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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07071975Regular Meeting July 7, 1975 ITEM PAGE Minutes of June 2, 1975 2 Oral Communications 2 Consent Calendar - Action Items 4 Ordinance re Greer Park 4 Planning Commission Recommends Exception Procedure to Code Regarding Fences 5 San Francisquito Creek Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge at Waverley/ Willow Place 5 Resolution of Appreciation to Council Member Enid Peareon 5 Resolution of Appreciation to Council Member Alan Henderson 6 Resolution of Appreciation to Council Member Richard Rosenbaum 7 Election of Mayor aud Vice Mayor 8 Public Hearing: California Avenue District Off --Street Parking Project No. 60-8 (CMR:388:5) and Vacation of a Portion of Feral Lane; Appropriate Resolutions 1 0 Ordinance re Fees for Refuse Disposal 1 0 Ordinance Setting Various Fees 1 1 Community Theatre Improvement -Award of Construction Contract 1 2 Cultural Center Improvement Phase III - Award of Construction Contract 1 2 Proposed Raising of Levees at Palo Alto Flood Basin 1 3 Report of City Attorney and Ordinance re Relocating a Sanitary Easement of the East Palo Alto Sanitary District 1 3 Recommendation of the Finance and Public Works Committee that the Subject of Expense and Automcbile Allowances for the City Council, Planning Commission, ABB, BRC, City Manager, City Attorney, and Police Chief be Discussed by Council as a Personnel Matter 13 Request of Councilman Berwald that Staff be Directed to Prepare a wort re the Coffee Bouse Initiative 1 4 Request of Councilman Berweld that an End of Contract Special Audit of PACOAB The Collective be Honda Request of Councilmlan Ierwsld for Executive 5eseion to Discuss Personnel Matters Oral Com mications 14 14 14 1 Adjournment 1 7/7/75 6 i 1 July 7, 1975 The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date it 7:35 p.m. in a regular meeting with Mayor Sher presiding. Present: Bear:ra, Berwald, Carey, Eyerly, Norton, Sher, Witherzpoon, Clay (arrived 7:40 p.m.) Absent: Comstock Minutes of June 2. 1975 veriwagismommismamonerme MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Bettors, that the minutes of the meeting of June 2, 1975 be approved as submitted. The motion passed on a unanimous vote. Oral Coovaicatiog 1. Kit S. Taylor, 499 Hamilton Avenue, represented the Palo Alto Chapter of Suvice Employees' International Union, Local 715. With regard to the current strike, Ma. Taylor pointed out that the Union had not had the opportunity to meet directly with members of Council; and he wanted to state the Union's position. The Union felt that the city should state that no one presently emp1cyed would be laid off during the life of the new contract, but the city negotiators had offered a meaningless clause under which anyone coulil be laid off without any systematic procedure. A second issue was Union security. Mr. Taylor stated that a union baste on voluntary nembership was like a city based oa voluntary tax paying. If taxes were voluntary„ there would be a ncmeber, of citizens who would gladly use city services and let others pap for them. Mr. Taylor said there were about eighty people out of the four hundred and fifty whom the Union represented who refused to pay Union dues, but those some persons have not refused to accept benefits negotiated by the Union. Union representation of casual employes* vas a third issue. There was no reason why part- time workers should - not Wive the sears ,.ontractual rights that full-time workers have. There was no consistency at present in the way promotions were handled, and that constituted the fourth issue. Mr. Taylor's opinion was that city management promoted whomever they wanted to promote, and then they made up a reason for the promotion. lif tbly, there vas the lame of economics "'blab bad been 2 7/7/75 given excessive attention in the press. The city has offered what it calls 8Z; but this is actually a 6'Z pay increase, with most of the rest of the amount being increased costs of the present benefits. The Union's demand is for a 13% pay increase, a six-month consumer price index escalator, and about 7% in benefits - primarily retirement improvements. Mr. Taylor noted that the biggest difference in the Union and city positions vas that the Union's position was nego- tiable and the city's was not. The strike was being very costly to the city. The city and its allies at The Palo Alto Times tried to keep up the appearances of highly visible facilities and services and have pretended that the strike has not affected the city. The Union members were beginning to wonder if the city was conducting an experiment to find out whether or not it really needed mrnagemeut. For instance, Mr. Taylor wondered who was running the Police Department while Chief Zurcher was hawing lawns and working in the dispatching center. He also wondered who was running the Budget and Staff Services opera- tion while Clay Brown was checking driver's licenses at Foothill Park. According to Mr. Taylor, it was entertaining for the pickets to see management doing real work; but such activities were taking their toll on facilities and equipment, The Union felt that the city was hiding the real cost of the strike from the public. Mr. Taylor commented that the Union members were prepared for a long strike if that were necessary, but they were also ready to negotiate whenever Council gave its negotiators authorisation to participate in negotiations. If the city wanted to hold out until management people dropped from exhaustion, the employees were ready to continue the strike. If the city was willing to negotiate, perhaps the situation could be brought to a close so that people could be back to work after a few days of solid negotiating. Mr. Taylor concluded big remarks by complimenting the behavior of the city management during the strike. Manage- mesat was aware that the strike would be over someday; and they, like the Union, wanted the wounds to heal az quickly as possible. The Union members hoped and expected that this civilised approach would last throughtout the strike. 2. Claire Smith, The Collective, represented The Spirit of '76 and The Ghost of Democracy. She stated that tba history of the present empire and its representatives vas a history of repeated injuries with the objective being that of having tyranny over the people. Ms. Smith said the present empire had plundered the seas, ravaged the coasts, burned towns and destroyed the lives of the people. It has refused to institute programs that would be most wholesome for the public good. Instead, it has erected a multitude of mem offices amd seat out swarms of officers to basses the people. Segal other ambers of The Collective joined Ws. Smith is singing gongs that expressed their grievances. 3 7/7/75 J. Diane Raleigh, 330 Ventura Avenue, said she represented a group of workers, students, and community people who came together as a direct result of the City Council's action concerning The Collective Drug Center and other social service programs. She stated than this group was united in the belief that Palo Alto should be a place where all people could live. Ms. Raleigh remarked that the four newly -elected Councilmembers were elected on a platform of lies about their opposition candidates and TLe Collective, and thie was accomplished with the cooperation of The Palo Alto Time. Besides using scare tactics to win the election, the new Councilmembers clouded over the real issues; and these were child care, low/moderate income housing, rent control, mass transit, and other programs that improved the quality of people's lives. It W48 Ma. Raleigh's opinion that the Council once aga:.1 was a pawn for the Stanford Trustees, indestrialists, land speculators, and bankers. She noted that over 75% of the people who work in Palo Alto could not afford to live in Palo Alto. M.s. Raleigh pointed out that over 101; of all existing defense contracts are in the area between San Jose and San Francisco. Many white-collar workers live in this area, and they can afford to buy expensive homes and condominiums in Palo Alto. Palo Alto's homeowners were in a gcod situation with regard to taxes, white the commuting worker paid dearly. Workers, especially Third World Workern, have been forced out of Palo Alto; and they are welcome only during working hours when their sweat can produce profits for the city's ruling class. Me. Raleigh remarked that the City Council wax not willing to negotiate during the present strike, and Councilmembere Eyerly and Witherspoon have taken on the lost form of reactionary politics by working for the city during the strike. aaseat Calendar - Action Items Mayor Sher asked if Council were ready to vote on the Consent Calendar. Councilman Clay asked that Item 2, which was the ordinance concerning refuge disposal fees, be removed from the Consent Calendar. Councilman Bsrwald asked that Item 3, which vas the ordinance concerning the setting of various fees, be removed f►-oa the Consent Calendar. heat 1, 4, 5, and 6 of the Consent Calendar were the following: Ordinance re Greer Park (CMR:359:5) ORDINANCE MO. 2861 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING SECTION 22.08.010 OF Th3 PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO JOHN LUCAS GREER PAW (FOLLY DENOMINATED Ammo A PhU)" 4 Lf 7/7/75 ' Planni . C •_ son urewtommisA Planning Commission recommends the addition of an exception procedure to Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.24 (Fences) and finds that no significant environmental impact will result from this action. prdinance re Fences ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AN2NDING 16.24,120 OF THE PALO ALT:' MUNICIPAL COD REGULATING FENCES (1st reading) San Francis•uito Creek • at Waverley i1 ow. • Ace, (Q4R:384: 5) Staff recommended that Couicil.apprave contract documents. The Consent Calendar action items were adopted or approved on a unanimous vote, ton of A reciation t ci M er earson MOTION: Mayor Sher introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Bervald, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 5108 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO CpMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER ENID PEARSON" The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vote. Mayor Sher presented a copy of the resolution and a plaque to Mts. Pearson. Mrs. Pearson made the following statement:, "I would like to thank a number of people in my life. I would like to that&k my family, the city staff, the city workers, and two people I worked with in 1971 - Sylvia. Selman and Alan Handersoa. We have child caro and the piggyback program because of Sylvia. The piggyback program was hikhly controversial, and it is highly successful. Because of Alan there has bean better scrutiny of the budget than in any other Council I have known in the last eaei$htssu years. Aiao, there is a new budget format that almost anybody can understand. I would like to thank those people who elected me to City Council three times in teen years and who made me the top vote -getter twice. I would like to thank those people who voted for me lust time. It took coursese for those people to vote for me in api+,s of whatthey beard. Lastly, I would 3 tkee to thank my colleagues with whom I served; and I wish you all "good luck". I think you will probably leave here a lot humbler than when you were elected; and if you dam not, then the voters and the residents aro not doing their job. Thank you very much." 5 7/7/75 On behalf of the Council, Mayor Sher wished Mrs. Pearson well in her future activities. Resolution of A reciatioa to ounc er anHenderson MOTION: Mayor Sher introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded bif Norton, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 5109 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER ALAN HENDERSON" The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vote. Mayor Sher presented a copy of the resolution and a plaque to Mr. Henderson. Mr. Henderson made the following statement: "The last four years have been the most exciting and rewarding experience of my life. t am grateful for a number of people. My first appreciation goes, of course, to my wife, Pat, for her support. I Am very grateful to the 1971 voters for having given me the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I feel no need to apologize for anything, and I am very proud of the accomplishments of this Council over the the past four years. Knowing that 1 had at least a small part in preserving the foothills is, in itself, sufficient satisfaction for me. I also appreciate the very good feeling that has existed on this Council especially during 1971-73, which was a transition period for some Council Members who went from a majority to a minority position. There was cooperation; and I am indebted to John Beahrs, John Berwald, Stan Norton, and Bill Clark. One thing haw bothered me, and I will have to comment on that. I found myself not concerned about my own welfare or sy own loss after the last election, but I felt very "down" *bout the campaign system. You cannot make derogatory statements in everyday life without having to face some consequences, but anything goes in political campaigns. I think that has to be changed. For example, there was a flyer which came out the last week of the campaign that listed eleven things that the past Council either had tried to do and did not manage to get away with or that it succeeded in doing. I have done considerable research on that particular document. Of the eleven items, one was true. We did support and put through a licensing ordinance for apartment owners and managers. There was one other item teat was an exaggeration or distortion, but there were nine items that were totally false; and I have those completely documented. I find that I cannot operate in such s manner, and I do not think that most people tau. It seas that when people get into politics, their values change. I debated whether to give up because I could not handle that or to try to change the system. My conclusion is to. try to change the campaign system; and 1 think everybody vents open, honest, straight -forward campaigns. I hope all of you will join with me in coming up with some solution so that we can all be good, decent human beings at all times - even when campaigning. I feel a great loss for Palo Alto in the persons of three people; and I think they are dramatic axsmples of the inadaiquaaci4s of our campaigning system. Sylvia Semen was a totally dedicated' Councilmember. I used to talk about ray forty hours a week on Coum.il business; but Sylvia put in fifty to sixty hours every single week during the time that she perved, and she dial Complete research that was extremely valuable for other Councilmembere. Dick Rosenbaum is a totally honest, fndspeedest gentlemen who would never be involved in any fora of low politics. I have `rest admiration for hie. Enid 6 7/7/75 Pearson is a remarkable person, and I think history is going to show that she made more positive contributions to Palo Alto than any other Councilmember in the city's history. It is very sad for Palo Alto to lose people like that. I think the community should be begging such people to run for office rather than throwing them out. As a final point, I want to thank the members of the city staff through Nr. Sipel. One nf the wisest decisions made by our Council was the selection of Mr. Sipel as _Palo Alto's City Manager; and I have been tremendously pleased with the cooperation, devotion, ability, and professionalism of all the members of the city staff. They certainly made it possible for an ordinary man to come out of the community and operate with some effectiveness on the Council. I would like to edd a special "thank you" to Ann Tanner and all the people in the City Clerk's Office. I wish Council, individually -and collectively, well. You made a number of promises, and I expect to be on hand much of the time to see that you carry them out. Thank you very much." Mayor Sher said that Mr. Henderson's departure was a great personal loss to him. He had been at Mayor Sher's right hand during the past year and had helped him through some interesting, and sometimes difficult, meetings. No Councilaeaber has ever been more dedicated or had a higher sense of integrity than Alan Henderson. Mayor Sher agreed with Mrs. Pearson'ss comments that Mr. Henderson had made a lasting u rk on the city by making the budget a document that could be understood by everyone, not just Councilm&mbers. Resolution of reciation to t4 touncii ober lilc r 6011 aim MOTION: Mayor Sher introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by lleahrs, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 5110 entitled 'RESOLUTION 07 THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO COMMENDING THE OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE OF COUNCIL FFIER RICHARD ROSENBAUM" The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vats. Mayor Sher presented a copy of the resolution and a plaque to Mr. Rosenbaum. lir. lbseabata undo the following s taterect : "As they say, it was a privilege and a pleasure; but it was certainly a rare opportunity to be able to serve on a City Conseil. This is an opportunity which, obviously, very few citisens can participate in; and I did appreciate it. The farthest thing from my mind when I cam out to Palo Alto to pursue my engineering career wee tirtt I would ever get into politics. I am from "Fun City" originally, and politics was something you read about in The New York Tim"; and it was not sarsthiag that *arms I aver knew got involved in. It has been a pleasure to work with sy •Camcil colleagues and with the city staff. Whatever one beaus about goverment in other places, I cat say that Palo Alto has a remarkably competent staff. It has bon a pleasure to work with you all, and I visa you all well." Mayor Shea' felt that evsryoos on Council would alas Mt. Rosoabaumi's wieder', rstioaale, and good honor. 7 7/7/73 Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor Mayor Sher stated the following procedure, which had been used traditionally for the election of Mayor and Vice Mayor, would be used at this meeting unless there were an objection from a majority of the Council. The Mayor and 'the Vice Mayor will be elected for one year terms; no nominations are made; vote is by secret ballot; the Mayor Will appoint two Council members to act as Ballot Clerks; a majority vote is necessary to elect each officer (See Charter Article III, Section 7, and Palo Alto Municipal Code 2.04.370); successive ballots will be taken until same one candidate receives the necessary five votes; both officers (Mayor and Vice Mayor) must be elected at this meeting since the Charter provides that they will be elected at the first meeting in July (Charter Article III, Section 8); anc! the Mayor will be elected first. Mnyor Sher appointed Council Members Anne Witherspoon and Scott Carey to serve as Ballot Clerks. Results of First Ballot: Beahrs 1 Berwald 1 Carey 1 Clay 1 Norton 3 Sher 1 Results of Second Ballot: Beahrs 1 Berwald 2 Clay 1 Norton 3 Sher 1 Results of Third Ballot: Beahrs 1 Berwald 1 Clay 1 Norton 5 Mayor Sher declared that Councilman Norton was the new Mayor. Mayor Sher felt curtain that Councilman Norton would find his new position a challenging and rewarding one, and that ha would enjoy the year. Mayor Sher thought the most rewarding part of the job vas the opportunity the Mayor had to work with the city staff and all the employees of the city. Couacilmeabers came to know Ann Tanner the best be^.aause the City Clerk has the closest connection with Council; and Palo Alto was iortunete to have the best City Clerk in the state, and possibly in the nation. Tba Mayor is also fortunate +.n being able to work with the other three Council -appointed Officers. the City Manager, the City Attorney. and the City Controller. Messrs. Sipe', booth, and Mitchellvere first-rate people doing a first-rate job; and Mayor Sher appreciated the help they had given him throughout the year. Mayor Sher enjoyed the opportunity of getting to know department heads and those who worked in the various departments, and it had been his pleasure to work with them on such projects as the Refuse Disposal Area sod the Yacht limbos. Be vishad the new Moor "good luck" and offered his help is the coming years 8 7/7/75 Mayor Norton appreciated the support of his colleagues and their show of confidence in him. He said he felt gratified and humble about the opportunity of serving Palo Alto as its Mayor for a year. Mayor Norton wanted to personally affirm the resolutions of appreciation to outgoing Councilmembers Henderson, Pearson and Rosenbaum. He had served with them is varying ways and over varying periods of time, and he had a great deal of personal respect for each of them. Mayor Norton's'upinion was th€t they had all made impressive contributions to the city. He welcomed Councilwoman Witherspoon and Councilmen Carey and Eyerly to Council and congratulated Councilman Clay for winning his four-year term. Mayor Norton looked forward to working with the new Council. There was a challenge ahead, and he hoped Council would be able to meet it effectively. Mayor Norton thanked his colleagues for giving him this opportunity to serve the city. Mayor Norton stated that the balloting for Vice Mayor would begin. Results of First Ballot: Beahrs 2 Berwald 2 Clay 3 Witherspoon 1 Results of Second Ballot: Beahrs 2 Berwald 2 Clay 3 Witherspoon 1 Results of Third Ballot: s3eahrs 3 Berwald 2 Clay 3 Results of Fourth Ballot: Beahrs 3 Berwald 1 Clay 4 Results of Fifth Ballot: Beahrs 3 Berwald 1 Clay 4 Results of Sixth Ballot: Beahrs 2 Berwald 1 Clay 5 Mayor Morton declared that Councilman Clay had been elected the pew Vice Mayor of Palo Alto. Mayor Morton congratulated Councilman Clay upon his election to the office of Vice Mayor. Also, he wished to acknowledge the service of two of his own predecessors - Byron Sher end T.irke Comstock. It vas Maier Merton's hope that be mould be able to emulate their petrforaanea ins the efficient conduct of city business; and be congratulated both of them for their long, bard, serious devotion to public service. 9 7/7/75 j�1 c Hear ng California Avenue District ff-Atreet Parkin: Floec o. �4 , .8:5) Mayor Norton stated that because items 11 and 12 on the agenda involve the same property, the City Attorney had advised that the Public Hearing on both could be held simultaneously. MOTION: Mayor Norton moved, seconded by Sher, that item 12 on the agenda be considered with item 11. The motion- passed on a unanimous vote. Mayor Norton stated that this was the time and place set for a public hearing on Changes in Modifications California Avenue Off -Street Parking Project No. 60-8 and Vacation of a portion of Peral Lane, and he declared the public hearing open. Mayor Sher asked that the record show that the City Clerk has on file affidavits of publication of the Resolutions of Intention and in the case of abandonment of a portion of Peral Lane, a certificate of posting. He asked Miss Tanner, the City Clerk, if there were any written protests. Miss Tanner responded that there were none. Thera being nn one in the audience who wished to be beard on this matter, Mayor Norton declared the public hearing closed. He then stated that staff had requested that action on these two items be continued until the next Council meeting, per -ding execution of an agreement for sale of the parking district. land. MOTION: Councilman Carey moved, seconded by Berwald, that these two items be continued to the meeting of July 14, 1975. The motion to continue passed on a unanimous vote. Ordinance re Fees for Refuse Disposal_(CMR:371:5) Vice Mayor Clay took this opportunity to thank his colleagues for selecting hiu* to serve as Vice Mayor for the coming year. He said he had served as Councilman over the past two years with great personal satisfaction and had learned a lot frog those who had spent more tine on Council than he. Vice Mayor Clay accepted his new position with humility, and he said he expected to serve all the people of Palo Alto in the fabhion that he best knew how. Regarding this item on the agenda, Vice Mayor Clay recalled that he voted against the ordinance on first reading. He thought it was a bit premature to enact such an ordinance; and if Council wanted people to use the refuse disposal area intelligently, it might try other iuceutives that would be more positive than establishing a fee for uae of the dump. Vice Mayor Clay pointd out that it had been a long tradition for residents of Palo Alto to use the dump at no cost, and he would like to see that continued. He stated he would agDin vote against the ordinance. MOTION: Councilman Baehr* introduced the following ordinance and novel; seconded by Sher, its adoption: ORDINANCE NO. 2862 entitled "ORDINANCE OF TEE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING SECTION 5.20.230 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD FEES AND TO ALLOW FOR ADJUSTMENT AMONG TH$ EXISTING FEES IN CERTAIN REFUSE DISPOSAL AREA CLASSIFICATIONS AND TO ALLOW FREE REFUSE DISPOSAL IN MSS SAME CLASSIFICATIONS WIDER CBRTAIJ CIRCUMSTANCES" 1 0 7/7/75 Councilman Beahrs realized it was somewhat offensive to have to pay money to use the dump, but he thought it was important for the community to realize that the space available for solid waste disposal was in a state`of diminishing supply. The charging of a fee would register this fact to the public; and if there is not to be a tax rate increase in the city, Councilman Beahrs thought provision should be made for alternatives to current processes, and this charge of a fee would raise funds to make appropriate studies for future solid waste disposal. Councilman Sher took a moment to welcome Councilmembers Carey, Eyerly, and Witherspoon to Council; and he said he looked forward to working with them. Concerning the matter under discussion, Councilman Sher urged hisrcolleaagues to vote in favor of the ordinance. He noted that the ordinance changes the fee schedule for large scale users of the dump and non-residents, as well as for residents. Secondly, the charges would be below those of most refuse disposal areas. Finally, Councilman Sher commented that this was part of the revenue package that was considered and adopted when the expenditure part of the budget was adopted; end if these fees were not adopted, Council would have to delete corresponding expenditures. The ordinance was adopted on the following vote: AYES: Beahrs, Berwald, Carey, Eyerly, Norton, Sher, Witherspoon NOES: Clay ordinance Satt.ir Various Fees Before discussing the fees to be set by the ordinance, Councilman berwald congratulated Mayor Norton on his election as Mayor. He thanked Councilman Sher for his service as Mayor and said he looked forward to the next year under Mayor Norton's leadership. Councilman Berwald explained that he asked that this item be removed from the Consent Calendar because he opposed section (1), section (2), and parts of section (3) of the ordinance. There were many ways that money+ was extracted from the pockets of the unsuspecting public; one of these was fro taxes, and another gas from fees and licenses. In the absence of a good reason for increasing the fees other than more stoney was needed, Councilman Berwald was philosophically opposed to h€g#uar fees. \the present foe for a soliciting license was $100 per year, and this ordinance would make that fez $300 per year. The quarterly fee would go up from $50 to $90, end the daily fee would'"go from $5 to $li. Councilman Berwald was not aware of any problems with solicitors or peddlers that would be solved by increasing the licensing charges; in feet, the higher fees would further diminish the opportunities of many people wl.o had good legitimate products and services from participating in their chosen businesses. With regard to section (2) of the ordinance, Councilman Berwald was not aware of any problems with auctioneers; and yet, the auctioneer fee was being increased from $10 per day to $10O per day, and from $400 per year to $500 per year. In Councilman lerwald's opinion, that was unjustified. Section (3) dealt with the fess charged to taxi- cabs; and the new ordinance would require that each taxicab, after the first one that was licensed, be licensed at a $10 charge. Councilman Berwald commented that the taxicabs were providing additional services to help improve transportation services in the county, and he felt a doubling of the licensing fee for taxicabs tae unwarranted at a time when people operating taxicabs w re hawing problems staking ends meet. 11 7/7/75 MOTION: Councilman Berwald introduced the following inance and moved, seconded by Sher, its adoption: ORDINANCE NO. 2863 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE PALO MUNICIPAL CODE SETTING VARIOUS FEES" AMENDMENT: Councilman Berwald moved that the section of the ordinance providing for the increase in fees for auctioneers be deleted: The amendment failed for lack of a second. AMENDMENT: Councilman Berwald moved that the section of the ordinance providing for the increase in fees for taxicabs be deleted. The smendment failed for lack of a second. AMENDMENT: Councilman Berwald moved that the section of the ordinance providing for the increase in fees for solicitors be deleted. The amendment failed for lack of a second. Councilman Eyerly asked how long it had been since such fees had been raised. Clay Brown, Director of Budget and Staff Services, responded that the fees had not been raised in the past two years; and some of the fees had not been increased for five or six years. Councilman Eyerly's opinion was that in view of the inflation, the fees should go up; and he would support the ordinance. The ordinance was adopted on the following vote: AYES: Beahrs, :arey, Clay, Eyerley, Norton, Sher, Witherspoon NOES: Berwald all,44a11114"1"ell" truction tract (CMR:349:5) AMMWMEMO MOTION: Councilman Sher moved, seconded by Witherspoon, that Council find that the project has no negative environmental impact and that the Mayor be authorized to sign the construction contract with King Enterprisea in the amount of $41,589. The notion passed on a unanimous vote. al enter roveerent Phase III - 3: 5) MOTION: Mayor Norton moved, seconded by Beahrs, that Council find this project has no negative environmental impact and that the Mayor be authorized to sign the construction contract vitb Hodgson Construction in the amount of $21,130. The motion passed on a unanimous vote. 12 7/7/75 j'' Proposed Raisilts of Levees at Palo Alto Flood Boa► n :381:5) MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Clay, that the Mayor write to the Army Corps of Engineers requesting that action not he taken on the permit application of the Santa Clara Valley Water District until the Citizens Advisory Committee, the Planning Commisaion, the Architectural Review Board, and the City Council have had an opportunity to review the Environmental Impact Report, and the preliminary plans, such letter to be received by the Corps of Engineers before July 13, 1975. Councilman Beahrs feared that this sction would delay the project, and he was concerned about the consequences if there should be a one hundred year flood this coming winter. Bernard Pawloski, Director of Public Works, responded that the project was scheduled for construction next spring. Councilman Beahrs asked for assurance that the schedule would still be met in opite of this proposed action. Mr. Pawloski stated that this action would not delay the project. The motion passed on a unanimous vote. Re•ort of it Attorne and r nance re e cca n eon a e st a u Robert Booth, City Attorney, stated that this project being carried out by the County of San Mateo would result in a replacement of a wood -stave sewer with modern equipment. There would be an improvement in the water quality as a consequence of this change, and there would be fewer unpleasant leaks in the Palo Alto Baylands. The sewer would not be as visible to the public as it had been since there would be less surface structures. MOTION: Councilman Berwald introduced the following ordinance and moved, seconded by Clay, its approval for first reeding: ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO APPROVING AND ADOPTING A PLAN FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF BYYBEE PARR AND THE CITY -OWNED BAYIANDS JOHN FLETCHER BYEBEE RECREATION AREA) AND APPROVING AN EASE TO RELOCATE A SANITARY SEWER EASEMENT OF THE EAST PALO ALTO SANITARY DISTRICT The ordinanr..e was approved for first reading on a unanimous vote. tin sittsa tTist t :e ub set • NOTION: Councilman Sm.1 rs coved, seconded by Sher, that this subject be tabled. 13 7/7/75 The tabling motion passed on the following vote: AYES: Beahra, Carey, Clay, Eyerly, Norton, Sher, Witherspoon 1 NOES: Berwald Re u s of Councilman Berwald that Staff be Directed to Pre are a Re ort rem■.► ee ouse n t a ve_ Councilman Berwald said he would not pursue this matter at present. He was somewhat piqued at the motion to table the last subject since tabling motions were not customarily used to deny a debate on a matter that is of interest to the people of Palo Alto which, in this case, is the expenses of city employees. Councilman Berwald explained that he asked for a report on the Coffee House Initiative for several weeks, and.the matter was continued. He had hoped to see a very simple report on the cost of operation, usage of the facility, noise problems,`behavioral problems, and problems with the police. Councilman Berwald said he would not move any action on this item. Councilman Sher remarked that be seconded the cabling motion_ on the previous mstter because no one responded to Mayor Norton when he asked for comments. If someone wanted to pursue this item frxn the Finance and Public Works Committee, Councilman Sher would support any motion to lift the subject from the table. Councilman Berwald stated that he would bring up the matter at another time. Councilman Beahre asked if, in light of the strike, the Coffee House were open. George Sipel, City Manager, said there were no pickets the last time he was at that facility; and he would find out definitely if the building were open. Councilman Berwald withdrew this items from the agenda. Councilman Bsahrs felt it would be appropriate for staff to make a final report on this subject for Council. Mr. Sips commented that Council would receive such a report as c matter of course. Councilman Berwald withdrew this item from the agenda, 2rs2 Communications 1. Frank Fiala, President of the Palo Alto International Association of Firefighters. spoke in support of those in the SERI representation unit. Re hoped to sae the strike ended as soon as possible. For one thins. there was besisning to be an effect on 1 4 7!7!75 employees not directly involved in the strike. Mr. Fiala asked that Council give directions that negotiations proceed. 2. Mayor Norton thought this an appropriate time to announce the following policy statement which was arrived at during the Executive Session: "The City Council has met in Executive Session and reviewed the status of the SEIU strike situation including the policy direction given to the City Manager by the previous Council. No new economic authoriza- tion has been given to the City Manager. The City Manager and his designated negotiating team represent the City Council in all employee relations matters, and contacts with regard to resumption of negotiations should be made through the City Manager or his chief negotiator." 3. John Wofford, 845 Tamarack Street, an employee of the city for fifteen Years, stated that those employees on strike did not wish to destroy the city; but they did have some legitimate demands. Mr. Wofford did not feel the employees should ever feel threatened by a lay-off; and he pointed out that one of the reasons the city provided good services was because it had good employees. He asked Council to look at new approaches in order to solve the present problems. 4. Jean Slocum, 1990 Cowper Street, requested that private school studenta who lived in Palo Alto or went to school in Palo Alto be permitted member- ship and participation in the Youth Advisor Council. Mrs. Slocum reported that her daughter had sent a letter to the city some time ago asking that such action he taken. Vice Mayor Clay stated that this matter was still with the Youth Advisory. Commission with uo action having been taken. Councilman Berwald said he would like to see a copy of the letter, and Mr. Sipel responded that copies would be made available for Councilaembere. 5. John D. Snow, 105 Lowell Avenue, reiterated his plea to Council that the Veterans' Building receive necessary painting, roof repair, etc. With regard to the strike, Mr. Snow suggested that the city give its employees a 72 increase, havethen come back to work, and then go on with negotiations. 6. Frank Manfredi, 219 Addison Avenue, spoke in support of the city strikers and said they needed a cost -of --living increase just as such au everyone else. Mr. Manfredi stated. that in the present situation, there should be give and take; and Council should make certain that there would be an adequate bargaining session. 7. Robert Moss, 4010 Orme Street, said he repre- sented the resident and the taxpayer who were in the middle as far as the strike vas concerned. He commented that his own taxes went up 16.62 in one year; and although Mr. Mons felt the city 15 7/7/75 employees needed fair salaries, he did not like to think that the increases would come out of taxes. He thought it was necessary that employees be laid off in difficult times, and New York City was bankrupt partially because the city is prohibited from laying off any workers. Mr. Moss asked Council to urge a resumption of nego- tiations. 8. Harrison Otis, 909 North California Avenue, commented that there were many dedicated employees in the city. However, the residents did not like to see the city deteriorating in various ways as a result of the strike; and Mr. Otis volunteered to work in any capacity until the strike was over. i 1 9. Gerry McQueen, 275 Ventura Avenue, announced that due to observations made during the last municipal election, an organization was being formed to break the political bloc that now existed in Palo Alto, to insure full repre- sentation for all citizens of Palo Alto, to assist independent candidates in their efforts to achieve a fair and equitable opportunity to win an election, and to be a watchdog for the City of Palo Alto and other cities against those who would use the staff of their cities and the members of their community service organizations to serve their own ends. Ma. McQueen stated that anyone interested in this organization should contact her or David Jeong. 10. Philip Lexey, 459 Homer Avenue, said that the cost -of -living increase according to the federal government was 13.72. City strikers were being offered a 6.52 increase by the city when a fair increase, considering all factors, would be approximately 142. Mr. Lexey asked Council to do what it could to solve the strike and heal the wounds as quickly as possible. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVE: 1 City Clerk Mayor 16 7/7/75 .