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City Hall, Palo Alto, California
October 8, 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:
Present: Bishop, Byxbee, Corcoran, Cresap, Cumw.ings,
Davis, Dry3dale, Giffin, Marshall, Mitchell,
Navis, Porter, Rodgers, Simpson.
Absent: Ruppenthal.
The minutes of the meeting of September 24, 1956, were ap-
proved.
Street Lighting in Downtown.Area
A letter was received from the Downtown.Palo Alto Associa-
tion requesting that the Council proceed to form an assessment dis-
trict in, the downtown area to provide better street lighting on Uni-
versity Avenue and other streets in the University Avenue business
district.
.The City Manager reported that members of a committee of '
the Downtown Palo Alto. Association have been in contact with the
Electrical Department regarding the'street lighting problem and
have been experimenting with different types of lights, with the re-
sult that they favor the installation of:Mercury Vapor lights on
existing poles.
It was moved by Byxbee, seconded by Mitchell, and carried j
that the staff be instructed to proceed with the formation of an as-
sessment district for this purpose.
Sales Tax'
A letter was received from the Palo Alto Citizens' Associ-
ation recommending a reduction in utility rates and the property tax
rate, the reduction in revenue because of these cuts to be about
equal to the additional revenue to be produced by the sales tax.
This letter was:referred to Committee No. 3.
Revision of Bus Routes
A copy of application of the Peninsula Transit to
the Public Utilities Commission for revision of"bus routes was: re-
ceived and filed.
Project 5 -11 Middlefield Road et al. (Unitarian Church
Assessment)
:A letter was received from"the Palo Alto,Unitarian Church.
requesting an adjustment in assessments for the improvement of the
church"property on Charleston Road, under Project 55-11. The City
Manager reported that representatives of the church and the city
staff are,in`disagreemerit on the assessments, and ,recommended that
the matter be referred to=the City Attorney so that he might discuss
it with Mr. Ray T. Elsmo're, Chairman of the Negotiating Committee of
the Unitarian'Church.
It was moved by Navis, seconded and carried that the mat-
ter be referred to the City,Attorney and also to Committee No. 3 fox
review.
Project 55-11', Middlefield Road et al. (Street Lighting)
Councilman Byxbee asked if there is any report on the dif-
ference in cost of putting new:;.lghts on pole standards and'in"3tal-
lation cP electro'liers. Mrs. Corcoran stated that she understood
the staff was going to look into this'and make a report.
The City Manager advised that it was not the understanding'
of the staff that the matter would be looked into for this particu-
lar project as the question>was brought up at the time the project
was finally acted on and the contract_for,the work awarded. He ex-
plained that it was Council policy to install electroliers in. the
newer areas of the City; that the former Board of Public Works had
set the policy of= installing electroliers wherever possible and the
Council had made no change in this.policy.' Reference was made to
the minutes of the meeting of,August`13, 1956, when the matter was
brought up by Mrs. Corcoran. The minutes did not indicate that the
staff was asked to make a study of the question.
Mrs. Corcoran stated that her request is for information
as to how many streets in: Project 55-11 have existing poles on which
it would be possible to hang lighhts, and the difference in cost of
putting the lights on poles instead of installing an underground
electrolier system. Councilman Cummings stated that he is inclined
to.ag;ree with Mrs. .:Corcoran that such information could be obtained
without an involved:survey, and that modified bills could be sent
later to property owners if a decision is made to change the street
lighting plans.
The Mayor requested the staff to make a report on the mat-
ter at .R future meeting of Committee No. 1.
(Councilman Ruppenthal came at this time, 50
P.M., and was present for the rest of the'meeting.)
Weed Abatement
Resolution No. 2782,,, declaring weeds to be a nuisance, was
introduced, and on motion of Rodgers and Bishop, was adopted by
unanimous vote on roll call. It was explained that this action 1s
in accordance with Section 32.02 of Codified Ordinance No. 5. The
resolution provides for a hearing to be held on the matter on 0cto-
ber 22, 1956, at 7:30 P.M.
Regulations on Guns and Explosives
The City Manager presented a proposed amendment to Article
8 of Codified Ordinance No. 5 regulating the use of guns and explo-
sives. The proposed ordinance would permit the firing and posses-
sion of firearMe'at a legal firing, sheeting or target range or
hunting ground, and makes other revisions in the present ordinance.
It was moved by Mitchell, seconded and carried that the
proposa<i ordinance amending Article 8 of Codified Ordinance No. 5 -'be
accepted for `first reading.
Transfers of Funds
A report was received; from the City Manager recommending'a
transfer of $10,000.00 from the Utility Replacement Fund (Electric
Department) to Account 3318.to rebuild the. primary cable in Leland
Manor Subdivision, The City Manager reported that there has been
continuous trouble with the underground cable there-,_ and inasmuch as;
the City accepted the original cable, it was the recommendation of'
the staff that, the City assume the responsibility for its replace-
ment.
0ri motion of Rodgers:and Simpson, .the recommendation was
adopted and the transfer of funds was authorized by unanimous vote
on roll call.
The City Manager recommended that a transfer of $3,921.00
be made from the Special Projects Account to Accounts 132F, 149F and
901-99 for the purchase of mobile radio equipment for the Public
Works_Department. He explained that this would provide radio equip-
ment in certain public -works trucks in line with the program of the ;
.utility departments; and, that 50* of the expense will be financed -by
;114,.5 IWISAXM.4J,i, .f.
On motionof Mitchell and Simpson, and by unanimous -vote
on roll call, this transfer was authorized as follows: $2,006.38 to
Account 1327"", $1,k13-.:13 to Account 149F, and $501.49 to Account,..901-
99.
Hanover Street;:Arterial
The.;,City Manager presented a recommendation .from the Staff
Traffic Committee"for the arterialization of Hanover Street for its
entire length, stopping all other"-atreets for Hanover with the=ex-
ception of Page MillRoad.
A"proposed ordinance establishing Hanover Street as an ar-
'terial was accepted for:first reading.-
Prohibiting Parking cn. Arboretum Road
A recommend,ation was submitted by the City Manager for the
adoption of an emergency ordinance prohibiting parking on the por-
tion of Arboretum Road within the city' limits.
Ordinance No. 1715 prohibiting parking on this portion of�
'Arboretum Road at any time was introduced, and on motion of Mitchell
and Byxbee; was adopted as an emergency ordinance by unanimous vote
on ro11 call`.
Acting -Planning Officer and Zoning Administrator
The City Manager recommended that Louis Fourcroy be named
as A!:*in -:-manning• Officer and' Acting Zoning Administrator during
Mr, Andrewt3' . leave of absence, at a salary of $575.00. per mot=ith ef-
fective October 8, 1956-. It was moved, seconded and, carried that
this -recommendation be adopted, by unanimous vote on roll --call.
Golf Course
The City Manager reported on the need for repairs and re-
seeding of some areas on the. golf -.course, and advised that after a
meeting with the golfers and staff it was the unanimous opinion that
it would be to the best interests of the golfers and the maintenance
workers-if:a maintenance program is set up during the winter months,
and that the best way to handle the_matter would be to shu't;,tlown
nine holes and; ask the golfing pur ,c to play the 18 holes oil the
,first nine.
The City Manager further recommended that during this perm
od, the following interim ratesbe established, with the City Mann-
ger having the authority to detemine the duration: of such interim
rates
Week -days
Week -ends and holidays
until 1:30 P.M.
Week -ends and holidays
after 1:30 P.M.
Non-trannferable Aonthly
card;, good any day (any
time course is open) .
$ 1.00
$ 2.00
$ 1.00
$ 8.00
On motion of Byxbee and Nevis, the Council adopted the
recommendation to close down the back nine holes while the ma.inte
nance work is being done and approved the interim rates as recom-
mended, and authorized the City Manager to determine when the inter-
im rates shall be discontinued. The interim rates were made effec-
tive as'of October 9, 1956. -
South Palo Alto Grade Separation
A: report waste received from Committees No. 1 and' No. 2' rec-
:30
ommending that the report of De Leuw, Cather & Company on the pro-
posed grade separation;pro.ject for. the South Palo Alto area be ac-
cepted for presentation to the Council and for further consideration
The City Manager advised that the submission of this report and ac-
companying plans completes the assignment in accordance with the con=
tract entered into with De Leuw, Cather & Company.
It was moved by Byxbee, seconded by Drysdale, that the re -3
port be accepted with the proviso that a further study be undertaken;
to investigate the possibility, of continuing the interchange on the
westerly side of the railroad:in conjunction with Park Boulevard.
In making the motion,=Mr. Byxbee stated that De Leuw, Cather may be
willing to make this additional study under the -present contract
without an additional fee. Councilman Bishop commented that. the
California Avenue merchants arenot satisfied with the proposed plan.
as it relates to circulation of, traffic west of the tracks, and
would like more study of the problem.,
After further discussion, the motion was adopted and the
City Manager was requested to contact representatives of De Leuw,
Cather:& Company regarding the making of the additional study. It
was understood that if they are not willing to make the further
study without an additional fee, the City Manager is to request the
Council for the additional funds needed-.
Project 52-14 (Acquisition of Properties in Block 11)
A report was received from Committee No. 2 recommending
that the staff be authorized to acquire the properties in Block 11
fronting on Ramona Street between Hamilton and Forest Avenues (adja-
cent to the Library and the city parking lot in that block); that
proper legal proceedings be initiated to have these parcels included
in District 52-14, and that available parking meter funds be author-
ized as a loan to the'district for the acquisition of these proper-
ties.
On motion of Cummings and Drysdale, the recommendation was
adopted on roll call, wifh 13 Ayes, Mrs. Corcoran and Nevis not vot-
ing on the motion.
Resolution No. 2783 of Intention to modify Project 52-14
by the acquisition of certain properties in Block 11, and setting
hearing on the proposed modifications for November 13, 1956, at 7:30
P.M., was introduced, and on motion of Mitchell and Drysdale, was
adopted by unanimous vote on roll call.
Audit of Accounts
t report was received from Committee No. 3 recommending:
that the report of Skinner & Hammond on the annual audit ofthe ac-
counts and records of the City for the fiscal year ending June 30,
1956, be accepted and that payment of their bill for the audit be
authorized.
On motion of Bishop and Rodgers, the recommendations._were •
adopted by vote on roll call, with 14 Ayes, Drysdale voting No.
Zoning of -Stanford Annexation No. 6
A report was received from the Planning Commission recom-
mending approval:of the p'^oposal on the initiative of the Commission
to zone the territory included in Stanford Annexation No. 6 to R-4,
Genet 1 Apartment District; C-3, General Commercial District; and
P -F; -Public Facilities District. On motion of Cummings and Mitchel?,
a proposed ordinance amending the Zone Map to provide for these zone
changes was accepted for first reading.
Tentative Map, Portion Tract 19, Mayview Homesites
A report was received from the Planning Commission recom-
mending denial of the revised tentative map of a portion of Lot 38.
and Lots 14, 39 and 4o, Tract 19; MayviewwHomesites, since it is
felt that:Grove Avenue should be continued to the Creels for street
connection to provide circulation for areas south of the Creek, par-
ticularly with reference to the school and park sites, and since the
excessive length•ot the cul-de-sac is against the policy of the
Planning Commission.
On motion of Mitchell and Navis, the recommendation of the
Planning Commission was confirted and the map denied.
Mr. Calvin Jones, engineer for the property owner, came
later during the meeting and spoke briefly - in support of the tenta-
tive map as;it had been prepared.. The Counlil did not.wish to
change f*% previous action and directed that its action denying the
map,for't"ne reasons stated; by the Planning Commission should stand.
Tentative Map t Portion Block 3, Seale Subdivision No. 5
A report �yas,submitted by the Planning Commission recom-
mending -approval of the tentative map of a portion of Lot 6, Block
3, Seale Subdivision No. 5, located on Greer Road and California
Avenue, subject.to furnishing public utilities easements as shown in
red on the map.
It was moved, seconded and carried that the map be
proved in accordance with the recommendation of the Planning Commis-
sion.
Final Map, Tract 1816
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the final
,map of Lots 99, and 100, Wooster Subdivision, Tract 1816, located on
Ross Road, based on t -he planning staff's recommendation to increase
the size of Lots 7 and 8, Block 2, to the size required (8,000
square feet). •
Resolution No. 2784 approving the Map of Tract 1816 was ins
troduced, and on motion of Cummings and Mitchell, was adopted by' u- E
nanimous vote of all council members present. (Simpson was absent 1
during this roll. call.)
Annexation of beng Property
' Resolution No. 2785 authorizing the City Manager to file
with the Board of Supervisors a petition requesting the annexation
to the City of Palo Alto of city -owned property, known -as the Geng
property, was introduced, and on motion of Mitchell, duly seconded,
was adopted by unanimous vote of all members present. (Simpson was
absent during this roll call=.) It was explained that the area to be
annexed is the portion of the former Geng property:which'lies within
Santa Clara County.
Quitclaim Deed to Watkins
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Quitclaim
Deed from the City .of Palo Alto to William D. and Nell O. Watkins,
covering' a small parcel;at the intersection of Loma Verde Avenue and
Murray Way, being a portion of Lot 106, Wooster Subdivision, was in-
: troduced and adopted; by unanimous vote on roll ca -11. (Davis, Rodg
ers and Simpson were absent during this roll call.)
Prohibiting` Parking_ on Portion of Middlefield Road
Ordinance No. 1716, prohibiting parking on both sides of:
Middlefield Road,from-San Francisquito Creek to Channing Avenue- dur-
ing the hours from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. and from 4:00P.M. to
'7:00 P.M. except:_on Sundays and holidays, was given second reading,
and on motion of -Mitchell and Cummings was adopted by unanimous
vote of all council members present.' (Davis was absent during the
roll call.)
Amendcient to Zoning Ordinance (P -F District)
Ordinance No..1711, establishing Public Facilities
District, Article 9B of the•Zoning Ordinance, and providing other
changes`., in the Zoning Ordinance; based on`the adoption of the P -F
regulations, was gr'lven second i`ading, ,and on motion of Mitchell and:
Cummings, was adopted by unani.°)us vote of all members present.
(Davis was absent during the roil call.)
Amendment to Zoning Ordinance (Sec. 21.02)
Ordinance No.: 1718 amending Paragraphs 5 and 6 of Section
21.02 (b) of the Zoning`Ordinance relative to "Special Parking Dis-
trict Regulations" was given second reading, and on motionof Navis
and Bishop, was adopted by unanimous vote of all members present.
(Davis was absent during the roll call.)
Bond Issue for North County Building
On motion of Rodgers and Mrs. Corcoran, the Council went
on record as endorsing County Proposition No. 5 on the Novemberbal-:
lot for a bond issue in the sum of $835,000.00 for the construction
of a North County Building.
Monthly Reports
The monthly report of the Controller for September, 1956,.
was received and placed on file.
The monthly report of the Planning Officer on action taken;
in September on applications for redivision of Lots was received and
Med.
The-: monthly report of theZoning Administrator on action
taken in September on applications for variances and use permits was
received and filed.
Lease of New Hospital Site
A copy of proposed amendments to the Hospital lease which
have been agreed upon between the Mayor and Stanford University of-
ficials had been sent to each council member for review. The pro
posed_ amendments would modify:Paragraphs 5, 6,.8, 11, 15,:21, 25 and.
26 of the proposed lease and would add two new paragraphs, numbered
30 and 31.
Councilman Cummings stated that he believed the essential
points previously discussed had been satisfactorily taken care of, in
the proposed changes with one exception, and this concerns Paragraph
15, Termination for a Default, which he thought should be further
revised,to protect the City. Councilman Bishop expressed concern
over the income from the new hospital and the financial program to
retire the bonds, stating that he thinks the Council should have the
complete program for operation of the hospital and know what the in-
come is going to be before the lease is signed. The City Manager
pointed out that the operation ofthe hospital has been delegated to.
a board which has four representatives of the City and four from
Stanford; that it is impossible to answer some of:Mr. Bishop's ques-
tions at this time. Councilman Drysdale advised`that he would like .
to know how the cost of the core facilities, both as to construction`
and operation, is going to be allocated before the lease is acted
on. It was explained that a committee is working on the allocation
of construction costs and will soon have this completed, but that
the allocation of operating costs has to be worked out by the new
board.
Councilman Navis,'a member of the new hospital boar, ad-
vised that the board just took over the operation of the hospital on
October:1, 1956, and ,will proceed to work out the allocation of op-
erating costs.of the new project as soon as possible, but it will
take some time to work out the program; that the lease has no bear-
ing on the core facilities or the operation of the`hospita'., but he
agreed that the point raised by Mr. Cummings in Paragraph 75 should
be investigated.
WSW
The Mayor pointed out the importance of executing the
lease, noting that the building can not be started until the lease
is signed He advised that he would negotiate with .Stanford offi-
cials regarding a further revision in Paragraph 15, to the effect
that if the University takes possession of the property it would,-
make use of the property in such manner necessary to cure and remedy
;the default, and any remaining fair market value after the default
was satisfied would be returned to the City.
It was moved by Nevis that if an agreement can be reached
on'the revision of Paragraph 15 along the lines suggested, that the_
lease be approved by the Council and action be taken by the Mayor to
put it into effect without referring the lease back to committee.
The motion was seconded by Mitchell. There was objection to.hand]ing
the matter in this way and the motion was withdrawn.
It eras agreed that" the Mayor will take: up the question of
further revisions in the lease with Stanford representatives, and
that Committees No. 3 and No. 4 will consider the proposed changes
at a meeting to be=held'before the next Council meeting. Council
members were asked to submit any further suggestions or questions
they may have in time for conaiaeration by the committees when they
meet.
Planning Commission -Membership
The Mayor announced that the resignation' of Allan H. Reid
from the Planning Commission had been accepted as of Septembe^ 27,
1956. He stated that he would like to hold over the nomination of a
replacement, which will be for the term ending June 30, 1957, until
the next Council meeting.
Board on Commercial Amusements Membership
The Mayor nominated Councilman Giffin as a member of the
Board on Commercial Amusements, to fill a vacancy on the Board for
the term ending June 30, 1958. It was moved, seconded and carried
that this appointment be confirmed.
Sales Tax
-
Councilman Ruppenthal made the following propose/ regard-
ing.the disposition of sales tax revenue, which he asked be referred
to committee for study: That at the end of each -,quarter the City des
termine how much money it has received from the sales tax and divides
the amount into three funds; that the first third be used to reduce
property taxes in the City;by dividing:the money equally among all
property owners;;that the second third be used to reduce residential)
electric rates in the same way, by dividing the money equally among
the consumers; and that the last third be used for public improve-
ments, taking into account the desires of the people of Palo Alto be-
fore the money is spent by holding hearings on proposed projects and
having as much public discussion as possible, or having a referendum
vote by the,people if a vote seemed desirable.
The proposal was referred to Committee No. 3 for considera-
tion.
Councilman Mitchell pointed out that the staff is making a
study on sales tax revenue and uses for the money t� be derived from
;this source, and that when it is determined how much revenue there
will be from the sales tax, the Council should adopt a policy on the
use of the funds.
Project 55.11, Middlefield Road et al. (Bids on Bonds)
The Controller recommended that there be no extension of
time for cash payments of assessments on Project 55-11 and that
:bonds be issued on the assessments remaining unpaid after the'clos-
'ing date of October 9, 1956.
On motion of Cresap and Byxbee, it was directed that the
34
closing date be not extended.
Resolution No. 2786, calling for bids for the sale of
bonds in the amount of $300,000.00, was introduced, and on motion of
Cummings and Mitchell, was adopted by unanimous vote on roll call of
all council members present. (Simpson was absent during this toll
call.)
T
There being no further business to come before the Coun
cil,: the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M.
ATTEST:
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