HomeMy WebLinkAbout11081971MINUTES
city of Palo alto
November 8, 1971
The Council of the City of Palo Alto met at 7:30 p.m. on this date with
Mayor Comstock presiding, in an adjourned meeting of November 1, 1971.
Present: 8eahrs, 8erwald, Clark, Comstock, Henderson, Norton,
Pearson, Rosenbaum
Absent: None
Resignation of Councilman Frances K. Dias
Mayor Comstock announced that Council had received a letter dated November 2
from Councilman Frances K. Dias, announcing her resignation from the City
Council effective 5:O0 p.m. rr:day, November 5, 1971.
MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that the Council accept
with regret the resignation of Councilman Frances K. Dias.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Mayor Comstock said in order to clarify the procedure to be followed in
filling the vacant seat or the City Council created by Mrs. Dias' resignation
he would call upon City Attorney Stogie to advise Council of the procedure
contained in the Palo Alto City Charter,
City Attorney Stone read aloud Article III, Section 10, of the Palo Alto
City Charter, which states that a vacancy in the Council shall be filled
by the remaining members of the Council, and the appointee shall hold
office until the first day of July succeeding the next election at which
Councilmen are to be elected. He noted that the appointee in this case
would not serve for the full unexpired term, but only until July 1, 1973.
Mayor Comstock requested members of the public wishing to submit names
for candidates for the City Council vacancy to contact members of the
Council or himself.
uest firms "The Center" (CMR:9533:1)
Mayor Comstock asked Acting City Manager Sipel to report.
Acting City :'onager Sipel reviewed the Council's direction of October 4,
1971 asking staff to review possible participation by the City in a rederai
Grant application for a drug abuse treatment program,- sponsored by "The
Center". He stated that this subject is being discussed at the County
level and he understood that there are very limited funds available for
grants o1: this kind under the Safe Streets Act. Grant applications are
reviewed by the Drug Abuse Coordinator at the County level and to qualify
for a grant in 1972, applications must be submitted to the Coordinator not
later than the end of December, 1971, and earlier, if possible. Mr. Sipel
said it was his recommendation that the Council w' and review the Drug
Abuse: Task Force's report before taking any actiot n a City -sponsored
program and that the Task Force be asked to review and comment on "The
Center's" proposed program.
Mayor Comstock said Council would not hear from the Director of "The Center".
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Douglas Jenks, 1645 Madrono Avenue, Palo Alto, wember of the Board of
Directors of "The Center", and speaking also as a citizen of T'aio Alto
for thirty years, stated that he is particularly concerned about the drug
abuse problem in Palo Alto and believes that time is of essence. "The
Center" has an effective program in operation at present and he said he
hoped Council would take action tonight to co-sponsor this program.
Jay Endres, Development Director, "The Center", and resident of 4312 Collins
Court, Mountain View, stated he agreed with Acting City Manager Sipel
that chances of obtaining 1972 Federal funds are slim. He stressed the
importance of an application being filed as soon as possible, hopefully
by December 1, 1971.
John fmanuelaon, 1248 Harriett, stated that he has worked with people
from "The Center" and he considered the community to be very fortunate
that this organization wishes to locate in the City. He spoke in support
of "The Center" and requested Council to make a commitment to co-sponsor
"The Center's" program.
Robert Cuilenbine, 2875 Ramona Street, said he would be in favor of a
program which would reach the majority of drug abusers. He felt that
"The Center's" program is limited to a minority of addicts and 1.e believed
that City support of a Federal grant application should consider other
priorities and programs.
Bob Garner, 3351 Alma, County Drug Abuse Coordinators advised Council
that all Federal grants are for a one•-yer period and have to be reapplied
for at the end of one year.
Discussion followed on timing of the City of Palo Alto Drug Abuse Task
Forte's report.
MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Pearson, that Council direct
staff to initiate participation by the City in applying for a Federal
grant for a drug abuse program, under the auspices of the group known
as "The Center",
The motion passed on a majority voice vote.
Annexation Folic : Stanford Residential Areas
an ter Areas anti ous to a_.o Alto :966:1)
ammamm
Mayor Comstock asked Acting City Manager Sipel to report.
Acting City Manager Sipel referred to his staff report regarding the City's
most recent study efforts to explore the question of annexing residentially
developed Stanford land.
MOTION: Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by Comstock, that the subject
of the City's annexation policy for Stanford residential areas and other
areas contiguoua to Palo Alto be referred to the Finance and Pubiie Works
r:: Lt. _e and the Planning Commission.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Pearson moved that the referral to the Finance
and Public Works Committee and to the Planning Commission be amended to
request that these bodies study the possibility of encouraging annexation
of all of Stanford land to the City of Palo Alto.
The amendment died for ]ask of a second.
The motion passed on a unanimousvoice vote.
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Miscellaneous Storm Drains a Im rovements -
t 7- an Antonio Avenue Project No. 69-61 (CMR:964:1)
Mayor Comstock invited staff to comment on this.
H. M. Witbeck, City Engineer, stated that a low bid in the amount of $6,884
had been received for the installation of approximately 458 feet of 12
inch storm drain to eliminate local flooding on San Antonio Avenue north,
of East Charleston Road.
MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Clark, that Council accept
the low bid of $6,884 submitted by Terra Engineering Company of Mountain
View and that the Mayor be authorized to execute the contract with this
company.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
of Palo Alto
Mayor Comstock requested City Attorney Stone to speak to this item.
City Attorney Stone stated that it has been suggested that a site in Palo
Alto be used for a facility to train doctors in hypnotism. Such a use
would require Council passing an ordinance repealing Section 9.32.090
of the Palo Alto Municipal Code pertaining to the practice of hypnotism.
MOTION: Councilman Henderson introduced the following ordinance and moved,
seconded by Norton, its approval for first reading:
"ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING
THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO REPEAL SECTION 9.32.090
PERTAINING 10 THE PRACTICE OF HYPNOTISM" (second reading
11/22/71)
The ordinance was approved for first reading on a unanimous voice vote.
Southern Pacific Ticket Aena
y ora
te
Mayor Comstock referred to the City Attorney's report dated October 28, 1971
which stated that following the City of Palo Alto's protest of October
21, 1971, to the California Public Utilities Commission in connection
with the Southern Pacific Company's proposed cessation of ticket agent
services on holidays, the PUC has directed the Southern Pacific Company
to make no changes in the present staffing of the ticket agency in Palo
Alto.
MOTION: Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Beahrs, that the City Attorney's
report of October 28 _concerning Southern Pacific's ticket agent service in
-Palo Alto be recorded as received and f11cd.
The motion passed on a unanimous ,.voice vote.
A licat.ion for Chars a of District:
an Antonio Avenue
Trom t:o partauents)
Mayor Comstock reported on a meeting held recently with representatives
from the City of Mountain View, which was attended by Councilmen Berwald
and Norton and himself. lie referred also to a Jett r detcd November 5
from-=tin+!-t'.i ty C2tr, of Hounta3in Vier, Stating that the City of Mountain
Vial is opposed to the development to be discussed this evening. Mayor
Co stock then asked Director of Planning and Community Development Vourcroy
to review the revised plans before Council this evening.
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Director of Planning and Community Development Fourcroy noted that the
revised plans show the number of units redeenit crcm 166 to 156, giving a
density of 22 per acre. He noted that the developer has increased the
number of one bedroom units and decreased the number of two --three bed-
room units.
Mr. Fourcroy continued to respond to Council's questions concerning traffic
plans, the number of children that might be housed in such a development
and also wh ther the plans before Council this evening sh.uld be referred
to the Planning Commission.
Planning Commission Chairtiatn., Mrs. Mary Gordon, noted that the Planning
Commission had not reviewed the plans Council is considering and this sub-
ject could be placed on the agenda for the Planning Commission meeting
of November 17, 1971.
Further discussion ensued on the method of referral with City Attorney
Stone advising Council of the alternatives, in particular that since the
plans before Council are less dense and more restrictive than previous
plans the Council could approve the project in concept, before returning
the plans to the Planning Commission for review.
Mayor Comstock stated that Council would hear from the public at this time.
Mr. Herman Ranes, 3973 Bihbits Drive, Palo Alto, spoke of the need for
low income housing and said the site in question is suitable for people
who prefer to walk rather than driving an automobile. He r-eq:rested a decision
in favor of the project.
Bob Stern, Developer, Hirsch/Stern, Sherman Oaks, California, requested
permission to address Council later, when members of the public have finished
speaking.
Hal Joseph, Director of Planning, George S. Nolte, Inc., 1731 Forth First
Street, San Jose, and a resident of 3466 Thomas Drive, Palo Alto, stated
that he had been retained by the developers, Hirsch/Stern, and after careful
review of the site plan, and taking into account the reduction in density
and height with increased setbacks, he fell: confident that this development
would be a good addition to the community. He referred to discussions and
correspondence with Mr. Thomas Reese, attorney representing the Senior
Coordinating Council of -Palo Alto; Earl William Greene, Jr., Administrator
of Stephenson House, and Mrs. Diana Steeples of the Senior Coordinating
Council and said that reactions from these individuals had been in favor
of the project. He reminded Council of the deadline of December 6, 1971
by which date application must be made to HUD for federal funds.
Janet pens, 863 Moreno, representing Midpeninsula Citizens for Fair Housing,
read a prepared statement indicating MCFH's general approval of the plan,
but suggesting that the proposal be returned to the Planning _ Lva,aissi.on
---for further review.
Thomas Reese, 260 Sheridan Avenue, attorney representing the Senior Coordinating
Council of Palo Alto, stated that he could wholeheartedly support this
development as a means of providing low cost housing for families and
the elderly, particularly since senior citizens would have available to
them 128 one bedroom saute at a cost of approximately $60 per month. He
added that to his knowledge there are 900 residents in the community in
weed of housing of this sort.
Louis R. GQidala1th, a r sideut, Palo Alto Housing Corporation, and resident
of 1462 Edaewood Drive, stated rm t- he had attended the meetings during which
the developer had spoken :*i`th residents. He stated that the Housing Corpora-
tion feels this is a badly needed project in Palo Alto.
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James H. Finney, 2553 Mardeil Way, Mountain View, said while he is for
housing for the elderly, he would oppose .Oils particular development
on the site in question particularly because of its isolation and distance
from stores and other facilities. He stated he thought this matter should
be referred back to the Planning Commission.
Israel Rabinowitz, 2535 Alvin Street, Mountain View, stated he agreed with
Mr. Finney and had submitted a petition bearing 120 signatures of local
residents in opposition to this development. He said they did not object
to the concert of housing for the elderly or low income groups in this area,
but they dirs not feel this particular location ':o be suitable for housing
for the elderly.
Further -discussion ensued regarding the official po:;ition of the City of
Mountain View and Mayor Comstock reiterated that the City of Mountain View had
indicated opposition to the project in a letter dated Nover'ber 5 signed by Mrs.
Jean Hixon, City Clerk of Mountain View.
Sylvia Semen, 3380 Middlefield Road, speaking as an individual, urged Council
to approve this project which, s',e stated, is unique and wound provide housing
badly needed for 'ow income people, She toted that this is the only project
of its kind which caters to the low income group although other projects have
included some accommodations for middle income people. She urged Council to
approve the proposal.
Mr. Robert Stern addressed Council again, stating that there is no perfect
site for a development of this kind and whatever location is chosen there are
always certain prof letns.
MOTION: Councilman Serwald moved, seconded by Beahrs, that the application
of George S. Nolte for a change of district at 650 San Antonio Avenue, be referred
back to the Planning Commission for its earliest possible consideration. Further,
that this referral be accompanied by a statement indicating that the Council
approves the development in concept and now asks the Planning Commission to
review all aspects of it and return the matter to Council with a recommendation
for preparation of an ordinance for a i'-C, by November 22, 1971.
City Attorney Stone add aed Council that this motion does not represent a pre -
commitment regarding the P -C ordinance but reflects Council's personal judgment
at this time.
AMENDMENT: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by•I'earson, that the motion be amended
to direct the City .ttoriney to prepare an ordinance approving the application
for a zone change; such ordinance to include any modifications that might be
made by the Planning Commission in their review.
City Attorney Stone cautioned against writing the ordinance before the Planning
Coznission's recommendations are known, reminding Council that a P -C ordinance
cannot be modified after it has been approved for first reading.
AMENDMENT- WITHDRAWN: Mayor Comstock -withdrew the proposed an nle2ent, with
the consent of Councilman Pearson.
The Motion passed on a majority voice vote.
Regug for a Historical Site Ordinance and SquirF House Propo_sa1
MOTION; Mayor Comstock moved, duly seconded, that the item shown as Agenda
Item 9 c th a..__1_ f___
.�.. ".� :,3�.attn foe the regular meeting of November 8; 1971, concerning
the Squire House proposal be considered out of order at_thid-t1; --
The motion to consider out of order passed on a unanimous voice vote.
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MOTION: Councilman Henderson moved, seconded by Comstock, that the City Attorney
be instructed to prepare a historical site ordinance appropriate for the City
of Palo Alto.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote:
MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Berwald, that the subject of the
Squire House proposal, made by the "Committee To Save The Squire House" be
referred to staff and staff be requested to prepare a report to reflect their
views, comments, and questions concerning the possibility of the gift proposal
of the Squire House.
Mayor Comstock stated members of the audince wished to speak to this nutter
and would be heard at this time.
Fern Hunt, 522 Mayf ieid •Awslue, - Stanford, Chairman, "Committee To Save The
Squire House", reviewed the Committee's proposal, which suggests that the City
receive the Squire House -as a gift. She commented on possible future uses
of the property and the Committee's intention to raise funds.
W. Leslie Heald, 1511 Mariposa Avenue, architect and member of the Santa Clara
Chapter :f A.I.A., urged Council to assist in the preservation of the Squire
House and said this historical building should be preserved for the future.
San Webster, 335 Lowell, spoke of possible financial arrangements that will
be made to buy this property and said the Committee would like to present the
Squire House to the City, if the City will accept it.
The wtion to refer this matter to staff passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Proposed Joint Development of a Park in the Monroe Area
Mayor Comstock referred to a letter dated October 22, 1971, addressed to the
Mayor of Palo Alto and signed by John T. O'Halloran, City Manager, City of
Mountain View. This letter referred to a request made by former Mayor, Jack
Wheatley, that the City of Mountain View consider the possibility of joining
in a joint development of a park in the Monroe area with the City of Palo Alto.
Mayor Comstock stated that Mountain View's response indicated that the Park
and Recreation Commission of the City of Mountain View had considered this
matter and recommended to ehe Council that the City of Mountain View not jointly
develop a park in this area, and the City Council of Mountain View concurred
in this recommendation.
MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that the matter of a response
to the City of Mountain View's letter of October 22, 1971, be referred to staff
for action.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Oral Communications
1. John D. Snow, 105 Lowell, addressed Council-cc.,cerning Armistice
Day on November 11 and said that members of the American Legion would
appreciate the Mayor issuing a Proclamation in honor of Armistice Day
on November 11.
2. Greg Kerber, 1280 Wilson Street, addressed Council concerning the
vacancy on the City Council and suggested that the City of Palo Alto
Charter be amended to provide for a special election to fill vacancies
on the City Council, rather than having Council appoint.an individual
to fill such a vacancy. -
Mr. Kerner was referred to discussions presently under way in the .
Policy and Procedures Committee concerning Charter revision.
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3. Frank Manfredi, 219 Addison, addressed Council concerning his taxes.
Ad ournment
Mayor Cot,stock adjourned the meeting at 11:.05 p.m.
Regular_Meeting of November 8, 1971
The Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date at 11:05 p.m., in a
regular meeting with Mayor Comstock presiding.
Present: 8eahra, tserwald, Clark, Comstock, Henderson, Norton,
Pearson, Rosenbaum
None
Absent:
Variance: 4005 Ben Lomond Drive
Esc ------•-a
MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Clark, that the appeal of Mr.
& Mrs. Sigmund Kusnierzy=k. from the decision of the Zoning Administrator to
deny an application for a variance at 4005 Ben Lomond Drive, be approved.
Th_ 7otiose passed on a unanimous vc•.;_ce vote.
Design Approval of S.Igns•2b5 Hamilton Avenue
MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Henderson, approval of the
application of the Federal Sign and Signal Corporation for design approval
of signs at 285 Har.ilton Avenue, zone district C -2-C.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Site and Deal n Control: 2415 Embarcadero Way,
one s t r ct -N-i?
Mayor Comstock aRked Director of Planning & Community Development Fourcroy
to speak to this item.
Mr. Fourcroy responded to questions from Council.
MOTION: Councilman Pearson moved that the application of Maurice R. Ledoyen
for Site and Design Control District approval of an industrial building
addition at 2415 Embarcadero Way, Zone District L -M -D, subject to conditions
listed in the staff report dated October 22, 1971, be denied.
The motion failed for lack of a second.
MOTION: Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Beahrs, that Council "plaid the
recommendation of the Planning Commission and approve the afpiication of
Maurice R. Ledoyen for Site and Design Control District approvalof an
industrial building addition at 2415 Embarcadero Way, Zone District L -M. -D,
subject to conditions listed In the staff report dated October 22, 1971.
The motion passed on a majority voice vote.
Re uest to Consider Palo Alto Housin Corporation
teco ns�e elation re 7oint it es cunt Houeth
cement u.t o r er
MOTION: Councilman Henderson moved, seconded by Clark. thar_Cou--cii- ousider--
Itea 6 an the A.e ds out of tinder _Oils t1 since this discussion will
cortaiat_mogely-.o • a referral.
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The motion to consider th0 Palo Alto Housing Corporation's recommendations
regarding the Santa Clara County Planning Policy Committee's Resolution
Adopting the Joint Cities -County Housing Element failed.
Change of District:
625 El Camino Real
om - to - otel Codex)
Mayor Comstock noted that Council had before thee: this evening new plans received
from the developer, and the proposed ordinance to change the zoning on this
property which was formerly known as the Old Corporation Yard. He acknowledged
receipt of correspondence from individuals and also a petition signed by owners
end managers of 25 other hotels and motels in the area stating their opposition
to the proposed Holiday Inn. He asked Director of Planning and Community
Development Fourcroy to speak to this subject.
Director of Planning and Community Development Fourcroy stated that six to eight
major differences have been made in the parking since the original plans were
submitted. He noted that the lease granted to Mr. Clement Chen & Associates
was dependent upon approval of the change of zoning before Council this evening.
Milyor Comstock invited Mr. Clement Chen to address Council.
Mr. Clement Chen, Clement Chen & Associates, Architects, 544 Pacific Avenue,
San Francisco, presented Council with full details concerning the economics of
the proposed hotel development and also showed slides of the site as it is at
present and as it is anticipated it will look when the Holiday Inn is completed.
Ray I)ones, 550 Adeline Street, Oakland, President, National Association of
Minority Contractors, spoke in favor of the project and praised Mr. Chen's
activities in the past in providing employment for minorities.
Tevis Jacobs, 95 San ndreas Way, San Fi•ancfsco, stated that he had nothing to
add to Mr. Chen's couents.
Thomas B. Reese, Attorney, 260 Sheridan Avenue, Palo Alto, representing 30
motel owners in the Palo Alto -Menlo Park -Los Altos area, including 19 of the
total, of 21 motels in Palo Alto, spoke in opposition to the rezoning.
MOTION: Councilman Berwald introduced the following ordinance and moved,
seconded by Norton, its adoption, with the following condition to be added:
"That red brick he used on the entry way and up to the entrance to the b_ilding
and to the property line."
"ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING
SECTION 18.08.040 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO CHANGE
THE ZONING OF CERTAIN PROPERTY ON EL CAMINO REAL b NOS4N AS THE
OLD CORPORATION YARD FROM P -F TO P -C SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS"
(second reading 11/22/71)
AMENDMENT: (Council Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Pearson, that SECTION 2
a. Uses -- 3) of the ordinance be amended to read: "3) Commercial facilities
limited to a barber shop, beauty salon and a shop for incidentals (this shop
not to exceed more than 400 square feet)".
Discussion ensued regarding what services might be required in a hotel lobby
and whether these should include an auto rental agency, tour desk, etc.
SUBSTITUTE AMENDMENT: Councilman Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Beahrs, that
SECTION 2 a. Uses, 3) of the ordinance be amended to reed: __ "3) commercial
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facilities incidental to a hotel,such as an auto rental agency, travel and
tour desk, barber shop, beauty salon, and a shop for gifts, magazines and
other incidentals, (this shop not to exceed 400 square feet)".
The substitute amendment passed on a unanimous voice vote.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Henderson, that the crdinance
be amended to delete under SECTION 2 a. Uses -- 4) the phrase "and convention
facilities".
The amendment failed on a majority voice vote.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Pearson, to amend the ordinance
by adding under SECTION 2 "e. Signs --- exterior signs to fe subject to the
approval of the. City Council".
The amendment passed en a unanimous voice vote.
The ordinance as amended was approved for first reading on the following roll
call vote:
Ayes: Beahrs, Berwald, Clark, Norton, Rosenbaum
Noes: Comstock, Henderson. Pearson
Palo Alto Housin Car oration
Joint Cities-Cou.;at' Housing E1e ent
MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Clark, to bring this matter up out
of order at this time.
The motions passed on a unanimous voice vote.
MOTION: Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Berwald, to refer the Palo Alto
Housing Corporation's review and recommendations regarding the Santa Clara
County Planning Policy Committee's Resolution Adopting the Joint Cities -County
Housing Element to the Planning Commission.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice -eote.
Ad1ournment
The meeting was adjourned at 1:25 a.m.
APPROVED:
cli,LttJeAdi Lersiidiz*N.
Mayor
ATTEST:
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