HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-07-18 City Council Summary MinutesC(TY
COUNCIL
M 1 NLJTES
CITY
or-
MMno
ALTO
Regular Meeting of July 18, 1977
ITEM PAGE
Minutes of June 13, 1977 2 3
Minutes of Adjourned Meeting of June 13 and Regular
Meeting of June 20 . 2 3
Oral Communications 2 3
Consent Calendar 2 4
323, 331, and 365 Grant Avenue and 334, 360 Sheridan
Avenue, Apprcval to Revert Five Parcels, Initiative
of the Planning Commission 2 4
578, 584 and 592 Vista Avenue, Application of Creative
Environments for final Condominium Subdivision Map
629 Lytton - Application of Hizashi Associates for
Tentative Condominium Subdivision
610.616 Forest Avenue and 701--7!7 Webster Street
Application of Cowper -Hamilton Building for Time
Extension 2 4
3793 Park Boulevard - Appeal of Robert MacMurray from
the Decision to Deny Preliminary Parcel Map 2 5
2 4
2 4
Palo Alto Golf Course -- Site and Design Review of
Driving Range 2 5
877 Forest Avenue - Approval of Appeal of Floyd Lowe
from the Decision of the Zoning Administrator to Deny
Application for Variance
4149 Georgia - Approval of Appeal of Joseph Rirmch
from the Decision of the Zoning Administrator to Deny
Application for Variance
Request for Termination of Contract with Financial
Industries Corporation for Administration of Deferred
Compensation Plan
Designation of the Enforcement Agency and a Hearing
Panel for Solid Waste Management in the City of
Palo Alto Mendated my Al 2439
North County Joint Powers Agreement (IPA) for Solid
Waste Disposal and Resource and Energy Recovery
Systems --Approval of agreement for Coordinator
25
25
2 5
2 5
2 .6
Master Social Worker with Police Department 2 6
2 1
7/1$/77
ITEM PAGE
Contract with Santa Clara County Housing Authority
for Piggyback Program 2 6
Revision of Stable Ordinance 2 6
Retirement of Thelma J. Nunes 2 6
Retirement of Manuel D. Darang 2 7
706 Cowper Street -Approval of Application of
Lynch-Gawlick-Chartain for Change of District 2 7
2800 W. bayshore Road - Equipment Guide Book Company
Application for Change of P -C Development Plan 2 8
Council ber Clay re Review of Sign Ordinance 2 8
License Agreement --Art in Public Places 2 9
Amendment of Golf Course Coffee Shop Contract 3 0
Cambridge Avenue Parking Garage Repairs 3 3
Water Restrictions and Mandatory Water Rationing, and
Water Conservation Rationing Plan Modifications in Response
to Public Hearing Permitting Ocean Water in Swimming Pools
Counci1inember• Henderson re 101 Alma
3 3
38
Northern California Power Agency Calaveras Hydroelectric
Project 4 3
Request of Councilmc bees Henderson, Fazzino, Eyerly, and
Witherspoon for Staff to Investigate Possibilities for
Rai io Broadcasts of Council Meetings 4 6
Request of Councilmembers Eyerly and Henderson re: Property
Tax Relation to Assessed Valuation 4 7
2 2
7/18/77
July 18, 197'1
Regular Meeting
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date at 7:40 p.m.
in a regular meeting with Mayor Sher presiding.
PRESENT: Brenner, Carey, Eyerly, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson,
Sher, Witherspoon. Councilman Clay arrived 7:42 p.m.
ABSENT: None
MINUTES OF JUNE 13j 1577
Councilman Carey asked that on page 1025 3rd paragraph from the bottom,
the clause in the sentence read "..for additional bearings need be made.
Though there would be an adverse impact...etc."
MOTION: Councilmember Witherspoon moved, seconded by Fazzino, that the
minutes be approved as corrected.
The motion passed unanimously, Counciimember Clay absent.
MINUTES OF ADJOURNED MEETING OF JUNE 13
AND REGULAR MEETING 4F JUNE 20
Councilwoman Witherspoon noted that on page 1073, the first motion, the
vote had not been recorded. The vote on that matter, concerning the 300
block of San Antonio Avenue, was recorded as unanimous, Councilmember
Beahrs absent.
MOTION: Counci1rmeaber Eyerly moved, seconded by Carey, that Council
approve the minutes of the Adjourned Meeting of June 13 and the regular
meeting of June 20. The motion passed on a unanimous vote, Councilmember
Clay absent.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1. Sill Burch, 420 Homer Avenue, said he was one of the four
associate directors for the Youth Conservation Corps +YCC).
He said YCC had completed three weeks in Palo Alto surveying
recycling efforts in Palo Alto. In two weeks of actual
surveys YCC had completed 2313 surveys --905 door--to-door; 944
in parka, shopping centers and mails; 464 werenon-residents
who were in the City for various reasons. The theme of the
survey was to see if people would be willing to do "One Thing
More." He listed methods of conservation, and also gave
examples of questions asking under what conditions people
would insulate their hones, and so on. Be spoke of media
coverage YCC had received. He thanked Palo Alto for the
opportunity to conduct the survey, saying YCC would leave the
information they had compiled with the City.
2. ?ttchael Atherton, 550 Hamilton, is the attorney for Fiesta
Lanes Bowling. He felt the ordinance prohibiting mechanical
amusement devices did not distinguish betimes primary and
secondary purposes of establishments, for with Fiesta Lanes
the primary purpose was bowling. Hs asked that Council
consider regulating rather than prohibiting amahsanical amusement
devices, for the police department had stated that estab-
lishments that had such devices had presented no police
problems.
23
7/18/77
{
Mayor Sher told Mr. Atherton that in order to change the current law a
member of the Council could bring the problem before Council, or perhaps
a member of the City staff.
94NSENT CALENDAK
Referral Items
None
Action Items
Councilmember Brenner asked that Item 7 concerning change of district
for property at 706 Cowper, be removed, and also Item 15, concerning
concessionaire services at the golf course.
Counciline bsr Clay asked that Items 10, concerning a sign at 2800
W.Bayshore, and 12, concerning a license agreement on Art in Public
Places, be removed.
The following items remained on the Consent Calendar:
323 331 and 365 GRANT AVENUE AND
334 360 SHERIDAN AVENUE - APPROVAL
rja.m.� .a. new zaw�r 1P?
TO REVERT FIVE PARCELS, INITIATIVE
OF
THE
PLANN ING
COMMISSION
The Planning Commission, by a vote of 6 in favor (1 absent) recommends
approval of the initiative of the Planning Commission to revert five
parcels known as 323, 331 and 365 Grant Avenue, and 334 and 360 Sheridan
Avenue, and owned by the City of Palo Alto subject to conditions contained
in the draft resolution.
RESOLUTION 5428 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY OF PALO ALTO APPROVING THE TENTATIVE SUB-
DIVISION MAP FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 323, 331,
365 GRANT AND 334, 360 SHERIDAN AVENUES
AND GRANTING AN EXCEPTION . B°
578. 584 and 592 VISTA AVENUE
APPLICATION CREATl TS FOR
`ANAL CONDOMINIUM SUBDIVISION MAP
Planning Commission, by a vote of 6 in favor (1 absent) recommends
approval of the application of Creative Environments for a final con-
dominium subdivision map at 578, 584 and 592 Vista Avenue. (Pile No.
121-7702, Tract No. 6114).
629 LYT"1ON-APPLICATION OP
MASH' ASSOCIATES FOR TENTATIVE
m-SCON 4E S47'BAxvIgr
The Planning Commission, by s vote of 6 In favor (1 absent) recommends
approval of the appliceticnl of Robert Medearis for aizashi Associates
for a Tentative Condominium Subdivision at 629 Lytton, subject to the
conditions contained in the staff report of June 24, 1977.
6111-616 FOREST AVENUE AND
701-"717 MUSTER STREET - APPLICATION
OP PRR-RAMILTgN BUILD FOR EXTENSION
- r
Pig Commission by a vote of 6 in favor (1 absent) reds
approval of the - application of per-Raedatou Building, Inc, , for a
twelve-month extension of time to file a final subdivision sag for
property located at 610-616 Forest AVOW* and 701-717 Webster Street.
(File No. 232-7602)
24
7/18/77
OF JOSEPH. HIRSCN
3793 PARK BOULEVARD - APPEAL OF
ROBERT MacMURRAY FROM THE DECISION
TO DENY FR. LIMINA_R:' PARCEL MAP
Planning Commission, by a vote of 6 in favor (1 absent) recommends
approval of the appeal of Robert MacMurray from the decision of the
Director. of Planning to deny a preliminary parcel map for property
located at 3793 Park Boulevard.
RESOLUTION 5429 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO APPROVING
THE PRELIMINARY PARCEL MAP FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 3793 PARK BOULEVARD, AND GRANTING
EXCEPTIONS."
PALO ALTO GOLF COURSE - SITE
AND DESIGN REVIEW OF DRIVING RANGE (CMR:377:7)
Planning Commission, by a vote of 6 in favor (I absent) recommends
approval of the application of the City of Palo Alto for site and design
review of a a Golf Course.
877 FOREST AVENUE - APPROVAL OF APPEAL
O €LOYD LOWE THE DECISION OF THE
7.ONING ADM 1N STRATOR TO DEN APPLICATION
FOR VARIANCE
Planning Commission, by a vote of 6 in favor, (1 absent) recommends
approval of the appeal of Floyd Loge from the decision of the Zoning
administrator to deny an application for a variance at 877 Forest Avenue,
4149 GEORG IA - APPROVAL OF APP
FROM
THE
DECISION
OF TIE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
77-171C6777=VARIANCE
TO
DENY
Planning Commission, by a vote of 6 in favor (1 absent) recommends
approval of the appeal of Joseph Hirsch from the decision of the Zoning
Administrator to deny an application for a variance at 4149 Georgia,
RE EST FOR TEERIIINATIOH OF CONTRACT
I IA1, INI J ?RIBS C; Oh1AT I
FOR 1NiSTRAT10a OF DEFFSRED CS*FEbWSATION P (CMM1:375:7)
Staff is in agreement with the desirability and advantage of changing
the currant plan structure and therefore recommends that Council authorize
the City !tanager to terminate the agreement with Financial Industries
Corporation.
Desmunov OF THE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
AND A HEARING PANEL
MANAGIMIENT IN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
i.M? x_.. AS 24l9„(CMI:359:7)
FOR
SOLID
BASTE
in order to comply with requirements of AB 2439, staff recommends that
the City Council 1) Adopt the resolution designating the City Manager as
the Enforcement Agency for non -health rel.rtted regulations, and the
County of Santa Clara, Environmental Management Agency, Environmental
Health Services, au the Enforcement Agency for health -related regulations
for the City of Palo Alto; 2) Adopt the resolution designating the City
Council as a peering panel to hear all grievances and appeals in regard
to enforcement and permitting activities, with such grievances and
appeals to be referred to the Policy 6 Procedures Cowmitee for their
review and recommendations to the City Council; 3) Direct etaff to refer
to the Policy 6 Procedures Committee the proposed revisions to Chapter
5.20 --refuse collection and disposal for review, comment and referral to
the City Council for action.
1
RESOLUTION 5430 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO DESIGNATING
CITY COUNCIL AS HEARING PANEL UNDER THE SOLID
WASTE CONTROL ACT OF 1976."
RESOLUTION 5431 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO DESIGNATING
CITY ENFORCEMENT AGENCY UNDER THE SOLID WASTE
CONTROL ACT OF 1976."
RESOURCE AND ENERGY RECOVERY SYST --
AY R AL 'T FOR COORDINATOR (C<*MR : 3 70:7 )
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the agree1ent with Earth
Metrics, Inc., in the amount of $38,400 for the period August 1, 1977,
to November 30, 1978.
AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES —EARTH METRICS, INC.
(Coordinator ---Interim Plan for Disposal of Solid Wastes)
MASTER SOCIAL WORKER WITH POLICE DEPARTMENT (CMR:371:7)
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to
sign a purchase order in the amount of $8,432, payable to the department
of Social Services. The recommendation is in keeping with the expendi-
tures authorized in the current budget, and the Council's action for
funding during FY 1976-77.
CONTRACT WITH SANTA CLARA COUNTY HOUSING
:7)
RESOLUTION 5432 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE
WUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO APPROVING
AUNT NO. 2 TO THE COOPERATION AGREEMENT
WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF
SANTA CLARA.1°
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO COOPERATION AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF 'PALO ALTO AND THE HOUSING
AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF SANTA CUBA.
REVISION OP STABLE ORDINANCE
moissa raeleore amew
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALO ALTO AMENDING CHAPTER 6.24 (STABLES) OF
TEE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE (First reading)
MOTION; Councilman Eyerly moved, seconded by Brenner, that Council
approve the ordinance, adopt the resolutions and staff recommendations
and other items is the Consent Calendar. The motion passed unanimously.
RETIREMENT OF TERM,l . N UNES (011067:7)
Alfred lfitchal.l, City Controller, spoke sone wars words of appreciation
for loo. Numes's sixteen years of service as secretfiry with the Controller's
2 6
7/18/77
office since 1961, and he wrote also, "...somehow the years have slipped
away, and the time for covering the typewriter, closing the files, and
putting Away the pencils is at hand."
MOTION: Councilmember Henderson: moved, seconded by Fazeino, that
Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION 5433 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALO ALTO EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO THEM J. NUNES
UPON HER. RETIREMENT."
MOTION PASSED: The motion passed on a unanimous; vote.
RETIREMENT OF MANUEL D. DARANG (CMR : 368 : 7 )
Bernard Pawloski, Director of Public Works, wrote that Manuel Darang was
retiring after 22 years of service with the City. He had been one of
the original workers on the beginning and maintenance of the municipal
golf course —he had developed an artistic treatment of sand traps. In
the future he planned to explore various local fishing sites.
MOTION: Councilmember Eyerly moved, seconded by Carey, that Council
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION 5434 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALO ALTO EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO MANUEL ii.
DABANG UPON HIS RETIREMENT."
MOTION PASSED: The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
706 COWPER STREET --APPROVAL OF APPLICATION
OF I YNCg-i.A% L.ICI:-G? ARTAIN POR CHANGE OF DISTRICT
Vice Mayor Brenner said that though she did not want to impede the
project she did have in mind a possibility of improving the parking on
the project. She asked Ken Schreiber, Assistant Planning Director, if
he agreed that doctors and dentists required "double" parking since
they usually had sa patient in the chair and the next patient wilting.
Mr. Schreiber replied that though doctors required as much parking as
other office occupants, he did not know if they required more.
Florence Lynch, 707 Bryant, said that she would be pleased to have
excluded frost the ordinance Section 2, 1(b) .run suggested by Vice Mayor
Brenner.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Brenner moved, seconded by Henderson, that Council
approve the following ordinance for first reading, with Section 2,
1(b) deleted:
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING
AMENDING SECTION 18.08.040 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO
CHANGE THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTY KNOWN AS
706 COWPER S`i'r FROM R-4 TO P -C, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS.
(First reading)
MOTION PASSED: The ordinance with Section 2, 1(b) deleted, passed for
first reading on a unanimous vote.
27
7/'18/77
2800 W. BAYSHORE ROAD-_ EQUIPMENT GUIDE
�s..r���Rn�■ ��■rro
BOOK COMPANY - APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF
P -C PEVELQPMENT PLAN
Councilmember Clay said the application had been made for a thirty-five
foot sign, which the Planning Commission had reduced to twenty-six and
one-half feet, to be consistent with the L -M --S zone in that area.
Councilmember Clay said the present example demonstrated to him that
the sign ordinance had to be examined again.
Mayor Sher asked if Councilmember Clay wanted to have the present matter
of an application for a sign at 2800 West Bayahore Road held up until
the sign ordinance had been reviewed, and he suggested Councilmember
Clay might move the resolution re this sign and then take review of the
sign ordinance up as a separate matter on the agenda.
MOTION: Councilmember Clay introduced the following resolution and,
seconded- by Fazzino, moved its approval by Council: .
RESOLUTION 5435 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING ORDINANCE 1889 TO
MODIFY THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE P -C DISTRICT KNOWN AS
2800 WEST BAYSHORE ROAD, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS."
MOTION PASSED: The motion to approve the resolution passed on a unanimous
vote.
C0UNCILKEMZER CLAY RE REVIEW imsrmamrt
MOTION: Counc lmembee Clay, seconded by Carey, moved that the sign
ordinance be referred to staff, Architectural Review Board and Policy
and Procedures Committee, for review and recommendatiuif.
Councilmember Henderson said he would oppose the motion. Re was satisfied
with the ordinance as it stood. Re wanted to see what happened at the
end of the seven-year amortization period on big signs.
Mayor Sher said he favored dealing with specific problems, as in the
cave of barber poles, but that discussion of the sign ordinance would be
taking place too soon after the most recent discussion and amendments.
Councilmember Clay said that one of several complaints from the business
city had been that the ordinance did not take into account the
nature of the business as well as its location. University Avenue had
pedestrian trade ---El Camino more automobile passengers. Re thought
those who were directly affected by the ordinance should be heard.
Councilmember Eyerly said he would prefer to deal with "hardship" or
specific problems, rather than re -opening the entire matter.
MOTION FAILED: The motion to refer the sign ordinance to staff,
Architectural Review Board and Policy and Procedures Committee for
review and recommendation failed on the following vote:
AYES: Carey, Fazzino, Clay
HOES: Brenner, Eyerly, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher, Witherspoon
28
7/18/77
2 `'
LICENSE AGREEMENT' --ART IN PUBLIC PLACES (CMR:374:7)
Councilmember Clay observed that since the "Pedestrian Series" created
by Greg Brown was artwork done for the City of Palo Alto with the aid
of Comprehensive Education and Training Act (CETA) funds. Some adverse
action might result from artist Greg Brown assembling a line of graphic
presentations such as postcards and posters, to be sold for private
profit. He said that with his present thinking he would oppose the
license agreement, though he was open to being persuaded otherwise.
Councilmember Eyerly asked Allan Longacre, Arts Department Director,
for some background on the matter.
Mr. Longacre replied that there was no precedent for a similar instance
in another community, though he anticipated there would be in the near
future. Artist Greg Brown was not a City employee any longer. Mr.
Brown's energies would go toward producing the graphics, and the City,
as owner of the copyright, would loan it to him for his efforts, and
receive a percentage of the profits. The City would retain the copy-
right.
Councilmember Clay asked why the City had copyrighted the artwork Greg
Broom had done on the various building walls throughout the City.
Mr. Longacre said the City had done so to protect its interests, and to
keep the artwork from being exploited. It had the same effect as a
claim to land; if, for example, actors acted a ploy, the playwright
received royalties for the use of Me play, it protected the owner's
assets for up to 100 years. The artwork belonged to the City in this
case because Greg Brown had been in the employ,of the' city w► eh he
executed the art,
Councilmember Clay said he thought the copyright protection was so
marginal as to be insignificant.
Mr. Longacre replied that if someone duplicated a piece of the art for a
tee shirt, for example, and put it up for sale, the owner of the copyright
could bring suit.
Corrected Councilmember Witherspoon asked how an employee could ask to have
See pg. 111, rights to work created while in someone's employ.
8/22/77
Charles Walker, Assistant City Manager, said that it was because the
employer had an interest in the product the employee had created while
in his employment.
Mayor Sher asked if, in the case of an employee devising something
useful not only to Palo Alto but also to other cities would that employee
have the right to sell the idea elsewhere?
Mz . Walker said it depended on the City's iutereat in the matter.
City Attorney Booth said that it was usual practise for an employer to
hold the copyright or patent to things invented on the employer's premises
and on his time. The copyright not only protected the City, but also
the artist.
Mayor Sher said he thought it was the intention of the staff that Council
make a general policy that evening that would apply to similar cases in
the future.
Mr. Wacker said he thought the City had very little economic interest
in the work of Mr. Brown, the arrtist, whereas; Mr. Brown did. Therefore
consonant with the methods of city government, Council approval was
needs d.
29
7/18/77
Mayor Sher referred to the passage of the staff report which said,
"Staff intends to use this agreement as a model should other works of
art with commercial value be copyrighted by the City."
Vice Mayor Brenner said she thought the commercial artist had less
protection than other kinds of artiste had; she liked the wittiness of
the artwork and thought the artist should receive some monetary reward.
The natter should be separated from the issue of granting patents, she
added„ She said she supported staff's request.
Councilcdember Henderson supported the agreement because 1) Mr. Brown's
artwork had brought the City good publicity; 2) there was no negative
effect from the proposed use of the artwork; 3) there would perhaps be
no commercial use unless Mr. Brown promoted it.
MOTION: Councilmember Witherspoon moved, seconded by Henderson, that
Council authorize the Mayor to sign the following agreement:
LICENSE AGREEMENT - Art in Public Places - Greg Brown
Mayor Sher said that perhaps Council would address each similar instance
on a case -by --rase manner, for he did not think Council was establishing
any general policy by its action. He thought copyrighting art and
patenting processes were much the same thing.
Co.:ntilm.ember Fazzfno asked if it would cost the City $617 for a copy-
righting attorney every time a similar situation arose. Mr. Booth
replied in the negative. Some unusual questions on matters on which the
City Attorney's office had had no experience had required the services
of a copyright attorney. A few questions had arisen from the circum-
stances of the artwork being painted by a City em i oyee on City time on
buildings not owned by the City and which could be painted over at any
time --also the paixtinga were viewable 24 hours of the day, and so on.
It did not seen likely that such circumstances would occur again, and
experience gained in the present negotiations would also help in the
future.
MOTION PASSED: The motion that Council authorize the Mayor to sign the
agreement to license ART IN PUBLIC PLACES, Artist, Creg Brown, passed on
the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Carey, Eyerly, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson,
Sher, Witherspoon
NOES: Clay
AMENMENT OF GOLF COURSE
t_OFFF_ S C :562:6), (c fR: 379 : 7)
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the following amendments
to the Coffee Shop contract: 1) extend the date of the current contract
by two additional years, with the expiration date of December 31, 1979;
2) establi.ah the City's percent of revenue from gross liquor s*lee at 8%.
Vice Mayor Brenner questioned "the rather elaborate clubhouse" plan and
asked if the decision to go forward with it had been definitely decided.
She did not want to vote in favor of granting the liquor license on only
inference that the clubhouse plan had been firmly adopted.
Mr. Schreiber answered that the new clubhouse had received Council'e
approval of the site and design in June, and part of the design had
included a bar area. Because of potential budget problem the bar was
30
1/18/77
going to be treated as an "add-on" feature. Granting the licenae did
not affect the fact of continuing to work within budget guidelines.
Mayor Sher said that the Council had approved the building, but had not
distinctly addressed the approprfsateneas of serving hard liquor as
opposed to serving only beer and wine. If Council approved the license
it would be agreeing to the way the proceeds would be shared.
Vice Mayor Brenner said that she wee not ready to accept the idea of a
bar, eupecially if it was not going to be within the budget. She said
she would vote "no "
Mayor Sher said the budget related only to the physical building --the
staff report said Council had to approve the amendment so that the
concessionaire could obtain a liquor licence within the allowable time.
Council approval that evening assent, however, that if there was enough
money to build the cocktail lounge herd liquor would be sold there.
Charles Walker, Assistant City Manager, said that approval of the cocktail
lounge had been somewhat implicit its earlier discussions of the planar in
Committee. Obtaining the liquor license was in anticipation of having
an adequate budget. If a Councilmember did not want a bar in the new
clubhouse he or she should definitely vote "no." If a Councilmember
wanted a bar but wanted to see ho -.r the budget carry out, he or she should
vote "yes."
Ken Schreiber said staff did not intend to create a large cocktail
lounge area --both snack bar and cocktail lounge were intended to serve
patrons of the golf course, not the general public. Individuals and
clubs that used the golf course had indicated thMM improved facilities
were desirable.
Scott Catlett. Director of Recreation, said that for three years staff
had anticipated authorization for the lounge, for it was not to be a
bar.
Councilmember Carey asked if it was expected that the applicant for the
license, Mx. Fbance, would manage the facility.
Mr. Welker replied that the current agreement did not so state; so far
all was known'ir. Francais facility was eetisfaactory and they would want
to continue with him.
Councilmember Carey asked if Mr. Franca owned the license and would take
it with him if he left.
Mr. Walker said that Mr. Franca would own the license, and that he could
transfer it for a fee. It would have no ',slue for him unless he had the
facility it went with --the current agreement included a 3€i -day termination
clause.
MOTION: Councilmember Catty moved, seconded by Fazzino, that Council
approve the staff recommendations and adopt the following amendment:
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO LICENSE ACREEMENT
NO. 3797 - CCNCIESSIONAIRE SW€TCCS « MANUEL FRANCA
Councilmember Carey ridded to Vice Mayor Brener that Council had debated
the matter of the golf course clubhouse several times --the clubhouse
would be beneficial to the City in the revenues it generated, and he did
not wish to redebati the setter.
31
7/18/77
Councilmember Clay said that though the matter had been discussed at
some length this would be the time to re -discuss it, for the license
would be applied for on the assumption that there would be a place for
it to be used for the next two years. He thought that approval of the
amendment ought to also endorse the concept that there be a bar in the
clubhouse.
Councilmaember Henderson said he did not think he would have supported
anything further than the sale of beer had he been on the Council,
though he was not inclined to undo the results of earlier discussions.
He recalled that the budget had been increased considerably beyond what
the revenue bonds would produce, at some cost to the City, he suspected ---
and he didn't particularly want that. He asked if there would be another
vote on that consideration, or was it all set to go forward if it could be
time within the budget? If it were all set, he said, he would want Mr.
Franca to have a license and he would then support the amendment.
Mayor Sher said he did not recall that the question of whether or not
there should be a cocktail lounge was ever explicitly discussed, but it
was mentioned as a source of possible increased revenue. The staff had
said the lounge was designed to serve golfers, and was not designed to
attract the general public. He asked Mr. Schreiber if that circumstance
was to be reflected in the design of the lounge area:.
Mr. Schreiber said the public could not be kept out if it wanted to stop
there, but that the small area would not handle many people. Mr. Franca
had operated the coffee shop about one and ore -half years; he had had
the assumption that he would try to obtain a liquor .license, which was a
long and tedious process, and "...operating a restaurant on $100,000
gross doesn't leave very much profit." Mr. Schreiber said that Mr.
Franca had provided quality service and food, in anticipation of obtaining
the liquor license. Mr. Schreiber said he would be concerned about the
City maintaining a snack bar operation without the operator having the
potential of income from the liquor license.
CounciImember. Eyerly said he recalled discussing the space that would
house the bar, and that it would be eaall, The "add-on" extra question
in the Finance and Public Works Committee discussions was whether or not
the City would be able to outfit the lounge. That discussion was
recorded in the Finance and Public Works Committee minutes, which were
before Counciite®bere before they voted approval to go ahead with the
clubhouse project. He said he was ready to vote in favor of the agree-
ment.
Councilmember Carey asked his second's approval "to tack on another
sentence to my motion," which would state that implicit in the passage
of the amendment to license agreement Mo. 3797 is approval of the concept
of a small hoar/lounge catering primarily to golferea' patronage, subject
only to any extraordinary cost of installing such a facility.
Mayor Sher asked if the intent was related to the adze of the bar, or
that the additional sentence was meant to make the bar contingent on
available financing.
CouncilmeMber Carey said both considerations were intended for the
sentence dealt with policy.
1
MOTION PASSED; The motion that Council approve the amendment to the
license agreement, and that implicit in passage of the amendment was
approval of the concept of a small bar/lounge for golfers, subject only
to any extraordinary cost of installing such a facility, passed on
the following vote:
AYES: Carey, Clay, Eysrly, ?assino, Fletcher, Sher, Witherspoon
NOBS: Henderson, gear
32
7/18/77
2'-
CAMBRIDGE AVENUE PARKING GARAGE REPAIRS (CMR:366:7)
Mr. Walker said that it was best that the work be done on this project
during warm weather and that the California Avenue Area Offstreet Parking
Maintenance District had been assessed $12,548 for the repairs for FY
1971--78.
Councilmemher Henderson asked if there had been only one bid on the job.
Arthur Reschke, Manager, Public Works Engineering, Laid the work was
highly specialized, and that this was a busy time for such contractors.
A second bid had been submitted rive minutes late; also, the messenger
had opened the bid, and it was found to be $150.00 higher than the low
bid
Counciiinember Henderson asked why it was necessary for the City to
advance the funds.
Mr. Reschke said the City was advancing funds on all maintenance, a new
procedure Council had set up about three months ago. They would recover
the funds later.
Mr. Walker
assessment
approved.
said it was a fairly standard procedure, particularly when
district projects eight be initiated before the funds were
The City would get the funds during the fiscal year.
MOTION: Councilmember Witherspoon introduced the following ordinance,
and moved, seconded by Clay, 1) that Council find, by motion action,
that this project is categorically exempt from the requirements of the
California Environmental Quality Act of 1970; 2) that the Mayor be
authorized to execute a contract with Coastal. Coating Company, Inc., in
the amount of $11,043,00; 3) that Council approve the attached budget
amendment in the amount of $12,500.00 which provides for a construction
contingency of $1,457.00 -
ORDINANCE 3000 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR
FISCAL YEAR 1977-78 TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR REPAIRS
TO THE CAMBRIDGE AVENUE GARAGE."
MOTION PASSED: The motion that Council approve the ordinance and the
staff recommendations passed on a unanimous vote.
WATER RESTRICTIONS AND MANDATORY
I*TEA RATIONING (CMR:37 : AND
nS ATI.ON RATIONING PLAN
C HEARING
:343:7)
MOTION: Councilmember Carey introduced the following ordinances and
moved, seconded by Witherspoon, their approval together with staff
recommendations, by Council:
ORDINANCE NO. 3001 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR
1977-78 TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR THE LMPLEXNTATIOB OF A
PER CAPITA WATER RATIONING PROGRAM AND TO ADD ONE
ADDITIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE CLERK POSITION TO THE TREASURER'S
OFF ICE . "
Staff recommends that the City Council pass the mmsndaent-to Ordinance
2979 as originally proposed by staff, and approve the attached budget
ordinance which provides funds to develop a par -capita plus landscaping
mendstory rationing plan, and to add a regular employee to the Treasurer's
office.
,.r
3 3
7/18/77
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING SUBSECTION 3 OF SECTION I OF ORDINANCE 2979
RESTRICTING CERTAIN WATER USES." (First reading)
Staff recommends 1) that Ordinance 2979 be amended to allow for hot tubs
or therapeutic pools of less than 1,000 gallons provided they are equipped
with a ccver and a drainage feature so that discarded water can be used
for irrigation; 2) Council pass a resolution amending the Utilities
Rules and Regulations to include the modified staff plan (attached
Utility Rate Schedule W-6) to become effective July 1, with fines and
penalties to be assessed beginning with the first billings in August;
3) thet if the council decides that the per -capita plus square -foots ge
plan is a better plan for the City, that the following be done:
. The staff plan be enacted for the present time
because it will take three months to put the per -capita
plan into effect, and these are the highest water usage
months of the year.
. That staff be directed to process hardship applications
in the three-month interim according to the per -capita
formula.
. That staff be directed to take the necessary steps to put
the plan into effect, which would includes returning with a
budget amendment as soon as possible and with an amendment
to the rule and regulation passed tonight which would
reflect the per -capita formula. This formula could be
modified, it. necessary, to reflect the actual data received,
and would be passed to become effective September 1, with
penalties assessed according to this plan beginning with
the first billing in October.
Councilmember Fazzino expressed the wish that the position as additional
customer service clerk be kept at a temporary status.
Jim Hudak, City Treasurer said that Council -established policy was that
a temporary position be no longer than eight months, and a regular
position wee needed, for calls coming into the office had increased 60
percent, and November WAS one of the busiest months.
Count:ilaember Fazzino noted that the staff report said the need for the
additional position was to be reassessed when the water -rationing plan
was terminated. Was itto be reassessed on the water -rationing plan
only, or other needs that might arise?
Mr. Hudak replied that the position would be reassessed on the total
needs in the office --utility rates had increased and customer awareness
of conservation as veil. All four lines were often busy in the Utility
Department. The cost figure for the position of $15,000 included all
employee benefits, which constituted about $2800 of the total. The
department had had temporary help for about eight months, and Council
policy dictated that the position be either terminated or made permanent.
Councilmember Clay said that an exception to Council policy could be
made to continue the temporary job, on the assumption that, the drought
would end somst: ime .
C1,.arles Walker, Assistant City Maxnager, said the temporary employee
could continue to do the same job. One of the reasons the natter was
before Council was so that the position could be questioned on next
year's budget ---otherwise the position could be left as "casual" employee,
and the stetter mould not cows before Council, It was before Council so
34
1118177
that the employee would receive equitable treatment. Council could
include in its motion to approve the position the review of it after the
rains began, the review to occur at budget time.
Councilraembers Carey and Witherspoon agreed that such review be a part
of their motion,
Mayor Sher said he would separate the vote on Ordinance 3001 into two
parts, the first part of the arotiora required a vote of six in favor.
Councilcaemher Henderson asked if the $8000 for data collection would
fill, part of the cost of going to the quota basis of water rationing --
would $8000 of the required $10,000 for data collection have been
covered?
Mr. Walker said that the initial mention of $10,000 had been conjectural
on the basis of what it had cost Marin County. The figure of $8000 was
a detailed estimate based on what had to be done, and it would pay all
the expenses of going to a per --capita plus landscaping system. Council
would not be asked to approve additional funds later.
Councilmember Henderson said he supported the quota basis, and if
allocating the $8000 would lean; to it he favored it. He felt that
decisions about the number of employees in a department were a budget
consideration to be taken up in the spring. He did not see the position
as permanent,
Manor Sher asked if Mr. Hudak or Mr. Walker would like to address the
question of casual versus regular employees, and their reasons for
thinking it would be appropriate to turn the casual into a regular
employee.
Mr. Walker said that there bad been problems with casual employees
having worked from five to eight years, particularly in the Social
Services Departent. A comprehensive "Casual Employee" study had been
done and sent to Council and it had been reviewed in Committee and
adopted as a policy. The Committee recommendation had said that to be e
casual employee a person must work less than eight mouths in a twelve
month period, or work oo more than twenty hours a week: therefore e
person could he half-time or less, indefinitely, or work full time for
eight months or less. la the case of this employee there had been
eight months of work. Perhaps if it rained the person would not be
needed any more. The present employee was not eligible for vacation
under the present circumstances, nor for any benefits. A Housing and
Rehabilitation employee had also been working for two years, and, as in
the case of the Utility Department employee, staff thought the person
should have some of the benefits of regular eaptoymett. If such an
employee did go into a f ullt ime position with the City, and become
eligible for retirement, the years as a casual employee would not go
toward hie retirement benefit.
Mir. Hudak said that until it was, known what the snow pack in the Sierras
was the employee would be needed for calls, and even so the employee
would be needed for 22 months, for the reservoirs would not immediately
be filled to capacity, and the City would remain its a rationing mode.
Robert Mark, 725 Cowper, favored having the employee receive the benefits
of a full time employee, and he said he thought the needs for conservation
would be long-term, for both water and energy, and that the City should
make a' commi teen t by having a f u1l t rose employee.
.
Mayor Sher called for the vote on the first part of the amendment ccn-
cerning the $8000 appropriation, which required six voter. He explained
that he mould vote against the motion because he did not think Council
35
7/18/77
should approve expenditure for the per -capita plan since staff favored
the quota plan until further cuts in allocation were made by the City of
San Francisco. He felt that if such cuts were made the City could have
the time .lag needed to make the census. He reminded Council that six
votes were needed to pass a budget amendment.
FART I OF MOTION FAILED: The motion that Council approve the budget
amendment to provide for implementing a per capita water rationing
program failed on the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Carey, Clay, Eyerly, Henderson
NOES: Fazzino, Fletcher, Sher, Witherspoon
Councilmember Carey indicated his desire to speak to the motion.
Mayor Sher said that since he was on the prevailing aide he would move
that Council reconsider so that Councilmember Carey would have time to
rebut. He had not meant to take Councilmember Carey by surprise with his
last remarks.
MOTION TO RECONSIDER: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Eyerly, that Council
reconsider the motion on Part 1 of Ordinance 3001 concerning the $8000
appropriation for implementing a per capita pater rationing program. The
emotion to reconsider passed on a unanimous vote.
Councilmembee Carey said Mayor Sher's words bad caught hire by surprise
and he recalled that ex--Councilmember Comstock had reasoned out why the
per -capita method of water rationing was the most equitable. He himself
felt that the survey should be done now for if the drought continued
they would want to be able to switch "almost immediately" to the per
capita formula.
Councilmember CJ.ay recalled that about 75 percent of the public
speakers had favored a per -capita formula and Council had voted in
favor of the concept of per -capita rationing when needed.
Councilmember Fler._her said she remembered Mrr. Hudak saying that the
per -capita system did not conserve more water and so she did not think
the switch to per -capita was particularly effective, and the question
vas one of expenditure rather than conservation.
Councilmember Carey said that if the drought really began to pinch
the per capita plan was, in his opinion, inherently more equitable.
Councilmember Fletcher asked Mr. Hudak if the costs of dealing with
hardship cases were much different fro switching plans.
Mr. Hudak said that the City had already dealt with. ;59 hardship
cases to date, 70 percent had been residential. One problem of taking
a census now to be applied later was that the numbers fluctuated, and
about one-third of utilities customers changed to a year. Keeping the
census data up-to-date could be expensive but it could be done.
Vice Mayor Brenner asked if the current system would work as well if
the drought situation worsened.
Ht. Hudak replied that if the cutbacks grew to 50 or 60 percent staff
"would probably recommend an per -capita system" for citizens become more
critical of the system.
Vice Mayor Brenner said that she thought that though it was a "slight
gamble" to apend $8000 for the census, if the severe cutback cane it
would be wise to have the data. She :supported the motion amending the
budget to proceed with the census,
36
7/18/77
Councilmember Fazzino asked how long the proposed census would take.
Mr. Hudak said that much preliminary work had been done, such as kinds
of material and made of mailing, and he thought cnly two more months
would be needed. The City would know well in advance if there were to
be more severe cutbacks, and they could come to Council for the budget
amendment when it was known --in that way the information gathered by the
census would be current.
Councilmember Henderson said he favored the per -capita formula: would
that formula be facilitated most by providing the funds now or to wait
until notification of further cutbacks in water had been received?
Mayor Sher said he thought that when notice of further cutback was
received would be time enough to take the censua, and that the informa-
tion would also be more up-to-date. He said Council had previously been
through the information twice.
PART I OF MOTION FAILS: The motion reconsidering the matter of adopting
a budget amendment appropriating $8000 for implementation of a per
capita water rationing program failed on the following vote:
AYES: Eyerly, Carey, Clay
NOES: Brenner, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher, Witherspoon
PART IT OF MOTION PASSES: Part II of the motion, adding the position of
an additional clerk in the Utility Department passed on the following
vote:
AYES: Brenner, Carey, Clay, Eyerly, Fletcher, Henderson,
Sher, Witherspoon
NOES: Fazzino
Mayor Sher noted that explicit in the motion was the understanding that
the additional fulltime position would be reviewed at budget time. He
added that Ordinance 3001 would be amended by the City Attorney to
rive references to a per capita water rationing program.
Councilman Eyerly said that the ordinance before Council would amend
Ordinance 2979 and he read from the proposed amendment Section I,
paragraph 3C: Swimming pool permits shall be granted upon certification
by the applicant that the pool shall be filled and maintained with ocean
water. Councilmember Eyerly said that the County Health Department had
said that due to lack of control the use of ocean water in pools could
not be sanctioned, though, he favored giving the building industry the
opportunity to build swimming pools.
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Eyerly moved, seconded by Carey, that Council
adopt the ordinance for first reading with the following change in
Section. 1, paragraph 3C, saying "Swimming poops shall be granted upon
certification by the applicant that the pool will not receive final
finishing or be connected to the water system or be filled with water."'
Councilmember Eyerly said it was a good time to build swimming pools at
present prices and he did not want to penalize the swimming pool industry.
Mr. Hudak said that the ordinance was presented tonight for second
reading and originally bed' appeared before Council on June 20. Staff
had recommended that the permission to fill with ocean water be deleted.
Councilmember Eyerly's amendment tonight represents what staff would
do anyway on a ease -by -case hardship basis. Council could decide that
policy, but staff was reluctant to put it in the ordinance because for
people to build pools vas *11 right, but if they filled them the fine
was only $50.00.
Councilmember Clay asked why there was a prohibition on using ocean
water in pools.
Mr. Hudak said it was illegal to use ocean water in a public pool, such
as at a condominium; a private residence owner could build a pool and
fill it with ocean water, however. If the pool were coot filled a plastic
liner could possibly crack, though, with present method of construction
which io.cluded a relief valve, the pool structure itself would probably
not crack.
Vice Mayor Brenner said that she favored the staff suggestion of
handling pool construction on a case -by -case basis, rather than giving
blanket permission to build pools though permission to fill them was
prohibited.
Mayor Sher said he would call for the vote on the proposed amendment.
AMENDMENT FAILED: The motion permitting pools to be built but not
filled failed on the following vote:
AYES: Carey, Clay, Eyerly, Fazzino
NOES Brenner, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher, Witherspoon
City Attorney Booth ruled that the ordinance would require another
reading.
MAIN MOTION PASSED: The motion approving the ordinance for first
reading, but deleting paragraph 3C allowing pools to be filled with
ocean water, passed on a unanimous vote.
Councilmember Henderson said that when Council returned from recess he
would move that Item 25 concerning the rescinding of Resolution 5382
permitting the building of a parking structure at 101 Alma be saved
forward.
Mayor Sher said he would entertain that motion. He said Council had to
have a brief Executive Session of ten or fifteen minutes.
Council recessed from 9:45 to 10:10 p.m.
C0UNCILME3 BER HE"1+DERSON RE 101 ALMA
MOTION: Councilmember Henderson moved, seconded by Fletcher, that the
matter of rescinding Resolution No. 5382 re 101 Alma be moved forward on
the agenda.
MOTION PASSED: The motion to bring the item forward passed on the
following vote:
1
AYES: Brenner, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher, Witherspoon
NOES: Carey, Clay
ABSTAIN: Eyerly
Councilmember Eyerly said he would abstain from the discussion since he
was a resident at 101 Alma.
Couuciimember Henderson said he hoped that Council did not have to have
a great deal of repetition on the matter. New members had received a
condensation of the material from Joyce Fishman containing information
on the matter up to now. He expressed "amazement at some of the actions
3 8
7/18/77
that have been taken by the Council, first in approving the project at
all, and second, in refusing to place the referendum on the ballot."
There had been opposition by the public, by the people who signed the
referendum petitions, the Planning Commission and the Architectural
Review Hoard (ARB). Only the City Council had supported the project.
The 101 Alma structure was a negative factor to ite neighbors, and "to
impact the neighborhood even further with the proposed garage is uncon:-:.
scioaable." if additional enclosed parking were so necessary he
suggested putting it on the south side of the building where there were
15 spaces at present, or on the north side where there was a _putting
green. If Council did not rescind the resolution he asked the Mayor if
he could have the floor again later to move to place the issue on the
ballot. He said he disagreed with Mr. Booth's opinion that the issue
was not referendable. He fully supported acceding to the desires of the
petitioners of putting it on the ballot.
MOTION: Councilme ber Henderson moved, eeconded by Pletcher, that
Council rescind resolution 5382 applying to 101 Alma.
Mayor Sher aaced City Attorney Booth if a simple majority vote operated
to rescind an adopted resolution.
Mr. Booth answered that he thought resolution 5382 should be rescinded
by resolution, for a land use chatter was involved which was within the
field of zoning, which meant five votes were needed to pass the action.
Robert Biorn, 360 Kellogg, attorney for the Board of Diaectora of 101
Alma, pointed out that numerous presentations had been made for both
sides of the question. He objected to the assertion that the materials
received by new Councilmembers vete "a full and complete representation
of both sides of this issue" ana that the three new Councilmembers had
the complete background. He thought most or all of the previous Council
had actually visited the site, and had seen mockups of the proposed
structure. He felt that to rescind the resolution without new Council -
members having a full review would set a bad precedent for future acts
by the Council. Since the time City Attorney Booth had given the previous
Council a full report on the referendability of the matter, opponents of
the proposed structure had filed a lawsuit with Santa Clara County which
asked the court to review the City Council's. decision, and to determine
if the City Attorney had been correct. He felt the appropriate place
for the decision to be made was in a judicial body, and not the legis-
lative body of the City Council, which had taken the action in the first
place. The matter came up in Court on Monday, July 25. He favored the
decision being made by the Superior Court of California. Mr. Biorn
thought the cumbers of people benefitting were significant-efive
neighborhood families, as opposed to about 100 families at 101 Alma,
which he thought had influenced the previous Council's decision. 101
Alas had been in its location for about 20 years, and was a portion of
the neighborhood.
Ralph Gallagher, 220 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, appeared on the
part of the petitioners. Legislative was equal with the judicial part
of the goverrent, and legislators had equal responsibility to act
responsibly and not enact legislation the legality of which was to be
decided later by the judicial branch of goverment. Alternative One was
to place the matter on the ballot; or Council could wait until Monday
for the judicial decision on the referendabili.ty. Also Council could
rescind the matter ---it was Council's legal right. Mr. Gallagher held '
the proposed project was "not a were minor change in toning," but a
major change in policy. He observed that if there was any question of
whether or not there vee m right for referendums the doubt should be in
favor of the voters --the right for referendum was not greeted "by grace
of Council" but was embodied in the State of California constitution.
39
7/18/77
If Council decided to rescind the resolution the matter would be with-
drawn from the Superior Court, and the matter could be put propevly on
the ballot that very evening. Though only five families lived in the
area affected by the proposed garage, many other people had felt strongly
enough about the matter to include their names on the petition to put
the matter on the ballot. Zoning matters affected the entire population
of the City.
Joyce Fishman, 180 Emerson Street, gave her reasons why the neighbors
wanted the Council to rescind the resolution permitting the construction
of the garage. 1) The structure was too close to the property line; 2)
The proposed building of the structure was inconsistent with the Compre-
hensive Plan; 3) What sun remained would be cut off from homes and
gardens. She said she thought it was her constitutional right to refereed
matters which affected her well being, as did the proposed structure.
She referred to Section 18.99 of the Zoning Code, drawing attention of
Councilmembers co Section 18.99.030, "The applicability of the chapter."
She read the passage: No application shall be diverted for adminis-
trative approval hereunder if any of the following conditions exiet...In
the opinion of the Director of Planning the proposed change is, or will
be, controversial." She said the Section should not be used if the
section was going to be controversial. She referred to an October 26,
1976 letter to Courci?membea Eyerly from Mr. Knox of the Planning Department
which said the matter was controversial. She read from the letter to
confirm her point that the section was not to be used, and gave the
dimensions of the proposed structure to illustrate how imposing it would
be.
Robert Moss, 4010 Jrme, responded to an earlier speaker, Mr. Horn. Mr.
Moss said that the Constitution said that sovereignity rested with the
people. Council could decide itself the disposition of the issue,
rather than turn it over to litigation. He hoped that they would do so.
Jean Glaes, 312 Emerson, spoke as a member of the Creekside Neighbors
association, who, she said, would like to see more neighborliness.
Neighborliness was not available from "the conglomerate, 101." She pre-
ferred that Council settle the issue, and use the court as last resort.
She said the Creekside Neighbors would prefer not to have to go again
outside the perimeter (of the neighborhood) to gain support for their
side of the issue.
Mayor Sher alluded to a procedural error made in moving up on the agenda
the 101 Alma matter, for it had required a unanimous vote, which it did
not receive. He received concurrence from Councilmeabexs Clay and
Carey, dissenting votes, that Council proceed with the matter since they
had eta: ted on it.
Councilmember Fazzino asked Mr. Booth what the situation regarding 101
Alma was in the court.
1
Corrected
See pg. 111,
8/22/77
City Attorney Booth replied that as was the case in any writ of mandamus
case the court had issued an alterative writ which directs the Council
to either rescind the resolution, place it on the ballot, or explain to
the court why it had not done so or did not have to do ao. If the
Council did not act that evening or shortly thereafter the court would
decide the matter. If the item were continued or was otherwise actively
before Council the court would not settle it.
Vice Mayor Brenner said she had followed the Planning Commission's
deliberations on 101 Alma and also those of the ARS and she had also
visited the site. She was surprised at the former Council's decision to
pewit the structure. The Garden City concept under which the structure
at 101 Alma had been permitted, had been justified, but it did not apply
to the structure proposed at 101 Alma. She said she supported rescinding
the resolution.
4 0
7/18/77
q
Councilmember Fletcher said that if the resolution were rescinded that
need not wean there would be no parking section for there were alternative
sites available on the property. She said that detached garages in
property zoned for apartments were to take no more than 50 percent of
the rear yard, and had to have a setback of at least six feet.
Councilmember Carey observed how leech material on the 101 Alma case the
Council had listened to and nothing new had come forward --there were new
Councilaembers, however, but that did not change the material. When the
court decided on the referendability of the issue Council would have new
material to consider. There was also a burden on the applicant to
reassemble all the material again which had been presented earlier. He
thought reconsideration ought to be postponed until the court gave its
decision.
MOTION TO TABLE: Ccuncilmenber Carey moved, seconded by Witherspoon,
that reconsideration of the 101 Alma parking structure be tabled.
MOTION TO TABLE FAILS: The motion to table failed on the following
vote:
AXES: Carey, Fazzino, Clay, Witherspoon
NOES: Brenner, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher
ABSTAIN: Eyerly
Counciimember Fazzino expressed frustration about the situation and the
equal legitimacy of the wishes of both sides, one for parking and the
other against a sense of encroachment. He was not sure he had heard all
the facts needed to vote for rescission that evening. At the present he
thought it would he beot to leave the matter with the court with the
issue to return to Council. He said he would vote against the motion to
rescind.
Councilseeciber Henderson concurred with Councilmember Fazzino that he did
not believe in undoing past decisions ---he himself would not have taken
the action were it not for the referendum and the lawsuit. He reviewed
the dictum of the court, and he did not support the position the City
would have to take were the utter to go to court, and if he did not
favor rescission he would in effect be saying he did not think the issue
should be placed on the ballot. The situation was unique.
Mayor Sher voiced reluctance to review items previously dealt with by
the former Council. However, this matter was still pending and had not
been dealt with because of the circulation of the referendum petition.
He recalled that on the former Council he had voted to rescind, and he
would find it difficult to vote against now for what he had once voted
for. For those reasons he supported the motion to rescind.
MOTION TO RESCIND FAILS: The motion to rescind the resolution that
permitted the construction of a parking facility at 101 Alma failed on
the following vote:
AYES: Fletcher, Brenner, Henderson, Sher
NOES: Carey, Clay, Fazzino, Witherspoon
ABSTAIN: Eyerly
Corrected Couicilmember Henderson *eked if City Attorney Booth would rule illegal
See pg. 111, s vote by Council which would place the matter on the ballot.
8/22/77
4 1
7/18/77
Mr. BooTh said he would still have said that since the trotter was admini3!:rative
it would not appropriately appear on the ballot, and that he would have
reccmmended that Council not do so. He did not however, think a court
would interfere if Council pieced the issue on the ballot.
Councilmember Henderson said he thought that with the petition asking
that the matter be put on the ballot Council "...obviously had that
obligation to do so."
MOTION: Councilmember Henderson revved, seconded by Fletcher, that the
utter of provision of a carport at 101 Alma be placed on a City -amide
ballot at the earliest date presently scheduled for a City-wide election.
MOTION TO CONTINUE: Councilmember Fazeino moved, seconded by Carey,
that the item be continued until after the court had ruled on the matter.
Councilmember Fazeino asked that Councilmembera Fletcher and Henderson
consider the content of his motion, for he felt it would provide the
only way to have the issue return to Council.
Councilmember Witherspoon confirmed that the next scheduled election was
in March of 1918, and would it be possible to do something earlier.
Hr. Booth said that Council had no obligation to gall a special election.
Councilmember Witherspoon asked the cost of placing an item on the
ballot.
Mr. Booth said that City Clerk Ann Tanner had said a special election
cost "around $30,000."
City Clerk Ann Tanner said that if the issue were consolidated with the
School District election the cost would be between $15,000 and $20,000.
Costs in the general municipal election that year had increased almost
33 percent over the costs of two years ago.
Vice Mayor Brenner regretted that the only choice seed to be to put
the matter on the ballot. She would support that position.
qtr. Gallagher, attorney for the petitioners to place the tatter on the
ballot, said that if Council wanted to act before the Monday of July 25,
they would take the matter off the court calendar. He was also -willing
to asked for a delay 1f Council wanted more time to make a decision.
Councilmember Clay confirmed that the motion was to continue the matter
until after the court had heard it. Since it had been a political
decision Council would get the matter back irrespective of whet the
court said. He would vote for continuance since he wanted new Council -
members to learn more about the matter if they chose.
Mayor Sher asked if Councilmember Fazzino had moved for continuance to
permit new Counciltt ers to learn more about the issue.
Councilmember Fazziao responded in the negative. He had moved to
continue heceuse the matter was only a few days from being heard; then,
implicit in his motion, was hi.s willingness thee Council would look at
the entire issue again.
Councilmember Fletcher said she opposed the motion regardless of what
the court decided -if over 1000 residents wanted to have a voice in it
she was for putting it on the ballot.
4 2.
7/18/77
Councilmember Carey said he did not belittle the number of supporters
for the opposition but that nothing in the town. was unanimous. Within a
couple of weeks there would very likely be a debatable issue with new
facts, which he thought more appropriate. He would vote for continuance.
MOTION TO CONTINUE FAILS: The motion to continue the smatter of building
a parking structure at 101 Alma failed on the following vote:
AYES: Carey, Clay, Fazzino, Witherspoon
NOES: Brenner, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher,
ABSTAIN: Eyerly
Councilaember Fazzino said that he supported in concept the peoples'
right to refereed; and some sound questions had been raised about putting
the matter on the ballot, yet he first wanted to hear what the court
decision would be.
MAIN MOTION: The motion that the issue be put on the ballot failed on
the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher
NOES: Carey, Clay, Fazzino, Witherspoon
ABSTAIN: Eyerly
Mayor Sher clarified that in the matter of voting to bring the matter
forward he had learned he did not make a procedural error --the informa-
tion about which motions were wrong was itself in error, Hr. Booth had
pointed out to hire that under Municipal Code Section 2.04.Ob0a the
matter could be moved forward by a majority vot.e.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA POWER AGENCY
CALAVERAS HYDROELECTRIC I'ei3JECT (C'I^LR:373:7)
Ed Aghjaysn, Director of Utilities, said that the Northern California
Power Agency (NC''A), of which Palo Alto was a member, was looking into
the feasibility of a hydroelectric project in Calaveras County on the
north fork of the Stanialaus River. At present NCPA has sighed a
memorandum of agreement with the Calaveras County Water District to
develop the resource. Some initial expenditures and an environmental
impact report had to be made before entering into a decision to proceed.
NCFA and Palo Alto had, throughout the initial planning stage, (several
places at which it could withdraw its interest. There wee enough money
currently in the NCPA budget to fund 00,000 of the $165,000 that would
be needed through August of 1977. The additional $105,000 would be
raised by special assessment with Palo Alto's share to be about $26,000
Staff requested authorization from Council to draw the looney from the
Electric Utility reserve fund.
Con nci1member Eyerly are representative to the NCPA for Palo Alto, added
that he vas in complete sgreenent with the project, as did staff. NCPA
had not had "too much" success within the development fund with the
geothermal projects. Palo Alto bad been excluded, and they had about a
Corrected 9 percent interest. Since the project with C 1everas hydroelectric was
Set pg. 111, a water project, Palo Alto vas able co get into the general membership
8/$2/77 of NCPA for poNer purchase contracts and it had a 23 percent factor, a
matter which pleased both him and the staff. it WAS a long-term capital
improvements investment, all the more inviting for that reason. The
project tied in with anticipated needs for the mid -1980's when Central
Valley Power (CVP) began to run out. Though the Calaveras Hydroelectric
4 3
7/18/77
rates would be higher, it was anticipated that CVP rates would also
rise within the next year, which made the Calaveras Project power costs
very much in line. As Mr. Aghjayan had said, the City had "...a number
of off -ramps before the project went to bonding," but the project looked
very viable. A NCPA committee had bean set up to supervise the progress
on the project, two sabers from Santa Clara and Palo Alto, two from
the Calaveras Water District, and one outside person --he thought it
would be an easy committee to work with. Councilmember Eyerly thought
Council owed the staff thanks for steering Palo Alto back from having only
a 9 percent interest to the 23 percent interest in the hydroelectric
project --the legal department had helped at well. If Council decided to
vote the ordinance in, the ordinance was a budget amendment and he
reminded Council that a budget amendment needed six votes to pars.
MOTION: Councilmember Eyer.ly introduced the following ordinance and
moved, seconded by Clay, that Council approve it and the staff recom-
mendation that if NCPA elects to move ahead with the Calaveras project
based on favorable indications for its Federal licensing and economic
feasibility, that the staff be authorized to pay the City's assessed
share of the costs for the new Tudor Report and the project's initial
planning program out of the Electric Utility Reserve Fund. Accordingly,
staff recommends Council approval of the attached ordinance amending the
FY 1977-78 Electric Utility budget by appropriating $24,066 from the
Electric Utility Reserve Fund.
As the project progresses toward the construction stage, and assuming
satisfaction with the proposed project, the staff will seek Council's
approval to enter into a pawer purchase agreement and to finance the
balance of the City's development fund obligations for the Calaveras
Project from the Electric Utility Reserve Fund.
ORDINANCE NO. 3003 entitled 'ORDINANCE OF
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING
fl1E BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL ?FAR 1977-78 TO
BSTAELIISR AN APPROPRIATION FOR PRELIMINARY
PLANNING AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF A HYDRO-
ELECTRIC GENERATION PROJECT BY THE NORTHERN
CALIFORNIA AMER AGENCY AND THE CCALAVERAS
COUNTY WATER DISTRICT."
Councilmember Henderson said he had noted that the report said con-
servasti.on groups had vigorously opposed the project which had caused the
Sacramento Mui cipal Utility District to drop out of the project; he
asked what proof Council had that the project was now environmentally
acceptable
Mr. Aghjayan maid that there was no proof that the project would be
environmentally acceptable, for that could be known only when reactions
to the EIR were given. He said he understood that of the several
environmental groups that had shown interest_ in the project, one or two
of them had thdic sted that the scale of the project was acceptable,
because the tunnel had been eliminated. The money that was being put
out was "risk money.' for a $150 million project, Palo Alto's 23 percent
of the power would be 75 kilowatt hours (kwh) a year at a cast to the
City of over $2 million beginning in 1984. The project waa for from 20
to 40 years, and the amount of money was a sizable investment. The
City, in view of the size of the project, knew that it would be putting
forth some risk money to determine the feasibility of the project, and
to see if the project was suitable and to try to make the project accept-
able, Possibly the project, sight prove not to be acceptable, and would
"go down the drain" but mo far it vas as good a project as staff had
ever had "in front of MCPA and it's one that's north the investment that
we're talking about right now."
44
7/18/77
Councilmember Fazzino asked what percent of the City's power the project
would provide after 1984.
Mr. Aghjayan said that the peak demand of 23 megawatts compared to a
current City peak of about 145 megawatts to about 210 megaewstts in
1984 —amounting to about 10 percent of the total requirements. The
electricity thus available would provide from 2 to 3 years' growth.
Councilmember Fazzino asked if the issue had been discussed by the
Finance and Public Worka Committee.
Mr. Aghjayan said that several hydroelectric projects had been discussed
in the Committee in the context of the Electric Utilities Reserve Fund,
and that this was one of the projects which they had indicated some
develcpment money would be needed for. Before Utilities asked Council
to sign a sales agreement to purchase power from the proposed project
staff would ask the Council to refer it to the Finance and Public Works
Committee.
Vice 4ayor-Brenner inquired if Tuolumne and Alpine Counties were partici-
pating.
Mk. Aghjayan baid all of the power from the project would be purchased
by NCPA, who were the financial backers of the project. The two counties
mentioned were intervenors in the case before the Federal Power Commission --
he said he did not know whether or not they would be receiving any water
from the project. Staff would apprise Council what the sentiments of
the various parties in the development of the project were. If one of
the parties was not being treated fairly they had reccurse before the
Federal Power Commission as well as the courts.
Vice Mayor Brenner asked what the Department of Fish and Game thought of
the project.
Mr. Aghjayan said that he understood that Fish and Game had to issue a
permit in connection with the project --the approval of dozens of agencies
was needed for the project, each agency concerned with its own field of
interest. The dam would be paid for by revenue bonds issued by Calaveras
County Water District, the bonds to be secured by an agreement with MCPA
to purchase all of the power thus generated ---in that way the revenues
generated would pay for the project.
Councilmember Brenner asked if there were any estimates available on how
such the power would cost Palo Alto, in contrast to what the power would
cost from PG6E, far exile.
Mr. Aghjayan said that currently the City was estimating the coat at
between 30 and 35 mills per kvh in 1984 —estimates placed that sub-
stantially below what PG4E'ia rates were thought to rise to, which it ryas
estimated to be somewhere between 40 and 50 .ills --it cost 30 mills
now —staff would be working on therm estimates in the wmeks to come, a
part of a cost -benefit study.
Vice Mayor Brener said that the Sierra Club of Modesto had taken a
stand against the project 1) because the Stanialaus wall a 5D river,
steaming that the possibility of classifying the Stanslaua as a "gild
river" was being studied, and therefore the Modesto Sierra Club wanted no
money spent on the project until the study vas completed; 2) the river
backed up into the Carson Wilderness Study area, also being studied; 3)
there was also rose concern that the few creeks remaining aright be
destroyed, thus detroying a natural fishing area. She asked that staff
could perhaps have some information on those concerns when they brought
the matter before Council again.
4 5
7/18/77
Mr. Aghjayan agreed, adding that those concerns would be addressed in
the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) which would be paid for with some
of the $105,000 to be raised by special assessment. The matter would
return to Council in September or October.
Council.member Carey confirmed that part of what the City was now paying
for was answers to those questions: The project seemed to him a good
bed for seed money, for even with limited groyth Palo Alto appeared to
be heading toward a possible inadequate supply of electricity in the future.
Lucy Erickson, 1136 Palm Avenue, Redwood City, represented Friends of the
River, who felt they had not been given enough information to give a
formal statement about their opinions. Since the matter was "very
controversial" she asked that Council wait to act until the Friends
of the River were able to form a statement. She said the organization
hoped that when the EIR was drafted there could be a public hearing
in Palo Alto, so that people could voice their opinions.
Mayor Sher confirmed with Mr. Aghjayan that there would be reviews
of the project in the Council.
Mr. Aghjayan said that the EIR would be submitted to Council for its
review.
Councilman Eyerly added that all of the agencies such as Friends of
the River had to be satisfied and give their sanction before the project
went ahead, but the money to go ahead on the project was the first
step. The Calaveras County Water District knew all the agencies it
had to eatisfy.
MOTION PASSED: The motion to approve the ordinance amending the budget
and the recommendations of otaff passed on a unanimous vote.
REQUEST OF COUNCILMEMBERS HENDERS ON
FAZZI? O EYERLY AND WITHERSPOON
FOR STAFF TO INVESTIGATE POS1SILITIES
OIO BROADCASTS OF COUNCIL MEETINGS.
Mayor Sher observed that since four Councilmetabers were already named on
the memo only one more vote was needed.
MOTION: Councilmember Henderson moved, seconded by Clay, that staff
investigate the possibilities for radio broadcasts of Council meetings.
Co+nrcilaember Fazzino suggested that staff begirt with RZSV, Stanford
University's radio station, and enlist the help of the Stanford admin-
istration to urge KZSU to continue the broadcasts, perhaps offering to
pay for the lines for four or five years, if the station would agree to
carry the meetings for each week of that period of time. Other stations
in the area, such as one AM station in Palo Alto which went off the air
at 6 p.m., which had been the public affairs station, and could be
approached. A non-partisan group such as League of Woven Voters could
be asked to take the anchor position. One of the reason the Council
broadcasts were dropped may have been because there was no one interested
enough to be anchor person on * week -by -week basis. Councilnembsr
Fazzino told of his surprise at the number of times the matter of the
broadcasts had come up during the election campaign, and he had some
surprise at how successful the broadcasts had become. Ne urged his
colleagues to vote in favor of the motion.
MOTION PASSED: The motion that staff investigate possibilities for
radio broadcasts of Council meetings passed on a unanimous vote.
4-6
7/18/77
.REt�i36ST OP Coin ERsEYERLYAND
HENDE LSON RE: P ROP ERT„ Y Tom` I TJON
TO ASSESSED VALUATION
Councilmember. Eyerly said that it was important to get information
before Council before the tax rate was sat, and City Treasurer Al
Mitchell had given Council his July 11 preliminary assessed values with
some idea of the rate of tax increase on a mill basis. Councilmember
Eyerly said "The impact of inflationary increases on the operating
budget should also be covered."
MOTION: Councilman Eyerly moved, seconded by Henderson, that staff
prepare a report prior to the setting of the tax rate by Council, showing
the relation in dollars and percentages that the property tax has sup-
ported the annual operating budget in the City in the past ten years.
Councilmember Eyerly said that the objective of his motion was to show
that the dollar cost of municipal government rises with inflation as
does the dollar income from increased property valuations —the two
correlated unless there had been exterminating factors. He hoped that
the property tax percentages could be kept in support of the operating
budget, and at the same level, without enacting new taxes. He thought
that in fairness to the taxpayer the taxes should be cut if raised tax
;Ivnluatiors produced a disproportionate dollar figure. At the same tine
the taxpayer had to realize that government costs increased' with infla-
tion.
MOTION PASSED: The motion that staff prepare a report prior to the
setttng of the tax rate by Council, showing relations in dollars and
percentages of the property tax to the operating budget in the City in
the past ten years passed on a unanimous vote.
ORAL COMMONiCAiiONa
None
ADJOURNMENT
NOTION: Councilmember Carey moved, seconded by Partino, that Council
adjourn. The motion palmed on a unanimous vote.
Council adjourned at 11:40 p.m.
ATTEST:
Cf y Clerk
4 7
7/18/77
APP ROVE :