HomeMy WebLinkAbout03281960City Hall, Palo Alto,: California;
March 28, 1960`
The Council of the City of Palo' Alto met in regular
session on this =date at 7:30'P.M., with Mayor Porter presiding.
Roll call as follows
Present: Ball, Bishop, Byxbee, Davis, Evans, Giffin, Haight,
Marshall, ` Mitchell, Navis, Porter, Rodgers, Stephens,
Woodward, Zweng.
Absent None.
The minutes of the meeting of March 14, 1960, were
approved as distributed
Stanford Annexation No.. 9
A. petition was received from Stanford University for the
annexation of uninhabited territory designated as "Stanford Annexa-
tion No. 9", containing approximately 254 acres.
A letter was also received from Stanford University,
requesting consideration. be given to zoning the property as follows:
1) The 80 acres of property proposed to be leased to
Ampex Corporation subject to zoning approval and
annexation to the City, to be zoned L -M, O -A (no
buildings less than 200 feet from Arastradero Road
and a permanent 0-A greenbelt of not less than 125
feet).
2) Approximately 25 acres on top the knoll, to be zoned
C-2 for a hotel inn.
'3) Approximately 20 acres on the south side of Junipero
: Serra Boulevard to be zoned P -F for an athletic center.
4) The :balance of the property tobe zoned L -M.
Resolution No.'3203.giving notice of the proposed annexa'
tion of uninhabited territory designated as "Stanford University
Annexation No. 9" 'and " setting May 9, 1960 at 7:30 P.M. as time for`.
'hearing on the proposed annexation, was introduced.
On motion of .Mitchell and Byxbee, the resolution was
adopted by unanimous voice vote, and the matter of zoning the annexa
tion area was referred to the Planning Commission.
Bay shore -San` Antonio A.nnexati on
This'. was. the time set for a hearing on the proposed:
annexation of uninhabited territory designated as "Payshore.- San
Antonio Annexation", containing 32.2 acres. A certificate was filed:.
by the City, Clerk certifying' that notice of the hearing had been.
published as required, and that notice had been mailed to all owners
of property in the area. proposed to be annexed.
A letter was received from .Robert H. Taylor and.Sunny-
Read, property owners who filed the annexation petition, requesting
M-:1 zoning for the area.
A report was submitted by the Planning Commission
unanimously recommending L -M zoning, with the under standing that
at a later date the area may be reconsidered for some intermediate
zone -o£ an intensity somewhere between L -M and M-1.
Further communications were received from Mr. Taytor
and Mrs. Read, written since the Planning Commission made its
recommendation, asking that the zoning be acted upon prior to the.
public hearing on the annexation. They again requested that the
property be zoned M-1in accordance with their development plans,
and stated that if M-1 zoning is not assured, then they would ask the
Council to., consider a written protest which they filed against the
annexation.
A .map showing=the area proposed for annexation was
presented, and it was pointed out that the area is bordered on one
side by the City of Palo Alto and on the other by the City of Mountain
View. Mrs. Philip Towle,; Chairman of the Planning Commission,
advised that the Commission felt it was important to establish: the.
more restrictive'type; of' -zoning for the property.
A representative of the applicant, Mr. Taylor, addressed,
the Council briefly, :.stating that the Planning Commission had not
had an opportunity to review their development plans.
Councilman Byxbee pointed out thatthe property proposed
for annexation is contiguous to' M-1 and M-2 zoning. He moved that
the -matter. of the annexation and zoning of this property be referred
to Coxnniittee No: 1. The motion was seconded by Rodgers.
After further discussion the motion was carried by
majority voice vote, and with the consent of the applicant's
representative, the hearing on the proposed annexation was continued
until such tirne as. Committee No. 1 submits a report.
Project 59=9, West Charleston Road
This was the time fora hearing on Resolution No. 3192 of
intention; to make changes and modifications in the proposed improve-
ments of, West Charleston Road between El Camino Real and the
Southern Pacific Railroad, The hearing was declared open.
Mr. -'-William D Sauers, attorney for a majority of the
property owners on West. =Charleston Road, told the Council he has
reviewed the modified:; plans which meet with their approval. He
called attention to two,;points discussed with the City Manager;
1) that the lots: on Charleston Road remain as legal standard lots
although;their size might be reduced by the street widening, and
2) thata uniform setback line be provided on the street. The City
Manager .advised that he understands there will be no problem;
that the lots will be standard lots and that the setback line will be
uniform.
Resolution No. 3204, ordering changes and modifications;
Resolution No. 3205 overruling protests on the Resolution of Inten-
tion, Resolution No. 3206 ordering acquisitions and improvements
and Resolution No. .3207:calling`for sealed proposals, were
introduced. On motion -o£ Mitchell and Byxbee, these resolutions
were adopted by unanimous voice vote.
Downtown Palo= Alto Plans
A letter was received from the Palo Alto Chamber of,
Commerce concerning statement of policy in regard to the Downtown
Palo Alto improvement plans, adopted by the Board of Directors of
the Chamber of Commerce, : endorsing the proposals in principle,
stating that the estimated costs of the program and the proposed
methods of -financing appear to be ; sound and equitable, and
recommending that the plan be undertaken as soon as possible.
Proposed Grove Avenue Bridge
A letter was received from Cal Jones, 3845 Grove Court,
requesting the City abandon its plans for construction of a bridge
over Adobe Creek at Grove Avenue, and go on record to the effect
that no vehicular bridge will be constructed at this point in the future.
Petitions from residents of the area opposing the construction of the
proposed bridge were also submitted.
The City Manager reported that funds for the construction
of the bridge had been provided in this fiscal year's budget.
On"rn.otion"'ofA Byxbee and Haight, the matter was referred
to Committee No. 1 for review:
Off Street Parking Proposal for San Antonio
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Road Industrial Area
A letter was received from Arthur D. Nearon requesting
that the City form an aseessment district for the acquisition and
improvement of approximatelyfour acres of land, located in the area
of San Antonio, Road,,"Commercial Street, Industrial Street and
Transport Street, for off-street parking, to be assessed against
property owners in -the area: Attached to the letter was a petition
bearing the signatures of some ofthe property owners favoring the
establishment of an assessment district for this purpose.
The City: Manager commented that it is encouraging that
people in the area have indicated an interest in providing needed
off-street parking. xn this industrial area, and suggested the matter
be referred to the staffwith authorization to develop the project:
On niotion of Rodgers and Byxbee, the matter was referred
to the staff and Committee No. 1.
Cancellation Of Taxes Flood Control District Property
A request was received from the Santa Clara County Flooe.
Control District for the'canceliation of taxes on two parcelsof
property acquired for flood controlpurposes, one on San Francisquitu
Creek of 0:054 acre acquired from T. M. Archer, and the other on
Barron (Dry) Creek of 0.198 acre'acquired from the .Y..M. C.A.
On riiotion'of Bishop and Stephens, it was directed that
taxes on said properties be cancelled.
County Trafficways Plan
A report was received from Charles A. Eldon, Chairman
of the Citizens' Advisory .Traffic Committee,transmitting copy of
resolution adopted by the: committee, endorsing the general
objectives of the Santa. Clara County Trafficways Plan and urging
the Council to request the Board of Supervisors to take prompt
action in submitting the plan to the voters of the County.
The City. Manager reported that the Board of Supervisors
has previously requested the Council to adopt the expressway plan ,
and that a communication was received today from the Board
submitting a financing plan forthe proposed $70,000,000 bond
program;
Asthe trafficways plan is before Committee No. 1 for
study, the Citizens''Coxnnuttee report was referred to Committee No. i
Project 52-13., ' Bids' on Parking Lot in Block 12
A report was made by the City Manager on bids received
on March 23, 1960, for the construction of parking lot in Block 12,
Project, 52-13,on Emerson Street, with the recommendation the low
bid of Kunz Paving Cornpany of San Mateo be accepted in the amount
of: $6,357.22,
It was moved by Byxbee, seconded and carried that the
recommendation be adopted axid the Mayor be authorized to execute
the contract with the Kunz Paving Company forthis work.
ect 5'9-6; ,Water 'Mains, Churchill Avenue et al
A report was submitted by the City Manager on bids
received on March 24 1960, on Project 59-6 for the construction of
water pipelines and. appurtenances, Churchill Avenue et al, with
the recommendation that the low bid of McGuire and Hester Construct-
tion`Company of; Oakland be_ accepted in the amount of $183, 207.,68,
and that award of all three sections of the project be made to this
firm.
It was moved by Byxbee, seconded and carried that the
bid of McGuire and Hester be accepted and that the Mayor be
authorized to sign the contract for the work.
Transfer to Improvement Fund 55-11
A;:reque"st: was made by. the City Manager for a transfer
of $9,100.00 from the unappropriated reserve of the General Fund to
Improvement Fund 55-11: It was explained that the purpose is to
complete the acquisition of the last parcels in Project 55-11,
Middlefield Road -et al,which would conclude the project.
motion of :Mitchell and Bishop, the transfer offunds"
was authorized by unanimous voice vote.
A report was. made by the Assistant City Manager on the
outside water rate schedule, which has been prepared in accordance
with previous action of the Councildirecting the rate be increased
•1
to cover the additional -.cost of the service,
would provide for
a change. e in The revised sc fr
$I, 85 to � .. g � the minimum outside water rate from
$2 00 per month for 500 cubic feet of water.
_. On motion of . Navis
water and Mitchell, the revised outside
rate schedule. was adopted;
rovement Procedure Code Revision
There was presented a
Palo Alto Improvement 'Procedure Code, entitled „
proposed ordinance revising the
Providing Procedure in Relation to the Acquisition An Construction
off 2✓acalImpoveznents and>the Ass q xcn or Construction
Assessment Bonds Therefor". It was explained Levy of Assessments and issuance
Manager that at the request of, the staff the firm of the Assistant City
by Harzfeld'and,Wallace, bond attorneys for the city, Kid prepared
this ordinance -.for the W�lgan,
purpoeeof clarifying y, hadt te
of the. imp roverment'procedur a code. Y g and updating the pr
ovisions
ovisians
It was moved by Rodgers, seconded and cam'
proposed :ordinance'be accepted for first reading and feed tdat the
Committee NO. 3.: g referred'to
Dawritown:Palo .Alto Plan ...
Develo rYlez^at Coordinator
''-A report was received from CommitteeT
ing that there -be creacted<in recej e•d city No. .
staff temporarily the recommend- Development Coordinator for` the revitalization of the post of
that it be his res downtown area;
consultant ponsxbility to unify the efforts of a planning
,. ,, civil -structural engineers, traffic engineer, landscape
architect, bond - attorney, and other s
be needed in this "revitalizatx,n effort; that the Development
p
specialists whose services may
Coordinator serve directly pment
post di a tors under the City Manager; and that the
ostbdetermined b y until the plan is carried out or until it is
to y the Council that no changes in the downtown area are
made; further,
description with salary at the City Manager develop
figure attached for presentation
a suitable job
Council, p esentation to the
On motion of Navis and Mitchell, the recommendation
of Committee No. 3 was adopted.
Data ,Processin S stem
report
ing that an, Aelectronic datawas
submitted.
processing system C
ommittee No. 3 recommend-
ing
The committee recommended g Y be adopted in principle,
punch card method$ d xended that
the
year 1
city 190utilities61 billing convert to
Lease A4:greernents g 960-61; that E
be entered into with the IBM Corporation at this
time in order to obtain deliver
1960; that a new y of all needed equipment in October
personnelclassificationtitled "Data Processing.
and Systems - Analyst" be created
that_ this" position may � at salary range of $585-$815, so
conconversion date in order toil suxelan adequateay 1, 0, well in
errss and for advance of
m design; and detailed job. n
1960-61 budget to establish the Data Processing and that Y ands be included in the
personnel, equ prnent and supplies. xng Section in terms of
On motion of Navis and Mitchell, the recommendation
Committee No:. 3 was' adopted: ndation of
309
ital. Dperati.on re Transfer to Bond Fund
A report was received frorn Committee No. 4 recommend-
ing that a transfer of:$183,000`;be made from the Unappropriated
Reserve Fund to Hospital Bonds of 1955, Bond Interest and Redemp-
tion Fund. Councilman Mitchell, Chairman of Committee No. 4,
advised that it has become apparent the Hospital will not be able to
meet the bond interest and redemption charges for the current year,
and it is therefore the responsibility of the City to meet the payments
It was moved by Mitchell, seconded and carried by
unanimous voice vote that the transfer of funds be authorized for.
this .purpose as recommended by Committee No. 4, with the under-
standing that the City will be reimbursed by the Hospital as coon as
funds are:available.
Councilman Zweng asked for discussion from Councilman
Navis, a member of the. Hospital Board of Directors, regarding the
hospital operating deficit., Mr.; Navis told the Council that
the deficit is roughly $500,000. He pointed out that they had prepared
the 1959-60 budget on the basis that hospital operations would be
moved into the new building in July 1959, but that the complete
removal was not :made until about January 1, 1960; that for several
months both the old and new buildings were in operation which
increased` expenses Mr :Navis advised that the Board and hospital
staff are now making a study to determine why the budget estimates
were not met, to give them a basis on which to determine operating
costs for the balance of the, fiscal year , and hcw the costs should be
split between the two:. owners, Stanford and the City. He pointed out
that about $200, 000 of the deficit is directly attributed to the Stanford
Outpatient Clinic, and the balance is in the operation of the Hospital;
that he believes the bulk ofthe operating loss would be attributed to
the Stanford Pavilion and not the Palo Alto Pavilion. Mr. Navis
advised that -the study should be completed within two weeks and a
more accurate report.canthen be made to Committee No. 4.
With, regard tothe increase in the Accounts Receivable,
which is now around $900, 000, Councilman Navis stated that the,
increaseis due in part to the fact that a larger hospital is being
operated,; and that the Outpatient Clinic is part of the operation of
the Hospital Center; also that about 80% of the patients carry hospital
insurance and insurance payments are slow.
After discuasion, it was moved by Byxbee, seconded and
carried that :Committee No. 4 review the problem of working capital
to determine what -would be an equitable distribution, so that a
determination can be made as ;towhat the City's share of working
capital should be and=what Stanford's share should be.
Councilman Byxbee coxnmeeted on the $2.50 per day, rebate
to Palo Alto citizens which has been allowed by the City for many
years, and moved than this ,question be referred to the city staff
review of the expenditures made by the City for the rebate on
hospital bills, .to:deter:mine the benefit now derived by Palo Alto
citizens, how much -money is being spent for the purpose now, and what percentage of the normal hospital bill is represented by the
rebate. The motion was seconded by Woodward, and carried.
111.
Councilman Zweng spoke of the demand for more beds
at the hospital, ;.and moved that the Hospital Board be requested by
the Council to present a program for use of the old hospital building
as soon at it is practicable. Councilman Mitchell advised that
this .matter was discussed at the last meeting of Com&nittee No. 4
and: that the Hospital Board and staff are preparing a report.
Councilman Navis > stated that he would not object to the motion but
felt it was not essential; that the Board was preparing a report but
had to revise it in accordance with State requirements before a
license can be obtained to reopen the old building. After discussion
the motion -was seconded by Davis and carried.
Councilman Byxbee commented on the City's investment
in the old ;building, -and noted that if Stanford is going to participate
in the use of the' building for teaching purposes or by its medical
;staff; some sort of financial agreement should be entered into.
It was moved by:::Byxbee, seconded by Rodgers, and carried that
the Hospital Board be asked to establish a fair rental rate to be paid
to the.,City=by Stanford £or`"use of the old hospital if it is rehabilitated
and reopened
Zoning. Garden Terrace Annexations No. 2 and No. 3
A report was received from the Planning Commission
•
unanimously recommending R -1 B-10 zoning for Garden Terrace
Annexation No.;;2.and Garden Terrace Annexation No. 3.
Proposed_ordinances establishing such zoning for these
annexation areas were "introduced, and on motion of Mitchell, duly
seconded, were accepted for first reading by unanimous voice vote.
Zone Change; Webster between Lytton and Everett
A: report was received from the Planning Commission
unanimously recommending a change of district from R-5 to R-4 for
the area on both sides of Webster Street Irons Lytton Avenue to a line
halfway betweenlytton and Everett (includingall properties having
frontage on Webster and a 50 x 140 £t. parcel having frontage on
Lytton, beingadjacent to the parcel on the westerly corner of Lytton'
and Webster)..
A proposed ordinance :amending the Zone Map to provide
for the recommendedzone change was introduced. It was moved by
Mitchell", 'seconded and carried that the ordinance be accepted for
first reading, Iby unanimous voice vote.
Lot Divisions (Appeal` of Stephen G. Moore)
A report was received from the Planning Commission.
recommending by a vote of 3 to 1 as follows:
a) Approval of the lot division appeal of Stephen G. Moore
for the property of Ralph S. Litter et al, on the northerly
side of, Byron Street at San Antonio Road, subject to
furnishing evidence of payment of all payable city and
county taxes; and
b) Denial of the lot division appeal of Stephen G. Moore
for the property of Sophie Girard West on the southerly'
side of Byron Street.
It was reported that bot'h of these properties area portion
of a P -C District _otherwise known as Lots 2 and 4, Record of Survey
by Jones, Therm & Associates, portion of 42.27 -acre parcel in
Rancho Rincon de San Francisquito.
It was removed by Ball, seconded and carried that the
matter of these lot division, appeals be referred. to Committee No.,
Street Pattern, Vicinit
of East Meadow Drive and
A reportwas submitted by the Planning' Commission
unanimously' recommending adoption of street pattern dated
March 16, 1960, as proposed by the Planning Officer, for the area
at the northerly corner of East Meadow Drive and Middlefield Road,
with the matter of cul-de-sacs to be left flexible and dependent upon
zoning and use p rriits;, further recornxnend.ing that the street(s) be
accomplished under '` an assessment district.
The Planning Officer displayed a map showing the
proposed street pattern which involved the extension of Christine
Drive and the opening: of a street extending to Middlefield Road,
which would make "possible the development of several large parcels
in the area. He reviewed the basic street pattern proposed and
alternatives dependent upon the zoning of the property.
After discussion, it was moved by Rodgers, seconded
' and carried that the recommendation of the Planning Commission
be adopted..'
Traff R�guiation, Underpass
Resolution No. 3208, amending Resolution No. 2971 and
Resolution No: 3112, to provide that Oregon Avenue shall be a
through street at; its- intersection with Ramp B of The Page Mill Road •
Oregon Avenue Underpass, was introduced. It was explained that
the Traffic Committee had recommended that stop signs, instead of
the present yield signs, be placed at the intersection of Oregon
Avenue with Ramp B (leading frorn Alma Street north to the Under-
pass West).
On motion, . of Mitchell and Woodward, the resolution was
adopted by unanimous voice vote.
Withdrawal of Authority to Sign Warrants `E. D. Perrot l
Resolution No. 3.209,withdrawing the authority of E. D.
Perrott to sign warrants on the City Treasury, Mrs. Perrott having
left the employ of the City on March 11, 1960, was introduced. -,
On motion of Navis and Mitchell, the resolution was adopted by
unanimous voice .vote,
Amendment to. Zoning Ordinance (Sec. 24.02
Ordinance No 1925, amending Section 24.02 of the
Zoning Ordinance regarding appeal procedure, was given second
reading, and on motion of Navis, duly seconded, was adopted by.
unanimous voice 'vote.
Claim for Damages (Andere$ en
A report was received from. the City Attorney relative
to the claim filed by Henry C. and LaRaine M. Andereggen in the
amount of $17;.500 for asserted darna.ge by reason of deprivation of
access, diminution: of market value and dangerous condition of
street, concerning their property at 220 Oregon Avenue at the inter -
section of Emerson and Oregon at the underpass. The City Attorney
advised that the acquisitions in connection. with the underpass were
undertaken by Kirkbride : Wilson, Harzfeld and Wallace, and that
firmhad expressed its opinion that since the property in question
was not touched in any way, no compenaable damage has been
suffered by the owners.' The City Attorney therefore recommended
denial of the. claim.'.
On motion of. Mitchell and Rodgers, the City Attorney's
report wasaccepted and the claim was denied,
Councilman Bishop stated that he thought the place -where
the underpass eomes into Oregon Avenue is a dangerous spot, and
moved that the staff look into the possibility of acquiring ,the
property at 220 Oregon Avenue." There was no second to the motion
and no action was taken.
A report was submitted by the City Attorney regarding
the claim of Hertz Corporation in the amount of $9.54.24 for damage
to truck when. it struck a .limb;'of an oak tree in the 1300 block of
Waverley Street, the Council at its last meeting having denied the
claim u•ntil it could be determined whether the truck driver was in
violation of the truck route ordinance. The City Attorney advised
that he had not attempted to .ascertain whether there was a violation -
as, in his ° opinion, the . answer is immaterial to the incident,
although no citation was given to the driver. He called attention to
the fact that the.. ordinance provides that trucks ma.y leave
designated routes and proceed to their destinations by the shortest,
available route, and: that trucks have a right to use the street. The
City Attorney advised that his recommendation that the claim be
paid rexnains'uiichan;ged
Councilman Rodgers stated that he disagreed with the
City Attornney in this matter, and thought there was a possibility: of
contributory negligence and on that basis the claim should not be paid.'
It was moved by Bishop, seconded by Byxbee, that'the
matter be referred to Committee No. 3. After a vo=ce vote was
taken a roll'.call-`was requested, with the following result:"
es:' Ball, Bishop, Byxbee, Davis, Mitchell, Navis,
Porter, Rodgers, Woodward, Zweng.
Evans, Giffin, Haight, Marshall, Stephens.
The, motion was declared to be carried, and the matter
was referred to Cornmittee No. 3.
week in
the
ptt,?rney reported on the trial held last
„ - The GitY. Alto, James Goodwin and � the
s , a e,,
the=case arid vi
,paeifi:c Company+ of all the defendants.
Jury came in �with a,�rerdac
Aker s' of Aker s v City of Palo this a.n and .t
d advised that late Southern - t in favor
Suit
Controller's Fta_ 1940
nthl ;r.eport of the Controller for February,
;.. . '�iae. xn� y
was received' and1fil.ed.
•
'f'he
re being no further business d� 9 Q before
f r the
Council, the meeting was declared adjourned