HomeMy WebLinkAbout11171975Regular Meeting
November 17, 1975
ITEM
Adjourned Meeting of October 28, 1975
Speed Limit Modification For West Bayshore Frontage Road
Request of Councilman Comstock re Proposed Resolution on the
Nuclear Safeguards Initiative
Request of Councilman Eyerly re Downtown Parking Problems
Request of Mayor Norton for Council Authorization to Direct Letter
to Planning Commission re Its Action on Willow Road Extension
Oral Communications
Adjjcurz etxt of the Mretirg of October 28, /975
Regular Meeting of November 17, 1975
Consent Calendar - Action Items
Budget Amendment: Arts Department Receipt of Grants From
the National Endowment for the Arts and Glendale Federal
Savings
Police Officer's Locker Room Remodeling, Level "A" Report
of ('onstruction Bide
Policy and Procedures Committee Recommends re Proposed Loan Guidelines
for housing Rehabilitation Project
Recommendation endation of the Policy and Procedures Committee re Solid Waite
Management Plan
Refuse Disposal Area: Requirements of Regional Water Quality Control
Board
Consultant Selection for Training and Evaluation - Police
Investigatory Procedures for Rape - Second Year
Consent Celender Iteuae - November 10 Agenda
Ordinance re Senior Darr Care Centers in Zones When a Use Permit
is Obtained
Recommendation of Planning Commission re San Mateo County and
Santa Clara Counts Boundaries in Vicinity of Upper Page Mill
Road and Skyline Boulevard
3800 West Bayshgra Rte, Request of for International To
Extend P -C District Development Schedule
4232 Memela ♦vsenae, 8 ue st of John U. WMaklend For A Cage
of Dictrf ct From I-1 to R-4...11.404,
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ITEMS (Continued)
Monroe Drive, Silva Avenue and Silva Court Prezoning to R-1
Effective Upon Annexation
Resolution re Detachment of Certain Properties From the Barron
Park Fire District
Utility Connection Charges
Visual Art in Public Pieces
Recommendation of Finance and Public Works Committee re CETA Positions
765 San Antonio Road, Alpha Land Company Application to Change P -C
District Development Plan
Request To Consider Item 18 on the Agenda Out -Of -Order
El Camino Park: Amendment to Park Dedication Ordinance
El Camino Park Improvements: Award of Construction Contract
Request of Councliman Comstock re Council Resolution and `staff
Support for Christmas Tree Program
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Request of Mayor Norton and Councilman Eyerly that Staff Report
re Massage Parlors 4 0 1
Request o California Avenue Center Council Consumers' Cooperative
Society For Acquisition of Property For Parking
Proposed Resolution re Cal -Stanford "Big Game", November 22, 1975
Oral Communications
Adjournment
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November 17, 1975
Ad�aurced MeetieQ Of tobek8. 1975
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The City Council of the City of Palo Alto mat on this date at 7:30 p.m.
in an adjourned meeting of October 28, 1975 with Mayor Marto. presiding.
Present: Beahrs, 8erweld, Carey. Clay, Comstock,
Eyerly, Norton, Sher (arrived /:42 p.a.),
Witherspoon (arrived 7:40 p.m.)
Absent: None
MOTION: Vice Mayor Clay introduced the following ordinance and
roved, seconded by Comstock, that it be approved for first readings
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE (ITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING SECTIONS 10.56.010 AND 10.56.030 OF THE
PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE RE SPEED LIMITS ON WEST
RAYSfORE ROAD
The ordinance was approved for first reading on a unanimous vote.
(Sher absent.)
Councilman Comstock indicated he was responding primarily to the
request made by Craig Ritchey in his letter of October 16. 1975;
and he was offering the resolution as a device to provide Council
emphasis for getting the public to understand the need and importance
of becoming fully informed on a subject that was becoming a significant
issue in California. They will then be able to act properly vie=
given the cf ce to vote on the issue, and tha City' a own Advisor
Committee would receive informed input from the citizens. Council
Comstock said he would ask his colleagues for eupport of the draft
resolution. with the understanding that the City Attorney would
be the final judge of the for* of the resolution. He stated he
would be grilling to accept eel change* or aodificaetions to the resolution
as long as the essence of it was preserved.
MOTION: Councilman Comstock geed, seconded by Bervald, that the
City Attorney prepare in final force for adoption by Council at the
nest meeting a "Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto
urging citizens to inform themselves on the Nuclear Safeguards initiative".
Mayor Morton commented that it was his understanding from the draft
prepared by qtr. Ritchey that there Mss no intention of suggesting
that Council talcs a position on the merits of the ,natter, and the
press and no one else should interpret any action in that gray.
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11/17/75
Councilman Comstock responded that was his intention. The draft
resolution refers to a number of hearings being held by legislative
committees, etc. He explained that his intent was not to get Council
on any side of the issue, but he wanted to remind the people in
the community that this is an important issue and urge them to be
informed so they can make their input in the appropriate places.
Mayor Norton remarked it would be fair to assume that in voting
on this matter, one was not indicating an intent of implying one
position or another. The reason for hia concern was that it had
always been his position that Council wait for a committee - in
this case, the Citizens Committee re Log --Term Power Supply Alternatives
to report back to Council before getting involved.
When Councilwoman Witherspoon talked to Mr. Ritchey, she told him
it would be more timely if there were any publicity value at all
in a Council resolution - for the resolution to he acted upon closer
to the election date rather than before Christmas. However, she
did think Councilman Coaatock's point wee well taken that the public
should be giving its input to the established committee; and perhaps
that aspect of the resolution could be emphasized.
Councilman Comstock stated this was true; and, also, there was the
continuing series of hearings being held by legislative committees,
and the draft resolution calls attention to those,
Councilman Berwaid said he supported tha general idea, and he understood
there was no intent on Councilman Comstock's part to refer only
to this particular draft resolution.
Councilman Comstock responded that his understanding was that the
City Attorney would be the final arbiter of what Council did, but
ha wanted the Attorney to have some idea of what he had in mind.
The draft resolution, in Councilman Cor stock's opinion, included
some reasonable points that could be spoken to; and the Attorney,
in preparing the final resolution, would have some idea of what
Council was thinking.
Cou tcilraan irervald felt that rasolutigws were documents that ought
to be saved for something more formal than this perti.cular aituatiou. •
It mould be his preference to have Mayor Norton write a letter to
the public declaring that they should bscea a Warred on the nuclear
issue and incorporate in the letter all of the points of the draft
reeolution,
Councilman Comstock preferred staying with his own ids* of having
the matter taken care of by resolution.
Councilmen Beahrs thought Palo Alto bad a rather well inforaad and
intelligent citizenry, It seemed to him that the resolution, in
spite of ail the discussion, did have partisan interest to the point
that he felt a bit discouraged about it. Councilman Baehr* also
wondered if such a resolution would be an encumbrance to an aeceptionslly
well balanced cities committee which was studyieig the problem.
In his opinion, newspaper reports were thorough and objective; end
there had been some feature stories is * number of periodicals.
Although Coencilmen Reahrs wee supportive of participatory democracy
in ray respects; he did not want the eommittes to be encumbered.
It was his feeling that same of the people giving input to the studies
were anything but competent engineers or competent ecologists.
Councilman Beaters added that most of them are afflicted with wry
emotional opinions and outlooks, and be wee hesitant to support
the resolution since it did reflect to a degrees on the competence
of the committee ttee that had bees formed to study long -terse poser smelly _.
alternatives.
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11/17/75
Councilman Sher wondered what Councilman Beahrs saw in the resolution
that he considered to have a partisan aspect. He pointed out that
one of the points in the resolution made refexence to the committee's
review of the city's energy needs, and one of the charges to the
committee was to seek opinions from the citizens of Palo Alto in regard
to the question of the city's participation in a project that would
generate nuclear power. In a way, Councilman Sher thought the resolution
reinforced those ideas by urging people to become informed so they
could participate in the processes of the city's committee and oleo
be informed at the time when everyone will be called upon to vote
on the initiative. Councilman Sher stated that he, too, would be
concerned that Council not commit itself to a position; but ee he
understood the resolution, it simply publicises proce eeea going on
now and urges citizens to become involved in and informed about the
whole matter. To that extent, he said he would support the motion.
Vice Mayor Clay said he did not see anything in the draft resolution
that would particularly support or oppose the initiative, but he
thought Council would have a difficult tins in directing a resolution
to be prepared and not have it result in some people assuming a position
had been taken. The question weight be asked whethsr Council could take
a neutral position Rfter having asked that a resolution be prepared.
As far as informing the public is concerned, Vice Mayor Clay thought
the initiative itself had drawn great public attention. That, combined
with the activities of the citizens committee, ought to have the same effect
as the resolution was intended to have. Vice Mayor Clay stated he
would oppose the motion in ordsr to ruin perfectly neutral.
The motion passed on the following vote:
AYES: Berwald, Carey, Comstock, Eyerly,
Norton. Sher
NOES: Beahrs, Clay, Witherspoon
Councilman Eyerly reported that he had received a cumber of complaint*
from customers and merchants about the tree rings on University Avenue.
He realized the necessity of protecting the trees, and so he did
not ageadize this item until he had the opportunity to observe hoer
the diagonal parking war working out,, Councilman Eyerly now thought
it was time to ask staff to prepare a report as to'vbat might maks
parking easier between the tree rings where there ryas parallel, perking
and what could be done, alternatively, to protect the trees. Another`'
matter of concern wee the parking wester posts which send no reel
nssd. Signs were hung on a few to indicate parking spaces that were
reserved on a monthly basis; but beyond that, the) served no purpose.
Councilman Eyerly would like to see those posts removed, and he tit
there night be some money left from the Beautification Program which
could be used to cover the expense of re ovieg them. The third matter
Councilman Eyerly thought needed eome attention wee monitoring of
Naturdey parking. Several surveys bard boo taken; and the last sans
showed that 35% of the stalls were filled with long-term parkerrs,
with a 9.,A saturation level to the key downtown parking areas.
W: Councilman Eyerly armed, *scented by Barmaid. that staff
study and recoameed feasible char ees regarding tree rings, old aster
posts, and Saturday monitoring in the downtown *reed and report beck
to Council es soon as possible.
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Ellen Fletcher, 3543 Greer Road, said the Citizens' Technical Advisory
Committee on Bike Routes studied the downtown bicycle needs and decided
the best plan for bicycle parking was to have parked bicycles as
dispersed as possible and as close to the storey as possible rather
than have a long rack of bicycles in one place. The ideal way of
handling this would be to put rings on the parking meter posts.
If the posts were still on University Avenue, the Committee would
have recommended that they be used in that way. Mrs. Fletcher thought
the reason for the remaining posts not being removed was because
if they had rings on them, they could be used for bicycle parking.
Councilman Sher noted that Councilman Eyerly referred to rings around
the trees, but he thought a more appropriate term alight be "concrete
bunkers". He recalled that this was not a problem that went unnoticed
as the beautification process was taking place. When it was realized
that people were damaging their cars on the concrete bunkers, the
ones constructed further up Uni.veraity Avenue were constructed at a reduced
height. AA Councilman Sher remembered it, the alternatives to the
high bunkers were not good in terms of cost. One alternative was
to cut them in half with a concrete cutter. There wave some question
as to whether -that would be feasible; and in any event, it would
be very costly. The other alternative was to jackhammer them out,
and that would destroy the irrigation system around the trees. Councilman
Sher laid the tree bunker design was a bad one from the beginning,
but he assured the idea wen to protect the trees. He stated he was
concerned about the costs, and he would like to have staff explore
the possibility of the Assessment District fends being used to pay
for the work involved. Councilman Sher felt certain that staff would
explore the cost involved, and he assumed Councilman Eyerly's motion
contemplated that. He was reluctant, however, to have people start
thinking that because of this referral, the city was prepared to
bear the expense. Councilman Sher concluded by saying he would vote
for the motion with the understanding that the staff will explore
the possibility of using the Assessment District funds to finance any
changes that are necessary.
Councilman Carey remark4d that the Assessment District was not responsible
for the design of the tree rings or "buokere"; and he thought thet
when staff explored the modification possibilities, they should look
into who was responsible for the design. Speaking to the ure of
meter posts for bicycle parking, Councilman Carey said he was more
interested in seeing the city enforce the law regarding the use of
bicycles an the downtown sidewalks. The situation was becoming dangerous,
especially on Saturdays.
Councilman Eyerly did not see any reason why Councilman Carey's concerns
about sidewalk bicycle traffic could not be addressed by staff as
;dart of its study. With regard to Councilman Skier's comments on
financing, Coencilman Eyerly felt sure that staff would look at all
possible avers for financing the necessary modifications to the
tree rings. Referring to parking meter posts, Councilman Eyerly
anted that staff had done a beautiful job of asking those parking
spots fax bicyclss near the stores; but he had been speaking about
the posts in perking lots and scattered *11 over the torn,
aotioe passed on a pus vote,
OF tam . NORTOS FOB. COURC
11/5/1975)
Mayor Norton said that after piecing this setter oc t *gnats, he
bed spoken to Anne Steishorg,-Cheiranmmn of the Planning Commission,
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and had been persuaded that his letter should go out over his own
signature rather then from Council. He stated that subsequently he
withdrew the matter and sent a modified letter which reflected hie
own opinion.
ORAL. COMMUNICATIONS
emeeseeseseseteeeeeseeeee
1. Dr. Nancy Jewell Cross, 1902 Palo Alto Way, Menlo Park,
addressed Council ou behalf of the National Woman's
Political Caucus. Dr. Cross said she was speaking on
the subject of the selection of an Affirmative Action
Officer, a shared positior: in the city.- She stated she
was present at the November 10 Council meeting and
brought to Countilmembers' attention substantial
irregularities in the process. At that time, Council
suggested to her that she write to the City Manager who
wouls report back to Council. The City Meeager's Office
appeared to have. been represented at that meeting and
responded the next day. What they considered their trump
card in their response vas that they had already made the
appointment. Dr. Cron explained she was present to ask
whether there ware any city processes for beneficial
review in such a situation. She asked if the matter were
such that any city officer could asks an appointment and
prevent effective challenge thet affirmative action and
the merit system are not respected by simply raking an
appointment in a hurry, Dr. Cross reported that As had
written to the Personnel Department before appearing before
Council and asked a cumber of questions, one of which was
whether there were any processes for review within city
government and requesting any forms that ware required. She
said she had talked to Mr. Walker, and he stated he had
answered every question that he understood. However, he
did not answer the specific question of proceae.e for
review and some others which Dr. Cross felt were fairly
simple questions. She asked Council if there were a city
process or was it something of a mockery that the
Department can do anything they please because
there is no possibility of effective review.
Robert R. Booth, City Attorney, pointed out that perecnnel
administration of the city is invested In the City Ma gar
by the Charter.' With the exception of a few top management
team jobs, all of the appointments are made by the City
Meager. The °there► are *ether Council appointed officers
or subject to confirmation by the Council. With respect to
the position under discueasion, it is solely within the control
of the City Manager; and se far as ice. Booth was swerat, the
normal processes in filling positions were conducted at
great length and in a regular manner. Re did not antici-
pate aey necessity for any type of independent revise.
Councilman B.'rwald commented that at last wk's Cuueacil
meeting, he suggested that Dr. Cross write to the City
Manager and that he =ewer the letter, The enter* matter
wens the responsibility of the City Manager. He added that
he had hoped to get a copy of thane two lettere; and until
he did, he wee not prepared to meka a rssponee4.
City Manager Georg* Sigel stated that at the conclusion of
last week's nesting, city staff riepomed d to Dr. Cry'
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letter. The letter was reproduced and sent out in the
packet dated November 13. Staff responded by letter to the
questions raised by Dr. Cross, and Charles Walker talked to
her on the telephone. If there were still some questions,
Mr. Sipel said he would be happy to try and answer them. He
added that he had the feeling that when the questions were
answered, there would still be one left which would be why
"X" wee appointed rather than "Y". The appointment to the
position has been made; and Mr. Sipel noted that if
someone were concerned that the'city did not follow the
Affirmative Action procedures, he or she could file a come
plaint with the FEPC or a similar group. He commented that
he was having some trouble in understanding what the problem
was. Staff had generally followed the practices it has been
following for many ears in the appointment of people. The
problem really was more that staff had not followed procedures
which Dr.. Cross would like it to follow, but that did not make
her right sand staff wrong. Mr. Sipel reiterated that he would
be amenable to answering any remaining questions Dr. Cross
might have; and after that time, the matter should rest where
it is, or Dr. Cross should file some action with FBPC.
Councilman 5erwald said he was not suggesting that Council
take any action. Coua il's response to this era€e a request
that Mr. Sipel keep the Councilmembers informed; and if
anyone wanted to place the ratter on the agenda, that could
be fine. Otherwise, there was no further response. Councilman
Berwald had no interest in trying to second-gueea the City
Manager as to whom he hires or firer.
Mayor Norton though: there was no inclination on the pert of
Council to do anything further at this meeting, He suggested
that Dr. Cross write again to Council if she felt the reeponeaas
had been inadequate.
Dr. Cross stated a desire to have her letter of November 6
duplicated and distributed to Council along with the Aseistent
City Manager's letter.
yor Norton informed Dr. Cross that this action had already
been taken.
D. Crosse said that Palo Alto could not have an effective
Affirmative Action for this position or any other unless
Chore is some possibility for review of the final decision.
She pointed out that other agencies had personnel boards
end hearings. This wee a particular instance, but Dr. Cross
thought it was something Council tight want to remedy in
terms of procedure generally in the city; and she wanted to
know Ccuncil' s pos it i on .
Mayor Norton responded that if this matter did not get placed
oe the agenda by one of the nine Councilmembera, Dr. Croser
could conclude that there VS& very little interest in her
idea.
ADJOUISMANT OF MUTING OF OCT. 2L 1975
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, eeconded by Byerlg, that the
adjourned adjourn cd meeting of October 28, 1975, be adjourned.
The motiom passed as * "".imrus vote.
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REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER_17, 1975
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in a regular
meeting with Mayor Norton presiding,
Present: Beahcs, Berwald, Carey, Clay,
Comstock, Eyerly, Norton, Sher,
Witherspoon
Absent: None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Non*.
CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION ITE3a
Mayor Norton asked if Crunch were ready to vote on the Consent Calendar.
Councilman Berwald requested that Item (2) of the Consent Calendar
be reed.
Mayor Norton utated that Item (2) of the Consent Calendar would become
Items 6-A en the regular agenda.
The following items ware left for voting on the Consent Calendar:
ORDINANCE NO. 2885 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING THE
BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1975-75 TO PROVIDE
FOR THE RIFT OF A GRANT PROM THE NATIONAL
ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS AND A GRANT FROM GLEPZALE
FEt ERAL SAVINGS b LOAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ARTS
PROGRAM OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO"
Staff recommends that Council find the project has no adverb* environmental
impact, accept the low combined base bid and Alternative #4 as submitted
by Incovax Construction Corporation for s total of $37,765, and authorise
the Mayor to sign the construction agreement for the City.
The ordnance wills adopted and the recommendation approved on a unanimous
vote.
Vice Mayor Clay, Chairmaa of the Policy end Procedures Committee,
stated that he matter of proposed loan guidelines for using the
fug seined from the Community Development Bloch Grant had been
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referred to his Committee earlier this year. The target section
of town to which the investigation was first made was the Fire Zone
X area; and because of lack of feedback to the city, a decision was
made to direct staff to look at two ether areas - the Pepper/West
Meadow area and College Terrace. As a result of staff's investigation
and the Committee's deliberations, a final recommendation was I ,spared.
LOTION: Vice Mayor Clay moved, on behalf of the Policy and Procedures
Committee, re Proposed Loan Guidelines for Palo Alto's Aoueing Rehabilitation
Project, approval of the City staff recommendations as outlined in
t 1525:5 dated October 23, 1975, with one modification that with
respect to Appendix B, Condition 4, the following wording be added:
"In any event, such owners shall not be required to hold the unit
unoccupied for a period of in excess of thirty days after date of
notification by the owner of the Boueing Authority, and no landlord
will be unreasonable in withholding approver of a Section 8 tenant".
James Hudak, Manager of Capital Projects, said staff felt that the
Policy and Procedures Committee recommendation of adding a sentence
to Condition 4 made a great deal of sense, bscauee it clarified that
section. In addition, the Policy and Procedures Committee asked
the staff to look into the problem of what would happen when rehabilitating
a residential unit at more than SOZ of the assessed valuation of
the unit. Within the: past year, the State Legislature hao passed
a new law which indicates that compliance with 104 -Building Code
is not required when rehabilitating a residential building. Mr.
Hudak added that local governments were pra--empted frow passing such
statutes. This all related, however, to residential buildings and
not to other types of structures. He pointed out that in the case
under discussion only residential buildiz gs would be rehabilitated,
and there would be no problem since the 502 rule did not apply to
them.
Councilman Sher consented that he would find it helpful if Mr. Hudak
would briefly review the programs, particularly in tams of who qualifies
for the rehabilitation loans, what auditions there are an the ability
of persons to get the lows, and the priorities outlined in staff's
recommendations. Also, Councilman Sher asked Mt. Hudak to reel
for him the saenitude of the Community Development block Grant for
the three years and what would happen if the same lack of interest
occurred in the teo newly selected areas.
Mt. Hudak responded that the City Development Block Grant entitled
Palo Alto to 3155,000 this year; but that will be slightly incre'ved
when the Barron Park annexation is final. The a count for the seared
year it in the ranges of 020,000; and in the third year, it is a
little over $500,0! So over the first three year period, there
is one million dollars available to the city. Mr. Hudak explained
that Council action tonight mould not commit the city to using funds
beyond the first year for housing rehabilitation. Shortly, staff
will be sorting through the process for the second -year application
for funds; and then, of couree, it will be up to Council to decide
bow those funds could best be spent. Mt. Dudek said staff did not
antiCipate a problem in getting residents interested in the program.
Once the Chemins of interest vas aade from the Fire Zoos 1 area to
the Cbeestmut/Wilton tree, a very favorable response was received.
In feat, a total of fifty-two favorable responses were received fray
tbs Ch estnut/Vi.1ton, eras; and by favorable responses„ Mfr. Hudak was
referring to people who stated they ware interested in the pcogrcn.
1n tbe Co1leee Terrace area, staff did much lams of an outreach effort;
and yet, there were even p.ople who said they were interested.
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11/17/75
Staff Ze1t there was definitely interest in the city for this type
of a program; and as a track record is established, there should
be even more interest. A three percent loan is hard to get; and
anyone i3 eligible for that kind of a loan who lives within the project
area and has an adequate capacity to repay the loan. Mr. Hudak added
that anyone, regardless of income, could xeceive a loan. Those people
of very low income as defined by HUD Section 8 requirements can receive
a hardship loan, and that would be a maximum of five thousand dollars
with no interest, repayable only when the property is transferred.
There would be a lien on the property payable at no interest whenever
the property is transferred. The conditions of the loan require
that there be a Deed of Tr-aat (a lien against the property) and that
loans will be made only to residential and mixed -use structures within
the designated area, and people will continually maintain the property.
Condition 4 in Appendix S is the one that has received the most discussion
and focus; and basically, that says for any unit - once the additional
expenses from the rehabilitation loan have been added - less than
the fair market rent established in Section 8, the owner of the unit
shall be required to notify the Santa Clara County Housing Authority
that the unit is available for Section 8 tenancy. Mr. Hudak commented
that what had been done with the program was staff put a condition
in which ties the Community Development Block Grant Fund to the Housing
Rehabilitation Program, directly to the new Section 8 Housing Assistance
Program. It was felt this Cana a good way to achieve the dual goals
of the program nud those are to rehabilitate housing and to maintain
the low and moderate income housing stock. Mr. Hudak stated those
were the most important condition..
With regard to priorities, Mr. Hudak explained that the first fifty
percent of the funds will be earmarked for owner occupants given
certain priorities within that fifty percent. Moat important, and
given highest priority, is where life threatening hazards exist.
Then the second fifty percent of the funds would continue to be used
if necessary for the same priority of life threatening hazards in
owner occupied structures. After those have boon taken care of,
then absentee ownera whose properties contain life threatening hazards
would receive priority; and then absentee owners whose rents are
below the Section 8 fair market rent ;could receive priority, send
so on from there. Staff had tried to build in a system so that first,
life threatening situations would be taken care of. Those are the
hazards that most need to be rehabilitated in houses. Secondly,
staff wanted to see there was some money left for people who were
willing to tie into the Section 8 Program so that some of the law/modsretee
income housing stock in Palo Alto could be preserved.
Councils Sher underatood from Mr. Hudak's. comments that the loans
would be available to over occupied single --family residences.
Mr. Hudak said they were available not to just single-family residences
but to any housing unit within the designated target area, except that the
target area chosen in the Pepper/West Meadow area excludes the R-
5 area in the middle because staff did not watt to get into the Large
structures.
Councilman Sher asked if the purpoos of the rehabilitation loans
was simply to rehabilitate a structure and bring it up to Cods standards.
Mt. Hudak replied the funds were mainly for tot - purpoao, and seventy
percent of the loan had to be used for !lanai"); Code work. An additional
thirty percent could be used for general property improvement. So
although the bulk -of tract loan would be used for Housing Code work,
people would be allowed to borrow en extra thirty pertaat to fix
up thing* they get needed improving but that were not actually,
in violation ion of the Hemming Coda.
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11/17/73
Councilman Sher assumed that would not be enough money to finance
the addition of a zoom, for instance,
Mr. Hudak remarked that the maximum loan is $15,000; and thirty percent
of that would be $4050(.. That might be enough to add a room; however,
the Housing Coda provides that where there is an overcrowded situation,
that is a violation. This means that a room could be added in those
circumstances under the provisiono of the Housing Code. Staff also
stated that space could be added as part of the regular loan wherever
it would provide additional units.
Councilman Sher asked if once an application had been made and a
lout granted, all the Housing Code deficiencies would be taken care
of.
Mr. Hudak said that was correct.
Councilman Sher asked if there would be any money available for the
original downtown area or if it would all have to be used in the
Pepper/Chestnut area end College Terrace,
Mr. Hudak explained that HUD requires that any rehabilitation program
be a concentrated systematic one; so the residents in Fire Zone 1
will not be eligible within the first year, and probably the second,
for funds. However, es Vice Mayor Clay mentioned, the intere3t in
that area was not very high. After intensive efforts on the part
of staff, just one owner indicated Chet he would be interested in
the program.
Councilman Sher pointed out that that happened when there was the
possibility of having other conditions on the loan, but he aa►1d he
recognized that HUD does insist on concentrated areas. Since the
older properties in Palo Alto were deteriorating, Councilman Shar
thought this was a good use of the funds. He wanted to see those
neighborhoods retain their character to the extent p:nssible and be
consistent with safety and other Code sstaendards. One of the facts
that influenced Councilman Sher was that once this kind of activity
was started in a neighborhood, it encouraged otters to tare similar
steps to improve their properties. It was his hope that Palo Alto
could turn ai.-resod its situation of laving older properties deteriorate.
Councilman Sher thought it vas important to have this discussion
on the program so that people would understand it fully since a substantial
amount of money was involved, and thew money could have trees used
for other purposes, It was important to have community support of
such a valuable program.
Councilman Beehrs recalled that during the Committee discussions,
there was some question as to whether the program would be an on-
going one with the federal authorities ar whether it was just another
glorious experiment. He asked for Cdr. Hudak's opinion.
Ott. Hudak responded that it appeared this program would have en on-
going nature, but it vas not possible to predict amt Congress would
do. However, money for the first five years of this program bed
been appropriated. The advantage of using the -money in a program
such as thi,i, where the money is loaned and gotten back, is that
it creates a revolving fund.so even if it sods after the five. -year
period, the city old have a reevolvin$ fund that could be used over
and over for housing rehabilitation loans.
3 $ 0
11/17/75
Councilman Beahrs asked if the current allocations for Palo Alto
would meet the actual need. If not, he wanted to know what percentage
of need was being met.
Mr. Hudak said that in the Housing Assistance Plan that was prepared
as part of the Community Development Block Grant request, staff iudica.ted
that Palo Alto has approximately five hundred and thirty eubstandard
units. The program could rehabilitate fifteen to twenty unite in
the first year, forty in the second, and seventy-five in the third.
This means that over one hundred units could be rehabilitated in
thra first three years; and if there are, in fact, five hundred substandard
units, that would be a substantial dent in those units.
Councilman Beahrs said this was not meeting the need.
Mr, Hudak responded that it was not possible to do everything immediately.
Councilman Beahrs said he was quite cold on this whole idea. The
studies and deliberations had extended over many months. It seined
to him that Palo Alto was being placed in the position of becoming
a Mu licipal Building and Loan Association. At the inception of the
program, Councilman Beahrs had proposed that instead of building
up staff and resultant problems, the city should probably consider
utilising the agencies of private banking and use the funds as en
interest supplant to protect the cost to the borrower. This, their
would give Palo Alto they administrative expertise and other advantages
which private banking has over a collection of neophytes. Councilman
Beahrs asked if this were possible under the final federal programs.
4r. Hudak said this was possible; tea to some extent, eteff had incorporated
that kind of thi king into its plan. Representatives of several
local financial institutions had been talked to, and one has agreed
to do the loan proc,eeing and the loan collections for Palo Alto.
It would still be the federal funds loaned out, but they would do
the background checks, credit checks, and those things the city is
not accustomed to doing. Staff intended to use the expertise of
local financial institutions to do that sort of thing. As far as
subsidising the interact rate between the going rate and three percent
was concerned, that would expand the potential in a certain tense;
but over the long tern, it would not. The going rate for local rehabilitation
loans at the present time is twelve percent. Ht. Hudak explained
that to substitute the interest rates between that and threw percent
over the long tars would actually be sore expensive than loaning
out the any eM collecting the three percent interest. He said
that wee one of the prima reasons staff decided to loan out the funds
instead of going through the private market.
Councilman Mehra asked what had happened to the so-called Bank of
America Program, which is somewhat rsle ed and in the same general
concept as this federal program.
Mr. Hudak stated that was a similar program in that it is housing
rehsbilitetioe However, the financing of that program is completely
different. The City of San P renciecb is going to sell general obligation
bonds to the hank of America, which the bank will buy at six percent
interest; a d then, the City of San Francisco will maks loans at
seven percent. That is a completely different financing mechanism
than is involved in for program undil.r discussion. Key to the city's
program; is the fact that federal funds are being used; and in San
raancf.sco, the are using the good faith and credit of the city to
back up the loans. £loo that program is much terser in that they
are talking about twenty million dollars.
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11/11/15
Councilman }eahrs asked if the city would be under any financial
liability if the program floundered in any sense.
W. Hudak said the city would not be liable since the money being
used was Federal Community Development Block Grant funds. Cities
who have gone through the Federally Assisted Code Enforcement Program,
which this HUD program is modeled after, found that the default rate
was extreeaeiy seal'. In fact, it was less than one percent; and
bankers find that to be phenomenal. Mr. Hudak added that even the
Iona that were in default have been either extended or refivancad
end collected, to a large extent; so the concept has been a very
ouccessful one.
Councilwoman Witherspoon could not recall what happened to the discussion
about the emergency housing frond which was not able to be used because
the aim was to use. it as s city -vide emergency repair_ housing fund.
Mr. Hudak stated the status of that program is that the Department
of Housing and Urban Development said that according to the federal
regulations and the law passed by Congress, any rehabilitation program
must be concentrated and systematic; so their in.t uctions ars that the
funds cannot be used on a city-wide basis. They did say that the city
could use part of the funds, perhspa twenty percent, from the second
year's for emergency repairs. Ir other words, since staff is acggeating
that the Pepper/West Meadow area be first priority and College Terrace
second, twenty percent of the funds could be ueed in the College Terrace
area to do emergency repairs even during the first year; but they did
say the city could not go beyond the target area. Staff does think,
however, that thsre is the possibility of interpreting the lestslatioei
a little more broadly and that HUD was beins a bit narrow in that sense,
Mx. Hudak added that staff intended to pursue this possibility with
Congressional representatives to see if iF could get the law interpreted
in a different way. In fact, staff just found out that the city of
Buffalo, New York, is using a e ll part of its funds for a city-wide
emergency programs; so there is hope that the representatives in HUD's
local office will change their minds on that point. In the :meantime,
staff wanted very much to proceed with the main program.
Councilman Byerl.y uoticead in the staff report that it would takes one and
one-half staff persons to supervise this program for the first year,
and hs wanted tp know if those salaries would be paid out of the City
Development Block Grant funds.
&tr. Hudak replied that was correct. He sodded that would be the staining
level for the second year also, if housing rehabilitation is approved for
another year.
Councilman Carey commented that in Committee be was convinced that it
would not be possible to use the private sector for the program because
it would be more expensive. Also, it became apparent that once the
original target area of Firs Zone I had been changed, community reaction
teethe program was ratter startling. From the tremendous positive reaction
fees the target area selected and from' College Terrace, there certainly
appears to be strong support for the program. Finally, Councilman Carey
commended Jim Hudak for his work in this area, which had been a very pro-
fessional job.
The motion passed on a tam vote.
MOTION: Councilman Carey introduced the following ordinance and moved,
seconded by Comstock„ its ndoptfoaa:
382
11/17/73
ORDINANCE NO. 2886 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING THE
BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1975-76 TO PROVIDE
FOR ADDITIONAL STAFF FOR THE HOUSING REHABILI-
TATION PROGRAM"
The ordinance was adopted on a unanimous: vote.
MOTION Councilman Comstock {ntrodeced the following resolution and
moved, seconded by Berwald, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 5162 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND PROGRAM ADOPTED
BY RESOLUTION NO. 5056 AND AUTHORIZING AN
AMENDMENT TO THE RELATED FUND APPLICATION"
The rssolutiou was adopted om a unanimoua vote.
Vice Mayor Clay, Chairman of the Policy and Procedures Committee, stated that
as a result of Se:iate Bill 5, all counties are required to develop
a solid waste disposal plan. The plan is to ha prepared for three
stages - short term (1976-1980), medium long term (1980-1990), and
long term (to the year 2000). The Santa Clara County draft plan
was presented to the Council in October of this year, and that plan
was then referred to the Committee for its review. Mr. Ed Locke,
a representative from Metcalf and Eddy, was present at the Committee
meeting; and it was his firm that wan contracted by the county to
prepare the draft plan. Vice Mayor Clay said that :fir. Locke made
it cl.ar he was not asking for final action at this time, but he
wanted to make use of the Policy and Procedures Committee meeting
as a fords for discussing the various writs of the plan.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Clay moved, on behalf of the Policy and Procedures
Committee, re the Solid Waste Management Plan for Santa Clara County,
endorsement of the Draft Plan with the following exceptions; That
the plan should be flexible enough to permit cities to pursue alternatives
that are not in conflict with the plan's overall objectives; that
Palo Alto can do its own enforcement for storage, collection and
disposal of solid wastes; that although the tie schedule is extremely
tight, a joint powers agreement with Norty County cities to construct
a shredding plant is recommended. Further, that a second lift at
the Palo Alto Refuse Disposal Area be deleted from the County Plan;
that the Pleb should be reconciled with Appendix 1 of the staff report
and suggeest to the County that Palo Alto is not prepared at this
tine to support the acquisition of new.landfill sites; and that the
Plan be considered a guide and not * contract and any impiemeatation
dates be viewed as target dates or gosise.
Mayor Morton asked staff for comments.
Bend Pawloski, Director of Public Works, said he and the consultant
to tine county, Mr. Locke, would be pleased to answer questions from
Council.
3S3
11/17/75
Councilman Sher asked if the costs to the communities involved would
vary depending upon how far removed they were from the site, assuming
the landfill operations would be done on a courty-wide basis.
Mr. Locke said the present thinking was that each area would be paying
a different amount to get their eolid waste to the disposal site,
but a uniform charge would be impoeed at the site itself.
Councilman Sher understood Mr. Locke to be aayiug that this was what
he had contemplated but that the matter had not been specifically
addressed. The transportation -coat will be s substantial percentage
of the total cost, and the cities furthest removed from the landfill
site would be paying substantially more than those cities closer
to it.
Mr. Locke said that was correct.
Councilman Sher thought this was a factor that would have to be taken
into account. Also, he did not believe that the Committee position
supported any acquisition of sites for this purpose at the present
time. This was something Councilman Sher was concerned about, and
Council needed to keep it in mind as the matter was discussed further.
Anne Steinberg, Chairwoman of the Planning Commission, stated that
the plan was referred to the Planning Commission for review of the
land use, and the Commission unanimously reaffirmed the policy that
there should be no second lift at the refuse disposal site. The
Commission also restated an earlier recommendation it hed made that
the solid waste disposal goals adopted in the open space plan be
pursued vigorously with the objective of eliminating or drastically
redueiag the need for a refuse disposal area at the earliest possible
time. Mrs. Steinberg reported farther that the Commission unanimously
endorsed the intent of the Solid Waste Management Plan of Santa Clara
County, but stated there should be no new refuse disposal areas in
the Palo Alto Baylanda.
pica Mayor Clay noted there was a timetable for the county to look
at the plan and bring it back to the cities, and he canted to be
assured that Council would sea the plan again before adoption.
Mr. Locke explained that the consultants intended to revises the draft
report by December 8 and redistribute it, to a final plan, to each
of the cities for another review. Final action oe the plan was not
expected until sore time in January, with final action by the Board
of Supervisors toward the and of January, The Technical Advisor
Committee, acting on behalf of the Flaming rolicy Committee of the
county, has sieved tho echedule back about one month •o that the cousultauta
could receive comments from each one of the citiee. The feeling
teas that it was important to receive comments from the cities at
this time rather than to print as final report and have the comments
coma in after that time. i4r. Locke reiterated that Palo Alto would
have s chance to act on the conclusive plan some time in January.
At this time, Palo Aitota reaction were basin asked for so they
can be incorporated into that plan.
Councilmen Baehr* did not recall that tbe report indicated any number
or specific locations where the consultants might eventually recommend
dispos*1 be aside.
Mr. Locke responded that the report does recommend a number of disposal
points with sous alternatives. lhs referred to Appendix G-10, which
bas a contingency routing plan for the use of disposal site throughout
the year. Mr. Look* clarified that he was not raying the matter
hoed to be accomplished La this wanner, but it wee an alternative.
384
11/17/75
,- r.. .. • • .•• , ... , W za ., V T
Couucilman Beahrs asked if the locales were pinpointed.
Mr. Locke responded affirmatively. He said this was done specifically,
but they tried not to pinpoint the locations of processing or energy
recovery facilities. For those facilities, the plan refers to "vicinities",
such es "in the vicinity of Stierlin Road", for example, which is
the one recommended for this part of the county. When "the vicinity
of Stierlin Road" is mentioned, further mention is made of the fact
that the location could be within a two -{mile radius of that point.
This means the actual site could be almost anywhere in Mountain View
along the Bayshore Freeway in an industrially zoned area.
Councilman Beahrs wished Mr. Locke well, and he hoped there would
be a good political action program in the final report.
Councilman Eyerly asked if he understood correctly that the consultants
had some deadlines for reporting to the state as far as what the
camsrttments were of the cities in Santa Clara County with regard
to the county plan.
Mr. Locke said that was correct. A long time ago when Senate BIU
5 was passed (the Resource Recovery Act of 1972), there was an indicated
deadline of Jan•lary 1, 1976 at which time each county in the state
would have .o submit an adopted plat to the state. To Mr. Locke's
knowledge, one or two counties have actually submitted an adopted
plan; and it did not look as though half of the counties will be
able to submit an adopted plan having the support of the majority
of the cities that also contain a majority of the population. in tie to
meat the deadline. Santa 'Clara County would be behind schedule; however,
the consultants were viewing the plan as a local one which must be
implemented on a local level. By not meeting the, state's goele,
the plan i,, not being totally disregarded. In fact, an effort was
being made to make the plan more applicable for local use ratter
th..ars a plan that would simply meat the state's requirements.
Councilman Eyerly asked if his interpretation of the staff report
were correct in that they ware recommending that new landfill sites
sboul.t be acquired by the county or a park district.
Vice Mayor Clay explained that the Policy and Procedures Committee
recommendation was that Palo Alto not support the county's purchasing
of any landfill sites at the present time. The Committee felt this
would be premature in view of the incomplete exploration of disposal
methods; and, further, one of the sites was Hellyer Canyon in San
Jose where there was very vigourous opposition to that idea by the
reseldents of the area.
Councilmen Eyerly stated that the staff's recommendetion in its report
of October 23 appeared to be is opposition to the Committee's recommendation.
George Sipel, City Manager, stated that staff's position was that
if sites are purchased, they ought to be in the public domain. The
sits' should not be purchased by the private sector but by some governmentel
entity, whether that would be the county, a park districts or even
a jc f at pavers agency. Staff felt the need of having besic ownership
control for those facilities, and Mr. Sipel dial not think that was
inconsistent with the position taken by the Committee on the general
subject.
Councilman Eyerly assumed that if this playa did not work out, staff.
had some alternative idea in mind which they would send to the Policy
and Procedures Committee.
385
-' j 11/17/75
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
DISPOSAL AREA: REQUIRER TS
(0:555:5)
Mayo: Norton explained that this subject was in regard to a requirement
of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, which basically asks
for an additional $20,000 for the Refuse Utility Operating; Budget.
Bernard Pavioski, Director of Public Works, said this was a need
imposed by the state, and it was necessary that the requirements
be rest. He added that Palo Alto would have to begin reporting on
the monitoring of wells by January 31 of next year.
Councilman Sher was interested in the source of funds to meet tease
requirements, The ordinance indicates they will come from the unallocated
balance of the Capital Improvements Fund, but the report suggests
that the revenues from the refuse operations (increased fees, etc.)
will take care of the costs. He asked if Oars were plans to restore
the Capital Improvements Fund out of those revenues.
Mr. Pawioski responded that the intent would ba to restore the funds.
Councilman Sher asked when that would occur.
Mr. Pa�loaki said staff did not want to mislead Council. Staff is
saying Chit revenues received froz recently imposed disposal fees
are intended to offset added costs; but at ttlis point, it teas not
known if there would be a total offset.
Councilman Shar's point was this was a cost incidental to refuse
disposal operations; and, ultimately, in one way or another ought
to be borne by that activity of the city. He did not like to see
the Capital Improvement Funds used for this purposes, and he would
expect the money to be restored to that fund. Councilman Sher cddeed
he was not *skies for a commitment, but he wanted to be sure that
vas stsff', expectation se well.
Mr. Pavloaki replied that, in effect, what was being talked about
was an inter -fund loan.
Mayor Horton pointed out thin very often in this kind of a mandated
requirement, grants can be gotten from the state and/or federal government;
and he wondered if they might be available in this teas.
Mr. Sipes said there were no state or federal grants for solid waste,
Mayo- Norton noted that this was is mandate of the Regional Water
Quality Control board, and that normally rartias with it a funding
source.
Mr. Sipel stated that staff would be willing to pursue that, but
his guess was that there were no funds.
Mayor Norton thought the matter might be worth a superficial investigation.
Coancileen Sher felt that such funds would be a good solution to
tha problem; but if they are soot available, it is important to recognise
that this is a requirement imposed because of Palo Alto's desire
to use its refuse disposal area and get tbs permit for it. Therefore,
Councilmen Sher thought tbat activity ought to bear the cost of sting
the requirement.
3b+6
11/17/75
Mayor Norton asked if Councilman Sher meant the rates should be raised.
Councilman Sher responded that the rates just had been raised, and
he was hopeful that those revenues would be sufficient. He said
he brought up the question because the initial source of the funds
is the Capital Improvement Funds, and he wanted to be sure those
funds were restored.
Councilman berwa.?d commented he was still not convinced that if Council
passed an ordinance to appropriate $20,000 from the unallocated belance
of the Capital Improvement Fund that the amount will be repaid.
He asked if the usual procedure on an inter -fund loan vas to ask
for a budget amendment.
Mr. Sipe' explained this had been done an a number of occasions,
but there has usually been more notice so that it could be done as
part of the normal budget adoption. This mandate vas received in
mid -pear, and staff thought the only way to handle it at this time
wan to borrcw from the Capital Improvement Fund. The next time
there was a rate -making procedure, which would probably be next June,
this can. be taken into consideration in order: to recoup the money.
Hr. Sigel counted that there had been four or five occasions when
the Capital Improvement Fund had been utilized to borrow money with
repayment being made at a later date. The sewer fund was a good
example.
Councilman Berwaid asked if there were any reason why this subject_
could not wait until it had gone to the Finance and Public Works
Coemittee for review.
Mr. Pawloski said staff had the January 31 deadline, and work needed
to be started immediately.
Councilman Berwald remarked that it bothered him to have these kinds
of things come up and not go before the Finance and Public Works
Committee. As Chairman of that Committee, Councilman $eremid considered
the situation rather belittling. When there is a deadline involved,
the members of the Coomittee were always willing to be accommodating
and deal with such subjects promptly. There were some real questions
in Councilman Serwald's mind about this; but he supposed that if
it were understood that when the Committee got into the budget process,
it would be talking about just this sort of thing, then he thought
he could vote for it. Another question Councilman Derweld hod went
back to the time when the city was looking for a consultant for this
project. One of the consultants costing with Engineering -Science
Inc. had made some comments about the extent of the work that ceded
to be done, and the cost estimate from that consultant vas considerably
higher. During the budget session, Councilman Bereald vented to
have a report as to how much Engineering -Science, Inc. hags now been
paid for the various stagers of work they have done compered to the
estimates made in the beginning by some of the other consultants.
Mr. Sipe' pointed out that some of the recently done work bed not
be contemplated at the earlier times
Councilman Bervald's thought wsaa perhaps tome of that work night
have been contemplated by some otber coneultent, and be would feel
a lot better about it if he could have background information.
Councilmen Seehrs asked to whet extent anyone was going to benefit
by this expenditura end this particular effort end what the value
would be of the data generated. It seemed to him brat the worst
thing that could happen would be for the stets to tell Palo Alto
to c% down the dump.
3 $ 7
1417/75
Hr. P&w1oeki assumed Councilman Beahra was referring specifically
to the drilling of wells. This is a requirement imposed by the stets
to make sure leakages from the landfill sites are not seeping out,
and the data received is sent to the state for its review to determine
if everything is going properly.
Councilman Beahrs asked what would happen if it is determined that
things are not going properly.
Mr. Pawrloski responded that other measures mould have to he taken
to be sure that Palo Alto was in compliance with the requirsaaaente.
Councilman lbeahrs saw a conflict in this. Em recalled that Palo
Alto approved the county's installing, at their espenes, a series
of wells in the same general vicinity; and they were going to put
sewage effluent into those. If Palo Alto ware going to be charged
for that also, Councilmen 3eahre thought the city was in real trouble.
Mr. Pswloski said there would be no conflict, and the city does derive
benefit from one of the wells. A well bane boon built by the Valley
Water District, and the monitoring from that well will be used in
this program,
Councilman Baehrs said that when the first results were in from the data
collected, he would be very irate reQebod in seeing whether this were
anything other then t typical bureaucratic boondoggle.
MOTION: is Councilman Dsrvaald weed, sozondsd by Byerly, that this
subject be referred to the Finance and Public Works Committee.
In ..n effort to respond to scwss of time concerns exprees.d r Mr. P&vloski
said the origivai contract with BngfnexringScisncs, Inc. was concerned
with the preparation of ea Krironmentel Impact Report; and all of
the proposals submitted at that time had to do with that. Numerous
responses had been received from various 'agencies indicating that
an excellent job hied been done. Under that particular agreement,
there was authorisation for $33,800; and there was a subsequent amendment,
due to an unforeseen lagoon mitigation matter; suthorisiag $11,80.
This means there was a total of $45,600 authorised under the original
agreement and the amendment; end to date, $42,160 has been spent.
Councilman Mock, speaking to the referral motions said that haying
been involved ed some years ago when the city first started struEElins
with the Corps of Linears with regard to getting the permits he
became share almost immediately that the Corps of Rogiaeters nee misinferwed
by the Re$100111 Water Quality Control Board as to where Palo Alto
stood with then. The city went through quite an altercation with
the Water Quality Control Board, and the Corps of Engineers has stated
all along that any permit from than is issued after they have received
same indication from than Water Quality Control Board that it is satisfied
with whet the city ie doing. Councilman Comstock noted that Palo
Alto had gone aims with its filler on saaraaathing of a monthetommonth
basis. What is at issue is a specific plot of lased which Palo Alto
does not now have a permit to fill, and the time extensions have
been gotten from the Corps of Negineera because cf the difficulties
the city has had in roiolviog the problem of getting all the other
agencies out of than may. Councilman Co eteck's concern vas that
if the mattes is referred to Committee, tba city will sot be gales
forward with some of the work that has to be dame in order to get
the Water Quality Control Board certification out of the way. If
that is not doer, Palo Alto comet get the remaining land cleared
by the Corp. of ire. What weeded to be oeasidared befogs thaia
3,8
11/17/73
matter is referred to Committee, or even if it is referred to Committee,
is that somebody has got to do some work that will get all the information
needed by the Water Quality Control Board for a permit. Referring
the subject to Committee will clearly not get the staff started working
on this project. Councilman Comstock said he did not know when the
Committee would plan to take up the subject, bat the matter would
have to to discussed in the Committee and be re-agendized by the
Cowell. If the Committee proposed anything different from what
is before Council at this meeting, Council would then have to decide
how it would handle the new rsco ms ndaetion. Councilman Comstock
suggested that the options were limited. The city was etuck with
the requirement of satisfying the Water Quality Control Board; there
was not a lot of landfill; and there just was not much leeway. The
city was not equipped with the resources to supply the deta itself,
and he believed the staff was ei.ncere in saying the resources would
have to cow from another quarter. Referral to Committee did not
offer any advantages as far as Councilmen Comstock could see. He
suggested that the matter not be referred and the city go ahead with
the project. This was an issues that had arisen two or three years
ago, and there wee a lot of movement going in a certain direction.
Hopefully, this was the last obstacle before Palo Alto was in a position
to get the permit; and Councilman Comstock asked his colleagues to
vote against the referral and accept the staff recommendation,
Vice Mayor Clay said he would appreciate it if Councilman Berwald
elaborated on what sight happen to this subject in the Finance and
Public Works Committee. Vice Mayor Clay's corcern was that when
Council authorized the execution of the contract some time ago, the
basic question was whether or not here was a comparison between
apples and apples or tipples and oranges with regard to the proposals
themselves. There was some reason to believe that one consultant's
prcposal was more exhaustive than another; and yet, it was not all
that easy to make that determination. Vice Mayor Clay e;as somewhat
impressed with the fact that a proposal which would anticipate some
of the requirements that might have to be met would incorporate those
into the proposal that was made. With no negative reflection on
the staff, Vice Mayor Clay pointed out that in the consultant selection
process, the city is bond to take the bid of. the lowest responsible
company. In this case, considerable effort was put forth by several of
the consultants; and the proposals were not identical with respect
to what vas going to be done at what cost. They were not identical
because the consultants themselves did not really know what all needed
to be done, and the city did not know either. .If something could
be done in a Finance and public sharks Committee meeting that Height
maks the *election process gars productive end efficient to the point
that budget seen is did not have to be made in order to 'meet mandatory
r.quiremente, Vice Mayor Clay would bs inclined to vote in favor
of the motion.
.
Councilman Berweld elaborated that he would oak some of the questions
in Committee that had bean posed at this rseetins. He would also
look backward at what has been done and look forward to what should
be done after the $20,000 is used up. Councilman 33er meld understood
there would be $62,000 invested in this project if the $20,000 were
*pent, and he thought there wed be additions fuoda required.
It seemed to hie that since this matter required additional fiueacing,
it would be appropriaeta for it to be referred to the Finance and
Public Works Committee. One of the reasons he cede the referral
notion wee because of all ofthe very good questions that were being
aiskrd. Councilman Derweld wit that it was possible in a Committee
#tt€ee
meeting to accoeeplieeh more in setting becksecood on a rush issues.
He felt it might be passible for the C9MMitteae to discuss this matter
at its meetims of December 9; or if it is so emerseocy, ` they weld
do it before them.
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11/17/75
Mayor Norton commented that normally, he would defer to a Chairman's
request in a matter such as this; but ha really thought the subject
had been gone over rather well at this meeting. He was satisfied
that unless Council went ahead with the mandated requirement from
the WJater. Quality Control Board, the city would not be left with
too many alternatives; and he was ready to vote on the issue,
The referral motion failed on the following vote:
AYES: Earwald, Clay, Eyerly
NOBS: Beaters, Carey, Comstock. Norton, Sher,
Witherspoon
MOTION: Councilmen Comstock introduced the following ordinance and
moved, seconded by Serveld, its adoption:
ORDINANCE NO. 2087 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING THE
BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL Y A . 1975-76 TO PROVIDE
ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO
COMPLETE THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE SELF -MONITORING
PROGRAM OF THE CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WATER QUALITY
CONTROL BOARD"
and further moved, seconded by Berweld, that Council find the project
of which the ordinance is a part qualifies for a categorical exemption,
and no further environmental asseaemeut is uecessary; and that the
Mayor be authorised to execute the contract amendment with Engineering -
Science, Inc,, to provide engineering services for the groundwater
monitoring walls end riser*.
The motion was approved on the following vote:
AYES: Sombre, Carey, Clay, Comstock, Norton,
Sher. Eyerly, Witherspoon
NOES: Berwald
Councilman Berwald, referring to the Last its that was discussed
snot voted on, said he would rise to a point of order had state that
he would vote against any matters that come into Council without
gain through the Finence and Public Works Committee; and he would
do it without ax y rancor and be happy to take a one votes loss any.
time. Proceeding to this agenda iteme Councilmen Berweld a:tatsd
that his consistent negative vote on this subject was not to be interpreted
as * refltttion on the Police Department nor as a vote for the onoroua
crime being studied. His feelings ors that this great vss not for
ems essential municipal fie; and even though the money cams from
other so rcas, they are still. taxpayers' #undo. Therefore, b would
vote against the recommendation.
!Moll: Councilman Sery asld moved, surd by Witherspoon, that
Council authorise the wity Meager to szscutse the agreements with
Approach Associates for the training component and with prison/Bose
for the evaluation component.
390
11/17/79
The motion passed or. the following vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Carey, Clay, Comstock, Eyerly,
Norton, Sher, Witherspoon
NOES: Berwald
Mayor Norton explained that Items 7 through 13 under Unfinished Business
were: Consent Wender Items for the Council agenda of November 10,
and they would be considered in that way at this meeting.
Mayor Norton asked if Council were ready to vote on the Coosent Calendar.
There being no requests to the contrary, the following items were
left for voting on the Consent Calendar.
CE RE SENIOR DAY CARE CEN
ORDINANCE NO. 2888 entitled "ORDINANCE OF
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING
SECTION 18.04.144 OF THE PALO ALTO IftiNIC1 AL
CODE TO ALLOW DAY CARE CENTERS FOR SENI.ORS IN
ZONES 1.HEN A USE PERMIT IS OBTAINED"
The Planing Commission, by a vote of mix In favor (one absent),
recommends the concept of the San Mateo County and Santa Clara County
boundaries in the vicinity cif upper Page Mill Road end Skyline Boulevard
to conform to these present road alignments. By a vote of air in
favor (en* absent), the Planning Commission recommends that the City
Council request than staff to undertake an evaluation of the impact
of such a reeelig aaut on Palo Alto's boundaries and recommend specific
actions which will facilitate effective planning control in the re-
aligned area, including utility easements, road alignment* etc.
• 0./...'i i 47:6: l4si+t ,
(41DA-S0."1041414CII 4(
The Planning Coemission, by a vote of six in favor (one absent),
reds granting the request of Rocor International to extend
the P -C District Develolmment Schedule applying to property at 2800
West Bayshore Road; and finds the action exempt from the requirement
for an environmental impact assessment.
RESOLUTION NO. 5163 entitled "RESOLUTION OP
THE COUHCIL OF TEE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING
ORDINANC1 NO 1889 (AS AMU= BY RASOL1IIION
NO. S073) TO EXTEND THE DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE
FOR TUE P -C DiSTAICt KNOWN AS 2800 WEST
BAYS ROAD"
3 9 1
11/11/15
i
4232 MlANUELA AVENUE. RE
The Planning Commission, by a vote of six in favor (one absent) aoopts
Resolution No. 196 recommending approval of the application of John
H. Weak?and for a change of district of a portion of property known
as 4232 Manuals Avenue from R -E to R -1 -B -20-A; and finds that the
project will not have a significant environmental impact.
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO
ALTO AMENDING SECTION 18.08.040 (THE ZONING
MAP) OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO CHANGE
THE CLASSIFICATION OF A PORTION OF TEE PROPERTY
KNOWN AS 4232 MAN'UELA AVENUE FROM R -E TO R -1 -B -20--A
(1st reading)
NROE DRIVE SILVA AVENUE AND
The Planning Commission, by a vote of six in favor, (one absent), adopts Resolution
No. 197 recommending prezoning of property on Monroe Drive, Silva Avenue, and Silva
Court to establish R--1 zoning effective upon annexation; and finds that this action
will not have a significant environmental impact,
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO
ALTO AMENDING SECTION 18.08.040 (THE ZONING
MAP) OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO
ESTABLISH A ZONE FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY ON
MONROE DRIVE, SILVA AVENUE, AND SILVA COURT
EFFECTIVE UPON ANNEXATION OF SAZ.D PROPERTY
TO THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
(1st reading)
RESOLUTION NO. 5164 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
RELATING TO THE DETACHMENT OF CERTAIN
PROPERTIES FROM TEE BARRON PARE FIRE
DISTRICT"
JalkaLSOET.1024 CHARGES
RESOL[TTI ON NO. 5165 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF TEE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING SCHEDULES Z-5, W-5, AND 5-5 OF
THE CITY OF PALO ALTO JTILITIES RATES AND
CHARGES PERTAINING TO ELECTRIC, WATER, GAS
AND SEER RATES"
The seven items on the Consent Calendar were approved/adopted an a unen1aous
vox+e.
Councilman Berwald, Chairman of the Finance and Public Works Committee,
said there mere some its to the ordinance indicated in the
392
11/17/75
staff letter of November 6; and they had to do with the difficulty
of managing to get three people from the Architectural Review Board
to serve on the jury. When talking to staff, Councilman Berwald
told them he thought that the balance of the Finance and Public Works
Committee would agree with the amendment which deals with the unnecessary
restrictions and eliminates the possibility of vacancies on the jury
in the event the Architectural Review Board cannot acquire the appropriate
number of people.
MOTION: Councilman Berwald, on behalf of the Finance and Public
Works Committee, coved the Committee's recoemendation that Council
adopt the draft ordinance establishing a visual arts jury and regulating
visual art in public places with the amendments shown on the attachment
to the October 2, 1975 staff report, but with the exception that
the language shown in Section 2.18.020 end after the first clause's
last sentence: "Priorities should be given to the residents of the
City of Palo Alto"; and introduced the following ordinance and moved,
seconded by Comstock, its approval for first reading:
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO
ALTO ADDING CHAPTER 2.18 AND CHAPTER 2.26 TO
THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING A
VISUAL ARTS JURY AND REGULATING VISUAL ART
IN PUBLIC PLACES
Councilman Berwald commented that this visual arts jury is very badly
needed and will perform a very useful function. He hoped that the
quality of art in public places would be held at a very high level
in Palo Alto. Nothing but good comments had been heard by Councilmen
Bereald with regard to the pedestrian tanne' at California Avenue; but
there was according to some Peeldents, laundry hanging on the line of
the Southern Pacific flagpole et the end of California Avenue. So there
were two examples of oppcsite reactions of the public to art. Tht
citizens in the community raved about the art in the tunnel, and
thty made negative comments about the flagpole art.
Councilman Carey stated that as he understood the motion, the requirement
that there be three members on the jury from the Architectural Review
Bkard had been eliminated.
Mayor Norton explained that the jury will now cunsiet of five persons,
with one member being from the Architectural Review Board,
Councilmen Sher agreed with the elimination of the requirement to
have three members on the jury -from the Architectural Review Board,
but he wondered if the reduction of the jury from seven members to
five would reduce the possibility of a broader representation. If
the reduction In the number of people serving on the jury results
in making it harder to get a variety of expertise, then perhaps the
total number should be kept at esysn
Councilman. Berwald had some questions about that aspect also, and
be aeksd staff to comment.
Allan Longacre, Director of Arts, said that originally, the plan
was to have four members of the comity an the Visual Arts Jury
and three from the ARh so there would be a :majority from that group
serving Ott the jury. When this was discussed with the ARS, it vas
determined three people from the Board could not serve on the jury;
but Mr. Lengeere fait thine kept the situation where it vase, really.
Actually, he thought a jury of five would make the work a bit more
streamlined than if there were more people serving or it.
3 9 3
11/17/75
Councilwoman Witherspoon commented that she could find nothing in
the ordinance that would allow the jury to turn down or accept donated
art, and she asked if that were the case.
Mr. Longacre did not think the ordinance specifically spoke to that.
If the work in question were to be donated and installed, the ordinance
speaks to that. Right now, the city has the capacity to accept gifts;
and on various occasions, minor works of art have been accepted and
displayed. On the other hand, the city has turned down some works
of art which people have wanted to donate. Mr. Longacre commented
that ii he were to be offered a work of art for the city, he would
let the jury make the decision.
Vice Mayor Clay stated that the jury has to do with the approval
of display of art in public places, and it is not concerned with
what is given to the city. If a work of art would be donated or
purchased, it was in the jury's purview to decide if that item would
be displayed in a public place.
City Attorney Both thought the ordinance did cover donated items.
He supposed the disposition of any work of art that was rejected
would be handled in the same manner as any other city surplus property.
Councilman Eyerly felt that the cultural aspects of the city were
important, and he wanted to be sure Council moved along on this concept
of visual art in public places. In the Finance and Public Works
Committee, by tried to convince the other members to agree to setting
aside one percent of the Capital improvements Fucd annually, excluding
orrectedutility and street funds. That fund usually totals about two million
Pg. 492 dollars, and this would put a ceiling on the one percent of about
two hundred thousand dollars. Councilman Eyerly thought if this
natter ware just left open and there were a tight situation at budget
time, it would be very easy each year to decide not to give much
to visual art in public places. In order to insure funding, Councilman
Eyerly meted to add an aeendme t to Section 2.26.020 of the ordinance.
MOTION: Councilman Eyerly moved, seconded by Comstock, that Council
shall consider one percent of the annual Capital Improve sot Fund,
which excludes utilities and streets, as an approximate guide for
funding far art in public places, but not to exceed $20,000 annually.
Corrected
see Pg. 692
Councilman Sher hoped he had wide clear in the Finance and Public
Works Committee meeting that he supported the art in public places program,
but he felt uncomfortable about specifying a fixed dollar amount;
and this was his feeling regardless of whether or not the amount
was set i1/2 as a guideline or en automatic situation annually. Adopting
the ordinance, setting up the fund, end appointing a Visual Arts
Jury create a mechanism in the city that teller everyone Council is
supporting visual art in public places. Couecilmen Sher could not
think of any other city programs where Council had stated that acertain
?eremites* of any fund or "z" ewer of dollars; would he roetaidered
a norm. This item should be considered just se an; other prcgraa
is at budget time. He said he would prefix not havine as fisted percentage
mode part of the ordinance, and he would vote against the motion.
Councilman beahrs expressed agreement with Councilman Sher' e comments. -
He did not feel that any City activity was entitled to a guarantee of any
municipal fu*d.e to any =toot whatsoever. Each program comae before
the Finsace end Public Works etas each rear and taker its chances.
Is;motile= ors' opine , a dangerous precedent would be established
if melt amount of money were guaranteed to anya a.
394
11/17/75
Councilman Berwald agreed with the view of Councilmembers Sher and
Beahrs. He said he was not interested in having Council start earmarking
funds from the budget.
The amendment failed on the following vote:
AYES: Eyerly, Comstock, Norton, Witherepoon
NOES: Beahrs, Berwald, Carey, Clay, Sher
vice Mayor Clay, speaking to the main motion, said he found maximum
support among the public for the Visual Arts Jury. He said he wondered
right from the beginning why there needed to be threes members on
the jury from the Architectural Review Board. It would please him,
he said, to have more members from tie citizenry on the jury to aid
in waking judgae.nte; and he thought seven people would be a manageable
group.
AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Clay moved that the ordinance be amended to
state that there shall be seven members on the Visual Arts Jury.
The amendment failed for lack of a second.
AMENDMENT: Councflvcmen Witherspoon moved, seconded by Beahrs, that
(7) of Section 2.26.03G of the ordinance have the following wording
added: "Aelceptarce or refusal of donations of art".
The amendment passed on the followiag vote:
AYES: Beahrs, Berwald, Carey, Clay, Comstock,
Eyerly, Sher, Witherspoon
NOES: Norton
The ordnance, as amended, was approved for first reading on a unanimous
vote.
AMMI
MOTION: Councilmen Bernd, Chairman of the Finance and Public Works
Committee, moved on behalf of the Committee that Council authorize
staff to fill the CAA positions along the line the staff has in
mind rind that at least aeven positions be filled in a way not to
last beyond the and of ths fiscal year; and further that the possibility
of using those seven positions for community organisations be referred
to the Policy and Procedures Committee to be considered in connection
with their review of City support of community organisations.
Councilwoman Witherspoon stated that it leoked to her, being realistic
about the flea cial eituatioze, that even when the Policy and Procedures
Committee develops the procedures whereby community organisations
can come to the city snd ask for support, Council would be reluctant
to vote more money for the rest of this fiscal year. Therefore,
it sesmod to Counci1vo en Witheespoon that the only resources available
to offer to groups would be these CAA positions. She had asked
staff to inform Council what the positions were, bow critical to
the city they were, and whether there would be the possibility of
the being set aside earlier than the Committse recommended so that
when the procedure setup is ready, thou positions would be available
395
11/17/75
e,
for organizations for the last four or five months of the fiscal
year. There were two purposes in Councilwoman Witherspoon's mind.
One of them was to find out just how that would work out. Some community
organizations had assured her that they could make good use of someone
on special assignment for four or five months. Also, thin would
be a means of testing, in a way, the Policy and Procedures guidelines
developed for reviewing community requests.
AMENDMENT: Councilwoman Witherspoon moved, seconded by Norton, that
the seven positions be held aside until the Policy and Procedures
Committee has developed its procedures for dealing with requests
for support from the community; and that these seven positions be
available to community use as soon as possible, through the end of
the 1975-76 fiscal year.
Vice Mayor Clay recalled that he brought up this possibility when
the PAAIES fesue was being discussed, and he was told that the CETA
positions were not debatable.
George Sipel, City Manager, commented that the Committee recommendation
was that those positions not be used until there were some guidelines
developed; and the proposed amendment would change that.
Councilwoman Witherspoon understood that the Committee recommended
that the positions be filled, as in the memorandum dated November
14, 1975 from Charles Wacker, for the city's use through June 30, 3976;
and those people hired vculd know that their jobs would be terminated
on that date. thin consideration would be given to what positions
would be allocated for community use. Councilwoman Witherspoon was
suggesting that the seven pentane not be hired. now. Action should
be postponed for a month or two until the Policy and Procedures Committee
has its program developed, and then the positions could be made available
t:r tba community groups.
Councilman Sher remarked that this possibility was reviewed in Committee,
and everyone on the Comiteee was favorably inclined towards reserving
these positions for community organizations. That is why the Committee
made the motion that it did, and they raised the question of whether
they could go ahead with the proposal. Staff expressed two concerns.
One of them was that them review in Committee would not take place
and be completed for some time. Secondly, Councilman Sher raised
the question in Committee as to whether the city would lose the funds
if the positions ware not filled. Mr. Walker advised the Committee
that the money the city received was an allocation for the fiscal
year. The longer thm city waits the more cempressed the time Is
in which the money can be spent. Councilman Sher felt the impression
received in Committee was that there would be moose loss to the city
if it held the positions open, waited for the review in the Policy
and Procedures Committee to take place, and then made en allocation
e ►s the organisations that would be interested. Therefore, the
Committee members felt it would be better to get the maximum mileage out
of the positions by going ahead and filling them; but makes it clear
that they should be reserved in t -. subsequent fiscal year. Councilman
Sher asked if be were correct that nein/ the positions in a compressed
period of time could not be done without losing the benefit of the
may.
Charles Walker, Assistant City Manager, responded that the chances
of not spending all the sp y that has been allocated are greater
if the positions are not filled. There hes been sufficient money
for these *evenacts; and if they are mat filled, for example, until
ho the scree amount of money would then fill peps eleven slots
far five months. Hr. Aker thought staff might went to fill eons
k
39i
11/17'/73
of the positions to get some of the jobs done for a shorter period
of time andstill have the seven slots available for the community.
He added that it becomes confusing as to exactly how many slots there
are if the length of time for which the people would be hired were
not known.
Councilman Sher asked for some clarification. If eleven people were
hired for a five month period with the recognition that for the next
fiscal year the city would have to cut back to seven positions, that
meant four people would be lost to some organization that had them
for a brief period.
Mr. Welker said Councilman Sher'e understanding was correct. He
encouraged Council to limit the number of slots made available to
the public because that is an expectation that would be hard to reduce.
Slots in any organization could be filled in lieu of the tine that
lapsed and the money that was left over; but if Council talked about
eleven slots from March to June and seven after that, it would probably
be building in a problem.
Councilman Sher agreed that this would be building in a problem.
Assuming this situation would be the case for three or four months,
he wondered if Council were not really causing a problem for itself
by making core positions available than would be able to be carried
forward to the net fiscal year. Councilman Sher thought perhaps
the Committee's position was the right one.
Councilman Eyerly asked, assuming the seven people were hired, if
staff would be able to terminate them before the end of the fiscal
year if Council decided it wanted to use those slots for community
organizations.
2fr. Walker responded that if that were a condition Council wished
to impose in the hiring of the people, staff would wake that clear
to the individuals involved at the time of employment. Staff would
probably want to be pessimistic about setting the target date of
termination, and the applicants would be told that employment beyond
that date would be subject to Council's allocation of the positions.
Councilman Eyerly thought that if Council wanted to try to use some
of the slots for community groups this fiscal year, that Mt. Walker's
suggestion would ba the only way to proceed. He said he would not
be willing to try to compress the hole thing into the latter part
of the period of time involved. Councilman lyerly expressed a preference
for having individuals hired with the understanding that tb.y might
be laid off at a month's notice if Council decided to go an alternate
way.
Councilman Mahrs noted that he did not think that the Finance and
Public Worsts Committee was wildly enthusiastic about this program.
In his opinion, this was another example of spending money just so
someone else does not spud it, Councilman gsahrs' chief cone.rn
about CETh positions being allocated to community groups was that
not one of them had a definitive program, but they just wanted the
money. The problem that went along with this wean no one knew what
kind of productivity would bs realised out of the expenditure of
"x" number of dollars as far as the private agencies ace economised.
Councilwomen Witherspoon said the groups she hard talked about have
not sebeitted definite proposals, but they would be happy to present
a ptuposal for definite three-month project. Councilwoman Witherspoon
indicated tit she, too, wee concerned that the city not lose any
397
11/17/75
money. She stated she would hate to see the slots filled, as Councilman
Beahrs eaid, just because the money was there. Another concern of
Councilwoman Witherapoon's was that when the county was allocating
CETA positions, it gave about thirty percent of them to community
organizations; however, only two positions were given to Palo Alto.
To this date, the social service organizations at this eod of the
county have not benefited from the CETA program,
The Witherspoon amendment failed on the following vote:
AYES: EyerIy, Norton, Witherspoon
NOES: Beahrs, Clay, Comstock, Sher
ABSENT: Berwald, Carey
The motion stating the recommendations of the Finance and Public Works
Committee passed on a unanimous vote, (Councileembere Comstock and
Berwald absent.)
Councilman Berwald left the meeting at 10:15 p.m. and was absent for the
remainder of the ntectir g.
765 SAN ANTONIO
AD. ALPHA LAND COMPANY
MOTION: Councilman Carey introduced the following resolution and
:roved, seconded by Beahrs, its approval:
RESOLUTION NO.
5166 entitled "RESOLUTION OF
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMMOING
ORDINANCE NO. 2711 (AS AMENDED BY RESOLUTION
NO. 5150) TO MODIFY THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR
THE P -C DISTRICT KNOWN AS 165 AND 777 SAN
ANTONIO ROAN:"
The resolution was approved on a unanimous vote. (Counci1me bars Comstock
and Berwald absent . )
NOTION: Mayor Norton moved, seconded by Beahrs, that Item 19 on
the agenda with regard to as ordinance concerning E3 Camino Park
be brought forward to be dealt with at this time.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote. (Councilors berg+ Berwald and
Comstock absent.)
EL CAMIINO PARK: AMENDMENT
TO PARK DEDI£AflCN ORDINANCE
NOTION: Councilmen Carey introduced the following ordinance and
moved, seconded by Norton, that it be approved for filet reading:
OR1iMANCE aP THE COUNCIL OF TRR CITY OF PALO
ALTO APPROVING AND ADOPTING A PLa TOR THE
OE. CANINO PARK
398
11/17/75
Councilman Beahrs reiterated a concern which he had expressed many
times, and that was Palo Alto's investing of millions of dollars
in this property when it would have no value left at the end of the
lease. He remarked that recently the Council asked for a summary
of all of the city's interests and properties; and this particular
one was omitted from that schedule.
Mr. Sipel stated that staff gave Council some information on this
subject, and Council directed staff to get some additional information.
Included in that was a review of this situation and when staff came
back with its report, El Camino Park will be included.
Councilman Seaters reminded the community and Council that the city
was wheeling and dealing in millions of dollars on this property;
and there will be no residual property rights whatsoever, regardless
of vhiit developments are undertaken there. He asked staff what it
planned to do about the gophers in El Camino Park.
Keith Bruns, Director of Recreation, said a contractor was taking
care of this problem; and over the last several weeks, staff had
seen no new gopher holes.
Councilman Comstock stated that the gopher population was being diminished
due to the fact that Council minutes were being stuffed down their
holes, and they were being bored to death,
Councilman Eyerly was convinced Council should go ahead with this
project. One reason he was convinced of this was because the pre -
construction estimate was quite a bit higher than the bid that was
being cune idered. Although Councilman Eyerly was not totally in
agreement that everything that would be done was necessary, he felt
there was no reason to not proceed since the !yid price was a good
one. He thought perhaps the maintenance of El Camino Park had not
received the attention it should have; otherwise, it would not be
in its present poor condition. This fact led Councilman Eyerly to
believe that at some time there would have to be discussion and study
as to what maintenance standards should be for recreational grounds
and other facilities within the city. He said he was happy with
the staff report, and he would voce for the ordinance.
The ordinance was adopted on a unanimous vote, (Councilman Berwald
absent.)
MOTION: Councilman Comstock move, seconded by Sher, that Council
find El Camino Park improvements have no significant environmental
impact and that the Mayor be authorised to execute a construction
contract with Arthur B. Shooter, Inc. in the amount of $94,939 for
those improvements.
The motion paused on a unanimous vote. (Councilman aeerwal.d absent.)
a.�
-3►j!'111 At:I.1tii i 11111,04'
Councilman Comstock noted that Cauncilm srs had copies of last
year's memorandum and resolution on this subject. He said that he
not only wanted to encourage people in the community to purchase
399
11/17/75
living trees, but he wanted to encourage the city to do that also.
It would be well for the city to set an example by placing live trees
in the City Hall; and he hoped that if the motion and resolution
passed, staff would keep that in mind.
1
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Sher, that staff
be directed to prepare a City Council resolution supporting the use
of living Christmas trees in Palo Alto, with the objective of having
these trees, particularly sequoia trees, placed in the Bicentennial
Grove, and that staff be requeeted to cooperate in a reasonable manner
with this program and exercise leadership through the use of similar
trees in our own city's decorations.
Councilman teahrs asked if it would be appropriate to determine the
availability of nursery stocks and what is preferred for the area
involved. This would insure the right kinds of trees being available
for the public to purchase.
Councilman Comstock responded that he thought staff had done some
looking into that matter already.
Mr. Sipe? said gifts of money were preferred so that the proper kinds
of trees could be purchased, but he thought gifts of trees would
be accepted if they are redwood trees.
Councilman Beahre thought the idea a go'd one; but if nursery stock
is not acceptable, perhaps the public should be given the opportunity
of giving money to the park in lieu of a tree.
Kathleen Shaw, 436 Hamilton Avenue, said she had worked in putting
together this program; and some research had been done in the Park
and Recreation Department. There seed to be quite a conflict between
money and tress. The park official' said they would accept trees
from her organization (Living Tree Program), and it was another group
asking for money rather than treas. One e the aims of Ms. Shaw's
group vas to gait families used to the idea of buying live trees for
Christmas and then donating the to the city for ongoing use. MS.
Shaw made the folioving state et: "Mayor and Council hers, I
would like to urge you to give more than token support to a Living
Christmas Tree Program this year. Nothing could be more appropriate
than to give a living gift to celebrate our country's bicentennial.
It is now tine for us to -begin replenishing the resources which have
eastained us for two hundred years. Our country has become what
it is today because of its natural abundance. Giving a living tree
is a way to insure future generations the sae quality of life that
we have enjoyed. A tree today is a forest tomorrow. Thank you."
Mmyor Norton told Ms, Shaw that if she felt Council could do anything
above and beyond the resolution introduced by CounciIman Comstock,
she should let him know.
Min. Shaw motioned there wes an idee of involving public school children
in a poster contest regarding the use of living trees.
Councilman Comstock stated this could be brought up at a meeting
of the City/School Liaison Committee.
Councilmen Eyerly understood from MA. Show that more publicity would
be a real help. Se wondered if it might be possible to publicize
this activity by enclosing a pamphlet in the utility bills.
Mr. Sipel explained that a commitment had aaireedy been made to that
effect for December. Aiding anything else to the November utility
bills would entail handetuffing, and there were no employees available
ailablae
for that purpose.
400
11/17/73
The motion passed on a unanimous vote. (Councilman Berwald absent.)
EST OF MAYOR NORTON AND COUNCILMAN
RS
Councilman Eyerly said he had talked to mayor Norton about the contacts
he had in regard to this subject, and they decided to agendize the subject
contained in Mayor Norton's memorandum. It would bo helpful to have
a report from staff as to what steps are being taken to cut down
on the number of massage parlors and what ideas they might have for
further removal of them. Councilman Eyerly' ar thought was to have
the staff prepare a zoning ordinance amendment to restrict and exclude
massage parlors and allied enterprises. Before making that amendment,
he said he would appreciate comments from City Attorney Booth.
Mr. Booth stated that the approach suggested by Councilman Eyerly
had been assessed a couple of times, and it holds some promiee.
He drew an analogy to the liquor license situation in which the use
permit and scattered location ordinance had been relatively successful
in keeping such businesses from becoming concentrated in one particular
location and attracting persons who like to hop from bar to bar.
Also, Mr. Rooth thought there had been an improvement in after house
activities in those places which have been the source of a nuisance
in the past, particularly in the south Palo Alto neighborhoods.
Thus, an approach such as that, perhaps, would also work for the
types of acttvTitie,:" that Councilman Eyerly referred to. However,
Mr. Booth informed Council that the United States Supreme Court is
considering a case thia term arising out of the city of Detroit where
zoning has been used as a means to control this kind of activity;
end no one knows, of course, what the outcome will be. Action sech
as suggested by Councilman Eyerly would be urging litigants to keep
the pot boiling until the Supreme Court acts an the matter. That
is a question for the Council to weigh; end staff would, on direction,
prepare such an ordinance.
Mayor Norton asked Councilman Eyerly if he had made a change in the
memorandum in which he asked staff to report principally on concentration
problem, the problem of garish appearance, and sidewalk activities.
Councilman Eyerly said he added to the points in Mayor Norton's memorandum
ae request for preparation of an amendment to the zoning ordinance
to restrict and exclude massage parlors.
Mayor Norton naked if Councilman Eyerly meant to restrict and possibly
outlaw massage parlors in Palo Alto.
Councilman Eyarly responded that was his intention; and he wanted allied
enterprises, such as certain types of book stores, to be included
in th4% study.
Mayo. Norton *eked Mr. Booth if her had indicated that these operations
could be outlawed entirely.
Mr. Booth said axone research would have to be done, but he thought
staff could coma up with something that at least would tend to keep
such buai sdss away from residential neighborhoods. It needed to
be understood, however, that there would be some period of emortiset.i`n
allowed in which existing parlors would be permitted to operate as
long as they were otherwise in compliance with the state laws end
Palo Alto's l ssege Parlor Ordinance.
Mayor Morton stated that that would go sit beyond swat bit had
in mind, • but perhaps Mr, iovth could report beck if there were any
401
11/17/75
major differences in the two approaches or any concerns regarding
the legality of the two of them.
Steve Hy1ro#e, 415 Fernando Avenue, had addressed Council at an earlier
date about the conditions in south Palo Alto. There were a few other
paints he wanted to make about the area in general rather than speak
to these particular establishments of sexual amusement that have
moved in. Mr. Mylroie noted that this area in one of the few low-
cost middle -income housing areas left in Palo Alto; and if one looks
at the zoning mop, he sees that there is one small strip of C-3 along
E3. Camino, which is orobasbly more an historical accident than anything,
as a result of El Camino once being a state highway with no access
control in developing marginal commercial eetab1ishaentas that are
continuing to exist in the zoning. However, that strip does serve
the useful purpose of isolating the residential areas from the traffic
on El Camino. Hr. Mylrote pointed out that this was a unique commercial
zone in that it is * lens, thin strip zone not as desirable as same
other bueinees locations; therefore, it tends to attract some undeeiraable
types of establishments more than other commercial areas in Palo
Alto. He requested that Council recognize its special character,
and at least ask the staff to investigate what can be done with toning
in C-3 areas to offer some protection from these kinds of uses, especially
in light of Council's decision to commit a substantial &r_ount of
funds to this area in horsing rehabilitation. It would be too bad
to allow commercial development there which would deteriorate that
effort.
Councilmen Sher suggeete4, another subject that this proposed staff
study and report might cover, and that area had to do with the grounds
for suspension cr revocation of licenses. This was not covered in
the memorandum, but it was something he had been consideLine. To
refresh his colleagues recollections, Councilman Sher said the ordinance
requires permits or licensees to be obtained both by the owner of
the massage parlor and the msseage technicians. The Massage Parlor
Ordinance, then, has a section which refers to another part of the
Municipal Code for denial, probation, or disciplinary action which
is the general section that applies to all licenses and lists grounds
on which disciplinary action can be taken. That can include a whole
range of things from a warning through revocation, or temporary suspension
or revocation, Councilman Sher added that one of the grounds for
disciplinary action is the conviction of a .rime within tha past
five years with a trait shown that is inconsistent with carrying
on a business, occupation or activities for benefit of the public.
Another grounds for disciplinary action is the conducting' of a business,
occupation or activities, for which the license or permit is issued,
in a manner determined to constitute a menace to the health, safety
and general welfare of the public; such objectionable conditions
to be corrected, which constitute a public nuisance, in er reasonable
time after lawful notice frog a governmental entity giving tine and
puce and proof thereof. Having read in the paper about sots arrests
that were made, Councilman Sher asked if there had been convictions
following those arrests; and if Aso, whether the persons who were
convicted had disciplinary action token against them as fair as the
permits were Concerned.
Mr.. Booth responded that up tiro this date; there have not been any
convictions from the most recent spate of arrests. Those cases are
working their wey through Municipal Court. With respect to the nine
arrests last year prior to enactment of the ordinance, there have
been nine convictions; and thee. persons, to the extent they have
applied, have not been granted licenses. Mt. both said saps of
the cars would be working their esey through they administrative process
and perhaps, ultimately, the courts themselves..
447
31117/73'
Councilman Sher stated his first point would be, if it is a possibility,
to have the staff consider in its report the possibility of suspensions
and disciplinary action based on the conviction of crimes, and whether
it would be possible to not only take such disciplinary action against
the technicians; but also if there is a pattern of such practices
that lead to convictions, whether that might not be a grounds for
disciplinary action in terms of licenses of the owners of the establishment.
The way Councilman Sher understood the ordinance, the conviction
of the crime ie grounds for disciplinary action against the person
convicted, and that would be the technician; but if there is a pattern
of such convictions at a particular business, the possibility may
exist of that -being valid grounds for disciplinary action in terms
of the license of the owoer of the establishment. Councilman Sher
said he had talked about this with Mr. Booth earlier; and it was
his suggestion that such a thing has been validly done in other areas -
including liquor nerving establishments, roller rinks, etc. Councilman
Sher's intention was not to charge the owner of as business establishment
with crimes committed by someone else; but he wanted to have explored
the question of if there is a pattern of such convictions at one
or more establishments owned by the same owner, whether disciplinary
action against the owner could be legitimately built into the ordinance.
If that required an amendment, Councilman Sher said he would be willing
to make such a motion.
Mayor Norton stated he would include both of Councilman Sher's suggestions
in his own motion. He added that in reference to Councilman Sher's
first remarks, he was not clear as to whether the ordinance actually
required a change or whether the suggestion was to merely enforce
It as it now exists.
Councilman Sher did not feel that the ordinance required a change.
He was really interested in whether the section he discussed contemplates
the idea of disciplinary action with respect to those who actually
are convicted of a crime. His opinion was that that would be possible
under the present ordinance.
3ayor Norton suggested that perhaps staff could include in its report
what corrective action might be in the case of a current conviction,
and he included those ideas in his motion.
Councilman Sher commented that other grounds for disciplinary action
which he read (4.04.140 subsection 6 - conducting business or activities
for which the license or permit was issued in a manner that becomes
a menace to the health, eafety and general welfare of the public)
made him wonder whether that is not an existing grounds for such
things as the sidewalk activities and the other matters mentioned
in the Norton memorandum, and whether that is not already an existing
grounds on which disciplinary action m.tght proceed.
Mayor Norton included this question in his motion.
Couuci:aaaan Carey reported that he was concerned with two issues.
One was state pre-emption of any potential city ordinance= and the
other eras the constitutional question to which Mr. Booth bed already
addressed himself, particularly with respect to any potential ordinance
that would provide for an absolute prohibition. He wantedto sae
some opinion by counsel on thence questions if an ordinance, in fact,
did came back for consideration Then when Council dealt with the
ordinance, it would at least be dealing with it in the context of
what could and could not be done. It seemed to Councilman Carey
he had read somewhere that both that constitutional question and tbs
scats pyre-erption question had come up in other cities.
4 0 3
11/17/75
Mr. Booth said that could be worked into the report; however, he
added that in general terms, the city is not empowered at all to
regulate sexual activity. It is empowered to issue licenses for
virtually any type of business in the city that needs regulation
for health, safety, and the general standards that are used. The
standards for sealing with those can deal with conviction of other
activities which related to the fitness of the applicant to operate
them. That is whey the city licenses taxicabs, door--to-door solicitors,
peddlers, anti a number of other activities which are potentially
a local police problem. So the constitutional issue is involved
in any licensing activity, and staff did not believe that free speech
is necessarily related to the saaseage parlor business in any respabt;
although operation of au otherwise lawful business, of course, arrays
raises the constitutional question, Mx. Booth proposed that staff
explore this in greater depth and ieciude that in the report, which
he sew as a combination of reports of activities of the etaf2 as
well as possible solutions that the legal staff slight recommend,
aiotg with other information for Council.
Cownc; lmau Beahre asked why the old remedy of abatement of public
nuisance was not used more. It seed to him that some of these
eases could qualify in that category regardlees of the persiasiveness
of the State Legislature, etc.
ter. Booth replied that remedy vas being explored in conjunction with
the Police Department and thn District Attorney's Office. However,
success in those cases ham been infrequent in recent years; and the
standard of evidence required is quite high.
Councilman Beahrs thought perhaps tho public could be encouraged
to use its private remedies; for instance, some of these people could
be harassed out of town.
Vice Mayor Clay wanted to be certain he understood
dealing with. He acid he was in favor of a report
the agenda, but he wanted to know if zoning change
were being incorporated as part of the request for
what Council was
es indicated on
possibilities
a report.
Mayor Norton explained that his original request for a report included
thret areas of concern. One was concentration of massage parlors,
and it wits his understanding that the device of zoning would be a
method by which that might be attacked. He said it had never bean
his intention to prohibit massage parlors throughout the city, and
he did not know that there vas a consensus on that issue. The other
two areas he mentioned were garish appearance and sidewalk activities.
Couucilaasbers Carey and Sher added a few suggestions which he incorporated
into his motion.
Vice Mayor Clay was concerted about the zoning propossi from the
standpoint of the constitutional question. There bed been considerable
discussion about this when it was brought to the fo/iey and Procedurse
Committee ,acme time ago, and the need was.for an ordinance that was
enforceable and that would prevent the city from being subject to'
litigation every step along the way. Vice Mayor Clay supported ell
the ideas mentioned with the exception of the zoning one; and before
anything such as that were to bn done, ha wanted to see a report
fros staff.
Player Norton asked Mr. Booth to comment as to whether zoning should
or should not be included in the request of staff.
4 0 4
11/17/75
Ma. Booth considered it perfectly appropriate to include the zoning
question in the request. Staff will want to report back on whether
it could be effectively done or not; and as he had mentioned earlier,
there is a case pending before the United States Supra Court which
staff would want to look at in greater depth than it had to date
to find out if the issues are closely akin to those which existed
in Palo Alto. Ultimately, it would become a question for the Council
as to whether the need to have that particular part of the ordinance
was sufficient to risk litigation that will certainly ensue pending
the Supreme Court's decision, which could, of course, resolve the
matter in favor of such an ordinance.
Vice Mayor Clay asked Mr. Booth if he recommended that Council wait
until the Supreme Court made its decision.
Mr. Booth replied he would like to look at the whole thing. Re had
not read the litigation itself, and he had read only some reports
in Journals as to what was involved. It could be something entirely
different, but it appeared to be very similar to what was being talked
about at this meeting.
Councilman Comstock thought the motion sounded quite reasonable.
There vas aomething staff ought to count on, end that wee whether
the city has a problem with the existing ordinsnce. It was clear
from what the public has said and from what Council has said Unit
there is a problem in Palo Alto. Before Council got too far into
a lot of ideas about changing the ordinance, it should get some fairly
seasoned advice from the staff as to whether or not the existing
ordinance has the tools and the powers in it to deal with those problem.
A case in point - if an individual parlor operator and certain members
of his staff in that parlor were found to be engaging is prostitution,
and various people wore convicted for having this occur -- world the
ordinance provide a mechanism for closing down that operator ate
that facility? Councilrnan Comstock thought at thn time the nrdi'ne ca
was originally talked about, there was quite a variety of input;
and :hare were some people who were obviously very •ineereiy inter:.. red
in providing a massage service in the community end nothing more.
But now it appeared that eosa people said the saes thing but had
something ease in mind; and he thought that on that point alone,
he would rather not get into the idea of an outright ben of massage
parlors in the community if it can be shown that the existing ordinance,
or if necessary - with sow changes to it, ultimately will provide
relief from people who are en aged in illegal and illicit activities.
Councilman Comstock agreed with comments of sar'<ter speakers that
a lot of tiforts were b log made to improve, protect and help out
the serrouuding neighborhoods, not only those that have been in Palo
Alto for a long time, but also the ones that have been only recently
annexed. The city has a commitment to those neigbborbooia. Pe hoped
that staff, in responding, would bear in on that point. Councilman
Comstock expressed interest in hearing about previous convvietions
and how they are being dealt with. He concluded by saying be would
not be agaiest changing the ordinance if it were found to :on_ tain
some deficiencies.
Don Louden, 267 Curtner Street, stated that the ordinance did not
stop sex, only good message. Re said be had been in business in
Palo Alto for three year*, sad he had no arrests of any kind. Mr.
Louden said he spoke for bimetal, end it was his intention to stay
in business as best he could. In his opinion, Council could not
mak* lees just however it might ,mot to. )beanie end prostitution
massage wowed not be stopped by ordinances, end he pointed out that
certainly bad not been accomplished in the past year• Mr. Louden
405
11117/75
-.•N/INF,
had tried to hire women technicians for his establishment who would not
work for him because they could go down the street and work without
a city permit or a police permit. Mr. Louden has a school of massage,
and a lot of women do not want to pay mone, to go to school because
they can work at other places in Palo Alto without having gone to
school. As far es he was concerned, the ordinance meant nothing;
and it had done nothing. If anything, it had hurt his business.
He had given Council copiaa of a newspaper from Fremont, and he thought
Councilman Carey was probably the only person who had read it. Mr.
Louden had hoped that from that newspaper, Council would see that
some of the laws that have been challenged have been pre-empted by
the state. The problem, according to Mr. Louden, was that there
were too many massage etudios, He said that if the city ordinance
were changed to the point that it would be unconstitutional, he would
fight it in the courts. Council should concentrate its efforts in
going after massage operators who permit prostitution to occur.
Mr. Louden pointed out that the city did not close up bars that were
prostitution bars, and it did not close up motels that were prostitution
motele. Also, he felt there really was not a concentration of massage
parlors, adult book stores and card rooms. On the contrary, they
were scattered ell through Palo Alto. In eumuiing up, Mr. Louden
stated that if Council created a new ordinance, it could not include
in that ordinance requirements that would not be legal=
MOTION: Mayor Norton moved, seconded by Eyerly, that staff report
on .chat measures could reasonably be taken to respond to threes concerns
listed in the uremerandum .from Councilman Eyerly and himself dated
November 5, 1975 (concentration, garish appearance, sidewalk activities);
to Councilmsrri Sher' ee concerne regarding disciplinary action (suspension/revocation
of licenses) and action resulting from current convictioesi and to
Councilmen Carey's questions concerning constitutionality and state
pre-emption.
The motion passed on a Unanimous vote. (Councilman Berwald absent.)
Mayor Morton referred to the letter dated Novee bar 12, 1975 from
Mildred Juatsaen for the CO-OP having to do with that organisation's
request for consideration of the adquiaition of an additional piece
of property -at the corner of Park Boulevard and California Avenue
for perking purposes.
MOTION: Mayor Norton moped, seconded by Comstock, that this matter
be referred to staff for a report.
Councilaeg Sher said this was a point he had brought up when the
Asses:merit District semi the two --phased operation were being diecuss d
se to whether a garage would be feasible. He mentioned at that tiara
the Co-op's concern with regard to the building of a garage which
they did not feel would benefit therm. Councilman Sher explained
that he did uot move referralof this matter to staff or to a Committee
earlier because the first atop was to find out whether there wee
sue more bonding capacity in the California Avenue area, If the
&newer to that is "yeas", a determination needs to be made as to whether
the trolley should be put into a garage or Sato something that mould
mare equitably spread tbs benefits ate; the participant* in the
Assessment District. Councilmen Sher r e. not opposed to having this
setter referred to staff; but an the oar tweed, he did mot sant
to see this subject foreclosed before there was an answer• to the
Wilier gametic*.
40
11/11(73
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IO G L'd" NCCrV ,:R �Z IzlT1
Councilman Carey asked that if the motion palmed, staff check out
the figures in the Co-Ops' letter of November 12. In the letter,
the yearly assessment is stated as being approximately $3,000 per
year; and it seamed to Councilman Carey that was the total cost.
He said he did have some questions about Co-op's share of the easessmmeut,
and he would appreciate staff clarification on the matter.
The referral motion passed on a unanimous vote. (Councilman Berwrel.d
absent.)
ION RE CAL -STANFORD
Ammer
Councilman Carey had asked the City Attorney to prepare a resolution
that could be presented at this meting re Saturday's event; and
he did this knowing that ainc• Mr. Booth want to Law School At Berkeley,
he would be eminecttly qualified to draw up such a resolution.
MOTION: Councilman Carey introduced the following resolution and
moved, seconded by Beahrs, its adoption:
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALO ALTO CONCERNING THE CALIFORNIA -STANFORD
G -- NOVEMBERS 22, 1975
"WHEREAS, despite their sometimes dismal and inconsistent record,
including losing to state colleges and blowing 30 point leads, the
Stanford Cards contain a reasonable number of aces, kings and queens,
along with the dex:ces and threes; and
WHEREAS, the Stanford Cards retain in contention for post -season
bowl play; and
Wes, the Stanford Cards face the number cne offense in the United
States, averaging 455 total yards per game, cu Saturday, November
22, 1975; And
WHEREAS, this evident min -match with the colossal All-Americans from
Berkeley will be visited upon the environs of Palo Alto; and
WHEREAS, hope can replace performance on uccasion;
NOW, THIPEFORE, the Council of the: City of Palo Alto secede its bast
wishes to the Stanford Cards to defy the odda, riaae to the occesioa
of the biggest of big games, perform in the role of underdog; aed
create ee additional took of suspense waiting for UCLA to go to the
Rose Bowl, by edging California in the Big Game."
Mayor Norton asked the City' Attorney if the mover of the resolution
might have some problem with being involved in a conflict of interest.
Mk, Booth did not believe this would be the case.
Mayor Marto* asked if there were axty attorneys in the -Legal Department
who did not go to Cal who could rule on -these matters.
Mr. Booth responded that there were some attorneys in his office
who bad not gone to the University of California.
Mayor Morton said that in the interest of good judgment, he had decided
to net do anything about this subject; but its light of the conspiracy
between the City Attorney and one of, the Countilmsebers, plus his
second, Mayor Dorton decided to prime a substitute resolution.
407
11/17/75
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Mayor Norton introduced the following resolution and
moved, seconded by Witherspoon, its adoption:
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY CP
PALO ALTO REGARDING FOOTBALL TEAMS SUPPORTED
WITH TAXPAYERS' FUNDS, AND PEST CONTROL
"WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palo Alto wishea to recognize
the existence of the University of California and to acknowledge
the event on November 22, 1975, commonly known as The Big Game; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palo Alto wishes tc maintain
scrupulous impartiality in the matter; and
WHEREAS, the maintenance of a football team is a queetiouable use of
taxpayers' funds, which funds are derived in part from taxes paid by
the citizens cf Palo Alto;
NOW, 7MREFORE, the City Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE
as follows:
SECTION 1. The week of November 16 through November 22, 191S, hereby
is proclai ed to be BIG GAME WEEK
SECTION 2, The Palo Alto City Council is constrained to appose on
Novanar 22, 1975, the football team of any large California educational
institution which is aepported and maintainers, or bussed, with taxpayers'
funds, and urges the Stanford football teem to do likewise."
The City Attorney stated it apps€red that Mayor Norton and Councilmen
Sher had a conflict of interest and should disqualify themselves
from voting.
Councilmen Sher naked if that statement were a matter of law or if
it were not up to each Councilman to decide whether or not them
was a conflict of interest involved,
Me. Booth decided that in view of the fact that the odds were even
for Cal and Stanford, it would be decided that the conflict of interest
matter would be left to the discretion of the individual Councilmember's.
Councilman Sher stated he has no interests in the bus company that
would be bussing the Cal team at the taxpayers' expense, and he had
no intsreets in the companies that provided the uniforms or athletic
equipment being purchased to support the team at the taxpayers' expense;
therefore, having no such connection, maven though he did have a connection
with the opponette, be felt free to vote on the smatter. Councilsaan
Sher said he would wholeheartedly support the substitute motion.
Mayor Norton wee gratified to hear Councilman Shsar'ss statement.
Councilmen &sabre thought it would be vine for that •ebetituts motion
to be referred to a Committee. Another thought world he to form
a Task Force which could make proper recommendations to Council.
In view of the f inane iel situation, Counc i 1i an Esahrs thought some
such action would be eminently proper,
* TYObi: Councilmen Mahrs moved, seconded by Carey, that the substitute
motion be referred to the Finance and Public Works Committee.
Councilman Careyseconded tba station because Councilman leahrs was
ties oily person present ssyeakins with any kind of s *,
4 0 $
11/17/75
Councilman Comstock commented that he would like to know how soon
the Committee would be able to study the item referred to it. Also,
he said has was a graduate of a tax -supported midwestern university
which was likely to beat whichever team want to the bowl; but having
no direct or immediate conflict of interests, Councilman Comstock
said he would vote on the issue.
Vice Mayor Clay wanted to be certain that the subject was not referred
to the Policy and Procedures Committee. He went to St. Louis University,
anel football was abolished there in 1947; therefore, he did not feel
qualified to vote on the matter.
Mayor Norton asked the City Attorney if en Environmental Impact Report
would be required.
Mr. Booth respouded that Mayor Nortoe's resolution would require
an EIR since it obviously had a severe environmental impact. Further,
he pointed out that eight votes would be seeded since the matter
would have to be considered an emergency as it had not been agendised.
The referral motion failed on the following vote::
AYES: Besashrs, Carty
NOES: Clay, Co stock, Ej a rlyi Norton, Sher,
Witherspoon
ABSENT: Berwald
Councilman Sher requested that a Section 3 be added to the resolution
to the effect that Council urge the local college football tea to
uses all its efforts to dispose of aisehievous and destructive peewits,
including, but not limited to, bears, but nrithout the use of pesticides.
lfsyor Norton accepted Councilman Sheer's request to add said Section
3 to the resolution.
Councilman matey vas trying to be objective eves though he did go
to Cal, but that attitude was bsscoa g more difficult to sustain.
In view of the lateness of the hour, he made the following motion:
MOTION: Councilmen Carey moved, sscoodud by &sahre, that the eu.bstitu e
motion be tabled.
The tabling motion failed on the following vote:
ATES: Baehr*, Carney
DOES: Comstock, Eyeerly, Norton, Ether, Witherspoon
ABSTAIN! Clay
ASSENT: Bergerld
MOTION: Councilman Carey mewed, :seconded by Eaiars, that the sestina
be adjourned.
Mayor Norton ruled the notion out of order.
Councilman Mahrs challenged the chair.
Pryor Norton meld a vote would be taster. An "eye" vote would empport
r1 t � a$ o" t S chair, d "s vote v el,d a the c r.
409
13/17/73
AYES: Comstock, Eyerly, Norton, Sher, Witherspoon
NOES: Beahre, Carey
ABSTAIN: Clay
ABSENT: Berwald
Councilman Comstock asked that a copy of the resolution be mailed
to the Mayor of Berkeley, the President of the University of California.,
the Chancellor of the Berkeley caws, and the coach of the U. C.
team.
Councilman Carey wanted to be certain •that those who vote against
the resolution were specifically mentioned.
Mayor Norton said that would be done.
The substitute motion passed on the following vote:
AYES: Comstock, Eysrly, Norton, Sher, Witherspoon
NOES: Beehrs, Carey
ABSENT: Berwald
ABSTAIN: Carey
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting of November 17, 1975, adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
ATTEST:
APPROVE:
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