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City Hall, Palo Alto, California,
September 12, 1955.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto met in regular
session on this .da:te at 7:30 P.M., with Mayor Porter presiding.
Roll call as .follow,
Pres nt:'Bishop, Byxbee, Cresap, Cummings, Davis, Drysdale.,
Giffin, Marshall, Navis, Porter, Rodgers, Ruppenthal,
Simpson.
Absent: Mrs. Corcoran, Mitchell.
The minutes of the meeting of August 22, 1955, were
approved.
Embarcadero-Wildwood Annexation
oning-an eve oilmen an Eichler)
This was the time set for a hearing on the proposed
annexation of "Embarcadero-Wildwood Annexation" area, bounded
generally- by Embarcadero Road, 1"ildwood Lane, San F'rancisaulto
Creek and the Bayshore Highway.
It was agreed to consider the zoning and development plan
of the area .before holding the hearing on the annexation.
A report was received from the Planning Commission. re-
cor trending that the area bounded by Embarcadero Road, the Bayshore
Highway Frontage Road, an extension of Chennln7 Avenue and a line
120 feet east of and parallel to kildwood Lane be zoned P -C
(Planned Community), and recommending, approval of the development
plan submitted by the owner of the property, Mr. J. L. Eichler.
It was explained that the development elan consists of three parts:
a plot plan showing building locations, narking, circulation and
landscaping;. a preliminary elevation or perspective; and a
development schedule. The Commission recommended approval of the
plot plan subject to -the provision of a 10 -foot planting strip
along the boundary of the recommended P -C zoning oa.rallel to -
Wildwood Lane. It was also explained that the development schedule
provides for the commencement of construction during the first part
of 1956, with completion scheduled for the same year. •
The development nian was shown end explained by the
Planning Officer.
Mr. E. H. Stewart, Jr., 77t4Wildwood Lane, presented a
petition signed by 402 property owners and residents, protesting
against the size, character and location of the P -C Zone as re-
commended by the Planning Commission, and rennecting that the east
side of Nildwood Lane be zoned R-1. Mr. Stewart submitted a
written statement requesting on behalf of the petitioners that the
residential zoning of the area be continued essentially as
established by the County Planning Commission, and objecting to the
development of a commercial area as propcsed by Mr. Eichler. The
petitioners requested that the proposal be rejected and further
study be made by the Council before final action is taken.
A letter was received from Mr. John V. Gardner, 1047
Embarcadero Road;, objecting to the elan as proposed by Mr. Eichler
if a service station and office buildings ere included.
Mr. Frank Crist, attorney, addressed the Council, in behalf
of his client, Mr. Joseph Eichler, indicating that Mr. Eichler does
not wish to proceed with the annexation of the area unless
satisfactory zoning is established; that he feels the development
planned is reasonable and would beautify the entrance into the
City of Palo Alto. Mr. Crest suggested that the matter be referred
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to a committee for a hearing and further study. He stated that
Mr. Eichler would like to use the lard on the easterly side of
Wildwood Lane for office buildings instead of residential uses as
recommended by the Planning Commission; that he would like to show
the Council his plans for office buildings and has not agreed to
accept R-1 zoning, for this particular location at this time,
although he is willing to be reasonable about the question and
might yield later or, that point. Mr. Crist also stated that the
proposed shopping center will occupy less commercial area than the
strip of commercial zoning previously established by the County
along the Bayshore Highway, and that there will be cont.-o1 by the
City over the uses and type of buildings in the P -C district.
Mr. Sidney Feinberg; 674 Wildwood Lane, and Mr. J. Elliot,
1947 Ivy Lane, spoke briefly in opposition to the size and location
of the shopping; center and to any use except residential along
Wildwood Lane.
On motion of Marshall and Ruppenthal, the matter was
referred to Committee N. 1 fora, public hearing, which was set
for Thursday, September 15, 1955, at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Room.
On motion of ;Drysdale and Bishop, the question of the
annexation of the AreaWas continued to October 10, 1955.
(The Council took a recess at this time, 8:25 p.m.,
and reconvened at 8:35 p.m.)
Willow Road Extension
A communication:was received from David B. Haight,
President of the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, transmitting a
statement of policy adopted by the Hoard of Directors of the
Chamber of Commerce concerning the need for en adecuate cross -
Peninsula thoroughfarebetween the Bayshore Freeway and the foot-
hills; and recornmendi.ng that the City of Palo Alto adopt as a
principle. the need to connect the Willow Road-Bayshore Freeway
Interchange with the Alpine -°and Hill Extension in order to provide
a through route .for inter -city traffic and an adequate cross -
Peninsula route, and further recommending that the City of Palo Alto
agree to the route to be'selected by the State Highway planners,
and that this route sn selected be included in the State Highway
system in order that necessary engineering studies of the structures
required may be made and that construction may proceed at an early
date
Mr. Hugh C. Jackson,.Chairman of the Area Traffic Committee
of the Chamber of Commerce, and other members of this committee
were present. Mr. Jackson addressed the Council urging that the
policy statemer.t be adopted immediately. Mr. Ali Brandin also
spoke in support of the recommendation and informed. the Council that
Stanfor University recognizes the need for a cross -Peninsula route
and has reserved area north of the Stanford shopping center of
sufficient size for a through road. He urged favorable action b�Y
the Council.
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A letter was read by the Mayor from the Palo Alto Citizens'
Association reiterating their stand. on the Willow Road Extension,
again opposing the extension of -Willow Road into the City of Palo
Alto at any place throughout the. residential area.
Mr. Norris James, 215. Churchill Avenue, urged the Council to
make a decision at. thistime, and suggested that consideration 'be
given to the development of. a parkway, not just ar.access road, and
advised that it -might be.possible. in the future to make the road a
part of U. S. Highway 50"connecting the Sierras and Sen Joaquin
Valley with the Peninsula and the Coast.
Councilman Simpson reviewed previous discussions of this ques-
tion of Willow Road, which he felt should be included in the State
Highway system, and moved that the Council adopt as a principle the
recommendation submitted by the Chamber of Commerce. The motion
was seconded by' Drysdale.
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C. R. Pettit, , 90 Palo Alto Avenue, sooke in opposition
to the motion, advising that he and other residents of that area
object to Willow Road going through Palo Alto.
Councilman Rodgers opposed the motion, stating he '.ras ' in
favor of a clam which would extend Willow Road north of San
F.rancisquito .Creek and not through any of the residential area of
Palo Alto, and, felt that if the State has the right to select the
route, they might bring the road through Palo Alto. Councilman
Navis. spoke in support of the motion and urged prompt.act'on
Councilman Byxbee agreed that the ex'"ension of Willow
Road ls'needed.but that the Counc1 should give protection,to Palo
Alto property. :de`and Rodgers moved that the matter be tabled,
and the motion was carried by the following vote on roll. call:
Ayes: Bishop, Byxbee, Cummings., Giffin, Marshall, Porter,
Rodgers, Ruppenthal.
Noes: Cresap, Davis, Drysdale, Navis, Simpson.
After further discussion, a motion was made by Bishop,,
seconded. by Davis, that the matter of 'illow Road be taken from
the table. This motion was carried by the following vote on
roll call:
Ayes: Bishop, Cresap, Davis, Drysdale, Giffin, Nevis,
Porter, Simpson.
Noes: Byxbee, Cummings, Marshall, Rodgers, Ruopenthal.
At this- point, Mr. Linn Wrinterbotham, Secretary -Manager
of the Chamber of Commerce, requested the Council not to delay
action, stating that the Chamber had been advised by State Highway
officials that presentations regarding the inclusion of highways
in the State system should be made within the next s_x months to
a committee of the Legislature.
A motion was made by Rodgers, seconded by Byxbee, that
the matter be referred to Committees No. 1 and No. 3. Other
council members asked for a vote on the original motion made by
Simoson and' Drysdale for the adoption as a principle of the
recommendation of the Chamber of Commerce for the connection of the
Willow Road-Ba..yshore Freeway Interchange with the Aloine-Sand Hill
Extension, the route to be selected by the :Mate Highway planners
and included in the State Highway system. The City Attorney ruled
that it was proper to take action on the original motion. A roll
call was taken and the motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes1 Bishop, Cresap, Deviz,, Drysdale, Giffin, Mavis,
Porter, Simpson.
Noes: Byxbee, Cummings, Marshall, Rodgers, Ruppenthal.
Project 55-5, California Avenue Off -Street Parking
Th.e Engineer•' S Report including map of the lands oro-
posed to be acquired under Project h5-5, diagram of the asseszment
district, and estimates of the cost of the aceuisitions and im-
provements,. were presented and explained. It was reported that
the total estimated cost of the ;project is $217,000.00.
Mr'. Frank Butters, attorney representing John H. Talbot
and Elizabeth P. Talbot, owners of the property at 360-364
California Avenue,'addressed the Council, advising that his clients
had accuired the property after the previous owner had set aside !,
certain area for. parking: in accordance with the US. !one recuire-
ments; that they dld: not a;opose the parking district but wished toi
reserve the right to file an objection in view of the fact that the,r
•
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had purchased the parking •area in connection with the building
which they had acquired.. Mr: Butters suggested that a value be set
on the easement. which. his• clients hold on the property reserved for
parking. The City Attorney advised that he thought the problem
could be settled later by negotiation and wou.1L, not affect the
project.
The City Attorney advised that the next step in the•nro
ceedings is .the adoption of a resolution of preliminary approval
and a resolution of intention to make the acquisitions and improve-
ments, setting date for hearing or October 10, 1955. The L'ity
Attorney also stated that.there have been discussions among the
Property owners in the area regarding; minor modifications in the
property to be acquired and in the assessment district, and that
the staff may have some minor.changes to be considered. He
suggested that the question of modifications be referred to a
committee to study in -conjunction with the staff and renresentatives
of the interested property owners, with the thought that if the
committee reports at the next Council meeting, a hearing on any
proposed modifications could be held at the same time n$ the hear-
ing on the resolution of intention.
Resolution No. 2649 of Preliminary Aooroval, Project 55-5,
was introduced, and on motion of Cummings, and Drysdale, was
adopted on roll call with 12 Ayes. (Simpson was absent during; this -
roll call.)
Resolution No. 2650 of Intention to make f,cctuisitions and
Improvements, Project 55-5,was introduced, and on motion of
Cummings and Drysdale, wa-s,adopted by unanimous vote on roll call. -
This resolution fixes October 10, 1955, at 7:30 P.M. the time
for hearing.
Committee No. 2 was requested to meet with a group from
the California Avenue. District to consider modifications of the
project, and this meeting was set for Thursday, Senternber 22, 1955,.
at 7:30 P.M.
Change of Street Name (E1 Camino Way)
A letter was .received from Ralph W. Evans, Postmaster.,
sug;esting that the name of El Camino Way be changed because of the
confusion resulting. from the present street naming <and ;u.mbering of
El Camino Real and E1 Camino Way.
On motion of Bishop and Cummings, this was referred to
the Planning; Commission.
Air. Pollution Control Report
A letter was received from Dr. W. Elwyn Turner, Director
of Public Health` and Air Pollution Control Officer of Santa Clara
County, transmitting.report summarizing the activities of thy'
Santa Clara County Air Pollution Control District for the period•
1948-55, and asking that the Council take adequate stens to assure
operation of the Palo Alto -dump without air pollution.
This was referred to Committee No. 1.
Letter from Mrs. C. K. Duff re Electric Rate Increase
A letter was received from Mrs. C. K. Duff, 560 Miramonte
Avenue, concerning the increase in electric rates and obecting to
the increase applied to her utility bill covering meter readings
from July 22nd to August 23rd,, since she understood the increase
was to take effect on August 27th.
The Controller explained that the billing is on a cycle
basis and that the increase in rates became effective with the
August billing.
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Mrs. Duff was present and spoke to the Council in protest,
to the increased charges applied to her August bill.
The matter was referred to Committee No. 3, and Mrs. Duff
was informed by the Mayor -that a letter of explanation -would be
sent to her later after -the committee has considered the ouestion.
Improvement of Center Drive
The City Manager reported that a call for bids, to be
opened.at three.o'clock today, for the construction of sidewalks,
curbs and gutters, and installation of electroliers on'Center
Drive adjacent to Eleanor Park, had been made and that nobids on
the work were received. The City Manager asked for instructions
-from the Councilmas to when bids should be called for again. The
matter was -referred to Committee No. 1.
--Lease: Modification Agreement& Airport ruelin$ z�acilities
The -City Manager submitted a lease modificatlon.,agreement
between the City of Palo Alto and the Standard Oil-Corraany, amend-
ing the description of the site leased to said compa.ny'for airplane,
fueling; facilities at the Palo Alto Airport. 0n motion of Drysdale -
and Cummings, the Mayor and City Clerk were authorized to' execute
the agreement on behalf of the City.
(Councilman Navis was absent from the room'during.-
the consideration of thlc item.)
Regulations for City Dump
The City Manager reported on problems in connection with -
operation of the' dump,. and presented oronosed ordinances `px'ohibitin
burning at the dump and prohibiting, the use of the dump by; non-
residents. He painted out that the main problem at the dump is
volume, and if -the dump is restricted to ? lo Alto residents, the
volume can be.reduced about 40 per cent.
The Mayor stated that in his opinion other problems
will be created if outsiders are not oermitted to use the dumn,
and suggested that consideration be „given to setting un a fee
schedule for non-residents or letting them know where they can, go
to dump their refuse.
After discussion, the proposed ordinances were accented
for first reading and referred to Committee No. 1. The City
Manager was requested to work out a fee schedule for non-residents
for the consideration of Committee No. 1, and it was suggested that
the committee consider the matter at its meeting scheduled for
September •15th if possible so that a report could be made to the
Council at its next meeting.
Library Program
A report was received from Committee No. 2 recommending
that the report of the Library Committee, dated August 1, 1955,
be accented as a guide in the development of a major library plan
as .rapidly as circumstances permit.
adopted.
On motion. of Cummings and Simpson, the recommendation was
Councilman Rupnenthal suggested that it might be
advisable to• give consideration to the establishment of branch
libraries before the erection of a new centra' library. It was
pointed out by Councilman Byxbee that if there is a possibility
of a branch library being located in Mitchell park, nrcvision for
it should be made while the park is being developed, or if a branch;
286
Is' to be located elsewhere, thought should be given to acauiring
the necessary lard while sites are available.
Committee No. 2 was requested, in conjunction with the.
Library Committee and the staff, to elaborate on the study,...
particularly Pertaining to a branch in the southeasterly part of the
City and to 4 branch or reading room in the downtown area.
Purchase of Securities
A report- was received from Committee No. 3 recommending
that the Treasurer be authorized to purchase $200,000 United
States. Treasury Notes',,2%, due August 15, 1956, for $199,84;3.75.
Resolution No. 2651, authorizing; this ourchatie, was in-
troduced and adopted by unanimous vote on roll call.
Tentative Map
A report was received from the Planning; Commission re-
commending approval of the tentative map of the subdivision of
Lot 11 and part of Lot 10, Block 4, Seale Subdivision No. 5,
located at Louis Road and Oregon Avenue, subject to the elimination
of one lot in that portion northerly of Garland Drive to Increase
the minimum lot size to over 6,000 sq. ft. ard to provision for a
50 -foot width for the cul-de-sac, with Garland Drive .remaining as
shown on the man.
The :Tannin; Officer reported that the Planning;
Commission's recommendation was not in accordance with the City
Engineer's report; that -the City Engineer had called attention to
the -substandard width of the extension of Garland Drive, and had
recommended that approval of the mazy should be subject to construc-
tion of complete street improvements to standard dimenslors for
50 -foot streets and to obtaining; or granting necessary easements
for utilities and •tree planting.
This tentative map was referred to Committee No. 1.
Final Map of Tract No. 1597
A report was received from the Planning Commission re-
commending aooroval of the final map submitted by Erown & Kauf f. mann
for the subdivision of -Tract -No. 1597, Meadowoark Unit No. 3, at
Charleston Read. and East Meadow •Drive, subject to provision of
additional easements as required, and changing locations of monu-
ments to conform with Tract No. -1580 and Tract No. 1594.
Resolution No. 2652 approving this man was introduced,
and on motion of Cummings and Runnen:thal, was adopted by unanimous
vote of all council. members present. (Rodgers was absent during the
roll call.)
Fine Z Mai of _Tract No . 1591+
;The Planning Commission recommended annroval of the final
map submitted by Mackay Homes for the- subdivision of Tract No. 1594✓,
being a..portion of. Lot 97 and portion of Lot 140, Wooster Sub-
division, located .at East Meadow Drive and Louis Road, subject to
conforming the property line and the adjacent subdivision, Tract
No. 1597, and to the following -recommendations of the City Engineer'
(1) Granting easements within the tract and obtaining
easements outside of the tract as necessary to
serve the subdivision with utilities and provide
dra inage .
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(2) Abutting streets to be properly shown and the sub-
division.boundaryadjucted to exclude Taylor Street
frontage; monument 1oca.tl.nns to be changed as
necessary to conform tr, alignment with those in
adjacent subdivisions in the Process of development;
retention of a one -foot reserve at the stub end of
Driftwood Drive; and renaming the portion of
of Driftwood Drive paralleling Louis Road.
- Resolution No. 2653, aoorovirg Man of Tract No. 1594,
was introduced, and on motion of Cumming^. and Ruooenthal, was
adopted by unanimous vote of all council members present. (Rodger:,
was absent during this roll call.)
Final Map of Tract No. 1585
A report was submitted by the ?lapping Commission re-
commending approval of the final man presented by A. T. Cook for
the subdivision of a portion of Lot 51, Wooeter Subdivision,
Tract No. -1585, located at Loma Verde Avenue between Middlefield
Road and Avalon Terrace, subject to showing additional monuments
to be set in the street areas.
Resolution No. 2654, approving Mean of Tract No. 1585, ti:as4
introduced, and. on motion of Cummings and Runnenthal, was adopted
by unanimous vote of all council members oresent. (Rodgers was
absent during the roll call.)
(Councilman Marshall left at this time, 10:20 =.M., 1
and was absent for the rest of the meeting.)
Abandonment of Easement
Resolution of Intention No. 2655 to abandon a oorteon of
a public utilities easement in the R=ancho Rincon de San
Fra.ncisqu .to adjacent to East Meadow Drive in the City of Palo :iltol,
was' introduced, `and on motion of Cummings and Na.vise was adopted
unanimous vote . of all council members oreent . (Rodgers. as
absent during the roll call.)
Monthly. Reports
The monthly report of the Controller for August, 1955,
was received and placed on file.
The monthly report of the 21a.nnin r; Officer. .on •action
taken in August on applications for redivisicn of lots, and the
monthly report: Of the Zoning Administrator on action taken in
August on anplieations•for variances and use oermlts, were re-
'ceived and placed on file.
Clams• for Damages
A-r•eoort was received from the City Attorney regarding thb
claim filed by Harry A. and Julia B. McGill l.n the sum of $42.00
for injury- sustained by Mrs. McGill when she stumbled o v,er . a.
"stob .-ourm' between the ,Community Center building; and the narking
a area. The City Attorney advised that in his oolnlon Wbere'is no
liabilityeon the 'Dart of the City and recommended that .the claim
,be denied.
On motion'of 8yxbee end Simpson, the City Attorney`s
recommendation was accepted and the claim dented.
The City Attorney also reported on the c l ai m filed b;
Mrs. Ira. Hart in the sum of $7.50 for injury sustained when she
fell on the sidewalk on High Street near Hamilton Avenue. The
City Attorney advised that in hiz oo1 rior, there is no '.:.ab lity or,
the part of the City and recommended t et the claim be 'deried.
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confirmed.
On motion of. •Byxbee and Navis, the City Attorney's
recommendation was -accented and the -claim of Mrs. :''art denied
Planning Commission Appointment
The Mayor nominated Mr. Roland Sharpe, 3115 Avalon Court;
Palo Alto, as a member of the Planning Commission to replace Henry.
L. McIntyre, resigned; for the term ending June 30, 1956.
On motion of Simpson and .Drysdale, the appointment was
The Mayor was requested to send a letter to Mr. McIntyre;
on; behalf of the Council, thanking him for his services to the City.
Capital Improvement Report
The•Mayor advised that conies of a report on the capital
improvement .program -and financing will be sent to council member,
by the -end of this week.
Hospital Bonds
Councilman Cumrnin;s suggested that consideration be given
to selling -half of the hospital bond issue at this time, nutting '
the money into short terteTm government bonds until it is needed.' -
Th.is was referred to Cor iittee No. 3 for consideration.
Pharmacies in-R-3-P•and R -k Districts
Councilman. 'Cummings called s1ention to the action of the
Planning Commission. at a recent meeting relative to pharmacies in
R -3-P zones, stating -he was opposed to such a use in R -3--P zones
and that he felt the Council should take some act.on on the matter.
The City Attorney advised that he had ruled that the sale
of drugs and pharmaceuticals and the filli.ng of prescriptions in a •
clinicis an authorized accessory use In an R -3-P and R-4 district
under the present Zoning Ordinance, and that if the Council wishes
to change the situation the ordinance will have to be amended.
The matter was referred to Committee No. 1.
Architectural Control
It was moved by Cummings, seconded, and carried that the -
Planning Commission be requested to• study as soon as possible the
feasibility of establishing an architectural control board.
There being no further business to come before the
Council, the meeting was declared adjourned at 10:50 P.M.
ATTEST:
� �� t lerk
Mayor