HomeMy WebLinkAbout10061975CITY
COUNCIL
MINUT€t
Regular Aeetipg
October 6, 1975
ITEM
Minutes of August 25, 1975 and September 15, 1975
Orel Communications
Consent Calendar
Ordinance re Improvement of Esther Clerk Park
Resolution re Barron Park Annexation Election
Vehicle Maintenance Reporting System
Contract for Security Service
625 El Camino Real (Holtlay Inn) - Application of Pacific Hotel
Development Venture to Amend the P -r Developient Plan - Planning
Commission Recommends Denial
CITY
PALO
ALTO
PACE
249
249
2.5 0
2 50
250
250
2 5 1
2 5 1
Retirement of John De Vera 2 5 9
Retirement of Roy Willett
t
Request of Vice tieyor iay re Traffic Barriers on Park Boulevard
and East Meadow 2 5 9
Report of City/School Liaison Committee Members (Councilsembers
Comstock and Witherspoon) 2 6 0
706 Cooper Street, Ordinance re Chaeging Zoning from R.4 To P -C 2 6 3
Ordinance re Licensing of Bicycles 2 6 3
Community Space - aid Police/Fire Buildings City Commitment To
Our Health Center and Re:source Center For Women; Request of Council-
man Eyerly re Staff Study on City Spending on Social Programs; Our
Health Center: Request For City Funding 2 6 5
Request of Councilman Bysrly re Staff Report on Real Estate Hold-
ings to Which the City of Palo Alto has Titles To Show Purchase
Price, Current Monetary Return and Any Contemplated Use
Request of Councilmen Ryerly re Length of Service of Committee and
Commission Meeker&. - 2 7 6
Policy and Procedures Committee Recooseerda To Council That Staff
be Directed to Prepare a Procedure For Sale of the Old Polies/Flu
building Witte a Facade Easement 2 7 6
San Antonio Road Overpass: Possible Transfer of Lands 2 7 8
San Mateo/Santa Clara County easy Study. 2 7 8
247
10/6/75
O
ITEMS (continued) PAGE
Request of Councilwoman Witherspoon re Condition and Maintenance
of City Streets 2 7 9
Adjournment to Executive Session 2 7 9
Robert R w1a nd Appointed to Palo Alto Community Child Care Board 2 7 9
Adjournment of Meeting in Memory of George Sidney Drysdale, Helen
H. Flack, and John Odom 2 8 0
October 7, 1975
Special Executive Session 2 8.1
October 6, 1975.
The City Council of the City of Pala Alto mat on this date at 7:40 p.m.
in a regular meeting with Mayor Norton presiding.
Present: gsahre, Berwatd, Carey, Clay, Comstock,
Eyerly, Norton, Sher, Witherspoon
�T$� 0Y AhJCUS`i 25. 1975
Councilman Sher referred to page 164 of the minutes and requested
that the verde "Palo Alto" to the fifth and sixth lines from the
bottom of the first paragraph be changed to "the County Tax Aseeeaso_".
He added that in the motion just following that paragraph the wording
after "support" should be: "for the Board of Supervisor's request
that the County Tax Asaesser review the method of assessment of
cemmeecisl and industrial property".
Vice Mayor Clay noted that in the eixth and eighth limes from the
bottom of page 143, the word "action" is tuned. He asked that the
vord be corrected to "energy".
1O`ION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by SerwaId, that the
minetee of August 25, 1975 be approved as corrected.
Ths motion passed on a unanimous vote.
OP SEPTEMBER 15 1975
Councilman Sher asked that the reference to "Mayor Sher" on the
sixth sine from the cop of page 181 be corrected to "Councilman
Sher". Pax r, Councilman Sher pointed out that the vote was not
recorded for the spplicatioo of James R. Daleisl for a division
of laud at 416 Coleridge Avenue. Councilmambers agreed that the
following line should be inserted after the motion on this subject
on page 182: "The motion passed we a unanineus-vote".
MOTION: Councilman. Witherspoon moved, seconded by Comstock, that
the minutes of September 15, 1975 be approved as corrected.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
1. Denny Peetrosisa, 443 Ventura Avenue, requested that
when en item was on the agenda which would probably
stimulate the interest of many members of the public,
that that item be scheduled fairly early in the evening.
The particular it Ha. Petrosien bad in mind was
the traffic barriers on Park Boulevard and East Meadow,
which appeared last on this agenda.
249
2. Frank Manfredi, 219 Addison Avenue, asked Councilmembere
to make an effort to start the Council meetings on
time. Mr. Manfredi stated hie strong support of Council's
willingness to appeal the decision handed down by
dude Schnacks with regard to the foothills litigation.
He added that anyone on Council with real estate interests
should not participate in discussions which concerned
land use. In concluding hie remarks, Mr. Manfredi
referred to a comment made by Mt. Moynihan of the
United Nations Committee to the effect that democracy
was dead. In Mr. Manfredi's opinion, democracy had
never been born because the ruling class continually
tries to get more out of the system than the systea
can bear.
3. Mary Beth Washington remarked that she had appeared
before Council my times sines last Auguat regarding
the possibility of continuing her work with children
at 936 Middlefield Road. She coasaented on some of
the difficulties she had encountered because her belongings
had been put into storage by the city. It vas Mrs.
Washington's desire to have a community arts center
tor children at 936 Middlefield Road, She concluded
by saying that she dreosed in African attire at ail
times as a reminder to everyone that people of the
Pan-African race had many problems.
Mayor Norton asked if Councilmembers were ready to vote on the Consent
Calendar.
Councilman barwald said he would like Items (1) end (2) to be removed
from the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Norton stated that Item (1) regarding an ordinance to change
the zoning of property at 706 Cowper Street world become 10-A on
the regular agenda. Itee (2) coneetniug an ordinance with regard
to the licsnaing of bicycles would become 10-B.
The following items were left for voting ose the Consent Calendar:
:474:5)
ORDINANCE NO. 2878 entitled "ONDINAIC8 07 THE CITY
OF PALO ALTO APPR0VLNG AND ADOPTING A. PLAN FOR T1 Z
IMPROVEMENT OF ESTHER CU&I PARK"
RESOLUTION NO. 5155 entitled "RESOLUTION O8 THE
AIL 0P THS CITY OF PALO ALTO MAKING ELECTION
.orriams, DESIGNATING PRECINCTS AMD CENTRAL comma
FLA= FOR THE SPECIAL BARRON PAIL ANNEXATION
ELECTIONTO BB HELD NOVEMBER 4, 1975"
(CMR: 4Q5 : 5)
Staff recommends that Council approve the contract with item,
Inc. end that the Meyer ba aothoiiae4 to sign the contract.
2 5 0
10/6/75
CONTRACT FOR SECURYTY SEkiVICE (CMR:484:5)
Staff recommends that Council approve the contract with Globe Protection,
Inc. and that the Mayor be authorized to sign the contract.
The four items which remained on the Consent Calendar were adopted/approved
on a unanimous vote.
625 miINO REAL ROLZDAY INN
EIMPEPFTEOTETSIMIRINT xu€
•
:489:5)
Mayor Norton stated that he objected to the use of the tasteless
Holiday In logo on signs. While he understood the desire of Mr.
Chen to use the Holiday Inn logo to identify with the national franchles, he
did not think it crucial, or even seriously important for the success
of the Holiday Inn In Palo Alto, Mayor Norton recalled that when constructions
of a Holiday inn at this site was presented to the Council, and to
the Palo Alto community at a referendum, it was underscored that
this would be a uniquely Palo Alto project, designed not along national
Holiday Inn lines, but specially to enhance the architectural and
aesthetic traditions of the Palo Alto/Stanford area. For the most
part, Mayor Norton thought Mr. Chen had kept his promise. The handsome,
low -standing r Roman -lettered wooden sign should be retained in the
saw location, and any other signs should be made in the same lettering
style. It seemed to Mayor Norton that another such sign could tastefully
appear on the face of the entry canopy; but beyond that, he would
defer to the Planning Commiesiion and the Architectural Review Board.
MOT/ON: Mayor Norton moved, seconded by Eeahrs, that Council indicate
approval in concept of the proposed banquet rooms, tennis courts,
dining room addition, canvas &wiling, fence and gate, the greenhouse
near the coffee shop, the garden tool shed, and the parking space
rearrangement. Further, that the whole utter be referred back to
staff for an update of the Environmental Impact Asselamsnt and for
review by the Architectural Review Board and the Planning Commission.
Councilman Comstock commented there was something that he would lime
Mayor Norton to ,add to his motion. Hs, as well as she Planning CoeesieitieSn`
had difficulty accepting the kind of performance that wan carried
out under the existing P -C. A groat decal of testimony bad beton given
to the Planning Commission about this issue, and there wee even an
erditoriel about it in the local newspaper. A lot of lettere and
repo€te had been recer.ved from the ?limning Commission end staff
about the difficulty the Zoning and tnepectiona Departments had concerning
the compliance with the original development plan. Councilman Comstock
felt it was important that Couucil, the Planning Commission, and
staff receive some eseaurence that conformance with any but
to the Planned Community Zoning be more prompt and responsive than
had been the case up until now. Re said he would like Mayor Morten
to add to his motion the stipulation that prior to consideration
of the change' outlined in the motiac by either the Ally or the Planning
Commiasion, that the pertinent body receive it report from tha Zoning
Inspeostion Department confirming that the discrepancies which occurred
in the original development program have bed "resolved satisfactorily.
When that report le received, consideration of . the changes could
go forward.
251
10/6/75
Mayor Norton asked staff if there were any outr,tanding violations
of the originally approved plan.
Naphtali Knox, Director of Planning and Community Environment, reported
that he had a note from Lloyd Smith of the Inspectional Services
Department; and it appeared that, in general, many of the items had
been taken care of. There is still a problem as to whither the concrete
ramp is appropriate for use by the handicapped. Staff understood
that the matter of concrets'curbing around some of the planting islands
had been taken care of. One of the islands his been shortened to
allow automobiles to turn around a particular coreer; and although
the shortening of the island is not in conformance with the plan,
Mr. Smith felt it was acceptable because it facilitated traffic flow,
Mr. Knox said that Mr. Smith's report indicated that there were two
plantar islands under the trellis in the south parking lot that have
been cemented in, thus forming a walkway from the parking lot. This
also is not in conformance with the plan, but Mr. Smith thought the
lose of those planter islands was not a great one because the public
had been trampling the plantings. The cement walkway serves as a
funned, for bringing people through the area from the parking lot,
and that may save other planting islands from being trampled. According
to Mr. Smith's repot, the driveway entrance to the Holiday Inn from
University Circle is not shown on the approved plan. Mr. Knox said
there was a large oak tree in the center of the driveway. On one
side there is new paving on the driveway; but on the other side,
the driveway is deteriorating and needs repaving. Mr. Knox commented
that from Mr. Lloyd's report, there was no clear cut' answer as to
whether these items are or art not acceptable until these matters
are reviewed by the Architectural Review Soard and the Planning Commission.
If ?r. Chen and the holiday Inn were to be held to the letter of
the current approval, these items might have to be changed only to
then be modified back to what are the present conditions.
Mayor Norton thought'it would have been well if staff had pointed
out these details before this meeting.
Stan Nosicki, Building Inspector, commented that the landscaping
has not been completed as originally approved iu the landscaping
plan. Mr. Chen is now proposing a revised landscape plan for review
and approval. The treatment of the wood ',creeps has been completed
as required, but the requirements for the handicapped remain to be
completed. Mr. Novicki slid the question of the use of the banquet
rooms .end the square footage, which was a condition imposed by the
Use Permit, is what Mr. Chan is asking to have resolved with the
new application.
Mayor Marton' o undsratanding of Centel/tan CoesEock' ee remarks
that none of the matters mentioned in the motion could be considered
until all of the other matters had been corrected; and based on what
he bed just heard, he thought *see of those were now acceptable,
What Mayor Norton xa6 saying weethat they should have been submitted
to Council before this meeting, and he did not think staff had called
these matters to the attaantiou of we Chan in time for bit to address
them one way or the other.
George Sipel, City Manager, stated these mare administrative matters
on which staff had been working with It. Chen for a couple of years.
He did not know that Council needed to get involved with them except
to know that they still exist. ff Council wished to charge the P-
C to allow fir. Chen to get out from under some of the conditions,
that Mould be five with staff. The problems had bee identified
for Council on at least two occasions, and Mr. Sipes failed to see
where staff had not kept Council informed.
252
10/6/75
Councilman Comstock said that perhaps some of the proposed changes
are ones that ..ould relieve the developer of the obligation of conforming
to the original plan because there are, indeed, changes. His concern
was over the long, sad history of trying to get the applicant to
conform. If a lot of changes were made, that would offer Mr. Chen
new opportunities to engage the staff in the same problems of solving
issues. Personally, Councilman Comstock had a credibility problem
with this whole oituation, He could not believe that these changes,
no matter bow meritorious they are, would do other than expand the
possibility of a lot of staff time being spent in convincing the
applicant to actually go forward with the changes. The developer
has changed his mind about some aspects, and Councilman Comstock
certainly did not want to put the staff or the developer in the situation
of having to do something that would then have to be undone. He
vas simply trying to get some sort of assurance that staff would
not have to spend many hours getting then developer to do something
he hied originally agreed to do, Councilman Comstock had no desire
to be inflexible, but he did want to see staff relieved of having
to ccntineally pursue matters that were Outlined in the original
plan or in a modified plan. It was Councilman Comstock's thought
that some wording would be appropriat,a to the effect that all unresolved
iesuee from the original P -C which would not be affected by the proposed
changes would have to be cleared up before consideration of the new
application and before hearings by the ARB and the Planning Commission
are initiated,
;Mayor Norton thought there were acme unclear points- For example,
with regard to the ramp for the handicapped, the propoeel wee to
allow tht ramp to remain as built. The applicant's response to that
was "request withdrawn", and Mayor Norton understocd that to mean
that the developer would correct that particular situation.
)4.r. N'wicki responded that,intarpretation was correct, and the ramp
would be corrected. The plan had been submitted to Mr. Nowicki's
office a few months ego ecnich entailed the completion of the night
club area with an extension of the walkway into the landscaped area;
and at that time, a redesigned ramp for the handicapped was included
in the plan which would be in compliance. Mr. Novicki at that time
refused a building permit because the plan was not in compliance
with the current Use Permit.
Mayor Norte► asked if there were any mieundsrstending between Ms.
l$vwicki and the spplicaat on that particular point.
Mr. Novicki replied that he did not believe so.
Mayor Norton stated that he did not vent to nitpick this matter.
He added that if anything were left unresolved vhmu tills subject
cam beck to Council., he would be very unhappy about it.
Cousci.lma !'weld's understanding was that everything that bed
not been done vas now underway, and staff appeared eo be fairly
happy. He asked if that were a correct etetement.
Mr. Novicki responded that he thought so. He added that the plans
Mr, Chen presently was working with involved a revised landscape
plan, and staff Sad been asking that the landscaping be done as
originally approved or that a new plan be 'submitted for Council's
review and approve,: Mr. Chen was asking for Council's approval of
those conditions which were net iu compliance with the original
Usa Permit.
253
10/6/75
Councilman Berwald noted that the original permit covered a drug
and sund.iee store of 400 square feet, and he asked if the present
proposal for such a facility were consistent with the a iginal plan.
Mr. Novicki explained that the plan Kr. Chen presently wanted to
use was not the sane as the original one. The building would now
have a new night club in it, and that area originally had been designated
for shops.
Councilman Berwald explained that what he was really saying was that
the original plan allows for 400 feet fora convenience stone:,
Mr. Novicki aeid that was correct,
Councilman Bervald did not believe this item had been included in
Mayor Norton's motion. He understood the developer could create
this convenience store within the building configuration, but he
could not conetruct a new building for that purpose.
Mx. Novicki agreed that was correct.
Mayor Norton remarked that there were two proposals about which
he vas not entirely clear. He asked if the proposal for the banquet
room were separate from the dining room addition.
Councilmen Berwald understood the banquet room was going to be in
the basement where the old restaurant had been.
Mr. Novicki elucidated that the basement was about 4,000 square
feet in area, and Mr. Chen was limited in the eriginaal Use Permit
to a total of 2,400 square feet for assembly or meeting rooms.
The 4,000 square feet in the basement would actually be used as
an aeseebly room.
Councilmau Berwald commented the same area would be used but another
1,500 square feet ras being added for new use of existing space.
Mr. Nowicki thought that when the entire plan was reviewed, there
would be more than 43000 square feet for aasenbly rooms in the entire
operation; and he believed that Mr. Chen was asking for the real
of this particular restriction which vas in the original Use Permit
so that he could have more meeting rooms. _
Mayor Norton pointed out that this aspect of tbs request had been
Included in his motion.
Councilmen Berwald said he would like to hear from the Planning
DeparLwe at, the Planning Coaselesion, and staff on the drug store.
Also he vented to hear what staff might recommend if Hz. Chen were
to agree to putting in a grass tennis court rather than an asphalt
one. Councilman Berwald had read in the newspaper about a discothsque*
and he asked for comments on that from staff, airs. Steinberg, and
Mr. Chen as the subject might relate to the original contract.
Mayor Morton commented that the intention of his notion vas to avoid
detailed discussion of these matters.
Councilman Berwald eskaed if the motion would permit the Planning,
Commission and the Architectural Review Board to discuss the matter
of the grass teams court.
254
10/6/75
Mayor Norton responded that this would probably be the case, but
Councilman Berwald was welcome to make an amendment.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Berwa1d moved, seconded by Norton, that the
Planning Commission snd the Architectural Review Board discuss with
Mr. Chen the possibility of having a lawn tennis court rather than
an asphalt one,
Arne Steinberg, Chairwoman of the Planning Commission, remarked
that her assumption was chat the Planning Commission would deal
just with the application which Council had before it et this meeting.
That application does not include a discotheque or a drug store,
and Mr. Chen has vithd:awn the request for a dining room.
Councilman Carey was not sure he agreed with Mrs. Steinberg. understanding.
If the application is not complete, that meant the subject would
be continually coming back to Council. The entire matter should
be taken care of with one application. If this is the application,
then action could be taken. If there were SOWS codifications Mt.
Chen wished to make, he should nake them. It seemed to Councilman
Carey that if Mayor Norton's motion vete passed, that would give
the sense that what is being proposed should go back to the ARB
and the Planning Commission for aappropriete review. Councilman
Carey said he did not want to talk about each item at this meetings
snd he did not want the matter to come back to Council in a piecemeal
msnnsr.
Councilmen Sher thought M. Chen`s letter of September 30th was
the proper place to start, and that .letter wag the response to the
request that Mr. Chen tell Council exectly ghat he wanted; therefore,
Council should not go beyond what Mr, Chen was requesting at this
point. That letter does not include, •s M. Steinberg pointed
out, the addition to the dining room, the drug store, or a discotheque.
Councilman Sher thought the simple way to dispose of this dicer
was to refer the September 30th communication, as the application,
to the Alit and tha Planning Commission for apprcpria to review and
recommendation back to Council. If there were any Items in the
letter that Council, knew it did not like and did not want the
two bodies to look at, it would be useful to intake that clear now.
Mayor Norton had already indicated his feelings about the signs,
and Couecilman Sher agreed with him completely. The attachment
to the letter regarding proposed signet indicated that there would
be a row of signs all along the El Canino frontage, starting with
the Holiday Ian logo at the entrance, a sign for the discothsrus,
one for the Greenhouse Coffee Shop, one for the canopy, and yet
another for the restaurant. It wee pamper for Council to let everyone
know that it did not agree° with this kind of proposal, which vas
contrary to the original u rstaading about the signing that would
be proper for this facility. On the other band, Councilmen Sher
disegresd with that -part of tha motion vbich maid Council approved
"in concept" the various items. In hex communication, Mrs. Crowder
indicated that tha tennis, courts and the banquet rooms would have
significant environmental impact, and there should be au 'SIR review
of those two proposals. Therefore, it seemed to Councilmen Starr
that no approval in concept should be given until Council and the
Plan nix g Commission had the benefit of that review,
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilman Sher moved, seconded by Ccestock,
that Mr. Chen's latter of September 30th be treated as an application
for an amandmeat to the P -C Plan, and be referred to the ART and
the Planning Commission for review, with the nderst.anding that
Council would not consider any major changes in the signing.
2S5
10/6/73
Councilman Sher explained that by referring the matter, Council
was saying it would be willing to entertain the items in the letter;
but it first wanted input from its advisory bodies.
Councilman Btahrs thought the two motions were substantially equivalent.
6e said he sometimes wondered if Mr. Chen, who hed been invited
by the city to make an offer, had not been oubjected to harassment;
and Councilman Healers felt the term "nitpicking" was quite appropriate.
He reecailled that Mr. Chan had been somewhat critical of the requirement
that he maintain a very narrow separation of his parking areas as
landscaping, where thoughtless people would trample it and make
it impossible to maintain. Ideas do aot always work out as they
*re envisioned, and Councilman Beahrs felt this was a good example;
and further, he thought Mr. Chen had bean harassed unduly. Referring
to the economic report prepared by the staff, Councilman B+eshrs
commented that the city is much better off because of this particular
disposition; of the laud; and it seemed that those people who lout in
the eiction were those who were most unhappy with some of thecae incidental
itaina. As long ae various matters concerning the Holiday Inn were being
brought up, Councilman Beabre suggested that staff consider diagenel
parking which would result in a better traffic flow.
Because the original c;ttton included the words "approve in concept"
which would give clear direction to the Architectural Review Board
and the Planning Commission, Vice Mayor Clay said he would support
it. He commented that at the appropriate tie tee would be making
an amendment to the motion to the effect that Commission, Vice Mayor
Clay said he would support it. He commented that at the appropriate
time he would be making an amendment to the motion to the effect
that the Architectural Review Board be requested to give eon consideration
to directional signing to improve the safety and traffic patterns,
not necessarily to give commercial advantage to Holiday Inn, but
to provide better access to the hotel.
Councilman Comstock, responding to comments made by Councilman Buhr.,
wanted to make it clear that Mk. Chen was not specifically invited
to make a proposal. A cumber of people made proposals, for use of the
Old Corporation Yard site, and Mr. Chen happened to be selected.
Secondly, Cecunciieaan Comstock did not feel Mfr. Chen had been Mussed.
He has simply been asked to comply with the original development
plan. Getting him to do that has taken some period of time, but
Councilman Comstock did not consider that to be harassment. Personally,
he saw it as city staff doing its job.
Councilman llervald indicated his support of Mayor Ntorton's motion.
Hs eaid thet Councilman Sher bad mentioned something about as diniag
room, and his awn comments earlier had been about a banquet area.
Councilmar Sher interjected that he Understood it to be in Mayor
Norton's emotion that Council approve in concept the dining room,
and the applicant has withdrawn his application for a dining room.
Mayor Sher asked Mr. Chem if he wanted a dining room in addition
to the banquet room.
Mt. Chen responded negatively.
Mfsyor Norton withdrew from his motions with his sop7lonfiggrla
that section which referred to the dining rem addition.
Councilman ll etro ald said he wee bothered by newspaper items referring
to discotheques, because that word could some" almost anythlinge
Me asked if under the present boning, there were any dealing in
the ostablisbe nt,
25 II
10/4/75
Mayor Norton thought that would be one of the items coming back
to Council in clearer :orm.
Councilman Eyerly asked Mayor Norton if, within the concept of his
motion, he would expect to receive an EIS on the additions.
Mayor Norton's understanding was that staff would update the earlier
'.Ili, and that would be available for the ARB and the Planning Commission
when they discuss the subject.
Mr. Knox suggested thet the words "Environmental Assessment" be
used. He quoted from Mrs. Crowd's':: May 16th statement: "An additional.
Environmental Assessment would be made with relation specifically
to the tennis courts, banquet room, and the new dining room". Mr.
Chen has withdrawn plans for the diniag room, and the Environmental
Assessment would be directed to the tennis courts and the banquet
room.
Councilman Cerey stated he would vote against the substitute motion
and for Mayor Norton's. Than Planning Commission had recommended
denial of the original application modifications, and Councilman
Carey felt the Norton motion gave direction to both the ARE and
the Planning Commission as to the general intent of Council while
leaving to those bodies the technical applications. He added that
he hoped the ARB, when it diecuased signing, would take into consideration
the remarks made by Meyer Norton.
The substitute notion failed on the following vote:
AYES; Comstock, Sher
NOES: Baaehrs, Berwald, Carey, Clay, Eyerly,
Norton, Witherspoon
Mayor Norton stated that Councilman Bsrwald's amendment was before
Council.
Spsakia'g to the amendment, Couacilmes Beaters said that a great tennis
court was absolutely impractical considering the amount of use it
would be given. In his opinion, it would be a sceedal to inflict
the cost of a grass court on the Holiday Inn.
The Served amendment failed an that following vote:
AYES: Bsrwaldi, Norton
MOBS: Seaters, Carey, Clay, Comstock, Eyerly,
Sher, Witherspoon
MAIM MOTION RESTATED: Mayor Norton moved seconded by Eeehra, that
Council indicate approval in concept the proposed banauet rooms,
tennis courts, csuvaes awning, fence and gate, the greenhouse near
the coffee shop, the garden tool *hod, and the parking space rearrangement.
Further, that the whole matter be referred back to staff for an
update of the Environmental Impact Aesaasuent and for review by
the Architectural Review Board and the Planning Commission.
The motion passed on the following vote:
AXES: S4sbre, Bervald, Carey, Clay, Eyerly,
Morton, Witherspoon
W : Comstock, Sher
2 7
10/6/75
MOTION: Vice Mayor Clay moved, seconded by Beahrs, that the Architectural
Review Board look at directional signing to improve the safety and
traffic patterns giving access to the Holiday Inn.
Councilman Sher asked if Vice Mayor Clay referred to the possibility
of putting up some signs on El Camino Real, other streets, or on
the actual premises.
Vice Mayor Clay responded that he was not referring -to signs that
might be paced on the premises.
Councilman Sher recalle=d that this subject had been discussed once
before. When staff approached the state about the possibility of
putting up signs on El Camino, they said they would not' be willing
to have that dens.
Mr. Knox commented that was his recollection also.
Vice Mayor Clay explained that he was thinking primarily about University
Avenues at the underpass.
Mayor Norton agreed that the state refused to allow signs to be
put up on El Camino, but he dial not recall hay statement from staff
to indicate that it would be unwilling to investigate the possibility
of piaciug signs on city streets.
MOTION RESTATED: Vice Mayor Clay moved, seconded by Bea!ers, that
staff be instructed to study the matters of signs with respect to
streets and highways under the jurisdiction of the City of Palo
Alto and coS back with a recommendation that would improve the
*tees* to Holiday Inn as a result of better suing.
The section passed on a unanimous vote.
Frank .Manfredi, 219 Addison Avenue, thought that Council had overstepped
its bounds. His own feeling was that once Mt. Chen got his foot
inn the door with an origihai agreement, then he cane beck with a
lot of other re goeeetn. The construction end !expansion of the Holiday
Ina Sint more peoples were coming to Palo Alto, end there was more
semg crested from increased automobile traffic. Both of t6eae were
detrimentel to the citizens of Palo Alto. Mr. Manfredi mentioned
that becau a of the Holiday Inn, Urban Dune was no longer in existence,
which bed been a great convenience to Palo Jlltaes who wanted to
so from University Avaeaue over the overpass to the lumber compeuy
and small businesses in that averse. That well -tiled i t e vas now
parking space for the Holiday Ion. The traffic situation now was
tbst if you went down University Avenueand vented to get to Heiabard
and doh and some of the other cowponies, you bed to cross four
later of traffic to do it. He felt that there would probably b*
nothing done about this hazardous situation until there was a serious
eccidmat and perhaps lose of life. )fr. Manfredi asked that f".ousacil
give some consideration to giving Palo A/tens inertia end agrase
for that shopping area.
Mr. Chem stated that some of the statements male at this aaeting
meshes have been misleading. He end some members of the city staff
had some slides to present which would clear up some of the ieaaaas.
Mayor Morton suggested that t'..**. would be more appropriately used
is the future after the proposal hed gone through the review girds.
2S$
10/6/75
itETIREMENT OF JOH DE (CMR:494:5)
Mr. Sipel reported that Mr. DeVera was retiring after having worked
for the city for twenty-four years. His most recent classification
had been that of Leaf Truck Operator, and that was of significance
in Palo Alto where there are approximately eighty thousand street
trees. Mr. DeVera had all of staff's good wishes for his retirement.
MOTION: Councilman Beahrs introduced the following resolution and
moved, seconded by Comstock, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 5153 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO EXPRESSING
APPRECIATION TO JOHN DE VERA UPON HIS RETIREMENT"
The motion passed on a unanimous vote,
Mayor Norton presented a copy of the resolution and a plaque to Xr.
DeVere and thanked him for his long service to the city.
(CMR:493:5)
Mr. Sigel reported that Mr. Willett was sot present in the audience
beceuse he had already gone to Washington in a newly purchased mobile
home. He had worked for the city for almost seventeen years and
was most recently employed ee an equipment operator at the Refuse
Ares, which was e: necessary, somewhat dsngeroue, and unsung job.
4r. Sipel said that everycne hoped Mr. Willett would enjoy his retirement
years.
,Mayor Norton edded his beat wishes to Council. and stated that the
service Hr. Willett had given to the city was Appreciated.
MOTION: Councilman Comstock introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Baehrs, that it be adopted:
RESOLUTION NO. 5154 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE
AIL OF THZ CITY OF PALO ALTO EXPRESSING
APPRECIATION TO ROY WILLETT UPON HIS RETIREMENT"
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
NOTION: Vice Mayor Clay moved, seconded by Baehr., that Item 20
on the agenda having to do with traffic barriers on Park Boulevard
and East Meadow Avenues be moved forward for consideration at this
time.
The suction to consider Item 20 out of order passed on a unanimous
vft*o_
Vice Mayor Clay reported that he had been contacted by a number of
citizens who lived west of Alma Street with regard to the traffic
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10/6/75 75
barriers on Park Boulevard and East Meadow Avenue. After having
talked with them, Vice Ma?=or Clay thought it would be well to have
this subject considered in a public hearing, regardless of the eventual
outcome. It was his feeling that the item could be referred to
the Policy and Proctduraa Committee, and that would provide an opportunity
for anyone concerned with the matter to be heard. Vice Mayor Clsy
wished to make it clear that if this subject were seat to any committee
and came back to Council, the ultimate decieion'uould be based on
the merits of the situation.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Clay moved, seconded by Eyerly,.that the matter
of th, traffic system in the Park Bouleverd/East Mssdow area ba
referred to the Policy and Procedures Committee.
Mayor Norton stated that in his opinion, this matter would be more
appropriately discussed in the Finance and Public Works Committee.
AMENDMENT: Mayor Norton awed, Seconded by Clay, that the matter
be referred to the Finance and Public Works Committee rather than
the policy ani Procedures Committee.
Mayor Norton recognized that there was a large number of people
in the audience who were interested in this agenie item, but he
ststed his preference to hear first from Councilmembers.
Councilman Sher said that if this traffic barrier subject were sent
to a. committee, all he people who planned to address Council tonight
would speak to that committee and then come bad-. and speak again
to Council. It seed to him that there wes no real 'te.acn to refer
the matter. Evidently the staff hee reviewed the subject and believe$
the traffic barriers and patterns are appropriate for protecting
the neighborhood. Council n Sher continued that thousands of dollars
had gone into the eignaiization at those streets. Ile suggested
that those persons who signed petitions to have the traffic controls
changed could speak to Council at this meeting, end then those who
wish to keep the situation as it is could speak:
Councilman Beaters concurred with Councilman Shari* comments. He
said this vas the third time that this whole eixumtion has been
introduced for review. Councilman Neehrs pointed out that an inconvenience
of thirty seconds to some drivers was the same as nothing compared
to maintaining the integrity and safety of a neighborhood. :Further,
he did not think this particular problem mould swir be solved in
a completely satisfactory meaner until there is a flax..l 'volution
to the congestion at the intersection of El Camino Reel amd Page
Mill Road.
MOTION TO TABLE: Councilmen Beahrs coved, seconded by Comstock,
that this matter he tabled.
The substitute motions to table passed on the following +tot.
ATES: Baehr*, Bsrwaid,, Comstock, Norton, Sher,
Witherspoon
NOES: Carey, Clay. !ysrly
Councilman Comstock noted th t Council had three items before it
with re szd to this agoo4o item. Moro was a copy of this seas.
2 6 0
10/6/15
r•
minutes of the September 25, 1975 meeting of the City/School Liaison
Committee, a letter from Councilmember Witherspoon and himself dated
October 1, 1975, and a letter from them dated~ October 6, 1975 dealing
with the proposed school district merger. Councilman Comstock pointed
out that there would be another meeting of the City/School Liaison
Committee on October 23, Ile said he woi:ld make a motion in order
to provide a mechanism for asking questions:and making a concluding
action.
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Witherspoon, that
the question of City Council response to the Unified School District
regarding disposal of surplus school sites'be continued for one week
pending further Council input
Councilman Comstock explained that this all came about because members
of the School Board expected to be making decisions in depth about
what schools should be closed and which sites would be most eligible
for disposal, and that will certainly trigger commenity inquiries.
He said that he and Councilmewber Witherspoon had 'Hoped to bring
the question before Council, allow time for thinking about it, and
be able finally to say in a collective fashion what some very general
guidelines might be which could be given to the School District.
For example, there are schools contiguous to perks; and peehape some
Councilmembers would like to sce those schools used as en expansion
of the parks; on the other hand, perhaps Council does not want to
consider using any of the school sites. Councilmen Comstock said
that what was being looked for was input from Council so that the
School D1atri t could be given an advance indication of po,esible
pusitionsr If the motion were to peas, staff could come back to
Council with its own feelings and suggestions; but he did not think
the opportunity for response should be missed on this issue. Councilman
Comstock added that if Council thought the matter were premature,
it could be put off for a month.
Councilwoman Witherspoon asked Mrs. Steinberg if the Planning Commission
could take a little time to discuss this mattet at its next meeting.
Mrs. Steinberg replied that it would be very difficult for the Planning
Commission to make a decision in a very brief time. She said that
the Commission would be considering this problem when it discuss*e
the parks section of the Comprehensive Plan, and chat would probably
take place in about one month.
Councilwoman Witherspoon commented Ghat anything the School District
could learn would be of some help to thee, and they expressed an
interest in what kinds of land use the city would allow on certain
sites.
Mkt. Sip] stated that section of the Comprehensive Plan could be
expedited in such a way that it could be gotten back to Council in
November.
Councilwoman Witherspoon remarked that ohs and Councilman Comstock
wanted to get the communication started because of tbs sense of urgency
which was connected with this issue.
Mayor Nortones assumption had always been that there would be a Council
response when it ves known exactly which sites were under consideration,,
We did not think he could make as intelligent appraieel in advance
of hypothetical sites.
Councilman Sher thought the subject vas a little premature. He said
it would make hiss very uncomfortable at this time to try to answer
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10/6/75
1
the specific questions in the abstract, and the answers to all of
the questions would really depend upon which site was being considered.
One aspect that really disturbed Councilman Sher was that if Council
gave its input at an early date and then certain schools were closed,
the citizens in the community would conclude that the city had participated
in the decision making process. The decision involved was an educational
one to which the School Board ought to address itself. Councilman
Sher felt that once school sites were available because of decisions
made by the Board, Council coul4 then study the matter. He aleo
thought it was very dangerous far Council to begin making deciaiona
even in a general way at this time. His own preference would be
to let this subject go by for the present and make responsses es the
School Board acts.
Councilwoman Witherspoon said that -it would be helpful to the School
Board to be aware of just the kind of comments Councilman Sher had
made.
Vice Mayor Clay, referring to the first throe questions in the October
1 letter, said he would not want to give the School Board any indication
as to the inclination of Council to acquire those sites; and he did
not think Council would be ready to seriously discuss this issue
for soma time.
Mayor Norton stated that he would vote against the motion because
one week just was not long enough for consideration. He wondered
if there were not some other way that the representatives of the
City/School Liaiaon Committee could cone to Council on an emergency
beefs:; and if ao, the subject could be discussed at that time.
Councilwoman Witherspoon volunteered the idea of having the motion
dropped. Any Couaciimember who wanted to provide input could do
so, and a synopsis could be provided in the next packet information
to Council.
MOTION TO TABLE: Councilman Beaahrs moved; seconded by Norton, that
this matter be tabled.
The substitute motion to table passed on the following vote:
AYES: Baehr., Carey, Clay, Byerly, Norton,
Sher, Witherspoon
NOBS: Bsrwald, Comstock
Councilwomen Witherspoon referred to the memorandum dated October
6th regarding the proposed School District merger and urged any somber
of Council to write to Richard A. Bowers to express his feelings.
She amid there uas just one issue to be decided, and that is the
matter of eubstantial community identity.
•
Councilman Beahre asked hoer a self-appointed committee could call
an election, have Palo Alto reject the situation, and still manage
to have the city "roped in".
Robert K. Booth, City Attorney, stated that he had not had the opportunity
to examine the etataites under which this kind of situation occurs;
but he said he would be willing to prepare a report for Council.
Councilman an Mews commented that if the School Board would not come
up with ease answers, then he would like to have them from the City
Attorney.
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1016/75
Councilman Berwald suggested that a member of staff go to the Public
Hearing at Gunn High School on October 9th to find out what the decision
would be and to consider what effect it might have on the city.
Mr. Sipel responded that a member of the staff would attend the meeting.
Councilman Berwaeld noted that several members of Council had no idea
who Mr. Bowers was.
Mayor Norton asked for a joint report from the City Attorney and
the City Manager so that the Council could be better informed on
the entire matter of the Proposed School District Merger.
Councilman Berwald remarked that he removed this item from the Consent
Calendar because he had some questions in regard tc the facade easement.
He said he wasted some assurance that this property could not change
hands and thus be put to some other use which the city would not
want, and he wanted to be certain that the building could not be
altered in euth a way as to destroy its aeethetic architecture.
Councilman Berwald also had the color of the building in mind, and
he felt there should be some control exercised over that. He did
not fee any mention of the facade easement in the ordinance, and
he wanted to be sure the ordinance provided adequate protection.
MOTION: Mayor Norton raved, seconded by Berwald, that this matter
be continued for one week so that the City Attorney could confer
with Councilman Berwald regarding his concerns.
The motion to continue passed on the following vote:
AYES: Beaters, Berwald, Clay, Eyerly, Ho::ton
NOES: Comstock, Sher, Witherspoon
(Councilman Carey not present in Chambers.)
CZ p LIFTS= OF BISI� Sp (CMR:443:5)
Councilmen Berwald stated that he removed this item from the Consent
Calendar because In had soma questions about it. He asked if the
licensing of bicycles imposed any particular burdens on the younger
people in the community, and he wanted to know if there were any
plan to add to this ordinance at a loiter time a licensing requirement
for the operator of the bicycle. Councilman Berwald was concerned
about bicyclists riding on sidewalks end startling pedeetriens, and
he wondered if there were minimum requirements with regard to lights
or noise devices. He explained that he was especially concerned
about senior citizens coping with bicyclists ding up frost behind
quite unexpectedly.
?!r. Booth explained tbst this ordinance would not change in any way
the currant licensing requirements of the city, and it simply conformed
them to what Palo Alto sad the state have required for a uumber of
years. The safety items mentioned by Councilmen Bereeld were all
covered, sod there was also a requirement for brake. lbr. Booth
concluded by saying that legislation is introduced periodically dealing
with the licensing of the operators of bicycles, but noise of it has
2 b 3
10/5/75
ever come out of the legislature.
MOTION: Councilman aerwald introduced the following ordinance and
moved, seconded by Comstock, its adoption:
ORDINANCE NO. 2877 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING CHAPTER
100.64 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO CONFORM
WITH DIVISION 16.7 OF THE CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE
RELATING TO LICENSING OF BICYCLES"
The ordinance vas adopted on a unanimous vote.
POTION: Mayor Norton moved, seconded by Clay, that Item 15 (recommendation
from the Policy and Procedures Committee that the Old Police/Fire
Building be sold with a facade easement) be brought forward on the
agenda for consideration with Item 11.
AAENDMENT: Councilman Sher coved, seconded by Carey, that Item 16
(Requeet from Our Health Center for city funding) also be brought
forward for consideration with Itema 11 end 15.
Councilwoman Witherspoon stated that she had wanted to consider Its
11, 14 and 16 together as referrals to Committee under Councilman
Eyerly's Item 14; and she then wanted to consider Item 15 (Old Police/Fire
Building) as a separate matter. Councilwoman Witherspoon explained
that she saw Items 11, 14 and 16 as allocation of support to community
service organizations; and the question of what to do with the Old
Police/Fire Building was a separate issue.
SJBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilwoman Witherspoon moved, seconded by Eyerly,
that Items 11 and 16 be considered conturrently with It 14.
Councilman Carey amid he supported in theory Councilman Eyerly's
request for a staff study oa social program spending, but he wanted
to make a distinction between that and the commitment made by the
city to Our health Center and the Resource Center for Women. He
added that it vas not his intention to select and fuel social programs
on a piecemeal basis; and be was disturbed that at the last Council
meeting, that very thing vas donee. Haver, Councilman Carey felt
there ens a difference involved with the Resource Center for Women
and Our Health Center. Specifically, Council approved these two
organisations for fuadiag in the past after some investigation and
the city made s commitment to both of them to pay rent for space
iv the Old Police/Fire Building. Councilman Carey pointed out that
the sealectio & and funding, as a mutter of policy, had airesdy been
made. if the rem Lion of the Policy and - Proceeduree Committee
re the old police/fire building is followed, the space those two
orgsnisations old have had will be gone. What should be darts with
those two groups needed to be dealt with. and Councilman Carey stated
he would vote $gaiest the substitute motion.
Councilmen Sher commented that be would oppose the *substitute mctiou.
Item 11 addressee itself to the extent of the city's commitment to
the Resource star for Hones and Our Health Center. This matter
should be dealt with In the content of Mr. Sipel's semoramdum of
Octobsz 2 end in the larger content of vbst commitments were made
io conmectioms with the Old P.Uce/!ire landing.
2 6 4
14/6/75
Mayor Norton stated his disagreement with Councilman Carey. Historically,
the way the two organization* came to the city's attention was not
that Palo Alto decided to favor them, pay the rent, or fund them
in any way. The situation was that there was a building; and in
the abstract, Council decided.to allocate s certain percentage of
the building to service organizations that needed space. Six to
eight different groups responded to this opportunity, and the city
chose the Resource Center for Woman and Our Health Center. Mayor
Norton contended that a commitment was never made to those two organizations
independent of the space available. Rather, it was only because
there was space available that the two groups were given consideration.
He said he would vote for the substitute motion because it would
be appropriate for the subject to be referred uaadsr Councilman Eysrly's
matter of concern on this general subject. The matter could then
be discussed in committee along with many other requests for aid.
Councilman Carey's understanding was that Our Health Center and the
Resource Center for Women were allocated apace in the Old Polics!Pire
Building rent free,
i yor Norton commented that ten percent of the space in that building
would have been made available. Once that policy determination had
been evade, various community organizations were invited to apply
for the use of the space.
Councilman Carey did cot think it wee inaccurate to state that the
city was to retain 1,200 squire feat of the building for public use
anal pay $600 in rent for :he space. Further, through a selection
protases two social organizations were chosen to occupy the spec*.
In effect, those two organizations were being subsidized by the city.
Mayor Norton explained that the satire matter came about because
of the availability of apace. When the space was no longer sveilabls,
them was also no longer any commitment.
Councilman Eysrly thought the two groups would have to be considered
under hi3 propo.sd staff and committee study and decisions no matter
what was done at this meeting. Considering them together would probably
save time and Mort: Ms stated support for the substitute motion.
Ths substitute motion passed on the following vetsa
AFB: Bsabre, Bsrw►sld, Clay, Byerly, Norton,
Witherspoon
NOES: Carey, Comstock, Sher
T7 SPACE - OLD POLICE PIE
• b r4.
• �1;, _'�#� I'ly� 1-I S .: .'4 a . l 3t�
I, o i l •:. r lM- fi r 1--< 4" . ,:'i- •
7:5 & 495:5)
Councilman Eysrly felt there was a need to look at social programs
i.o total to decide where the city stands with regard to responsibility,
how much the city could afford, and to stop the continual requests
for funding which cane to Council from various community groups.
2 6 5
10/6/15
MOTION: Councilman Eyerly moved, seconded by Berwald, that staff
be directed to prepare a report for the Finance and Public Works
Committee on social programs to include what services are available
from nonprofit and governmental agencies in the Palo Alto area, an
estimate of what services are Ls'ded in Palo Alto, what services are
already city funded and the amount, an explanation of city responsibility, and
criteria as to how much the city should spend on such services.
Any programa and services currently offered by the city started prior
to 1971 are to be excluded from this study. Staff will recommend
and Committee will establish procedures for setting priorities, evaluating
city or community initiated programs requesting city support, axed
allocating resources available for social services activated after
1971 in the annual budget.
Patricia heehaw, 3122 Stelling Drive, Co -Director of the Resource
Center for Women, said the group had been continued, met 'with, and
tabled. Although she was fully in support of the concept of a city-
wide evaluation of how funding should be allocated, Me. heehaw suggested
that as a result of a conversation she had with Policy and Procedures
Committee members on September 10th, she believed there has been
a commitment made to the Resource Center for Women and to Our Health
Center in terms of space. She explained that the Resource Center
had been trading somewhat on Palo Alto's promised allocation of space
in order to receive funding. Ms. T?ashaw asked Council to lo -.,k at
the Resource Center's proposal in the same manner in which it looked
at PAAIRS at last week's Council meeting, rather than postpone action
again. Perhaps Council could make gone arrange ants for rent fox
the group in its present location, pending Councilman Eyerly's suggested
study. Ha. Bashew pointed out that the Resource Center for Women
was providing a valuable service in the community. ?our hundred
employers are listing with the Center, and many of them offer support.
There was no county or city support other than the promise for space
that had been made by the Council a year and a half ago.
Linda Murphy, P. 0. Box 1622, Sunnyvale, spoke on behalf of Our Health
Center. She said the group had appeared before Council in ,Tune,
and it had juat gotten through waiting for a four mouth staff report
requesting funding for the Center. Although she thought it made
good sense to plan for social services in the long run, the Center
was now in a position where it could wait no longer for 3004 funds.
The organisation agreed with the staff report which suggests specific
areas where the city could meet responsibilities that have been established
and which the Center has observed all along. One of these areas
would be for the city to work with the C.ter in providing a clinic
facility, and the other would be dealing with the service gap which
eziata right now. Ms. Murphy committed that if the quality of health
care is allowed to be jeopardised any further through studies that
may take a very long time, it would not be worth it to the people
who need the services to wait. She said if something could be done
in the interim while the study was being conducted, that would be
fine.
Councilman Sher stated that he had been collecting eater.ial on this
matter since it had f iaet beers agendised. Me said his original question
in regard to this subject had to do with what was neat by social
progrf.:a,. Councilwoman Witherspoon had commented in a memorandum
dated September 16th that she did not like one definition that bad
been need, Carle= Bidwell, Director of Community end Social Services,
is her memorandum of Septeeber loth amid she thought the accounting
for what wen being *pent oust to go deeper and the staff time going
into nose of the programs ought to be explored. Councilman Sher
referred to the memorandum of September 5th prepare! by Mts. Bidwell
in wl ich abe discuses* her department in relation to the Comprehensive
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10/6/75
Plan. Mrs. Eedwell's department - Community and Social Services -
includes arts, libraries, nature and science, recreation, rental
housing mediation services, child care, drug abuse, Human Relations
Commission, and senior services. Councilman Sher was not sure whether
Councilman Eyerly's motion was asking for a review by staff, and
ultimately by Committee and Council, of how much money was being
spent for all of these things. He understood that Councilman Eyerly
had indicated interest in those programa started after 1971, end
perhaps that was intended to exclude consideration of the libraries,
nature and science, and recreation, He asked if the review was to
apply only to outside agencies who requested support from the city.
Also, Councilman Sher wanted to know if the motion intended that
the city would make a determination of spending "a" number of dollars
in support of outside agencies, with the understanding that some
kind of priorities would be set. Clarifitation was needed as to
wbethet the motion contemplated including some of the more traditional
activitiea such as the contract with the Housing Corporation and
the Child Care Corporation, both of which had come into being since
1971. :hose programs had not previously existed, but they were created
to take care of some needs which existed in Palo Alto. If the motion
were limited to existing outside aganciee which had begun coming
to the city for support because they had loot other sources of funding,
then Councilman Sher would know vat was being dealt with; on the
other hand, if it is broader. he needed to know that.
Councilmen Eyerly thought it teas a little hard to separate the matter.
By using a 1971 figure, he thought a lot of staff work would be prevented
it: that they would not h..ve to go over programs that have already
been funded and are actively being funded by the city. Councilman
Eyerly explained that his primary concern was to look at new rocp esta;
and he thought that from what he had included in the motion, staff
and the Committee could begin their work,
Councilman Sher responded thet he was not sure the correct approach
wets one of defining some broad category of demands for support and
then stating that in the fiscal year 1975;6 or 19;6-77, the city
would spend two million dollars, or one million dollars, or five
hundred thousand dollars, if that approach were taken, Councilman
Sher thought it mhoi1d be a budgeted item and carried out in eh*
context of seetiog a budget for the next fiscal year. Personally,
he was not too keen about the idea of inviting these agencies to
come in and make their requests for cneq. Hs recognised users vas
a problem to deal with because so may organisations are costing to
the city for aupport, and perhaps Councilman Eyerly's intent was
to deal with all of chose requests Jo a rational way. In order to
do that, a certain time would have to be established to: all of the
agencies to area in and make their appeals.
Counciman Eyerly thought a determination could be made as to a percentage
of the total budget which could be used for social programs. Than
criteria could be arrived at by the Committee with help from the
staff *.e to which types of programa might be deserving of support.
Councilman Eyerly felt the matter would have to be looked at every
year, perhaps at the aaxaual budget review time: lie said it was important
to have some idea of the total amount of money which could be spent
on .social programs sand what the weed s were. -Staff would have to
keep Council informed as to changes in needs as they saw them, and
the Finance and Public Weeks Department would have to coma up with
a recommendation as to what the city could afford.
Councilman Sher understood that what was being looked for vas the
next budget protege since a ptogzem had already been budgeted for
2 6 7
14,16/75
this year. It was his assumption that Councilman Eyerly was
saying that as part of the budget process, a decision should be made
as to how much money would be allocated to support outside agencies.
He asked if he were correct in uederrstending that Councilman Eyerly
was talking only of outside agenciss.and not about something like
Project Mobility, for example. Project' Mobility had been identified
as a need, and funds have been provided for that. Councilman Sher
further understood that what was being talked about did not include
the Housing Corporation or the Human Relations Commission or any
program that had bean identified by the city as a need. He asked
if Councilman Eyerly had in mind such requests as had been preseeted
at this meeting by representatives of Our Health Center and the Resource
Center for Women.
Councilmen Eyerly felt that those programs already funded would have
to be looked at so that it is known which areas of social needs are
being taken care of. He thought there was a possibility that Project
Mobility and the Child Care program might change, so Council should
not have in mind that the same amount of money would be given to
those particular programs every year. When new groups came in to
ask for support, Councilman Eyerly would like to hove a procedure
to follow in order to analyze the situation. There was, however,
the necessity of staying in touch with the nrograms already funded
since needy do change from year Lo year.
Councilman She* understood from these last comments that the motion
was not lfw1ted to requests from outside agencies for support, and
the approach was one of subject scatter. Thera are those activities
which would be considered social progrcama. Some of those would have
already been identified and funded by the city, and some of them
would be requests made by outside agencies. All of those would be
looked at, whichever way they were generated, and a decision made
ea to how much money Council wanted to spend on those kinds of programs.
That amount would be budgeted, and each year the sum would be divided
among the programs. Also, each year a decision would be made as
to whether more or less money would be budgeted in total. Councilman
Sher pointed out that in a sense, that was done now because each
program wee looked at and amounts were budgeted. He supposed the
figures could all be added, and it would than be known what total
amount was being spent on social programs. Councilman Sher assumed
that was what Councilman Eyarly contemplated, plus removing the possibility
of agencies coming to Council in the middle of a . fiscal year for
£w ding. The only real difference Councilman Sher sew in this approach
vas that Council would start with a tctel dollar figure and than
break it dam rather than looking at all thre programs at budget time,
deciding how much should be allocated., and adding it up to diecover
the total same.
Councilman Eyerly wonted all the input staff could get together for
Council on this matter. At the moment, he felt there was no process,
no prioarity, and no underst ing of the needs.
Councilman Sher stated that if the purpose of this was directed to
taking care of the problem in an orderly way through the budgeting
process - budgeting the money and then discouraging recurrent requests
in the middle of e budget year when funds bed to be found somewhere
elm.! - then br4 could support the motion an that understanding.
Councilman Carey asked if passing the motion on the floerr would preclude
the passibility of his waking a later motion regarding funding for
Our Health Centex and the Resource Center for Roman.
10/6/7
Mayor Norton responded that if the motion paused, it would not preclude
the motion Councilman Carey had in mind.
Councilman Carey commented that he would like a reversal of the first
two items in the motion so that the first ode would be a determination
of which services were needed, and the second would be which services
were available for the needs.
Councilmen Eyerly accepted this change to his motion.
Vice Mayor Clay said it vast indeed, important to take a good look
at the funding of various programs. Es wondered if the Finance and
Public Works Committee tae the right committee for referral because
he saw the issue ass broader one than just spending money. Couancil.membeers
ware groping with the definition of "social program", and perhaps
the committee should come up with a description of whet that means.
Then that committee ought to u»aks a recommendation as to the commitment
budget --wise to the broad category. Perhaps it could follow that
sap with more specific recommendations with regard to allocations
among different types of programs within that broad category. Further,
Vice Motor Clay thought an eahea:stive look should be taken to find
out how much city money was bsieg spent on outside agencies, including
staff time; and he saw ne reasoc why the study ehou1d be limited
to sgenciea funded since 1971. This wee not intended to imply that
agencies funded in the past would no longer be funded; but if a look
were going to be taken at this picture, the look should be a total
one. Vice Mayor Clay noted that us conditions change, priorities
change; and perhaps the way to get new programs in was to reduce
the level of spending in prog,ama already funned.
Mayor Norton asked if Councilman Eyerly did not intend that Items
11, 14 and t6 would be referred to Committee.
Councilman Eyerly's thought was that Items 11 and 16 would come ender
consideration of the motion made en the ssuhjoct which he had agssndised
ee Item 14. The notion be made asked for staff to begin a report
for the Finance and Public Works Committee and for stuff to work
with the Coemdttea to set up procedures, priorities, etc. Councilman
Eyerly wan not certain that Items 11 and 16 would automatically go
along with lie referral motion of Item 14.
Councilman Carey asked if Council could vote on Items 14 first, which
would be Councilman Eyerly's metiot. After the vote was taken on
that motion; Councils Carey would aovee that the city fund Our Health
Center and the Resource Canter for Women through the balance of the
fiscal year. If his motion to do that failed, the obvious appropriate
follow-up motion would be to refer the matter along with item 14.
Es mention*', however, that that would leave ltem 13 dangling.
Mayor Morton deemed that Councilman Eyearly' a motion was directed
only to Item J4 en the agenda.
Councilwoman Witherspoon commented that the motion was really a two-
tart one, and she wee concerned about the time factor. The study
is going to require a lot of time, and she thought that the results
of it would be very useful in planting the budget for neat year.
In Councilwoman Witberspoou's opinion, it would be too bad to Wait
for three mouths to develop the procedure. Perhaps that part of
the motion should be referred to the Policy and Procedures Coatmietae.
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Vice Mayor Clay commented that he had in mind making a substitute
motion very much like Councilman Eyeriy's motion, but broader in
scope.
John Fredrich, 157 Bryant Street, commanded Councilman Eyerly for
getting this item on social programs on the agenda. He thought the
notion was very sound, and that it could be passed quickly. Mr.
Fwadrich recommended that the Old Police/ Fire Building, which had
implications in amore than one area of the social service programa,
have its potential, sale held off for a month or two pending the initial
work that needs to be done in response to Councilman Eyerly'a request.
This work could be done early in the review process of the request
for proposals in regard to the drug abuse question.
Councilman Beahrs felt that Councilman Eyerly's motion was definitely
a good one. The cormuuity had been wallowing in the illusion of
wealth, and those days are over. Councilman Burs thought it would
be much better if a system were met up which could be followed so
that the Council would not constantly receive random requests from
organisetiona for funding. He said he was in favor of one review
of all such requests at the sane: time. His owe opinion, was that
the report, when ready, should go to the Policy and Procedures Committee
rather than the Finance Committee because the Policy and Procedures
Committee was more involved with philosophy than money. Councilman
Beahre commented that a limit should be set on the study ao that
it would be ready in time for the next budget review.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Vice Mayor Clay moved, seconded by Beahre, that
the matter of social program support be referred to the Policy and
Procedures Committee end that the review by that Committee include
the following: 1) a definition of social programa, 2) the extent
of commitment to this broad category, and 3) a recommendation for
allocation of funds percentage -wise among types of program within
the category; further, that staff provide for the Committee a description
of tha level of spending on social programs to this point including
outside agencies, staff costa, and any other such spending areas
Councilman EyerJy considered the substitute motion to be very similar
to his own, and he did not feel strongly about which Committee worked
on the problem. He thought Vice Mayor Clay should add to the motion,
der, the last part of the original motion which stated: "Staff
will recommend and Committee will establish procedures for setting
!priorities, evaluating city or community initiated programs requesting
city snort, and allocating resources available for social services
activated after 1971 in the annual budget". Councilman Eyarly thought
it would be wall to inch the reference to 1971 so that staff would
not review such seroiceee as the libraries. It did not seem worthwhile
to have staff invests lot of time inveettgatiag programs of longstanding
that are obviously rieeded.
Vice Mayor Clay responded that he asked staff sone time ago to prepare
a description of spending in various agencies for the Policy and
Procedures Committee. This was dove; and the progress that were covered
were the kinds of programs Vice Miayor Clsy had in adssd, and he had
not been thinking of asking staff to review such services as the
libraries. He added that he was more interested in what would be
done by whoever worked with it than be was in which Committee: would
actually study the problem.
Mayor Mortoe leaked Vice Mayor Clay if he Were %Wing to incorporate
* to his motion the polite mode by Couneileft:. lverly.
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10/6/75
Vice Mayor Clay responded that although he had some trouble with
the reference to 1971, he would be willing to incorporate all of
the comments made by Councilman Eyerly.
Councilman Eyerly deleted use of the year 1971 from hia comments.
Mayor Norton stated that if it were acceptable to the clover and the.
seconder, Councilman Eyerly's statement would -bp added to the substitute
motion with the reference to 1971 4aleted.
Vice Mayor Clay and his seconder, Councilman Beahrs, agreed to incorporate
the Eye . ly etate snt into the substitute motion.
Councilman Sher noted that one request in the eaticT vas for a definition
of social programs, and the only definition so far was the one to
:)fns. Bedwell's communication which includes 'traditional city activities.
He pointed out that those activities were classified under the cit7' *
organization system as "social programs". Councilman Sher assumed
all of that would be part of the referral now that the 1971 cutoff
date had been deleted. If staff were told to define social programs,
he thought they would probably define it in terms of their traditional
organizational categories. It seemed strange to Councilman Sher
to ask the staff to tell Council what Council meant by social programs.
Council should be telling staff what kind of programs it wants to
put a dollar limit on and establish procedures for allocating that
dollar limit on a percentage basis, which was part of the substitute
motion, If staff is told to define social programs and the traditional
definition includes libariea, etc" then the whole matter is up ie
the air. Perhaps that is not what is intended, but it seemed to
Councilman Sher that that was what was implicit in the motion. He
felt some kind of limiting language should be included a reference
to a cutoff data or a stipulation that traditional city cervices
not be i,n: 1udad. Vice Mayor Clay's ration speaks to the extant of
commitment that might be made; and Councilmen Sher assumed that when
that report was finished, it would coma back to Council for approvaei.
If Council approved it, the report would then go to the Finance and
Public Works Committee so that it could become part of the budget.
On the other band, Councilman Sher asked if the question of bow much
money could be afforded for the programs should be something that the Piaanee
and Public Works Co the considere4 in conjunction with the budget
process next year.
Vice Mayor Clay said he was really not terribly concern.d about the
definition of social progrs s because that wee one of the atmpler
talks. lie added that if it made Counciliem6ers more comfortable
to include some wording ee the effect that traditional city services
were not to be consider,;, that wu+ai4 be nee with him. Vic, Neyor
Clay understood that the report would go to't a Finance and Public
Works tor its consideration along with ell of the other budget &reae,
and there would not necessarily be direction from Council to speed
a certain weber of dollars.
Councilman Carey referred to that part of the Clay notion which stated
that the Committee would naps recommendations as to funding on s
percentage basis and said that gave him sone problems. For one thing,
*ugh a recommendetion would be getting into the domain of the Pinaics
and Public Works Committee. Secondly, Councilman Carey did not think
act allocation of funds could be ,asdc on s percentage basis if it
were pot known how each money the individual programs needed. Also,
if it is not known how much total money is available, tb.n the percentage
basis would not get anyone very far. St euggsated that perhaps that
section could be rephrased so a recommendation would come back regarding
the coat of the particular service, the funds available for tbat
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10/6/75
service from outside sources, and a recommeudaeioq as to the difference
and the funding of that difference rather tian have the recommendation
put in the abstract of a percentage basis when there were at least
two unknowns.
Vice Mayor Clay's assumption vas that there would not be enough money
to fund all the requests that would be received; therefore, Council,
having some feel for what that level Ought to be based on what is
now being spent on "social programs", should seta limit on funds
made available. Once the recoMmendation is made as to the level
of funding based on prioritiea'set for the various types of programs,
then a percentage could be established accordingly.
Councilman Carey pointed out that the Policy and Procedures Committee
would not know how much funding would be available, and that is something
for the Finance and Public Works Committee to determine. Councilman
Carey could not see how.a percentage could be allocated if no one
knew how much money would be available. He Plaid he 'would like to
see the specific word "percentage" broadened to something else.
Vice Mayor Clay commented that a precedent had already been established
in that the Finance and Public Works Committee has recommended e
sumo for the drug program, It was Vice Mayor Clay's feeling that
such recommendationa could be made without encroaching on the purview
of Council.
Councilman Carey saw the problem of not knowing how much money there
could be are a real hurdle,
Mayor Norton thought the referral had been made to the wrorg committee.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION RESTATED: Vice Mayor Clay moved, seconded by Beahrs,
that the matter of social program support be referred to the Policy
and Procedures Committee and that the review by that Committee include
the following: 1) a definition of social program, 2) the extent
of commitment to this broad categcry, and 3) a recommendation for
allocation of funds percentage -vise among types of programs within
the category; further, that staff provide for the Committee a description
of the level of spending en social program to this point including
outside agencies, staff coats, and any other such spending areas.
Further, staff will recommend and Committee will establish procedures
for setting priorities, evaluating city or community initiated programs
requesting city support, and allocating resources avaeilable for social
services.
The substitute motion passed on the folloei' vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Carey, Clay, Eyerly, Sher,
Wi theFrapeon
NODS: Berwald, Comstock, Norton
MOTION: Councilman Carey moved, seconded by Comstock., that the Council
approve a sum of $300 per month each to the Resource Center for Woes
and Our Health Center for the remainder of this fieta.l year for the
purpose of facility rent considering ghat the 014 Police/Fire Building
is no 1ungeur available to them.
Coen i mac Carey explained that his lotion presumes that the Old
Police/Fire building is not a;vMiabie.
Councilman Comstock considered the motion to be a logical one because
it essentially doss chat the city intended to have does as part of
the lease agreement for the 014 Police/Fire Wilding,, The etteleeopt
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was the same in that the purpose of the irotion was to ease the cost
of rent for those two organizations. As far as Councilman Comstock
was concerned, the original commitment was a reasonable one. Some
organizations with money make a strong point of supporting groups
who are managing to receive community support. The'community has
indicated through letters over the past several weeks that it supports
the Resource Center for Women verbally and also, financially; and
this meant that the city certainly was not carrying the whole operation.
A staff report had been received concerning.Our Health; Center, and
the Board of Supervisors had indicated there would be soma funding
available from them. Since then, the Board has stated that it would
support the Center with a larger sum than had been shown in the staff
report. Councilman Comstock noted that here were two organizations
receiving support from other groups; and the staff report shows that
the two groups, particularly Our Health Center, are performing services
of worth to the community. When the original lease was negotiated, -
Counciman Comstock recalled there was some discussion *bout the
pros and core of doing things as they were contemplated in the lease
or alternatively. The motion was in order, reasonable, and not exorbitant.
Councilman Comstock urged his colleagues to support it.
Councilman Berwald was amazed that after having the last motion passed,
Counciim bers were now ready to violate it. He disagreed that the
city had any commitment at all to either of the two organizations.
The agreement was to provide Our Health Center and the Resource Center
for Women with apace in the Old Police/Fire Building, and there was
no discussion about financial support outside of tbet context. As
a mattes° of fact, representatives of Our Health Centex appeared before
the Finance and Public Works Committee and asked for -funding; and
that eels not included in the budget. Councilman Berwald did not
think the two groups should be considered together. For instance,
the type of services performed by Our Health Center might not be
agreeable to all people. He felt the Resource Center for Women wee
a very worthy organization but suggested that Council male no additiouai
agreements to fund them in the middle of the budget year -outside
of the context of the Old Police/Fire Building. Furthermore, Councilman
Berwald pointed out that this would be treating the whole problem
in a piecemeal fashion once again. Question such as theses should
be referred to the Finance and Public Works Committee.
Linda Murphy, Our Health Center, remarked that Councilman Corey's
motion had nothing at all to do with why representatives of the Center
were present at this meeting. This offer the city made with respect
to the Old Police/Firs Building wee 4 nice one, but it had never
been lived up to; and that offsr is no longer realis;ic. She pointed
out that Our Swath Center had a specific agenda item that vas a
request for funding, Now Counci1membera merit making counts about
some people not being in agreement with the kind of service provided,
and no one 1 * the Center had even been heard with regard to specific
proposals and the areas in which the Center wee servicing the city,
MEarphy said she would like to hear some specific things which
could be don* now. It was possible for the group to rho a presentation
before the Finance and Public Works Committee; but Ms. Murphy wanted
to mote that a staff report on the Center took four months to work
out, end no one has even mentioned it, These kinds of things would
not hasp the people in Palo Alto whose health needs were not being
sat,
Councilmen Sher said he bad trouble with the motion because he was
not ready to make the conclusion that the Old Police/Fire Building
vas not available for public use. Secondly, there was the serious
question of whether the commitment - of the city vent beyond the use
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10/6/75
of space in that particular facility. If there is a commitment to
provide space, Councilman Sher did not think the possibility of using
other facilities should be neglected. For exaa:pla, there had been
quite a bit of talk about putting a substantial mount of money in
the Veterans' Building; and according to Mr. Snout, there was space
there which could be used by community groups. In any event, Councilman
Sher did not think this matter Nhould be taken care of in a piecemeal
way. He understood that Cur Health Center people were frustrated, but
the was partly due to the city's being in the mi44le of a budget
year. Getting a budget amendment is not easy in-eiat six votes are
required. The money is committed to a budget process which takes
months, and Councilman. Sher did not think Council was in a -position
to sake any more commitments during the middle of the budget year.
Re thought it was a mistake to do so last week. fvsn, taougb the
money involved was a mall amount and the service s;yorthy one, it
was not wise to set a precedent of allocating fuses to an agency
that was in desperate need because the county hail cut back on their
funding. Council an Sher stated that a lot of organizations had
their fending cur back, and the city could not be'expected to reepoed
to all such requests in the middle of a budget -year when the eoney
has been allocated in other directions. The two organitatione under
discussion were worthy ones providing good services, but Council
had the responsibility of looking at that in the context of all of
the demands made on city resources. Council did that during a very
long budget process.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilman Sher moved, eecotded by Beahrs, that
the staff report dated September 22 in regard to Our Health Center
be referred to the policy and Procedures Committee for consideration
in connection with the study that was authorized in the earlier motion.
Further, the Committee should also consider any request the Resource
Center for Women might have.
Vice Mayor Clay stated he could support the aubstitute motion. His
interpretation of the commitment was that the city glade a commitment
of space in a specific building; and through no fault of the city,
that commitment was not fulfilled. The proceee that was used to
select groups provided the only criteria to date far making selections
for any reasons. Recognising that the two organizations in question
are owes which have services for specific groups of people, Vice
Mayor Clay could foresee that requests would come in Immediately
from other such groups for funding from thl city.
Councilmen Deahrs stated he would support the Sher motion because
it preserved the integrity of the original rtion ride by Councilman
Byerly.
Councilman Carey indicates full support for Councils Sher's motion;
and after the 'motion pesseed, he would rake his own motion. He
said he did not believe Council was thinfiNi very clearly on this
subject. Councilman Carey's own opinion was that the city set up
criteria, examined that against applicants, *elected two agencies,
and made a commitment. Some Couxil beers could call it space in
a specific building if they wanted to do, and he would call it financial
aid. His motion was stating that the city ought to fulfill its pto.dses.
Cowaciltamt.a ayerly said he would support the substitute motion since
it was logical to have all of these requests put into one study.
The substitute motion passed on the following vote:
ATBS: Beaters, Carey, Clay, Byeerly, Sher,
Witherspoon
MOBS: Serweld, Comstock, Norton
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10/6/75
MOTION: Councilman. Carey moved, seconded by Comspock, that the city
fulfill its commitment to the Resource Center for Women and Our Health
Center by contributing the sum of $300 per month to each organization
in lieu of space in the Old Pol.ize/ Fire Building, for the remainder
of this fiscal year.
Councilman Sher stated he did not want to vote against the motion
because he thought the organizations were worthy ines, and the matter
had really been disposed of.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilman Sher moved, seconded by Berwald, that
this matter be continued until such time es there is action by the
Polia:y and Procedures Committee.
Councilman Comstock felt that whet Councilman Carey was trying to
do was slay, "Let's give these orgaeiaations a yes or no at this sooting".
He said that if Councilman Carey' as notion did not peso, everyone
would Net go on being aggravated.
Councilman Baehr* said he disagreed with Councilman Carey only in
the sense that in his honest opinion, Council did not maks any commitment
to the Resource Center for Women and Our Health Center. The whole
situation fell apart; and that means the two groups lose out, too.
The substitute motion: to continue failed on the followi•ig vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Eyerly, Sher, Witherspoon
NOES: Ber.ald, Carey, Clays Coms :oak, Norton
The Carey motion failed on the following vote:
AYES: Carey, Comstock
NOES: Beahrs, Berwald, Clay, Eyerly, Norton,
Witherspoon
ABSTAIN: Sher
-SST TO wimp.
MOTION: Councilman Ber old moved, seconded by Cometock, that the
nesting be adjourned until 7:30 p.a., Tuesday, October 14th in memory
of forever Palo Alto Councilmen George Drysdale, who had also been
a P]=nn4-;8 Commissioner for the city; 8 1.n N. Flack who had been
a member of the ldumen Relations Commission end was an official of
the YWCA for forty years; and John Odom, a very vslued employee of
tha city in the Water, Ole and Sewer Department, who met with a tragic
accident.
Councilman Sher spoke against adjourning the meeting since there
were just six items' left au the agenda, several of which had been
continued a number of tines,
Vice Mayor Clay thought an Executive Session was important, and he
did not think an ad jou._ t should preclude that.
The motion to adjourn to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 130 failed on
the following vote:
ORS: lBerwald, Comstock, Norton
: ors, Carey, Clair, Eyerly, Shay,
Witberspoop
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UEST OF COUNCILMAN EYERLY RE STAFF
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.r1 -x '.1 11 i
t ruKN AND ANT IT T--' 1 US
Councilman Eyerly was pleased that this week's packet had an item
in it from Clayton Brown, Director of Budget and Staff Services.
He had asked in June for some information, and he vas interested in
getting a complete list.
MOTION: Councilman Eyerly moved, seconded by Witherspoon, that staff
be directed to prepare a report on city real estate holdinga.of•vacant
ground and of facilities not currently uaed by the city which -will
shay: size, purchase price, market value, current monetary return,
contemplated use, and recommendation for the future.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by :1ay, that the report
include all property leased by the city, the amount of money that
has been invested in such properties in land rent and taxes, and what
the future estimated cost of continued use of leased premises would
be including park dedicated property.
Mr. Sipel stated he was certainly in agreement with this kind of an
assignment, although he did have some negative feelinga about suggesting
rarket values of some of the properties. Perhapa that information
would be better given in a confidential manner in case the properties
should go on the market. All of the rent of the requests were consistent
with information that could be made available to Council within the
neat month or so.
The amendment passed on the following vote:
AYES: Baehr*, Carey, Clay, Comstock, Sher,
Witherspoon
NOES: Ber,ald, Eyerly, Norton
The motion as amended passed on the following vote:
AYES: Beahre, Bervald, Carey, Clay, Co stock, Eyerly,
Sher, Witherspoon
IDES: Norton
Councilman Eyerly stated that there was a azasd to look at the committees
end commissions primarily with regard to length of service. Mao,
Councilman gyeriy thought there should be Council liaison to each
one of the commissions. Be would also like to reiluest that there
be an annual swims of each of the groups with Council at which time
an annual report would be presented. In this way, the committee
and commissions would set some idea of direction for their activities
from Council.
NOTION: Councilman Eyerly moved, seconded by Berwml.d, that this -setter
be referred to the Policy and Procedures Committee sod that staff be
directed to work with the Committee to study all Council appointed
2 76r ,
committees and commissions as to limiting length of service, selection
eligibility, Council liaison, annual meetings with Council with annual
reports, plus other related items.
Councilman Comstock asked Councilman Eyerly if he would expand his
motion to include looking at Council as well with regard to limiting
length of service.
Councilman Eyerly planned to agendiee that matter after the study
had been completed on the committees and commissions. He,thought
they should be separated because Council was an elected body, and
commissions and committees were appointed.
Councilman Sher did not really see what problem the motion.was designed
to deal with. His observation hem been that the dedicated people
who had served on the commissions and boards had dome a good job;
indeed, they tended to get better as they gained experience. Councilman
Sher stated he would vote against the motion. He did not ses-the
need for liaison to advisory commiaeione and committees, and.hoe would
be concerned about the time problem if there were to be apecial meetings
with the Housing Corporation, Child Care Board, etc.
Hr. Sigel asked what kind of information Councilman Eyerly anticipated
that staff would prepare for the Committee.
Councilman Eyerly responded that some information had already been
provided, but he felt the Planning Department could add to that.
What h: referred to the Committee was the idea of looking at the system
to see if relationships could be even better and if there might be
better avenues of gaining information from the committees and commissions.
Also, Councilman Eyerly was not stating that there should be a mooting
with each group on a yearly basis; rather, he was saying that perhaps
that idea should be explored, }!e saw the matter as a study that bay
result in recommendations that ought to be made.
Councilman Mehra thought that in due time, Council should be looked
set in the same way. Speakirte to Mr. Sipel, Councilman Baehr; skid
it would be interesting to see what other municipalities practices
have been and what the results were. He thought it was important
to a community to involve, ever incre►es.ingly, a different segment
of the population and different interests, If individuals made a
career of serving on Council, the Planning Commission, or any of the
groups, perhaps the ton was being served in the beet w►ay; however,
Councilmen Beehre said be died niit intend to resign.
The motion passed on the following vote:
AYES: seahrss Carey, Clay, Eyerly, Witherspoon
NOES: Cocetack, Horton, Sher
ABSTAIN: Berweld
ZWILTIginmanimpADJOURN
=ION: Mayor Norton moved, seconded by Comstock, that the meatiug
adjourn.
The motion failed on the follcving vote:
AYES: Bervald, Comstock, Eyerly, Norte
NOM Baehr., Carey, Clay, Shot
Witherspoon
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- N ; J:4 I)S' • MI :k.+i af► : •
.•11 SPI1 O. ToCie
Vice Mayor Clay, Chairman of the Policy and Procedures Committee,
stated that the Committee looked at this matter as a result of a motion
made by Councilwoman Kichersgoon.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Clay, on behalf of the Policy and Procedures Committee,
moved that staff be directed to prepare a procedure for sale of the
Old Police/Fire Building with a facade easement.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by Norton, that
this subject be continued to the meeting of November 24, 1975.
Councilman Carey said that during this period of continuance, has would
like to have the City Attorney's Office examine the possibility of
rezoning the Old Police/ Fire Building to P -C as opposed to C-2 so
that the city could have some control over the uses of the 'ending.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION RESTATED: Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by
Norton, that this subject be continued to the meeting of November
24, 1975, and during the continuance period, the City Attorney's Office
should examine the possibility of xezoning the Old Police/Fire Building
to P -C as opposed to C-2 so that the city could have: some control
over futures uses of the building.
Councilman Sher commented that this gave the Senior Coordinating Council
an opportunity to look at the Old Police/Fire Building as a possible
location for a senior citizens' center. He said he had received a
letter from William Brophy in support of the city's keeping the building
for community uses and a letter from Walter Stroaaquist in support
of usiu.g the betiding for a senior center. The Senior Coordinating
Council warn in no fray commiting itself to the use of this building,
but the matter was being continued to give them an opportunity to
do that.
The substitute motion to continue passed on a unanimous vote.
(CMR:481.: S)
MOTION: Moyer Norton moved, seconded by Comstock, that this matte,:
be referred to the Fiance and Public Works Committee.
The referral motion passed on a unanimous vote.
MOTION: Mayor Norton moved, seconded by Comstock, that this matter
be referred to than Planning Commission to report back to Co il in
thirty days.
The referral notion passed on a unanimous vote. -
L " 7 10/6/73
. s
s('»i')b*M ':ir N INTKN*1 CE fiF CITY SIRE 5
UEST OF COUNCILWOMAN WITHERSPOON RE
MOTION: Councilwoman Witherspoon moved, seconded by Norton, that
this matter be referred to the Finance and Public Works Committee,
with a report going to the Committee from Bernard Pavloski, Director
of Public Works.
Councilman Sber commented that he thought staff did this kind .of .thing
on a continuing basis. It was his understanding that a pilot project
was being done relating to the streets, and he was not certain if
the motion vas asking for something broader than was already being
dons.
Mt. Sipe' considered the motion to be asking for something .broader
than what was presently being done. If the motion p&s*es, it .will
pr:vide some urgency for getting the material together and having
it sent to the Committee in time for the budget session.
The referral motion passed on the following vote:
AYES: Mehra, Berwald, Carey. Clay, Eyerly,
Norton, Sher, Witherspoon
NnES: Comstock
Jgg4aJULARMJN!
* TION: Mayor Norton moved, seconded by Comstock, that the meting
adjourn.
The motion failed on the following vote:
AYES: Comstock, Eyerly,.Norton, Sher
NOES: Baehr., Berweld, Carey, Clay, Witherspoon
MOTION: Councilman, Carey moved, seconded by &sabre, that the meeting
adjourn to Executive Session.
The motion passed on tbs following vote:
ATE: Buhr., barwald, Carey, Clay, Eyorly,
Vitberepoon
O!3: Corr tock, Norton, !fir
The Executive Session of October 6, 1975 adjourned at 1:15 a.m . to
a Special Executive Session at 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 7.
Mayor Norton announced that during the Executive Session, Robert gland
had been appointed to the Palo Alto Community Child Cars Board. The
appointment vas ratified unanimously by the Council.
779
10/6/75
OF MEET
wliiil _TAf71rZ (tT t
The meeting was adjourned at 1:16 a.m. an memory of George Sidney Drysdale,
former Palo Alto Councilman; Helen R. Flack, former Rumen Relations
Commissioner; and John Odom, former city map oyes in the Water., Gets
and Sewer Department; in accordance with Councilman Saerwald'a earlier
motion.
ATTEST:
AFPROVE :
210
10/41/73
CITY
COUNCIL
MNUT€S
October 7, 1975
CITY
of
PALO
ALTO
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto net in an adjourned Special
Executive Session on this date at 9:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussing
the foothills litigation.
Present: bsahrs, Herwsld, Carey, Clay, Comstock,
reriy, Norton, Sher. Witherspoon
Absent: None
City Attorney Robert E. Booth, Jr. vas also present to discuss the
litigation with Council.
The Special Executive Session sd jaurned at 12:10 a.m. , October 8,
1975.
ATTEST:
APPROVE: