HomeMy WebLinkAbout11151971IF] MINUTES
city 01 palo alto
November 15, 1971
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date at 7:30 p.m.
in an adjourned meeting of November 8, 1971, with Mayor Comstock pre-
siding.
Present: Beahrs, Ee;:wa1d, Clark, Comstock, Henderson, Norton,
Pearson, Rosenbau
Absent: None
Welcome to Visitors
eeeeemewe
Mayor Comstock recognized and welcomed five students visiting Palo Alto
this year under the American Field Services Exchange Program. 'de stated
these students come from Belgium, South America, France, Turkey
and Denmark and are living with Palo Alto families.
A.,.ards for Palo Alto
ro ra;::s; tCMk: 7 ..
s Environmental
'r.JTICN: Mayor Comstock roved, secondAd by Ber+ a1d, that the item concerning
aw_rds for Palo Alto's i:nvironm ntas Programs, numbered six on the agenc:a
for the regular meeting of November 15, 1971, be considered at this time.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote,
`:ayor Comstock asked Acting City Manager Sipel to report.
Acting City Manager Sipel stated that the City of Palo Alto has received
two awards for its effors to improve and enhance the environment.
The California E.nti-Litter League has awarded -third place to Palo Alro
in its third Annual California Clean City Competition. The City's presenta-
tion was prepared by members of the City Beautification Committee chaired
by Neal Beck and featured eevironmental improvements resulting from the
City's recycling program. Staff members Eileen Gibbs and Raul Perez
were recognized for their efforts in connection with this award.
The second award was made by the bay Area Council to Palo Alto, recog-
nizing the City's environ ental awareness and educatien program. Mayor
Comstock and Larry White, the City's Director of Nature aid Science, had
received this award at a luncheon in Berkeley.
Mayor Comstock congratelated staff aad members of the Palo Alto comity
for their efforts concerning protection of the environment.
Chan a of District: 835 and
age Niel Road r�S
Mayor Comstock asked Director of Planning and Ccmmaify Development
Fourcroy to report.
Council had rwfarred Phi_ "" ct__
—retilew and -recommendations. He noted that the plans before Council this
Hr. Fourcroy stated that this matter had appeared before Council previously.
t;o-the t landing Commission for
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evening reflect soma `F.......e-._ Advil c . e? imination of a driveway as recom-
mended by the Planning Commission and changes in the lanr;scaping and
the amount of blacktop parking area.
Mayor Coct,3tock invited the applicants to address Council.
Frank Crist, Jr., Attorney, representing applicants Carl A. Rolvick & Co.,
Inc. and Kulakoff Realtors, stated that their only area of disagreement
with regard to the Planning Commission's recommendation to the Council
concerned the front driveway. The applicants had included a 26 foot
wide driveway and the Planning Commission felt that a one-way entrance
to the property would be preferable. He stated the possible ingress and
egress problems that could evolve from eliminating the driveway and then
went on to discuss the need for a bank at this location and the situation
in which the United California Bank finds 1tsif with respect to termina-
tion of its current lease. He introduced Mr. Tom Anderson of United
California Bank.
Tom Anderson, UnitA California Bank, San Francisco, reiterated the history
of Ur.itad California Bank's present location on El Camino Real and gave
details of the bank's clientele in the area, the need for a bank at this
location. He .escribed in detail other sites which UCb had investigated
and had decided would not be suitable for relocation of their office.
Responding to questions from Council, Mr. Frank grist stated that the
applicants could live with the Fianning Commission's recommendation to
eliminate the front driveway, should Council choose to change the zoning
subject to the conditions laid down by the Planning Commission.
MOTION: Councilman Berwald introduced the following ordinance and
moved, seconded by Beahrs, its approval for first reading:
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING SECTION
18.08.040 OF DIE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF
CERTAIN PROPERTY RNA AS 835 AND 845 PAGE MILL ROAD FROM L -M -S
TO P -C SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS.
Councilman Henderson stated that he could see no reason to give one bank
a preferred '.ovation in the Industrial Park and for this reason would
vote against the proposed change of district.
The ordinar.;:e failed on the following roil call vote:
Ayes: Seahrs, aerwald, Clark, Norton
Noes: Comstock, Henderson, Pearson, Rosenbaum
Execute ve Session
Mayor Comstock announced that the.Executive session rhown on the agenda
would be held'iater in the evering-.
Downtown Beautification
Mayor Comstock asked Councilman Berwald, who had requested this item be
placed on the agenda, to speak to this matter.
Councilman Berwald referred to hxs memodated October 28.___.1.9' t,-addraltsed
to his Coll'e ues.._H ;poke-of-the y of
� _ ..�- "_history of attempts to revitalize
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11/15/71
downtown Palo Alto; the frustration of the downtown merchants because
these reports and studies have been repeatedly rejected. He stated that
during the discussion of the Policy and Procedures Committee concerning a
competition for a dowmta.m beautification plan, he had indicated that while
he was in agreement that the idea of a competition be tabled, it seemed to
him imperative that some action be taken to provide downtown Palo Alto
with a much needed beautification program. Regarding participation of
the merchants, Councilman Berwald referred to efforts already being_
made to upgrade downtown and said that he felt it is high time for the
City to support a meaningful program of beautification to encourage further
initiative on the part of the merchants. He asked Council to support hic
action and said that while the term "cosmetics" has been used he would
prefer to request that the idea of "off -site improvements" be explored in
depth.
Mayor Comstock. invited Sr, Scott Carey, President of Downtown Palo Alto,
Inc., to address the Council.
Mr. Scott Carey, 150 University Avenue, Palo Alto, speaking on behalf of
Downtown Palo Alto, Inc., stared that this organization represents more
than 100 property owners and merchants in the downtown area. These
property owners and merchants unanimouPly support the idea of the Beaut_i-
ficetion Project for the downtown area. Mr. Carey referred to studies
made over the years and reminded Coui.cil that last January the property
owners and merchants had been prepared to assess themselves to help pay
for a beautification project. He stated the time has come for off -site
upgrading and Council action to carry this out would not affect the buildings,
vacant land, setbac'r.s, or future discussions on zoning, etc., to be held
in connection with the Comprehensive Plan. Off -site improvements would
refer to the sidewalks, lighting, and general appearance of the downtown
area and provide an incentive for the merchants to further upgrade their
own properties. Mr. Carey listed the years the downtown area has been
studied, co Being the period 1945 to 071, and said that to delay -further
is simply not being realistic. Now is the time far action. He showed a
series of slides illustrating the off -site improvements made in the downtown
area of the City of San Diego and said that San Diego had accomplished this
project within a nine months period, including sidewalk treatment, new
light fixtures and kiosks at intersections at a cost of $1,000A00. The
proposal for downtown Palo Alto suggests employing a modified version
of what was considered during the planning of the Bryant Street Project.
Mr. Carey continued saying that Council hae allocated $175,060 for
beautification and if staff does not have time to complete a study of
the downtown area in this fiscal year it is suggested that part of this
sum be used to hire a consultant to prepare a plan. He noted that the
consultant in this case could come from local talent.
Responding to questions on what it is envisioned the City's contribution
would be, Mr. Carey said Downtown Palo Alto, Inc., was thinking in
terms of a scaled down version of the $2,000,000 project proposed last
January. It was hoped the City's contribution would be $175;00; this
fiscal year, plus a similar amount during the next 2 to 3 years. The
balance would be paid for by assessment of the district.
Vice Mayor Norton suggested that Council should address itself to the
question of its willingness to spend this amount of money on downtown
beautification.
Councilman Pearson responded to Mr. Carey's comments, stating that Mr. Carey
had indicated to the Policy and Procedures Comadttee that the trity of
Saw Diego contributed 202 of the cost of the beanr f c-tJ -
-- _i_�..-�«oo project
---
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and the merchants had contributed 807.. She said previous studies
in Palo Alto had been abandoned because the merchants backed out when
they learned of the costs involved.
Mr. Carey said that Downtown Palo Alto Inc. is now convinced that the
time has come to support a beautification project and the downtown property
owners, although they have not always been willing to pay, did agree last
January to be assessed for 80% of the excess of $2 million_ for the Bryant
Street Project and Council is talking about a far less amount now.
Councilman' Henderson questioned staff regarding the schedule for under-
grounding of utilities in the downtown area.
Acting City Manager Sipei responded, stating that there is no current
plan for the balance of undergrounding utilities and staff has had no
direction from Council to proceed with conversion projects for the next
five years.
Mayor Comstock said Council would hear from members of the audience at
this time.
Frank Manfredi, 219 Addison, stated he was for beautification, but does
not want the cost to be added to his tax bill.. He said the only ray to
increase business in the downtown area is for merchants to reduce their prices.
Mrs. Crystal Damage, 1568 Channinx Avenue, and Executive Secretary, Down-
town Palo Alto Inc., said she hears from many citizens regarding the need
for beautification of the area and many downtown property owners are
already undertaking on -site improvements. She spoke of the need for im-
proved lighting in relation to the Safe Streets Act and said now 13 the
time to go ahead with improvements in the downtown area.
MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Clark, that staff be directed
to review present beautification and lighting plan for downtown and submit
to the Council a preliminary beautification and lighting design elan,
including an estimate of costs and a recommendation as to the allocation
of costs between the City and the downtown district. Further, the staff
proposal should set forth the scope and area of the plan and a step by
step plan for implementation.
Further discussion followed, with Mr. Berwald stressing the teed for Council
support of the downtown business district, where many citizens shop, and
improve its environment by making it more safe, attractive and pleasant.
Responding to Acting City Manager Sipel's request for clarification of
the motion, Mr. Berwald stated that it was his intent to convey that staff
should use its discretion and return to Council with a step by step report
of the costs involved.
Acting City Manage` Sipe1 stated that he anticipated the staff efforts
for a review and updating of last year's beautification plan would cost
around $5,000 and would take between two to.three months. He noted that
this review would necessitate the reassignment of one or two staff members
within the Planning Department and might entail a review of the priorities
within that department. He said that to go outside he estimated the pre-
li:cfnary study would cost around $20,000.
Councilman Rosenbaum stated that he ro,'1d :ot nee thyself supporting a
half -million dollar project for the downtown and hewould_oppose time __
motion because he could not see a majority supporting that kind of expenditure.
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11/15/71
Planning Commission Chairman Mary Gordon stated that she shared the con-
cern of the downtown merchants and also felt en equal amount of concern
about embarking on any new program at this time when the Planning ten--:
mission is beginning a new Comprehensive Plan, She said she felt st:',n° r"i.
that the Commission and the Council should look at all the related aspects
of downtown beautification and she felt that a "cosmetic treatment"
would limit the ability of any designer involved in an overall plan for
the downtown. She added that she would include streets such as Ramona
Street as an integral part of the downtown and would not limit beautifi-
cation to University Avenue. She asked Council to take a closer look at
the area before making a commitment,
Councilman Clark stated that in embarking upon a beautification project
for the downtown area, he could see_ no conflict with the forthcoming
Comprehensive Plan and he did not envision this Plan would be completed
for several years.
Planning Commissioner Gordon stated that she did not mean to indicate that
action on the downtown area should wait until. the Comprehensive Plan study
is completed. She could see certain areas being utilized as pilot study
areas, and agreed with Mrs. Gama.ge that there will be opportunities coming
up shortly to study the downtown area.
Responding to Vice Mayor Norton, Actiag City Manager Sipel said that he
could see staff preparing a sufficiently precise kind of plan for the
time and expense indicated, and returning to Council by the time it is
reviewing the Community Improvement Program with a plan for the downtown
area and a firm estimate of what the cost of the final plan would be.
Further discussion ensued, with mention ;aeing made of the California Ave-
nue District and tiie Central Palo Alto Study.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Beahrs, Berwald, Clark, Comstock, Norton
Noes: Henderson, Pearson, Rosenbaum
R Uest for Reconsideration of
a.. ci a t on ir. Aa ion f o r
a"' ant or a u use ro ram nor
t e uspices o e enter
MOTION: Mayor f'+ cstock moved, seconded by Clark, that item 8 on the regular
meeting agenda cea November 15, 1971 be considered out of order at this time.
The motion passedona unanimous voice vote.
Mayor Comstock asked Councilman Clark to speaL to this lees.
Councilman Clark referred to his memo to Council dated November 10, 1971
and said that he had requested reconsideration of the November 8 Council
action, instructing stuff to initiate City participation in applying for
a Federal Grant for a drug abuse program under the auspices of "The Center",
on the basis of information derived from a long conversation with Dr. Allan
Seid, Chairman of the City's Drug Teak Force Committee. He said that his
vote on November 8 in support of "The Center" and Its program had been
on the basis that- ebb C t 's _+ eee Task _ Force COmmittee would not be able
to, make -recosaeadationa which could be assembled into a grant application
3 0 1
11/15/?1
form prior to the January 1, 1972--deadline_necessary for possibly obtaining
funds in the 1972 fiscal. year. After speaking with Dr. Seid at length,
Dr. Clark said he was of the opinion now that the Task Force Committee
could offer alternative recommendations and for this reason he would
like Council to reconsider their action of November. 8.
MOTION: Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Pearson, that Council rescind
their action of November 8 instructing staff to initiate City participa-
tion in applying for a Federal Grant for a drug abuse program under the
auspices of "The Center".
Further discussion ensued regarding what this action would mean to "The
Center".
Mayor Comstock acknowledged receipt of letters from Bruce Emmons, Presi-
dent, Intergroup Fellowship, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, signed by ten
members of the congregation, and a letter dated November 12, I97! from
Marialee Neighbours, representing the Peninsula Crisis Intervention
Center and requesting that Council wait and study the Drug Abuse Task
Force's recommendations before taking action. He referred to a letter
from Jay Endres, Development Director, "The Center", which was delivered
to Council this evening.
Mayor Comstock invited Ted Wise, Director, "The Center", to address the
Council.
Ted Wise, Director,"•rbe Center", stated that the Center's staff had no
objection to Council rescinding their previous action. He said "The
Center" is anxious to cooperate in whatever action Council decides to
take and wishes to in no way discourage future citizen involvement in
solving the drug abuse problem. He stressed the need for a program which
would reach people in the street and methods to implement such a program
and develop a raport with people on the street who are not at present
receiving treatment.
Jay Endres, Development Director,"The Center", Menlo Park, resid.?ng at
4312 Collins Court, Mountaiu View, re-emphasized the Center's willingness
to cooperate in any way possible. He said any publicity regarding discord
between groups involved in trying to solve the problem only strengthens the
addicts and pushers, who laugh at the disputes. He expressed concern for
citizens on the streets and noted that "The Center" is currently in business
and has treated over 400 addicts so far. He said anything the Council can
do to help will be appreciated.
Dr. Gerhard Dirks, 1220 Edgecliff Place, Palo Alto, spoke of the wonderful
job "The Center" has done and said it is difficult to appreciate the diffi-
culties "The Center" staff encountered in the beginning. The important
thing is not to stop or reacrIct the help given to addicts in any way.
Charlotte Beyers, 330 Santa Rita, Palo Alto, member of the Board of Damien
House, 457 Kingsley, which operates a 24 -hour referral service for drug
abusers, said Council had bypassed the Drug /Cause Task Force in its action
of November 8 and she hoped they would rescind this action tonight.
Carl Gulliver, 948 Clara Drive, Palo Alto, stated that he is not involved
with "The Center", but knows personally the people who run it. He pointed
out that the individuals who started "The Center" did so out of compassion
without funding or a feasibility study. He_prd7ed tbe__d-=rectors o_
"The
Canter" _= and r.ot*a that _ 'The Center", by its demonstration of caring.
--. had stimulated interest in obtaining funds for the treatment of drug abuse.
Be urged Council to continue with the action taken on November 8 to support
"The Center". -
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11/15/71
Dr. Allan Seid, 1615 E3gewood Drive, Palo Alto, Chairman of the City's
Drug Abuse Task Force, asked Council to rescind their action endorsing
"The Center". He submitted new information that the Task Force is able
to submit the required Letter ofIntent, rather than the detailed fully
refined application for a grant, by early December and noted that "The
Center's" original request was for support only and not for any financial
involvement_. The City cannot apply twice for Federal funds and Council's
action of November 8 in favor of "The Center" was based on information
that the Task Force would not be able to complete its studies in time.
The Task Force is concerned for a total drug abuse program for the City
of Palo Alto and feels that action to support only "The Center" discri-
minates against other projects currently underway in Palo Alto. Dr. Seid
spoke of the many other drug abuse agencies in the Peninsula area which
started without funds and said this is not unusual in this kind of work.
The Task Force hopes to present to Council a program that will reach ail
segments of the community and have a real impact on the problem.
Members of the Council reassured Dr. Seid that r.o afront to the Task
Force was intended by the Council's action of November 8.
AMENDMENT: Councilman Borwald moved that the motion be amender to direct
the staff to withhold its efforts in the preparation of any application
for Federal funds in conjunction with "The Center"; Further, Council
encourages "The Center" to prepare en its own an application in order
that as much of the work as possible be done prior to the December 15
date, when the Drug Abuse Task Porte will make its report.
The amendment died for lack of a second.
Councilman Pearson stated that "The Center" had asked the City to lend its
good name to its application and the original idea was that the City would
not be the applicant. The Council's action of November 8 gave support in
the amount of $187,000 to "The Center" with the City being named as the
applicant. She urged Council to rescind this action.
Councilman Rosenbaum stated that he felt that, regardless of the outcome
of the grant application, the City and the School District should donate
some fund to a drug abuse program and the program should not be entirely
dependent on Federal funds.
Councilman Beahrs stated that he acted in good faith when voting on November 8.
The motion to rescind the action of November 8, passed on a unanimous voice
vote.
Oral Communications
Nanette Hanky, 3172 Emerson, reported to Council that she had
attended this evening's meeting of the Los Altos Town Council
and the Town Council had withdrawn their request that the
Town of Los Altos be removed from the Regi;>nal. Park District.
Executive Session
Mayor Comstock announced that Council would adjourn co Executive gw„ioG
The Council _ Adjourned
to
Executive Session from 10:15 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
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11/15/71
Mayor Comstock announced that during the Executive Session Council had
-considered an appointment to the Human Relations Commission and also the
Citizens' Committee on CATV.
Appointment to Hwnata Relations Commission
Mayor Comstock announced that David R. Thiemann, 3458 Greer Road, Palo Alto,
a student at Stanford University, had been selected to fill the vacancy on
the Human Relations Commission created by the resignation of Ray Stedman.
MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that Council approve
the appointment of David R. Thiemann to the Human Relations Commission.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Citizens Committee on CATV
MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Norton, that the following
persons be appointed to the Citizens Committee on CATV:
Arnold, Edward S.
Bechtel, George
Cohen, Sol A.
Cullenbine, Robert S.
Donelson, III, John
Farrand, Mrs. Weston
(Rosalie)
Fleming, Christopher T.
Harding, Fred
Hudson, Hal
Lederberg, Joshua
LueignIn, Bruce
Mitchell, David W.
Parker, Edwin B.
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11/15/71
1 454 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, 94301
946 Shauna Lane
Palo Alto, 94306
3761 Grove Avenue
Palo Alto, 94303
2875 Ramona Street
Palo Alto, 94306
235 Churchill Avenue
Palo Alto, 94301
3380 Cork Oak Way
Palo Alto, 94303
3 Larkin House, Stern Hall
Stanford, 94305
915 Colorado Avenue
Palo Alto, 94303
535 Everett
Palo Alto, 94301
1431 Pitman Avenue
Palo Alto, 94301
330 Coleridge Avenue
Palo Alto, 94301-
791 Chriatine Drive
Palo Alto, 94303
___-984 Wing Place
Stanford, 9430.5
e
Passell, Thomas 0.
Peck, A. Daniel
Shoup, Peter L.
Willey, Sue
Young, Steven P.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
std; ournmen t
3825 Louis Road
Palo Alto, 94303
680 Rhodes Drive
Palo Alto, 94303
2081 Webster Street
Palo Alto, 94301
1618 Willow Road, Apt. 311
Palo Alto, 94304
1520 Willow Road, Apt. 404
Palo Alto, 94304
MOTION: Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Beahrs, that the meeting adjourn
to 7:30 p.m. Monday, November 22, 197:.
Mayor Comstock noted that the meeting of November 22, 1971 would commence
with the agenda of the adjourned meeting of November 15, 1971.
The motion to adjourn passed on a unanimous voice vote. The meeting was
adjourned at 11:35 p.m.
APPROVED:
V A
IA/AAR
Mayor
ATTEST:
305
11/15/71