HomeMy WebLinkAbout031819631,47
City 1-'::il, Palo ,yy h A °. California
18, 1963
r`•"gtiYar •ad.r, The Councilpr siding he d. <'.;:�io 1. on ,.} of th`' City r:, P: this elite ,,t , ,14....,.).,-orAlto3`' 3�, rrt., . m.et in a
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Piryy(rt•
Arr_clki
iii s h c,, }
Arrzohul E f yxbeet
W I. Rodg,, h Crc to b
oodw.L, r s. Dias,
t�tsser,.. _d � - «, „'• Rus, Stephens,
( tilx.:'tth r<rpytnu
PIa„ had r. I t}t rtZc•,. "d thy Cc,, r.o i t
been :-. .Y tir't: a" r.tl."it- r
and the th c <��i�d; that d that the ut h:�, �' G:O
a,.r.izt~, discussion P sI;�• he r.i t1ti71:�„
of,the Planning Ccs'rr:nis5iord xc, s1b." would r` -ow b hc,n� on the General
mime, thrr; ing Commission.
si n.to present st ...cd he WO,_2. c thc. Council
vi,4wy .•.d whenct. cor;n.ciL^z:tr would e' -t any st:2t�Amcr,L.,t ask the. Chaixrr�a
for 2c. c'o.y d hc. given 5 opportunity
desired
hutrz: °,. was clone, an tunny d to
dditior:rr? di, " Larthc..� appO�tur,i- to present
.his �Y would b his
c provided.
�' Cu i,
moo:^ ;.�pl3rov.�.I the `'"•�•in T.ie;,s
and, of L `'' r.ciirrr.i irqu:_-,td wh
Apo- E�, s of the adjourned t'th..r t.�
dd '•cs the raxr .�i,.sc;d ?.�y tt., 'vlay- Joa,:�<�d rn::e�t:ir�,t(,xcv ` the, proper time
Dc ho u c. the answers or that it w Vhe would
prcpr. in+, hid z .�s, t bi n of Dr• H crold ,} rtee-7 t cd o s ns 3
CoC :t,- 7.., c, to
Y of dd1^'�,' an individual's ciYz72a. 7vi {: h Ii
h r.-�• two ciuestio
to xzy.n.� r
1 tti its which
h on with ,insw..• r'r1 �
a
i �.,s(, , r the individual r , to the min; question as t0 the
•t5, (�� the , and tizt•,;
Ce� �zs.cilr zr_sr.iors het Councilman cages fir
st
S1ntee. D ��M :,, rnF=d thr31 k sent to Dr. Santee CJf r5 suggested that
e,would turn; for hisn arses
ers furnish st.tc}, a transcript to Dr'th,�:•r•1.
GeIt ...,-
p`a" o` the ta City ofMr
A.Lv
e'wtcwi�d the z �5. ka.Y Zow; Chairman
�h�; nr r c ��,, �ti. of *:u: c, t rn�;zr of
h •h°d al arriving go; rd the Planning
.O ,t objectives Commission,
'e tc net �'�.jn�'� , td etitat�Iishir i thr ?"' the outlined
bPriefly
t irz4c a. Y nitrf. c rrtee, :'., -,,rd, objectiv...ti w 9 s She o1ow th or n tt
� of � x:LY,, v• y ,; I d tarle.fly
,t public
•;t �i is, rd,iscussed w'.th ma it toes this COrn
1 h..i citizens mittEe.:
t>t,r�r 1-,(-:; iD..; t Y C;,t � t7s
to
o tnp .,�J d 1h t �ittr 1h P 1.Ci< , of Ole and rCpre'SC'n-
wr`I�h } �.t a t iCi �t' .,<i � er "'S n1in.ry goals Ord
�� {xV It . t i1 . h nsi c tion t r . '`fin C l.s d
we i of neti,e . go41..s `ri ie w•r� held w 1 fC'`rtn(-.:r: errs p e pre-
sented .a
p <,C r' 1 1 ( b
at
.Lsu . ,., t,r.r,s .t..r ,,•,a ,-it,�, d ° 1e.ctiv G,
Cot:.c:ii w.rr, `. that' rir�.a, h. ''� ,i r,i�rr d that {.:;s speaking. 6.,
i 'r 4r two uC, L. r_1. 1t' rz-ne.,s Sh' .,�so ree7.iied th,,,t�tr� written n e';
s_o:-, ::nd o e hr, po affir of t 'ns
s, ari: _ pal1y for tt 'v had t�cc, s the
p 'f t,N;��-:'i• of , reaffirmed on
c np�c. With rr ,, nr, consultant.: �� x t� 5,� rr:rce to t! t•:
t S' �Z'e�ttitG . li thrn fee of rr,,, Ce ..ippr,.rctr,r misunderstanding
':12t i,t 2 1 `C .,G.4. «n1 •: rh �S'1 nr I oiloci: in. t �Y" to th ? by 5(jXy3E.
''-`!(3 �. 1'r, A u7?1"7i7 -. schools; ;(�li � ,•r, ,, t r. ::•,--0,'.2-,,,,i7,,.. , o r `1i LYYl,
fib"4��,.,.,, �ltt�.,�,czq,; added that. there
ddistrict d tTnm �, s!'.n'a .rt t fit. - s.:hor,i t)'` (i..�i{?,' of are
s p 1 i. ,., . fit; t `Camino
- ='c1. time, z•c.cv�,..;zi.,g r:t3tUr�:tht'.
148
She stated the Planning Commission had studied the
General Plan, had gone through three revisions, and unanimously
recommend it as a guide for the future of Palo Alto, still wishing to
impress on the Council that the General Plan is only a guideline, subject
to annual review - that it is exactly what it says - a "general".ern.
CouncilmanZweng -
Advised that he was one of the two members now sitting
on the Council whohad something to do with framing the goals and
objectives; that he believed it was the feeling of the committee that in
any programoffuture planning the past character of the City of Palo
Alto should be kept in mind. He pointed out that in a number of aspects
Palo Alto, since ,:its inception', has been different from its neighboring
communities: that from the beginning it has been an integral city,
called into being prxrna.rily because,- of the existence of Stanford Univerasity
and the University's consequent needs for services for its students and
faculties; that the fact, of the City's ownership of its own utilities today
is <)..resuit of the University's and community's needs dating from that
beginning. He expressed his opinion that Palo Alto never has been, is
not now, send,never=w'il be in the future a straight residential city and,
he felt the Council should keep that point in mind.
He then. discussed,one by one, the fourteen goals and
objectives contair..ed in the General Plan, mentioning inparticular,
among other things, his feeling that there should be quality diversity of
residential, commercial, industrial and other types of development;
that. to condemn apartments is to deny people who wish to live in or
conEinue to live in, Pato Alto suitable accommodations; that openareas
in the foothills should be retained so far as is reasonable; that he, as a
Palo Altan, liked.the-fact it was not necessary to range far and wide in
order to find good shopping and trading opportunities; that the City, in
connection with the'play=n.ing of neighborhood communities, recognizes
its ;responsibilities and responds to overtures. Fate felt that the opposition
to. the General Pla:i>:arose,:;ironically enough, from the problem of civic
prosperity and spoke briefly of the "municipal poverty" in the early
1950's.: He mentioned it crust be remembered that the "more .things"
a city wants cost money - a fact which must be faced. He stated, from
his exarnination of the General Plan in the light of the fourteen goals
and ;objectives, that the plan as presented is really a statement of the
status quo cf Palo Alto at this time; that he believes the goals are not
obscure but clear; not invalid but valid; not lack:irag in priority but
reflecting the multiplicity of priorities which exist in the City.
He then stated an ;summary that he found the General
Plan good a -'d moved for its adoption, mentioning, however, that when
the Planning Commission begins its annual review he would wish to
present some.,specific points for its consideration and detailed dis-
cussion.
In answer to the Mayor's inquiry on the specific
suggestions, he advised he would like to hear from the Planning
Commission in due time a great deal of evidence as to foothill develop-
ment, whether or not the one dwelling unit per acre ratio is preferable
to cluster .development, and why; evidence in respect to any need for
an interchange at :Charleston and Alma; the need for the designation of
Arastradero Road and: Charleston Avenue as major arterials.
11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
Councilman Arnold -
;ead a prepared staternent of his ideas in reference
tii the General Plan, containing ir, part the following:
That more than two years of time, effort, Study, evaluation and
evis o ' ha.ve 'gone into the plan, during which time its development
has bee; presented in public meetings, discussed, reduced to
writing by the Planning Officer and Planning Commission.; again
studied and discussed by the public on two occasions: and that by
this time reasonable, objective and intelligent: people should be able
to make,'a decision on it;
That the Palo Alto Branch of American Association of University
Women' has expressed its appreciation for the time devoted to -the'
plan; that. Stanford University, although it makes three specific: -
protests, calls the plan "basicaily sound": the Committee for Green
Foothills commends the Planning ng Commission for three specific;
changes made and for its "reasonableness and good intentions''; '
the League of Women Voters expresses approval of reserve status
for,t.he baylands, pleasure at lowered densities for the foothills and
appreci.ation of the fact that this represents planning cooperation
with contiguous communities; the Audubon Society approves reserve
status for the baylands and asks to participate in evaluating Pro-
posals as they arise: the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, endorses.
Ow plan, 'describing it as "an excellent framework"; the California
Ave'ruc Area Development Association indicates approval and cites its
expo'. ier..ce with its owe: plan, which has proven both "general" and
"amendable.": the Palo Alto Times editorializes that the Council
should act to -adopt this General Plan now; finally. and most irn- -
portant, the Plan has been certified to the Council without objection
by our own Plan.-ur_g Commission:
That; arrayed in. cpposit.iont appear to be one organization and a
number of individuals preoccupied largely with densities; that
in connection with the concern involving densities and school
enrollment; t; the Superintendent of Schools bas expressed his
feeling that the system ca.n.accommodate to additional school
erroll:rne.-:.t, and that this protesting organization had refused to
endorse th• r`c.ent school bond issue.
He sated the General Plan should have four characteristics -
it :ahould be long-r:a.nge, it should be comprehensive, it should be general,
and it should be amendable and he believes this plan possesses these
characteristics, providing the Council with ,a. ba..sic policy control in-
strument, leading towardconsist.e-t decisions or lir:d-use, densities,
circulation routes and public facilities.
He advised he felt the General Plan should be adopted and.:
secor.ded themotion for its adoption, mentioning, however that if it is
adopted, he intended immediately subsequent to such adoption to reque-st
the Planning Cnmm.issior, to re -ex -mine the following six specific points,
on wnich he favors rnv^.Sion or modification:,
Oregon Aventic•.at West Yayshorc - an apartment area
of <3.porox.imatety Z5 cl' ._il -' units h -Jet acre". Why not:
R-1, or, at wc'rs', a less ieterese density?
150
2. "Middlefield -Loma Verde -Change industrial areas to
residential with an average of 20 dwelling units/net acre."
Why not R-1?
3. "Monroe Park Area - A residential area with an average
of 25 dwelling units/net acre." Why not R-1?
4 Reconsideration of designation of Charleston as a major
arterial to a designation of collector street.
5. Deletion of: a proposed interchange at Charleston and Alrna.
6. Referring to page 5 of the minutes of March 11, 1963 (the
adjourned meeting), consideration of a moratorium on
development above Foothills Park until a regional concept
is developed, as requested by the Committee for Greer.
Foothills.
