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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02271961City Hall, Palo Alto, California \ February 27, 1961 u a M • • • The Council of the City of Palo Alto met in regular session on this date at 7:30 p. rn. , with Mayor Ball presiding. Roll call as follows: Present: Ball, Bishop, Byxbee, Davis, Evans„ Giffi;i, Haight, Marshall, Mitchell, Navis, Porter, Rodgers, Stephens,' Woodward, Zweng. Absent: None. • Correction and Approval of Minutes It was moved by Rodgers, seconded by Byxbee, and • carried that the minutes of the meeting of February 13, 1961, regarding the zone change application of Stephen G. Moore, be corrected to show that the application was referred back to the Planning Commission instead of being withdrawn. Wi th this • correction, the minutes of February 13, 1961, were approved as distributed. Water Commission A letter was received from the Santa Clara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District transmitting request of the Board cf Supervisors that the City Council appoint one councilman to act as its representative on the Water Commission,to consider the Unified County Water Plan. A letter was also received from the Santa Clara Valley Water Conservation District'cconcerning the formation of the Water Commission and inviting the participation of certain cities of Santa Clara Count; . The Mayor noted"that it is essential that Palo Alto be represented on the Commission, and appointed Councilman Bishop as the Council's representative with Councilman Rodgers as an alternate. These appointments were confirmed by the Council. Amendment to Utilities Rules. and Regulations The City Manager proposed an amendment to Paragraph E of Rule and Regulation No. 13, Customer's Responsibility foz' Equipment for Receiving Utilities, to require that suich equipment be moved at the customer's expense if necessary to receive service from a new location, because of highway widening, relocation of pole Lines, or for other reasons. It was moved by Bishop, seconded by Navis, and carried that this addition as recommended be added to Utilities Rule and Regulation No. 13. Master A regiment fer Bud etin Gas Tax Funds The City Manager r±-Aaented a Master .Agnaement with the State Division of Highways for the budgeting and expenditure of,arts tax.ftuvda, advising that this agreement is to be of a permanent nature in the future rather than annual as in the past, and that • supplemental agreements are to be entered for specific budgeted projects either annually or as projects are initiated. Resolution No. 3354, approving the agreement and authorizing its execution by the Mayor, was introduced, and on motion of Navis and Woodward, was adopted b.y unanimous voice vote. Zone Chan e and Develo ment Plan Channin House) A report was received from the Planning Commission unanimously recommending approval of,the application and plans of Charming House for a change of district from R-4 to 17-C (Retire- ment Center) for Lots 3 and 4, Block 56, University Park, other- wise known as 850 Webster Street, subject to the following conditions: a) Permitted „Uses: Cooperative -type reti:cement residence of not to exceed 320 units, with dining, cultural and recreational facilities for use of tenants and -guests as outlined in application. b) Structure: Total Building Coverage: 41, 350 sq. ft. including area of approximately 7,108 sq. ft. covered by ba:cenies, terrace and marquee. Height: Main Structure - 113.5 ft. (10 stories) Penthouse - 23.0 ft. Total 136. 5 ft. Setbacks: In accordance with plot plan. c) Site: Lot Coverage: 41.35% (including alley). Open Green Area: 31,650 sq. ft. (or 98.90 sq, ft. /unit) Landscaping in accordance with plot plan. Access features, driveways, traffic ci:cculation in accordance with plot ptan. d) Off -Street Parking; A minimum of 123 spaces (50 covered and 73 uncovered) to be developedin accord- ance with plans, with sufficient additional area reserved to provide a minimum of 55 spaces (property across alley). e) Signs: In accordance with Sign Ordinance for R-4 districts. f) Development Schedule: Start of construction by January 1, 1962, with completion within approximately eighteen months thereafter. Councilman Zweng and Haight asked that the record show that they disqualified themselves from consideration or voting on this matter. The plans for Channing House were, displayed and reviewed by the Planning Officer. A motion was made by Mitchell. seconded by Marshall, that the recommendation of the Planning Commission be approved and that the ordinance changing the zoning of the property known as 850 Webster Street from R-4 to P -C (Retirement Center) be accepted for first reading. CouncilmanByxbee asked that there be same clarifica- tion regarding the alley in Block 56 between Horner and Charming, alonC the southwesterly side of the Channing House property, and stated that he would like to know whether the developers can give some assurance that the alley will remain open for public use. Mr. Wilbur L. Watkins, a member of the Board of Trustees of Channing House, told the Councilthat it is their intent to leave the alley open:. that he understands it has been open for around 22 years, and that he has, been advised by counsel that they can not closethe alley at this time; that they may try to work out some other arrange- ments iri.the future with residents who use the alley. Mrs. Muriel B. Smith, 53Z Homer Avenue, spoke on the ma:ter, stating that when her family purchased their property many years ago they were assured it was a public alley; that it had not been closed for years and has been used as a public ,-alley. Mr. Stephen Koss, owner of property on Cowper Street in Block 56.., stated to the Council that he thought there was not enough parking provided in the plans for Channing House. During further discussion on the alley, the City Attorney advised that it'is not a public alley and the City has no particular Control over it; thst the Channing House developers own the land now used as an alley; however, the property owners who abut the alley may have acquired some rights over the years from usage. Councilman Rodgers suggested that Channing House could grant an easement to the abutting property owners for use of the alley. Mr. Watkins again addressed the: Coun� il, advising that he understands from counsel that the :»eople who have been using the alley have, in effect, an easement and this easement will be in effect as long as the alley is being used; that the tru:,:ees of Channing House are willing to let the alley be available to the people s long as they want to use it. 'The motion to adopt the recommendation of the Planning Commission and accept the ordinance for first reading was carried. Arriendrrient to P -C Development Plan daimierrimm Sylvania E ectric Products, Inc . A report was received from the Planning Consmission recommending approval of the application of Sylvania Electric: Products, Inc., to amend -the Development Plan as follows for the 77 -acre P -C District in the 1600 block of Arastradero P.oad: Section 3: Item No. 3 Maximum Building Covera.ge: Maximum building coverage shall not exceed 140, 000 sq. ft. , and total floor area shall not exceed 240,000 sq. ft. x. Item No. 6. Maximum Height of Structures: Shall not exceed 44 feet at the center line of each building. 4. Section 4: The Development Schedule shall be as follows: First Stage - Start:\construction on or before December 1, 1961. Approximately 70,000 sq, ft. building coverage and 110,000 sq. ft. total floor area. Second and Third Stages - Ground floor, 70, 000 sq.ft. (approx.) Second floor and other, 60,000 sq. ft. (approx.) All other conditions shall remain as previously approved. The Planning Officer reviewed the proposed amendments to the development plan. Mr. Matthew Stafford, attorney for Sylvania Electric Products, Inc., advised that the figure of 60,000 sq. ft. for the second floor and other of the Second and Third Stages should tie 130, 000 sq. ft. and this correction was accepted. Resolution No. 3355, amending Ordinance No. 1941 to amend the Development Plan for the 77 -acre P -C District of Sylvania Electric P-roduc.ts, .:Inc, , was introduced and on motion of. Porter, duly seconded,` was adopted by unanimous voice vote. Zone Change Application - Valley Title company, 4215 Alma Str. eet ` A report was :submitted by the Planning Commission recommending,by a vote of 5 to ',denial of the application of Valley Title Company for change of district from R -1:5-8:A to P -C (cooperative, hornes) for the property at 4215 Alma Street, otherwise known as Lot 7, 3. J. Morris Tract. Councilman Bishop suggested that more study be given to the Matter and moved this item be referred to Committee No. 1. The motion was seconded. Mr. Gordon Newell, 4115 Mackay Drive, representing home', owners in the Fairfield ,Estates, told the Council there are a large number of people here 'concerning this subject and asked that it be not referred to committee but be considered at this time. At his request, a large number of people stood to indicate their interest in havng the matter discussed now. Mr. FrankCrist, attorney for the applicant, asked that the matter be referred to Committee No. 1 so that they might have an opportunity to present revised plans which they felt might meet the objections of the residents in the area. Councilman Woodward noted that if the plans have been revised, they should go back\to the Planning Commission for their consideration. The motion to refer the matter to Committee No. was lost on voice vote. It was moved by Navis, seconded by Woodward, and carried by voice vote that the question be referred to the Planning Commission for consideration of revised plans. Amendment of P -C Develo ment Plan Pao Alto Inn, -Inc. . A report was received from the Planning Commission advising ghat it, hats reconsideredthe application of Palo Alto Inn,., to_az end'the Developin.ex_t Plan, for the P -C District at El Camino Real and Adobe Creek (the Maggiora property), and unanimously,.recommendeddenial of the application. Councilman Evans asked that the record show that he is not taking. part in the consideration of this item. A motion was made by Navis, seconded by Stephens, that an ordinance appre; ing the development plan, subject to the tend, c editions' as s -et f6rth in the minutes of the Planning Commission 1•. /..�J.R.r�r of reh 15; 19'61, be accepted for first reading_ (The ten conditions referred to were presented to the Commission by -the Planning- Officer andwere discussed but not adopted.) The Planning Officer advised that when the Planning Commission discussed the proposed conditions they felt that no • building should be located within 20 feet of the bank of the creek instead of 10 feet as he had suggested; also that there "should be an: additional condition that construction of the auditorium should be - substantially at the same time as the construction of the hotel. Mrs. Philip Towle, Chairman of the Planning Commission, when asked if she wished to comment, advised that the denial of the Planning- Commission was technical; that the Commission had never been able to discuss the conditions with the developer. Mr. C. J..:1ieinz, the developer of Palo Alto Inn, Inc., told the Council that he had had an opportunity to review the conditions suggested and that he is prepared to accept all of them, and that he would accept any change which the Planning Officer felt 5'n.ou1d be made which does not appreciably increase the cost. Letterson the subject were read. A letter from Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Kateley, 1183 Laure es Drive, expressed approval of the project. A letter .was received from the Rancho Laureles Property Owners Association of Los Altos, protesting the rezoning and the proposed development. The Green_ Acres Improvement Association submitted a letter in opposition to the project, and their spokesman; Mr. John Albers, told the Council that they felt the height of the building would infringe on their privacy. He asked that those in the audience 'who oppose the project stand, andabout ten people stood up. The Planning Officer noted that the letter from the Green Acres group contained a number of conditions which they thot ht should be -required if the Council approves the application. He advised that most of the conditions were similar to the ones - propos-ed in the ordinance; that about the only difference is that they would like a 65 -foot planting buffer in the rear whereas the proposal before the Council provides for a minimum of 30 feet of planting. A suggestion was made by Councilman Porter that the ordinance be- accepted for first reading but referred :o Committee No. 1 to consider -the conditions and details and report back. Mr. William S. Anderson, representing eight hotel owners on El Camino Real, addressed the Council, stating that they do not oppose the hotel project; that their only concern is that the developer build a good hotel on the property. He pointed out that the proposed auditorium would provide facilities for larger conventions which are now lacking, and that a good hotel and convention facilities would bring new business into the City. s The motion to accept the proposed ordinance for first reading was carried, anti the matter was referred to Committee No. 1 for consideration of the conditions to be required, the committee to report back to the Council at its next meeting on March 13, 1961. Zone Chan e A lication, Munks and Olsen_ In' and 2 Ventura Avenue A report was received from the Planning Commission recommencing denial, by a vote of 4 to 2, of the application of Merton A. and Gioia N. Munks and Wendell S. and Melba Olsen for change of district from R-1 to R -3:P for Lot 1, Tract 567, Roseberry Manor, otherwise known as 255 Ventura Avenue, and a portion of Lot 17, Sly Tract, otherwise known as 259 Ventura Avenue, having found that the regr.ested zone change is not in the public interest. The proposal was reviewed by the Plan:.ing Officer who advised that there are single family residences on the property at the present time and the application if granted would allow converting them to other use. It_was moved. by 'Haight, seconded and carried that the recommendation of the Planning Commission for denial be upheld. Lot Division, 4159 El Camino Way (Corsaw) A report was •submitted by the Planning Commission unanimously recommending that the Council uphold the decision. of the Planning Commission in denying the application of 1-I. B. Corsaw Company' for a division of the property at 4 159 El Camino Way. It was