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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10251937City :tali, Palo 4to, eaiif orni a. October 25, 1937. The Council of t7 . City of Palo Alto met on this date at 7:30 P.M., pursuant to adjournment , of October 11, 1937, with Mayor Salsnar presiding. Roil call :as follows: r u 1i �l Present: Bois, Bonham, Cashel, Collins, Costello, Cypher, Goddard) Mrs. Merner, Mitchel, osr�er, Richards-, t; 6ai.sran, Thoit i+s, Thomas!, Absent: . Wood. The minutesof the meeting of October 11, 1937,, were approved. Hearing on Change of Zone (Grant Winner/ This was.' the time for a nearing on the application of Mr. Grant Winner to rezone his property on the south corner of Forest Avenue and Bryant Street, being the north $ westerly 62.5 feet of Lots 52 and 53, Block 10, 'mown as 704 Bryant Street, from Third Residential Zone to Commercial Zone. Notices of this hearing had been sent to each property owner in the zone of interest, and a notice wae ;also published by three insertions in the Palo Alto Times. A report was received from the Planning Commission f! recommending that this application for change of zone be denied. +l$ d Opportunity was of audience ir:r given to members the a<i1d..:2nCe �to spew: on this question.: dr. VVi1l.iam staller addressed the Council with reference to the provision of the zoning ordinance ;i } permitting a greater coverage of the lot if it is in the. commercial zone than would be allowed in the third residential. ft He suggested that this part ' of the zoning ordinance be amended. 01 • Mr. Grant Winner, owner of the property sought to be rezoned, addressed the Council. Mr. F. G. Gibson,w o drew the plans for the apartment house proposed to be erected on ter. Tanner! s property, also spoke, commenting on the design of the proposed building. The hearing was then closed. Ir. Arthur James, a member of the Planning Commission, explained the reasons for,. the Planning Commissions s recommendation that the application be denied. The Commission was; of the opinion that there is no necessity of extending the commercial zone further on Bryant Street at this time, as there :has been no commercial development on the block between Hamilton and Forest Avenues which was rezoned several years ago. A- motion wasmade by Thoits, seconded by Cypher, that t.ne recommendation of the Planning Commission be approved. - The, vote on this motion was as follows: Ayes: Cypher, ;Goddard, drs. Merner, Mitchel., Salsman,Thaits Noes= Blois,Bonham, Cashel, Collins, Mosher, Richards, Thomas. Not Voting: Costello. The notion was :declared lost. A proposed ordinance rezoning the property at 704 Bryant Street from Third Residential to Commercial Zone was giVbn first reading and referred to Committee lvo. 1, with the understanding that .the committee will examine the plans for ;;he building proposed to be constructed and consider the building regulations involved. Co Councilman Thomas objected to the principle of spot zoning, and expressed the opinion that, ii there is j ustifica- protest tion " for the rezoning of this one parcel, the entire block on cover :ie Bryant between Forest and Homer Avenues should be rezoned. comm.uni Mr E. B. helm was ;.:present and spoke in favor of extending charge:: the :commercial zone on Bryant Street to Homer Avenue. It was pointed out that this would require reconsideration ofthe matter by the Planning Commission. Cori t Onmotion of., Thomas and Richards, the matter of rezoning the property. at 704 Bryant Street Teas referred back to the Planning Commission ..ith the request ;hat the Commission make a recommendation to the Council in regard to the rezoning of the entire block on Bryant Street from Forest to homer Avenues from Third Residential to Commercial Zone. He ring on Change of Zone (B. Simonsen • .This ; was also the time set for a hearing upon the applicati* of Mr. B. Simonsen and others to rezone .Jots 5, 6, 7, 8, .9, 10, 11, 35, 36, 37, the southwesterly 10 feet of Lot 38, and Lots 67 and 68, Block 9, university Park;. also e'ots 32; ;33, 34 and the northwesterly one-half of Lots 28.29., ' 30 and 31, Block E, University Park, including the four corners of the intersection of Cunning Avenue ;and Ramona Street, from Third Residential Zone to Light industrial Zone. Notices of this hearing were sent to each property owner :in the zone o: interest, and a notice was published by three insertions' in the Palo, Alto Times. The Planning Commission recommended that this application be denied. that t Libre: of communicationon we r ecei.ved from A. � . Strickland, : ibr a property owner in the zone o interest, objecting to the an el.: of this property. expen Mrs. Clara Branson ana a representative of firs. Clara zone requested. The nearing was tnen aeciafea closed. tiene r.tr.en.1 able -61 S. tneol; bills an Ri No. 4. Marx addressed the Council, speaking in favor of the change of A motion was maae by Thoits, seconded by Cypher, that 011E: 0: the recommendation of the elanning (,ce=li ssion be approved. ila.;.e: of `�� Mr. Arthur James explained the reasons for the co:a%,44 rlanning Commission's recommendation that the application be appro, denied. It as the Commission's belief tna.t there is no the el necessity for _extending the eight industrial zone at the present, he s time since a great deal of the property already zoned as light ; industrial is not yet developed for inaustrial purposes. recd Themotion that the recommendation of the Planning of wpb Commission be approved was carried. :a�G.t i,e L Request for Tax Refund A letter was received from Mr. Albert C. Hooper of .:o requesting a refund of $5.00 which he paid as personal property wude tax on '.tax bill No. 2395 covering property purchased by nim : otio on April 6, 1937. 14r. Hooper advises that there was no w493. personal property on the premises on March 1, 1937 when the cc i;r assessment was made. This was referred to Committee loo, 5 ire:;'__: and the City Asssssor. ::s' nc that- t trail i railro yoWLara at tha w a s ap 16. Commiaia.t on Lot Cleaning_ Bill A,?etter was received from irs. A. M. McBlroy pr.o.testing against the amount of the lot cleaning bi1l covering her property. Tne Mayor stated that he read. received communications from other property owners complaining of. t:re charges for lotTcleaniug This: matter was referred to the Board of Works and Committee No. 1. ♦+ iiity Bills -o1•-: 3.S.N..teserve A letter was received from the Puio Alto Unit o: the U. S. Navy Communication Reserve, which occupies quarters in the old Federal Telegraph Building, requesting that tie utility bills of the unit be paid by the City. On motion of Mrs. Berner and Richards, this was referred to Coda. ttee .vo . 3, Committee No. 4 and the City- Attorney. Traffic ?roblem at University and Alma A report was received from Committee No. 2 recommending thatthe Board of Safety be requested to make a study ofthe traffic problem on J ivers ty Avenue near Alma Street "and the rail.road crossing,particularly around 6 P.;,/{.1 with a view toward adopting regulations to relieve the traffic congestion at that point. On motion . of Collins and Bonnam, this report was approved and the matter referred to the Board of Safety.. Salary Anp.ro.oriation for Library A report was received from Committee loo. 4 recommending that the sum of $236.86 be added to the Salary Account of the Library budget for the : year 1937-38, this amount to be taken from: the unappropriated balance. The committee advised that an error was made in using the amount of fast year's actual expenditure for : salaries of, Library employees as the amount of tiais year's budget appropriation for the same purpose ($23,230.00), when the amount of $23,466.88 (or %23,6.86 addi- tional) is necessary to take care of the regular payro�2 Attention is called; to the fact that the Library Board was able to stay within its appropriation last year only because one of tne employees was away part of the time on account of illness; if she had worked ed: the full time a total salary budget of $x;3,466.C6 would have been necessary. Since it was the committee's intention to'provide in the budget the same salary. appropriation as required last year for tne regular payroll, the committee, in order to correct the error, recommended that the sum of $236.86 be added to the salary account. It was noted that the Council, on September 13t -n, received ;the recommendation of Core i ttee No. 3 that the sum o $690.00 be added to the salary appropriation . of the Library budget, ;,as requested in the communication of east 24th from the ' Library Board. a :motion was made by Councilman Thomas that the sign. Of $690.00` be added to the salary appropriation of the Library budget, tobe taken ram' the unappropriated balance. This motion was seconded by Mitchell, with the amendment that X490.0.0 be taken from the unappropriated balance and : 4200.00 be: transferred from an accoun t in the Library budget which included this sum for the cost of some electrical work which is now unnecessary.. T,e `City Attornt'y� ruled that this motioxa was out of order, sinc the appro priation $490.00 would require ten votes and the transfer would require, only eight votes, It was then moved by Thomas, seconded by Mitchell, that the sum of $690.00 be taken from the unappropriated baianee and added to the Salary Account of the Library budget. The vote on this motion by roll call was as follows: Ayes: Bonham, Cypher, Goddard, Mrs. Merner, Mitchell, Richards, Thoits, Thomas, Wood. Noes: Blois, Cashel, Collins,. Costeilo, Mosher, Saisman. The motion .;was declared lost. (Councilman Wood had come during the discussion of the above matter and was present during the rest of the meeting.) It was then moved by Collins, seconded by Bonham, that the recommendation of Committee oo . 4 to appropriate $236.85 from the unappropriated balance to the Salary Account of the Library be approved. This motion was oarried by unanimous vote on roll call A;moti.on'was made by Thomas, seconded by Mitchell, that the sum of 200.00',iric1uded i n the Library budget for elec trical .repairs which are not now necessary, be transferred to the Sala* Account. After discussion this motion was withdrawn and the matter of this transfer was referred to Committee'AO 4. Trtans ,wr of Community Center Funds A report was received from Committee 1,o 4 recommending that the transfer of $23000 from Casual Labor funds in ..ceount 820-01 to Salaries in the same account, as requested by the Community Center Commission, be not autnori.zed. It was noted that the Council, on October 11th, received the recommendation oi' Committee Ivo: that the request of the Community Center Commission for this transfer of funds be gr anted . This matter was discussed, and on motion of Costello and Richards, the recommendation of Committee boo. 4 was adopted Janitor Service at eo nuni.ty Center report was received from Committee i4o., 4 advising that, after consulting with the Chairman of the Community Center Commission, the committee re-affirms its previous recommendation that the request req uest -. of the Community Center Commission to strike the allotment to janitors from the salary list and add this amount to Casual Labor be granted, with the understanding that janitor service will be paid for at the rate of 5u cents per hour instead of on a monthly salary basis. Cm__ motion of Mrs. Merner and Bonham, this recommendation was approved by voteonroll call, all voting Aye except Cypher, who voted No. Az ro•riat1on for rAsz Mr.Foster Servico t A report was received from. Committee -oio 4 recommending that the regpest of the. :Chamber of Commerce for an appropriation of 4200.00 from the Publicity Fund for the purpose of continuing the rksk:Mr. Foster Service" for a period of one year be granted and tha authori Bonham, autnor1 ing t sic par val $7,500. purcna ii ache. ing till. Palo h. totaii. t the to oi:r to se. This :� Commi City w a S a+: provi. s hal l commi The r recei ;over ing t gain-- in_a the .4 -gain . 4$9.. and that an appropriation of $200.00 for this purpose be authorized from the Publicity Fund.. On motion of Richards and Bonham, this recommendation was approved and the appropriation authorized by unanimous .vote on roll call. Purchase of U.S.Savinens Bonds A report was ;received from '.%ommittee ago. 5 recommend- ing that the Treasurer be authorized to purchase $10,000.00 par value of United States Savings Bonds froa cash: at a cost of $7,500.00. Resolution No. 1171, authorizing the Treasurer to purchase these bonds from cash, was read, and on motion ;of Mitchell and Cypher, was adopted by unanimous vote on roll call. Sale of Municipal Bonds Purchase of Government Bonds A report was received from Committee 5 recommend- ing that the. Treasurer be authorized to sell the following Palo Alto municipal bonds:. $36,000 Water and Sewer Bonds of 1923, maturing 6/1/49-57 inclusive, $4,000 each year; $20,000 eater Bonds of 1926, maturing , 6/1/43-46 inclusive, $5,000 each year; and $50,000 Water Bonds of 1926, maturing 6/1/57-66inciusive, 05,000 each year totaling $106,000, now held by the Treasurer in lieu of cash, at the best :market price obtainable, and with the proceeds to purchase the following list of government bonds: $20,000 U. a. Treasury Bonds 3 $25,000 U. S. Treasury Bonds 34 k020, 000 U. S. Treasury Bonds 2 3/4 $20,;000. U. ,S. Treasury Bonds 3 $20,000 U. S. Treasury Bonds 3 1/8 $20,000 U. S. Treasury Notes 1 3/4 Resolution:No o. 1172, to sell certain city bonds . s nd Tiiis matter was d'iscussed,; and Comni ttee loo . 5, explained the City from this transaction. 10/15/45-43. 4/15/46-44 9/15/47-45: 6/15/48-46 6/15/49-46 3/15/42 ' authorizing the City :reasurer- purchase other bonds, was read. Councilman Thoits, Chairman of advantages to be gained by the On motion of Mitchell and Cashel, the resolution vas adopted by unanimous vote on roll call. Triis resolution provides that the bids on the sale of the municipal bonds. shall be received and opened by the City 'treasurer and Committee llo. 5 at 5:00 P.M. on Monday, November 1, 1937. The resolution also directs the Treasurer to invest the funds received from the sale of the :municipal bonds in certain government securities. Special Funu as Reserve for Fire Tn::,u„ance A report was received from Co nni ttee i o . 5 recommend- ing that the City huditor be instructed to set up the capital gain realized from the sale .of the Palo Alto municipal bonds in a special' f and to be used as a reserve for the purposeof the City's carrying a portion of its own fire insurance. It was explained that the exact amount of the capital -gain would not be known until the bids on the bonds are -received,.. and; that if, ;.his fund is set up as a reserve for the purpose stated, the _ next step would be for Committee -No. 5 to ;work out the policy to be followed in the carrying of a portion.- of the City's 'fire insurance. This question was discusses, and on motion of Mitchell and Mosher:?, the recommendation of the committee was adopted by the following vote on roll call: Ayes: Cashel, Collins, L%ypher, , Goddard, Mrs. gerner, gitcheil, 4osher, Sals:man, Thoits, Thomas, Wood. Noes: Blois,Bonham, Costello, Richards. Investment of Meter Deposit Funds A report was submitted by Committee Yo. 5 reco:nmenc.ing that the •Treasurer .be authorized to invest.lueter Deposit Funds n the amount of 425,040 in the following government securities: ,liome Owners Loan Corporation Bonds, c4percent, 'maturing 7/1/44 and callable 7/1/42 The Chairman of Committee :.'o . 5 explained that if .,riis investment -1s- made the City would be able to pay depositors 2% interest on.:their meter deposits. jaesolution: No. 1173, authorizing the Treasurer to meter depos .t: funs, was read, and on motion of Thoits and Mosher, was adopted by, unanimous vote on roll call. Resolution on Bank Deposits The City Treasurer was present and ex iained the provisions of a proposed :resolution, previously recommended by Committee No. 5, relating to city bunk deposits and''authorizing the Treasurer to enter into deposit contracts with banks. Resolution Ao. 1174, relating to city bank deposits, was read and on motion of Thoits and Richards, was passed by unanimous vote : on roll call. Resolution Closing RooraeI. ana Roosevelt Avenues Resolution No. 1175, to close Hoover Avenue and t1oose- velt Avenue in the City of Palo n1.to, was read, and on motion of Mosher and :;Cashel, was adopted by unanimous vote on roll call. invest Resolutions on street Improvement A report was received from Committee No. i recommending the adoption of a resolution adopting Standard Specifications for Public Improvement Work, and the approval of resolutions in connection with the proposed improvement of streetsin the subdivision of Mayfair. Resolution No. 1176, adopting Standard. Specifications for Public:Improvement Work, was read, and on motion of Cypher and Thomas, . was adopted by unanimous vote on roll call. Resolution No. 1177, approving Map of Assessment District, and Plans and Specifications for the Improvement of Martin Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Creaming Avenue, Center Street, Regent Place, Somerset ?lace, Kirby elae , Tevis Place and Kent Place, was read, and on motion of Thomas and Costello,. was passed by unanimous vote on roll call. for ele was ; ea unanimo o7 Mart Regent Place, by a an a heari P.M., may app of the approp:, having an apps assist;: tion o; Com :it1 adj3UX !'1 T ` !T1 ATTi, Resolution No. 1178, accepting Patent License Agreement for electroliers in connection with improvement Plans i'10.: 59, Las read, and on motion of :liosher and alitcheli, was adopted by unanimous vote on roll call. Resolution of Intention No. 1179, for the improvement of Martin Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Channing Avenue, Center Street, Regent Place, Somerset Place, Kirby 'lace, Tevis ?lace and Kent Place, was read, and on motion of Thoits and Thomas, was adopted by unanimous vote on roll call. This resolution provides for a hearing by the Council on. Monday, November 15, 1937, .at =7:'30 P.M., when any persons having objection to the proposed work may appear before the Council. Recodi.fication of Ordinances The City Attorney reported tehat the recodi. icati:on of the ordinances izas been completed and requested thatan appropriation not to exceed $200.00 be made for the purpose of having the preliminary draft mimeographed. He also requested an appropriation of $125.00 to pay for the services of. his assistant, Mr. Russel Barnes, in connection with the recodifica- tion of the ordinances. This matter was referred to Committee No. 4. On motion. of Richards and Mosher, the Council adjourned. APPROVED: ATTEST: