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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/28/1976 (2)U19 PLANNING COMMISSION Town of Los Altos Hills 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, California MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, July 28, 1976 Reel 53, Side I, Track 1, 271 to End, Side II, 001 to 020 Chairman Hahn called the meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 8:20 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Town Hall, Los Altos Hills, California. ROLL CALL: Chairman Hahn, Commissioners Perkins, Rydell, and Young. Commissioners Stewart, Carico and Schick were absent. Staff Present: Robert E. Crowe, Town Manager; Kenneth R. Pastrof, Town Planner; Alexander D. Russell, Town Engineer; Ethel Hopkins, Secretary Roll Call was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. CONSENT CALENDAR: Chairman Hahn directed anyone wishing to do so to remove items from the Consent kw Calendar for separate consideration. Commissioner Perkins wished the Minutes of July 14 removed. MOTION: It was moved by Chairman Hahn and seconded by Commissioner Perkins that the remaining items on the Consent Calendar, namely, Acceptance of Tentative Maps for Filing for Lands of Cassara, File #TM2038-76 and Lands of Owens, File #TM 2039-76 be approved. Motion passed with aye votes from all Commissioners present. ITEMS REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION: Commissioner Perkins noted that the following corrections should be made in the Minutes of July 14: On page 4, Mr. C.C. Yin was purchaser of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Jean's home rather than "Mr. Chin's home" as was stated there. On page 2, in the last paragraph, the phrase "into the existing drainage channel" should be added to the end of the sentence beginning "Two years ago there was a discussion....". Chairman Hahn noted that on page 5, in the next to..the-last motion, the file number should be changed to #TM 2036-76. MOTION: It was moved by Chairman Hahn and seconded by Commissioner Youna to accept the Minutes of July 14, 1976 as amended by the Commission. Motion passed with aye votes from Chairman Hahn, and Commissioners Perkins, Rydell, and Young. MINUFES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - July 28, 1976 PUBLIC HEARING: 1. Pinewood School of Los Altos, 26800 Ortega Drive - Fremont Road, File #CU8014-76, Request for Recommendation of Approval of Conditional Use Permit for Fremont Hills School. Mr. Ken Pastrof called the attention of the Commissioners to the appendices attached to his staff memo. These appendices were maps and information concerning Pinewood School.and their intent to modify and use the Fremont Hills School. The applicant desires to operate a private school at the existing subject site. The scope of activities and magnitude of them would be very close to the functions that went on when the site was a public school. He called attention to one change that would occur. There would be increased use of private vehicles to transport and pick up children since the facility will be a private school. He noted his staff report enlarges on this matter. Considerable discussion occurred thereafter among Commissioners and Staff regardinq questions raised by Commissioners on the problems connected with the granting of this Use Permit. They were: 1) Commissioner Perkins wanted clarification on the traffic flow problem, with particular emphasis on restrictions against loading and unloadinq students on Fremont Road. 2) Chairman Hahn raised the question of where staff parkinq was to be accommodated and how it related to the turn -around area for dropping students off on the school grounds. He expressed a concern for the provision for safe ingress and egress to the parking and turn -around area. 3) Commissioner Rydell voiced a concern for the school grounds remaininq open to the general public during non -instructional hours, noting the need for playing and practice room on the playing field by AYSO soccer teams. 4) Chairman Hahn raised the issue of the Pathway request on the property. 5)Commissioner Perkins was concerned about what kind of limitations could be placed on the public use of the property, noting that the applicant was restricted to one night a month for Pinewood School functions. Chairman Hahn opened the meeting to a public hearing. profit corporation. His wife, Mrs. Riches, and their son would be joint operators of the school. Mrs. Engleman under a sub -lease from the Palo Alto School District and Pinewood School would be operating the kindergarten. He noted that oriqinally Pinewood School was to go from K through 9, but will instead be from K through 10. Ultimately, they hope to have 11 and 12th grades. He noted that of 16 to 20 students who are over 15 years of age, 3 or 4 may drive their cars to school, adding that the school is very concerned with both the traffic -2- MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - July 28, 1976 40 PUBLIC HEARING: (Continued) pattern and how students get on the premises and in and out of cars. He noted that the school has a great deal of instructional control and can instruct students on this matter. As for parking problems, he noted that on Athletic Field Day when all parents come to school, there would be some parking problems. He asked clarifications on Conditions 5 and 6 relating to pathways, asking for a definition of a Type IA and Class II pathway. fie noted that he did not want horses on the campus. Gates with a middle post to block horses and motor vehicles would be installed. He wanted to lock these gates at night. He noted that hours of school would be from 8:30 to 3:30, with an athletic program occurring from 3:30 to 5:30.. This would not take the school yard away from organized groups. These groups who want to use the playing field should, however, make arrange- ments with the Palo Alto Unified School District for playing field use. He requested that the hours of operation be changed to from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.. He summed up his remarks with the request that the permit under consideration be granted for the life of the Pinewood School at this property as long as they were the tenant or purchaser of the subject property. He noted that the School District would be making the requested improvements, stating also that in the first year they expect 70 or 80 students, and never more than 300 students. Mr. Crowe explained that a Type lA path was a natural path, a graded dirt area. He noted that horses were to be prevented because of the danger they would be around people. He noted that persons wanting to use the playground needed to go through the Palo Alto School District rather than Pinewood School, and that unusual use of the property would have to be requested in writing 30 days prior to the event. Commissioner Young questioned the pathway request between Ortega and Fremont, asking if it was a necessary thing. Mr. Crowe stated that the Pathway Committee wanted the connection from Ortega to Fremont. strict. Palo Alto >1a1. uia6 WIC xnuui u u urict aiu not encourage norses or 901T playing on the playing grounds; and if the Town insisted on having horses on the subject property, they would require an easement and the area fenced off from the school property. He noted that the school district was maintaining liability for activities on the property. He noted that the school would be an asset to the community. Mr�. L nn�Riches Manama _in�D_ir e�ctor at Pinewood School, 327 Fremont Avenue addressed e R. ssue'5 a iI c evils o7 ine�' woodSc oTOI sfaiinq�hat i w�fisbelief that there would be no conflict with other groups seeking use of the playing field after school. Mr. Robert Lymann, Assistant Superintendent, Palo Alto School District. Palo Alt noted the commitment to continue t e retreat on program at Fremont Hills School funded through the recreation department, but that parents had requested these activities transferred to Nixon School. He assured that athletic events between A, Pinewood School and public organizations could be worked out. -3- MINUTES nF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - July 28, 1976 PUBLIC HEARING: (Continued) Ann Anderson 26810 Ortega Drive Los Altos Hills noted the need for shrubbery a ong t e fence bordering her property an tatbelonging to the school. She noted that trees planted there in the past had not done well, but shrubbery planted along the fence at the time parking facilities were completed would be very helpful. Mr. Riches President of Pinewood School noted that planting shrubbery was a con tt on of t e ease, noting also their plan to move the garbage containers stored near the fence. Mrs. Gwen Riches 71 Ba tree Lane Los Altos noted her concern for children playing on t e sc oo fac tttes an asked how the community handled neighborhood children in the time after 5:30 when Pinewood School was closed. Mr. Crowe noted that this was the responsibility of the Palo Alto Unified School District. Mrs. Stella Karras 26585 Anaca a Drive Los Altos Hills spoke for approval of the on t tomo se ermt or tnewoo c OOT. Chairman Hahn closed the public hearing. t MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Perkins that Condition 6 on the List of Conditions for the Pinewood School be deleted. Motion passed with aye votes from all Commissioners. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Perkins that on Condition 14, after the word "lease", the words "or ownership" be inserted before "of the subject property." Motion passed with aye votes from all Commissioners. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Hahn that the hours of operation for Pinewood School shall be from 7:30 A.M. and no later than 5:30 P.M.. Motion passed with dye votes from all Commissioners. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Perkins and seconded by Commissioner Hahn that without limitation, landscaping along the northerly property line between Ortega and West Barron Creek shall be included. Motion passed with aye votes from all Commissioners. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Perkins and seconded by Chairman Hahn to add as Condition 16 that school authorities shall make every effort to have students embark and disembark within school property. Motion passed with aye votes from all Commissioners. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Rydell and seconded by Commissioner Perkins that the Condition should be added that the school grounds remain open to the general public during non-instructional hours, and that the facilities will continue to remain open to organized groups in accordance with the Civic Center Act of Education Code. -4- Motion passed with aye votes from all Commissioners. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Perkins and seconded by Commissioner Young to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit for Pinewood School of Los Altos, File #CU8014-76 with Conditions as amended by the Planning Commission. Motion passed with dye votes from all Commissioners. MOTION: It was moved by Chairman Hahn and seconded by Commissioner Rydell that a categorical exemption be filed for the Conditional Use Permit for the Pinewood School of Los Altos, File #CU 8014-76. Motion passed with aye votes from all Commissioners. At 10:07 Chairman Hahn called a ten minute recess. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Robert Crowe addressed the Commission with a proposal from the City Council to change the site development procedure by eliminating the Site Development Committee process. The requirements for site development would be the same, but it would be strictly a part of the process of issuing a building permit. This process was used in other communities, and could save a great deal of time for the Commissioners. 4W Discussion followed among the Commissioners and Staff. Chairman Hahn wanted to know if there was any legal responsibility to have site development come before the Commission. Mr. Crowe replied that some changes would have to be made in the Cooe, but that matters of grading, drainage and landscaping cut and fill areas could be made a part of the plan check process. Mr. Perkins questioned how this would save time. Mr. Crowe pointed out that setting up weekly meetings was time consuming, especially when issues of moving 100 cubic yards of dirt were being considered or the installation of a swimming pool. If these were handled by staff, a lot of time would be saved and money too for the applicant, plus coming up with a better product. Commissioner Young voiced his concern for a process that could become too mechanical. Planning Commissioners should be at the Site Development Committee meeting because this was the final point where the product goes onto the land, he stated. Discussion was summed up by Chairman Hahn who directed the City Manager to do some research in the way of proposals for streamlining the Site Development Committee process, possibly eliminating consideration for Type 1 Foundations and Pools, etc., and come back before the Commission with definite proposals. Comnissioner Perkins noted the need for seeing the checklist used at Site Development Committee meetings as well as maps and a copy of the new Subdivision Ordinance. There being no further discussion or business at hand, Chairman adjourned the `, Planning Commission meeting at 11:00 P.M.. Respectfully submitted, Ethel Hopkins -5- Secretary MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - July 28, 1976 `, PUBLIC HEARING: (Continued) Motion passed with aye votes from all Commissioners. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Perkins and seconded by Commissioner Young to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit for Pinewood School of Los Altos, File #CU8014-76 with Conditions as amended by the Planning Commission. Motion passed with dye votes from all Commissioners. MOTION: It was moved by Chairman Hahn and seconded by Commissioner Rydell that a categorical exemption be filed for the Conditional Use Permit for the Pinewood School of Los Altos, File #CU 8014-76. Motion passed with aye votes from all Commissioners. At 10:07 Chairman Hahn called a ten minute recess. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Robert Crowe addressed the Commission with a proposal from the City Council to change the site development procedure by eliminating the Site Development Committee process. The requirements for site development would be the same, but it would be strictly a part of the process of issuing a building permit. This process was used in other communities, and could save a great deal of time for the Commissioners. 4W Discussion followed among the Commissioners and Staff. Chairman Hahn wanted to know if there was any legal responsibility to have site development come before the Commission. Mr. Crowe replied that some changes would have to be made in the Cooe, but that matters of grading, drainage and landscaping cut and fill areas could be made a part of the plan check process. Mr. Perkins questioned how this would save time. Mr. Crowe pointed out that setting up weekly meetings was time consuming, especially when issues of moving 100 cubic yards of dirt were being considered or the installation of a swimming pool. If these were handled by staff, a lot of time would be saved and money too for the applicant, plus coming up with a better product. Commissioner Young voiced his concern for a process that could become too mechanical. Planning Commissioners should be at the Site Development Committee meeting because this was the final point where the product goes onto the land, he stated. Discussion was summed up by Chairman Hahn who directed the City Manager to do some research in the way of proposals for streamlining the Site Development Committee process, possibly eliminating consideration for Type 1 Foundations and Pools, etc., and come back before the Commission with definite proposals. Comnissioner Perkins noted the need for seeing the checklist used at Site Development Committee meetings as well as maps and a copy of the new Subdivision Ordinance. There being no further discussion or business at hand, Chairman adjourned the `, Planning Commission meeting at 11:00 P.M.. Respectfully submitted, Ethel Hopkins -5- Secretary