HomeMy WebLinkAbout01061975i
CITY
COUNCIL
MINUTES
ITEM
Minutes of December 9, 1974
Retirement of Arthur Besemer
Retirement of Joseph Mello
Retirement of Roy Schmidt
Retirement of Kathleen Simkins
Retirement of Guy Wathen
Newell Road Bridge Study
Regular Meeting
January 6, 1975
765 San Antonio Avenue, Application of Alpha Land Company to
Change P -C District Development Plan to Allow an 68 -Unit Multi --
family Development
CITY
o�
PA! o
CAGE
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767
7 6 8
7 6 8
768
7 6 8
769
7 7 6
Planning Commission Recommends re Modifying Open Space Diatr-Ict
to Add Cemeteries as a Conditional Use 7 7 6
Underground Utility District Uo. 18 - San Antonio Road Under-
ground Conversion Project 7 7 8
Land Use and Control Measures in Palo Alto's Flood Hazard Area 7 7 8
Webster Block, Change in Classification from R-2, R -3-P and
R-4 to P -C 7 7 8
Barron Park Aantezat4.on 7 8 0
Refuse Disposal Area: Permit from Corps of Engineers 7 8 0
Mitchell Park Library Expansion Project-AMendmant No. 2 to
Architect's Contract 7 8 1
Amendment to Fire Department Compensation Plan: Paramedic
Salaeries 7 8 1
Master Agreement for Joint Undergound Construction 7 8 2
Proposed Willow Road ImprOvement Project -Arboretum Road to
El Camino Real
Adjournment
782
793
Special Meeting
Saturday, January 11, 1975
Special Meeting with Senator Arlen Gregorio 7 9 4
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January 6, 1975
The City Council of. the City of Palo Alto met on this date at
in a regular meeting with Mayor Sher presiding.
Present: Bestirs, Clay, Comstock,
Henderson, Norton, Pearson
Sher, Berwald (arrived 7:40 p.m.),
Rosenbaum (arrived 7:55 p.m.)
Absent: None
putee of December 9 1974
7:30 p.m.
Councilman Comstock stated that he did not second the motion on page
708 regarding the Newell Road Bridge, and the minutes should be corrected
accordingly.
Vice Mayor Henderson pointed out that page number 703 could be inserted
after the first motion on page 683.
Councilman Norton referred
up" be inserted before the
from the top of page 692.
from the bottom, the wards
to "on wall mounted".
to page 692 and asked that the words "held
word "indefinitely", fourth paragraph
Also, on page 694, in the fourth paragraph
"inewall mounted" should be corrected
Councilman Berwald requested correction of the spelling of the word
"Councilman", first line, last paragraph, page 692.
Mayor Sher noted that on page 697, next to the last line, the word
"licenses" should be changed to "licensed". He referred to page
703 and asked thew the word "to" be added after the word "motion"
in the first line of the fifth paragraph. The reference to "General
Plan" just after that vote should be corrected to "Comprehensive
Plan". Mayor Sher asked that the action be recorded on page 707
concerning Resolution No. 5034.
MOTI0N: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Pearson, that the
minutes be approved as corrected.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
(CMR 652:4)
MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Comstock, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO.
5043 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO ARTHUR BESffi1ER
UPON HIS RETLB. ENT"
The revolution was adopted on a unanimous vote.
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Mayor Sher presented a copy of the resolution to Mr. Besemer and
noted that a plaque from the city was given to Mr. Besemer at a dinner
in his honor. A
urriamatuaLlusigAstieLo (x:667:4)
MOTION: Councilman Comstock introduced the fo1.ioving resolution
and moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 5044 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PAIR ALTO
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO JOSEPH MELLO
UPON HIS RETIP !ENT"
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vote.
(c 8:668:4)
MOTION: Councilman Comstock introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 5045 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COJTCIL OF 'ME CITY OF PALO ALTO
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO ROY SC "iIDT
UPON HIS RETIREMENT"
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vote.
At of iath:.eeu Sim (CMR:669:4)
MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Berwald, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 5046 entitled "RP -SOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO KATHLEEN SIMKINS
UPON HER RETIREMENT
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vote,
Mayor Sher stated on behalf of the whole Council that because members
of Council work so closely with the City Clerk's Office, they had
all been able to observe Mrs. Simkins' contribution and dedication
to the city. Mayor Sher Enid he had a special affection for Mrs.
Simkins because she began worms ler the city when he was new to
See pg. 874 the city the first tine. The Mayor presented a copy of the resolution
and the plaque expreaeing appreciation to Firs. Simkins.
i
(cMR:651:4)
Vice Mayor Henderson reported that he had the pleasure of attending
the retireaeat dinner for Captain Wethen and Lieutenant Besemer Friday
evening. The Large turnout included police personnel from other
cities, and Vice Mayor Henderson thought it was a dramatic testimonial
to the esteem in which these two men are held.
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MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Berwald, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 5042 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF 1HE CITY OF PALO ALTO
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO GUY WATHEN UPON
HIS RETIREMENT''`
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vote.
Councilman Comstock mentioned that the retirement of Captain Wathen
was extremely timely. As most everyone knew, Captain Wathen is an
avid akin diver and gold retriever from the cold streams of northern
California. The United States Covernaint had obliged him by turning
gold loose in the free market Just as he reached retirement, so perhaps
Captain Wathen would go into full-time gold hunting.
Mayor Sher presented the resolution of appreciation to Captain Wathen.
Newell Road Bridge Study 1CMR:638:4)
Ted Noguchi, Traffic Engineer, thought it would be well to highlight
some of the important findings as stated in the staff report for
the beaafit of the audience. He reported that the assignment to staff
occurred on April 15, 1974, and Council had asked for an analysis,
reports, and recommendations. Since that time, staff has had contact
with San Mateo County about the structural condition of the bridge.
San Mateo County's opinion was that the general structural condition
of the bridge was still adequate even though it was built in 191.1.
However, Mr. Noguchi reported that some of the general configua,ations
of the bridge were somewhat substandard. During its research, staff
found that no accidents had occurred on the bridge itself; but there
had been some on the approaches. Mr. Noguchi observed that speed
studies were done in 1973 and 1974 on the bridge and on the Palo
Alto approaches to the bridge, and staff found there had been a alight
increase in speeds on Newell Road. in the southbound direction,
the speed had increased from thirty-five to thirty-eight miles per
hnur; and that was an ;mighty -five percentile speed. The speed of
automobiles going in a northerly direction remained rather ateble
at thirty-five miles per hour. Mr. Noguchi pointed out that Newell
Road is still a residential street, and the speed limit is twenty-
five guiles per hour. Traffic warrants® were researched back to 1958,
and volume on Newell Road remained static. In 1958, the volume was
2,400 vehicles per day; and in 1974, the volume was 2,500 vehicles
per days. A bicycle survey indicated that over a seven -hour period,
165 bicyclists used the bridge; however, there was a significant
number of bicyclists at the Chemins and Newell intersection. He
explained that the Channing Avenue connection contributed heavily
to the bicycle traffic south of Charming Avenue. Pedestrian counts
were taken, and Mr. Noguchi reported that thirty-seven pedestrianaa
crossed the bridge over a seven -hour period. An origin and destination
,survey was conducted; and during a seven -hoar interview period, it
was found that sixty°-aeven percent of the Newell Road Bridge traffic
originated in the immediate area north of San Francisquito Creek.
About thirty-five percent of the traffic had destinations at Stanford
University and the Stanford hospital, and twenty-six percent of the
traffic had destinations in the area immediately south of the bridge.
Of all the interviewed drivers, Mx. Noguchi observed that fifty percent
were going to work and twenty-one percent were going to school.
Assuming that the bridge might be closed, staff tried to determine
which alternative routes would be most attractive to those drivers
who would be affected. For people destined to the Stanford Industrial
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See
Psi•
Park and then home again, the West Bayshore Frontage Road, Embarcadero
Road, Greer Road, and Oregon Expressway route appeared to be the
fastest one. The quickest route for those going to Stanford University
would be University Avenue or the West Bayshcre Frontage/Embarcadero
Road route. After analyzing the data, staff concluded that the number
of single family household units that would be affected directly
on Newell Road by a bridge closure would be sixty. If the bridge
were closed, Mr. Noguchi observed that there would be an incremental
effect on 399 other households on University Avenue, West Bayahore
Frontage Road, Embarcadero Road, North California Avenue, Greer Road,
and the Oregon Expressway Frontage Roads. The conclusion of staff
was that there was no pressing need oz compelling safety reason for
closing the bridge; however, Mr. Noguchi reiterated that there is
a problem on Newell Road with respect to speeding. Neither the accident
history nor the structural condition of the bridge tended to support
a need for replacing the bridge on the basis of safety considerations.
Mr. Noguchi stated the following three alternative courses of policy
actions that were available for Council's consideration: 1) resolve
to take no action on the matter, resulting in the retention of the
"status quo"; 2) approve on a triad, basis or on a permanent pasis
the closure of the bridge to motor vehicle traffic, with or without
the agreement or concurrence by San Mateo County, only if legally
permissible, as determined by the City Attorney; or 3) approve the
replacement of the present substandard bridge with a "safer" bridge
structure reflective &f present-day design standards as desired by
San Mateo County and the East Palo Alto Municipal Council.
Mayor Sher noted that a resolution had been received from the San
Mateo County Board of Supervisors opposing the closure of the bridge
and suggesting working cooperatively with the city toward the imprt,vement
of the bridge. Letters had been received recently from Mr. Don Overall
and Mr. Clarkson; earlier, a number of communications had been received,
874 including a petition with 394 signatures.
Councilman Beahrs noted that Mr. Noguchi's staff report did not go
into what the results might by if the bridge were enlarged. This
subject was mentioned by Councilman Beahrs because he was strongly
opposed to the bridge becoming more capacious.
Mr. Noguchi thought this matter was addressed to some extent in the
Comprehensive Plan Impact Report. As he recalled, the forecast for
1990 indicated a very significant increase of traffic on Newell Road.
Councilwoman Pearson asked if this road would qualify for radar control
at a speed limit of thirty-five miles per hour or under.
Hr. Noguchi stated that the legal requirement was that the speed
limit would have to be based on the eighty-five percentile speeds.
At the present time, the speed limit is twenty --five miles per hour;
however, the eighty-five percentile speeds are above thirty-five
miles per hour. This makes the situation inconsistent; and the law
says that in a case such as this, radar cannot be used.
Councilwoman Pearson felt that was the most ridiculous law that she
had ever heard of. She referred to the legal restraints that may
prevent the city from unilaterally closing the bridge to motor vehicles,
and she asked the City Attorney to comment so that the members of
the audience would have that understanding.
City Attorney Booth explained that as with any street closure, it
is possible for one or more citizens to claim closing the bridge com-
pletely or Uniting it to pedeetrian and bicycle traffic unreasonably
impairs access. Mr. Booth said his office had not beef able to determine
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who owned the entire bridge, but it was hie opinion that the action
proposed would not result in such a deprivation of access to or use
of the bridge as to constitute invalidity if the city should be sued
by someone on either side of the bridge.
Councilman Clay asked if the 25Z of the drivers who were going to
scLeol were going to Foothill College.
Mr, Noguchi responded that most of those students were on their way
to Stanford University.
Keith Boyle, 515 Newell Road, stated that the residents in the neighborhood
of the Newell Road Bridge were concerned about the quality of life
in their neighborhood and in the city in general. He said that the
residents had been aware of a continuous erosion in the quality of
traffic on Newell Road, and that traffic was generated by the apartment
complex residents in San Mateo County. Mr. Boyle wondered if the
officials in San Mateo County bothered to contact Palo Alto City
Council as to their intention to continue building a vast apartment
complex in that area. In fact, San Mateo County had informed Stanford
University students and employees at the Medical Center that it is
ideal to use Newe13. Road as a direct access to the Stanford area.
Mr. Boyle pointed out that a bicycle count at Newell and F..mbarcadero
was not taken, and bicycle traffic there was substantial. It was
Mr. Boyle's observation that the staff report confirmed all the points
in the petition. Mr. Boyle repeated the detail$ of the petition
for Council.
Edward unite, 620 Newell Road, observed that the petition presented
to Council on April 15 gave all the reasons why the neighborhood
wanted the bridge to be converted to one that would be used only
for pedestrians and bicyclists; and he felt the Traffic Engineer's
report corroborated the petition. The residents were concerned about
thoughtless, speeding drivers; and the staff report shows that the
speed increased from thirty-five to thirty-eight riilee per hour over
the period of one year, and that is a significant ten percent increase.
Mr. White thought that an even more important fact was that fifteen
percent of the vehicles using the bridge exceed thirty-eight miles
per hour in a twenty-five mile per hour zone. Newell Road is a collector
street for the neighborhood, and children and bicyclists ese it to
get to the many schools in the area. During commuting hours, all
of this could create a dangerous situation. The area just north
of the bridge, which was the cause of the deterioration of traffic,
is an unincorporated area confined to a few blocks of very high density
apartments; and cars from that area are responsible for eighty-two
percent of the southbound bridge traffic during the morning hours,
just when the children are biking cr walking to school. Mr. White
urged Council to approve a trial closure or conversion of the bridge
to foot and bicycle traffic.
Elizabeth Boyle, 515 Newell Road, recalled that the neighbors right
from the beginning had known that volume of traffic was not the problem.
It was the feeling of those interested in the traffic over the bridge
that if it were closed to vehicular traffic, many of those who drove
their care to the Seven -Eleven Store would find it quite convenient
to walk there or to bike over the bridge. Stanford students make
several trips a day back and forth in their automobilea. If the
bridge were closed, Mrs. Boyle thought they would cut down on the
number of trips; and some of them would decide to ride bicycles.
She noted the prediction by staff that there would be a modest percentage
of increase in traffic on arterial roads if Newell Road no longer
functioned as a cross-town through traffic route. Mrs. Boyle considered
that the 19.22 increase in traffic on North California and Greer
would be the only one that would be unacceptable to her. As a result
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of the traffic study, it was now known when people left certain origins
and traveled to certain destinations; and this presented the city
with a perfect opportunity to put public transportation to very good
use. Bus service could be provided at optimum times in the morning
and evening. Mrs. Boyle hoped that if the bridge were not closed
to traffic, that there would be a small foot and bicycle bridge added
to prevent any possible accidents.
James Allen, 580 Newell Road, referred to that part of the staff
report which stated that closure of the Newell Bridge would be environmentally
harmful in that it would tend to increase the number of vehicle miles
travelled in Palo Alto. This may be so, but Mr. Allen observed that
the alternative commuter routes had so nearly the same mileage as
the one along Newell that any change in Palo Alto's total vehicle
miles would be slight. He felt this possibility had to be weighed
against the consideration that alternative methods of speed control
along Newell are likely to include the use of stop signs with the
attendant start -and -stop driving which increases vehicle pollutant
emissions and decreases engine efficiency. Concern had been expressed
that converting the Newell Road Bridge would constitute an unfriendly
act toward East Palo Alto, and the specter of disapproval by San
Mateo County has been raised. Mr. Allen felt it was necessary to
point out that there is no basis for equating a conversion of the
bridge with unfriendliness toward the community of East Palo Alto.
The traffic study shows that in a seven -hour period, only 71% of
the bridge traffic originates in the main community of family residents
east of Bayshore. Mr. Allen recalled that at the very outset of
their concern about the bridge, a representative of the neighborhood
contacted San Mateo County officials; and the County stated that
they had no interest in the bridge. In Mr. Alien's opinion, a trial
conversions of the bridge to foot and bicycle use would be justified.
Phil Harsh, 1830 West Bayshore, San Mateo County, said that a closure
of the bridge to automobile traffic would certainly be a timely enhancement
and encouragement of bicycle use, The consumption of energy needed
to be curtailed, and making bicycle riding a safe and pleasant experience
would be one way of accomplishing that end.
Charles Eckford, Planning Coordinator for the East Palo Alto Municipal
Council, pointed out that the area immediately east of the Newell
Road Bridge is part of East Palo Alto. He stated that the East Palo
Alto Council joined the County of San Mateo in opposing the closing
of the bridge. The East Palo Alto Council felt that if the bridge
were closed, the traffic would be diverted from the Newell Road Bridge
area to University Avenue. Mr. Eckford observed that the traffic
on University Avenue during peak boure was already so high that the
East Palo Alto Council would prefer keeping the bridge open.
Don Overall, 1200 Hamilton Avenue, thought the issue in this situation
was one of speed; and this was a factor which could be controlled
by other methods than bridge closure. One method would be to add
a passageway for bicyclists and pedestrians, and Mr. Overall felt
that would be an economic and feasible way of approaching the problem.
Also, Mr. Overall recommended more lighting on the bridge and some
additional signs at the approaches. It was his opinion that there
were people in East Palo Alto and Palo Alto who would be inconvenienced
by diversion of traffic, and some of those people were residents
of areas that would receive the additional traffic burden. Mr. Overall
urged Council to take the most feasible action possible in handling
the safety problem, short of closing the bridge.
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Vice Mayor Henderson commented that this was an unusual circumstance
in that Council had been asked to take totally opposite actions.
Residents on Newell Road want the bridge closed to auto traffic,
and representatives of East Palo Alto end San Mateo County urge replace-
ment of the bridge. Vice Mayor Henderson recalled that last spring,
the 1974-75 Capital Improvements Budget included a figure for replacement
of the bridge. At the budget hearings in the Finance and Public Woi'ce
Committee, Vice Mayor Henderson moved that the item be deleted.
This motion was seconded by Councilman Norton, passed unanimously
by the Committee, and was not revived by the Council. yiee Mayor
Henderson confirmed his position of being in opposition to a new
bridge or any increase of traffic ea the present bridge. He explained
that he has beep a strong advocate for reducing or eliminating through
commute traffic on residential streets; and the Olive, West Meadow,
and College Terrace areas were examples of action taken. Vice Mayor
Henderson expressed understanding of the impatience of the residents
on Newell Road, and he felt totally frustrated at the city's inability
to employ radar to enforce the twenty-five mile per hoar speed limit.
He thought an average speed of thirty-eight miles per hour on a residential
street was totally intolerable. Vice Mayor Henderson noted that
the petition recommended that the traffic be routed along West Bayshore
Frontage Road, and he did not see how that could be enforced. The
studies presented by Mr. Noguchi showed that drivers would save $.
considerable amount of time by using that route and Oregon Avenue,
but they were not Laing it. Vice Mayor Henderson felt those drivers
would simply use other residential streets if the bridge were closed.
There are two factors that convinced Vice Mayor Henderson that the
bridge should be kept open. First, €although the bridge appears to
be dangerous, drivers are forced to approach it with great caution;
consequently, there have been no accidents. Secondly, there has
not been an increase in the total number of automobiles crossing
the bridge. Vice Mayor Henderson observed that the traffic patterns
for the area have been tclati_vely stable for many years. To close
the bridge would mean changing the patterns and increasing traffic
on other residential streets. ;nor example, Vice Mayor Henderson
mentioned that an increase of over 1,000 cars was projected for University
Avenue; and thdt would be in addition to 19,000 cars per day presently
on that street which is partly residential. There is no guarantee
that all of the involved commuters would take the West Fayshore route.
In short, Vice Mayor Henderson felt there was no new basis for closing
the bridge other than the increased speed of the vehicles using Newell
Road; and other steps would be taken to correct that problem. Currently,
there are no stops on Newell Road between the bridge and Channing
Avenue; azid that allows for a long speed opportunity stretch Vice
Mayor Henderson's opinion vas that stop signs should probably be
installed at Pitman and Hamilton Avenues on Newell and a determination
made as to what that would do to cut down the speed level. He reported
that Council was continuing to try to convince the state to employ
reason with regard to radar use on residential streets, Vice Mayor
Henderson expressed support of the idea of including a bicycle/pedestrian
bridge over the creek in the current bridge construction program.
Such a bridge would have to be compared for priority with other bridges
being considered in the program, but he expected that a Newell Road
bicycle/pedestrian bridge would be constructed in two ur three years.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Bervald, that Council
resolve to take no action concerning change of the Newell Road Bridge;
that Council direct staff to recommend to Council locations for new
stop signs on Newell Road; and that Council direct staff to include
is the five-year Capital Improvements Programs conatructiou of a new
pedestrian/bicycle bridge or bridges at the Newell goad creek crossing.
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Councilman Beahra stated opposition to the motion because he was
in favor of converting the bridge to just bicycle and pedestrian
usage. The arguments presented had failed to communicate the, fact
that there is a high degree of traffic at commute hours which coincide
with a heavy use of the same routing by children walking and biking
to and from school. Councilman Beahra recalled that there was et
least one death at Chartning and Newell. All factors considered,
the health and safety- of the children were more important than perhaps
thirty seconds of convenience that might be realized by drivers navigating
through this particular area. In Councilman Beahrs' opinion, the
bridge should be closed; and he would vote against the nation.
Councilwoman Pearson suggested that the stop signs be put in for
a limited period of time while a determination was made as to whether
the traffic would be slowed down or diverted by the uee of the signs.
Perhaps a report could be given to Council in six months with regard
to the resultant impact.
Vice Mayor• Henderson and hie seconder, Councilman Berweld, agreed
that Councilwoman Pearsoax's suggestion would be incorporated into
the motion.
Councilman Berwald thought it was reasonab!e to do the things outlined
in the motion, but he was not sure that he was totally opposed to
closing the roadway. the aspect that encouraged him to want to leave
it open was that San Mateo County seemed to be concerned about the
problem also. Councilman Berwald asked if there had been any serious
discussions with San Mateo County about this subject.
Mr. Noguchi reported that he had a number of telephone conversations
with the County Engineer, and city staff findings were forwarded
to the County for evaluation. The County also submitted to Palo
Alto its report on a conducted traffic survey.
Councilman Berwald considered it very apparent that when the elected
body of one city receives a resolution fro the elected body of an
adjacent county, communications had not been very persuasive -- e
least to the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo. Action
taken should include stating an interest in having good faith discussions
with the County; and perhaps this cculd mean a meeting between the
Mayor or the Vice Mayor and the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.
In this way, Councilman Berwald felt the extent of San Mateo's interest
in the problem could be discovered. Further, Sap Mateo County aoig,at
have some ideas for ameliorating the problem; therefore, Councilman
Berwald suggested that this kind of wording be added to the motion.
Vice Mayor Henderson agreed that Councilman Berwald's suggestion
should be added to his motion.
Councilman Berwald said he was very sympathetic to those who petitioned
for the closure of the bridge and to Councilman Beahrs' comments.
He stated that his vote tonight was an interim kind of vote. After
nix months if the problem had not been ameliorated, Councilman Berwald
thought Council should consider the matter again.
Councilman Rosenbaum pointed out that the city had closed streets
in other neighborhoods, and the people on Newell Road were certainly
aware of that. The key aspect was that in the other neighborhoods,
there were atreeta specifically designed to carry traffic, such as
El Camino and Alma in the Park Boulevard urea, and Page Mill Road
in the College Terrace area. That kind of situation did not exist.
in this instance. Councilman Rosenbaum did not think it did any
good to call University Avenue and Embarcadero Road arterials because
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there are people living along every foot of those streets. The residents
on University and Enbarcadero, as well as those on Melville, Lincoln,
and Center, would be very unhappy if they were notified that the
Newell Road Bridge would be closed, and their streets burdened with
some of the resulting traffic. Councilman Rosenbaum also did not
feel hopeful about what could be done in six months.
Councilman Clay stated his support for the motion. Since the problem
had been identified as one of speed and not volume,. he thought that
closing the bridge would be an excessive action. Councilman Clay
asked Mr. Noguchi if there might be other meaoures besides stop signs
that might control the traffic.
Mr. Noguchi responded that speed control devices that had been tried
on other streets were found to create new negative impacts. Re said
he could offer no other solution than that proposed in the motion.
Councilman Clay asked if noise strips on the bridge would have the
same negative impact as they did on Louis Road.
Mr. Noguchi responded there would be some problems considering the
adjacent property owners; but more importantly, the speed on the
bridge is not a factor. He explained that the speeding occurs between
the bridge and Channing Avenue.
Councilwoman Pearson thought that while the city was communicating
with San Mateo County and East Palo Alto, it should also communicate
with Stanford University. She noted that one of the members of the
audience indicated that the apartment complex residents were directed
to use Newell Road to get to Stanford University, and she felt that
should cease. Councilwoman Pearson stated that it needed to be made
known that using Newell Road took longer than using other routes.
Drivers used Newell Road because it was a pleasant drive, and there
were no stop signs to inhibit their speed level.
Mayor Sher reported that Mrs. Gloria Panitch, 785 Newell Road. wanted
Council to consider the smog that would result from automobiles stopping
and starting because of stop signs. Mrs. Panitch would resent having
that air in her home, and she urged closure of the bridge.
MOTION RESTATED: Vice Mayor Henderaon moved, seconded by Berwald,
that Council resolve to take no action concerning change of the Newell
Road Bridge; that Council direct staff to recommend to Council locations
for new stop signs on Newell Road on a six-month trial basis with
staff reporting at that tine to Council; that Council direct staff
to include in the five-year Capital Improvements Program construction
of a new pedestrian/bicycle bridge or bridges at the Newell Road
creek crossing; and that Council authorize the Mayor to communicate
with the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and the East Palo
Alto Municipal Council regarding their suggestions for this subject.
The motion passed on the following vote:
AYES: Berwald, Clay, Comstock, Henderson,
Norton, -Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: Beabrs
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765 San Antonio Avenue, Application
-Unit Multi -family Developments
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Berweld, that the
applicant be permitted to withdraw his application, as requested.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
'Tanning ;onamission Recommends re
gasulAm '.en S►ace D str.et o
jAWIrgaso,E� xlss. ma • .' . tea. as
Frances Brenner, Chairwoman of the Planning Commission, said cemctar{ee
were brought to the Cosnaission'e attention by the City Attorney as
being an appropriate open space use, and she suggested that Mr. Booth
present the background of this item.
City Attorney Booth stated that cemeteries were considered at the
time the original Open Space Ordinance was placed in the Municipal
Code, but they did not actually appear in the final ordinance. Since
that time, it had been suggested that cemeteries would be an appropriate
addition to the list of use permit uses since they tend to preserve
open space and would provide profitable usage for the property owners.
Mr. Booth pointed out that action was contemplated two year ago
on this item and was deferred because of staff work load and certain
pending litigation. It appeared to be proper to go forward with
the amendment at this time; but Mr. Booth indicated that for land
to be used in this way, a use permit would have to be obtained,
Site and design control would be involved; and if the forthcoming
Architectural Review Board Ordinance revisions are adopted, the ARB
would be involved with its stringent controls along with the rest
of the controls in the ordinance. Mr. Booth commented there was
no particular reason to believe that any applications were contemplated,
and there had been no inquiry for over two years. He observed that
the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of this
addition to the Open Space Zone regulations.
Councilman Comstock said that he had talked that day with the City
Attorney; a:ad among other things, they discussed a cent Mr. Glanville
wade in his report stating that the Z impervious coverage would
be applied in this kind of a situation. It was Councilman Camtock's
understanding that the 3 would include service roads, any structures,
and also memorial markers.
Mr. Booth responded that this understanding was correct; and the
3.Z would include paved roads, parking, any structures erected, and
monuments. He could foresee some difficulties in calculating some
of these items in advance, but Mr. Booth thought predictions could
be made from standard size equipment used.
Councilman Cometock's concern was the appearance of such a facility
if markers were used that stood above the grounds He would like
Council to be able to assure itself in advance that any markers put
in would be flush with thm surface of the gxound. Councilman Comstock
asked if Council should take care of this matter by policy direction
or by special wording in the ordinance.
Mr. Booth replied that he had prepared en amendment if Council preferred
tO use that weans; however, the use permit and site and design procedure
would be available for -dealing with this aspect on any application.
776
1/6/75
MOTION: Councilman Comstock introduced the following ordinance
and moved, seconded by Pearson, its approval for first reading:
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALO ALTO AMENDING TITLE 18 OF THE
PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD A NEW
SUBSECTION 5 TO SECTION 18.71.060 (USES
REQUIRING USE PERMITS) TO PERMIT
CEMETERIES IN THE OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
AMENDMENT: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that
Section 1 of the ordinance be amended as follows: "Cemeteries,
not including mausolea, crematoria, or columbaria. All markers
of graves shall be flush with grade level and be deemed to be impervious
area under this chapter".
Councilmen Berwald said that Council was not only permitting a use
but prescribing a method of burial, which is a subject of quite
some reverence to those who have loved ones who are being put to
rest. For that reason, Councilman Berwald felt the appearance of
the land was a leaner consideration in this case than for a person,
La a dignified way, to be able to put to rest someone who had passed
away. Further, this was carrying on a course of action that was
becoming increasingly distasteful to his,; and that was that Council
was allowing some rather interesting uses in the Foothills. It
seemed to Councilman Berwald that the uses being permitted in the
foothills were those that Palo Alto accused Los Altos Hills of being
"snob zoning" a very restricted, upper income uses. He did not
think this very restricted new use would be very helpful to anyone.
Councilman Berwald explained that he was not speaking against open
space for the foothills, but he thought it might be wise to reassess
the whole matter before adding such uses as this, one at a time.
The amendment passed on the following vote:
AYES: Clay, Comstock, Henderson,
Norton, Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: Berwald
ABSTAIN: Beahrs -
Mayor Sher stated that the ordinance as ascended was before Council.
Councilman Beaters felt the ordinance was premature; and the action
was improper, inadequate, and piecemeal. He thought such an ordinance
would invite cemetery usage in the foothills, and Councilman Beahrs
did not want to encourage any entrepreneur to engage in this type of
development.
Councilman Comstock expressed the hope that the Council would at
no time foreclose the possibility of exeeining the open space district
and looking at other permitted uses, If new rules are suggested
that seers appropriate, Council should feel free to add them or not
as it saw fit. Councilman Comstock stated that freedom and flexibility
should be retained for this ordinance just as it was for othera.
Councilman Beahrs asked tow this subject happened to come up.
Mr. Booth responded that the subject of this amendment was discussed,
even before the original ordinance was enacted, by staff and parhaps by
the Planning Commission. The matter was deferred because of other
priorities and in cooeideraation of pending litigation concerning
the entire sone. Mr. Booth reported that the natter had been considered
777
1/6/75
periodically over the lest couple of years, and the present time
seemed to be an appropriate one for bringing the subject before
Council.
The ordinance as amended was approved for first reading on the following
vote:
1
1
AYES: Comstock, Henderson, Norton,
Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: Beahrs, Berwaid, Clay
dderamaUtij4 Diatrict No. _a
Antonio ,Under tound
Sigazimaga tp:Mat::64-5i4)
: :4)
MOTION: Councilman Comstock introduced the following ordinance
and moved,
seconded by Norton; its adoption:
ORDINANCE NO. 2834 entitled "AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING SECTION 12.16.020 OF CHAPTER
12.16 Off? TITLE 12 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL
CODE BY ESTABLISHING UNDERGROUND UTILITY
DISTRICT NO. 18"
The ordinance was adopted on a unanimous vote.
d Uae and rxroi Maa uuree in ,
kelp of Flood_Harard Area (4:644:4)
Councilwoman Pearson stated that the City Attorney advised her that
she had a conflict of interest in this matter; therefore, she would
not participate in any discussion or in the vote.
MOTION: Councilman Comstock introduced the following ordinance
and moved, seconded by Henderson, its adoption:
ORDINANCE NO, 2E35 entitled "ORDINANCE
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
ADD/NG SECTION 16.04.185 TO THE PALO ALTO
MUNICIPAL CODE, INDENTIFYING AN AREA OF
THE CITY 11,E A POTENTIAL SPECIAL FLOOD
HAZARD AREA AND ADOPTING SPECIAL LAND
USE AND CONTROL I ASURES TO BE APPLIED
WITHIN SUCH AREA"
The ordinance was adopted on a unanimous eight -to -nothing vote,
Councilwoman Pearson not participating.
MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson introduced the following ordinance
and roved, seconded by Berwald, its adoption:
778
1/6/75
ORDINANCE NO. 2836 entitled "ORDINANCE
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING SECTION 18.08.040 OF THE PALO
ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE (THE ZONJ:NG MAP) TO
CHANGE THE CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTY
KNOWN AS THE WEBSTER BLACK FROM R-2,
R -3-P AND R-4 TO AS MOR PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED ON THE ATTACHED, EXHIBIT, SUBJECT
TO CONDITIONS"
The ordinauce was adopted on the followipg vote:
AYES: Berwald, Clay, Comstock, Henderson,
Pearson, Rosenbaum, Norton, Sher
NOES: Beshrs
Councilman Beahrs stated that this entire matter had been reviewed
only from a conceptual itaas}dpcipt for a period of many months, and
he thought it was time that the Council and the community consider
the cost of any housing that might be built on this site. When
all of the costs were added together, Councilman Beahrs predicted
it would be foued that the eventual housing would be the most expensive
ever built in Palo Alto.
MOTION: Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by Berwald, that the:
staff be directed to prepart a report for Council detailing the
costs of the laid, staff time, expert: advice and counsel received
to date, and the probai:le cost of any construction on the Webster
Site.
POINT OF ORDER: Councilwoman Pearson pointed out that when some
Council member wanted v'his kind of information, the subject should
be put on the agenda under "New Business". She stated that action
called for tonight was the moving of an ordinance, and the second
reading of tha?t ordinance.
Mayor Sher reled the motion in order.
Councilman Comstock commented that he agreed with the motion to
a point. However, the cost of the construction on the site would
involve speculation on the part of staff; and Councilman Comstock
would prefer to wait for that information until proposals were
received for the development of the site.
Councilman Beahrs agreed to delete that part of the motion, with
his seconder's agreement.
MOTION RESTATED: Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by Berwald, that
staff be directed to prepare a report for Council detailing the costs
of the land, staff time, and expert advice end counsel received _to date.
AST: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Sher, that staff
also include a report on coats t& r Lytton Gerdens and Colorado Park
that would include staff time and the other information requested
in the motion regarding Webster Site.
The amendment paaassed on the following vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Comstock, Henderson,
Pearson, Sher
NOES: Berwald, Clay, Norton, Rosenbaum
774
1/6/75
The motion as amended passed on the following vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Berwald, Clay, Comstock,
Pearson, Norton, Rosenbaum
NOES: Henderson, Sher
oast that Item 13 be
love Porwax on t ae en, a
MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Comstock, ;hat Item 13 (Barron
Park Annexation) be moved forward on the agenda for consideration
at this time.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Barron Park Annexation (CMR; lilt :5)
i+44MOTION: ‘� Comstock introduced the following revolution and
moved; seconded by Berwald, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 5047 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF NOTICE AND
APPROVING CIRCULATION Op PETIION FOR THE
BARRON PARK ANNEXATION"
The resolution was adopted on a unanious vo;e.
ueat that It= 14
MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Henderson, that Item 14 ((Refuse
Disposal Area) be moved forward on the agenda for consideration
at this time.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
is Area: P 1:
roan ',:orpr:i of Engineers '.:68I:4)
MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Comstock, that this matter
be referred to the Planning Commission for a report on the Preliminary
Draft EI&.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
uest that It
va�d a7orwar on theme Agenda
14
MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Pearson, that Item 15 (Mitchell
Park Library Expansion Protect) be =rived forvard on the agenda for
consideration at this time.
The oration passed on a unanimous vote.
780
1/6/75
Mitchell Park Library Expansion Project -
uendment No. 2 to Architect's Contract (CMR:1658:4)
MOTION: Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by Comstock, that the
Mayor be authorized to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Architect's
Contract for an increase of $1,832 in inspection fees.
:'he motion passed on a unanimous vote.
that Item 16 be
WALEMAL4-22.14.0 As;enda
MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Norton, that Item 16 (Paramedic
Salaries) be moved forward on the agenda for+copaideration at this
t ime .
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
nt .Co ?• ensation
:4
Councilwoman Pearson recalled that during the 4iscussion of instituting
the paramedic services, Council asked that some consideration be
given to using women as paramedics. She did not sec that happening
and asked for comments from staff.
George Sipel, City Manager, responded that women would have to qualify
as firefighters before they cold be used as paramedics; and it
was staff's hope that within the next few months, Palo Alto would
have its first women f{refighter trainees. fir. Sipel thought it
would be at least A yeat before the potential Of using women as
paramedics would be realized.
Councilwoman Comstock pointed out that paramedics do not have to
be firefighters: and if that wen the case, it would be easier to
use women.
Mr. Sipel explained that the plan was to use the paramedics as firefighters
when they were not responding to paramedic calls, which was predicted
to be about fifty percent of the time. This plan had enabled staff
to implem nt the plan at less net cost than was:originally estimated.
Women had not yet been trained as firefighters; but it was staff's
intention to correct that condition in due time.
MOTION: Councilman Comstock introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Beahrs, its adoption:
RESOLUTION N0. 5048 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL UP THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING RESOLUTION 4628, AS AMENDED,
ADOPTING A COMPENSATION PLAN FOR FIRE
DEPARTKENT PERSONNEL"
Mayor Sher asked if the salary differential approved by this resolution
had been included in the original estimate of What the paramedic
program would cost.
Mr, Sipel responded affirmatively.
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vote.
781
1/6/75
Request that Item 17 be
oved Forward on the Agenda
MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Henderson, that Item 17 (Master
Agreement for Joint Underground Construction with Pacific Telephone)
be moved forward on the agenda for consideration at this time.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote,
Master Aa.reement for Joint
Cost uctioet (CMR:679:4)
MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Comstock, that the
Mayor be authorized to execute the agreement for joint undergrounding
construction with the Pacific Telephone Caaany.
Vice Mayor Henderson assumed that the city would not be committed
to any major undergrounding expendituree without specific approval
of the Council.
Mr. Sipel responded that this assumption was correct.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Pro o d Wili21-aaa. TEagrov, r t P eiQ -
Arboret.um Road toE1 Camino Real (CM1t:107:5)
Mayor Sher stated that he would not participata in the discussion
or the vote on this subject because of a popsible conflict of interest,
and Vice Mayor Fenderson agreed to preside -for this item. Mayor Sher
left the Chambers.
Vice Mayor Henderson noted that Council had the staff report of
September 19, 1974 which contained four alternative road alignments
and three alternative intersection plapp at El Camino Real. The
report included a recommendation for road alignment (8) and intersection
plan (3). Council also had a copy of a 'staff report dated January 2, 1975
consisting of a fifth alternative road'alignment and a fourth intersection
plan; and there was a staff report of January 3 containing a sixth
alternative read alignment. Vice Mayor Henderson acknowledged receipt
of letters from the Midpenineula Regional Park District, the Loma
Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Committee for Green Foothills,
Charles H. Irby, Dr. and Mrs, Robert Mark, C. Fiichael. Zimmerman,
the Palo Alto Civic League, Kimberly Kingman, and the League of
Women Vos.ers of Palo Alto. Vice Mayor Hender on asked staff for
comments on their reports.
Ben Pawloski, Director of Public Works, aaid that the first item
he would like to comment on concerned the action taken by Council
at their meeting of November 4. At that meeting, the City Council
adopted the recommendations of the Finance and Public Works Committee
which were that they receive the Environmental Impact Assessment
with the condition that they be given a complete Environmental Impact
Statement before proceeding with the project; that Council direct
staff, in making a final EIR, to devote particular attention to
the matter of air degradation, noise pollution, possible loss of
open, green area and trees and barriers to pedestrian and bicycle
movement across the proposed roadway, and that staff suggest design
improvements to mitigate these environmental problems; that staff
explore the possibility of providing for pedestrian and bicycle
7.8 2
1/6/75
pathways across the proposed roadway and separated from the road
grade in conjunction with pedestrian and bicycle iovements across
the creek. Mr. Pawloski stated that in addition, there were several
other motions adopted at the November 4 meeting. These were that
Council approve, in principle, the concept of constructing a four -
lane Willow Road from its intersection with Junipero Serra Boulevard
in San Mateo County to El Camino Real, with the understanding that
traffic would not be allowed to cross El Camino to connect to Palo
Alto Avenue and Alma Street. A second approved motion was that staff
was directed to cznsult with Stanford and Menlo Park to reach understand-
ings regarding improvements that will be wade by those entities
within. the Willow corridor. In particular, staff was directed that
Stamford was to commit to construction of atleast two lanes of
Campus Drive from its present terminus near the Medical Center to
connect with Junipero Serra Boulevard. This commitment is to be
fulfilled within a reasonable time and maybe triggered by the level
of traffic on Willow Road or by the development of pew facilities
on Stanford land in the vicinity of Willow' Road. The objective
is to insure that the extension of Campus Drive will be completed
before any intolerable level of traffic congestion is again experienced
by Willow Road. Mr. Pawloski added that there were several other
directions to staff which had to co with improvements in the Menlo
Park area. Another motion approved was`that from Junipero Serra
to Arboretum, the cross-section is to be as shown in the Staff Report
of August 15, 1974. With regard to the area- froiai Arboretum to E1
Camino, staff was directed to proceed with a schematic design of
an appropriate alignment and cross-section that will consider use
of the existing roadway; protect the creek, creek banks, and adjacent
land in a manner that will allow for an ample and relatively quiet
linear park along the creek; result in minimal removal of trees,
and yet provide a reasonable open area between the southerly perimeter
of the proposed road and the Stanford Shopping Center parking lot.
Mr. Pawloski pointed oi4t that the staff reports received by Council
were addressed to the above -mentioned Items, In the preparation
of the various reports, staff had followed the Environmental Impact
Assessment procedures under Title Xi of the:Municipal Code. The
intent has been to reach the point ehere the City Council could
select several alternatives for the preparation of an Environmental
Impact Report. Mr. Pawloski observed that there is a need to reduce
the number of alternatives because of the time and expense involved
in the preparation of an EIR. Once the Council has approved several
alternatives, staff could proceed with the preparation of an EIR,
with the referral to Planning Coil iesion for review under Titles
XIX and XX of the Municipal Code, Title XIX being a review for conformance
with the Master Plan and Title XX involving setting of a precise
plan line. Mr. Pawloski asked the consultants to awake their presentation.
David Held of Brown, Held Associates stated that his company had
been retained as consultants to aid city staff Inresponding to
Council's direction to explore alternative alignments and cross -
sections from El Camino Real to Arboretum Road, in particular. Mr.
Held explained that his fire='s role in participating with the consulting
engineers -Brian, Kankas, Foulk arid Associates - had been as urban
designers and landscape architects itt evaluating some of the alternative
possibilities. Mr. Held presented a slide show in order to sake
the plans posted on the wall a little more clear. As the slide
show was in process, ltr. Meld detailed all the aspects of the various
alternatives.
Gary Wiucatt of Brian, Kankas, Foulk and Associates, reiterated
his understanding of Council's directions to staff. City staff
retained George Hood, a retired city employee, who inspected each
tree in the grove; end based on that tree survey, several alternatives
for the roadway were prepared by the consultants Alternates (A)
7 8 3
1/6/75
through (G) were discussed by Mr. Wincott with respect to type of
roadway, location of the lanes, effect on I. Magnin's, buffer between
the parking lot and the roadway, encroachment into the parking lot,
number of acres available for park usage, and the pumber of trees
which would have to be removci. Mr. Wincott presented a brief description
of the differences i.a the four proposed intersections.
Mr. Held reported that in deliberating the various proposals, his
firm gave a very high priority to preserving environmental resources.
Considered oecor,d is importance was connection requiremepta from
Arboretum to El Camino, and of equal importance was shopping center
traffic effects. Another impottent consideration which received
attention wen the actual visual driving experience.
Coe'nciiman Beahrs said it occurred to him that poeeibIy everyone
was proceeding under the assumption that, the city own# the linear
park, or has the mans to acquire it. In actual fact, the land is
owned by Stanford University; and the December 19 staff report indicated
that if the city acquired the park, it would expend in its acquisition
and development approximately fifty percent of Palo Alto's remaining
Capital Improvement Fund. This was not very appealing to Councilman
Yeahrs as a politician and a taxpayer. Stanford tJpivereity, under
the constraints of the Stanford will, cannot give away any property;
therefore, someone would have to buy the land if it is to be preserved
for park use. Councilman Beahra asked to what extent: an assessment
district could acquire, and provide the community with, a general
use public park.
Mr. Booth responded that the city is authorized is acquire and develop
parks through the assessment district process; however, the property
owner is entitled in that process to receive either cash pa nt
or credit against his assessment for lands acquired for public improvements.
Councilman Beahrs thought that in Alternatives (D) and (E), for example,
the assessment district would be required to buy only the land area
necessary for a roadway.
Mr. Booth said the assessment district could be limited to whatever
extent Council deemed appropriate.
Councilman Beahrs stated that if he were a contributor in an assessment
district, he
developed as
(F). In his
Palo Alto to
would strenuously oppose buying land which would be
a park, such as had been suggested fader Alternative
opinion, it would be more appropriate for the City of
provide two and one-half million dollars for that land.
Hr. Booth commented that if the city were trying to finance the entire
park through an assessment district prograx, the citizens involved
in the assessment district may object that since they were not the
sole beneficiaries, they should not bear the sole cost.
Mx. Pawloski observed that when an assessment district was created
for the construction of a roadway, the principal concern is to demonstrate
benefit received.
Councilman Comstock noted thee in the napes for the various alternatives,
no eapecific right--of-way boundaries were shown; but he asked if it
could not be assumed that right -of --way boundaries are a short distance
from the edge of the roadway in each case.
Mx. Pawloski responded that assumption was absent/ally correct.
7 8 4
1/6/75
Mr:. Booth reported that there had been quite a bit of discussion
in the last few days about environmental impact procedures; and he
thought Mr. Pawloski put the subject in perspective in his opening
remarks when he said that the attempt at this.aieeting should be to
narrow down the number of alternatives. Once that was accomplished,
adequate environmental impact reports could be prepared for those
alternatives considered most acceptable by the Council and by the
community. The intention then would be to submit the matter to the
Planning Commission for its determination of compliance to Titles XIX
and XX of the Municipal Code, the Comprehensive glare, the precise
plan, and a full airing .ef the Environmental Impeaet Report. Mr.
Booth noted that those issues had been implied in the staff's environmental
assessment which was prepared last August. Upon.exam.i.netion of that
data, and under the context that he haJ just described, Mr. Booth
came to the conclusion that the present procedures were entirely
in compliance with both the state and city's erlvirenmental impact
requirements.
Vice Mayor Henderson invited members of the audience to address Council
on this subject.
Ellen Pletcher, 3543 Greer Road, suggested that the owners of the
stores at the Stanford Shopping Center provide bicycle storage lockers
so that they would not need to have so many parking spaces. She
pointed out that the existing road west of Arboretum has bicycle
paths on both sides, and they are quite wide. Mrs. Fletcher thought
a plan could be devised whereby the bike lanes Weld be removed, thus
providing enough space for the construction of a four -lane road. Such
a road should step at Arboretum and not go thrtlugh to Fl Camino.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Fletcher felt the possibility that Dumbarton
Bridge would be improved should be considered; and there would be
just one more little bottleneck that needed taking care of. She
could see continuing pressures to improve again and again just one
more little stretch of road, Mrs. Fletcher expressed the opinion
that it was an extravagant use of tax funds to keep pouring money
into road improvements. She stated that the entire discussion regarding
an -improvement of Willow Road was completely counter to the policy
directives of the Council.
Kathleen Reimer, Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Palo Alto
Civic League, reported that the following statement was unanimoesly
supported by the ioard of the Civic League: "Tian Palo Alto Civic
IRaeue believes that any Willow Road connection to El Camino Real
should be accomplished through the existing paved area only of the
Stanford Shopping Center. We further believe that it should be located
to preclude any future connection to Aline Street. In any case, the
exact nature of the connection should be thor eghly considered by
the Palo Alto Planning Commission before the decision is made. The
new connection should provide for pedestrian/bicycle traffic which
we believe will increase in years to come. We further feel it is
essential to preserve intact the fine grove of trees now Lining Sam
Frencisquito Creek near El Camino. This is to maintain the option
for eventual use of the area as part of a regional trail system along
the creek".
Joseph Carleton, 2350 Rosa Road, felt that it wis necessary to reduce
dependence upon the automobile; and he pointed out that new roads
generate new traffic. Meaty that would be spent on this proposed
project would be much better spent on Baas transit, and it made no
sense to build roads that would accommodate more cars only to have
no place for drivers to park. Mr. Carleton understood that most
of the congestion was west of Arboretum; and not only would the Willow
connection not solve that problem, it would aggravate it by generating
7 S 5
1/6/7.5
new traffic. He expressed opposition to Alternative (D). This plan
takes out the most trees of any alternative an4 destroys the park
by having four highway lanes go through it. Also, Mr. Carleton felt
this would create more pressure for development.of the foothills.
He wondered whether the city would receive benefit? courarable to
the three million dollar; cost of such a roadway, , ap4 he thought a
traffic study should be made of the number of cars that came from
Menlo Park and vented to go west on Willow Road, Mr. Carleton commented
that any landscape buffer should be between the traffic artd the homes
across the creek in Menlo Park,
John Schipper, 3133 Flowers Lane, stated oppoaltipp to any Willow
Road improvement; and he said that all four:alternatives have intersections
that seemed to be self-defeating. The noise of the traffic would
be so great that it would be impossible to enjoy a park in that mediate
area. Mr. Schipper observed that as a result of ate increase in
pollution, many trees would die earlier than they otherwise would.
He spoke in favor of mass transit and encouraging'drivers to leave
their automobiles at home. This would never be acto plished by the
building of more roads. It was Mr. Schipper's rgcommendation that
no roadway be built through the shopping center,`aed that it be stopped
et Arboretum or some point further west,
Randy Broderson, 656 University Avenue, Menlo Park, expressed disappoint-
ment that one of the factors left out of the studies was the integrity
of the Eco system in the area. The trees and acreage of land were
considered, but the division of the land was not:;one of the factors;
anti Alternative (D) would have major adverse effects on any animal
life in the area. Mr. Broderson referred to Stanford University's
preference to have any route go through the trees and that any alternative
to that might not be acceptable. It was this kind of decision making,
based on economic factors without regard to environmental or social
concerns that have led to the environmental problems which the nation
is presently experiencing. Public decision makers, such as City
Council, have been required to consider environmental impact since
the passing of the Environmental Quality Act; thu:., open space goals
and environmental deterioration are important factors in Council's
decision Making process.
Mary Anne Mark, 725 Cowper Street, felt that Alternate (t;) would
not only result in the loss of a number of testes, but it would render
completely useless the idea of using the land alssig the creek for
recreational purposes. She stated that open apace in this particular
part of Palo Alto is rare, and that needed to be kept in mind. As
e resident, Mrs. Mark objected to any alternative that would diminish
that lest bit of open space. She pointed aut.thet Stanford could
not expand the shopping center without approval iron Palo Alto, and
it certainly could not expand without improved access. Mrs. Mark
noted that there were several alternative gays of providing parking
apace, but there was no alternative way to providing open space.
She would recommend ari undiminished greeu belt over an idealistic
and aesthetic road extension. Mrs. Mark spoke at length about the
`act that one does not approve a project, write a design contract,
and then prepare an SIR. This is backwards planni.ag, and it was
questionable from a legal standpoint. She suggested that Council.
direct staff to begin the EIR now, have it referred to the Planning
Commission, and confer with all the concerned communities.
William N. Wittick, 5 Elder Court, Menlo Park, speaking for I. Magnin's,
asked Council to keep two things in mind when narrowing down the
alternatives for the Willow Road project. One of these was that
the two lanes directly next to the north side of the store were vital
because that was the loading area, and some of the alternatives cut
7 8 6
1/6/75
that access off because there would not be enough room on the northeast
corner of the building for two lanes. The second aspect that Mr.
Wittick wanted Council tip consider was that three of the alternatives
had an egress and ingress directly opposite the northwest corner
of the building, and he was sure this would enari traffic entering
and exiting the parkway.
Tom Passell, 3825 Louis Road, considered the Stanford area the worst
impacted one that he had seen anywhere. Hu pointed out that long-range
piens were not being discussed, for example, he asked what would
happen when El Camino is finally filled up. :3evause 'the city was,
once again, not thinking in a iopg-term manner, a lot of money would
be spent as a result. Concern had been expressed for shoppers and
parkerd as a result of the roadway;-an4 if that were true, Mr. ?easel'
wondered what the quality of the park would be. He suggested that
a long-range solution to the problem would have to involve something
other than the private automobile. Mr. Passe1l felt that if the
pressure were so great that there must be•a connection to El Camino,
then Council should look seriously at Alternates (A) and (F). Since
he felt that a long --range solution was needed, Mr. Paesell said ie
would be wise to have the matter sent back Ito the Planning Commission
for extended public hearings and consideration of the wider issues
that were involved.
Frederick D. Smith, 525 University Avenue, Vice President for Community
Affairs, Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, made the following statement;
"'Coe Traffic and Transportztian Coa ittee of the Palo Alto Chamber
of Commerce cu pliments the City Council on its recent vote to widen
Willow Road and extend it from Arboretum to El Camino Real. This
long overdue project will provide better access for several important
activities in that section of the community. The question before
you tonight is the precise routing of the road and its connection
with El Camino Real, the challenge is to achieve a balanced solution
chat will be in the belt interest of the t tat ccrrmunity, the project
should solve existing problems without creating pew ones. Your planners,
consultants, and traffic engineers have all expressed preference
for a safer, more attractive parkway threading through the trees
on its way to El Camino Real. The property owner involved has asked
that the road be well separated from the busy shopping center, frontage
road, and parking areas, and that valuable shopping center lands
not be taken. Other persons are interested in preserving trees in
this parcel of land and to establish hiking galls in a wooded area.
Palo Alto taxpayers also have something major at stake in this question.
A road that preserves a wooded area would require an additional 2.3.
acres of land at a cost to the city of $575,000 to $690,000. Is
such a cost for a limited purpose justifiable considering the mount
of nearby wooded areas on the campus that remain open? Stanford
has agreed in good faith to extend Campus Drive to Junipero Serra
in five or more years if Willow Road becomes congested or if the
University has generated sufficient new traffic near Campus Drive.
It seems equitable and reasonable that the city now consider carefully
the University's preference in regard to the alignment of Willow
Road near the Stanford Shopping Center. The Palo Alto Chamber of
Commerce Traffic and Transportation Committee is persuaded that the
same standards that Palo Alto would demand if a new shopping center
were, being planned on a major arterial should ale° prevail when a
major arterial is being rerouted adjacent to an existing shopping
center. A roadway that encroaches on the shopping center land
and saves eight healthy trees on a parcel of land far removed from the
residential areas of Palo A.ito would be unnecessarily expensive for
the offsetting benefits it would provide for the city as a whole.
Trees are a valuable asset; however, the 1ocs of a few trees at this
location would be offset by the planting of many new trees at ■Farious
locations along the roadway. The various advantages of good planning,
safety, aesthetics, and economics offered by Alternative (D) suggests
the best passible solution. Stanford Shopping Center is a major
economic generator of revenue to the City of Palo Alto in the form
of property taxes, retail sales taxes, and utility payments. As a
regional shopping center, it has provided residents the convenience
of c variety of goode and services a short distance from their homes.
Stanford Shopping Center needs to modernize and to provide good traffic
circulation. The city will benefit by allowing Stanford Shopping
Center to make these improvements and to &ezuain competitive in the
years ahead. Having through traffic transvereing the parking lot
has been a disadvantage and inconvenience to the center since its
opening date. Our committee believes that the aesthetic aspects
of Alternative (i3) make it vastly superior to other proposals considered.
This routing through the trees provides for a pleasant boulevard
with adequate bicycle lanes on both sides of the roadway and a pathway
for pedestrians is a park -like atmosphere. The sight and sound of
moving traffic are well separated from the shopping center and its
parking .lots. We believe the route should be sufficiently close
to the creek to provide adequate buffering between the traffic and
the parking lot and to serve as a hiking toil access. Intrusion
of the roadway into the northwesterly edge of the shopping center
poses serious problems. If Alternative (D) were adopted by the city,
contribution of about ten percent of the project costs would not
only insure completion of the necessary roadway i:iproveuent and removal.
of through traffic from the shopping center parking .Lot, but the
citizens of Palo Alto would realize approximately three acres of
open space adjacent to the creek. The committee believes that the
traffic signali.zation at this intersection of Willow Road and El
Camino, as well as Palo Alto and E1 Camino, should be combined at
one point of control for 'all movements in the vicinity. The State
Highway Department will have proper jurisdiction interest in the
location of curbs and signals at the intersection. Our committee
sincerely wishes to compliment the staff for its report of December
19, which we believe presents the feat poselbie alternative for City
Coun=cil direction concerning the Willow Road project. We strongly
reco.zendadoption of Alternative (D) imtirediately".
Marjorie Sutton, 609 Rosita Avenue, Chairwoman of the Loma Prieta
Chapter of the Sierra Club, stated amazement at hearing more and
more about the importance of the automobile, pleasant highways, and
improved parking conditions, since those ideas were very outdated.
There certainly was a new outlook toward environment in the State
of California, and Ma. Sutton felt tomorrow's decisoos could not
be wade with outdated facts and yesterday's thinking. Reliance on
the car would have to be diminished in the future, so decisions should
not be made around the use of automobiles. -Ire Ms. Sutton's opinion,
it was shortsighted to keep worrying about buying the land that was
involved. There is no need to buy the land because it is in the
city's open space element. The EIR needed to be prepared to provide
a data base and to help Council make a decision, and the RIg► would
include the long-range impact of a decision versua a short-term gain.
Me. Sutton expressed concern for the health of the patients in the
Children's Hospital, of shoppers who preferred to walk or bike, and
for the health of pubiit transportation in this particular area.
She asked Council to consider the opportunity and the power that
it had to make decisions for the benefit of all the people in the
community that would meet both human and environmentel needs.
Larry Klein, 1433 Dana Avenue; felt that proper environmental impact
procedures were not being followed iu the matter before Council.
Ile pointed out that environmental impact reports are to be completed
before the approval or disapproval of s project. Mr. Klein urged
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Council to direct staff to prepare a comprehensive and far-reaching
environmental impact report, that it be considered by the Planning
Commission, and that body's recommendations returjed to Council,
at which time it would be in a position to make a decision.
Councilman. Clay asked Mr, Klein if he thought Council should not
narrow down the various alternatives before'ax: environmental impact
report had bees prepared.
Mr. Klein responded that he did not think there were such greet differences
among the various alternatives that it would be too 4ifficult to
prepare an environmental impact report that would -essentially be
able to cover most of the plans.
Councilman Beaters observed that there were seven alternatives before
Council. Mr. Klein was suggesting that one environmente.I impact
report might be able to accommodate ail of them, but Councilman Beaters
said that Council was elected to make decisions for the public,
he had the impression that Mr. Klein thought the environmental experts
or the Planning Commission would make the decision.
Mr. Klein commented that this was not what he ha4 in mind at all,
end that he was simply very concerned that the proper process be
followed.
Councilman Comstock asked if Mr. Kern were saying that the Planning
Commission ought to have in its hands infarmatio i, that would gauge
the environmental effects of the various alternatives.
4r, Klein responded affirmatively.
Betsy lsechtel, 458 Lowell Avenue, representing The Committee for
Green Foothills, stated the Committee's agreement with everything
that had been said regarding the need for an Environmental Impact
Report. They also agreed strcngly with a referral of the entire
subject to the Planning Commission. Ma. Bechtel commented that one
of the possibilities that should be looked into when the EIR was pre-
pared was that of no connection to El Camino. If a roadway is to
be built between Arboretum and El Camino, the Committee would not
support any alternative that would cut through the trees. Ms. Bechtel
could not understand how a four -lane roadway could be described as
a "srsanderiag path" by one of the engineering consultants. Further,
sae 41.d clot feel that any money needed to be spent for a linear, park.
That arpe is used presently for many assorted recreational purposes,
and there is no money expended whatsoever. Ms. Bechtel thought the
one uecersity would be the provision of access to that land, and
she would not want to see a four -lane roadway preventing access.
One of the couaultants had suggested a ten -foot wide steel pipe as
access, and Me. Bechtel was opposed t:o that idea.
Artemis Giurton, 28014 14atoma Road, Los Altos Mills, representing
the Women's Workshop for Regional Paths and Trails, urged Council
to plan first for improving Willow Road from Arboretum to Alpine
Ro44 and the completion of Campus trive. up to the Junipero Serra
area. The Women's Workship also wanted to suggest sending all. of
the alternatives to the Planning Commission for public hearings rather
than accepting any one of the possible solutions at this meeting.
M. Ginzton pointed out that the paths as oetlined in Alternative
(D) would be totally unacceptable in tern of Palo Alto's general
method of solving problems and providing amenities.
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Jim Bair, 375 Yale Road, Menlo Park, thought that this subject was
narrowing down to two questions - economic expediency versus the
quality of life, and local community versus non-residents of the
impact area. He asked why it was necessary to build a highway at
the expense of any trees, unpaved lands, and the homes that exist
along the creek in Menlo Park. ;fir.. Bair noticed during the slide
show that the parking lot was not even halfway filled at the shopping
center, and the possible maximum loss of 243 spaces would not be
a deterrent to the use of the center in the near future. In the
distant future, if more parking spaces were needed, a high -rice or
underground parking facility could be constructed. Mr. Bair expressed
concern regarding noise and exhaust fumes that would result from
the proposed roadway. He urged'that, if Council decided that it
had to build a roadway, that Alternative (A) be chosen because it
minimized the impact on the residents who now live in a quiet, beautiful
area.
Ellen Wyman, 546 Washington Avenue, stated that she did not understand
why this report was not sent to the Planning Commission to provide
additional background for the Comprehensive Plan. She felt this
was a very controversial issue that would have major ramifications.
Ms. Wyman urged that Council refer back to the Planning Commission
all the information that it had so that it could be included in the
Comprehensive Plan.
Councilwoman Pearson thought that the Comprehensive Health Planning
Agency should be notified that the eft:, was considering putting a
major traffic cattier near the Children's Hospital. Furth,et, if
there were going to be another Willow Expressway, the EIR should
consider whether or not there can be a crossing over into Menlo Park
at Olive and University, and also cut Alma through north into Menlo
Park, because Palo Alto would want Menlo Park to share the traffic,
As far as the park was concerned, Councilwoman Pearson stated that
would be "!some park", The bike route would have to go down the steep
banks of the creek and through a 140' pipe. The pipe would cost
$110,000, and Councilwoman Pearson commented that no one would find
her in that pipe. She felt such a proposal would discourage bike
riding. Further, Councilwoman Pearson thought it was easy to imagine
how quiet a linear park would be that had 33,000 cars passing through
it. In her opinion, the green drawings did not really give an impression
of the impact of the total amount of concrete being considered and
the massive destruction that weld occur in that area. It seemed
to Councilwoman Pearsaou that Stanford had not minded when the city
eliminated the sixty parking spaces in front of the newly expanded
restaurant and realigned the ro&d. She stated that the intersection
that was proposed here would not prevent motorists from attempting
to get over to Alma and going both ways. Councilwoman Pearson added
that everyone needed a risk exercise every day according to psychiatrists,
so every citizen could go down there and make that particular attempt.
At Christmas tine, there were hundreds of vacant parking spaces at
the Stanford Sboeping Center; and Counciiwossan Pearson did not think
that the loss of parking spaces was the real issue in this case.
She said the real issue was simply one of whether and where Stanford
would expand the Shopping Center. Councilwoman Pearson felt she
had come full circle as far a,* Willow Road is concerned. Every ten
years this sort of thing is gone through, and every four years Council
ors promise everyone at the polls that they are against Willow
Road. Councilwoman Pearson indicated that it vas time for some comments
that would include a sense of outrage at what she thought was happening.
She stated that her counts would recallacme of the history of
this subject, and she thought a few on Council would remember and
consider the impact of any decision that it might sake that would
be in opposition to her motion.
7 9 0
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Councilwoman Pearson reminded Council that in 2960 she and Robert
Debs filed a suit against the City of Palo Alto for a multitude of
reasons, but the main reason was that the City Council was bypassing
an orderly process of planning. That is, it was not holding proper
hearings before the Planning Commission which would give citizens
a voice in the decisions. Council was proposing to eliminate the
baylands without hardly a whisper, and the decision was supposed
to belong exclusively to the City Council. Also, Council was running
utility lines to Skyline Boulevard without even knowing what the
foothills would be zoned for, Councilwoman Pearson recalled for
Council that a fifteen -page decision was rendered against the city,
and the city was told by the courts to.adopt an orderly planning
process. The Council finally did this, and no Council until today
had attempted to change that ordinance. The Debt: Ordinance, No.
2090, adopted July 23, 1962 still stands; and it is Section XI.X in
the Municipal. Code. Councilwoman Pearson read the following from
that particular initiative: "All matters affecting the physical
development of the city shall be submitted to the Planning Commission
for a report to the City Council as to conformity to the Master Plan".
She commented that the city does have an adopted caster Plan against
which judgments can be made. Councilwoman Pearson continued with
the following quote: "In adopting all or any part of as anendment
or an addition to a Master or General Plan adopted by the Planning
Commission, the legislative body shall not make any change or addition
until the proposed chanje or a4;lition has been referred to the Planning
Commission for a repaint-., and a copy of that report has been filed
with the legislative body, The legislative body shall first refer
the proposed change or addition to the Planning Commission for a
report". Councilwoman Pearso3 said this part of the Code was very
clear to her, and Section XX talks about plan lines and traffic carriers
which are'all auppaswd-to be reviewed by the Planning Commission
before the Council makes -any kind of a decision. She reiterated that
it is very dear that the Phoning, Commission must be involved before
Council takes any action. One argument against this procedure was
that the city was in the middle of preparing a new Comprehensive Plan,
and the Planning Commission was busy. In Councilwoman Pearson's
opinion, that was a ridiculous argument. She pointed out that the
City of Palo Alto, until it adopts a new plan, is still governed
by the Genera/ Plan that presently exists and was adopted in 1964.
Councilwoman Pearson stated that the Planning Commission must, by
law, review all the proposals that had been seen at this meeting,
plus any this Council and the staff have not thought of, plus the
option of no plan, and the option of a partial plan. The argument
that the Planning Commission was busy was specious. They are busy
because a lot was expected of them,- Councilwoman Pearson explained
that the Planning Commission, not the staff, is the advisory planning
body to the City Council. As for the EIR's, they are meant to address
themselves to all aspects, pro and con, of a project; and it would
be inane to choose ore plan and de an EIR on that one plan. That
would do nothing but tell what was already known. Councilwoman Pearson
indicated that neither Council nor the Planning Commission would
have enough latitude to squarely assess the negative or positive
impact of this project. One aspect of this project that was really
bothering Councilwoman Pearson was that this was probably the third
instance in the past few months in which she saw a direct attempt
by the Planning Department to eliminate the Planning Commission from
a meaningful part 'of a project. One of ;he things that sued to
have been forgotten was that city government is supposed to work
for the people. The city government is not working for itself.
Councilwoman Pearson noted that the planning staff should not be
an advocate for one plat or scheme or another, and should not be
in direct conflict with the city's Planning Commission. The Planning
Commission is a direct arm of the Council; it is an advisory body
7 9 1
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to the Council; it considers all sides of an issue and listens to
the public more extensively thap the Council. Therefore, Council
can expect and demand that the planning staff work for the Planning
Commission, any other Commission that Council appoints, and the Council.
Councilwoman Pearson added that the planning staff should supply
the Planning Commission with all the information it has, whether
or not the Commission requests it. Planning staff should present
the Planning Commission recommendations first and vigorously, and
present its own only when asked. Councilwoman Pearson said that
the planning staff should cooperate fully with the Planning Commission
and not be running off on its own tangent.
Councilwoman Pearson stated that she could not leave out Stanford.
She'did not think that Stanford had become any more open with Palo
Alto or its other neighbors. It is now merely conforming to a process
whereby it lets Palo Alto know what it is doing after the plans are
rather far along; and the method of protesting the expansion of Stanford's
medical, professional or commercial projects is cumbersome, and the
outcome is predictable. In this instance, Councilwoman Pearson thought.
Stanford was maneuvering not only staff, but the Council. It was
depressing fnr her to realize that the Council is not informed honestly
as to what the Stanford Shopping Center plan is to be. She asked
why Stanford personnel persisted in pushing the Willow Expressway
and why they did not take it off their plans. Councilwoman Pearson
noted that the Willow Expressway was not even on the state highway
plans any more. It was clear that the proposed Alternative (D) permitted
Stanford to expand to the back areas of I. Magnin and along over
to the Purity Market. Many parking spaces would be eliminated in
that area, but losing parking spaces did not seem to matter in that
case. A major stare would have some new frontage, and a new mall
could be built. Councilwoman Pearson asked that the traffic impact
from that be considered. In her opinion, the letter from Stanford
was rather insulting. Stanford "might" extend Campus Drive to Junipero
Serra Boulevard in five years if traffic warrants it, or if Stanford
expands so much that it creates congestion, and above all, if it
is satisfactory to the University. Councilwoman Pearson commented
that the traffic study that had been done indicated that upon completion,
Willow Road would be congested; so nothing would be gained except
pressure for a bigger Willow Expressway. Right now, traffic warrants
completion of Campus Drive. If Campus Drive were completed, then
only a aeodeet widening would be eeded. Councilwoman Pearson asked
why Palo Alto was not told that the real reason Stanford does not
want Campus Drive is because it is committed to having; Junipero Serra
See pg. 874 Boulevard close and that it is committed to a new Foothill Expressway
extension from Page Mill to Route 280. She pointed out that if Stanford
waits long enough and Palo Alto succumbs to an extension to El Cameo
Real, there willbe no need to complete Campus Drive. In this situation,
Stanford would be traffic -free; and Palo Alto and the surrounding
communities would bear the brunt of the traffic. Councilwoman Pearson
expressed concern for the satisfaction of Palo Alto residents. Such
an expansion did little for Palo Altans. All it does i$ cost Palo
Alto a lot of money and guarantee another lnk in the Willow Road
Expressway. Also, it would increase traffic significantly in the
north end of Palo Alto, which would deteriorate further; and that
would provide justification to complete the final Willow Road link
through Palo Alt:. Councilwoman Pearson expressed opposition to
any extension from El Camino over to Arboretum. In her opinion,
Council should not even be considering that; but since it was, there
should be en EIR on the whole thing. She said she would be willing
to widen the road from Arboretum over to the creek in the other
direction, and that had been her stand all along. However, Councilwoman
Pearson was not willing to put in any ninety -foot roads or rights -
of ay. The Willow Expressway in existence just a few years ago was
See only one hundred and one feet, and that was a complete road.
pg. 874
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MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Rosenbaum, that
the staff begin the selection process for an independent conaultant
to prepare an EIR on all the alternatives that had been shown tonight,
plus any other alternatives, plus any partial plan, plus no plan; and
that the EIR and the eneire Willow Roa4'Project be referred to the
Planning Commission for review and recommendation to the City Council;
and that the Council choose the consultant in conformance with consultant
selection procedures recently approved by Council.
Councilman Norton commented that if each Council member_ spoke as
long as Councilwoman Pearson, the meeting would last for another
hour and a half.
Vice Mayor Henderson asked for Council member's response with each
one speaking for five minutes.
Councilman Berwald stated he was not in the mood to debate at this
late hour. Since Councilwoman P€arson took seventeen minutes, he
thought the other members of Council might have difficulty limiting
themselves to five minutes. Lie did want to say that if a martian
were present in the last fifteen minutes, he would have some rather
strange views of city staff, Mr. Knox, and Stanford. Councilman
Berwald thought the public testimony was very good tonight, and every-
body had been very conscientious about their feelings toward this
project. Council members would want to respond to Councilwoman Pearson
;end to the public; therefore, he suggested that the motion be left
on the floor for debate and the tnaeting continued until 7:30, Monday,
January 13.
Councilman Beahra agreed with Councilman Berwald'.} suggestion. He
was somewhat offended by the monopolizing of the floor; and if that
814 had been he - as a male - he would have been cut off one-half hour
ago.
Adlournment
The meeting of January 6, 1973, adjourned at 12:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.,
Monday, January 13, with Item 12 (Willow Road) to appear first on
the agenda, and Councilwoman Pearson's motion on the floor for debate.
ATTEST: APPRO`E :
City Clerk.
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Mayor