Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08221960=. = - ' .; M City Nana_ Palo Alto,,._Cal forma Augua't,Zf, 1%6 The Council of the City: of Palo Alto met in regular session ion . . this date at 7:30 :P M::, With : Mayor Bali presiding. Roll call as follows:' -Present:' Ball, Byxbee Davis, Evans, Giffin,, Haight, Marshall, Mitchell;' Porter, Rodgers, Stephens, Woodward,. 2weng. The minutes of the as distributed. meeting of August 8, 1.960, were approved This was the time and place. fixed for hearing of protests against assessments_ for weed abatement. It was reported for the reco:cd that all notices as required in accordance with Artzcle 32A of Codified Ordinance No. 5 have been published, and that the City Engineer has filed with theeCaiy`Clerk a report listing the lots or parcels of land from which weeds have been removed, as well as the charges proposed • to be assessed against each parcel. The .hea.ring :was declared .open. Mr. Alexander Thazn, 4146; El Camino Real, :'spoke in protest to the weed abatement procedureand= the assessment against his property. There being no one else who wished to beheard on the .matter, the hearing was closed. Resolution No. 3264, confirming the City Engineer's report and assessment list•for weed., abatement, was introduced, and on motion of Mitchell,: duly seconded,' was adopted by unanimous 'voice vote. Pro ect 591.1, Embarcade7ro ----- Roaa�ria�ad Eaem x of Ba ssh®orre� roev�.�s (Councilman Zweng left the room at this time and was absent! during:discussaon and toting on this subject only, returning ; at ;7:40 P.M.) On August 8,' .1960, :a public hearing was held on Resolution No.. 3236 of Pre:lirninaz y Determination and of Intention. Also at that meeting, the City Engineer presented his report on the proposed im- proverxents'•and►-report Was Made by the City Manager on bids received, however, no.:action could be taken to proceed with the p •oject because, of an insufficient number of;Couneilmen present to adopt the necessary resolutions. A map was presented showing the boundaries of the proposed: assessment district and. it'was pointed out that the parcels ownedby those individuals'who had protested at the h.carirg were being assessed for storm drainage iinprovemerzts only. A fetter: wa.s received from Bahr Sc. Ledoyeri. Inc., owners o£,. acreage .on"Embarcadero Road, appro••: ing the project and requesting ; the Councx_-to award the contract and proceed Without delay with the impro'reznt-nt. ttesoutton' rxlg cescs,"``t:eo3 tci ." bs ..�r�. ��.. orderingreduction of assesexnents, Resolution No. 3267 determining convenience and necessity, adopting engineer's report, confirming assessment and:ordering work and acquisitions, and Resolution�No. 3268 awarding'contr.act to Freeman. Paving Company, were introduced, and onmotion of MitcheU and Woodward, were adopted by unanimous voice vote of the twelve members present. Use of Palo ssassms Alto Communit Theatre William J. Flatle A letter was received from. William J. Flatley, 228 0' -Connor Street, Menlo Park, requesting permission to address the Council for the -purpose of presenting a proposal for use of the Palo Alto Community Theatre during_ the summer of 1961 for production of professional summer stock: Mr. 'Flatley reviewed his request, which had been covered in detail in a letter distributed to Council members prior to the meeting. Essentially, he.indicated he has_formed a`theatrical producing organization and proposes to rent the community theatre and establish residency therein: for a period of six or' seven weeks. The operation will be on a non-profit basis with the purpose of determining if the community desires and will support professional summier theatre on a permanent basis.. Mr. Flatley informed the Council that he had been advised by the staff that his proposal was in conflict withcity policy and practice, but he wished to have the Council consider the merits of his program. He said he had not discussed the rental basis with the Recreation;Department, feeling that this matter could be reaolved if and when approval was granted_ It was moved by Byxbee, .seconded and carried by the 'following roll call vote to refer the proposal of William J. Flatley for.use of the Palo Alto Community:: Theatre to Committee No. 3 for further study and workings out. of details, as well as to determirxe what effect this would have on use -of thetheatre by other groups: Ayes: Ball, Byxbee, Davis, Haight, Mitchell, Stephens, Zweng Noes: Evans, .Giffin, Marshall, Porter, Rodgers, Woodward: Mr. Flatley had urged that a decision be made immediately, or at least within -one week, so that he might proceed immediately with planning and actual arrangements for the perforrnances. Bowling Alley Re ttula'tions A proposed ordinance amending -Section 9.03 of Codified Ordinance; No 5 to.eliminate bowling alleys from the establishments prohibited to rninors in certain instances was introduced, andon' motion, duly seconded, was accepted for first reading by unanimous voice vote Transfer of Funds A request wasreceived for authorization to transfer monies in the Street Damage Deposit Fund which have become the property of the City, in the amount of $250.00, to the Unappropriated Reserve Fund. ,wagezrnived b'y Woodward, seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote to authorize the transfer of funds as requested. uest to Increase 1960-61 Ca4sita1 A ro�priation Accounts. A report was received from m the Controller requesting approval to increase the following 1960-61 Capital Appropriation Accounts:' • Water Fund: Account 2347A Mains $11,970.00 Account 2348A Hydrants 3,000.00 $14.970.00 Mains 6,090.00 Total Water and Gas $21,060.00 The: Controller" advised that the above expenditures are supported by an advance for.,conatruction o£ $21,060.00 received from Stanford University for, extension of the water and gas system along Hanover_ Street. It -was moved,- seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote' to approve the increase as requested. Gas Rate Increase The Assistant City Manager advised of unofficial word received of the granting byte California Public Utilities Commission of a gas rate increase to the Pacific Gas &Electric Company, effective August 25, 1960 It was reported that the approved rate increasewill have'the effect during the remaining ten months ofthe current fiscal, year of increasing the City's, gas purchases by approximately. $40,650.00, or an increase; of' -approximately twenty cents per month on the average consumer's _bill:: TheAssistant City` Manager statesl that as soon as the official rate schedules are received, new City rates will be submitted to the Council for consideration, which will retain the present policy of the City in abidingby the PG & E rates in effect. Quitclaim Deed to Herrernan A report was submitted by the Assistant City Manager advising_ that an incorrect property description dating back to 1947 has been discovered which pertains to a pole line easement over a portion of Lots 43 and;44, Block 2, Stanford City. It was recommended that a qutclaim deed be executed in favor of Glenn 0 Herreman and Clara V. Herrernan quitclaiming all of Lots 43 and 44. A grant of easement has been received by the City„ from`Charles C. Jenkins and Janet D. Jenkins for the actual poleline location, being the southwesterly five feet of, Lots 43 and 44. A. resolution authorizing the. Mayor to execute a quitclaim deed covering. Lots 43 and 44, Block 2,:: Stanford. City, to Glenn O. Herreman and Clara V. Herreman was introduced, and on motion , duly seconded, was adopted, by unanirous voice vote. Addition to Golf Course Clubhouse Thee. Assistant,City.Manager reported that some time ago Mr. Patrick F. Mahoney, Golf. Pro at the Municipal Golf Course, had' called attention to the need,; due to increased business, to enlarge the golf course clubhouse by approximately 200 sq. ft. The proposal was ,subsequently reviewed with Mr. Joseph L. Eichler and his architects. Mr. Eichler !has offered to pay the entire cost of the extla:rgement, `and it.as recommended that; the Council accept the offer. A motion was made by. Zweng, seconded and carried by unanimous: voice vote to accept Mr. Eichler's offerto enlarge, the golf course clubhouse and too direct :that a letter be sent to Mr. Eichler expressing gratitude for his generosity. A. report was received from, Committee No. 3 recommending that the report of the Mayor's Committee to Establish Goals and Objectives for the City of Palo Alto be adopted as a basis for updating the General Plan, and.: that the Planning Commission be requested to proceed inunediately.with revision of the General Plan. It was moved` by,Bysrbee and seconded to accept the .report of Committee No. 3 in part. i.e., to adopt the fourteen goals and objectives as a basis for updating the General Plan. and that the same committee be re -activated for the purpose of screening professional planners to be hired to prepare the revision in accordance with these goals as well as to determine the scope of the actual revision and how comprehensive a plan is desired. Mr. Byxbee felt the staff should expedite the solicitation for prospective planning consultants and make preliminary recommendations to the group; that the Mayor's Committee, which is already` familiar with the subject and which is composed of Councilmen as well as Planning Commissioners, would then be the logical group -to continue with the groundwork; and that they would report back to the Council for further direction. Councilman Porter remarked that such action would be complimentary to :this committee and its fine work. Councilman Evans :was concerned that the actual working with the con- sultant should be left to the regular Planning Commission. Councilman • Stephens suggested that some idea be given as to how much the City wishes to spendfor this service by perhaps putting a ceiling on the expenditure, however.it was agreed that this could beat be decided after receipt of proposals and the extent of the project has been studied by the committee: The motion to accept the goals and objectives and reactivate the Mayor's Committee: was carriedby unanimous voice vote. Tax Rate and Hospital -Rates ,rr.wna A report was received. from Committee No. 3 recommending that the total tax rate for 1960-61 be fixed at $0.80 per $100 of assessed valuation, provided that the „Council recommend to the Board of Hospital i Directors that the rate for private:;; rooms at the Hospital be reduced from $39.0© to:$35. 00 per day. The Assistant City Manageradvised that the recommended tax rate was predicated on a general fund rate of $.617207, a general obligation bond interest and redemptionrate of $.062204, and a rate to cover hospital bond interest and redemption, as well as hospital working capital, of $.120589. It was decided that the two subjects in the committee recommen- dation should be treated, separately. Ordinance. No. 1973 fixing the tax rate for the fiscal year 1.960-6.1 at $0.80 per $100 of assessed valuation `was introduced, and: iit:was moved by Marshall and seconded that it be adopted. ... _._�_ .—...r....�� ....-n nil.' xncreas • Coun�.i�txaax Rod -^ e Cram .the :Rodgers raid he was _ _.see providing funds existing $0;75 rate unalterably to that in opposed Iar and felt in to �Y; em vidingYu the in I ge amount to the hoe preference to and kiss Pital ;should toldbe hospital use in ease" operations.' thin the set- budget; t to rues its affairs of. • . it could be that if a deficit should occur efficiently of the cony halt. aad;t met with the $200 0 ur in its contingency, hat.this amount be 40 budgeted far. held it reserve fax g$nxoaxt • each Poeetble Couatcihnan Byxbet referred to financial :sit. fact that elan of the City, and the. rather tight e many of tho 'Cost e t Made existing estimates he�s only, tiznates for capital projhe Y, thus rxian caPxte:l reference _ to. the imat , bennc y,of the cost fi projects defj are Fxelisai on the ear lxned to defer, additions to esr are ali asd Y of the Forat:a yard,' first.; ns the city'ha11 He said;; cQtazrzorati taonr -Also, he noted that aad conceattter of outrun RicaOad Which s • hould safety there e the , the "ho.$pita2 building and a matter he co uld be x fxro station the a i'nnnented that given consideration.,,. on, Aeration was ;t could not be shut do Asfor in' excess of budget. ' down 3urt-becatuse Councilman Eva ns remarked that the operation funcia Proring,: but there.is mental improving,- - He still a work things- great deal o�f,the-hosPit�l s out s• urged confusion noting, that the that the owners about to the ings- i lack of cooperation been f ust ati has been frustrating the The nzotxon:to adapt Ordinance N ., faecal year 1960=61 61 at :.f;0, g® o• 19 a 3 fixing the was carried by the following rate fsgx roll coil' Ayes Sill, Bye;bee Palter _ . , Davis, Haight, Mars Noes. Woodward, Zweng, hall, lbiitcheil Evaria, Giffin, Rod gers, Stephens, It was then: moved; b unaniznour voice v Y Zweng, seconded and that the rate for sate to recomYnend to the serried, to. $35 Private rooms ` al be reduced hoard o e per .day. On question, at the hospital be Directors' i5 o , Assistant reduced fzn ;. Pxnioa .she Council City Attorney ��"$39, thataeic agreement to ultimately Y 1�2ortou` $.toted in so far as fix- the rates, Y does have the 'Palo the es rather than merely recommend under. tl8, so change, 'w are co a recur ant.. the g oteld;�ye concerned; however, rate's, Board• made in the for it vats rya of a xecoznnnendation ta, Mrs.:R�dcl Council and ask PhScholz, nude at 702 Tennyson Avenue tlie the ncil ands Was ,thes.intentioin to M addressede a ' at coniiitxon She -was advised. also adjust other does not that at the znoznent` the rates at to nditio do permit this; 'that the Presentfir the -operations Of the So. in tax rate was naac al hospital is case Primarily Ad '6►'alore of any defacit�;, - i n- Tax Rates Aeee arciant Districts report was received that the ad velars from Committee as.seth xn nosy rates for 1 N4• recd relent distract8 'be set: as follaws; 6i far the off-street street parkinQ iatrict 1 Z05 parking District 52-13 Para University I. 2 g District 52.14 Avenue Dstri t,'. Parking Ui-stxic! University Avenue 55-5, California a .District,' Avenue District,' " ' The Aeiistant City; Manager recommended that the gyrate for Parking: District 52-14 be changed. to $0.1939 due to an increase in the assessed evaluation figure, 'The rates were compared with those for the previous fiscal year and it was noted that the recommended -.rate of $1.723. for District 55-5 includes an assessment figure to cover improvement of Birch Street. Project 59-3. The following ordinances fixing ad valorem tax rates for. 1960-61 were introduced and on :notion, duly seconded, were adopted by unanimous voice vote..: Ordinance' No. ,19.74 •.":197.5 19'7'6. 1.977 District 52-.13, University Avenue 52-14, University Avenue 55-5., California Avenue 59-3, Birch Street Downtown BrarichLibrary` Rate $1,078 0.1939 1.556 0..1669 A, report was received from Committee No. 3 recommending that the following- advisory proposition be placed on the November 8th ballots "Should the ,City of Palo Alto replace the Downtown Branch: Library with a new library building with comparable or better facilities in the downtown district, and remove the old library builthng, and the land used for such purpose as the City Council may deem most beneficial to the entire City?" Letters were received from the League of Women Voters and. the Friends of. the Palo Alto Public Library requesting that the proposition include assurance to voters that the citizens would not be without adequate library facilities in the downtown area during any interim period that might -occur if the present downtown branch is to be relocated. A motion was: made by Porter, seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote putting the. Council on record as intending to, provide uninterrupted library service in the downtown area of comparable or better standard, ,:regardless of what the decision is with respect to the old library building.' The proposed advisory proposition was discussed and several Councilmen felt the wording : was too vague and likely to invite a "no" vote that there are no definite plans for presentation to voters, and defeat of the measure : might tie up the matter of the relocation .for a long period of time. Mr. Byxbee` said he had introduced the measure as a means of pztting the Council in the position of taking the initiative and in the interest, of public relations. It was moved by Mitchell. seconded and carried by the following= roll call vote to table the matter of the advisory proposition for replace went of the Downtown Branch Library: Ayes: Ball, Davis, Evans, Giffin. Haight, Mitchell, Porter, Stephens. Woodward, Woodward, Zweng. Noes Byxbee, Marshall, Rodgers. w Project 59=9 West Charleston Road - ignatures<on Bonds • Resolution No. 3289 amending Resolution No. 3244 entitled "A Resolution Determining: List of Unpaid Ases8ment8 and Providing for Issuance of Bonds. West Charleston Road, Project 59 -9"., -'.was introduced and on motion of Mitchell and Woodward, was adopted by unanimous voice vote. The amendment provides that the signatures of the Mayor. and -Clerk shall be imprinted on the bonds and that the Treasurer shall physically sign the bonds. Street Name "Wintergreen Way" �nerA�rwe�� Ordinance No: 1978 designating the cul-de-sac extending off' Ross Road: ir_: the 3000 block as "Wintergreen Way" was given second reading. and on motion of Woodward, duly seconded, was adopted by unanimous voice vote. Stanford Annexation No. Ordinance No. 197.9 approving annexation of certain uninhabited territory designated as "Stanford Annexation No. 9" was given .second reading and on motion, duly seconded, was adopted by unanimous voice vote. Monthly Reports, The monthly report of the Controller for July 1960 was received and filed. The monthly report of the Planning Officer on action taken in July on applications; forlot divisions, and the monthly report of the Zoning, Adrninistrator on action taken in July on applications for variances and use permits, were received and filed. _Partial- Closing of. Entrances to Charleston Road Councilxna.nByxbee::called :;attention to the traffic barriers on Charleston Road which do not allow for four -lane movement of traffic at the railroad tracks` or at ElCamino' Real. He asked whether these were to be temporary and suggested that if the situation is to be pro.' longed, the matter should:be referred to Committee No, 1 for study, The:. Assistant City Manager reported that the barriers were placed at the railroad tracks -because the Southern Pacific, has not completed the widening of ,its crossing, that advice received from SP indicates ' that it will -be approximately a month before they can be. eliminated,- He reported that the staff is presently trying to work out a solution which will elirninate the barriers on Charleston Road at E1. Canino Real, Plans.for Widening_Arastradero Road Cot.nclisnan;Byxbee inquired if there has been any discussion by the; Planning Commission:. with` respect to plans for widening. ArastraderoRoad. The Planning <Officer advised that the matter is being conaidered by the;; staff and a. report will be forthcoming„ (At this time, •.8:45 p.m , the Council took a recess, during which time it rnet in executive session. reconvening as a Council at 8:55 p.m.) `: ointments to: Plannin otx.:mssioa The Mayor nominated, -Mr.. . Philip H. Towle far reappointment each Mr. � David' YIt�peixcer p far. a. . H each fora four- appointment to the Planning Commission, year term expiring June 30, 1964. On rnotxon duly seconded, these nominations were confiraaed, It was directed that an ,appropriate letter be sent to Mr. Roland .Sharpe, whose term expired June 30, 1960, thanking '.,for his services as a.mnember of the Planning bias five years'. Commission for the past There being no further business to come befor 'the meeting was declared adjourned at 9:00 a the Council, p. xn, John Bali, Mayor