HomeMy WebLinkAbout12161974CITY
CCUNC(L
MINL'TES
Regular Meeting
December 16, 1974
ITEM
Scour Troop 413 in Attendance
Minutes of November 25, 1974
Webster Site, bounded by Webster Street, Channing Avenue,
Middlefield Road and Addison Avenue; Planning Commission
Recommends re "Final Graphics" and Master Plan, Rezoning
to P -C (Multi -Family Residential.), and re Moving and
Rehabilitation of Existing Structures
851 University
Request of Councilman Clay on behalf of the Youth Advisory
Council re Reconsideration of Charge for Services of Paramedics
and Background Report on Paramedical Service Charge
Public Hearing: Underground Utility District No. 18
Public Hearings: Power Line Easement -117 California Avenue;
Underground Electrical Utility Easement - 611 Hansen Way;
Public Utilities Easement -- 3333 liillview Avenue
Request to Continue Item 8 (Finance and Public Works Com-
mittee Recommends re Data Processing Audit)
Request to Continue item No. 9 (Policy and Procedures Com-
mittee recommends re Preeale Inspection of Housing)
Request to Continue Item No. 10 (Policy and Procedures Conr-
mtttee Recommends re Campaign Financing)
1420 Skyline Boulevard, Zone District 0-S -- Site and Design
Approval of Single Family Residence - Application of Richard
B. Cottrell, Jr.
2450 East Bsyahore Road, Change of District from L-MrD to P -C,
Application of Manco Restaurants, Inc. (Planning Commission
Recommends Denial; and 1731 babarcedero aid, Change of District
from L -N -A -D to P -C. Application of Nick Pagonis/Richard
Lahmann, (Planning Coseit eicaRscommanis Denied.)
1049 Elwell Court, Zone District for Site and !sign
Control District Approval of a Sign; Application of • Bactomatic,
Inc.
Resolution re Per Diem Wages in Contracts for Public Works
Revisions to Cospreheasive Plan Contracts
Resolution Providing Authority to the City Manager to Effect
Certain Changes in Gas U ility Eaten
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Amendment to Joint Powers Agreement for Intergovernmental
Employee Relations Service
Old Police/Fire Building Lase Amendment
Inquiry of Councilman Berwald re Committee/Commission Appte.
Oral Communications
Special )eating
December 18; 1974
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December 16, 1974
i
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date at 7:30 p.m.
in a regular meeting with Mayor Sher presiding.
Present: Beahra, Clay, Comstock, Henderson,
Norton, Pearson, Rosenbaum: Sher
Absent: Berwaid
Scout Troop 413 in Attendance
Alm -Dons+ m�rl.� rnrno Mrur r111f..1..YY ssro .i
Mayor Sher welcomed Scout Troop 413 and their Merit Badge Counselor,
Donald Miller, to the meeting of the City Council,
Minutes of NN°Zewber 25, 1976
MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Comstock, that
the minutes of the meeting of November 25, 1974 be approved as submitte:/..
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Webster Site. Bounded by Webster Street
Naphtali Knox, Director of Planning, stated that the report prepared
by Royston, Beck 6 Abey and sent to Council on August 1 concluded
the consultants` studies. He said that as item 1(a) of the agenda,
the Planning Commission recommends acceptance of the Webster Site
Final Graphics and Master Plan; and as item 1(b) on the agenda,
a concurrent rezoning to P -C, using the master plan as the required
development plan, is proposed as a method for ensuring that the
master plan is closely followed in developing the construction proposals.
Mr. Knox pointed out that the present master plan for the Webster
Block is based on criteria adopted by the City Council in December, 1973.
The criteria and plea evolved frrna two years of study by the Webster
subcommittee and committee, a staff, and consultants, in their effort
to develop a plan for low and moderate income housing on the Webster
Block, Mr. Knox introduced Mr, Gene Xunit: of Royston, Hananoto,
Beck and Abey.
Mx. Ksanit, Project Manager of the Webster Block for two years, showed
nineteen slides to give an overview of all the material that had
been produced throughout the project. One slide he showed indicated
that the Webster Site occupied almost the entire block bounded by
Webster, Addison, Channing, and Middlefield; and that it was approximately
four and one-half acres in size. Mr. Kunit showed a slide of the
final project that the consultants produced. Mr. Remit considered
this project an ideal one because it had all the ingredients that
his firm liked to include in any of their plans. As a re,ult of
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early research, the firm found there were five basic things that
it needed to accomplish. These were to provide low and moderate
income housing, preeerve neighborhood and Palo Alto aesthetics,
retain site trees, provide some open space, and provide housing
for the elderly and those who were single. Mr. Kunit said that
a survey had been done in the surrounding neighborhood to help decide
the fate of the structures on the site and what would eventually
be done to the site. After consideration of many alternative plans,
the one before Council was decided upon by the consultants. One
of the main considerations in deciding upon the plan was pedestrian
circulation that would be efficiently effective on the site. Another
aspect that received careful attention was the types of automobile
movement in and out of the site, and a parking configuration was
developed that did not create a negative intrusion. Mr. Kunit explained
that all of the trees shown on the sl..des are existing ones, and
they created a park -like setting for the development. Attention
was given to providing open space in the interior of the project
as well as along the periphery. Smaller types of units would be
used primarily along the edges of the site to maintain a more neighbor-
ly character that would blend with the nearby area. Two and three-
story walk-up units were placed more toward the center of the block.
The townhouses are mixed in and generally interface with the existing
structures that would be retained. Environmentally speaking, solutions
had to reflect the fact that. Middlefield Road is essentially a noisy,
high -traffic street; that there was a very distinct kind of image
that the consultants wanted to present on the exterior of the site;
a useable interior space was needed; and space needed to be retained
for the original houses that would be kept and for the new indi✓idusl
units. Mr. Kunit stated that all of these considerations led up
to the final graphics which Council had before it.
Councilman Comstock noted that at the end of the two parking tote
off of Channing Avenue and at the end of the lot off of Webster,
the consultants showed a colored in space as well as the lines of
the parking spaces. He asked what that meant.
Mr. Kun►it explained that they had managed to get the 1.5 per unit
parking ratio that is required; but generally speaking, that many
spaces are never filled. $o this space was essentially driveable
pavement. The space could -be used for parking if necessary; but
when it is not parked on, it becomes play":.pace. Mr. Kunit said
that the farthest penetration and the least used sites would have
this special kind of pavement treatment.
Councilman Beahrs complimented the consultants for presenting a
very pleasing result. However, he wondered if any thought had been
given to per -unit cost; since it seemed to him that Council was
looking at the equivalent of the most luxurious housing in Palo
Alto's history on an over-all cost standpoint.
Mr. :Cunit responded that for a low-rise unit➢ for example, the cost
would be about $20 per square foot; for a medium high-rise, $27
per square foot; and rehabilitation coats would "ae approximately
$15,000 per house.
Councilman Beahrs reminded Council that there had bean a better
plan offered ten years ago that would have accommodated twice as
many people, the project would have been half amortized, end it
would have ultimately been a gift to the city.
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Frances Brenner, Chairwoman of the Planning Commission, stated that
the Webster Site Committee and the Planning Commission, together
with the consultants, had been intimately involved in developing
the plans for low and moderate income citizens of the community.
It had been determined early that this block would be of key importance
in deciding how adjacent areas would develop. A superior project
was one justification for the cost that was involved. The Commission
felt that this projectserved two purposes. One of these was the
purpose for which the land was bought, and the other was to hold
the quality of the entire neighborhood. The plan before Council
was the visual statement of intent in respect to the development
of this block. Mrs. Brenner explained that incorporated into the
plan was concern for the surrounding area as well as for the future
residents of the block. She noted that Eric Duckstad, President
of the Palo Alta Housing Corporation, had stated there needed to
be concern for the P -C zoning; and the city should not grab at the
first straw that came along with respect to financing, thereby foreclosing
implementation options that may arise later on. Mr. Duckstad pointed
out that the project had been done with tender loving care, and
it was advertised and approved with low/moderate income family rentals
in mind. He recommended that the financing question be taken up
when things are more clear, and he commented that the project was
expected to have a very positive effect on the surrounding neighborhood.
Mrs. Brenner said that Mrs. Gordon, who had been Chairman of the
Commission earlier, had expressed her opinion that there should
be a continuing municipal presence to insure the continuation of
the use of the project as low and moderate income housing; and she
further recommended that there be a very high and continuing level
of maintenance. The Commission hoped that the project would be
handled in such a way that the end result would be something of
which the city could be justly proud. Mrs. Brenner noted that because
of the location of schools and parks, the project was adrirabiy
located for family housing.
Raymond Carr, 595 Lincoln A;'euue, speaking on behalf of the Palo
Alto Housing Corporation, stated that the PARC had reviewed the
plans and heartily recommended the endorsement of the final graphics
and the rezoning to P -C.
Janet Owens, 863 Moreno Avenue, spoke as a member of the Board of
Midpeninsula Citizens for Fair Housing. With regard to the houses
on the site that may be moved, Me. Owens urged that Council plan
on using those houses for living space as long as possible on the
present site. She also recommended that the decision as to whether
the houses should be moved, rehabilitated, or demolished be deferred
ur til the time came when that decision had to be made. Ms. Owens
felt that the replacement costs may change in relationship to the
rehabilitation costs, and she noted that the replacement costs given
in the report are already on the low side.
Mary O'Connor, 2504 Webster Street, asked if Council had considered
the resulting density of the proposed project. She thought that
the future residents of the Webster Site would be the most closely
packed group of people in Palo Alto. Mrs. O'Connor also wanted
to know what park was ciose to this site since that was given as
a reason for making the project suitable for family housing. it
had been mentioned that the project would enhance the surrounding
neighborhood, and she did not see how this large concentration of
people could be an advantage to the area. Mrs. O'Connor said that
she was happy that her neighborhood was fully integrated economically,
socially, and racially; and she felt that the proposed project would
be a ghetto made up of poor people with children.
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Frank Merano, 581 Addison Avenue, said that such plans as this had
been tried in the past in numerous parts of the country; and they
usually brought down the value of the properties in the area. Mr.
Memo dial not consider this part of Palo Alto to be conducive to
persons of low incomes, and he pointed out there were no nearby
shopping centers. He considered it possible that the proposed plan
would hurt as many people as it would attempt to help.
Glen Schutt, 560 Addison Avenue, expressed concern about the passible
increase in parking problems and crime as a result of the proposed
project. He stated his opposition to the plans for Webster Site.
Mary Connors, 574 Addison Avenue, stated that someone needed to
talk about numbers in terms of people as well as in terms of units.
She pointed out that there had been a conflict between the community
and the Planning Commission in that the "oommnity wanted single
dwellings, while the Commission wanted multiple dwelling units.
Ms. Connors pointed out that another difference was that the Planning
Commission decided upon family units, and the neighborhood had expressed
a desire for mixed groups. It had been stated that there was no
negative environmental impact, yet there would be a great increase
in traffic. Also, in an attitudinal survey, a large percentage
of the residents indicated they would not have as strong a motivation
to keep their property in good repair if this project were to be
built, Ms. Connors stated that the neighborhood was presently well
integrated with regard to incoe and status, and she felt the proposed
project would threaten that balance. Other cities with more experience
with this kind of development are beginning to turn away from such
projects. Ms. Connrs asked if there were not better options for
meeting the .leads of lower incf,me people than the high density,
segregated development outlined in the proposed plan.
Donald C. Mitchell, 10336 Cowper Street, stated that in a very short
time, he had collected one hundred signatures of people in the neighbor-
hood wtc had nut been contacted with regard to their reaction to
the Webster Site development. He considered "low/moderate" very
vague wording, and he would .ike an explanation of that team. Also,
!r. Mitchell asked if the city would develop the plan or sell the
land to a developer. If federal funds were going to be sought and
used, he was concerned that the city might not be able to maintain
control over what would be developed on the site. Mr. Mitchell
asked Council to defer acceptance of the plan until some of these
questions could be answered,
Bob Boudrias, 478 E. Charleston Road, spoke for the Federation of
Palo Alto Reaidents. He said that in the past, the threat to neighborhoods
came primarily from industrial and commercial interests; and the
voters' response '.o that threat caused a revolution in city politics.
Lately, the threat had been corning from a Council so dedicated to
housing particularly low rent housing - that cost to the city
and impact on neighborhoods seemed to be of no consequence. Mr.
&,udrias said it was felt that neither faction of Council represented
the neighborhoods adequately, end so the various organizations began
to join together in a citywide organization named the Federation
of Palo Alto Residents. Mr. Boudrias stated that the group would
have recommendations for Council, and it expected to be heard.
If the organization's ztatements to Council were not heeded, it
would be easy enough to pack the chambers with voters who would
make their requests heard. Mr. Boudrias noted that the members
of the community were sensitive to the needs of the disadvantaged,
particulary, the elderly. The Association was willing to open its
neighborhoods to those in need but it was not willing to have the
character of its neighborhoods changed.
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Ernest Irvine, 758 Channing Avenue, stated that he had heard about
the proposed project recently; and he was concerned about the density
problem. Also, Mr. Irvine did not think that Council was really
aware of the feelings of the residents within some reasonable range
of the block in question. He asked that the vote be delayed until
Council gave more thought to the project.
Councilwoman Pearson said that she had been following progress on
the Webster Site as it had come to Council over the past two and
one-half years, and she considered the project to be an excellent
one. It needed to be recognized that the city could sell the property
to a developer, and the result would probably be double the number
of residents on the site as proposed in this plan. Councilwoman
Pearson commented that she lived in this particular neighborhood
and had been part of the group who worked to keep it the way it
is, and to keep the rest of Palo Alto residential. In her opinion,
the City of Palo Alto had an obligation to see to it that there
was low moderate income housing in the community. Councilwoman
Pearson stated that the people who would be interested in living
on the Webster Site would be people like herself, her friends, and
all those who presently lived in the city. The plan wan an excellent
one in that some of the houses would be retained, some of the character
of Palo Alto would be kept, open space would be provided, housing
units would be available at low and moderate rates and also at marieet
price, and single units would be included fer the elderly and singles.
Councilwoman Pearson said that the staff, the consultant, and the
committee had a tremendous job; and they did it wall.
MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Henderson, that
Council:
1. (a) approv=e the Planning Commission recommendation
to accoapt the Webster Site "Final Graphics" and
Master Plan; and
2. (b) approve the Planning Commission adoption of
Resolution No. 180 recommending the rezoning of
the R-2, R -3--P and R-4 portions of the Webster
Block bounded by Webster Street, Channing
Avenue, Middlefield Road and Addison Avenue
to P -C (Multi -family residential) ; and finds
that no significant environmental impact
will result from this action.
Councilman Comstock stated that one of the things that had gone
on was the study program by staff mesbere, Planning Commission,
and Other groups to produce the present plan ender consideration;
and the study programs had gone on over a period of several years.
Some of the surveys mentioned had been made in conjunction with
the study. For instance a survey had been made or, a selective basis
as to what the neighbors would prefer in terms of the external character s ..+ i c:=
of the buildings. Councilman Comstock said that recently the Planning
Commission held a hearing which was a publicly noticed one, with
advertisements placed in the paper in the usual manner. One of
the points raised by the audience sass the impact of the Planning
Commission's action, and Councilman Comstock understood that action
to set a permissible limit of development on the property of seventy
units. If there had been no zoning change, the permissible level
of development would have been ninety-five ua.its. Councilman Comstock
noted that the project describes soma nix of townhouses and apartments,
and what Council had before it was a Planning Commission recommendation
for a specific number of units. If Council rejects the recommendation,
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the existing zoning would be maintained on the land providing for
the potential development of ninety-five units. Referring to the
Planning Commission minutes, Councilman Comstock said he saw no
reference to a suggestion that the property be zoned R-1 or something
near that. He thought that a more difficult aspect of the project
was the extent to which future residents of the development would
be centers, owners, and low or middle income residents. Councilman
Comstock pointed out that would be determined partly by what financing
programs were available, by what sort of a development was offered
by City Council, and by the standards that Council sets regarding
whether or not there would be some specified percentage of the var4ous
occupants. If there were ninety-five units which were all high -
rent units, the likelihood of the number of cars being associated
with the project would be greater than seventy units, some of which
would be for persons of ?,ewer income. What Council was considering
here was a movement away from the maximum potential for development.
Councilman Comstock thought that the cnly position that Council
could take at this meeting was to accept or reject the recommendatioo
of the Planning Commission. With regard to control, Councilman
Comstock stated that since the, city now owns the property, it is
possible for it to engage in the kind of program that it did with
Lytton Gardens. This was to provide the land to a developer on
a long-term lease arrangement. With that kind of an arrangement,
it was possible for the city to exercise a great deal of control
over the development in terms of architecture, nuaber of units,
etc.. Councilman Comstock said the city had gone some distance
in that direction with the zoning notion proposed, and it would
be exercising as mwh control as it did over any private development
where the city did not own ;.he land. Even if the city sold the
land, additions could be attached to the sale which would provide
Palo Alto with a fair degree of control. Councilman Comstock thought
the project, architecturally and zoning -wise, was quite an improvement
over what had happened in earlier R-2 or R-4 developments,
Councilman Beahrs stated that approximately ten years ago, Dr. Russell
Lee and some of his associates proposed Webster House on this site.
This would have been a magnificent townhouse development provided
largely for the benefit of the elderly in the community, who still
suffer a deficiency of housing opportunities. Councilman Beahrs
recalled that Dr. Lee's proposal contemplated the self -amortization
of this project, which would ultimately have been given to Palo
Alto debt free for its disposition. At that time, there was a huge
outcry of opposition; and the chief objection was that the School
District would lose $6,800 in taxes annually. Meanwhile, Councilman
Beahrs observed that the city had put down hundreds of thousands
of dollars on this piece of property and spent countless thousands
in the development of the proposal before Council tonight. When
Dr. Lee's proposal failed, the people who owned the land had to
pay taxes on it; and they put it up for rental at a low rate. The
block deteriorated as a result of that and became the habitat of
some people known as Vencere s, some of whom are now convicted
murderers. To save these people their low cost housing, council
opposed the next development that was suggested; and that was a
private development, at no cost to the taxpayer, which would have
involved contributions in taxes to the city and the School District
in excess of $6,800. in order to block that development, the city
bought the land; and since that time, Palo Alto has been struggling
to try to provide housing on it. Councilman Beahrs noted that the
same problem existed today that existed ten years ago, and that
was the neighborhood was not in favor of sec's a project. Councilman
Beahrs stated that Council's ideas on land tomes in the community
needed to be liberalized, and everything should be done to encourage
the private sector. In his opinion, a private developer would have
carried out the present project at one -tenth the cost thatthe community
would ultimately realize.
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Councilman Norton said that he had originally understood that the
units would be virtually all for singles or for families without
children.
Mrs. Brenner responded that this idea had never been seriously considered.
Councilman Norton stated that it was his understanding then that
the Planning Commission was saying that the plan before Council
could handle a substantial number of families without greater ground
coverage, larger units, etc.
Mrs. Brenner responded that this understanding was correct.
Councilman Clay asked the consultant what attributes of the project
were particularly directed at low/moderate income housing.
Mi. Kunit explained that consideration for low/moderate income housing
pervaded the entire plan in terms of orientation of the units, and
creation of internal open space. The size of the units was moderately
affected, in that the firm picked a size unit that would relate
to this type of housing. Mr. Kunit stated that the type of construc-
tion method proposed was economical and had proved workable in previous
projects which Rcyston, Hanamoto, Beck and Abey had developed.
Councilman Clay asked if the consultant had given consideration
to going higher in building structures or had there been constraints
in that area.
Mr. Kunit responded that some of the solutions he had come up with
included housing units that were as high as six stories. As far
as density was concerned, sixty-three new units would be added to
seven in existence; and this fairly well approximated the surrounding
blocks.
Councilman Clay referred to the Planning Commission statement that
there should be city presence in the development, and he asked if
the Palo Alto Housing Corporation's involvement would be sufficient.
Mrs. Brenner responded affirmatively. The Planning Commission had
in mind a relationship of the type that the city had with Lytton
Gardens; and the point was to not lose control over what kind of
a place would be there, how well it would be maintained, etc. Mrs.
Brenner thought it was important to note that the ordinance that
Council was being asked to vote upon stated that a specific development
plan showing architectural and landscape architectural features
shall be reviewed by the Planing Coexniesion and the Architectuxel
Review Board. Developers would have to respond to a specific kind
of plan, and the eventual family'mix would relate to the eventual
kind of financing used.
Councilman Clay expressed concern with reservations about the project
stated by members of the audience, but Council heard those same
reservations about every low/moderate income housing project that
!.s proposed in the city. Everyone agrees with the concept of providing
housing for persons with low/moderate incomes, but everyone wants
such housing located away from hie own neighborhood. Councilman
Clay thought that Council really had not done an adequate job of
describing what is meant by low/moderate income housing, and objections
would continue to arise until the. public understood what Council
was talking about in terms of low/moderate income housing. For
instance, Councilman Clay explained that the city would not necessarily
be adding a number of new residents. If federal funds were used,
they Council would not be able to impose restrictions as to who the
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occupants would be. Councilman Clay understood that everyone had
in mind, right from the beginning, providing housing for low/moderate
income people who lived in Palo Alto and were no different spiritually
or intellectually than any of the other residents in the city, but
who happen to be categorized because of the level of their income.
Until it was clear to everyone to whoa the low/moderate income housing
wes ►eing directed, the city would not have the support from the
public that it needed for such projects. Councilman Clay considered
the project a good one, and he saw no reason why it should cause
any degradation to the community. He stated that he supported the
Planning Commission recommendation in concept, but he had some concern
about the number of units. Specific aspects of the plan, such as
how many units could properly fit on the site, could be discussed
at a future time. Also, the Architectural Review Bard would become
involved in the project, and Council would then have the benefit
of its expert advice.
Councilman Rosenbaum asked staff if it could see, from a financial
pciet of view, a mechanism in the existing laws, or laws that may
come into existence in the near future, to build something of this
sort and to have rents or sales prices which correspond to low/moderate
income housing.
I�Sr. Knox responded that there was a possibility in the existing
Section 8 funding for units to be produced that would be leased
directly to families of lower income. He thought it might take a
combination of different kinds of funds to do this work. Mr. Knox
felt there were developers around, including the County Housing
Authority, that could package the number of different financing
programs that would be needed to bring about the development of
the present proposal. He pointed out that there was also Section
231 which could provide housing for the elderly. Section 221-D4 (per Knox)
had some money in it, and that had produced the Palo Alto Vstpar.ame2Garaens
housing. Mk. Knox stated that it was a matter of finding developers
who were accustomed to dealing with these funds. He added that
on the horizon, there was the possibility of a state financing program
which was patterned after the Massachusetts Housing Finance Authority.
The MHFA deals with private developers all the time, and they are
given a ten percent fee and limited to a six percent dividend per
year for a twenty year period.
Councilman Rosenbaum commented that he thought everyone, including
the audience, recognized that this project was at a somewhat lower
density than the whole surrounding area was zoned for; indeed, there
had been a number of condominiums and apartments that had been built
at the higher densities. The concern really was that there would
be a concentration of low income people in this one area, and there
was no doubt that that had produced problems in some co'-. unities.
Here in Palo Alto, the city had tried to be very careful; and so
far, the experiences with low income housing had been good ones.
Councilman Rosenbaum considered Colorado Park to be the outstanding
example, and the Palo Alto Housing Corporation had been responsible
for it. Arastradero Park was another fine example, and 60% of the
people who lived there worked in Palo Alto or at Stanford University.
Therefore, the discussion was really centering around Palo Alto's
own people those who work for the city, in the stores, and in Palo
Alto industries. In Councilman Rosenbaum's opinion, there was no
other solution than for everyone to live togethbr. It was his hope
that the plan as presented would-be pursued and implemented in the
fairly near future.
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Vice Mayor Henderson expressed surprise that some of the audience
had said they had not heard about this project until recently.
There had been a lot of publicity, and there was no way to involve
people more than Council and the Commission had done over a long
period of time. Vice Mayor Henderson commented that people had
a tendency to create images of big city, high density, low income,
Housing Authority kind of projects when something like this plan
was proposed. Such a project would involve three or lout times
the density that' was being considered for the Webster Site, and
twenty units per acre was not as high as Palo Alto's R-3, R-4, and
R•-5 zoning. Vice Mayor Henderson agreed With Councilman Rosenbaum's
comments about Colorado Park and Arastradero.Park being so successful,
and he considered it importent that the city proceed according to
its own experiences. Responding to Councilman Beahrs, Vice Mayor
Henderson stated that if a private deveibper could do the project
for one -tenth of the price, then the city should certainly accept
the bid. He said that he had closely followed plans for the Webster
Site from the beginning; and he could not imagine more citizen input,
greater deliberation oc, alternatives, or a better project. If Council
is truly interested in providing law/moderate income housing, then
Vice Mayor Henderson felt the members should support the action
before them.
Ruth Smith, 575 Addison Avenue, stated that she had never received
any notice about the proposed project. Upon checking residents
of several streets in the neighborhood, Mrs. Smith found that only
two of them had any information about the developaent of the block.
She suggested that more information be distributed before Council
took action on the plan for Webster Site.
Mayor Sher clarified the subject of the housing mix proposed for
the project. He pointed out that in the Planning Commission minutes
it was stated by Lynnie Melena that the condition on the zoning
should be in terms of 20Z lower, rather than low income units.
The word "lower" has been defined by the new Housing and Community
uevelopment Act as 80% of the median income of the area, and that
originally had been the staff's recommendation, Subsequently, Mrs.
Steinberg moved that the condition read: "that the project provide
housing for people of low to moderate incomes". Mr. Knox pleaded
for flexibility and suggested that words Such as "practicable amount
applicable" be added to the motion. Commissioner Rack stated that
he had been initially opposed to the amendment because it would
preclude the possibility of considering any development Which did
not have 103 lower or low/moderate income housing, and that would
defeat the possibility of a housing mix. Mts. Steinberg explained
that she did not say "only", but her amendment was that the project
provide housing for persons of low/moderate incomes. Pic. Knox expressed
appreciation for her clarification that the amendment would not
preclude people who were not of low or moderate incomes from living
in the development. At that point, Mr. Rack withdrew his opposition
to the amendment, and the motion passed unanimously in the Commission.
Mayor Sher explained that there was no suggestion that this project
would be 100% low/ moderate income housing or lower ineot a housing,
but simply that there be provision for that type of ho.is.fng in the
development.
Councilwoman Pearson stated that.the property was presently zoned
R-2, R -3-P, and R-4, and she asked how many units could be gotten
on that site if those densities were tart..
Mr. Knox responded that there could be ninety-five units if the
site were built to the maximum.
7 2 0
12/16/74
Councilwoman Pearson thought it was important to realize that Council
was not shoving high density on axay neighborhood. In response to
Councilman Beahrs' comments regarding the situation ten years ago,
Councilwoman Pearson said that'the proposed project was for a five -
story Char.ning House type of structure that would have had a nine -
foot setback from the sidewalk all the way around; and it was designed
for the elderly only. The neighborhood was opposed to that. At
no time was there any written legal docuient salting that once the
elderly rich had passed on, the structure would become a residence
for low income elderly. Councilwoman Pear.een ptint> d out that the
project would not have paid apy taxes whatsoever, and members of
the Council who were in the School District voted against that project.
The neighborhood felt that one Chinning Rouse'was enough. There
were nineteen homes on the site, and they were demolished. Those
families were forced out of Palo Alto. The developer who tore down
the houses was prepared to develop the site to its ultimate density,
which was ninety-five units. The units were to be townhouses starting
at S85,000; these would have been lots of traffic and very few children,
Councilman Bcahrs expressed distress at seeing Council forever inhibiting
private development.
Part (a) of the notion passed on the foe_1owing vote:
AYES: Clay, Comstock, Henderson, Norton,
Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: Heahrs
Part (b) of the motion passed and the ordinance was approved for first
reading on the following vote:
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALO ALTO AMEND/NC SECTION 18,08.040
OF THE PAL( ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING MAP)
TO CAGE THE CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTY
KNOWN AS THE WEBSTErR BLOCK FROM R-2, R -3-P
AND R-4 to P -C, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBE)
ON THE ATTACHED EXHIBIT, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS
AYES: Clay, Comstock, Henderson, Norton,
Pearson, Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: $eahrs
MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Rosenbaum, that
no action be taken on the removal of the houses either by demolition
or moving .lentil the project is confirmed.
The motion passed en a unanimous vote.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Comstock, that
Council request the Palo Alto Housing Corporation to investigate
and make recommendations to Council concerning available programs
and funding that might be applicable to the Webeter Site, including
the Federal Rousing and Community Development Act.
Councilman Co atock naked that it be made clear that staff was being
given direction to proceed also, since it normally worked with the
Palo Alto Housing Corporation.
Vice; Mayor Henderson agreed with this statement.
7 2 1
12/16/74
Councilman Rosenbaum noted that earlier Mr. Knox had mentioned the
city's soliciting proposals to implement the project, and he wondered
if that were Vice Mayor Henderson's intention.
Vice Mayor Henderson stated preference for waiting a while until
more was known about the Housing and Community Development Act;
meanwhile, the Palo Alto Housing Corporation could be getting information
on the various sources of funding.
Mr. Knox thought the motion was adequate direction to staff. He
said that several months would have to be spent putting together
a request for proposal, and it would be extremely helpful for the
Housing Corporation to do the research on the funding.
The motion passed on a uasni oua vote.
851 University Avenue (CMR:610:4)
Vice Mayor Henderson expressed concern about this property because
it appeared that the only choice in the natter would be to sell
the property, and that could result in up to nine condominium units.
There were so many needs, such as nursing homes and retirement homes
for the elderly; and Vice Mayor Henderson pointed out that this property
had a sprinkling system in it, which was one of the reasons it would
be ideal for such a use. He asked staff if there were some way
that the city could receive input a to whether there would be interested
buyers for a building that would be restricted to a special use.
Clayton E. Brova, Director of Budget and Staff Services Department,
noted that the staff report suggested two alternatives; one would
be to sell the building outright, and the other would be to solicit
proposals.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Comstock, that
staff be directed to seek bids for the sale of the property at 851
University Avenue and require that a proposed development concept
plan be included as part of the bid.
Councilwoman Pearson asked what the density would be.
Mr. Brown responded that under R -1-R, the maximum allowable is 28
units per acre; and this property was about one --thin: of an acre.
Councilman Beaters asked what the general character of the zoning
was in that immediate area.
Mr. Brown replied that the properties oar both sides are zoned R -1-R,
and they do have apartments on thee. immediately across the street
are two vacant hones that are pending development, and there are
also apartments across the street.
Councilman Beehrs was concerned that Council might be asking for
proposals for a specific use that could not conform to the general
environment of the neighborhood.
Councilman Rosenbaum asked if the property would be put out for
bids, and the bid mould be awarded to the person who offered the
cost moaey. He wanted to know just bow one would take into account
the development plan.
7 2 2
12/16/74
o. a
Mr. Brown said that staff would have to work up a Request for Proposal.
When the proposals came in, staff would come back to Council with
A major number of the proposals along with staff's recommendations,
if the sale were to be tied to a specific development.
Coincilw.an Rosenbaum asked if the bidders would be told their proposals
would have to be consistent with the R -1-R zoning.
Mr. Brown stated that this was correct, and there would be two elements
involved. One of the elements would be the actual sale, and the
other would be what was proposed for use consistent with the zoning.
Couuriliaan Clay thought that Council would be making this matter
a very time consuming one if it were reducing its decision to one
of accepting the best package, and he thought the Subject was becoming
very complex. He did hot see how directions would be given to someone
to prepare a proposal that would involve what would be put on the
property, and also the sale price. Councilman Clay thought the
land should be put up for sale under the present zoning, and that
at least gives en indication of what might go there.
Vice Mayor Henderson pointed out that this idea was nor. without
precedent, the old Police/Fire Station being one example. He wanted
to be certain that a building of this statute would not be destroyed
without having received some consideration as to possible uses.
Vice Mayor Henderson felt it would be wise to have a group of proposals
that could be considered. He asked staff if R -1-R zoning would
preclude such uses as nursing and retirement homes for the elderly.
Mr. Brown responded that those examples would be excluded.
Vice Mayor Henderson did not want those possibilities for the building
to be excluded, and he thought that a home for the elderly would
be more acceptable to the neightors than nine condominium units.
Mr. Brown suggested that the motion include direction to staff to
come back with proposals that would cover a range of uses.
MOTION RESTATED: Vice Mayor Hendetson moved, seconded by Comstock,
that staff be directed to prepare guidelines preparatory to seeking
proposals for the use of the property at 851 University Avenue and
come back to Council for approval before formally requesting proposals.
Councilleeman Pearson noted that there was a two-atory hose for the
elderly very close to 851 University Avenue, so she was surprised
to hear Mr. Brown say that such a use did not fall under the R --
1-R zoning, She conceded that the house night be just outside that
zoning. It was well maintained, and there Warne a great need in Palo
Alto for those elderly who are still ambulatory. Councilwoman Person
stated that if 851 University were not in the proper zoning for
use as a home for the elderly, than she wanted to knoll if a use
permit could be gotten for that purpose.
Mir. Brown said he would have to verify the uses allowed in that
particular zoning.
Councilman Comstock reminded Council that it had previously had
before it a proposal to use the two houses across the street to
the maximum +extent. The permit wee given; but since then s different
developer bad taken over the project, and the number of units had
been reduced considerably. He thought that in this case, if one
proposel were for nine units, and one would be for six units, then
Council could choose the lower density.
7 2 d
1246/74
Councilman Beahrs wondered if it should not be the policy of Council
to realize at least market value of the property when so many thousands
of dollars had been put into drug abuse, Webster Site, etc. In
Councilman Beahrs' opinion, putting restrictions on the use of the
property *could inhibit its sale at market value.
Councilman Rosenbaum expressed his feeling that the whole issue
was being made far too complex. He asked Vice Mayor Henderson if
his motion were not restricting proposals to the R -1-R zoning.
Vice Mayor Henderson said this was true, but that no proposals would
be accepted of a higher density residential zoning than that which
presently exists..
Councilman Rosenbaum stated that he would like to see the zoning
kept the same.
Councilman Clay observed that if Council were thinking of accepting
any proposal for a project not permitted in R -1-R zoning, then the
community had better become involved since they expected that the
property would revert to R-1 when Unity House ceased to function.
Mr. Brow -r. stated that the house had reverted to R -1-R zoning, and
it could be used at a boarding house for the elderly.
City Attorney booth explained that the R -1-R zone allows two, three,
or four family dwellings and apartment houses.
Vice Mayor Henderson, and his seconder Councilman Comstock, agreed
to go back to the original motion.
The original motion passed on the following vote:
AYES: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson,
Rosenbaum, Sher
NOES: Beahrs, Clay, Norton
Re 11 on the Agenda
jth It et. :ge or ar game iers) (CMR:655:4)
MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Seaters, that Item 11 (Background
Report on a Paramedical Service Charge) be moved forward to be considered
with Item 3.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Re nest of Councilman Clay on behalf of
r o e ath J�,3 i unc�ere
or Sexvicee o Paramedics and
k
ro
rt on a
c
Char
Councilman Clay stated that the matter of charging for the service
provided by the Paramedics Program was discussed in the Policy and
Procedures Committee, When. Council approved the progress, it also
approved the $4.0 fee. The Youth Advisory Council discussed 'ea their
meetings the benefits and disadvantages of such a charge; and thst
group decided the charge should be reconsidered and, in fact, eliminated.
The YAC met with the Human Relations Commission, and that body endorsed
the position of the Youth Advisory Council. Councilman Clay said
724
12/16/74 -'
that he and Councilman Rosenbaum sent a memorandum to Council expressing
the opinion that the charge should be eliminated, at least on a
trial basis; and the service be looked at as similar to Police and
Fire services.
Hal Plotkin, Chairman of the Youth Advisory Council., said that there
had been two dissenting votes by members of YAC concerning elimination
of the $40 fee; but the Human Relations Commission vote was unanimous
in support of abolishing the fee. Mr. Plotkin stated that YAC was
very happy that Council had. been foresighted enough to see that
the city had the need for a paramedic service. One of the reasons
which some people had for supporting a charge was to recover some
of the money spent in the operation of the program, and another
one was to discourage frivolous use of the service. YAC's opinion
was that no matter what the reasons for supporting the fee, charging
a fee was wrong. Mien this subject first came up, Mr. Plotkin said
he immediately thought of young people who might need to use the
service for such an emergency as a drug overdose. The paramedic
program would save many lives of young people who had been stupid
enough to have overdosed themselves with narcotics. Mr. Plotkin
feared that a $40 charge would be a deterrent to some young people
in calling the paramedics for assistance, and this could lead to
a circumstance that he was sure City Council would want to avoid
at all cost. He referred to an editorial in the Palo Alto Times
which pointed out that the city night get its money back by charging
a fee; but the cost might be one life, or several. Mr. Plotkin
noted that a compromise had been worked out between Dr. Eliasta.m
and Fire Chief Korff, and he wished to make it clear that the YAC
played no part in the compromise. YAC had never been informed that
a compromise was impending, and they were not consulted as to their
feelings about it. Mr. Plotkin stated that the YAC was still unalterably
opposed to a fee.
Mayor Sher stated that Council was very impressed with the background
report that had been prepared for the Youth Advisory Council.
Vice Mayor Henderson asked. what Mr. Plotkin would feel about a program
where the paramedics appear on the scene, the patient goes in a
private ambulance with a paramedic riding with him in the ambulance,
and the other paramedic drives the van to the hospital behind the
ambulance. Vice_ Mayor Henderson said that with both the van and
the ambulance going, and both charging, he could certainly understand
the problem. He asked if YAC had considered the situation where
the paramedic van might be transporting the patient to the hospital.
Mr. Plotkin responded that it was his understanding that the paramedic
van did not transport anyone,
Vice Mayor Henderson asked that if a paramedic van took a heart
patient t.o the hospital axed charged $40 rather than the $70 that
a private ambulance would charge, would YAC's position be changed.
Mr. Plotkin stated that factually speaking, that just was not tbe.
case. According to Chief Korff, the paramedic van would not transport
patients. However, if the van did do the transporting, Mr, Plotkin
explained that his position would still not be changed since a non-
exclusive emergency service should carry no fee.
Dr. Michael Eliastam, 1433 Webster Street, stated that he was completely
opposed to a fee for paramedic services. Dr. Eliaetai said he was
Director of Emergency Services at the Stanford Hospital, and he
had been surprised to receive a copy of the staff report eteting
that he had cooperatively worked out a compromise in the matter
7 2 5
12/16/74
e
i
i
of charges for paramedic services. He commented that he had told
Chief Korff that he was totally opposed to the compromise, but he
would live with it if that was what Council decided to approve.
Dr. Eliastam referred to the report and said that nurses and medical
interns would be very upset if anyone thought that three months
of paramediC training resembled their intensive training. He stated
that the only part cf the report he agreed with was that which indicated
there would be no fee for the elderly who were living en a fixed
income. Dr. Eliastam also felt that the percentage of Palo Alto
patients rould'be much higher than .3 as stated in the staff report.
His opinion was that the projected amount of money to be collected
would not be as much as indicated in the report, because it was
very difficulE to collect payment on this sort of a charge. Dr.
Eli.astamfhought the ataff report was the result of trying to create
a document that would in some way justify the fee. The question
was simply whether or not the city was going to charge for emergency
services.
Mayor Sneer asked if the hospital emergency room charged a fee.
Dr. Eliastam responded affirmatively.
Mayon Sher asked if public hospital districts supported by tax revenues
charged a fee for the use of the emergency room.
Dr. Eliastam responded affirmatively.
Mayor Sher stated that he was trying to determine if there were
a justification for a user fee, and whether the other fees that
are charged did not act as deterrents; and .f they are not deterrents,
would the fee for paramedic help be considered the last straw.
Dr. Eliastam observed that the fees were all arbitrary, he agreed
with Mayor Sher}s statement, and he did not know what the last straw
would be.
Mayor Sher assumed that private ambulances manned by paramedics
would charge a fee that would reflect the service provided.
Dr. Eliastam said this was correct.
Vice Mayor Henderson asked Dr. Enastam if he would recommend that
all ambulance services be fret.
Dr. Eliaatam responded that in his opinion, ambulance services should
be contracted with the city or county end made available without
charge to all who needed them.
Christopher Clark, 33D Escondido Village, Stanford, stated that
.one of his five children al:Hers serious epileptic seizures which
require emergency treatment An4 medical csre when they accur. Mx.
Clark said be was against a . fee being charged for the services of
the paramedic unite. In his .particular case, the $40 paramedic
fee would be added to the $70 ambulance fee each time his child
needed emergency aid. Mr. . Clark's medical insurance covered only
$25 of the total cost of $114, and he considered his: medical plan
a good comprehensive one. .H* pointed out that for families such
as hie that had multiple use .of -this kind of care, the -financial
aspect was a real burden. Mr. Clark: expressed .ssed real satisfaction
with the first aid care provided by the Stanford and Palo Alto Fire
Departments, but he was concerned about the continuity of medical.
care in such an emergency. The. Firs Department arrives,very quickly
and deee all the right things, but then comes the difficult transition
726
12/16/74
from care by the on -scene Fire Department personnel to the ambulance
personnel. -Mr. Clark stated that his experience had been that the
change of resuscitation equipment, change in people, and change
in the number of first aid personnel from four to six Fire Department
personnel to.a single attendant in the ambulance created a hazardous
situation. 'io avoid this break in the continuity of first aid care,
Mr. Clark suggested that the paramedic or other Fire Department
personnel be.permitted and encouraged to provide transport.
CouncilWan Norton referred to Air. Clark's proposal that the paramedic
functibn be parsed with the transportation function and asked if
it would be unfair under those circumstances to charge a transportation
fee.
Mk. Clark responded that, under those circumstances, he would be
prepared to pay a fee comparable to what he now pays for commercial
ambulance service.
Joseph Carleton, 2350 Rosa Road, felt that by charging a fee for
paramedic_ services, the city was placing a higher value on a house
that might be on fire than on a human life. When a house is on
fire, meny pieces of equipment are sent out to put out the fire;
and there is no charge. Mr. Carleton did net like the implication
that a s✓ .ateria1 object was worth more than a human life. He thought
the $70 fee for a private ambulance would be sufficient deterrence,
and he did not think that anyone would call an ambulance frivolously.
It bothered hire that the paramedic van followed the private ambulance
to the hospital, but Mr. Carleton felt this was something that could
be worked out.
Corinne Brazier, 264 Fernando Avenue, supported the Youth Advisory
Council in urging the city to rescind the $40 fee for paramedic
services; and she considered the charge to be discriminatory against
low to moderate income residents.
William Korff, Fire Chief, apologized to Dr. Fliastsr fez- the wording
used in the staff report about cooperatively working out -the fee
proposal. However, he said he had discussed with Dr. Pliasatam the
three stages as put forth in the report. The first stage would
involve first aid but no paramedic skills, and no charge Paramedic
services go well beyond first aid; and when they are used, Chief
Korff suggested a $20 fee, The third stage would be treatment for
a full' cardiac arrest at a charge of $40. Chief Korff stated that
he had not been able to find any facts that supported the viewpoint
that as $40 charge would be a deterrent to using the paramedic service,
except re -the elderly on a fixed income. Chief Korff pointed out
that everyone who went to the hospital Iiew he would have outstanding,
substantial bills to contend with; and a 840 fee is just not significant.
He added that a public educational program should be undertaken
jointly by the Fire Department and the Stanford Rospitel. Chief
Korff expressed disappointment that insurance companies did not
cover the cost of paramedic services. The Palo Alto Paramedic Program
would he one of the finest progra.a ever adapted by the city, but
it needed to be recognized that it vas extremely expensive. Chief
Korff noted that when skills and equipment were provided that were
normally found only in hospitals', then services were being performed
that were not Fire Department operation&. Chief Korff recQ eDded
thet Council adopt the paramedic fee schedule as submitted, with
persons over the age of sixty-five being exempt from the charge.
At the present time, the transportation aspect of the service war;
handled by private ambulance. Chief Korff pointed out that the
chances that the Palo Alto paramedics would service persons who
were not taxpayers in this city were extremely great. He also explained
e
2 7
1 2/16/74
that a paramedic would go along.in the ambulance to provide the
kind of continuity of care that Mr. Clark had expressed concern
about. The city's paramedic van is capable of transporting a patient;
and if the ambulance is delayed, or the situation is critical, there
is no reason may the van cannot •take the patient to the hospital.
Chief Korff stated that there wcuid be a lot of problems to work
out, but the staff was committed to having one of the finest paramedic
programs in the area.
Mayor Sher asked for some clarification about the paramedic van
being capable of transporting a patient.
C kf Korff replied that the. Imme could transport the patient to the
hospital; but if the patiant'as' condition were stabilized, he would
be taken in the ambulance. This enabled the paramedic van to return
promptly t� its station and be on hand for the next call.
Couicilian Rosenbaum agreed with Dr. Eliastam that this otter really
was one of philosophy. Essentially, people gather themselves together
into communities to provide_certain services that individuals cannot
provide; and then a decision is made as to how they will be paid
far. Some of the services will be paid for through taxes, and some
will require user fees. Councilman Rosenbaum considered the paramedic
service are ideal one to be funded from general taxes, and he thought
the fee should be resctrded. Further, he thought the property tax
should be raised by about three'cents.
MOTION: Councilman Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Clay, that the
$40 charge for paramedic service be deleted.
Vice Mayor Henderson said he couldunderstand the Youth Advisory
Coancil's concern because the combined fee for emergency service
was over $100. He stated that his original thinking regarding the paramedic
program was that on an emergency call to the paramedic team, only that team
and its van would respond. If the situation called for the continuing
services of the paramedics, they would transport the patient to
the hospital in the parai#ais vane- - Vice Mayor Henderson thought
this made much sense since tb+e=vaneand the trained personnel were
right there. If the situati '-eould be handled by a regular ambulance,
a private ambulance would-be. called; and the patient would be transported
by it. The program now cafls'for'bbtb parties to respond. If paramedic
services are required, the' patient . ie transported by private ambulance
with a paramedic in attendance; and the other paramedic trails the
a.tbulaace to the hospital in the paramedic van. Vice Mayor Henderson
explained that his original expectation was that the program would
be one where ,only one service would be used —either the paramedic
or the private ambulance eervice. If the decision were to use the
private a abulaece, then there r.'ould be no charge for the paramedic
services. The patient would pay the regular ambulance fees, probably
about $75. If the paramedic van were end, ehe•re would be a charge
of $40 with ao cost for a private ambulance. Vice Mayor Henderson
still thought that was the way the program should work, but apparently
that was not possible initially for a number of reasons. tie felt
the pert is service was different from regular police and fire
services. Medical training, services, and supplies were iuvoived;
and the operation was an expensive one. Vice Mayor Henderson considered
the staff's recomm esi- fce schedule a very good compromise, which
he could support; but he said he would still want to review the
program by budget time.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Norton,
that Council adopt the paramedic fee schedule as submitted by the
staff, with patients over age sixty—five being exempt from any charge.
728
12/16/74
Councilman Clay stated that the benefits of this program were for
all of the citizens of Palo Alto, and he saw the program as similar
to protection under some form of term insurance. If a fee is charged,
that means that only those persons unfortunate enough to need the
services pay. Councilman Clay noted that the $40 fee was arrived
at simply because it !seemed to be a charge that most people would
be able to pay, and he thought the fee should be related to the
cost of the program sa whose costs were determined over a period
of time, The program, without having the deterrent of a $40 fee,
should be looked at after a year or so in order for the city to
discover benefits and costs. Councilman Clay said he would oppose
the substitute motion and urged support of the original motion.
Ccumc iiman Comstock said that he supported the fae originally because
of its potential as a revenue raising device. He pointed out that
persons who fit into stage two or stage three as put forth in the
staff report would end up being charged a paramedic fie and a private
amb=dance fee; but most of the calls would fall under stage one
which carried no charge. Councilman Comstock felt that a problem
with a sliding scale was the cost of adrinistration, and this was
just one more thing that would have to be figured out when dealing
with the patient. Councilman Comstock stated that he had changed
his mind about the fee, and he now supported the original motion.
Councilman Norton asked what fraction of the estimated forty to
sixty thousand dollars under the staff recommended progrAm would
be likely to be reimbursed by insurance.
Chief Korff responded that it was his understanding that paramedic
services were not covered by insurance at all.
Councilman Norton assu d that ambulance service was partially covered.
Chief Korff said this was correct.
,Councilman Norton asked if there were a paramedic service combined
ieith the transportation function, and assuming that $50 per call
might be thought reasonable, what portion of that might an insurance
company be willing to pay.
Chief Korff thought that $25, or 50% of the fee, would be covered
by the insurance company.
Councilmen Norton asked Mr. Plotkin what reasoning was behind his
statement that some young person who had taken an overdose of drugs
might not be inclined to call for paramedic assistance.
Mr. Plotkin responded that baaicaller, Le saw a $40 charge as a stumbling
block in an individual's mind. In his opinion, someone who actually
needed telp might decide to delay calliaig for help because of the
charge; and then perhaps it would be too late.
Councilman Norton asked how a young person would react if it became
common knowledge that an ambulance would arrive at the scene as
well as the paraaeedit van.
:fir. Plotkin said that would be a dissuasive effect; and be hoped
that through education, it would be realized that one could call
for help and not get more help than wee required.
Couicilmaan Norton expressed his opinion that the present system was
irrational where two vehicles capable of treneporting a patient
were involved. He said that if the paramedic arrtvcs first and
7 2 9
12/16/74
waits even two minutes for the ambulance, he could be making a terrible
mistake. Further, the notion of a paramedic getting into the ambulance
and being tailed by the other vehicle is absurd. Councilman Norton
said that if Council decided to waive the fee, some time in the
future it would have to be prepared to give a free ride across the
board to the transportation function as well as the paramedic services,
particularly if medical insurance becomes available to pay a portion
of the cost. He stated that he would vote against the substitute
motion.
Councilman Beahrs suggested that Council think in terms of priorities;
and when dealing with human life, time was of the essence.
Councilwoman Pearson recalled that originally she wanted the paremedi.c
program to be a city -run ambulance system which would have been
an ambulance with paramedic equipment. The present system was a
redundant one, and the city had no control over the caliber of the
ambulance employee. Councilwoman Pearson commented that when a fire was
being put out, lives were being saved as well as homes. She said.
she would like to sae the paramedic carrier also be the transporting
vehicle. Councilwoman Pearson would support Or. P.iiastam in his
efforts to get prepaid medicine, county -wide paramedics, and elimination
of the Stanford Hospital emergency fee. She stated there was no
way that she would support a three dint tax increase, when all Council
had to do was get rid of the Squire House - a matter of ordering
priorities - to take care of the cost.
Mr. Iiotkin stated that the eoor ous fees encountered by a sick person
in the hospital should wake Counci/ think twice about tacking on
another $40 free. His conclusion was that there was no better investment
that the City Council could make than in saving human lives.
Chief Korff indicated that at some time in the future, the paramedic
van would be doing the transporting to the hoepital. Also, staff
did not see collecting fees as a difficult administrative problem.
Chief Korff stated that the Fire Department would be making agreements
with the Palo Alto Ambulance Company so that there never need be
any concern about the possibility of delay in treating a patient,
The substitute motion failed on the following vote:
AYES: Henderson, Pearson, Sher
NOES: Beaters, Clay, Comstock, Norton,
Rosenbaum
AMENDMENT: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Henderson, that the motion be
amended to state that the staff, as of the tint the 1975-76 budget is
being considered, prepare a proposal that if the paramedic van transports
t:he patient, that an appropriate charge be made by the city in substitution
for the ambulance charge.
Councilman Rosenbaum considered the amendment to be fraught with
difficulties, and said he would oppose it.
Councilman Beahrs thought the intent of the amendment vas premature, and
that it should be considered six months hence.
Councilman Clay stated that data collected over a six month period
should be evaluated before any such action should be considered.
Councilman Comstock spoke in favor of the proposed amendment.
7 30
12/16/74
The amendment passed on the following vote:
AYES: Henderson, Norton, Pearson, Comstock,
Sher
NOES: Beaters, Clay, Rosenbaum
Themotion as amended passed on a unanimous vote.
Public Hearing : Underground
Mayor Sher stated "that this was the time and place for the public
hearing on the formation of Underground Utility District No. 18,
San Antonio Avenue from Bayahore to Middlefield Road. Anyone interested
may protest or support the formation of the Uztderground Utility
District and on the question of whether the public necessity, health,
and safety, require the establishment of the Underground Utility
District and the removal of all facilities for providing overhead
service. I do not wish to restrict anyone's presentation, but you
are asked to avoid repeating statements and information which have
already been provided to Council, unless it is necessary in connection
with your particular property. The hearing is declared open".
Mayor Sher asked the City Clerk to report on the notices given in
connection, with the hearing and the certification of mailing such
notices.
Ann Tanner, City Clerk, reported that notice of this public hearing
was published as required; and she had on file the affidavits of
the mailings and postings in public streets.
Harry Berberich, 870 San Antonio Road, expressed concern that the
trenching for the undergrounding would be routed through the center
of three of his places of business.
Jack Taylor, Project Engineer, Light and Power Division, explained
that the lines Mr. Berberich was referring to were the boundary
lines of the assessment district; and the actual trenching would
be dug in the sidewalk area.
Mayor Sher declared the hearing closed.
MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson introduced the following ordinance
and moved, seconded by Comstock, its approval for first reading:
"AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 12.16.020
OF CHAPTER 12.16 OP TITLE 12 O1 THE PALO
ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE BY ESTABLISHING UNDER-
GROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 18"
The motion passed on a unanimous vote, (P.eahra, Bereald, Clay,
Norton absent.)
t . o Move Items 6 and 7
tribrameraggswaratetwasisageblio
MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Comstock, that Items 6 and
7 (Utilities Easements) be moved forward on thee agenda to be considered
with Item 5 (Power Line Ligament).
The motion pasaad on a ue a iu,u s Vote.
7 3 1
12/16/74
Public Hearin s: Power Line s Eaement
a orn a venue• Un er roan
ectrica Uti. t Easement - usen
yYii Pu is Ut t es Bement
llview Avg : ; ; 4)
Mayor Sher stated "that this was the tune and place set where and
when any and all persons having objection to the proposed vacation
of overhead power lire easements No. 342, 668, and the easement
in Rancho Rincon de San Francisquito, may appear and show cause
why said easements should not be vacated. Let the record show that
the City Clerk has filed an ;affidavit of publication of the notice
of these hearings and has on file an affidavit of the posting of
the notice of such hearings as required by law. Is there anyoue
present who wishes to be heard on any of. these three matters? There
being none, the hearings are closed."
Councilwoman Pearson introduced the following resolutions and ncved,
seconded by Henderson, their adoption:
RESOLUTION NO, 3037 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
ORDERING THE VACATION OF AN OVERHEAD POWER
LINE EASEMENT (EASEMENT NO. 342)"
RESOLUTION NO. .038 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CiiY OF PALO ALTO
ORDERING THE VACATION OF AN UNDERGROUND
ELECTRICAL UTILITIES EASEMENT (EASEMENT
NO. 668)!1
RESOLUTION NO. 5039 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
ORDERING TFIE VACATION Oi' A PUBLIC UTILITIES
EASEMENT BEING A PORTION OF RANCHO RINCON
DE SAN F'F'4NCISQUITO"
The three resolutions were adopted on a unenimoua vote.
o Continue Item 8 Finance and
MOTION: Couaci1.man Comstock roved, seconded by Pearson, that Item
No. 8 on the agenda be continued to appear as Item No. 1 on the
December 23rd agenda.
The motion to continue passed on a unanimous vote.
Putpf .'s•ectioa of Rousin
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that Item
No. 9 on the agenda be continued to appear as Item No. 2 on the
December 23rd agenda.
The motion to continue paaeed on a unanimous vote.
732
12/16/74
Re west to Continue Item No. 10 Folic
an rocenures omm ttee ecosmnen s re
Campaign Pinancln4)
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that Item
No. 10 on the agenda be continued to appear as Item No. 3 on the
December 23rd agenda.
The motion to continue passed on a unanimous vote.
1420 Sk line Boulevard Zone District 0-S
e *nee = ca on o
.... o trail Jr.
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that Council
uphold the recommendation of the Planning Commission to approve
the application of Richard B. Cottrell, Jr., for Site and Assign
approval of a single -.family residence at 1420 Skyline Boulevard,
Zone District 0--S, :subject to conditions listed in the Planning
Department staff report dated October 25, 1974.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
(Councilman Rosenbaum left at 11:46 p.m. and did not return for the
remainder of the cleating),
Request to Move Item No. 14 on the Agenda
Forward to be Considered with Item Noy 13
Mel1ON: Vice Mayor Henderson moved, seconded by Pearson, that Item
No, 14 on the agenda be moved forward to be considered with Item
No. 13.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote,
t B,. shore Road than _e of
cation
1 �-•urc .ero "•a* II e o
SiCL Ct rasm - -A- s` ' 1 ication
OrE
Commission lecommen
Frances Bremner, Chairwoman of the Planning Commission, explained
that the concern of the Commiesion was the possible proliferation
of restaurants in that area. The position of the Commission was
that the gateway to the Eaylands should somewhat establish the mood
of the natural shore activities which the city is fostering. If
the city really wants commercial zoning in that area, then the entire
area should be considered for rezoning, rather than have those lands
eroded piecemeal by coa rcisl projects that cone in under the familiar
guise of planned community zo�air.g.
Councilman Norton asked Mrs. Brenner if it were her theory that
no restaurant should be approved for that area.
Mrs. Brenner responded affirmatively.
7 3 3
12/16/�4
Councilman Norton asked Mrs. Brenner what other uses she would consider
more appropriate for that area.
Mrs. Brenner responded that anything that falls in the present legal
zone is considered to be appropriate. She pointed out that a serious
concern was that the area was flood plain, and the aspect of having
to raise the level of the building site begins to complicate the
design picture.
Councilman Norton stated that he understood Mrs. Brenner to be saying
that the Commission did not want restaurants, but le -M uses would
be acceptable if they went in before the matter had an opportunity
to be reworked. -
Mrs. Brenner said that she thought the Plannin;, Commission would
have no choice.
Mayor Sher pointed out to the applicants that there were just six
Council members present, and he asked if they would like to have
their applications continued to the meeting of December 23.
Barney Bartlett, 2483 East llayshore, and Dick Lohmann, 49 Showers
Drive, agreed that they would like to have their items continued
to another meeting.
MDTIGN: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that Items.
to. 13 and 14 be continued to appear as Items No. 4 and 5 on the
December 23rd agenda.
The motion to continue passed on a unanimous vote.
1049 well • . rt Zone District L-} -1-D
MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that Council
uphold the recommendation of the Planning Commission approving the
application of Bactomatic, Inc., for Site and Design Control District
approval of a sign at 1049 Elwell Court, Unto District L -M -1-D;
and finds that no significant environmental impact will result from
this action.
The notion passed on a unanimous vote.
solution re Per Diem Hoes in
MOTION: Vine Mayor Henderson introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO, 5040 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF 1I E COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
DINING THE GOAL PREVAILING RATES
OF PER DIEM DES IN CONTRACTS FOR PUBLIC
WORKS FOR THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AND
PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION OF SUCH RATES
AND RESCD DING RESOLUTION NO. 4842"
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vote.
734
12/16/74
Revisions to Co reheusive Plan Contract
MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Clay, that Revisions
to Comprehensive Plan Contracts be No. 6 on the agenda of December 23rd.
The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
ut
Resol ion Pravidin Aut►aorit to the
CI a` Nis eer to M eect ertain an
u s it t:. Rat ,. +4.t . e
MOTION: Vice Mayor Henderson introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Norton, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 5041 entitled "RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY Or PALO ALTO
WENDING SCHEDULE G-1 (GAS RATES) OF THE
CITEOF PALO ALT( 1 TILITIES RATES AND
CHARGES"
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vote.
dment to Joint Powers reernent
firjatio_r_._ ervicea ;CKR:635:4)
:MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that Council
authorize execution of Amendment Number 1, Joint Powers Agreement
for intergovernmental Employee Relations Services.
TSB motion passed on a unanimous vote.
MOUON: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Pearson, that this item be
continued to appear as Item 7 at the December 23rd meeting.
The motion to continue passed on a unanimous vote.
.,
MOTION: Mayor Sher moved,. seconded by Comstock, that this item
be continued to appear as Item 8 at the December 23rd meeting.
The motion co continue passed on a unanimous vote.
Oral Co uni ca t ions
meeemmes eeeesese
None.
Ad1ourns nt
a
The meeting of December 16 adjourned at 12:00 midnight.
3S
12/16/74
i
ATTEST:
APPROVE
City Clerk Mayor