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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09291972MINUTES city of palo alto September 25, 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: Absent. Beahrs, Berwald, Comstock, Henderson, Norton (arr;_ 7:40 p.m.), Pearson, Rosenbaum, Seman Clark. Minutes of Se tember 11 , 1972 a.ppm. MOTION' Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that the mi iutes of September 11, 1972, be approved as submitted. The emotion passed on a unanimous voice vote. P�abliL Nearing: k'>>ed Abatement Mayor Comstock announced that this is the time and place set for a. public -hearing -On Resolution No.- -4653 declaring weeds to be a nuisance. He requested that the record show that notice of this hearing has been given by the City Engineer 11 the time, manner, and form provided in Chapter 8.08 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code. He asked the City.Clerk 'whether any written protests had been received. The City Clerk con- firmed that none were received. Mayor Comstock declared the public hearing open. No one wishing to speak, MayorComstockdeclared the public hewing closed. MOTION: Councilwoman Semen introduced the fo11ow np resolution and_ Yed, seconded by Deahrs, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. "4654 ENTITLED "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OP THE C .TY OF PALO ALTO ORDERING WEED NUISANCE ABATED" The resolution was adopted an a unanimous voice vote. 1972-73 Weed Abatement Program --B ort on Sids (CMR:445:2) arr�saiaraoceir� mmr®r�e�aso+�re�® MY ION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Bervald, that Item •12 on the agenda -•-1972--73 Weed Abatement Program --Report an Bids (a1R:445:2) be considered out of order at this; time. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. Councilman Beahrs questioned the Substantial sum of :Honey allocated each year for weed abatement, 342 9/25/72 Mr. Bernard Pawloski, Director of Inspectional Services, advised Council that the revenues or charges to the property owners amount to $10,000, and that tha cost of weed abatement on city -owned property amounts to approximately $19,000, which is paid by the City. Responding to a further question, he confirmed that there is no subsidy. for the property owner. The $19,000 does cover abatement on city -owned property only. POTION: Councilman Berw sld moved, seconded by Rosenbaum, that Council award a contract for weed abatement to the low bidder, C. J. Sims Co., Inc., in the amount of $28,176 for discing, hand abatement, and chemical spraying, and that the Mayor be authorized to execute said contract. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. Retirement of Herbert I. Mitchell (C 8:451:2) Mayor Comstock noted that Police Sergeant Herbert I. Mitchell retired on September 15, 1972. after twenty-one years of continuous service wish the Palo Alto Police Department. MOTION: Mayor Comstock introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 4655 ENTITLED "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO EXPRESSING APPRECIATION 10 ut:KiSt:KF I. MITCHELL UPON HIS RETIREMENT" The resolution was adopted on a unanimous voice vote. 3udgeet Format and Schedule for Bud et Preparation In the absence of Vice Mayor Norton, Mayor Comstock asked Councilman - -- ---,- who_c the..• and P.�bI1c Hende"rsGir r.rw ..::��tss -.Lilo �sLlgltgt 22 Finance s.. Works Committee meeting, E0 re on behalf of the committee, Councilman Henderson said that firut he mould like to make a correction --- in terms of the agenda. The are four recommendations that require four separate -actions. The original reason for requesting committee study of the budget format and timing was the inability of the Finance and Public Works Committee or the full Council to understand and properly review and make decisions on tle annual budgets as they are now being presented. The City Controller, who is responsible for the budget format, was instructed to make recommendations for changes working with individual Council members, the City Manager's staff, and members of the public. Much effort vas put in by these people, and the committee is grateful for thio effort. He said he wanted to thank members of the public who participated in this work, specifically Mr. Francis Small, who is a CPA representing the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce: Mrs. Helene Wheeler for the League of Women Voters; and Mr. George Crane. Each made valuable contributions to the discussions. What is being recommended by the committee to the Council is a two..step budget operating system. On or about- Fehroer:T 1 each year, the City Manager will present to the Finance and Public Works Committee individual 343 9/25%72 program budgets for each department or office, showing information as listed in the committee's recommendation. Thus the committee members will be able to review each program in depth. In addition to programs within departments, ft will be possible to pull programs involving a' single area of interest froel several departments and review such an area of interest in total. Following committee study of the program budget, the City Manager's staff will rrepare formal proposed budget for presentation to the Finance,and Public Works Committee on or about May 15. This will condense individual program budges within each department or office. The proposed budgets will undergo review by the Finance and Public Works Committee prior to receipt and eventual review by the Council. 1. number of suggestions have been made concerning a means of preparing a final approved budget for distribution to the general public. For example, one suggestion was a summarized brief presentation be mailed with the utility bills. The committee feels Council should refer this subject to staff for recommendation. The committee also feels that the revised budget format and timing will make detailed study possible for all segr..ents of the budget. He said it now falls on Council's shoulders to put in the time and effort to Guarantee to the citizens of Palo Alto that all City progrars and expenditures will receive full study and review. MOTION: Council an Henderson roved, seconded by Norton, that Program Budgets by dep rtrent be prtpared each year for purposes of Finance and Public Works Committee review. These budgets should be rrepared on An informal hams and preFtPni ed to the rn:rni ttee 41 departmental groupings beginning on or about February 1. The motion passe' on a unanimous voice vote. MOTION: Councilman Henderson moved, seconded by Norton, that Program Budgets show such direct object of expenditure items as determined by the City Controller; man hours devoted to the program, appropriate performance unit figures, comments on budget changes and comments on program objectives. Comparison figures should be listed for previous year actual, current year adopted budget, changes to date and adjusted -budget; and new vYd j,Gi y year proposed budget; increase or Q@CCP_SSE'i and ?eTcYnia e""OL c:,ange. City Manager Sipes pointed out with respect to this motion that there will be coming to Council at a later Mato nrdariance that will incorporate these changes and the changes in the next motion that Councilman Henderson will make. That is why they were omitted from tonight's printed agenda. Councilman Berwald asked if the staff is in concnrrence with these motions. Councilman Henderson responded that they were. City Manager Sipel said that generally his sc&ff is in agreement with the suggestions. At he same tine they recognize that it will take some additional staff time to complete the work, probably an additional one- to twn-man month. They feel the additional effort will be fruitful to Council and to the community. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. . 