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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04251960Absent: City Hall, Palo Alto, California April 25, 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, Nevis, Porter, Rodgers, Stephens, Wood- ward, Zweng. The minutes of the meeting of April 11, 1960 were approved as distributed. Association o1 Bay Area Governments A communication vas received from the City of Berkeley concerning meetings held during the past several months of a Committee of Mayors:: representing the cities in the nine Bay Area Counties and a Committee of Supervisors representing the nine counties, for the purpose of reaching conclusions on the form of an organization to be known as the As sociation of Bay Area Governments. It was reported that the two committees have reached agreement upon the basic pr nciples to `be involved in the formation of the organiza- tion. Material summarizing the purposes and functions of the organ- ization, together. _witha. draft of the proposed by-laws had been sent to the Mayor and: council members. The functions of the Association are to review governmental proposals and study metropolitan area. problems, and make appropriatepolicy or action recommendations. It was announced in,. the communication that a meeting of mayors and, councilmen and of chairmen and members of the boards of supervisors in the e` nine Bay Area. Counties will be held on Thursday,'. May 5, 19160 at 6:30: P.M. at the Hotel ClaremiOnt in Berkeley to•:disscuss.the. ;proposal and takeaction, if possible, which will result in the formation of the Association of Bay Area Govern- ments. Mayor Porter advised that, as a member of the ;Comaisittee of Mayors.,` he has ;been attending; meetings of the group; and intends to go, to the Meeting: to' be held in Berkeley on May 5, 1960. It Was' thought that,no further action is necessary at this time. Annexation to Mountain View A notice was received of the proposed annexation to the City of Mountain View- of an area on Del Medio Avenue between Miller and Silva Avenues, designated as "San Antonio No. 13". Pro,Ject 59-9 West -Charleston Road A report was made by the City Manager on the bids received on April 20, 1960 on Project 59-9 for the widening and improvement of West. Charleston Road, with the recommendation that the low bid of the Freeman Paving Company of Palo Alto, in the amount of $32,318.56, be accepted. Resolution No. 3211, awarding the contract for this work to the Freeman Paving Company in accordance with its bid, was introduced, and on emotion of Byxbee, duly seconded, was adopted by unanimous voicevote Fublic Transportation Study. The Council .considered a proposed study,contract with andWilliam F. Farell:.of Santa Monica to m ake a analysis of the need for ;public spTh� pro iss.4ns of the cortation in the Palo ontract,. ; and. a proposed operating program. which had been prepared as previously authorized by the Cou tee and with the :recomme�dat`w,ere reviewed by hen of the Citizen.s vAesis'Rant City CorrernOn Pub�li Transportation, Manager.' It was <noted'that the fee aidh after submission. of his Or Mr. Farell's service!' all not exceed the surnof $2500.0 . written `report he shall`ineet:with the City Council or a Council Committee to review the report. On motion :,of ,Davis and Rodgers, the City Manager was authorized to 'sign the contract.` Pra ect,59-3 Birch Street A review of the plans, cost estimates and financing the widening and improvement of Birch program: for Project _59-3, : Street between, California Avenue and Page Mill Road, was givenby, the Assistant City Manager . Resolution -No. 3212 -of preliminary approval of Engineer ing Documents and Resolution No. 3213 of Intention. otion f Naves add L Construc, Improvements, were introduced. 4- Byxbee, the resolutionswere adopted and hearing on ntthhee zResolutial of intention was= set for May. 23, 1960 at 7 30 P eing carried by unanimous voice vote of al3. council „at the record show that herd*d nots g otc Councilman Bishop asked that on the motion. PG&E Joint Use Easement Areement The City Manager recommended that that City enter into a Joint Use Agreement with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company providing for arelocation of their easement interest on Lorna Verde, Avenue. On motion of Ball and Navas, and by unanimous or to execute this voice vote, a resolution: was; adopted authorizing the May agreement in behalf of the City. Visit of pr,esident'.De Gaul?e of France g The City Manager reviewed the program and arrangements president of the French for the visit of General Charles de Gaulle, Palo Alto on April 28. i:9bti Republic, President of the. Community, of a suitable gift with .- He advised that he had discussed the q State Department representatives who agreed with the suggestion to make President de Gaulle the first honorary member of en alo Alto City Council and the presentation to him. of a small pleather case. A :resolution. appointing, President Charles de Gaulle axi honorary m:exnber,ot":the, City Council of the City of Palo Alto was:, introduced and `adopted by: unanixxious voice vote. ' A report was received from Committee No. 3 advising that it has considered; the request; of the League .of. Women Voters that a charter amendment to eliminate theoffice of the City Assessor be placed on the ballot,_ and recommending that no action be taken on the matter. Ccuncilman Nevis,, Chairman of Committee No. 3, discussed the question and pointed out that it was the intention: of the League of Women Voters: that the County take over the assessing: for the City He advised that the coinmittee had considered the advantages and disadvantages of such action, noting that there might be a net ': saving of $25.000.00 per year by eliminating the City Assessor's office but that it is important to have the records available at the City Hall for use by the public and other city departments. In beha•if of Committee. No. 3, it was moved by Nevis,_ seconded by Rodgers, that no action be taken and that the matter: be dropped.. Councilman;, Evans suggested it might be advisable to put the matter to a vote of the :people for a decision. There was further; diecussicn_ by other council members on the advantages of having:, the records and facilities of the Assessor's office maintained in the City, and the City Assessor : answered questions on the subject. The motion was then carried by a majority voice vote. Outside Sewer. Service Re ueet Discussion o -__ utua ro erns with San Mateo Coun A ,report was received .from Committee No. 3 advising: that it has considered the request of the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County that permissionbe granted to Henry C. Churchill to connect to, the: facilities of the Palo Alto Gardens Sewer Maintenance District in ordex to provide sewer service to his trailer court outside the city limits. of Palo Alto.` The Committee recommended that this request be looketl,upon favorably subject to other discussions of mutual interest in this particular; area. Councilman Navi, caned: attention to the City's policy of not extending service beyond the city .limits. He reported that a member of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and the County Manager were presentat the meeting of Committee No. 3 when, this matter was discussed, and that they emphasized the problems which exist in a very small area and; the potential health hazard if sewer_: service is not made .available. ; Mr. Navis commented that duringthe discussion it was brought out that there are other problems involving, this community and the San Mateo County area which should be resolved, and it was agreed that the problem of sewer _service and other .questions might bediscussed in, an effort to arrive at a favorable solution to these problems; that it was the thought of the committee that the City Manager could meot with the County Manager of San Mateo County in an attempt to come to some conclusion and solution of mutual problems. A motion was made by Nevis that the recommendation of Committee No. 3 be adopted. There was further discussion in which it was brought out that one of the problems to be considered is the: been. {� viol. aaoe.'t the e felt ��� �� e zY]at'°� to lost the 1� a e way ta���`� ,� a� deataxed 1� voice a,�,d x ad f0 Cla 'cr .fox. a� � large e.�d�,t''°�=� cial '' o£ whew it , ro e x ca cif the took` ex g , the e�,s�ti�o deh at ea to a av °d s coxxa d a of awl$ . TQ � ITIatid deld. o„ TeCO de • aud.tiae. Goa' ". atixYe L .s,. ;�o • _.t.;ox 1 tay os io ' the i ad B ,�la t�,o� ted oxd .xav4 to dxa Fake s w'aa xa�oe tic�exie f that _Sec �� 4e�.� d ��� woe be �� aace� xe ox��Y thxe;�a gd 1�., e � yta�Y �,e x e '' $ e >" that Abe rs cote d tha v x e a s with ith theTo. 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CAA t�0 �,�„d f, t'he be 'out- 53:11;4 the. `f'ox`y � 1'43.'11 x 1S es est' out- a matiais by • ee to Y $ q the sexy. b0,01 a teL L,�ssiotl' pewe: . eat -to ;gr} e a oil e di8 x c�vx e e� svb) Ater 1.11°% est top x,�vxe a .'U. datxox�,:: ttox the: e Ca, StY to e to xead U.2* to o£ tithe ed �ca„v the a�`t'1 01 ab�� hreats' xel ,ti t be zxi?• �;xa'k C7di a on b�g1 aaae e o1ex to Cra . such 14avis sc • dx a tl� •.1'� wfu� to play as xa de x fix gt x ca d Y ax fix. fixst xe ST1g ► e��r'�'�' xec° es . uxoolitteu °a�,'1 T e of s�'itt p°x tam the h'b �'f a ac3°4ta as pxt1 x ax t,e gx. .5t eat. istr erid ,gas xeoexV o£ the fix , xats tta �eYha�1 xe xt ati; me t Vie),• frog •,ta' e,`, 5be CStY A of the la ,Gaae ax a s the m' d' of 3st - STS xe ' 5 of 1�► xnT� '�'sataa s txz�� a eodi'� aotitixl of a fis of t 1� R cea d' od xA .;�c►lioa se ::%41f7ir a trochdoerI":":1 de tx vR�.�aot �etxo atle _ ;011"9,ceti. ,taefe on 2 se the se lstx?at' � ' e a dac cha otioti axaia$aeabe ? ame eadd , ge a&. that the ?T after ,ted go%;flx aoo Fte � a ae' . xtia Ga s pe: to to iz : she a �Jx d=z� d 1.,i of Patvea, !,le 1,.G of, the 7•xiit4 Pxiioah e to 'clr ,oxt''�a et, 9 T `a �,gt�o SIT?,Iotx �°the oses, is esa 'e"ex , , sitex C 01 t8' ,I Gevxa NWT ,.xetaiti, word er'a's da Jxdilzan nonce, L -M-1 trio ax+ce ,.fin Ce l'0 `. . , District d 1932;'adding a .Lot' of a di$ zn a Article :Article IS,A t bi�?tr.,ict .Re designated :L_ -1,, .Limited ide iar th o the tang x r inaln, of Daodwa d. a Iations, w,as, veil orid a zrzc2u nd. z d Bishop; gzven 2ecQn 2anufact the urc $`� sizare -San. I', was adapted d reading, arad,' a Antonio unanim®$ Annexation v©ice unirah ate abit�,d Ordinance z���e Via• 1933, _ approving Wa8, gzv h'se rztoxY deiri 'as ado sand rea gnated'ae the Sane peed �; ding; an � �aYshar '`atio y unanimous d arz' moti e -Sao Antonio . a1' cextazn Voice on of Wa ,q 2anira ; p- vote. and 1 i apatz „ gho-� Sari Aratenzo nnexationx ar Sara .Antanza:: dxnarace Na �.. Area razz xnotxa exati est "ate' n *f Waaaa, an`area as .LM ,f-.1 w irg zoning atxci and Bishop, was at the hap, was adapted second r n are; Arden'' y una Y,.. and . nzrxious �, ozce • urzzrahaiyite ,,Ordinance Na . Wae d territory 935.-a adopted ,,Ordd YNo.193approving the pied hY unanimous a designated as "Gard Anne=�atio animo vote. en. Terrace n ai cent vai motion ce Ara Ain Zoe. uae ce vate•. � n, of .Si$ a Anne Na ha $ 3, e Chaxz a Casirz F as Novi. , was ' .. Ordinance �esrixza ' - . � No �vz9 a'z, fxsr�d Ann S No. 1936 rezoning th 1{_ sa e motion a# `xbee..`and 8 to "A, wg,s givknowe as second propertyof reading, az.ge : o Bishp, was adopted b eCond moue ice Sae d , rnent �,1an,:Anse� y �''�imou.r aiced on went ate, the P -C Development reading Peer ) the southerly . AI Wag given to acam n for the property Ordinance mercz corner of San propert Na. 1937R. amen kit n8 atartaf azid,garden and l�'iddIeficid Taylor ,Peery at hire. oneMe ci ax; nursery a. hop, with .Roads N'a ' s, this from Ca construction within six 'z months Devand co , to allow nand ,;vat czl approval• months and completion e and - Mavis, ordinance adopted by unanimOn ous voice mFletza dtzrexat to zzzous ` 13YxbeC and`; 2onzn. � voice vote` dinarzCe .1i,„1DUP District :Ar of the Zoning disnCCNcs nzn Ig3g ct ' Ula; was g Ordinance to , amending was the Z nin given ante give the Duplex Article t an by unanimousd reading, Flex Distract d Article 6A. aecone voice and on motion the des Claz vary. of Nevis designation a Claim. ��ar and Ai hoz�. hisinvestigation further erwaod znve$tz reportStreet, was stoppage. the o f claim of Mrs. J. from the C ity $39.30 for asserted damage by, Attorney sewer msge caused by Iev The, City Attorney reported that he had interviewed the city employees and a representative of the Roto-Rocter Service who. had cleared the sever.,' and theyadvised that the stoppage was all in the c lairnaint's 1ines:and that they had found no obstruction in the City' lines. He again recommended that the claim be denied. After discussion,, it was moved by Navis, seconded by Ball, and carried that the City Attorney's report be accepted and the claim be denied. Claim of: Pacific' Telephone A report:was received from the. City Attorney relative to claim filed by the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company for:'cost of repairing a cable. He advised that in probing for a gas leak, the City department had probed -over. the cable to a depth of 40 inches when the cable duct was 37 niches below grade; that the lead sheath of the cable was cut in the operation and trouble developed when moisture; entered the cable through the cut in the lead sheath and shorted out the circuits. The City Attorney recommended that the claim be" paid: in the -amount of $843.01 which was the cost of the repair; stating that the bill had been checked thoroughly after it had been determined by the Chief Engineer of the Water -Gas -Sewer Department that it -was the City's responsibility to pay for the repair of the damage. A,: question was raised by Councilman Byxbee as to whether .. . the City hasmaps in its possession giving the depth of telephone cables, as it was his,; opinion that the City would not be wholly at fault if such information. were not available'in the city offices. It was moved by Byxbee, seconded and carried that action on .tkus claim be, deferred until it is ascertained whether or not maps showing' :.the .,.depth .ofte1ephone cables areon file. Deputy City Co;Rtroller A request was received from the City Controllerfor approval of the appoi itrnej t of. Darrell Lieb as Deputy Controller. On motion, of Byxbee, duly seconded, this appointment was approved by u.nanxmous voice vote.: Tax Refunds A requ.est was; submitted by the City Controller for of the following::duplicate tax payments: a) $20.81 to Bank of America, Bill No. 5670. b) $17.4.3 to Bank of America, Bill No. 8737. c).;$20.21 to Lowell, Smith & Evers, Inc. , Bill No. 13284,. d) $46.78: to Robert L. Richards, Bill No. 6649.. $ 9.48 to James Isaacson, Bill No. 6607. f) $26.36 to. Peninsula Development Co., Bill No. ""9139.' g) $, 6.01 to Ravenswood Realty, Inc . , Bill No. 11546 ;These were second installments of the 1959-60 taxes on which duplicate; payments had been made. It was moved, seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote that the refunds be granted. • thl(-R.ports eassimat The Monthly report of the Controller for March, 1960, was received said filed. - The monthly report of the Planning ,Officer on action. .: taken in March on applications for lot divisions, and the monthly report of the Zoning Administrator on action taken in March on applications for variances and use permits, were received and filed. Mataderoo_Mosquito Abatement District Trustee The Mayok;anominated Mr. J. B. Wells for reappointment as Trustee for the Matai,,ero Mosquito Abatement District represent- ing Palo Alto, to serve foie, another two-year term ending February., 15, 196 f On motion of Byxbee and Bishop, this appointment was confirmed. Downtown Plans stimmergeemiemmusammur Councilman Byxbee expressed concern over the progress; of the plans: for'. revitalization of the downtown area, and felt that the City should -get started immediately on plans for the relocation of the Police ;Department, the Downtown:Viatse- Station and the -Downtown Branch Library, pointing out that new locations for these facilities must' be determined, cost estarnates prepared and architects employed to design the buildings.. He rowed that the study of these questions.' be transferred to _Coanuriittee No. 2 with the request it expedite the study for .relocation of these facilities and provide for,. architectural studies at the .earliest opportunity. The .motion was seconded by Marshall. Reference was "made tothe recent action of Committee No. 3 instructing the City, Manager to develop a critique of the Downtown- Plan within six weeks. Several council rnexnbers: expressed the° view that the action suggested by Councilman Byxbee would be premature. The City Manager advised that the staff had interpreted; the instructions of, Committee: No. 3 as meaning they should:prepare a critical analysis of the report and plan; that each meanber of'_the "staff had accepted certain responsibility in the studies. He, stated that other cities are being contacted for inforsna= tion".as to their`` experiences, and it was the intention' to review, the cost -figures submitted relative to multi -story parking buildingsand advise the:: Council as to whether such cost estimates are in line. He also advised that the staff will report on .proposed locations for the fire station, and.; in connection with the library coat estimates foa a new building Would be prepared and also the estimated cost of property if another site ;is to be -acquired. The Council was told that the Assistant -City Manageris. working now on a report in regard .to the police and communications building. The City Manager pointed out that.plans should be further developed before architects are hired. The City Manager also advised that the Citizens Traffic Committee : and the Traffic 'Consultant have reviewed the plans, and that the -Staff Traffic. Committee will consiaer them: also. He noted .. that :if there is a particular problem in the overall project, it would bean connection with the, underpass structure and streets leading fr orn it. further "discussion Councilman Byxbee agreed that ay a aced by the. City hganager and. the studies and reports being prepared r p staiff for Consenittee;.No. 3 shoulel be adequate to p ry provide the necelessssaor iiafazmation, ' that his Main concern is to have the studies comp ted as 'ex P;editiausly a,s `pos Bible Na action was taken on the motion to transfer the. Matter to Committee No. Z. ec $aturdsY Pax. oti ;ots ' Counci'S:xtian.:Byxbee called attention to the present r;egala- lots on Saturdays. f on: downtown`;pa`zlci:xg tiora' gro�c►iidf=i for •.._rec, xking " s have' .not been put ,over the. He poix►ted.<civt.thait inrecca�t week* �� le, do not realize tb�at:the Meter a on :Saturday`s and,tbat Many people the meters s and. are putting money in parkir>$'� is free onlthose -day the _:City He suggested coiisf'.deratiori>of� the installation :parking i� tike lots is or some action to' let the 'public. know free on:Saturdays, M:r. 3oseph ®'Donohue, Executive Director of Downtown Palo Alto, .Inc. , :told the :Council that it is aproblem to keep the informed; of the regulations; that free Saturday parking has people posted in the " stores to that been pubticised'`:and there are' signs p ,signs ,effect. He ;advised that the -merchants -are willing putto nights, gn on Saturday mornings and take themHe wn that a sday if the :City would pay, , for the sign$ suggested of about. 4 x S5 ft.', to be placed at each end of the ��s�ds*rich.'.' stigc:-, �� parking late,' reading;, ]Free Parking on Saturdays" might be suitable. After discussion. it was moved by Haight, seconded and carried that the staff` be instructed to work for with a proper Palotothis Inc<.:'and come. up with It recommendation problem: f,ld Has i.tal`-Bui1 Councilman." Zweng referred: to the erequest the cost made by Committee No.: 4 a few smelts o for figure rehabilitating; and opening the old hospital, and asked the City Managerif the report and cost estimates baays noe been t yeteceiveeibdsitttd The.. City Manager replied,th�►t the p by the :Hospital a.dministratioa. Councilman Nevis, a member..of the Hospital Board, advised that he had not expected the report to be ready until the latter :part. of April. Jazz Emporium Gounc3ltnan"Haight called attention to a "jazz Emporium" The which has been, established "on -University Avenue of thist establishment le. w operation. He moved thatthestaff look into the and report back as to what isgoing motion was�eCdnded and carried. d whether there is any vlolati+an of the ordinances. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m 9VED:. 11 / — Mayor