Councilman Arnold concluded his statement with a quotation.
from Lewis: Mumford in an article written for the Sierra Club Bulletin.
oiiDecember, 1962, entitled "California and the Human Prospect",
"I have, of course, intentionally, and doubtlessly grossly ,
caricatured the life of the representative American today; and I am
as well a.warie ,as you are of the many happy qualifications and modifications
that make much of it bearable, and some of it positively rewarding. There
are still real cities in America, like the core of San Francisco, and some
of your smaller towns, which like Palo Alto, with the benefit of Otrnsted's
great origxr al plan fdr the campus itself, have so far held their own against?
the bulldozing highway engineers and have even by the orderly addition, of.
industrial parks and shopping centers, taken on the more complex and
varied and vivid life of a city, without eroding the landscape.
Councilman Debs -
stated he would prefer to speak on the General,
Plan after all the other members had spoken, since he felt he was probably.
the only person speaking to his point of view, but he had decided to go
ahead :with his opinions.
He believed that after Councilman Zweng's presentation,
it was not necessary to discuss again in detail the fourteen goals and
objectives; that when quoted individually, each of the goals and objectives
was fine, but it was 'his opinion that they are sops to every faction in the
City; that his quarrel in reference to the General Plan is that the Planning
Commission `;should not have accepted the fourteen goals and objectives.
He claimed the Planning. Commission had agreed with everyone, which
resulted in a plane with goalsreaching in all directions. He questioned the
wisdom of -adopting the plan now if it will need revision. in 90 days, and
reminded the. Council that Ordinance No. 2090 does not require only one
public hearing but only states that one hearing is the minimum that is
acceptable
He stated that in his view the General Plan is a statement of
policy and 4ntent,from the ruling body, of what the City is to become; that
the goals an_ are contradictory. He pointed out that 1205 acres
in the City of Palo Alto are presently zoned as industrial, and in the
General Plan, inexorable logic points to the fact that jobs car. be supplied
for a population of about 434,000 people; that although the plan does
not add industrial zoning," it does not preclude the possibility of more
areas being zoned to;•industry. He stated he felt the plan is incomplete,
based on goals>cornpletely contradictory, and will open the door for all
types of zoning. He reiterated a previous statement that the plan does not
have init the''recreation study • or the school surveys, and suggested that `.
additional study be,given:to the plan prior to its adoption, during which
study revisions could be made of major points.
At the conclusion of his presentation Councilman Debs
made a substitute motion to Zweng's motion, that the General Plan be
held:. in Council for study, during which period the Council should:
1) first,. set as the primary goal, to be given priority above all
other goals, the preservation and enhancement of the predominant,
single -family -home residential quality of Palo Alto, with •emphasis:
upon, keeping present population density in the flatlands as much
as possible;
2) second, assign, by full debate and by several public hearings,
a set of priorities or weights to the remainder of the fourteen
goals and objectives;
and that after this weighing has been done, the Council should send the
plan back to -the Planning Commission with instructions that the plan be
rewritten to conform with these assigned priorities. The motion died
for lack of a second.
Councilman Dias -
agreed with Councilman Zweng on the goals and
objectives,, feeling they are all-inclusive, that there is something for
everyone in them., andthat changing councils would change emphasis
rather thangoals and objectives. She stated she is perfectly satisfied
with the overall philosophy of the three divisions, i.e., reserve for the
baylands, the came density as the 1955 plan for the flatlands, and the
low density for the. foothills. She mentioned that although a plan would
never be adopted with which everyone agreed, she was concerned with
the high density designation of Monroe Park and the Oregon-Bayshore
area, and with the' arterial designations of Alma Street, El Camino
Real, Skyline, San .Antonio and Charleston. She stated that her concern
for schools seems to have been proved invalid by the fact that residents
of the Van Auken area disagreed with her written statement suggesting
that rather than establishing Amarillo Park, the land be set aside for
a primary school to handle increased density at the Van Auken School;
that it also appeared the school district was not interested; and finally,
that one of the school sites had been removed from the General Plan.
In answer to her inquiry with respect to the Larry Smith
& Company analysis of residential housing units, recreational areas,
industrial areas, non-complex` retail and services, etc., Planning
Officer Fourcroy advised that the information referred to is under the
general heading of background of development of the plan, that it is
intended as background information only.
1.52
Councilman Stephens -
agreed completely and wholeheartedly with the
statements, made ,by Zweng. He stated it was his opinion that the most
difficult part of any major program is getting it started; that he thought
a tremendous. amount of time, effort and research,on the part of the
Planning Cornznission, professional planners, the city staff and the
Council,had been devoted to the General Plan; that there will be continual
study.and revision of it and it is necessary for the City to have a flexible
prograarrefor'u.se as a guide for the future. He believed it would be im-
possible to have any general plan for the long-range future of the City
which would':'.cover every thought, interest and possibility of every
situation in Palo Alto. He recommended adoption. of the General. Plan as
a guideline for the City's, Tong -range future.
Councilman Bishop -
stated he was in agreement with the views expressed_
by Stephens and added that he thought the Planning Commission had done
a fine job and come up with a very good plan; that he felt it must be kept
in mind the General Plan is a land -use plan and not a zoning plan. He
mentioned there are areas which are controversial as far as development
i., concerned, that traffic would` be one and the foothills another; that he
personally felt development inthe foothills would be slow and he, too,
stated the plan would'ha,ve to be reviewed and changes made as time
went on: He started he was certainly in favor of the plan and intended to
vote for its adoption, ;with the proviso that the Planning Commission
consider in its first review of the plan the items already set forth by
Zweng and Arnold. He suggested also that the bayland area be reviewed,
keeping in mind the request of the Audubon Society to set aside seve.ral
acres of land for a wild life refuge.
Councilman Marshall. -
agreed with the views expressed by Zweng and
Dias, adding, 'however, that problems could develop for the City in the
event the fe-cleral government should cut down on spending, that this
would directly affect the electronics industries. He stated he had always
it mind only the best interests of Palo Alto and its people. He agreed
with lDebs that Palo Alto: should be kept as a residential city, adding
that he believed this was just what was being done. He complimented
the Planning; Commission for the fire job it had done, and in particular,
expressed,apprecation to Mrs. Towle. He stated he was concerned
about the attitude of_many 'citizens toward Stanford University, Hewlett-
Packard and many Council members, ar..d declared he believed every
oneof them had the best interests of the City at heart. He noted that
United Palo Altans had not to date ever asked a Council member, with
one possible' exception, to attend any of their meetings.
He advised he intended to vote for adoption of the plan,
adding one suggestion that he felt the community north of University
Avenue is not ready for ,high-rise apartments.
Councilman Woodward -
spoke in agreement with the views already ex-
pressed, stating appreciation.on behalf of hirnseU and the Council for -
the hours, days and years spent by the Planning Commission on the
General Plan; that it should be remembered, basically, that the
Majority of citizens realized the problems involved and what the Council
and Planning Commission was trying to accomplishfor the City, and
153
it is unfortunate - that the Councilmen must be continually defending
themselves against small minorities of citizens. He, too, agreed that
the goals and objectives are bascally sound and were arrived at after
much deliberation and .caszsi,deratior., that this is true also of the
General Plan, which has been in the making for a long period of time;
He stated he believed: She plan should be adopted and that the Council,
after making its decision, should now move on about the business of
the City.
Councilman`Rus -
observed that a start should be made somewhere
acnd'he was in favor of the General Plan. He spoke of the work done
while he was a member of the Planning Commission and the time and
effort spent on the fourteen goals and objectives; and mentioned that lie
was on the Council when these goals and objectives were ratified in
principleafter full hearing had been given to them, on two occasions.
He added his appreciation for the excellent job done by the Planning
Commission, the staff, and all who were connected with the General
Plan.
He stated he, too, felt some points needed clarification,
addition to or, subtraction from; that the minutes of Council meetings
reflect his position on zoning and density, and he believed he had
consistently voted in the best interests and on behalf of the people of.
Palo' Alto.
Councilman Rohrs -
presented the following remarks:
That he had followed the program of updating the General Plan
since its start, .had attended practically all of the meetings with the
Luckxnar_ group and most of the Planning Commission sessions, attended
one of the two public hearings held by the Planning Commission and, of
course, was in attenda.nce at the Council's public hearing on March I•lth;
That he had heard both praise and criticism, had seen changes
in the original concept of the preliminary plan and other changes as' a
result of suggestions and criticism; that he is well aware of the im-
possibility of turning out a plan which will suit everyone in every detail,
even the Unitied States Constitution has been amended many times and
the California Constitution has been so many times amended it is ready
for a general rewriting;
That the annual review of the General Plan is an excellent safe-
guard against stagnation, against failure to keep abreast of the times or
of the changes in the will of the people - likewise against maintaining
any portion which may prove to be best deleted or changed.
Touching on some of the criticism of the Plan and indicating
his evaluation of such criticism, Councilman Rohrs read the following
prepared statement:
Not enough public hearings - We have heard much and
often through the whole process - many study sessions,
plus two legally required Planning Commission hearings
and one Council hearing, At the Council hearing everyone
who wanted to be heard was heard. The hearings were
well publicized. What purpose could more hearings
bring if no further persons appeared, and the same
people belabored us with the same suggestions.
Critics have said to wait until other things are completed*
the report of the Committee on Recreation, the report of
Ebasco on "public facilities, and the joint School and
Planning Commission survey - There will, I think,.
always be' programs in the planning stage in a vital
communitylike Palo Alto. Our legal procedure makes
it reasonable to add these, if appropriate and approved,
from time to time.
Another criticism is that we are in haste to adopt the
plan because it unfreezes industrial zoning. - How can
this be when the plan adds no industrial zoning, - it
suggests at a later date some R & D additions. I'll
state now, I am opposed to any such additions as I see
it today and for several years to come.
"4. Critics have attacked professionals and their work -
DeLeuw Cather, Luckman, our own professional planning,
employee, and semi-professionals (so classed by me
because of years of experience) on our Planning Commission
- Any group of professionals can be attacked, usually by
other professionals. Witness the conflict of testimony
in any court case where professional witnesses appear.
against each other. This is healthy to a degree but it
doesn't necessarily completely disprove results. In:this'
case, most criticism was by non-professionals who didn't
have any alternative suggestions, they just don't agree.
I'd like to touch on Luckman Associates, as an example
- Luckman himself, a nationally famous architect with
years of experience and many great monuments of success_
to show for it, and the associates, likewise capable men
and certainly some with planning experience. Our
contract termination wasn't based on lack of competence,:.
it was a time and money matter. I, for one, was stimulated
by the Luckrnan. approach. By not limiting them, we got
some ideas not acceptable, but their suggestions were
thought, -provoking. Ir. most cases there were alternatives,
e.g. baylands - three approaches. Most of what Luckman'
did > was valuable to completion of the plan. It showed: us
definite ,approaches some we couldn't adopt and others
we could': He didn't stay to the compromise and com-
pletion stage. I say the professionals and our own staff
were most competent and turned out a good job -. not
perfect necessarily.
Goals and objectives - There has been much hue and
to-do on this point. Here again, goals were set up
long ago by an eminent committee. They have been
criticized several times by a few, but I haven't seen any
suggested revision of goals or any suggested priorities.
Here again I feel a good (if not perfect) job has been done
and these goals can well serve our General Plan, which'
is subject to continual review and which is by definition
a set of policies to be used as a guide for iw_�.--r develop-
ment. "
1`5
Councilman.Rohrs stated he agreed a hundred per cent
with Zweng's appraisal of goals and objectives; that he believes the
plan merits adoption, that it has been well done; that he is aware of
and glad the City has the ordinance requirement of review and revision
and he intends to stay close to the plant, to keep alert to changes suggested
and. that .he might initiate some changes of his own, in addition to those
already suggested, particularly in respect to Monroe Park, R and D
area enlargement in the foothills, anda policy statement in regard to
watershed, flood control, coat and fill, etc., as suggested by the
Committee for Green Foothills
Councilman. Rodgers -
agreed with the statements already presented by
his colleagues and declared he was in favor of aooption of the General
Plan:
Councilman Byxbee -
expressed his belief that basically, over the
years,Palo Alto has beer a planned city, that as a result of the types of
industry under which the City was born, an extremely cohesive group of
people with similar interests was attracted here, resulting in a population
which has been vitally interested in the City and in City improvements,
He stated that in designing'Pado Alto, probably thee equivalent of fifteen
or twenty so-called- "master plans" have been utilized over the years. : He
reviewed early history in regard to the street design of the City, mention-
ing that with the present .magnitude of automobiles, many problems are
the result of that basic street design and the ordinary street widths.
lie cornmented upon finances, stating that definitely; the
industries the City has: had have served' to its advantage, that the property
tax rate is the lowest tax rate, of any major city in California; that on the
other hand, Palo,Alto's school tax rate is the highest tax rate of any
major city in California; that if the City did not have the industry. to pro-
tect the fax position he doubted whether the last school bond issue would
have passed by a vote of 5-1"!2 to 1, and doubted that the citizens would
be so keenly interested in the schools from an economic point of view.
He ?relieved the . plan should be adopted - that although
it does have, its faults, it is the basic skeletonof the City, it is a plan on.
which the City can grow, build upon or subtract from if necessary, In
respect to goals and objectives, he believed they are an integrated,
philosophical statement, He commented upon the high-rise apartments
recommended` for the older part of town, stating he doubted the existing
street structure in that area would support any increased population, and
that he personally would like to have the Planning Commission re-examine
this item; that in addition, he felt it might be a good idea to suggest a
moratorium,on any further zoning of apartments until the Planning
Commission has an opportunity to review that entire matter.
He noted that the Planning Commission has suggested
the baylands be kept. more or less, in reserve and questioned whether
transferring the yacht harbor to the County, adding to the airport acreage,.
and possibly constructing a corporation yard in the baylands, would
be consistent with the philosophy of the Planning Cornrnission.
a
156
With reference to Monroe Park, he suggested that.
servicing the area with utilities and sewers be made a part; of next year's
budget, and ,also suggested that as a part of the Capital Improvement
Program, a bridge be constricted across Adobe Creek to bring the
residents in that area into the City.
He talked in regard to the land above Foothills Park,
setting out the fact that any development in the hills would also include
bringing into the area' utilities, including sewer, water, gas and
electricity, and that this would prove to be a costly proposition.
(Councilman Stephens left the meeting
at this time, 9:25 p.m. )
In connection with the foothills area he pointed out
that the watersheds of Adobe ;Greek: and Dry Creek are in Los Altos Hills,
not in Palo Alto; that as'J ar as the City's foothills are concerned, per-
haps 10% of the watex'shed originates in Palo Alto property, the rest
originates in Los Altos Dills. Speaking of drainage on parts cf the land.
above Foothills .Park,, he; believesi approximately fifty per cent; o:: the
foothill area could be bl vktopped withou.', affecting the flat lands in the
entire low areas.
He ;ended his statement with a declaration in favor of
adoption of the General Plan, feeling the goals and objectives were ex-
pressed in the broadest of terms, although he did agree with previous
statements that further, study should be made on some parts of the plan.
(The Council recessed at 9:35 p.m.
reconvening at 9:45 p.m.)
Mayor Cresap announced that a request had been made
to carry over item 26 on the agenda until, the next meeting, a matter
requesting an extension ofItime for use of building at 445-447 Alrna-
Street, . 101 -105 -107 -109 -:ill and 111-1/2 University Avenue, and that
the matter would be carried over unless there was an objection. No
objections being made, the item was continued to the meeting of the
Council on March 25, I963.
Mayor Cresap then stated that the Council would
return to consideration of the General Plan and asked for short rebuttals.
Councilman Debs -
restated his strong objections to the General
Plan and his feeling that the Planning Commission would rezone according
to this directive, again declaring that the plan is not an answer to what
kind of a City the, people want. He moved to amend the motion to adopt
the plan so that the people would be allowed to vote on the fourteen goals
and objectives. The motion to amend died for lack of a second.
Mayor Cresap -
made a brief statement that he thought perhaps
his view of the General Plan might be unusual; that it is not what is in.
the plan, it is the.. processes by which it ixas been developed and will
continue to be developed; that a great arousal of civic :interest had been
witnessed.
15i
"We have heard a great variety of opinions, many of them
very helpful - and this process of planning is the important
thing rather than the particular words contained in this
plan at the moment. I would 'Like to reassure people who are
opposed to adoption, that adoption does not mean an end to.
pl
anning.
: •On the contrary, it means we can go ahead with,
e P . I am urging my colleagues to vote for the
resolution."
The Mayor requested the City Attorney to read to the
Council the resolution of adoption of thc;
read a short di plan.
Plan, After the resolutionwas
that each
member should present to the City Clerk withinMayor henouncenextweek a list of
the Items in the plan which he wished to have submitted to the Planning
Commissionforfurther review; that after these lints were received, the
staff would put them in order for presentation to the Council so that the
Council could then act in an orderly manner on the items at a subse
meeting.
u
q ent
Resolution No. 3616 entitled "Resolution of the
Council of the City of Palo Alto Adopting the General Plan as Certified
to the City. Council by the Planning Commission on February 20, 1963,
as the General Plan of the City of Palo Alto" was then voted on and was
adopted by the following roll call vote:
Ayes:
Arnold, Bishop, Byxbee, Cresap, Dias,
Marshall;, Rodgers, Rohrs, Rus, Woodward,
Zwerzg.
Noes: Debs.
Absents Porter, Stephens.
Councilman:.Byxbee moved that a proposal to dis-
tribute .a copy of the General Plan to all families in Palo Alto be referred
to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
seconder and. was carried by a roll call vote as fol w smotion was
p
Aye s : Bishop, Byxbee, 3 bee, Dias, Marshall, Rodgers
Rohrs, Rus, Woodward.
Noes: Arnold; Cresap, Debs, Zweng,
Absent: Porter, Stephens,
Ordinance No. 1324 and Fire Zone Ma
-_. . Chan
A report was received from the Planning Commission,
recommending on its own initiative a change of district from C -2:S to
R-4 of a portion of Blocks 39 and 40,
ise
known. as 701, 703,.'705,. 711 and 727 Cowper1ty Street Park and 524,Tract,ot526her,532,
534, 543, 545, 555 and 569 Forest Avenue, and also recommending a
No. 3.
change of Fire Zone for this property from Fire Zone No. 1 to Fire Zone.
A motion was made by Byxbee, seconded by Marshall, that
the recommendations of the Planning Commission be upheld.
A discussion followed, and at its conclusion a motion was
made by Debs that the ri atter be referred back to the Planning Commission
for restudy of the zone changes in relation to the other zoning in the area.
The motion died -for .lack of a second.
An ordinance entitled "Ordinance of the Council of the City
of Palo Alto Amending Section 3.02 of Ordinance No. 1324, the Zoning
Ordinance, Changing the Zoning of Certain Property Knownas a Portion
of Block's 39 and 40, University Park Tract, from C-2:5 to R-4" was
introduced.'
A second ordinance, entitled "Ordinance of the Council of the
City of Palo Alto, Amending the 'Official Fire Zone Map of the City of
Palo. Alto, California' (Section 1601 of the Uniform Building Code) by
Changing the Property at 701, 70:x, 705, 711 and 727 Cowper Street, and
524, 526, 532, 534, 543, 545. 555 and 569 Forest Avenue From Fire
Zone No. 1 to Fire Zone No. 3", was also introduced.
The ordinances were then accepted for first reading by the
following roll call vote', xeouestec', by Councilman Debs:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Zoning Chan Ye
Arnold, Bishop, Byxbee, Cresap, Dias,
Marshall, Rodgers, Rohrs, Rus, Woodward,
weng ,
Debs.
Porter, Stephens.
On motion by Zweng, seconded by Rodgers, and unanimously
carried,the Council upheld the recommendation of the Planning Commission
to deny the application of A. L. Hawley, Jr. and F. O. Hawley for a
change of district from R -E to R - is B-20:1; of a portion of Lot 7, Mesa
Tract, otherwise known as 4232 Manuela Avenue.
,, Q,�in O dinance No, 1324
A report was received from the Planning Commission
unanimously recommending amendment of Ordinance No. 1324, the
Zoning Ordinance, to permit two-story construction in the R-DUP
District by amending Sec. 6A.09 (to require an additional sideyard of
three feet for the second story); Sec. 6A. 11 (to increase the parking
requirement from one to one and one-half spaces for each dwelling unit);
Sec. 6A.12 (to increase the building height from one to two stories); and
Sec. 4.20 (to define a duplex as "a two-family dwelling separated vertically,
such that no portion of one dwelling shall be above or below any portion. of
the other dwelling".
The Planning Officer and Planning Commission Chairman,, in
answer to inquiries, explained the recommended amendments to the
zoning ordinance in detail. Following a discussion, a motion was made
by Zweng, seconded. by Rus,to refer the matter hack to the Planning
Commission for further consideration. At the request. of Councilman
Debs, a roll call vote was taken and the motion was carried by the
following:
159
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Arnold, Bishop, Byxbee, Debs, Dias, Rohrs,
Rus, Zweng.
Cresap, Marshall, Rodgers.
Porter, Stephens, Woodward.
Zonin Antonio Over as
A report was received from the Planning Commission that
it has studied the zoning pattern for the pr_vate property outside the
right-of-way for the San Antonio overpass, as requested by the Council,
and unanimously. recommends that the present oning be retained.
The Mayor stated he hadbeen advised by the City Manager
that this report would need further study and consideration because an
agreement between Palo Altoand Mountain View had not been completed
in regard to the overpass itself. The City Manager agreed that further
study was needed andat his request it was moved, seconded and unanimously
carried to refer the matter'. to the staff for further study, the staff to
report back to the Council.
yc�t Division A��ica'ti,on (George Kaku
A`report was..received from the Planning Commission
recommending that the decision of the Planning Officer be upheld in
denying the lot division application of George Kaku for the property at
3580 Ross Road, being: a portion of Lot 93, Wooster Subdivision.
Councilman Zweng inquired whether the recommendation of
the Planning Commission had been unanimous and was advised that the
vote had been 5 to 2. An explanation of the recommendation was made by
Planning Commissioners Towle, Spencer and Stromquist.
After discussion, it ,was moved, seconded and carried by
a majority voice; vote to upholdthe recommendation and deny the lot'
division application.
t Divxsiori Shurtleffl
3ai7E ss oaT
A; report was received from the Planning Commission
unanimously recommending mending approval of the lot division application of
Robert D. SF urtleff for the property at 3508 Ross Road,, being a portion
of Lot 90,. Wooster Subdivision, , subject to:
inclusion of the 18 -foot right-of-way (driveway) as a
portion of Lot 2 and granting of easement overthis
driveway to Lot 3.
Paving of driveway shall, be to the satisfaction of the'
Fire Chief, and i;n, no case less than 10 feet in width:
Adequate p_.ovision for fire protection, including :mairs
and hydrants, as may be require? by the Fire Chief.
urnishirig evidence of payment of all payable city
and county taxes
Dedication of a 5 -foot public utilities easement as
shown in red=on the map.
The Planning' Officer explained that this is a substantial
parcel of property, approximately 78 feet wide and about 530 feet deep;
that the property has two rear lots,and division of these two would still:
resultin a square.footage in excess of the 8, 000 square foot requirement;
that the front lot contains more than 9,300 square feet and each of the'.
rear lots t.ontain approxirnately, 11,.700 square feet. The Planning
Officer. answered:.'var>ious questions relating to the division. The City
Attorney explaine,d.that the, lighting on what would be a private street
could not be required by ;the City; > that the provision for lighting would,
be strictly up tb the property''owncr. The City Manager advised the
staff had studied the application, carefully and, although the staff does:
not recommend three -deep lots, this property presents a uniquesituation;
that the street created would not be a public street and in granting any
lot division it should be; made c"sear that the City has no responsibility,
to provide or''maintai'i lights, this responsibility is clearly on the buyer
or boyer s of the property.
On motion made by Rodgers, seconded by Marshall, and
unanimously carried, approval of the tot division was granted.
Ordinance No, 1896, .(The $etl§ack Ordinance)
A report was received from the Planning Commission
unanimously recommending amendment of Ordinance No. 1896, the
Setback Ordinance; to establish setbacks on Arastradero Road of 24
feet in single family and R-3 areas, 16 feet in R-5 area and 8 feet in
commercial area,'. in accordance with the map presented by the Planning
Officer..
An :ordinance` entitled "Ordinance of the Council of the City:_
of Palo Alto Amending Ordinance No. 1896, the Setback Ordinance, by
Amending Setbacks on Arastradero Road" was introduced, and on notion
made by Bishop, duly seconded, was accepted for first reading by a
unanimous voice vote.
Ordinance 'No. `.1896; (The Setback Ordinance}
�s�r
A report was received from the Planning Commission:'
unanimously recommending: amendment of Ordinance No. 1896, the
Setback Ordinance_ , to establish a 10 -foot setback on the northerly side
of Homer Avenue for a distance of approximately 205 feet off El Camino
Real in accordance with the map presented by the Planning Officer.
The City Attorney stated he felt this amendment would not
be necessary, it could be taken care of by the staff, and at his request,
it was moved, seconded and carried to refer the matter back to the staff.
Election Services
sksessassassas
Resolution No. 3617, authorizing the City Clerk to obtain
the services of ,the Registrar of Voters in connection with the municipal
election to be held. on May 14, 1963, was introduced and on motion made
and duly seconded, was adopted by unanimous voice vote.
Ordinanc? Win, 1$9 The ck Ordinance~
An ordinance entitled "Ordinance No. 2133 Council of the
City of Palo Alto Arn.encling.Ordinance No. 1896, the Setback Ordinance,
by AmexndingSetba.cks or; Moreno, ` Bryson and Colorado .Avenues" was
introduced for second reading, and on motion by Zweng, seconded by
Arnold, `wasradopted by a unanimous voice vote.
FltAmbjr
CodeAmendm:ent.
(Radiant Heatin
The City Manager advised that, at the request of the Council
made some time ago;_ the staff has bee working on the matter of radiant
heating requirements in the Plumbing Code. He stated that the City
Engineer recommended use of Type L copper tubing for radiant heating;
that he checked this recommendation with Birge Clark, who was. Chairman
of the Building Code Review Committee, and Mr. Clark concurs with
the recommendation and the amendment of the Plumbing Code in accord-
ance with it.
ATI ordinance' entitled "Ordinance of the Council of the City
of Palo Alto Amending Item 30 of Division 2 (Uniform Plumbing Code).
of Chapter 34,(Building Regulations) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code
by Adding Subsections (e) and (f) To Section 1004 (Materials)" was
introduced, and on motion by Bishop, seconded by Zweng was unanimous-
ly accepted for first reading.
Off-,atreet Parking Contribution
naweasetamaaarmaraerce s.a ..,.� .... ...
The City Manager announced that a check for $500.00 had
beenreceived:from the First Methodist Church, a payment of the
church's voluntary parking contribution on off-street parking in the
downtown ;area, He also noted this is an annual contribution from the
church on its. voluntary $5, 000.00 commitment for such parking.
�lrtersection' Separation Stud Report
The City Manager advised that he had received a letter
(in answer to the City's inquiry). from the State Highway Engineer,
advising that the °Division of Highways does not make studies of inter-
section separations other; than those which are a part, of a freeway and
expressway system. Consequently, the studies the Council had requested_
on Embarcadero-.E1:Camino and Charleston -El Camino could not be made.`
(The Vice Mayor took over the chair, in the absence
of the Mayor,: at :10:40 p, m, )
basco Services, Inc. Contract Extension.
The City. Manager explained that in extension of time was
required to permit completion of the study now under way by Ebasco
Ser ices;' that no additional cost is involved, but the Council, in
accordance with the terms of the contract, must approve an extension.
He recommended that Ebasco be allowed an extension of time to April 20,
1963 for completion` of its study and submissio» of its report.
On rznotiol made by Rohrs, seconded by Rus, an extension.
of time as recornmended by the City Manager was approved by a unanimous
voice vote.
162
(Mayor Cresap returned to the meeting at this time
and again presided.)
X???rt *o ,OTd Palo
-- __� �llto Kos itap" s_
A. proposed amendment to the "Old Palo
was reviAwed: by the City AZaaa ex. Alto Hospital" lease
provides th?t i, r g He explained that the existing lease
'x'1971 Stanford University has an option to repurchase the
building at a depreciated cost,
itith the provision.that in exercising the
option to purchase, the Urivers
period of five, must provide hospital services for a
years and must give preference to Palo Alto residents it
providing such .services..
He then explained that the
for an additional period ofai ed that
proposed amendment wog
inept of any, o a'or rehabilitation iy yea. s from t� would provide
of the old building, the date of �omzxzence _
eliminate the University's five-year and would also
services, Y responsibility for providing hospital
Ile reminded the Council that in Late
Hospital Board proposed renovation of the stxzxrnser of 1962 the
Council adopted a master financial fo old thishprotal building
c:a1 plan for project.
the
g• QaeCt,
4 rrotiox` was made by Debs to refer the ;proposed lease
amendment to the committee of the . Whole for stud ,
complexity of the, rebuilding pro ram . in view the
second. S „ motion
1 The rcloti ; ,died for lack of a
After general discussion
tp k
Council approveto he , it was moved by Zweng that the
seconded oposed lease a ra�
mend ent, and the motion was.
by Rohr s, ,who commented that the complexity
t; T action had been gong over rxxpiexi�y of the, financialyea .previous) �. i., great detail by the Council about a
y. The motion was carried by .a, majority voice vote. .
Debs
`voting against it,
The :City Ma:ea a
for the Council to g -r then. stated that he. felt it would be in order
direct the Hospital Board to proceed with r
plans for the� old building,' i..� - with erac�ae ling
program. ad it:: the approved financing.'
A TnotionWas made by Zweng, seconded. by Rohrs, and,
carried that the staff
notify the Hospital Board of the Council's action
and request them to proceed with h,�
of the building
acco„darce with the 3 reh^ '.litation.. g i
pproved.:fii:aneing program.
r,,;'
(Councilman Woodward left the meeting at this time)
,_Yacht Harbor Tc e
The City Manage,' noted that a copy of the
agreement between Palo Alto and Santa Clara Proposed
County on the lease of
portions of the Palo Alto `yacht harbor had been sent t
of the Council prior to this meeting , t ea; h member
opportunity to study it; also a copy of s�. that each would. have an
by the staff was o distributed to the members. Recreation-Park. Stud
a;s y made.
163
Communications from Philip S. Flint and Warren M. Turner
were.acknowledged by the Mayor.
A motion was made by Debs that the agreement be referred
to the, C-mmittee of the Whole for consideration. The motion was declared
lost fox- lack ofa second.
The City Manager explained in detail the area proposed to be
leased to the County as shown by a map in the Council room, adding that
the rriap to whicl:"he referred had been on file in the Library and the City
Clerk's office since March; 1962 He stated the 'gird refuge and the
duck pond were not included in the lease.
Concern for preservation of wild life in the area was expressed
and questions with reference to dredging operations were asked and
answered. Mr. John Brokenshire, .Director of the Audubon Society,
San Jose, addressed the Council, stating that the Society had felt
apprehension that the lease would include the area on the north side of
Fmbarcadero Road where the duck pond and lagoon is located.
Philip'S. Flint, speaking for the Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club, read
a resolution adopted unanimously by the local chapter. He stated his.
group was, concerned; among other things, about the preservation of
some of the prime natural features' of the area arid the preservation of
fish and marshland areas. Miss Harriet. Mundy also spoke to the Council
in protest against leasing of the area to the County.
Following a general discussion, a motion was made by Zweng
and seconded by Rus that the Mayor be authorized and directed to execute
the agreement with Santa Clara County, in accordance with the provisions
presented by the staff.
(councilman Stephens returned at 11:40 p m. and was present
for the balance of the meeting. )
A second Motion was made by Debs that the lease be amended
to include •a provision that approval of the City Co..ncil be required for.
opening. of any new dumping areas of dredging spools, Rodgers seconding
the motion. A roll call vote on this motion. requested by Debs, was then
taken and the motion was lost by the following vote's:
Ayes: Bishop, Debs, Dias, Rodgers.
Noes: Arnold. F3yxbee. Cresap.• Marshall, Rohrs, Rus, Zweng.
Absent: Porter, Woodward.
Abstaining: Stephens.
The Mayor assured all persons present that the. Council is also
greatly interested in the preservation of wild life. He expressed the hope
that the Audubon. Society would continue to work with the recreation
committee on the development of sanctuary areas.
The motion to approve the lease and authorizing arid directing
the Mayor to execute the agreement was carried by .he following roll. call
vote:
Ayes: Arnold, Bishop, Byxbee, Cresap, Dias, Marshall,
Rodgers, Rohrs, Rus, Stephens, Zweng.
Noes: Debs.
Absent: Porter, Woodward.
Gas Rate Reduction
A proposed gas rate reduction was explained by the Assistant
City Manager. He advised the proposed reduction would result in an
estimated decrease in, revenue of approximately $33, 400. 00, or an amount
of about 14fi per month to customers; that this decrease could be allowed
by passing on a rate reduction of El Paso Gas & Electric, and would keep
the city's rates on a competitive level with Pacific Gas & Electric Company,
in keeping with Council policy.
A mc,,tion was made and seconded to make the gas rate reduction
in accordance with the explanation by the staff, the reduction to become
effective on March 22, 1963.
A further motion by Debs to refer the matter to the Committee
of the Whole for consideration.was lost by a majority voice vote.
The original motion was then carried by a majority vote.
Tentative Ma -"Ara.stradero._Hills Unit No. 1
A petition was acknowledged from Pacific Resources, Inc. for
exclusion of territory from the City of Palo Alto of property situated in the
proposed subdivision of Arastradero Hills Unit No. I, as shown on a
certain map entitled "Tentative Map - Arastradero Hills #1" prepared by
George Nolte, Civil Engineer.
The City Manager explained that normal procedure on a petition
for exclusion is to first rr.fer the property description and map to the,
.l3oundary Commission of Santa Clara County for approval, and on motion
.rnade, seconded and unanimously carried. the staff was directed to forward
•the map and description for such approval.
Tentative Ma - Arastradero Hills Unit No. 1
On motion made, seconded and carrieel, the request of George S.
Nolte Consulting Civil Engineers, Inc. for permission to connect to existing
city sewer lines for property described in a proposed tentative map
entitled "Arastradero Hills Unit No, 1", was referred to the staff for
further study.
,Recre tion-Parls_Study
•
The City lvlana.ger requested that the record show a copy of a.
report on Palo Alto's recreation -park system, made by the staff, was
. distributed to each Council member at this meeting.
A :notion was made, seconded and carried to continue the balance
of the matters on the agenda to the next meeting of the Council on March
25, 1963.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:55 p.m.
ATTEST;-.
APPROVED: �y -
Mayor U