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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08271951City Hall, Palo Alto, California, August 27, 1951. • The Council of --the City of Palo Alto met in regular session on this date at 7:30 P.M., with Mayor Mitchell presiding. Roll call as follows: Present: Blois, Bowden, Mrs. Bower, Cashel, Cathcart, Drysdale, Gaspar, Hill, Marshall, Miller, Mitchell, Montrouil, Wickett. Absent: Bishop, Simpson. The minutes of the meeting of August 13, 1951, were approved. Bids for Sale of Improvement Bonds of 195o Series C This was the time for opening bids for the sale of $600,000.00 City. of Palo Alto Municipal Improvement Bonds of 1950, Series C. The following bids were received and read, "each bid being for the par value of said bonds plus accrued interest to date of delivery, with premiums and interest rates as .follows: Bidder Bank of America Halsey, Stuart & Co., Inc. and Associates (John Nuveen & Co.) IFred D. Blake & Co.) The Bank of California N.A., Agent for Laidlaw & Co., First of Michigan Corporation., Taylor and Company William Blair & Company and Associates (R. W. Pressprich & Co:.) American Trust Company and Associates Weeden & Co.) Kaiser & Co.) Lawson, Levy & Williams) Blyth & Co., Inc. and Associates R. H. Moulton & Co. Heller, Bruce & Co: The Northern, Trust Co.) Security -First National Bank of Los Angeles) Premium and Interest Rate Premium of $69.00. Bonds to bear different rates of interest, 21%, 11% and 1 3/4%. Premium of v96.00. Bonds to bear different rates of interest, 1 3/4%, 11%. Premium of $106.98. Bonds to bear different rates of interest, 3%, 11% and 1 3/k%.: Premium of $80.00. Bonds to bear different rates of interest, 1 3/4% and le,. Premium of $228.00. bear different rates interest, 1 3/4% and Bonds to of 1le 2/0. Premium of $15.00. Bonds to bear interest at 1 3/4%. Each bid was accompanied by a cashier's or certified check in the amount of $10,000.00. The bids were referred to the Controller for analysis and report later during this meeting. O 67 Project 49-10, Amarillo Avenue et al This was the ;time for a hearing on Resolution No. 2148 of Intention to make changes and modifications by increasing the total amount,of the assessment on Project 49-10 in accordance with the bid price accepted. The hearing was declared open. There being no one to speak on the matter, the hearing was closed. Resolution No. 215+ ordering changes and modifications was read, and on motion of Montrouil and Gaspar, was adopted by unanimous vote on roll call. Resolution No. 2155, ordering improvements and confirming assessment, Project 49-10, was read, and on motion of Montrouil and Gaspar, -was adopted by unanimous vote on roll call. Resolution No. 2156, awarding the contract for Project 49-10 to L. C. Smith Company, was read, and on`motionof Hill and Montrouil, was adopted by unanimous vote on roll call. This" was also the time for a hearing on Resolution ' No. 2149 of Preliminary Determination and of Intention to make changes and modifications to Project 4+9-10 to provide fox_the construction of storm sewers: in Diss Road northeasterly of Middlefield,Road. The hearing was declared open. Mr. Frank White, 796 Ross Road, told the Council he felt the property owners involved should have more information about the plans'for the proposed work before they can saywhether not they are in favor of the project. Mr. John Donegan of the firm of Crist, Stafford & Peters, representing Noble Sund and other property owners, • addressed the Council objecting to the proposed modification, and presented a petition signed by forty property owners opposing the installation of the storm sewers as they had had no. drainage problem and felt the work is unnecessary. H. V. Conklin 3533 Middlefield Road, also objected to the proposed storm sewers. Mr. Thomas F. Loftus informed the Council that he and six other property owners are in favor of the project. . There being no others who wished to speak on the matter, the hearing was declared closed. The City Engineer explained the need for storm drainage as the area"is being built up rapidly and there will be a drainage problem if the sewers are not constructed. After discussion, it was moved by Hill, seconded by Cashel, that action be delayed until a future meeting and that the matter be referred to Committee No. 1 for further information and report. The vote on roll call was as follows: Ayes: Cashel, Drysdale, C7a.spar, Hill, Marshall, Montroui. Noes: Blois, Bowden, Bower, Cathcart, Miller, Mitchell, Wickett. The motion was declared lost. A motion was made by Blois, seconded by Miller, that the resolution ordering the changes and modifications to provide for the additional storm sewers be adopted. The vote on roll call° -was as follows: Ayes: Blois,.Bowden, Bower, Cathcart, Miller, Mitchell, Wickett. Noes: Cashel, Drysdale, Gaspar, Hill, Marshall, Montrouil. The resolution was declared lost. 68 On motion of Gaspar and Montrouil, all matters in connection with Project 49-10 were continued to September 24, ].951; at 7:30 P.M. Project 51-5i San Antonio Annex Sewers This was the time for a hearing on the unpaid assessment list under Project 51-5, San'Antonio Annex Sewers. The hearing was declared open. There being no one to speak on the matter, the hearing was closed. Resolution No. 2157, determining the list of unpaid assessments and providing for the issuance of bonds in the amount of -$:172,586.k8, was read, and on motion of Blois and Montrouil,- was adopted by unanimous vote on roll call. Resolution No. _2158 calling for bids on sale of improvement bonds, Project 51 -;,,the bids to be received on September 24, 1951, was read, and on motion of Gaspar and Montrouil, was adopted by unanimous vote on roll call. Bayshore Freeway A letter was received from the office of Governor Earl Warren acknowledging receipt of the resolution previously adopted by the Council 'urging the early completion of the Bayshore Freeway.' Request for Stop Sign A petition for.the installation of a stop sign at the corner of First Street and Olive Avenue was referred to the City Manager,,the Traffic Committee and Committee No. 2. Off -Street Parking A letter was received from the Chamber of Commerce enclosing a statement of the need for additional off-street parking, with a recommendation for the adoption of an amendment to the;Charter authorizing revenue bonds for acquisition of off- street parking facilities. The Chamber of Commerce also recommended that overtime parking fines be applied to the parking , meter revenue fund for purchase of off-street parking lots in order; to amortize the proposed bond issue over a shorter period of time; , also that business blocks adjacent to University Avenue between Bryant and Webster Streets be designated in the "S Zone" to encourage establishment of off-street parking in this section of the business;, district. and „S„ The communication was referred to the City Manager Committee No. l-, with the part of the letter in regard to zoning being referred to the Planning Commission. Claim for Damages A Rafferty in fall on the referred to claim for damages was received from Elizabeth C. the amount of $750.00 for injuries arising out of a sidewalk in front of 648 Channing Avenue. This was the City Attorney for investigation and report. Civil Defense Plans of Radio Industry Mr. Jay B. Rhodes, General Manager of KIBE, addressed the Council, outlining the civil defense plans of the radio industry,: in accordance with a request of the Federal Communications Commission, and presenting KIBE's part in the civil defense.prograr:' in this area and the Bay Region in general. iy �M1w{4' *fi 69 Project 50-5, Embarcadero Road et al The City Manager reported that the improvements under Project 50-5, Embarcadero Road, have been completed in a satisfactory manner and he recommended that the work, which was done by the Leo F. Piazza Paving Company, be accepted by the Council. On motion of Gaspar and Bowden, the project was accepted._ Architect for New City Hall The City Manager called attention to the Council's action some time ago in appointing Leslie I. Nichols as the architect to prepare plans for the new City Hall. Upon recommendation of the City Manager, and on motion of Bowden and Gaspar, the Mayor and City Clerk were authorized to sign the contract with Mr. Nichols. Bids on Conductors and Insulators, 60 kv Loop The City Manager submitted bid forms and specifications for Project 51-14, calling for electric line conductors and accessories, and for Project 51-13, calling for insulators and accessories, for the 60-kv loop system. He recommended that the call for bids be made as soon as possible as it will take from six to nine Months to receive delivery. On motion of Marshall and Bowden, the City Manager was authorized to call for bids for this equipment. Signals, Palo Alto Avenue -The City Manager was authorized to confer with State officials and obtain information as to the cost of installing traffic signals at the intersection of Palo Alto Avenue and El Camino Real, and the amount of Palo Alto's shared the, cost. Rezoning Applicaticns (Barrett & Hilp Property) Greer Property) A report was received from Committees No. 1 and No. 5 which have considered the application of the Barrett & Hilp Development Company for the rezoning of their property on Newell Road near Embarcadero Road from R-1 to C-2, and the application of Mary C. Greer for the rezoning of the Greer property on Newell Road and Channing Avenue from R-1 to C-1. The report and recommendations of the Planning Officer on this matter were transmitted., • The joint committee recommended that the applications be denied as submitted, and that consideration be given to zoning the Barrett & Hilp property as P -C, Planned Community. The' joint committee -further recommended that a public hearing on the rezoning applicationsbe set by the Council. On motion of Drysdale and Cashel, the report was accepted and a publichearing on the matter was set for Monday, October 1, 1951, at 730 P.M., to be held in the Chndren's Theatre at the Community Center. The City Manager was authorized to release the Planning Officer's report and information inthe press in regard to the --proposal' for P -C zoning of the Barrett & Hilp property. It was ,suggested :that the Planning Officer be present at the public hearing with the necessary maps and plans. • • Arterial Streets The proposed ordinance establishing Charleston Road, California Avenue from El Camino Real to Alma Street, Newell Road from North California Avenue to San Francisquito Creek, and _ Louis Road from Embarcadero Road. to San Antonio Road as.arterial streets, was presented for second reading. Committee No. 2 recommended adoption of the ordinance. A motion was:msde by Bowden, seconded by Montrouil, that the ordinance be adopted. Councilman Bowden pointed out that the matter had been under consideration by the Traffic Committee and Committee No. 2 for some time and that the need for these arterials -is apparent. He advised that the studies which'had been.made had taken into consideration the requests for four-way stops at Channing and Newell, and at other inter- sections., Opportunity was given to people in the audience to speak on the matter. Mr. Frank Rack, 186 Walter Hays Drive, representing the Crescent Park Woods Association, filed a copy of a resolution adopted by that organization objecting to the establishment of Newell Road as an arterial and favoring the installation of four-way stop signs at Channing and Newell. Othera.who addressed the Council opposing the Newell Road arterial were Frank Roberts,,1059 Newell Road; Mrs. Louis Fisani, Newell Road; Mrs. Jean Beecher, 941 Newell Road; Capt. A. B. Mayfield, 10 Jordan Place; Mortimer Smith, 1525 Walnut Drive; and Louis Fisani, 880 Newe:11 Road: Paul Schmidt objected to establishing Louis Road.as an arterial. Mrs. Robert J. Taylor, 901 Newell Road, informed the Council that she had tentatively accepted the job of serving as a crossing guard for the School Board, to help the children across the intersection at Channing and Newell, but would not take the job if Newell Road is made an arterial. After discussion, a notion was made by Drysdale, seconded by Cashel, that the proposed ordinance be amended by eliminating Newell Road. This ;.notion was carried by the following vote on roll call.: Ayes: Bower, Cashel, Cathcart, Drysdale, Gaspar, Marshall, Wickett. Noes: Blois, Bowden, Hill, Miller, Mitchell, Montrouil. On motion of Blois and Gaspar, the ordinance as amended by the deletion of Newell Road (Ordinance No. 1358) was then adopted'by unanimous vote on roll call. It was suggested by Mr. Drysdale that the Mayor and City Manager ask the interested residents of the Newell Road area to meet with them and the committee for the purpose of working out a -satisfactory solution of the traffic problem on Newell Road.; It was pointed out that.no objection was expressed to- making the portion of Newell Road between California Avenue and -- Enbarcadero Road an arterial. On motion of Montrouil and Hill, an ordinance establishing this part of Newell Road as an arterial street was accepted for first reading. (The Council took a recess at this t me and reconvened at 9:10 P.M.) 71 Change of Street Name The proposed ordinance changing the name of Pluns Court to Kings Lane was presented for second reading. In addition to the letters and petition submitt'^d at the last meeting objecting to the change in the street name, letter were received from Mr. and Mrs. Roger H. Sinden, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Sonnicksen, Marian-Seim2.a, Joseph L. Greer, Ellen E. Greer, Mary C. Greer and Mercedes Greer, asking that the name of ?nuns 1 Court be retained. A motion was made by Mrs. Bower, seconded by Cashel, that the ordinance be not adopted and the name "Pluns Court" ! be retained. Mrs. Robert M. Phillips, Mrs. J. E. Million, and E Mrs. J. F. Barb1er, addressed the Council urging that the name I be changed. Reference was made to a petition signed by most I of the residents of the street requesting, the change of name. The motion to retain the present name was lost by the following; vote: Ayes: Mrs. Bower, Cashel, Drysdale, Mitchell., Noes: Blois, Bowden, Cathcart, Gaspar, Hill, Marshall, Miller, Montrouil, Wickett. On motion of Montrouil and Hill, Ordinance No.',1359 changing the name of Pluns Court to Kings Lane was then:adopted by the following vote on roll call: Ayes: Blois, Bower, Cathcart, Drysdale, Gaspar; Hill, Marshall, Miller, Montrouil, Wickett. Noes:'Bowden, Cashel, Mitchell. (Councilman Bowden left at this time, 9:25 P.M., and was absent from the meeting for a few minutes.) Sale of Municipal Improvement Bonds of 1950, Series C At this time the Controller submitted his report on the bids received at7:30 P.M. -.this evening for the purchase of $600,000.00 City of Palo Alto Municipal Improvement Bonds of 1950, Series_ C, a;, follows: . Total Interest Average Interest Bidder Cost Rate Bank of America N.T. & S.A. $145,356.00 1.700% Halsey, Stuart & Co., Inc., and Associates 146,279.00 1.710% Bank of California N.A., Agent for Laidlaw & Co., and Associates' 146,818.02 1.717% William Blair & Co:., and - Associates 147,645.00 1.726% American Trust Company rand Associates 148,347.00 1.735% j Blyth & Co., Inc. and j Associates 149,610.00 1.74gw ' Resolution .No. 2159 providing for the sale of the bonds t� the.,aank of -America in accordance with their bid, was read, and on motion of Montrouil and Drysdale, was adopted by unanimous vote on roll call of all council members present. _On motion of Gaspar and Montrouil, the City Clerk was authorized to return the checks of the unsuccessful bidders. - • Improvement Plans 51-11, Gas System A report was received from Committee No. 1 recommending that the City Manager be authorized to call for bids on Improvement Plans No. 51-.11 for -the extension and improvement of the gas` distribution system in connection with Street Improvement Project X49-10, Amarillo Avenue et. al. On motion of :Cathcart and Mrs. Bower, the report was adopted and the City Manager was authorized to call for these bids. Rezoning Application (Ledoyen) A report was received from Committee No. 1 recommending that the application of Maurice Ledoyen for the rezoning of Lot 7, Block 2, Evergreen Park, from R-1 to -3 be referred back to the ' Planning Commission for reconsideration. On motion of Mrs. Bower and Bill, the recommendation was adopted and the matter referred back to the Plannin.gCommigsion. Hire of Surarey - Crew A report was received from Committee No. 1 recommending that authorization be granted for the hire of a three-man survey party complete with transportation,and equipment, at a rate not to exceed $85.00 per day, for a period not to exceed thirty days. Committee No. 4 recommended that authorization be granted for hire'of this survey crew, the cost to be charged to Engineering accounts. On motion of Montrouil and Mrs. Bower, the recommendations were adopted. (Councilman Bowden returned at this time and was present for the rest of the meeting.) Tide Gate for Matadero_ Flood Basin A report was received from Committee No. 1 recommending that, the City Manager be authorized to purchase the necessary materials for the construction of the tide gate in the Matadero Flood Basix. Committee.No. 4 recommended that $3,300.00 betransferred from the Special Projects Fund, Aecount 123-98, to Account 146-99, for the purchase of these materials. The City Manager reported that one bid had been received on these materials, from the Armco Drainage and Metal Products, Inc., in the amount ,of $3,324.69, and recommended the acceptance of the bid . On motion of Blois and, Montrouil, the bid was accented and the. sum of $3,324.69 was transferred from Account 123 -98 -to Account 146-99 for the purpose, by vote on roll call, with 12 Ayes, Cashel not voting on the motion. reement with Chamber of Commerce A report was received from Committee No. 4 recommending that the Mayor be_authorized to sS gn the agreement with the Palo. Alto Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association relative to allocation of funds in the 1951-52 budget for promotional and advertising activities. On motion. of Blois and Gaspar, the Mayor was authorized to -sign, this agreement. yra • 73 • Transfers of Funds A report was received from Committee No. k recommending that a transfer' of $M.10.00 be made from the Special Pro,;ects Fund, Account 123-98, to Account 126-99, for the purchase of one Hewlett-Packard FM 337B, 4 -channel Frequency and Modulation Monitor, and one Crystal and Oven for 154.77 M.C., Channel 1. On mot ion of _Gaspar and Drysdale, the recommendation was adopted and the transfer authorized by unanimous vote on roll call. - Committee No. 4 also recommended a transfer of $1,100.0 from Account 105-01 to Account 105-4+7a for Planning Consultant' services. On motion of Gaspar and Blois, the recommendation was approved and the transfer authorized by unanimous vote on roll call. 'Hospital Improvements A report was received from Committee No. 4 recommending that an expen.diture`of not to exceed $18,000.00 be aut-ho"t'ized from the Hospital Improvement Fund for changes in flooring, ventilation, electrical changes, etc., for the Surgery and Maternity, which -are necessary to comply with the new regula- tions of the State Fire'Marshal's office. It was pointed out that this matter has been under consideration for some time, pending a report from the State Fire Marshal. On motion of Wickett and Montrouil, the recommendation was adopted and the expenditure authorized by vote on roll calf., with 12 Ayes; Miller voting No. It was explained by the City Manager that the maintenance crew of the Hospital would do matt of the work, and that the Fire Chief who had recommended approval of the changes:would .follow the project until it is completed: Councilman Castel requested that a member of the Engineering staff or the Building Inspector check the work also Taxicab Driver :Permits A report was, received from Committee No. 2 -recommending adoption of an amendment to Section 5.35 of Codified Ordinance No. 5 relative to Taxicab Driver Permits, authorizing-the;Chief of Police to grant .a temporary permit upon the furnishi.ng`of a character reference satisfactory to the' Chief of Police, pending a check as required by the ordinances before a driver's - permit is issued. A proposed ordinance amending Section_ 5.35 was accepted for first reading. Swimming:Pool Rates A report was submitted by Committee No. 3 advising that it has considered the petition of Mrs. J. V. McCrary and ,o thers for a reduction in admission prices at the swimming -pool. The committee reported that it has reconsidered the rates as established in May, and feels that they are fair and proper and should not be changed. The committee pointed out that the ppols in this area maintain similar charges with the exception 'of the Santa Clara pool which is a school pool and not comparable. It recommended that the Superintendent of Recreation furnish the petitioners withdetailed information in regard to rates and met of operation of the poo1. Mr. J. V'. McCrary addressed the Council objecting to the present rates, especially for the teen-age group. CC On motion of Mrs.. Bower and Drysdale, the report of Committee No. 3 was adopted. Sign for Peers Park A report was received from Committee No. 3 recommending; that the Council accept with appreciation a sign donated by the South Palo Alto Lions Club, to be' erected in Peers Park, the sign reading "Peers Park", and that a letter be written by the Mayor to -the South Palo Alto Lions Club expre5ting the apprecia- tion of the City of Palo Alto for this gift. On motion of Blois and Drysdale, the recommendation was approved and the gift.accepted. Purchase, -of Land from County A report was received from Committee No. 5 recommending • that the Mayor be authorized to sign an agreement of purchase 'with Santa Clara County for a strip of land acquired in 1923 for: opening of an alley .in Block 21, and that payment of costs of $15.00 in connection with this matter be approved. On motion of Gaspar and Montrouil, the recommendation wa's adopted and the execution of the agreement was authorized. Parkin Lot, A report was -received from the Committee of the Whole recommending to -the Council that the City Manager be authorized to start proceedings to evict the tenant in the building at 630 Bryant Street, so that the City can proceed with the develop- ment of the parking lot on Bryant and Forest. On"advice of the City Attorney, who reported that he and 'the City Manager are negotiating with the tenant, the matter was continued to the next meeting of the Council. Acceptance of Deed and Easement `On motion of Gaa',par and Montrouil, and by unanimous vote on roll call, the Council'7adopted a resolution accepting deed from Manuel Maranhao and Mary Maranhao covering part of Lot 148, C_. M. Wooster Company's Subdivision. On motion of Gaspar and Montrouil, and by unanimous vote on roll call,;a resolution was adopted accepting a grant of easement from Manuel and Mary Maranhao covering portion of Lots 140 'to 147 inclusive, C. M: Wooster Company's Subdivision. -Parking Regulations on Waverley Street Ordinance No. 1360, establishing a No Parking Zone and a Parking Meter Zone on'-Waverley Street northwesterly of Lytton Avenue, was given second reading, and on motion of Bowden and Montrouil, was adopted by unanimous vote on roll call. Planned Community Stern & Price A proposed ordinance amending the Znning Map by changing; the "P -C -I" Zone on Alma Street near Diss Road to "P -C", and clanging the fire zone- on this property from Fire Zone No. 3 to Fire Zone No. 2, was accepted for first reading. It was explained that this "ordinance confirms the action taken by the Council on August 13, 1951, zoning the Stern & Price shopping area as "P --C", Planned Community. Esc 75 Riders to Insurance Polices 0n motion. of Bowden and Montrouil, the Mayor was authorized:to sign riders to the Group Life Policy and the Group Hospital Policy of The Travelers Insurance Company. Leaves" of Absence Councilman Cashel was granted permission to leave the State for two weeks beginning August 30, 1951. Councilman Simpson was granted permission to leave the State -from August 28, 1951 to September 10, 1951. Request to Cancel Taxes 0n motion. of Cathcart and Montrouil, the City Clerk was authorized to sign a request to the Board of Supervisors for the cancellation of county taxes on the property recently purchased for a City Hall site at Newell Road and Embarcadero Road. Next Meeting September 24. 1951 Inasmuch as the date of the next regular Council meeting falls on a -legal holiday (Admission Day), it was moved, seconded and carried that the next meeting be on Monday, September 2?+, 1951. On motion of Gaspar and Montrouil, the Council adjourned.