HomeMy WebLinkAbout09231968City Hall
Palo Alto, California
September 23, 1968
The Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date at 7:30 p. m.
with Mayor Arnold presiding.
Present: Arnold, Behars, Berwald, Clark, Comstock
(arrived 7:40 p.m.), Dias, Gallagher, Gullixson
(arrived ri �.ed is 32 W.
�__ __ .. � p.m.),- Pearson, Spaeth, Wheatley
Absent: None
Approval of Minutes
Vice Mayor Dias requested that on page 220 of the Council Minutes
of September 10, 1968 be corrected to indicated Mrs. McCann's
first name is "Kay,"
Councilman Pearson requested that on page 216 of the Minutes of
September 10, 1968 in regard to the relocation of Embarcadero
;tou.d than an addition be made to indicate that Santa Clara County
Director of Public Works James Pott stated in response to a ques-
tion from Councilman Comstock that he would consult with the
Sea Scouts on the location of their base at the Yacht Harbor.
There were no objet:tiens.
The Minutes of September 10, 1968 were then approved with the
correction and addition.
(Councilman. Gullixson arrived at 7:32 p.m.)
Hearin, - Weed Abatement
Mayor Arnold declared open the hearing on the Engineer's Report
and Assessment List on Weed Abatement, stating that notice has
been given and publication has been made in accordance with the
law.
In reply to question, City Clerk Klarnm reported no written
protests had been received.
Mayor Arnold then declared tie Hearing closed.
MOTION: Councilman Spaeth introduced the following resolution and
moved, seconded by Beahrs, its adoption:
Reazolution No. 4161 entitled "Resolution of the Council of the
City of Palo Alto Confirming the Engineer's Report and Assess-
ment List for Weed Abatement"
The resolution was adopted unanimously by voce vote.
Foothills Environmental Design Study
Plarning Officer Fourcroy presented the recommendation of the
Planning Commission of a proposal containing design criteria
and specifications for a Foothills Environmental Design Study.
Lengthy discussion followed and Planning Commissioner
Strornguist, City Manager Morgan, City Attorney Hildebrand and
Mr. Fourcroy respondedto Question, from th Council _-- from ...ouzacii concerning
tu: scope of the proposed study, its anticipated cost of $144,000,
its priority in relation to other City matters, the time required to
complete it, the interests of the foothills property owners and the
legal conditions likely to be encountered.
MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Comstock, to
approve the Planning Commission recommendation and direct the
staff to implement plans for a Foothills Environmental Design
Study and to proceed with specifications for the study including
the recon+mendations of consultants, returning same to the Council
for necessary action.
MOTION: Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by Wheatley,
to continue the matter for two months (November 25, 1968) during
which time the staff be directed to consult with property owners
involved.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Spaeth moved, seconded by Gullixson,
(i) to accept and understand the Planning Commiss:oar proposal
but to file it for the time being; and (2) direct the staff to contact
major property owners of the foothills, including Sunasco, to
discuss the feasibility of a total joint planting study involving the
City and private property owners for the development of_the foothills
and explore the possibility of t -prof -arty owners committing
the rase-lye-s-financiaii-y for portions of the study.
AMENDMENT CHANGE: At the suggestion of Mayor Arnold that
the first part of his motion is essentially the same as that before
the Council, Councilman Spaeth, with the consent of his second,
withdrew Part (1) of his amendment.
The amendment as changed then :tarried by majority voice vote.
The motion as amended then carried on the following roll call
vote:
Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Dias, Gallagher, Spaeth, Wheatley
Noes: Berwald, Clark, Comstock, Gullixson, Pearson
Tra3.aporation Policy Committee Report
Councilman Gullixson, representative to the Santa Clan:.County
Transportation Policy Committee, asked the Council if they wished
to in;tcu t him in regard to the City's position concerning alternate
organizations for transit to be considered at the special meeting
on October 2, 1968.
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9/23168
MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, that the Council indicate its
preference for establishment of a transit authority which is a
new governmental agency.
The motion failed for lack of a second.
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Arnold,
that the Council support a concept of a transit district to be created
by the State Legislature.
CHANGE OF AUTHOR OF MOTION: In view of a misunderstanding
as to intent of Councilman Pearson's motion, Mayor Arnold ruled
that the motion before the Council should be considered authored by
Councilman Pearson and seconded by Councilman Comstock.
MOTION: Councilman Spaeth moved, seconded by Beahrs, to
table the motion and not instruct the City's representative at this
time.
The motion carried by majority voice vote.
(The Council recessed irorn 9:38 to 9:52 p. rn. )
Baylands Nature Interpretive
Center (CMR:050:9)
MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Comstock, the
adoption of the following ordinance:
Ordinance No. 2469 entitled "Ordinance of the Council of the
City of Palo Alto Approving and Adopting -a Plan for the Develop-
ment of the Baylands Nature Interpretive Centes:"(first reading
_ 9/10/68)
The -ordinance was adopted unanimously by voice vote.
Oregon Avenue
Pedestrian O°.+ercrossing (CMR:048:9)
MOTION: Vice Mayor Dias move& seconded by Beahrs, the
adoption of the following ordinance:
Ordinance No. 2470 entitled "Ordinance of the Counci i of the
City of Palo Alto Amending Subsection (a) of Section 10. 64. 180
and Adding Sections 10. 28.050 and 10. 32.040 to the Palo
Alto Municipal Code Regulating Bicycle, Vehicular, and
Pedestrian Traffic Upon Certain Overpasses"(first reading
9/ 10/68)
The ordinance was adopted on the following roil call vote:
Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Berwald, Clark, Comstock, Dias,
Gallagher, Cullixaron, Spaeth, Wheatley
Noes: Pearson
227
9/23/68
Relocation of Embarcadero Road
(CMR:v5t:yj
George C. Downing, Commodore of the Sea Scouts, spoke against
relocation of Embarcadero Road as shown on the latest County
maps he has seen. Dr. Downing also replied to questions from
the Council concerning location of the Sea Scout base at the
Yacht Harbor.
MOTION; Councilman Beahrs moved, and it was duly seconded,
that the City Manager be directed to ask the appropriate County
authorities for their position in regard to location of the Sea Scout
base and report back to the Council in two weeks. (October 7, 1968)
Discussion followed and City Manager Morgan and City Attorney
Hildebrand replied to cuestions concerning statement by the County
Director of Public Works in this regard and also concerning the
accuracy of the latest County Yacht Harbor maps.
MOTION: Councilman Gallagher moved, seconded by Beahrs, to
hear from any member of the audience wishing to speak, although
there is a motion before the Council.
The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
228
9/23/68
Miss Lucy Evans, 1440 California Street, Palo Alto, :tiequested
that the Council direct their attention to the latest County map
which may contain errors.
The motion to continue for two weeks (October 7, 1968) then
carried by majority voice vote.
Change of District - El Camino
Annexation No. 7
MOTION: Councilman Gallagher moved, seconded by Comstock,
the adoption of the following ordinance:
Ordinance No. 2471 entitled "Ordinance of the Council of
the City of Palo Alto Amending Section 18. 08. 040 of the
Palo alto Municipal Code Changing the Zoning of Certain
City and County -Owned Property to a -F and Establishing
the Zoning of the Property Known as El Camino Annexation
No. 7 between Curtner and Maybe .1. as C-3:S"(first reading
9/ 10/68)
The ordinance was adopted unanimously by voice vote.
Resolution of A viation - Office
of t ie rte sscoso�r
Ii,r 7riV
MOTION: Vice Mayor Dias introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Bears, its adoption:
(See P. 240)
Resolution No. 4162 entitled "Resolution of the Council of the
City of Palo Alto Expressing Appreciation to Harold L. Marty,
Clarence W. Farmer, Hubert D. Graves and Irene W. Harder
Upon the Closing of the Office of the Assessor"
The resolution was adopted unanimously by voice vote.
Foothills Gas System Extension
.Chi„t:064:))
MOTOOI.: Councilman Berwald introduced the following ordinance
and rnov,td, :seconded by Comstock, its adoption:
Ordinance No. 2472 entitled "Ordinance of the Council of the
City of Palo Alto Amending the Budget for the Fiscal Year
1968-69 to Make a Change in Appropriations for Work to be
Performed by Force Account for Foothills Gas Extension,
Project 68-82"
In response to question from Council, City Manager Morgan replied
to questions raised in a letter delivered to Council tonight from
W. H. Radciliffe, 2730 Alexis Drive, Palo Alto.
The ordnance was adopted unanimously by voice vote.
Regional Wastewater
Tea eent' or cs CMR:062:9)
MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, and it was duly seconded,
that the Council approve the Joint Sewage Treatment Plant Agree.
went with exhibits attached inthe _form approved bv the cities
f Mountain View and Los Altos.
The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
sae ort on Downtown Libra
a ecreafion C€ r (CMR:058:9)
MOTION: Coun.citrnan. Spaeth moved, seconded by Gallagher,
to refer the report on the Downtown Library and Recreation Center
to the Public Works Committee.
'she motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Proposition No. 9 {Watson
Amendment] ((M C:b6':9
MOTION? Councilman s3eahrs introduced the following resolution
and moved, and it was duly seconded, its adoption with. the
addition of a "Section 4" to read: "It is understood that this action
does not include endorsement of unlimited future tax upon real
and personal property."
(See P. 240)
AMENDMENT: Councilrr,;-,n Comstock moved, and it was duly seconded ,
to delete Sect,;on 4 of the proposed resolution.
229
9/23/68
The amendment carried by majority voice vote.
The resolution was adopted unanimously by voice vote.
Gun Control
MOTION: Councilman Spaeth moved, and it was duly seconded, that
the proposed gun registration ordinance be withdrawn frorn the
Planning and Procedures Committee and that the subject of gun
control be considered at some future date by the City Council in
its entirety.
At the suggestion of Councilman Clark, Mayor Arnold ruled that
the motion would be split.
The first part of the motion to withdraw the proposed gun registration
from Committee carried by majority voice vote.
MOTION: Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Beahrs, to
continue the item concerning gun control until such tirne as the
appellate court gives an opinion c,n the San Francisco and other
gun control ordinances presently under its review.
MOTION: Councilman Spaeth moved, seconded by Pearson, to
continue the motion to continue.
Mayor Arnold ruled the motion nut of order.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Spaeth moved, seconded by Pearson
to amend the- motion to continue the matter for four weeks (October
21, 1968).
The amendment failed on the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Arnold, Comstock, Gullixson, Pearson, Spaeth
Noes: Beahrs, Berwald, Clark, Dias, Gallagher, Wheatley
Discussion followed and City .'attorney Hildebrand replied to questions
concerning the doctrine of preemption,
PREVIOUS QUESTION: Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by
Dias, the previous question.
The previous question failed on the .following r.o11 call vote (2/3rds
or 8 votes required).
Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Clark, Dias, Gallagher, Gullixson,
Wheatley
Noes: Berwald, Comstock, Pearson, Spaeth
Discussion continued as to whether it is proper to wait for a decision
on the gun control natters presently before the courts, whether action
Z30
9/23/66
now might be premature or invalid in light of the court's ruling
and whether any specific gun control proposal other than that
already presented will be brought before the Council.
The motion to continue pending the court decision then carried on
the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Berwald, Clark, Dias, Gallagker,
Gullixson, Wheatley
Noes: Comstock, Pearson, Spaeth
Planning Policy Committee
Councilman Comstock requested that complete Planning Policy
Committee questionnaires be turned in to the City Clerk for trans-
mission to the Committee.
ACj2urnment
There being no further business, the Council adjourned at 11:25 p. rn.