HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-03-15 City Council Summary Minutes1
CITY
COUNCIL
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
March 15, 1976
CITY
OF
PALO
ALTO
ITEM PAGE
MiourSed Noeting oaf Masrcb 8, 1976 8 3 5
La Coeida Request 8 3 5
Community Players - Contract Amendment 8 4 3
Palo Alto Area Information and Referral Service (FAAIRS) 8 4 7
Solid Waste Management Plan for Santa Clara County 8 5 2
Palo Alto Town Meeting '76 8 5 8
Oral Communications 8 5 9
Adjournment 8 6 2
Executive Session 8 6 2
132Aylar Feting of March 151_1,976
Minutes of February 2, 1976 and February 9, 1976
Ural Communications
Request of Councilman. Eersald re Possible !mansion of
Cars! Rooms and Certain businesses in Moratorium on
Adult -oriented Establishments
8 6 2
863
8 6 3
8 6 3
Consent Calendar - Action Itea 8 6 9
Curb Ramps for the Handicapped: Award of Construction
Contract
Merit System ]Mules and Regulation* its
State Senate Bill 1500 - Court Reorganisation
Request of Councilwoman Witherspoon re Clarification of
Council Policy on Long-range Financial Commitment to a
Senior Canter and Senior Pry
Oral Communications
Adjournment
8 6 9
869
871
8 7 2
8 8 2
8 8 2
834
3/15/76
Regular Meeting
March 15, 1976
CH S. 1976
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date
at 7:30 p.a. in a regular meeting with Mayor Norton presiding.
Present: Beahrs, Berwald, Comstock, Eyerly,
Lorton, Sher, Witherspoon
Absent: Carey, Clay
FDA ftE4.JEST LNR:1S9:a)
Carleen P. Bedweil, Director, Social and Community Servic;;a,
stated that this item on the agenda is a request from La Comida,
the nutritional programs for seniors, requesting funds from the
City to provide additional meals for seniors. Ma. Bedwell referred
to the dtaaf report sent to Council on March 4, 1.976, which
makes several points about this request and which she would here
summarize.
Basically, the request is divided into two parts. One is a request
for $1,400 for 1975-76, and the other Is r, Tequese for $2,000
for 197677. One of the concerns is thr: this request and any
other request be treated in a sat ner cot 'istent with the Hen
Service Study, which is presently under way. Regarding that
study, she called attention to the policy given staff by the
Council and which Council smoke strongly to when the Human Services
Study was discussed; and that is that no new programs be funded
unless there is a strong need demonstrated by the community and
unless thorough analysis has taken piece. She addend that those
ate points the staff has made with regard to any new program.
The Council articulated a position of no new programs, she believed.
Tha second point with regard to the Human Services Study is that
if there are additional programs to be considered, staff already
has the policy established by the Council that a level of funding
for all !man Services programs bas been established for 1976-77;
so that any additional proggaa considerations would have to fall
within that set limit.
Staff's second major concern is that because this is a service
for seniors, any action by the Council be consistent with the
contract be -tweet the City and the Senior Coordinating Council.
Specifically, the contract provides for the development and implemen-
tation of a process consistent with the City's standard review
procedures for reviewing requests for City finding from amity
agencies providing services to seniors. So there is provision
in tbs contract for the Senior Coordinating Council to examine
this sot of request. It is important to staff that the review
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process, described in the contract, be consistent with the Human
Services study and acted out in a manner which provides the sac
sort of analysis as that study and, also, the prioritizing that
will take place in that study. Thus far, in the experience of
the contract, the Senior Coordinating Council has not developed
or exercised this process, so .staff cannot speak to any experi-
ence in that regard.
Another point brought out in the Staff report, regarding SCC's
contract with the City, io that funding for the present contract
year is not expected to be fully utilized in the senRe that one
program is :starting up later than was budgeted, and another program
has not yet started up. Thus, Staff feels the e are funds available
in 1975--76.
Ms. Bediell'a last point was that not only doers staff have the
request from La Comida,- but Council has also received communications
from two other senior agencies, RSVP and the Senior Adult Legal
Assistance Program, also requesting funds. Their requesta are
for 1976-77 funds. However the Council. treats La Coaaida's request,
she felt Council should be prepared to treat those requests in
the same manner. She noted they are finding more and more that
agencies which have been started up or have been funded by federal,
County, or State government, are finding their allocation being
cut back, and they are being directed to their local comelunity
to seek additional funding and/or to make up the difference
between what they are receiving from the other source and what
they need. Therefore, this is not an uncommon occurence, and
she indicated the City must have a system that will be consistent.
Given all of these factors, staff recommends that if the City
Council wishes to pursue this request from La Comida, the 1975-76
request be referred to the Senior Coordinating Council for review,
as authorized in the contract, and consistent with the Human
Services Study. If there is a funding recommendation, it is
recommended that those funds come from the Senior Coordinating
Council, if possible, and that it not be new City money. Regarding
the_ 1976-77 request, again, if the Council wishes to pursue the
La Comida request and possibly the traditional requests that
have come in, it is recommended that they also be referred to
the SCC for the see required review process; if reco ended
for - funding by the Senior C'ordinating Council, that funding
request be incorporated in onto., of the two sources that are already
in the Human Services Sttndy:.+:bat ia, the Senior Coordinating
Council contract or the City Senior Services Program.
finally. Ma. ]Ewell explained, if any of these do result in
an actual fending relationship between the City, then the staff
tad Senior Coordinating Council, and the agencies iuvoived, would
then have to develop what form that relationship should take.
Staff does pot know slow, if this comes about, whether to consider
thane •subcontractors of the Senior Coordinating Council, contractors
with the City, etc, - that is something which Staff would explore
further; if the situation arises.
MOTION: Mayor Norton moved, &seconded by Beahrs, that the request
from La Ccwsida for $1,400 for 1975-76 be referred to the Senior
Coordinating Council for review, as authorized in the contract,
and consistent with the tiluesu Services Study and, if there is
a funding recommendation, that those funds come from the Senior
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rib
Coordinating Council, if possible, and not be new City money;
and that the request from La Comida for $2,000 for 1976-77
also be referred to the Senior Coordinating Council for
review as authorized in the contract, and, consistent with
the Human Services Study and that if recommended for funding
by the Senior Coordinating Council, those funds be in-
corporated into the budget request of one of the existing
senior prograama Senior Coordinating Council or the city's
senior services -- already included in the Human Services
study. - -
Frank Manfredi, 219 Addison Avenue, supported the small mount
which La Comida requested. He also thought the Old Police/Fire
Station should be fixed yip for this purpose so that there would
be a place is which VI cook and really serve the people. He
suggested all Council members visit La Comida at noon some day
to see what is taking place.
Mrs. Crystal A. Gamage, President of La Comida de California,
explained she had not been present during the preceding discuaeion
but that she had read the staff report and wanted to emphasize
that La Comida is funded from several sources. The federal
government has granted some funds as has the County. The point
of asking for additional funds Is probably based on the same
reason that the Council is looking for additional funds; that
is, that the County is finding its share of support of the senior
nutrition program is a little thin now because of the County's
looking for other sources of revenue.
To inject a little hope, Hrs. Gamage noted that for 19766-77 .
there is some indication that the State may be allocating additional
funds to Santa Clara County for the nutritional program, which
say take up some of the slack. It may be some indication that
there may be more funding for 1976-77 than is anticipated.
However, there are also rare people who are interested in eating
at La Co dda, thus La Comida is still looking for the additional
revenue. The gap may not be as great as indicated, and. the
$2,000 being requested _for :19 76-77 raay be able to be pared down.
The $1,400 being asked for to slake up the current deficit would.
be a maximum, and La Comida will continue to try to find local
funds to imaplement some of the noels they need. Hopefully, while
they are asking for a maximum; they nay not be needing to spend
all of it.
Mrs. Ganage mentioned that !ea Comida is one of her volunteer
activities, and she is not wing tonight es a paid person
from Downtown Palo Alto; Inc.
Mayor Norton commented; per Mr. Manfredi'ss suggestion, he was
going to have lunch at Le Comida one of these days.
Mrrs. Gawmeage meta glad to hear this but cautioned Mayor Norton
not to come on Tueadey «- they serve in the evening on that day
of the weak, as she indicsted in her letter. She suggested Monday,
Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday for lunch.
Counalman Comstock remarked his understanding of Mrs. G2ge' t
letter of March 1, 1976, . si4 s latter dated December 17, 1973,
from Frederick Gillette, Director of the Department of Social
Services for Santa Clara County, is the $1,400 Ls Comida is
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4
requesting for the current fiscal year is in response to the
County's suggestion that if that much money was forthcoming,
the County would match it.
Mrs. Gaaage said that was correct.
Councilman Comstock gathered, from Hrs. Gamage's letter, that
the objective of getting these additional funds is to provide
meals at the level they were provided in January; but if they
do not have the money,.they would hold the line at 110 meals
and the present budget would see them through. Thus, it would
be another 26 meals tines the number of days, and it would come
out somewhere less than $1 a meal.
Mss. Gemage indicated that vas correct - that around $1,00 per
meal is the actual raw food cost.
Councilman Comstock sure 1aed from Hrs. Gam,age's comments, that
$1,400 is the most La Coaaldas would want during this fiscal year,
and if they ace able to raise sate portion of that amount from
additional voluntary sources they do not now have, it might be
less money than that.
Hrs. Gamage responded that Councilman Comstock's understanding
was correct.
Councilman Eyerly noted that pia. bedw411 mentioned that there
was a policy that Coenci1 would not fund any monies for social
services until after budget time and that, in the interim period,
Council wc:uld not entertain any requests. He asked if that was
what he had hears,
Ms. i e4ve11 responded she had said that and had probably stated
the matter a bit too strongly, noting her reference was to the
discussion that took place at a Council meeting she heard aired
on the radio while home with the flu. Her recollection was that
when the than Services Study was approved, several Council -
umbers spoke to the issue of the fact that the City was not
inviting additional applicants for City funding.
Councilman Eyerly thought that was what she had said and thought
that he had also road that in oua of her recent reports. He
did not accept that aas a policy of the Council; not thet he was
in di.aest t with it, but he did not think the Council had
*et any policy in that way and thus should not tell* it as a policy
et this time. He remarked he might be wrong and, if to, would
like to be corrected.
Mt. Sipel noted he would ask what is the policy if that is not
it, because that it the way the staff understands it.
Councilman Early thought perhaps they should dig out the mutes
of that meeting; but it was his understanding that the Council
asked staff for a Human Services study to help Council at budget
tiara, then perhaps something continuing past that time at greater
Length and in further depth. Hs did not recall the Council's
specifically stating they would not entertain proposals in the
interim and did not believe this to be a wise stance, given emergen-
cies or some conditions in which Council would tee fit to do
so. Within tbo motions boowevsx, he did not believe the Coil
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spoke to such s policy; thus he did not accept that as part of
the motion, unless the evidence otherwise indicates.
Councilman Eyerly assumed that the $1,400 staff is thinking perhaps
the Senior C000rdinating Council might provide would involve
presenting the proposal to the SCC, and then report back to Council
if the funding was not possible within the scope of SCC, for
1975-76.
Me. Bedvell replied that was right; if the Senior Coordinating
Ccuncil felt La Com.ida was a program worthy of funding but they
did not have funds, staff would submit that report to Council.
Councilman Eyerly questioned the $2,000 being requested in 1976-
77, asking if staff felt that commitment would have to come froei
funds allocated to SCC, or as a n.ew item for Finance and Public
Works Committee to entertain at budget time. He was not clear
what staff had in mind.
Ms. Bedwell'a thinking on that was again an interest in
preserving the integrity of the Human Services Study as much
as possible and not to be in the situation of receiving .*.any,
many funding requests in the next few veeke. Further, her
thinking was both the Senior Coordinating Council's and the City
Senior Services' budgets are proposed, at this point, for
]976w-77 and t ould be part of the Human Services Study. If the
Senior Coordinating Council felt that any of these requests were
worth funding and so recommended to staff, staff could either
add that request to the SCC's request or, if it seemed more appro-
priate, add it to the City Senior Services' request. But it
was again within the general feeling that exists in the entire
utudy, and she vas not meaning to imply that any of this money
would be siphoned off from the existing requests of the Senior
Coordinating Council.
Councilman Eyerly wondered if Mrs. Caaage would want to speak
to that, as far as the budget year 197E-77 was concerned, on
how her request for funds might be handled.
Mayor Norton asked if Mrs. Gamage would respond to Councilman
Eyeraly's request., adding he would like her to answer how she
would handle it in this year, in terms of a referral to the Senior
Coordinating Council.
Mrs. Carnage said she did not aunt to be facetious but that was
why they'd elected the Council.
Her understanding is that if there are progr sa s or services to
be funded by the City, they have to be considered through the
regular budget process. She was not sure, nor was the La Comida
Board, whether this would be funded as a special program; whether
it would be referred to the Senior Coordinating Council for evalua-
tion end recommendation, etc. She said it is new end that the
Social. Services Program is the kind of program where a determination
has to be mode on whether it will fit into a certain depertaent;
if so, it might be Senior Services. She commented she has not
looted into what other new budget requests are being made and
sit slot they voui.d fit into in the City budget. She has not
seven, a draft of the budget yet nor has she determined where La
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Comida would fit appropriately.
If the Senior Coordinating Council is going to be the funnel
through which senior programs are going to be funded, that might
be au appropriate place to add the request. If Diana Steeples'
office is going to have a number of other senior services listed
in her budget, it could probably be under her department. In
that case, it would probably fall under Human Services needs.
The Council did fund it once with City funds, although that was
really out of the Senior Coordinating budget. She noted the
Council has to determine whether the nutritional program need
is one of those services that the City will give matching funds
to. Without seeing a draft of the budget, she could not say.
However, she was thinking the staff report offers options far
whatever the Council would like to do.
Cuuncilman Eyerly said Mrs. Camege had answered his question.
He felt that the staff's recommendations were all right, and
he hoped that included within the thrust of Mayor Norton'a motion
was that if La Comida is not successful in tying this down with
the Senior Coordinating Council, they will report back to Council
so that Council can make whatever further recommendation they
desire.
Mayor Norton noted Mrs. Gamage had said this was a new proposal;
he did not think it was at all new but one of a number the Council
has received over the last few months that are all alike, as
far as he is concerned. They are all claims upon City money
to fund a social program. The Council has no difficulty putting
it in that category, or at least, spe. c.iug for himself, he
has not.
Councilman Sher`s understanding agrees with that of Councilman
Eyerly about where the City is on requests for funds fur social
programs. He noted the Council is trying to establish procedures
for dealing with these requests, but he did not think the Council
said they were only going to fund those that they have funded
before. His understanding was that they were not going to go
out and publicize the fact that they were inviting people to
come in now eit.h requests, in which case, they might receive
hundreds of proposals. He noted that programer of this sort do
come to the City and that the Council hes to be prepared to look
at then in the context of the budget process. He hoped the
Council would do this in that context, thus not have to deal
with these during the course of the budget year and have to look
for funds that were not budgeter to help support these program.
That would also help the Council to rank them, give these some
kind of priority. He therefore considered it appropriate, when
a request such as this one -comes up, to deal with it for the
casing fiscal year.
Councilman Sher underetoad Mayor Norton's noving the staff's
recommendations to near* that, with rest to the current fiscal
year, referral to the Senior Coordinating Council would be made
for an evaluation of the request's if SCC thinks it worthy, they
than would fun_ if, if they are able to do so, out of available
funds that they have already been appropriated for this current
f ieca l year.
Mayor Norton indicated that was correct.
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Councilman Sher continued that in regard to the request for the
coming fiscal year, the SCC would also evaluate that request
and perhaps include it in their own request for funds for the
coming year or make some other recommendation to the City, whatever
they ehcose to do.
Mayor Norton said that was correct and he would assume Finance
and Public Works Committee would also wake this into account.
Counc i1man . Sher thought that was appropriate and said he would
support the motion, particularly since he thought, in the City's
new relationship with the Senior Coordinating Council, if it
is not formal, it is at least implicit .that the City Council
will ask the SCC to review requests relating to services to seniors.
For that reason, he would move an amendment to the second part
of Mayor Norton's motion.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Sher moved, seconded by Witherspoon, that
the second part of the motion be amended to include that the
request: from the RSVP Program dated March 8, 1976, and the
request from the Legal Assistance Program for Seniors dated
March 15, 1976, also be referred to the Senior Coordinating Council
for evaluation and recommendation.
Mayor Norton assumed Councilman Sher was anticipating a request
from RSVP.
Councilman Sher responded they already have it in the form of
a letter to the Council dated March 8, 1976, which was available
at Caunci1ue berg' places at last week's meeting.
Mayor Norton agreed it was that letter plus the one from the
Senior Adults Legal Assistance group, dated March 5, 1976.
He supported. Councilman Sher's amendment.
Councils Witherspoon felt the Council ought to set a deadline
beyond which they would not be referring any more requests to
the Senior Coordinating Council, since they would soon be bumping
up against budget time. This occurredto her as a means of heading
off what Councilman Sher hard said prior to proposing his
amendment.
Councilman Sher thought requests could be dealt with as they
come in. He was concerned that setting of a deadline would involve
advertising the deadline, then per°1 pa they would have 15-20
more proposals in all probability. He thought if Council
reached a point where it's no longe . pos ib].ee to deal with theca,
that obviously would affect any r+squasta. He said that they
happen to have these two, and be thinks it appropriate to review
these. He had no strong feelings but was concerned that
sdvertising any deadline might come under the beading of inviting
people to submit applications before the aline which is, perhaps,
to be avoided.
Ids. X11 noted these three requests will press the Senior
Coordinating Council extremely to get the information back to
staff in time to be part of the Human Services study. So, without
meting to set a deadline, she wanted Council to _known realistically
that the SCC is about as close as they can be to absorbing additional
information and analysis.
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Councilman Sher assumed that would be quite a permissible and
understandable response from the Senior Coordinating Council
if they received a request so late that they could not really
evaluate it. They would tell the City about this, but then it
might be too late.
crrected See
Page 951
Mayor Norton asked if Counci'rdn Sher was talking about the
two mentioned in the amendment. Cr was it regarding something
that aright occur later.
Councilman Sher said he would hope the Senior Coordinating Council
would be able to evaluate these two requests as he would hope
they would be able to evaluate the La Comida request,
The amendment was approved on unanimous vote, Councilman Carey
and Vice Mayor Clay absent.
Councilwoman Witherspoon asked if the procedure which the Senior
Coordinating Council will use to evaluate the programs Council
refers to them has been developed or ie in the process of being
developed; hopefully it would be similar in town to City's
recommendations so that when it cases to Finance and Public
Werke, it will be readily understandable.
Ms. Bedwell said the procedure has not yet been developed, although
there is a contract requirement that it be developed within the
third quarter, which ends at the end of March. She indicated
the SCC is working with staff en this matter. The contract requires
that the SCC?s procedure be consistent with the City statadard
review procedures, so the staff feels it must be involved with
the procedure the SCC develops and that it must be acceptable
and consistent with the Human Services study approach. The Staff
will work with SCC until that point has been achieved.
Councilman Cgtock indicated he would vote against the motion,
not because he is opposed to the second part, which is the referral,
but he is opposed to the first part. He thought two things ought
to be emphasized: La . Comida' a request is a modest request ,for
a program that is in operational and City funds would provide
en opportunity to get matching funds from the County. He wonted
that when he thinks of all programs the City has an opportunity
to assist in, there are ve'ty few where they have the opportunity
to assist in something that gets right to the heart of the matter
and can have direct influence in an ongoing progress.
Councilmen Comstock coed La Comida for a modest request
for a rather successful program, and be urged Council to consider
the matter it: that light and vota for the funds that are being
regussted and show a little faith that some of these monies can
ha raised in the community.
Neyor Norton ajrathizad completely with Councilman Cometock's
comments; ts; he thought Le Comida ie doing a good job but said_ he
taoa,ld vote for the motion beceuae he did not think the Council
should be expected to respond one or two weeks later to a
letter requesting "x" thousands of dollars or hundred* of dollars.
tie thought any such request should be put under tea uabrslla
of the referral to the Finance and Public WOOL. Committee zo
that the matter can be studied. He euppoSel the Co ittee could,
is some ter, record actions to retrospectively take are
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of the last couple of months of this fiscal year, but he felt
no need to respond immediately to a letter crying for funds.
Councilman Beaters noted he had seconded the motion because, although
he is entirely sympathetic to the request in many senses, he
thought f t must go through the proper routine and hearing. He
remarked it is a small amount, yet he believed the City and previous
Councils have been victimized by hasty, ill-consideredactions
in somewhat emergency -type situations in time gene by; having
heard the discussions as they relate to the amendment and the
main motion, he felt that in this election°year, revenue sharing
has become, and not unexpectedly, a first --class political football.
Higher levels of taxing power have done the public, generally,
a great injustice in creating false hopes and expectations in
nany respects, and he personally hoped that those who read or
hear these discussions could realize that this City cannot rescue
some of these crises that have been created by real politicians,
as compared to people on this Council.
The motion as amended was approved on the following vote:
AYES: Seshrs, Berwald, Eyerly, Norton,
Sher, Witherspoon
NOES: Comstock
ABSENT: Carey, Clay
(0Rt:170:6)
Councilman Eyerly wondered if staff has had similar statements
it all contracts of contractors to the City, in that no person
employed by them will also be employed by the City; that is,
they do not hold two jobs paid by City money. Such a
statement is in the Community Players contract to the effect
that the contractor certifies that no one has or will have any finen-
cia.l interest under thie agreement as en officer or employee
of the City. He assumed it is written in all contracts
that: a person mot bold two jobs.
Robert [. Booth, Jr. City Attorney, said that is correct.
Councilman Byerly asked why that was put itt in past contracts
Since it is being requested that this be changed for the
Community Players, he vented clarification on why it arse
in there origthelly.
Mr. Booth responded that in part, it is there to prevent any
possible conflicts of interest from arising„ It also is in
there to cut down, if not entirely prevent, City employees
from working full tie* for the City 'end then taking on another
part -tine job also, essentially at the City's expense, which
is a practice the City does not encourage:
With respect to the Community Players, the situation is that
there is a part-time employee in oces department who is available
sad qualified for work for the amity Player', which is ae
son -profit, private organisation, partially financed by the City.
One review, the staff concluded, along with tbs Social and Community
Services staff and the City des'• Office that this would
be ant appropriate type of outside employment; wore she to work
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for someone other than the Community Players in an identical
job for an identical number of hours, there would be no prohibition
on it at all, particularly since she is a part-time employee
of the City. There really was no valid reason, in their opinion,
to prevent it from occurring under these circumstances either.
If the Council approves the requested amendment, staff intends
to add 'the same language proposed here to all of their present
and future contracts at appropriate times to cover the same
situation, which might ariae elsewhere, although he believed
the number of incidences would be very low.
Councilman Eyerly understood that this person sight be a valuable
individual and could handle the two jobs, but it seemed to him
that in setting a precedent of changing the contracts to make
this possible, the staff weight be put in an embarrassing position,
and he did not feel it was wise to set this up as a precedent.
He indicated be would vote against the staff's recommendation.
Councilman Berwald stated he wculd vote against the recommendation
for the same reasons but, more than that, he noted there wasn't
any condition in the language that would enable the City to,
as he read it, prevent a person from holding another part-time
job elsewhere, even if there was a conflict of interests. He
felt this would open up a can of warm.a, and with the increasing
number of part-time employees, he was concerned the City would
get into all kinds of conflicts, where employees may have an
influence on other members of the City staff,regerdless of where
they work. He noted someone might work in the Police Department
and still have undue influence on other people in the Arte Department.
Mayor Norton had a response to that concern, stating if there
is a conflict of interests in the true sense of the term, State
law will control, and there will be no discretion with either
the City or the City Attorney, Ho thought Mr. Booth,
who had requested to speak, would answer that.
)tr. Booth pointed out that the proposed amendment requires approval
of the project manager on a particular contract, the Director
of Personnel the department head of the department in which
the person is employed, and the City Attorney. Any of those
four persons can deny this type of an outside arrangement.
He believed that quite adequate to prevent any type of conflict,
of interest that might arise; but in addition, the coatract
amendment also provides specifically that no person shall
be employed in this type of situation within the same department.
So, for exa piee, an employee of Ns. Sedwel1's department
could not be employed by this contractor because the contract
is administered in abet -departaent. Likewise, a contractor
for the Police Department could not employ anybody who works
full or part time for the Police Department. He believed
it adequate protection and fair to City employees eho, perhaps,
are looking for some ways to supplement part -tiara' 'rcoaae.
Councilman Comstock explained that his °original concern was
addressed -by ease of the ports made by the staff in describing
the specific featureas of "genes" or checks au when and where
the emeloyee may go to take this employment. One point was
not addressed, and Canceling* Comstock said that be was prepared
to Offer the agreement with an amendment. That is, be felt
that if with the amendments this agreement is approved, and
the Council sets in action the procedure described in the
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amendment to the Code, there in addition ought to be a feature
wherein when such a decision is made by Staff to approve this
kind of an arrangement, that there be a short report given
to the Cout:cil. If the Council. approves this procedure, the
Council should, far at least a period of time though . not
perhaps indefinitely, have some •enae'of where these exceptions
are being made,
Councilman Comstock remarked that
case before the Council, it seems
However, he would like to see how
a period of time.
in looking at the particular
to be fairly innocuous.
this procedure works over
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Norton, approval
of the Community Players Contract Amendment, as specified
in the staff report.
Mayor Norton also wondered if the report that he appends to
the motion would be received in time for the Council to take
action before the contract is amended.
Councilman Comstock said it probably would not be, but as
one Council member, he wanted to know what was going on.
If after a while the procedure doea not look as clear-
cut as it does to him now in a more or leas abstract cense,
he thew would at least have enough information to draw on
and he might feel obliged to go back and remove this
feature from the City's contracts.
Mayor Norton commented that the staff indicates this kind of
situation was going to Arise quite rarely, and he thought
the Couaci.l should be apprised in advance before any of
such err'angemeats are finalized.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Nortost,
that where the staff has gore through the procedures and plans
to approve the use of a person as described in this procedure,
to City Council be notified, at least a week in advance of
esetttion of the agreement,as to the circumstances of the
exception.
Mayor Horton remarked this would allow time for the matter to
be placed on the age , if a CotancilsiwsMber thought it necessary
to do .wo.
Councilman Comstock indicated agreement.
Mayor Norte asked the City Manager if there old • he any
problem with this procedure.
George A. Sipel, City Manager,. said understood than amendment,
but he really wondered if the issue we aa important as it
is -being made.
raior Norton asked bcv spy City eraployeesa vonld- be having
• l roles.
itt. gipa3's mss was not very ma
$ 4
3/13/76
Mayor Norton commented why, the., worry about it.
Councilman Comstock stated that in his amendment he was trying
to answer some of the concerns of other Councilmembers, and -
he may or may not have done so to the point where they feel
better: about it. He has a concern and he wanted to put it
before the house.
Councilman Beahrs felt this was a staff administrative problem,
in the main, and he did not wart to see it discussed at the
Council level.
Mayor: Norton explained that the staff woad handle it as an
informational item, and if a Council member wants to raise
a question by putting it on the agenda or otherwise, that
member will have the opportunity to do so. He did not think
it would mean anything for Council to have a report "after
the horse is stolen," so to speak. If there's a problem,
the Councilmember ought to have the opportunity to raise the
question.
The amendment failed on the following vote:
AYES: Comstock, Norton
NOES: Beahrs, Ber=weld, Eyerly, Sher, Witherspoon
ABSENT: Carey, Clay
Mayor Norton said the effect of the main motion, if it passes,
ie that the Council will receive a report, not necessarily
in time to have the matter placed on the agenda.
Councilman Comstock noted that since his amendment did not
pass, he sari before Council simply the procedure, not
necessarily the request a report. His motion was originally
just to offer the agreement as it stands. Then he proposed
the amenament which would have generated the report.
Mayor Norton noted and then he had talked Councilman Comstock
into chaffing it.
Councilman Comstock said that after listening to the 3iacuatalon,
Mayor Norton's change or not is probably not a fine paint
to those who vested against it.
Mayor Norton said that perhaps Councilman Comstock's perception
was better than his. Mayer Norton then called attention to
the fact Oat the amain motiota without embellishment, was
on the floor, for approval of the staff --proposed procedure. -
The .cation failed on the foliowine vote:
AYES: Comstock, Norton, shor
NOES: Beahrs, Derva1d, Byerly, Witherspoon
A$ it : Caney, Clay
N 4 6
3/t511$
f1146
Councilman Sher commented that he thought what was troubling
some of the Council was the precedent aspect of this matter.
It seed to him that it would be possible to move on this
particular request if Council were convinced that there is
no particular problem, given the two departments that are
involved, and the review that would have taken place: in
each instance. He asked if it wculd be appropriate for him
to move that Council permit this particular contract to be
amended for thus purpose. The motion was not only to mend
this contract but then to include such language in all sub-
sequent contracts as general policy. Pe thought Councilman
Comstock's motion was simply to approve this contract.
Councilman Comstock said his motion addressed itself to general
policy, as well as to this particular agreement.
Councilman Sher suggested that at this point he would move
approval of permitting this specific employee to be hired
by the Community Players and asked Mr. Sipel if that was a
possibility.
Mfr. Sipel responded he would have a problem with that action,
because if Council sys no ou the general policy and yes on
just this one, It puts the Council in the position of taking
up every case that comes along. There may not be many; but
then, again, there might be five or six a year. Mr. Sipel
would prefer to leave the action the way it was, noting he
understood the message Council was trying to impart.
Councilman Sher noted it was staff's original recommendation
but that if it was no longer the recommendation n for this particu-
lar case, he would not put hie motion on the floor.
(Councilman Berwald left the meeting at 8:20 p.m. and returned
to fibers at,: 10:00 p.m.) .
:184:6)
He. X11 stated that the item before Council was a request
to extend the City's contract with Palo Alto Area Information
and Referral Service (PA ZP.S) : the City eatereed into that
contract for a period of five traonthe, October, 1975 through
February, 1874, and the contract has how expired. PA RS
is included in the Haman Services study, and they have requested
addit. otaal funds from the City. Mortal procedure is to evaluate
a contractor's performance before making a recommendation
regarding any additional funding. la this case, staff has
not evaluated :he contract because some questions have been
raised with this service provider that staff feels should
be more appropriately addressed in the Human Services study
and they would thus like to postpone evaluation and incorporate
f'AA JS into the study, which means information old be back
to mil in lay. Their solution to the dilemma of thie
contract's having ended props to continue to fund PAA.IS.S
et the rate of the previous contract a maximum of $1,000
per month throes May. Staff recaps this with several
assumptions. Otter 1.s the assumption that staff will examine
the gwatioos of what is that need for Information and Referral
84 7
3/L3/711
Service in the community, what resources presently exist,
what role should the City play, and how should the City act
out that role. The second assumption is that there is a need
to look at this and consider it as a possible recipient of
City funds. She thought if Council felt strongly that this
is a service the City is no longer interested in, staff would
a,sk that Council not extend the contract; because they do not
want the evaluation as#igtent if Council is not interested
in that 1rfotmation or planning to act on it.
Ms, Bedwell noted that staff's time is extremely tight on
the Human Services Study, spa they want to be examining only
those questions that are significant. Thus, they have recommended
that the contract be extended for three months. Staff thought
they would be able to undertake this extension and scent Council
an earlier report indicating they would enter into an administra-
tive contract. However, the City Attorney's Office pointed
out that that, in fact, would not be appropriate, and that
it was a natter for Council action.
Councilman Suer asked if, since staff originally proposed
an administrative contract, the funds would comae from the
same place had that approach been followed.
Ms. Bedwell answered there was no need for a budget amendment
in this case.
Councilman Sher asked if this would then be out of the
administrative budget of Department of Social and Community
Services.
Ma. Bedwell replied that the Department had some unexpended
funds and would be able to fund this contract,
Coun:iirran Sher stated he would have preferred that staff
handle this matter by entering into the administrative contract
as they originally proposed to do in their earlier a sorandum.
Needless to say, he added, he wished this matter would stop
coming before the Council curing this budget year when Council
is LA the process of reviewing their procedures for Human
Services. He noted he has previously either had to abstain
or vote no on this particular service. Because of what Ne.Bedsll
said, he did not want to give the impression that ha did not
want Council to go forward and review chip as s. possible orgsen'xs--
tiosa for support. He said he would abstain on thie matter,
but in order to be consistent, be did not this the mil
abould have dealt with the problem of funding a new program
during the middle of the budget year. Although some
Councilmenbers say think this minor, the PAA€B3 f issue
does have a way of continuing to cores back before Council.
Mayor Norton asked Councilman Sher if be +could like staff
to approve this.
Councilman Sher meted that staff already had approved
SPAAIIS funding in one fashion, but now they vent Council to
put a etaiarp of approval on something which he thinks is in-
consistent with an action Council took earlier, abich was
that new proposals for support for social orgenisatioas old
be reviewed in the context of the new procedures being sot
* 4 4
3/15/7*
up. He thought it was a mistake to !Fund it before, and so
he was not going to put his stamp of approval on it at this
late date.
Councilwoman Witherspoon asked staff if there is any particular
reason to recommend extending the contract only through May
and not to the end of the fiscal year. She had a horrible
feeling this matter might copse back to haunt Council yet one
more time.
Me. Bedwell observed that as they pointed out in the staff
report, it may indeed come back to haunt the Council one more
time, if the actions an the Human Services Study are not completed
during the month of May.
Councilwoman Witherspoon felt that even if the Human Services study
is completed, staff would not bring this back one month before
the budget comes to Ccuncil for a one -month's funding extension.
Ms. Bedwell replied that if the Council is inclined to act
on four months, that surely does relieve the possibility of
staff's returning with the request for funding for that
additional month. Staff sari a1ao thinking that evaluation
may point out that, given their priorities, this program is
not recommended for funding during 1976:47; and'in that case,
the additional month would not be necessary.
Councilwoman Witherspoon remarked that that final prerogative
would be the Council's action when they move to pass the budget.
In otherwords, while Ma. ledweli, was saying that staff nay
recommend against certain programs being funded, that does
not mean that Council, in June, might not decide to put them
in the budget, in which case, they would still be in that
box.
Me. Bedwell said Councilwoman Witherspoon was correct and
that, by far, the cleanest action would be to authorize four
months fundings to take PAAIRS through the fiscal year.
Mayor Norton noted that staff's recommendation, however, was
through May.
tds. Seawall. agreed that wee the case and that that was a conservative
recommendation; but the staff report pointed out that PAAIRS say
require addition►l funding for one worn month, if the way
i* not clear in terms of the Human Services recommendation.
Councilwoman Witherspoon wanted to confirm her underata:.Z1Ag
that there were departmental fund* available to carry the
contract through June, if necessary.
Hi. Bedwell confirmed that underetanding.
Councilwoman Witherspoon thought that in that . case, it would
cake sense to amend the recommendation to include the fiscal
year, noti.ng if they were going to be in for a lamb, they
might as well be in for a sheep. She dial not see that it
would change policy such for the City to carry PAAIRS one
more month, and she did not want to scree this matter back again.
I4.!
3/13/76
1
Mayor Norton said that their first recommendation would have
it do just that.
MOTION: Councilwoman Witherspoon moved, seconded by Norton,
that the City Council extend the present contract with PAAIRS
through the fiscal year and that the Mayor be authorized to
execuite the amendment.
Councilman Beahrs wa°:eted to refresh his recollection on the
let go -around the Council had on this matter; it seemed to
him that was a short-term affair at that time, and PAAIRS only
wanted a little money so they could stay in busineee. It
occurred to him that PAAIRS seemed to be going at the -problem
once again in the same way.
Ms. Bedwell confirmed that was the case, adding it was an
unfortunate situation with this particular agency, and she
did not think they were any more happy with it than staff
ie, in terms of its repeatedly coming back again. As she
recalled, the motion for the funding for five months was base
upon the assumption that the Human Services study would be
back to the Council sometime in March; so the Council's
action in passing the motion was assumed to take care of the
interim funding needs, with the Human Servfcee study being
wrapped up by then. In October or November, that seemed reasonsble.
Councilman Beahrs inquired into PAAIRS' principal source of
funds.
Ms. Sandwell responded it was County funding.
Councilman Beshrs wondered if PAAIRS were short because the
County is reducing their allotment.
Ms. Bedwell said that was correct; it is part of the County's
general policy to reduce their revenue -sharing commitment
and to direct those agencies to return to their local communities
for funding.
Councilman Beehre remarked that everybody reduces but Palo
Alto; he guessed that was supposed to be the rule of the game.
Mayor Norton observed that then Councilman Begs refers them
to the federal government.
Mayor Norton indicated there was one person in the audience
who wished to speak an this sub j sc t .
Virginia 4iilaon, 555 Byron Street, Administrator of Palo Alto
Area Information Referral Service (,FAO), said she would
respond to this matter ea far as the County is concerned.
PAAIRS is funded by the County of Santa Clara. They originally
went to the County from the County -Wide Corporation for funding
through June. Funding wee extended by the County Board of
Supervisors, through Ault,, and PAkIRS not one of the County's
first priorities for funding. For that reason, she felt the
situation wee somewhat different this time: they were not
wing to the City of Palo Alto with hat in heed saying they
ware desperate end were going out of business tomorrow. She
said she vented to make that point very clear and tirenked the
g 50
3/!3/16
City Council very ouch for their help in the past.
Ms. Wilson repeated this was a different situation. PAAIRS
does have the funding. They are reduced to 11/2 people in the
office - it does create problems •- but that is not their primary
reason for being here. PAAIRS has had the contract: with the
City for the last five months; they have been doing specific
City services. One of these has been screening the Rental
Housing Mediation Task Force calls which are somewhat involved,
each one ranging anywhere from five to twenty-five minutes, and
with people on the ataff1, this means one call has to go
on "hold." They are in the process of the evaluation; they
are submitting their Final Report from their point of view
this coming Friday, and the City staff will, of course, cake
their own evaluation and recommendations. Thus, to a certain
extents PAAIRS is in a different position.
She appreciated the fact that programs get started, and then
someone cries for more priming for the pump. In this particular
cases, they are asking only for an extension of given services
which PAAIRS has been providing to the City.
Mayor Norton thanked Ms. Wilson for her comments.
Mayor Norton said hit perception of the. City's involvement
in the entire spectrum of social servicea involves a very
efficient, hopefully centralized place for information and
referral. He thought that to be the key to the solution in
the long term in the entire business of social involvement,
Got to say that the City will not participate in funding these
projecte. However, he added, perhaps it would be found that
in a very involved community, such as Palo Alto, where there
are many private organizations, quasi -private, quasi -public,
fully public organizations, an efficient service for referral
information is going to be the key. Further, his perception
is' that that ought not to be a City staff position or a City
department. He thus thought it important that if PAAIRS is
doing the job - and he had no feeling about that at the moment
or a group like PAAIRS is able to do the job, he personally
was very much willing to support that idea and give it a try.
For that reason, Mayor Norton indicated he will support this
particular application. If this does not work, as far as
he was concerned, Council would go back to the drawing board
because he was getting tired of paying out $200,000 a year
for "squeaky -wheel" programs and thought that was not the
say to go. He concluded he would vote for the motion.
Councilman Reahrs asked bow much money was involved and where
it was cowing from.
MD
Ms. Sod -well responded they were speaking of a maximum of $0,000,
probably a little leas than that, because part of the month
of March has passed. This is the same rate of funding as
provided in the contract which hes east expired.
The source of funds is within the budget for Social and Community
Services -Administrative Division. They have two sources
of funds there: one is some money which had been set aside
for the Ant uAl Report, which was given in oral fors this year
by the City Merger, consequently, there was no document to
be published. Another source of 1 mds is Drug Abuse funds,
since the full extent of those funds are not tied up in the
Cities contract with Narconon. Administratively, the Department
•sl
3/15/76
is able to use either of those sources,
Councilman Seahrs asked if there would be no suffering to
other programs, as in the past.
Ms. Sedwell said that was correct.
Mayor Norton said it was also his understanding that continuation
pf PAAIRS funding for the next fiscal year has already been
referred to the Finance and Public Works Committee, under
the so-called "Eyeriy Blanket Referral." some months ago.
The motion was approved on the following vote:
AYES: Beahts, Comstock, Eberly, Norton, Witherspoon
ABSIAIN: Sher
ABSENT: Berwald, Carey, Clay
SO. 1 WASTE 4 NA EME NT PI
COUNTY : 1 7:6
Mayor Norton introduced the Staff recommendation that the
City Council approve the Solid taste Management Plan for Santa
Clara County by adopting the following resolution.
MOTION: Councilman beahrs moved, seconded by Norton, the
approval of the Solid Waste Management Plan for Santa Clara
County and the adoption of the resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 5202 entitled "RESOLUl1ON OF
TIE COUNCIL OF THE CITY Y OF :'ALO ALTO EXPRESS-
ING CONCURRENCE WITH iUE SOLID WASTE MANAGE-
MENT PLAN FOR SANTA CLARA COUNTY"
Councilman Comstock indicated he wrote Council► ers a memorandum
on this matter but did not have a copy available. Recalling
what Use thought he had said, he did not think much of the
County pla„ and really did not think much of filling I ellyer
Canyon or getting involved, even or paper, with some sort
of a commitment to being a part of that k nci of a program.
In recalling discussions at the Policy and Procedures Committee,
it seemed to him what was really required in this matter we*
first, to get off the dime and stop putting all their eggs
in a "let's fill the countryside's river" basket and start
putting together a serious program with the North County cities
on a joint powers program that will head the setter in another
direction. Perhaps, he eddied, he had not read the staff
eec datioa or the County Report very well, but he certainly
did not get that out of their report. It was for that reason
that he wrote his memorandum in early March, saying it seemed
to him that instead of the resolution he would prefer, a
statement to the County Board of Supervisors that the City
of Palo Alto did not support a program that contemplated such
actium, as hueul.ing Palo Alto's taste to San Jose and fillip
Neltyer Canyon as a long -terms solution; and secondly, that
a more appropriate motion would be one along the lines of
authorizing the !Mayor to address the mayors of the North County
852
3/15/76
cities on the subject of urging an early discussion of a
joint powers program, that would lead to a North County
effort, which in turn would produce something besides
fill and cover, even if it was an elementary system of
classifying and combusting, or whatever it may be. He felt
Palo Alto should take a serious step in some other direction.
Councilman Comstock said that he would not at this point offer
a motion but that he would do so, in due course. He suggested
they could go one of two ways the Council could either vote
for or vote down the resolution the staff recommends, or he
could offer some other motion es a substitute.
MLayor Norton commented that he would vote for what he had
heard Councilman Comstock saying.
Councilman Comstock suggested that perhaps the staff wanted
to respond to the comments he had made or ask questions concerning
those comments. Further, the staff would possibly have
suggeetions about the kind of motion that ought to be made
that addresses itself to his concerns. If staff understands
his intent, advice about wording would be appreciated, he
added.
Hark Harris, Energy Resource Utility Specialist, stated that
it is staff's feeling the the County plan ie very eonsietent
with what Councilman Comstock has just indicated. The part
of the plan that made the most sense to etaff was the joint
peers agreement arrangement between the cities of Palo Alto,
Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Sunnyvale" and
Cupertino, which could lead to a transfer processing station,
somewhere within this North County Joint Powers Agreement, by
1980. That particular facility would be designed to shred
refuse, separate out at least steel, possibly aluminum and
gyro, end the residual, which would be primarily mixed inert,
organic materiels, would either be disposed at some landfill
site or eventually be used in an energy recovery system.
Thus, staff is not at odds with anything that can facilitate
this; they are trying to promote the same idea, and that is
wheat the County plan is trying to establish.
I. Harris commented that the consultant, in writing the place,
was trying to take the present state of the art and the
particular situation in Santa Clara into account. The staff
report moutionad that the City is still not operating the
landfill in the manner they want, and this process has gone
for three years. Thus, when it is asked to get five cities
together on a new technology, ou a joint pewers agreement,
on the environmental aapecta, the Logistics aspects, the construe -
.ion aspects, the question rust be asked: how long will that
realistically take That is why any plan will int:lude some
landfill.
In addition, Mr. Harris has a copy of a plan done by some
ambitious Stanford Eagineering students entitled "Carbage
Power 8t,"° Weems they' indicate that by 1982, we will be taking
e Disable portion of Santa Clara County's refuse and actually
using it ea a process which would turn it into a apathetic
gee, that could he used to replace natural gas. Even with
that plaint, which would be than Largest facility Ln the country
compared to what theme is on line now, the ate reduction
void be approximately 302 of the landfill. Thus it can be
IS3
3/13/7$
r a
seen that even with ambitious programs of energy recovery,
there still is a sizable residual; there is quite as bit of
refuse that cannot be processed any other way except disposing
either on the land or some land means. He eaid perhaps this
could be covered up, or some fancy way could be found of burying
it; but landfill will still be an integral part of refuse
disposal for a considerable -amount of time.
Mr. Harris did not think anything he had seated or that Councilman
Comstock had stated, unless he has misunderstood something,
are basically iecompatible.
Councilman Comstock referred to page 5 of the report that
preceded the resolution, where reference is made to formation
of the joint powers agreement, negotiations with Stanford,
etc, It seemed to him the resolution ought to be paraphrased
or qualified, and he would suggest an amendment.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Witherspoon;
that Council support or concurrence with the Solid Waste Management
Plan for Santa Clara County is in no way to be implied to
be Palo Alto's endorsement of the filling of Hellyer Canyon
or any future disposal sites not now identified and in operation;
secondly, it is the sense of the Palo Alto City Council that
they intend to proceed with and work towards the formation
of the Area 1 Joint Powers Agreement at the earliest stage,
and, to that end, are authorizing their Mayor to contact the
city councils of the cities in Area 1, for the purpose of
calling a meeting in the near future to begin discussions
about sn area -wide Joint Powers Agreement.
Mayor Norton asked Counciisar. Comstock for more information
about what areas of discussion he would expect the city councils
to take up in that conversation. He asked if it would have
to do with re -cycling, etc.
Councilman Comstock had several areas in mind, some of which
were mentioned by Mx. Harris - such as, the areas that would
be served, the level to which and stages to which they would
try to go, initially and subsequently, in tera:s of joint trans-
fer stations, Sand the processes that occur in these stations;
perhaape simply initially separation, and then subsequently
further procetlaing of non re-cyclable waster whether it be
cosbuation, oy' what have you. As he remembered, there were
a eexiee of discussions in their Committee meetings, and it
seemed there were a number of things that were separate issues,
One is just simply getting together, however it is done, for
building the bases for an e=ons of secele that would lead
to better etononaica, in terse of classification and re -cycling
ferrous metals, glasses, etc., then adding under that, as
the resources and the technology of the group permit tbia.
He felt that these were all items that had to be on the ages,
and perhaps there were others mentioned he had not referred
to, but certainly a discussion in that framework.
Councilmen Comstock stetted that the Intent of his amendment
is to itidicste to the Supervisors that the Council wants to gee
also on this and, secondly, that the Council does not want
them to get any ideas about going out and buying Hel.l.yer
Canyon, or some place else, because they have some mistaken
854
3/15/76
notion that Palo A' -o is a party to it or agreeable to it.
Mayor Norton said he understood that. He said he would like
staff to understand, as a part of the Comstock amendment,
that they would try t.o explore, before this group meeting,
what areas are fruitful for discussion or where the City is
having problems. He felt that ought to be distilled som^what
by staff.
Councilman Comstock said he did not want to put Mayor Norton
on the spot in the ruse that this is so precipitous that
even the Council does not have some sense of what kind of
information they are going to communicate to these other cities
and, in turn, put those cities in an awkward position. That
was not hie intention.
Mayor Norton asked if everyone understood the amendment.
Stated briefly, it would say that in addition to the matters
contained in the resolution, the Palo Alto City Courcil's
concurrence in this does not necessarily mean that Palo Alto
goes along with the idea of going out and buying Hellyer Canyon,
etc., and, further, that the Area I Joint Powers communities
get together - the mayors of those communities get together --
and try to rove the matter along. He asked if that was a
fair sumnary. Councilman Comstock said that it was.
Corrected
See pg 951
Councilman Sher said that as he understood the amendment which
was before the Council, it has two parts, the first part of
which would assume that the City Council is going on record
as opposing the plan but with this caveat or warning. He
wondered if it was not true that this was a kind of a aacader!ic
exercise, as far as implementation of this plan because as
he reads the report of February 26, San Jose has to approve
it, or the plan goes down the tubes Indications are that
San Jose will not approve it; in fact, a Committee of the
Whole of the City Council has decided it would not approve
the plan. Also, the County Board of Supervisors decided not
to approve it, when they discussed this recently. Without
those two approvals, the plan cannot be implemented, if his
understanding ie correct.
Mt. Harris concurred that the San Jose City Council finally
acted to disapprove the plena and Santa Clara County has delayed -
any action on the plan based on sole of the issues that were
aaddresalaed tonight -- the issue cf Hellyer Canyon or any other
site designated for landfill right now. So it 1s up -in the
air. However, the State is required to cone in and write
a plan for Santa Clara County if such a plan is not adopted,
and they have waited to set what happens. Fie vary not sure
what the State will do .at this point, but there will be some
sort of plan, and conceivably, they could take the plan, as
written, and adopt it; and then it would ,be up to the to
enforce it. He did think there were going to be some problems
at the County level, and he thought the approach the City
Council was taking tonight - that Palo Alto take the positive
steps in the North County .TPA, vtteree the real nerd is, Sunnyvale
is essentially in the same landfill situation as is Palo Alto,
and Los Altoo' and Los Altos Bills' ecevssngers are no better
off than 1'alh Alto in finding additional landfill will really
help Palo Alto the best and is the approach the City should
t5S
3/15/76
$S5
take. Whether the County plan facilitates this process or
not, Palo Alto does have to act anyway.
Councilman Sher asked Mr. Harris if he was not saying that
it would be enough that instead of responding in the manner
in which the Council has been requested, that is, in relation
to this plan, that Council simply take the action in the second
patt of Councilman Cosatock's motion about getting together
with the communities in the North County, or Area I, about
the possibility of this joint powers agreement to set up the
processing and transfer stations. In othervords, is it neces--
cary for Palo Alto to, in a sense, go on record favoring this
whole plan, but simply with a warning that that does not mean
they should go out and buy Hellyer Canyon.
Mr. Harris responded that it was not necessary, but they felt
it desirable 48 a member of the County community to get in
on board and say to the State that Palo Alto is interested
in a phased approach to resource recovery and has a blueprint.
The plan is not meant to be a concrete solid plan, he noted.
There are provisions in the law to revise it every three years
at least. The staff felt that in their deliberations, it
was important to get something down that the people can work
with. With thirteen cities already approving it, only Palo
Alto's ;got having acted upon it. and San Jose's acting against
it, conceivably the 14e1 endorsement of the concept will cause
San Jose end the County to get on board with resource recovery
and try to iron out some of these other differences as they
go along.
Councilman Sher noted that Mr. Barris had said that thirteen
cities have approved the plan; the staff report indicates
that Mountain Vies has approved it but only conditionally.
One of the conditions affects the second part of Councilman
Comstock's motion, and Councilman Sher thought the City Council
had to be aware of that fact. Mountain View approves it,
but they have arcade it clear that they do not want this processing
and transfer station in Mountain View. That is the condition
of their approval. As he understands it, when this vas discussed
in the first go -around, the important cost here is the transpo,.tattian
cost to stave the solid waste to the station, wherever it might
be. If it to not going to be in Mountain View, it might be
up this way;, but if it is further south, that will add considerably
to the coat.
Councilman Sher indicated he vouidi if Councilman Comstock
could not come up with enother motion, support the motion
now before Council. However, it 'Beamed to him that it would
be couch bettor in a way simply.for the Palo Alto City Council
to simply frame their own motion about what they are in favor
of doing, and that is rzploring the joint powers agreement
for Area I in North County, Awn it is tied to the plan,
which San Joss has vetoed and which the 'Board of Supervisors
has refused to act on, and whore Mountain View has approved
it conditionally, provided the station is not in Mountain
View, there are so .any things that are open that Councilman
Sher felt a bit nervous about saying Palo Alto approves the
plan but doers not want them to buy He11yer Canyon, and the
Mayor is authorized to go to work immediately with these North
County cities. He commented that perhaps that was the best
they can do without sitting down and writing a more comprehensive
motion.
Councilman Eyerly remarked that his questions have been answered
and that he was ready to support the amendment.
Bernard L. Pavloeki, Director of Public Works, felt Council needed
to emphasize some of the comments made by Councilman Sher.
He noted it was comparatively easy for Palo Alto to endorse
a plan which calls for facilities in other cities because
they would not be faced with the problem of disposal here
at at home. What staff is beginning to hear from other communities
is that they take a dire view of disposing the waatea of other
communities in their community; and as time marches on, Palo
Alto is moving to the position that they have no leverage,
so that when they do go to negotiate with other communities,
Palo Alto's landfill site is rapidly depleting. He is concerned
that Palo Alto will find itself in the position that San Francisco
recently faced of not having any alternative.
Mayor Norton thought that Councilman Co stock's motion was
to the effect that the landfill assignment be minimized to
any community and cities should seriously explore trying to
jointly and mutually, broadly speaking, re --cycle this re-cyclable
matter. It is a primitive stage of the art, admittedly,
but for the first time perhaps in long discuaaton of this
subject there may be some economic basis for doing it. He
was not sure this ought to be limited to Area 1 communities
of the County or whether it should be a County -wide endeavor.
He thought those things would develop as the cities coiivereee.
The point Councilman Comstock ie Flaking, implicitly, is that
while Palo Alto may not be accepting other co mities' garbage,
Palo Alto is trilling to pay its fair share of whatever it
costs to do a somewhat more enlightened job of dealing with
solid waste disposal. He said this was his broad comment.
Palo Alto le not trying to be selfish in this scatter but #s
trying to take a leadership role in paying its fair share
of whatever it takes.
Councilman Comstock wanted to emhasize what both W. Pawloski
end Councilman Sher had said. He thought the Area I approach
would give them a manageable area and group with which to
work. He said he had hod the felling that everybody frost
all over the County vas focusing on Hellyer Canyon. He added
that may be an over - simplification. . We understood Mountain
View's feelings and thought Palo .Alto's would be somewhat
reciprocal. These are tbe kinds of issues, he felt, that
have to be brought out on the tablet and gotten out of the
way if these cities La the North County are going to gat together.
It was .just the kind of issue that ha4 to be faced in the
Water Treatment Plant; everybody had to give a little bit
on that, including Palo Alto, but he thought that was a successful
exercise and it will perhepe give them some confidence in
working together with what is essentially the same group of
to —cities. He felt that they had to try it, and this is
alibis motion is intended to do, to gat this Ong in a
direction they have talked about for years and yet have never
made Any movement tom€eaxde.
$37
3/L3/7i
Mayor Norton remarked that Mr. eawloski, in his discussions,
could point out that Palo Alto is accepting the sewage from
Stanford, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, part
of East Palo Alto. ,,die, thought also, speaking of Stanford,
that Palo Alto has quietly been carrying their cause in solid
waste, accepting it and suggested perhaps Palo.A,llto ought
to get them excited enough to involve themselves in this dialogue
Councilman Comstock has suggested so that Stanford does not
feel immune any longer from the problem.
The amendment was approved on unanimous vote (Councilman Berwald
was out of Council Chambers and thus did not vote).
The motion, as amended, was passed and the resolution was
adopted on unanimous vote (Councilman Berwald was out of Council
Chambers and thus did not vote).
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Beahrs, that
this item on the agenda be tabled, to include the agenda for
this meeting and the meeting of March 15, 1976, to follow,
until Councilman Berwald returns to the meeting.
The motion was approved on unanimous vote (Councilman Bar°wald
was out of Council Chambers and thus did not vote).
PAIR A L aft MBA INS
Mal+or Norton announced a matter of special interest regarding
tha upcoming proposed Palo Alto Town Meeting '76. He noted
that the American Association of University Women hes spent
a greet deal of time coordinating with the ICA, Institute
of Cultural Affairs to sponsor, on April 24, 1976, at Wilbur
Junior High School, an almost all -day town meeting where a
number of lanai and national issues can be aired at length
in a participatory way. Mayor Norton noted that Charlotte
Jackaon was present and would perhape want to elaborate on
this matter, followi.ng which he intended to reiterate the
Proclamation he has made as Mayor of the City of Palo Alto
and to introduce m Motion *long the lines of the Proclamation.
Me. Shirley Jackson, AAA. Mated the Palo Alto Town Feting
'76 will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4=30 p.m. on April 24,
1976. There are currently nine organizations and businesses
in Palo Alto who are working with them, and it is hoped there
will be many more. It is also hoped that all of the Councilmenbere
will be present to participate.
his. Charlotte Jaek.rson recorded the fact that there have thus
-far been some 200 town meetings; held across the United States
in -1976, and they are aimiee for 5,000 meetings, which is
finite on undertaking. She noted that the past wed, there
-vas a town meeting attended by more than 500 people in Kodiak,
Alaska; two weeks no on Nob Hill in San Francisco, aver 400
psopie attended a similar meeting. They hope to have as many
people attend Palo Alto's Town Meeting '76.
8 S8
3/15/74
t
As Mayor Norton mentioned, and as outlined in information
in Councilmewbers packet materials, the Meeting will provide
opportunity for residents of Palo Alto to look at some of
the issues facing the City in an inter -related fashion which,
all too often, residents do not see fully. The methodology
coming out of the Town Meeting and the planned workshops will
help everyone in this respect. Printed documents will be
distributed with results of the Town Meeting on that day and
will be available to those who have attended --residents, Council -
members, State Legislators; and it is hoped eventually to take
the results of all of the Town Meetings across the nation and
compile these into a type of national consensus, to be given to
all the national leaders.
Mr. Jackson noted that the American Aaeociation of University
Women was the epearheader for this project, and they also
have the Host Lions Club, Uinta Club, Asian Americans for
Community involvement, Kiwanis, Palo Alto Human Relations
Commission, Palo Alto Bicentennial Commission, Downtown, Inc.,
YMCA, endorsement from the Elks Lodge, and McDonalds will
be providing them with free lunches.
Ms. Jackson extended welcome to all to attend the Palo Alto
Town Meeting '76.
Mayor Norton observed that was a good consensus. He was not
sure that a national co.isenaus would be reached out of all
Town Meetings. Nevertheless, he expressed pleasure at supporting
this concept and hoped for a good turnout can the part of members
of the community and Councilnembers. He hoped to be present
for at least a part of the day.
MOTION: Mayor Norton coved, seconded by Beaters, that Whereas,
this is our nation's bicentennial year, and Whereas, there
is a need for the citizens of Palo Alto to participate is
aareani ful celebrations of our Bicentennial, and Whereas,
there will be a Town Meeting '76 in Palo Alto on April 24,
1976, and Whereaa, Town Melting '76 will afford the citizens
of Palo Alto an opportunity to participate in shaping a new
national vision for our nation's third century, and Whereas,
the results of Polo Alto Town Meetir '76 could be used by
the City Council in its planning for the future of Palo Alto;
that the City of Palo Alto dogs hereby recognize the importance
of Palo Alto Town Meeting '76 and does encourage the citizens
of Palo Alto to participate in Palo Alto Town Meeting '76
on April 24, 1976, at Wilbur Junior High School from 8:30 a.m.
to 4:30 p.a.
The notion was approved on unenimous vote (Councilman Berwald
was out of Council Chambers and thus did not vote) .
Mayor Morton presented Mt. Jackson with the City of Palo Alto's
Proclamation entitled "Palo Alto Tam Meeting '76 Week,"
a AiICA /ONS
1. Robert Mose, 4010 Orme, was sorry Councilman Carey
and Vice Mayor Clay were not present this evening,
because what he had to say concerted the *election
8 5 9
3/15/74
of the drug abuse contractor and was addressed
primarily to them. He considered the way in which
the contractor was selected most irregular, noting
if this procedure had been done on a federal government
contract, the losing contractor would have been
able to appeal to General Accounting
Office and would have, in his view, been upheld in
having the contract set 'side. When similar actions
have been taken on a federal level, the General
Accounting Office has set aside such contracts
for improper interference and improper bid
and award procedures. He referred specifically
to the Council, on motion, changing the requirements;
that is, that the contract be awarded to a contractor
who has an ongoing program in the City at that time
which was not in the original package.
He also took exception to awarding $200 per cure without
specifically defining how the cure was to be described.
Adding treatment of alcohol and mild narcotic rather than
hard drug abuse are not in keeping with the original
RFP or the spirit of the drug abuse control program,
he added, a .1 he found this dietreasing and verging
on an irregular gift of public funds. He thought
actions taken unwarranted and without regard
to possible competency of any of the contractors,
and inadequate consideration was given to the recommendatioes
of the six -member panel who were experts on drug
abuse and who unanimously selected another contractor.
Mr. Moss regretted comments made by some Counciimemberss
that this contract was not oigni£icant because
it was for a small mount of money for a few months.
He believed this established a precedent
and likened it to being a little bit pregnant or
having a mild case of cancer. He seriously doubted
the citizens of Palo Alto would stand still for
too much more. He urged Council to look to procedures
in the future and not allow such a thing to
happen because it reflects, in his judgement, on
over-all procedures.
Councilman Heahrs appreciated Ifs. Moss' comments and wondered
if he hed ever made en appearance to speak on the thieving
and fraudulent practices of the City's previous drug abuse
contractors. In th st cause, hundreds of thousands of dollars
wits involved. He thought Mr. Moss should be a little bit
more charitable; be was making a big issue on this matter
end deserved to be challenged on his remarks. Councilmen
be-4hr. repeated what he had said many times in the past:
that he did aot vote for the Last episode by any mss. In
this current case, he did vote for the contractor selected
to prevent the money's god to an untried, nonexistent otgaais*tion
which vas highly recommended. He noted Harcoaon had an existing
organisation which has, to a large degree, prove itself and
which raised some of its awn satiety, The original proposition
of this Council in items of drug abuses treataeet vas that
they would provide seed ; it nastily turned out to be
about 000,000 worth of seed money. The City did not receive
any help from alone, and as far as Councilman Beehre was
V 6 0
3/15/76
concerned, he was fed up. He did u,t k ow whether he would
ever again support a drug abuse treatment program in Palo
Alto because he did not think it was a community or
municipal responsibility.
Mr. Moss said he would not hold any particular
brief for some of the things that The Collective
did. As for thieving, he had no direct knowledge
of that fact. He thought reports indicated
validity that there was at least ooae treatment
going on and there were some succssse.ae Re
thought The Collective had a collective death wish
and said he had never seen as group quite so stupid
in some of the things they did. He voiced agreement
with Councilman &sabre that drug abuse has been
a real problem, but he said that Palo Alto has a
crime rate of 6% in the County with only 4% of the
population. He thought such of that crime comes
from drug addicts coaling in and considered it a
serious community problem and that something
had to be done.
Councilman geahrs observed they could stop all of the other
programs and put the matter in the Police Department.
Mayor Norton felt constrained to consent that he thought Mr.Mosse
statement was probably one engendered by political motives.
He added t>het Hr. Moss has not shown any great interest in
drug abuse In the part, gives the traditional line that appears
in the newspaper, and ?4eyor Norton has heard from some of
the grand opponents of this issue. He did not think Mr. Moss
had to attribute any ulterior motive to the Council's voting
for whet amounted to a three -months' contract to a group that
Mayor Norton feels is on trial, and be meant just that, as
against a group that did not even exist, which would also
be on trial but which would morally, if not legally, commit
the City to start-up costs that would not exist in the: present
program, plea an ongoing annual 'oral commitment of $135,000
a{ year.
Mayor Horton noted that he, like Councilmen Beata., has come
to place a relatively lobe system of values on funding s drug
abuse program, as against some of the other more pressing
sociel requirements in Palo Altoi He voiced the opinion that
he has been burned and vas not going to get burned again;
he would proceed slowly, and if Razconon cannot produce, he
would be one of the first to call them on their ability.
However, Mr. Moss has indicated some kind of irregularity
In the procedure Council followed. Be pointed out that tbe
Council never committed itself to follow the recommendation
of a committee appointed by the staff. Ho asked Where
Mr. ]bass gets the impression of Irregularity;, noting it was
ridiculous and suggesting he should not or=dure up something
tbst does not moist. He stated flatly that the Council voted
ter conscience, and there was no hanky-panky as far as he
was concerned. Mayor Norton that the quasi -politically
motivated people to give the Council the benefit of trying
to solve the setter the way they sew it; it is not an easy
tusk.
6 1
Mr. Moss hoped opposition or objections were not
considered to be politically motivated. He stated
he has been on both sides of government contracts,
awarding and bidding on such; he knew the regulations.
He said he was present at the Council meeting, and
what was done was not regular, according to federal
government regulations and procedures.
Mayor Norton stated that federal government regulations and
procedures have nothing to do with the way the City of Palo
Alto operates,
Mr. Moss said he was aware of that, but was also
aware of the way th.et progra a are funded and the
problems that arise when there
are questions of this nature. He repeated he was
quite diatrubed about the drug abuse problem and
the drug abuse funding. He hoped Narconon comes
up 'smelling -like a rose."
Mayor Norton did not think that was Mr. Moss' hope but added
that unless they did, they would not get his vote.
Mr. Moss thought that if an honest assessment is
made and after three month have elapsed Narconon
does do fine, then refund them; if they fall on
their faces in that time, cut them off.
Mayor Norton said that was a fair way of leaving the ;utter
and he would accept that.
NT THE MEETIF..
eassweemesealmeammit
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Beahra, that
the sraeting of March 8, 1975 be adjourned.
The motion was approved an unanimous vote (Councilman Berwald
was out of Council Chambers and thus did not vote) .
ECECIT!IVE SES, SI I
Council recessed from 9:16 p.m. until 10:08 p.m. to au Executive
Session, to discuss procedures for making appointments.
(Councilman Berwaid returned at 10:08 p.m.)
March 15, 1976
Tha City Council of the City of Palo Alto mat od t.hie date
at 10:08 p.m. in s regular sooting via Mayor Morton presiding.
Present: 1.ra Serwaid, Comstock, !yearly,
Norton, Sher, Witherspoon
Absent: Carey, Clay
8 6
3/15/76
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 2 1976
emmsasemememesemm
Councilman Sher requested that on page 629, fourth paragraph,
sixth line, the word "to" shown in the second instance on
that line be changed to read "from" and that the last sentence
of that same paragraph should be changed appropriately so
that it will read "He concluded that the El Camino/University
Avenue intersection project was a high --priority need."
Councilman Sher requested that on page 637, first paragraph,
twenty-fifth line, the abbreviation "MTP" be corrected to
read "MTC."
MOTION: Councilman Beahre moved, seconded by Norton, that
the minutes be approved as corrected.
The motion passed on unanimous vote.
galialrOF FEBRUARY J. 'L9J6
Councilwoman Witherspoon requested that on page 673, second
paragraph under Report of Youth Advisory Council, the last
word ite the first Sentence be changed from "representation"
to "representative."
Councilwoman Witherspoon requested that on page 679, third
paragraph under the Santa Clara Valley Water Commission Request,
first sentence, the fourth word "they„ be deleted and the
words "these new user charges" be inserted.
MOTION: Mayor Norton moved, seconded by Beahre, that the
minutes be approved as corrected.
The motion passed on unanimous vote.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ITEM 13
IONNIONNOMMNsumm
MOTION: Councilmen Comstock aoyed, seconded by Norton, that
Coungilmau Berwald' s itee 13 from the agenda of March 8, 1976
be removed from the table.
The motion plumed on unanimous vote.
T OF COUNCILMAN BEITALD AE POSSIBLE
Councilman Bervald stated this matter was brought to his attention
by a steer of the Staff, and the City Manager would perhaps
comment further on the subject. Thera are some incipient problems
$63.
3/1$/16
with some of the card rooms in the City of Palo Alto, and there
is always the possibility that there will be another run on
applications for card rooms. Since such establishments have
been accompanied in the past by a certain amount of illicit
activity, it was thought that in looking at the entire problem
the Council might want to consider including card rooms in
the moratorium on adult -oriented establishments.
Another type of activity has also best; mneationed, which Mr. Sipel
W I1 address, involving what Councilman Berwald termed "body
contact sports!' of some questionable merit.
Further, there has been correepondence from citizens, including
a suggeetion by Mr. Tames R. Hagan, that the City completely
ban any massage by persona of the opposite sex. Councilman
Berwald noted he was not a student of the law on that subject,
but he surmised any such measure would have to be written
very carefully.
MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Comstock, that
the City of Palo Alto include card rooms in the moratorium
on adult -oriented establishments.
In response to a question, Councilman Berwald irs iceted it
would be up to the Council insofar as whether this is an emergency.
He said he could not justify an emergency. He did not know
if one existed but thought perhaps after hearing from Mx.Sipel,
a determination could be made.
Mayor Norton thought it would be appropriate to clarify with
the City Attorney what the status of the earlier Council action
is and whether this would be an ameadment or an entirely new
action.
Mr. Booth proposed to add Councilman Berwa1d's-motion to add
card rooms and others, which he would mention shortly, to
the existing ordinance. Titus, it would tend to terminate
on the same date, wrould include them all, and be, perhaps,
more manageable, from the standpoint of those establishments,
etc., that are covered by the ordinance. He reminded Cotncilmembers
the matter is in the Policy and Procedures Committee, and
it is expected it will be taken up very shortly.
Mayor Morton asked if the Council had adopted an emergency
ordinance to the effect that there is now a moratorium on
the prescribed activities.
Mr. Booth responded there is a moratoria which runs for six
months; it was passed on Yeburary 9, 1976 as an emergency.
Mayor Norton acted that the proposal is to mend that moratorium,
so to speak, to add the card rooms and perhaps other activities,
to expire ea the same date.
Mr. Booth thought that would be desirable.
Mayor Norton noted, that -to get everything on the table, he
: oderstood that fir. math had one other activity to include
aced thought it would be appropriate to her above that.
664
3/15/76
Ins. Booth said there were actually two. In their continuous
monitoring of the situation, th. proponents of the activity
try to stay one jump ahead, and so it has come to the attention
of the dtsff that so} -called nude wrestling is extant elsewhere
in the Bay Area. Palo Alto, fortunately, does not have any
in town yet, and if that is put into the moratorium, that
would prevent that, for a while.
Mr. Booth went on to saay th.at the second activity is nude
or adult photography or art studios. Staff is informed that
one such establishment is, or is about to open. It would
be desirable to add these.
He added titst the ordinance actually covets, in a sort of
catchall, many of these types of eetablisahnexte; but since
staff and Council are in the process of looking at the natter
tonight. staff thought it would be appropriate to add those
they know about, then they are specifically listed and the
City would have less trouble, he believed, with the court
in violations, indicating there are a number of cases pend-
ing at the moment.
Mayor Norton's first question was is staff sure they have
covered everything.
Mfr. Booth responded negatively; more gets uncovered all of
the t imme .
Mayor Norton commented that it sensed to him staff had totally
overlooked nude boxing, and he felt constrained to ask whether
the ordinance would be drawn broadly enough to include nude
arse wrestling. He could also see, in about a month or two
from now, some guy in Crescent Park is going to say "I'm not
sure, dear, but I think we're coming very close to violating
the ordinance."
Councilman Berwald stated he would include the other activities
in his motion, that is, the nude wrestling and the adult photography
or whatever the latter is celled.
Mr. Booth volunteered this would be nude or adult photography
and art studios.
Mayor �Nr_to_a wondered if they would be amending this ordinance
eve 4 _ta
Councilman berweld said he had no intent to add other activities.
He really did mot know of any others, unless he talks to the
Chief of Police sin. He thought Mt. Siegel might have some
cats about card zosarxe, at least. Councilmen bervald said
be would vote for the additional items; he had included these~.
But be aged the ordinance is written in a way that would
not mitigate against legitimate art type of activities. He
said he freak: y bad a bard time justifying a lot of these
without knowing for what reason the City le imposing a bats.
Baer, he did know that in the card room situation, tiers
have hewn actual problems, a and the Chief of Police suggested
this might be another area to look i t .
'error Morton told Councilmen Serweld ha was ktddicg.
41'3
Councilman Berwald responded he knew that, it was very well
taken, and the Mayor's sense of humor is great.
Mayor Norton noted that the City Manager, of all people, had
a comment on this.
M. Sipel ob€erved he did not have much to add and did not
think he could come up with anything any funnier than what
had already been said. Re thought it a good idea to put a
moratorium on the card rooms. While there are not any specific
problems of which staff is now aware, they anticipate that
there might be a proliferation of those kinds of operations;
and to give the Council an opportunity to study the matter
and to talk to the staff about it, he thought it wise to go
ahead with the moratorium and rend this question also to the
Policy and Procedures Committee.
Mayor Norton, in clarification of the motion, aaid it was
not simply nude card playing, but all card playing, noting
it gets confusing.
Councilman Sher commented that one wonders how to react to
this, the City Manager has said there is no problem now.
He asked if he was correct in thinking there needs co be a
use permit for a card room,
Mr. Sipel responded that just a card room licenae was required.
He added that there are some problems, but he would prefer
net to talk about them at this time, at this place.
Councilman Sher thought that when the Council adopted the
moratorium on new massage parlors, it was because of the prolifer-
ation of massage parlors in Palo Alto, as contrasted with
other communities. It seemed to hiss that an action ae drastic
as a moratorium ought to be in response to a problem such
as the proliferation of this kind of activity, where there
is an ordinance and the City is trying to sea whether it responds
to the need. He further ttiougbt they had to be careful about.
additions. In taalkiag about art *tudioa, he felt there are
art classes locally where there arc nude models. He augge itad
that perhaps the moratorium language could be drama in as manner -
to exclude these. In ;any case, he cautioned against Council's
taking action about kind of activity someone weight want to
see stopped forever and would therefore be glad to have it
stopped even for six ths.
Councilman Sher had eerioue doubts about including the card
rooms, unless they Council is responding to a probloe that
has been documented. He did not think that kind of case had
been made yet.
Councilman Eyerly's recollection was that Council worded the
moratorium to ioelude massage parlors, a icw other industries,
and allied industries which he would think would Over moat
of the problems. He said the moratorium might not cover card
rooms, and too perhaps a vote on that was necessary.
Mt. Booth said the Last section of the ordinance lists a number
of businesses and is any business use of land or occupation
similarly related to the earlier ones listed. However, staff
$ 6 6
3/15/76
felt that since the card rooms item was coming up, it would
be good to add these two they are aware of specifically, just
so they would have an easier time in shoeing the judge where
the violation is occurring and what is prohibited;
Councilman Eyerly referred to the letter from ,Jaques R. Hagan
concerning massaging of apposite sexes, and he assumed State
law pre-empts anything on that subject. On the other letter
from Kenneth R. Alien concerning the California Supreme Court
decision on display of obscene materials and public nuisances,
it seemed to him that that might be something to peruse in
Policy and Procedures Committee. He asked Mr. Booth if he
would bring these to the Committee with staff's recommendations,
Mr. Booth agreed they would certainly bring these up. He
said neither he nor his staff has had opportunity to examine
the Supreme Court's decision; he thought it was perhaps limited
to some specific problems but assured Councilman Eyerly that
staff would have information on the matter for the Committee.
As to opposite sex massage, at the present time, it appears
that the California Court of Appeals has ruled otherwise to
the case cited in the reprint furnished to Councilmembers;
in othervords, they have ruled that cities cannot prohibit
either seat massage. That, apparently, is contrary to the
rules in other states.
Mayor Norton noted that, for the record, he had a letter dated
March 8, 1976, from Ms. Denny Petrosian of 433 Ventura Avenue,
;who asked that her letter be read into the minutes. Mayor
Norton summarised her letter by saying that M2. Petrosian
does want card parlors included in the moratorium, and that
would go for any adult establishment that offends public sensi-
bilities; especially hers.
Mayor Norton asked if Caeuacilmembers wanted to vote individually
or separately on the three proposed additions; he indicated
that the motion, as it stood, was a single one that incorporated
all three, namely; card establishments, nude wrestling,
and "dirty" photography, as near as he could describe it,
for profit,
Councilman Sher requested that the motion be separated but
wanted to clarify that photography, not printing, was the
third category.
Mr. Booth responded that this category was photography end
art studios of a certain type.
Councilman Sher felt that was so vague and and impossible,
adding they way as well close down the Paulo Alto Art Club.
Ha asked Council to really consider the matter on which they
were voting, stressing that there are legitimate art classes
bing carried on, with models which he thought they would
find would probably be in violation. He wanted clarification
on whether those required permits or licenses.
19r. Booth answered that they did not.
Councilman Sher wanted to know how they would know if a particular
photography studio is to be included, asking if establishments
8
3/15/76
of that type would require a license.
Mrr. Booth answered this was not necessarily so, depending
on the zoning; and neither do many other activities an the
ordinance.
Councilman Sher wondered how there could be a moratorium if
such establishments can open up without a license.
Mt. Booth replied that most of these establishments require
a substantial amount of remodeling, and this ordinance prohibits
that activity, too.
Councilman Sher assumed that this, then, prohibits a building
permit for an activity that fails within one of these categories.
Mr. Booth pointed out"that existing activities would not be
affected, but those currently under construction or which
change hands, to the extent that they need a new use and occupancy
permit with an inspection from the Building Department, would
be caught up. Staff .dogs not believe that would affect any
of the existing legitimate activities at all and added it
was certainly not their intent that it do so.
Mayor Norton stated that It ep;seared there was a request to
divide the motion into three parts.
MOTION RESTATED: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Comstock,,
that the City of Palo Alto include in the moratorium passed
on an emergency basis on February 9, 1976 on adult -oriented
activities: 1) all card playing rooms; -2) nude wrestling;
3) nude ea adult photography art studios; and that the following
ordinance be adopted, effective prom its date of passage until
August 10, 1976.
ORDINANCE NO. 2911 entitled "ORDINANCE
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
PROHIBITING FOR A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CERTAIN BUSINESSES
AND THE ISSUANCE OF CERTAIN PERMITS AND
LICENSES PENDING STUDY OF ZONING, REGU-
LATORY Ok PROHIBITORY ORDINANCES RELATING
THERETO, MB DECLARING NG URGE"
The vote to adopt the ordinance was divided into three parts.
The first part of the motion on card playing row was approved
on the follow Iota:
ASS: Beahrs, ieavald, Comstock, Eyarly,
Norton, With/txspoan
NOES: Sher
WNW: : iarey, Clay
The second part of the motion on suds wrestling was approved
of unanimous vote. _
6a
3 /15/16
'"."'j �a ti71
The third part of the motion on nude or adult photography
art studios was approved on the following vote:
AYES: Beahra, Berwald, Comstock, Eyerly,
Stier, Witherepoon
NOES: Norton
ABSENT: Carey, Clay
Mayor Norton assumed the City Attorney would somehow better
define the terminology to keep the freshmen taking art at
Stanford, who pay tuition for that privilege, and whose nude
poser collects a consideration from being arrested.
?4r. Sipel stated he thought it would be wise to refer this
matter to the Policy and Procedures Committee to keep it together.
MOTION: Councils Berwald roved, seconded by Comstock, that
this matter be referred to the Policy and Procedures Committee:.
AYES: Bea.hrs, Berwald, Comstock, Eyerly, Norton,
Sher, Withers; oon
ABSENT: Carey, Clay
CONSENT CALENDAR - ACTION ITEMS
r
Mayor Norton asked if Council were ready to vote on the Consent
Calendar -Action It .
Councilman Berweld requested that Items (1) regarding Merit
System Rules and Regulations Amendments be removed from the
Consent Calendar..
The following item was left for approval on the Consent Calendar:
CURB RAMPS FOR THEHANDICAPPED:
(Q1R:194:6)
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Besrhs,
that the Council authorise execution of a contract with
John H. Thomas EA Son for curb ramping project 75--99' in the
amount of $25,505, and Indicate that the curb ramping program
concludes with this year's budget.
Mayor Norton noted that this recommendation would terminate
a three-year program; the first year there were twenty-two
locations where handicapped curb ramps were provided and in
the second year, 137. In this third and final year, there
would be 164 ramps ine tal led
The recommemdation was approved on unanimous vote.
MERIT SYSTEM RULES AND
(CI :198: 6)
Councilman Berwald asked Mr. Sipeal, referring to page 3 of
4i
3/13170
73,
the Memorandum of Understanding, if one shift equals: 16 hours,
does that mean that, for an employee who has up to three years
and 364 days of continuous service, he shall get 1.6 hours
times.5 vactation.
Mr. Sipel responded that was correct.
Councilman Berwald noised that would be eighty hours, or two
weeks.
Councilman Berwald called attention to Article VIII on page 4,
where it is indicated that all fire suppression personnel,
etc., should be entitled to one shift, and it states 24 hours
off with pay. He wondered how one shift could be 24 hours
at one these and 16 hours at another.
Ma. Sigel responded that one shift is always 24 hours. The
vacation is figured in a different r er. The shift is from
8:00 a.m. until 8:00 a. m. the following morning.
Councilman Berwald suraiued then, that Article IV, Section 1,
contains an arbitrary number for vacation purposes only.
Mr. Sipe/ responded that Councilman Berwald was correct.
Councilman Berwald, re€errir'g main to Article VIII, asked
if paid time off is in addition to vacations, and he asked
the difference between shift representation unit and non -shift
representation unit. He noted one is entitled to one day
off before December of this year, and one is entitled to two
days off before December.
Mr. Sigel explained that the non -shift representation unit
.refers to the fire inspe.ctora who work eight -hour days, the
normal 40 -hour week. There was a need to differentiate their
eituation from the firelighters who are on 24 -hour shift.
Councilman Berwald asked whet the time off vas for.
Mr. Sipel stated these are additional days off to the vacation.
This is a program the City started last year and is continuing
this year. The main thing to rimer on this particular
item is that the days off can only happen when there is a
surplus of perso power on that particular day. If the City
is down to a minimum shift because of absences os vacations,
then this does net apply. If all of the people in the departntnt
cannot take it, they lose it on the dater epecif ied.
Mayor Norton asked, for purposes of this agr nt, what is
the diffete ce between a reeprseeated and s non -represented
employee, as referred to in Section 2 on page 3.
Kr. Sipel indicated that represented employees refers to all
of those people s who are covered by this agreement, including
all union members and those who are not in the union are also
covered everybody who is a fire fighter and who is not a
member of management is represented d by the union, whetter
or not they are in the union.
Mayor Norton felt that was an unfortunate terminology for
•70
3/15/76
the Memorandum of Agreement, in referring to people who are
members and who may not be members of the union -- where it
refers to "represented" employees, it sounds like those e -
ploy.ea acre members of the organization. He thought there
was that overtone and wondered if, in future memoranda, a
more descriptive term could be selected, such as "member of
the union" or similar. "Represented" sounds as if they are
represented by the union, and if they are not members of the
union, it ie not anevitaably true.
MOTION: Councilman Detahre moved, seconded by Comstock, adoption
of the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 5203 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO ADDING MFR 15
TO THE MERIT SYSTEM RULES AND REGULATIONS 1
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY
OF PALO ALTO AND LOCAL 1319, INTERNATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS„
The resolution was adopted on unanimous vote.
Corrected
goe pg. 951
MATE BILL 1500 --
(cxR:19I:5)
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Norton, that
the Palo Alto city. Council oppose SS 1500 and authorize the
Mayor to convey the motion to the State Legislature.
Councilwoman Witherspoon asked for clarification of whether
staff's objections is to the idea of putting the courts under
one general jurisdiction or whether it is simply the way in
which the state proposes to pay for it.
Mr. Sipel said staff's objection relates to the revenue loss
to cities.
Councilvan Witherspoon asked if staff was recommending that the
Palo Alto City Council tell the State legislators to vote
Mast the whole bill, -riot to rectify the funding aepact.
Mr. Sipel replied be dish not have any real preference, but
his guess is that the league of California Cities would prefer
that the Council go on record as opposing the entire matter.
The League thinks that the Court reorganisation is tied in
with the revenue sources, and the moot effective way to oppose
it would be to oppose the whole bill.
Councilwoman Witherspoon thought that might be so; but as
far as she could tall from what she baa read about t1 a matter,
i.t may be a very good idea for the court system. She was
reluctant to "throe the baby out with the bath. eater", but
if that is the way it reeds -s that it is necessary to oppose
the whole bill just because one opposes the way the State
proposes to fund it, which she did -- abe would have to vote
against the motion.
Mr. Sipel said diet if it vs her pleasure, the letter could
be worded so that the City'e opposition is to the revenue
a7i
logs and stays out of the iaaea of court reorganization.
Councilwoman Witherspoon noted it may save the taxpayers in
the long run, but it is hard on the cities.
Mr. Broth commented that the idea of merging the Municipal
and Superior Courts, which this bill would do, is one that
is the subject of considerable disagreement among the membera
of the legal profession itself. He believed, however, that
the State Bar is on record as supporting something along this
line, but it does raise SOM4 iceuea as to whether all of the
Municipal Judges that would be blanketed in es Superior Court
Judges are of equal quality, whether or not local communities
would tend to lose their courthouses --- and he mentioned that
P'aalo Alto is continually fighting to keep theirs here -- and
similar issues that really raed a thorough airing and are
perhaps not obscured by the fact that the County, in this
instance would have the revenue savings, and the City would
have the revenue 1osees.
Mayor Norton remarked he would hop that the letter drafted
for the Mayor's signature would single out the funding aspects
more than the principal of reorgan+.zatioa. He was not sure
the Council ought to take a position on that part of it, althoegh-
they would not necessarily oppose SB 1500.
Councilman Comstock asked if Mayor Norton was willing to add
that point of emphasis to the letter.
Mayor Norton agreed be would hope the letter would emphasize
that -fit Palo Alto objects to is the taking of money from
the cities and giving it to the countiea and the State.
Councilman Beahrs asked Mr. Booth what was the origin of this
whole proposal. It did not appeal to him, and he wondered
if the State Judicial Council i .itiated the change.
Mr. Booth said he did not k sow the -history of the proposal
but could find out. Be believed,, however, that the State
Bar was behind some of it.
mailman Sombre said that he could not see it but would
certainly like to know hov it started.
MOTION RESTATED; That the Palo Alto City Council apposes
SS 1500 and authorizes the Mayor to coaavey the ,lotion to the
State Legislature, the letter to ogle out fording aspects
of the bill, rather than speaking to court reorganization
itself.
•
The eentUan was approved'pa unanimous vote.
OF
Councilwomen sa14 this is a referral items as far aas she is
concerned. She outlined some of ber concerns in a memorandum
to Councilmembars dated March 15e 19'6 a and a suggested course
i 2
2/13/70
of action and hoped that others with ideas end concerns would
feel free to add them. She suggested these fall into two
main categories, one being the subject of the Old Police/Fire
Building, and following up Councilman Sher's earlier motion,
she would hope that a progress report could be :wade to the
Finance and Public Works Committee in, sly, October by the
Senior Coordinating Cbuncil as to the amount of money raised
so far and realistic projections of what they hope to raise
eventually, along with a detailed cost estimate of the planned
restoration, including contingency plays for phased development
and/or less extensive renovation. She is hoping a review
by Finance and Public Works Committee, in consultation with
the Senior Coordinating Council, will answer some questions
raised in her memorandum, such as what constitutes sufficient
funds and what is meant by usable condition, and that these
be decided well before the deadline.
Corrected
See pg. 951
Councilwoman Witherspoon hoped Finance and Public Works Committee
could take up this summer, when they are through with the
budget, the subject of whether or not the parking lot would
be included in the lease to the Senior Coordinating Council;
if rot, what provisions for parkrieg would be required. She
added she had listed other items it occurred to her that
staff could advise on, so that some issues could be cleared
► p well before the 1977-78 budget process and the prospect
of signing the lease. She pointed out that other ideas may
occur to Committee. Suggesting that possibly the matter does
not have to be referred, it occurred to her there may be areas
the City could explore for funds it, rather than a non-profit
group, could apply for to help with renovation of the Old
Police/Fire Building.
In addition, Councilwoman Withersp000n hoped staff would,
in the need six to eight worths, be able to prepare recommendations
to the YinaAce and Public Works Committee on how they envision
the total programs of services for seniors being provided,
owe the senior center is established. This :eight be done
with the total social services p} enww ng, of course in conjunction
with the for Coordinating Council., so that this setter
con be explored well before the City's budget process for
the gut tisscal year and, likewise, to help the Serior Coordinating
Couscil in their few -raising goals; as they will need to
have some kind of indication on what kind of operating expenses
acrd program they will face.
It hes also occurred to her that Council cow have staff
recommend to Finance and Public Yorks Committee how the outside
agencies serving seniors, :such as Le Comida and RSVP, should
be hatedled should they be subcontractors with the Senior
Coerdiesting Council, or should they be directly contracted
by the City.
These were just saw areas Councilwomen Witherspoon hoped
Finance and Public Works Committee, when they completed their
budget process, could start looking at during the ter,
atoll stff, also, could be directing tbasat to. She did not
like the prospect of load],': having to try to decide ail
tares things at this time nett year.
•7 3
3/13/74
MOTION: Councilwoman Witherspoon moved, seconded by Comstock,
that Councilwoman Witherspoon'a memorandums of March 2, 1976
and March 15, 1976 be refprred to the Finance and Public Works
Committee 1) to clarify the procedure for Old Police/Fire
Building; 2) for general policy for clarifying programs for
seniors and ether groups,
Mayor. Norton voiced his support of the motion, indicating
perhaps Council ought to be even sore specific, if possible,
without continuing on this matter until midnight, and trying
to figure out what Councilman Sher meant in his motion last
week by sufficient funding, or whatever his language was',
possibly sufficient funds.
Mayor Norton noted his concern, which was partly why he voted
against the Sher motion - not that he did not like senior
citizens - was that he felt the motion was pretty loose, and
one of the problems, in his view, will be that maybe, whereas
the recommendation to dete has been that the sum of some
$900,000 is needed to fix up the Police/ Fire Building as a
fully useful aenior center, Councilman Sher says if they come
in with sufficient funds, then they would get the "green"
light to go ahead; if they come in with half of the $900,000,
saying they owls fix up half of the building with the view
to fixing up the balance next year, for example, and the Council
lets them go ahead and fix half of the building, it seemed
to him Council would be locked in by any fair appraisal of
their position. If the Seniors cannot, indeed, fix the balance
of the building in the next or some reasonably ensuing year,
the request certainly is going to be made that the City do
it. He pointed out Courieil_ was not going to be inclined to
take the building away, as they did before, and he felt
uncomfortable with the indefiniteness of the co€amitment the
Council has made to the seniors.
Mayor Norton noted Councilman Sher wished to speak and said
he would ask hies to respond to this matter.
Councilmen Sher stated he would be happy to respond. The
question is posed in terms of shat did Councilman Sher mean,
and he thought it should be in terms of what did the majority
of the Council meao when they approved this motion. He noted
it was true that he made the motion, but it was adopted by
the City Council, end it is s City Council position. It also
occur -recd to him that Mayor Norton's discomfort with terms
like sufficient funds to put the building in usable condition
for a multi -purpose seacior center is somewhat misplaced when
ha is prepared to adopt a moratorium on business activities
izolviug art etudios and activities of that type.
Councilman Sher thought the motion, certainly from his point
of view, is clear. Tha Senior Coordinating Council came
before the City Council with soma plans for a multi -purpose
senior center. They had something izi mind, it was defined
by the staff in a very lengthy staff report, and the position
the City , Council took, through the vehicle of that motion,
was to commit the Old Police/Fire Building for that purpose
provided the Senior Coordinating Council was able to raise
sufficient funds to accomplish that purpose - to renovate
the building for a multi -purpose senior center, which was
$ 7 .4
3/15/74
defined. It was made clear thrcugh that motion that the City
Council was rejecting the suggestion of the Senior Coordinating
Council that: the City should provide some $970,000 for that
purpose. As to unable condition, he supposed the building
his to be renovated,- so that the doors can be opened and a
multi -purpose senior cea»er can be run in that building as
defined; there might be some leeway in tern of whether the
wing was added or the nutritional progran, which was part
of the proposal that the Senior Coordinating Council brought
to Council. But leaving that option aside, he did t'ot think
there was a tremendous amount of vagueness in that motion.
Councilman She commented that the thing he feared, in approving
referring this to the Finance and Public Works Committee for
review, is to again raise the question he thought the Council
red decided about whether the Council is prepared to participate
in the costs of that renovation. The notion last veek vas
clearly phrased to answer that question in the negative. The
last paragraph of Councilwoman Witherspo n's most recent memoran-
dum (March 15) says that perhaps the City could help in seeking
funds for the renovation of the building from Community Development
funds end otherwise. Be pointed out that seniors do get an
allocation of the Community Development Block Grant which
is presently being used for rehabilitation of housing }a
noted application is not specifically made for oew money for
this purpose, and he thought trio kind of a referral motion
would suggest that perhaps the Council would be willing to
use some of these funds for that purpose. That was not the
intention of his March 1 motion; he thought it was clear at
that time that this was to be a fund-raising effort, and the
Council was going to see whether the Senior Coordinating Council
could raise the necessary money to accomplish the renovation.
Thus, he would not want to raise auy other kind of expectation.
8e did agree that it would be useful to get a progress report
at some point, but he thought it probably wise to have that
report come to the City Council es a whole, rather than to
the Finance and Public Works C mmi t tee , because he did not
think that at this point the Council should get involved in
the question of the allocation and use of City funds for the
renovation of the Old Police/Fira Building. Be thought that
point had been resolved.
Addressing himself to the second part of the notion now on
the floor, which again, is a referral to Finance and Public
;storks Committee which relates to carrying an the activities
to sport these senior services, Councilman Sher streamed
that again, he disliked anticipating this. Be recalled that
be had said d at the meeting, where the Council took this action,
thous should be treated, in the future, lire any other proposal
for support for these human services or social programs and
that senior programs would have to stand on their own merits
sod would be rem in the normal per. Be noted that
presently, the City is allocating a certain amount of money
for senior activities, and he assuusd that that would continue
to be tutee and that the Senior Coordinating Council each year
would oak* s budget request which vou1.d be reviewed in th
normal couree. gs did not think the mil could deal with
that matter in avence. This year, the Coil is dealing
with the budget request from the Senior Coordinating Council.
Me for sue, did not sett to wit himself to future years.
$ 7 3
3/tS/7`f►
There will be activities carried on there, and he felt it
was very clear that the City of Palo Alto will be participating,
to some extent, but how ouch will vary from year to year,
depending on the competing programs that are considered and
how much money is availa,1e. He repeated he did not want
to anticipate that question. H€ was also hopeful, as he expressed
when the Council talked about the Old Police/Fire building,
that the fund-raising effort will be sufficient not only to
raise funds to renovate the building, but also to at least
wake a start on the endowment fund which the Senior Coordinating
Council talked about, so that that could be used to also underwrite
these activities that will go on in the Senior Center.
Councilman Sher did feel there was a need to review the precise
question about these other programs and whether they ought
to be evaluated by the Senior Coordinating Council and submitted
as part of their budget proposal, or whether the Council ought
to invite activities like the Senior Legal Aaaistance and
RSVP to come directly to the City. But again, he thceght
that would probably be better referred to the Policy and Procedures
Committee, which actually did the work and made the recommendation
to the Council about contracting with the Senior Coordinating
Council and what the contract would say, and what kind of
submisaions the City would get from SCC for City support,
Councilman Sher expressed unsaeinass about the referrals
Councilwoman Witherspoon is proposing because he felt they
would create seine false expectations about what the City can
do in advance of the next year's budget process.
Councilwoman Witherspoon appreciated Councilman Sher's concern
about raising false expectations but thought he ought to realize
that there are many expectations out there now. If it is
the Committee's recormezedatioa, or even the Council' a, that
the City is not going to consider uaiag Community Development
funds or participating in any way, she thought it was necessary
to make that very loud and clear, noting she feels it is not
loud and clear now, based on her conversations with people
in the comity. She remarked that she was prepared to go
along with whatever the Committee or the Council wishes to
do in this, but she thought they ought to tell the city
early. As far as which committee the policy queations are
sent to, she thought the Finance and Public Works Committee
would be working on the social services planning, and it seemed
logical to her to include this problems with that p'i»vn1ngg.
She wan talking about broad policy end not how much money
the City allocates to seniors each year. She said that perhaps
Councilmen Sher was right that the proper Committee wild
be Policy and Procedures, She did not want to nit pick about
his concerns, because she thought they were valid. She was
talking about the over-all philosophy rather then whether
the City is spending $75,000 plus their own programs of "x"
number of dollars; 'be wanted :o get at the whole procedure
well before next yeax s budget.
Councilman Sher returned to the first point of the building
itself, stetting he thought it would be a misteake at this time
to start talking about Community Development Funds or other
funds, because be thought the decision the Council took was
that the Senior Coordinating Commci.l was going to start their
$76
3/15/76
rte
fund-raising program; they needed this commitment in order
to get started. The City Council gave them the commitment,_
and his position at this time is that the Senior Coordinating
Council should shoot for all of the money necessary to renovate
that building. It is true, he pointed ant,. they may fall
abort, and then, they may come to the City Council next
year when consideration is being given on how to spend the
Community Block Grant, and it is possible the Senior Coordinating
Council night oubmit a proposal for that purpose. But he
would not want to say that at the outlet. Councilman Sher
stated that he is very clear at the outset.on exactly what is
the City's commitment.
Councilman Sher remarked that Councilman Eyerly was not present
at the earlier meeting, but he wrote Councilmembers a letter
in which he was also quite clear that the City ought not to
wake a commitment to participate in the renovation of the
Old Police/Fire Building and that those funds ought to be
raised by an outside fund-raising effort. That Council action
having been taken, if tonight's proposed action is taken,
there is a suggestion that perhaps the Senior Coordinating
Council will not have to v aiae all the money; he remarked
that it may come to that, but it is the Council's decision,
at this point, that the Senior Coordinating Council should
try to raise the entire amount.
Councilman Beaahra agreed entirely with Councilman Sher. He
eeco-.ded his motion on March 1 and understood it. He feared
that the first part of tonight's proposal only muddies the
waters. Councilman Sher correctly says that. the Senior Coordinating
Council wanted a definite commitment, t, and Councilman Beahrs
thought that the Council went as far as it could; indeed,
he was not really happy to have Councilman Sher say that maybe
the City will pick up the difference if they cannot raise
enough money. He dial not believe he personally went that
far nor would he want to go that far this evening. Am to
the sufficiency of the funds, he noted the people involved
have very high etandarda, both aesthetically end otherwise,
and beyond that, the City building code and other codes strictly
govern what is necessary. He motioned Mr. Walter Stro quiet,
one of the most eminent architects, as being involved and
who known; the problem. Ha thought this group could cow
up with a very well- ,su.rKed limit on what they have to do.
The idea that this Council wi41 pass or decide the sufficiency
of anything was really putting them in a dream world, and
Councilman Beehrs commented he would like to see the Council
perform that way sometimes.
Mayor Morton remarked his only concern is that if the Senior
Coordinating Council cremes back with only half the amount
which Mr. Strtcesac€ui.t has indicated is necessary, the Council
has a problem, a much bigger problem than the one it had when
the Squire his was bought.
Councilmen Berva1d complimented Councilwomen Witherspoon for
the MMOUtit of work that . she has donee on this matter; be thought
it was always helpful to him as chairman of the Finance and
Public Works Committee, and helpful to all Councilmembers
to have the thoughts. Ho noted that when be first read
that amen orb, be thought her approach was chiefly the points
Mayor Norton had just made, that is, clarification of bar
much is sufficient funds, and will there be sufficient funds
not only to put the building in usable condition, but also
to complete it and make it a going building. He thought
that a very important point, commenting Councilwoman Witherspoon
had just reiterated it, and there ought to be some more definite
comment on that, more definite yardsticks for that, and as
Mayor Norton had stated, that was one of the reasons he voted
against Councilman Sher's motion and one of the reasons Council-
man Berwald also voted against it,
Councilman Berwald observed that Councilwoman Witherspoon's
memorandums go on a bit further than that e he thought it
had already bean covered by Councilman Sher - and muddies
that thought because if the interest is expressed itt how much
money is to be raised, Councilman Berwald said he would be.
all for that. He felt the Council ought to study that problem,
and as far as he was concerned, and he hoped the other members
of the Finance and Public Works Committee feel the same way,
they ought to know, going into the year, just what they will
be faced with next February. In fact, he added, the timing
on this is not the best, and it should be phased to the end
of the next budget year and perhaps will be. He estimated
it would probably take from February 1977 to June to refine
the proposal, if they do raise the money which he hoped they
would.
Councilman Berwald's feeling was that he would like to receive
this as a memorandum; he has, is going to give it some thought
and was sure all of the other members of the Council would.
He could accept a letter that limited itself to that wain
idea but said he would not, for example, leave in the last
paragraph of the section on the Old Police/Fire Building to
even suggest that the City participate. Re mentioned
Councilman Sher had covered that, indicating it raises some
hopes that the City will participate. Mayor Norton is fearful
that half of the funds will be raised, and then the Council
will be asked for a subsidy for the rest. He did not even
want to pot in any thought of that at this time but said that
other than that and the lest paragraph of page 1 of
Councilwoman Witherspoon's March 2 memorandum, he felt all
of the other items were fine and would not mind having them
referred for consideration by Finance and Public Works Committee
or whatever C ittee is going to be looking at this subject.
But he thought Councilwoman Witherspoon would have to take
those items he mentioned out to met his approval.
Councilwoman Witherspoon was delighted that Councilmembers
reacted to her memorandum*, As she had said, this was a
long list of her concerns end she was trying to get a reaction
from others. Her own concern is that she is not in the least
bit interested in, at this point, putting in any City monies
in the building. She felt that it sounds like they have a
consensus, bringing out into the open and indicating something
she felt had not been discussed before. She was delighted
to take out the motions mentioned by Councilman Bervaid,
if preferred. She said tbsminute' would suggest why this
Ards done.
Councilman Berwald suggested that Councilwoman Witherspoon
more that the Council ask the Finance and Public Works Committee
to comment on her memoranda.
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f 71
Councilwoman Witherspoon said the items mentioned could simply
be taken out of the referral.
Councilman Berwald asked if she was referring both of these
documents, those dated March 2, 1976, and the other letter
at Councilmembers' places this evening.
Councilwoman Witherspoon explained that the Marc: 2 memorandum
led into today' a correspondence, explaining that she planned
to ageudiae this and with follow-up information. She did
not know that there wage anything in the March 2 memorandum
that vas not in that written today.
Councilman Berwald noted Councilwomen Witherspoon had already
made the motion that this matter be referred.
Councilwoman Witherspoon responded that she had, suggesting
referral to the Finance and Public Works Committee. Councilman
Sher suggested that perhaps Policy and Procedures Committee
would be more to the point, but she asked if Finance and Public
Works Committee is not reviewing social planning in this year's
budget and for next year, or was that not clear.
Mr. Sipel timid they would be reviewing everything in the budget.
Councilwomen Witherspoon commented she had meant for the long
term -- the Eyerly proposal, long-term social planning project.
M.r. Sipel responded that does not have a referral and would
be coming back to Council.
Councilwoman Witherspoon thought it was aitticg on the table.
Mr. Sipel replied it was not sitting on the table but would
be given back to council once the Staff completes it, That
w*e his understanding
ersanding in talking to the Chairman of the Policy
and trocednrees Committee.
Councilwoman Witherspoon suggested that might be the time
to decide on the seniors program, es fax as policy goes.
Councilman Berwald offered the suggestion that to resolve
this, perhaps Councilwoman Witherspoon could mak* a sense
motion that these documents be referred to the appropriate
committee, but without any reference to City participation
in funding.
Councilwoman Witherspoon responded the only ream she makes
a to-do about it is, as Ccuncilma' Berwald would see by reading
between the lines, there is a certain amount of staff work
involved, and they ought to start thinking about it now.
That is why she wild prefer to have the Council's feeling
on whether they are interested, or is it her, alone.
Mayor Norton sought to clarify the matter. On memorandum
#2, be said they could give it a date of March 15 so that
they would know whet memorandum they were discuaaing. Summarising
her motion, as he understood it, referral is indicated of
both of her memorandums to Pie mid Public Works Committee.
Councilman Sher has mentioned Policy and Procedures Committee.
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It bothered Mayor Norton somewhat that Council make split
referrals because he thought the distinction between policy,
on the one hand, and finance, on the other, is often. artificial.
He thought it confusing to refer half a problem to one committee
and the other half of the problem&to another. He recalled
Council has done that a couple of.times in recent months,
and, to hiss, it has been totally confusing. He also added
his thought that it was completely illusory to think that
the Finance and Public Works Committee does not deal with
matters of policy. When they do a budget every year, he remarked
it is fraught with policy matters, and he saw no danger in
referring the entire matter to that Committee just to keep
it all together, so that there is not a duplication of efforts.
He would argue strnogly in favor of keeping the entire subject
matter together, refer it to one committee, namely Finance
and Public Works, and not try to refine it into one matter
of policy and one matter of finance, the latter being inseparable,
in his view.
If Councilwoman Withersp000n wanted to delete her last paragraph
of her own volition, it will be deed deleted, he commented,
and he asked her what part ehe would want deleted.
Councilwoman Witherspoon replied it would be the last paragraph
of the March 15 memorandum under the section on the Old Police/Fire
Building, where she suggested the City might participate in
seeking funds.
Mayor Norton stated that the gist of the deletion is to remove
any indication that Community Development Funds would be available.
Councilman Eyerly said he was sorry he was not at the Council
meeting to get all of the comments on the Old Police/Fire
Building on March 1, and the minutes were not cut yet. It
seemed to him there was a consensus this evening that sufficient
funds might be termed. It was in his mind that Setdor Coordinating
Council had said it would take $1 million to renovate the
Old Police/Fire Building and there should be about $750,000
raised to have enough money that the interest would provide
an operating program for them. That was a total of $1,750,000
they were indicating they needed, end the City said it would
not put up any of that amount. He &eked if those figures
rang a bell and were what they came in with.
Me. Bedwel i responded that what SCC had requested for the
reuova*ton of the building was $970,000, their estimate.
Councilman Eyerly asked what they had figured for operating
expenses.
Diana Steeples, Seniors Coordinator, replied that the Senior
Coordinating Council proposed that the City provide funds
for the renovation .and that they, in turn, would do the fund-
r>tising to establish an endowment, which would provide funds
for operating and that they would not ask the City for participa-
tion in the cost of operation.
Councilman Eyer l y asked if that aunt was about $750,000.
. Steeples did not know the figurs because it depends upon
whether one is talking about the cost of operation, if one
talks about the size of the endowment necessary in order
S d 0
3/15/74
to provide annual funds for operation.
Councilman Eyerly commented that he recalled in their report,
the Senior Coordinating Council said they needed an endowment
of about $750,000, which they thought they could raise; and
the City was to provide the other renovating costs.
Ms. Steeples thought the figure was higher but said she might
be wrong.
Councilman Eyerly did not know that the Finance and Public
Works Committee needed to work this over because he thought
it was all before the Council that the Senior Coordinating
Councile if they want -to renovate that building, are committed
to raise $1 million to do so, and the Council and the City
are not going to help them on it. Aa far as their endowment
for operating expenses on an annual basis, perhaps that needed
to be looked at, in conjunction. But to Councilman Eyerly`s
mind, the seniors were committed to raising $1,750,000 before
the Council looks at it. He did not know how they would do
any better than that in Finance and Public Works Committee.
Mayor Norton r:oaraented that maybe they would not.
Councilman Sher noted that Councilman Eyerly had not been
at the March 1 meeting, and a couple of things he had said
tonight were not exactly right. The $970,000 is the figure
that was estimated for the full renovation, including a new
wing to house the nutritional progress. The Council, after
some probing, discovered that was about $200,000, or thereabouts,
of the $970,000. Thus, if that was not in, the renovation
of the present: shell would be more on the ordex of $750,000.
In the Senior Coordinating Councils original submission,
they proposed that the City should pay that $970,000, or approximately
$1 million for the renovation; and then they said orally that
they would hope that they would raise $1 million for the endowment.
So it would be a kind of 50-50 proposition. Actually, he
added, the written report that the Senior Coordinating Council
had prepared said that they hoped to raise $1,200,000; Councilman
Sher did not give up on that figure and is hoping that they
can still raise $1,200,000 as they, at one point, auggeeeted
might be possible, aed that some $750,000 to $950,000 of that
cold be used for renovation end the balance could be used,
and any more that was . rained, for the evic t.
Councilman Sher thought some of the Coumcilmsmmbers, Councilman
Carey being one, in particular, felt it was better to have
the Senior Coordinating Council working on what he called
the "front -an " money to renovate the building; and then,
if neecessa ty, the Council could, each year, look at reeel/este
to help underwrite the senior services, just as the Council
now does in the headset, instead of then other way around, where
the City puts up all of the money at the beginning.
Those were sreee of the _points discussed at the meeting, and
Councilman - Sher hopped his remarks were en accurate reflection
of the f igureas .
Mayor Norton asked if Council were ready to voteam the referral
motion.
$$ 1
5/15/75
The referral motion was approved on the following vote:
AYES: Serwald, Comstock, Eyerly, Norton, Witherspoon
NOES: Beahrs, Sher
ABSENT: Carey, Clay
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
ADJOURNMENT
ansiatamaszamEr
The meeting of March 15, 1976 adj urned at 1.1:15 p.m.
ATTEST` :
APPROV E :
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