HomeMy WebLinkAbout12201971MINUTES
city of Palo alto
December 20, 1971
The Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date at 7:35 p.m. in a
regular meeting with Mayor Comstock presiding.
Present: Aerwald, Clark, Comstock, Henderson, Norton, Pearson,
Rosenbaum, Seman
Absent: Beahrs
Minutes of_ December 6� 1971
The minutes of December 6, 1971 were approved as submitted.
Youth Advisor Council
moa�.
wars to cr•�r: on
ss
Mayor Comstock announced that Councilman Henderson, who has been the Council
liaison to the Youth Advisory Council would introduce Resolutions of Appre-
ciation to outgoing YAC members. He asked those Youth Advisory Council
members who were present to come forward when their names were called as
he wished to present them with Distinguished Service Awards.
Councilman Henderson commented that the Youth Advisory Council has so much
to contribute and are an asset to the community. He spoke of their accom-
plishments, which have been sitnificant, such as their summer employment
program, their study and recommendations concerning the sound curfew ordi-
nance, and their just colleted aeries of public forums on matters of
special interest to the youth in the community.
MOTION: Councilman Henderson introduced the following resolution and
moved, seconded by Berwald, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 4528 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALO ALTO EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO 30YD HAIGHT FOR . OUTSTANDING
PUBLIC SERVICE"
The resolution was `adopted unanimously on a voice vote.
Councilman Henderson introduced Boyd Haight, stetting he was from Palo Alto
High School and served as Chairmen to the ?AC.. the p t year„ Mayor
Comstock presented Boyd with a Distinguished Service Award.
MOTION: Councilman Henderson introduced the following resolution and
moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 4529 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALO ALTO EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO TOM GREELEY FOR OUTSTANDING
PUBLIC SERVICE"
Tba teeoiution vas adopted unanieouely on a voice vote.
Councilman Hender7son introduced Tom Greeley, stating be vamp from Palo Alto
High School and served as Vice Chairman to the ?AC this past year. - Mayor
Comstock presented To with a Distinguished Servica�Award.
344
12/20/71
MOTION: Councilman Henderson introduced the following resolution and
moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 4530 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALO ALTO EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO JOHN BAY FOR OUTSTANDING
PUBLIC SERVICE"
The resolution was adopted unanimously on a voice vote.
Councilman Henderson introduced John Bay, stating he was from Gunn High
School. Mayor Comstock presented John with a Distinguished Service Award.
MOTION: Councilman -Henderson intrr,.duced the following resolution and
moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. .4531 entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALO ALTO EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO WENDY BLEIBERG FOR OUTSTAND-
ING PUBLIC SERVICE"
The resolution was adopted unanimously on a vice vote.
Councilman Henderson noted that !Andy Bleibere has a job en Monday nights
but will come by latev in the evening.
NOTION: Councilman Henderson Introduced th, foltwang resolution and
moved, seconded by Pearson, its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 4532 entitled "RESOLUTION OP `_KE C'J1r:?CI1, OF TIT. CITY
OF FALO ALTO EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO VINCENT iITT FOR OUTC' F.NOI1 G
PUBLIC SERVICE"
The resolution was adopted unanimously on 4 voice vote.
Councilman Henderson noted that Vincent war, not present this evening And
stated shat he was from Gunn High School.
Resolution of A reclatiata
City Attorney Store wehewed his report of December 16, 1971 informing
Council of the desth i+f :Tohn E. Lynch on Monday, December 13, 1971 ` He
spoke of the many years of service contributed to the City by Joh:3, Lunch' -
' in his professional capacity, tLe high regard for him throughout the State
of California, a,!d the ;.sty's loss b.; his death.
Vice ; aye r Norton stated that he had known John Lynch personally for over
tto.. years and wished to restate that Vii_ reputation and profssion, the
. quality of hi-,% Vork and all. : e has' done for the -City of Palo alto and
. other Cas fora . �i t ies .+•, mmeas.i_ ab ie . He cc nted th e i t wee with
b.t gs..at 'e' _ _i- p id he would l
�.��� t �'' ♦ "�. del n ,. ; � 13i� i:IEI'A��st� �fF �� QltttlOXa of
Aar,Areciation.
:7
Mayor Norton introduced the following .-:•esolutf on and
m vrd ndit.J.. L�`:.=3erwald, its addttionc
2 :°i..I s iO; Kl. t-.SY entitled "RESOLUTION OF. THE COUNCIL OF TM
(-11' r ?? IL=f• :,PPEthC LA.T IOI; FOR THE LONG AN
bEi C Rr +'''►ERED TO TTRI S C BY -FAN E. LYit:CW'
t !
4A,ad''-,31 a upani •r:..' voice vote.,
Cit -School Liaison Committee Reort,
Councilmen Pearson and Clark reported on the meeting of the City -School
Liaison Committee held December 9, 1971 to discuss items of mutual con-
cern. Councilman Pearson noted that their first item of discussion was
the low/moderate income housing project on Arastradero Road and the
School District was glad to be consulted on this matter and expressed
the desire to be informed on any such projects. This particular project
would have a low impact on the minority ratio of the area and the School
District waf.not opposed to it. Councilman Clark noted that on this
point the District mad( it clear that the minority ratio was not the
overriding consideration of what the impact would be of any project
that might be proposed. If everything else is appropriate for a site
and it would perhaps increase the ratio in one particular school, it was
their feeling .his would not create a problem which could not be worked
out:
The second item discussed was undeveloped school sites in the foothills
area. Councilman Pearson reported that the School District has a total
of approximately 68 acres in Los Altos Hills, one high school site and
ai,e elementary school site: The District advised that according to State
lav this property will go onto the tax rolls in ).9972 and they are con-
cerned since if the foothills are not developed their property becomes
surplus and they would probably wantto sell It. She stated that she and
Councilman Clark had informed the School District they were in no position
to discuss the foothills but suggested it be brought to the City's atten-
tion again in nine months.
The third subject was the Jordan Cafetoriw . Councilman Pearson advised
that a letter was sent to the School Board and the Mayor, essentially
from school parents, the PTA and school children hoping the City might
commit some funds when the cafetorium is rebuilt to extend it s& they
could have a 500 seat capacity theatre. The School District felt they
would build a similar facility with the same capacity as it previously
had (approximately 450). She stated that neither she nor Councilman
Claris took a Position on that matter.
The fourth subject was the Bicycle Program. Cooncilman Pearson stated
that Mr. Sipe.l discussed the bicycle enforcement and theft prevention
program that staff is developing and asking the Schcol District's cooper--
ation and comments. He also pointed out that between 1400 and 1500
bicycles will probably be stolen in the next year and 752 are stolen
from school grounds -with about one half of them recovered. He reported
c -:•several ways of preventing thefts on school grounds which have been
tried at different schools with the one at Palo Alto High being most
successful. One of the suggestions coming out of committee was that
perhaps the bicycles be out in a apace where everyone could watch and
also be in a place not accessible to automobile traffic which simplifies
bicycle theft. The -committee also indicated that theft of a bicycle
would -tie treated -as a more_ serious crime than petty theft. Councilman
=i?.ark stated there is apparently a good deal -of student involvement in
these programs and they are very -willing to participate.
Claw of `Jiatrict - 574 Arastradero Road
IFT-Fa - 1mu. t - aa� ous n
z.
Mayor Comstock read the Planning Commission recommendation for denial
of ta .application of ELrlich, Heft and Rominger for a change of dis-
trict of property known as 574 Arastradero Road frcrm E-1 to P -C (aulti-
family housing). He stated they would hear from staff, Commission
34 6
12/20/71
Chairman Gordon, proponents of the project, the Housing Consultant,
the Council and from people in the audience, in thatnrder.
Councilman Seman announced that upon advice from the City Attorney ahe
would abstain from participating or voting on this subject for the reason
that she had considered this proposal when she was a Director of the Hous-
ing Corporation and at that time was involved in an advocacy position in
behalf of the Corporation. Councilman Seman left her seat on the Council
at this time.
Mr. Fourcroy, Director of Planning and Community Deva.loptient, reviewed the
Planning Cormission actions, noting that the major areas of their concern
were the rather straight line of black top areas, the planting, shape and
form of the open spaces as originally presented, and the density. The
developer did revise the plans but said he would be unable to reduce the
density in terms of economics of the project.
Planning Commissioner Gordon commented that they had discussed at some
length traffic complications in the area and improvements the Commission
would like and the developer did make the improvements.
Mayor Comstock acknowledged receipt of letters from the following people
In support of the project: Sarah H. Johnson, 1836 Hamilton, Avenue; Ruth
Lyons, 654 Arastradero Road; YWCA, 4161 Alma Street; Mrs. Sue Mitchell,
550 Hilbar Lane, aad Mrs. Jackie A. Wheeler, 3956 'r:elson Court. He noted
that the Council had also received copies of all the letters sent to the
Planning Commission, including the Housing Corporation's report of
November 17.
Joseph Ehrlich, 4225 Park Boulevard, representing the firm of Ehrlich, Heft
& Rominger, co-sponsors of the project, stated he would like to comment on
the areas of concern. He then reviewed the multi -family zoning available
in Palo Alto, noting that ziost of the oceupie.d apartment buildings have
densities in excess of that proposed for the project before the Council.
He submitted a chart :;omparing Arastradero Park with Colorado Park in
terms of units, densities and intensities, and suggesting that Arastradero
Park compares favorably in intensity with Colorado Park.
Mr. Ehrlich then referred to land costs in Palo Alto. He submitted a sub-
division sketch of the property divided into 15 lots and charts listing the
assessed value of single family lots in. the area with an analysis of the
kind of house that could be built on the lots. He stated that the point he
wished to make is that the land price is close to the price for R-1 zoning
and not an inflationary price based on higher density zoning.
Mr. Ehrlich displayed the proposed units on the screen, commenting that the
accommodations are consistent and equal to the project being developed by
the Housing Corporation. He advised that the FHA has given the project
superior priority rating. The most important rcasoas for rhts high
e-� priority
rating; worn rc'o 1to's EititeMent from the Housing Element and the unusually
fine location for the project. He urged Council approval.
Louis Goldsmith, 1462 Edgewood Drive, President of the Paso Alto Housing
Corporation, stated that their objective is to sponsor and promote low/
moderate income housing in Palo Alto. He 4omsnted that there are many
things besides omit density that bear on the project before the Council.
The site on Arastradero Road has many things going for it that are far
superior to the site on Colorado Avenue and under the circumstances the
price of the land is reasonable: Ho.: reminded the Council that can the
General Plan that,area is indicated as medium high density development
which means 20 to 36 unita, per acre.____- --ue-rtect-tilet it has been felt
3 4 a
12/20/71
important to get private developers into low/moderate income housing and
added that if the developers are expected to build this kind of housing
the City should find ways in which they can encourage them to do so. He
commended the architect -on the design, stated the Housing Corporation
feels it is an excellent project which they wholeheartedly endorse, and
urged the Council to favor the project.
Councilman Rosenbaum questioned the significance of the depreciation allow-
ance, stating it was his understanding the reason the private sector is
showing an interest is b.cause of this extremely high depreciation. He
added he was thinking in terms of continued interest in the project.
Mr. Goldsmith replied that this area of depreciation allowance was delib-
erately put into the National Housing Act in 1968 as an incentive to get
housing built. FHA tends to prefer the private sector since it is their
experience that those who have their own money in a project tend to be
much more professional in their approach. The depreciation allowance is
the primary incentive - it is a tax shelter and is perfectly legitimate.
He pointed out that everything done under this kind of housing is governed
by FHA regulations and they are always watching, whether the builder is
private or non-profit.
In response to question from Councilman Pearson regarding the rents, Mr.
Ehrlich advised that the rents, including utilities, are scheduled at
$112 for one bedroom, $]40 for two bedroom, $168 for three bedroom and
$193 for a four bedroom unit. Mr. Goldsmith replied that the rents for
Colorado Park would probably range from ;110 for a one bedroom to $186
for a four bedroom unit.
Mr. Ehrlich responded -to questions from Councilman Pearson regarding the
design. Regardine her concern about the R-1 area to the north, he stated
if it was the Council's desire, they could mir;.or image the plan which
would put the parking areas and carports close to the R-1 and the three
stories to the area zoned apartments. He added the; would be happy to con-
sider that alternative.
Mayor Comstock stated the Council would now recognize members from the
public who wished to speak to the subject. He asked that everyone limit
their talk to three minutes or less.
Edward Arnold, 1454 Hamilton Avenue, reviewed previous Council action re-
garding the Housing Element in the General Plan, quoted from the goals of
the Fusing Element, suggested a series of questions for Council to ask
themselves prior to voting on the matter, and closed by asking them to
consider what the attitude of the Federal Department of Urban Housing
and Development will be toward the City's projects in the future if this
project which the department so expeditiously approved is killed or maimed
by the Council.
Sam Sparck, 4099 Laguna Way, speaking as Chairman of the Loma Vista Home-
owner's Association, stated the parking for visitors is inadequate, recom-
mended that the entrance onto Maybell be closed and a left turn onto
Arastradero installed, and expressed the hope the Council would press for
decreased density.
Mts. Paula Feldman, 528 Churchill, spoke of the need for low income housing
in Palo Alto and in support of the ► roject.
Gypsy Lawrence, 3925 Nelson Drive, spo'ce in favor of low cost housing and___
___mks the :cc i01i-to Mahe this project part of the City's tow cost housing
program. -
34 S.
12/20/71
PERSONAL PRIVILEGE: Councilman Henderson noted that Wendy Bieiberg had
arrived and stated that with Council permission he would like to introduce
her at this time. There were no objections. He then introduced Wendy
Bleiberg, noting that she was from Palo Alto High School, and informed
her the Council had passed a resolution expressing appreciation for her
outstanding public service as a member of the Youth Advisory Council.
Mayor Comstock presented Wendy with a Distinguished Service Award.
Chan3e of District -
74 Arastradero Road (continued)
William Watterud, 662 Georgia Avenue, spoke in favor of the project, noting
that the alternative would be more $40,000 houses or $300 a month apartments.
He presented letters in favor of the project from Mrs. Margaret Nichols, 646
Georgia Avenue and from Gabriel and Dorothea Almond, 4135 Old Trace Road.
Mrs. William Johns, 4257 Pomona Avenue, spoke in favor of the project.
Sally Siegel, 639 Georgia Avenue, stated she wished to go 9n record as
supporting the project before the Council. She commented that the very
location of this project provides dispersed housing and reminded the Council
they have made a commitment to rake adequate provisions for all economic
segments in Palo Alto.
(The Council recessed from 9:45 to 10:00 p,m.)
Council Agenda Items
ANFIONNINICIAMIONSCUP
MOTION: Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Norton, that at the conclusion
cf Agenda Item No. 4 (Arastradero Park Project) the Council would consider
out of order Agenda Item Nos. 10, 6, 8 and 9 and then adiourn the meeting to
January 3, 1972.
The motion carried ► nani mously on a voice vote.
Change of District
5ih Arastradero Road (Continued)
Mayor Comstock stated they would now resume public participation.
Robert England, 941 Paradise Way, 'representing the Barron Park Homeowner's
Association, stated they do not feel this is a suitable development for
this particular location.
Richard Kortum, 557 Maybell, a resident of the unincorporated area, stated
they agree it is a good site but they are opposed to this particular plan
because of the three stories overlooking a residential area, and the inade-
quate parking and traffic problems.
Janet Owens, 863 Moreno, speaking for the Mid Peninsula Citizens for Fair
Housing,' spoke of the critical need for low/Moderate income housing; private
financiug and the need for full use of this market; and the density problem
which is related to land price. She stated that investigation by their
group shows that there are market priced apartments in Palo Alto with equal
and higher density to the project proposed and with three stories.
William B„rnstead, 4190 Aaybell Way, speaking for the Board of Directors of
Creen_ Aer a T1 8..........« ,.'.. Association.
�W�L�-a: sa+r®c4rwu£-s.- a - ___RYA Lba trr�atilta__nf_�_a�,.r+..... «..�.__
e vwa r�j___LST.cu
among their homeowners: 152 against the project, 232 for the project, and
3 4 9
12/20/71
61% did not respond. The Board voted in favor of the project but they were
opposed to the density. Speaking personally, he commented it is better to
have higher quality and density than to have inferior quality and lower
density.
Nancy Smith, 2492 Indian Drive, spoke in favor of the project.
Susan Hartzell, 490 Santa Rita Avenue, speaking for the League of Women
Voters, spoke in favor of tt.e project and a plan for increasing density
when necessary to provide low/moderate income housing.
Larry J. Raynal, 544 Georgia Avenue, Barron Park, 'poke in opposition
to the project.
Dave Ransom, 435 Buena Vista, Redwood City, stated he wa: -a-nine-year
resident of the Peninsula and that his work, shopping and -,health care are
all in Palo Alto but he cannot afford to live in Palo Alto. He spoke in
favor of low/moderate income housing by private developers and in favor
of the project.
G;orgina Anderson, 4150 Abel Avenue, Barron Park, spoke in opposition to
the project.
MOTION: Councilman_ perwald moved, seconded by Clark, that the Council re-
verse the recommendations of the Planning Commission for denial of the
application of Ehrlich, Heft and Rominger for a change of district of
property known as 574 Arastradero Road and that staff be directed to pre-
pare an ordinance changing the zoning from R-1 to P -C (multi -family
housing) .
AMENDMENT: Councilman Clark moved, duly seconded, an amendment that the
plan as shown be reversed to mirror image.
Discussion followed with Planning Commission Chairman Gordon stating that
a change of orientation would affect the total property and constitute a
drastic change.
Mr. Ehrlich responded to questions and stated that there are an infinite
variety of solutions to any particular plan. He said they would need clear
direction ci exactly what should be done so modifications would be accept-
able since every concession is going to affect someone in the area.
The amendment failed on a unanimous voice vote.
Discussion continued. In response to question regarding a continuance,
Hr. Ehrlich replied he would much rather have a continuance than a defeat
and added that modifications could be worked out with the neighbors and
Planning staff. He noted, however, that a continuance would not accom-
plish a significant change in density.
The motion directing staff to prepare an ordinance failed on the following
roll call vote:
Ayes: Berwald, Clark, Henderson
Noes: Comstock, Norton, Pearson, Rosenbaum
HDTIOW: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Horton, to uphold the Plan-
ning Commission decision yard deny the application of Ehrlich, Heft and
35 0
12/20/71.
Rominger for a charge of district of propert; known as 574 Arastradero
Road from R-1 to P -C (multi -family housing).
The motion carried on tree following roll call vote:
Ayes: Comstock, Norton. Pearson, Rosenbaum
Noes: Berwald, Clark, Henderson
Change of District
an Antonio Road
William Herfurth, Mayor of Mountain View, reviewed his letter of
December 16, 1971 regarding the proposal for Palo Alto Gardens with
copy of a revised site plan attached. The City Council of Mountain
View is still opposed to the plan as submitted but if Palo Alto pro-
ceeds with the plan, Mountain View would favor the modifications Mr.
Stern and Associates have proposed.
Mayor Comstock noted for the record that Councilman Semen would not parti-
cipate nor vote on this matter.
Robert Stern, of Hirsch/Stern, Sherman. Oaks, California, reviewed actions
taken and hearings before the Mountain View City Council. He read a otter
from his architect regarding design of the project and presented brochures
to Council of San Jose Gardens which is essentially the same design.
Discussion followed regarding lower density and access to Alvin Street with
Mr. Fourcroy, Director of Planning and Community Development, reporting he
had talked to Mr. Deasy, Administrator of the local HUD office. Mr. Deasy
indicated HUD would be willing to consider the 1.40 unit plan, even though
it meant raising the rent level and thus would serve less people, if it
would improve the plan itself and the difference of opinion between Palo Alto
and Mountain View. Hovever, in light of the letter from Mountain View, Mr.
Deasy felt they had not achieved their purpose in terms of their compromising
what they felt was appropriate, therefore HUD's opinion would revert, to their
origiaal approval.
Vern Hazen, Assistant City Manager of
with an official at HUD who indicated
access on Alvin Street and added this
the project at 140 units.
Mountain View, stated he had talked
they would very much like to have
would not affect the feasibility of
MOTION: Councilman Berwald introduced the following ordinance and moved,
seconded by Henderson, its adoption:
ORDINANCE NO. 2640 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL
PALO ALTO AMENDING SECTION 18.08.040 OF THE PALO ALTO
TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF CERTAIN PROPERTY KNOWN AS 650
ROAD FROM L -M -S -L TO P -C SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS"
(first reading 11/22/71)
OF THE CITY OF
MUNICIPAL CODE
SAN -ANTONIO
MOTION: Councilman Pearaon moved, seconded by Rosenbaum, to hear from the
public at this time although there is a motion before the Council.
The motio:a failed on a majority voice vote.
The ordinance wRa adopts d on the following_ roll call vote:
Ayes: Berwald, Clark, Comstock, Henderson, Pearson, Rosenbaum
Weft,: : Norton
351
12/20/71
(Councilman Semen resumed her seat on the Council at this time)
Final Subdivision Ma
3250 Middlefie oa
City Attorney Stone advised that certification of payment of all City and
County taxes has been received. However, the subdivision agreement be-
tween the City and the subdivider has not been executed by the Archdiocese
of the Church.
MOTION: Mayor Comstock moved, seconded by Norton, to uphold the recom-
mendation of the Planning Commission and approve the application of
Joseph P. Eichler for a Final Subdivision Map (ten -lot residential)
located at approximately 3250 Middlefield Road subject eo execution of
the Subdivision Agreemene 'y the Archdiocese of the Church and further
to refer to the Public Facilities Naming Committee the naming of the
coure.
T€ motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
Ecmrgene} Services Or anization
MOTION: Councilman Berwald introduced the following ordinance and moved,
seconded by Comstock, its adoption:
ORDINANCE NO. 2b41 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALO ALTO AMENDING CHAPTER 2.12 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO
PROVIDE FOR AN EMERGENCY SERVICES ORGANIZATION AND ESTABLISHING ITS
DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS" (first reading 12/6/71)
The ordinance was adopted on a unanimous voice vote.
Hoover Park -I rovements
ro ect �CMR:
MOTION: Councilman', Clark moved, seconded by Pearson, that the Mayor be
authorized to execute the lease agreement for the School District's in-
creased use of the service road.
The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
MOTION: Councilman Clark introduced the following ordinance and moved,
seconded by Norton, its approval for first reading:
Ordinance entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING SECTION 22.08.150 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE (DEDICATION
OF HOVER PARK) TO ENLARGE THE AREA THEREOF"
The ordinance was approved for first reading on a unanimous voice vote.
MOTION: Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Henderson, that the Mayor be
authorized ro execute a contract with Collishaw Sprinkler Co. in an amount
of $73,763 for construction of the base bid project and the timber walkway
frames.
The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.
(The Council adjourned to Executive Session at 12:00 Midn got
reconvened at 12:45 a.m.) __
and
352
12/20/71
Hunan Relations
4ayor Comstock
McAllester and
mission.
Commission A
announced that
David Thieniann
ointmentb
the'4:ouncil has reappointed Mrs. Grace
to full terms on the Human Relations Com-
�t'i+�l+i and Procedures
l:armm t tee Mee=
Councilman Pearson annelsnead that the Policy and Procedures Committee
meeting schedule: for December 21 had been cancelled.
Ad ournmeennt®
14ayO f 4or..t5 Lva,.n
to January 3, 1972. The meeting adjou ed at 12:50 a.m.
announced that by previous motion the meeting was adjouried
ATTEST:
/1446 ,*
Assistant City Clerk
APPROVED:
r
1
Mayor