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City Hall, Palo Alto, California:
May 14, 1956;
The Council of the City of Palo Alto met in regular ses-
sion on this date at 7:30 P.M., with Mayor Porter presiding. Roll
call as follows:
proved.
Present: Bishop, Byxbee, Corcoran, Cresap, Cummings,
Davis, Drysdale, Giffin, Marshall, Nevis, Por-
ter, Rodgers, Simpson.
Absent: Mitchell, Ruppenthal.
The minutes of the meeting of April 23, 1956, were ap-
Project 52-13t Off -Street Parking, University Avenue District
The hearing on proposed modifications to Project 52-13 and.
all matters in connection with" the project had been continued to
this date.
The Mayor announced that Committee No. 2 held a meeting
this afternoon with property owners in the district. He suggested
that the Council have a discussion of the matter at this time, then
take a recess and decide whether or not the Council wishes to take
action this evening or continue the project to a later date.
Councilman Cummings, Chairman of Committee No. 2, reported'
that interested property owners had held two meetings, one on May
4th when twelve or fifteen of them got together and decided on a par-
ticular plan whichthey wish to promote. He stated that they felt
the Kump plan previously presented was only a partial solution and
would not provide parking for the entire district. The plan which
they developed provides for interior lots in each block facing Uni-
versity Avenue, designated as Areas A, B, C, D and E on a large map
on display.
Mr. Cummings reported on a meeting held this afternoon to
which all property owners in the 52-13 district were invited and: at
which all had an opportunity to discuss the project and the various
plans under consideration. He advised that sixteen people spoke at
the meeting, most of them in favor of the new plan. Those who were
in opposition were primarily .people whose properties were proposed
to be for parking lots. At the conclusion of the meeting,
property owners were asked to mark the map to indicate their wishes;;
the areas marked in black on the map are properties whose owners fa-
vor the new plan for interior parking lots. Areae marked in red, on
the map indicated lots whose owners were not present at the meeting
but who had sent letters favoring in principle the new plan. Areas
marked in blue indicated objections to the plan.
Mr. Cummings advised that the total assessed value of the
five, proposed parking areas is $294,000.00, and he estimated that
the acquisition costs would amount to about three times that figure
or $900,000.00; that improvement costs would add another $100,000.00
to the cost, making the total project around $1,000,000.00. Mr.
Cummings pointed out that the property owners have expressed no dis-
satisfaction with the cost; that the majority favor the interior lot
plan with the lots scattered around the district, andhe thought the
Council should go along with the wishes of the property owners.
Mr. Frank Crist, representing John Demeter, Smith's on the•
Circle, and J. E. Shearer, property owners in the district, urged
approval of the new interior lot plan. He stated that the people he
represents were not interested in the Kump plan, which Mr. Crist es-
timated would cost $1,500,000.00. He also spoke of the disadvantag-
es of the multi -story parking building which had been suggested.
An attorney representing Frank Walt Motors told the Coun-
cil that Mr. Walt has been unable to find another location in Palo
431
Alto to meet his requirements-, and that if the property which he oc-j
copies is acquired for parking, he will have to leave Palo;:Alto.
Mr. Walt's representative' advised that he feels income-
producing
property of this size„should have consideration, and that he would
present a, claim for substantial damages if the property is-taken-
Jimmy:
Leung, 544 Emerson Street, operator of theGolden
Dragon Restaurant at that location, was opposed to having their
property taken and asked for fair consideration. !
'Finley J: Gibbs, owner of the property at:151 University
Avenue, corner of High and University, stated that at first -he was
very much in favor of the KuMp plan which would greatly ..benefit 'his
property,' but after further study he felt that the new plan :was a .
much better solution of the parking problem for the' entire. area and �.
he was in 'favor of it. He stated that he favored the Kummp plan from
a beautification point of•view, but felt that property owners should'
not 'be obliged to pay for it
(Councilwoman Corcoran left at this time., 8:15
P.M.,- and 'was -absent for part of the meeting .
She returned around 8:45 P.M.)
Councilman Simpson,, speaking as an interested business manf
in the area, pointed out that ` the C area and portion of the A. area.,
as designated on the tap, are occupied by his firm, Simpson Motors.
He pointed out that his -firm, the Frank Walt Motors, and Continental;
Car Company, would be forced to vacate their properties if the new
plan is adopted, and called attention to the fact that these con-
cerns have a considerable number of employees and attract many cus-
tomers to the area, in this way contributing substantially to the
economy of the area. Mr.' Simpson reviewed the project as it affect -1
ed the area northwest of University Avenue, pointing out that much
of the area.is already;. served by existing parking lots on Emerson
and Ramona.Streets, and that many of the businesses in the area,
such as the autoinobiie agencies and service stations, do not need
• parking.
There was considerable discussion among the council mem-
bers. Councilman Byxbee suggested that an investigation be .made of.
making University Avenue into a parking mall with diagonal parking
which would greatly increase the number of spaces on the street. He
also suggested that a modified plan be considered which could be fi-
nanced more easily than the new plan presented, and that considera-
tion also be given to beautification of the Circle area to provide
an attractive entrance to the City.
The City Manager pointed out that the City Council had di-
rected him to have a study and plan prepared for the Circle area,
and that such apian had been submitted by Mr. Kump. He made a re-
port on various methods of financing the Kump plan, advising that
the staff feels the project could be carried out for approximately
$1,000,000.00." He outlined three plans by which the project could
be financed, combining assessments from the district, a contribution!
from the Parking Meter Fund, and parking meter revenue, and provid-
ing for an expanded district to be known as 52-13A which might have
a smaller assessment rate than the present 52-13 area. The City
Manager advised that there is approximately $30.,000.00 of unexpend-
ed money in the 52-14 project fund and this might be transferred to
the 52-13 project.
Councilman Navis stated that he feels the Kump plan has
many advantages and that the new plan presented this evening is a
poor substitute for the Kump plan.
(The Council took a recess at this time, 9:05
P.M., and reconvened at 9:20 P.M.)
The Mayor announced that if there were no objection there
would be no action taken:this evening on the parking question and
the matter would be referred back to Committee No. 2 for further
study.
432
On motion of Rodgers 'and Davis, all matters in connection
with Project 52 -13 -were continued to .the next regular Council meet-
ing on May 28, 1956.
Councilwoman Corcoran pointed out that there are other as-
pects to the Kump proposal which ahe suggested be considered by the
committee.
Bus Transportation
A letter was received from John P. Demeter, operator of
the Peninsula Transit' Linea, stating that because of increased oper-
ating costs of urban, bus_ transportation, it may be necessary for
them to discontinue bus operations in the Palo Alto area in the near
future, and suggesting that the Council appoint a large citizens'
committee, to include representatives of business, labor and local
property owners, to study the problem and see if some solution can
be worked out to preserve local public transportation when private
enterprise can no longer operate the system without some help.
The letter was referred to Committee No. 3, for review and
report.
A suggestion was'made by Mrs. Corcoran that it might help
in solving the bus problem and, the parking problem if merchants
would encourage their employees to use buses.
Letter from Mrs. Resnik re Flood Danger
A letter was received from Mrs. Aaron S. Resnik, 211 Wash-
ington Avenue, concerning the flood danger in the Adobe Creek area.
This was referred to the staff for consideration and reply.
Letter from Women's Overseas League re Water Shortage
A communication was received from Mrs. F. H. Miller, Presi-
dent of the Santa Clara County Unit of the Women's Overseas Service
League, requesting that the coming of new industries to this county
be discouraged until the water shortage problem of Santa Clara Coun-'
ty is solved. The letter was placed on file.
Annexations to Mountain View
A notice was received from the County Boundary Commission
of proposals for annexation of the following areas to the City of
Mountain View: Miramonte #14, Montebello #1, Alice #3, and San An-
tonio #7.
-The-Planning. Officer.pointed out that the area designated
- as.San Antonio #7 adjoins the area known -as El Camino No. 2 which -•
-has-been annexed to Palo Alto, and includes a portion of the Monroe
Park'area.. He stated that if the San Antonio #7 area is annexed to
Mountain View, the. "island" of Monroe Park would be diminished in
size,.
The City Attorney advised that there is no action the
Council can take in thematter; that the notice is sent for informa-
tiononly, in compliance with the provisions of Section 35002 of the
Government Code.
Bids on Plumbing and; Sprinkling Items L Temporary Hospital
l3ditions
A report was made by the City Manager on bids received on
May 10, 1956, on revised plumbing and sprinkling items for the tem
porary building additions to the Palo Alto Hospital, with the recom-
mendation that the low b.id:of Allsberry Plumbing Company in theta
mount of $16,890.00 and the low bid of the Coast Automatic Sprinkler:
Company,;Inc., in the -amount -of $.2,118.00, be accepted.
Onmmotion of,Byxbee andDrysdale, and by unanimous vote or.
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roll call, the bids were accepted as recommended and. the Mayor was
authorized to sign the contracts.
Bids on Sale of St. Francis Terrace Lots
The City=Ma.nager reported that only one bid was received
for the purchase of taro -lots in St. Francis Terrace, the.abandoned
park site', At the time of opening bids on May 11, 19.56:; that this
was' a cash bid in the amount': of $4,005.00. The City Manager ad-
vised that, the Assessor has estimated the value of the property to
be in the neighborhood of $6,,000.00, and they concurred in':re,com-
mending that the bid be rejected and that more intense advertising'
be carried out in the next sale.
'It was moved, -seconded and carried that the bid on the
St. Francis Terrace lots be` rejected and that another call for bids;
be made.
Bids for Construction W ork in Mitchel-. Park
A report was made by the City Manager on thebids re-
ceived on May 11, 1956, for the construction of three picnic areas,
sand box play area, catering area, headers and "redrock" paving in
Mitchell Park, with the recommendation that the bid of the' C. J.
Gahn ..Paving Company of Redwood City, in the amount 01'412,335.00,
be accepted.
On motion of Byxbee and Cummings, this bid was accepted
and the Mayor was authorized to sign the contract by unanimous vote
on roll call.
Water Study
The City Manager reported that he has negotiated with, theA
firm of Brown and Caldwell for an engineering study of the Water 1
Distribution System, at a price not to exceed $7,750.,00, and that !
funds for this purpose will be included in next year's budget,,.
Community Theatre Admission Price Adjustment
The City Manager:advised that the Recreation Superintend-
ent has requested permission to raise the single admission prices:
for Community Theatre plays from $1.20 to $1.25, which would: make
the price more in line with neighboring theatre prices on the Pen--
insula, and give added appeal to season ticket rates. He explained!
that the'proposed change has been endorsed by the Players' Board. 1
On motion of Byxbee and Drysdale, the change in single add
mispion prices from $1.20 to -$1.25 was approved.
A motion was. made by Mrs. Corcoran, seconded by Drysdale,
that school t�achers be permitted to attend the opening night per
formances at the Community Theatre at the same rate in effect for
city employees. On motion of Byxbee and Cresap, this matter was re
'erred to Committee No. 3 for consideration and recommendation..
Additional Personnel for Er ineeringLDepartment
The City Manager requested authorization for one addition.
al Senior Engineering Assistant, Classification 0-50, stating that
the request'is being made now, rather than in the next budget, be-
cause of the amount of work on hand, and that there are funds avail-
able for this additional draftsman.
It was moved by Bishop, seconded and carried that this ad -1
ditional position be authorized.
Acquisition of Park Sites
The Assistant to the City Manager reported on negotiatiog4
for the acquisition of property, and advised that two options have
been received. One is for a 1.22 acre parcel fronting on Cowper
Street adjacent to Matadero Canal,,. which was authorized to be pur-
chased two years ago as a part of the Hoover Park site. It was ex-
plained that negotiations were not concluded until last week, and.
that a price of $19,500.00 has been agreed upon.
The other acquisition covers a parcel of 5.34 acres near
West Meadow Drive, including a net acreage of approximately 4.7 for
a park site and land for the extension of Park Boulevard, The total
cost of this area is $50,000.00 of which $30,000.00 was included in
the current budget. The property owner has requested that he be
permitted to occupy the property until June 30, 1957.
It was moved, seconded and carried by unanimous vote on
roll call, that these two options be accepted and that the sum of
$39,500.00 be transferred from the Unappropriated Reserve Fund to
Account 149-F to provide the balance of funds needed for the acqui-
sition of these properties, with the understanding that the property
owner from whom the West Meadow Park site is being purchased will be
permitted to occupy the property until June 30, 1957.
Allocation of Funds to Airport
The City Manager advised that there was general agreement:
in committee at one time that the City would pay up to but not ex-
ceeding the sum of $800.00 for moving the hangar at the Palo Alto
Airport; that thehangar has been moved and it was the Manager's
recommendation that the amount of $800.00, less the amount of the
delinquent rental for the period July 1, 1954, to July 26, 195+, be
paid to the Nystrom Aviation. Corporation from the aviation gas tax
funds, with the understanding that this is the maximum amount the
City will pay for the moving of the hangar.
On motion of Bishop and Simpson, the recommendation was
adopted and the payment authorized by unanimous vote on roll call.
Acquisition of P.G. & E. Properties
The City Manager reported that he has met with officials
of the Pacific Gas & Electric Company since the last Council meeting
and they have informed him that the transfer of the utility proper-
ties in El Camino Annexation No. 1 and No. 2 areas will be made
within the next two weeks.
VA Hospital
The City Manager reported that the Veterans' Administra-
tion have indicated' they desire to annex to the City of Palo Alto
the area on which the new VA Hospital is to be built, and are pres-
ently awaiting formal approval of a contract between the Veterans'
Administration and Stanford University. The City Manager pointed
out that the annexation of additional Stanford lands is involved.
He advised that the Veterans''Atminiatration officials have indicat-
ed willingness to pay the cost of utility services as outlined. in
the negotiations carried on over the past year or so.
Bond Issues
A report was received from the Planning Commission, in
connection with the bond. propositions. to be submitted to the voters
on'June 5, 1956, advising the.:Council that the library program and
the parks and recreation program are in general agreement with the
long range generalplanof the City.
Zone Change Application (Hansen and Lamb)
A report was, received from the Planning Commission recom-
mending approval of the application of Dr. H. J. Hansen and Dr. W.
E. Lamb for rezoning of Lots ` '1 and 2, `of; Block 221, Stern and Price
Tract, known as 2620and 26$0 Middlefield Road, from R-1 to R -3-P,
provided that restrictiona:be.placed on the area prohibiting the
sale: of any article requiring a.State.sales tax.
435
A ;letter was receivedfrom Laddy Gross, . 2563 Webster
Street, requesting that the matter be referred to a committee for a
hearing. Mr. Gross represented a group opposed to the proposed re-
zoning.
The Planning Officer pointed out that a hearing was held
by the Planning Commission. -
Councilman Rodgers raised a question regarding the condii--
tion attached to the Planning Commission's recommendation. The City
Attorney advised that the condition regarding the restriction on
sales of articles can' not legally be made a provision of the rezon-
ing and that the Planning. Commission had been so informed.
A proposed ordinance amending the Zone Map to rezone these
lots from,R-1 to R -3-P, with the understanding there is no condition
attached, was accepted for first reading and the matter was referred
to Committee No. 1.
Purity Store Sign
Councilman Cummings called attention to the sign at the
Purity Store on Middlefield Road, to which objections have been
made, and advised that he has reason to believe that the firm might
be willing to change the sign.
The Mayor appointed Councilmen Cummings, Marshall and Byx-
bee as a committee to contact the officials of the Purity Store re-
garding a change in the sign.
Use permit and Variances for Motel. (Engle_
A report was received from the Planning Commission recom-
mending that the decision of the Zoning Administrator in granting a
use permit and certain variances to Jerrold S. Engle in connection
with a30 -unit., motel at the southwesterly corner of University'Ave-
rue and Webster Street, be reversed and that the use permit and variL
ances be denied.
Atthe request of Mr. Engle, the matter was referred to
Committee No. 1.
Final Map of-- Traet No. 1750, Cooper Court
A report was submitted by the Planning Commission recom-
mending approval of. the final map of Tract No. 1750, Cooper Court,
subject togranting public utilities easements and to, the abandon-
ment of existing easements no,?onger.required, and also subject to
the substitution of another name for Jensen Way.
Resolution No. 2729, approving the final map of Tract No.; ,
1750, was introduced, and on motion of Byxbee and Marshall was adopt-
ed by unanimous vote.on roll call.
:Tentative Map, Portion Lot 11 Wooster Subdivision
A report was received from the Planning Commission recom-
mending, approval of the tentative map of a portion of Lot '119, ,
Wooster .Subdivision, sub ject - to the granting of public utilities
easement and: to. the improvement of the entire new street by the sub-
d.vider:,
After a review of the matter by the Planning Officer, it
was moved-,by'Byxbee,:seconded by Nevis, and carried that this tenta-
tive map,be approved.
Abatement :of Nuisance
Resolution No. 2730, setting a public hearing for June 11,
1956, at which Charles £. Boyle shall show cause why the building at
432 Hawthorne Avenue should not be declared a public nuisance, was
sintroduced1 The City Attorney advised that the owner -has been
436
served with a notice,to abate the nuisance and has not complied;
that'the resolution.setting the hearing is the first step in order-
ing the abatement. He advised that the building is unoccupied.
On motion of Byxbee and Cummings, the resolution was adopt-
ed by unanimous vote en -roll call.
Agreement with Southern Pacific re Storm Drain
An agreement::waspresented between the Southern Pacific
Company and the City of Palo°Alto covering the proposed installation:
of a storm'drain plpe1ine in a portion of the Southern Pacific right
of way from the end of Ventura Avenue vto Dry Creek.
On motion of ;Rodgers. ands. Simpson, a resolution approving
the agreement and authorizing its execution by the Mayor was adopted:
on roll call, with.12 Ayes, Marshall voting No.
Electrical Code
Ordinance NO. 1685, adopting, by reference, the National
Electrical Code, - 1953 Edition,with certain amendments, and repeal-
ing Ordinance No. 619, was given second reading.
The Mayor reported that the special committee had given
further study to the code and the amendments, and had met with Mr.
Stephen Moore who hadAlade a ,criticism of one of the provisions; and
that the special committee recommends the adoption of thecode with
certain minor amendments.
On motion of Marshall and Rodgers, the ordinance adopting
the Electrical Code, as amended, was adopted by unanimous vote on
roll call.
Amendment to Fire Prevention Code
Ordinance No. 1686, amending Section 17.110 of Codified Or-
dinance No. 5, to provide that it shall be unlawful for any person
to maintain a fire -nuisance or to fail to comply with any order of
the Bureau of Fire Prevention, was -given second reading, and on mo-
tion of Navis, duly seconded, was adopted by unanimous vote on roll
call.
Pinball Machines
Ordinance No. 1687, amending Section 7.08 of Codified Or-
dinance No. 5, prohibiting claw and pinball machines, was given sec-
ond reading, and on motion of Simpson, duly seconded, was adopted by
unanimous vote on roll call.
Zone Changes
Ordinance No. 1688, amending the Zone Map to provide for
the rezoning of portion of Lot 67, Wooster Subdivision, and the prop-
erty at 711 and 719 Colorado Avenue, from R-2 to C -2:S, was given
second reading, and on motion of Byxbee and Simpson, was adopted by
unanimous vote on roll call.
Ordinance No. 1689, amending the Zone Map to provide for
the rezoning of the property at 779 Loma Verde Avenue from R-1 to
R -3-G, was given second reading, and on motion of Simpson and Byxbee,
was adopted on roll call, with 12 Ayes, Cummings voting No.
Ordinance N. 1690, amending the. Zone Map to provide for.
the rezoning of certain property southeast of West Meadow Drive be-
tween E1 Camino Way and the Southern Pacific Railroad from R -1:A to
R -1:B -7:A, was given second reading and adopted by unanimous vote on
roll call.
Amendment to Administrative Code
A proposed ordinance amending. the Administrative Code by
adding Section 109.4 to create Committee No. 4 as a standing commit-
44,
437
tee of the Council, to consider and make recommendations on matters
referred to it by `the Council, Mayor or City Manager. affecting any
hospital, owned by the City, was accepted for first reading:
Hospital Agreement
The City Attorney _presented the latest draft of the agree
ment between the City and Stanford for operation of the joint Palo
Alto -Stanford Hospital Center, reporting that the agreement .as ap-
proved by the Council at -its last meeting was submitted to Stan-
ford's attorneys:and they have recommended certain additions and
changes, moat`of'which are for clarification only and in most in-
stances refer only ta.the Stanford facilities. The City Attorney
advised that the principal;; change affecting the City is found in
Paragraph which provides for the creation of a non-profit corpora-
tion, to operate the hospital in accordance with the provisions of
the agreement:
The City Attorney stated that the agreement as now drawn
has been approved by the President of Stanford and staff and by the
University's attorneys, and ,has now only to be approved:by a commit-
tee of the Board of' Trustees before execution. He recommended that
the agreement, as amended, be approved by the Council and that the
Mayor be authorized to execute it for and on behalf of the City.
After consideration of suggestions made by council members
for further changes, the following amendments were agreed upon:
Paragraph 1 was amended by inserting the words "and the
corporation shall be bound by" in the last line.
A sentence in Paragraph 9, inadvertently omitted in the
latest draft but included in previous draft, was restored.
Paragraph 18 was amended by the addition of a sentence to
provide that if the cost of insurance is deemed unreasonable the mat-
ter shall be referred to City and Stanford for determination.
Paragraph 20 was amended by changing the last part of the
second sentence to read "and the control of the Palo Alto Pavilion
and the existing Palo Alto Hospital shall return to City."
On motion of Cummings and Navis, the agreement as amended
was approved and the Mayor was authorized to execute the agreement
on behalf of the City, by vote on roll call, with 12 Ayes, Byxbee
voting No.
Monthly Report of Controller
The monthly report of the Controller for April, 1956, was
received and placed on file.
Tax Refunds
A report was received from the Controller recommending
that refunds be authorized for the following duplicate payments of
tax bills:
Tax Bill No. Amount
11123 $ 29.09
11253 21.82
11265 22.11
117234 227.78
11270 21.52
On motion of Byxbee and Drysdale, these tax refunds were
authorized by unanimous vote on roll call.
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Monthly Report of Planning Officer
The monthly -report of the Planning Officer on action taken'
in April on applications for redivision of lots was received and
placed on file.
Monthly Report of Zoning_ Administrator
The monthly report of the Zoning Administrator on action
taken in April on variances and use permits was received and placed
on file.
Temporary Use Permit 'andVariance, St. Mark's Church
The Mayor reported that St. Mark's Church has asked for
consideration of a temporary permit, as they are ready to start con-
struction of a building and the architect had overlooked the filing
of applications for a use permit and variance as required.
It was moved by Navis, seconded and carried that a tempo-
rary use permit and variance'be granted-.
There being no further business to come before the Coun-
cil, the meeting was declared adjourned at 10:35 P.M.
ATTEST:
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