moved by Zwcng, seconded and carried that the recommendation of the Planning Commission be adopted and the lot division be denied. Abandonment of Easement, Block 15, Sunnyside Addn. gembr Resolution No. 3356, declaring the intention to abandon a 5 -foot public utilities easement across Lot 3, Block 15, Sunnyside Addition, vas introduced, and on motion of Rodgers duly seconded, was adopted by unanimous voice vote. This resolution provides for a public hearing on the proposed abandonment to be held o.n March 27, 1961, at 7:30 p.m. Parkin& Regulations Resolution No. 3357 amending Resolution No. 2971 to prohibit parking along the northerly side of Sherman Avenue for its entire length between Park Boulevard and El Camino Real, was . introduced. The City Manager reported that this was recommended by the Staff Traffic Committee because Sherman Avenue is an extrernelif narrow street. It was mowed by Navis, seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote that this resolution be adopted. Resolution No. 3358 amending Resolution No. 2971 to prohibit parking along the northerly side of Page Mill. Road frorn El Camino Real to a point 300 feet east of El Camino Real, was introduced. This was also recommended 1ay the Staff Traffic p. J Committee, and the City Manager pointedout that this action would provide an additional traffic lane. It was moved by Mitchell, seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote that this resolution be adopted. (Councilman Bishop left at this time, 8:25 p.m., and was absent for part of the meeting.) Project 60-S,California Avenue Beautification Resolution No. 3359, rescinding Resolution No. 3255 of Preliminary Determination and of Intention to Construct Improvements, was introduced. The City Manager, advised that the project is beingdivided into three parts and it is necessary to start the procledings over. On motion of Navis, duly seconded, this resolution was adopted by unanimous voice vote of all members present. Resolution No. 3360, being a new Resolution of Preliminary Determination and of Intention. to Acquire and Construct Improvements and to Form the California Avenue Maintenance District, Project 60-5, California Avenue Beautification, was introduced, and on motion of Navis, duly seconded, was adoptedby unanimous voice vote of all members present. Project 60-7, Street Lighting, California Avenue et al Resolution No. 3361'of Preliminary Determination and of Intention to Acquire and Construct Improvements, California Avenue et al, -Street Lighting`. Project 60-7, was introduced and on motion of Navis, duly seconded, was adopted by unanimous vote of all members present. Project 60-8, Off -Street Parking, California Ave. District Resolution No. 3362 of Preliminary Determination and of Intention. to Acquire and Construct Improvements, California Avenue District, Off- treet Parking Project No, 60-8, was introduced, acid• on motion of Navis, duly seconded, was adopted by unanimous voice vote of all members present. S ed' Limit on Embarcadero Road There was presented with the recommendation of the Staff Traffic Committee a proposed ordinance amending Section 19. 152 of Codified Ordinance No. 5 to establish a speed limit of 35 miles per hour an Embarcadero Road easterly of Bayshore High- way . It was moved by Haight, seconded and carried by voice vote that this ordinance be accepted for first reading. Zone Change (Whelan) 724 Arastradero Road Ordinance No. 2000 amending the Zone Map to change the zoning ()lithe property at 724 Arastradero Road from R -1:B-10 to R-3, was given second reading, and on motion of Mitchell, duly seconded, was adopted by unanimous voice vote. 44 Zone Chanie, 597 Urban Lane Ordinance No. 2001, amending the Zone Map to change the zoning of property known as 597 Urban Lane from R-1 to M-2:5, •was given second reading and on motion of Stephens, duly seconded, was adopted by unanimous voice vote. Renamiri First Street to Wilkie Wad Ordinance No. 2002, changing the name of First Street to "Wilkie Way was -given second reading and on motion of Navis, duly seconded, was adopted by unanimous voice vote. -ArnendTient to Subdivision Ordinance rSec. 3.33) Ordinance No. 2003, „amending Section 3. 33 of the Sub- division Ordinance regarding rear lot development, was given second reading, and on motion of Woodward, duly seconded, was adopted by unanimous voice vote. Amendment to Zoning Ordinance (Sec. 8.20 and 8B. 19) Ordinance No. 2004, amending Sections 8.20 and 8B':19 of the Zoning Ordinance relative to building height limit in the R -3:G and R -3:P_ -Districts, was given second reading, and on motion of Navis. duly seconded, -was adopted by unanimous voice vote. Amendment to ZoninF Ordinance (Sec. 12.02) Ordinance No. 2005, amending Section 12.02 of the Zoning Ordinance by adding Subsection (b) (8) thereto pertaining to uses permitted in C-3 Districts, to include creameries, was given second reading, and on motion of Navis, duly seconded, was adopted by unanimous voice vote. Monthly Ra ort of Controller The monthly report of the Controller for January 1961 and the fiscal year to date was received and filed. (Councilman Bishop returned at this time and was present for the rest of the meeting.) Burned Building Nuisance Councilman Haight raised a question about the condition of the property on the easterly, corner of Waverley and Forest where the burned church building was located, and thought the , property should be cleaned up. The City Manager reported that he has discussed, this with the Building Inspector and will get a further report on the status of the situation. Bowden Park Councilman Byxbee referred to the work in progress on Bowden Park, and asked for a staff report on whether additional funds are needed to implement the work. The City Manager ,ztdvised thattlie appropriation in the budget of $5, 000 is for materials and equipment that have to be purchased; that additional monies for labor are available, but if the staff feels additional funds are required to complete the project he will so report to the Council. Liquor License Application The City Attorney reported that a notice has been received of the filing of an application by Ketchum's Delicatessen in Town and Country Village fox. zn off -sale beer and wine license; that in view of the fact that a license was previously granted to Lee Bros. after protest had been filed by the City, he recommended that no protest be filed in this case. The recommendation of the Citjr Attorney was accepted. Youritan Zone Change Application, 575 Arastradero load Councilman Stephens brought up the matter of a zone change application of Youritan Construction Company, to change the zone at 575 Arastradero Road from R-1 to R-5, which was denied, some time ago by the Planning Commission and Council. He asked for information as to whether this could be reconsidered at this time. k. • The City Manager called attention to previous records on this matter., advising that a hearing on the requested zone change was held by the Planning Commission on March 30, 1960 and the application was denied by the Council on April 11, 1960; that if the owner desires to re -submit the application he has to wait for one year after the closing of the hearing. but the Council or Planning Commission could reconsider the matter on their -..own initiative at any time. Mr. Tan, representing owners of the property, was present and told the Council he would appreciate it very much if the matter could be reconsidered. It was moved by Stephens and seconded, in order to expedite the matter, that the Council ask the Planning Commission to initiate the rezoning of this property. The .Mayor declared the motion to be lost by voice vote, but Councilman Stephens asked for a roll call which was as. follows: Ayes: Haight, Mitchell, Porter, Rodgers, `>tephens, Woodward. Noes: Ball, Bishop, Byxbee. Davis, Evans, Giffin, Marshall, Navis, Zweng. The motion was declarea lost. Rapid Transit Plan Councilman Davis called attention to a report recently received from the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District showing plans of routes, terminals and facilities. He noted that the "proposed plan provides for ;?a terminal and turn -around in Palo Alto between University Avenue and San Francisquito Creek, and stated that it was his opinion that the turn -around should not be in Santa. Clara County" inasmuch as the County has decided not to participate in the program. The City Manager advised that he had not had an opportunity to review the report yet but that the staff would look into it, and that the planning consultants engaged to review the General Plan would also give consideration to the rapid transit plan. Executive session The Mayor asked the Council to ad;ourn at this time, 8:45 p.m., to the Conference Room for an executive session on a matter of personnel, after which the Council reconvened in regular session at 8:50 p.m. Hospital BoardwAppointment - Resignation of Mr. Simjson The Mayor read a letter from Clifford H. Simpson submitting his resignation as a member of the Board of Hospital Directors of the Palo A1t&-Stanford Hospital Center, to become effective upon, the selection of his successor. It was moved by Rodgers, seconded and carried that Mr. Simpson's resignation be accepted with regret and that a letter expressing gratitude and appreciation for his services be sent to him. The Mayor nominated Mr. H. Taylor Peery as a member of the Hospital Board to replace Mr. Simpson for, thee' term ending June 30, 1963. It was moved by .1Tavis, seconded and carried that this appointment be confirmed. There being rto further business to come Uofore the Council, the meeting was declared adjourned at 8:55 p.m. ATTEST: "✓ ;: v-�} : t C� / et' / City Clerk