HomeMy WebLinkAbout11011971MINUTES
city of palo alto
Novev+ber 1, 1971
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: Beaters, Berwald, Clark, Comstock, Dias, Henderson, Norton,
Pearson, Rosenbaum
iE Absent: None
Approval of Minutes of
October 12, 1971
an page 270, "Willow Ex ressway or Freeway", third and fourth line, of the
motion, Councilman Henderson noted that the phvase "short of achieving ex-
pressway standards" shown after the word "?teal" should be stricken, and inserted
at the end of the fourth line, after the word "improvements".
The minutes of October 12, 1971 were approved as corrected.
MinuteA of October 18, 197!
Councilman Pearson referred to page 274, second paragraph, last line, and
noted that the word "pastimes" was shown as "past -times" and should be
corrected.
On page 274, fourth paragraph, Councilman Pearson requested that Jiro Schoch's
name be corrected as it had been"incorrectiy recorded in the minutes as
"Timm Sboch" .
The minutes of October 18, 1971 were approved as corrected.
M*olution of 44 r clarion to
Ders1 R. Jacgueu
Mayor Commstoceintroduced the following resolution tun moved, seconded by
Norton, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. b _,3 , ENTITLED "RESOLUTION OF THE_COUNC1L OF THE CCITT
OF PALO ALTO EXPRESSING APPEECIATI i .TO DEW!? L. JACQUES UPON HIS
RETIRMOUrr
The resolution vas adopted on -a unanimous voi . vote.
Riak thegooNES - InruraRca Audit ttaort
Nvor Comstock asked Vita !ear rtoq,- t aiva - *f Ph. sip= Id
Committee, t0 poi t ._
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11/17.1
Vice Mayor Norton reported on the Finance and Public Works Committee's deli-
berations and stated that these were of a technical nature.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Norton moved, on behalf of the Finance and Public Works
Committee,
A. That the consultant's recommendations regarding administrative and
contractual matters be implemented by staff as time and circumstance
permits;
B. That Council adopt a more specific policy with regard to risk management
and related insurance matters, and that such policy give effect to a
high level of risk assumption by the City;
C. That the City continue to obtain full insurance coverage for its expo-
sure to all liability claims, other than those arising from workmen's
compensation, and that such coverage include legal representation
and litigation adjustment expense;
D. That the Council not engage a consultant on a continuing basis, but
instead, the Council should arrange for a periodic audit of the City's
insurance program, at least once every five years;
E. That, for the extent of coverage determined to be necessary, the
City continue to obtain insurance for property loss, liability
and fidelity bonds throeeh the independent Insurance Association
of Palo Alto, provided, however, that such brokerage services
will be in accordance with a ccntant setting forth the method
of insurance company selection, services provided by the associ-
ation and disposition of commissions received; and
that the City continue to obtain insurance for employee group plans
through the San Francisco office of Marsh and McLennan, Inc. pro-
vided, however-; that euch brokerage service* will be in accordance
with .the contract similar to the aforementioned.
There being no queat.iona concerning these recommendations, the motion passed
on a unanimous voice vote.
MO3TI0N: Vice Mayor Norton introduced the following ordinance and moved,
seconded by Clark, its approval for first reading:
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF ThT CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING SECTIONS
2.08.130(6), 2.08.200(9)(10), 2.24,010, and 2.81.030 AND ADDING
SECTIONS 2.08.075, 2.28.075, 2.28.200, and 2.30.075 TO THE PALO
ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO MAKE CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING PRO-
CEDURES, INSURANCE AND LIABILITY COVERAGE.
Councilman Henderson stated he vas very much satisfied with the actions of
the Comiaittens, but ,:ehed to raise two points contained inthe ordinance.
Specifically, Councilman Henderson continued, he wiahed to make a change rb
the ordinance, Page 2, SECTION 5, which refers to provisions fora contin-
gent account. He said he would be in favor of establishing a specific reserve
account for uninsured liability and lost property claims, rather than in-
cluding such claims with_ department contingent accounts.
Discussion ensued with City Controller Mitchell and Chairman Norton explaining
the intent of the committee's recommendation and the procedure at present
in operation within the City.
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Councilman Henderson stated he was satisfied with the discussion this evening,
and would raise this matter again next year, when the new budget is being
set up.
Referring to page 3 of the ordinance, SECTION 7, Subsection (3) , Councilman
Henderson stated he would prefer to see added after the word "City", "..,such
agreement to include stipulation that agent or broker secure premium quotations
on all coverage".
AMENDMENT: Councilman Henderson moved, seconded by Pearson, that the ordinance
before Council he mended on page 3, SECTION 7, Subsection (3) , to add "such
agreement to include the stipulation that the agent or broker secure premium
quotations on all coverage".
Discussion ensued concerning this amendment and possible interpretation of it.
It was noted that this matter had been discussed at length in committee and
the feeling was that it could be misinterpreted in a broad sense.
Councilman Henderson stated he felt strongly that this stipulation should
be written into the ordinance, as well as into the agreement.
The amendment failed on a majority voice vote.
The ordinance was approved for first reading as presented.
1970-71 Annual Audit
Vice Mayor Norton on behalf of the Finance and Public Works Committee reported
to Council that the Committee has reviewed the recommendations of the Auditors,
Peat, Marwick, Mitchell, and Company, in their Management Letter of October 11,
1971, has heard the staff responses thereto and is satisfied with the disposition
proposed by staff, and recommends acceptance by the Council of the 1970-71
Annual Audit without action.
MOTION: Vice -Mayor Norton moved, on behalf of the Finance and Public Works
Committee, that the Council accept the Committee's report that it has reviewed
the recommendations of the Auditors and that the 1970-71 Annual Audit be
accepted without action.
The.motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
titian for a Beautification Plan
or am c rr,�Tt"a►io o
Mayor Comstock asked Councilman Pearson, Chairman of the Policy and Procedures
Committee, to report.
Councilman Pearson, Chairman of the Po11c7 and P .eocedures Committee, stated
that during the Committee meeting it became apparent that the subject of
a competition for a unified beautification plan for Downtown Palo Alto was
not enthusiastically received by staff because of the lack of direction and
the feeling that such a competition should not be held until after the Planning
Commission has completed studies to be conducted on Palo Alto's Downtown area.
She noted that results of these studies will be incorporated into a new General
Pjan. Because of the lack of specific information on what the nompetitors
in such a competition should study; Chairman Pearson said she agreed with
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MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, on behalf of the Policy and Procedures
CcJmittee, that the subject of a City sponsored competition for a unified
beautificetion plan for Downtown Palo Alto to tabled.
Councilman Berwald referred to the Committee's recommendation and stated
that his "no" vote at the Committee was expressed only insofar a., the cessation
of a competition is concerned; he noted that he would be in favor of "cosmetic"
treatment for the downtown area and was anxious that the Committee's recom-
mendation to table the subject of a competition did not mean the end
of discussions on possible downtown beautification.
Mayor Comstock recognized Mr. Scott Carey who wished to address the Council.
Mr. Scott Carey, President, Downtown Palo Alto, Inc., 150 University Avenue,
Palo Alto, stated that he had some remarks he wished to make and also some
slides to shorn. He noted that, later in the meeting, Council would discuss
Councilman Berwald's request regarding downtown beautification, which appears
on the Agenda under "hew Business". He said he felt his remarks might be
more appropriate at that time.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Councilman Clerk, that the
item regarding downtown beautification listed under "New Rosiness" as Agenda
Items No. 14, be considered at this time.
The vote to cons.da r at this time not being unanimous, the motion failed.
Doentown Study - Census Trace 113
Mayor Comstock asked Councilmen Pearson, Chairman of the Policy and Procedures
Committee, to report.
MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, on behalf ,f the Policy and Procedures
Committee, that the Downtown Study - Census Tract No. 113 be referred to
the Planning Commission so it can be considered with the Comprehensive Plan
Study. Furthermore, it is recommended that the Planning Commission consider
the following items:
1. Overall density limits on both commercial and residential
development;
2. Revisions of C-2 zoning in the following areas:
a.) Ground cove rage ;
b.) Setbacks; red
c.) Height limits;
3. Aesthetics
Councilman Dias stated thatshe did not disagree with the overall idea of the
recommendation, but was concerned that items 2 and 3 were not specifically
geared to the downtown district. She said she felt that a revision of C-2
zoning should be made applica 1e throughout the City, if it is revised at all
and not merely to the downtown area.
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Chairmen Gordon of the Planning Commission stated that this kind of discussion
is very much part of the Comprehensive Plan Program since the Commission
is indeed looking at various portions of the City and their limitations in
this regard.
MOTION: Councilman Beahrs moved to table the subject of the Do'iatown Study -
Census Tract No. 113.
There being no second, the motion failed.
Further discussion ensued regarding whether this type of referral is specific
enough for the Planning Commission.
AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Norton moved, seconded by Beahrs, that the Policy
and Procedures recommendation regarding the Downtown Study - Census Tract
No. 113 be amended to state "2. Review of C-2 zoning in the following areas:
a.) ground coverage; b,) setback; and c.) height limits", instead of
"revisions" of C-2 zoning in those areas.
The amendment passed on a unanimous voice vote.
The motion as amended passed on a unanimous voice eo°:e.
Chan e of District -
+ A ma Street
Mayor Comstock acknowledged receipt of numerous calls and letters pertaining
.tq the application of the YMCA for a change of district at the above address
from R-1:B-S:A to P -C (YMCA facilities). He asked Chairman Gordon of the
Planning Commission to review the Planning Commissioes recommendations.
Chairman Gordon said the Director of Planning and Community Development Fourcroy
would review the recommendations.
Director of Planning and Community Development Fourcroy stated that, since
the original application vas submitted by the applicants the plans have been
reviewed at a number of meetings between the INCA and residents in the area.
Changes have been made in the total landscaping layout. One such change
is to utilise a hardy type of grass for turfing for areas that would normally
be blacktop parking aurface. This type of turfing is adequate for occasional
parking use and would decrease the amount of concrete to be uced on the site.
He noted that along the perimeter of the property there is a buffer separating
it from the adjoining building. Insofar as traffic circulation 13 concerned,
the principal change has been to make ingress and egress possible by a "right
turn in" and "right turn out" only. Other minor improvements have been made
to the original plans, but these represent the major changes; Ke added that;
there will be 132 permanent off-street parking epaees, using 9 ft. wide stalls
Overflow parking for 74 ears will be located on the turf area making a total
of 206 off-street parking spaces available.
Further discussion ensued regarding the route to be taken by those entering
and leaving the proposed facility using the "right turn in" and "right turn
out" to and from the property. Questions were raised regarding possible future
use of the TMCA'a present facility at Rosa Road. Chairman Gordon stated
that no discussion had taken place at the Planning Commission level regarding
future use of this property.
Mayor Comstock stated that __Council would no/ hear from representatives o
the YMCA.
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11/1/71
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Mr. Bob Biorn, representing the Board of Directors of the YMCA, addressed
Council and explained that expanded facilities are needed fcr existing YMCA
programs and a new physical education program. The present facilities at
Ross Road present problems of accessibility and, in considering a locatioe
for the new facility, the YMCA examined many sites and had come to the con-
clusion that the San Antonio/Alma site represented as ideal a location as
they could find. Referring to the fact that the San Antonio/Alma site is
adjacent to a residential district, Mr. Biorn noted that the present Ross
Road facilities are surrounded by residential roads with access via resi-
dential streets. However, the San Antonio/Alma site although also adjacent to
residential neighborhood can primarily be reached v5.a main thoroughfaies.
The proposed facility is being designed with noise containment at the top
of the priority list and it is hoped that discussions with the residents
cf the neighborhood, which have been held since January of this year, will
result in the facility being designed to cause as little disturbance as possible
to residents. Mr. Biorn noted that the Planning Commission's Resolution to
change the zoning of the property at 4295 Alma Street includes a ban on teenage
rock dances and a restriction on overnight use. He said he would like to
request that the ban on rock dances be removed, since the YMCA does not feel
that this particular activity would be any more noisy or disturbing than
other activities. He added that he could see occasions arising when the
YMCA might wish to use the building over night and the, would also like to
see this restriction removed ;rocs the ordinance. Mr. Biorn then introduced
Mr. Bill Hawley, architect,
Mr. William R. Hawley, Architect, Hawley and Peters n, Architects, 800 Welch
Road, Palo Alto, 94304, addressed himself to the subject of design of the
building and in 'articular the height limitations. He noted that it would
be possible to reduce the height of the building, not necessarily to the
desired 24 feet but perhaps to less than 35 feet. He addressed Council in
detail 012 his plans for the building.
Mayor Comstock suggested that Council now take a recess and return to consider
this matter further.
Motion to Consider MDowntown Beautification at this
MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Comstock, to consider Item No. 14
on the agenda, regarding Downtown Beautification, at this time.
The motion to consider this item oast of order passed on a unanimous voice
vote.
MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Comstock, to continue the
subject of Downtown Beautification for one week.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
The Council recessed from 9:20 post. to 9:50 p.m.
Council discussed the manner in which to handle the remaining items on the
agenda. The motion to continue certain items failed and it was noted that
Council would continue as far is possible tonight and then adjourn the meting
until November 8.
Chan a of District-
42 ?'L1 is Street continued)
Council addressed further questions to YMCA representatives.
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John Banks, Vice President, Palo Alto YMCA, cited other YMCAs which home
been constructed can a siailar basis in residential neighborhoods in Burbank,
La Canada, and San Pedro.
David Hammond, Vice President for Programming, Palo Altc YMCA, discussed
existing and proposed YMCA programs and cited statistics on parking counts
taken for various events and times.
Mr. Biorn and Mr. Hawley, together with director of Planning and Community
Development Fourcroy, responded to Council's questions.
Mayor Comstock stated Council would hear from the audience at this time.
Robert Leonard, 4107 Briarwood Way, spoke in oppositio:t to the proposed change
of zoning and noted that it i4 proposed to construct a regional YMCA, and
not a Palo Alto YMCA, on this site,
Lee Stewart, 152 Ferne Court, spoke in opposition to the proposed one change.
Adarn Lender, 4124 i;iarwood Way, stronsly opposed the zone change on the
basis of aesthetics, noise, and traffic problems.
Mrs. Betty Trish, 4205 Briarwood, spoke as a resident of Palo Alto for fifteen
years and in opposition to the proposed zone change.
Jean Crane, 4160 Briarwood Way, spoke in opposition to the change of zoning.
L. E. Dilley, 4159 Briarwood, stated he lives about 300 yards from the proposed
site and is in opposition to the proposed change of zoning.
John T. Gray, 196 Hemlock Court, spoke in opposition to the proposed change
of zoning.
Lewis D. Hall, 235 Ferne Avenue; spoke in opposition to the proposed change
of zoning.
William Ambrosio, 219 Ferne Avenue, stated he lives two blocks from the proposed
site and is opposed to the change of zoning.
Opalene Mitchell, 4257 Briarwood Way, spoke against the proposed change of
zoning.
James V. Trish,
of zoning.
Anneliese Holz,
of zoning.
Connie Winget,
of zoning.
4205 Briarwood, urged Council to deny the proposed change
188 Ferne Court, spoke in opposition to the proposed change
163 Ferne Avenue, spoke in opposition to the proposed change
Edwin C. Burke, 241 Verne Avenue, spoke in opposition to the proposed change
of toning.
Dr. Barry G. Willis,
change of toning.
337 Calcaterra, spoke in opposition to the proposed
Ballard Preach, 318 Ferne Avenue, spoke in opposition to the proposed change
of zoning.
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Maynard Kuljian, 182 Ferne Court, spoke in opposition to the proposed change
of toning and showed glides illustrating traffic problems in the area.
Frank A. Crossley, 193 Hemlock Court, stated that 390 home owners had signed
a petition and submitted it to the Planning Commission in opposition to the
proposed changed of zoning.
J. D. Sutorius, 195 Santa Rita, member of the Board of Di*:ectors of the YMCA
and Treasurer of tho YMCA, spoke in support of the change of zone at 4295
Alma.
David Hammond, 1062 Metro Circle, Vice President of the Board, in charge of
programs for tI a YMCA, spoke in . favor of the change of zoning at 4295 Alma
and against the restrictions included in the ordinance, in particular the
restrictions on certain activities such as teenage dances.
Jack Wheatley, 2240 Cowper, spoke in favor of the change of zone at 4295
Alma and reminded Council of the difficulties encountered by community oriented
groups and churches in finding suitable locations in the City.
W. Logan, 158 Ferne Court, said he lives just one door away from the proposed
site and is in favor of the change of zoning.
Tom 0. Passell, 3825 Louis Road, spoke in opposition to the proposed change
of zoning.
Shirley Holliday, 3838 Mumford Place, spoke in support of the YMCA and the
proposed change of zoning.
John B. Boyd, 3720 Carlson Circle, spoke in favor of the YMCA and the proposed
change of zoning.
Milton Crane, 4160 Briarwood Way, spoke in opposition to the proposed change
of zoning.
Roger Holliday, 3838 Mumford Place, spoke in favor of the proposed rezoning.
Mrs. Elaine S. Crossley, 193 Hemlock Court, stated that her property adjoins
the proposed site and she is opposed to the proposed rezoning.
MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Councilman Beshr , that the
application of the YMCA for a change of district at 4295 Alma Street from
R -1:B -8:A to P -C (YMCA facilities) be denied.
The motion passed on a majority voice vote.
AdIourgent
Mayor Comstock announced that the meeting would now adjourn to 7:30 p.m.
Monday, November 8, 1971. --
The meeting adjourned at 1:15 a.m.
APPROVED:
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