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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02271967City Hall Palo Alto, California February 27, 1967 The Council of the City of Palo Alto met in an adjourned meeting from February 20, 1967 on this date at 7:35 p.m. with Mayor Dias presiding. Present: Arnold, Beahre, Comstock, Cooley, Debs, Dias, Pearson, Rohrer; Sher, Worthington Absent: Flint (arrived 9:50 p.m.). Rue, Woodward Substation H - Alternate Site Mayor Dias announced that reconsideration of the vote on the follow- ing resolution with Section 7 deleted which was adopted on February 13 was before the Council: "Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Finding and Determining that the Public Interest and Necessity of Said City Require, for Public Use for Public Grounds, Certain Land Located in the City of Pale Alto, County of Santa Clara, State of California, for Electric Substation 'fig and Access ?`hereto.' AMENDMENT: Councilman Sher moved, seconded by Dcbs, to add back the deleted Section 7 relating to the Clerk's certifying that the resolution had been adopted by two-thirds vote. The amendment carried by imanitnous voice vote. Burton Marks, 3415 Louis Road, Palo Alto, spoke in favor of the proposed alternate --site _sors-euhga gqy -.,. Discussion followed and City Manager Morgan replied to questions concerning dotai,ls relating to construction and deadlines in con- nection with substation H. The resolution as originally proposed (including Section 7) then was adopted on the following roll call vote: Ayea: Arnold, Beaters, Comstock, Debe, Pearson, Rohr., Sher, Worthington Noes: Cooley Dias MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, and it was duly reconded, to reconsider the vote ► n the resolution which was just adopted. The motion carried by majority voice vote, Discussion followed concerning the possibility of obi the de- sired nice votes for the resolution in the' rest an absent councilman was present later in the evening and Assistant City Attorney Hildebrand stated the resolution could be reconsidered at any time during the meeting. (Councilmen Dabs and Worthington left at 8:29 p.m.) Resolution of Appreciation - Robert E. Michalski MOTION: Councilman Beahrs introduced the following resolution and teconcled by Arnold, its adoption: Resolution 3962 entitled "Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Cosnmeadi,ng Robert E. Michalski for i'acellent and Loyal Service to the People of Palo Alto" The resolution was adopted on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Comstock, Cooley, Dias, Pearson, Rohrs, Sher Noes: None Pa ,ent of Claims Procedure MOTION: Councilman Arnold, seconded by Beahrs, moved the adoption of the following ordinance: Ordinance No. 2335 entitled "Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Section 2.408.3 of Chapter 2 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code and Adding Section 2.421 Thereto Pertaining to the Payment of Claims." The ordinance was adopted on. the following roll call vote: Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Comstock, Cooley, Dias, Pearson, Rohrs, Sher Noes: None ire Zone Man -- Middlefield Road/Loma Verde MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Arnold, the adoption of the following ordinance: Ordinance No. 2336 entitled"Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto A=mending the 011ie Fire Zone Map of the City of Palo Alto (Section 1601 of the Uniform Building Code) by Changing the Property Rezoned from M -1:S to R-2, R -3:G and R -3:G -D in the Middlefield Road -Loma Verde Avenue Area. from Fire Zone No. 2 to Fire Zone No. 3." 4 /27/67 The ordinance was adopted on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Comstock, Cooley, Dias, Pearbon, Rohrs, ,"her Noes: None (Councilman Debs returned at 8:35 p.m.) Foothills Park Boat Dock and Overlook I rovernents MOTION: Councilman Arnold moved, seconded by Cooley, the adoption of the following ordinance: Ordinance No. 2337 entitled "Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Altc Approving and Adopting a Plan for the De- velopment of Foothills Park Boat Dock and Overlook Improve- ments, Project No. 63-9." The ordinance was adopted on the following roll call vote: Ayes: .Arnold, Beahrs, Comstock, Cooley, Debs, Dias, Pearson, Rohrs, Sher Noes: None Storm Drains im2roveznent City Manager Morgan outlined his report of February 15 regard- ing storm drains improvement and recom n nded an additional , amount be appropriated and the City Manager authorized to invite bids for purchase of electrical parts and equi;ment for the Mata.ti _ dero Pumping -Station and the -Adobe Pumping Station. MOTION: Councilman Cooley moved, seconded by Comstock, the adoption of the following ordinance: Ordinance No. 2338 entitled "Ordinance of the Cour,:ci1 of the City of Palo Alto Amending the Budget for Fiscal Year 1966-67 to Make an Additional Appropriation for Storm Drain Improve- ments (Project 66-10)."' The ordinance was adopted on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Arnold, Beahre, Comstock, Cooley, Delis, Dias, Pearson, Rohrs, Sher Noes: None Flood Control rovementa re �Saa� . anciequito ree c City Manager Morgan referred to his report of February 16 re- garding remedial flood control improvements to San Francisquito Creek and the following: "Mr. Donald K. Currlin Manager -Counsel Santa Clara County Flood Control and Water District 70 West Redding Street San Jose, California Dear Mr. Currlin: Re: San Franciequito Creek Remedial Measures This letter is in response to the request, growing out ;:f the San Francisquito Creek Flood Control meeting of February 8, that all interested agencies and parties submit their, desires in writing " The City of Palo Alto strongly urges that immediate measures be taken to improve the hydraulic characteristics or the carrying capacity of the Creek. In addition it is believed essential that measures be taken in those areas where property damage is presently occurring or where physical aspects threaten to cause damage. Further, early explorations should be under- taken to deterrnine the means by which needed remedial programs can be undertaken both as to the agencies which should be in- volved and the methods by which funds would be raised and the various costs should be allocated. '' With reference to specifics we will now attempt identify the important ones although it must be recognized that such a list could be subject to augmentation at any time. An example is the fact that about an hour after the meeting al February 8,__a. asae-able oa,� tree was- fouaad-tbaf had fallen into San Francis to Creek from the Menlo side opposite AIxr Street. City of Palo Alto crews removed this, but it was one more unpleasant reminder oi" the potential blockages at various Creek crossings. " 1. Apparently the most recognisable bottleneck is the Pope -Chaucer bridge. The existing structure should be re- moved, Whether it should be replaced with some other structure is riot clear at this time. " 2. A private bridge between 75 - 61 Crescent Drive is considered to be a potential hazard by if-irture of the fact that high waters reach the structure and drifting material could endanger or collapse the structure. Should this happen, it could quickly cause serious trouble at a downstream bridge. " 3. Hydraulic features at and above the Bayshore bridge should be reviewed with the thought of improvements if this is a serious bottleneck. 4. Trees and brush control should be given greater emphasis with a view to reducing hydraulic friction and thus im- plementing the carrying capacity of the channel. " 5. Lf existing legislative controls are inadequate, immediate steps should be taken to provide adequate control against any revetment work without approval of appropriate flood control agencies. " 6. Particular erosion control measures should be taken immediately at the following distressed area: Palo Alto side vicinity of Guinda. Other areas are being surveyed and additional information will be submitted upon the comple- tion. " Although this list of specifics may appear to be reasonably comprehensive at this time, it does not, of course, mean that future periods of heavy vun off will not create new situations requiring remedial maintenance activities. " It is the firm belief of the City of Palo Alto that these rnersures should be taken as soon as possible and the means found to implement and finance there. These improve- ments and remedial measures should not be held in abeyance through any thought that such actions would disturb the cost benefit ratio of more comprehensive control projects. These measures are deemed essential at this time regardless of what the future holds for more permanent works." MOTION: Councilrnan Cooley moved, seconded by Beahrs,.to direct the City Manager to forward the letter to Mr. Currlin. AMENDMENT: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Debs, that in item No. 5 in the proposed lette-r t: a words "being done by private parties" be inserted after "revetment work." Councilman Arnold suggested the insertion be changed to "by any parties, private or public," and Councilmen Pearson and Debs agreed to the change. The amendment carried by unanimous voice vote. (Councilman Debi left at P:55 p.m.) The motion as amended carried by unanimous voice vote. Expansion of Hoover Park (Counci)man Dabs returned at 8:58 p.m.) r. • City Manager Morgan referred to his report of February 16 regard- ing the expansion of Hoover Park and the acquisition of the needed property. MOTION: Councilman Debs moved, seconded by Comstock, that the City Manager be authorized to proceed with the acquisition of the necessary parcels by exercise of the option contracts and fur- ther execute the lease -back documents. The motion carried on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Arnold, 13eahrs, Comstock, Cooley, Debs, Dias, Pearson, Rohre, Sher Noes: None (Councilman Worthirgton returned at 9:02 p.m.) Candidate's Statement of Qualifications City Clerk Klamrn referred to her memorandums of February 15 and 20 concerning the candidate's statement of qualifications to be distributed with the sample ballets in the forthcoming election and requested a policy decision from the Council on whether or not the City would subsidize the printing of these statements. In reply to questions Irorn Council members, Mrs. Klarrm stated that in the event a recall election is called, it is her intent to send copies of the candidate's statement form to the incumbent immediately as they automatically become candidates uniesa they request otherwise. MOTION: Councilor i Sher moved, and it was duly seconded, that the City will not bill the candidates for printing the statement. The motion carried by majority voice vote. (The Council recessed from 9:20 to 9:30 p.m.) Charter Revision re Filing Dates MOTION: Mayor Dias introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Rohrs, its adoption: Resolution 3963 entitled "Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Submitting to the Electors of the City of Palo Alto at the 1967 General Municipal Election a Proposed Amendment io the Charter of the City of Palo Alto Deleting Certain Filing and Petition Requirements of Sandidates for City Council." Assistant City Attorney Hildebrand stated that the reference to "Proposition 1" in the resolution would have to be changed to "Proposition 4" since the Council had already placed three other proposition. on the May 9 ballot. Mayor Dias included the change in her motion. 1 i 1i7l67 AMENDMENT: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Sher, that the proposition in the resolution be reworded as follows: "Shall Section 3 of Article VII of the Palo Alto City Charter be amended to provide that the provisions of general law as t}.e sarne now exist or may hereafter be enacted apply in regard to filing and signature requirements in City elections?" Discussion followed as to whether it was desirable to change the wording to conform to tilt, style of the other three ballot proposi- t; ins and whether or not the City might always want to follow general law in regard to filing dates. The amendment failed on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Noes: Comstock; Debs, Peareon, Sher, Worthington Arnold, Beahrs, Cooley, Dias, Rohr e The resolution was adopted on the following roll call vote: Ayes : Noes: Arnold, Beahrs, Comstock, Cooley, Diae, Pearson, Rohr!, S}'er, Worthington De bs Report on Policing City Parke Councilman Arnoid,explzined that he had placed the item requesting a staff report on the problems and procedures involved in'iolicing city parks on the Agenda and that he was satisfied that the City Manager would prefer to submit a written report at a later date. School Board Bond Election denerai Municival Electron Councilman Arnold stated that he had investigated the possibility of comb%.ing a School Board bond election wlah the general munici- pal election on May 9 and had learned that the different boundaries involved would make such consolidation almost in -possible. City tanford L3aisoi Committee MOTION: Councilman Arnold moved, seconded by Cooley.. to direct the Mayor to invite Stanford University to join with the City of Palo Alto in the formation of a City .Stanford Liaison Committee to consist of two members of the Cit./ Council s. id one City staff member and two' members of the Board of Trustees and one Stan- ford staff member, the Committee to consider items of mutual concern and cow interest as generated by the Committee and also consider items referred to it by the Council or the Board of • Trustees. (Caunci/tea lint arrived at 9: 50 p. ran. Discussion followed concerning the type of item which 'might be appropriate to refer to such a committee. Dixon Arnett, ^,irector of Cornx:nunity Relations for Stanford Uni- versity, spoke in favor of the establishrient of such a committee. AMENDMENT: Councilman Debs moved, seconded by Flint, that all such meetings be held in the evening at the City Hall and sub- ject to the Brown Act. Discussion followed as to difficulties which might be encountered by malting specific requirements as to time and location of any meetings to be held by such a committee. The amenriment failed on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Debs, Flint Noes: Arnold, Beahrs, Comstock, Cooley, Dias, Pearson, Rohrs, Sher, Worthington The motion carried or the following roll call vote: Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Comstock: Cooley, Debs, Dias, Flint, Pearson, Rohrs, Sher, Worthington Noes: Norse Substation H - Alternate Site Mayor Dias stated that if thore were no objections, the resolution concerning an alternate site for aubstatio-:� ii could be considered at this time. There were no objections. MOTION: Councilman Comstock introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: Resolution 3264 entitled "Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Finding and Determining that the /Public Interest and Necessity of slit? City Require, for Public Use for Public Grounds, Certain Land Located in the City of Palo Alto, County of Santa Clara, State of California for Electric Substation SI' and Access Thereto." The motion was d* ly seconded and the resolution wail adopted on the following roil call vote: Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Comstock, Debs, Flint, Pearson, Rohrs, Sher, Worthington Noes: Cooley, Dias MOTION: Councilman Worthington moved, seconded by Pearson, that the Council rescind its action taken at the meeting of December 12, 1966 which directed the City Manager to proceed with construc- tion of Substation H on the site off Louis Road. The rnotion carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION: Councilman Comstock introduced the following ordinance and moved its adoption: Ordinance No. 2339 entitled "Ordinance of the Counncil of the City of Palo Alto Amending lie Budget for Fiscal Year 1966- 1967 to Make an Additional Appropriation for Purchase of Electrical Cubstation Site and Appurtenances." The motion was duly seconded rand the ordinance was adopted on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Noes: Downtown Plan Arnold, Beaters, Comstock, Cooley, Deba, Dias, Flirt, Pearson, Roars, Sher, Worthington None MOTION: Councarran Pearson moved, seconded by Deba, that the Planning Commission 1) be directed to review the direction of downtown development, tying togethr r. past directives from the Council regarding the Palo Alto Clinic plans, vacating of auto row, tide impact of the Civic Center and Downtwon Service Center; .2) be, directed to review the past seven downtown pia►re5; and (3) at the cok.clusion of these studies. recommend to the Council whether or not Council should authorise expenditure of money to hire a planner to develop a downtown plan number eight. (Councilman Worthington left at 10:25 p. m. and did not return) AMENDMENT: Councilman Flint moved, seconded by Debs, to add that the Planning Commission restate the goals and objectives for the downtown area particularly the commercial area. The amendment failed on the following roll call vote: t.yes: Heahrs, Debs, Flint Noes: Arnold, Comstock, Cooley, Dias, Pearson, Rohrl, Sher Discussion followed concerning the previous downtown plans and in reply to quEzationa from the Council, Planning Officer Fourcroy stated that the Council's intent is clear to the Planning Commission as they proceed with their 'study of a downtown plan. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. d j Tall Building Policy MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Beahrs, that the Planning Comrn ssion be directed to develop a tall building policy for Palo Alto. Discussion followed concerning the desirability of a tall building policy in the future development of the City. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Flood Control Facilities - San Francisauito Creek MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Sher, to re- quest the staff - the City Attorney - to prepare an opinion as to whether the resolution adopted by the Board of Supervisors dis- claiming re ponsibility for the lack of solution to the flood problems .:il San Franciscpito Creek in view of the inability of the various parties involved to reach an agreement make Palo Alto legally re- sponsible for flood control and whether it relieves the County of its responsibility. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Adjournment There being no further business, the Council adjourned at 10:40 p. **************** The Council of the City of Palo Alto met in a regular meeting on this date at 14:41 p. m. with Mayor Dias presiding. hraifzu,— ucrasr-a,-v.=! ,_: :ejr; tJzba -Dias, Flint, Pearson, Rohrer Sher Absent: Rus, Woodward, Worthington Approval of Minutes The Minutes of February 9, 1967 were approved. Drive -In Restaurants and %efrevTimen aads - Regalations MOTION: Councilman Comstock introduced, on behalf of the Plan- ning and Procedures Committee, the following ordinance and moved its approval for first leading with changes to be made in accordance with the letter from Assistant C t►; Attorney Hildebrand dated February 24: "Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Chapter 28 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code Regulatiarog Drive - In Restaurants. and Refreshment Stands." The ordinance was approved for first reading on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Comstock, Cooley, Debs, Dias, Flint, Pearson, Rohr,, Sher Noes:. None Billiard and Pool Rooms Card Rooms and aw eta s ents - eaula etiioar_ M(OTION: Councilman Comstock introduced, on behalf of the Plan- ning and Procedures Committee, ittee, the following ordinance and moved its approval for first reading. "Ordinance cf the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Chapter 9 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code Regulating Billiard and Pool Rooms,Card Rooms, and Bowling Establishments." The ordinance was approved for first reading on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Arnold, Beahra, Comstock, Cooley, Debs, Dias, Flint, Pearson, Rohra, Sher Nees: None 1...&cenein�_ Provisions - ne MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, on behalf of the Planning and Procedures Committee, that Council direct the Attorney's office to prepare a revision, of Chapters 3 and 4 of the Palo Alto Municipal FCode and the •other licensing provisions throughout the Code; and f:rther recconzmend that the staff be directed to conduct a review of the City's fee structure and prepare recommendations for appropriate revision with such reports sant to the Planning and Procedures Committee. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Speed Limit - Embarcadet.. Road MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Beahrs, the ad Talon of the fcllowing ordinance: Ordinance No. 234C entitled "Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Mg* tir dect od 19:13:1 Noel -the Pilo Alto 83 2/27/b7 Municipal Code and Amending Section 19. 152 Establishing the Speed Limit on Embarcadero Road at 25 Miles Per Hours." The ordislance was adopted on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Bestirs, Comstock, Debs, Flint, Pearson, Rohrs, Sher Noes: Arnold, Cooley, Dias North Palo Alto Water System City Manager Morgan referred to his report of February 24 con- cerning the proposal by the City of Menlo Park to purchase the North Palo Alto Water System and recommended a more detailed study could be made by the Finance Committee. MOTION: Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by Pearson, that the proposal to purchase the North Palo Alto Water System be re- ferred to Finance Committee, The motion carried by majority voice vote. Councilman Cooley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, announced that the matter would be included on the Committee agenda for February 28, 1967. Claims re El Carmelo School Fire Assistant City Attorney Hildebrand referred to his report of Feb- ruary outlining the clans arising from the El Carmelo School fire and recommended the claims be denied. MOTION:. Councilman Comstock moved, aecolided by Beer a, deny in their entirety the following claims: Richard T. Johnson - $6202.31 Palo Alto Unified Echoal District - $147, 500 Harold E. Hiller - $306.95 .. See Page 95 The motion carried unanimously byvoice vote with Councilman Flint abrtaiaing. R.. t -_ Pacific Ready Mne Co , i Assistant City Attorney Hildebrand referred to his report of Feb- ruary 21 concerning the claim against the City of Pacific Ready Mix Company, Inc. and recommended the claim be denied. MOTION: Couticilman Beahrs moved, seconded by Comstock, to deny the claim in its entiret . 4 127167 Discussion followed and Mr. Hildebrand replied to ques...o.i concern- ing the claim. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote with Councilman Flint abstaining. County Planning He_,2in& re Barron Park Zoning City Manager Morgan announced that a public hearing would be held by the County Planning Courimiasion regarding zoning of property in Barron Park. Planning Officer Fourcroy outlined the affected area on the wall map. MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Comstock, that a member of the Planning staff be present in support of action outlined by Mr. Fourcroy. Discussion foP.owed as to whether Council action was necessary, and Mr. Morgan stated that the Planainr, representative would support Council policy as contained in the City General Plan un- less authorized to the contrary. He added that the City has an interest in the matter as the owner of the abutting property. Councilman Pearson reworded her notion to sending a representa- tive to the hearing -in support of Palo Alto's general plan in con- nection with the items being considered. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Will Road committee Councilman Flint inq.u.red as to whether or not the Council wished to ha ie a report on the acti rifle.) of the Willow Road Comm: tee. Councilman Pearson: st..ted 1,hat the item had been withheld from the Council Agenda pending r::ceipt of the nannies of_the last -meet — Mayor Dias, request.;d Count ti advice asking if the Council pre- ferred to wait for the written report. The reply was affirmative by majority voice vote. Audit Proposal -Lybrand Rosb Bros. & iontgornery City Manl.ger Morgan referred to the proposal from Lyl,rand, Ross Bros. & Montgomery concerning an audit of the City's records, stating the examination and cost were identical to those la the pro- , posal accepted last year from the same firm. MOTION: Councilman Debs moved, second -d by Comstock, to re- fer the letter t.) the Finance Committee for recommendation. Discussion followed concerning whether Committee study was re- quired. Councilman Debs withdrer: his motion. MOTION: Councilman Debs moved, seconded by Comstock, to accept the proposal of Lybrand, Ross Bros. & Montgomery as found in th-;ir letter to the City dated February 15, 1967. At the suggestion of Mr. Morgan, he added to his motion that the Mayor be authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. A diournmen t Councilman Robrs moved, seconded by Beahrs, to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. The Council adjourned at 11:20 p.m. APPROVED: