY"(1st reading 7/21/80) ORDINANCE 3219 entitled 'ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TrEtilEITAMDING SECTION 2.26.020(b) OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADDING SECTIONS 2.26.030(10), (11), (12), AND (13) RE- GARDING VISUAL ARTS IN PUBLIC PLANES". (1st reading 7/21/80 MOTION: Councilor Fazzino moved, seconded by Renxel, approval of. the Consent Ca1e Ar. The motion passed on a unanimous vote, with Councilors Levy and Ranzel voting "no" pn tine ordinance re exception procedure for. signs, Vice Mayor Sher and Counc.ilmember Levy Yptin4 "no" on the _ordinapce re: Council Compensation, and Councilmoabers Eyerly and Brenner absent, 09,5 8/4/80 MOTION: Councilwember Fletcher moved, seconded by Fazzino, that Item No. 5, Bicycle Parking - Business Districts, be brought forward. MOTION PASSED: The motion passed unanimously, Brenner. Eyerly absent. BICYCLE PARKING - BriVESSMOITICTs Councilmember Fletcher explained her reason for bringing Item 5 forward was that the Bicycle Advisory Comrittee was meeting on August 5 and she felt this an appropriate item for them to review. MOTION: Council er Fletcher moved, seconded by Renzel, that Item 5, Bicycle Parking - Business Districts, be referred to the Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee. MOTION PASSED: The motion passed unanimously, Brenner, Eyerly absent. POLICY ARO PROCEDURES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS Councilmember Fazzino„ Chairman of the Policy and Procedures Committee, read two proposed changes, one prohibiting smoking in public areas used solely al. lobbies , waiting areas, or restrooms, and the ether requiring employers to post signs asking employees to please not smoke. He said the Committee had reviewed the Berkeley Ordinance and felt these two proposed changes would disallow smoking in areas of business and, for the first year. would be more of an educational stance, during which time the City could determine if the 4No Smoking" signs posted would be adhered to voluntarily. He also thought the signs could cite the Municipal Code section relating to the issue. MOTION: Councilmember Fazzino, for the Policy and Procedures Committee, moved that the City Attorney be directed to prepare an ordinance stating that smoking be prohibited with respect to retail -commercial -banking establishments, in areas used solely as lobbies or waiting areas or in restrooms; and further, That all private employers be required to post a sign in meeting rooms that asks employees to please not smoke, aiwl that smoking len wohibited„ but that there be no penalties except for not posts na, the signs. Mfr. Ed d' Dwyer, 5992 Cabals!' Ate, - and ressed the Corn i l He referred to an article in a New England journal which states that a n smoker inhaling second-hand smoke suffer the same .,mount of lon9 dame as the smoker. Re hoped the recommendations of the Policy and Procedures Committee receieel full Council snePort. Councitmembe Witherspoon said she wanted to c 1 ar i fy t `portion of the motion relating to smoking in rests. She felt smoking should be prohibited . in public restrooms, but it should be permitted in employee restrooms. CouncilCouncilmember Fletcher° grsestiond the portion of the Policy and Procedures Committee M'i nwtes of July 1, 1900, which _referred to smoking lain'$ prohibited with respect to retail -commercial -banking establishments as in thelamtion, and Councanember kitherspo 's amemdlent which inclwded 4r04s used sol*ly as lobbies, wattwattime rain sr rrrestrooss. She asked for fwther clarification of the lion, _ amendment to the alarm„ and the definition of a job ' . 00141 waiting areo--would waiting in l i n at a beak be a wasting area? Considerable discussion followed pertaining to the definition of lobby and waiting areas in retail; commercial and banking establishments. City Attorney Roy Abrams said the language before the Policy and Procedures Committee read: "Smoking is prohibited and is unlawful in all enclosed retail, commercial, and banking establishments which do business with the oeneral public except either (1) in areas not open to the public, or 12) in all areas in retail tobacco stores, or (3) in areas used solely as lobbies or weit eg areas.` Mayor Henderson said he hoped people who had to comply with the Ordinance could understand it --the Council was havikj a hard enough time understanding it,. Some people might thing that a waiting line is Corrected a waiting area. See Pg. 176 4/15/80 Roy Abrams said he would try to expand the definition in the proposed ordinance. Vice -Mayor Sher expressed concern about the advertisement which appeared in the Agenda Digest re this issue. He wondered if both recommendations of the Policy and Procedures Committee were advertised since the Council Agenda lists only the one about posting a sign. City Clerk Ann Tanner explained the Agenda Digest contains only a condensed version of the agenda item. Vice -Mayor Sher thought it might be a good idea to suggest that the City Attorney draft the ordinanc? as recommended by the Committee and then Council can review it at the next meeting and people can co nt on it. Councilmrember Levy asked for a clarification of the issue being voted on. Mayor Henderson said a policy had been recommended by the Policy and Procedures Committee and the City Attorney was being asked to prepare an ordinance to reflect that policy. Cori lamer .Levy said he did not think an ordinance was necessary.- * pointed out that many large retail establishments and mall establishments ishments already prohibit smoking. In regard to banking establishments, it appears to his in his many visits to them, there ,is really only aR modest amount of sacking going on, and the nature of the banking establishment is usually a large romm a hich is very well airedt and he feels the effects of making are very small. Therefore,he intends to vote against the motion. Vieet-Nayrr Sher reminded Council that this is ue haibeen discussed on previous occasions,, end the approach being suggested for this ordinate bad been received favorably by the Chamber of Commerce and others. He said voting to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance does not i rrevoeab l y commit the Cou i l . He would , l i kt to see the types of ordinance drafted by the City Attorney to see if it is similar to the City's theatre ordinance that limits stein to the lobby areas but doesn't permit it in those portions of the establishment where people are confined. Mayor. Henderson said the motion old be divided. FIRST PART`,PARTAF LION PAID: The portion of motion pertaining to smokine being prohibited with respect to retail -commercial -banking estarbl is Bets, in are used solely as, lobbies or waiting areas or in restrooms passed on the following vote: 0'g7 8/$/00 AYES: Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Renzel, Sher, Witherspoon NOES: Levy ABSENT: Brenner, Eyerly Councilmember Levy wanted to know how an ordinance could prohibit something and then not have a penalty if the ordinance is not enforced. He asked if there was some way a sign could be required to be put in meeting rooms without having to pass an ordinance. Mayor Henderson said the purpose of the ordinance is to require posting of signs, and after that there would be no penalty if people smoked., in spite of the sign requesting that they not do so. Councilmember Levy said he would like to see a requirement that signs be posted in meeting rooms. Councilmember Fazzino clarified the intent of the ordinance by saying it would require signs which stated 'that cooking be prohibited* but that the ordinance language would not have that prohibition in it. City Attorney Roy Abrams stated that in a telephone conversation with Councilember Levy he had informed him his understanding of discussions at Committee meetings was that a standard be established for the conduct of citizens of Palo Alto whin would prohbit smoking in places of private employment, with the exception of offices. He stated the absence of penalties in the ordinance is permissible. There are other remedies for enforcement, such as an injunction, which would be more difficult to enforce and therefore he emphasizes the necessary cooperation in order to make this law work. But, the standard of conduct mast be established. Councilmember Levy said if the requirement language stating "that smoking is prohibited* is necessary in order to accomplish this, then he would certainly ask this be put in the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Fletcher said her understanding of the Committee's recommendation is that the signs not necessarily say smoking is prohibited, but have a request asking for consideration of your fellow humen beings. In that sense the City .is setting a standard for behavior, but not prohibiting anything. Roy Abrams ezpl ai ned the standard of conduct that saw i ng is prohibiter could be in the ordinance but the specific lam would not ban, to be on the signs. What the City cannot do is eetablish compl i aye of a policy rat and expect an emp 1 o, to notify their employees by posts a sign or placing enotice in their paycheck envelopes of the poicy. The City is authorized to estabr l i sh regu 1 atory measures . A rat for vo l unta ry T c ►1 i awe can be made but then it cwt- `be enforced. Mayer Henderson pointed out the sign can read whatever the Council wants it to read. Count i 1 Levy suggested that the ` sign which is posted not say *smoking is prohibited" and not cite a specific Palo Alto ordinance, He thought that if the City advert i d it has an ordimance but, in fact, dui not enforce the osrdinance, then the person who wants to see sooting curt, iltd will not realize it is an ordinance which the City does not intend to enforce. SECOND P ' O i ION PASSED: The portion of the motion that the City Attorney prepare an trdinamce reqviring all private employers to post o sign in meeting roam that asks employees tc please not. Vie, and states that smoking is prohibited but that there be no penalties 0$I excc pt for not posting the sign, passed on a cianimous vote, with Brenner and Eyerly absent. Councilmember Brenner arrived at 8:25 p.m. CONDOMINIUM COIL 1ERSION PROJECT Counciir>rewber Levy had two questions regarding the ordinance. His first question dealt with the portion ofthe ordinance which states "The form shall state that such tenant, by signing said statement, irrevocably consents to such conversion, Such form shall also state that conversion may require the tenants to find other housing and to relocate outside the City." His understanding is the wording Council approved was that lifetime leases would be mandated and therefore tenants would not be required to move. City Attorney Roy Abrams said the language is in the existing section of the ord i nance and was left in there, and the reason it was left in was that the following paragraph provides for a six month moratorium on condominium conversion, perhaps subsequent changes would occur at the end of the six-month period. Mother reason is that the City is requiring the convertor to offer lifetime leases and, technically speaking, the ordinance may require tenants to look for housing elsewhere if they do not want to sign a lifetime lease. Councilnember^ Le: -y found the wording very confusing and said he would like to see it clanged. Councilrrember Levy also questioned the portion of the ordinance which states ".,.that tenants will have the opportunity to remain in the converted dwellings either as owners or renters for the life of the condominium conversion projects or thirty (30) years whichever is longer...." He thought the wording was wr oeg and should read "whichever is shorter.," You can't offer someone a lease longer than the life of a project. Roy *rams -eid it would be a requirement which would offer the longer of the two, either 30 years or the lifetime of the project. Council r Levy asked what would happen if the project only lasted 20 years. Roy Abrams said he sari the point Cott i lE ber Levy .was raak i ng and that he would weak on that language and .that perhaps this i 4S could be continued unt i 1 der wording is drag up. Mayor Henderson pointed out the ordinance is providing for r a lifetime leases but does not stater any teams for the E ifet ime tease.:. A owner could offer a lifetime lease, but the rates would be too high for tenant 'to remain in the project. He felt -there should be a limit to the amount charged. Councilor del said the. issue had been discussed and it had been decided that because the lifetime lease was an inducement to signing approval for= the condominium cOiversioni.people would not sign unless they fob the tee favorable. MOTION: MOor°. Henderson moved ceded by Fazzino, to continue the item to the end of tt%e Via. Councilmember WitherSnoaft: wed if-she'would be able to participate in this since it appearod to be a general wiry -City Ordinance. Roy Abrams ansiered she would be able to participate. MOTION PASSED: The motion passed on the following vote: AYES: Brenner, Fe zino, Fletcher, Henderson, Lev,, Renzel A4STAIN: Sher, Witherspoon PBSENT: Eyerly CONTRACTUR?L ARRANGEMENTS FOR rivrorpxrPr Manor Henderson asked City Manager Bill Zaner if he had anything to add t) his staff report. He did not. MOTION= Moved by Counci1nember Fazzino, seconded by Witherspoon, that the City Council approve the attached agreement to engage Chief Korff as a management consultant for the Fire Department, subject to the term and conditions contained therein. AGREEMENT BETWE7N CITE' OF PALO ALTO AND WILLIAM J. KORFF When asked by Mayor Henderson when the n w chief would be hired, Mr. later said there would be a slight overlap at the very end of the fiscal year, probably toward the end of May or first of June, 1981. Councilme ber Fletcher expressed concern abot!` the intent of Chief Korff to retain his duties just as they are now. 8i11 Zaner explained someone in the Fire Department would be asked to act as the Fire Chief during the contractural period. Mr. Korff's duties would be set forth in the agreement, which would include a general overall coordination. Councl le er Fletcher said that the portion of the agreement dealing with compensation for transportation needed to be clarified. Bill Zaner said this was to provide transpartion to City Hall and back home, and that would be the only transportation provided. Councilor Fletcher said that, to her understanding, Council policy was that transportation be provided only for being on call for emergencies, and in this instance Chief Korff old not be on call for emergencies. Bill Zaner :owed - this was ice, andnormally Chief Korffhe old not be called to go out on emergencies unless the were a major fire in which in would respond and act as a_ coordinator.._ AMENDMENT TO NOTION: Councitommer Fletcher aged, seconded by Levy, that the portion of the at which pertains to providing transportation to and fray+ home be del oeted . . . Councitmember Fazzino said he d#sl1k 1regatiating contracts in this ter. Ha would prefor to send the agent to Committee or see oe the Counc i 1 to deal with Nr. Zaner on a more informal bau i s . He was sure NO. Zaner had d agreement 'fated the with Mr. Korff and he saes no reason to enttp1cat it :ince it appears to be very rile. Bill laeer said the agreement which had been upr' +ed out with thief Korff is a fair one and, normally when hired, a consultant 1s paid portal-to-portal for his services: 00 8/4/00 Vice -Mayor Sher thought it was an unusual procedure to follow when there will be a change in a top management position. He wondered if this new system would set a precedent Bill Zaner thought service and a life overlap to provide it would not. The Fire Department is an emergency safety service which requires some coordination and for a smooth transition. AMENDMENT TO MOTION FAILED: Amendment to motion failed on the following vote: AYES: Fletcher, Renzel, Levy NOES: Brenner, Fazzino, Henderson, Sher, Witherspoon ABSENT: Eyerly MOTION PASSED: The main motion passed on a unanimous vote, Eyerly absent. Councilor Levy asked 8111 Zaner the age of Chief Korff, and Mr,Zaner replied he would be 56. Counci limber Levy said his understanding was the pension plan is conducive to retirement around the age of 55, and that it really is such that employees will lose money if they stay after that:. Bill Zaner said a person wouldn't actually lose money, but in this instance, for example, Chief Korff's salary upon retirement would be approximately 5200 less per month. Councilmember Levy commented it is unfortunate that with the system in effect the City has to lose is , flight people at age 55. SURPLUS SCHOOL. SITES - ranummurrrumscRuk ufsIuiii'k rrrutrurrAy There was a request from the Palo Alto Unified School District asking the City to postpone the proposed November revenue election re surplus school sites so that the District could have more tire to analyze its financial position. } MOTION: Councilmember Levy moved, seconded by Fazzino„ that the. City Council inform the School Ord that in response to the Board's request, the C cl1 will poste the proposed revenue election. Additionally, that Council rat the Board to rescind its Resolution of Intent to Sell Terms School, thereby removing,the Decd 1, 1980 public age dal deadline. MOTION PASSED: The motion passed unan sly, Eyerly *sent. NOTION: Mayor arson mowed* seconded by Fazzino, that, because the School Board will not have a quorum for a aaeet i ng prior to the Asst 26 data, the City Council direct ale City Manager to extend its offer fur tease of gesture to have a response date of not later than September 16, 1900. LION PASSED; The motion passed avani sly 7-0, Levy abstaining, Emily absent A.O. 3046 MertelSERVATION BILL v r Counci lmember Fletcher called the Comnci l's atton41,n to the staff report wing this ice, together with her memo to 101 C unci lmeuber-s. She reported the Serrate i ;nance Committee would be hearing AB 3046 this week and that this legislation would mandate a statewide residential conservation program which would impact on the programs the City has. A.B. 3046 would preempt local energy conservation action. She added Palo Alto's program has been in the forefront of conservation programs which have been very successful. She would like Council to communicate to the Senate Finance Committee the City's concern regarding the proposed amendment. MOTION: Councilmember Fletcher moved, seconded by Renzel, that the City Council contact the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, August 5, 1980 to seek the following amendments to AB :4046 (July 11, 1980 version). (1) Deletion of Sections 25450 and 25452; (2) Elimination of the specified lending terms, or retention as suggested, but not mandatory terms for conservation loans; and (3) That. the Mayor be authorized to phone or send a telegram in opposition to the section of the bill which would take away the right of local cities to formulate their own conservation programs; and finding this an emergency. Councila ber Renzel thought it was important for the Senate Finance Committee to know what the City's concerns were. Councilmember Fazzino said he supports the major portion of the Bill and would have liked more time to study it in detail. He too feels it is very important to retain the local option. One concern he has is the mandatory residential conservation program idea. He is not ready to support that concept yet. He has no problem with madating conservation measures of this nature, but he does have a problem with having to have a residential proposal. Therefore, he will abstain unless he can vote for just part of the motion Councilawmber Bremner said she would support the motion, and that we all owe Councilmember Fletcher a debt for the conscienticus job she does in following legislation closely. Councilmember Fletcher dented briefly on Councilmember Fazzino's comments. She stated these are not only energy conserving measures but also money cansery i ng measures. She did want to ask the City Attorney if this would have to be declared an emergency in order to take 1 ediate action, Roy Abrams said the City should declare an emergency since this is a new bus i mss item and that it should be i nc l ended in the mot ion . Voting on the emergency motion was divided irto three sections with the following vote: SECTION (1) OF Tli( mGTIOa$ P'ae7s Sochi a (1) of the motion. passed 8-0, Eyer ly absent. SECTION (2) OF THE MOTION PASSED: Section (2) of the metion passed 8-0, Eyerly absent. SECTION (3) OF THE MOTION PASSED: Section (3) of the motion passed 6-1~ 1, Fazzino voting *no , Levy abstaining, Eyerly absent. SEWAGE SPILL IN SAY Vice-Vice4ayor Sher referred to the c aper article re sewage spi 1 l at the Sam Jae Plant. hie said he knew Councilmembers were as concerned as he was meat this. icy ; at the spill not only was partially treated sewage but also lti laves gmamtat1es. These spills have a direct %pact on Palo Alto and other cities around the bay. The last spill killed thousands of fish and marine life. This also relates to the South Bay Discharging Project which the City has been resisting in recent ,rears on the ground that it was environmentally detrimental and would involve a large amount of money. He said he knows the State became involved after the first spill at the Plant. He feels it is ircortant for the City to do something about the situation and suggested sending a letter to the Governor and the appropriate water quality board expressing Palo Alto's concern and requesting investigation of the spill, Vice -Mayor Sher said he knew there were bills pending in Sacramento on this issue which would give cities with sewage treatment facilities the tools needed to upga adze their plant, but a lot of the problem is that there are federal monies available for building these plants, but after they are built there aren't sufficient funds or personnel to maintain or operate them. He thinks San Jose is suffering from this problem. He would like to see legislation that would give cities the necessary tools to manage their plants. MOTION: Vice -Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Fazzino, that Council authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the Governor and to the appropriate water quality control board to express corticere over the recent spill in the bay and request appropriate people to investigate the spill and to deal with the spill at the San Jose Plant, and that this action is considered an emergency. Mayor Henderson expressed concern with writing to the Water Quality Control Board in that it might push them into saying a pipeline is needed. As yet, he knew of no action taken by the Regional Board about the South Bay Dischargers Proposal, so they haven't begun the monitoring program they talked about. Vice -Mayor Sher said the Board is not going to overlook what has happened in San Jose. He is not suggesting that alternative methods of dealing with it be imposed on San Jose, but he does think the problem at the San Jose Plant needs correcting. Mayor Henderson said the Federal Government has made it known it is not going to provide finds for air quality programs or water quality programs because the State is not meeting federal air quality. ' standards. The. program is suffering from something entirely separate, but that is what has been hanging over the State at the Present time. Councilmember Renzel said Palo Alto, as a City, is definitely concerned about the spill at the San Jose Plant and she wants to see it fixed and works q properly. Councider Pletcher had a question'pegarding procedure and asked if this item was urgent enough to act on it this evening.' Vice -Mayor Sher said his understanding was that a letter could also be written in response to a motion. Roy Abrams stated that the fact the sewage spill has occurred awakes the issue an urgency. MOTION PASSED: The motion passed unanimously, Eyerly absent. MING DATES Isar Menoerson said staff had requested special meetings on September 16 and September 29 for hearings on amendments to the Comprehensive Plan: The dates of September 16 and September 29 were acceptable to the Council. The meeting of September 2 and September 8 were also discussed. The City offices will be closed on September 1 because of the Loboor Day Holiday, and the Council would normally meet the following day, September 2. The greeting of September 8 is the day before the Permission Day Holiday. Mayor Henderson said it had been suggested one of the meetings not be held, and staff had suggested the meeting of the 8th be cancelled. A brief discussion followed on which dates would best suit the needs of individual councilmebers. Council was polled and it was agreed the Council meeting would be held on Monday, September 8, and there would be no meeting on September 2, following the Labor Day weekend. CONTINUATION Of THE CONDOMINIUM Tom pa9 100 ) City /�Attorney Roy Prams suggested the following language for the ordinance. Section Paragraph of SECTION I: "It is further provided that a condominium conversion project where an application is made during the moratorium which meets the _errant consent requirements of this subsection which provides assurances that tenants will have the opportunity to remain in the converted dwellings either as owners or renters for the expected life of the condominium conversion projects, but not less than 30 years, shall be exempt from the moratorium.' and also, "Owing said six month moratorium period the consent form shall not state that the conversion may require the tenants to find other housing and to relocate outside the City." Councilmember Levy still thought the mention of 30 years was confusing to him. The question was raised as to whether the ordinance meant the life of the condominium or the life of the person. P.ouncilimber Renzel said she knew there was confusion about which was longer, but that it should be a minimum of 30 years and the project might be longer. 4, There was consideraoele discussierr about the life of the tenant because the leases would be nors.traasferalale. Roy Abrams said that portion oas: left to the judgment of the landlord. He did not think the City could deal with e, situation where the life of the project might be shorter than 30 years, but if the life of the project ended before 30 years, then the ; lease would terminate before 30 years. Councflieeiber Levy suggested the following wording: Changing the word "longer' td- °bass;," so that it mold react'"... the life of the condominium conversion project or 30 years, wir i chever is less . " In this way, the renter _ can stay as to as the project is there. icy Abrams said iii Levy's wording mould allow a 30 year maximum term. The oar wording old tend to establish a terse of not less than 30 years up to the expected life of project,: not of the tenant. 104 8/4/ 430 Councilmember Renzel said she thought the need for the language was due to the fact that there are some properties unaer _ land leases which limit the term of the condoainium project but, in most instances, this would not create a problem. The irtent was to make make 30 years a minimum, not a maximum. The period of time was put in to encompass reasonable life expectations. Mayor Henderson agreed that since this was not referring to the life of the tenant, it was the teae to guarantee that lifetime leases would be given, so the word 'longer' is needed, Roy Abrams explained what is intended by the language is that if the lifetime of the project entends beyond 30 years, then that provision will be applicable.- In other words, the law would say that where the lifetime of the project is shorter than 3n years, it is not possible to give 30 years, consequently that portion of the section would rot apply. MOTION: Councilmember Levy introduced the following ordinance and moved, seconded by Renzel, that it be approved, with the addition of the new language suggested by City Attorney Roy Abrams. ORDINATE NO. 3220 entitled VETIMEThNCIL OF THE CITY O PALO ALTO AMENDING SECTION 21.40.050(c) OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF TENTATIVE OR PRELIMINARY PARCEL MAP FOR A CONDOMINIUM CONVERSION PROJECT MOTION PASSED: The motion passed unanimously, Eyeri,y absent,, with record to show that Sher and Witherspoon did not participate in the new language or in section I.(c) of the Ordinance. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. to an Executive Session re Litigation and Personnel. FINAL ADJOURAMENT Final Adjournment time WAS 11:40 p.m. A • IRM: 105 61/4i80 1 ! APPROVE: