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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-01-26 City Council Summary MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Regular Meeting January 26, 1976 CITY or PPIO ,ILTO Ii' m Oval Communication Canaeant Calendar - Action items Lawn Wiling Groan Improvements - Award of Construction Contract Parking Restrictions Update Presentation of 1975 Palo Alto Design Awards for Commendable Projects Which Improve, Beautify or Restore Property in the Community Retirement of Hal L. Barnes Squire Rouaei Approval of Facade Easement and Sale Oral Colmmunications Nominations to League of California Cities Committees 607 1/26/76 PAGE 608 6 0 9 6 1 0 610 6 1 0 613 6 1 4 6 2 3 623 0 O 1 1 January 26, 1976 The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on thin date at 7:45 p.m. in a regular meeting with Mayor Norton presiding. Present: Beehrs, Bervald, Carey, Clay, Comstock Eyerly, Norton, Sher, Witherspoon Absent: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 1. Phil Bliss, 588 Barron Avenue, commented on the Drug Abuse contract, Remarking he had been involved on the drug abuse problem at many levels, he indicated he was speaking tonight from the standpoint of a person in the School District with responsibility in that area and also as an officer and board member of several social services agencies in the vicinity. A* fetid he was prompted to attend tonight's meeting to report that he had received some 100 contacts concerning Council's action on January 12, 1976, to awned the City contract to Narconou aed that those contacts had asked his view on what had occurred at the meeting. He felt there was no interaction between Council and the Committee which reviewed the proposals and that atroog audience support of Mercou+cn had impact on the Council's decision, He commented that the unsuccessful Applicants could have brought influential bickers to the Council meeting on January 12. He said has sees the process as having been violated and that others are bothered by it. He felt e hat Council's action had put the drug abuse issue in the political arena. Ha urged Council to reconsider and award the contract to the people who can do the bast job for the eoavmuaity. Mayor Morton commented that Mr, Bliss' perceptions differed totally from his own. He said be did no; participate in the selection of Committee, to begin with, so it wasn't "Council's Committee." He suggested Mr. Bliss had more to do with the selection process than he. He added that he 'personally thought the decision Council rendered was the correct decision. In. conclusion, he rationed that if Mr. Bliss had received 100 ioquiries, he had received none. 2. Robert ?loss, 4010 Oros, thanked Council sod Staff for taking setiou on the massage parlors, voting one eiltkblish'iesnt had meowed some signs. However, he appealed to the City to continua keeping pressure on. He suggested a lawsuit be filed but cautioned that massage parlor owners would delay Court proceedings es loog as there is money to be made. Hs recommended there be limitations on the aumber and density 6 0 8 1/26/76 of massage parlors permitted in the City limits, citing the fact that there is precedence in accordance with State law on liquor establishments. He suggested the City consider an extremely high licensing fee and asked these busixeestes be clustered somewhere else in Palo Alto, mentioning Crescent Park as an alternate location. He said people in Barron Park had hoped when they voted to join the City that these areas along the unincorporated strip would be cleaned up. He spoke of hearing broadcasts about Palo Alto's massage parlors, felt they make the City look bad and detract from its image. He said these establishments are hurting the area along El Camino in South Palo Alto and urged Council action. Councilman Berwald told Mr. Moss that the mills of Palo Alto, like the mills of the Gods, grind exceedingly slowly but exceedingly fine. Councilman Berwald said the City is fully cognizant of the views of the people and is doing more than most ambers of the public realize about abating the nuisance. He is resonably satisfied with the progress to date within the laws of the State of California. Re said he had put this mutter on the agenda for the February 2 Council meeting and that staff would have a comprehensive report on the matter. Councilman Eereald said he and Council members share Mr. Moss' disgust at the massage parlor activity in Palo Alto. He said he had talked with the Chief of Police, that the Police Depart- ment is concerned, and that the battle was by no means over. Councilman Beahrs said he, too, wanted to massage this matter. He said Cou soil. was not oblivious to the problem, and as far as he was concerned, Council was unanimously in opposition to this flagrant abuse of privilege in Palo Alto. He said, however, that there are certain limitatious or. the City of Palo Alto or any corporate body, chile there are not as many on the private citizen who can harrass these people out of town by such measures as picketing, etc. Be said W. Moss could himself do those things and that he could also bring a suit for abatement of a private nuisance. Re stressed Council was doing all possible and urged people who object strenuously to these establishments to take appropriate peaceful action themselves. Robert R. Booth, City Attorney, said that the matter will spear on next week's agenda and that a comprehensive report will go out as part of the Courtil's packet on Thursday, ,3. John Predrich, 3737 Nathan Way. spoke in response to Mr. Bliss' cats earlier sad to add his own. Us requested that there be an item, on this evening's *sends, under New Business. to review the budgetary decision in regard to the Drug Abuse contract, including a report of Committee hearings. Be indicated he vss among those who bid on the possible $135.000 and wondered why only $40,000 had been allocated. Be said be would review minutes of meetings, indicating he might be ar astray on the matter. 8e said he felt the whole social services aspect of City's budget had been neglected and underfunded this year and that more could be done if the money were moved faster. Be considered long budget hearings over a sue of $40.000 to be a vast. of time. COMM - ACTION ITBMB Mayor Morton asked if Council were ready to vote on the Cangent Calendar, 609 1/26/76 MOTION: Councilwoman Witherspoon moved, seconded by Comstock, Approval of the Consent Calendar as follows: LAWN BOWLING GREEN IMPROVEMENTS - RAID$'P C T iJC'iION CONTRACT (CMR:134 : 6) Staff recommends that the Mayor be authorized to execute a contract with Huettig and Schramm, Inc. in the amount of $9,275.00 for improvements to the Lawn Bowling Green. PARKING RESTRICTIONS UPDATE (CMR:144:6) Staff recommends adoption of the following resolution: RESOLUTION NO. 5195 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2971 TO APPROVE AND ADOPT CERTAIN PARKING REGULATION MODIFICATIONS IN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO" and a finding that this item qualifies for a categorical exemption under the environmental procedures adopted by the city. The Consent Calendar was adopted/approved by unanimous vote. RESRNTATlEON O1' 1975 PALO ALTO DESIGN AWARDS 222.22EMEMELLEEIESILYPIcH IMPROVE, TI OR RESTORE PROPERLY IN THE COMMUNITY Mayor Norton said that thin is the first year the City Council has con- ducted an official Design Awards Program to formally recognise outstanding building projects occurring in the City. The Design Awards Program was initiated by the Council end is implemented by the Architectural Review board. In November, the board sought nominations from the public for commendable projects ccmpleted in Palo Alto since December 1973. Forty- six nominations were received from the public, and the board added two more projects to the list of candidates. After careful evaluation, the board selected seven projects to receive awards. Be said that present this evening wore individuals representing the design firms or the agencies which sponsored the winning project*. The Mayor said that as he would convey an award to these individuals, the Chairman of the Architectural Review Board, Sigrid Rupp, would elucidate the reasons why each of the seven projects were selected from a long list of vary fine nominations. The projects were attarded in alphabetical order as follows: Lytton Gardens, located at 656 Lytton Avenue, the new multi- family residential lousing project specifically designed for the elderly. Ms. Rupp said that Lytton Gerdes* use selected for its excellent site planning and architectural design which have permitted a high density, subsidised housing developnent to fit gracefully into the Downtown nee. The wars, residential character of the project is a significant departure from traditional institutional arrchitecwre and the project is a tasteful addition to Palo Alto/s housing stock. 610 1/26/76 Mayor Norton said that the architect for Lytton Gardens was Frank L. Hope & Associates of San Francisco, and accepting the award was Austria J. Vitola, project designer. The project sponsor for Lytton Gardens was Community Housing Incorporated of Palo Alto. Accepting an award certificate for Community Housing was Seldon Martin, President of the Board. Mayor Norton announced the next project chosen for an award: The Rathbun Residence, located at 575 Kellogg Avenue, a remodeling of a residence. Ma. Rupp said that the Architectural Review Board felt that the Rathbune should be commended for their tboroughly imaginative approach to a residential remodeling endeavor. The project combines forms, materials, colors and textures in a delightful and whimsical way to produce a cohesive and striling architectural entity. Mayor Norton said the designers and builders for the Rathbun project were Carolyn and Richard Rathbun. Richard Rathbun accepted the award. Mayor Norton told Mr. Rathbun he thought it was a very interesting build- ing, and that the project m;aat have been fun for the Rathbune. The next award was announced by Mayor Norton: The Sundance Mine Company, located at 1921 El Camino Avenue, a remodeling of a commercial building. Mayor Norton commented that cote of the people present may have dined there, Ms. Rupp said the ARB felt that the Sundance Mine Company really deserved an award because they trdnefarmed what was an outdated left -over building from the 50's into a rather exciting project. The ARB was particularly happy with the unified design, the signs, and the good transition between the commercial character of El Camino and adjacent residential tosses. It was nicely understated and yet sakes its point. Mayor Norton said the architect for the Sundance Mine Co. was Churchill- Zlatunich Associates of San Jose, and that Williams Churchill was present to accept the sward. Sundance, Inc. sponsored the project, and Robert Fletcher, also one of the principals, was present to receive an award. The next award was to: The Victoria Gardens, located at 4260 El Cevinn Real, for improvements to a commercial site, Mayor Norton said spectators say have gone there to see how to do up potted plants, aaa he had. Ms. Rupp said the ARE thought that Victoria Gardens was not the sort of project the architectural reviev boards take a look at often. She teed it a delightful place displaying ornamental plants, a good piece in which to vender, even if one doesn't vent to buy anything, and AU found it dabble both for its creative approach, the merchandising, and for the fine contributions to the visual enhancement of El Camino Real. She added it's unfortunate that more of it can't be seen from gl Camino. Mayor Norton called not Spradlin, owner of Victoria Gardens, Adding an award would also be received on behalf of Jack Chendlor of St. Helena, California, who was responsible for conch of the landscape design. 611 1/26/76 The next project to receive an award was: 1 Villas de San Alma, located at the corner of San Antonio Road and Alma Street, a new multi -family residential development. Ms. Rupp said AP.B concurred that the design sensitivity and attention to details were what won it the award. The Board were all rather surprised to drive inside of what looked like a rather stark wall and find what they felt to be a very fine neighborhood development, with sufficient individuality to the units. The ARE felt it was ore of the nicer housing developments that Palo Alto has seen of late. Mayor Norton said the architect lees John Brooks Boyd Associates and that John Boyd would accept the award. Mr. Boyd expressed his thanks for the award, commenting it was a pleasure to accept it on behalf of his firm and that they were very proud to receive the award from the City of Palo Alto, He added that also inside the walls are some very nice people, and that a few of those. people, his cheering section, were present this evening. Mayor Norton announced that in connection with the same project, Divident Induatries of Santa Clara County sponsored the project, and Richard Oliver, Vice President of the firm, was present to receive an award. Mr. Oliver, in accepting his award, said that Mc. Boyd had forgotten to tell Council that he lived in the project, as well. Mayor Norton acknowledged that that was interesting and recalled that Mr. liver had agonized over getting all of the approvals from the City Council d congratulated him for that accomplishment as well. 0 Mayor Norton said that the landscape architect for the project was Jones if Peterson of Palo Alto and that Robert Peterson of the firm would accept the award. The next project to receive an award was: Webster Square, 265 Lytton Avenue, which includes the Gatehouse Restaurant; La ?uc lle Shop; and Courtyard. Ms. Ru to data is a very vary f1< Courtyar addi t ion p said ARE concurred that the design sensitivity and attention Lis were the outstanding qualities of the project, The remodeling nice addition to Lytton Avenue and the interior courtyard is ly done. `‘e restaurant together with Le Pucelle Shop and the e ...prise e_ elegant and invit1ine complex which ire a cos endeble to Palo Alto's urban'scene. Mayor Mort of Palo Al on a di the designer of the project was Risata Design Associates to, and that To Hisata was present to accept the evert. The project Webster wes Ms. Webster something. was sponsored by Webster Development of Palo Alto, and Sam present to accept an award., Mayor Morton meantime, the Alto, and -that ford, said Council was not going to got sway- without his saying id that was all right, but be would recognise in the lendeuepe architect, Donal C. boos A Associates of Palo Mr. boos might also want to talk. Be suggested they join 612 1/26/76 Mr. Webster said it's a real pleasure to be in a city like Palo Alto that has a City Council which recognizes excellence when they see it. He said he was saying that with tongue in cheek because he is involved in this. He said tonight's awards would inspire them to do bigger and better things and that they would be back next year, Mr. Boos said he and his staff were also very inspi:y.ed, not only to have worked on that delightful project, but to dine there and to. receive tonight's award, Concluding the presentations, Mayor Norton announced an award to: Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, located at 3333 Coyote Hill Road, a new office industrial complex. Me. Rupp said the ARB felt in general that this,was one of'the few very large industrial buildings that does follow the contours of the site. It picks up the colors of the California landscape, and that rather than just exposing lots of bare concrete does a fine job with terracing, A2B felt ft was a dramatic, unified complex which fits well into the California landscape. Mayor Norton said that the architect for Xerox Center was Hellmuth, Obata Kassabaum of San Francisco. Robert Stauder would accept the award. Present receive the award for the Xerox Center, the project sponsor, was Mr. Lee Anderson. Mr. Anderson expressed, on behalf of Xerox Corporation as a whole and, spe- cifically, the Research Center in Palo Alto, that since coming to Palo Alto five years ago, they have been most pleased with the welcome they have re- ceived in the community, and they hope to continue to be en asset to and, in the years ahead, to work arm it arm with the community. They are most pleased to receive this award. Mayor Morton said that the Xerox facility is located on the Stanford Industrial Park site and that Stanford University maintains high architec- tural etarelerds for development in the Industrial Park and is to be commended for the success of the Xerox facility. He called forward Stanford's represen- tative, Rosemary McAndrews, Assistant Manager of Land Resources, to accept an award for the University. Mayor Norte* said that Hellmuth, Obata 4 Kassabaum was responsible for the landscaping of the Xerox facility and that Robert Stauder would also accept an award for that office. Mayor Horton said that this concluded the 1975 Palo Alto Design Awards Program. He said that projects being coded this evening ,re represen- tative of the many fine new building projects, reeeodelinge and restorations that are taking place in Palo Alto which are making the city an even better and ire attractive place in which to live. He reinforced Council's support of the awards program and of the Architectural Review rd's efforts, not only in bringing these awards before the City this evening, but in their year -in, year -out, week -in, week -out, efforts, perhaps insufficiently heralded, to improve the appearance of the comity. He said these efforts are indeed appreciated, and thanked Ms. Rupp and her colleagues. RETIREMENT OF HAL L. BARNES (CMR 132:6) Mayor Horton said he bad bean ie armed that Mt. Barnes was not present this evening. 6 3 1/26/76 MOTION: Councilman Beahra moved, seconded by Carey, approval of the following resolution: RESOLUTION NO. 5194 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO EXPRESSING APPRECI- ATION TO HAL L. BARNES UPON HIS RETIREMENT" The resolution was adopted by unanitous vote. IRE ROUSE: APPROVAL OF FACADE Councilman Eyerly said that he is of the opinion that the matter of Squire House is tied directly to the forth coming decision on the Old Police & Fire Building which Senior Coordinating Council will be bringing, with their views on tl.-. piece of property, back to the Policy and Proceduree Committee. Councilman Eyerly felt there are unanswered questions on both pieces of property, that Council should keep options open for senior citizens because, in the event Council does not give the Old Police & Fire Building serious consideration, the Senior Coordinating Council night have need for use of Squire House. There are questions concerning what revenue might be raised an both pieces of property. He would lake to review the Senior Coordinating Council's report concerning their space needs, other aspects of the facilities, etc. He said the question rename on what to do with funds which were raised in the drive to save Squire House, if the house is sold. He felt the Policy and Procedures Committee should study all of these points when the Old Police and Fire Building issue comes back. MOTION: Councilnn Eyerly Heaved, seconded by Bervald, that Council refer the matter of facade easement and sale of the Squire House to the Policy and Procedures Committee, to be considered at the rime tine as the request of the Senior Coordinating Council for use of the Old Police & Fire Building. Councilman Comstock asked Mt. :4koth if Council were to choose to lease, or, in some manner, release the Squire House to the Senior Coordinating Council for a senior facility, would there still be a possibility to exercise the facade ease t. He queried whether the facade easement, as the attorney's office drafted it, ties itself strictly to the possibility of sale, or could Council put it in piece than still use the building for a variety of purposes. Mr. Booth responded the present draft contemplated sale but could as easily be worked into a lease or even shorter term usage of the property; the fora, in otherwords, is adaptable to any type of diapostion Council' makes. Councilmen Comstock explained to Councilman Eyerly his reasons for posing thee* questions to the City Attorney. His view was that if Council ware to choose, for example, to sell the property to, or engage in some kind of lease arrangement with the Senior Coordinating Council for * senior center, Council might still want to move to preserve the architectural characteristics of the exterior of the building. His comment was with respect to the advisability of Council' a tacking that position this evening, by approving the easement and referring the issue of immediate sale of the property to the Committee. He wondered if Councilman Eyerly would be interested in splitting the matter in that way. Councilmen Eyerly agreed it could be done that way but felt that the entire matter might as well be discussed at one time is Policy & Procedures Committee. He said Council would not be in a position to do anything with it eves -if if they , moor. to approves the facade easement this evening; the. r. ; he preferred sealing the subject to the Committee for study in its sntftety and Co ittes's subsequent recommendation to Council. 614 1/26/76 Councilman Comstock commented he is a member of the Policy and Procedures Committee and merely wanted Council to know he is aware of those concerns, and when it goes before Committee, he would probably have the same questions. He did not want Council to feel they were either circumventing that possibility or that might not be the form in which recommendation could come back. Maayor Norton agreed Councilman Comstock had a good point. Councilwoman Witherspoon felt there was another reason for delaying approval of the facade easement. She said she had asked the City Attorney's office to mail a copy of the easement to the National Trust Office in San Francisco. In talking to the National Trust today, she learned that they wish to refer the facade easement to their Washington office, and this proceis would take perhaps a week. - She thought the matter would be coming to Policy and Procedures in a month, which would be sufficient time to get a reading from National Trust. She said that with Councilman Eyerly'e permission, perhaps another motion would be appropriate later to ask staff to formally request the review of the facade easement by the National Trust who, she added, were experts in such matters and, further, would provide the review without cost to the City. Councilman Eyerly asked if there would be time for the review it the subject comes back to Policy and Procedures Committee in mid -February. Councilwoman Witherspoon said her understanding was thet the Trust needed a week to ten days. Councilman Eyerly said he would be agreeable to the review. Councilman Carey raised questions for staff. First, had any appraisal been made of the property, assuming all eight restrictions on use are passed by Ceuecil. Secondly, had any appraisal been made on the property if a simple facade easement and no other conditions restricting use were made on the property. Thirdly, had any provisions been made, in the event property was sold, to pay back to contributors the some $80,000 donated to acquire Squire House. Clay Brown, Director of Budget and Staff Services, said staff had had no appra.sals made, adding that would have been staff's net step, mould Council tike action tonight to sell the house. Further, he said staff had not made arrangements to repay contributors. Councilman Sher, noting Councilman Eyerly's service on the University -Crescent Perk Association, essueed Councilman Eyerly had followed this matter. In earlier stages, there was talk about the possibility of using Squire House for a senior -tenter, and the limited senior center there for snail numbers of persons. Councilman Sher said he interpreted the motion now contemplated a review of use of Squire House being tied to use of the Old Police and Fire Euildiv5, which is being considered for the full-fledged senior center, and a review of the possibility of using Squire House for the full operation of a senior center, including the Las Collide lunch program, Councilman Eyerly thought facilities and space at Squire .House would have to be looked at by the Senior Corodinating Council to determine whether it would be of use to them if they didn't gat use of the Old Police and lire Building. At the same times, . Council would have to see whether a senior center would fit into the Squire House neighborhood, the impact on traffic, etc. Councilman Eyerly repeated he wanted to keep options open and did not went Council to move too quickly on making a decision. 615 1/26/76 Councilman Sher said when Council talked about Squire House, there had seemed to be doubt, at least with some of the senior representatives, about the location not being central to downtown. Thus, Councilman Sher felt Squire House had at least been considered by some of the people who were involved in the effort to locate a senior center. He made it clear he does not oppose this, and would be glad to see the possibility kept open and reviewed, but given previous experience, he did not think false expectations should be raised because he recalled the reception to the idea of using the Squire House had been quite cool. Councilman Sher asked Clay Brea how much more work would be needed and how many dollars would be involved to put Squire House in condition, an that it could be put to this public use. Mr. Brown recalled, from the staff report of about a year ago, that it was around 000,000-$360,000. Counncil.mau Sher asked if the amount expended thus far was around $148,000. Pic:. Frown said $118,000 had been spent, plus the purchase cost. Councilman Sher said the purchase price was covered by gifts from donors. He asked Councilman Eyerly if this referral contemplated opening up the possibility of use of Squire House for only this one possible alternative, as opposed to selling the house for a single-family residence. That is, would the house only be ccnsidered for use as a senior center, or did he contemplate cpeniegep the whole subject as to other possible uses. Councilman Eyerly responded he did not conte:rate considering any other use than for senior citizens. He said he hadn't seen other requests for public space use, whether for Squire House or elsewhere, that have been as forthright as that presented by the seniors, but he would be willing to support such requests. He said the seniors were making a pro- posal, Council had encouraged them to do so, and he felt Council erust keep all their options open until a decision is made, thus he wished to hold open the question of the Squire House property. He did not suggest Council spend $300,000-$400,000 to fix up the Squire House. He wanted the house available so that seniors could weigh the question of location for a senior center. Whether the City would do anything in the way of finances, other than offering the property, was something that could be discussed together. Councilman Sher said hie reason for the Oestion was that when Council considered the matter earlier, there was suggestion that it might be feasible to put the Squire Souse into use as some kind of commercial office space, on a nou-intensive basis. For example, an architect' a office, perhaps combined with a public use facility, Councilman Sher asked Councilman gyaarly if 'chat vas what he had in mind. Councilman Byerly said it wee not. Councilman Sher said he wanted to be clear on the motion. He indicated he was prepared to support the notion but, again, stressed Council should be clear that there not be any false expectations raised because he thought, from what he had beard previously, that Squire Rouse is not the location preferred by those seniors and othe rs who are working on the program. He also pointed out that there is considerable 'money still to be spent to put Squire House into condition for such a use.. Councilman Sher said he, for ors, could be very careful before authorising the expenditure of aubstsntiel City funds over awed above the $118,000 that has already been spent; he said he voted for the expenditure at the time because he felt the City had a commitment, bovine received the house, to at least preserve it and not lot it deteriorate. But, at this time, the City had invested more money is the house than the actual price, and so be felt Council should exercise 6 1 6 1/26/76 caution. His remarks, he added, were for the benefit of those present and interested in this project. In sum, he said he was prepared to hold the natter open ao long as no false expectations were created. He asked Mr. Brown if there were any problems of the City's losing anything by holding; off on this matter for a month. Mr. Brown responded there would be no problem. Councilman Sher said Councilman Carey had just reminded him that if the price of real estate goes up in a month's time, the City would be able to get more for the house. --►greeted -Councilman Beahrs thought it unfortunate Council passed up the opportunity e pg 772 to sell Squire House and the Webster Street property for same $60,000 a year ago. He said had they done so, they would not face today's problems. He expressed sympathy to those who have -labored so strenuously to preserve this structure; yet, he added the City was in an economic bind as the result of delays and pervasive inflation. He said Councilman Carey had raised very valid points in asking about restrictions which might have an inhibiting effect on some prospective buyers for Squire House. He referred to the requirement that the 23 palm trees be preserved, saying that while he wished someone could guarantee preservation of the trees, if one of them goes down, it would be difficult to preserve it at that point. He doubted it was economically feasible to insure the palm trees and redwood trees, adding the state of the insurance market today was such that it would be easier to insure a human life than a natural plant. He said Council was dream- ing and that staff should, in some manner, wee whether the various restric- tions do have an inhibiting effect, because if so, the City might receive no offers. Otherwise, Councilman Beahrs said he would approve the referral. Mayor Norton remarked it was significant to recall that when Council was asked to purchase and preserve Squire House for a year, during the period funds were being raised to purchase it, the staff's estimate for the purchase price was approximately $90,000 and, for the cost of putting the building in shape, a further $90,000. He added that was part of the problem. Vice Mayor Clay said he had conversed with several aeembe'rs of the Senior Coordinating Council. Councilman Sheer's statement that the seniors response to use of Squire Bose was cool was, in his estimation, putting in mildly. He added he bad received absolutely no indication of interest on the part of the seniors is that building, and he did not delve into the reasons for the lack of interest. He said members of the Senior Coordinating Council • bead been working on the assumption that if a buildin; wire to be made avail- able to them by the City, it would be the Old Police and Fire Building. Whether or not the City would make that building available to them on their terms was another question. As he recalled discussion' he had had with members of the SCC, and looked at the work they bad done to date, and considering the fact they were expecting to attend the committee meeting on February 10, putting the Old Police and Fire Station out of the running would mean the Senior Coordinating Council people would hoes to go back and make some quite different kinds of projections, estimates, and.assessment of value in terms of possible use of the Squire House. Vice Mayor Clay pointed out that the seniors' consideration of Squire House night appropriately have been suggested at the time Council referred the entire Old Police and Fire building use question to the Policy and Procedures Committee. Seniors then would had had more time to evaluate this program and, perhaps, might have responded somewhat differently. But, more importantly, they would have been able to incorporate the possibility of use of the house into plans they are bringing to Committee on February 10. Vice Mayor Clay said he dad not know if Uker, was anyone in attendance this evening wilo could speak for the seniors. He felt it was unfortunate not to have some input of how 617 Vl26176 seniors feel on the metter, because he did not relish the idea of going into the February 10 Committee meeting with this new parameter and expect to get anything reasonably well done at that meeting. He said that if this were to be referred, Council would have to give eeniors more time to respond to the matter. He noted Me. Crystal Ganeage, in the audience, had raised her hand and suggested she might wish to speak to tho problem. Hs. Crystal Gamege, President of La Comida, said that La Comida, is a federally funded nutrition program for senior citisens,.presently operating in the Parish Hall of the Episcopal Church. She doubted that federal funding would support the program being moved into an area not more directly served by public transportation. She explained the program feeds an average of 127 people daily, adding that approximately five times yearly, they servo at least 250 persons. La Comida would pre-empt use of the building at mealtime, Speaking for her organization, she said she was not in a position to say if La Comida were to be considered an essen- tial component of the seniors program, that it would move to Squire House. She believed the Senior Coordinating Council was counting on including some kind of nutritional program. Whether or not such a program is included, she doubted La Comida could participate if a senior center is located at the Squire :1oL4ae. Mayor Norton said the motion was to refer and expressed desire that Council's concerns be addressed to this matter. Vice Mayor Clay said his statements were intended to ask Council not to refer the motion, because to send it to Committee with the very remote poeaibility that anything was going to happen would not make good sense. He added that he would have to accept, if Council were to vote the referral motion, that at the request of the Senior Coordinating Council, they may not have the Committee meeting on February 10. So they were talking possibly about a longer time before the matter is returned to Council. Councilman Carey said he would support the referral motion only if it would do some good. Otherwise, he felt Council needed to come to grips with the problems tonight and not defer decision. He felt it was pointless to defer decision on Squire House unless, on February 10 'iben Policy and Procedures Committee meets, Council has further information from staff, to enable them to render a meaningful decision, He did not think Council or Committee could make a judgement on validity of use of Squire House for senior citizens with- out at least some additional financial information. Such information would include the cost of Squire Howse to date, cost to fix it up for use by senior citizens, end, for comparative purposes, the value today of the Old Police and ?ire hiding and the cost to renovate that facility. Council 'could then compare the two in terms of value and additional costs to make either facility appropriate for use by senior citizens. Once that input were avail- able, economics and location could than be debated, liver, without such information, Councilmen Carey felt Council could not come to grips withihee prohl.aase. Conversely, he said he would have difficulty, this_ ever ibg, without an appraisal, in determining whether or not to proceed with the *ale of Squire Pause under the conditions listed by staff. With these eight conditions, he felt the City or anyone else would have a hard time finding a buyer. He said the conditions imposed appeared to turn the house into a public fishbowl, whim had to substantially reduce the value of the house. He asked, if, by February 10, staff could provide at least preliminary estimates for both sites es to value, investments, and cost of improvmementa. Hr. Brown said staff could have information on value and investment but could not, by Chet time, provide detailed cost estimates on, for example, making Squire Mouse suitable for the seniors' program. However, staff could update their previous estimates for the total rehabilitation for that structure by the 10th of February, fr 1 8 1/26/76 Councilman Carey said this would cause him difficulty. It seemed to him that an integral part of any decision Council would make, with respect to the seniors end location of their facility, was cost. Without figures, he felt handicapped in trying to arrive at a decision. He aarkcd for a rough estimate of costs to fix up wire House as well as the Police and Tire Building. For example, it seemed to him one elevator was essential to either facility mince both structures have more than one floor. In addition, Squire House is a wooden structure as opposed to the stucco and steal structure of the Old Police and Fire Building. Mr. Brown responded staff could have rough, but not detailed costs, for review'. Councilman Carey said these need not be detailed, and that accuracy within 10-15% would be sufficient. Mr. Brown indicated staff could have such information by February 10. Councilman berwald meted there had been talk about raising false expectations and he was in agreement with that concern. He *ail, however, he would support the motion but, as Chairman of the Finence Committee, expressed hope that all would keept in mind, in discuseing either site, that the City has x sever financial problem and that there is not much mosey to spend. He also hoped the good citieens who put money into the Squire House would get some reimbursement, whether psychic or monetary. Vies Mayor Clay requested that if this motion passed, the Senior Coordinating Council be notified of Council's action on Tuesday, January 27, so that they could commence preparations and have as much information as possible by February 10. Mayor Morton reminded Council there had been no effort yet to amend the motion which was simply to refer. Re said there had been a suggestion that -nothing would be lost by a review of the facade easement by the National Trust and he felt it could makrs sense to include the review in the referral mention since the review could be accomplished in the interim. Vice Meyt r Clay staid he had reservations about the easement but did not think Council was going to address that matter this evening. Mayor Morton _ said that Vice e Mayor Clay wee a orrec t . Vice Mayor Clay suggested unless Council was prepe:rsd to accept the easement' as it was now written or a modified version of the easement, it would not make sense to send it to Washington for review. Councilwoman Witherspoon suggested there be a second motion with respect to that matter. Mayor Norton said that the motion at hand wee to refer, with the provision that the request of Senior Coordinating Council for apace in Old Police and Yirelluilding reach the Policy end . Procedure, Committee at the some time. Mayor Morton acknowledged requests from three members of the audience amd suggested that if the referral motion passed, the cities's* might wish to Crease the Policy and Precedurre Committee rather than the Council this evening, indicating cating thLt if they nonetheless wised to speak now. mil would be glad to beer from them. 619 1/26/76 Mrs. Fern Hunt, 522 Campus Drive, Stanford, said she had been working on the Squire House project since 1966 when Guy Wallace, President of the Historical Association, appointed her Chairperson of the -Committee to save Squire House. She said the Association's decision to save the house was not taken inadvisably. They sought advice from Carl Heiser, head of the Planning Commission for Santa Clara County, and from Vic Thompson, Head of Architecture Department at Stanford University. Mrs. Hunt recalled many letters from people supporting the caving of the Squire House, adding ehe had provided members of the then Council with copies of all letters. Russell B. Lee wrote of people in the neighborhood who were lonely. A survey was conducted of the area, and it was discovered that many residents in the Squire House vicinity did net use the downtown library or other facilities. Former Palo Alto City Manager George Morgan inform Mrs. Hunt he had lived in a house, similar to Squire House, in the east and ha recommended every effort be exerted to save the house. She talked of the beauty of the house and surroundings. She urged that seniors be allowed to plant a small vegetable garden in the yard, noting their souls also need to be fed. As to location, she said Squire house is located approximately half a mile from the center of town, and she cited the advantages of exercise for senior citizens. She expressed confidence that volunteers would help fix up Squire House, if it is acquired for senior citizens, indicating metabera of several garden clubs, to which she belongs, would gladly participate in helping to make Squire House a beautiful entrance and an asset to the City of Palo Alto. Vice Mayor Clay asked Mrs. Hunt if she had talked with any members of the Senior Coordinating Council about Squire House as a possible location for a senior center. Mrs. Hunt responded she had talked only with Mrs, Lois Hopper and did not know if Mrs. Hopper had visited the house since renovations were done. She added she felt that Squire House should serve as a much -needed recreation facility for Palo Alto, zecalliug Mr. Morgan had informed her and Mr. Wallace that there was no perk in that section of Palo Alto and that the land on which Squire House stands is approximately one acre and could serve as a perk. She asked Cc ucil to think about residents of Lytton Gardens, which is approximately a block away. She reminded Council that money was donated specifically for Squire House and that if the House fa not to be used for the purpose obtained, donors should be reimbursed. She indicated she would be glad to hand over to Council the list of donors and amounts contributed. Dr. Paul P. Kerr, 360 Forest Avenue, said he had followed Squire House's develop - meet since 1972 and -recalled details of its acquisition by the City. Ha said when time house was about to be torn down and the property subdivided, there wee widespread interest in preserving it as an historical monument. That interest led to negotiations with the City and, as a result, some $90,000 was raised to make it possible for the City to take over the house. The City purchased the house and held it for a year. There followed discussion on what must be dons to restore the house. Eventually, $118,000 was voted to ,uthoriss rehabil- itation, bides W*TO let, and Squire House was made structurally sound. Ha said he was impressed with the structural stability of the house, but added it must be fixed op if it is to be occupied. He cited the new roof, a renovated attic area, sad the front and side porches all looked like a good job of re- construction. However, he said the back porch had been removed as being inadequate and excessively expensive to try to repair. As a result, the back door leading to the kitchen had been boarded up, since, without a porch, this drops off into about five feet, of space. Thus, any supplies would have to be brought in through front or side porch entrances. He felt any capable architect could solve this problem. Ha pointed to more serious needs, such as repairing or replacing the heating, plumbing, electricity, and checking for fire protection precautions. He said as he understood it, it had cost $118,000 for the work done, but be bad heard many different figures, including one which purported costs to be as low as $80,000. In any case, he thought the costs to date bed bearing 620 1/26/76 on what it would cost to put the place in condition which, he felt, should be less than expenditures up to this point. Dr. Kerr touched on the yard and felt it could be made beautiful without great expense. Re said the front lawn was fairly good but that the aide lawns had disappeared into weeds, adding the trees were in need of pruning and irrigation. Turning to the facade easement, Dr. Kerr thought the document, although workable, needed tailoring. He suggested that if the facade easement is to be used for the protection of the City of Palo Alto, the City should check the deed in the County records office. He said he was not aware of any restrictions that needed to apply to the sale of the house in 1960. He felt, for example, that the document addressed itself to the protection of the pale and redwood tees but forgot the numerous other trees and that any mention ought to be complete. Another concern of Dr. Kerr's was that the facade easement indicates that the City can go back in and subdivide the place and he felt that was going in the direction of a complete circle, back to when the bulldozer was stopped. He said it would seem to him that such authority as has been given to subdivide, regardless of the use, should be rescinded or revoked and Squire Reuse should be maintained as a unit. Dr. Kerr concluded his comments by remarking that he felt sure that some public use of the property, whether for senior citizens or not, could be worked out, so that the house would not have to be .sold, particularly under the terms as have been outlined and that Squire House could be a credit to the City of Palo Alto. Mrs. Dorothy Wolff, 472 Selby Lane, Atherton, read a letter addressed to members of the City Council of Palo Alto fro her daughter, Ms. Gerry Wolff of the same address, urging the Council to delay action on the Squire House for two weeks in order to more thoroughly examine alternative uses, sources of funds, and sauna of the City maintaining control of the house in case it is sold. Mrs. Wolff commented that her daughter would be meeting with Mr. Oglesby on Friday to go into more detail on possibilities. Mayor Horton said that the motion to refer to Committee appeared to be con- sistent with Ma. Whiff's request for a delay. Ms. Gail Wooley, 1685 Mariposa, asked at what poitet a revision of the ordinance would take place and whether such revision would be between the time it goes to Committee and is returned to Council. Mayor Orton said the aaeotlon to be made might or sight not address her concerns and that if the matter were -referred, Council would welcome suggestions. Ms. Woolsq wondered if, when the easement goes to Committee and assuming Coss- aittee wishes Council to adopt an easement, could it be altered at that point; could it ao to Council without having to Co to Coase►ettete .a second time. She added she supported Councilwoman Witherspoon's suggestion of sending the easement to the National Trust so that their suggestfone could be incorporated and discussed at the Committee emeting.ee5he then queried at what point it would be appropriate to consider what happen. to the profit., if any, above the $118,000 spent . Mayor Morton asked Ms. Wooley what she tent by "profits." Ms. Wooled- answered that she meant any sum above what the City has put into the Squire Mouse project. 5 2 1 1/26/76 Mayor Norton said he assumed Ms. Wooley meant any sum above the intial $90,000 contributed by donors. Mayor Norton asked Council if they were ready to vote on the motion to refer and then he would entertain additions. The motion was passed on the following vote: AYES: Beahre, aerwaldr Carey, Clay, Eyerly, Norton, Sher, Witherspoon NOES: Comstock Councilwoman Witherspoon moved, seconded by Norton, that the staff request a review of the proposed facade easement by the National Trust for Historic Preservation through their San Francisco Office and with a response requested by the time the Council receives the Policy and Procedures Committee's recommendations on whether or not the Squire House should be sold. Mayor Norton said that the motion was to have a response from National Trust on the proposed facade easement by the time the Policy and Procedures Committee's recommendations are returned to Council. He added that he hoped that if there were any flexibility, perhaps that response could be presented to the Committee so that the Committee could give Council what- ever comments they might have. Mr, Booth raised the point that Councilwoman Witherspoon°'s motion directed the facade easement be sent to the National Trust but that that has already been done. Councilwoman Witherspoon responded that National Trust's San Francisco office had requested time to send the easement to their Washington office, indicating that would take a week or ten days. Councilmen !timbre hoped that when the matter was returned to Council, staff would. within their authority, have checked out architectural expertise end others to determine feasibility, practicality, and economics of even offering Squire House -for development under facade easement. Be said they had been doing such theorizing this evening, but if there was no place in the market for the house under facade easement, Council should face up to,the feet. Vice Mayor Clay assumed that Council's sending the easement to the -National Trust was done with the expectation of getting funds. Councilwomen Witherspoon said the request had nothing to do with funding and was merely a request for assistance from exparte in preservation law to review the City's ordinance and to make sure the City is protected, Squire House is protected. and that the proposed easement fulfills all legal require- ments. In sum, ebs said. it would be a free legal review. Vice Mayor Clay had reservations on whether or not Squire House would be. salable, given the restrictions which. he thought, would lead themselves more appropriately to a long-term lease, Mayor Morton called for a vote on Councilwoaan Witherapoon's :notion. The motion was approved by unanimous vote. Councilman Care: said he would not make a formal motion if he were correct in his understanding with Mr. Brown that the information he had requested would be available at the Committee moieties on February 10. 622 1/26/76 Mr. Brown responded that the information would be available. Mayor Norton said there appeared to be no desire to make further additions to the motions. He indicated to members of the audience who had spoken to the Squire House issue this evening that perhaps they would wish to appear again before the Policy and Procedures Committee. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS deeememeeeemmeemeememr 1, John Fredrich, 3787 Nathan Way, referred to a 'speaker's comment this evening with regard to costs of Squire louse's renovations, whether they amounted to $80,000 or $118,000. Mr. Predrich questioned the City's budgetary procedure and said he had aeriaua doubts that the City was operating at the most efficient level. He called for all budgetary matters to be dealt with in an open forum of the Council, He also asked that the City spend all money budgeted and said it would thus have a balanced budget. The meeting recessed to Executive Session at 9:30 p.m, until 11:10 p.m. NOMINATIONS TO LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES CCMMITTEES Mayor Norton announced that the Council would submit Councilman John J. ferwald's nave for me .berehip on the League of California Cities En':iron- ental Quality Committee, and that Councilman Berwald`s nomination would be to both the State League Committee on Environmental Quality, and the Peninsula Division Committee on Environmental Quality. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 p.m. ATTEST: 623 1/26/76 APPROVE: