HomeMy WebLinkAbout04241972MINUTES
city of palo alto
April 24, 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.
Preset: Beahrs, Berwald, Clark, Comstock, Henderson, Pearson,
Rosenbaum, Sem«r..
Absent: Norton
Minutes of Aril 3, 1972
Mayor Comstock noted that on Page 554, sixth paragraph, and also on
Page 558, third paragraph, the name "Freda Jackson" is incorrect and
should read "Freda Johnson." He noted also that on Page 559 "Cordon
Newall" should read "Gordon New�l1."
Councilman Henderson referred to a note dated April 24th, from the City
Clerk, which confirmed that an Agenda item "Site and Design Control --
Standard Oil of California, 2160 El CaniLo Real" had been omitted from
the Mtnu es of April 3rd and should be inserted on Page 565, directly
after the paragraph commencing "(Councilman Berwald left the meeting...)".
The insert to read:
"Site and Desi n Control - Standard
Oil of California. 21 0 El Canino Real
"MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Beahrs, that Council
uphold the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approve
the application of Standard Oil of California for Site and Design
Control approval of building modifications at 2160 El Camino Real,
Zone District C -3-S.
"Councilman Henderson noted that the specifications contain three
new landscape areas which apparently are not included in the iequest
for design approval. He asked if there is any way the City can have
solid assurance that the landscaping will be put ii, as shown on the
map.
"Mrs. Mary Gordon, Chaff, rraan of the Planning ° Coimissioa, advised that
this matter waa raised at the Planning Commission meeting and they
were assured the landscaping would be put in as shown on the map.
"The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote."
>OTlON: Councilman Henderson moved, seconded by Berwald, that the state-
ment reproduced above be made a part of the record of the April 3, 1972
Council Meeting.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
NOTION: It was moved, duly seconded, that the Minutes of April 3 ba
approved as corrected.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
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4/24/72
Minutes of April 10, 1972
On Page 14, Mayor Comstock made a correction to the spelling of Mrs. E.L.
Artemas Ginzton's name.
Councilman Henderson referred to Page 7, the last paragraph, third line,
and noted that this should read "...that about a $ .20 per month in-
crease..." rather than "2O%", as shown.
It was moved, duly seconded, and on :t ,,nanimous voice vote that
the Minutes of April 10, 1972, be approved as corrected.
Public Hearing - Appeal of
afrry J. Be er for eliet
rocs Or inane No. 2647 (CMR:244, 2)
Mayor Comstock stated this is the time and place for a Public Hearing on
the application of Harry J. Beyer for relief from Ordinance No. 2647 es-
tablishing a moratorium on subdivision and development in the Palo Alto
foothills. He stated that members of the public wishing to speak to this
cutter would be heart` and asked the City Clerk to confirm that notice of
this hearing had been published as required.
City Clerk Tanner stated that the notice of the Public Hearing was pub-
lished on April 20, 1972 and the affidavit of publication is on file
in the City Clerk's office.
Mayor Comstock asked the Director of Planning and Community Development
Fourcroy to speak to this issue.
Mr. Fourcroy stated that Mr. Harry Beyer's appeal concerns 22.27 acres of
land near the intersection of Page Mill Road anct. Montebello Road. The
applicant, Harry Beyer, claims that he will endure great hardship if his
appeal for relief from the ordinance is rejected because he is a ;tingle
property owner and the hardship of maintaining carrying costs, such as
taxes, assessments and mortgage payments, affect him to a greater degree
than other foothills' property owners. Staff's recommendation is that
this application be denied, as to grant relief to Mr. Beyer would present
a serious threat to those features in the foothills which the City Council
has indicated it wants to preserve. In addition, it is felt that Mr.
Beyer has not demonstrated that he has suffered an extraordinary hard-
ship by having his detelopleent delayed. -M
Responding'to a question from Councilman Beahrs regarding the right of
the applicant to take the Council's decision, whatever it may be, to court,
City Attorney Stone said no one is ever denied the opportunity to trial.
Mayor Comstock stated that Council would now hear from the applicant and
those members of the public who wished to speak.
Roger Crist, Attorney, 550 Hamilton Avenue, representing Mr. Harry J.
Beyer, reiterated the fact that compliance with the ordinance would
cause an extreme hardship on Mr. Beyer. His client, a retired airline
pilot, has been forced to sell other vacation property in order to meet
the expenses of this land. Pleading for Mr. Beyer, Mr. Crist noted that,
under the terms of the moratorium, the owners of larger parcels are in a better
position than Mr. Beyer.
Mayor Comstock decl red the public hearing closed.
MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Henderson, that Council
deny the appeal of Harry J. Beyer for relief frceo Ordinance No. 2647
establishing a moratorium on subdivision and development in the Palo Alto
foothills.
Councilman Berwald raised questions for Mr. Fourcroy concerning Mr. Beyer's
application and whether it was for the same 19 lot subdivision applied
for before.
Mr. Fourcroy replied thet Mr. Beyer's petition did not indicate dates,
but it vas assumed that his application for relief was for the purpose
of subdividing the land in a similar manner to that applied for before.
Councilman Berwald indicated that he did not see any unique hardship
being imposed on Mr. Harry Beyer.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote -
A. ligation of Board of Trustees
o t e i eland Stanford Junior
�n� 7t y - Change of District
7f1'iiperty, 26S0j 274 and 2 80 El
Camino Peal
MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Beahrs, that Agenda item 8 be
considered out of order at this time for purpceies of continuance.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, duly seconded,, that the application of the
Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University for a change
of disc.7ict of property at 2650, 2740 and 2-W1 El Camino Real from P -F
and C- e S to C-3: S -t) be continued to June 19 . 1972 as requested by the
app li c::,- t .
The mot;.on passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Re,ort;from Re resentative of
Santa c: ara County Planning Policy
Commit te e
ommigiMM I4,.1.0
Mayor Comstock asked Councilman Pearson to F:port.
Councilman Pearson referred to her memo to t:.Rtncil dated April 20, 1972
regarding the Planning Policy Committee General Funding; Committee meeting
with HUD officials and the proposal for a ceoutywide general funding
program. Councilman. Pearson noted that the oemo received by the PPC
General Funding Committee from the Santa C1.z, r a County staff, dated
April 12th, had also been forwarded to Counc:1 and she said the Committee
had asked each repres'entative to get their Council's reactions.
Councilman Clark th:;: ked Councilman Pearsc;: for attending the meetings
held by the General ''ending Committee and sefd that as alternate dele-
gate to the PPC she 'read taken on this duty for attendance at four or
five meetings.
The Council received Councilman Pearaon's report and took no action on
this item.
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4/24/72
Skyline Joint Powers Committee
Manor Comstock asked Councilman Pearson, Council representative to the
Skyline Joint Posers Committee, to report.
Councilman Pearson referred to her memo to Council dated April 20th, and
noted that each Councilman had received the minutes of the Skyline Joint
Powers Committee and the newly adopted Skyline Route, plus some standards
to be applied to the route. Councilman Pearson said her recommendation
was that the standards adopted by the Joint Powers Committee be sent to
the Planning Commission and staff for comparison with the City's own
standards for Skyline.
NOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Seman, that the standards
adopted by the Joint Powers Committee be sent to the Planning Commission
and staff for comparison with the City's own standards for Skyline.
The motion passed on a un.nimous voice vote.
Urban Bicycle Rolfe -stem -
Pian -E" (CMR:2 :2)
MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Eeahrs, that. item 10 on the
Agenda (Request of Councilman Sez a.t to amend the resolution establishing
Plan "SE") be considered out of order at this time, concurrently with
second reading of the ordinance.
The motion passed on a unanir:ous voice vote.
Mayor Comstock noted that Agenda items 4 and 10 were now both before
Council.
MOTION: Mayor Comstock introduced the following ordinance and moved,
seconded by Semen, its adoption:
Ordinance No. 2652 entitled "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, and 10.64.190 of the PAMC, Repealing Sections
10.64.110 and 10.64.150 of the PAMC, and Adding Sections 10.64.185
and 10.64.187 to the PAMC Providing for the Regulation of Bicycle
Licensing and Operation." (first reading 4/10/72)
The ordinance was adopted on a unanimous voice vote.
Mayor Comstock asked Councilman. Se( to present her amendment to the
resolution adopted 4/1C/72 concern.it_.'Plan "E".
Councilman Semen stated that in her opinion the 12 hour parking ban along
one side of Route "E" streets was unnecessarily restrictive to the resi-
dents. She would therefore propose amendments to change the 7 a.e. to
7 p.m. parking restriction to 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
which would offer protection to the cyclists during the hours most
hazardous to them because of the increased motor vehicle and bicycle
traffic, and at the same time provide relief to the residents along the
route. Councilman Seman stated that she did not believe that enforcement
of these periods would be more difficult, nor would it make the signs
less attractive or more difficult to understand. Part-time parking
prohibitions are customary, readily understood and enforceable.
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4/24/72
MOTION: Councilman Sem.an moved, seconded by Berwaid, that the reso-
lution establishing Plan "E" be amended to change the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
parking restriction to 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Mayor Comstock stated that Council would hear from those members c'f
the public who had requested to speak on the different points raised
by Councilman Seman.
Steve McMillan, 574 Addison, outlined his "unique" problem, :stating
that his home is the only one west of Middlefield with no garage and
no driveway. The only parkin3 available for his two cars is on the
street. Parking on the south side of Middlefield is totally banned.
He suggested removi.tg the parking ban to the north side of the street
and "passing the problem on to someone else", since a physical survey
of the area indicated that there are no other fatally residences with
this problem.
Bruce Ball, 161 B, Escuela, Mountain View, President of the Santa Clara
Valley Bicycle Association, spoke in favor of the bike routes. He said
if lanes are to be used reasonably effectively, should
z��itieiy, the restrictions Ci«v:cs
be made less- complicated. 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.c:. to 7 p.m. would
have a small effect on the actual parking along those streets. Re-
moving bike lanes on the weekends relegates bicycles to a r ,ore second
class mc;de of transportation, he added.
Marjorie Bayha, 1729 Middlefield Road, spoke to the subject of shorter
hours for enforcement of a parking ban and said the suggested reductions
would make it easier and lessen the restrictions. People are used to
partial parking bans, she noted.
Jean Slocum, 550 N. California Avenue, indicated that a survey taken on
California Avenue between 7 and 9 a.m. revealed between 36 and 42 bi-
cyclists. Between 9:30 and 3:30 the average figure was six bikes go-
ing either way on Middlefield. These statistics were gathered on 4
separate days. Mrs. Slocum noted that the frequency of cyclists in-
creases again after 4 p.m. and a ban at that time is feasible. However,
she said the frequency definitely decreases between 9 a.', and 2 p.m.
Mrs. Slocum made further remarks regarding frequency counts taken by
the staff on bicycle traffic.
Councilman Clark indicate" to Mrs. Slocum that Council had before them
detailed figures supplied by the Traffic Engineer indicating the number
of cars versus bikes in tha affected areas.
Mrs. Slocum stated that she had not known these figures were available.
Roy Petersen, 420 Felton Drive, Menlo Park, President, Western Wheelers
Bicycle Club, nnted that there will be more bicyclists on the streets
during the summer vacation and what happens then will be importai:t.
He cited figures from the City of Davis, California, which has an esti-
mated 31,000 bicyclists, and 22,000 registered bikes which are used for
transportation. Davis has found its bike lanes extremely effective and
sucr.-essful. There have been few auto and bike accidents.
Councilman Rosenbaum raised questions aboutttaetraffic situation on
Middlefield Road on Sunday mornings, particularly in relation to the
parking ban existing at that time when people are going to ehurch.
Acting Assistant City Manager Walker indicated that there are no easy
answers to enforcing the parking ban on Sunday. One alternative might
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4/24/72
be to exempt Sunday morning parking or for people to park on streets
other than Middlefield. He cited other areas in the City where churches
are located on Oe bicycle route system, and the same problem might
be experienced, such as North California.
Councilman Clark stated that although he had attempted to include limita-
tions on the parking times when this subject was first discussed, he now
found .hat he was moving in the op,osite direction and supported the
feeling indicated by the statistics that the full restrictions are best
from the safety point of view.
Councilman Beahrs stated that he, too, would oppose this amendment to
the resolution. He said he still believed that the best plan would be
a simple one with fewer variables, which would be less confusing to all
concerned.
Cout►cilman Henderson quoted statistics showing that 421 of all auto-
mcbile accidents on Plan "E" streets occur between 12 noon and 3 p.m.
He noted also that it has been recorded that there is a higher number
of accidents in June and July when there is no school. He said he
would prefer no parking ban at all rather than see the amendments sug-
gested by Councilman Seman passed. He reminded Council that the plan
can always be modified later, but said he would prefer no exceptions
at this time.
The motion failed on a majority voice vote.
1
1
MOTION: Councilman Seman moved, seconded by Clark, that the resolution
establishing Plan "E" - Bicycle Routes and Improvements - be amended to
exempt Sundays and Holidays from the parking prohibitions.
Further discussion ensued regarding the possibility of exempting Middle-
field Road from the parking ban on Sunday mornings, with Acting Assistant
City Manager Walker stating that the alternatives would he to exempt
all day Sunday from the restrictions. However, he pointed out that if
this action is taken in respect to Middlefield Road, there would certainly
be other areas of the City that would expect equal treatment.
Jeff Kahrs, 342' Janice Way, Palo Alto, indicated that he rides his bicycle
everywhere. He spoke in opposition to putting hike lanes on the sidewalks,
stating that it is dangerous, and said he would be opposed to any ban on
sidewalks or streets.
The motion failed on a majority voice vote.
MOTION: Councilman Seman moved, duly seconded, that the resolution
establishing Plan "E" - Bicycle Routes and Improvements - be amended
to restore tke lanes along certain sections of Middlefield Road to the
street instead of the sidewalk. - 1. At Loma Verde to East Meadow.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
MOTION: Councilman Seman moved to =end the resolution establishing
Plan "E" - Bicycle Route and Improvements - to zt:store tite lanes along
certain sections of Middlefield Road to th>> stre.>.t instead of the side-
walks - 2. Addison to Oregon Expressway.
The motion died for lack of a second.
Underground Utility District No. 15
MOTION: Councilman Berwald introduced the following ordinance and moved,
seconded by Beahrs, its adoption:
Ordinance No. 2653 entitled 'An Ordinance Amending Section 12.16.020
of Chapter 12.16 of Title 12 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code by
Establishing Underground Utility District No. 15" (first reading
4/10/72)
The Ordinance was adopted on a unanimous voice vote
Reduced Transit Fares for
nnior Citizens CMR:245:2)
Mayor Comtack asked City Manager Sipel to report:
City Manager Sipel stated he had nothing to add to his report to Council
of April 20, 1972 recommending that the' Council authorize the continuation
of the reduced fare program for senior citizens for the next six months,
June 1 through December 31, 1972, at a total cost of $2,940.
MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Councilman Henderson, that
Coueci1 authorize the staff to continue the reduced fare program for
senior citizens through Gee er.:i er 31, 1972.
Councilman Rosenbaum commented that it was interesting to see that the
number of senior citizens' bus trips tripled in the month of March, 1972.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
South Bay Dischargers Study (CMR:242:2)
Mayor Comstock noted that Council had received the staff report of April 20,
1972,_which recommended that the issues contained in this report be re-
ferred to the Finance and Public Works Committee.
MOTION: Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Berwald, that the South'Bay
Dischargers Study be referred to the Finance and Public Works Committee
for review within 45 days.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Palo Alto Af cart Naster Plan -
Yte erral to Planning Commission
bated 4/3/72 -
Mayor Comstock asked Councilman Clark to speak to this item.
Councilman Clark referred to his memo dated April 20th, and stated that
he felt that the Council's referral on April 3, 1972 to the Planning Com-
mission of the Airport Master Plan was inappropriate at a time when the
Planning Commission and staff are overwhelmed with assignments. He said
that the Planning Commission had formerly reviewed the plans approved by
the Council on September 22, 1969, and for this reason he felt it would
be appropriate to reconsider ;he Council action of April 3rd.
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4/24/72
MOTION: Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Beahrs, that Council action
of 4/3/72 to re -refer ,the Palo Alto Airport Master Plan to the Planning
Commission be rescinded.
Councilman Pearson urged the Council to let this matter remain before
the Planning Commission so that they can look at the total plan. She ex-
pressed particular concern about landscaping plans for the Baylands, and
chat plants supposedly living in the area be compatible with the area.
Councilman 3erwald stated that while he shared Councilman Pearson's con-
cern regarding landscaping plans he would look to staff to take necessary
action on any landscaping plan and to follow a careful list
!Mayor Comstock expressed the thought that he felt there is a need for a
landscape architect on the staff and that there be coordination of plan-
ning in this area.
City Manager Sipel responded stating that if the problem concerns the type
of materials present in the Baylaads and a judgment to be made of the pro-
perness of these materials, then he thought there should be someone on
the staff who could judge these kinds of matters. If the City does not
retain a ;staff person then a contract should be made with someone in the
private sector. However, he said he did not think it would be appropriate
for the Planning Commission to review these kinds of things. He said it
seemed evident that staff should be doing a better job in this direction.
Councilman Clark urged Council to support the motion, stating that he felt
there should be some mechanism at the staff level to approve landscaping
plans.
Councilman Pearson agreed that these things should appropriately be
handled at the staff level and urged City Manager Sipel to take action
in this respect.
The motion to rescind the action of April 3, re -referring the Palo Alto
Airport Master Plan to the Planning Commission, passed on a majority voice
vote.
Pea_ Esibilit of Usi Southern
Paci is Rights -o -Way as Bicycle Path
M TION: Councilman Seman moved, seconded by Comstock, that Council direct
the staff to explore the feasibility ,,f using the Southern Pacific right-
of-way along Alma .as a bicycle path.
Speaking to the motion, Councilman Selman indicated the difficulties_ in
the Alga area and she said she felt that there was a better solution than
putting bikes on the street and she would therefore suggest that staff
explore the feasbility of using the S.P. right -of= -w ay as a bike path.
Mayor Comstock said Council would hear from the public on this proposal.
Jeff Kahrs, 3421 Janice Way, suggested using a creek area behind Colorado
and Louis as a bike path. He further requested that something be done
about the storm drains - he has run into them twice on his bicycle. Speaking
to the suggestion of utilizing the S.P. right-of-way, Mr. Kahrs aaid the
trains whizzing past tended to be a "scary experience" for the bicyclist.
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4/24/72
Larry Rairden, 3340 Cooper Street, suggested putting a bridge next to the
S.P. right-of-way for pedestrians and bicyclists. He felt that it would
be a good idea to utilize the S.P. right-of-way for this purpose. Mr.
Rairden discussed the hazards of crossing El Camino onto Alma, from
Menlo Park when entering Palo Alto.
Councilman Berwald expressed the desire to hear from staff on this subject.
He noted that a proposal had been made to Southern Pacific several years
ago regarding use of the right-of-way and at that time the S.P. Company
said "no". Councilman Berwald said in his opinion it would be a haz-
ardous route for younger cyclists to use.
Acting Assistant City Manager Charles Walker said staff would investigate
further with Southern Pacific. He indicated that the staff has tried to
discuss this problem before and noted that the problem seems to be not in
getting answers to this kind of question from Southern Pacific, but finding
somebody to talk to. Regarding the mention of storm drains, Mr. Walker
indicated that for the past 3 to 4 years the City nen been replacing
grates on an annual basis.
Councilman Pearson raised the question of a 20' right-of-way existing in
the south part of the City. Planning and Community Development Director
Fcurcroy responded to Councilman Pearson that to his knowledge there is
no specific 20' right-of-way.
The notion passed on a majority voice vote.
wontrollinL Deli.very of Unsolicited
�snniwrarow� iw�a�.��wrs®. is.r s.�raw.v
and Dan erous Samples to Residents of
Palo Alto
Mayor Comstock asked Councilman Pearson to speak to this item.
Councilman Pearson read aloud her memo to Council dated .Aril 20, 1972
concerning a recently receiven sample which was attractively wrapped and
easily opened by curious young children. The memo expressed the concerns
of the danger and annoyance of receiving unsolicited goods in the mail
and asked what can the City do to prevent this deluge of dangerous and
unsolicited products upon its cir.izer1s.
Mayor Comstock said the Council would now hear from the public,
Mrs. R. H. Carlstead, 147 Walter Hays Drive, Pa10 Alto, referred to two
letters she had written to the City Council dated April 20, 1972. To
illustrate her remarks she displayed a snail eamsple box of Clorox which
was recently delivered to her home. Mrs. Carlstead described an earlier
episode involving her small daughter and referred to a Bill (HR 3499),
now pending in the House, which would ban all manufactured samples
being delivered through the mail.
Councilman Beahrs stated that he would support such legislation and would
like to see the staff draw up a resolution referring to this Bill. He
said that he would further like to see some form of licensing required
for distribution of any such materials, not only through the mail, but
throughout Palo Alto.
MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Beahrs, that srgff be
requested to investigate what action can be taken by the Ci :and report
back to Council on May 1st with a resolution expreaaing sy>port for HR 3499,
and including a reference to door-to-doov solicitors without licenses.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
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4/24/72
T islation Re MTC A rova1
:,cm� a* tort Bridge
.rru� rrrpnr r�ur.
Mayor Comstock asked Councilman Rosenbaum to speak to this item.
Councilaan Rosenbaum noted that SB 495 is scheduled for hearing before
the Senate Transportation Committee on May 1st at 1:30 p.tn. This 13i11
requires approval of the Metropolitan Transit-k,cnzliesion before replace-
ment of any bridge crossing the San Franciscs= ;=_ ;- .cific appliration
rAlates to the proposed construction of the new = 2r_ Bridge.
:►.'ION; Cou cilman Rosenbaum introduced the following resolution and
u rfi:d, seconded by Henderson, its adoption:
Resolution. No. 4587 entitled "Resolution of the Council of the City
of Palo Alto Support•.g SB 495 (Dumbarton Bridge)"
The resolution was adopted on a ur:rnirous vaqcc vote.
Reouest of California Avenue Area
Development Association
Mayor Comstock referred to a letter dated April 18 from the California
Avenue Area Development Association, Inc., requesting an opportunity to
present Stage II of the California Avenue Beautification Plan to the City
Council.
MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Henderson, that the California
Avenue Area Development Associatior's letter of April 12 be referred to
the staff for review ani comment.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Feasibility of Designating Cowper
Street and/or Other Streets as
lxclusive Bic c1e Streets
Mayor Comstock recognized Councilman Henderson who wished to present an
item of new business.
Councilman Henderson referred to earlier discussion; on the bicycle route
and made the following motion.
WYFION: Councilman Henderson Moved, seconded by Semen, that Council
direct the staff to conduct a study and report back on the feasibility
of designating Cowper Street and/or other streets as exc1 sive bicycle
streets with all through automobile traffic prohibited.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Emergencx.!esolutian Supporting HR 14055
vow
Mayor Comstock recognized Councilman Pearson.
Councilman Pearson stated t%at in 1971 the citizens of Palo Alto, through
the ballot proposition at the Municipal Election expressed their concern
about the Viet Nam War. She stated that she felt it was time to take action
again ar.d introduced a Resolution, which she read aloud.
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4/24/7r
MOTION: Councilman Pearson introduced the following resolution and
moved, seconded by Seman, its adoption:
Resolution No. 4588 entr tled "Resolution of the Council of the City
of Palo Alto Urging the :resident and the Congress of the United
States to Halt and Reverse Any Escalation of the War and of the
Bombing in South Viet Nam and Supporting HR 14055 Pending in the
United States Congress"
The resolution was adopted on the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson, Rosenbaum, Seman
Noes: Beahrs, Berwald, Clark
Oral Communications
Mayor Comstock stated that now is the time when Council will. hear from
the public.
1. Kenneth J. Freiberg, 842 Clara Drive, referred to the Council
Minutes of March 27 and the discussion concerning the City
Theatre.
Mr. Sipel, City Manager, responded to Mr. Freiberg and invited
hire to meet with Al Longacre, Arts Director, and the City Manager
to discuss the subject in detail.
2. Eugenia R. Sorensen, 1127 Greenwood Avenue, spoke in support of
the resolution adopted tonight concerning the Viet Nam War.
3. Councilman Henderson stated that he wished to thank Mayor Kirke
Comstock fo. writing a i.etter to President Nixon advising him
again of the City Of Palo Alto's 1971 vote on the Viet Nam War
and urging attention to this matter. -
4. Bruce Emmons, 169 Walter Hays Drive, stated that there was a large
group°oi Palo Alto High School students present this evening and
anxious to address the Council -about the April 21st High School
utrike and demonstration against the war. He said that he would
like the opportunity to speak later when the students had been
heard.
5. Jo --Ann Philo, 2076 Harvard, read a statement suggesting that
legislation, which would "go further" than the resolution adopted
tonight, be considered. She noted that in May, 1971, the citizens
of Palo Alto voted for withdrawal of the United States from Viet
Nam. The group she represented would like: 1) that the City
of Palo Alto endorse the PRG seven point proposal for peace in
Viet Nam; 2) the United States end its invasion of Viet Nam and
place on a Council Agenda an i,em which would prohibit any cor-
poration from establishing new offices for the defense industry
in Palo Alto; 3) that the Folice should not be used to intimidate
or harass the students of Palo Alto.
6. Marcia Hall, 1224 Webster Street, read a statement. She said
that on April 21st Palo Alto High School student decided to
strike to demw►nstrdte their opposition to the Viet Nam War. The
demonstration was a peaceful one as it progressed north'on. El
Casino, towards Stanford. She described further the events of
April 21st and demanded sor. responae from Council.
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4/24/72
7. Peter Kusnierczyk, 4005 Ben Lomond Drive, Palo Alto, explained
his participation in the anti -war march and indicated that high
school students were attacked by Police when marching peacefully
towards Stanford. He also spoke to the rights of juveniles
when arrested and asked that Palo Alte Police officers be banned
from taking any action against anti -war marches or demonstrations.
8. John Bay, 2261 Columbia, stated that he had not been advised that
he was breaking the lair and said he felt that the Police had
used 'excessive force," The demonstration began in a peaceful
manner, but then the students began to prepare to deal with the
Police on a "not very friendly level." He noted that the crowd
was tame and mostly liberal, not rac;ical, high school students.
John Bay added that his experience of April 21st had "radicalized"
him.
9. Laura Dow, 461 Ferne, commented on the April 21st march and said
child beating is illegal. Our parents are not allowed to do it,
why should the Police be allowed to beat us, she asked. She
said she was among these arrested and she was searched without
being charged. Something should be done about mass arrests,
she continued.
10. Alison Holman, 747 Dolores, said she noticed a junior high
school student being shoved and run onto the sidewalk by the
tac squad. ThE Police had no right to do this because the
march was legal, she said.
11. Barbara Cohen, 820 Lathrop Drive, Stanford, said that she did
not hear the Police tell the demonstrators that they could
occupy only one Jane. Some of the demonstrators heard that they
were to move up onto the sidewalk, but she did not. She also
saw a junior high school student clubbed. She asked Council
for a response to the remarks this evening.
. Karl Collins, 321 Addison, Palo Alto, stated that she was taking
children to a child care center on April 2lst when they'saw high
school students walking down El Camino in front of them. She
stayed behind them,-, cruising slowly, and said she saw kids be-
ing clubbed and beaten. Later, she went to Stanford and, with-
outh realizing what was going on, was placed under arrest and
was told that she would find out what the charges were at the
arraignment. She indicated that she felt this action was illegal
and Asked for a response from Mayer Comstock.
13. Stanley Kusnierczyk, 4005 Ben Lomond, stated he thought the
Council should engage in dialogue with tonight's speakers. He
said Thursday, April 20th, at the torchlight parade, a tae squad
offi.;er started beating him. They were beating not only young
children but gray haired old men too, he said. He also spoke
of the "outrage" and "frustration" of the situation.
14. Kari Stangenes, 4.5 Colorado Avenue, likened the evening's events
to a book called "Riot Makers." She said the resolution passed
by Council. this evening is a disgrace to the U.S.A. and every
freedom -loving human -being and said she would like to request
that Council protest the invasion of North Viet Nam.
15. Marcia Reaven interrupted at this point and askeil Council foe a
response.
16. Dr. George Thomson, 461 Ferne Avenue, said he was distressed by
the opinions expressed here tonight and the events of April 21.
He was arrested and was not informed of his rights before be-
ing taken to the adult facility in Milpitas.
17. Mike Fox, C. W. Noble; Ted Salo, Jean Dolly, and Jim Mumford
asked for responses from the Council before addressing Council.
18, Bruce Emmons, 10 Walter Hays Drive,, stated that he felt the march
from Palo Alto High Schocl was badly handled by the Police, In
his opinion, Students were treated in an excessively rough manner
for the circumstances and people involved. 'He asked Council to
look carefully at the manner in which Police handled the situa-
tion.
19. Annie Gerard, 2243 Greer Road, ci.r.ed the case of a friend of hers
who le a diabetic and was arrests.. and then not permitted to get
proper food during the time that :she was detained. Annie said
she was arrested with other dery :stratore and was taken to
Elmwood. Her parents were not :'ntacted as she had been told
they would be. The march was :t :ors -violent demonstration and she
actied Council to take action so that arrests such as those that
occurred ,-41 April 21st will not happen again. The next demon-
stration might not be non-+:ioledt, she added.
20. Mike Salo, 3178 Ross Road, Pad.
been arrested before and "sett
people have been converted co
the system will be torn down f
Alto, stated that he had never
tactics do not work". A lot of
radicalism by this experience, and
the Council does not take action.
21. Ted Salo, 3178 Ross Road, fatL r of :Bike Salo, stated Oat handling
of demonstrators by the Po1ic' during the April 21st demonstration
was very poor.
22. Patricia Cox, 651 Lowell Avecie, stared she did not participate
in the march but vas at Star:: surd when the march left Eneina Hall
walking to El Camino and Etr r_adero, Demonstrators were walk'ng
peacefully, arms linked and',inging. She indicated that when
the demonstrators got to Ts.:'! & Country Village, the tac squad
moved in and threw women oNe' r fences and then clubbec: her. She
said there was no excuse f :'°: this kind of behaviour and the tac
squad should nut have beer,, ailed in in the first place.
23. Marian Dunckel, 1231 Wilsr, Street, described the events of
Thursday, April 20th, at ^.e torchlight demonstration and said
she didn't know torches illegal. When she heard that they
were illegal she saw pee s putting their torches out on the
grass, rather than in a %re place. She indicated that she saw
a man get beaten badly.
24. Mary Clark, 488 University, said she- went to Lytton Square on -
Thursday night, April 2( h. About 8:10 p.m. she was on the.
Stanford campus and saw orches all over the grass. There were
police all over the cae2us. She said she was- appalled. at what
she saw happening and was sorry that she lived in a place where -
people act this way with young peoo14.
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4/24/72
25. Dr. Duane Bay, 2261 Columbia Street, indicated that, in his
opinion, the crowd would have been responsive to zeq=pests Lo
move without any violence or aggression on the part of the
Police. Dr. Bay said that when the demonstrators reached
El Camino and Embarcadero the Police went through the inter-
section and several of the Police got out of their cars and
pushed the students onto the sidewalk much more aggreasiveiy
than they should have. He indicated that_on Palm Drive the
demonstrators moved in an orderly way.
26. Jean Dolly, 931 Scott Street, said she was behind the high
school students and two Police officers when the students
were asked to move into one lane. She said the demonstrators
cooperated. Later, she saw the tac squad "running on theae
kids". She spoke of a citizens' group set up to discuss
Police/community relations with the Police and said she was
a member of this group which was formed to create rational
dialogue between the citizens ant; the Police.
27. C. W. Noble, 933 Scott Street, indicated that one of the seminars
mentioned by Mrs. Dolly was to have been held on April 19th.
He said the r uncil did not appear to have any control over
the Pot . e llepar _r.ent .
28. Mike Fox, 3381 Park Boulevard, said he didn't think that the
Police actions scared the demonstrators. On the contrary, they
had stayed together and were on the side that is winning. He
spoke ir, opposition to the "brutal fascist tactics by the
Police against 300 high school students".
29. Bill Strubbe, ?750 University, indicated that he is a Paiy High
student and a member of the YAC. He said he would resign from
the YAC if Mayor Cerristock did not respond to the demonstrators
this evening. They have to know what is going en in the
Counc' l's heads, he said.
30. Jeff Youdelman, 720 Waverley, reiterated Mike Fox's comments and
urged the demonstrators to go on demonstrating."
31. Simon Hassett, 1537 Louis, described the march and said, that the
Police did not inform people they should get out of the street.
If Council did not respond to the speakers this evening, it
would be assumed that Council condoned the Police actions of
Friday, April 21st, he said.
32. Eric Cockroft, 930 Colorado, said Council apparently had no
defense for the Police actions. He took several photographs
of the City Council,
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4/24/72
D1,i t.. 207 i L
.. ,.. ...4�.., :6 hi rv-Ird S rSi.r nt, sail the soeaKe s had
�s -
`hu �: '+6_.b CLZ' �Q'V�riO '
He
quizzes eaca rh't there were
some Police officers present eau ▪ renuestea cnet t.:�-
x
anti 2xnl▪ aat� �: _ -2�r c'
The audience rose to its feet and continued hand -clapping for approxi-
mately three minutes, making it impossible for speakers to be heard.
Adjournment
Mayor Comstock declared the meeting adjourned at 11:10 p.m.
APPROVED:
/J 11_1
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk, /
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4/24/72