HomeMy WebLinkAbout10041965City Hall
Faio Alto, California
October 4; 1965
The Cou,icil of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in an adjourned
meeting from September 27, 1965. Mayor Arnold convened t h e
meeting at 7:32 p. m.
Present: Arnold, Beahrs, Comstock, C.,uiey, Debs, Dias,
Flint, Pearson, R ohr s, Rus, Sher, Woodward
(7:35 p. m.) and Worthington,
Absent: None.
Councilman Comstock withdrew the motion, with the consent of his
second, which was on the floor when the meeting was adjourned at
12:56 a. m. , Monday, September 27, 1965.
Malfunctioning Sewer Line
The Council received a petition, filed in the Clerk's office September
22,: 1965, from property owners residing within the 2000 and 2100
blocks of Amherst Street. The Assistant City Manager sent a report
on his investigation of the problem to the Council date_ September 23,
1965. Since the matter appears to have been corrected, the Mayor
directed the petitions be filed.
1 amino Real Wi enin - Project 64-1
The Council received a letter from Emma Lomori, a property owner
at 3780-3790 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, protesting the proposed
improvement of El Camino Real between Matadero Creek and the Los
Altos -Mountain View city limits Since Project No. 64-1 is under
staff study, the M., directed
d the
letter
i � • for vca=�aT, Mayor :151 GL6Cf1 GS1G leLGCr be to the file IOr in-
clusion in that report.
Parking Cars on Sidewalks
The Council received a letter dated September 17, 1965 from Mr.
J. A. S. Wagstaff suggesting a new ordinance be adopted, or that any
pre_Rent orddir nee %1fa enforced, w1.:n1. ....,..1.i .►r.�L:1.:t p ral c1 parking
__._ ---_—__-- -� ___.•,....a`aa--rvasatis-r.avaiiVsr--r.c.aua=va parking
of cars on sidewalks.
-Councilman Pearson moved, seconded by Flint, that the Council di-
rect the Police Department to enforce the present State law which
prohibits parking cars on sidewalks. After discussion, Councilman
Cooley moved, seconded by Beahrs, that the matter be referrtd to
10/4/65
the staff. In the discussion that followed, Councilman PeAr"on re-
worded her motion to state that Mr: Wagstaff's letter be refereed to
the' staff for the particular attention of the Chief of Police, with a re-
pc.prt back- to the C i incil_atthe first meeting in December.
Mr. Morgan reported tliat_the Chief of Police had written a memorar--
dum which contradicts the letter; that the police are following through
on complaints by either a warning or direct citation.
Mr. J.A. S. Wagstaff, 3556 Ramona Street, spoke about the telephone
rail in 1962 when he was informed that the police did not enforce this
problem unless a complaint was registered with the police.
After further discussion, the motion carried on a majority voice vote,
with one no.
Motion to Adjourn
On motion of Rohrs, seconded by Dias and carried unanimously, the
meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. to an executive session.
Hospital Board Appointments
Mayor Arnold nominated Mr. Theodore Strong and Mr. John Santana
for terms on the Board of the Palo Alto -Stanford Hospital Center.
The motion was seconded by Rohr's and carried on a majority voice
Vote, with Flint voting no.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in a regular
meeting accelerated from October 11, 1965. The meeting was called
to order at 8:13 p. m. by Mayor Arnold.
_---ra cpcsIt.
Arnold, Beaters, Comstock, Cooley, Debs, Dias,
Flint, Pearson, Rohrs, Rus, Sher, Woodward and
Worthington.
Absent: None.
ri Gaming Real Intersection
at- +mbarcad ero Road
Councilman Comstock, as Chairman of the Committee ar:Planning
and Procedures, reported the committee recommended that the Coun-
cil look favorably upon the following modifications to the El Camino
Real-Embarcadero intersection:
1. The widening of Er+bt rcadero at El C,arnino Real (on the high
--- school side) to three through lanes and a double `left -turn lane
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10/4/65
in each. direction. (The giant oak tree on the corner of Eru-
barcadero and E1 Camino Real would remain in the median
island.) Estimated cost: $115, 000.
2. The modification of El Camino Real at Emba.rcadero to pro-
vide for a double left turn in each direction and revised sig-
nal controllers. Estimated cost: $45, 000.
3, The modification of the roadway on each side of the Ernyar-
cadero underpass to make it possible to install reverse lane
signals in the underpass and have two lanes of traffic in the
direction of major flow. Estimated cost: $12, 000. The al-
ternate solution to making this minimal standard installation
would involve the expenditure of $600, 000.
After rliar.,ao:.+.,
audience wished to speak.
tl--se-2v1a.yor ass.ea ii anyone in the
T. C. Holmes, 20'24 Columbia Street, suggested widening Embarca-
dero Road underpassing the Sou.hern Pacific railroad tracks. Coun-
cilman Comstock read the portion of the staff report which referred
to the traffic through this underpass.
Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by Flint, that the matter be re-
turned to the committee to consider the length of time these improve-
ments might have utility, some idea of sources of revenues and finan-
cing, the lands probably needed and to be sought, and some idea of
the regional intentions and impact these might have on transiting traf-
fic problems of the City.
The City Traffic Engineer and the Assistant City Manager answered
questions from the Council. In the discussion that followed, Council-
man Comstock pointed out that in the original motion this matter was
to be sent to the Committee on Public Works for their review also.
Members of the Committee spoke against returning the matter to the
Committee on Planning and Procedures.
With the consent of his second, Councilman Beahrs amended his mo-
t:.on to state that ; the matter be sent to the Committees on Finance and
en Public Works. After further discussion, Councilman Beahrs, with
the: consent of his second., added that the matter also be discussed by
the School -Board-City Council i4aison Committee.
The arx»ended motion carried on the following rollcall vote:
Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Cornetock, Dias, Flint, Pearson,
Rohrs, Rus, Sher, Woodward, Worthington.
Noes: Cooley, Debs.
Vice Maycr Debs moved, seconded by Dias, tl!t tae matter be sent
to the Planning Commission to review from a .'lenning.startsipoi.nt,
The motion carried on a majority voice vote.
Intersection at Churchill and Alrna Streets
Councilman Comstock, as chairman of the Committee on Planning
and Procedures, referred to the exhibits displayed on the wall of the
Council chamber and reviewed the cc.nmittee's deliberations.
Cotncii nan Comstock moved, seconded by Cooley, that the Council
designate an underpass at the intersection of Alma and Churchill,
subject to Alma being designated an expressway in the County traffic -
ways second phase Master Plan program.
Councilman Sher moved, seconded by Rahrs, to table the matter. The
motion carried on a majority voice vote.
I�o Parking Signs on Alma Street
Councilman Comstock, as chairman �f the Committee on Planning and
Procedures, moved the unanimous recommendation of the committee
that "no parking any time" signs be installed on the east side of Alma
from Coleridge to Kellogg and that "no parking ' - 9 a.m." signs be
installed on the north side of Churchill from Alma to 150 feet east of
Alma. In addition he introduced Resolution No. 3847 entitled "Reso-
lution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Resolution
2971 Prohibiting Parking Along Certain Portions of Alma Street and
Churchill Avenue" and moved its adoption. The mo`ion was seconded
by Beahrs.
The Mayor invited the audience to present their views, but no. one
came forward.
The resolution was passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Fourth of July Frogram
acjafrnford •University
Councilman Comstock, as chairman of the Committee on Planning and
Procedures, reviewed the committee's deliberations on the request of
Stanford University that the City discontinue its Fourth of July fire-
works display. (See page 433 of the minutes of August 9, 1965.) The
committee returned the matter to the Council without recommendation.
Vice Mayor Debs moved, seconded by Comstock, that the City retain
its fireworks display.
Bob Murphy; representing Stanford University's Athletics Department,
said he wished to clarify one tioint: Stanford would probably proceed
with their plans for a Fourth of July program in the Stanford Stadium
in 1966. He spoke of their plans, as outlined in their letter dated
July 26, 1965, and added that there is a recent effort on Stanford
University's part to become more_i_nvolved i ±.a`fair-s of the community.
The motion carried on a majority voice vote.
Park Proyosal from Dr. Russel V. Lee
Vice Mayor Debs, as chairman of the Committee on Finance, re-
viewed the committee's deliberations as contained in the -minutes of _
September 23, 1965. He moved, seconded by Cooley, that the Coun-
cil favorably consider Dr. Lee's proposal to (1) sell and give the
200 -acre parcel to the City for a net price to l:m of $365,000 (he is
willing to have that transaction completely independent of any other
transaction); (2) to coupi;e the above transaction with acquisition of
the 10.8+ acres for an additional cost of $35, 000 net to him: and
(3) to give the quarry as a gift to the City. He reviewed his report
of October 1, 1965 chairman of the Committee on Finance.
A discussion followed on the location of the 10.8 acre.) offered for
sale. Councilman Beahrs moved that the Council adjourn to an ex-
ecutive session to discuss contract negotiations. After a short dis-
cussion, Councilman Beahrs withdrew his motion.
Councilman Flint moved that the matter be referred to the Committee
on Finance to be studied with the capital improvements program.
The motion died for lack of a .second.
Councilman Beahrs moved, seconded by Rus, that the Council ap-
prove a sense motion approving the recommendations of the Finance
Committee. In response to query, Councilman Beahrs clarified his
motion to state it would not bind the Council to negotiate on just the
property reviewed by the Committee on F Tiarce. After further dis-
cussion, Beahrs restated his motion as follows: that the council ad-
journ to an executive session supporting in general, without commit-
ment, the idea of puchise of foothill properties from Dr. Lee.
The Assistant City Manager referred to his memorandum of Septem-
ber 27, 1965 and stated that Dr. Lee is willing to sell as part of the
quarry project, nr independen'1y,ornot atall, the_ in, g_ acres;that
as to the valley floor or the extension of the meadow, he is willing
only to give the City a roadway easement tc-, nsure access to the
quarry property and to the park from San Mateo County side, tut he
is not willing to sell that property.
After further discussion, Councilman Flint moved the previous ques-
tion. The motion was seconded by Rus and carried on _a two-thirds
show -of -hands vote.
The motion carried unanimously, and the Council adjourned to an
executive session at 10 p. m. and reconvened at 10:44 p. m. (Coun-
cilman Rus and Woodward did not return to the Council chamber.)
Master Mutual Aid Agreement
in Cases of Local Peril or Ezer ens
The Mayor announced this matter was placed on the -agenda prema-
turely and would be continued to the meeting of October 25, 1965.
Civic Center
On motion of Beahrs, seconded by Rohrs and carried unanimously,
the Council ,.ontinued the matter of the report on the,.a. chitect's con --
tract for additional services regarding the Civic Center and the pub-
lic safety facilities study to the meeting of October 25, 1965.
Star Sian at Waverle Street
And EastMe► wDr
Assistant City Manager Morgan reviewed the Traffic Engineer's re-
port to the Council dated September 30, 1965 He recommended that
the traffic at Waverley Street and East Meadow Drive does not juutify
the installation of the proposed stop sign at this time.
Mr. J. A. S. Wagstaff, reiterated the need for such a stop sign, as
outlined in his letter to the Council dated September 7, 1965; (Sew
Council minutes of September 13, 1965; - p• 486.) He referred to a
letter from Wilbur Jlinior High S*:hoo1 which stated a hazard exists
at the intersection. He zaid the stop light has helped at Cowper but
is not sufficient and that he ',you'd work with the City -School -Traffic Safety
Committee to make that intersection safer,
Vice Mayor Debs moved that the Council direct the City Attorney to
prepare a resolution that the intersection at Waverley and East Mea-
dow be designated as a four-way stop intersection, as an emergency
measure; and a staff study be undertaken by the Planning and Proce-
dures Committee and staff to report on the installation of a full set of
traffic signals with a pedestrian controls box, and complete with traf-
fic signal overhanging the intersection as soon as possible.
After discussion, Vice Mayor Debs amended his motion by dividing
it into two parts. The first part was to introduce Resolution No. 3848
entitled "Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending
Resolution 2971 Making a Certain Intersection a Stop Intersection"
and moved its adoption. _ .. •
.......,.. s.o The titVtli7[]-was seconded by -F ia-�i; and after
discussion with the City Traffic Engineer, the motion carried on a
majority voice vote.
Vice Mayor Debs moved that studies be undertaken by the Planning
and Procedures Committee, the staff be instructed to report on the
installation of a full set of traffic signals with pedestrian control but-
ton with the suggestion that an extra traffic signal overhanging the in-
tersection be installed. The motion was seconded by Flint but was
declared lost an a rnajnrity voice. vote.
Fsiyatrian Qver sses o�n�
nni .441 � !r s erxvit iG$
At the August -9, 1965 me `ling of the Council, the staff was directed
to study and report upon the feasibility of constructing pedestrian
nerierpasses or overpasses on Oregon Avenue between Cowper Street
and Louis Road, and or, Embarcadero Road in the vicinity of Rinconada
Park. Mr. Morgan referred to his report to the Council dated Sep-
tember 30, 1965 which concluded .`hat construction of pedestrian grade
separation structures is not justified in terms of either pedestrian
safety or convenience.
Councilman Sher moved, seconded by Debs, that the matter of pedes-
trian traffic on these two streets be referred to the Committee on
Planning and Procedures for study.
After discussion, Councilman Cooley moved, seconded by Rohrs, an
amendment that a report on the subject of t=urning movements off
Middlefield Road providing for left turns be revitalized and studied
by the Committee on Planning and Procedures along with the main
motion. The amendment was declared lost on a voice vote.
The main motion carried on a majority voice vote.
Palo Alto -Stanford
Ci.: it t al ceriter
The City Attorney referred to his letter to the Council dated Septem-
!"er 0, t965 transmitting the proposed amendment to the several
hospital docuIt i.ts as requested by the Council at its meeting of Sep-
tember 27, 1965.
Councilman Comstock moved, seconded by Dias, that the Council ap-
prove the agreement and that the Mayor be authorized and directed to
execute the document.
Councilman Rohrs moved an amendment to page 2, paragraph 1, first
sentence, to delete the words "1965-66'x; and on page 3 to strike the
word "temporary" on the third line.
'rhe Mayor declared the amendment in order. Councilman Comstock
appealed the decision of the Chair. As there was no second to the
amendment, the matter was resolved.
Vice Mayor Debs moved an amendment, seconded by Pearson, that
paragraph 1.B) be stricken from the Agreement.
After discussion, Councilman Beahrs moved a substitute motion to
change paragraph 1. B) to read as follows: "The Board of Directors
of the Palo Alto -Stanford Hospital Center shall have the authority to
prepare and approve an Annual Budget 'for the fiscal ,year 19.66-67'
in accordance with good accounting practice and to establish 'room'
rates 'in the Hospital Center'. " (Single quotes indicate new 'wording.
The Mayor ruled the motion out of order,
Mr. Robert Klein, President of the Board of Directors of the Palo
.Alto -Stanford Hospital Center, stated that as trustees for the Owners
their job was to protect the interests of the Owners; that this proposal
will enable the trustees to improve operations of the hospital, benefit
the Owners, as well as the patients, doctors, and medical students.
11e suggested the time stipulation either be rernnved or extended
several years to give the trustees "room to turn around.'"
Th. Debs amendment lost on the fallowing roll call vote:
Ayes: Debs, Flint, Pearso,z.
Noes: Arnold, Beahrs, Comstock, Cooley, Dias, Rohrs,
Sher, Worthington.
1W1
Councilman Beahrs moved an amendment, seconded by Rohrs, that
the paragraph 1. B) on the second page of the Agreement be amended
to read as follows: "The Board of Directors of the Palo Alto -Stanford
Hospital Center shall have the .authority to prepare and approve an
Annual Budget for fiscal year 1966-67 in accordance with good ac-
counting rractice and to establish room rates in the Hospital Center:'
After discussion, Councilman Beahrs added to the motion that the.
dates in paragraph 1 be changed to strike the words "only during
the fiscal year 1965-66" and insert "to and including Juae 30, 1967."
The amendment carried on the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Cooley, Dias, Rohrs, Sher.
Noes: Comstock, Debs, Flint, Pearson, Worthington.
s'h� original motion failed to carry the. necessary seven votes on the,
following roll call:
Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Cooley, Dias, Rohrs, Sher.
Noes: Comstock, Debs, Flint, Pearson, Worthington.
Councilman Cooley moved, seconded by Beahrs, that the matter be
reconsidered. The motion carried or the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Comstock, Cooley, Dias, Rohrs,
Sh.-r, Worthington.
Noes.. Debs: 1'tint, Pearson.
Councilman Cooley move?, seconded by Beahrs, that tiie agreement
as subrnitted by the City Attorney to the Council prior to the meeting
be approved. After discussion, the motion carried on the following
roll. call vote.
Ayes: Arnold, Beahrs, Comstock, Cooley, Dias, Pears9n,
Rohrs, Sher, Worthington.
Noes: Debs, Flint.
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10/4/65
Vice Mayor Debs moved, and it was duiV seconded and carried unan-
imoesly that it is the intent of this agreement that the Board does not
have authority to adopt a budget for the fiscal year 1966-67 without
submitting it to the Council.
(Councilmen Beaters, Cooley and Rohrs left the rni:eting at this time.)
ward of Bids
'tom 1i Park Tennis Courts - Project 65-7
The Assistant City Manager reviewed the bids received for the con-
struction of two additional tennis courts at Mitchell Park (see page
492 of the minutes of September 27, 1965) and recommended that the
low b;d of Kunz Paving Company be accepted and the budget amended
to provide for the appropriation of $35, 000 in the Capital Improve-
ment Fund for Project 65-7.
Councilman Pearson moved, and it was duly seconded, that the mat-
ter be continued to the meeting of October 25, 1965, and that the staff
present plans for the tennis court to the Council in the meantime.
The Council questioned the City Attorney and City Contra%ler on the
procedure necessary and number of votes required to amend the Bud-
get Ordinance to provide an appropriation of funds in the Capital Im-
provement Fund for a specific project.
The motion carried on a majority voice vote.
The Assistant City Manager called the Council's attention to the fact
that the bids died October 22 and, by continuing the matter to Oc-
tober 25, it would be necessary to call for new bids.
Vice Mayor Debs moved, seconded by Pearson, that the staff go to
the lew bidder and ask whether the bids could be continued to the
meeting of October 25, 1965. The motion carried on the following
roil call vote:
Ayes: Arnold, Debs, Dias, Flint, Pearson, Worthington.
Noes: Comstock, Sher.
Councilman Flint moved that the Council rescind their action accept-
ing the low bid, and amending theBudget 4kdinance, on the Municipal
Service Center, The motion died for lack of a second.
Councilman Worthington moved the meeting adjourn to 7:30 p. rn.
I'tonday, October 25, 1965. The motion was duly seconded and
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carried on a majority voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at
12:00 midnight.
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
r1