3 4 4 9/25/72 MOTION: Councilman Henderson moved, seconded by Norton, that a formal Proposed Budget be prepared each year on or about May SS for presenta- tion to the Finance and Public Works Committee and eventual approval by the Council. Such a budget should show for each department, divisiun, and office comparative figures for previous year actual, current year adjusted budget, new budget year proposed budget, change between cur- rent budget and new proposed budget and percentage change. Budget items should include expenditures by program, expenditures by object, utility fund services received, total man hours. financing, listing of personnel and comments about departmental objectives for the up- coming year. Additional information should be included in accordance with Charter requirements, Municipal Code requirements, and recommenda- tions of the City Manager, City Controller, and Council. Councilman Berwald counted that the wording of the first part of the motion was that the staff submit the budget to the Finance and Public Works Committee for eventual approval or action by the Council. This seems to set up another channel. The staff really reports to the Council, and the Council refers to committee. Procedurally he wondered if the wording should not be changed so that the program budgets be prepared each year for the purpose of Finance and Public Works review so that the budget does not come directly to the co,-T-ittee. Another reason for this is that the public should by alerted as early as possible, and bringing the budget before Council serves that purpose best. Mayor Comstock responded that that was discussed at length, and what actually happens is that the proposed budget has been submitted to Councils agendixed, and routinely referred to committee. It has not done the budget any good in terms of acccicrating the review problem. Why not avoid the extra step of handling and sending to committee? At the same ti: •-a copy of the proposed budget will be sent to all Council members. This was looked at as a simplification of handling. Councilman Henderson said this would probably allow the committee to begin work as much as two weeks earlier. Couesci loran Berwald said that he understood the responses and thougl4t they were -practical solutions to the delay, but he .would insist that r_l_t or h1j - historic- , - -- _ it would ho tnl�g0 nrsnc{aloe`- with the �ca.o�ty►+ats.tE�at that have xisto between+ staff -ally ;..-___d-.,.._........ and Council that the language of -the motion --readethae-the budget be aubMitted to the Council. If Council wants to present it to committee and have the committee put it on their agenda at the same time, it would not delay it at all. The act of referral is a formalized ritual, but it is important to respect that form. Councilwoman Seman said she would he interested in hearing from City Attorney Stone about Councilman Berwald`s comments. City Attorney Stone responded that this is entirely a matter of Council procedure as it decides i;rithin its ovn policy. As far as his office is concerned, It responds to Council assignment directly back to Council unless Council -decides otherwise, And in the past Council has asked his office to report directly to a committee. There are essentially no real ramifications. Mayor Comstock said that the recommendation is that the proposed budget should go directly to the committee. What is in order is a proposed amendment if Council desires to change the kecommendation of the committee. 3 4 5 9/25/72 AMENDMENT: Councilman B swald moved, seconded by Beahrs, that after "May 15" the rest of the first sentence be changed to read, "the budget shall be sent to the Council for immediate referral to the Finance and Public Works Committee, and eventual approvalby the Council." Councilwoman Semen commented that she could support the amendment if she could be sore that by May 15 the budget would get to the Finance and Public Works Committee, but she could not support it if it meant a delay. If the intent is that on or about May 15 the budget will be before the Finance and Public Works Committee, she could support it. Councilman Berwald said that clearly his intent is not to delay the budget. Perhaps the _chairman could suggest better wording. Perhaps it could be placed or the agenda and the formal action of referring it to the committee could be made at a Council meeting, but it may already have been given to the chairman of the committee to start the ball rolling. Councilwoman Pearson suggested that May 15 be put at the end and then it would say "presentation to the Finance and Public Works Committee by May 15." Vice Mayor Norton suggested that the wording be changed to read "... shall be sent to the Finance and Public Works Committee and Council... so that it is before them both at the sane time. This wording would eliminate a two --week routine delay. Councilman Berwald said the suggestions are well taken, and with the consent of Councilman Beahrs, he would incorporate them, and the amendment would state "on or about May 15, the proposed budget will be presented to both Council and Finance and Public Works Committee." The amendment as changed passed on a unanimous voice vote. o The motion as amended pigged on a unanimous voice Yw�.te-- MOTION: Councilmen Henderson moved, seconded -by Norton, that the Council direct staff to_,reus« and present to the Council some proposal- for a direct=and concise method of presenting the results of the budget --process- to the community. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. 'Louth Advisory Council Request for Council Approval o onsorshi of a3 V,D. - Testin Pro ram sasmsge Mayor Comstock recognized Robert Porter, vice-chairman of the YAC. Robert Porter rstated that since the YAC placed this request on the agends,.they have received feedback which suggests that the program as outlined might be extended to cover more than one venereal disease. He said that they wished to request continuance for two weeks in order - See Page to do some further research. He noted that the Junior Jaycees have 385, offered their support of this project. - MOTION, Councilman Henderson moved, seconded by Seman, that the' Youth -Advisory Council's request for Council approval of sponsorship of a V,D. testing proeraai be continued to the Council meeting of October 10. 1972. 346 9/25/72 Councilman Beahrs raised the question that fn the event minors were being treated, parents would be advised in spite of the anonymity requirement. Vice Mayor Norton asked whether the YAC had checked this--prorcam with the Public Health Department -of Santa Clara County. Mayor Comstock advised YAC repreeentativeQ_that they should be prepared to respond to these and other points on October 10. The motion to continue passed on a unanimous voice vote. Ordinance Establishin a Setback of 200 Feet ,- ropert es _ ro7t eg on ee, c ecneat on Routes 411111170 MOTION: Mayor Comstock introduced the following-ordinance,and moved, seconded by Pearson, its approval for first reading: ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY C- PALO ALTO AMENDING THE SETBACK NAP OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO TO ESTABLISH A SETBACK OF 200 FEET FOR PROPERTIES FRONTING ON SCENIC RECREATION ROUTES IN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO (second reading October 10, 1972) The ordinance was approved for first reading on a unanimous voice vote. Door -to -Door Sales and Solicitations ff ., /Jr ),S i MOTION: Mayor Comstock introduced the following ordinance and moved, it 15 seconded by Norton, its adoption: ORDINANCE NO. 2681 ENTITLED "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO ADDING SECTION 1.08.110, SUBSECTIONS (d) AND ie) TO SECTION 4:7U.0 U A.NU bEC 1ON 9.44.u3O LND AMENDING SUBSECTION (c) OF SECTION 4.J0050 AND SECTIONS 4.30.010 AND 9.44.020 AND REPEALING CHAPTER 9.04 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE RE DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES AND SOLICITATIONS AND MAKING 0TPER TECHNICAL CHANGES" (first reading 9/11/72) The ordinance was adopted on a unanimous voice vote. A p1ntmt�nts to the Plannin Co ss mwi ion and umanRelations omm ss on MOTION. Mayor Comstock introduced the followring_ordinance and moved, Seconded by Norton, its adoption: - ORDINANCE NO. 2€ S2 ENTITLED "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO ADDING SECTION 2.20.015 AND SECTION 2.2 2.015 TO THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER OF MAKINGAPPOINTMENTS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION" (first reading 9/11/72) The ordinance was adopted on a unanimous voice vote. 3 4 7 9/25/72 Order c€ Business on Council Agendas MOTION: Mayor Comstock introduced the foi Iowf g ordinance and moved, seconded by Norton, its adoption: ORDINANCE NO. 2683 ENTITLED "ORDINANCE CF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ?ALO ALTO AMENDING SECTION 2.04.060 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNti3G THE ORDER OF BUSINESS ON COUNCIL AGENDAS" (first reading 9/11/72) The ordinance was adopted on a unanimous voice vote. R asst of Courtciiuocian Pearson re Letter to ac;nci ate Se to er mom Greater Scott treet ssoc at on ANICCIONIESSMW MOTION: Councilwoman Semen moved, seconded by Henderson, that Item #19 on the agenda, New Business, be :roved up tor consideration at this time because of the number of concerned and elderly people awaiting hearing of this item. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. Request of Greater Scott Street Association Mayor Comstock referred to Councilwoman Pearson's memo to Council dated September 20, attaching a letter from C. W. Noble, co-chairman, Greater Scott Street Association. At Councilwoman Pearson's request, he said Council would hear from the audience. Virgaret A. Dub;k, 960 Waverley, speaking as the acting -::_airman of Cite Addison School PTA, read a prepared statement. Noble, 933. Scott Street, eferred to his letter dated September -I3 received by Council and outlined the history of the two blocks bounded by Bryant, Channing, Waverley, and Addison and their recent acquisition b, Restored Pamrcatdes. Susan Crawford, 327 Addison, stated she has lived at this address for three years, has three children at Addison School, and feels threatened by having to move, because she sees no place to go in Palo Alto. She likes the school district, library, parks, beir.g able to walk downtown, the racial and income mixture. She hoped a plan could be worked cut to help the people stay in the area. Joan Cravens, 942 Scott Street, said she has lived at that address for five years, paying eighty dollars a month for four rooms. She felt it unlikely that, if individual owners are brought into the picture, these hones will remain part of Palo Alto's low-incd; ;lousing -stock. Jean ':Dobson, 656 Channing, asked to be recognized later. Patricia Murray, 321 Addison, co-chairman of the Greater Scott Street Association, said that she is a -teacher on a limited income find Would experience great hardship if evicted. 3 4 8 9/25/72 James Carroll, 6069 West Walhroo:c Drive, San Jose, principal of Addison School, stated he was appearing before Council as an educator and speaking in behalf of the children. He expressed concern chat the racial, cultural, and ethnic mix of the school would be changed if these homes are sold. Lillian Barth, 361 Addison, stated she is a legal secretary, divorced, working mother and that she likes the school district and feels safe is the neighborhood. She expressed concern that it is not possible for people like her to live in Palo Alto. There is a good feeling in the neighborhood, and the Council should realize that the multicultural aspects are needed in Palo Alto. Don Willis, 426 Matadero, member of Palo Alto Venceremos, referred to a letter written to Newsweek Magazine by Mayor Comstock which included reference to low-cost housing. He asked where this law -cost housing is located in Palo A1i:o. Max Crawford, 327 Addison, said he is a writer at Stanford. He quoted remarks made by Mr. Bill Rel1er as reported in the San Jose Mercury. Jean Dolly, 931 Scott Street: described how the people who live there came to Scott Sheet and emhasi zed the --jay in which residents of the neighborhood take care of their own homes even Cncugtr they are renting. Kari Collins, 319 Addison, said that she is a single welfare mother and has lived at this address for two years. She described events when her home was shown to prospective buyers without her permission. Pamela Cruze, 951 Bryant, membe_ of Palo Alto Tenants Union and Greater Scott i°treet ssv_iation, read a prepared statement urging immediate measures to protect existing low-income housing and submitted a copy of the statement to the City Clerk. John Dolly, 931 Scott Street; said the Greater Scott Street Association is asking the Council to buy rhis block, and they think the money can be found esomewhere. He said this is a problem of the environment of this area, and if Palo Alto wants low-income housing, drastic action such es dAanzomting wi11 have to be tilers. Jean Hobson, 656 Channing, a member of the executive committee of Vencerenos, said Palo Alto holds a privileged position to the rest of the world, and there is a gat: between - reality and the _ need. Arnold Vezzani. 950 San Antonio Road, Los Altos, a member of the board of directors of the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, urged Council to take time before reaching a decision and takiug,action on the subject of a demolition moratorium. He said the decision should not be made tonight, as the community has not exAvfred its conscience on this matter, Mayor Comstock explained that the matter to which Mr. Vezzani was refer- ring will be the subject of discussion .later this evening when a letter received from the Housing Advisory Committee concerning demolition is raised as an item of new business. C. W. Noble requested that Council ask Mr. Keller to speak at this time. William Keller, 1359 Martin Avenue, stated that he and his wife are the sole owners ow a limited partnership, Restored Properties, and there 349 9/25/72 are no hidden partners. He said if the property is sold to individual owners, there might be a change in some of the children.attending Addison School, but this does not constitute a change in.the.ethnfc, cultural; racial balance of ehe school. He said fifty-two families will not be displaced as some of the present tenants will opt to buy the propertde H`_ reed that - ill el entvy as described this evening should not have occurred and asked for further details. He said the values of these properties as they presently stand preclude the pos::i- bility of their being demolished. Property values of the land and the structures on them are greater than the value of the land itself. Loren L. Lyke, 301 Addison, said his wife is currently adwinistrator' of a boarding house that houses veterans from the VA hospitals at Menlo Park and Palo Alto. He said it is interesting to note from previous owners to present owners how the sales were handled and to whom the property was sold. They received a flyer that there had been a change of ownership, and it would be effective at such a time. They pair' the rent to the new owners. From that time forward there has been contro- versy as to which direction this property might go. He asked that the Council take a long hard look at events and if possible insure that the veterans do not have to be roved back to the hospital. Chuck Noble rebutted Mr. Reller's remarks. Joanne Philo, 2264 Louis Road, seconded the recommendations of the Greater Scott Street Association and rebutted Mr. Reller's remarks, adding that the rents may appear low to hin, but to the tenants on limited incomes, they represent a lot of money. George Cruze, 951 Bryant, stated that he is a teacher aide earning fifty dollars a week and also a full-time student at San Jose State. He rebutted some of Mr. Reller's comments about the possible change in children attending Addison School and said this must mean evictions. John Philo, 2264 Louis Road, emphasized the point ialsed by George Cruze. He said it is the city's responsibility to do sosiethiag, because the city brought this situation about. he noted there are two and one- half jobs for every house in Palo Alto, and the city should act to Preserve this housing and keep those panpla there. The Council recessed from 9:25 to 9:55 p.m. Mayor :n.m.s took asked Councilwoman Pearson if she wished to make the motions at t its tiwe- ►. sat she had expieased an interest in making. Councilwoman Pearson said the Scott Street area is the creation of an attempt to accumulate property for a use that was different from the zoning. That speculative use was defeated by the voters of Palo Alto. Because of the lack of upkeep of the property, in anticipation of destruction of the houses, we now hove a like it or not, a low -rent area with deteriorated houses. The tenants of this area are varied --elderly on fixed incomes, single parents on welfare, young merried couples with one, two, three, and four children, single young and old, and a home for outpatient veterans. A total of 50 units in 26 houses, with an average rent of $100 per month is an income of $5,000 per month to the present owner. Some of the tenants of the area, such as the Navajo family, have been the victims of eeveral evictions all in this general area. The tenants of this 350 9/25/72 area live under a constant threat of eviction, demolition. This does not inspire either the renter or the landlord to maintain the property. tf the tenants forced they are to move, because cannot pay new rents raised by a new landlord, too questions arise: 1. -Where to move, and; 2. Is the landlord obligated to pay relocation costs, in view of city and county policies that government when relocating pay such costs, and the -county recommends that landlords be also obligated to pay relocation costs. If the tenants stay, but the landlord decides to upgrade the property, and hence raise rents to cover costs, other questions are raised: 1. Are the present rents too low, lust right; 2. Can the tenants afford to pay the raised rents, and would they be willing to do so; 3. What :is a reasonable rental to charge people living in this kind of housing? If the landlord decides to renovate, more questions are raised: A. Are landlords __overloading-- the houses with tenants, and because of the housing shortage, do we assist to enforce safety; 2. Does the City condone further division of the larger houses, i.e., a two-family house into four; 3. Does the division of houses into duplexes. triplexes, etc. conform to City policy in this area; 4. Does the City have some standards for this type of housing. 5. What does selling off thew houses individually after minimal renovating, do to 4ee-escalating cost of housing in Palo Alto and to our diminishing low -moderate housing stock; 6. What means do we have as a City to assist in retaining the low -rent housing that we now have; 7. Haw can low -rent housing be upgraded without raising rents beyond the capability of low-income people; 8. Since the City now has $1,000,000 invested in land for low- rderaEte income projects, ;an the City afford another $500,000 to $1,000,000 for another site? Councilwoman Pearson continued, stating that the charge given to the Horsing Corporation Was to promote additional low -moderate income housing stock in the t.isy of Palo, Alto. The Housing Corporation in doing this would be in the -position to know where low-income housing is presently located in Palo Alto and would be the first to be informed of awry available blocks of houses or land available for this purpose. The Cotnncil in establishing this corporation and in funding it with public money has the right to expect to be informed of such parcels. 3 5 1 9/25/72 She described a meeting held in 1971 with three members of the Council regarding possible City purchase of the property and said there was no follow through on this by PAMRF. With all due credit to the Housing Corporation, the representative from PAMRF who is on the Housing Corporation was asked periodically where the property stood. The answer was always that the City would get the first option to purchase. It comes as a great shock -then to hear, after being reassured time after time, that the property has been sold to another member of the'Housing Corporation. The option which a Council might expect to get from its Housing Corporation was pre-empted by two members of this very Housing Corporation. The City has a fine Human Relations Commission which is expert in tenant - landlord relations. They have developed a tenant -landlord lease and have 'seen involved in mediation on a smaller level--1:1---and they are ptesent1y considering licensing of landlords in certain areas. The question of rent raises, evictions, renovation by tenants in lieu of rent vs. landlord renovation and subsequent raised rentals, and the future which the tenants can expect, are all subjects which the HRC is tuned to deal with. MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Comstock, that the subject of tenant -landlord conflicts in the Scott. Street area be referred to the PAHRC, and that the HRC be requested to hold an early meeting to help ease the situation as quickly as possible. Councilman Beahrs commented that he thought this was tossing the ball to the HRC- He felt that HRC cannot do anything the Council can't do. If it is not legally possible for this Council to do anything short of purchasing the property, which he would not be prepared to do at this time, referral to HRC is spinning wheels. Mayor Comstock said obviously there are some differences in understanding, or beliefs about what Ss going to occur. Council could attempt -to mediate the conflict, bet the HRC is better equipped to do this. This does not get to the fundamental problem that the ownership of the property is undergoing change. He said he could not see_ my harm in referrineeth4" to -9 C _ - -_. - to, far - .t .... ..��... 3ne Council-tCll 'w7t I_ nat,o na.c ilia question of _wha*--ws-li---be _ its Investment. Councilman Berwald said while he agreed that no harm could be done, he wished to determine just -what the IIRC could do at this point in terms of what is being talked about --a number of individuals who are going to be affected by the purchase. What kinds of actione could HRC take? He said he would think that perhaps the City might provide its offices to help some of the people to work out ways to buy some of the property. Probably the Houaing Corporation or the HRC could assist in relocating. Councilwoman Pearson said the HRC is set up to hear the problems of tenants and landlords and has been dealing with such problems for a long tine. There is a possibility that if HRC could get them together, the owners and 'tenants could iron out come of the differences. As far as assi8ting people in purchasing, she felt this is a staff assignment artd also whether or not the Clty_should invest more money in another site is a staff assigrwent. She felt Council should know from the staff whether there are funds or the inclination for the City to purchase another site. The HRC is set up to ialk about rents, whether they are too high or too low and whether or not leases are proper. 3 5 2 9/25/72 Councilman Beahrs said he wonders .if the HRC is the appropriate agency to handle..the problems. These people are not --interested in a lot of chatter - - house of chatter. He �,�.�wereu if Council has an aaequate olear�.r.g information on hausieg. Within the general area there are places aveiiabie. These pecipie want housing, not convereaticn. He thought Council's efforts should he directed to seeking out alternative housing. A request was made to permit members of the audience to discuss indi- vidual motions. Councilwoman Seman commented that she supports the motion, but as a point of order, when the motions rel.t.ting to PACDAB were before Council, a special precedent was made to let members of the audience speak to individual motions. NOTION: Councilwoman Semen moved, seconded by Pearson, that Council hear further public presentations as the individual motions come before Council. The notion failed on the following roll call vote: AYES: Henderson, Pearson, Semen NOES: Beahrs, Berwald, Comstock, Dorton, Rosenbaum The motion to refer to HRC passed on a majority voice vote. Councilwoman Pearson restated the following eight questions: 1. Are landlords overloading the heesca with tenants and because of the lousing shortage doweassist to enforce safety! Does the City condcne further division of the larger_houaas, pj .--s.....__fam ice_ _�.o..d�.-�_�_ four;-- - 1.4•_Y_ • iwV-`l.w. &A�' LIV &OV j.iFZy- - - 3. Does the division of houses into duplexes, triplexes, etc. conform to City policy in this area; - 4. Does the City have some standards for this type of housing; 5. What does selling off these houses individually, after minimal renovating do to the escalating cost of housing in Palo Alto and to our diminishing low -moderate housing stock; 6. What means do we have as a City to assist in retaining the low -rent housing thtt we now have; 7. Howe can low -rent housing be upgraded without raising rents beyond the capability of low-income people; 8. Since the City now has $1,000,000 invested in land for low - moderate income projects, can the City afford snother $500,000 to $1,000,000 for another site? MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Henderson, that those questions be referred to the staff with a report to be returned as quickly as possible to Council. See Page 385 353 9/25/72 City Manager Sipel commented that he understands the thrust of the motion but is concerned about the time framework in which Council would like to receive answers back. Some of the questions are simple and can be answered rapidly, but some of them may take more time, perhaps f.+..r rn aioh - to pkc _ Councilwoman Pearson said she would be willing to accept reports in parts as they become available. City Manager Sipel said perhaps the best way would be for staff to analyze the assignment and come back to Council with an information item as to what staff sees as the time schedule. Councilman Beahrs said that as he recalls minutes of the Housing Advisory Committee, a lot of these problems are under investigation and have been discussed by them. He said there should be some correlation. Planning Director Knox said staff has been working closely with the Housing Advisory Co'1 ttee. Some of the questions raised by Council- woman Pearson have not been tt.ken up vet, but ethers have. Councilman Berwald asked if the problem of overloading of houses with tenants did not core under the occupancy ordinance. If codes exist which permits have to conform to, isn't what Council is asking redundant? - Councilwoman Pearson said she is asking whether Council should assist in doing this. Perhaps it is time for a change in the cede: Mayor Comstock commented that one of his concerns is that zoning here is of one pattern; yet the physical patterns reflect an earlier kind of zoning. Should Council take another look at its policies and regula- tions to see that this is maybe acceptable but in a manner that has better direction to it? Perhaps it is a desirable thing if it happens _-w.... L...- rot in another. Councilman Betwald asked if this part of the referral is clear to staff and if it is clear that Councilwoman Pearson is asking staff to take a look at the way dwellings are being divided and whether or not they are being overoccupied. Is staff watching that properties are not divided into more units than they should have? Do the present ordinances prevent a poor -quality division of a dwelling into apartments? City Manager Sipel responded that generally speaking staff is watching this, but he said he felt sure that as he tits here tonight there is a violation that has not come to their attention. As far as the ordinances and codes available are concerned, he felt sure they are adequate. Councilman Berwald asked if the City can afford the purchase, He said he would like to have the motion divided to have that particular por- tion taken up separately, because he was not interested at this point in giving the staff an assignment to review the purchase of this property. When you take all that has been said tonight by all parties, it is clear that these homes wi l l not be demolished. They provide e type of dwell- ing that many people in the audience find satisfying as opposed to razing the properties and putting in low--th ome units. The City is presently carrying Webster House and Lytton School at a cost of $60,000 354 9/25/72 a year interest plus lo3s of the taxes which would be received if the property were developed. He said he did not see this as a priority for purchase by the City. MOTION DIVIDED: Mayor Comstock stated the motion would be divided, and Council would vnrp nn Rlfestiona 1-7 front, ^i`s+ As, Yueation of whether. City can afford to purchase, being considered separately. Councilman Henderson commented that in touring the area there was one empty house which he inspected and noted that there were three refrigera- tors that had been 3ded to three bedrooms. This seemed to indicate some attempt to increase the number of tenants. Councilman Rerwald commented that if there is a code violation, it should be looked at whether it is in the Greater Scott Street area or wherever. It is in that spirit that he would support CounciLwoman Pearson's motion. He said it seemed to him that Council has had many opportunities to look at Fire Zone 1 and look at rehabilitation and seems to be reluctant to do so. He st.id he wished Council had done this a long time ago, and in that sense he supported the :notion. Councilwoman Pearson responded that it hasn't been that Council hasn't wanted to look at it. It Is that Council has been waiting for various parts of the community to come to the committee with their recommenda- tions. Mayor Comstock said the motion is as originally read except for the portion about consideration of purchase of the property; and that will be considered separately. The motion concerning Questions 1 through 7 passed on a rajority voice ' vote. MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Comstock, that the City, since it has not invested $1,000,0000 in land for low -moderate - income projects, investigate the possibility of whether or not the City can afford another $500,000 to $1,000,000 for another site, including preparation of an appraisal. Councilman Rosenbaum said he felt to some extent this motion concerns something that is a judgment 4uection for Council to answer, rather than a matter for staff. He would consider it a more interesting assignment --- - --- - --- $ot staff t . co-ao�, a -tna - .nan-a siea of obtaining 1ov-income housing by preserving this Scott Street site as opposed to razing it and building a 236 development. It is obvious the people in the audience are not interested in a 236 -type development; yet he felt conceivably it might not make any aense to attempt to purchase that property with the intention of preserving the existing housing. He proposed a substitute motion. SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilman Rosenbaum moved, with agreemene of Pearson -Comstock, that staff compare the economics of obtaining tow - income housing by preserving the Scott Street block as {Tp.used to razing the land in anticipation of a more standard housing development. Councilman 13eahrs said that as he understands the motion, the intention now is that the staff investigate the economics of the alternatives -- preserving the current houses or razing the structures and building a 236 complex and that there is no commitment whatever in any action here to pursue either alternative regardless of the findings. 3 5 5 9/25/72 See page 385 Councilman Berwald said as he sees it, there are zany families who live in the Scott Street area at the ?resent time, some of who can no doubt afford to buy the houses. There are others who have, adopted a lifestyle that is their own election. He said, on the basis of the notion, assuming somebody bought the subdivision in which he lives, and the people who live in the rental units didn't want to move and didn't want to buy them, they could come in and ask the Council to investigate whether the property should be purchased by the City. To do this at a time when the housing has been sold once and is in the process of being sold again is going to put a tremendous burden on the staff, because they won't really have any basis en which to work. Pe felt it would be a difficult assignment for the staff to take on. Also, the person who bought that property is now carrying it at a considerable sum every month, and by the time a decision cones back from the Council, there will be a different situation from what there is now, because some of the individual houses will be sold. He said he voted for the other referrals because there are some instances where individually the Council should help and should be willing to help. He didn't feel the City had any obligation to subsidize an elective lifestyle. He felt it has yet to be proven that Mr, Reller's action in buying this property will not result in rehabilitation and upgrading of this area. He said he couldn't see any benefit in Council's buying it. Councilman Rosenbaum said he was interested in pursuing he sees this block es a sample of the entire area. The problems exist is that many years ago all that land was higher densities. Almost all of the homes are owned by are not particularly of the comprehensive zoning should be for this, because reason these zoned for investors who interested in preserving the property. As part plan, Council will consider what the appropriate that entire area. Councilwoman Pearson said the property which dii come to the City Council, the Webster Street House, came with the agreement of the person who was selling. This particular site was before the Housing Corporation man! times, and they did not -approach the Council. M.iyor_.' cmato k- called + - -f - -...._.,,�v..w caaie�l for a vote .on the gubata ¢ufr,o _ m++;•••,• substitute -motion passed on. the following roll call vote: AYES: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson, Rosenbaum, Seman NOES: Beahrs, Berwald, Norton C MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Comstock, that the Council request the Houairag Corporation immediately review the composi- tion of its board in view_of recent events, and that the Housing Corporation reeexamine its charge, i.e. to promote low -moderate - income housing in Palo Alto which includes informing the Council of available property having a potential for low -moderate housing developments. C'ounciltan Henderson F.aid he felt that the Housing Corporation should be given the opportunity to discuss the situation among themselves before Council takes such action. The Housing Corporation heard about the sale of the property last week and has not had an opportunity to discuss it. 355 9/25/72 Councilman Berwald said he agreed completely with Councilman Henderson. He said he reached the same conclusion that knowledge of sale of the property could have been placed on the Council agenda for discussion, and while it was true to say that each Council member knew of the pro- posed sale, no one took actl.on to raise it for discussion until tonight. No one is to blame for not bringing this matter to the attention of Council --the Council knew about it. He said the proposed motion smacks of criticism of two individuals who have served the Housing Corporation with distinction, and these people should not he maligned. Councilman Reahrs said he agreed with Councilmen Henderson and Berwald. The City had plenty of options; but no move was made to investigate purchase of the property. The motion failed on a majority voice vote. Foothills Utilities Reassessment (CMR.436:2) wimemmigammia MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Norton, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 4656 ENTITLED "A RESOLUTION DESCRIBING PROPOSED BOUNDARIES OF REASSESSMINT DISTRICT, DIRECTING FILING OF BOUNDARY MAP AND REASSESSMENT DIAGRAM AND THE RECORDATION OF NOTICE OF REASSESSHE?:T - FOOTHILLS ANNEXATION NO. 1-A SANITARY TRUNK SEWERS AND WATER SUPPLY SYS'EM - PROJECT NO. 59-1" The resolution was adopted on a unanimous voice vote. MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Berwald, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 4657 ENTITLED "A RESOLUTION FIXING TIME AND PLACE OF HEARING out REASSESSMENT -`. AND PROVIDING NOTICE FOOTHILL S_ ..,. ry T3ON_ NO. ' SANITARY DRUNK SEWERS AND WA"EER SUPPLY SYSTEM - PROJECT NG. 59-1:: The resolution was adopted on a unanimous voice vote. MOTION: Councilman Berwald introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 4658 ENTITLED "A RESOLUTION DESCRIBING PROPOSED BOUNDARIES OF REASSESSMENT DISTRICT, DIRECTING FILING OF BOUNDARY MAP AND REASSESSMENT DIAGRAM AND THE RECORDATION OF NOTICE OF REASSESSMENT - PORTIONS OF FOOTHILLS ANNEXATION NO. 3 SANITARY TRUNK SEWERS AND WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM - PROJECT NO. 62-08" The resolution was adopted on a unanimous voice vote. MOTION: Vice Mayor Norton introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Berwald, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 4659 ENTITLED "A RESOLUTION FIXING TIME AND PLACE OF HEARING ON REASSESSMENT AND PROVIT TNG NOTICE - PORTIONS OF FOOTHILLS ANNEXATION NO. 3 SANITARY TRUNK SEWERS AND WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM - PROJECT NO. 62-08" The resolution was adopted on a unanimous voice vote. See page 385 See page 385 357 9/25/72 MOTION: Mayor Comstock introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Norton, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 4660 ENTITLED "A RESOLUTION DESCRIBING PROPOSED BOUNDARIES OF REASSESSMENT DISTRICT, DIRECTING FILING OF BOUNDARY MAP AND REASSESSMENT DIAGRAM AND THE RECORDATION OF NOTICE OF REASSESSMENT - FOOTHILLS GAS SYSTEM - FROJECT NO. 68--82" The resolution was adopted on a unanimous voice vote: MOTION: Councilman Rosenbaum introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Norton, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 4661 ENTITLED 'A RESOLUTION FIXING TIME AND PLACE OF HEARING ON REASSESSMENT AND PROVIDING NOTICE - FOOTHILLS GAS SYSTEM -PROJECT NO. 68-82' The resolution was adopted on a unanimous voice vote. The date set for public hearings on Project 59.1, 62-08, and 68-82 was Tuesday, October 10, 1972, at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Comstock explained that the Council meeting scheduled for Moneay, October 9, would be held an Tuesday, October 10, inasmuch as October 9 (Columbus Day) is a City holiday. Federal Aid U:ban Road S •stem (CMR:450:2) mmwm MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Henderson, its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 4662 ENTITLED "RESOLUTION _OF THE COUNC;,L- -0F TEE ----- CITY OFF ALTO APPROVING _ -- 4i,fi - APPROVING IzTP�Th� rF71I�'irsY__ ls�� =[Rns�i c:crn....,.._ AND REQUESTING ADDITIONAL ROUTES FOR INCLUSION INTO FINAL FEDEKAL AID URBAN SYSTEM" AMENDMENT: Councilwoman Seman stove:"_, duly seconded, that the resolution be amended to delete the final paragraph on Page 1, commencing, "Be It Further Rer.olved ..." and relating to additional route- as designated on attached map. The amendment passed on a unanimous voice vote. The resolution as amended was adopted on a unanimous voice vote. MOTION: Councilwoman Seman moved, seconded by Berwald, that the subject of additional routes as designated on the attached map be referred to the Plannin6: Commission. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. Bud et Amendment --Traffic Si nai I rovements on am no ea • ..w MOTION: Councilman Berwald introduced the following ordinance and moved, duly seconded, its adoption: 3 5 8 9/25/72 ORDINANCE NO. 2684 ENTITLED 'ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAI? 1972-1973 AUTHORIZING AN ADDITIONAL $65,000 TO of INCLUDED WITHIN THE APPROPRIATION OF THE STREET IMPROVEMENT FUND (GAS TAX)" The ordinance was adopted on a majority voice vote with Vice Mayor Norton voting "no." Councilman Berwald commented that in discussions with staff, he under- stands that they have tried to get reimbursement from the state for a portion of the cost of this project without success. He said he would like to have them make another attempt, and maybe with some help from the City Attorney and the Mayer, they might succeed. MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Seman, that staff seek diligently to obtain partial reimbursement of the cost of these signal improvements on El Camino and report back to the Council their results. The notion passed on a unanimous voice vote. 0UUl �'f 11 Ccir,[i:�gea �Pt (CMR:453:2) MOTION: Vice Mayor Norton introduced the following resolution and .:moved, seconded by Beaters, its adoption: USOLUT10N NO. 4663 ENTITLED "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 4524 (ADOPTING CITY OF PAIO 3l Tfl EMYRGENCY ns AL' Y" Y 1971 --- 1 ATTACHMENT _ .,...,�....,�.= : -=- -__ _- : =: • � j ui ADDING NiTr�CHP'�Ai''' I AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ADD FURTHER ATTAC fENTS--AS \L1) The resolution was adopted on a unanimous voice vote. A lication of Stanford Mid -Peninsula Urban oa t on an t o ar o rustees o e an tan or un or n vers�t ar nexat ono pproximate y ores Mayor Comstock noted that tonight Council would be taking action to set the public hearing an this application for annexation of twenty acres of land at the intersection of Page Mill Road and Peter Coutts Road. The hearing will take place at 7:30 p.m. , -Tuesday, October 10.. In the event that the Planning Commission's recommendation can rezoning is not before Council at that time, Council will open the public hearing on that date and time and then continue the hearing to another date. Councilwoman Pearson said she would like to see the question of the twenty -acre annexation referred to the Planning Commission. City Attorney Stone seated that the Council is required by LAFCO to set a hearing date within thirty days of receipt of the application for annexation. The hearing may be opened on the tenth and continued to another date if Council feels it does not have sufficient informa- tion on which to base its decision. 359 9/25/72 MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Berwald, its adoption, setting the hearing date for 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 10: RESOLUTION NO. 4664 ENTITLED 'RESOLUTION OF HE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO at -TO SETTING THE DATE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PETITION OF THE STANFORD MID --PENINSULA URBAN COALITION F' ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN LAND LOt A":'ED AT THE INTERSECTION OF PAGE MILL ROAD AND PETER COUTTS ROAD TO THE CITY OF PALO ALTO" The resolution was adopted cn a unanimous voice vote. MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Berwald, to refer the question of the twenty -acre annexation application_ to the Planning Commission for review, information, and recommendation, along with the Frenchmen's Terrace rezoning proposal, such recommendation to include consideration of traffic pattern over Stanford Avenue and Peter Coutts Road which would be generated by proposed project. The notion passed on a unanimous voice vote. Re ort of Cif Attorney re Special %ening nor ow .o orate nI co:..e Heusi The Council acknowledged receipt of the City Attorney's report dated September 20, 1972. No action was taken on this item at this time. Re ort of Cit Attorney re Park Dedication as a onCLlt on o ,. uJ..iv s ens Mayor Comstock noted that staff had requested that this matter be rrtneirt'ad . ;fin n rehear �f MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Seman, to continue to October 24, 1972, the report of the City Attorney and proposed ordinance re park dedication as a condition of subdivisions. The notion to continue passed on a unanimous voice vote. Contracting of Palo Alto Police �wre�w a�woi.r �wRa� Mayer Comstock noted that Councilwoman Pearson placed an item on New Business on the Agenda re contracting of the Palo Alto Police Force to patrol Los Altos Hills. He said that also on tonight's agenda, Item 321 is a written request from the Town of Los Altos Hills dated September 14, requesting the consent of the City Council of Palo Alto to enter into discussions to determine if police protection for the Town of Los Altos Hills could be better performed by the Palo Alto Police Department than by the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department. He said that he would move that these two items be considered concur- rently. MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, secox;ued by Pearson, that Item 321 be considered concurrently with Item 017 concerning contracting of Palo Alto Police. The motion to consider these items concurrently passed on a unanimous voice vote. 3 f+, €F 9/25/72 Councilwoman Pearson referred to her memo to her colleagues dated September 20, 1972, in which several important questions are raised. MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Berwald, that the subject of contracting Palo Alto Police Force to patrol Los Altos Hills be referred to staff for a report for return to City Council prior to any contract's being made with Los Altos Hills. Councilman Beahrs stated in his opinion the City of Palo Alto requires the best possible police protection and time of its police force. Councilman Berwald said he would like staff to consider fall the angles of this, since he could see that there might be some advantages to contracting. The motion to refer passed on a majority voice vote. Re �eest re Pessibiiit • of Pedestrian -isle c?e Brio a Across an ranc_s u to rEe rito ert10 ark hear aaye �ano yant Mayor Comstock acknowledged receipt of Councilwoman Pearson's F7.ei o to her colleagues dated Septerber 21, 1972, raising this matter. It was noted that the reference to Menlo Avenue on the third line of the third paragraph was incorrect and this should read "San Mateo Drive." MOTION: Councilwoman Pearson moved, seconded by Henderson, that stuff be directed to explore with Menlo Park, the Southern Pacific, and any other jurisdiction, the possibility of constructing a pedestrian/bicvcle overpass -across San Francisquito Creek in the vicinities of Waverley and Bryant and the Stanford Shopping Center, and return results to Council. Councilwoman Pearz:,nn ind caeed that would like to _i _--_,- �..�.�-in-the-report-she FiCe]Id know the status of the bridge at Wilkie Creek and at Adobe Creek. City Manager Sipel responded that staff could provide .that - fnfnrmatton now. Assistant City Manager Warren Deverel stated that the Wilkie Way Bridge is scheduled for construction with completion by June 30, 1973, which involves several design steps, approvals, bids, and construction. City Manager Sipel stated that the Adobe Creek Bridge is in the overall master plan but has received no specific scheduling and no funding. It is in a later stage. Councilwoman Pearson said she wondered if contact should be made with Los Altos, because she understood they have funds available. Assistant City Manager Walker responded that initial contact has been made both with Los Altos and Menlo Park relating to the overall contact between the cities on the bicycle route system. The bridges ha'se been a major part of those discussions. If this motion passes tonight, he felt it would indicate these particular bridges have a higher priority than the other connections might receive. Roy Peterson, 420 Felton Drive, Menlo Park, a member of Western Wheelers, said he was delightedthatCouncilwoman Pearson raised this subject. hie' 3 6 1 9/25/72 He said a high priority in the Menlo Park proposed plan is the bridge at San Mateo Drive end at Waverley. An easement is already set up on the Nenlo side on the Waverley crossing. Richard Lacey, 123 Fern, Palo Alto, representing the Sierra Club, said that the Sierra Club commends tfe City for its extensive efforts to improve bicycle routes and encourages further construction of bicycle routes exclusive of automobile traffic. He said the Sierra Club will provide a licensed architect and engineer to design the bridges and any other volunteer labor which seems appropriate. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. Re nest that Staff Stud Means of Establishin an norcing nimum xter or ten,ance ,tandards for Private Pro €rt in Palo Alto Mayor Comstock asked Councilman Alan Henderson to speak to this item. Councilman Henderson referred to his memo to Council dated Seace:-ber 21, 1972. He sun mari zed that his concern is the effect that one person's negligence about the appearance of his property can have on an entire block or neighborhood. He said he felt that there was sorething that could 7e done by the City to protect residents from this. MOTION: Councilman Henderson moved, seconded by Beahrs, that the Council direct staff to study and report to Council means of establishing and enforcing minimum exterior maintenance standards for property in Palo Alto. Roberta Cane, 626 Webster, spoke of the need for protection for tenants. =..v..IciLact Bee al.o expressed concern -ti,r. a _z: �7V_�-'- ____�- �iic %7i� 2L.L�lIC Of LiC33 -request is fihp, it -did smock of "big brotherism" and could certlinl_y have an effect on lower income people. He said he regarded his home as his castle and would not like to.be dictated to or regulated as far as maintenance and reno atiori- of his home are concerned. Vice Mayor Norton questioned the amount, of staff. time that would need to be allocated to this study. City Manager Sipe), stated that staff would not be able to respond to this immediately, aad he doubted that, the staff work could be completed earlier than six months from now, since the questions raised by Councilman Henderson involve a fair amount of staff work. City Attorney Stone said that his office would also be involved in this report and would be looking at and reporting on the existing laws in this field, boar local and_,stete. The cotic .j passed on a majority voice vote. (Vice Mayor Norton left the meeting at 12!05a.m. and did not return.) Re arse b Housi isor Committee n. or orator um on Advemo tions Mayor Coamstock stated at this time he wished to. raise an item of new business not on the agenda and would recognize Mrs. Suzanne MacPherson, chairman, Housing Advisory Committee. •3 6 2 -^/25/72 Suzanne MacPherson, 376 Diablo Court, read a prepared statement outlining the request of the Housing Advisory Committee for action tonight on a resolution proposing the adoption of an emergency ordinance placing a moratorium on the'de..iolition of existing houses. Specifically, the proposed demolitions at Grant Avenue. Councilman Berwald said he would like to hear from staff on the current demolition ordinance. City Attorney Stone said there seems to be a misconception in that there must be a building permit taken out for a replacement structure before a demolition permit is issued for demolition of a structure. City Manager Sipel reiterated City Attorney Stone's comments, noting that there is always a period of time between issuance of a building permit and issuance of a demolition permit because in the meantime utilities have to be disconnected, etc, The process takes anywhere from a week on up, he said. Councilman Berwald said that he believed the houses in question located at 408, 418, 423, and 438 Grant Avenue and at 728 Middlefield Road did not warrant emergency action. The houses are riot occupied. There have been extreme acts of vandalism, but it is not a case of someone being turned out on the street. City Attorney Stone referred to the City Attorney's report of 8/5/70 on demolitions. City -Manager Sipel referred to -statistics which -were displayed on the screen giving the number of demolitions for the period 1968 to 1972 inclusive. Planning Director Knox stated -that for 1972. the six residences that were c me9 i_Ohed-_were replace d by three___sinz1e_-taMily residences- and unit condominium. For 1971 there were roughly one to one. Five units reri'ced the eight that were demolished._ One of those was a four -unit apartz ent building. There were two residences that w ere demolished Ey the en..nty of . Santa Clara on Grant _ Street. which -_were replaced by- a parking lot. A large number of dwelling units was: built in Palo Alto i - -• o __ the -1970 amendment In Aac91 Of those year8 •..-----1RE`• �.ppssC[at-'--i.utcist- of - ;..c � .-� ...-�.___d___ was to see that there is at least a one -for -one replacement. The statistics show that in terms of these demolitions for the last two years, there has been just about ` a one -for -one replacement. ' Suzanne MacPherson added a further note on the committee's concerns that housing that -:appears in the stock for onevs.lue class is replaced by housing in another housing value class. The committee's concern is that housing stock -is lost in one rental class and replaced in a con- siderably higher one. Mayor Comstock said Council would now hear from members of the public who had requested to speak. Donna Gerry, 429 Ruthven, compared living in Palo Alto with living in her previous residences in Los Angeles and Bakersfield. She said that not everyone can afford higher rents, and money is a big consideration. She felt that there is a state of emergency which requires a moratorium to be placed on demo?ition. She commented further that she did not :agree with the City laws regarding the number of -unrelated persons who may live in one residence. 3 6 3 9/25/72 Roberta Cane, 636 Webster Street, spoke regarding the low-income housing stock in Palo Alto and the goals of the City. She said a demolition ban would give the Housing Advisory Committee some breathing space to accomplish its task as directed by the Council. Councilman Beahrs asked who was going to pay the price and the cost of this. Joanne Philo, 2264 Louis Road, spoke re demolition permits granted in the College Terrace area and showed slides of the homes she was refer- ring to at 2200 Harvard Street, 728 Middlefield, and on Grant Avenue. She also showed slides of the replacement structures and some new structures in the area and urged adoption of an ordinance to enact a moratorium. Collette Cassidy, 365 Grant Street, said she had walked through some of the houses under discussion on Grant Street, and they seemed to be in good condition, and she could not see why they could not be renovated. Responding to Councilman Beahrs, Miss Cassidy said that in her opinion those who have to move are paying t:_r price. 'oho Philo, 264 Louis Road, said it has been said that it is .a question of the legality of a moratorium on demolitions, but in hY:s opinion an emergency does exist. John Roger, 703 Addison, said the situation ha., not changed since 1970, and contrary to statistics displayed this evening, the demolition figures an Palo Alto are not going down. Pamela Cruze, 95i Bryant Street, asked why there are so many vacant lots where structures wire demolished and nothing has been built in their place. Corinne Brazier, 264 Fernando Avenue, said she has watched t e area - south of California Avenue deteriorate since }957, because land developers bought the property and permitted it to run down for the _ purpose of building highrise condominiums or apartments in the neighbor- hood. She said she would support a moratorium on derolitione and asked Council to consider not only the physical but the psychological damage _,___1t d-der'1 r __`itfzens, . toloveincome persons, members- as ui�icvtbc.;eP, s:t....____-- i -___- Lino Guslani, 2447 Ash Street, owner of . the properties o:: Grant -Street- scheduled for demolition, rebutted some of the comments made this evening, particularly concerning the description of a tenant whom it had been said was forced to move out. Hi -said there have been no evictions in relation to this property. Everyone was giver. plenty of time and plenty of notice. He reported that there h been much vandalism committed on the property, and as the owner he personally has spent a lot of money formulating plans, etcn for replacement structures. Councilwoman Pearson asked ?4r. Guslani whethor he Would be wiling to' include four low-income housing units in his project to replace the housing which had been torn down. She cited. Oregon Green.a.s an -ex- ample of this kind of cooperation. - Mr. Guslani replied that he had considered applying for a government program, but decided it would not be practical or feasible to include 364 9/25/72 low income units in this development. The project would need a govern -- lent subsidy to do what is being suggested. Councilwoman Pearson commented that in her opinion it was a perfectly reasonable request. Ronald Duncan, 454 Hamilton Avenue, requested that Council take action on a moratorium, speaking as a person who has lived in Palo Alto for seventeen years. He said there is an emergency situation in Palo Alto and Council should do everything possible to alleviate the problem. He noted that his sole means of support was Aid to the Disabled, and low-income housing is of vital importance to him. Brad Dnwden, 703 Addison, member of PATU, asked Council, "What are you going to do about low-income housing? The Housing Advisory Committee has told Council that there is an emergency," he said. Councilwoman Seman said in her opinion it was entirely appropriate for the Housing Advisory Committee to bring this matter to Council for response and cot ents. She said the City Attorney has advised Council that a moratorium would be challenged in court, and the City would not win the suit. Passing a moratorium tonight will in no way bring low/ moderate -income tenants back into the four houses scheduled for demoli- tion; so the em rgesrcy aspect of this request is moot. However, she would suggest that staff be given an assignment to report back very soon with suggestions of actions Council can take to solve the problem that the Housing Advisory Committee is bringing to thee. OTIny • C�:: "ih,ozaan Ser n 1+toved - seconded L__ H_._.. , :_... . _......, ocwcca��4t LcY S?CP Rl..-T'c r�ra - ri+=. �- -- •: -,cc be given al assignment to report hack on the following questions: 1. Is there some way to give the City sufficient notice of de x1itinnsn that ...,.rtia;biVl action can be taken? 2. Mountain View Housing Element states that relocation assistance be provided by private developers. There are no implementing ordinances, however. She requested that staff explore this possibility. 3. Rod can developers who don't come before a government body be persuaded to include a'component of subsidized housing? This refers to developments such as proposed by Mr. Guslani which did not require a change of , zoning.ee - Councilman Henderson said that it seems that a moratorium on demolitions is pct legally feasible. He asked if Council could adopt an approach a% nerving all applications for demolition subject to Council approval. City Attorney Stone responded that this is possible. He would caution, however, that criteria for denial would have to be very tightly drawn. Demolition is a matter of right which cannot be interfered with very easily under democratic principles. Councilman Rosenbaum stated that he could see some parallel here with what the Council did regarding the open space situation. He said the Council must decide on a policy for multiple -zoned land to permit single-family houses to stay in existence, but he could see that the City vas not in a position to impose a moratorium now. Councilman Berwald said he was surprised to hear speakers this evening say that Palo Alto has never done anything in the va►y , of .low -to --moderate a 3 6 5 9/25/72. income housing. He did not think that statement was true. Councilman Berwa1d said he had inspected the houses on Ash, and had noted the vandalism, and that they are not fit for human habitation. He said he thought it would be counterproductive to ir,:pose land controls or a moratorium of this kind. The motion passed on a majority voice vote. Executive Session - - rris The Council adjourned to executive session at 1:00 to 1:07 a.m. Adlour uDent fl .i atEL The sleeting was adjourned at 1:08 a.m. APPROVED ATTEST: City clerk 366 9/25/72 2 ii l 1, . z It a y Mayor