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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02071972MJNUTES city of palo alto February 7, 1972 The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date at 7:30 p.m. in a regular meeting with Mayor Comstock presiding. Present: Beahra, Bcrwald (arrived 7:50 p.m.), Clark, Comstock, Henderson, Norton (arrived 7:40 p.m.), Pearson, Rosenbaum, Semen Absent: None Mayor Comstock announced that the regular meeting of Monday, February 21, will be held on Tuesday, February 22, at 7:30 p.m. inasmuch as February 21 is Washington's Birthday - a legal holiday. Publi;. Forums on Proposed Bicycle Route Mayor Comstock announced that Public Forums on the Bicycle Route are scheduled to be held as follows: February 8 at Terman Junior High School, 7:30 p.m.; February 9, Jordan Junior High School, 7:30 p.m.; February 10, Wilbur Junior School, 7:30 p.m. .�a, a2 f .aai2j. 22.s There being no correctionsto the Minutes of January 17, 1972, it was moved, duly seconded, and unanimously carried, that the Minutes be approved as submitted. flinutee of Janua m 2 97 Thar. being no correction a to the Minutes of January 24, 1972, it Was moved, duly seconded and unanimously carried that the Minutes be approved as submitted. Use Persmit - Prsachool. Educational Center 1140 Coyper Straact *......t_ MDTION: Councilman Clark moved, duly seconded, that Council consider this matter out of order at this time. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. I iON: - Mayor Comstock moved,. seconded-Ly-C.a.arit, that the a pee of George Wilson and Lisbeth Wooster from , the .decieiou of the Zoning Administr .oT-to denvral application for a use.permit for preschool educational center at 1.4W O4per St.eet be continued to February 22, !972., 1 The motion passed • on a unaniatis voice vote. 4 0 2 2/1/72 Retirement of Allen G. Sana ter..... Mayor Comstock noted that, on February 4, Allen G. Sana retired aftei more than fifteen years of continuous employ nt with the City of Palo Alto as a park maintenanceman in the Parka Division of th_ Public Works Department. He recognized Mr. Sana in the audience and Mr. Sans rose to acknowledge the best wishes of the Council upon his retirement. MOTION: Councilman Beahrs introduced thefollowing resolution and moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 4541 entitled, "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO ALLEN G. SANA UPON HIS RETIREMENT" The resolution was adopted on a unanimous voice vote. Dcu Abuse Task Force MOTION: Mayor Comstock introduced the following resolutions of appreciation and moved, seconded by 3eahrs, their adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 4542 ENTITLED, "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO COMMENDING ALLAN SEID AS A MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS DRUG ABUSE TASK FORCE FOR HIS DILIGENT AND OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE IN PRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE IN THE CITY OF PALO ALT©" RESOLUTION NO. 4543 ENTITLED, "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO COMMENDING CLARENCE BLOW AS A MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS DRUG ABUSE TASK FORCE FOR HIS DILIGENT AND OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE IN PRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE IN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO" RESOLUTION NO. 4544 ENTITLED, "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF TUE CITY OF PALO ALTO CO MING LIN BOZOKI AS A MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS DRUG ABUSE TASK FORCE FOR HER DILIGENT AND OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE IN _ PRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE IN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO" RESOLUTION NO. 4545 ENTITLED, "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO COMMENDING JOEL DAVIDSON AS A MEMBER OF TUE CITIZENS DRUG ABUSE TASK FORCE FOR HIS DILIGENT AND OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE IN PRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE IN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO" RESOLUTION NO. 4546 ENTITLED, "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO COMMENDING MIGUEL FOX AS A MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS DRUG ABUSE TASK FORCE FOR HIS DILIGENT AND OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE IN PRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE IN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO" RESOLUTION NO. 45.7 ENTITLED, "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF TUE CITY O& PALO ALTO COMMENDING AVRAM GOLDSTEIN AS A MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS DRUG ABUSE TASK FORCE FOR HIS DILIGENT AND OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE IN PRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE IN TUE CITY OF PALO ALTO" RESOLUTION NO. 4548 ENTITLED, "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO COMMENDING THOMAS GREELEY AS A MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS DRUG ABUSE TASK FORCE FOR HIS DILIGENT AND OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE IN PRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE IN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO" RESOLUTION NO. 4549 ENTITLED, "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO COMMENDING JOHN JOHNSON AS A MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS DRUG ABUSE TASK FORCE FOR HIS DILIGENT AND OUTSTANDING runic SERVICE IN PRODUCING A COMPRZUNSIVE PLAN TO CHAT DRUG ABUSE IN _ THE CITY OF PALO ALTO" ' 0 3 2/7/72 RESOLUTION NO. 4550 ENTITLED, "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO COMMENDING RAYMOND LAZURE AS A MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS DRUG ABUSE TASK FORCE FOR uiS uiLiGT.NT _ ""STANDING PUBLIC SERVICE IN PRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE IN THE CITY OF Fmk/ ALTO.' RESOLUTION NO. 4551 ENTITLED, "RESOLUTION OF ''.RE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO COMMENDING GRACE McALLES'IER AS A MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS DRUG ABUSE TASK FORCE FOR HER DILIGFNTAND OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE IN PRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE IN THE CITY OF PA.LO ALTO" RESOLUTION NO. 4552 ENTITLED, "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO COMENDING MOLLY McDONNELL ," AS A MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS DRUG ABUSE TASK FORCE FOR HER DILIGENT AND OUTSTANDING PUBLIC FERVICE IN PRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE IN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO" RESOLUTION NO. 4553 ENTITLED, "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO COMMENDING CHARLES SCHULZ AS A MEMB`:R OF THE CITIZENS DRUG ABUSE TASK FORCE FOR HIS DILIGENT AND OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE IN PRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE IN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO" RESOLUTION NO. 4554 ENTITLED, "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO C0M !ENDING FERNANDO ;IESCIA AS A MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS DRUG ABUSE TASK FORCE FOR HIS DILIGE `T AND OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE IN PRODUCING A COMFREHENSIVE PLAN TO COMBAT DRUG: ABUSE IN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO" RESOLUTION NO. 4555 ENTITLED, "R.ESOL'3 T ION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO COMMENDING CARLA VESPE AS A MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS DRUG ABUSE TASK FORCE FOR HER DILIGENT AND OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE IN PRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE IN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO" RESOLUTION NO. 4556 ENTITLED, "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO COMMENDING SAUL WASSERMAr' AS A MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS DRUG ABUSE TASK FORCE FOR HIS DILIGENT AND OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE IN PRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE IN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO" The resolutions were adopted on a unanimous voice vote. Joint Cit -Count Plannin Councils Mayor Comstock asked Chairman Pearson to report. Councilman Pearson, Chairman of the Policy and Procedures Committee, stated that AB 1619 had been referred to the Committee for consideration, but it had received little.slpport from the cities and the matter had died in the Legislature. She had been advised that Assemblyman John Vasconcellos will try to introduce such legis- lation again this year. The Committee, therefore, decided that the matter of Joint City -County Planning Councils, as proposed in AB 1619, be filed without action at this time and that the Council wait and see that happens. MOTION: Councilman Pearson, in behalf of the Policy and Procedures Committee, moved that the item concerning Joint City -County Planning Councils (AB 1619) be filed without action. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. 4 0 4 2/7/72 i Le illative. Anal sis and Review Mayor Comstock asked Councilman Pearson, Chairman of the Policy and Procedures Committee to speak to this item. Councilman Pearson outlined the Committee's discussion at its meeting of Jduuary 1S, 1972, She noted that the City Manager's office had advised Council that it is planned to hire a legislative employee who would study all Bills passing through the Legislature and their possible effect upon the City of Palo Alto. She noted that at present a very good source of information is the League of California Cities Digest and part of the Committee's recommendation to Council is that this Digest be made available to Ceuncii by staff. MOTION: Councilman Pearson, on behalf of the Policy and Procedures Committee, moved that with regard to legislative analysis and review, the staff make available to the Council the League of California Cities' Digest of Proposed State Legislation; b) that Council members then indicate to staff the legislation in which they are interested in receiving more information; and c) that staff, in addition to current practice, provide Council with an analysis of Bills in which a majority of the Council expressed interest giving priority to those in which the greatest interest is shown. Councilman Beahrs commented that he appreciated the attention the Committee had given this matter. He considered review of current legislation to he essentially a staff responsibility and one that has been carried very well by the staff so far. On this basis, he said, he would oppose the motion. The motion passed on a majority voice vote. Councilman Clark stated that he would like to see the legislative review procedure evaluated in a report from the staff in approximately a year's time, giving the number of Bills the staff has been requested to review and some indication as to whether this work produced results. He said he hated to see this kind of staff review go on indefinitely, unless Council were assured its usefulness, Mayor Comstock said it was agreed tha;`. a staff report, with evaluation as to time, cost, and usefulness of the legislative analysis and review, would be forthcoming at the end of one year. Tentative Condominium Subdivision Map o Southerly corner of Waverley Street and Everett Avenue Mayor Comstock asked staff to report on this matter. Mr. L. 3. Fourcroy, Director of Planning and Community Development, referred to the staff report of January 21, 1972. He said the property in question is a 6 -unit, 3 -story apartment house which it is proposed to be used as a 6 -unit condominium. The Planning Commission recommended approval of this application since no violations of the requirements of the zoning ordinance, Luilding code, subdivision ordinance, etc. exist. MOTION:- Councilman Clark moved, duly ;,econded, that the Council uphold the recommendation of the Planning Commis'.iion and approve the application of Kirker, Chapman, and Associates fora Tentative Condominium Subdivision Map (6 units) located at the southerly%ccrner of Waverley Street and Everett Avenue, subject to conditions recorded in the Planning Commission Minutes of January 26, 1972. The motion passed on a 'man MOW voice Vats. 405 2/7/72 Tentative Condominiva. Subdivision Ma . ma t ree i Mayor Comstock asked staff to speak to this item. L. J. Fourcroy, Director of Planning and C::eemunity Developanent, said staff had __-nocomments __and ethe Plannine Commieee unani,nouaiy recommended approval. MOTION: Councilman Clark moves':', seconded by Norton, that Council uphold the recd mendation of the Plennjee Commission and approve the application of Walter Harringtee for a Ten 'five Condominium Subdivision Map (4 units), located at 1743-49 Alma Stre.t, subject to conditions recorded in the F1.anning Commission Min*atie of January 26, 1972. The motion pessed on a unanimous voice vote. Chen e of Deveio vent Plan - Luck Stores Inc. L C annin \ venuee Mayor Comstock asked staff to speak t.o this item. Mr. L. 3. Fourcroy, Director of Planning and Community Development, stated that Lucky Stores have requested certain, modifications to their P —C plan; namely to eliminate windows and change the facade of the building and to place a canopy over the entrance. MOTION: Councilman Henderson moved, seconded by Norton, that Council uphold the recommendation of the Planning Commission and adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION NO. 4540, ENTITLED "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING ORDINANCE 1643 AM) RESOLUTION 4330 TO APPROVE A CHANGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLr,N FCR PROPERTY KNOWN AS 2080 C11ANN ING AVENUE" 'the resolution was adopted on a unanimous voice vote. A lication of R. E. Anderson Preliminary arce p, 2314 Louis Roa��" Mayor Comstock asked staff to speak to this matter. Mr. L. J. Fourcroy, Diaector of Planning and Community Development, stated that the eubject property is 32,629 sq. ft. on a rectangular parcel, measuring 112 feet by 291.34 feet. A single-family residence 1s located on the front of the parcel facing Louis Road. The remainder of the parcel, to the rear, is vacant. i.n June of last year the applicant applied for a subdivision oc.th{s property into four lots. The epplica.ion was denied by the Planning Commission with the recommendation that the applicant submit a revised application for three lots. The applicant now proposes to divide the parcel into three lots, e front lot - 82 feet wide by 82 feet deep, a rear lot, with an average of 86 feet wide by 100 feet deep, and a second rear lot, 112 feet wide by 96.34 feet deep. This application was denied by staff because of the following deficiencies for which the applicant now requests the granting of Conditional Exception: .4 0 6 2/7/72 1. The proposed division would create a second rear lot which is in violat`on of Section 21.32.050 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code; 2. The second rear lot is substandard in depth (100 feet is required); 3.___'The-rear setback from the existing house is substandard (20 feet is required); 4. The front lot is substandard in depth (100 feet is required). A 5 -foot strip along the front of the property was acquired by dhe City of Palo Alto for right-of-way purposes for project no. 49-10, therefore the property line is 5 feet from the back of the sidewalk and not adjacent to the sidewalk, "2.s shown. Mr. Fourcroy concluded that the Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval of the application of Mr. R. E. Anderson. Further discussion ensued regarding the City's acquisition of the 5 -foot strip along the front of the property acquired and paid for at the time of a condemnation for an easement for street purposes, and record of proof of ownership. City Attorney Stone suggested that Mr. Anderson might take up this matter with the Tax Assessor's Office. Director of Planning and Community Development Fourcroy responded to further questions. Mayor Comstock requested that Mr. William Powers, representative of the Planning Commission, speak to the Committee recommendation. Planning Commissioner William Powers said the Planning Commission discussed this matter at some length and the reasons for recommending approval were as outlined in the Planning Commission minutes. Mr. R. E. Anderson addressed Council and recited the history of this misce.L- laneous division of land and the reasons why he is now requesting the three lots, as outlined by Mr. Fourcroy. He said that the staff 'dad not been out to the actual site with him. Councilman Berwald raised certain questions. He inquired wh:ether there are regulations in force which give Council the authority to tell Mr. Anderson that he must, for example, straighten out the property lire, rather than having St curved. City Attorney Stone responded that the proposeJ eubd:vision does not comply with the City's ordinance, which provides for r,ondit,final Exception in the case of particular pieces of property that are:' .onaiOgyred to be unusual._ _Councilman Berwald spoke of the existing hous on the property. He said thie is a creative and new hone which is presently unavailable because of the condition.of the rest of the property. He said he hoped for the applicant's sake the Council could find a compromise. '..ouncilman Rosenbaum said he agreed with Councilman Berwald. He would like to see this worked out. He suggested the applicant, Mr. Anderson, might work further with the staff to try to settle the differences. Vice Mayor Norton said he agreed. He could see no reason why Council should spend time on this problem end he suggested that -the matter be returned to staff. 4 0 7: 2/7//2 Councilman Pearson asked whether staff and Mr. Anderson would be willing to attempt to settle these differences if this matter were continued. Mr. Anderson said he would be willing to work with the staff and he hoped they would visit the property with him. He said he had many ideas that could be worked on. MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Bea:,r.s, that the application of R. E. Anderson for approval of a Preliminary Parcel Map (three lots, residential) being a portion of Lot 10, Block 4, Seale Subdivision No. 5, 2314 Louis Road, be continued for three weeks to February 28, 1972, in the hope that Mr. Anderson and staff will work together and find a solution to the differences. Mr. L. J. Fourcroy, Director of Planning and Community Development, asked for specific direction regarding the problems to be worked on. He noted there are all kinds of alternatives and said the matter of the driveway represents a judgement decision which Council should approve or disapprove. He said staff would need some guidelines feon Council in working with Mr. Anderson to resolve this matter. AMENDMENT: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Norton, that the motion be amended to state that this application be continued for three weeks to February 28th to (1) provide an opportunity for the staff to take a further look at the driveway treatment to narrow the driveway and improve aesthetics; (2) to consider alternatives to the public utilities easement along the eastern property line; and (3) to give additional attention to eastern property lines of lot "B". The amendment passed on a unanimous voice vote. The motion as amended passed on a unanimous voice vote. A ndments to Parking Reprulations MOTION: Mayor Comstock introduced the following ordinance and moved, seconded by Norton, its adoption: ORDINANCE NO. 2645, ENTITLED "ORDINAYOE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING ,SECTION 10.04.050 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO CONFORM HOLIDA' S TO GENERA} MUNICIPAL HOLIDAYS AND ADDING SECTION 10.36,090 TO KAHIB1T OBLITERATION OF MARKINGS USED FOR ENFORCEMENT OF PAR1W.. REGULATIONS" (first reading, 1/24/72) The C--dinance was adopt e4 on a unanimous voice vote. Drug Ab;sse Task Force !mat. Mayor ComsLock asked '.cting City Manager Sipel to speak to this matter. Acting City Manager Ceorge Sipel said tha.: the report of the Drug Abuse Task Force was received and considered by Council at a special meeting on January 31st. Th& report should now be thoroughly reviewed by staff and hopefully staff wcu.td be able to report back to Council within three weeks. The issue of finar:'sing a program is a major one, M. Sipel noted, and he would suggest referrir:'; the financial aspects of the Drug Abuse Ta3k Force report to the Finance and Public Works Committee for early consideration. 408 2/7/72 MOTION: Vice Mayor Norton moved, seconded by Berwald,—(1) that the entire Drug Abuse Task Force report be referred to the staff for review and staff to return to the Council with a retort in three weeks; and <2) that the financial aspects; of the Drug Abuse Task Force report be referred to the Finance and Public %orks Committee for early consideration. Councilman Beahrs stated that he hop?d staff would give some study to the policing situation which would be required to implement the report recom- mendations. Mayor Comstock acknowledged receipt of communications from the Drug Abuse Coordinating Coin?ci1 of Santa Clara County, 2175 The Alameda, San Jose, California, 9512b; Mrs. Robert L. Smith, 2300 St. Francis Drive, Palo Alto; California, 94',03; and Dr. Aaron 3. Fink, 2500 Hospital Drive, Mountain View, California, 94040, attaching a resolution from the Santa Clara County Medical Society. Also, letter from The Session and the Board of Deaons of the First Presbyteries: Church, 1140 Cowper Street, Pale, Alto, 94301 in sepport of the recommendations of the Task Force. Mayor Comstock recognized Mr. Robert E. Smith, who had requested to speak to this Item. Robert F. Smith, 457 Kingsley, Member of the Board of Directors of the Peninsula Crisis Intervention Center, Damien House, read a prepared statement. Mike Fox, 283 Curtner, spoke in response to comments received from Council members regarding funding and where funds might come from to implement ,:he recommendations contained in the Drug Abuse Task Force's report. He 'aid the report expressed the neezis and desires of the people and the question nov is whether the Council is going to act on these needs and desires. He commmnted on the H. Rat Brown program, the proponents of which believe that policing has '•'o be carried out by people in the community in order to enforce a successful drug program. Kari Stangenes, 465 Colorado stated that she has read the Task Force's report and feels great concern about it. She said it could be a great tragedy' for Palo Alto or a great success, depending upon who is going to run the program and who is going to be responsible for overseeing the corporation as outlined in the report. She made further comments regarding the proposed residential treatment center and also requested Chat "trustworthy" people be placed on committees to assure that the program does not function as a political indoctrination center for young people. Councilman Berwald responded to the three speakers He sails the tinor of Mr. Smith's and Mr. Fox's comments was that the Task Force !could kcook no modification, no diminuition of fends for this Program reed',`chis i3 substan- tially the same answer as that given by Clarence Blow at tte Committee of the Whole meeting. Countilinan Be*ya1d sa =' staff and eructed o'.£icials alike will have t;; :;tee their judgment in these matters ani evelu.tte ►,he role the City will play. Responding to Mrs. Strae4enes, Councilman Berwald s::ie dug abuse is a tremendous problem; :.ne City wants to face up to it and will try to solve it without creatie new problems. The motion rased on a unani The Coup ei 1 recessed to Executive Session from 9:0 9:40 p.m. 4 0 9 2/7/72 Olive -West Meadow Nei hborhood Traffic tr- CMR 159;2 Mayor Comstock reviewed the order for this evening's discussion. He said Mr. Ted. T. Noguchi, Traffic Engineer, would review his report of February 2, 1972; there would then be questions from Council and staff. Following this, the audience be given an opportunity to speak on this matter. Mayor Comstock acknowledged receipt of letters received from Allen Jamieson, 378 Cambridge Avenue, Palo Alto, 94306; Mrs. Pesleta M. Rasmussen, 300 Sequoia Avenue, Palo Alto; Mrs. Corinne Brazier, Chairman, Olive -West Meadow Residents Association, supporting CPARA-West, 264 Fernando Avenue, Palo Alto, 94306. Mayor Comstock recognized Mr. Ted T, Noguchi, Traffic Engineer. Mr. Noguchi reviewed his report of February 2, 1972 giving the history of this staff assignment, which emanated from the Council meeting of August 9, 1971 when the Olive -West Meadow Residents Association cited the safety problems resulting from through traffic traversing their neighborhood, and recomme►sded street cul-de-sacs on Fernando and Wilton Avenues near El Camino Real, prohibition of certain traffic movements, and installation of additional stop signs and crosswalks. 4r. Noguchi said the Council responded to the residents` requests by approving the installation of three-way and four-way step signs at selected locations within the neighborhood, as an emergency measure to discourage through traffic. The Council also referred the question of removing through traffic from the Boulware Park Neighborhood and the internal circulation between West Meadow and olive to staff for study. Mr. Noguchi than reviewed the findings of the Olive -West Meadow Neighborhood Traffic Study prepared by the Department of Planning and Community Development, Division of Transpoctat:on, January, 1972 and said that staff had prepared three plans "A", "B", and "C" (Alive -West Meadow Residents' Association's Plan). These plans were evaluated by staff in full recognition of the basic facts that substantial through traffic does exist in the study area. Mr. Noguchi said that all three proposed plans eliminate moat of through traffic from the residential area bounded by Lambert, El Camino Real, West Meadow and Alma Street. He then reviewed the poss?ble negative effects, depending on the specific plan under consideration. Mr. Noguchi said of the plans evaluated, Plan "A" appears to provide the most balanced solution to the problem of through traffic intrusion into the neighborhood and this plan could be implemented as soon as is practicable. Plan "A" involves the installation of traffic channelization to prohibit northbound straight through movements on Park and Lambert and south- bound straight trough movements on Park and Chestnut; channelization on Park at Wilton to prohibit straight through northbound movements; and channelization on West Meadow at Park to prohibit straight then eh i2uve tints on Park, left turns from Meet Mudd" Peek anJ to Second Street and left . a�FY�FV .