HomeMy WebLinkAbout06091975Regular Meeting
June 9, 1975
ITEM
Minutes of May 5, 1975
Oral Communications
Consent Calendar - Action Items
Setting Hearing Date: Abandonment of a Portion of
Peal Lane
Contracts for Professional Services - Alcohol Tests
Resolution Commending Glen W. Schofield for Service as a Human
Relations Commissioner
Resolution of Appreciation to Ephriam J. Blevins upon his
Retirement
Resolution of Apprecictioa to Emmett J. Carmody upon his Retire-
ment
Resolution of Appreciation to Saturnino B. Cabarloc upon his
Retirement
Assessment for California Avenue Ares Parking Bonds - Projects
65-9 anJ 71-63
Policy and Procerlures Committee Recommendation re Task Force on
Aging
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Public Hearing re Assessment for University, Avenue District-
Project 66-k 1 3 3
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1
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1346
Proposed PostA1 Facility
Project Mobility 1 3 6 0
919 Oregon Avenue, Zone District R-1 (75 -?M-07) Miscellaneous
Division of Land, Appeal of Beverly 6 William Crowell 1 3 6 1
Squire House Preservation: Report on Construction Bid 1 3 6 3
Request of Cimciiaan Bervald for Report on Complaints about
Coffee House Initiative 1 3 6 3
Oral Communications 1 3 6 4
Adjournment 1 3 6 5
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CITY
COUNCIL
MINUTES
June 9, 1975
OT's
OF
P�I.O
ILTO
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date at 7:30 p.m.
in a regular meeting with Vice Mayor Henderson presiding.
Present: Beahrs, Berwald, Clay,
Comstock, Henderson, Pearson,
Rosenbaum, Norton (arrived
7:40 p.m.)
Absent: Sher
)iinutea of May 5, 1975
Councilman Berwald recalled that his vote on the item concerning
Lytton Plaza (page 1242) was a "no", and it was listed as an "aye".
However, this vote was checked against the tape, and Councilman Berwald
did vote "aye". Councilmen Beahrs and Clay were the two "no" votes.
MOTION: Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by Clay, that the minutes
of May 5 be approved.
Oral Communications
1. Marcia Mali, 2050 California Street, Mountain
View, speaking for a recently formed Community
Coalition, made the following statement: "We
are here tonight because the City Council is
out of conteol. You cannot be dealt with on
any rational level. Your personal and political
ambitions have become primary to the point where
last Monday night you decided not to refund The
Collective Drug Center despite several
posit:ve evaluations of The Collective's
services, numerous letters in support of the
program, petitions with over two thousand
signatures of support, thirty-five speakers
including a representative from the Director
of Health for the State of California, various
profesetionals, numerous social service agencies,
teachers, and high school students, all of whom
spoke in favor of The Collective. In fact, only
one person came forth to speak against The
Collective. Where was the opposition that you
continually refer to? Where vas the larger .:om►unity
who you say does_not want The Collective in
Palo Alto? Are they a mythical silent majority
that you can use to justify ending The Collective
in the same way Mixon used them to invade
Cambodia? Or are they simply a loud minority
consisting of PA -i5, The Palo Alto Times, and a
few assorted right-wing fanatics? Alan and Enid
ors to be commanded for the principal and positive
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6/9/75
role they played during the meeting last Monday;
however, we feel the personal conduct of Council --
members Norton and Clay was disgusting. They
clearly exhibited their arrogance and scorn for
,the people when they walked out during the public
presentation and went to a downtown pizza parlor.
We also criticize members Rosenbaum and Sher for
not being present at this crucial vote and call
upon them to make public their position on refund-
ing The Collective. Finally, we are here to inform
you that we have learned from our mistakes and
realize Council cannot be left unwatched and
unchallenged. So we have formed a Community
Coalition to educate people abo'st who you
are and whom you represent. You can expect
to see a lot of us in the future because we
iutend to challenge your callous disregard for
the needs of the people. When you attempt to
serve the interests of the privileged few, people
will be here to demand that you respond to them.
We demand an of feet i 7e drug center rather than a
bigger Dumbarton Bridge; we demand child care, not
office buildings and banks; we demand low income
housing, not $75,000 condominiums."
2. Jan Sutter, 327 Bryant Street, asked if Council
had any control over the camera above the Chambers;
and he asked what the purpose was fur having it.
City Manager George Sipel explained that the camera
could be used in case of any kind of a disturbance.
Mr, Sutter felt that the camera could have an
intimidating effect on persons who might want to
address Council. Mr. Sipel responded that if any
member of the public were concerned about the camera,
he would be available to talk to him about it. Mr.
Sutter asked if Mr. Sipel had cameras placed around
the community or if this were the only place a camera
was used. Councilman Berwald suggested that it was
not the privilege of a neMber of the public to harass
the City Manager, and thie dialogue was out nrde .
3. Ross Thompson, 555 Forest Avenue, said he was the
only person who spoke against the drug control
program at the last meeting. Kowever, he wanted it
known that he was sympathetic toward the program;
but he understood why The Collective was terminated.
Mx. Thompson added that he thought the camera
in the chembers was a faun pas, and be agreed
with the dents made by Jan Sutter rather than
those made by the City Manager.
Consent Calendar - Action Items
Vice Mayor Henderson asked if Council were ready to vote on the Consent
Calendar.
Se •
CHI: 8:5}
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I 337
RESOLUTION NO. 5093 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO ORDER THE
VACATION OF A PORTION OF FERAL LANE AND
SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING THEREON"
Vice Mayor Henderson noted that the hearing date for this item of the
Consent Calendar was July 7, 1975.
;entracte for Professional_
Services - Acohul Tests (CMR:323:5)
Staff recommended that Council authorize the Mayor to execute an
agreement with Milton W. Smith, Jr., to provide professional services
(alcohol tests) for the fiscal year 1975-76, in as amount not to
exceed $8.000.
The Consent Calendar was adopted on a unanimous vote.
Resolution Comsendin_ Glen W. Schofield
or ery ce as a H
e at ons o.,�. •• _ r
?MOTION: Councilman Comstock introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 5094 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
COMMENDING GLEN W. SCHOFIELD FOR OUTSTANDING
AND CONSCIENTIOUS SERVICES AS A MEMBER OF
THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION"
Councilman Comstock commented that Mr. Schofield resigned because he
was moving outside the city limits; however, he has shown pis usual
fine spirit by offering to continue to be of service to Palo Alto
in any way he could. Councilman Comstock was re4lly grateful. fnr
the services Mr. Schofield had performed on behalf of the Commission.
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vote.
lution of reciation to hriam .1.
t resent
NOTION: Councilman Norton introduced the following resolution and
moved, seconded by Berwald, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 5095 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OP THE CITY OP PALO ALTO
EXPRESSING Arrnirm tATaui TO EPHR AH 3.
BLEVINS UPON HIS RETIREMENT"
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vote.
u,.
•
NOTION: Councilwoman Pearson introduced the following rresolutioa
and moved, seconded by Comstock, its adoption:
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RESOLUTION NO. 5096 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
EXPRESSING APFRECLJION TO EMMETT J.
CARMODY UPON HIS RETIREMENT"
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vote.
Resolution of A►•reciation to Saturnino
•. ar oc u.on e r• ., -n M'r• 0:5)
MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Comstock, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 5097 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO SATURNINO B.
CABABI.00 UPON HIS RETIREMENT"
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous; vote.
Councilman Berwald said he did no;: personally know Mr. Cabarloc,
but he had observed and been very appreciative of the work of Mr.
Blevins and Mr. Carmody; and they do jobs that are arduous and demanding
at the refuse area. When people went to the dump; they should be
aware that people such as Messrs. Blevins, Cabarloc and Carmody are
keeping the operation going so that excess rubbish could be disposed
of.
Public Hearin: re Assessment for Unive
Vice Mayor Henderson stated that this is the time and place fixed
for the bearing on the annual assessment which must be levied to
pay principal and interest on the parking bonds issued under Bond
Plan G in the University Avenue Area Civic Center Offstreet Parking
Project. Bonds have been issued and sold in the amount of $975,000.
The principal and interest payments are payable from the proceeds
of the assessments which are at issue tonight. There is therefore
no question but that the assessment must be levied, and the basic
p:zrpose of the hearlrag is to allow each property owner the opportunity
to question the computation of his assessment and the elements which
comprise it. These include the square footage of the building, the
computation of parking requirements for the building under City ordinances,
the use to which the property is being put, and the amount of offstreet
parking being provided in satisfaction of these requirements. Tberefore,
anyone having any objection to the computation of the various components
of the assessment may express them at this time. Vice Mayor Henderson
declared the hearing open.
There being no one who wished to speak, Vice Mayor Henderson closed the
public hearing and asked for a motion.
MOTION: Councilman Comstock introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Berwald, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 50'x9 entitled "RESOLUTION
CONFIRMING ENGI11RER' S REPORT AND ASSESSMENT
ROLL UNIVERSITY AVENUE DISTRICT CENTER
OFFSTREET PARKING PROJECT NO. 66-8"
The -revolution vas adopted on a unanimous vets.
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I
.r
csssment for California Avenue Area
n' Bonds - Pro ects 65-
nd 71-6
Vice Mayor Henderson stated that this is the time and place fixed
for the hearing on the annual assessments which must be levied to
pay principal and interest on the parking bonds issued under Bond
Plan G in the California Avenue Area Parking Dirtr1ct, Projects No.
65-9 and No. 71-63. Bonds have been issued and sold in the amount
of $390,000 in Project No. 65-9, and in the amount of $420,000 in
Project No. 71-63. There is therefore no question but that the assessments
must be levied, and the basic purpose of the hearing is to allow
each property owner the opportunity to question the computation of
his assessment and the elements which comprise it. These include
the square footage of the building, the computation of parking requirements
for the building under City ordinances, the use to which the property
is being put, and the amount of offstreet parking being provided
in satisfaction of these requirements. Therefore, anyone having
any objection to the computation of the various components of the
assessments may express them at -this time. Vice Mayor Henderson
declared the hearing open.
Bernard Pawloekf, Director of Public Works, reported there had been
an oral protest from Mrs. Coyne of Coyne and Blanchard, Inc., 410
Sherman Avenue, Parcel No. 124-33-005; and she requested that an
adjustment be made from fifteen parking spaces to ten. This was
a valid protest. With regard to Project No. 71-63, the assessment
should be $108.29 instead of $168.04. For project No. 65-9, the
assessment should be $99.31 instead of $154.11.
No one wishing to speak, Vice Mayor Henderson declared the hearing
closed.
MOTION: Councilman Comstock introduced the following resolutions
and moved, seconded by Beraald, that they be approved with the adjust-
ments to parcel No. 124-33-005, as indicated by the Director of Public
Works:
and
RESOLUTION NO. 5098 entitled "RESOLUTION
CONFIRMING ENGINEER'S REPORT AND ASSESS-
MENT ROLL CALIFORNIA AVENUE AREA OFFSTREET
PARKING PROJECT NO. 71-63"
RESOLUTION NO. 5100 entitled "RESOLUTION
CONFIRMING ENGINEER'S REPORT AND ASSESS-
MENT ROLL CALIFORNIA AVENUE AREA PARKING
PROJECT NO. 65-9"
The resolutions were adopted on a unanimous vote.
is and Procedures Committee
Rec t on re as orce_on A2in2
Referring to the minutes of the Policy and Procedures Committee meeting
of May 15, 1975, Councilwoman Pearson noted that in the seventh paragraph
Councilman Norton had asked what would happen to the two women who
were working for the Senior Coordinating Council, when in fact, there
was just one person. Councilman Norton commented that he had been
referring to staff members. In the tenth paragraph on page 13, twenty
full time positions were mentioned when actually, Councilman RosenbailL1' -'
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was referring to the number of people who would take advantage of
the opportunities offered by the Day Care Center. Some wording was
left out of the top of page 19 to the effect that Councilman Norton
did not think it would be necessary for the two groups to meet over
a longer period than three weeks.
Councilwoman Pearson thought the Task Force was to be commended for
a very fine report that was accomplished within a minimum amount
of time. The Policy and Procedures Committee, with Councilman Clay
absent, heard the presentations of Chairpersons of various subcommittees -
Jack Hauser, Lydia Morse, Andrew Stevens. and Ted Carlstrom. In
Committee, Councilwoman Pearson assumed that the Committee members
had thoroughly read the Task Force report. There also was a staff
report reviewing the Task Force report. The staff review pointed
out that there are some basic differences between the staff report
recommendations and the Task Force recommendations. The Task Force
recommendations start on page 13 of their report and end on page
23. The staff's recommendations are summarized on page 19 of the
staff report. Councilwoman Pearson be'ieved that the Policy and
Procedures Committee agreed with the basic policy statements which
appear on page 5 of the Task Force report, and it also seemed to
agree with the concept of a foundation for senio:.,; but this also
was the greatest difference. The Task Force recommended the establishment
of a tax-exempt foundation for seniors which would be free from city
control. The fcundation's role would be to administer the present
programs and aervicea, create new ones, and to seek funding from
private and public sources, and to contract with the city in some
instances for both new and old services. The city would not play
a major or even a n,&nor role in the foundation. Councilwoman Pearaon
thought it came across that possibly the reason for the Task Force't
strong feeling for independence was that a carrot was being dangled
before them of possible funding for a senior citizens' building,
and those funds might disappear if the city has any involvement,
Councilwoman Pearson's hope was that city involvement would not be
a basis for withholding any contributions toward a senior citizens'
canter or f program. The staff feels that the idea of a foundation,
with or without city controls, needs mole exploration; and the Policy
and Procedures Committee agrees. It was inconceivable to the Committee
that funds would be given to any program without requiring tight
controls over their use; and, of course, strict accounting methods
would be required. Another area of difference or concern was the
role of the Senior Coordinating Council in the foundation, and neither
the staff nor the Task Force was clear about that matter. The Senior
Coordinating Council made it clear that they wanted a continuing
role. The staff and the Task Force both recommended an ad hoc committee
to first, resolve these differences about the foundation/Senior Coordinating
Council role, and secondly, to report back to the Council when those
differences were resolved. The Task Force went even further, recommending
an ad hoc committee which would design and prepare the implementation
program for the foundation. The Task Force suggested that the city
fund the ad hoc committee; and Councilwomen Pearson noted that in
her eighteen years of Palo Alto politics, she had never known of
a citizens' committee that had been paid to design a program. It
iar traditional that until the actual program is underway, the volunteers
remain unpaid. Lastly, Councilwoman Pearson commented that the Policy
and Procedures Committee did not discuss to a great degree the fling
request from the Task Force since it felt that would be appropriately
taken care of by the Finance and Public Works Committee after the
policy decision had been made. The Task Force did recommend that
the city fund a senior citizens' buezet for 1975-76 in the amount
of approximately $173.750. This did not include any funds for a
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land site for the senior center; but it did include $15,000 for an
ad hoc committee, $25,000 for the senior center develnpment grant,
$56,250 for the start-up funds, $75,000 for home repair and maintenance
service, and $22,000 for a day care project. Councilwoman Pearson
noted that the Senior Coordinating Council's expertise was evident
because they had received a grant of $20,000 for a day care project.
The Task Force also requested $23,000 for early assessment and $7,500
for a monthly publication for sentare. Councilwoman Per.rson stated
that in the last three years, this Council has allocated approximately
$142,000 for senior adult services; and not counted in those dollars
is the money spent in the Piggyback Program, which, of course, was
Sylvia Semen's idea. Councilwoman Pearson stated here, as she did
at the Committee meeting, that experience hrs shows that volunteers
and the good intentions of various organizations could not be relied
upon to guarantee funding of programs once they are started. In
the end, it will be the city that pays; and it is realistic and more
humane for that fact to be recognized, And then so fund. Councilwoman
Pearson believed that the funds could be raised for a senior center,
but that the funds for a day -in, day -out program would be fantastically
difficult to raise. The program and services are hard to assess,
and they are not as visible as the building. If a center is to be
built, Councilwoman Pearson hoped that care and sensitivity and known
design ability would be the main criteria used in selecting an architect;
and the choice would not be made just for the free services of an
architect or for the low bidder. In other words, she was asking
that architects who would be considered have their past designs looked
at. Councilwoman Pearson felt the senior center should be a joy
to look at as well as be a joy to the seniors.
MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, on behalf of the Policy and
Procedures Committee, the recommendation to Council regarding the
Task Force on Aging Final Report, a level of funding of $75,000 for
the 1975-76 fiscal year for the program on aging without designation
at this time as to a particular program, and that the Task Force
and city staff attempt to reconcile the differences between the Task
Force Report and the Staff Report of May 7, 1975, and return to the
Policy and Procedures Committee in approximately one month with a
prograz.
Councilwoman Pearson understood that staff has already begun talking
with the Task Force, and they may have something to report; however,
they probably needed more time before they could get something final
back to the Policy and Procedures Committee.
Vice Mayor Henderson invited Dr. Bortz to address Council, and he
expressed appreciation to Dr. Bortz and the other Task Force members
for their very outstanding report. Council was very grateful for
all of the talented people who volunteered to partake in the task
end for tb+eir untiring efforts.
Dr. Walter Bort:, Chairman,of the Tank Force on Aging, stated that
some jobs the group did were stereotyped and easy; end the expected
things were addressed, such as health problems, transportation, housing,
etc. The Tssk Force recommended in its report programs that dealt
with these problems with imagination and direction. Also, a mechanism
was created for further development in these areas; because all of
the issues would require the future concern of everyone. The Task
Force case to realize there was an aspect more important than these
easily defined areas; namely, what the meaning was of life to older
people. Dr. sort: emphasized that every member of the Task Force
recognised that it is essential to the entire endeavor to try to
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create a model community program for older people so that the issues
of loneliness, dependence, and lack of personal freedom which older
people experienced may be addressed. These were the harder things
with which to grapple. The two major conclusions arrived at to address
this kind of problem were the senior center and the creation of the
foundation. Dr. Bortz commented that it was not the Task Force's
idea at any point to exclude city participation. Further, he stated
that the carrot that was being dangled was not of any major impact
in the deliberations of the Task Force when it decided the foundation
should be of citizen/community origin rather than of city government
origin.
Jack Hauser, Chairman, Senior Center Committee of the Task Force
on Aging, said it was his committee which came up with the idea of
a large, central senior center of about 14,500 square feet. As a
size comparison, Mr. Hauser noted that Little Rouse in Menlo Park
has 15,000 square feet under -roof space, and 19,000 square feet if
you include the patio areas which adjoin the structure. The Task
Force thought that a building of 14,500 square feet would take care
of all the immediate needs with some room to grow. Mr. Hauser had
heard from a number of people that the senior citizens of Palo Alto
could simply be transported to Little Hesse; however, Little Fuse
is currently at capacity. Their shuttle bus picker up a few people
in Palo Alto, but using Little House exclusively for Palo Alto's
senior citizens was not a viable alternative. In arriving at the necessary
size, the committee came to the conclusion that a lunch program,
such as La Cotnida, was an essential ingredient in a senior center.
Tours of senior centers had been made, including five in southern
California; and it had been found that sooner or later all seniors
would come to a lunch program. Once there, they would be exposed
to all of the programs and available services. Centers without lunch
programs seemed to suffer from a lack of fresh recruits. The lunch
program helped to determine the needed size of the center, and it
would take up about twenty-five percent of the space. The building
would need to house existing senior programs. The educational programs
were being carried out awkwardly in the downtown library, There
were some large organized groups of seniors, such as the Retired
Federal Employees, which presently met in the Community Center and
other locations about the city; but they do not have a high priority
as to where they are located. They meet wherever there is available
space, and this is an awkward situation to handle. In relationship
to the clubs that the Palo Alto Recreatioa Department has right now
and other satellite programs, the downtown center would in no way
usurp the neighborhood services. Mr. Hauser pointed out that those
who provide services to seniors needed visibility for their programs.
These various agencies are located in different areas of the city,
and they could make their programs known if there were a central
facility for seniors. County agencies and others will not make themselves
available to present programs for just a wall group of older people,
but they are happy to spend time making good presentation* in a facility
that can hold large groups. Another aspect was that an attractive
building, to some degree, draws volunteers; and the more volunteers
there are, the more economic is the program. One point Mr. Hauser
wanted to bring out was that there was every suggestion that more
and more groups, including the City of Palo 4lto, would want to provide
programs to "take care" of seniors and that would 'do for" seniors.
But what really needed to happen was to have an atmosphere set up
where seniors start taking care of seniors; more specifically, younger
seniors taking care of the older and more disabled seniors. In order
for this to happen, the older people needed to be concentrated in
a focal place. A senior center will help tend to make the senior
citizens into a more cohesive, viable, coherent force.
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Ted Carlstrom, Chairman of the Committee on Organization of the Task
Force on Aging, said his committee looked into chat other communities
had done. The Little House model is almost completely a volunteer
organization, and other cities had relied on organizations which
were solely advisory ones to city or county agencies which were relied
upon to provide the program. The final recommendation of Mr. Carlstrom's
committee that had been accepted by the Task Force was to attempt
a compromise between the advisory body and the action organization,
with the hope that unique activity would be produced for a unique
town, One of the problems the committee ran into from the beginning
was that "senior center" was interpreted by some to mean a building
and by others to mean an organization. The proposal Mr. Carlstrom'a
committee was making for a foundation is one which would exist independent
of a building. Some of the reasons for the foundation have been outlined.
The committee did not see the foundation as a policy organization
or as one that would pre-empt existing programa. It was seen as
a means by which seniors could participate in, found, and deliver
membership organization activities; and it was seen as a means through
which the seniors could bring their talents to bear, keep busy, do
constructive things, and have an outlet for their energies. This
organization would be a way for other members of the community to
operate who wished to assist senior citizens. Perhaps this agency
would be more successful than many nonprofit organizations, which
the city has had interest in in the recent past, in finding benevolent
giving to support its program. The agency could be open to social
experimentation; and to the extent that it contracts with the city
for the performance of specific services, it would be as accountable
as any public agency with respect to the use of those funds. The
agency would also be subject to any strictures and limitations which
the Council would went to impose upon the group. Mir. Carlstrom realized
there had been some concern expressed about the relationship of the
proposed organization to the city staff and to city programa. The
foundation was not seen by the committee as pre-empting the work
of Mrs. Steeples, and it was not seen as a competing influence in
that respect. The Task Force did think, however, that there were
a number of programs which the community has not addressed itself
to; and it was felt those could be best explored through such a foundation.
The city had been blessed for a number of years with the Senior Coordinating
Council. This is a senior -concerned organization that has demonstrated
the capacity of Palo Altana to perform very concrete, substantial,
worthwhile services for the city as they did in making the report
to the city in the first place, in response to which the Council organized
the Task Force. If the foundation is created, it is anticipated
that the Senior Coordinating Council would become a part of the foundation
activities; and part of the goal of the foundation is to be an "umbrella"
civic organization. Mr. Carlstrom pointed out that the problems
of the seniors in this area are not limited by the boundaries of
the city, and it is difficult to say where the problem begins and
ends. The Task Force understood to the extent that the foundation
may have a contract with the city, that it would be limited in the
use of it, funds; however, as a privates organization, and as a voluntary
organization, it would have the aeon of serving needs wherever there
would be a community response and a possibility ofsubstantialservice.
It was Mr. Carlstrom'e hope that Council would take action to fun!.
the idea and that the foundation would be organized as rapidly as
possible. The committee did not want to see an erosion of interest
through inactivity for a period of time. The seniors are not inclined
to stay with this idea very long if they are going to be exhausted
by discussion. They had been discussing the ideas for a long time,
and they were at the point whore they wanted to see action. It would
be well if one of the earliest actions of Council would be to appoint
an ad hoc committeeto do the preliminary work of organizing the 1
foundation and getting it started.
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Dr. Sidney P. Mitchell stated that he saw this as a missions, goals,
and objectives situation. A mission is a long-term thing which does
not change very much, objectives may change slowly, and goals are
those things which should be done quickly. The mission is to provide
for senior citizens the opportunity to continue to use their abilities
to provide warmth and friendship and to realize that they are still
useful and needed citizens. There were all sorts of people in Palo
Alto who have great talent, and there is every reason to use that
talent. Dr. Mitchell felt the objective s were to insure an active
role of the senior citizens for the senior citizens in carrying out
the mission, and to maintain an arrangement whereby the city can
discharge whatever obligations it feels to the senior citizens without
bearing all the responsibility and yet be kept fully informed of
what transpires. The foundation would augment the role of the city
staff, and the Task Force uaw the staff as vital in the arrangement.
It was important to bring together in one place of reference all
the senior activities available and publish that information, too.
Another objective was to develop a non-proft.: organization that would
serve as an "umbrella" under which senior activities can be financed
and organized. If the foundation were charged with raising money
from both public and private sources, the money given would be tax
deductible for the donor. Other objectives would be to build a senior
center as a focal point of senior activities; to augment old and
develop new programs for seniors; to develop a continuing attitude
of cooperation between the city, the foundation, and the senior center;
to encourage seniors to run their activities and work closely with
the center and the foundation; and to use the report of the Task
Force on Aging as a reference work for all the senior activities
and programs. So, the things that the Task Force people would like
to see done very soon would be the appointment of an ad hoc committee
to devise, along with the staff, the best way to carry out the mission
and objectives; the setting up of a nonprofit foundation; the beginning
of the necessary work to ultimately build a senior center; working
with the Program Committee on present and future programs; and getting
the city to provide the initial funds to start the objectives and
goals.
Li c -
Harold Kay, 576 Hale St., stated his pleasure to have had a few weeks
to work with the staff on some of the differences, at the suggestion
of Councilman Norton. Ho was delighted with the sense of reasoning
and balance that had been evident in the remarks that had been made
so far, and he thought perhaps another delay of thirty days would
create an even more harmonious atmosphere. Mr. Kay said it was necessary
to have clear objectives and goals and a certain order of priorities.
There were three main priorities. One of these was the senior center
development. The question now was one of getting proper leadership
and getting the cooperation of the city. First, the, group should
go to the city to get the land; then, it should go to the city to
get a little •oney; and then, the work can begin. There is nothing
wrong with that, and the city has to have its finger in this project.
The second priority would be home repair and home maintenance; and
the third, with modifications, would be senior day care facilities.
Hr. Kay thought it was eeaential to have an ad hoc committee, and
those who had spoken tonight had been chosen from the Task Force
to serve on that committee. He had stressed all along that private
enterprise was necessary, and there was plenty of talent in Palo
Alto. The committee had talked a great deal about private initiative,
but it bad done nothing about it. Mr. Kay was concerned that although
he had been a member of the Finance Committee of the Task Force, there
had not been one meeting; but there had been such talk about the
glory and power of Palo Alto and the fact that there would be no
trouble raising two million dollars. It bad bean his feeling that
the Task Force would be in much better shape before going to the
Council if it had fifty to one hundred thousand dollars as an iaidication
1345
6/9/75
of good faith with regazd to building the foundation. While he was
for everything that had been proposec; at this meeting, Mr. Kay believed
that the foundation ahwuld be strictly a private enterprise situation.
If there is going to be a good foundation, if it is going to become
a reality, then it should start on its own. Everyone wanted to pull
together, and Mr. Kay was sure that everyone would work hard to create
a good center.
Dr. Walter Bortz requested that the foundation be appreciated for
the way in which it was evolved, the content that it espouses, and
the direction that it hopes to take. In working towards the foundation,
the Task Force had recommended the creation of a nine member ad hoc
committee. Four members for the committee have been selected from
the steers of the Task Force, four are from the Senior Coordinating
Council, and it was suggested that the ninth member be Mrs. Diana
Steeples. The hope was that the ad hoc committee would be charged
with working out the ongoing details of the foundation and haw the
aims would be addressed. The group of nine has not been charged,
and the thought was that Council would charge them with their responsibilities.
Speaking to the budget that had been listed, Dr. Bortz stated that
budget had been appropriate for the time it was comprised; but that
was no longer the case. He said he would not like to contrast $175,000
with the staff's recommendation of $88,000, since those are net straight
line comparisons, Dr, Eortz was pleased that the Policy and Procedures
Committee had seen fit to endorse the ideas as presented to the amount
of $175,000. As the cont1ttee c?embers had mulled that over and recognized
the elements it felt urgent about receiving immediate funding in
terms of program content, they found that if the amount were subtracted
that seemed appropriate for those programs precious little would
be left for getting the foundation off the ground. Dr. Bortz said
he would not dignify the $15,000 that was placed in the budget for
the working of the ad hoc commitee. That is a very insecure figure
and one that the committee did not feel very stern about, but he
commended to Council the fact that if they were parred at the figure
of $75,000 with the program content that should be gone ahead with,
the development of the foundation this year and in the years ahead
would be restricted. Dr. Bartz felt somewhat presumptuous in stating
his hope that some increase in the level of funding, perhaps another
$25,000 to put the total in the $100,000 range, would be more workable
in terms of conceiving how the foundation night be implemented throughout
the coming year. Re recognized the cynical line that Council would
take when told that the community would provide self support, but
that is the idealism that the Task Force holds. The hope was that
in years to come Council would not be in the position of bailing
out the foundation, but rather would be a happy participant iu the
endeavor. The Task Force really thought it would like the city to
be a participant, even if its fondest dreams were recognized that
an endowment would be generated above and beyond a building fund.
In concluding, Dr. Bortz commended to Council the ad hoc c.A, ttee
and consideration of the budget as he had outlined and as had been
suggested by staff.
Vice Mayor Hendereon thanked Dr. Bortz and the other members of the
Task Force for their presentations, and he read the following letter
from Dr., Russel V. Lee: "I'have had a rather desultory connection
with the Task Force on Aging due to my own physical disabilities and
conflicts witr various rath.3r urgent activities. However, I think
the Task Force has been extraordinarily diligent and has turned out
a very good set of conclusions, the principal one being for the establish-
ment of a foundation to biAild, manage and administer the proposed
aging center. This is a conclusion with which I heartily agree.-
I do believe, too, that the Task Force should receive a very definite
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5 tile
r • I' MrT'4 r ! • •11• W •••"'•
appreciation of its work from the City Council and that the Council
members also become aware of the discrepancies in some cases between
the Task Force report and the work done by the ataff. The discrepancies
can be completely elucidated by Dr. Bortz, who has been outstanding
in hie conduct in the whole course of this activity."
Janet Owens, 863 Moreno Avenue, spoke in favor of the immediate implementation
of the Day Care Program which the Task Force proposed be established.
This program had been developed to the point where it could proceed
very quickly, and it would bring grieatly needed assistance to many
people - not just to the senior citizens, but to their families as
well.
Carleen Bedwell, Director of Community and Social Services, reiterated
that staff had set with members of the Task Force to establish dialogue
between the Task Force recommendations and those of the staff. In
many cases there was agreement, in soma cases there was not agreement;
and staff has been looking at the Task Force recommendations in view
of past experience with other citizen groups, programs, and recommendations
for social service activities. Staff was conscious of playing the
role of slowing down a highly energized and dedicated group, and
there was an obligation of making some recommendations for action
which are the moat realistic and have the greatest chance of success.
In meeting with the Task Force, staff had made some headway in terms
of reaching an agreement. However, there was a need for more time
to pursue the subject; therefore, the recommendations of the committee
are still pertinent with regard to the time period.
Mr. Sipel believed that with some modest expansion of the motions
Council had before it, staff could continue to move the entire matter
along. Councilmrembers had a copy of the suggested draft that staff
prepared after meeting with the Task Force last week.
Councilman Beah.; could not believe there was any great quarrel on
Council with regard to the general proposal that had been made, and
he believed the policy statement presented by staff could be easily
added as an amendment to Councilwoman Pearson's Committee motion.
Council has had a lot of experience with this type of situation in
recent years, some of which had been unhappy; but Councilman Beahrs
believed this particular group would perforce with a remarkably high
degree of integrity and dedication. He also believed they would
sake every effort to move any burdens on the city taxpayer.
•
AMENDMENT: Councilman Norton moved, seconded by Berwald, that "May 7, 1.975"
in the motion be thee end of a sentence, and the following language
be added: "The Council endorses the general concept of a foundation
and requests that ,:*'tails regarding function, structure, services,
funding and relationship to the city be explored through the nine -
member ad hoc committee on senior organisation working with the city
staff. Recommendations and agreement regarding the foundation should
be returned to the Policy and Procedures Committee as soon as possible".
Councilman Norton noted this would eliminate the specific time limit
as stated in the arigiaal motion of one month. Parenthetically,
he added that he assumed the ad hoc committee would be ride up of
four members from the Task Force, four member': from the Senior Coordinating
Council, and one staff member most likely, Mrs. Steeples.
Councilman Berwald thougbi there were two groups in society today
who deserved all of the help that could be given, and these were
the senior citizens and the young and unborn children - the latter
'of which were being treated with a great deal of disrespect. 8e
felt that any policy aimed at helping senior citizens to live productive
1347
6/9/75
AMENDMENT: Councilman Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Pearson, that
after the word "aging", the wording be "with $12,000 allocated for
the Senior Day Care Program to be used to pay the amount of fee that
some participants are unable to pay, with the remainder of the funding
to be :ithout designation at this time...etc."
Councilwoman Pearson agreed with Councilman Rosenbaum's stand and
with the comments made by Mrs. Owens. Day Care is one of the programs
that could be implemented quickly, and the Senior Coordinating Council
has the necessary money. The program is a vital one that is very
much needed in Palo Alto. This amendment would give the Task Force
the direction that the Day Care Program is one which Council felt
should be given very high priority.
Councilman Berwald knew thero had been discussion at the Policy and
Procedures Committee meeting about the possibility of going ahead
with the Day Care Program, and yet the amendment passed unanimously
saying that the funding would be provided without designation. He
thought that kind of open approach would be an advantage to the Task
Force when they began their deliterations with the staff.
Councilman Norton assumed the $12,000 would be a part of the $75,000
and not an addition.
Councilman Rosenbaum said this was correct.
Councilman Norton hoped that the ad hoc committee would agree that
this idea was a goad one; but they would have to pare back their
thinking if the recommended dollar figure remains, and they may decide
$11,000 is a better amount for the Day Care Program. He felt it
was appropriate for the Task Force to have that kind of flexibility.
Councilman Norton satd he would vote against the amendment, but he
sympathized with the general emphasis of it.
Councilman Beahrs thought the amendment was somewhat premature.
A request for $25,000 in addition to $75,000 had been made; and now
with little discussion, Council would be voting to allocate $12,000
of the total amount to one specific program. Councilman Beahrs was
not sure how the $12,000 figure had been arrived at, and his awn
preference would be to see the whole matter come back to Council in
finished form.
Councilman Clay pointed out that the report from staff would be back
in no longer than sixty days, and he would like to postpone making
specific recommendations until all the information is available.
Councilman Rosenbaum explained that the only reason he was willing
to go along with the motion at the Committee level was because it
was understood there would be staff response in thirty days. However,
it is not unusual for these kinds of discussions to take a considerable
longer time than originally expected. This particular program is
ready to go, and he saw no reason for not proceeding with it just
as had been done with Project Mobility, This specific service is
almost certain to be part of the over-all package, the Senior Coordinating
Council has been working on it for a considerable time, they have
secured a grant, and they have asked for additional funds from the
city. In Councilman Rosenbaum's opinion, it would be appropriate
to get the program started at this time.
Vice Mayor Henderson commented, too, that this element of the program
was set to go; end the $20,000 grant bad been received. He had been
working with the figures, and eleven or twelve thousand dollars sensed
to fit into the total amount very well. Vice Mayor Henderson could,
see no reason at all for not supporting the immediate implementation -� 3 `D
of a program, that was all ready to go. -
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6/9/75
Councilman Beahrs asked if this program would be administered under
the aegis of the Senior Coordinating Council, the foundation, or
the City of Palo Alto. He asked also to whom the grant was given
and to whom the $12,000 would go.
Vice Mayor Henderson responded that the grant had been given to the
Senior Coordinating Council.
Councilman Beahrs asked if the Senior Coordinating Council would
ultimately be an adjunct of the foundation; and if not, he wanted
to know what would happen to that group.
Diane Steeples, Coordinator of the Senior Coordinating Council, states
that the Council was a nonprofit organization that had developed
the day care proposal. It was her understanding that those in the
Day Care Program were presently developing a separate board with
the intent of establishing a nonprofit organization specifically
as a spin-off from the Senior Coordinating Council. They would operate
the Day Care Program and take on staff when they -had sufficient funds
to be on a sound basis.
Councilman Beahrs expressed concern about the proliferation of organizations
and the overhead attending them. If this is necessary to sustain
enthusiasm and effort in a given program, Councilman Beahrs would
support it; but he cautioned that there could be too many oroanizatirona;;
Councilman Clay asked if the grart money would still be available
if the staff took as long as sixty days to come back to Council with
its report.
Mrs. Steeples responded that she assumed it would.
Councilman Berwald noted that up to this point, Council had been
talking about $75,000 in the budget for senior citizen program,
generally. Now, Council was talking about a certain amount of dollars
to be appropriated for one separate or3anization within the program
different from the Senior Coordinating Council, different from the
Task Force,'and different ffom the city program.
Vice Mayor Henderson stated there would be more than $75,000 in the
budget. ,There already is a budget figure of $26,000 or so, and then
this recommendation came from the Committee. The suggestion is to
take $12,000 of the amount recommended by the Committee and assign
it to a specific project.
Councilman Derwald said it was premature, and he would vote against
it.
Councilman Norton asked if the Finance and Public Works Committee
already had $26000; and if $75,000 were approved tonight, Council
would then be talking about S101,000.
Vice Mayor Henderson responded that what was being talked about was
the regular budget for Diana Steeples' operation, which was the ongoing
program that had already been established at the Downtown Library.
Councilman Norton asked if that included salaries for the staff people.
Mrs. Steeples reported that the budget in the hands of the Finance
and Public Works Committee is a total of $37,320 for 1975-76. That
include, the Recreation Department budget for the senior clubs and
recreation activities as well as senior services program. It does
1 3 5 1
6/9/75
net include any allocation that Council may wish to make at a later
time for an extension of Project Mobility which is now being funded
out of the 1974-75 budget.
The amendment failed on the following vote:
AYES: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson,
Rosenbaum
NOES: Beahrs, Berwald, Clay, Norton
Councilwoman Pearson urged her colleagues to support the main motion.
It did not have specifics in it; but she suspected the Finance and
Public Works Committee would be talking about the $75,000, and she
urged them to consider the $12,000 for the Day Care Program. Councilwoman
Pearson stated she had always been willing to give funds for this
kind of a program, and she had been trying for ten years to get where
the city probably would be next year. Action has been painfully
slow since she had served on the Inter -City Senior Committee in 1965.
Councilwoman Pearson had advocated a senior center long before City
Hall had been built, and she had been urging Day Care Centers for
the elderly for years as well as many other services. There were
people in the community who thought Councilwoman Pearson was searching
for programs to serve needs that did not exist. She knew then that
she was right, she knows now that she was right, and she had again
been ahead Al A Rnm of th P_ otbar C rni..tni ist+mnl+�+r .+ c
_ -- --__........ .,,. �.,�.Ew a«xwoman Pearson
hoped the Day Care Program would be one of the first priorities.
Council needed to recognize that seniors are here to stay, they will
need assistance, it will colt money, programs will be started, and
the city will not be able to cut them off nor should it want to.
She considered it important that it be recognized that this venture
will cost the city money. From the Task Force's own report, Councilwoman
Pearson noted that 23% of the residents may be senior citizens; and
that is almost one-fourth of the population. Surely they deserved
to be given some money.
Councilman Berwald referred back to comments he made earlier is the
evening to the effect that he did not think things were getting any
better. He explained that he was not thinking of the city specifically,
Lut of society in general. He thought society would be better off
if there were more voluntary giving and less pre-emption of the field
by government. Councilman Beahrs had not been referring to the city
staff, and least of ail, to Mrs. Steeples who had done a fine job.
He was curious as to how Little House managed to be completely privately
funded.
Mrs. Steeples said that Little House had been started many years
ago by the Peninsula Volunteers, which was an association of women
engaged in philanthropic works. They gradually moved from a very
small house to a slightly larger house, and then they went to the
City of Menlo Park to ask for land. This was granted, and the Peninsula
Volunteers built the Center. They deeded the building back to the
city, and Menlo Park leases it to the Peninsula Volunteers for one
dollar a year.
Councilman Berwald thought this was a fine indication that a privately
funded voluntary group can be extremely successful, and he thought
Palo Alto should emulate that. He said Pala Alto had lots of parks
and grass, and he would not want to have one acre less; but he thought
perhaps Menlo Park could be emulated by the city finding some park
land which could be used for a senior center building. Little House
was ideally locaeed in a park, and the surroundings were very beautiful.
1 3.3 2
6/9/75
VJ.ce Mayor Henderson commented that Councilman Berwald mentioned
the great need in two specific areas - that of helping senior citizens
and that of helping the very young, even the unborn. He said he
agreed with those needs, but there were many other people who needed
help. Some of these citizens were those who could not afford necessary
medical assistance, young people who needed drug abuse assistance,
people without jobs or homes - or both, etc. Vice Mayor Henderson
agreed that there needed to be protection against controlling the
lives of any of these people or anyone else; but there are people
who need help, and they should receive top priority. Care should
be taken that there is responsible funding, and there should be the
freedom for as much self-help and self expression as possible. Voluntary
giving has not begun to meet the needs. When Vice Mayor Henderson
came on the Council in 1971, he was amazed and appalled at how little
had been done for senioxe in Palo Alto. The important fact is that
Council has recognized the need and has begun to move positively.
This was very satisfying to Vice Mayor Henderson personally, and
he was sure it was satisfying to all the Councilmembers. He hoped
that everyone would support the $75,000, and that the new Council
would continue to meet the needs of senior citizens.
Gerry McQueen, 275 Ventura Avenue, stated she could appreciate the
senior citizen programs in every aspect; and she supported everything
tt:at was being done for the older people in the community. However,
she found the Downtown Library rather "cold". Ms. McQueen thought,
corning from South Palo Alto, that the library is a place for all
citizens in Palo Alto; and when she walked into the Downtown Library,
she should feel the same warmth and welcome that she feels when she
goes into the ?fain Library. That was something that was very important
to her. The other thing Ms. McQueen wanted to say was that the city
could not continue to support, or expect the government to grant,
everything. Menlo Park is a classic example of a small city whose
citizens are doing things for themselves, and she thought that Palo
Alto could go broke trying to do so many beautiful things. Ms. McQueen
said she was one of those citizens who thought that if you worked
at anything at all, you got a sense of satisfaction out of what you
did even if you were not making money. When a person contributes
himself to some worthwhile project, he was saying something to life.
John Predrich, 15l Bryant Street, thought the $75,000 appropriation
was a minimum one; and given the great need, there was a problem
with appropriating it without designation: The biggest problem with
any of the social programs was with the administration. In the tentative
budget, Mr. Predrich saw that there was a $25,000 appropriation for
an Executive Director and two $12,000 appropriations for assistants.
That is three-quarters of the budget being appropriated for administration,
and the question was what kind of service they would get with the
remaining one --quarter of the budget. If there is going to be some
sort of adequate solution to the needs of senior citizens, the all.ocatione
would need more thinking. Perhaps $100,000 would be a better figure,
but Hz. Predrich thought that depended upon just exactly how the senior
center would he built. It was his feeling that this matter needed
a little more work, and perhaps it should be referred back to Committee.
The motion as amended passed on a unanimous vote.
Proposed Postal Facility (CMR:346:5)
Vice Mayor Henderson read the recommendation of the Planning Commission
as follows: "The Planning Commission, by a vote of six in favor
(ryas absent) finds that the site at Loma Verde Avenue and West Bayahors
1 3 5 3
6/9/75
Frontage Road is inappropriate for the post office facility; and recommends
that the U. S. Postal Service be requested to submit alternate proposals
utilizing the present East Bayshore Frontage Road site and/or additional
sites in the immediate area". He invited Mary Gordon, Planning Commissioner,
to speak for the Commission.
Mrs. Gordon said the Commission had before it a proposal for a 7,000
square foot building on a 6.4 acre site on Loma Verc.e at West Bayshore
Frontage Road. She reported for the Planning Commission on a meeting
with the Postal Service representatives that was truly remarkable.
She quoted Congressman McCloskey as saying: "The quality of the five
hour hearing this evening would have done honor to the Congress of
the United States and reaffirms my confidence in governing at the
local level". This hearing was as large as any that the Planning
Commission had ever held, with over three hundred persons attending.
Testimony was completely recorded in the Planning Commission minutes,
find Mrs. Gordon made just a few comments on some of the points raised.
Aside from postal service workers who emphasized their need for new
facilities to provide improved working conditions, the testimony was
strongly against locating a new postal facility on the Loma Verde
site. Speakers reiterated that traffic and noise would degrade the
quality of the surrounding residential neighborhoods. It was pointed
out that there are hazardous problems now on the West Bayshore Frontage
Road because of its sharply curving alignment, poor sight distances,
and traffic speed. This facility could only compound these hazards.
Also, peak hours of employee traffic would snatch school children's
schedules to and from school, and this would increase dangers to them.
Generally, the increase of traffic (both customer and employee) estimated
at three to five thousand trips a day, would greatly impact the surrounding
residential area and be totally unacceptable to those residents.
It was also documented that in comparison with the new postal facility
in Hayward, the proposed facility could culminate in a third to half
la4ger enterprise than stated in the Postal Service proposal within
the outlying building and site area. This type of expansion would
not be subject to city control and could be very detrimental. Mrs.
Gordon reported that there was consistent endoreement of new facilities
in the East Bayshore area. The Planning Commission was presented
with a petition against the site besring 795 signatures.
Naphtali Knox, Director of Planning, said that at the time the staff
report of June 5 was written, it was stated that staff was in the
process of obtaining options on properties on the eaat side of Bayshore
Freeway, one of which was a key six -acre triangular parcel located
northeast of the existing post office; and the other was a parcel
adjacent to the post office that had good access to Laurel Lane.
Staff indicated that it w:uld be reporting to Council about progress
on those options. Mr. Knox stated that the city's real property agent
had obtained, at no cost, an option on the 4.8 acre parcel that has
access off of Laurel Lane. This is an area that is zoned L417 -A -D,
and it is almost immediately west of the Baylands Athletic Center.
The other parcel is the triangular one, six acres in size; and staff
had been promised that an option would be signed by this Friday.
Mr. Knox noted that the two parcels together would total almost eleven
acres anio vill provide a good deal of flexibility for the Postal Service
in planuing for a facility in an alternate location. Mr. Knox pointed
out in the staff report that he had polled Councilmembers on May 22nd
and suggested that Council might wish to confirm that poll at this
time by moving the acquisition of the options in order to provide
the Postal Service with at least one alternative site on the east
side of Bayshore Freeway.
Councilman Beahrs asked how much the options would cost.
135`
6/9/75
Mr. Sipel responded that the prices are liated in the options, and
he would give those to Councilman Beahrs at a later time.
Councilman Beahrs asked what the term of the options was.
Mr. Knox replied that the tens was for six months.
Councilman Clay asked if the options both came at no cost.
Mr. Knox said that one of them should come at no cost, and a conclusion
had not been arrived at for the other one.
Councilman Clay commented that the post office people know that the
land is there, and he wanted to know what they have done and whether
the city's acquiring of the options might impact what they were likely
to do.
Mr. Knox explained that the most direct way the city's acquiring of
the options would impact the full process was that Congressman McCloskey
has the names of a number of people in Washington who are directly
concerned with this project; and he had indicated to city and postal
officials at the meeting of April 26, and since then through his office,
that he would do everything he could as soon as the city could say
there was a viable site alternative. After the meeting today with
the real property agent and the City Manager, Mr. Knox called Congressman
McCloskey's office in Washington to relay the information that the
option had been signed,
Councilman Clay wanted to know if the post office officials were ever
asked if they were interested in pursuing the acquistion of the land
involved in the options.
Mr. Knox responded affirmatively. Their point of view expressed at
the April 26th meeting was that they owned a site on the west side
of Bayshore Freeway, and they wanted to utilize that and explore with
the community all of the traffic conditions to find out if that site
could be utilized. The post office officials looked upon an alternative
site as a last resort. These officials also stated they did not want
to be in an eminent domain position because that requires the approval
of headquarters in Washington which requires a lot of time and work.
Congressman McCloskey's response to that was that if the city could
assure the postal service there were sites available on the east side,
there was no reason why the postal service would not look at the viability
of an alternative site for the facility's location. At this point,
there are viable sites; and it was Mr. Knoz's opinion that the postal
service will have to look at them.
Councilman Beahrs had never heard why the postal service did not search
out for themselves the land areas on which the city was taking options.
It seemed to him that there was as good an access from the existing
postal site as there would be from the proposed, and objected to,
site. Councilman Beahrs asked if staff knew the possible sale value
of the lands that were under option End the possible sale value of
the postal held properties. He was interested in whether thane was
an equivalent offset so there would be no loss to the goverment or
its agency.
Mk. Sipel thought the value of the sites was fairly comparable. There
is more land on the east side of Bayshore, and the total price is
a little bit higher than what the land is worth on the other side;
howaver, the land on the west side is,worth a little bit sore per
acrs.
1355
6/9/75
3
fir. Knox added for clarification that the postal officials stated they
did not own the site on the east side. It is a leased facility, and
it is a small site of about one acre. The purchase of the condemnation
proceedings on the site on the west side had been consummated, and
they thought that perhaps the situation had changed. Since the vehicle
maintenance facility had been changed to San Mateo, they felt that
perhaps the site on the west side of the Freeway could be used. Also,
the postal officials had achieved a certain level of approval through
the Postal Service organization with regard to the site on the west
side of the Freeway; and they felt it would take one -or two years
to change to another site. This made it worth it to them to give
the site on the west side of the Freeway a real try before they went
to some other site, They are concerned about the new set of approvais
that will be needed and the inflation costs that will occur. -
Thomas 0. Passell, 3825 Louis Road, believed it would be desirable
to follow the Planning Commission recommendations. He suggested also
that a steady flow of communications be kept going between the city
and the postal services, and Mr. Passell was certain that such communication
would not occur unless the city asked for it. The residents he represented
would appreciate it very much if some very definite requests were
sent from the Mayor to the postal service asking that the city be
kept up-to-date at frequent intervals as to what was being done through
the system to secure approval of alternate sites. Mr. Passell though`
it would also be useful to ask state representatives (Senator Gregorio,
Assemblyman Calvo, and possibly Governor Brown) to assist the city
in this matter. Some of the residents felt that the conditions under
which a federal agency might override local agencies was a violation
of basic democratic rights, and they wondered if some remedy of this
condition could be made at the state level.
Councilman Beahrs commented that Ccugressman McCloskey had offered
his good offices, and he wondered if it might not be more appropriate
to rely on his assistance rather than go directly to the bureaucracy.
Mr. Passell responded that he would support doing anything that would
be effective; but the residents did feel that it would he worth asking,
in a polite way, for an update from the postal services at frequent
intervals. In the past, the city has not heard from the postal services;
and than it got surprised from time to time.
Councilman Beahrs stated that in his opinion, the courteous procedure
would be to utilize the services offered by Congressman McCloskey.
In Mr. Passell's opinion, no stone should be left unturned in this
situation.
Robert J. Debs, 3145 Flowers Lane, cc ended the Planning Commission
for sitting patiently through a five hour meeting; and their recommendations
in this matter fulfill their duty and responsibility for excellent
long-range planning. Mr. Debs especially appreciated the efforts
of Council in protecting the neighborhood. At this point, elides
were shown so that everyone could see the postal service's portable
vehicle maintenance facility. This facility is a large, noisy one
that has been used at the East Palo Alto Postal. Annex; and such a
vehicle could very easily be needed at the proposed site in order
to respond to increased needs and to the demands of Washington headquarters.
Gilbert Eakins, 3493 Greer Road, called Donald Trost; Senior Real
Estate Specialist for the Western Region of the U. S. Postal Service,
end talked with him about this forty -foot vehicle. It was interest
to discover that Mr. Trost did not even know that such a maintenance
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6/9/75
vehicle existed and could very well be put to use at the proposed
site. Mr. Eakins brought to the attention of Council the fact that
the residents put together two resolutions, the first of which was
to the point of asking the post office to give written weekly reports
to the city on where they stood. Mr. Eakins and other members of
the group felt this was important because a six month period can go
by very quickly. In that period of time, the alternate sites may
be put to other uses; a.'.3 it would be likely that the postal service
would puah very hard to use the Loma Verde site. In the interest
of keeping Palo Alto citizens better informed, and if the city is
goiag to work with the post office in getting a better site, this
is certainly a reasonable request. The second resolution asks the
state to support Palo Alto's position in this matter. Although Congressman
McCloskey has offered his help, there is no clear jurisdiction in
this area. This means that no one body can say something can be done
for Palo Alto. Many reasonable, rational pressures should be brought
to bear on the post office; and perhaps the sum total of those pressures
would ev,xntually locate the new facility at a proper site.
Councilman Beahrs was concerned that Congressman McCloskey's effectiveness
would be destroyed by all of these other suggested actions. He thought
that before anyone took the chance of embarrassing Congressman McCloskey,
sozbe of the residents should contact him to get his opinion on some
of these ideas.
MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Pearson, that Council
uphold the Planning Commission's unanimous vote that the site Pt Loma
Verde Avenue and West Bayshore Frontage Road is inappropriate for
the post ^ffice facility; and recommends that the U. S. Postal Service
be requested to submit alternate proposals utilizing the present East
Bayshore Frontage Road ,site and/or additional sites in that immediate
area.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Norton, that language
be added to the mott.n as follows: "and that the City Manager be
directed to communicate with the postal service requesting that they
keep Palo Alto advised of the status and progress of their activities
at frequent regular intervals'.
Councilman Beahrs asked if it would not be prise to communicate any
further requests the city had through Congressman McCloskey; otherwise,
his effectiveness might be destroyed.
Councilman Berwald explained that he was referring to the actual communications
between the postal service and the City of Palo Alto, and Congressman
McCloskey will use his political leadership to help the city. He
asked Mr. Knox if the direct communication would not take place between
the postal service and city staff.
Mr. Knox replied that was correct. Re said staff was in telephone
contact with the postal service two or three times a week, and they
had been in written contact with them on a number of occasions. Mr.
Knox felt it would be quite appropriate for staff to send a letter
to the postal service indicating Council action at this meeting.
The contact is made with regional headquarters, and occasionally copies
of letters are sent to the Washington headquarters. Staff had been
communicating directly with Mr. Branscum and Mr. Trost at the Postal
Service Western Region Headquarters in San Bruno, and P410 Alto's
Congressmen and Senators`have been receiving copies of the correspondence.
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6/9/75
AMENDMENT RESTATED: Councilman Perwald moved, seconded by Norton,
that language be added to the action as follows: "and that the City
Manager be directed to communicate with the postal service requesting
that they keep Palo Alto advised of the status and progress of their
activities at frequent regular intervals, and that copies of the corrsspordence
be sent to all those listed on page 2 of 048:346:5, plus the Postmaster
General, plus Palo Alto's State Senator and State Assemblyman".
Councilman Comstock asked if he understood correctly the first part
of the motion to mean that the city would like the postal service
to keep Paio Alto advised of their activities with regard to the selection
of an alternative site and with regard to the abandonment of the existing
site. --
Councilman Berwald said thia was correct.
Councilwoman Pearson stated her support of the motion and the amendment,
and she thought the May 22nd poll of Council should be confirmed, which
directed the City Manager to acquire the options. Councilwoman Pearson
did not know how much information had been given to Senator Gregorio
or Assemblyman Calvo, and she thought perhaps a letter from the Mayor
should be sent along with all the information to let them know the
city was asking for their support in whatever ways they may feel are
appropriate. Senator Gregorio and Assemblyman Calvo may know more
about how to support Congressman McCloskey than Council did.
AM NDMENT TO » NDMENT: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded Comstock
that a letter from the Mayor be sent to Senator Gregorio and Assemblyman
Calvo that apprises them of the situation and asks them to support
the City of Palo Alto in its opposition to the site and to offer support
to Congressman McCloskey in any way they deemed appropriate.
Councilman Berwald thought the draft resolutions would be overkill.
Most of the people at the meeting reasonably presented their positions.
There is a way of getting cooperation from the postal service, and
Congressman McCloskey has been most interested in this whole subject.
Councilman Berwald did not expect that Senator Gregorio and Assemblyman
Calvo would do very such since the city was dealing with a federal
agency. He felt Council ought to try to follow a reasonable course
of action, which he considered to be the motion he made plus the amendment
plus the fact that Councilman Berwald would vote to go out and try
to acquire options as long as this action was confirmed by Council.
He saw no reason to go much beyond that. The city had Councilman
McCloskey's cooperation, the staff is attentive to the matter, the
citizens should write to their representatives, and Senator Gregorio
and Assemblyman Calvo should be brought up-to-date on everything that
had happened and be asked to help in any way they could. Anything
further, such as asking the postal service to give: the city weekly
written reports, would probably be promptly ignored by the post office;
and in any event, that would not be designed to gat their cooperation.
Councilman Comstock's opinion was that everybody had been reasonable
except the postal service. Six years ago they were given a clear
signal by Palo Alto, but they went ahead and bought the property.
The city had been very reasonable and ended up with footprints all
over its back. No one would argue about the fact that Congressman.
McCloskey will do everything possible to support Palo Alto's stand,
and Councilman Comstock was not too worried about destroying his effectiveness
in Washington. Congressman McCloskey had a history of going out on
limbs that others would never dare go out on, so there was no reason
to worry about Council going further out on a limb than Congressman
McCloskay. Councilman Comstock was sure that Congressman McCloskey
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6/9/75
was just waiting for the city to support the Planning Commission recommendation
and the options on the two alternate properties. The postal service
does have an obligation to provide Palo Alto with periodic reports
on what they are doing. It is very clear that the motion supporting
the Planning Commission would be passed, and the motion would be passed
to make the other pieces of property available to the postal service.
About the only things Palo Alto had not done was put the building
up for the postal service and hire the people who would work there;
and somehow or other, there needed to be some action on the part of
the postal service. When these things had been done, Palo Alto will
have done a lot; and Councilman Comstock wanted to hear from the postal
service. Be did not want to wait around for six months for the options
to run out and glen have the postal service say they could not get
everything organized in time. Councilman Comstock had seen the vehicle
facility late one evening; and the lights were on, the motors were
running, and he certainly would not want such a thing in his back
yard. Councilman Comstock wanted to keep the heat on the postal service
until the city saw some real response from them. He thought it was
surprising that the postal service had not written since the Planning
Commission meeting saying that it understood the feeling in the community,
and that it was ready to work with the city in fending alternative
sites. Councilman Comstock did not want any mistakes or misunderstandings
to arise. He wanted to tell the postal officials there were sites
available, and the city was expecting to hear from them right awaway.
The Pearson amendment to the amendment failed on the following vote:
MSS: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson
NOES: Beahrs, Berwald, Clay,
Norton, Rosenbaum
The Berwald amendment passed on a unanimous vote.
Mr. Debs addressed Council to the effect that the resolutions came
into being because all the residents had since November or December
was hearsay or the passing on from staff of communications from the
postal service. There is nothing concrete from the postal servile;
so that if Council wanted to start litigation tomorrow, there is not
one thing it could point to that the postal service, itself, had stated.
This Council feels strongly about the issue, and the new Council does
also; therefore, litigation is something that should be considered
as a possibility. A record should be made of what the postal service
is saying it will or will not do, and the clear intent of the postal
service should be put in writing.
Councilman Berwald agreed that the City Attorney should be following
this entire matter very closely and preparing for any kind of legal
action that may have to be taken, and this is the kind of staff work
that is arrays expected of the City Attorney, the City Manager, and
the Planning Director. Councilman Berwald said the staff was just
as interested in getting the postal facility moved across the highway
as Council was, and everyone was behind the residents one hundred
percent.
The Planning Commission recommendation as amended passed on a unanimous
vote.
MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Berwald, that Council
confirm the poll of May 22 by directing the City Manager to acquire
options for an alternative site for the U. S. Postal facility in the
vicinity of the present post office annex on the east side of Bayehore
Freeway, such options to be for a period of six months, with the further
?r9provision that the expenditure of any funds that say be necessary
to secure the options not exceed the present authority of the City
Manager for such expenditures.
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Councilman Clay understood this had already been done or at least,
started.
Mr. Knox said the City Manager has the authority to acquire options,
but Mr. Sipel felt Councilman Berwald's idea was a good one that Council
actually confirm the poll that had been taken by telephone.
Councilwoman Pearson thought this action would tell the:postal officials
that the whole Council, nct just the City Manager, is opposing the
proposed site; and Council would have on record that it was willing
to take this kind of unusual action in order to assist the postal
services in finding a new site.
Councilman Berwald said this was a good example of the staff moving
ahead in soliciting Councilmembers' views by telephone and successfully
acquiring options on almost eleven acres, and he commended staff for
their very good wor'-.
Councilman Comstock assumed the positive action in this regard would
be communicated to the same people who would be informed of the earlier
action,
Councilman Beahs felt it was important to note in the recnrd that
the cost of these options would be well below the maximum authority
of the City Manager. The sum is so noninal that staff is to be commended
for that, too.
The ;notion passed on a unanimous vote.
Councilman Berwald hoped that everyone would take his comments as
constructive ones. He said he walked into the Planning Commission
meeting after having attended the Finance and Public Works Committee
meeting, and he heard some things that were not commendable on the
part of a very few people when they were emotionally aroused. Councilman
Berwald understood how it happened, and he felt no animosity toward
any one individual; but this was the city government, and a good deal
of dignity and restraint is expected on the part of those who hold
leadership positions on boards and ccmomiaaions. Just as Councilman
Berwald stood up to comment on what was being said, Congressman McCloskey
greeted him and said that be was going to make some remarks. Congressman
McCloskey's comments are recorded in the Planning Commission minutes, -
begiwning on page 287; and Councilman Berwald quoted from them: "It
is always difficult for someone in a position of government to see
reasonable views or both sides translated by a few people into allegations
of conspiracy or lack cf integrity or breach of faith, because there
has not been that". At the end of his remarks, Congressman McCloskey
complimented the Planning Commission for being willing to sit for
five hours and listen to the complaints. The great majority of the
people were just as reasonable as they could be, but it was a little
embarrassing that one of our congressmen found it necessary to chime
soma of his constituents for their treatment of some of the post office
officials. Councilman Berwald said he did not like any guest of the
city to be treated in an impolite way. Also, Councilman Comstock
had been berated at the June 2 Council meeting; and Councilman Berwald
thought the statements made were undeserved and inaccurate. People
should be prevented from verbally attacking each other, the City Manager,
or anyone in the Council Chambers.
Uo jecc Ability (CMR:342:5)
Vice Mayor Henderson noted that Council bed before it the recommendation
of staff dated June 5{ 1975. ; E e
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Mr. Knox added that Councilmembere had another staff letter dated
June 9, 1975, in which he recommended that if Council decided to approve
the staff recommendation, that the letter be set to the Santa Clara
County Social Services Department as well as to the Santa Clara County
Transportation Commission and the Santa Clare County Transit District
Board of Directors. This added recommendation was due to the fact
that staff had become aware that funds for Project Mobility might logically
be funneled through the Social Services Department.
MOTION: Councilman Norton moved, seconded by Comstock, that Council
direct the Mayor to transmit a letter to the Santa Clara County Transportation
Commission, the Santa Clara County Transit District Board of Directors,
and the Santa Clara County Social Services Department requesting that
countywide transportation funds be provided to the City of Palo Alto
to finance Palo Alto's Project Mobility.
Councilwoman Pearson pointed out that when the report came from the
Policy and Procedures Committee on the County Transportation System,
this was mentioned; and requests for funds for Project Mobility should
have been included to the letter that was sent.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
v .ue Zone District R-1
75-PM-01leseme
• , pg al of Beverly & William_ Crksts�t,Ll
Vice Mayor Henderson stated that the Planning Commission, by a vote
of six in favor (one absent) recommended denial of the appeal of William
S. and Beverly B. Crowell for a Miscellaneous Division of Land (2
lots) for property located at 919 Oregon Avenue.
Mrs. Gordon said the Commission was sympathetic with regard to the
position Mr. and Mrs. Crowell found themselves in; however, the review
of the proposed lot division would mean the rear lot would be 62'
when 100' is required. Also the land is quite deficient in the total
number of square. -feet required; and than is that there are 5,022'
instead of the'7,200' required for an acceptable flag lot. This is
exclusive of the access to the street, which is required to be 15'
wide; and in this case, the width is 12'. Further, the residents on
the front lot would have a rear yard of 12' where 20' are required;
and the attached garage would have no side yard when 6' are required.
Therefore, Mrs- Gordon said the Commission was supportive of the position
taken by staff in denying the application. The house currently on
the property cculd not fit on either of the proposed parcels; and
if this exception were made, a precedent would be set that would be
completely inappropriate for Palo Alto. The city had many lots of
this size; and it would be very difficult to rule in favor of this
request and then apply the reservation fairly to the other properties.
The Commission thought it was in conjunction with the Comprehensive
Plan that the flag lot requirements need to be looked at in the content
of the over-all city, but it would not be appropriate to approve this
kind of an application.
Mrs. Crowell commented that when the property was purchased, she and
her husband were told they had two buildable lots.
Mr. Knox' understanding was that there was a legal subdivision of
land fronting on.Oregon Avenue; and subsequent to the subdivision,
a house vas'moved on to the lot in such a manner that the rear of
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6/9/75
the house actually straddled the subdivision lime. Apparently, the
purchasers were not aware of the fact that this meant that the approved
subdivision could not be utilized unless that house was moved off
or modified in some way so that both lots could be used. It is the
judgment of the Zoning Administrator that the size of the present
house requires the present size of both lots. An extremely small
lot would be created if the rear lot were to be made into a legal
conforming lot.
Vice Mayor Henderson asked if two dwellings could be put on the land
if the present dwelling were torn down.
Mr. Knox said that was cor.'ect. The existing subdivision lines would
not change, and there are two lots there. It is just that the existing
house is using both of the lots.
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Norton, that Council
uphold the Planning Commission's recommendation to dany the appeal
of William S. and Beverly B. Crowell for a Miscellaneous Division
of Land (2 lots) for property located at 919 Oregon Avenue.
Councilman Beahrs asked if the statements made to the applicant were
;aide subsequent to the move of the house on to the premises.
Mr. Knox quoted from the Zoning Administrator's Report of May 16:
"The 1955 lot division created a flag lot 75' in depth and 6,052 square
feet in area with an access easement to Oregon Avenue over the easterly
12' of the front lot. This division complied with the 1955 regulations..
It is possible than neither the Crowells nor the city employee who
advised them four years ago were aware of the fact that when the existing
dwelling was moved onto the property in 1956, it was located by the
developer in such a manner that it encroached one foot into the flag
lot and two feet into the flag let's access easement, which effectively
prohibited the location of another dwelling unit on the flag lot.
The underlying lot pattern remains however; and if the dwelling on
the front lot were removed, a new residence could be constructed on
each lot."
Mrs. Crowell added that two small lots on Oregon Avenue are more reasonable
than a very large one.
Councilman Berwald asked if there would be any problem in getting
a permit to build another house if the present house were moved.
Mr. Knox responded that this particular house vas too large even for
the front lot.
Councilman Berwald understood then that the house would not only have
to be moved, but it would also have to be remodeled.
Mr. Knox responded affirmatively..
Councils Berwald thought the regulations stated that variances could
be granted if a property owner suffered unique hardships; on the other
hsud, he saw this property as just one good R-1 lot. He asked if
there were a proven hardship in this case.
Kr. Knox commented that in comparison with one of the properties next
door, there were more than 100' in one direction and 67' in the other;
whereas, if the proposed parcel on this particular lot would be subdivided
so that the existing Crowell residence would have the appropriate
rear yard, it would have a dimension of only 62' by 33`. Normally,
whether or not a property miser suffers an undue hardship is something i
the Zoning Administrator decides after a hh)aring. .
1 3 6 2
6/9/75
Mrs. Gordon added that the adjaceat properties needed to be considered;
and if the application were approved, there would be an adverse effect
on the surrounding properties.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Sbuire Nouse Preservation:
Report en Construction 1" (MR:334:5)
Paul F. Kerr, 360 Forest Avenue, thought Squire House had a lot of
merit; and if it could not be developed, at least there was the possibility
of a facade easement. The present bid has come in well within the
limits established by staff. It should be remembered that a considerable
number of people collectively contributed $90,000 to make it possible
to reimburse the city for the purchase of the property. Mr. Kerr
recommended that Council accept the bid so that mandatory repairs
could be done to Squire House.
MOTION: Councilman Comstock introduced the following ordinance and
moved, seconded by Berwald, its adoption:
ORDINANCE NO. 285f3 entitled "ORDINANCE
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR
1974-75 TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDS
FOR PROJECT 73-92, SQUIRE HOUSE
REHABILITATION"
The ordinance was adopted on the following vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Berwald, Clay,
Comstock, Norton, Rosenbaum
NOES: Henderson, Pearson
nest of Councilman
MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Beahrs, that the City
Manager give the Cosncii at his earliest convenience a complete report
about complaints and police problems regarding the Coffee House on
Cambridge Avenue.
Councilman Berwald commented'that there have been some noise complaints
about the Coffee House, and the police have been visible in the area.
Recently, when Councilman Berwald drove by the Coffee House, there
Were three police cars; and he could hear the band playing loudly.
He could see no reason for any opposition to his motion since he was
simply askis.:g the staff to report. If there is a problem there, Council
should kaov it rather than read about it in the paper.
Councilman Comstock asked if there had been anything in the paper
about problems at the Coffee House.
Councilman Berwald responded negatively.
7t•-,
1 3 6 3
6/9/75
Vice Mayor Henderson said the difficulty was that Council needed to
hear backarc;.:n,1 from Councilman Berwald because no one else had heard
anything about this situation.
Councilman Berwald stated that if anyone had driven by there last
Friday night, he would hale seen the action.
Vic_ Mayor Henderson responded that he bad keen by the Coffee House
a number of times and had never noticed any adverse activities.
Councilwoman Pearson wondered if Councilman Berwald were building
up a case to get rid of the Coffee Howse.
Councilman Berwald said this was not the case. he was a Councilman
elected by the people to find out what was going on around town, and
that was what he was trying to do.
Councilman Comstock asked Councilman Berwald if he would be willing
to agendize this subject.
Councilman Berwald did not see what agendizing the matter would do.
He was not making any claims, but he was simply asking for a report
as to whether or not there were problems at the Coffee House which
Council should know about.
Vice Mayor Henderson was concerned about not having the item agendized
so that persons would have an opportunity to give input. Council
had been criticized for that very thing on other matters.
Councilman Berwald said this was not so when the request was simply
for a staff report.
Councilman Beahrs noted that he had heard reports to the Affect that
drugs were passed at the Coffee House, and he would like solve comment
on that.
Councilwoman Pearson asked if the drugs were cigarettes and alcohol.
Councilman Clay commented that he would prefer to see this item agendized
because the represantativas from the Coffee House had a right to speak
to this.
The motion failed on the following vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Berwald, Norton,
Rosenbaum
NOES: Clay, Comstock, Henderson,
Pearson
Oral igewnicationa
1. John Fredrick, -'57 Bryant Street, remembered
stating oppositiooa to the freezing of assess-
ments at the meeting of April 14; and he
wondered why this had not been included in
these minutes. (This was checked by the City
Clerk's Office, and it was found that Mr.
?redrich made his comments at the April 21
meeting wbelothe.Assesement Freese item was
agendised. )
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6/9/75
Ad.i ourament
The meeting of June 9, 1975, adjourned at 11:30 p.m.
ATTEST:
1365
6/9/75
APPROVE: