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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02241970City Hall Palo Alto, California February 24, 1970 The Councf l of the City of Palo Alto rnet on this date at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Arnold presiding. Present: Arnold, i3eahrs, Berwald, Clark, Comstock, Dias, Gallagher, ~loran, Pearson, Wheatley Absent: Spaeth Approval of Minutes - Januar 26 and February 9, 1970 The Minutes of the Council meeting of January 26, 1970 were ap- proved as distributed. Councilman Pearson requested that her "no" vote be recorded on page 201 regarding approval of first reading of the ordinance for a Change of District - Hamilton Avenue and Webster Street. Councilman Dias requested that her "no" vote be recorded on page 205 regarding the Lee Property. The Minutes of February 9, 1970 were then approved as corrected hwa ,eauty Awards Vice Mayor Wheatley announced that the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors had been presented an award for the Oregon Express- way. This award was given by the Federal Highway Department, U. S. Department of Transportation for outstanding landscape treat- ment along roadsides and inte-chtnges. Out of 584 co ripeting, nine- teen awards were given with the Oregon Expressway award being the only one given to a local agency. Hegstated that the Board of Super- visors gave credit to Palo Alto for the landscaping and design of Oregon Expressway. icvcle F.vute Surtem MOTION: Councilman Dias moved, on behalf of the Planning and Procedures Committee, seconded by Beahrs, that in regard to the bicycle routes: 1. that the bicycle route system be retained; and 2. that staff be directed to review and report back on improve-- ments and changPg pg:17.repyla.ab to the b cyc1p -route aviatFrn to include items such as the marking of special bicycle lanes on streets like Arastradero or others; elimination of unnecessary posts in middle of trails; installation of curb ramps on Oregon Avenue, and other locations as appropriate; review of suitable tie-ins and coordination with the trail system and Stanford routes; and study of individual routes to see if selected portions need changes. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Councilman Dias reported the Planning and Procedures Committee action commending staff for the safety education program that is now in process. El Camino Pr.ourty - Red Cross Lease MOTION: Councilman Dias moved, on behalf of the Planning and Procedures Committee that a new lease be negotiated with the Red Cross, for a period of five years, said lease to provide that all taxes, rent, maintenance and other expenses incurred by the City on said property be borne by the occupant during that period; and that the City Attorney prepare a resolution placing a proposition on the June 2, 1970 State Primary Election ballot for the vacation of the use for park purposes of the land subject to the Red Cross Lease for a period of five years. Attorney H.- _ -City ztzv===may Hildebrand, to response to question, advised that the Reti Crows Lease would expire at the end of 1971 and if Council does nothing it would be necessary for the Red Cross to move at that time. City Attorney Hildebrand stated he had been asked by Council mem- bers to comment on the ownership of fee by Stanford and a possible conflict of interest. He explained that the contract with the Red Cross and the abandonment of park land does not in any way affect the underlined lease and therefore it is not necessary for any Council member to submit statements in connection with Stanford, The =notion carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION: Councilman Dias introduced the following resolution and moved, on behalf of the Planning and Procedures Committee, its adoption: Rcsoluticn No. 4.-i32 entitled 'Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Declaring that the Public Interest or Conven- ience Requires the Discontinuance Until October 14, 1976 of the Use of Certain Lands as a Public Park, and that the Council intends to Call a Special Election to Submit the Question of Dis- continuance to the City Electors" (Setting the hearing for March 30, 1970) 214 2/24/70 AMENDMENT: Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Arnold, to add the following sentence to Section 1 of the resolution, "Said parcel of land automatically shall revert to its status as land dedi- cated for park purposes under Article VIII of the Charter from and after October 14, 1976." The amendment carried by majority voice vote. The resolution as amended was adopted unanimously by voice vote. MOTION: Councilman Dias moved. on behalf of the Planning and Procedures Committee that staff be directed to come back to the Council with a phasing program for redevelopment of the El Camino Property including the areas leased by Red Cross and the Veterans Building, said phasing program to include specific plans for the removal of the Veterans Building, In response to questions, City Manager Morgan advised that the matter of the El Camino lands and their development is before the Public Works Committee. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Cancvillation of Cit Council Meetin MOTION: Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by Wheatley, to cancel the meeting of March 23, 1970 and to meet on March 30, 1970 (the fifth Monday). The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Sale of Chlorinated liXdrocarbon Pesticides in Palo Alto Councilman Dias reported on the Planning and Procedures Committee review of a potential City ordinance covering prohibition of the use or sale of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides in Palo Alto with the matter returned to Council recommending no action is needed at this time. Planning and Procedures Committee Minutes of Februar 10, 1970 PRIMENSHOM Councilman Comstock stated that for the record he would like to rnake the following correct -ions to the Plann:ng and Procedures Com- mittee Minutes of February 10, 1970: at the top of page 8, Joe Williamson, "Gardener" should be changed to "Yard Masters"; and in the next paragraph it should read, "Dr. Joe Greenwood, President ... of the Audubon Society, 215 2/24/70 See page 223 Tree Conservation Councilman Dias reported the Planning and Procedures Committee recommendation to remind Livingston and Blayne• that the committee is expecting recommendations in regard to the 9reservation of trees and requests status of this matter. MOTION: Councilman Norton moved, seconded by Comstock, that the Planning and Procedures Committee recommendation be adopted by Council and passed on to Livingston and Biayney. The motion carried unanimously. Resolution of Appreciatia, - Allen M. Brewick MOTION: Councilman Beahrs introduced the following resolution and moved, it was duly seconded, its adoption: Resolution No. 4333 entitled "Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Expressing Appreciation to Allen M. Brewick Upon His Retirement" The resolution was adop%ad by unanimous voice vote. Youth Advisory Council (CMMMR:46 1:O) ?+ OTMN: Councilman Pearson introduced the following resolution and moved, seconded by Comstock, its adoption: Re olu toe No. 4334 entitled "Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Establishing a Youth Advisory Council" In response to question regarding deletion of Section 3 of the resolu- tion, City Attorney Hildebrand stated that this committee occupies s?ecial status and need not be appointed by the Mayor since election would determine the membership and Section 3 could be deleted. AMENDMENT: Mayor Arnold moved, seconded by Pearson, to delete Section 3 from the resolution. The amendment carried by unanimous voice vote. Discussion followed on the procedure by which the Youth Advisory Council would place natters on the City Council Agenda. AMENDMENT: Councilman Norton moved, and it was duly seconded, to amend Section 4 of the resolution by adding the following to the last sentence "which recommendation will be passed to Council and placed on Council Agenda at request of individual Councilman only." 216 2/24/70 Discussion continued on the above procedure and the matter of a Council liaison member to the committee. City Manager Morgan advised that Mr. Don Moore of the Recreation Department would serve as staff liaison with the group, not to advise what iterns to communicate to Council, but to give guidance as to procedures. 0 1 MOTION RESTATED: Councilman Norton with the consent of his second, restated his motion to read: "to amend Section 4 of the reso- lution by adding the following sentence: 'Such recommendation shall be conveyed to the City Council as in the case of other communica- tions and may be placed on the City Council Agenda at the request of any Councilman.' " The notion to amend Section 4 of the resolution was defeated on the following tie vote: Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Dias, Gallagher, Norton Noes: I3erwaid, Clark, Comstock, Pearson, Wheatley In response to question about the public character of meetings of the Youth Advisory Council, City Attorney Hildebrand advised that Sec- tion 2. 04. 030 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is the authority and it states: "all committees of the City Council shall be open to the public.. The resolution as amended was_adopted by unanimous voice vote. Zone Chan e - Hamilton and Webster MOTION: Councilman Gallagher introduced the following ordinance for second reading and moved, seconded by Wheatley, its adoption: Ordinance No. 2545 entitled "Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Section 18.08. 040 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code Changing the Zoning of Certain Property at the intersection of Hamilton and Webster From R-4 and C-Z:S to P. -C (Office Building)" (first reading 2/9/70, as amended) The ordinance was adopted on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Ber ald,.Clark, Dial, Gallagher, Norton, Wheatley Noes: Comstock, Pearson 217 2/24/70 Chan&e of Fire Zone - Hamilton and Webster MOTION: Councilman Beahrs introduced the following ordinance for second reading and moved, seconded by Wheatley, its adoption: Ordinance No. 2546 entitled "Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending the Official Fire Zone Map of the City of Palo Alto (Section 1601 of the Uniform Building Code) by Changing the Fire Zone of the Property Located at 590 Hamilton Avenue and 602, 618 and 628 Webster Stree4 from Fire Zone 3 to Fire Zone 1" (first reading 2/9/70) The ordinance was adopted unanimously by voice vote. (The Council recessed from 8:50 to 9:10 p.m.) I tton School Pro er. (CMR:466:0) City Manager Morgan read his report (CMR:466:0) dated February 19, 1970, regarding action taken by the Palo Alto Unified School District Trustees to invite bid proposals for the Lytton School site. Discussion followed regarding the purchase of the property for resale or lease; acquiring ownership to provide housing for the elderly /low income; the Council as a Housing Authority; and economics in this idea of housing - the City's commitment. City Attorney Hildebrand advised that the State of California has pre- empted the field by way of the Housing Authorities law and the Housing Corporation law which spell out the form of municipal participation in this area. A municipality is allowed to participate as a City but must do so in compliance with the Housing Authorities law when it comes to spending public funds for a stated purpose such as low and .. moderate income subsidized housing. He explained that the Council, by declaring that tiaere is a shortage of sanitary, safe houses in the City for people of limited financial means, may create by law 3 ' Housing Authority in the City. The Housing Authority can be stab- liabed by the appointment of five commissioners by the Council and thereafter the Housing Authority takes care of the housing problem, or the Council can declare itself a Housing Authority, thus taking over the continuing responsibility of a lessor, maintaining property, paying rent differential, etc. He further advised that the City could possibly contract with the existing Santa Clara County Authority as the existing Authority within the jurisdiction in the City. At this time Mayor Arnold announced they would hear from anyone in the audience who wished to speak. Roy Clay, 333 Tioga Court, Palo Alto, speaking as Vice President of the Palo Alto Housing Corporation, stated' that the Corporation was formed as a non-profit entity under the State laws of Califatnia with the specific purpose to promote low/moderate income housing with 218 2/24/70 the option to operate as a sponsor or as a catalyst to others. He advised there is a group identified and ready to act to acquire that property and put housing for the elderly on it but the Housing Corp- oration must have the support of all governmental bodies. He gave the recommendation of the Housing Corporation that tee Council do whatever possible to facilitate such a development on the Lytton School site. Mrs. J. David Reed, 632 Glenview Drive, Palo Alto, speaking for the League of Women Voters, spoke in support of City action in reserving the Lytton School property for low/medium housing for the elderly. Mrs. L. Arnirian, 3358 Kenneth Drive, Palo Alto, spoke in favor of the City doing their share to acquire this site for the elderly. Marshall Virello, 727 NorthamptonDrive, Palo Alto, speaking for Palo Alto Community Housing, Inc., urged shat the Council continue their efforts ::o secure the Lytton School property, spoke of the high costs of land in Palo Alto, and requested Council assistance in his group's development of a low income housing project for the elderly by securing some land and leasing it to them, Ira Hall, 505 Runnymede Street, East Palo Alto, speaking for the Stanford Urban Coalition, gave this group's recommendation that the City use all its powers, including zoning, condemnation, and land subsidy to move forward quickly and positively in a manner that will ensure the kind of housing needed. Coun it discussion continued regarding alternative courses open to the City under the Housing law, and the time element involved when the property goes out to bid, with City Manager Morgan advising that the question is the course of action the City wants to take, the Council's purpose and objective. MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Pearson, that the staff be directed to prepare a resolution for acquisition of the Lytton School property for housing purposes, said resolution to reflect the most practical method for accomplishing this objective. CLAR1F1CATION Councilman Comstock clarified his motion, stating the thrust of the motion is to clear for Council what the legal impedi- menta ace as to acquisiton of the land itself and what powers the City has. The !notion carried ried on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Arnold, Berwald, Clark, Comstock, Gallagher, Norton, Pearson, Wheatley 1 Noes: lieahrs, Dias 219 2/24/70 Regional Wastewater Treatment Works - Project No. (CMR:44.51 City Manager Morgan read his report dated February 19, 1970 regard- ing the plan for providing construction, engineering and technical services required for the project. MOTION: Councilman Berwald moved, seconded by Beahrs, that the Mayor be authorized tc execute the amendment to the contract with Jenks and Adamson fcr inspection services in an amount not to exceed $68, 000. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Reclassification of Lytton School Property MOTION: Mayor Arnold introduced the following ordinance and moved, seconded by Pearson, its approvz.l fog first reading: "Ordinance of :he Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Sec- tion 18. 08. 040 of the Palo Alto Municipal Corse Changing the Zoning of Certain Property Known as 656 Lytton Avenue Lytton School) from P -F to R -3:P" (continued from 1/5 and 2/9/70) AMENDMENT: Councilman Cornstock moved, seconded by Wheatley, to delete the "P" dtlsignation, diaieging it to R-3 rather than R -3:P. The amendment was defeated by majority voice vote. The ordinance was approved for first reading on the fallowing roll call vote: Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Clark, Dias, Gallagher, Norton, Pearson, Wheatley Noes: Berwatd, Cornstock -M Zone District Regulations MOTION: Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Berwald, that the Planning Corr.mission be directed to initiate a change to the L -M Zone District Regulations when abutting R Zones to provide height limits applicable to L -M Zones abutting B. Zones or lower heights, as deemed appropriate. CLARIFICATION: Cooncilrnan Comstock stated the intent of the motion would be an additional requirement above and beyond the pre- sent requirements only for those abutting residential property. The motion carried by majority voice vote. 220 Z/24/70 1 Use of Old Cnroration Yard Mayor Arnold announced the Council would recognize Donald Klages, President of Downtown Palo Alto, Inc., who had asked to speak on the matter regarding use of the Old Corporation Yard. Donald Klages, speaking for Downtown Palo Alto, Inc., urged the Council to free the land for development and stated their belief that low/medium cost housing is not the proper use for this property. MOTION: Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Beahrs, that the property not be considered for low/medium cost housing and that Council be updated on the status of proposals. SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilman Wheatley moved that the City Manager be directed to reinitiate possible uses for the Corporation Yard and snake recommendations to Council. The substitute motion died for lack of a second. Discussion followed and the latest Public Works Corrirriitt e recom- mendation (Coun,�i1 meeting 8/18/69) was reviewed as follows: "(1) that the city declare the Corporation Yard as not suitable for residential use, and (2) that the Council accept on a prelirninaty bass the propoeaZ for the Corporation Yard site made by Interland Develop- ment Company (Ono University Circle) and direct the staff to negotiate a contract and plan by which the concept and development can be implemented and that the staff report be submitted to the Public Works Committee for consideration." City Manager Morgan advised that if Councilman Clark's motion is approved by Council, staff will report on the status of the proposal made by Interland Development Company and no other. AMENDMENT: Councilman Wheatley moved, seconded by Beahrs, the following addition to the motion, "and that staff also give recom- mendations as to other proposals for use of the site." The amendment failed on the following tie vote: Ayes: Berwald, Comstock, Norton, Pearson, Wheatley News! A rnoldj i?l a 1S= , :arei,. Dias, G ll g!ier The main motion carriei on the following roll call vote: Ayes; Arnold, Beahrs, Berwald, Clark, Dias, Gallagher, Norton, Wheatley Noes: Comstock, Pearson 221 2/24/70 Palo Alto -Salinas Savings Company Request for Change in Civic Center District Regulations See page 223 Richard T. Clark, Vice President and General Counsel of Palo Alto - Salinas Savings, presented a petition signed by Palo Alto downtown merchants (283 signatures), endorsing and joining the request of Palo Alto -Salinas Savings for the change in text of the C2C Ordinance to allow parking areas with a use permit in conjunction with buildings that fit into the C2C requirements. Mr. Clark reviewed the request set forth in his letter of December 11, 1969 and requested the Council to consider such a possible change of regulations in the Civic Center District, Cancellation or Exemption of City Property Taxes Councilman Dias: z eviewed her letter of February 19, 1970 regarding Senior Citizen Housing and a possible tax exemption for Senior Citi- zens owning their own homes. MOTION: Councilman Dias moved, seconded by Beaters, that the staff be directed to study the feasibility and ramifications of cancellation or exemption of City property taxes on single family. residential prop- erty for those resident owners having reached the age of 6S. AMENDMENT: Councilman Comstock moved, and it was duly seconded, to add the following phrase at the end of the motion, "with income and other criteria to he parallel with State property exemption law for the aged as a possible guideline." The amendment carried by majority voice vote. The motion as amended carried by majority voice vote. Ad rnment There being no further business, the Council adjourned at 12;15 a.m. APPROVED: yor ATTEST: • 222 2124/70.