- to turns from southbound Park to West Meadow. The proposed new traffic signal at the El Camino-►'[argarita intersection will provide improved neighborhood ingress/egress to and iron El Camino Real and will promote pedestrian and bicycle safety. The El Camino Real/Pansen traffic signal requires modification to include traffic control of Portage Avenue. Modification of this signal is expected to encourage traffic generated - in this commercial/industrial area to use Portage Avenue for access to El Camino Real. These traffic signal additions and modifications are currently under study and consideration- by _the State Division -of Highways. i Mr, Noguchi noted that the channelization indicated on Plan "A" is expected to eirnive to about 98 percent of the present through traffic peesing through the area bourtde.' by Lambert, Alma, West Meadow, and El Camino keel. As a negative effect, however, local ingress and egress will be limited mainly to such street', as Fernando, Matadero, Margarita, Curtner, Wilton, and Ventura. Traffic volumes on ehese streets will therefore increase. Emergency vehicle access will also be limited mainly to these streets. Considerable detee ,.ng of existing school bus routes will become necessary. The design of adopted bicycle routed will be somewhat affected at places of proposed channelization. The diversion of through traffic to El Camino Real and Alma Street will increase congestion on these arterials. The implemen- tation of Plan "A" is estimated to cost $6,000 and will require a time period of three to four months for design and construction purposes. Mr. Nogt-.chi said the Council should realize, however, that even Plan "A" is only a "stop -gap" solution and deals only with the symptoms rather than the cause of the traffic probieme in the neighborhood. Major improvements, particularly the upgrading of Alma Street and the upgrading of the Oregon -Page Mill --Alma interchange are necessary to effectively deal with the many traffic circulation and access problems manifested throughout the Central Palo Alto area. Staff's recor enlation is that Council approve Plan "A" for implementation and direct the staff to assess the effectiveness of the plan for a thirty (30) day evaluation period to determine the need for other traffic control measures. After the thirty (30) day evaluation period, the staff would also plan t:, make a subsequent eight month evaluation of the neighborhood traffic conditions and report such findings to the Council. It would be the staff's intent to initially install a temporary -type channelization pending a determination of the effectiveness of such channelization at the location indicated on Plan "A". Aesthetically designed permanent type channelization will be implemented upon this determination. Mr. Noguchi said it is further recommended that the Council direct the staff to explore the possibilities and feasibiiities of effectuating major upgrading and improvements to the Oregon -Page Mill -Alma interchange, in cooperation with appropriate officials of the County of Santa Clara, Mr. Noguchi reaponded to Council's questions regarding statistics contained in his report and stndy. Vice Mayor Norton asked Mr. Noguchi whether his Department received input from the business community located in the California Avenue District. Mr. Noguchi replied that a meeting was arranged by the Co-op Stores and the businessmen were invited to attend to review the pions being offered to homeowners. Councilman Beehrs congratulated Mr. Noguchi on his report and asx_ed for sretiat cs an the frequency of accidents, the nature of the accidents, and statistics comparing the accident rate in the area under discussion with the accident rates of other areas of eosen. Mr. Noguchi gave figures for 1c08 and 1969--70. Re noted that in 1971 there were 49 accidents in the Olive -West Meadow area; two involving pedestrians, two involving bicycle accidents, and the remainder were motor vehicle accidents. Council continued to raise questions, which Mr. Noguchi replied to. Mayor Comstock .maid Council would now hear from the public. lirg'nia Smith, 390 Maciane Street, Palo Alto, read a prepared statement -- on behalf of the Olive -West eedow Residents! Association, expressing gratitude 4 to the City's staff for a fine report. She said the Olive -West Meadow area represents a neighborhood which should be the pride of Palo Alto - it is truly a multi -cultural community. On behalf of the Association, Mrs. Smith requested the Council to approve Plan "A" immediately and added that this is the best compromise plan that could he found after many neighborhood meetings where this traffic problem was discussed. Dave Djeong, 4056 Park Boulevard, Palo Alto, spoke of the quiet, desirable, residential street which was Park Boulevard in 1958 and said these quiet. peaceful qualities have vanished now. Although residents of the area voted unanimously for Plan "B" (Street Closure) at the first public meeting, they realized the terrible self-imposed inconveniences such a plan represents. Concern for the California Avenue Business Community and other factors have led the 01i -e -West Meadow Association to support Plan "A", a much milder plan. Some of the factors takers into consideration were the school bus routes, inconvenience to residents south of Meadow, emergency and service vehicle access, e:id ingress and egress of Clive -West Meadow residents, especially to California Avenue. Mr. Djeong asked Council to support Plan r"A" Dave Wright,- 244 Oxford, Palo Alto, representing CPARA-West, read a prepared statement and said that his organization is concerned with all the neighbor- hoods that border the California Avenue Business District end Stanford lands, Including the area under discussion. The Association supports Plan "A" ;and, in addition, requests that Council implement i:his plan immediately and seek ..00pera:.ion and some funding from a State agency to make the necessary changes to the El Camino signal lights. He suggested Council back up their decision by offering to loan the State the City's share of the cost of the signal changes until the State budgeruiachinery catches up. Mr. Wright then re- ferred to the inadequacy of the Alma -Oregon underpass and said this underpass is frightening to many drivers and they simply cannot use it. The crauped design is a major factor that forces traffic to take an alternative route through the residential area. Mrs. Corinne Brazier, Chairman, Olive -West Meadow Residents Association, in support of the CPARA-West, and resident of 264 Fernando Avenue, Palo Alto, 94306, stated the traffic study speaks for itself. There were eight children inured in the neighborhood in 1971 --- seven before the Association presented its petition to the City Council on August 9, and one after the stop signs were installed. Mrs. Brazier spoke specifically of a meeting held January 20, 1972 at the CaliforniaAvenue Co-op. This me®tine was _attended by Mr. Gciick, representing the California Avenue Merchants and Mr. Noguchi outiieed to .11 present come of the alternative ratans that were to be presented. Mrs. Brazier referred specifically to a leaflet published by the California Avenue Development Association's representative, :Mike Gol.ick, and said that, in her opinion, the leaflet misrepresented the actions taken at the meeting of February 2, 1972 by suggesting that the Association supported Plan "B", when actually it voted to support Plan "A". Mrs. Brazier said that for the benefit of the neighborhood, and most important for the safety of the children, the Olive -West Meadow Residents' Association urges Council to vote for Plan "A" and arrange for all the work to begin as soon as possible. Rubin Tepper, 464 Ferne Avenue, Palo Alto, stated that he is a representa- tive of the Consumers Co-op Society of Palo Alto, at'd the Board of the Society instructed him to appear before Council tonight and indicate Co-op's support of a modified Plan "A". The Co-op Consumers Society supports Mr. Nogschi's report, including his statement that plans should be made for a long-range proposal to solve the --traffic problems of the entire area. Mr. Tepper noted that he was presenting the position of .,a Co-op as defined at a special Board meting held Wednesday, February --2; 1972. The Co-op is concerned because it is are the only remaining super - 1 market in the area and considers itself to be one of the California Avenue merchants. The Co-op was apprehensive of the proposed closure, but were persuaded by two factors: (1) safety; and (2) preservation of the low and moderate income, multi -racial single-family community. The Board unanimously agreed to support the proposal of Mr. Noguchi and the Neighborhood Association, provided that the Council go on record as strongly supporting the traffic signal changes, as discussed. Vice Mayor Norton raised some questions with Mr. Tepper regarding rumors he had heard to the effect that Co-op would not build a new store if the plan was, adopted and, secondly, that the Co-op opposed Plan "A". Mr. Tepper responded that he was here tonight to expressly state the Cooperative Con- sumers Society of Palo Alto, Inc.'s position and he felt that his presence answered Vice Mayor Norton's question. Mike Golick, 363 Birch Street, Secretary -Manager, California Avenue Develop- ment Association, stated that he felt he had been insulted and abused in references made to the leaflet he had distributed to the Association he represents. He said that he had never been invited by City staff to sit in on any of the neighborhood meetings. The California Avenue Development Association was advised by the Co-op Society that a revised traffic plan was in the making and members were extremely upset over this news> Mr. Golick said that for twenty-six years the Association has been asking for something to be done at California Avenue and the railway track. He went on to relate the history of the Aseociaticn's request and said the California Business District is asking for some consideration in this matter. He quoted statistics inc:_'cating the businesses that have moved out of the area and said the parking situation together with the ingress and egre._s restrictions in the area have etade it impossible for many of the merchants to survive. Adassa Walker, 281 Fernando Avenue, Palo Alto, said as a resident of the Olive --Wept Meadow neighborhood, she was deeply concerned about the heavy traffic in the area. She found it distressing that her home on Fernando Avenue is no longer located on a quiet residential street, but rather a through -way to get to Park Boulevard. Ms. Walker urged Council to adopt Plan "A". Thomas Passell, 3825 Louis Road, Palo Alto, urged Council to adopt Plan "A" and compared it to the Southgate Plan adopted in 1;`64. He suggested a plan providing for parking outt.ide the immediate are of e e_California Avenue Business District, with niebuses transporting patrons to the business area. He said f,rthei use of the automobile is not the answer. - Rosie Lee Williams, 240 Wilton Avenue, stated she is a mother of six and the liaison for the Ventura Elementary School. She expressed concern about the traffic in the area and said she noticed when walking to and from school that the stop signs that have been installed were certainly needed, but do not give enough protection. She urged the Council to adopt Plan "A" for needed and added protection of the children. Fran Morton, 230 Wilton Avenue, foster mother of six, urged Council to -adopt Plan "A" for safety of the children. Frank Rothacker, 275 Ventura, said he lives witi_in 100 feet of Park Boule- vard and is opposed to the idea of telc e teg off park Boulevard because of the extra time it would take him to get to Lucky Stores for shopping. He said he would have to go,almost a mile to get to the store, which he can see from hi.s back- fence- - If the dee re is to see as little traffic as possible in the neighborhood, Mr. Rothacket said he wished to point out plan "A" 'will only increase the traffic'in the neighborhood. It is therefore a negative sol:cifion and a positive solution must be found. -,_ 3 2/7/72 Allan brown, 167 Mapache Drive, Portola Valley, business address: 2747 Park Boulevard, Palo Alto, stated he is not opposed to the traffic plans but considered improvement of the underpass to be long overdue. The California Avenue Me•r.chante have tried to build up their part of town and some recognition of their efforts is long overdue.- He asked Coto cil. to take immediate action to rectify the obvious problems of the .area, as .outlined by Mr. Golick. J. M. Reeves, 674 Wellsburg, Manager of the Co -or Consumers Market at California Avenue, gave statistics indicating the drop in business after the Southgate Traffic Plan was implemented and said the proposal before Council tonight will bring back some of the problems the area has ex- perienced in the past. E. J. Nicholson, 2707 Greer Road, member of the Co-op, urged the adoption of Plan "A" as presented. R. J. Debs, 3i45 Flowers Lane, stated that he does not live in this neigh- borhood but has long been interested in it. He said that Mr. Noguchi had carried cut Council's instructions of August 9, 1971, and quoted the motion noting that Council did not include the California Avenue Business District in their instructions to staff. He noted that there is a California Avenue Business District Studyunderway at the present time. The Olive -West Meadow neighborhood is a neighborhood Palo Alto should be proud of and action should be taken to save and ;°otect that residential neighborhood. He considered the reaction of the California Avenue Association to be short-sighted and said a final solution to the problems of the area will be contained in the study at present underway. He urged Council to adopt Plan "A". Kerrick Securda, 3944 Park Boulevard, urged Council to swiftly implement Plan "A". He concurred with Mr. Noguchi and congratulated him on the Pains- taking 'dock undertaken by staff in reviewing the alternative plans with the neighborhood. He said he hoped Council's knowledge of the geography of the are: is such that they realized how difficult it would be to reach Lucky Stores. Clyde Atherten; 268 Lambert Avenue, said a lot of work has gone into the study, but the business community in the California Avenue District has not been consulted. As an operator of a type -setting business on Lambert -Avenue, he said that his business and other merchants are dependent won accessibility into the area. He said the Ccuncil could not solve the peobiewb ui the ieaideu iai area by penalizing the business _community. The - s study =ae. Being wade and he did not businessmen were not ��w�c that this think that Plan "A" offered the beat solution for all involved. Ellis L. Jacobs, 445 Cambridge Avenue, Palo Alto, said that he owns this property, but lives in Cupertino. He said a long-range solution for the area is needed and an interim solution is not the answer. He suggested the Planning Department, the Traffic Engineer, the Olive -West Meadow Resi- dents' Association, and the California Avenue Development Association get together. He made certain suggestions regarding no right and left turns from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Janet Owens, 863 Moreno, Palo Alto, representing Mid -Peninsula Citizens for Fair Housing, 4151 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, read a prepared state- ment stating -that this Associafionis pleased to mote the continuing rove rn of the City for the preservation of the Olive -West Meadow resi- dential area. It is difficult to reverse the trend that has threatened the neighborhood's residential desirability, but the effort is being made. )4CPH could see a balance of advartagas and dieadvantages in Plan "A" and 1 4 1 4 thought that possib?.y adjustments could '.e made to improve it. They also considered that there may be no real relief for the neighborhood until substantial improvements are male in nearby arterials. Roberta Cane, 636 Webster, speaking for the Palo Alto Tenants Union, stated that PATU supports Olive -West Meadow Residents Association in their request for Plan "A", s ich is a start to cutting off traffic in the Park Boulevard area. Mrs. Cane said that development policies have created the problems and the people '.ho suffer are those who gain the least from these developments. She suggested action to reduce the traffic level to the same as it was "before large developments were given the go-ahead." Janeile James, 3943 El Cimino, Member of the Palo Alto Venceremos, said Venceremos adds its support to the alive -West Meadow Association's reque.st for adoption of Plan "A". They are interested in working out a compromise with the small merchants in the California Avenue neighborhood, but their interests are opposed to the interest:; of the developers, who also have pawns Cro the California Avenue area. Mrs. James urged installation_ of a stop light at Ventura and Park Boulevard, because of the proximity of the Ventura school. Arnold Vezzan1 , 255 Lambert Avenue, spoke of the traffic problem created between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. when Coca-Cola Company trucks are lined up en both sides of Lambert. He said the Company has their own policemen to control this area, but he could see further problems being created when Plan "A" is implemented, since the plan has not taken this situation into consideration. J. C. Beck, 101 Glenwood, stated he is a property owner totally in sympathy with the =ecple of the Olive -West Meadow neighborhood. He said he knows how they feel about the traffic. Referring to the plans, he urged the Council to note that if implemented, the traffic (driving) will increase for most people from one block to three blocks. There will be a grea, increase in the total amount of miles driven within the neighborhood, he said, Bill Centrella, 1035 Parkinson, Palo Alto, stated that he has been associated with tree Coca --Cola Company for twenty years and has seen Park Boulevard_ grow into the residential neighborhood it is today. In his opinion, Plan "1" will relieve one problem and create another and Most of the traffic probleme in the area were brought about by the installation of the Oregon. underpass. Be_was in agreement with the action taken last August when stop signs were installed in the area, but he would like to s€e__a solution that would -help - alleviate the problem in the entire area, instead of creating problems by trying to relieve one section. Phil Troustine, 720 Waverley Street, commented that this item should have been first on the agenda to enable the working people who have to too to work in the morning to be present and express their views. The people in the neighborhood understand the situation best because they live there. He said people are now trying to speak up against large developments such as Dillingham and Stanford Industrial Park, and these kinds of developments have caused the traiftc problems. It is a matter of the interests of big developers versus the interests of the people. He said Council hae the choice to move ahead with the people or move against the people. He urged the adoption of P l ant "A". Francis Budd Tips, President of the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1321, Palo Alto, California 94302, said regardless of the plan adopted this evening he hoped that Council would note the Traffic Engineer's comment that Plan "A" is still a "stop -gap" solution and deals only with the symptoms, rather than the cause of traffic problems in the neighborhood. He said he hoped that the major plans for the Central Palo Alto area would be forth- coming soon. i i David J. Buckley, Presi.ent, Buckley-Dundon, Inc., owner of building at 330-350 California Avenue, Palo Alto, did not speak, but requested that the following statement be entered into the record: "We are opposed to action proposed which would further impede traffic in either direction on or entering Park Boulevard. Action is needed to ease the problem of traffic wishing to enter and leave the Central Palo Alto Business District centered on. California Avenue". MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Ser an, that staff be instructed to implement Plan "A" in accordance with the staff report and including a thirty (30) day evaluation period and at the end of thirty (30) days a subsequent eight (8) months evaluation period. Also, staff to work with the State on a necessary program to implement a new signal at El Camino Real and Margarita; to modify the signal. at El Camino Real and Hansen to include Portage Avenue as part of the signal; and to modify the El Camino/California Avenue signal to provide left turn phasing for California Avenue. Councilman Clark asked Mr. Noguchi to comment on Mr, Jacob's suggestions for relieving traffic during the peak hour,. Mfr. Noguchi responded and said that the suggestions :jade have some validity. He outlined the negative aspects of implementing such a plan. Traffic Engineer Noguchi responded to further questions from Vice Mayor Norton and Councilman Clark. AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Norton moved, seconded by Clark, that the motion be amended to delete the improvements at Park and Wilton, Lambert and Chestnut, Birch and Chestnut, and that the fourth improvement at West Meadow and Park be installed as shown with the addit.on that there be no right turn from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. on West Meadow and Park, West Meadow and Second, and West Meadow and Wilkie Way and no left turn from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Wilkie Way and West Meadow. Councilman Pearson said she objected to this amendment which she considered substantially a new motion, rather than an amendment to the original motion. Mayor Comstock ruled that the n itf was in order. CHALLENGE: Councilman Pearson said she wished to challenge the ruling of the Chair. The Mayor's ruling that the amendment was in order was upheld by a majority voice vote of the Council. Further discussion ensued regarding enforcement of the suggested restrictions contained in the proposed amendment. The amendment failed on the following roll call vote: AYES: Beahrs, Clark, Norton NOES: Bervaid, Comstock, Henderson, Pearson, Rosenbaum, Further discussion ensued regarding staff returning to Council with a report at the end of a thirty (30) day evaluation period, particularly in respect to the effect Plan "A" might have on the California Avenue Business District. Councilman Semen expressed concern about the covrdinatien of traffic signals in ralationaaip to Plan "A". 416 2/7/72 Councilman Henderson stated that he would support the original motion in calling for the implementation of Plan "A" to take place immediately. He requested that the question be divided into two parts. The first part to contain the Council direction to staff to implement Plan "A". The second part requesting staff to work with the State to implement the signal changes. QUESTION DIVIDED: Mayor Comstock ruled that the question would be divided into two parts as requested. Councilman Rosenbaum stated that in his opinion the implementation of Plan "A" would have to wait until at teat one of the traffic signals is installed. He therefore was opposed to division of the question into two parts and said that implementation of the plan should await installation of the lights. CHALLENGE: Councilman Rosenbaum challenged the Chair's ruling that the question be divided. Following a maiority voice vote overruling the Chair, a roll call vote was called for and the Chair's ruling was upheld on the following roll call vote: AYES: Berwald, Comstock, Henderson, Pearson, Sedan NOES: Beahrs, Clark, Norton, Rosenbaum Mayor Comstock stated that the main v :tine would be divided into two parts. (1) staff to implement Plan "A"; and (2) staff to work with the State to make modifications to signals. AMENDMENT: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Norton, that the first part of the question be amended to add "staff be directed in their evaluation of Plan "A" to assess at reasonable intervals (90 days) the impact of the effect of the change on the California Avenue Commercial District business activity. Councilman Berwald stated that as a representative of all of the people, he felt that Council should concern themselves with the impact of the changes on the Business District. The amendment passed on a unanimous voice vote. _Part 1 of the motion, as amended, passed or, a i nvai."ous voice._vote . - Part 2 of the motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Henderson, that staff be directed to explore the possibilities and feasibility of effectuating calor up -grading and improvements to the Oregon -Page Mill/Alma interchange in cooperation with appropriate officials of the County of Santa Clara. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. Re uest from San Jose/Palo Alto Transit Authority MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Berwald, that the request from the San Jose/Palo Alto Transit Authority be considered at this time. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. MOTION: Councilman Rosenbaum introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Norton, its adoption: .515,:r1 RESOLUTION NO.. *5-, ENTITLED "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO APPROVING AN OPEN MASS TRANSPORTATION DEMONSTRA- TION GRANT CONTRACT BETWEEN THE SAN JOSE/PALO ALTO TRANSIT AUTH('RITY AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" The resolution was adopted on a unanimous vice vote. Re uest from Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors s re: Pro csed Amendment to the County General. Plan . y.1�Ye Y\ 0�1� �A1�rI11��rM.�Y� Park and Recreation Element wastampascrillWalzaf MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Berwaid, that the subject request from Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors be considered at this time. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Berwa1d, that with respect to the request from Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors re the proposed amendment to the County General Plan Park and Recreation Element, a communication be directed to the. Board of Supervisors outlining the Council's original concerns about the plan and, further, urging the Supervisors not to consider any negotiations with Leslie Salt on the Charleston Slough area until final action on the South Bay Wildlife Preserve is complete, The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. Ad oLcrment Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Eeahrs, that the meeting be adjourned to 7:30 p.m. on February 14, 1972 and that Agenda items no. 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 be considered at that time. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 12:9c a.- to February 14, 1972, 7.30 p.m. APPROVED: Hayoar ATTEST: 1 0 ,, v 2/7/72