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City Hall, Palo Alto, O. lif ornia,
June 1, 1953.
The Council of the City of Palo Alta �e n this date at
7:30 P.M.,:pursuant to adjournment of May 25, 1953, with Mayor
Mitchell presiding.'' Roll call as follows:
Present: Bishop, Blois, Cashel, Drysdale, Hill, Huston,,
Jackson, Marshall, Mitchell, Nontrouil, Porter,
Simpson, Wells.
Absent: Miller, Wicket.
Minutes of May 25, 1953
At the request of Councilman Hill, it was directed that
the minutes of the meeting of May 25, 1953, in regard to gift
of a Shopsmith tool from the Magna Engineering Corporation, for
use at the Community Theatre, be corrected to show that Mr. Hill
brought up the question of the responsibility of the City;in
case of accidents involving any one using city equipment and
that the City Attorney and Controller were asked to look into
the City's liability in this connection.
Bids on Fire .Station ,No. 4
A report was made by the City Manager on the bids
received on May 29, 1953, on Project 53-4 for the construction
of Rire Station No. 4 at Middlefield and Diss Roads He read
a letter from the architect, Harold C. Ahnfeldt, with recommends.
tins that the proposal of the Sibley G & T Company be accepted
at the base bid price of $37,585.00 and the contract beawarded-
on that basis; that Items 2 and 3 being deductions for Alternate
No. 1 on paving and Alternate No. 2 on footings be not. accepted.-
The City Manager concurred in these recommendations
of the Architect,and asked that the Council decide whether.
Item 4 (Alternate' 3) which adds $400.00 for an instantaneous
hot water heater Instead of the storage tank heater specified
should be accepted.
After discussion, it was moved by Huston, seconded ,by
Hill, and carried by; unanimous vote on roll call, that the bid
of Sibley G & T Company in amount of $37,585.00 be accepted
along with recommendations of the staff that Alternates: 1 and 2
be not accepted, and In view of the additional cost of an
instantaneous heater that Alternate 3 be not accepted.
,On motion of Montrouil and Wells, and by unanimous vote
on roll call, the sum of $9825.00 was transferred from the Capital
Reserve to Account 127-99 to, provide the necessary funds to
complete the 'fire station protect.
Canvass of Election ,Returns
,A. report was received from the tellers appointed, -at the
last meeting tocanvass, the returns of the general municipal
election for councilmen 'held -on May. 12, 1953. They advised that
the error in the returns from Precinct No. 18 has now been
corrected and that the canvass had been completed. The report:
showed that the 'total vote cast,, including 44 absentee ballots,
was 7261.
The votes cast for each candidate were as follows:‘.
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For Six -Year Term:
Robert W. Byxbee 4178
Mildred S. Corcoran 2888
Weldon B. Gibson 2278
Walter B. Hill 2159
Milton C. Iverson 702
Hugh C. Jackson 2597
Harold Kay 2763
William A. Laine 2132
Noel Edmund. Porter 4239
Lee W. Rodgers 3923
Karl M. Ruppenthal 2534
H..B B. ' Wells .. 2754
Howard A. Zink 1283
For Four -Year Term.
J. `Byron Blois: 2606
Robert'H. Cummings 4383
For Two -Year Term
`Donald A. Hanley 3443
Paul. J. Huston . 3796
Philip W. Montrauil 3285
Peggy McElligott 3285
Ordinance No. 1471 declaring the result of the election.
was read,,, and` on motion: -of` Bishop and Blois, was adopted by
;unanimous:, vote tThis resolution declares that
Robert W Byxbee Mildred S. Corcoran, Noel Edmund Porter,
Lee W. Rodgers and> -Karl M. Ruppenthal have been duly elected
for six -year terms;- that_.Rober,t H.;` Cummings was duly elected for
a four-year term; and that, Donald A. Hanley and Paul J. Huston
were duly elected' fortwo-year terms, all of said terms to
:commence on July =1, 1953..
Meeting of Tri-County Planning Council
An invitation was received from the Tri County Planning".,
Council to a dinner meeting to be held at Rickey's on June 4,
1953
Offer for Saleof Airport'
A letter was received from Paul L. May, attorney for the
Palo. Alto Airport, Inc'.,_asking if the City is desirous of
exploring the possibility of'purchasing the improvements owned by
the Airport and terminating the remainder of the lease, and
offering to sell` the improvements to the City for the sum of
$267,880.00.
This was referred to Committee No. 1 and the City Manager
for a report.
Gift of Painting from Judge Hardy
The City Manager reported that Mr. Edward E. Hardy had
made a gift. to the City of a painting of the Palo Alto dredge and
tug.
On motion of Blois and Hill, this gift was accepted and
the Mayor was asked to send a letter of thanks.
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Softball Entry Fee Cherie
The C1tv,Manager reported that a Class "C" Softball
League. is being formed, and recommended that the Recreation
DepartMent:'be permitted to charge each team in this league a
$20.00. entry fee.
On .motion of Montrouil and Bishop, this recommendation
was adopted.
Transfers of Funds
A,.report was received from Committee No. 4 recommending
that the following transfers of funds be authorized:
$ 50`.5 from the unappropriated balance of the
Garage Fund,to Account 902-99 for purchase
of electric polisher.
6,000.,00 from unappropriated balance of the General
Fund to Account 131-.32 to cover incidental
expenses on street improvement projects.
1,200.00 from unappropriated balance of the General
Fund to A count 140-02 to cover labor on
storm drainage maintenance.
40,000.00 from unapproriated balance of the General
Fund to Account 177-99, City Hall Construction.
This is to cover construction costs budgeted
in the 1951-52 budget but not expended during
that year and through a misunderstanding not
re -budgeted in the current fiscal year.
75.00 from unappropriated balance of the General
Fund to Account 107-28, Personnel advertising
account.
On motion of.Drysdale and Marshall, these transfers
were authorized by unanimous vote on roll call.
City Hall Cost
On motion of -Cashel and Huston, the Council directed
that.a. statementbe-published in the Palo Alto Times showing:,
the entire•cost' of the new.City Hall, including the cost .of the
site and the, purchase- of, the additional land adjoining,:: the
cost of thebuilding, furnishings and landscaping, with information
as to the amounts budgeted and -the funds used, the report to
include the. nuzaber of square _feet in -the building including the -
habitable area in the -basement.
Golf Course
A reportwas received from Committee No. 5 recommending
approval of the proposal submitted by the Golf Course Committee
for raising $75,000.00 through public subscription toward the
construction of a municipal golf course, as outlined in 'letter
of May,. 18, 1953, from.'.. 3. Miller, Chairman of the Golf - Course
Committee,. with' ;the`'provision that the forms be approved by the
City Manager and 'City Attorney.
On motion of Blois and Bishop, the report was adopted.
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Tax
Refunds
A report was received from Committee No. 5 recommending
that the following duplicate payments of taxes be refunded:
$ 6'.0$, . Tax Bi ll No • 11263,
'on -May 27., 1953.
$ 57,.23, . Tax.. Bi 21 No. 6301,
May 21, 1953.
duplicate payment made
duplicate payment made on
On motion of, Blois and Hill the recommendation was
adopted and the payments ` refunded by tnanimous cote on roll cal1.
Rider to .Group Life' Po.Licy
A ;report., was received from Committee No. 5 recommending
that the--Mayor.be authorized,to sign rider on the group life
insurance policy advancing the. renewal date from January 17 to
July, 1 .annual ly :.
On motinn of B.1ois and
adopted.
Closin& Portion; of Ross Road and Easement, M:i.dfai:^ Tract,
Resolution loo :'2450 approving map showing closing of
portion of Ross Roadwas read,.and on motion of Montrouil and
We'll's, was adopted by-unan1x ous.vote on roll call.
Cashel, this report was
Resolution ;of Intention No. 2451 for closing portion
of Ross. Road was'presented,'and on motion of Montrouil and
We118, was adopted by unanimous'vote on roll call. This fixes-
June 22, 1953, at ?:30 P;M, as time for a hearing on the, matter..
Resolution of Intention No, 2452 to close and abandon
utility pole line easement between Lots 73 and 77, Wooster
Subdivision, was `::presented rand ;.on motion of Montrouil and Wells,
wasadopted by unanimous vote on roll call. This resolution
sets June 22, 1953, at 7:30 P.M. as time for a hearing.
Use Permit., First Baptist Church
A report wasreceived from the Planning Commission
recommending that the application of the .First Baptist Church
for a use permit to erect the addition of a social hall to
the church at California Avenue ,;and Bryant Street be granted, subject
to the development of an egress along the rear of the property
parallel to California Avenue
On motion of Simpson and Montroi11, this use permit'
was granted in accordance with the recommnemdation of the Planning
Commission.
On> motion :of. Montroui:l and Blois, the Council
adjourned, at, 8:10 P.M.
ATTEST: �%1i
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City Hall, Palo Alto, California,
June 8, 1953.
TheCouncil of the City of Palo Alto met in regular
session :on this date at 7:30 EM., with Mayor Mitchell presiding.
Roll call as follows:
Present Blois,. Cashel, Drysdale, Hill, Huston,. Jackson,
Marshall, Miller, Mitchell, Porter, Simpson;'
Absent- Bishop;, ' Montrouil, Wells, Wickett .
The minutes of 'the meetings of May 25 and June 1, 1953,
were approved.
Assessment Roll:
A report was received from the City Assessor advising
that the 1953-51+ assessment roll is ready for equalization..
The City:Clerk was instructed to publish a notice`
as required by Sections'459 and 160 of the Administrative Code
that the assessment ;roll is open for.public inspection and that
the Council will meet as a Board of Equalization at 7 ;30; .M.
on the ` fourth Monday ,of July, July 27, 1953.
Utility Agreements
'Upon recommendation of the City Manager, and on motion
of Hill and Drysdale, the Mayor and City Clerk were authorized
to sign agreements for the installation of gas system in Tract
No. 1137, Midfair Subdivision, and in Tract No. 1055, .the Bell
Tract,
Play Areaot,:S:herman School Site
The City Manager reported that some of the residents
of the area between the Southern Pacific railroad and El -Camino
Real, south of California Avenue, under the leadership of
Mrs. Moulden and Mrs.`H. L. Severance, are attempting to provide
a community supported Tiny Tot Play Area to be located on a
portion of -the: old Sherman -School site; that it is proposed that
individuals and organizations will participate in providing the
surfacing, fencing and playground equipment. A plan for the
area has been drawn up by the Superintendent of Recreation.
The City Manager further reported that the School Board
has indicated its willingness to make the land available. He
pointed out that if arrangements can be concluded between the
City and the Board of Education for use of the land, and if the
City is willing to assume: liability and maintenance responsibili-
ties,.-the_.persons interested in the project will be in a position
to contact..groups and individuals and get their support and -
contributions for the program.
Councilman Porter urged that the Council take action
without reference to committee so that the project could be
started iwmediately. He advised that Hewlett-Packard Company
is willing to pay half the cost.
On;motion'of Porter and Drysdale, the program as outlined
was approved,::the City assuming reasonable liability and the
maintenance of the area.
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Water Pressure
The CtyManager read a letter from the Las rncinas
Sanitary District;'regarrding low water pressure in the Maybelle-
Arastradero_ area. He advised that the staff is aware that the
water pressure in; that area is: below normal; that steps have been
taken t.o correct it but a satisfactory solution would require
the expenditure of a .large` aum of .money. He read a suggested
reply to the letter,.empla,ining the` situation and pointing out
that the purchase of the Barron;ParkWater Company which will be
concluded soon is expected to result in improved pressures in
the area in question, but that:it would be two or three years
before the area will-be,developed to provide standard pressures. -
Variance Trinity Lutheran Church
A report was received from the Planning Commission
recommending,that the application of the Trinity Lutheran Church
for a variance'of the setback requirements on Lots 1 and 16,
Block 97 (northwester) side of Melville Avenue between Middlefield
Road:and Fulton Street from 50.feet to 16 feet be denied, but
that a variance be granted to,locate the church building as shown
on the plot plan designated "Exhibit A" a distance of 24+ feet from
Melville Avenue:
On motion. of Hill and Drysdale, the recommendation of
the Planning Commission was adopted.
Use Pernd t, Standard Oil Co.
A report was received from the Planning Commission
recommending'approval of the application of the Standard 011
Company fora use permit to construct and operate a gasoline
service station on'the southeasterly corner of Middlefield Road
and San Antonio Road in accordance'with plans and drawing of
elevations submitted, subjectto'changing the exits at the inter-
section to points`, no closer than 15' feet to the intersection, and
on condition that the.app}icant will remove, without cost to the
City, those structures encroaching on the future right of way of.
San Antonio Road is established by the setback lines at such time
as the property is actually acquired for street purposes.
On motion of Huston and Drysdale, this use permit was
granted'in accordance with the recommendation of the Planning
Commission.
Design Control
A. report was received from the
recommending that ` the proposed five -unit
on the southerly ones -half of Lots 9', 10,
Stanford City, be denied on. the basis of
curb -cut.
Planning Commission
apartment to be located
ll'and 12, Block 10,
an illegal driveway or
The Planning Offi er.reported that a revised plan has,
been submitted which overcomes the objection of the Planning
Connnission.
On motion of ,Hill and Drysdale, the matter was referred
back to the planning, Comidssion to consider the revised plan:
A report was received from the Planning Commission
recommending that the proposed six -unit apartment to be located on
Lots 11 to 16 inclusive,;,: Block 1, Stanford City, be approved.
On motion, of Hill and Drysdale, the recommendation was adopted.
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The Planning.Conmuission also recommended that the
appli.:eation for design' control approval of a proposed four. -unit
apartment to be located on Lots 17 and 18, Block 1., Stanford
City,,: be denied for the reason that no plot plan was submitted.
On -motion o.f Drysdale and Hill, the recommendation was adopted.
Tentative" Maps
A report vas submitted by the Planning Commission
recommending asc°follows regarding tentative subdivision'maps:
a. Tha'c= the map covering: the Lowrie Industrial -,Tract
located'on the westerly corner of Charleston and
San, Antonio Roads be approved, subject to recommenda-
-tion of the' City Engineer that public utility
'easements for --electric service and future storm
sewer line be provided, and subject to the further
requirement. that the 20 -foot easement as shown on 4tie'
map` be provided with screen planting:
b. That -the the map of Lot 10 'and portion of : Lot 8,;
'Block 5.,_ Seale Addition No.. 5, on the northwesterly
side,of Moreno Avenue, opposite Marshall Drive_, :be
approved, subject to provision of utility easements
as recommended by the City Engineer.
On motion of Hill and Cashel, these tentative maps
were approved in ,accordance with the recommendations of the
Planning Cormnission.
Lot; Red vi„si.ons
A report was received from the' Planning Commission
recommending approval of the following redivision of lots c
a.. In regard to the proposed redivision of Lots
6 and 7, Block 2, Bell Tract, on the
southeasterly':side of Sutter Court, the:Planning'
Commission approves this map in so far as -it
involves' Lots;` 3 and 4, subject to payment or
segregation of assessments.
b,. Portion: of Lot 106, Wooster Subdivision, on_the
southeasterly'side of Loma verde Avenue, approximately
160:_:.feet ,southwesterly of Louis Road, subject to
payment or segregation of assessments and to the
provision of a public utility easement and an
easement for access to the rear lot.
• Portionof Black 1, Stanford City, subject to change
of depth:`of.lots to 100 feet each and -.the satisfacto_
solution' of the technicality shown in x'ed .on the map,
and change in zone line to conform to the new.
property, line, and further subject to. provision of
public; utility easement and to payment or segrega-
t ion of assessments.
d. Portion of Lot 6, Block 2, Seale Subdivision No. 5,
on the;. northwesterly side of .California Avenue near
GEreerRoad,' subject to payment or segregation of
assessments and the provision of utility.: easement.
e.. Blocks 7.and 8, Stanford City, on the northwesterly
side of'Loma Verde Avenue between Alma and Ramona
S treets,.' as set forth on drawing, including a 99 -foot
depth,of lots on Ramona Street, subject to provision
of public utiiiti es easement and to the payment or
segregation of assessments.
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f. Portion of Lot 94, Wooster Subdivision, on the south
westerly sideof Ross Road 200 feet northwesterly of
Dies :Road,: subject`to provision of utility easement.
and to the payment or segregation of assessments.
g. Lots 8, 9 and:10, Block 23, College Terrace, southeri;
corner. a College'. Avenue' :and Oberlin Street.
h. Part of.;ot 11, Fife Addition, subject to payment
segregation of <assessments.
Part, of Lot 3; Seale Subdivision No. 4, northwesterly
side;:of Oregon Avenue 90 feet southwesterly of
Middlefield Road.
On, motion of Huston and Drysdale, the above lot redivi-
sions were approved in accordance with the recommendations of the
Planning Commission.
A report was also received from the Planning Commission
recommending' denialof the following redivisions of lots:
a. Lots 14 and: 15 ,and part of Lot 13, Block 35, College
Terrace, on the southwesterly side of Wellesley
Street approximately 200 feet northwesterly of
College Avenue.
b. Portion of Lot 68, Wooster Subdivision, on the north-
westerly side.of'Colorado Avenue, approximately
250 feet westerly of Ross'Road.
On motion' of Huston and Drysdale, the recommendations
were -adopted and the.redivisions denied.
Dog License Fees
A report was received from Committee No. 2 recommending
adoption ofs. revised ordinance amending Section 18.22 of Codified
Ordinance No. 5 relative to dog license fees and penalties.
The proposed ordinance was accepted for first reading.
One -Way Ailey
A report was, submitted by Committee No. 2 recommending
adoption of ordinance establishing the alley in the block bounded
by Forest,- Homer, High and nerson as a one-way alley, traffic to
proceed in a southerly direction.
Ordinance No. 1472 establishing this one-way alley was
given second reading, and gn:lotion of Simpson and Porter, was
adopted by unanimous vote on roll call.
No -Parking Zones
Commmittee No 2_ recommended the adoption of the ordinance
estab.lish'ing "no -parking zones" on portions of Enba.rcadero Road,
Kingsley Avenue and rerson Street, in accordance with the
channeiizat on plan for Enbarcadero-Emerson intersection.
Ordinance No.'.1473:establishing these "no -parking zones".
was,given seoond reading, and on motion of Simpson and Hill, was
adopted by unanimous vote on roll call.
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401.
SLOE- Signs
. -A report was received from Committee No. 2 recommending
the adoption: of an ordinance establishing stop signs on Lincoln
.Avenue at the intersection of Channing Avenue.
Ordinance No. 1474 establishing these stop signs was
given second reading,. -and on motion of Blois and Cashel, was
adopted by unara;"imous vote on roll call.
Taxi Sands
A;report was submitted by Committee No. 2 recommending
the adoption`o:f an ordinance abolishing taxicab stand No., 12 in
front of 4-19 Alma Street and the taxicab stand on the northeasterly
side of El. Camino Rea; beginning 48 feet southeasterly from
California Avenue and extending for a distance of 19 feet.
A proposed ordinance abolishing these taxi stands
was accepted fora first reading.
Monthly" Report:
'The monthly report of the Controller for May, 1953,
was received and placed on; file.
ReinvestMent of ands
Upon recommendation of the Controller, and on motion
of; Blois and Cashel Resolution No. 2453 authorizing. the_-
reinve,stment of $500,000 U. S. Treasury Bills due June .18, 1953,
in $500,000 U. S TreasuryCertificates of Inaebtedness., 25/8%,
due 0#10''.4 1.954-i' was -adopted by unanimous vote on roll call
Liabili tyre Use of Shopsmith Tool
In reply to an inquiry by Councilman Hill at a previous
meeting- the„Ci.ty Attorney reported on the question of the City's _
liability :in ;connection;. with the use of the Shopsmith'tool
at,. the: Commun'i.ty:Thea;tre. He advised that the City.` is `covered .,
by insurance :for injuries which might occur in the use of City,
equipment: that: employees. are covered by workmen's compensation
"regulations, and that:if injuries are incurred by any one.
outside of -the city employment the City is self -insured up to
$lo,,dOO,Oo and:..carries liability insurance for damages over
that' a atiat.
On` motion of Blois and Drysdale, the Council a.d journed;
8:'10 P.M.
APPROVED: