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11251974
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CITY Or - PALO ALIO Regular Meeting November 25, 1974 ITEM PACE Adjourned Meeting of November 18, 1974 6 4 9 Executive Session Report re Appointment to PACDAB 6 4 9 2097 East Bayshore, Change of District of Property Planning Commission's recommendation to deny Application of Jack Blackwell b 49 Comprehensive Plan Options: Final Report 6 5 4 Cooperative Maintenance of School District and City Facilities 6 5 4 Veterans' Building 6 55 Roquest of Vice Mayor Henderson re Dumbarton Bridge Improvements Alternative Plan 6 5 7 Request of Councilman Comstock for Council Resolution and Staff Support for Christmas Tree Program 6 6 4 Request of Councilwoman Pearson re Bus Route to Foothill College b 6 4 Request of Councilman Berwald for Resolution of Commendation _ to Stanford Football TeaA 6 6 4 Oral Communications Regular Meeting of November 25, 1974 Minutes of October 22, 1974 Minutes of October 28, 1974 Minutes of October 29, 1974 Squire louse 665 6 6 5 665 6 b 6 6 6 6 666 Request of Councilman Norton to Move Item 3 (Massage Parlor Ordinance) Forward on the Agenda 6 6 8 Squire House Discussion, Continued 6 6 8 Renaming of Wilkie Way Bridge 6 / 2 California Avenue Area Off -Street Parking Project No. 71-63 6 i 3 Ordinance re Cogswell Plaza Extension Adding Section 22.08.065 to the Palo Alto Municipal Code Ordinance Adopting Plane for the Improvement of Cogswell Plaza Extension 6 7 3 673 64 7 1.1/25/74 1 ' . ITEM (Continued) Ordinance re Public Employees' Retirement System - 2X et Age Fifty Retirement: Program PAGE 674 Vacation of an Overhead Power Line Easement - 1117 California Avenue 6 7 4 Vacation of an Underground E1ec:rical Utility Easement 611 Hanson Way Vacation of a Public Utilities Easement - 3333 Rillview Fence Ordinance Request of Councilman Rosenbaum to Refer Model Smoking Ordinance to Policy mad Procedures Committee Request for Continuance of Item 2 on the igenda to December 9 (Fierce and Public Works Recommends re Consultant Procedures Request for Continuance of Item 4 on the Agenda to December 9 (Barron Park) 6 7 4 674 b75 675 675 6 7 5 Request for Continuance of Item 14 on the Agenda to December 9 (Finance and Public Works Committee Recom- mends re Fire- Zone I Rehabilitation Program and Financial Plan 6 7 6 Regular ?meeting of December 2 Cancelled 6 7 6 Oral Communications 6 7 6 Adjournment 6 7 6 646 11/25/74 November 25, 1974 Present: Beehrs, Bervald, Henderson, Pearson, Norton, Rosenbaum, Sher, Comstock (arrived 7:42), Clay (arrived 7:43) Absent: None Rx: la Sean EL." R"rt re r�r �o�r+srrwr Appointment to PACDAB The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this data at 7:30 p.m. in an adjourned meeting of November 1B, 1974, with Mayor Sher presiding. Mayor Sher announced that during Executive Session en November 20, Council confirmed the nomination of Ifs. Rime Rudd to the FACDAB Board. ,�Z�g„7.,.�a t Bayshore . Chan e of District of prc rt eR am n mmfss as 'di�RdP.As.lt MIY9.\.AgN'J..�� recommendation to den A iccaaCi a o ac d5ac l Frances Brenner, Chairwoman of the Planning Commission, noted that the proposed project would be located on lard that is extremely susceptible to flooding. The Commission thought that the parkiug plan was an inadequate one, but the applicant did not agree that there waa a need for very much ;narking space; therefore, the site would be covered with concrete and buildings. The use did not seem to be a compatible one in that area in the Commission's opinion. Mrs. Brenner pointed out that the curving road by the Post Office was a hazardous one, and the number of cars using it vas not necessarily the criterion of the hazard. Years ago, it had been anticipated that the property would have an entrance on Laurel Lane rather than on the Frontage Road. firs. Brenner added that the Environmental Impact Statement gave a good aaaaaesament of the undesirable features of this project. Councilman Beahrs stated that there discussion of c ity needs for a California homes, for instance, had concerned about this point. did not seen to have been any storage warehouse of this type. inadequate Storage; and he was Mrs. Brenner responded that the need did not overweigh the inadequacies of the site for proposed use. One subject that was discussed wan the road plans that affect the Dumbarton Bridge, and members of Council have been discussing access within this particular area. The Commission did not want to cut off the flexibility of those discussions. Councilman Beahra asked what the C mission thought would be a more appropriate .we of the land involved. if the Commisaion were concerned about flooding, then it would certainly mover want to approve the site for a housing development of any kind. Further, if the flooding were a concern, perhaps the eastern part of Palo Alto ought to be closed down since it was equally exposed to the possibility of flooding. 649 11/25/74 Mrs. Brenner stated that the site under discussion was right next to San Francisquito Creek. She pointed out that the present L -M zoning would require more parking; and over the recent past, if a given use did not require a lot of parking, the Council has allowed a reduction in parking in exchange for ground surface that could absorb more water. Mrs. Brenner said that in this case, the site was almost completely concreted in. Val Dourer, 1115 Hamilton Avenue, stated that Northern California Savinge and Loan was one of the partners in the proposed development of the storage warehouse. Mr. Dozer explained that the developers were aware that the new two-lane approach to the Dumbarton Bridge was a remote possibility, but there were ways of designing around that. Such a development as a public rental storage facility would fill the need in Palo Alto of getting campers and boats out o:Z" driveways, and it would provide an alternative to residents of filling up half the space in their garages with the various items that collected there. Mr. Domer said a feasibility study had been done, and certainly such storage units had been readily accepted in other communitiea . It was found that such facilities were not only used by hose owners and agar: nent dwellers, but they were also used by merchants. Storage in downtown areas would cost much more than it would at an outlying site such as this one. According to the zoning requirements, the ground coverage of this project of 90,000 square feet should be acceptable. Another point was that the collective landscaping gave a twelve percent coverage, and the requirement is for just ten percent, With regard to traffic, Mr. Dosser stated the projection as being twenty-five to forty automobiles going to the faci.iity on weekdays, and forty to sixty on Saturc':ays and Sundays. He commented that preference for access to the facility would he from Bayshore Road rather than from Laurel Avenue. A lot of time was spent in determining that Palo Adtane would like to have this kind of a development, and Mr. Bonier considered the project to be a worthwhile one. Councilman Clay asked how many parking spaces were provided for like storage facilities in other cities. Mr. Donner responded that most of the storage warehouses do not have required parking areas except for those that are needed near the business office. Kenneth Arutunian, 350 Bryant Street, Arutunian/Kinney Associates, Inc., Landscape Architects, shoved some slides that pointed out the physical characteristics of the site. He mentioned that the trees one hundred feet into the site would be preserved, and only a few on the internal part of the site would nave to be removed. One of the slides indicated the types of plant materials that would be used and just where the landscaping would be installed. Mr. Arutuni n said be had tried to screen as extensively es possible the vier from Frontage Road into the project, and substantial screening was planned for the entire perimeter of the project. Hugo Suarez, Arutunianf Kinney Associates, presented a slid .° show to indicate the kind of buildings that were planned for the facilitiy and rose of the details that would be employed, such as textured concrete, bold graphic lettering for identification of each building, and wood trims. W. Suarez shoved a elide of the proposed sign that could be seen from either direction on the freeway. Ben White, .Civil Engineer, MacKay & Soave, 3000 Gordon Avenue, Santa Clara, distributed several exhibits to Council members, one of which indicated the -site and that portion of the adjoining San Francisquito Creek which bay been approvedto what the Flood Control District refers 650 11/25/74 to as the sis:ty year level. Mr. White said that the Flood Control District has stated in writing that the property might be subject to some flooding once every sixty years, and he pointed out that residential districts in the past have been designed on the possibility of a one in ten year store frequency. FHA considered one storm in fifty years a good design program for long term mortgage experience. Mr. White said the other exhibit contained information that had been prepared in part by the Flood Control District and in part by the city staff. The original plot showed a great portion of Palo Alto, essentially everything from Louis Road to the Bay, as being subject to the one hundred year flood level. The map which Mr. White distributed showed that much of the'area between Middlefield Road and Louis Road had been deleted at the request of city staff and the Flood Control District; more importantly to the project under discussion, the area around the site has also been deleted. Mr. White explained that the map was really saying that the concerns expressed at the Planning Commission meeting about a possible flood experience in a sixty year period need not have been taken into consideration, because the area really would not have a flood experience of once in one hundred years. Mi. White stated that the developers were at the stage where they needed to satisfy the Planning Commission and the staff that the mini -- storage use is an appropriate one for the site. In his opinion, it was an appropriate use compared to others such as residential or a high -value industrial one. Mr. White asked for Council's concaptua1 approval that the proposed use was appropriate for the site. Mayor Sher asked Mr. White if he wanted approval for the ground coverage at this meeting. Mr. White responded that the developers felt the coverage was within the zoning requirements; but if Council wanted to give specific directions to the Planning Commission about that aspect, that would be their decision to make, Councilwoman Pearson commented that as this type of storage goes, she thought this one was better designed than usual; but she felt that she had to uphold the Planning Commission's recommendation. She did not like the building and concrete coverage of the land, and she had hoped that the land would be upgraded to a better use than storage. For instance, if the land were used for manufacturing or industrial purposes, there would be less coverage and more lendacaping1 MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Comstock, to uphold the recommendation of the Planning Commission to deny the application of Jack Blackwell for a change of district of property known as 2097 East Bayshrre Road from C -3-S and L -WA -.D to P.C. (Public rental storage facility). Councilman Beahrs stated that in opposition, he supported the idea that this was a very much needed community facility. He thought the traffic problem wasoverstated, and there would be mach more traffic involved if the site were developed into an industrial use. Councilman Berwald asked staff if the applicant had accurately described the flood risks that were involved. Ken Schreiber, Assistant Director of Planning, responded that the Public Works Department had worked with the Corps of Engineers and the Santa Clara Valley Flood Control District to prepare the map in question. Without having the originel in front of him, Mr. Schreiber stated his opinion that this was an accurate copy of the information that city staff had submitted to the federal government. 651 11/25/74 Councilman Berwald referred to the applicant's statement that Council was being asked to approve the concept of the proposal, but his own understaeding was that Council was being asked to approve the zone change and the proposal as is. MS. Knox commented that if this matter had been approved by the Planning Commission, it would have gone to the Architectural Review Board for their comments and changes. Those modifications would have then gone back to the Planning Commission. If the Planning Commission liked it at that stage, they would have sent it on in the form of a recommended P -C zone to Council. He explained that in a case of denial, it was not appropriate to have the subject sent to the ARB; therefore, it came directly to Council. Mr. Knox said that if Council decided to overrule the Planning Commission and pass the proposal, it would then go back to the ARB and the Planning Contmiasion before coming back to Council. Councilman Berwald asked if some major changes might be made in the project if Council approved the plan in concept. One of the things he had in mind would be to move the improvements further away from the creek for security reasons and for easements for recreation use or public access along the creek. Mr. Knox responded that he did not have any particular ideas to offer as to how the desiv might be amended. Councilman Berwald was puzzled as to why the development was denied. If Palo Alto wanted no development there because of the flood hazard, thin Council should have rezoned the property a long time ago. In all of the discussions about the Comprehensive Plan, Councilman Berwald did not recall any comments being made about this particular area. Flood danger was given as one of the reasons for denial; but if he understood staff's comments correctly, that danger was nonexistent. Supposedly the parking wee inadequate; and yet, the proposed parking in comparison to existing zones was appropriate. From Mrs. Bren.ner's response to Councilman Beahrs' question, Councilman Berwald assumed that community need was not considered too seriously. He said he agreed wiih the Commission that it would be well to have more parking spaces available, and he would like to see additional landscaping and open apace. Councilman Berwald could not conceive of a better use for the site, and he would vote against the denial with the hope that the project would have improvements made to wake it a more desirable one. He stated that he had seriously considered in the past recommending that the city, through public funds, provide this kind of facility to solve such problems as space for campers and boats; but he thought it would be far more favorable to have private investment develop - a storage warehouse. Councilman Clay asked if the map showed that there was not a eerioua sixty year flood prob/em. Mr. Schreiber explained that the nap relates to €looding areas, and he would need to know what st definition of flooding .was used. tie dad aot know in this case if the definition of flooding included only surface meter runoff and water conning downstream, or if it also included tidal flooding. Councilman Clay asked what other uses for the site would be considered acceptable by the Planning Commission. !ors. Brenner reapoaded that it would be impossible to anticipate uses that are not already in the present legal aeons; however, in order to accommodate this particular use, the Commission had been asked c.r for a P -C. It was thy,Commission's finding that - ithe public need 632 11/25/74 and welfare and the legal requirement to change a zone did not exist. Mrs. Brenner commented that the use at the present time included a small amount of housing and agricultural purposes. As far as the Commission was concerned, a change in zoning from L -M required a compel- ling reason. Councilman Clay asked if Mrs. Brenner would suggest that more study be done to determine the need for the facility. Mrs. Brenner responded negatively. Councilman Comstock stated that Council was being asked by the Planning C isaion to support their denial of the application, and the application was as it appeared before Council. Speculation could be made as to various forms that the application might take; but the fact is that what is before Council is the application made to the Planning Commission which it denied. The applicant et this meeting was asking Council to approve the application as it stood, not with changes made. Councilman Comstock said that if the applicant had been willing to try something else, they were free at the Planning Commission meeting to rephrase their proposal or ask for a continuance; but they did not do that. It appeared that Council had the choice of either approving the application as it was presented, or denying it. Councilman Comstock found the project an unsatisfactory one, primarily because it was essentially wall to wall pavement or buildings. He recommenced that Council uphold the Planning Commission's recommendation for denial of the application. Mayor Sher stated agreement with Councilman Comstock's statements. He did not consider need to be the issue. The question for Council was whether this was an appropriate use for the site. The applicant had asked for a change in zoning to P --C, and Mayor Sher thought Council could expect something less than the maximum coverage that was shown on the plans. He said he held no hope that working this plan through the ARB and the Planning Commission again would produce the desired result of less coverage. Mayor Sher would vote to uphold the Planning Commission recommendation. Councilman Norton thought the flooding argument was a phony one, and it could be dismissed summarily; and any other use that would be proposed for that site would have the same argument presented by the opponents. He did have a concern about the coverage. Councilman Norton expressed support for the kAnd of motion that was indicated by Councilman Berwald; namely, to have the project sent back and redone. He did not think the applicant should be turned dust and thus have to wait a full year before he could come back with a revised proposal. Councilman Norton would vote against the motion. Councilman B ahra felt that Council would be voting on the concept; and if that failed, he would be in favor of a motion following Councilman Berwald's line of thinking. He did not think that Council was showing ra very eticco modating attitude as far as the needs of the residents and the buainess comity were concerned. Councilman Clay assumed Council would be approving or denying a concept because of the fact that the proposal had not gone through the ARB; therefore, he assumed that whatever action was taken tonight -- especially if the Planning C e ission's recommendation were not upheld - the subject would be referred back to the ARP3. He did not coes1der that the specific site plan was what Council was addressing itself to. 553 1.1/25/74 Councilwoman Pearson pointed out that what was being talked about was 87% coverage of six acres, which was a?:out the size of five football fields; and the coverage proposed was concrete and buildings. The Environmental Impact Report shows that the proponents are not providing any parking except that which is right in the front. Councilwoman Pearson thought they were aiming to get the maximum dollar out of their building. The kind of construction they were doing could be done for about six dollars per square foot, so they were not upgrading the area one bit. The motion to uphold the Planning Commissions recommendation to deny the application peeved on the following vote: AYES: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher NOES: Eeahrs, 8erwald, Clay, Norton retie naive Plan O *ions: Final Repots (CMR:619.4) Mayor Sher stated that the Comprehensive Plan was going forward with the Fity`s consultants; and staff had advised that Yhis was one matter that could well be continued to December 9. MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Henderson, that the Final Report of the Comprehensive Plan Options be continued to the meeting of December 9th and appear as Item 1 on that agenda. Councilman Clay stated that he took great exception to this motion. Many citizens had come before Council asking for a delay on some portion of the Comprehensive Plan, and they were told consistently that could not be done because of deadlines. Now, Council wanted to defer this item so that others could be gotten to that some members of Council want to discuss; and he did not think those items had as much pertinence to the business that Council should be attending to, as does the Compre- hensive Plan. It was his opinion that no diacuasion of the Comprehensive Plan should be deferred. The motion to continue the item passed on the following vote: AYES: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson, Norton, Sher AYES: Baahra, Clay, Rosenbaum ABSTAIN: BerwaId � t � (CMR; 618 : 4 ) MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Henderson, that this item be continued to the meeting of December 9, wb.n it would appear as Item 2 on that agenda. The motion to continue passed on the following vote: AYES: Baahrs, bernld, Comstock, Henderson, Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher NOBS: Clay Una: Horton (out of chambers) 654 11/23/74 Veterans' Building (CMR:614:4) John D. Snow, 105 Lowe1?. Ave., representing the Veterans, asked that the roof of the Veterans Building be fixed and a few other essential things be taken care of by the City because the Veterans did not have the money for those kinds of repairs. Mr. Scow pointed out that the Veterans' Building represented five wars and those people who had died or suffered during those wars. he felt the city had an obligation to help out in some way so that the organization could continue to do those things that needed to be done for the veterans at the hospital. Mr. Snow concluded his comments by reading IN FLANDERS FIELDS by Lieuten- ant Colonel John McCrae. Dorothy Regnery, Portola Valley, member of the Palo Alto Historical Association Board of Directors, asked that Palo Alto give some consideration to preserving the Veterans' Building. She pointed out that there were only two buildings left of the original Camp Fremont. One of these was The Oasis on El Camino, and the other was the Veterans' Building. Ma. Regnery thought the building was very symbolic to Palo Alto, and the city should try to preserve it. Councilman Beahrs canted on the large sums of money that had been spent on coffee houses and the like in Palo Alto; and said he certainly agreed with Mr. Snow that people who had done their duty, enthusiastically or noty were entitled to some consideration from the taxpayers and the Council. MOTION: Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by Berwald, that the lease with the Veterans' Association be suitably modified and that the City Council assume the responsibility of maintaining the structural integrity of the building pending an ultimate decision on its use or transfer to another location. Cki cilrman Beahrs explained that he did not intend that a monumental amount of money be spent on the building, but he felt strongly that the roof should be repaired. Any other repairs that were necessary should be considered. George Sipel., City Manager, expressed concern with the words "structural integrity". To hire, that conjured up a lot of changes in the actual structure of the building. If Councilman Beahre scent that the roo';: should be repaired, then Mr. Sipel thought that was precisely what he should say. He feared that in a year or so people would be cowing to Council asking that .he building be preserved, and if Council were not careful, At would have the Squire House of 1975-76 on its hands. Councilman Beahrs stated that he expected the City Meager had the power of Judicious decisions on small matters. He did not intend for the building to be rebuilt, hut he did not think the community's time and Council's time should be consumed every few weeks to determine what is appropriate. Councilmen Beahrs said that reasonable people were being dealt with, and reasonable dispositions could be made with a Minimum of argument. Vice Mayor Henderson stated that he could not support the motion without: a precise definition of vlat repairs would be done. He asked what the definition of maintenance was in the legal agreement. Robert Booth, City Attorney, reported that the lease stated the lessee would at his own cost keep the premises, interior and exterior, clean, in good and safe condition, and repaired at all tinges. Mr. Booth interpreted this to mean that the obligation of the Veterans' Cour.cil went beyond that of ordinary maintenance. 6 5 5 11/25/14 Vice Mayor Henderson asked if the lease could be amended in such a way that it would be limited to a specific repair job, such as the >: ao f . Mr. Booth responded affirmatively. SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Comstock, that the staff be asked to repair the leak in the roof of the Veterans' Building and to make such amendments to the lease neceoaary to make that repair possible. It seemed to Councilman Berwald that a large issue was being made out of a simple request for roof repair. Councilman Berwald thought it perfectly reasonable that the veterans have a roof over their heads that did not leak. He suggested that each member of Council think about the Veterans' Building; and at some future date, they could decide what further action should be taken. Councilwoman Pearson recalled that in 1939-60, the building was deemed unsafe, and it was estimated the rehabilitations costs would be between eighty and one hundred thousand dollars. Since then the building had deteriorated even more, and rehabilitating costs would go up and up: She feared that Council would be caught in the middle of trying to save the building when the cost might be something like two to three hundred thousand dollars. Councilwoman Pearson asked how man} repairs staff thought there might be that would cost about six or seven hundred dollars, and what all they might do before they cause back to Council asking for structural changes that would cost considerable amounts. Clayton B. Brown, Director of Budget 6 Staff Services, suggested that work be limited to repairing the roof. There were a substantial number of things that could be done for six or seven hundred dollars, and etaff could go on indefinitely with that kind of direction. Mr. Sipel added that if there were another ten or fifteen years on the lease, the story would be an entirely different one; however, there are only two years left. If Council wanted eo consider extending that, that would be one approach; but staff's direction was to demolish the building in two years. Councilman Rosenbaum waked if the plan really was to demolish the Veterans Building in 1976, or were there some alternative plans that could be anticipated. Mr. 3ipe1 recalled that when this matter came up in the late 19601s, he was prepared to recommend demo4ition of the building; but he could not find anyone else who agreed with hits. At that time, demolition was set for 1976. Staff had still not been able to find another facility for the Veterans' Council to conduct its operations, and a couple of attempts had been trade to do that, Mr. Sipel was sure that the same issues and pressures would be present in 1976. Councilman Rosenbaum thought it Would be a good idea to start dealing with the problem of what co do. with the Veterans' Building by having the -matter referred to the Finance and Public W'ataka Committee. Cwatilman Norton thought Council needed to keep in perspective that this piece of property had been set aside fore the exclusive use of one group for same fifty yearn. It peened fair to hire that when Council set aside a building and ita surrounding land to an organization for their use, that group ought to be willing to take care of it. While he was willing to support the motion, Councilman Norton expressed disappoint- ment that the Veterans had not been willing or abbe to make arrangements to repair tbe roof. 6 5 6 11/25/74 The substitute motion passed o,i a unanimous vote. MOTION: Councilman Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Beahrs, that the subject of the long range future of the Veterans' Building be referred to the Finance and Public Works Comwittce to study policy for providing space for the veterans. Councilwoman Pearson asked if this motion meant a search for another place to locate the building, demolition of the precert building, et - renovation and rehabilitation of the building. - :fir. Sipel thought the scope of the assignment should be broad, feed the aspects mentioned by Councilwoman Pearson ought to be considered. In additioe.to that, Mr. Sipel wanted to be sure that Council's policy toward the veterans be reviewed. This would include the question of what kind of facility the city should provide for this organization. Councilwoman Pearson asked if staff would do a study on the numbers of people involved so a decision could be made as to hov large a facility would need to be. Mr. Sipel responded affirmatively. Councilwoman Pearson stated that she was not in favor of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars renovating these kinds of structures. Councilman I3erwaId said he hoped it was clear that this matter was being referred to the Finance and Public Works Committee. He did not consider this subject an appropriate oa.e for staff to deal with, since Council needed to rake a policy decision. The referral motion passed on a unanimous vote. fa . or Henderson Vice Mayor Henderson stated that the plan had been developed in a series of informal meetings and officially scheduled meetings. He indicated that it was necessary to recognize that if Council supported the Alternative Plan, it would be supporting all elements of it. The first part was the rehabilitation of the old bridge, sexed that was made up of twenty- one specific items at a coat of $4,000,000. The second part dealt with widening the concrete trestle at a cost of $6,300,000; and Vice Mayor Henderson explained this would widen the auto lanes by one and one- half feet each and would provide for eight -foot pull off lanes for emergency situations. There would be an eight -foot bicycle path constructed along one aide of the bridge, 4aating about $1,400,040. An improvement would be .wade on the west approach from the Southere Pacific Railroad tract to the bridge, and this would cost $1,340,000. There would be a two -lase Marsh Road approach at a cost of $2,130,000, and a Marsh Road interchange at a cost of $600,000.: A belle Haven access road would be constructed that would connect Belle Haven to 4a►rah Road. '!hies part of the plan would cost $500,000. Improving Willow Road from Nevbridge Avenue to the Southern Pacific tracks would cost $600,000; end the University Avenue extension would cost $580,000, Substandard radius curvets would be improved at a cost of $440,000, and three one- half mile passing has would be constructed at a total cost of $330,0©0. The long radius connection to Jarvis Road would cost $1,060,000, and the widening of Jarvis to Route 17 would be done at a cost of $2,720,000. The improvement on Willow Roed l* Menlo Park betwella_ Bayr,'hute mad Middlefield Road would be constructed at a cost of $2,450,000. BMOC mitieation 6 5 7 11/25/74 1 at $900,000 is part of the proposal on the new bridge; and it would not necessarily have to be included in this plan, since there was not a creation of p loss that would be replaced under the new bridge. The Belle Haven - East Palo Alto storm drainage, an important part of the whole package, was included in the new Dumbarton Bridge propoaaal; and it is included in this proposal. Vice Mayor Henderson reported that the grand total of expenditures for all of these items is $31,170,O00 which is well under half the cost of the new bridge. Three or four mullion dollars would be for improvements that are not included in the Dumbarton Bridge proposal. With regard to the southern approach, Vice Mayor Henderson said a two-lane road was being considered that would run along the north side of the dike. It would cross over at San Tranciequito Creek into Palo alto and would connect. to East Bayshere Frontage Road. Palo Alto would have control over that road and could be able to close it if a new bridge were constructed. The Oregon Expressway Interchange would take the traffic that would come from the aeuthern approach on to East Bayshore Road, across Embarcadero Road, and up on a new ramp to Oregon Expressway. Vice Mayor Henderson stated there was no anticipation of increase of traffic on the bridge, but this would tend to give some relief to Embarcadero Road. He explained that current traffic going to the Industrial Park has to come down Bayshore, and it then tends for the most part to go on to Embarcadero, Under this plan, the traffic would go on across and take Oregon Expressway. :MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Pearson, that the Council state the following positions concerning the Dumbarton Bridge: 1) Palo Alto opposes construction of a new bridge. 2) if a new bridge is approved for construction, Palo Alto will continue to exert its authority to prohibit construction of an Embarcadero approach road. 3) Predicated upon the agreement of the cities of Atherton, East Palo Alto and Menlo Park to oppose construction of a new bridge, Palo Alto approves the Dumbarton Bridge Improvements Alternative Pian with the following changes and conditions: a) The southern approach road to be constructed only upon the guarantee that Palo Alto has the authority to close the road if a new Dumbarton Bridge is constructed. b) The southern approach to consist of an 8 -foot bicycle/ pedestrian path on top of the existing dike, a 16 -foot clearance between the dike and the roadway and a roadway of no more then .38 feet, including two automobile lanes, a median strip and shoulders. c) The southern approach to cross the creek and enter F'alo Alto in such a way as to avoid dedicated park land in Palo Alto. d) The exact routing of the southern approach within Palo Alto to be approved by the Palo Alto City Council. e) The Oregon Expressing interchange to be constructed, if possible, in such a way as not to interfere with the present bicycle/pedestrian overcrosasing. 6 5 8 11/25/74 Councilman Beahrs said he was alarmed at the thought of spending $31,000,000 for a jury-rigged arrangement, and he felt Council ought to consider the possibility that this was good money after bad. He asked if there were any good solid engineering opinion as to just what additional life might be built into the bridge by such an expenditure as compared to doing it the right way, which would be to build a new bridge. Robert K. Duke, 3 Irving Avenue, Atherton, Registered Civil Engineer, said he had inspected ti:e bridge. He said that the bridge is a reinforced concrete one; and although it is a number of years old, there was no reason whatsoever to be concerned about an immediate collapse of the bridge or a short life for it. Mr. Duke pointed out that bridges that fail normally do so shortly after they are built, and the Tacoma Narrows bridge and others were of steel construction. The expansion joints on the Dumbarton Bridge have root been properly maintained, and he assumed this condition developed because persons in decision -making positions preferred not to spend stoney keeping the bridge maintained when they thought there would be a new one constructed. The bridge authorities, however, have begun to replace the expansion joints. Given the proper maintenance, the bridge would have forty to seventy years of life. Mr. Duke added that there would have to be repairs on approximately six of the piles. Councilman Be;hra stated concern about investing huge sums of money to widen the approaches to the bridge when this created the potential of colossal bottlenecks on the structure itself. Robert Stephens, Councilman, City of Menlo Park, thought the alternative plan_ was an opportunity for adjacent communities to try to cooperate of a project that would not meet everyone's desires, perhaps; but on the other band, it could be the solution to what would otherwise be a very difficult problem. With regard to a possible bottleneck, Councilman Stephens said that the capacity of the bridge was not being used to its maxim= at the present time; and in fact, traffic on the structure could double ,Its present level without causing significant congestion. The approach roads would not be greatly expanded, and it was hoped Willow Road would be reduced to more oft community road serving Belle Haven and East Palo Alto. Councilman Stephens explained that he did not expect the traffic on Willow Road to be diverted, but no increase of major proportions was expected. Further, he thought that if Marsh Road were held to two .lanes, it would not ^ffer much of a threat of iucr'eessed traffic going towards Atherton. Councilman Stephens felt that the idea of keeping the approaches to two-lane roads would riot encourage additional traffic, but would encourage the land use policy plans of the entire bay area. In Councilman Stephens opinion, land use policy plans should see to it that job opportunities are more directly related to housing stock available within the drawing area. Everyone conceded that the bridge was a commute one. Malcolm Dudley, who has been working with the Citizens' Group on the Alterative Project, said this plan needed to be cowered with the impact that s very large highway commute facility would have. When the new San Mateo Bridge was constructed, there was a very substan- tial increase in traffic. Mr. Dudley was concerned about the gross inducing aspects of the proposed new bridge, and noted that the altera'te offers a scaled down version that would not have a detrimental impact on the communities in term of a substantial increase in traffic. He explained that the present two lanes were carrying 12,000 cars per day. The Bay Bridge, whims has five tins the number of lanes, carries 200,000 cars on busy days. On a per lane basis, this indicates that Dumbarton Bridge could carry 40,000 czars; so the capacity is there. Mr. Dudley considered the bridge safe; and 902 of the fatalities 659 11/25/14 occurred on the access roads, not the bridge. Yet, the primary reasons given for replacing the bridge are capacity, safety, and navigation since it is a lift span. Mr. Dudley indicated that the average times that the span is lifted is one and one-half times per day, and the average delay is six to seven minutes. This really was no longer than n driver waits at a toll plaza during busy times. He thought it would be a real advantage to have the proposed roads constructed beeause that would disperse the traffic that no goes through residential communities. Mayor Sher referred to the part of the motion that related to giving Palo Alto authority to close a road if a new Dumbarton Bridge were constructed. He assumed that no construction of the road would actually occur until. the Legislature made its decision as to whether there would be a new bridge. Vice Mayor Henderson responded that Mayor Sher understood the intent of that part of the motion correctly. Councilman Rosenbaum stated that there was relatively high danger in one strip of the Frontage Road, and this proposal suggested that be used as part of the approach to the bridge. He asked for some explanation. Vice Mayor Henderson responded that in this situation the hope would be that traffic would go on across at the existing light at Frontage Road and Embarcadero Road and take the easy approach on to Oregon Expressway. He recognized that there were some problems with Frontage Road, specifically a major curve. Vice Mayor Henderson stated that a light would be required at the intersection of the southern approach and Saysbore Frontage Road. Vaughn Hopkins, 1040 Ifoffett Circle, Chairman of the West Eayshore Residents' Association, reported that the Association opposed any modification to Oregon Expressway that would increase the traffic on it. The recent study for the Comprehensive Plan projected large increases of traffic on Oregon Expressway, and one suggested approach for curing that was to make the expressway a freeway. Mr. Hopkins stated that the neighborhood was abaolutely opposed to Oregon Expressway becoming a freeway. He asked that the access road between Oregon and Frontage Road be deleted from the proposal. Charles B. Lusk, 1085 University Avenue, thought that an opportunity for the comparison of alternatives was being missed; and that vas fundamental to an economic analysis of any replacement or salvage problem. He felt that the comparison Council was faced with was based on the cost of a new bridge, its amortization, depreciation, and maintenance over a given period of time; versus the maintenance of an existing bridge plus the additional expenditure of approximately $32,000,000 coupled with the increased cost of saintainiag the $32,000,000 worth of work, plus dealing with an antiquated unsafe structure. Mr. Luek stated that the most advantageous position would be to ask for a feasibility comparison of the two alternates in financial terms that could be presented to the ,public for consideration.. Councilman Berwald found it difficult to understand how he could ma s a judgement at this meting on fifteen or sixteen very highly technical portions of the Alternative Plan and be asked to approve that plan. He perceived his responsibility as that of comparing alternatives based on some concrete knowledge of the subject. In spite of Mr. Duke's background and expertise, Councilman Bervald did not feel Council could accept that one opinion about the condition 660 11/25/74 of the bridge, especially since Mr. Duke was an advocate for maintaining the present structure. He thought it vas asking a lot of Council to snake a political decision that Palo Alto approves of the alternative plans when there was no background of a long engineering examination of the bridge. Councilman Berwald suggested better wording of the motion might be that Palo Alto was in favor of an . fsle{nat:.on of the alternatives. Vice Mayor Henderson responded that the proposal was not a hasty one at all, but action needed to be taken hastily because the state is prepared to start construction of the new bridge in January or February. If this alternative it not approved by the Legislature by some date quite early in the year, construction on the new bridge will begin. Vice Mayor Henderson stated that the Plan had been checked out by the Toll Bridge Authority, and they were the very same people who had proposed the new bridge. He pointed out that it had been of concern to East Palo Alto that it have some kind of access to the southern side of its community; and Palo alto, of course, has not supported that four -lane approach to a new bridge. Palo Alto felt that the trade-off was worth it to provide: a two --lane road into East Palo Alto in exchange for a guarantee that there be no new bridge. Councilman Berwald reiterated that one ill-timed decision by the state concerning a new bridge did not mean that Council should make another ill --timed decision. Speed may be a factor, but so was logic; and he thought the wording of the motion should not be that Palo Alto approves the alternatives. Also, there may be other citizens who want to state their opinions; and there had not been adequate time for a public hearing. Vice Mayor Henderson stated that all of the discuaions between the coremunities involved had been in the form of public hearings, and there had been six or eight such meetings. In response to Mr. Hopkins, Vice Mayor Henderson said that there would be more traffic on Oregon Expressway with a new Dumbarton Bridge than there would be as a result of the proposed interchange. Also, if a driver is coming out of Palo Alto, it would be very difficult to turn left on to East Frontage Road from Embarcadero; whereas the overpass at Oregon would be a much smoother transition on to that road. To Mr. Lusk, Vice Mayor Henderson said that if he wanted to defeat the alternative plan and accept a new bridge, then he would be also accepting an increase in traffic coming down University Avenue, because that is one of the approaches planned for the new bridge. Councilman Norton was curious what the routing would be if a person were on Oregon Expressway trying to go home to the east bay. Vice Mayor Henderson said such a person would come over on the Oregon Expressway overpass, turn left on the East Frontage Road, head across the Etebarcadera intersection, and then go to the southern approach road. Councilman Norton asked what advantage there was to Palo Alto from the southern . pproecb. Vice Mayor Henderson responded that its construction eliminated the new bridge, which was the prime advantage. There also could be the pedestrian/bicycle pathway so that people could easily get out to the baylands area. Councilman Norton pointed out that the input received from city experts was that a-nev bridge would have very little impact on Palo Alto. If the impact was slight compared to the entire region, Co4pcilman Norton sundered if it was worth disrupting the edge of the aylands j b 6 1 11/25/74 1 and the entire strip along there to implement the alternative plan. In his opinion, the traffic pattern was a poor one. Councilman Norton could not conceive of proceeding to the Frontage Road, and than back- tracking to,an already busy signal by the Post Office. If one is inclined at that point to take F barcadero, he would do it rather than wait for at least a three or four-way signal to cross; he would turn right, which is a free turn and thus increase traffic on Embarcadero. If such a driver really wanted to take Oregon, he might still take Eibarcadero and use a cloverleaf method. That could probably be done just as quickly as waiting for a signal. Councilman Norton stated that if you continued on, you would disrupt Councilwoman Pearson's over -crossing. If the road is identical on the way back, then you have a very awkward left turn signal to wait for at the over -crossing. In Councilman Norton's opinion, the circulation pattern was an awkward one in trying to achieve the desired results. He suspected the pattern would not work very well, and he would be surprised if the state would agree to build it that way. Councilman Norton did not see very many advantages to the scheme, and he saw quite a few disadvantages; therefore, he would not support the motion. Cocncilwoafan Pearson was appalled at the gall of the bridge authorities regarding their attitude toward this bridge. They simply had planned for the bridge to become obsolescent and disappear. In Councilwoman Pearson's opinion, a new bridge would create great pressure to develop the foothills that everyone was so fond of. She pointed out that the plans are all there, and it is just a question of time; and she thought the alternative plan would be the least harmful to Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and the environment in the foothills. A new bridge would he a disaster for this area, and letting it be built would be just sskiag for the connecting link between Middlefield Road and Alma after the El Camino opening is put in for the proposed Willow Road. Councilwoman Pearson reiterated her strong feelings for the baylands, but she felt the size of the road included in the motion would do the least harm there. There would be a plus out of it, and that was an eight -foot bicycle/pedestrian path going out to the dike, Councilwoman Pearson urged her colleagues to support this proposal if they wanted to preserve what Palo Alto has, and that includes the foothills. Councilman Comstock generally agreed with Councilman Norton's thought that from Palo Alto's view alone, effects of a new bridge could be eliminated or evaded by being uncooperative in various ways. Thesame attitudes ^ould be adopted if the bridge were kept and maintained, too. However, Councilman Comstock saw this matter as an opportunity to engage in a cooperative venture; and it was clear that was the only basis on which the Legislature would reconsider the new bridge. HHe asked for some response to Councilman l:erwald's comments regarding total approval, or approval in concept of the alternative plan. Mayor Sher explained that Vice Mayor Henderson' s motion was formulated aa the appropriate response to the other communities involved; and apparently, anything short of that would not be sufficient. Mt. Stephens pointed out that all of the engineering details would be worked out by all of the communities involved in tine lens run. Hs stated that after the. Coast Guard has taken action, there would be only ninety day delay before the construction of the new bridge could go forward. Mr. Stephens noted that all the communities had been contacted to determint what their desires were in connection with an alternative to a new bridge. As far as Palo Alto was concerned, Mr. Stephens thought a new bridge would generate fifty-six to sixty thousand cars per day. 6 6 2 11/25/74 Councilman Comstock suggested that the word "approve" in part 3) of the motion be changed to "supports the concept of". Vice Mayor Henderson and his seconder, Councilwoman Pearson, accepted the change to the motion. 01A4CE IN PART 3) OF THE MOTION: Predicated upon the agreement of the cities of Atherton, East Palo Alto and Menlo Park to oppose construc- tion of a new bridge, Palo Alto supports the concept of the Dumbarton Bridge Improvements Alternative Plan with the following changes and conditions etc. Councilman Clay stated that he did not buy the premise that the size of the bridge would determine the amount of traffic, because the aspect that really mattered was origin and destination. The fact that origin and destination had not been mentioned implied to him that there was an attempt to distort the argument. Secondly, Councilman Clay thought the access road as described was fraught with more problems than it would ever solve; and the fact that it was presented in a tantalizing way was again, an attempt to distore the issue. Statements had been made that there were several communities in general agreement with the plans that ha`e been put forth, and East Palo Alto was considered to be one of them. If there were a strong advocacy on the part of East Palo Alto, Councilman Clay wondered why they were not at this meeting to indicate their support. He stated that it is not East Palo Alto's desire to gain more accesses to Palo Alto; and anybody who believes that, is not looking at the real world. Councilman Clay pointed out that East Palo Alto was determined to promote its own well being. Ha felt that some of the speakers had stepped a bit out of bounds by putting words in the mouths of East Palo Alto representatives who were not present. Councilman Clay could not accept the premise that the state would by any means approve a $3i,000,040 modification to a fifty year old structure, and he did not think that the motion was really facing the issue. Councilman Clay stated his opposition to Council spending this much time on an item that had less pertinence than others on the agenda. He would not support the motion. Councilman Ber•rald considered that this was the only public hearing that had been held on this matter, and his objection stood on that basis. It was his opinion that an item of this import should not be passed after having been considered at just one meeting. Vice Mayor Henderson wanted to make it clear that East Palo Alto had participated in every meeting involving this alternative proposal, and representatives of all four communities agreed to put the proposal before their respective Councils. The East Palo Alto representative was Henry Anthony, who was Chairman of the East Ps10 Alto Municipal Council, Mr. Anthony could not make a commitment for East Palo Alto any more than Vice Mayor Henderson could for Palo Alto,, but he had placed it on his community's agenda. It has been discussed and continued. Part of the reason for the continuance was that the Baet Palo Alto Council wanted to bear Palo Alto's response regarding the southern approach road. The matter would then be back on their agenda: Councilman Clay said he had not seen any statements of endorsement signed by Henry Anthony or any other members of the East Palo Alto Municipal Council. In Councilman Clay's opinion, the alternative plat did not have enough merit to go beyond City Council. 6 6 3 11/25/74 Part 1) of the motion passed on the following vote: AYES: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson, Norton, Rosenbaum, Sher NOES: Beahrs, Berwald, Clay Part 2) of the motion passed on the following vote: AYe:S: Beahrs, Berwald, Comstock, Norton, Henderson, Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher NOES: Clay Part 3) of the motion including the change passed on the following vote: AYES: Beahrs, Comstock, Henderson, f ec, r S.(11 Rosenbaum, Sher NOES: Berwald, Clay, Norton Request of Councilman Comstock for or t MOTION: Councilman Comstock roved, seconded by Henderson, that the staff be directed to prepare a City Council resolution supporting the use of living Christmas tress in Palo Alto, with the objective of having these placed in the Bicentennial grove, and that staff be requested to cooperate in a reasonable manner with this program. The motion passed on a unanimous rote. s of Co=azcilwoaan Pearson re Councilwoman Pearson reported that she had a request from a resident of Palo Alto that she communicate to Councilman Rosenbaum, the represen- tetive on the Transportation Co .scion, that there was a need for a bus route to Foothill College. It has been suggested that bus routes 23 and 24 could be extended up from the Foothill Expressway to Foothill College and then come back around. Councilman Rosenbaum confirmed that he would communicate this request to the Transportation Commission. Berwald for o:. eam 1191.1111.1111111111,11. ) 1LUti: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Norton, that in view of Stanford's splendid efforts, inspiring play, and exciting victory in the big gars last Saturday, staff be directed to prepare a suitable resolution of commendation to the football team, student body, and coaches of Stanford University. 664 i1/25/74, The motion passed on the following vote: AYES: Berwald, Clay, Comstock, Henderson, Norton, Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher ABSTAIN: Beahrs Oral Communications eree 1. Axel B. Johnson, 1120 Fulton Street, recalled some of the history of the Veterans' Building. Referring to Councilman Norton's remarks, Mr. Johnson stated that the vets*rang had maintained the building through the years to the ut:aeoat of their ability. He hoped that the city would let the veterans cooperate in determining the future of the building. 2. John Snow, 105 Lowell, thanked Council for its action in regard to the Veterans Building. He stated that his aim was to see that the Veterans Building would remain. 3. Frank Manfredi, 219 Addison, congratulated Councilman Henderson for his work with PACDAB. Mr. Manfredi felt that the press abused Councilman Henderson when he was the person who was doing the best work for the poor people of Palo Alto, and for those who were victims of society. Mt. )anfredi also commended Councilman Henderson for his careful watch over the budget. Adv aura nt r. The adjourned meeting of November 18, 1974, adjourned at 10:24 p.m., November 25, 1974. The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date at 10:24 p.m. in a regular meeting with Mayor Sher presiding. ?.resent: Beahre, Bervald, Clay, Co sestock, Henderson, Norton, Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher October 22. 19'74 Mayor Sher stated that Napht&.li Knox requested that the following cbangea be made in the minutes: Page 501, line 3, change "to" to "no"; Page 501, line 16, change "vin/!sal' to "memo"; Page 504, next to last line should read "that would not be the case"; Page 510, top paragraph, 3rd line from the end, change "the Council" to '!counsel.". Vice Mayor Bendersoe referred to the lest paragraph on page 505 and requested that the words "may be" in line three be corrected to "have become", and that the spelling of "disenchanted" be corrected. The fourth line from the top of page 508 should have the word "aany" corrected to "any". After "provide" in the last line of that paragraph, the wording should be "some low/moderate income units in the conversion process". Vice Mayor Henderson requested that the last sentence in the next to the last paragraph be completely deleted. The fourth line in the substitute motion irk the middle of page 513 should include 665 11/25/74 the word "income" after "low/moderate". Referring to page 514, Vice Mayor Henderson asked that the words "would even go to the point of encouraging" be deleted, and the words "wanted the city to encourage" be inserted. Mayor Sher referred to the third paragraph on page 509 and requested that the following changes be made: In the fifth line, the word "I" should be corrected to "It"; in the twelfth line, the word "the" should be corrected to "they"; and in the last line, the word "percentage" should be changed to "number of units". MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Beahrs, that the minutes of the meeting of October 22 be approved as corrected. The motion passed on a unanimous vote, 4111agaig&eiteleutikesarliiiaZi MOTION: Councilmen Beahre moved, seconded by Henderson, that the minutes of October 28 be approved as submitted. The motion passed on a unanimous vote. utea of October 29. 1974 MOTION: Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by Henderson, that the minutes of the October 29 meeting be approved as submitted. the motion passed on a unanimous vote. San Ho (OMR:b06:4) Vice Mayor Henderson, Chairman of the Finance and Public Works Committee, recalled that Council had learned in the staff report of May 30, 1974, that renovation of Squire House would require a major expenditure of city funds. One of the main suggestions made at that time was that the Squire Housee be converted to a community facility. The cost for such a conversion and renovation would be between $36',000 to $390,000; and the yearly operational cost would be $26,000. Another staff suggestion was that the exterior of the building be restored and the interior maintained until a use had been decided upon, and this alternative would cost between $150,000 to $17(,000. Councilman Rosenbaum had recommended that the building be returned to a single family dwelling. This suggestion would cost about $130,000, with expected rental at about $750.00 per month. Sealing off the second floor and using only the first floor, which vas another suggested alternative, would cot between $330,000 and $360,000. Vice Mayor Henderson said that in May it had been thought that the house might be able to be sold on the market for about $115,000. In the staff report of November 7, 1974, the need for preventative maintenance repairs was pointed out. Termite damage had to be tin care of, and the zoof was in need of new structural supports; and cost of the necessary repairs was estimated at $118,00('. Vice Mayor Henderson stated that the present Capital %mprcveaenta Budget carries $70,000 for this purpose, end a. budget increase of $',8,000 would be required. Staff had also suggested a low—cost, three—phase restoration program involving design work by students in the Stanford School of Architecture and actual construction by volunteers from the community. Vice Mayor Henderson said that chis particular proposal was not strongly advocated by staff because of the many uncertainties. Four other proposals 6 6 6 11/25/74 were to sell the house with a facade easement, lease to professional or private enterprises, subdivide the interior into condominiums, and to utilize the building as a Senior Citizens' Service Center. Vice Mayor Henderson reported that at the Finance and Public Works Committee meeting, several citizens spoke strongly in favor of restoring the house and using it as a center for senior citizens or for some other community use. Gay Wooley urged that the house be sold with a facade easement. This would involve selling -the property to a private party who would agree to not alter the exterior of the house in exchange for the city's selling the house at about ten percent below the market price. The Committee members were all concerned about the cost for repairs and remodeling. Staff took a strong position that the 5118,000 worth of repairs were required regardless of the ultimate disposition of the property. The only other real possibility was to sell the house now with a facade easement, and have the new owner undertake all. repairs. MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson moved on behalf of the Fin nce and Public Works Committee the following recommendations regarding Squire House: a) that repairs be approved; b) that the additional S48,000 be approved; c) that staff he directed to sell the house with a facade easement and with residual funds establish a program for future facade easements; d) that staff should continue to vigorously pursue obtaining funds at the local, state, and national level. (for matching funds for preservation and restoration of this property) Paul Kerr, 360 Forest Avenue, said that in April, 1973, Council had voted unanimously to make adequate repairs to the house. Such repairs had not been made, and the house had deteriorated more because of the delay. Mx, Kerr did not feel that many of the persons who had contributed money to save Squire House would have done so had they known that it might be sold. It was their understanding that the house would be put to a good community use. Hr. Kerr asked Council to seriously conaider using Squire House for a public use. Councilwoman Pearson ,asked Mr. Kerr if he would be opposed to having the house .sold to a law firm or a realtor, for instance. Mr. Herr responded that this would be acceptable only as a last resort, but he hoped that a better use would be made of the property. Hr. Kerr stated that he would prefer a professional organization owning the house to an individual. Dorothy Wolff, 472 Selby Lane, Atherton, teaber of the Eoard of the Palo Alto Historical Society and the Committee to Save the Squire House, read a letter from Karl Seltzer, Architect. Mr. Seltzer stated that there were very few elegant landmarks fro the past, such as Squire House, and they should be preserved. :Mrs. Wolff indicated her complete agreement with this idea. 6 6 7 11/ 25/74 Reeueat Qf Co ' ilman Norto em Massa:e arior arwar on '_ •a MOTION: Councilman Norton moved, seconded by Comstock, that Item 3 on the agenda be moved forward for purposes of continuance. The motioe passed on a unanimous vote. MOTION: Councilman Norton moved, seconded by Comstock, that the matter of the Massage Parlor Ordinance be continued to the meeting of December 9, 1974, when it would be Item 3 on the agenda. The motion passed on a unanimous vote. Fern Hunt, 522 Campus Drive, Stanford, pointed out that the funds were raised specifically for Squire House; and if they were used for anything else, that would be a misuse of citizens' funds. She stated a firm desire for Squire House to be used for senior citizens. David Baum, 909 Hamilton Avenue, reported that Squire House is not secure as it now stands; and the repairs need to be made. Ir. Baum thought that the people in the neighborhood would be very much against a facade , asenent if Squire House were to be converted to a condominium, and they would be against any commercial use of the property. Mr. Baum hoped that Squire House would be used for community purposes. Mayor Sher aaked Mr. Baum how the neighbors would react to the idea of the house being sold as a single family dwelling with a facade ease- ment. Mr. Baum responded that if a decision were made to sell the house with a facade easement, the neighbors would prefer that it be sold as a single family residence. Steven Crosby, 736 LaMesa, Menlo submitted a written and verbal proposal that he and Mx. Cabrera and their wives live in Squire House while renovating it. The suggestion was that the work could be done economically since the city would have to provide only the materials needed. The labor would be volunteered in exchange for -living in the house for a five year period. Hr. Crosby said that during that time the house and grounds would be brought up to standard, and Squire House would then be ready for any use the city decided upon. Mayor Sher referred to Mr. Crosby's letter and asked if the ten to twenty thousand dollars mentioned was the full anticipated cost to the city. Mr. Crosby replied that this was a very rough estimate barged on s quick examination of the house. Mayor Sher asked how Mr. Crosby would deal with the termite problem. Mir. Crosby responded that he could repair the dasage that had been done by the termites, but fumigation would have to be done by a profes- sional person. Gay Woolley, 1685 Mariposa Avenue, said that ehe had originally proposed the facade easement idea to Council only as an alternative to making Squire House a public facility. In her opinion, the optimum wage 6 b 8 11/25/74 for the house would be as a community facility. Ms. Woolley stated that if there were federal money available for historic preservation, and Council chose to use that money for other purposes, then regular city funds could be used for preserving Squire House. She agreed with staff that the repair work needed to be done immediately regard- less of the eventual disposition of the house. Ms. Wooley felt that such repairs would be essential, for instance, if the house were to be sold as a single family residence with a facade easement. She asked that the word "residual" in part c) of the motion be clarified. Kit Cameron, 628 Hamilton Avenue, stated that she would like to see Squire House become a community facility with parking in the back for twenty cars, three reception rooms in the downstairs area, and minimal kitchen facilities and furnishings. Councilman Clay said that he assumed parts c) and d) of the motion were mutually exclusive. Councilmen Comstock explained that he did not think they were; for example, if Council approves a) and b), and staff managed to obtain funds, it would be in order to apply those funds to the restoration project. Councilman Clay was concerned whether it would be acceptable to use federal funds when the house might be sold to a private party. Councilman Comstock, having heard nothing negative from the City Attorney, assumed that this process would be permissible. Councilman Clay wondered if it were feasible to believe that a private party might buy the house, when the renovation costs were estimated to be three hundred -sixty to three hundred -ninety thousand dollars. Vio`Mayor Henderson explained that the figures mentioned by Councilman Clay had been the estimates for renovation if Squire House were to be uaed for community purposes. The cost to an individual owner would be some amount in addition to the $118,000; and such a person could acomplish the work over a period of years, and perhaps do some of the work himself, Councilman Clay asked if an individual owner would pay something like $115,000 for the land and roughly $200,000 for improvements. Vice Mayor Henderson replied that the buyer would pay some undetermined price, perhaps $1.15,000, and spend approximately $75,100 more to bring the house up to standard. Charles Walker, Assistant City Manager, stated that after the repairs had been mede by the city, staff estimated that an individual planning to use the house as a residence would have to spend thirty-five to fifty thousand dollars to make the house .livable. Vice Mayor Henderson referred to Me. Woolley's question about residual funds and explained that if the house could be sold as is for $80,000, for example, under a facade easement, then that money could be used for future facade easements on other buildings, If improvements were made, once the sale took place, the funds in excess of the city's repair costs would be put into a fund for future facade easements. Vice Mayor Henderson asked Mr. Walker if he had had an opportunity to question some realtors about the posaibi.lity of selling Squire Kruse in its present state under a facade easement, and also what the possibilities were if the improvements were made. 6651 11/25/76 Mr. Walkee responded that there had been some informal interest shown by persons in either the rental or purchase of the house, but there had been no firm proposals. Staff had talked to banks and lending institutions about loaning money to a buyer of the house, and they were not optimistic at this time. Vice Mayor Henderson asked if there had been any interest shown in the house as it now stands. Mr Walker replied that he knew of no one who was interested in buying the house in its present condition. Vice Mayor Henderson stated that he had voted consistently against city purchase or large city investment in Squire douse, but he had voted to accept the gift of the house after a great effort had been made by a group of citizens to save the house. However, he said that he was concerned even then, because he felt certain that the city was in too deeply in terms of renovation costs; and that was exactly the present situation. Vice Mayor Henderson was unwilling to spend one to four hundred thousand dollars of the taxpayers' money in this manner. He expressed appreciation to Me. Woolley for bringing the facade easement possibility to Council's attention, because that was the one feasible solution that he had seen. Vice Mayor Henderson pointed cut that the $70,000 in the budget would cover the termite work that needed to be done and probably the roof structure work. SUESTITU E MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Pearson, that staff be directed to rake repairs to Squire Houoe that would not exceed $70,000, and then place the property on the market under a facade easement contract; also, part d) of the original motion should be pursued. Councilman Norton said that if the city spent $120,000 repairing Squire House, then it would have over $200,000 invested in it. Consider- ing the facade easement element, the house wou:td have to be sold for $200,000 in order to get hack the original $90,000 so that it could be used as a kind of revolving fund. Councilman Norton pointed out that no one would buy the house for half that amount of money. He saw no way that the city would come through this project without a loss. On the other hand, if the city did no repair work, no one would buy the house. Councilman Norton recommended that the matter be solved in as honorable a way as possible. Recalling the original agreement, Councilman Norton said that the city gave the Historical Association one year to raise $90,000 to reimburse Palo Alto for purchase of the house. In exchange, tht city agreed to maintain Squire House, Councilman Norton felt the city should go ahead with the repairs that had to be done, but he thought that much of the work that ways not actually structural could be done by some kind of volunteer community effort. He considered that the city had a moral obligation to spend the $120,000 on repair work and do whatever was necessary to bring the property up to minimum code requirements. Councilmen Berwald stated that honor was a more important consideration than economics. Regardless of whether the project would cost more money, be agreed with Councilman Norton that the city should go ahead with the repairs and keep the building as a community facility. Councilman Berwald said the building could be used to accommodate persona who were genuinely interested in historic preservation, for senior citizen uses, and as an on -going decorator show —place. Further, he pointed out that not everything had to be done at once; and he hoped that the interior would be done by a professional decorator and not by city staff. Councilman Berwald liked the idea of,getting sone volunteer help in renovating the house. Once the house„,wa i a r' in good condition, perhaps a charge could be made for those groups who wished to use it. Councilman Berwald canclu ed that tha subject of filing the house could be considered at a Later date, b 7 0 11/25//4 Councilman Beahrs stated that he would not like to see a large amount of money spent on Squire House; on the other hand, the city had an obligation to preserve it, and this should be done as economically as possible. Councilman Comstock pointed out ehat the Committee recommendation did not deal with anything inside the house with the one exception of proper structural bracing for the roof. What it did include was repair of water damage to the eaves and walls, rot in the railings, replacing the side porch, etc. There had been no thought of doing bathrooms over, putting in new wiring, or any of those kinds of things. Councilman Comstock explained that a facade easement was a device to preserve the exterior of the house and the grounds, and there was no intention for the interior of the house to have restrictions placed upon it, Councilman Rosenbaum wondered if staff might be too pessimistic. FamIl.ies do live in homes the size of Squire House, and people do pay several hundred thousand dollars for homes. Councilman Rosenbaum was in favor of proceeding with the work that was proposed, aed of looking into the offer made by Mr. Crosby to renovate the house while living in it. He stated that he supported the original motion. Mayor Sher said he found himself in a difficult position since he was not on Council when the vote was taken to accept the gift. He had not agreed to maintain the house, and he had not undertaken ,any moral obligation in connection with Squire House. Mayor Sher felt real concern about putting large sums of money into the house, when the city did not know if it would have a buyer who would agree to a facade easement. With regard to putting the house to public use, the city did not know just what that use would be. If the house did go to public use, the cost of renovation could go as high as $390,000; and Mayor Sher saw this as a bottomless pit. He said he would be in favor of repairs being made up to the gum of $70,000; and while the repairs were being made, the house should be put on the market for sale with a facade easement. Mayor Sher said that if no buyers came forward, that would be the time to consider budgeting the additional $48,000. He stated that he would vote for the substitute motion. Councilwoman Pearson said she had resisted the Squire House from the very beginning, although she did vote to accept the gift once the money was raised. The $118,000 for minimal repairs was it addition to the $90,000 that was paid to buy the house. If Squire House were put into condition to be used by the public, the cost could be $390,000. Councilwomen Pearson pointed out that the maintenance on a yearly basis would be very expensive, probably in the neighborhood of $50,000. She felt that if the termite problem was taken care of and the roof repaired, the banks might look more favorably on the idea of granting a loan. Councilwoman Pearson said the total investment of the gift plus the $70,000 for repairs was $160,000. The house could be sold for $100,000; the city could recover the $70,000; and the $30,000 could go into a•facade easement fund. Councilwoman Pearson felt that the concept of volunteer work on a continual basis just did not work,, She stated her support for the substitute motion. Cauacilraan Clay said the city had a moral obligation to return the $90,000 that was raised to obtain the facility, if the house were going to be sold. If the city evade the appropriate repairs and kept Squire House, Councilman Clay hoped that the possibility of using 6 7 1 11/25/74 it for a senior center would oe given high priority. He recalled that a number of members of Council had been willing a short time ago to spend a quarter of a million dollars to acquire the Lytton Plaza and the building on that site as a center for senior citizens. Councilman Clay thought that the support indicated for the Lytton site was consistent with support of Squire House being renovated and put to use as a center for the senior citizens. Further, he considered the yearly maintenance cost at Squire House would probably be ao more than the maintenance of a senior citizens' center no matter where it would be. For these reasons, Councilman Clay felt that Council should support Councilman Norton's position. The substitute motion failed on the following vote: AYES: Henderson, Pearson, Sher s NOES: Beahrs, Berwald, Clay, Comstock, Norton, Rosenbaum. AMENDMENT TO MAIN MOTION: Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by Sher, that the following wording bt' added to part a) of t►e motion: "and that staff be directed to pursue with Messrs. Crosby and Cabrera and others concerning the possibility of their doing the work". The amendment passed on the following vote: AYES: Beahrs, Clay, Comstock, Henderson, Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher NOES: Berwald, Norton Part a) of the motion as amended passed on a unanimous vote. Part b) of the motion passed on the following vote: AYES: Beahrs, Berwald, Clay, Comstock, Norton, Rosenbaum, NOES: Henderson, Pearson, Sher Part c) of the motion passed on the following vote: AYES: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher NOES: Beahrs, Berwald, Clay, Norton Part d) of the motion passed on a unanimous vote. nest to Br Forward on the MOTION: mayor Sher moved, seconded by Comstock, that Its 5 through 12 on the agenda be brought forward on the agenda for consideration et this time. The motion passes on a unanimous vote. W.lkis Way Bridge MOTION: Mayor Sher introduced the following ordinance and moved, b 7 2 11/25/74 seconded by Pearson, its approval for first reading: ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO NAMING THE BRIDGE OVER ADOBE CREEK AT WILKIE WAY THE JAMES A. HAWKINSON MEMORIAL BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE The motion passed on a unanimous vote. alifornla Avenue Area Off - NOTION: Mayor Sher introduced the following ordinances and moved, seconded by Berwald, their adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 5026 entitled "A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR BIDS ON SALE OF BONDS, CALIFORNIA AVENUE AREA OFFSTREET PARKING PROJECT NO. 71-63, $420.000 BONDS OF 1975" RESOLUTION NO. 5027 entitled "A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR ISSUANCE OF BONDS AND DIRECTING THE LEVY OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST THEREOF, CITY OF PALO ALTO CALIFORNIA AVENUE DISTRICT OFFSTREET PARKING PROJECT NO. 71.63, $420,000 BONDS OF 1975:" The resolutions were adopted on a unanimous vote. Altrti snir` fil� MOTION: Mayor Sher introduced the following ordinance and moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption: ORDINANCE NO. 2827 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO ADDING SECTION 22.08.065 TO THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE c.EDICATION OF COGSWELL PLAZA EXTENSION) TO ENLARGE THE AREA THEREOF" The ordinance was adopted on a unanimous vote, MOTION: Mayor Sher introduced the following ordinance and moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption: ORDINANCE NO. 2828 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO APPROVING AND ADOPTING PLANS FOR TIE IMPROVEMENT or =SWELL PLAZA EXTENSION" The or.din axce wee adopted on a unanimous vote, 67 3 11/25/74 e re Public lc ees' Retirement pate t a tv e , remen roTtam MOTION: Mayor Sher introduced the following ordinance and moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption: ORDINANCE N0. 2829 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE CITY OF PALO ALTO (LOCAL SAFETY MEMBERS - 2% AT AGE 50 RETIREMENT- PROGRAM)" The ordinance was adopted on a unanimous vote. r Line venue (CMR:624:4) MOTION: Mayor Sher introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Comstock, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 5028 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO DE- CLARING ITS INTENTION TO ORDER THE VACATION OF AN OVERHEAD POWER LINE EASEMENT AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING THEREON (EASEMTNT NO, 342)" The resolution setting the hearing for Iecember 16, 1974 was adopted on a unanimous vote. �•.•. Underground Electrical UC it rat . �' ::+ CMR:625:4) MOTION: Mayor Sher introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Comstock, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 5029 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE CODICIL OP THE CITY OF PALO ALTO DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO ORDER THE VACATION OF AN UNDERGROUMD ELECTRICAL UTILITIES EASEMENT AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING THEREON (EASEMENT HO. 668)" The resolution setting the hearing for December 16, 1974 was adopted on a unanimous vote. MOTION: Mayor Sher introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Comstock, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. .5030 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY 0' PALO ALTO DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO ORDER THE VACATION OF A PUBLIC UTILITIES EASE, BEING A PORTION OF RANCHO RINCON DE SAN FRANCISQUITO, AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING THEREON" The resolution setting the bearing for December 16, 1974 vas adopted on a unanimous vote. 674 11/25/74 Request to Brin Forwa d en the ;:ria It I ence 8rdinanc (Re errai of Nbdel lic ?rocedures Comm.) MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Pearson, that Items 13 and 15 on the agenda be brought forward on the agenda for consideration at this tine. The motion passed on a unanimous vote. 'F'lnf (lrr3iauarP he MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Berwaid, that the fence ordinance be referred to the Policy and Procedures Comittee. The referrral motion passed on the following vote: AYES: Beal;re, Berwaid, Clay, Henderson, Norton, Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher ABSTAIN: Comstock r !.; Rosenbaum to n' r mance '0 olicv and Procedures omm ttee LOTION: Councilman Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Henderson that the Model Smoking Ordinance be referred to the Policy and Procedures Committee. Tie referral motion passed on the following vote: AYES: Beahrs, Comstock, Henderson, Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher NOES: Berwald, Clay, Norton MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Henderson, that Item 2 on the agenda be continued to December 9, and to be Item 4 on that agenda. The motion pas:ied on a unanimous vote. MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Bexvald that Item 4 be continued to December 9, and to be Item 5 on that agenda. The potion passed on a unanimous vote. 675 11/25/74 1 1 1 1 Re nest for Continuance of Item 14 on the kenda to December 9 Finannt and ?ubLic Works .7ommiitce ecommen s re i 71177=m7m1MITITTron Program and Financial AP1.an) MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Pearson, that Item 14 be continued to December 9, and to be Item 6 on that agenda. The motion passed on a unanimous vote. Regular Meeti s of DeceraberL2AC ®coed MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Pearson, that the regular meeting of December 2 be cancelled. The motion passed on a unanimous vote. Oral Communications None. 3\d journment The meeting of November 25, 1974 adjourned at 12:06 a.m. r t City Clerk APPROVE: Mayor