HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/11/1976 (2)t PLANNING COMMISSION
v Town of Los Altos Hills
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, August 11, 1976
Reel 53, Tr. I, Side II, 228 to End, Side I, Tr. II, 001 to 050
Chairman Hahn called the meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 7:54 P.M.
in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall, Los Altos Hills.
ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Present: Chairman Hahn, Commissioners Carico, Rydell, Stewart and Young.
Absent: Commissioners Perkins and Schick.
Also present: Kenneth R. Pastrof, Town Planner; Alexander D. Russell,
Town Engineer; Ethel Hopkins, Secretary.
CONSENT CALENDAR: Approval of Minutes of July 28th Meeting
Chairman Hahn removed the Minutes of the July 28th Planning Commission Meeting
from the Consent Calendar in order to make the following corrections:
1. On page two, the top line should read 'Pinewood Private School' instead
of "Pinewood School of Los Altos."
2. On page two, the phrase 'between Altadena Drive and Fremont Road' should
be added to the end of the sentence.
3. On page three, second paragraph, "Class II pathway" should be changed to
read 'Type IIA pathway'.
4. On page three, last sentence in the last paragraph on the page, after
"He assured..." insert 'the schedule of athletic events for Pinewood School
and for public organizations could be worked out.'
5. On page four, under comments by Mr. Riches, second paragraph, add to the
end of the sentence the phrase 'bordering the Anderson property.'
6. On the last three motions at the bottom of page four these corrections
should be made:
Third motion from the bottom should read: 'It was moved by Commissioner
Perkins and seconded by Commissioner Hahn to add as Condition lb: Without
limitation.... (motion remains same except insert 'Drive' after "Ortega").
Next motion down from third motion, second line of motion should read
"...as Condition 16 that: School authorities..."
Last motion on page, second line, insert '17' after "Condition".
Corrections to the Minutes of July 28, 1976: (Continued)
7. Page five, in the two motions at the top of the page, change "Pinewood
School of Los Altos" to 'Pinewood Private School.'
MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Rydell and seconded by Chairman Hahn to
accept the Minutes of July 28 as amended by the Planning Commission
Motion passed by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Commissioners Rydell, Young and Chairman Hahn
Abstain: Commissioners Carico and Stewart
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. LANDS OF ROSSI, Summerhill Road and E1 Monte Avenue, File #TM2037-76,
Dexter 5. l5igren, Engineer; Request for Recommendation of Approval of
Tentative Map.
Town Planner Ken Pastrof reviewed pertinent information on the Rossi property.
The applicant is proposing subdivision of thirteen plus acres into eiqht building
sites, five of which would be served from a private road built to Town standards
(Nicole Lane), and three of which would be served by a common driveway easement
and driveway coming from Summerhill Avenue. At the time of the Subdivision Committee
meeting, the applicant asked that Nicole Lane, the private road, not be offered
for dedication as a public road. Mr. Rossi wishes to construct gates across the
entrances to both the private road and private driveway, as the Oak Creek Condo-
miniums have done across the road in Los Altos.
There was further elaboration by Mr. Pastrof on the engineering of Nicole Lane,
with Mr. Pastrof stating that engineering improvements such as improved line -
of sight and improved turn -around areas were being worked out between the Town
Engineer and the applicant. The applicant is protesting Condition #6 which would
require a path being built all the way up Nicole and taken down the properties rTweln
Lots 5 and 6, terminating in the Catholic school area. All foundations would gl"�7
be Type II hillside foundations, with the exception of Mr. Rossi's which is Type I. ,Nin"
Mr. Pastrof noted several specific requests, notably Chief Farwell's request for
hydrant improvements on the property, and the City Engineer's request for an in -
lieu fees for the property's pathways. Mr. Pastrof called attention to the specific
requests in the conditions listed on the Staff report, and elaborated on the areas
he was discussing with maps and other overhead projections of the areas under
discussion.
Planning Commissioners asked questions of Staff and voiced concerns on specific
requests. Commissioner Carico wanted an explanation on the requests for deletions
in some of the fees on Condition 19a and b. Mr. Pastrof stated that this request
for deletion of $200.00 for storm drainage and $99.56 for Park and Recreation In -Lieu
fees represented fees already paid under the building site approval request for the
original house on the parcel. Commissioner Carico expressed her concern over pro-
viding a good and adequate path down Summerhill and along El Monte Avenue, but noted
(4W she was well aware of the problems of security and disapproval of the path by citizens.
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING -
August
11, 1976
4
Page Two
Corrections to the Minutes of July 28, 1976: (Continued)
7. Page five, in the two motions at the top of the page, change "Pinewood
School of Los Altos" to 'Pinewood Private School.'
MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Rydell and seconded by Chairman Hahn to
accept the Minutes of July 28 as amended by the Planning Commission
Motion passed by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Commissioners Rydell, Young and Chairman Hahn
Abstain: Commissioners Carico and Stewart
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. LANDS OF ROSSI, Summerhill Road and E1 Monte Avenue, File #TM2037-76,
Dexter 5. l5igren, Engineer; Request for Recommendation of Approval of
Tentative Map.
Town Planner Ken Pastrof reviewed pertinent information on the Rossi property.
The applicant is proposing subdivision of thirteen plus acres into eiqht building
sites, five of which would be served from a private road built to Town standards
(Nicole Lane), and three of which would be served by a common driveway easement
and driveway coming from Summerhill Avenue. At the time of the Subdivision Committee
meeting, the applicant asked that Nicole Lane, the private road, not be offered
for dedication as a public road. Mr. Rossi wishes to construct gates across the
entrances to both the private road and private driveway, as the Oak Creek Condo-
miniums have done across the road in Los Altos.
There was further elaboration by Mr. Pastrof on the engineering of Nicole Lane,
with Mr. Pastrof stating that engineering improvements such as improved line -
of sight and improved turn -around areas were being worked out between the Town
Engineer and the applicant. The applicant is protesting Condition #6 which would
require a path being built all the way up Nicole and taken down the properties rTweln
Lots 5 and 6, terminating in the Catholic school area. All foundations would gl"�7
be Type II hillside foundations, with the exception of Mr. Rossi's which is Type I. ,Nin"
Mr. Pastrof noted several specific requests, notably Chief Farwell's request for
hydrant improvements on the property, and the City Engineer's request for an in -
lieu fees for the property's pathways. Mr. Pastrof called attention to the specific
requests in the conditions listed on the Staff report, and elaborated on the areas
he was discussing with maps and other overhead projections of the areas under
discussion.
Planning Commissioners asked questions of Staff and voiced concerns on specific
requests. Commissioner Carico wanted an explanation on the requests for deletions
in some of the fees on Condition 19a and b. Mr. Pastrof stated that this request
for deletion of $200.00 for storm drainage and $99.56 for Park and Recreation In -Lieu
fees represented fees already paid under the building site approval request for the
original house on the parcel. Commissioner Carico expressed her concern over pro-
viding a good and adequate path down Summerhill and along El Monte Avenue, but noted
(4W she was well aware of the problems of security and disapproval of the path by citizens.
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - August 11, 1976
Page Three
fir^ PUBLIC HEARING: (Continued)
1. LANDS OF ROSSI: (Continued)
Commissioner Young voiced particular concern over the term "homeowner's association,"
noting that the development under consideration was being compared to the Oak Creek
Condominium development in Los Altos. He stated that if the Rossi development is in
fact a condominium development, lengthy report would have to be filed with the
State,detailing who would own thea common area, who would maintain the private road,
and who would own and operate the private gates.
In the discussion that followed, Mr. Pastrof suggested deleting the term "home-
owner's association" and using the term "legal mechanism" instead, leaving the
specific form of the agreement to be worked out between the City Attorney and the
applicant. Another suggestion was put forward by City Engineer Russell. It was
to solve the joint ownership problem by having Lots 3,4,5,6 and 7 go to the center
line of the road and grant easements to each other for the private road, calling
the agreement of joint ownership a private road agreement. Chairman Hahn con-
cluded the discussion on this matter by stating that he felt it was not Mr. Rossi's
intent to have a condominium development.
Chairman Hahn expressed his concern on the path on Summerhill Avenue for pedestrians
and equestrians, noting that thirty feet might not give adequate space for safety.
Mr. Pastrof referred Chairman Hahn to the applicant's engineer, and thereafter
4W Chairman opened the public hearing.
Dexter D. Ahl ren 20320 Hi 'M 9 Boulder creeK, btvII en rneer .u, .,�
a resse a omntss on wtt an assurance t at a propose eve opment was not
a condominium development. The only reason reference was made to a condominium
development was to assure a way to work out the agreement for maintenance on the
private road and private driveway.
Mr. Ahlgren stated that he was puzzled by the pathway request along E1 Monte Avenue;
he did not understand why they would seek to improve the path there, since he felt
it was already in ultimate condition. He reiterated his objections to the path
down the proposed Nicole Land and to Lots 5 and 6 of the development, noting not
only his objections but also those of the residents in the area. Mr. Ahlgren
stated that proposed grading along SeIn-Lieu
um erhillAvenuewuldprovide fees an adequate dRoad
pathway. Mr. Ahlgren asked, finally,
were for, since E1 Monte is already improved.
Mr. Russell answered Mr. Ahlgren's last question, statinq that the Road In -Lieu
fee was a standard charge where road improvements have been paid for by others
such as gas and in -lieu fees from other subdivisions. It is used for road main-
tenance.
Commissioner Young wanted to know the specifications for Nicole Lane, and Mr. Russell
stated that these specifications were the standard ones for public roads. There
were no more private road standards for the Town. Mr. Pastrof noted that all
improvements to the subdivision would be done in accordance with the improvements
chapter of the new Subdivision Ordinance.
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - August 11, 1976
4 Page Four
PUBLIC HEARING: (Continued)
1. LANDS OF ROSSI: (Continued)
Ms. Bets Fiksdal Chairwoman Pathw Committee addressed the Commission with
er concern or a ree pa ways reques e e noted her concern for the path-
way on Summerhill since the County put in a paved bicycle path. The County had
done a terrible job, slicing the bank almost vertically and causing it to erode
onto the area the Pathway Committee had intended to use for pathway. She stated
that there were really three sections to this path, the bicycle path, and the
pedestrian equestrian path, that it was a very busy area, and there was a real
need to provide protection for people using the area.
it..Fiksdal noted her concern for the objection to the Pathway request along
Nicole Lane, stating that the original request was go through Nicole Lane to
gain access to the Catholic school property. This pathway request was an im-
portant one since there was no way of knowing if the school property would remain
school property.
There was considerable discussion concerning the proposed pathway on Summerhill Ave-
nue with discussion centering on whether an additional five feet should be
required to provide for the problems caused by an eroding bank, and the separation
of the bicycle path to provide for safety of equestrians and pedestrians. There
L was discussion on the rights of residents in the new subdivision as opposed to the
4r need for providing an elevated equestrian path along Summerhill in order to
separate the different kinds of paths running along Summerhill.
Mrs. Ma hood 24606 Summerhill Avenue, spoke against .the pathway on Summerhill
Ui
a or ere on o s an o e ossi property. She noted that the path
ends up in a drainage ditch, and that people coming dawn Summerhill Avenue on
the proposed path end up in the Mayhood Driveway.
At 9:35 P.M., Chairman called a recess. Meeting resumed at 9:40 P.M..
Commissioner Carico stated that she was aware of the problem of unwanted intrusion
on private property, but that this was the only opportunity to provide a path for
safe access to the Catholic school property.
Mr. Bill Ma hood 24606 Summerhill Avenue spoke against the pathway on Summerhill,
ca rng attent on tote security pro ems connectedwith a path going along their
property line. He enumerated the vandalism that had already taken place, naming
various acts such as a stable burned and the Rossi fire. He stated he was in favor
of improving roadways but against improving paths or having any path along the
Rossi or Mayhood property.
Mr. Dexter Ahl ren En ineer stated that there is not a present need for the path-
way w n ci goes to ie an s of the Roman Catholic Welfare Corporation which borders
the Rossi property.
Chairman Hahn closed the Public Hearing, and discussion was concluded.
`, MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Carico and seconded by Chairman Hahn that
the following be added to the List of Conditions as Condition #19:
Should any artifacts or other materials be unearthed on said property,
they shall be recovered and turned over to the Town and be designated
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - August 11, 1976
t Page Five
�r PUBLIC HEARING: (Continued)
1. LANDS OF ROSSI: (Continued)
MOTION:
the property of the Town.
Motion passed with aye votes from all present.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Carico
to add as Condition #20 that: All street improvements, whether designated
as private or public, shall be constructed in accordance with the specifi-
cations of the Town of Los Altos Hills.
Motion passed by roll call vote where all present voted aye.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Carico
that on Condition #14, the phrase "such as a Homeowner's Association"
be deleted.
Motion passed with a roll call vote where the following Commissioners
voted aye: Commissioners Carico, Stewart, Young and Hahn. Commissioner
Rydell voted against this motion.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Carico and seconded by Commissioner Hahn
that Condition 13 should be deleted and placed instead in Condition #6.
Condition #6 should read as follows:
6. Dedication of a thirty-foot (30') right-of-way easement along
Summerhill Avenue the entire length of the property, approximately
eight hundred sixty-two feet (862').
a) A Type IIA pathway five (5) feet wide within the thirty (30) foot
right-of-way along Summerhill Avenue for the full length of the
property.
b) A berm shall be constructed separating the bicycle pathway from
the equestrian -pedestrian pathway.
c) The dedication of a five (5) foot slope control easement along the
entire length of the subject property where it borders on Summer-
hill Avenue.
d) Improve the existing pathway along E1 Monte Avenue with rock at
the time the subdivision is completed.
Motion passed with aye votes from all present.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Stewart
to add as Condition #21 that: The developer shall offer for dedication
a ten (10)foot easement for pathway purposes along the southerly boundary
lines of Lots 4, 5, and 6.
Commissioner Carico and Chairman Hahn both voiced their objections to this
measure before the vote was taken on it, Commissioner Carico noting that
the Rossi, Mayhood and Vredenburgh
this represented an intrusion of privacy on
properties, and was against the wishes of the Catholic school officials.
4W
Chairman Hahn noted he was against this motion because he has had some
of the same kind of experience on his own property.
Motion passed by the following roll call vote: Voting for the motion were
Commissioners Rydell, Stewart, and Young. Chairman Hahn and Commissioner
Carico voted against it.
PUBLIC HEARING: (Continued)
1. LANDS OF ROSSI: (Continued)
MOTION: It was moved by Chairman Hahn and seconded by Commissioner Stewart
to amend Condition #18 as follows: (Part a) The eight lots shall be
changed to seven and the appropriate amount be $1400.00 instead of 07L00'Q0'
$3f;:W. (Part b) Change eight lots to seven lots and fee to $962.47
for Park and Recreation In -Lieu fee. Change the total amount due
to the appropriate total according to fee reductions made.
Motion passed by roll call vote where all present voted aye.
MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Rydell
that Condition 022 be that: Nicole Lane be included in Lot #7.
Motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners Rydell and Hahn
NOES: Commissioners Carico, Stewart and Young
MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Young that Nicole Lane be offered for
dedication as a public road. Motion died for lack of a second.
MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Carico
to recommend approval of Lands of Rossi, File #TM2037-76 with Conditions
as amended by the Planning Commission.
Motion passed with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Commissioners Carico, Rydell, Stewart and Hahn
NOES: Commissioner Young
MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Carico and seconded by Chairman Hahn to
file a Negative Declaration under the Environmental Quality Act for the
Lands of Rossi, File #TM2037-76.
Motion passed by roll call vote where all present voted aye.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Carico noted that she had read in the newspaper about Town Planner
Ken Pastrof's resignation. She asked that it be made a part of the record of the
Minutes that she felt the Town was losing a valuable member of the Staff.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further old or new business, Chairman Hahn adjourned the meeting at
10:45 P.M..
Respectfully submitted,
( Ethel Hopkins
Secretary
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
- August
11, 1976
Page Six
PUBLIC HEARING: (Continued)
1. LANDS OF ROSSI: (Continued)
MOTION: It was moved by Chairman Hahn and seconded by Commissioner Stewart
to amend Condition #18 as follows: (Part a) The eight lots shall be
changed to seven and the appropriate amount be $1400.00 instead of 07L00'Q0'
$3f;:W. (Part b) Change eight lots to seven lots and fee to $962.47
for Park and Recreation In -Lieu fee. Change the total amount due
to the appropriate total according to fee reductions made.
Motion passed by roll call vote where all present voted aye.
MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Rydell
that Condition 022 be that: Nicole Lane be included in Lot #7.
Motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners Rydell and Hahn
NOES: Commissioners Carico, Stewart and Young
MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Young that Nicole Lane be offered for
dedication as a public road. Motion died for lack of a second.
MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Carico
to recommend approval of Lands of Rossi, File #TM2037-76 with Conditions
as amended by the Planning Commission.
Motion passed with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Commissioners Carico, Rydell, Stewart and Hahn
NOES: Commissioner Young
MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Carico and seconded by Chairman Hahn to
file a Negative Declaration under the Environmental Quality Act for the
Lands of Rossi, File #TM2037-76.
Motion passed by roll call vote where all present voted aye.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Carico noted that she had read in the newspaper about Town Planner
Ken Pastrof's resignation. She asked that it be made a part of the record of the
Minutes that she felt the Town was losing a valuable member of the Staff.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further old or new business, Chairman Hahn adjourned the meeting at
10:45 P.M..
Respectfully submitted,
( Ethel Hopkins
Secretary