HomeMy WebLinkAbout04101972'47-1 MINUTES
t j city of Palo alto
April 10, 1972
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date at 7:35 n, in.
in a regular meeting with Mayor Comstock presiding.
Present: Beahrs, Berwald, Clark, Comstock, Henderson,
Norton, Pearson, Rosenbaum, Seman
Absent: None
168 Cadet Troup
Mayor Comstock welcomed Mary Carlson and members of 168 Cadet
Troup visiting Council this everting.
Minutes of March 20, 1972
On Page 521. Councilman Seman requested that the following cor-
rection be made to the final paragraph -- statement of Bruce L ewen-
stein, YAC Chairman. On the second line of this paragraph, after
the word "Council's", insert the word "final". Also, on the second
and third lines delete "...opposition to such a park being located in
the Baylands", and insert "... support of the proposal", making the
first sentence of this paragraph read "Bruce Lewenatein, Youth Advi-
sory Council Chairman, stated that the Youth Advisory Councils
final recommendation was in support of the proposal."
Councilman Seman also noted on Page 523, seventh paragraph, the
name "Harry Hull" should read "Harry Hall".
On Page 509, Councilman Pearson requested that the words "or saved"
be added at the end of the seventh paragraph.
The minutes of March 20, 1972 were approved as corrected.
Minutes of March 77 1972
iJIL�114ig1�/Iflll�
There being no corrections to the minutes of March 27, 1972, these
minutes were approved as submitted.
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4/10/72
Public Hearin - Green Acres I
S'1MI�sMMId�CI►�IMa1d ICiIO. PORNCY1i�$�E
Under nd Utilities Conversion,
Project No, 71-85
Mayor Comstock announced this is the time and place fixed for a
Public Hearing on the project identified as Green Acres 1 Under-
ground Conversion Project 71-85. The Mayor noted that there are
three separate hearings scheduled to be held at the same time in con-
nection with this project, These are: 1) hearing on the question of
whether the public convenience e,nd necessity require the proposed
acquisitions and_improvernents in accordance with the State Consti-
tution; 2) hearing on the Engineer's Report prepared pursuant to •
Resolution No, 4566; 3) hearing on the question of forming Under-
ground Utility District No. 15. All interested property owners were
advised by mail of these hearings and given the opportunity to file
written protests. Mayor Corm tock noted that additional protests,
endorsements and communications will be received by the Council at
any time during the hearing, but only those written protests which
were on file with the City Clerk by 7:30 p.m, this evening and which
are against the property improvements and signed by the owners will
be computed in determining the percentage area of protest. Anyone
interested may: .after the presentation of staff's testimony, express
his views to the Council on the question of whether the public con-
venience and necessity require the proposed acquisitions and improve-
ments and as to any of the matters set forth in the Engineer's Report.
Also, anyone interested may protest or support the formation of the
underground utility district and on the question, of whether the public
necessity, health and safety require the establishment of said under-
ground district and the removal of all facilities for providing over-
head service. Mayor Comstock asked speakers to avoid repeating
statements and information already provided to Council, unless ab-
solutely necessary. He declared the public hearings open and asked
the City Clerk to report on the various affidavits and notices given
in connection with the hearings. •
City Clerk Ann Tanner stated that there is on file in the City Clerk's
office the affidavit of publication of the notice of improvement, the
certificate of mailing notice to property owners, and the certificate
of posting notice of improvement. She noted that one written protest
had been received at 7:15 p.m_ this evening from Mrs. Alice P. Smith,
4284 Los Palos Circle, Palo Alto.
Mayor, 7:orr atock stated that Council would now hear from staff.
Mr, Warren Deverel, Managing Director of Utilities, stated by way
of background on this project, the Council received, in January a
petition from various homeowners in Green Acres 1, requesting in-
clusion in an underground utilities district. This petition was signed
by 54 of the 77 homeowners in that area, constituting 70% of those
represented. At that time, in January, the Council directed the staff
toconducta study relative to the applicability of utility rules And the
possible boundaries for the district. On February 28, the Council
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received the staff study which it had directed, and this found that
Rule 12A, the utility rule covering underground utility districts,
would best be applied if it were applied to a situation of local benefit,
that is, an underground utility district providing p i:nary benefits
to the local residents and property owners. This provides that 75`�c
of the cost of this would be borne by the City and 25% of it be borne
by the homeowners. In addition, the homeowners would bear the
cost of utility conversion, that is, converting their services from
overhead to underground. At that time, staff also pointed out the
logical boundaries for the district. Essentially, these boundaries
are established on the basis of two criteria. First of all, engineer-
ing criteria which deals with the feeders and the distribution system,
providing services to the homes in the area, and the second criteria
being that of interest on the part of surrounding territories and resi-
dents. St - polled those people living in the immediate surrounding
area ant, sound virtually no interest in extending an underground dis-
trict into their areas. Therefore, the proposed underground utilities
district is delineated in red, and you'll see it fronting on Arastradero
Road, including Terman Junior High School, and the residents of the
area known as Green Acres 1. As a result of this staff report,
Council passed several resolutions at its meeting of February 28.
On March 27th, the Engine.er's Report was submitted to Council,
including plans and specifications, copies of which are on file in the
Clerk's office. It includes an assessment roll, delineating each
parcel, and the assessments for that parcel. It includes diagrams
and maps of the underground district and a cost estimate. This cost
estimate. is $134, 245 for the entire project. Of this, the City would
share, as its 75c"c of basic structural work $87, 855, The owners
would pay $46, 390, their 25cf/c_nlu; the conversion cost, The result
to the homcow=hers would be approximately $600 per home. It is
appropriate tonight for staff to make an official finding, which is
that the assessments, as they are outlined in the Engineer's Report,
are ev_uitatole, that is, they are in proportion to the benefits to be
received from the underground district and that all properties will
benefit from the underground utility district, and that these benefits
will take the form of improved aesthetics, improved street lighting,
and improved system reliability, Mr. Deverel said the City's bond
counsel, Mr, Ken Jones, of Wilson and Jones is here this evening,
and is prepared to make an official statement of counsel and at that
point the hearing can proceed,
Mayor Comstock asked Mr. gen Jones to report.
Ken Jones, Attorney, Wilson, Jones, Morton Za Lynch, stated that
each property owner has been advised of the amount he would be
assessed for this project and this is equal to $310.25 per lot. As
part of the future process of this project each owner will be given
a final notice of the final amount which will be $310.25 and each
owner will be given the option of whether to include an additional
amount to finance the service connection conversion on his own property,
an additional $300, in which case the total capital cost to the owner
woula be $610.25. The additional $300 can be financed over a ten
year period or may be paid in cash.
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Discussion ensued, with Mr. Warren .Deverel responding to Council's
questions.
Mayor Comstock said Council would now hear from the public.
Alice Smith, 4284 Los Palos Circle, stated that she was here to
protest adoption of this procedure this evening. She said she did
not oppose the aesthetic benefits of the conversion project, but the
City's priorities should be directed more toward human values, rather
than property values. She asked Council to reevaluate the City •'s
priorities and take human values as well as property values into
account.
Daryl Dell, President, Greenacres Improvement Association, sub-
mitted a letter dated April 10, 1972, to the Council expressing the
Association's concern about the cost of the project to the individual
homeowners and encouraging the Council and staff to exercise dili-
gence in securing bids at the most favorable- level possible. In parti-
cular, to protect the homeowners from submittal of bids substantially
higher than the estimates.
Yen Jones responded to Mr. Dell stating that the limit is the estimate
itself. If bids result in even $1 more than is necessary, thee the
city would contribute the difference or there would be an additional
hearing. He said the ceiling on bids is set -by this hearing.
Mr, Warren Deverel commented that it is significant to note that
estimates being considered tonight have been prepared in detail and
are based on City forces doing the work, assuming that the City can
be the low bidder. The Utilities Department is trying to effect some
cost reductions here.
Marion E. Hill, 4270 Pomona Avenue, Palo Alto, referred to his
letter of April 5, 1972, urging approval of the undergrounding of
utilities in Green Acres F and said he was desirous of seeing the
neighborhood improved by joining in this undergrounding effort,
Floyd Kessler, 4272 Los Palos Avenue, spoke in opposition t.o the
proposed underground district and suggested that the City's priorities
are wrong and out of date. He reviewed the costs to the homeowners,
particularly the cost of hookup from street to his home, and said he
would like to see homeowners provided with a more complete estimate
for the job and advised exactly what all the costs will be. Then another
public hearing should be held.
Mayor Comstock declared the public 'searing closed.
MOTION: Councilman .l3erwald introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Norton, its adoFticn:
Resolution No. 4580 entitled "Resolution Overruling Protests on
Resolution: No. 4566 of Preliminary Determination and Intention --
Green Acres 1 Underground Utilities Conversion Project No. 71.85:"
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4/10/72
Councilman Berwald said he understood and recognized the sincerity
of the protests made this evening. He noted that previous underground-
ing projects have upgraded the neighborhood in other areas of the City
and he said even though the overall undergrounding plan was set up
several years ago and there arc now new priorities, he would hope
that eventually the; City could continue this program.
Mr. Warren Deverel responded to a question from Councilman Rosen-
baum regarding the costs to the homeowners if the City undertook all
connections to private homes.
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous voice vote.
MOTION: Councilman Berwald introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Beahrs, its adoption:
Resolution No. 4581 entitled "Resolution Finding and Determining
that the Public Convenience and Necessity Require Proposed
Acquisition and improvements - - Green Acres i Underground
Utilities Conversion Project No. 71-85"
The resoiuCon was adopted on a unanimous voice vote.
MOTION: Councilman Berwald introduced the following resolution
and moved, seconded by Norton. its adoption:
Resolution No. 4582 entitled "Resolution Adopting Engineer's
}•epart, Confirming Assessments and Ordering Work and Acqui-
sitions -- Green Acres I Underground Utilities Conversion Pro-
ject No. 71-85"
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous voice vote.
MOTION: Councilman Berwald introduced the following ordinance
and moved, seconded by Norton, its approval for first reading:
"Ordinance Amending Section 12.1 6. 020 of Chapter 12.15 of
Title 12 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code by Establishing Under-
ground Utility District No. 15" (second reading 4/24/721
The ordinance was approved for first reading on a unanimous voice
vote.
Retirement of Lucille Vielhauer (CMR:22°:2)
Mayor Comstock asked Acting Assistant City Manager Charles Walker
to report,
Charles E. Walker, Acting Assistant City Manager, stated that on
April 7 Lucille Vielhauer will retire after almost twenty-five years
of service in the Recreation i partrtsent. He reviewed Mrs. Vielhauer'a
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4/10/72
career with the Ci'.y of Palo A:to and said her contributions to the
Recreation Department and to the citizens of Palo Alto have been
very much appreciated by staff and the community.
MOTION: Mayor Comstock introduced the following resolution and
moved, seconded by Beahrs, its adoption:
Resolution No. 4583 entitled "Resolution of the Council of the
Citj of Palo Alto Expressing Appreciation to Lucille Vielhauer
Upon Her Reti rerr,ent"
The resolution was adopted on a unanimous voice vote.
Pilot Water. Reclamation Facilit (CMR:231:2)
Mayor Comstock asked Vice Mayor Norton, Chairman of the Finance
and Public Works Committee, to review the Committee's recom-
mendation.
Vice Mayor Norton stated that this item concerns a recommendation
from the Finance and Public Works Committee following review of the
Jenks and Adamson report, di.:tributed earlier to Council, regarding
the water reclamation proposal for Palo Alto. Basically, the report
takes advantage of the fact that, rather than having to create a market
for reclaimed water, the City of Palo Alto can use it to water some
of its own facilities su.►ch as the golf course, the Baylands and the
Rir;conada Park complex. He said the basic elements in the project
will be: 1) treatment facilities; 2) water distribution facilities;
3) a golf course lake; and 4) . drinking water distribution on the golf
course,
Vice Mayor Norton stated that the Committee's recommendation is
consistent with Alternate 2 of the Jenks and Adamson report.
MOTION; Vice Mayor Norton moved, on behalf of the Finance and
Public Work, Committee, that staff be directed to proceed with the
construction of Pilot Water Reclamation Facilities at the Water
Quality Control Plant, in accordance with Alternate A-2 of the report
from Jenks and Adamson, Consulting Engineers.
Mayor Comstock asked Council whether they had questions for Chair-
man Norton,
Mr. Deverel responded to a question from Councilman Perwald re-
garding the potential development of the Baylands for park purposes
and open apace in Palo Alto and Mountain View and the possibility
that at some early date Palo Alto might want to put in a larger facility
to provide the same services to Mountain View or any regional park
that might be developed it, that area. He said there are a number of
opportunities for use of reclaimed water and those pointed out by
Councilman Berwald are the most likely. The problem arises in the
cost of installing parallel distribution facilities.
4/10/72
Councilman Sernan raised the question of a possible public health
hazard in the use of recycled water in such places at; Binconada Park,
Mr. Deverel responded that the level proposed to be used has been
used extensively throughout the State and elsewhere in the country
for these purposes of h r;gation and the recycled water is not con-
sidered to be hazardous by any public health institution, urilese
exposure or ingestion occurs over a long period of time.
Councilman Serrian then raised a question concerning the possibility
of receiving more Federal funding seven years from now and the
necessity of creating a model rather than, perhaps, awaiting this
increased Federal funding. She asked whether there are any other
existing models the City could turn to?
Mr. Deverel replied that there are relatively few that treat water
to the tertiary level. Even if there were more models available they
would be of little help to the City since each community has a unique
effluent, an effluent that requires special treatment, It is unlikely
that Palo Alto could find another facility which would serve as a
useful model, he said.
Councilman Henderson raised a further question regarding the funding
and whether it would be preferable to wait seven years and receive
80% Federal. funding, 20K, City funding, rather than going ahead as
proposed with two-thirds City funding, one-third financed Federal -
State funding.
Mr. Deverel responded that there are two options available; one, to
proceed under the existing contract receiving approximately 33%
Federal funding; two, wait until the City can reach the point of an
80% Federal grant. However, this would not be until there is a com-
pletely adopted and approved South Bay Dischargers plan installed
and ready to start building and by that time the City must have full
filtration fai,ilities available. The City would have foregone the
opportunity to get the benefits of the design_ perimeters it is seeking
to establish, so the pilot operation would be lost to Palo Alto and the
Federal Government by virtue of this wait. Mr. Deverel noted also
that in his opinion the Federal funds Councilman Henderson was
referring to are intended for the regional and sub -regional projects
aueh as that of the South Bay Dischargers.
Councilman Henderson stated that the monthly residential sewage
charges are $1.55 and that Mr. Sipel responded to his question at
the Committee meeting that about a $. 20 per month increase in the See Page 45
sewage charge or rate would cover the cost of the pilot project. He
suggested that this seemed like an appropriate means of financing,
rather than taking from the Capital Improvement Program, He
inquired would it be possible to, say, increase the residential sewage
charges by $ . 35 to $2. 00, with a comparable increase to the com-
mercial customers, to cover the costs of the pilot facility and to
begin to build a reserve toward future required improvements?
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4/10/72
Mr. Deverel replied that staff reviewed the various possibilities for
funding and there are two aspects to this question. The first one is
that Palo Alto's present sewage collection and treatment operations
are, by virtue of the new construction in the plant, quite new to us.
Staff has established estimated budgets and based the sewage charges
on these budgets: or, to put it another way, we have decided not to
change our existing sewer charges because we feel that we will have
the revenues, or at least very close to those, and we want to get at
least a year's experience. It was altaff's feeling at this time that it
may not be wise to change sewer rates considering the possibility of
a change recognizing full plant operations and the very strong possi-
bility of a near.term change to get us up to higher levels of treat-
ment. The second aspect of it is that we are proposing these expendi-
tures from the Capital improvement Funds largely because they
serve the golf course and they provide irrigation water to recreation
facilities and we didn't feel that this was appropriate sewer charge
application.
Mr. Deverel continued to respond to Council's questions.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Youth Advisory Council Recommendation
aseas
77 r .ng nc reas exr.�e rs s1�o
Mayor Comstock asked YAC Chairman, (_Bruce Lewenstein, to speak
to this item.
Bruce Lewenstein reviewed the YAC's recommendation and said that
YAC feels that the junior high age citizens deserve more representa-
tion on the YAC than they are presently receiving, In a unanimous
decision the Y.A.0 is in favor of adding one more member from each
junior high district. This would snake the YAC a 15 member body,
with three members from each senior high district and two members
from each junior high district. The YAC feels that this amendment
is merely a formality and this body is requesting Council approval
to conform with amendment of the YAC charter. Bruce said the
intent of the recommendation was not to give the junior high students
more power, but to give the entire youth more equal representation.
Councilman Henderson commented that the proposal to increase the
number of junior high school members of YAC was first made last
year and white there was general support for the idea. no final
decision was made on how many new members to add. Councilman
Henderson commented that this year'e YAC Chairman Bruce Lewenstein,
and Annie Gerard, Vice Chairman, are both junior high school students
and there is no doubt of the enthusiasm and participation of these
young people.
MOTION: Councilman Henderson moved, seconded by Pearson, that
staff be directed to prepare a recision to Resolution No. 4406 to
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4/10/72
increase the junior high school membership on the Youth Advisory
Council from 3 to 6 students and to increase the total membership
of the YAC from 12 to 15.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
1972-73 Budget
Mayor Comstock stated that Council had received this evening from
the City Manager the City of Palo Alto 1972-73 Annual Budget (Pre-
liminary). He acknowledged receipt of this document on behalf of
the Council.
Acting Assistant City Manager, Charles Walker, noted that copies of
the Preliminary Budget are available at the libraries and the City
Clerk's office for perusal by citizens.
MOTION: Mayor Comstock mowed, seconded by Clark, that the
1972-73 Preliminary Annual Budget be ; eferrred to the Finance and
Public Works Committee.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote,
Mayor Comstock noted that the first hearing on the 1972-73 Budget
would take place at the Finance and Public Works Committee meeting
of April 25, 1972.
Urban Bicycle PoutsSystem. -
an "t" - R:230:2} _.._.
Mayor Comstock acknowledged receipt of many letters from members
of the public. He said Council had also received minutes of the Com-
munity Workshops held recently to o&sscuss Plan "E".
The Mayor asked Acting Assistant City :Manager, Charles E. Walker,
to report.
Mr. Walker reported that a number of things have occurred since
Council first considered Plan "E" on February 28. In accordance
with Council direction at that time, meeting notices announcing a
aeries of public forums `N _:re delivered to each of the approximately
1800 households fronting those streets affected by the proposed park-
ing ,restrictions necessary to accommodate bicycle lanes. In addition,
notice was posted in schools, libraries, shopping centers and various
other gathering placer to advise the public that these meetings were
being held. The concerns expressed by the public were mostly con-
cerning the proposed parking ban and it was apparent Vint approxi-
mately 70 of those people attending the meetings appear to hold this
opinion. In addition, concerns were expressed about enforcement
practices relating to bicycling and bicycle laws. The Traffic Engineer's
department has taken a road survey at 12 points in the City and the
number of bicyclists counted between 7 a, m, to 7 p.m. totalled
12, 300 passing these points. Mr. Walker noted that while there is
probably some duplication in this count it is staff's opinion that there
are approximately 10, 000 bike riders in the City. He noted that the
City Council of Mountain View is also considering a bike route at
this time, Mr. Wacker concluded that specific questions raised by
Council at the meeting of 2/28/72 have been answered in the staff
report and it is staff's intention to carefully monitor the program and
keep records regarding any voids and deficiencies so that they can
return to Council with up to the minute information whenever necessary.
Councilman Beahrs said he *as very concerned about the high degree
of opposition to proposed parking restrictions, which he felt would
be extremely difficult to police. He repeated an earlier suggestion
that lines be placed down the vehicular lanes warning the motorists
and said that he had not seen this suggestion followed up in any of
the reports being given consideration. Councilman Beahrs concluded
that he is interested in the safety of the bicyclists and could not see
Plan "E" working or that anything would be gained by the proposed
plan.
Further discussion ensued with Mr. Wacker responding to Councilman
Beahrs' comments. Additional questions were raised with City Traffic
Engineer Noguchi and City Attorney Stone responding regarding the
accident rate, the new plans for California Avenue, the question of
legality of bicycle routes in relation to the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
etc.
Mayor Comstock stated that Council would now hear from members of
the public.
Alice Callahan, 2966 Louis Road, said she had attended two of the
bicycle workshop meetings and is opposed to the parking ban. Parking
on one side of the street presents a hazard to children on that side
of the block, she said. There should be better safety enforcement
of bike laws. Mrs. Callahan noted that the residents were never
surveyed, as were the bike riders, regarding whether or not they
wished to have a bike route established.
Dorothy M. Shearer, 3133 Louis Road, stated she has lived at this
address for 19 years and considers the bike route as proposed to be
discriminatory and confiscatory. Mrs. Shearer expressed concern
about property values and said she did not think the parking ban would
enhance the value of property. She said she was also veryconcerned
regarding the safety of young children and is totally against the plan
as presented.
Steve Herr, 762 DeSoto Drive, said in his opinion an urban bicycle
route system should have been adopted a long time ago. He said
that cyclists do use the quickest route, such as Middlefield Road,
and there is no way to avoid this unless they want to stop many times.
To eliminate use of the streets with fast moving traffic would ruin the
plan. He noted that the situation for cyclists is totally unsafe right now.
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4/10/72
Ida Stelling, 3160 Louis Road, stated that she had spoken to Council
members by telephone and by letter. She said she agreed with Council-
man Beahre statements 100%. Mrs, Stelling referred to a petition
signed by the residents of Louis Road asking that this street be removed
from the urban bike route plan. She said the residents felt they had
no other choice but to request this, since no consideration had been
given to their suggestion. Of the 67% of those contacted asking for
removal of the bike route plan from Louis Road. 76% live on the odd
numbered side of Louis Road, she noted.
Mrs. Margaret H. Norfolk, 3194 Stelling Drive, agreed with Council-
man Beahrs' statements and suggested that the girl scouts *night help
to train young school children in understanding the basic traffic rules.
She spoke in opposition to the Federal subsidy. She said the young
cyclists do not pay any regard to STOP signs and children should he
taught the law, encouraged to have back lights on their bicycles, to
pay license fees, etc.
Counc;Ima.n Clark suggested that Police Chief Zurcher might wish to
discuss his plans for education enforcement.
Police Chief James Zurcher stated that part of the Federal grant pro-
vides for new programs for enforcement and education training. The
Police Department is adjusting the attitudes of its personnel and re-
ordering its priorities. During the past 90 days the Police Department
has been more active in the field of bicycle law enforcement and edu-
cation, he noted.
Traffic Engineea Ted Noguchi commented that his department is work-
ing closely with the Police Department to coordinate the activities
suggested by the consultant, who has submitted a final report on the
education program. Some of the recommendations can be imple-
mented without delays, others require art and graphic work and
because of the time element required to prepare cert4iin materials the
program will not be under way until when school goes back in Sep-
tember. Mr. Noguchi noted that the Federal funding terminates at
the end of June and there will be extra funds needed for the education
program after that.
Ronnie Hutt, 3181 Louis Road, said that all but 11 of the residents of
Louis Road had been contacted regarding the petition. 67% of the
residents were against the route with the restrictions as proposed in
Plan "E". Ile stated that 7 a.m. to 7 p. rn. seven days per week is
too long a time for a parking restriction.
Teige Kaku, 331E Louis Road, stated as a resident of Louis Road he
is in opposition to the proposed bike lanes because he did not think
they would prevent accidents. The cyclists would not use the lanes
and there is a general lack of education on bicycle laws. The laws
are not enforced now and a further study should be made. Children
and students should be educated before the City takes the drastic
step of curbing parking on any streets.
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4/10/72
Mayor Comstock said Council would recess at this point.
(Council recessed from 9:50 to 10:10 p.m.)
Wayne Richter, 3341 Louis Road, spoke in opposition to the proposed
bicycle route. He said he did not think that this solution encouraged
enforcement of better laws and it is unfair to have the bike route
located on one side of the street, particularly to the property owners
whose property values will be affected.
Roy Petersen, 420 Felton Drive, Menlo Park, President of Western
Wheelers Bicycle Club and speaking for the members of this club
residing in Palo Alto, said he was disturbed by Councilman Beahrs'
concern that bike lanes will be a "trap". Mr. Petersen cited the
experience in Davis, California, where out of a population of 24, 000
people there are 18, 000 bicyclists using the bike route, which has
resulted in only one accident in 6 years. He said the Club encourages
bike safety and tries to teach bike riders to ride in the lanes. Lanes
will encourage cyclists to ride on the proper side of the street and
straighter, thus giving a feeling of confidence to the automobile
driver, The bicycle route system would be advantageous to the motor-
ist too, he noted,
Ja~k W. Otto, 3157 Louis road, stated that neither he nor his family
members are bike riders but he had not heard a good reason to make
a blanket condemnation of the bike route. He could see many advantages
for the whole community to this system, in particuiar that bicycling
cuts down on the number of automobiles and provides recreation for
people. Mr. Otto noted that whole families now ride bicycles.
Paul Hentzel, 3819 Louis Road, stated that he will lose his parking
privileges too, but he is in favor of the bicycle plan. Mr. Hentzel
said he viewed it as a step toward a better life, The Ad Hoc Com-
triittee at. Palo Alto Bicyclists feels good about this Plan "E" and
thinks it would be an asset to Palo Alto, just as the bike route has
been an asset to the City of Davis.
E. David Uggla, 446 Forest, #2, stated that he is definitely in favor
of Plan "E" and is sincerely interested in the safety of cyclists.
Plan "E" will greatly increase the safety. Bike lanes will make it
easier to educate and enforce the laws. Mr. Uggla discussed
bicyclists' habits and said that they are inclined to use arterial
streets and it is important that these be rrxade safe for the bicyclist,
Bruce Ball, 161. E Escuela, Mountain View, President of Santa Clara
County Bicycling Association, spoke in favor of the plan and discussed
Councilman Beahrs' comments regarding bike lanes being a "trap".
He said the question is now one of engineering and implementation.
Walter O. Myna, 1729 Middlefield Road, said the idea of a bike route
is a good one. There are definitely several very dangerous areas for
bicyclists, such as Middlefield and Embarcadero, and in that particular
area he felt that bikes should be kept on the sidewalks.
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4/10/72
Richard R. Kennedy, 1741 Middlefield Road, reviewed some of his
earlier comments concerning the City of Davis' bike routes, noting
specifically that in Davis there are no bike routes on 40 foot streets,
that the City of Davis started its plan on 50 foot streets and on 70 foot
streets there are bicycle paths. He suggested that the City of Palo
Alto might use a similar pattern,
Darryl Reagan, 969 Moreno Avenue, Palo Alto, stated that every
bicyclist represents e.n automobile left at home and there are many
reasons to encourage bicycling and discourage the use of automobiles
which are noisy, dangerous and pollute the air. He said he would
tike to see this bias in favor of cars overcome and a plan adopted.
Ellis Jacobs, 445 Cambridge, representing the California Avenue
-Development Association, stated that this is the only group that has
studied the bike route creatively and they will present their plan to
Council when the California Avenue area is being discussed. Basically,
the Association, would prefer that the bicycle lanes be ke7t in the
moving lane.
Mrs. Dorothy Clark, 3596 Louis Road, said robe likes to ride a bicycle.
However, she sees flagrant violations of the law committed by bicyclists
and she has never seen a bicyclist cited. Young children just do not
obey the law. She suggested that the laws pertaining to bicycling be
enforced.
Robert G. Heckinger, 1030 Moffett Circle, noted that the staff report
had indicated 12, 000 cyclists at only 12 intersections. He said the
bicyclists should not he penalized because there is a need for educa-
tion and _enforcement and he hoped the Council would accept the staff
recommendation tonight and adopt Plan "E:=
Jeanne Pinneo, 3347 St. Michael Court, suggested that Council
might accept Plan "E" with the flexible attitude that this is an experi-
ment and where there is a lack of safety factors, charges will be
made, She presented two ideas regarding violations by youngsters;
1) that citations be made to their parents; and 2) that bike officers
should ride bicycles rather than patrolling in patrol cars. Bicycle
education could be coordinated with a physical education program of
the public school system, Mrs. Pinneo added.
Harold V, Clark, 3596 Louis Road, said that the parking restrictions
as proposed will shift the probler`i from one side of the ,street to an-
other and he did not think the plan would be effective.
Mrs. Walter Bayha, 1729 Middlefield Road, spoke in opposition to
Plan, "E" and expressed concern regarding the safety factors. She
said she was opposed to the parking ban seven daya a week, 7 a. m.
to 7 p. m. especially on Middlefield. Parking across the street
presents a problem and would be unsafe,
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See Page 45 Mrs. E. L. Arternas Ginzton, 28014 Natoma Road, Los Altos Hills,
stated that she had worked with the Ad Hoc Bicyclists Committee and
is in favor of the urban bicycle route for Palo Alto, Mrs. Claxton
said bike routes are not just one city's responsibility but of regional
interest, and it is difficult to restrict the route to Palo Alto's own
city limits. Mrs. Ginzton referred to the program in Davis and
submitted, for Council's perusal, a paper entitled "An Experimental
Bicycle Route Plan -- Suggestions for a Politically Acceptable and
Useful Bicycle Route System for Palo Alto", prepared by the Ad Hoc
Committee on the Palo Alto Bike System.
Mayor Comstock stated Council would now consider this matter.
Councilman Beahrs said that he could not accept the parking restric-
tions included in adoption of Plan "E". He said there are too many
variables in a system like this for it to be enforced without seriously
inconveniencing the public. He said he would support a more exten-
sive plan provided it could be simple and the- "traps" removed.
Counciltnan Rosenbaum said the City's option is limited and in his
opinion the staff has done as much as can be done in the field of com-
munication in advising citizens of 1.vhat is proposed.
MOTION: Councilman Rosenbaum introduced the following ordinance
and moved, seconded by Pearson, its approval for first reading. with
Plan "E" included:
"Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Establishing
Bicycle Lanes and Paths on Certain City Streets and Authorizing
Implementation Thereof, and Amending Sections 10. 04, 040,
10. 64. 100, 10. 64. 180, 10. 64. 190 of the PAMC, Repealing
Sections 10. 64. 110 and 10, 64. 150 of the PAMC and Adding
Section 10. 64. 185 to the PAMC Providing for the Regulation of
Bicycle Licensing and Operation"
At the suggestion of City Attorney Stone the following amendment was
made to add a new SECTION 9 to the ordinance. The present SECTION
9 to be made SECTION 10,
AMENDMENT: Councilman Henderson moved, seconded by Pearson
that the present SECTION 9 of the ordinance be made SECTION 10
and a new SECTION 9 be inserted to read as follows: "10. 64.187.
Vehicles prohibited from bicycle lanes and ohs, No person shall
operate a vehicle within an established and officially designated
bicycle lane or path except when necessary to park where parking
is allowed, for purposes of ingress or egress to and from driveways,
or for purposes of intersectional travel."
The amendment passed on a unanimous voice vote.
AMENDMENT: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Norton, that
SECTION 1 and SECTION 2 of the ordinance be amended to insert the
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4/10/72
language "Master Plan' instead of referring to the map showing
Plan "E".
The amendment passed on a unanimous voice vote.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Comstock;
that there be added at the end of SECTION 2 of the ordinance, after
the words "Master Plan", "...as authorized by resolution".
The amendment passed on a unanimous voice vote.
The ordinance as amended passed an a majority voice vote.
MOTION: Mayor Comstock introduced the following resolution and
moved, seconded by Henderson, its adoption with "Plan 'E' to be
inserted in SECTION 1":
Resolution No, 4584 entitled "Resolution of the Council of the
City of Palo Alto Amending Resolution 2971 to Prohibit Parking
on Certain Streets with Reference to the Establishment of Certain
Bicycle Routes"
AMENDMENT: Councilrna:& Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Berwald,
that the map attached to the resolution be amended to show that the
bicycle route on Middlefield from East Meadow North as sidewalk
route entirely and that Cowper from East Meadow to Coleridge be
included in the system, with no parking ban here.
At the request of Councilman Clark, Mayor Comstock ruled that the
amendment would be divided into two parts.
The amendment that Middlefield frorrn East Meadow North be sidewalk
route entirely- passed on a majority voice vote.
The second part of the amendment that Cowper from. East Meadow to
Coleridge be included in the system with no parking ban here passed
on a majority voice vote.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Berwald moved that the chap attached to
the resolution be amended to provide for a bike lane only on the west
side of East Bayshore from Adobe Creek to the IT&T property.
The amendment died for lack of a second.
AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Norton moved, seconded by Beahrs,
that the resolution be amended to show that all designations for
restrictions on parking in Plan "E" either on one side of the street
or on both sides of the street be removed.
Further discussion ensued regarding this proposed amendment.
The amendment failed on the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Beahrs, Berwald, Norton
Noes: Clark, Comstock, Henderson, Peareon, Rosenbaum, Seman
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4/10/72
AMENDMENT: Councilman Seman moved, seconded by Berwald, that
SECTION 2 of the resolution be amended to limit the parking restric-
tions frorz 7 a. m. to 9 a.m. on any week day except holidays and
including the five minute exemption period.
AMENDMENT TO AMENDMENT: Councilman Clark moved that the
amendment be amended to indicate that parking will be restricted
from 7 a. rn. to 9 a. rn, and 4 p. tn. to 7 p.m.
Mayor Comstock ruled that the amendment to the amendment be con-
sidered later as an amendment.
The amendment failed on a majority= voice vote.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Clark moved that SECTION 2 of the
resolution be amended to indicate that parking be restricted from
7 a, mt. to 9 a.m. and 4 p. m, to 7
The amendment died for lack of a second.
The resolution as c:rnerided was adopted on the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Clark, Comstock, Henderson, Pearson, Rosenbaum
Noes: Beahrs, Berwald, Norton, Seman
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 a.m. with Agenda Items 7, 8,
and 9 to be considered as unfinished business at the meeting of
April 17, 1972.
APPROVED:
r'J J I4 i4
Mayok
ATTEST:
City Clerk,
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4/10/72