HomeMy WebLinkAbout06231975Regular Meeting
June 23, 1975
ITEM PAGE
Oral Communications 1 3 9 6
Consent Calendar - Action Items
San Antonio Road Underground Conversion, Phase I - Award of Side-
walk Replacment Contract 1 3 9 8
Public Hearing: 1975-76 Annual Budget 1 3 9 8
Ordinance re Refuse Disposal Area Pees 1 4 2 7
Ordinance Satting Various Fees 1 4 2 8
Resolution re Amending Rates for Domestic Electric Service 1 4 2 8
Resolution re Amending Rates fai Commercial Electric Service 1 4 2 8
Resolution re Amending General Water Service Rules and Rates 1 4 2 8
Resolution re Amending General Water Service Rules and Rates Schedule
(W-1-0) 1 4 2 9
1974-75 Financial Audit - Proposal from Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. 1 4 2 9
Palo Alto Community Child Care: Extension of 1974-75 Contract 1 4 2 9
Resolution re Compensation Plan for Casual Employees 1 4 3 0
Request of Vice Mayor Rei:derson re Reducing Palo Alto's Property Tax
Rate to $.70 per $100 Assessed Valuation 1 4 3 0
Request of Councilman Berwald re Coffee House Initiative 1 4 3 1
Request of Councilman Berwald re Special Audit of PACDAB/The Collective 1 4 3 2
Request of Councilman Berrald for Executive Session to Discuss
Personnel Matters 1 4 3 2
Request of Councilman Comstock re Direction to Staff Concerning $12,000
Commitment to Senior Day Care 1 4 3 2
Request of Mayor Sher re Written Guidelines for City/School Activities 1 4 3 2
Request of Vice Mayor Henderson re Referral of Utility Rate Structures
to Finance and Public Works Committee 1 4 3 2
Recommendation of Pinancsasad Public Works Committee re Allowances for
Council, Board Members, Commissioners, etc. 1 4 3 3
Recommendation of Finance and Public Works Committee re Council's
Consideration of Organisational Problems Consultant 1 4 3 3
Recommendation of Finance and Public Works Committee re Printing
Impressions Being Rept at the Saa. Level. as 1974-75 1 4 3 4
Oral Communications 1 4 3 4
Commendation of Mayor Star to Outgoing Councilears 1 4 3 5
Adjournment 1 4 3 5
Special Eucutive Session, Sunday, June 29, 1975 re Pereonnal nutters 1 4 3 6
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June 23, 1975
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date at 7:30 p.m.
in a regular meeting; with Mayor Sher presiding.
Present: Beahra, Comstock, Henderson,
Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher
Clay (arrived 7:45 p.m.)
Absent: Berwald, Norton
Orel Communicative
1. Mr, James Price, from the San Francisco Office of
Housing and Urban Developments, said that the
City of Palo Alto had applied for a grant under
the Community Development Legislation of 1974; and
he was present to officially commemorate that
grant being awarded to Palo A?to. TI -s city had
held its public hearings and resolved its priorities
and indicated where its interests were. Mr. Price aa8
where its interests were. Mr. Price was
especially enthusiastic about the Palo Alto
grant because this city's priorities happen
to coincide with a very strong interest of
his, which was the preservation and restora-
tion of housing. Only one other community in
Mr. Price's three --state jurisdiction committed
its entire Block Grant this year to lousing
preservation, restoration, and the other related
programs. Mr. Price found this extremely
significant and typical of the approach that
Palo Alto has taken with previous HUD grants
and rith its own funds in the past. Aa
Council probably understood from its staff,
the Community Development Block Grant System
gives Palo Alto, this year, a certain entitle-
ment level; but it is increased in the follow-
ing years. So the federal government is not
only working with Palo Alto, but that situction
will increase in the future. This year's grant
is $155,000; next year's, $374,000; and the
following year, $571,000. Palo Alto rill be
able to begin its program this year mud make
new decisions as time passes. Mr. Price also
indicated the government's interest in this
from the standpoint that no other community
listed the number of goals that Palo Alto did.
In fact, the system was very pleased that the
grant application was very short (just nineteen
or twenty paces long); except a community could
$44 to those pager if it vented to further
describe its gaols, and Palo Alto added, and
added, and added. kr. Price thought this was
indicative of the rids interest of Palo Alto;
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and hopefully, the city would in future years
be able to use both local and federal funds to
follow through on its objectives. This year,
Housing .and Urban Development
was happy that Palo Alto had opted to use its
money for housing assistance and rehabilitation;
and for that reason, Mr. Price had come personally
to make the grant to the community and present the
ceremonial folder to Mayor Sher. In the folder
were two letters, one of which congratulated the
city and the residents of Palo Alto upon this
occasion, signed by the President of the United
States and acknowledging that this is the
first year of new legislation under which HUD
operates. The second letter was one which
officially mikes the grant of $155,000, con-
gratulates the city, and notes that this was
one Of the better grant applications
received and one about which there was much
enthusiasm. As Mr. Price signed the second
letter, he committed to the City of Palo Alto
and its citizens on behalf of the federal
government $155,000 for the city's community
development program.
Mayor Sher expressed appreciation to Mr. Price
and the people in his office for expediting
Palo Alto's application. He said it was a real
pleasure to receive money of this magnitude for
the City of Palo Alto, and everyone involved was
quite excited about the project. This wee an
opportunity for the private sector to work with
the city in restoring deteriorating property,
and Palo Alto hoped this would be a prototype not
only in the arse that would first be affected,
but olio for the rest of the city and hopefully
for the state and the country as well.
Mr. Price commended the city staff for the work
they did. This process woo much different from
anything his department ever had, so it was
necessary to learn what was needed and how to do
it. Palo Alto's management staff and those in
the Planning Department did a very find job, and
Mr. Price understood there had'been sessions when
the citizens contributed their input. Be intro-
duced the Program Manager for this general area,
Steve Socha; and the Community Development
representative wbo assisted Palo Alto and other
nearby communities, John Epler.
Mayor Sher introduced Planning Director Naphtali
Knox who wee instrumental in the city's applica-
tion for the funds and thanked Mr. Price for his
remarks.
2. Dr. Nancy J. Cross, 1902 Palo Alto Wry, Menlo
Park, rapreseoting the Committee for a Safe and
Sensible San Trancisquito Creek Area (touting,
mode a brief presentation to Council regarding
the Sand Bill Parkway Plane axed asked Council to
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consider the plan without regard to municipal,
county, and Stanford lines. Dr. Cross also
askmd Council to refer the plan to the Finance
and Public Works Committee for consideration along
with other plans for the area.
3. Joyce Leonard, 4107 Briarwood Way, speaking
on behalf of the American Association of
University Women, made the following statement:
"On behalf of the Palo Alto Branch of the
American Association of University Women, it is
my pleasure to offer commendation to Councilwoman
Enid Pearson for her dedication and service to
the Palo Alto community for the past ten years.
We would like her to know that we appreciate
her supporting efforts for the welfare of women
and for the many times she had spoken out in our
behalf. As an elected public official, she has
set a worthwhile personal example of the role of
women in government. On a woman to woman basis,
Enid, the Branch wishes to offer you our special
thanks; and we have asked that two young redwood
trees be planted in your honor in the Palo Alto
Bicentennial Grove in Big Basin State Park".
4. John D. Snow, 105 Lowell Avenue, Chairman of the
Veterans' Council, stated that this is the evening
when the budget is being presented for approval by
Council; and nothing had been done to repair the
roof at the Veterans' Building. Since the veterans
were such a neglected group, Mr. Snow saw no other
alternative than to force a vote on this issue.
5. Frank Manfredi, 219 Addison Avenue, gave a vote
of thanks to the outgoing Councilaembers Who, in
his opinion, gave more humanitarian help to Palo
Alto than any other Coumcilnembcrs in the past.
Secondly, Mai. Manfredi pointed out that during city
elections, there wore no forums at which members of
the public could be heard.
Co�a� Cnlsadar__- scrim rt
Staff's recomms®datioo was that the contract be awarded to Dolan
Concrete Construction, whose low bid vas 11.37 percent below the
engineer's sstisate.
The Consent Calendar item passed oa a unanimous vote.
italairubulaiumalaaftjusalludaili,
1lsyor Sher stated that at this meeting Council would be considering
the 1975-76 Budget amd the Capital Improvement Program for 1975-80.
Before proceeding with the public bearing, mayor Sher pointed out
that Items 5 and 6 os the monde airs related to tbs budget for tbs
mama yeas. Item 5 comeeme the Piaamting Cowsiaipr's rsvie r of
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the 1975-80 Capital Improvement Program and the 1975-76 Budget.
Item 6 concerns the Human Relations Commission's recommendation to
Council regarding the Alternative Recreation Program (Coffee House
Initiative and Outreach Programa) and a recommended level of funding
for the coming year.
MOTIGNi Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Comstock, that Items 5 and
6 be moved up on the agenda for consideration during the hearing
on the budget, or in other words at the same time that Item 3 is
being discussed.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Mayor Sher said that the motion having passed, Items 5 and 6 would
be discussed during consideration of Item 3. Any member of the public
wisb:lug to address Council on these items should turn in a card to
the City Clerk and make their comments during the Budget Hearing.
At this time Mayor Sher recognized Vice Mayor Alan Henderson, Chairman
.of the Finance and Public Works Committee for placing the ordinance
adopting the 1975-76 budget on the floor. Exhibit A to the ordinance
is the budget as originally submitted by the City Manager. Exhibit
B to the ordinance contains the amendments to the budget recommended
by tea Finance snd Public Works Committee as well as several amendments
recommended by city staff but not considered by the Committee. All
items in the budget as amended by the committee and by city staff
will be adopted upon passage of the ordinance unless the Council,
during this meeting, further amends Exhibit B to the ordinance to
change or delete the item in question. In addition, new items may
be added to the budget by emending Exhibit B to add the item in question.
When the ordinance is before Council, Mayor Sher would open the Public
Hearing and Council mould hear from citizens wishing to comment on
any aspect of the 1975-76 budget. When the hearing has been closed,
Cojnacil members will have the opportunity to sake motions to amend
Exhibit B to the ordinance. When all amendments have been made,
Council will sdopt the ordinance as amended at this meeting. Following
adoption of tbs budget, Council will consider the additional ordinances
and resolutions listed under Item 3 on the agenda.
Vice Mayor Henderson, Chairman of tho Finance and Public Works Committee,
reported that the budget before Council for 1975-76 vas the result
of hundreds of hours of staff time and ten meetings held by the Finance
and Public Vorks Committee. Hs thanked all the staff members who
bad been involved, and certainly the person primarily responsible
for this production is Clay Brown, Director of Budget and Staff Services,
As one with considerable accounting and budgeting experience himself,
Vice Mayor Henderson could vouch for Mr. Brown', great ability and _
professionalism. Mot only did be do $ remarkable.job in producing
this document; but Ma. Brown vas also a very pleasant person to work
with, and be quietly sets about developing all the additional data
7squested by the Committee members even though Vice Mayor Henderson
thought some of the demands must appear most unreasonable. This quiet
nsn in tics background in )Ukm Rally, whose name appears on many of
the reports; and he did a great job as a detail men on the budget.
Vice Mayor Henderson thanked City Manager George Sipsl and all the
department managers who bad to go through the inquisition process
with the Committee and also the other staff members vbo participated.
He added his zbsnks, too, to his Council -Colleagues on the Committee -
Jobn leabrs, John Bsriald, and [irks Comstock. Vice Mayor Henderson
staged that this year the Committee,_, with full cooperation and assistance
by the staffs proved that there ar, finny opportunitisi to cut the
budget. The Committee began by red ciug the combined Capital Improvement
and Street Improvement Budget by tom -thirds, Eros #3,385,000 to 002%000.
£.balaaced operetiag Went arse presentid to the Committee by Mr.
sipal. Although same eependiture increases were mode by the Committee,
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the most notable being the child care program and the $75,000 for
an expanded senior citizens' program, the recommended budget coming
out of the Committee showed a surplus. In other words, net cuts were
made that produced a surplus of $550,000. Several late staff additions
in the utilities reduced the amount transferable fro utilities to
the General Fund by $75,000, leaving a General Funs surplus balance
of $475,000. Not included in this surplus is any additional property
tax revenue if the total assessed valuation receives a six percent
increase. Vice Mayor Henderson reiterated that the basic formal
document before Council vas the original proposed budget, plus Exhibit
B which lists three categories - all of the Committee's recommended
changes, utilities items not completed this year which must be re -
budgeted for next year, and several late items requested by staff.
The Finance and Public Works Committee deleted over $250,000 from
the operating budget, which Vice Mayor Henderson understood to be
an alltiae record amount, based upon a separate five percent reduction
budget. He explained that the five percent reduction budget was requested
by the Committee, not for the purpose of reducing the budget by that
specific amount, but to give the Committee and Council an idea of
what programs would be suggested for cutting by individual departments
in case of a cutback. The Committee went through the items, and
many cuts were made. The reductions from that list total approximately
one and three-quarters percent of the budget rather than the full
five percent.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson introduced the following ordinance and
roved, seconded by Beahrs, its adoption:
ORDINANCE NO. 2860 entitled "ORDINANCE
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR
1975-76 AND AUTHORIZING THE CLOSING OF
THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1974-75"
Mayor Sher declared this was the time and place set for a Public Hearing
on the city's budget for the period July 1, 1975 through June 30,
1976. He asked that the record show that the City Clerk has on file
an affidavit of publication of this hearing and that due notice of
this hearing has been given.
Mayor Sher declared the Public gearing open and saitk.`ewould call
upon these wishing to speak in the order of the cards h: bad received.
Mrs. Dorothy R. Shuster, 1101 Alma Street, stated that she and her
neighbors would like to have a bus going down their street so they
would not have to walk to Waverley Street to the bus stop. There
were .'a number of elderly people in her area vbo walked to that bus
stop, and there was not even a bench provided for their use while_
waiting for the bus. Mrs. Shuster asked Council to provide better
transportation in general by adding more buses, and she specifically
suggested that there be a bus that vould go from her neighoorhood
to the Community Center.
Rebecca Alcatel., 962 Blair Court, spoke in favor of the Outreach
Program, and commended Fred Coleman, Joel Davidson and Denise Green
for the work they had done. As a parent, Mrs. Alaeter had been extremely
impressed with this group of people with regard to their character,
integrity and value. b and sine would be happy • to have theme influence
any and all of her own children. It was Mrs. Almeter's opinion that
there was s crying need for the Outreach Program in Palo Alto. She
did not think it likely that a young person in trouble would go to
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6/23/75
the Family Service. Association ou his own, nor aid she think a young
person would very often accept a counselor that a parent would choose.
The people in the Outreach; Program have been available, and apparently
young people ielsto to them quite'iasily. Mrs. Almeter felt that
the province eif Mx. Coleman, Mr. Davidaoe, and ?hiss Green was logical
in the schools! of,PSslo Alto; and shs'irged Council to continue the
Outreach ?twin.
David Murphy, 4000 Midd?:efiela Road, a teacher and instructional supervisor
at Cubberley High School, spoke. of the symbiotic relationship which
he saw existing between Cubberley people and the personnel the city
employed in the Outreach Program and the Coffee House Initiative,
The impact these employees.have is particularly high among students
who had not previously been involved in recreational programs, a significant
number of whom had been turned off to the "system". Through the personnel
of the outreach Program and the Coffee House Initiatives these same
students have accomplished at least three things. One of these was
an increase in self-esteem, and the second was a much greater social
maturity and ability to deal with human beings in positions of authofity.
Thirdly, Mr. Murphy had observed that these young people had become
functioning citizens in Palo Alto; and he noted that a number of Cubberley
students were present in the audience. The three good effects mentioned
by At. Murphy had been a direct result of the personnel in the Coffee
House Initiative as well as those in the Outreach Program. These effects
come about not because of a formal arrangement, but they occur because
of the informality of the contact and the freedom of that contact.
High school students, in the main, use informal means of comrusication
in that they turn to those people they know and trust. One of the
results Mr. Murphy had seen wave former students coming back into the
classroom with a renewal of interest in academics and decision making,
and a new interest in participating in school affairs with a much
more responsible attitude. It was at Cubberley where students first
became involved in the Coffee House Initiative, and they were able
to become involved because Mr. Coleman and Miss Green came onto the
campus and worked iurormally with the students. After a-year.gf working
with these people, Mr. Murphy could state that at Cubbarley relationships
were smooth; and he was iaepressed with the conciliatory attitude,
the cooperation, and the immense amount of energy Mr. Coleman and
Miss Green had wed in cooperating with the rules and regulations
governing Cubc.rlsy. Decreasing the program would -ter -a -slap in the ,
face of *one incredible effort, especially for those mtudents the program
was trying to affect -- those who had not bean much helped as yet by
the wester. To impede the efforts to recruit students for recreational
active! ties on campus would destroy many of the positive effects that
the personnel have.
Phil Bliss, 588 Barron Avenue, said that the firet time Outreach personnel
cams under scrutiny mss during the Mayfield School incident. As a
member of the Continuing Education Tack Force, Mk. Bliss bad a band in find-
ing out - just what was going on at Mayfield School in terms of the Outreach
Program. This had to be dealt with -and something effective had to
be found for those young people who were disenchanted and were, in
affect, boycotting tht,Schools The Task Force members talked to parents
and students and found they had no miegivinge regarding the rscreatioxmal
people or the competence of the staff; but what hid precipitated the
problesmvas a leek of synchronistity in terms of alternatives available
on the various high school campuses. Some of the high echoo..1 campuses
have alternative learning programs, and some do not. Cubberley High
School ':as an Alternative School, and the last four student body presidents
have bey 2rom this Alternative School. That kind of thing is not
en accident, since the Alternative Sohoal serves highly Motivated people
Anise academdc raids are not being served in the regular classroom.
Gums 11102 SOmool does. not have an Alternative School, so the students
•
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from Gunn who wanted to attend an Alternative School and were unable
to get into Cubberley or Palo Alto High School ended up at Mayfield.
Other students at Mayfield were some who were not discipline or academic
problems but were truancy problems. On Tuesday night the Task Force
would go to the School Board and would probably ask them to keep Mayfield
open, and they would also ask for some exciting policy that would
allow the district to really serve the individual needs of secondary
students. Mr. Bliss asked Council to take hie comments into consideration
and also the possibility of some programs at all four high schools.
.Gretchen Emmons, 169 Walter Hays Drive, immediate past president of
the PTA Council, agreed with commute made by Rebecca Alaeeter. Mrs.
Beaus had addressed Council in support of Fred Coleman when he first
case to the city and was interested in getting some other young people
to work with hiss in the Outreach Program. Since the program went
into effect, Mrs. Emmons saw happen exactly what David Murphy and
Phil Bliss had remarked upon. The Mayfield experience was a good
one, and she thought that school would be better next year because
of what had happened. Mrs. Emmons stated that nothing that has happened
in the Coffee House Initiative Program and the Outreach Program has
changed the endorsement that the Palo Alto PTA Council gave those
programs in the very beginning.
Stan Cottrell, 990 Blair Court, expressed how fortunate he felt to
have people such as Fred Coleman, Joel Davidson and Denise Green share
their experiences with the young people of Palo Alto. Concerns had
been expressed at the Finance and Public Works Committee about the
number of students reached by the program. Mr. Cottrell thought it
would be counterproductive to limit a very necessary and successful
program whose very design it was to bring the program to mare students.
The Coffee House Initiative Program is filling a serious need that
has existed for a number of years. There has always been a need for
an alternative recreation program for those students beyond grade
school level who are not interested in the more traditional forms
of recreation. Hr. Cottrell had been amazed and pleased about the
skills he had seen the young people develop, such as designing, decorating,
and building. The students started with a shell of a building and
they partitioned, •heetrocked, floored, and painted. Starting without
skills, these are things the; have taught themselves how to du. Mr.
Cottrell felt that a former Conned in Palo Alto bears a large share
of the burden for creating a generation of radicals by refusing to
listen to their needs aod by refusing to hear the when they were
trying to work through the system. Another generation of radicals
is not needed, and Mr. Cottrell did let see that as a possibility
with thee, y swag people, For a group thst was once referred to as
alienated youth, these young people are the scot togsthir bunch that
Mr. Cottrell had ever seen; and they have it together in dealing with
the bureaucracy of the city and in dealing with finance. Be did not
believe that Palo Alto could afford to say to any of its young people
that it was not interested in continuing to support a successful program
that meets your needs.
'herd C. Smith, rsprosenting the Palo Alto Chaaber of Commerce, read
the following letter from The tamer, signed by James A. Steele,
Presidents "This }war members of the Chamber's City Budget Review
Committee have atteaded all meetings of the Finance and Public Works
Committee dealing with the city's 1975-76 budget. At the outset it
became clear that Palo Alto was entering into a new financial era
a time when Operating Budget surpluseis could no longer be counted on
to contribute dollars to the Capital /improvement Fuld, and a tilt when
the unallocated balance in the Capital Improvement I+Ind is insufficient
to corer projected capital improvements over the neat few year, and
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leave adequate reserves. With these facts in mind, the Chamber elected
to continue monitoring the budget but to concentrate its efforts on
what we believe to be ;the larger problems, i.e„ how would the city
finance future capital improvements and what are the pros and cons
of 'pay as you so financing' versus bonding. These questions will
require additional study and the Chamber intends to pursue them, but
one fact clearly stands out: Palo Alto is currently in an extremely
desirable financial situation to take full advantage of all options.
This situation exists because of the conservative financial practices
of the past sad also because Palo Alto has a strong and viable revenue
base underwritten by a strong end viable business community. During
the course of the nest year, the Chamber plans to continua ite study
of the city's long term financial needs and will recommend ;solutions.
We have appreciated the close cooperation of the city staff in furnishing
data and look forward to continued association with them as our study
proceeds."
Vice Mayor Henderson referred to the statement in the letter that
indicated the unallocated balance in the Capital Improvement Fund
is insufficient to cover projected capital improvements over the next
few years and leave adequate reserves. He asked Mr. Smith if he had
data to support that statement, because the reductions that were made
in Committee resulted in very little, if any, impact on the reserves
over the next five years. Two-thirds of next year's Capital Improvement
Funding vas taken out, and Vice Mayor Henderson was just not aware
of the using up of the unallocated balance over the next few years.
Mr, Smith said he had discussed that particular matter with the city
staff, and they agreed there were two sides to the issue. His conclusion
came about by adding u? the anticipated total Capital Improvements
over the next five year;, co:paring that with the unallocated balance,
and subtracting from the unallocated balance reserve requirements.
It was Nr. Smith's understanding that staff had taken the minimum
they felt was necessary, which was basically a float type of account.
Peter Giaualis, 858 Rorke Way, speaking on behalf of the Palo Alto
Civic League, stated that the League vas pleased to fee efforts to
cut the budget and perhaps reduce taxes. Proposals for two-sided
copy and all white paper are good temples of cost cutting in small
but effective ways. One proposal for a budget cut that seriously concerns
the Palo Alto Civic League is that which would change printing detailed
or "sense" sinuses of the Council meetings to merely printing "action"
mutes. If anything, Mr. Gissalis felt that Palo Alto citizens should
be more fully informed of actions taken by governmental bodies. Because
of recent events, people have become suspicious of government; and
one way to alleviate suspicion is by full disclosure. Action minutes
do not really give the full picture of what actually occurs at a meeting.
Only by reading detailed minutes can one get a proper perspective of
what really took place at the meeting. The savings is estimated to
be about nine and sae-baif thousand dollars. The Palo Alto Civic Lague
feels that eveea if there were a savings of this amount, the additional
expense of producing detailed minutes is justified; for the savings
would disappear as citizens absorbed staff time in &eking for assistance
in learning what took place at the meeting and perhaps -in asking for
staff time in perusing the tapes. The City Council serves at the
pleasure of and for the citissns of the city. To properly evaluate
the performance of its governing body, Palo Alto should know what
takes place at the Conseil meetings. Mr. Giaaalis urged Council to
continue to produce detailed ninutss and give the citizen' en accurate
picture of just what is taking place.
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Ron Luyet, 680 Berkeley Street, Special Problems Counselor at Palo
Alto High School, commented that the remarks he would make represented
the position of the three Spacial Problems Counselors on the campuses
in addition to five members on the Palo Alto High School Alternative
School, and tits school administration. Staff at the Paly campus had
worked with the city's three Outreach people for over a year, and
their involvement was definitely prilsd. It is obvious to the staff
that the Outreach personnel reach citizens of Palo Alto who are not
ordinarily reached by recreation services. The original design of
the program was to reach those students, and those involved were doing
an excellent job in doing just that. The reasons an excellent job
was being dons were than the students liked the people the city hired;
and secondly, the Outreach personnel were right there on campus. There
is no way of doing anything in an effective Banner if you are not on
campus and available to the students. One of the places young people
are found is on campus, and the presence of Outreach personnel on campus
has enabled them: to to form relationships and friendships that allow
programs to work both on and off campus. Some traditional ectivitiea
are included in the program such as music, singing, volley bail, etc.,
but those Activities are done with an attitude thin results in the
involvement of students who would not normally respond to those kinds
of things. Mr. Luyet stated that the three recreational people are
invited Co come to the campus, and staff would continue to request
these to come during school; and he hoped Council understood there was
nothing it was protecting the high school from by not having them there.
If there were a conflict that developed, it would be dealt with; but
that has not been the case at Paly. The involvement of those in the
Outreach Program was valued, and the staff hoped that involvement would
be continued.
Janet Owens, 863 Moreno Avenue, commented that it is easier to be
a good citizen when "sense" minutes are available as compared to "action"
minutes. Mrs. Owens referred to the deletion of $15,000 for the Planning
CoiLaission's recommended Comprehensive Plan, and stated this was a
similar tort of thing. Some amount of stoney needed to be made available
for this so that citizens could respond at that stage in the Plan.
This is so!ethinR that seems to be dons only about every fifteen years,
and it would be poor economy to not have frilly available information
on it. Concerning the Outreach ?regrew, Mts. Owens pointed out that
Palo Alto is a city of great diversity - not just the kind of diversity
that meets the aye or the ear, but of inner diversity. The Outreach
Program is important in making that kind of diversity an asset rather
than a problem, The person who wrote the last page of the Youth Advisory
mil concsrnins the Coffee Hoyle Initiative noted that one of the
things that had been learned in this program is the wonders of bureaucracy.
Mrs. Owens thought that any program which could bring that phrase out
of one of our students deserved $2,500. Speaking to the Senior Day
Care Program that was being included as a possibility in the $75,000
figure for senior citizens, Mrs. Owens asked that that specific program
receive approval immediately so the group working on it could rove
ahead with implementation. A proposal has been worked oat and brought
to Council, and Council should show this is the kind of thing it likes
by moving ahead quickly and not introducing unnecessary delay.
Joss Johnston, 441 South California Avenue, speaking for the League
of Women Voters, made the following statement: "The League of Woman
Voters of Palo Alto supports active encouragement of citizen participation
in budget review sessions by having adequate publicity in city railings
sued newspapers. We were happy to see the City Clerk's advertisement
in the Palo Alto Times. Ws *loo have 'supported presentation of the
budget in s form which promotes Council and citizen understanding..
Board members wind this year's budget and additioaal aeterisls puck
as inhibit 1 loved them to be clear, readable, and the type of tools
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which interested citizens need in order to respond effectively to
the budget before the Council. Complete sense type minutes of Council
meetings, Council Committees, and the Planning Commission are also
essential to Palo Altana following issues in City Government. Our
members use the minutes extensively, and we feel that these sense minutes
are one of the Council's most effective means of communicating with
the publie. Therefore, we oppose the Finance and Public Works Committee
recommendation amending the City Clerk's budget. The League of Women
Voters of Palo Alto supports the additional funds for PACCC. The League,
both nationally and locally has supported child care programa that
are locally controlled and flexible enough to meet individual community
needs. lie -also believe that parents must be directly involved in
the decisions affecting their children. And, most important, the
League hail -supported programs which set high standards for the quality
of child care services. We believe that the Palo Alto Community Child
Care program admirably meets these criteria and merits support from
the city'.
Steve Cottrell, 990 Blair Court, said he had been involved in the
Outreach and Coffee House Initiative progcama for two years; and before
that, he had been active in the Palo Alto Swim Club for approximately
ten years. The programs.reach different types of people and serve
different needs. The swim programs meet a lot of needs for a lot
of people, such as physical conditioning, competitive sports, and
team spirit. The Outreach and Coffee House programs meet more personal
needs such as personal growth, developing leadership skills, and being
able to be in contact with city personnel and city programs. Mr. Cottrell
felt the Outreach program was an essential link between people in
schools and city-
sponzored programs such as Family Service Counseling, the Coffee House,
and others. The Outreach personnel in the schools provide information
to the students as to what programs are available in the city; and
without them, it would be difficult to become informed about city programs.
Regarding financial matters. Vice Mayor Henderson stated the average
budget cut -was one and three-quarters percent; but it has been recommended
that'the Coffee House budget be cut by $2,500, ,ibich is a 7.3 percentage.
Further,_it has been suggested that the Outreach Program be cut by
$4,000; and that is well over 52 of that budget. Mr. Cottrell felt
it was important that Ccuncilseriously review the value of these programs.
They were of great value to him, and he knew they were of real value
to his friends and fellow students.
Ditter Pescbcke-Foed•t, 965 Addison Avenue, said that when she discovered
that the Coffee House Initiative Program was to be curtailed, she
got a copy of the Finance and Public Works Committee meting minutes
for further information. Only motions end votes ware recorded there,
so that she was unable to find any reasons anywhere as to why the Coffee
House budget was to be cut. To the contrary, Mrs. Peschcke-Koedt had
heard people speak again and again in praise of it. She knew the three
people w'bo ran the program; and she recommended them strongly for their
integrity, for their influence on the yawns people, and for what they
add to the community. She commented that all of her remarks were true
for the Outreach Program also, and she hoped that before the evening
was over Someone would state what the criticises were of these two
program. Another request Mrs. Peschcke-Koedt bad was that the style
of the minutes not be changed. If a citizen could not be at t Council
vesting, he needed to have all the information about what took place
at the meeting so he could contact a Council member if be were in
error about something or misinformed. Mts. Pescbcke-Toe*dt asked Council
to not save $10,000 and deprive the whole ci.ty of necessary information.
Kevin Xorec!Cy, 2493 Louis Road, said be was a senior at Palo Alto High
School in 1973-74, which vas - tbs first year tbst Fred Coleman use on
ca■,p es. je. iorecky bad always involved himself with =sic and entertainment
for youth:in the city because be'thought there neisc had been sufficient
1405
6/23/75
ways for young people to come into contact with music which did not
require that they be twenty -ohs and where there was no revolutionary
or political ieference. Fred Coleman showed a personal interest in
everything that the young people of Palo Alto had to say. It seemed
to Mr. Forseky that school administrators and city staff people would
see a problem and try to deal with it; whereas, Fred Coleman and others
in the Outreach Program filled needs before a problem could arise.
He thought the program was a very valuable one, and he would appreciate
it if Council would support it.
Mayor Sher esked if anyone else wished to address Council concerning
the budeit. Hearing no further request, he declared the Public Hearing
closed. Mayor Sher returned the matter to the Council members who
could Rake amendments as they wished.
Vice Mayor Henderson commented that there had been a letter sent to
many people in May signed by Warren Higgins, and he read the following
sentence from it: "The present Council majority elected through a
party coalition movement has been reeponsible for many expensive and
poorly plej ned projects resulting in a reduction of a comfortable reserve
of 8 million dollars to 4.7 million dollars in just the past two years".
Vice Mayor Henderson had been told that people who wrote these kinds
of letters -checked the information first with the city, and he asked
staff to comment on the sen*eece he read.
While Clay Brown, Director of Budget and Staff Services researched
the answer, Vice Mayor Henderson went on to say that during the recent
campaign one of the main points raised by one group of candidates wac
that the city's reserve funds have been depleted over the last four
years, especially during the last two years, supposedly due to Vice
Mayor Henderso>'s irresponsible actions as head of the Finance and
Public Works Committee. He asked if the city reserve funds had been
depleted.
George Sipel, City Manager= responded that if "depleted" meant there
are leas fiends, then ho would have to agree that there had been some
reduction in the total, amount of uncommitted, unappropriated funds
within the Capital Improvement Fund. He was not sure how much that
vas, but he knew the present figure was in the neighborhood of 4.7
or 4.8 million dollars; and he did not recall what the total figure
was several years ago. Mr. Sipel also did not know whether the information
Vice Mayer Henderson was reading from included the Street Improvement
Fund as will. It was conceivable that the figure several years ago
was 8 million, but he could not recall that offhand.
Vice Mayor Henderson said this statement was in reference to a cash
reserve quoted as being in the order of eighteen million dollars that
has now been depleted.
Arr. Sipel se td that if the funds that the city has available for investment
were bong_ talked about, that number has not really changed in the
past four or five years. That figure has been somewhere between seventssn
and nineteen million dollars for approximately four years. However,
that amount of money is not availabla for any use to which the city
bight vant to put it; on the other hand, the Capital Improvement Reserve
is available for any use the city wanted, and that is the reserve )tr.
Sipel refer/red to 'sometimes in budget statement's and in the State of
the City *Hue. e. The difference between 4.7 million and 18 million
is =nay that is: repuirsd for a variety of purposes, such as emergencies
and the ritireeeztt of bonds; and in some cases f.t is money that has
been appropriated but not yet spent. That eoney is invested in order
to take stfentags of interest income. Mr. Sipel was sorry that he
and Mr. Boma veld pot find the information in aasraer to Vice Moor
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6/23/75
Henderson's first question. but he said he would be happy to find it
and send it out this week.
Vice Mayor Henderson remarked that he would like to have that information
sometime. He did not want to get into one fund that vas set aside,
but he recalled there were three and one-half to four million dollars
unappropriated in 1471 that in a sense has been appropriated but is
not committed to any particular purpose; and he thought that figure
vas being used as a reduction of the city's unappropriated reserves,
which is not a true statement of the situation.
ham. Sipel noted that in 1971 there were some funds that were in a
variety of reserves, such as an underground utility reserve, an equipment
replacement reserve, and perhaps one other, category. All of those
funds, which totaled something over two million dollars were put into
the Capital Improvement Fund at that time so there was a major increase
in the amount of funds available for appropriation in the Capital Improvement
Fund; and that happened in 1971 or 1972.
Vice Mayor Henderson minded Mr. Sipel of an item which rowed $4,119,000
as ropriated that was not shown that way in 1971 and that was not
specifically earmarked far anything; and he thought this was the area
where confusion was arising. Lastly, it was also charged that reserve
funds had been used to meet salaries and other general operating expenses;
and he asked -if that were true.
liar. Sipel replied that in his opinion, that was not true. There was
one situation about two months ago where staff took money from the
unallocated reserve of the Capital tnprovemant Fund to cover an amendment
to the city's Firefighter's Agreement and Fire Department budget for
sailers* until the end of the year. This was essentially a bookkeeping
entry because the revenues available this year will exceed the expenditures,
and the money will end up back in the Capital Improvement Fund once
the budgeeia closed out for the 1974-75 fiscal year. In that sense,
the statement made is incorrect; but, laterally, you could say it
had taken place.
Vice liayoi-'Henderson said that part (a) under Agenda Item 3 was of
special ccnicern to his because one of the first motions he ever made
on Council` vas . to move to "sense" minutes from "action" minutes and
to get thi voting board installed so that each Councilmember would
have to show his vote and not hide behind a voice vote. He was sleazed
that already there vas talk of going back to action minutes and depriving
citizens who were intensely interested in city government of full minutes
so they could know what Council has sail and what the public has Raid
The proposal was made by Councilman 3er^vald; and the direction was
that the siinutes mould show only the motions and the vote, there would
be no consent of what any Counailaember said, and, when people from
the public -spoke, the minutes wouldfiecord the person'c name and whether
or not he-w:s in favor of or against a particular subject, When the
guesting was raised as to how people would be able to find out vat
wave said on a particular subject, the answer was the tapes could be
used tad kept forever. Vice Mayor Henderson could imagine the difficulties
of gettin, : tapes for a meeting such as this which could go for five
hours asd trying to find the particular subject on which a citizen
'mated i,niorastioe. When that question vas raised, the ansvei vas
that cassettes could be prepared and put in all of the libraries.
It seam d.to Vice Mayor Henderson that would cost noway and take tine.
They mould' have to be Massed in sane vay so that people would not
have to search through those tapes to find the items they mere interested
in. 111 rog
this appeared to be a dodgs to keep people fans knowing
exactly Wit is taking planet in their governmental body.
1407 ,
6/23/75
A}ON dT: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Pearson, that
(a) be deleted aid the $9,853 be restored to the City Clerk's budget
to cover the preparation of sense minutes.
Councilman Beahrs commented that he seconded Councilman Berwald's
motion in Committee becauaa as thought Council and the public in general
had been rather immoderate in the use of this particular facility
in the city. Many tines there have been pages of rhetoric recorded
for its political impact, and he thought that was unfortunate. In
Councilman Beahrs' opinion, Palo Alto had had enough of politics for
a number Of years; and he hoped that if the motion passed, there would
be a higher degree of moderation in debate on the Council and certainly
in speeches from the public. Councilman Beahrs would like to see
brief argiaants because there was no reason far the minutes of the
Council of such a small municipality to go into so iany volumes.
Councilman Clay asked if $9,853 would be the amount of saving realized
if "action" minutes were produced rather than "sense" minutes.
Mr. Brown responded that it cost that mach money for sense minutes,
but that would not be the amount of savings. The problem of how to
keep the records on tape would have to be resolved, and that would
require some expenditure.
Councilman Clay assumed then that the net lain would not be $9,853.
Mr. Brown commented that it would be substantially less than that.
Jim Steele, 525 Center Drive, found the eense minutes to be very helpful
to a person who was active in the community and interested in what
was going on at Council meetinaa. When it was not possible to be
present at a meeting, a member of the public could keep himself informed
by reading the sense minutes.
The amendment passed on a unanimous vote.
Vice Mayor Henderson, referring to part (b), reported that he had
suggested in Committee that consultant services be reduced in the
City Manager's budget, and Councilman Berwald bad recommended that
casual saliriss and assistance be deleted entirely. Mr. Sipel had
made a play regarding the importance of maintaining the flexibility
he had throagh tbs hiring of casual employees; and be gawp. a number
of example's, such as the young an who was hired to look into the
city's refuse disposal situation, the use of student interns, etc.
AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Parson, that
the deleted casual salaries in the amount of $3,300 in the City Manager's
Department be restored.
The amt passed on a :numinous vote.
Regarding part (c) of Agenda Item 3, Vice Mayor Henderson said he
had opposed the $1,000 savings which bed to do with casual salaries
for summer interns; and the City Attorney explained the substantial
savings that took place because young law students could be hired
during the summer to do work that otherwise might have to be done
by consultants.
AMENDMENT: Vies Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Pcaraau. that
the deleted #1,000 be restored for casual salaries for summer interns
in the City Attorney's office.
The amendment passed ob s unanimous vote.
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Referring to part (f) of this agenda item, Vice Mayor Henderson stated
there were two itemo he did not feel comfortable about. The first
was the deletion of semi-annual employee banquet. That seemed to
be the one event that did bring all the employees together; and having
attended two of them:, Vice Mayor Henderson considered them to be beneficial
events.
AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Rosenbaum, that
the deleted $5,000 for the employee banquet be restored to the Personnel
budget.
Councilman Beahrs pointed out that staff was currently contending
for very substantial recognition salary -manse; and if it were he, he
mould rather have the money and not the banquet.
Councilwoman Pearson's understanding was that the $5:OOO amount was
just a partial payment, and the employees paid the other half or some
percentage' of the total cost of the banquet. The amount involved
was a pittance, and Councilwoman Pearson thoug'az thi, was a benefit
that the employees should have.
The amendment passed on the following vote:
AYES: Clay, Comstock, Henderson, Pearson,
Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: Beahrs
The other item Vice Mayor Henderson wanted to speak to was the deletion
of $4,450 related to Affirmative Action outreach advertising, social
awareness training, and test validation. He thought at this time
it would be inappropriate to remove any money from this very important
program which the city was just getting underway.
AUNT: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Pearson, to restore the
deleted $4,150 related to the Affirmative Action Program under the
Personnel Department's budget.
The amsndaeat passed on the following vote:
AYES: Clay, Comstock, Henderson, Pearson,
Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: Beahrs
Vice Mayor Hen arson was sorry that he was taking action on some items
which Councilman Barwald proposed when he was not able to be present
tonight to respond to them, but it was necessary to move, on.
Vicel4ayor Henderson spoke to part (j) coaceruing the Building Maintenance
budget. A plea had been made at the Committee meeting about these
two service poe►itio+as, and e staff report had been received explaining
what would happen 11 those two positions were deleted. An aside to
this is that this is an arse where there bad been entirely male employees,
and this would be another opportunity for applying affirmative action
policies; however, the main reason was that an extremely heavy load
would be placed on the remaining service employees. In fact, the extra
work would amount to fifty percent more work per person than the national
standard for maintenance, and Vice Mayor Henderson considered that
to be going too far.
{
1409
6/23/75
'''AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Beahrs, to restore
'the deleted $28,415 covering elimination of two building services
positions.
Mayor Sher commented that it would be poor economy to make this kind
of a cut, and it would result in a tremendous amount of squers footage
per employee to be maintained. 0bviouslyt it mould not be possible
for the maintenance to be of * high quality; and with the investment
made in the facilities, it would be false economy to cut the standards
of maintenance.
The amendment passed on a unanimous vote.
Vice Mayor Henderson remarked that with regard to part (q) concerning
the Planning Department, material had been received from members of
the Planning Commission that was signed by every member except Mrs.
Steinberg who was out of the country. Because of a lack of information
on the part of the Committee, it was not aware of the Planning Commission's
taking of specific action in presenting the need for a second tabloid
copy of the Comprehensive Plan -- the one that would come from the
Planning Commission with their recommendations for the Council. Before
making his motion, Vice Mayor Henderson asked why 2,000 copies of
a tabloid of this nature should'coat $15,000.
Naphtali Knox, Director of Planning, responded that considerably more
than 2,000 copies was being talked about. At the time the initial
discusaion took place with the Planning Commission, the request was
for 25,500 copies because the Commission wanted full citizen participation
and wide distribution of the document. The first tabloid had just
been issued, and the total cost of that was $11,000 in out-of-pocket
costs for a total of 5,000 copies. When the $15,000 estimate was
made, the Planning Lepartment had not yet had this actual experience.
It was the estimate that the second tabloid would cost $11,000 in
out-of-poctoet costs, but that amount would go higher if it were decided
that more copies were needed.
Vice Mayor Henderson asked the cost of the staff's draft Comprehensive
Plan.
Mr. Knox replied that cost was $11,000 in out-of-pocket costs and
$17,500 for staff time.
A? 3TT: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Beahrs, to restore
$10,000 in the Planning Department budget to cover publication of
the Planning Commission's recommended Comprehensive Plan.
Councilman Comsetock' stated his preference for restoring $15,000 for
this particular item.
Couacilvaan Pearson asked her Vice Mayor Henderson had arrived at
the $10,000 figure.
Vice Mayor Henderson noted tbst Mr. Knox said it would cost $11,00Q,
and ha thought perhaps that amount could be reduced by $1,000. Also,
there were actually 5,000 copies printed of the first d*aft; and Vico
Mayor Henderson wandered if that assay would be needed main.
Councilman Clay thought it sight be preferable to see a limit put
on the number of copies rather than on the dollars involved.
Vice Mayor Henderson explained that if a copy limit rare made rather
than a dollar limit, a very fancy report could be produced that would
and up costing $15,000 regardless of how many copies eight be needed.
1 4 0
6/23/73
•1
Mayor Sher stated he would support the motion. He thought this was
a worthwhile compromise since $11,000 had already been spent plus
$17,000 in staff time.
The amendment passed on the following vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Henderson, Pearson,
Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: Clay, Comstock
Vice Mayor Henderson, referring to part (t) concerning the Fire Department
budget, said it was his intention - and he thought there had been
Committee approval -to eliminate the funding for the expanded physical
fitness activities. It was the Committee's feeling that obviously,
the medical examination should be kept in the budget; but that the
members of the Fire Department could do their exercises without having
to be watched over by some hired person. As the figures were presented,
$10,400 was allocated for that part of the physical fitness program;
and the balance was for the actual medical examinations. It appeared
that money had been taken out of t'le overtime budget and transferred
to the physical fitness program. Vice Mayor Hendersol thought that
if there were money available to take out of overtime, that should
be done; but it should not be added back in to be used for the physical
fitness program.
AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded. by Pearson, to delete
$10,400 from the Fire Department budget covering the expanded physical
fitness program.
Vice Mayor Henderson explained the effect of this amendment would be
that instead of ten or eleven thousand dollars being added back into
the Fire Department budget, only that amount would be added that would
take care of the medical examinations.
Councilman Rosenbaum recalled that this physical fitness program vas
started to some extent because of the city's concern for the health
of the employees. An important aspect to be considered was that disabilities
that occurred in the Fire Department because of the lack of physical
fitness cost the city a great deal of money, and this program would
reduce those disabilities.
Clay Barn, Director of Budget and Staff Services, stated that the
primary purpose of having the program go department -aide in the next
fiscal year was to prevent disabling injuries, primarily heart attacks
which ars of high frequency in any Fire Department. Statistics had
been provided to the Finance and Public Works Committee from the Los
Angeles Fire Department on the usefulness and effectiveness of their
program. It had been found in Palo Alto that s voluntary program
without proper equipment and medical supervision was neither workable
nor enforceable. The current year's pilot program involving twenty-
five to thirty members of the Fire Department had been very successful,
and part (c) provides for extending that to the entire department.
bra Sipel said the staff report that bad been sent tea : tine Finance
and Public Works Committee broke down the various components of the
$21,600 programs. The cost of the initial physical examination is $5,200,
end the ono -time coat for equipment ie $10,400. There is a requirement
to have a staff member of the Palo Alto Medical Clinic administer
the program. It is not this person's job to watch the firefighters
do their exercises; but be takes their heart rate whenever necessary,
counsels t` r CO *wimp. things the ere doing and net doing, and
1411
6/23/75
1
1
1
counsels them with regard to dieting, smoking, etc.; and these are
things that really cannot be done by the firefighters themselves.
Mr. Sipel commented that the program would not be very effective without
th• involvement of the Clinic. He did not know if this would be neceosary
three or four years in the future, but it was necessary during the
start-up of the program if it is to be an effective one. As far as
the cost effectiveness of this 'Lind of program is concerned, Mr. Sigel
noted that it had bean proved in Los Angeles that the program could
be a very cost effective one. Just one or two disability retirements
would more than pay for the program.
Councilman Rosenbaum said that was the impression he had; and although
you could rationalize that since it was the individual firefighter
who benefited, there was no reason for the city to pay for it, the
staff has explained why it is probably in the city's financial self-
interest to proceed with the program. Councilman Rosenbaum thought
that the money should be left in the budget.
Councilwoman Pearson asked if the program would be extended to the
Police Department eventually, and perhaps to other departments as
well.
Mr. Sipel responded there was no plan to extend the program to management
employees other than those in the Fire Department. :he city did not
have some of the same kinds of problems in the rest of the organization
as it had in the public safety area. Mr. Sipel could conceivably
see some kind of a physical fitness program in the Police Department
where there are the same potentials for physical disability as there
are in the Fire Department. The program is easier to carry out in
the Fire Department because the exercising can be done when the firefighters
are on duty, whereas the police officers have different duty schedules.
Mr. Sipel would not say there would not be a program such as this
some day in the Police Department, but there was no plan for the rest
of the city organization other than the present management physical
program.
Councilwoman Pearson asked if staff had any plans for such a program
for the employees who came out of the Municipal Services Center, or
the so-called "blue collar" workers.
Mt. Sipel said there was no plan at present for a physical fitness
program for those employees. While there was some risk in certain
jobs at the Wmicipal Services Center, they are not as substantial
as in the Policy and Fire Departments where 1002 disabilities are
possible.
Councilman Comstock noted that the Wall Street Journal, Fortune, etc.
are all filled with articles about Corporations which we this same
kind of program for the reasons mentioned by Mr. Sipel. The program
was started with the Fire Department because those employees have
duties vhish involve a high level of etrsss combined with violent
physical exertion. Physical disabilities result in a substantial
expense to the city, and the staff report -indicated that the program
provides a decided potential in savings to the city in the long term.
Councilman -Comstock noted that it was unfortunate thst_a good deal
of a firefighter's activity umw sedentary when he was not actually
involved in fighting a fire; therefore, he goes from one extreme of
physical ipvolv.sint to another. It was Councilman Comstock's conclusion
that this program vas worth Council support.
Tbs amendment passed an the following vote:
♦TIS: Soahrs, Sanderson, Pearson,
Sider
VOSS: Clay, Comstock, looenbau m
1 4 1 2
6/23/73
Vice Mayor Benderson, referred to part (u) of the motion, and recalled
that the $75,000 for senior services had been recommended by his Committee
and approved by Council following the report of Task Force on Aging.
/MENDlttRT: Vice Mayor Henderson /awed, seconded by Pearson, that
$12,000'of the $75,000 of tha Senior Services amount be designated
specifically for the Senior Day Cars Program.
The amendment passed on a unanimous vote.
Vice Mayor Henderson, in speaking to part (y) of the motion, stated
that he had felt some distress at the Committee meeting because he
had the impression that eotions were being made to remove dollars
that were related to certain individuals rather than to programs.
If Committee members meant that very thing, then 9ics Mayor Henderson
would prefer that they be forthright about it and say so. It needed
to be kept in mind that there were a number of programs which included
city involvement in the schools during school hours, end staff was
correct in *eying that the feeling of certain Committee members was
that they were looking at Just this one program within the Recreation
Department. There had been ample proof from school administrators
of the great benefits that had been reaped because of the Outreach
Program, and Vice Mayor Henderson expressed pleasure at what he had
seen firsthand at the Coffee House Initiative. Under part (y), $4,500
was being deleted; and $4,000 of that would discontinue the Recreation
Department's Outreach efforts while $2,500 would be decreased from
the Coffee House Initiative.
AST: Vial Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Comstock, that
Council restore the deleted $4,000 for Outrsaca efforts in the schools
and the deleted $2,500 for the Coffee House Initiative Program under
the Recreation Department.
Councilman Comstock commented that is his twelve years of experience
with the City Council and in ottting through budget hearings, he hoard
more public tsstimoey at this meeting than in the previous eleven
years. He thought this reflected the facts that Council was looking
very closely at the beset and that the community was looking very
closely at the Council, and Councilman Comstock was in favor of both
of these. Members of Council bed all received a copy of the report
entitled "Progress Report ea Coffee House/Youth Center" which had
been prepared by Clay Brennan; and Councilmen Comstock's feeling wan
that any time Mr. Sipel vented Mr. Brennan to write reports, he would
be in favor of that because the report vas of such a high caliber.
H. urged his colleagues to support the fit.
Councilmen Boabsa originally voted in opposition to the Coffee House
Initiative because he could not see creating one more program for
the city in light of the cascaras that bad been re -expressed by many
citizens at this asetins. Council wanted young people to be happy
and to be solid citizens; but personally, Councilman Baehr* did riot
want then to get the idea that . thus could coos to them very
easily and that they could be unnecessarily indulged. Ons person
who addressed Council complained about the fact that her property
taxes bad been increased 652; and according to Councilman Beahrs'
estimate,' tba median tam estimate in Palo Alto would be in the range
of one to throe thousand dollars. This kind of taxation is difficult
to nemeses especially for older people who are an fixed incases.
Councilman Bears heated the young people to appreciate the fact that
if this asosnibent passed, they had an obligation to discipline thamsily s
and not ask too much of those who have struggled to accumulate what
smell restate they might have for the security of their older years.
Coisailmabrisahrii i mtad thessleims people to become wall di,seipllaad,
toinetivg,scitisami.
1413
6/23/73
Councilman Clay expressed his concerns in this matter, especially in
regard to the Outreach Program. He really wondered if it were appropriate
for the Outreach personnel to be involved in counseling, especially
when that counseling was being done in a separate and distinct jurisdiction.
Councilmso Clay expressed disappointment that Council had never received
an official response from the School Soard with regard to the Mayfield
School incident. It seemed to hia that if the District were so pleased
with the Outreach .Progrirm, it would have communicated that in an official
way. When a presentation vas made to the School District on the following
night, Councilman Clay thought it would be well to ask if the District
would be willing to fund the Outreach Program since all of the activities
take place there, and it is obviously desired by those in the schools.
Mayor Sher noted that there was a memorandum from staff outlfnitrg
a number of programs that take place in conjunction with the schools,
including playground activities coettducted on the school grounds.
Those eapioysee are involved with school children, and it seemed to
Mayor Sher that the same points could be directed to those programs.
This kind of cooperative effort between the city and the School. District
does exist. The reel question is not so much of s funding one; for
example in connection with the Mayfield School matter, it was a matter
of whether the School District mated the city recreation employees
on campus. That is the thrust of the memorandum from staff, and that
question is still under consideration. Mayor Sher was sure that at
some point, the city would get a direct statement - possibly through
the City/School Liaicon Committee; and that was a good way of resolving
any problems thetimight arise.
Councilman Clay responded that the other programs which the city hed
in conjunction with the School District did not cause the kind of
incident that had been experienced at the Mayfield School.
Councilwoman Pearson did not think that any young person who had involved
himself in the Coffee House initiative would feel that it had coma
easily. lt'took the youth several years to get it; and they put in
a trenaadoua amount of time, love, and labor. Councilwoman Pearson
stated that the young people worked for it, and they earned it. As
far as the Outreach personnel were concerned, they were invited by
the School District to assist them; and that had come out in several
previous Destines. Councilmembers had letters from the Palo Alto
High School Alternative School commending the program, the Principal
at Cubberisy High School, and from Tom Stamper - a teacher in the
Altsxnativs-School at Cubberlsy. Councilwoman Pearson cousidsred those
letters to be rather official. They were asking for a program that
had been successful in helping students throughout the city. Mayfield
eras only a small part of the total program. That matter has been
partial;* rs.io1ved, and it will probably !te totally resolved in the
near s=uture. The Outreach personnel involve students in programs
that ass just as healthy as the usual standard programs, such as swimming,
baseball, etc. In fact, Couecilwomen Pearson thought these workers
should be ceded because they ors able to involve students in activities
for which they previously had net shwa a propensity. le Councilwoman
Peersonfs opinion, this program vas one that should be supported;
end she certainly hoped it 'would not be nitpicked to death by a future
Council.
Pies Mayor Henderson found it interesting that $6,500 was being talked
about with regard to these programs, sad Councilman Dsahrs expressed
coucsca about that money; yet, when tbs other tents mars made
to restore similarly small amousts, he made no such statement. A
little later in the meeting, Vice Mayor Molders= weld introduce
a proposal that would add a half nilltoa more zmsuss to the city;
wed there already ems a halt silliest earplug Also, if Corpcilmea
Seah rs or py other Coomai3aater were oemaermed sheet the property
tam, then Id be as epportumit7 later $u the avails( to reduce
1 4 1 4
•/23/73
the property tax rate.
Councilman Beaters commented that the reduction in property taxes should
probably go as high as 15%. He stated that many people were concerned
about the unbelievable episode at Hayfield School, and it was disturbing
to him to have such highly praised people be involved in such a surprising
incident. Councilman Beaters thought it was beyond the realm of belief
that the police road to be celled to control an adult situation, and
some members of Council do not feel they have ever received the full
explanation of that. The Superintendent's letter vas anything but
reassuring, and Councilman. Bsabrs did not want anything like the Mayfield
School incident to happen again in Palo Alto.
Mayor Sher stated that if these were the concerns of Councilman Beaters,
it was wrong for him to deal with them through a relatively small
cut in the budget. The more direct approach would be to follow through
on the recosmendatio a of the staff in its report dated June 19, 1975,
that the staff be directed to develop written guidelines on this matter.
It was Mayor Sher's suggestion that this he taken care of under new business
later on to the agenda.
Tommy Derrick, 3243 Ramona Street, a school psychologist, said the
students he worked with who had come into contact with the Outreach
people feel supported by them, feel listened to, feel understood,
and feel they have the opportunity of interchanging opinions with
them. Those same students, by and large, feel supported by this Council
and this city; and Mr. Derrick urged Council to not break down that
feeling. These young people felt good about the response they received
to their love, work, end energy which they expended in putting the
Coffee House together; and they were counting on Council to help them
to continue working toward their goals. Speaking to the question
of whether it is appropriate for the Outreach people to be on the school
campuses, qtr. Derrick said he personally invited them to assist him
in his work with students. They add a dieenaion which reproves the
communication which Mr. Derrick has going on with his students, and
he very much- wanted to have them continue to do that. He thought
it would be appropriate for guidelines to be established in some way,
as had been recommended by staff; and during his talks with Outreach
personnel, they indicated their willingness to a accept such direction.
Mt. Derrick's opinion was that what happened at Mayfield had been blown
out of proportion; and he asked Council to carefully consider the behavior
of all the people involved in the Mayfield incident, including the
school personnel. Theirs was some repugnant behevier that took piece,
but it was not totally on the part of the Outreach personnel. Met.
Derrick upend Council to reinstate the funds for the Outreach Program
because those people who worked with students needed them very, very
such.
Coemctlmam,Clay asked Mr. Derrick if it would matter to him if the
Outreach Program were funded by the School. District rather than then
city.
Mr. Derrick responded that if the School District could provide.ths
funding and free those people so they could trove from place to place
as they have been doing as city employees, than his needs would still
be net. He felt, however, that the School District would not have
the funds po support the program; and so ha wan asking the city to
continue the program if it possibly could.
Councilman. Clay asked if 4. Derrick knee Viether there had aver been
a request sods of the School District to find the Outreach Program.
tf
We. Dersi* replied that he knew of no . such request.
l413
6/23/73
Chris Sloan, 300 Miramonte Street, had been working with the Outreach
Program and the Coffee House Initiative for two years. He supported
the outreach Program, and he felt it was essential to have their help
in the struggle to meet the needs of the young people in the community.
Reed Anderson, 705 Ellsworth Street, had been involved with the Coffee
House Initiative for two years; and he met many fine people there
from other schools in the area whom he never would have known had
it not been for the program. Mr. Anderson felt the people from the
Outreach Program were closely connected with the Coffee House, and
ha urged Council to support both programs.
Judy Alger, 2651 Eimdale Court, taught at Mayfield School the first
semester of this year and at Jordan Junior High the second semester;
and at both locations, she worked closely with recreational personnel.
The first semester Ms. Alger worked with Joel Davidson, Denise Green,
and Fred Coleman. These people were invited to the Mayfield campus,
and they contributed much that was very valuable to the students.
Ms. Alger asked Council to continue its support of the outreach Program.
Mr. Sipel referred to the comments made by Councilmen Beahrs and Clay
regarding -the Mayfield School situation. He had thought that all the
information which staff had available had been communicated to Council;
but obviously, there were still some questions. Mr. Sipel said he
would be pleased at any time to answer questions about tha police
or any other aspect of the Mayfield School matter.
Helen Tao, Member of the Human Relations Commission, made the following
statement: "I appreciate having the opportunity to speak on behalf
of the Palo Alto Human Relations Commission in its unanimous support
of the Coffee House/Youth Center and the Outreach Program. From the
inception of the youths' idea for a center of their own - (1) the Creations
Workshop, (2) their activities at the All Saints Episcopal Church
and finally (3) the Coffee House/Youth Center at 240 Cameridge -
the P -Aan Relations Commission has. been supportive of each of these
endeavors. The Coffee House/Youth Canter is an idea that was totally
conceived, initiated and implemented by this group of young people.
The final sc:omplishment of this idea is still theirs. I have had
occasion to attend a meeting, observe and visit the Center, talk individually
with the members, and read reports and statistics which they have
on file at the Center. From my obaervationi and impressions, the
youth of the Center have accomplished an amazing feat in such a short
time. The involvement and commitment of these young. people to the
Center has afforded many of them the opportunity to (1) become creative,
as well asi independent individuals, (2) meet, interact, consult and
communicate with many people in the community such as cross -school
peers, counselors, city staff members, businessmen, school administrators,
and police, (3) learn practical and vocational skills - carpentry,
electricity and plumbing, etc., (4) create end participate in an organizational
procedure, and (5) to feel proud and have a sense of self-satisfaction
in their accomplishments. The Human Relations Commission strongly
endorses this type of wholesome, positive growth and maturity in the
youth who Mill be tomorrow's citizens of the comt►mity. It is incumbent
on you, the City Council, to approve this vital and constructive project
by continuing your total support".
Councilwoman Pearson ►es aware thet Councilmembers could not correct
Human Relations Commission minutes; but she referred to the fifth
paragraph of page four which stated that sombars of Council who were
present et the Coffee House initiative Open House were Councilman
Rosenbaum and herself when, in fact, Vice Mayor Henderson was also
there.
1 4 1 6 f ((.,((e
6/23/75
♦
The amendment passed on the following vote:
AYES: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson,
Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: Seahrs, Clay
Vice Mayor Henderson'a next item of concern was related to part (U -
b) which was the revenue increase approved by the Committee. The
Finance and Public Works Committee recommended a 6.1% increase in
utility rates. Figures from staff indicate that at the +.urrent rate,
the average single family resident is paying 38% less than he would
under P G.4 E in any of the neighboring cities; and a large industrial
firm is paying over 40% less than it would under P 0 & E. With the
recommendations that came out of the Committee, the city would increase
its revenues by $603,000. The average single family would be paying
34.22 less than P G & E, and the large industrial user would be paying
36.62 below charges that would be made by P G & E. The 11.8% increase
would produce $1,174,000 additional revenue to the utilities, which
would be transferable to the Operating Fund. With that increase,
the average single family resident would be at 32.4% below P G & E,
and the large industrial users would be at 30.6% below P G & E. Vice
Mayor Henderson said these were very substantial figures below what
P G & E charged any of Palo Alto's neighboring cities. Staff considered
the range between $603,000 and $1,174,000 to be possible and reasonable,
but they did recommend the lower increase at this time for less impact.
The difference of roughly $571,000 would not only balance the operating
budget, but it would also balance the entire Capital improvement Program
which Council now had before it.
AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Pearson, that the
figure in U -b for electric rates be increased from $603,000 to $1,174,000
by applying rate schedules E -1-C and E -2-C.
Councilwoman Pearson wanted to know what the average cost in dollars
would be to the typical resident's bill if these new rates were approved
by Council.
Vice Mayor Henderson responded that the average single family bill
is now $9.22, the increase proposed by staff and approved by the Committee
would mak! thet amount $9.78, and if Council approved the higher proposal
the cost would be $10.04. Vice Mayor Henderson's amendment would
increase the average bill for a single family twenty-six cents a month.
Councilwoman Pearson asked if the increase to industry would be comparable.
Vice Mayor Henderson explained tbet the present bill for an average
large industrial firm was $32,985, the recommendation from Committee
would put -the figure at $36,058, and his amendment would increase the
figure to -139,445. This would still be 30.6% below the coarse that
would be made by P G & E.
Councilman Rosenhawi thought at so c point Council would have to consider
things of this sort, but the util.is:y revenue is the onz part of the
city's revenue not related to inflation. Expenses go up with inflation,
and the largest single revenue source does not move with inflation;
and the city finds itself with a problem. However, Councilman Rosenbaum
ma not prepared to take this kind of action at the present tiers.
Ha vas paiticularly irked at the thought of raising utilities while
talking about layering the property taxes. This night appeal to some
1417
6/23/75
people; but it seemed to Councilman Rosenbaum that Vice Mayor Henderson
was suggesting that the city offer to give the public back $1.00 and
on the other hand, take $6.00 back because the proposal would raise
the utility revsnuec by six times the proposed reduction in property
tax. If one looked at the average increase for a single family home,
you would be talking about $10.00 per year; and if someone owned a
$40,000 home, that is ten cents on the tax rate. So, the city was
asking the public for more money ono way or the other. The argument
that the city's rates are below those of P G & E is certainly true,
but that is simrly because of the nice deal the city had with the
Bureau of Reclamation. Councilman Rosenbaum pointed out that you
could just as well argue that the property tax is sixty percent below
that of Sunnyvale; and people, therefor*, should not object to a rise
in the property tax. To some extent, he felt that Council had not
addrased"ths long range financial problem of the city with regard
to taking -care of capital expenditures. Councilman Rosenbaum thought
perhaps an increase in the utility rate may be necessary in connection
with that, but he would prefer to leave the dscision'until Council
was ready to address the full financial problem. He. opposed the additional
increase st this time.
Councilman Beahrs was alarmed to discover that the city's major utility
was not covering operating costs. Practically speaking, this increase
would be a catch-up which perhaps should have been programmed over
a longer period of time. The sum being talked about was a substantial
one, and Councilman Beahrs wondered how the electrical supplier would
react to this action. They wanted more money not too long ago, and
the city fought that. Staff assures Council that the amount involved
was Lot so great as to give encouragement to the supplier to want
more money. Council and City M negeaent were in a difficult position
because they had not really kept pace with the increase in cost of
operations.
Eeward E. Aghjayan, Director of Utilities, stated that in the staff
report a concern was expressed about being able to justify to the
Bureau of Reclamation any rate increase that mould be implemented.
Staff made the recommendation at the lower figure which amounted to
the incrsass in operating costs over the past five year period - $663;000.
It would ba possible to justify something higher than that, as march
as the 1.2 million which Vice Mayor Henderson referred tog but staff
felt the $603,')00 figure wan more easily justified, and that was why
it had been recommended.
Mayor Sher asked if any thought had been given to taking care of the
:grease in steps.
Mr. Aghjay,n responded that consideration had not been given to that
idea at this time. .Staff anticipated that $603.000 would be adequate
for the current year, but the aettsr should be looked into again at
the nett budget year.
The amendment failed on the following vote:
AYES: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson
MOBS: Beaters, Clay, Rosenbaum, Sher
Vice Mayor Henderson rant on to part (U -c); and he said that it had
been his fsueling, end Council seemed to agree, that the city wanted
to have all of its utilities priced at or belov the coat of utilities
in neighboring cities. Under the present rate, a typical residential
1418
6/23/75
customer's water bill per month is 112 below San Jose, but 142 above
San Francisco. lenge industry average bills are 172 below San Jose
and 62 below San Francisco. Under the proposal approved by the Committee,
the residential cost remains 14.22 above San Francisco's charges; and
the large industrial charge would be 1.72 below San Fratcciaco. Vice
Mayor Henderson felt there should be some equalizing in this situation;
and unfortunately, none of the schedules proposed by staff brought
that about. .fter so many years of the residents paying a premium
over the amount charged by San Francisco, Vice Mayor Henderson felt
very justified about being in favor of rate W -1-C under which tha
residential charge would be virtually the same as that of San Francisco,
comeercial rates would still be Seim, average industrial would be
below. and large industrial users would have a rate 9.42 above San
Francisco's. Perhaps there could be some other adjustment that would
bring all of these more in line; but this is what is before Council,
and it was more acceptable to Vice Mayor Henderson than the one put
forth by the Committee.
AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Pearson, that
the change in the schedule to be employed for the water rate change
by W -1-C rather than W -1-A.
Councilman Rosenbaum thought it was important for Council to keep
in mind that it was the Public Utility Commission for this city, and
he was sure everyone could imagine what would happen if the big Public
Utility Commission would suddenly propose a radical change in the rate
schedule. Re said Vice Mayor Henderson's point might well be a good
one; tut if it were to be pursued, the change in the water revenue
schedule should be sent back to a committee so there could be hearings
and discussions. Councilman Rosenbaum could not agree with taking
this action now when there were no representatives preset who might
feel they were very much affected.
Mayor Sher agreed with Councilman Rosenbaum's counts. As a counterpart
to the Public Ptilitiee Commission, the city had a responsibility
to give notice of this kind of action; and Mayor Sher stated he would
vote against the ;.amendment. He suggested that this item might be
referred to the Finance and Public Works Committee under New Business
Later in the meeting.
Councilwoman Pearson said she felt strongly about this amendment.
When residents in Palo Alto were paying 142 more for water than San
Francisco residents, something should be done about it; particularly
when you consider that big industries are paying less for water than
comparable industries in San Francisco. Palo Alto residents should
have a water rate similar to that of the residents in San Francisco,
and Councilwoman Pearson was willing to vote at this meeting to make
that possible. If this amendment did not pass, the matter should
be referred to the Finance and Public Works Committee along with tut,
utilities revenue item so the rates could be adjusted.
Vice Mayor Henderson explained that the subject still vas in Committee
for the undertaking of an in-depth discussion of rate design methods
to encourage conservation. It was agreed that this whole subject
really was still in Committee, and the members would be discussing
over the aezt four to six months the entire natter of rate structure;
therefore, Vice 'germ Henderson did not think any action was needed
to keep the subject in Committee. His problem was that when this
ratter use before the Committee, the other two ambers who were present
had not read it; and, incidentally, no one cRs+s from the community
to speak to the alternatives. Vice Mayor Henderson assured that if
he could t the motions made and pet the figures stated, members
of the pudic mould be Frssest to speak at this meeting. It became
apparent that miens the material had sot bees read by anyone. there
1ct(;"r 1 4 1 9
6/23/75
was no point in trying anything other than the $603,000 figure; and
that was why he settled on that amount. Vice Mayor Henderson was
interested in pushing this now because he had the personal disappointment
of not being able to discuss this in Committee after having been the
person who got the subject started.
Mayor Sher thought that if the rates were to be reviewed in comparison
to other communities, it might be well to have thkt clearly stated
in another referral motion to the Committee wader New Business.
The amendment failed on the following vote:
AYES: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson
NOES: Beahrs, Clay, Rosenbaum, Sher
Councilman Rosenbaum sent a iriemiorandum to Councilmembers regarding
child care in Palo Alto. He recognised PACCC had done an outstanding
job, but he did not think it was reasonable in this time of financial
stringency for one department or group or activity to expect to have
the city double its budget. Not only is PACCC asking the city to
make up the entire amount the county will not provide this year, hut
they are also asking for an additional considerable amount of money.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Clay, that the
city's contribution to the child care budget be set at $205,000.
Councilman Beahrs commented that he had the unique privilege of working
with this group over the past year, and he was tremendously impressed
by the evenhandedness of the entire operation and by the group's dedication
to its objectives. Considering the comparison of this activity to
some others in the city and considering the immense number of human
failures manifested in this community, Councilman Beahrs said it was
important that the innocent child and the parent interested in hie
child's welfare be given some help. His own opinion was that the
city should extend itself on this program and support the budget as
recommended by the Board of PACCC and by the Finance and Public Works
Committee. Finally, Councilman Beehrs stated that as much as he favored
this program and the city's complete support of it, he still felt
that child care was an activity which should be funded at higher levels
of government. He added that this program is definitely succeeding
and has caused no problems to the community. It would be unfe-tunate
if the program's budget were reduced. The PACCC Board is asking for
a $70,000 increase over the city's amount of fending last year plus
$80,000 to -cover the amount not expected to be received from the county.
There is some hope that the county will provide some percentage of
the funding which they gave last year, but there is no guarantee.
In concluding, Councilman Beaters remarked that if county coney materialized,
he would agree to an equal reduction in the city's contribution.
Councilman Comstock agreed with Councilman Beahr,' remarks and thought
an additional point that needed to be remembered vas that the program
was now eseentiaily on -stream. The centers have been opened and,
with the exception of the most recent one, have been very well occupied.
The progrii wan still getting off the ground a year ago, developing
centers, and getting support from various organizations in the community
for that. In a way, to try to compare this projected costs in the
costing year with lett year's costs was an apples and oranges exercise.
The program has come from a low beginning point to full tilt, and
it bas go4m filled up with costs. Councilman Comstock was concerned,
along witi;everyone else involved, about the reduced commitment by
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6/23/73
the county; and everyone had a responsibility to urge the county to
maintain the commitment it made last year. He pointed out that the
Committee recommendation was a compromise after some give and take
in the discussion. Some reductions were made in Committee, and now
Council was talking about the reduced amount and further reduciig
it. To do that is to say the city is going to reduce the level of
activity of the program. Councilman Comstock noted that anything
beyond what the city doss becomes a secondary matter or a windfall.
If the county comes back with some money, that will be a windfall.
He said it was important for Council to realize that any substantial
reduction of the Committee recommendation would be a reduction to
the program.
Councilman Clay explained that he seconded the motion because the
matter needed to be put on the floor for discussion. He understood
that if the county did come up with some money for this program, the
city's funding of PACCC would be reduced by that amount. If that
occurred, the city's output could be far less than the amount stated
in the Finance and Public Work Committee's recommendation. Councilman
Clay acked what the best way would be to deal with the county in order
to get the funding for PACCC that it needs and deserves.
Virginia Sanders, 630 Los Robles Avenue, President, PACCC, recalled that
the original request from PACCC was for $296,000; and that was reduced
to $280,000 at the Committee meeting. PACCC has received an estimate
from the county for a funding of approximately $21,000. Also, there
was an assured income of about $10,000 from CETA; and those two contributions
reduced PACCC's needs by just slightly over $30,000. Reducing the
requested amount of $296,000 by $30,000 substantially reduced the
amount of money needed from the city. In response to Councilman Clay's
question, Mrs. Sanders said that the contract was originally written
with full commitment on the part of the city, although there was some
expectation for a commitment on the part of the county. Mrs. Sanders
hoped that the new commitment from the city would be done in the same
way, ti,ith funds from the county going back to the city. PACCC had
forty to forty-five thousand dollars to return to the city this year,
and the program was not locking for new ways to spend money. If for
no other reason than PACCC was dealing with parents who were working
hard for their coney, the Board wanted to keep the cost of child care
low. Mss. Sanders suggestion was that the city came in with full funding
with the understanding that PACCC would return to the city any funding
that came in from the county.
Councilman Clay asked if the original request for $296,000 would be
reduced b $30,000 because of other expected funds and if it would
be furthei reduced by the forty to forty-five thousand dollars Ms.
Senders had mentioned.
Ms. Sanders replied that the forty to forty-five thousand dollars
had not been considered es part of this year's budget. The reason
that PACCC had this money to return to the city was that the programs
did net get started at the anticipated rate.
Councilman Clay asked what had been done last year and what was being
done this year to get assistance from the county.
PP(
Ms. Sanders responded that the mobilizers had been in very close contact
with the county, and PACCC felt the door was not closed for some possible
future funding. The needs of the pleogram are great, and it would
be easy to show the county that a large segment of the population
was being served. Therm was good leverage in being able to shoes that
PACCC bad ; good program to offer at a reasonable cost. If funding
is made i.lable for child csre, Me. Sanders felt sure that PACCC
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6/23/75
would be in line for it; and she thought the additional extension
for the next three months was an inJication of good faith on the part
of the county. Cutting the program at this time to the point where
PACCC could not continue its present program level would be a drastic
decision.
Richard Mayer, 1933 Gamel Way, staff member for the Community Coordinated
Child Development Council, stated that the Council would be willing
to help city staff in any of its dealing with the county in order
to receive funding. Mx. Mayer read the following letter from Alfredo
Villasenor, Executive Director of the Community Coordinated Child
Development Council: "The 4C Council maintains a unique position
in Santa Clara County as the primary forum for parents, providers
and agencies to come together and work on their mutual concerno about
child care and child development programs. It is from this position
that we would like to express to you our support of Palo Alto Community
Child Care. PACCC provides an ongoing example of the significant
ways in which a child care delivery system can be provided on the
local level. Even more importantly, PACCC demonstrates the type of
support that is needed throughout the county by local governments
such as yours. It is particularly clear at this time of inflation
that monies for important social programs, such as child care, are
not wholly available from the county and state; it is because of local
government support such as you have provided to PACCC that the needs
of the children in this county will be met. We sincerely hope that
as you consider the funding for PACCC for next year, you will keep
in mind the significant role which you, as a City Council, and PACCC,
as a successful provider of child care, have each played and will
continue to play in the development of bervices to our children in
this county".
Tom Cahill, 2701 Waverley Street, addressed Councilman Rosenbaum's
memorandum. He thanked Councilman Rosenbaum for his concern and consideration
in the child care area and for his recognition of the outstanding
job that PACCC has been doing. Further, he wanted to staunchly defend
the budget that had been submitted by the PACCC Board to the Finance
and Public Works Committee and approved by that body. Mr. Cahill
thought it numbers
was too easy to deal just with nu ers in the area of child
care. To__ look at the proposal and say that PACCC had doubled its
request to.the city is to ignore two important realities. A large
portion of the increased request represents the $85,000 that has resulted
from the county revenue sharing funds not being available at this
particular tip. PACCC was continuing to seek those funds, and it
had thus far received $20,000. The other reality is that PACCC has
a cortitracevith the city, and that contract requires that the city
be provided with a specified service level. During the last fiscal
year, PACt:C had come from ground zero to full operational capacity;
and during -the coming fiscal year, PACCC would be operating at that
full capacity. It ssemsd to Mr. Cahill that it was rather easy to
see that it costs more: to run at full level during a given period
of tic than it does to go from ground zero to a full operational
capacity. PACCC was :_meting service requirements as specified in
its contract with the city. A reasonable budget had been submitted,
and it was hoped that Council would give support in that are. Some
expansion vas being contemplated, but the expansion was in an area
that would eventually allow PACCC to reduce costs. Councilman Rosenbaum's
nsemorandua mentioned that a reasonable budget should take into consideration
the fact that PACCC would have money from SETA and from the county.
The minute's -of the Finance and Public Works Committee meeting of May
28 indicate that PACCC stated it would give to the city any money
received from the county, and the SETA coney would reduce the city's
contribution to the program. Some areas had been noted where some
cuts could be made; however, those cuts are not recommended by the
PACCC Board. Mr. Cahill thought the idea of reducing support to the
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t�
Day Care Home Program was rather interesting considering that city
staff has been suggesting that area be expanded since that might result
in lower costa for the child care program. He added that raising
user fees -ten cents per hour would most drastically affect those people
in the lowest aconomic categories, and those were the people PACCC
wanted to'ieach. Regarding Councilman Clay's comments in reference
to county funding, Mr. Cahill felt the best method would be for the
city to support the program at the $265,000 level and then reduce
that by whatever funds that might come in from the county. Last year,
PACCC expected to get just $60,000 from the county; but they worked
hard, and they got $85,000. PACCC would be working that hard again.
If the city reduced its commitment to $205,000, PACCC would be put
in the poiition of just barely managing to get along until the money
from the county would be forthcoming. PACCC had commitments to four
lessors, seventeen Day Care Homes, thirty employees, and four sponsoring
agencies in the community, to say nothing of the commitment to the
parents and children involved in the program. PACCC needed to know
what the level of funding would be, and Council should know that the
Board would be working at every governmental level to make sure that
the program would be in line for any funds that became available.
Mr. Cahill asked Council to support PACCC at the $265,000 level until
adequate alternate funding would be available.
John Fredrich, 157 Bryant Street, was hearing there might be $40,000
left in the budget this year for PACCC; and when he spoke at the Finance
and Public Works Committee, he expressed dissatisfaction that some
people working in the program were being paid $2.00 or $2.50 per hour.
He asked Council to issue some directives in regard to this matter
since it is clear that the contract agency is not going to do that.
Vice Mayor Henderson said he had been bothered very much by the sick
care program which has a very high per unit cost. Starting with the
requested $295,000, Vice Mayor Henderson removed $30,000 for that
particular program which left an amount of $265,000. The $30,000
available.froa other sources brought that figure down to $235,000.
At the moi6ent, he thought that $240,000 plus any other funds that
might be received would be an acceptable budget amount. In other
words, the $30,000 plus any other money that might come from the county
would be added on to the budget figure.
Councilwoman Pearson considered the $205,000 recommendation to be
a ridiculous one. She said she was very proud of the program, and
PACCC bad done a tremendous job. Councilwoman Pearson felt the program
should be funded by the city with county contributions being deducted
as had been done in the first year. Personally, Councilwoman Pearson
did not want the funding to go below $265,000 because of preaent inflationary
conditions. As a matter of comparison, she pointed out that art in Palo Alto
would be subsidized in the amount of $258,000; and most of the people
who are subsidized in the art area are well able to pay for their
art in full. The child care program serves those who cannot afford
to partake of the grt programs because they simply do not have the
time. Theme people are too busy trying to earn a living and support:mg
their children. Without child care, the city would be forcing people
onto the welfare rolls; and that is more costly than providing a child
care proves. Councilwoman Pearson reiterated that the would not
want the figure to go below $265,000; and she found it distressing
to continually listen to Couaci'ausabers "poor -mouth" about the finances
of the City of Palo Alto. The city is not poor, and the matter is
primarily one of priorities.
Mayor Sher thought it vas important for Council to focus on the level
of city copmitment to this program; and he did not think it was realistic
or proper to mum that because the program, was operating at a certain
1423
6/23/73
1
level with funds from several sources and t
it was automatically the city's reeponsibi
funds. Mayor Sher commented that he was
memorandum from staff describing thia si
assumed fuli toBosredint for the program
that the county (money came through. Th
out that originally the city's role wa
start-up funds for a program that wo
sources. That role changed, and the
in 1974-75. Mayor Sher noted that
the major difference in the 1975-76
commitment of funds to the program
would take. The report concludes
above last year's would involve
city program or additional revere
this budget request in that co
increased costs and financial
both about new programs and d
His own commitment was to no
the substantial expansion o
situations. Whatever level
become the base for the fo
that the program was a su
was to what extent the c
dollars could be deduct
would come from SETA an
the sick child program
the figure down to $2
willing to commit ab
at this matter from
there would be much
city completely f
be possible to ge
money from the c
decrease the ci
and said he wo
hose sources were discontinued,
lity to provide the discontinued
greatly influenced by the
tuation. Last year the city
, and it was just fortunate
e staff nemoraodum pointed
s to provide seed money and
d be basically funded by other
city entered into direct funding
the staff report indicated that
proposal is the heavily increased
plus the dominant role the city
that increasing the funding level
a reduction of funds in an existing
ue. Mayor Sher felt he had to examine
text; and in these tines of dramatically
problems for the city, he was worried
rartically expended existing programs.
t approve of large new programs or of
f existing programs that would become continuing
is built into this program this year will
llowing year. No one disputed the fact
ccessful, well -run one; but the question
ity should participate in it. Thirty thousand
ed from the requested $295,000 since $10,000
d $20,000 from the county. Mayor Sher thought
could be reduced by $15,900, and this brought
50,000. Everything considered, he found himself
out $230,000 of city coney to PACCC. Looking
the city point of view, Mayor Sher could not believe
leverage in getting money from the county if the
unded the program. He was wondering if it would
t from Council some sort of a sense motion that any
ounty up to a certain level would be new revenue and
ty's allocation. Mayor Sher concluded with those thoughts
uld vote against the $205,000 level of funding.
Councilman Beahrs found it difficult to reconcile Mayor Sher's comments
with Mr. Cahill's arguments. If the funding is cut back, services
would be reduced and the number of people who were being assisted
would be reduced; and Councilman Beaters said it would be hard for
him to accept either one of those results. He commented that in the
past, Council had been more than generous to less deserving people.
The
amendment failed on the following vote:
AYES: Rosenbaum
NOES: Beaters, Clay, Comstock,
Henderson, Pearson, Sher
AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Rosenbaum, that
the budget be amended to place a figure of $240,000 in the child care
budget andithat this amount not be reuucei by any funds coming from
other sources; up to a m xiaua of $55,000 from those other sources.
Vice Mayor Henderson explained that in this way, the over-all figure
would be $295,000; and money that came to PACCC beyond $55,000 would
be returaed to the city to reduce its allocation.
Councilman Comstock asked if the $30,000 presently committed from
other sources would be deducted from the $240,000 recommendation.
1424 PIP'
6/23/75
Vice Mayor Henderson responded that the $30,000 would be added, making
the present funding under this proposal $270,000. For example, another
$25,000 could come from the county or any other source; but by the
time the total funding reached $295,000, additional outside funding
would reduce the amount of the city's allocation. In effect, Council
would be approving a $270,000 amount.
Councilman Comstock asked if it would not be a good idea to put $270,000
in the amendment motion.
Mayor Sher asked if he meant that he would like to see the $270,000
in the amendment with $30,000 to be reimbursed to the city,
Councilman Comstock thought that this was what had been understood
all along. The city was trying to specify the dollars it would contract
with PACCC; and he pointed out that the SETA and county money did
not go to.PACCC. That money came to the city. The forty to forty-
five thousand dollars that PACCC was returning to the city from last
year's budget would go back into the General Fund. Council should
put in the budget what it wants to have as the level of funding, and
that appears to be $270,000.
Mayor Sher commented that if you do not identify the $240,000, you
would obscure what the city was willing to contribute to the program.
Councilman Comstock pointed out that the $10,000 SETA money and the
$20,000 county money was being referred to as "money--in-hand", when
that money really goes to the city, not to PACCC.
Mayor Sher agreed that was true and obviously, it would be handled
in that fashion. While it is being said that the money :.s in hand,
he thought the intent of the motion was that if that money did not
actually materialize, the city would not be responsible for adding
another $30,000.
Councilman Comstock stated that he just wanted to hear Mayor Sher
say that.
Vice Mayor Henderson pointed out that one example was the drug program
where the city got money for an evaluation, and all the material that
case nut about how much money the city spent on the drug program was
a grand total implying that the eft; had put out all the money. In
actual fact, $$5,000 had come from federal grants.
M. Sipel informed Council that the SETA money does not come to the
city, but the county coney would.
The amendment passed on the following vote:
AXES: Clair, Henderson, Pearson,
Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: Beahrs, Comstock
AMENDMENT: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Clay, that in part
(e) of the motion, $3,200 be reinstated for overnight parking enforcement.
Vice Mayor Henderson noted that when this came up in Committee, it
eras mentioned that during the period when permits are being renewed,
there is areduction in enforcement. Warnings are issued for a period
of a couple of. months, and that seems to not reduce the over-all level
of the overnight parking enforcement. That is why the Committee approved
,. of the resuction.
1425
6/23/75
The amendment failed on the following vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Clay, Comstock
NOES: Henderson, Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher
AMENDMENT: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Beahrs, that in
part (h) of the motion $600.00 be reatored for the maintenance of
the Civic Center pneumatic tube system.
Vice Mayor Henderson commented that the explanation at Committee was
that thie was a level of service higher than seemed to be necessary
at this time.
The amendment passed on the following vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Clay, Comstock, Rosenbaum
NOES: Henderson, Pearson, Sher
AMENDMENT: Councilman Comstock moved that the dollar amount for one
communicator position in this Communication budget be restored and
that the coumtinicator position be reinstated.
The amendment failed for lack of a second.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Comstock moved that in part (,j) of the motion,
$10,000 be restored to the Building Maintenance budget for the repainting
of Building C at the Municipal Servicea Center.
The amendment failed for lack of a second.
Referring to part (1) of the motion, Councilman Comstock said he disagreed
with the rscomscendatioa to reduce funding in the Real Estate budget
for professional real estate services. He had seen increasing success
in this area over the past few yearn.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Comstock moved that the reduction stated in
part (1) of the motion regarding funding in the Real Estate budget
for professional real setate services be deleted.
The amendment failed for lack of a second.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Comstock moved that the reduction of funds
for and deletion of the position of one Tree Maintenance Assistant
in part (p) of the motion be rc.iaatatmd.
The amendment failed for lack cf a second.
AST: Councilman Comstock moved that the proposed change in
nest (s) of the notion havinc to do with the Animal Services budget
be rsducsd'by_$2,500 relating to fees for licensing and impounding
animals.
The asse t failed for lack of a second.
AMINDls T: Councilman Comatoch moved that
provides for a reduction in classes at the
to the Matur;t and Science budget. part (x)
The amendne►lt wiled for lack of a second.
the $1,500 deletion which
Junior Museum be restored
of the notion.
1426
6/23/75 I }/ a
AMENDMENT: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that the
postponement of the Neighborhood Bench Program, part (C -e) of the
motion, be deleted.
Vice Mayor Henderson explained that at the Finance and Public Works
Committee.Meeting, $70;000 sage deleted; and thst amount represented
seven shelters that were to be built by the city along its bus routes
because it was not satisfied with the county shelters. The Committee
discoverej that the county's cost was $3,000 per shelter, and the city's
cost was $10,000 per shelter. The decision was to leave this matter
in Committee for further study regarding approval of $70,000 for shelters.
$5,000 was_ still appropriated for benches, and staff planned to complete
the bench program with the money already available. The Committee
deleted the shelters, not the benches.
Councilwoman Pearson asked for assurance from staff that the bench
program would go forward.
Mr. Brown stated there was approximately $5,000 available, and it
would be spent to supply benches.
Councilman Comstock, with his seconder's acquiescence, withdrew his
motion.
With regard to refuse rates and the fifty cent charge for residents,
Councilman Rosenbaum understood the recommendation to be that non-
residents would be given a reduction in the charge and residents would
be charged nothing if they used the recycling center.
Mr. Sipel said this was correct.
Councilman Rosenbaum asked how that would be monitored.
Mr. Sipel replied that the details still needed to be worked out.
Mayor Sher added that the question was one of defining use of the
recycling center, but the main point was to encourage citizens to
recycle their newspapers, etc.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Clay moved that charges for residents using
the refuse area be deleted from part (U -a) of the motion.
Councilman Clay explained that the situation would be rather complicated
to manage, and he thought this kind of change in policy was a radical
one.
The amendment failed for lack of a second
The ordinance, as mended, passed on a unanimous vote.
Ailapci re Reuse Diaoosal Arse Fels_
NOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson introduced the follmAng ordinance and
saved, seconded by Comstock, its approval for first reading:
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF TEE CITY
OF PALO ALTO AMENDING SECTION 5.20.230
07 THE PALO ALTO MlUNI C IPAL CODE TO ADD
FEES IN CERTAIN REFUSE DISPOSAL AREA
' CLASSimICAf IONS AND TO ALLOW FOR
ADJUST! ANON LUSTING TIES AND
TO ALLOW »E RUM DISMAL IN THOSE
SAWS CLASSIFICATIONS UNDE3 CERTAIN
1,i 2 7 CONDITIONS
6/23/75
The ordinance was approved for first reading on the following vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Comstock, Henderson,
Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: Clay
1
Ordinance tt�p Various Fees
MOTION: Vice Mayor. Henderson 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 CERTAIN SECTIONS
OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE SETTING
VARIOUS FEES
The ordinance was approved for first reading on the following vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Henderson, Pearson,
Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: Clay, Comstock
tes
MOTION: Vice *Sailor Henderson introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 5103 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING SCHEDULE E-1 (DOH ESTIC ELECTRIC
SERVICE) OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND RATE"
The resolution vas adopted on a unanimous vote.
uti Rat
!1OZION: Vice Mayor Henderson introduced the following resolution and
moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption:
1 LUTION NO. 5104 entitled "RESOLUTION
01 THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING SCHEDULE E-2 (COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC
SERVICE) OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
RULES AND RATES"
The resolution vas adopted on a unanimous vote.
Paanlur4cn rift
4„.n.iiug �`.anarai
Vater Sarv%a 1iulas and 1Rtt!!
MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson introduced the following resolution and
moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption:
1428
6/23/75
c,1 —0 (i
RESOLUTION NO. 5105 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF ThE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING SCHEDULE W-1 (GENERAL WATER
SERVICE) OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
RULES AND RATES"
The
resolution was adopted on a unanimous vote.
oluti r:
a e es
tes c . a W- -0
NOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson introduced the following resolution
and
moved, seconded by Beahrs, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 5106 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING SC'.I.DULE W-1-0 (GENERAL WATER
SERVICE) OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND RATES"
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vote.
1971,+-75 i net -
rom Peat, ?i.zrwick. Mitchell & Cos_
Vice Mayor Henderson reported that the cost of the financial audit
last year was $9,000, and this year's cost would be $12,900. The
Committee was not happy about that, but it is too late in the fiscal
year to consider asking other organizations for probable charges.
At any rate, the Controller thought that other bids would be very
close to the amount being charged by Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co.
The Controller was instructed that at the conclusion of this next
audit, he should report to the Finance and Public Works Committee
on the advisability of soliciting proposals from other firms for the
1975-76 audit.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson
approve the recommendation of
that the Committee's comments
forwarded to Council and that
in the coming year to conduct a critical review of the performance
of the firs and be prepared to report to the Committee in the next
fiscal year as to whether or not they sea some need for a change of
certain requirements to be placed in the requirements of the firm
with whom the city is doing business, and that the contract with Peat,
Marwick, Mitchell & Co. for the 1974-75 Financial Audit be approved.
moved, seconded by Clay, that Council
the Finance and Public Works Committee
in approving this recommendation be
the Controller's Office be directed
The motion passed on the following vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Clay, Comstock,
Henderson, Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: Pearson
tv
a 1974-73 Contract(C)g;369:5)
MOTION: Councilman Comstock aged, seconded by Pearson, that the Council
authorise -the Mlayor to execute the amendment extending the 1974-75
City/PACCC contract for two months.
a The notion passed on it unanimous vote.
1429
6/23/75
Resolution re Co ensation
sua p oyeei
MOTION: Councilman Comstock introduced the followint resolution and
moved, seconded by Bears, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 5107 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 4813 ADOPTING A
COMPENSATION PLAN FOR CLASSIFIED AND
CASUAL PERSONNEL, AS AMENDED BY RESOLUTION
NO. 4958"
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vote.
Vice Mayor Henderson said it had been obvious to him that this kind
of action'had been warranted for the past several years. For many
years, Palo Alto has been collecting more from property tax than the
cost -of -living index increase because the assessed values had been
going up so much. Unfortunately, the timing was such that the present
Council could not enact such an ordinance; but this Council could
approve the idea in principle and direct the staff to prepare the
ordinance. Since he had sent out a memorandum on this matter, Vice
Mayor Henderson said he would not repeat the points he made; however,
he assumed there would be questions and comments, and he would respond
to those.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Pearson, that Council
direct staff to prepare an ordinance reducing Palo Alto's property
tax rate to $.70 per $100 assessed valuation.
Councilman Rosenbaum considered such action to be premature since
it was not known what the assessment increase would be.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilman Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Clay,
that this matter be tabled until the assessment rolls are received
from the county.
The substitute motion failed on the following vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Clay, Rosenbaum
NOES: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson,
Sher
Councilman Comstock's own feeling was that the tax rate should be
increased; but he did not think those thoughts should be discussed
at this time. However, he did think they should be discussed in the
future.
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Rosenbaum, that this
matter be continued until the assessment rolls ars received from the
county.
Vice Mayor Henderson said it disturbed his that he offered to not:
make a speech but respond to comments by others and tban have s tabling
motion made, but the continuation motion vas a valid 'move. He stated
that the assessment on his own house vent up 342. Vice Mayor Henderson
heard the County Assessor being interviewed on one of the UH7 stations
by a representative of the League of Women Voters, and Mr. Nathiusn
stated that the over-all assessed valuation in the county would be
1430
6/23/75
!`
•'C)
up at least 15%; and that probs,bly it would be more than that in the
north county. Therefore, Vice Mayor Henderson had no fears about
it being well over the 6% that had been budgeted. He thought it would
be well if this Council went on record in saying that it wanted a
reduction and directing the staff to prepare an ordinance. Staff
could hold the ordinance for the new Council until the actual figures
are in. At that time, it could be that Someone would want to make
an amendment to reduce the tax even more.
Councilwoman Pearson stated her opposition to the motion to continue
the item and her support for the motion to direct staff to prepare
an ordinance reducing the tax to $.70 per $100 of assessed valuation.
During the recent campaign, one of the complaints Councilwoman Pe-rson
heard most frequently from citizens was that they considered their
property tax to be too high; and the Council ehculd be serving Palo
Alto residents. Most of the residents have already received notification
as to their tax rate. Two years ago Councilwoman Pearson's assessment
went up 50%; last year, it went up 11%; and this year, it went up
16%. She stated she had no trouble at all in voting for a cut in
the property tax.
Mayor Sher also opposed the motion to continue for much the same reasons
as mentioned by Vice Mayor Henderson. Everyone knew there would be
an increase, and this was an opportunity for this Council to go on
record as to how it felt abou.: property taxes. Mayor Sher pointed
out that the idea of directing staff to prepare the reduction did
not mean that it would take effect since it would have to have a vote;
and et that time, the figure could be changed one way or the other.
He stated he would vote aguinat the motion to continue and support
Vice Mayor Henderson's motion.
Fred Eyerly, 877 Sharon Court, stated that in the recent Council race
Scott Carey, Anne Witherspoon, Roy Clay and he pledged to keep a ceiling
on the city property taxes commensurate with last year's. At the
proper time of setting the tax rate in August, the elected Councilmembers
would keep that faith with the Palo Alto taxpayers. Mr. Eyerly considered
Vice Mayor Henderson's request for an ordinance to set the tax rate
to be premature both in amount and in timing. The total assessments
will not be in from the county until July, and it would be early August
before the city had the value of utility type buildings such .es the
Telephone Company and Southern Pacific. It Val not possible to intelligently
set a tax rate without those actual figures. Mr. Eyerly asked that
the tax rate be left for study until the proper time, and that no
action be taken at this meeting.
The motion to continue passed on the following vote:
AYES: Eeahrs, Clay, Comstock; Rosenbaum
NOES: Henderson, Pearson, Sher
t of Ccruac
re se e t t vs
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that this
matter be continued to the meeting of July 7, 1975.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
1431
6/23/75
1
r
1
Gilman Berwald re
ctive
11DTION: Councilman Comstock moves:, seconded by Pearson, that this
matter be continued to the meeting of July 7, 1975.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote,
ession to Dies ersonns Matters
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that this
matter be continued to the meeting of July 7, 1975.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
f •. c lman Comstock re
on to n2
t to San or Day Care
rest
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that staff
be directed to work with the Senior Coordinating Council to carry
out the implementation of the city's commitment of $12,000 to the
Senior Day Care Program.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Re,ues of Ma or Sher re Written
Activities
MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Comstock, that staff be directed
to continue to develop written guidelines with regard to City/School
activities, to review those guidelines with the City/School Liaison
Committee and then with the Council.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
usat of Vice Ma or genders re
err o s e r+sc urn►
MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, secr7,4ed by Sher, Chet the matter
of the utility rate structures be referred to the Finance and Public
Works Committee.
Councilwoman Pearson wanted to be certain tb*t reduction or adjustment
of water and electrical rates would be discussed.
MOTION RESTATED: Vice Heyor Henderson moved, seconded by Sher, that
the matter of the utility rate structures be referred to the Finance
and Public Vorks Committee with special emphasis on the reduction
or adjustment of the water and electrical rates.
The motion passed on the following vote:
&YES: Sambre, Cemetock, Henderson,
Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: Clay
1432
6/23/75
Vice Mayor Henderson believed that this item and the next two were
moved by Councilman Berwald at the meeting of the Committee.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, on behalf of the Finance and
Public Works Committee, that the subject of expense end automobile
allowances for the City Council, Planning Commission, ARB, IiRC, City
Manager, City Attorney and Police Chief be discussed by the City Council
es a personnel matter.
Vice Mayor Henderson reported that he understood Councilman Berwald's
intent to be the elimination of all expense_,allowanctes.
M0TION: „ tar-S�eer- owed seconded by Beahrs, that this matter be
Jam"
.--confinued to the meeting of July 7, 1975.
Vice Mayor Henderson stated that he would vote against continuance
because he was opposed to the elimination of the allowances.
Councilwoman Pearson stated she was also opposed to the intent of
the motion.
The motion passed on the following vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Clay, Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson
Recommenda . . f Fi • .c - :,_•_d . u
ttee re • unc s Go
tpt taut
MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, on behalf of the Finance and
Public Works Committee, that Council consider as a personnel matter
the position of organizational problems consultant.
Vice Mayor Henderson commented that this was a split position that
has already been filled by two people. He understood that Councilman
Berwald wanted to remove the position and have it done as a policy
matter by Council.
MOTION: Councilman Clay moved, seconded by Beahrs, that this matter
be continued to the wosting of July 7, 2975.
Councilman Comstock thought Council should deal with this matter immediately,
and the way to deal with it was to summarily reject it. What is clearly
being recommended is that Council involve itself in something that
is none of its business. Council could not tell the City Manager
Chou to hire and not hire. If Council does not like the vay the City
Manager it running his organization, than it could deal with him.
Councilman Comstock had always felt that Council had been strongly
admonished to not go beyond the Council appointed officers and rem
their offices for thee. He hoped his colleagues would vote to not
continue the ratter.
1 4 3 3
js/23/75
Mr. Sipel commented that he went to two Committee meetings on this
subject and meJe presentations and was prepared then to discuss it.
He was interested in finding out what the problem was; and if someone
could articulate that, Mr. Sigel said he would appreciate it very
such.
Councilman Clay said his motion to continue was made purely out of
consideration of the fact that Councilman Berwald was not present.
The motion to continue failed on the following vote:
AYES: Beaters, Clay
NOES: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson,
Rosenbaum, Sher
The motion from the Finance and Public Works Committee failed on
the following vote:
AYES: Beahrs
NOES: Clay, Comstock, Henderson,
Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher
NOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, on behalf of the Finance and
Public Works Committee, that the City Council set an objective for
the number of printing impressions produced by the Reproduction and
Mailing Division at the same level as 1974-75.
MOTION: Councilman Clay moved, seconded by Beahre, that this matter
be continued to the vesting of July 7, 1975.
The motion to continua failed on the following vote;
AYES: Beahre, Clay, Rosenbaum
NOES: Comstock, Henderson,, Pearson, Sher
The motion from the Finance and Public Works Co aaittee failed on
the following vote:
ATES : Rosenbaum
NOES: Beahrs, Clay, Comstock,
Henderson, Pearson, Sher
Cmipalleations,
1. John Frsdrich, 157 Bryant Street, though
that items 1-a and 1-b on the agsnds dealing .
with allowances to Council, Boards, etc., fad
with the matter of an organisational problems
consultant, subjected vast areas of government
maa,sgesert tm the seventh floor of the Civic
Center rather than to Council Chazlbirs; and
he thought that vaa an error in judgment. H.
recommended that Couecilmeebere' salaries be
doubled.
1434
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2. Emily Renzel, 1356 Forest Avenue, thanked the
outgoing members of Council for their generous
gifts of time and talent.
bar o
io na unc rs
Mayor Sher, on behalf of Council and the citizens of the community,
thanked Councilaembszs Henderson, Pearson, and Rosenbaum for their
hard work and devoted service. He said they would be all very much
missed, and he wished then good luck in all of their future activities.
Aoajournment
The meeting of June 23, 1975, adjourned at 12:45 a.m.
ATTEST:
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APPROVE: