HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1964.01.20390
Burlingame, California
January 20, L964
CAI.,L TO ORDER
A regrular meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the
above given date. Meeting called to order at 8:05 p.m., - Irlayor
Johnson in the Chair-
At word from the Chair, all
the Pledge of Allegiance to
ROLL CATI
in the Council Chamber arose and gave
the Flag.
Crosby-Diederichsen-George-John son-!lartin.
None
P re sent
Absent
Councilmen:
Councilmen:
I{INTJ]PES
The minutes of the meeting of alanuary 6, L964, submitted previously
to Council , were unan j.mously approved and adopted upon motion of
Councilman Crosby and seconded \r Councilman George.
E. C. SIGNAROWITZ VARIANCE TO CONSTRUCT
GASOLINE STATION PENTNSI'LA AND DWIGHT ROAD
Mayor Johnson announced that this was the time and place scheduled
to continue the public hearing on the appeal of ttr. Eugene C.
Signarowitz from the decision of the Pl-anning Counission, to permit
the construction of a gasoline service station on the northwest
corner of Penj-nsula Avenue and Dwight Road.
tlr. Signarowitz spoke briefly on the extensive construction currently
in progress and contemplated in the area in the future and, in his
opi-nion, all conducive to the operation of a service station.
!1r. Charles Kircher, representing the Hancock Oil Company, distributed
copies of the "proposed 'Hancock' Service Station plot plan" and a
prepared sketch of the structure was displayed.
Mr. Ba1l, architectural engineer, explained the features of the
proposed station, advj.sing that said construction and the operation
thereafter shall proceed according to City requiretnents.
Ihere being no further proponents to be heard or letters to be
in favor thereof, the Chair extended the privilege of the floor
those in opposition.
read
to
!tr. Alfred G. Lahrson, owrrer and occupant of a triplex, 9 E|eright Road,
adjacent to the subject property, I1r. ilohn lbsen, 12 Clarendon Road,
Ur. C. Y. Elmgreen and Mrs. Annie H. Snith, 15 Ildight Road, each
expressed their individual opposition, claiming that the use proposed
would create a noise and odor nuisance and a decrease in the valuation
of surrounding properties.
Reference was made by the Chair to a petition on file, bearing the
signatures of twenty-eight property olrners within a five hundred foot
radius favoring the reclassification, communications on file from
Miss Elizabeth lrtako\"rski, 33 Bloomfield Road and lr{r. Fred E. Marsh,
232 Ed9ehi11, San Carlos, owner of property in the subject area, also
favoring the construction of a gasoline station and a petition bearing
the signatures of thirty-four property owners within the five hundred
foot radius, opposing the erection and oPeration of a service station.
PI,EDGE OF AI,LEGIANCE
HEARING
391
In reply to an inqui.ry from the Chair, Ur. tawson stated that he had
no objection to the erection of an apartment or a medical center
building on the subject property and pointed to the fact that thepetition opposing the project represented approximately eighty percent
of the property ovrners within the area.
A period of questions and answers followed.
l,!r. signarowitz, the applicant, replying to Councilman Diederichsen's
inquiry concerning his ability to "prove a hardship" (condition to a
variance approval) advised that his original intent to erect an
apartment was reversed in view of the extensive apartment construction
current in the inroediate vicinity and an apartrent facing Peninsula
Avenue would be undesirable because of the potential increase in
traffic.
Itlr. Signarowitz
modern trend to
areas .
stated that from a personal observation, there is a
construct attractive service statiorE in residential
Further replying to Councilman Diederichsen with respeet to the "fullest
use of his property" (another condition to the approval of a variance)
!1r. Signarovritz stated that in his opinion and as an ohrner, it is his
privilege to "use the property until such time as it may 'outlive its use."
In reply to Councilman llartin's inquiries concerning (1) the percentage
of driveway curb cuts permissible and (2) the maximum allowances for
free standing signs were answered by the city Engineer and the City
Planner respectively.
Itre City Engineer read excerpts from the code
Office may grant up to seventy percent of the
a corner, advising later of his reluctance in
the curb cuts as indicated on the plot p1an.
and indicated that his
total 1ot frontage on
this instance to approve
T,]xe city Planner advised that the ordinance does not regulate the
"size of signs;" however, a pole sign sha1l not exceed turenty feet in
height fron the sidewalk level to the highest point of the sign structure
and shall be at least ten feet between the 1evel of the sidewalk and any
portion of the extended sign.
In a series of questions directed by Councilman !{art i-n to ltlr. Ball,
the latter advised that only one "minirnum" i-dentity sign is proPosed,
especially designed for this particularly narro\^r structure t the
paving of the planting area vrould stop at the property line of the
City; the operation of the business would occur between the hours of
6 p.m., and 11 p.m., seven days a week and, in his opinion, the tlPe
of lighting to be installed would not create a glare or a nuisance to
the neighborhood.
I'he city Planner, in reply to councilman lrlartin advised that the
provisions appropriate to the construction of a gasoline service
station in the area cannot be satj-sfactorily met and his reconmendations
with respect to the use of property within the Lyon and Hoag Subdivision,
as the result of a "1963 Land use Study" of the area, remains unchanqed.
!!r. Ball concurred with the following conditions recorunended by
Councilman Itlartin:
(1) Ihe plan to take precedent over the artist's rendition;
(2, llhe area landscaped
Department t
in accordance with reguirements of the Park
1dg2
(3) A planting strip placed and maintained between the sidewalk and
the curbing area;
(4) 1ltre size of the sign reduced and suspended from the building
instead of from a pole;
(5) Ttre hours of operation seheduled bet\,reen the hours of 6 a.m., and
11 p.m., seven days a week;
(6) Placement of curbs according to specifications of the City
Engineer;
(7) No additional signs to be erected, and
(8) fhe service station operated solely as a "normal" service station
without car wash racks.
Councilman George, referring to the large complex and gasoline station
proposed in the area on the San Mateo side of Peninsula Avenue and the
possible widening of Peninsula Avenue, stated his reluctance to approve
a variance for the use proposed and his hesitancy in acknowledging
that an apartment house would be more appropriate.
Councilman Diederichsen questioned whether the reguirements necessary
to the granting of a variance have been met and recalled that while
serving as a membe r of the Planning Conunission, it was suggested that
the property be used to construct a medical center or a similar facility.
Councilman Diederichsen suggested that it may be to the advantage of
the applicant to " await the development of the college property. "
Councilman Crosby stated that with the anticipated increase in traffic
on Peninsula Avenue, it was his personal opinion that the construction
of an apartment house fronting Peninsul-a Avenue would not be desirable.
The Chair thereafter declared the hearing closed.
CAIJL TO ORDER
Councilman Martin stated that in his opinion, the current plan for the
use of the property has not been changed materially from that presented
and denied in the past; the use is contrary to that provided in an
R-l (residential) zone; the requi.rernents to approve a variance fails
on t$ro points (I) Iack of evidence to prove "hardship" (2) the proposed
use not the "highest" and "best" use of the Land; and contrary also
to the general zoning lavrs of the City.
Councilman I{artin referred to the Planning Conunission's "Land Use
Study" of the Lyon and Hoag suHivision area and expressing his
preference that the district remain as it is presently classified,
advised of his intention to vote "no" on the request.
Irlayor .Iohn son also referred to the four requ irements necessary to thegranting of a variance, comnenting that each condition is clearly
defined and while sympathetic to the plea of the applicant, "it may
be that the applicants have requested something from Council that
Counci] cannot grant.
RECES S
A recess was declared by the C:lxair at 9:15 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 9:25 p.m.
S IGNAROWITZ HEARING CONT INUED
393
I{ayor Johnson also refelred to the property oh,ners in the area,
their opposition to the use proposed and their stated preference
that an office or medical center be constructed.
A motion was introduced thereafter by Councilman George, that the
decision of the Planning Commission in denying the request of the
applicant for a variance be upheld, seconded by Councilman Uartin
and unanirnously adopted upon RolI Call .
RECES S
A recess was called by the Chair at 9:35 p.m.
CALI TO ORDER
llhe meeting was again called to order at 9:40 p-m.
COMMI.INI CATIONS
A communication, dated January 16, L964, was read from Andrew C. Byrd.
Chairman, Burlingame Sister city CoEmittee, commending the efforts
expended by the comnittee and advising that it was the unanimous
recommendation of the cotnmittee that the " City of Cuernavaca, State
of lqorelos, United States of Mexico" be seleeted as the "Sister City"
to the City of Burlingame.
RESOLUTION NO. 12-64 "Resolution of the Council of the cit yof
Burlingame, California, Extending an Invitation to the City of
Cuernavaca, Mexico, to Become a Sister City in the People-to-People
Program and Inviting the People of Cuernavaca to participate in said
Program" was introduced for passage on motion of Councilman Crosby,
seconded by councilman Diederidrsen and unanimously adopted.
Councilman Crosby moved that Mayor Johnson be authorized to write to
the .Ittayor of cuernavaca, llexico, notifying his office of the action
taken unanimously \r the City Council of the city of Burlingame. The
motion was seconded by Councilman George and unanirnously carried.
2. PARKING DISTRICT PUBLIC IIEARING SCHEDT'LED
A communication was read from the City Uanager dated Januaty 17, L964,
suhtritting a proposed resolution scheduling a public hearing on February 3,
1964, to consider the deletion of certain parcels from within the
Parking District.
RESOLUfION NO. 13-64 "A Resolution of Intention to Make Chan ges and
Itlodifications Burlingame Avenue Area Off-Street Parking District" was
introduced for passage on motion of Councilman llartin, seconded by
Councilman Crosby and unanimously adopted upon Roll Call .
3. BAYSWATER AVENUE IMP ROVEUEICT ACCEPTED
A conurunication from the City I{anager, dated Januarl L7, 1964, advised
that the Lowrie Paving Company, Inc-, has successfully completed the
improvements on Bayswater Avenue and it was recommended that the
project be accepted.
RESOLUTTON NO. 14-64 "Accepting Bayswater Avenue Improvements ilob
No. 61-164, !4cS-97' was introduced \r Councilman Diederichsen, who
moved its passage, seconded by Councilman ltlartin and unanirnously
adopted upon Roll CaII.
1. BURLINGAI4E SISTER CITY COMI\4ITTEE SELECTION
394
The City l{anager vras requested to submit to Council the resuLt of
a traffic check currently in progress with respect to Bayswater Avenue.
A communication from the City Manager, dated January L7, L964, advised
that hj-s Office has been informed of the necessity to revise and up-
date the City's Civil Defense Ordinance No. 5O3, to conform to
current-day cornprehensive civil defense and disaster laws.
ORDINANCE NO. 792 "City Ordinance Relating to Civil Defense and
introduced by Councilnan GeorgeDisasters" (Up-dating No. 503) was
and given its first reading.
5. TRAFF]C CONTROLS FOR ADELINE DRIVE
A communication from the City llanager, dated January L7, 1964, advised
that the Police Department, the Health. Safety & Traffic Conunission
and his Office recommends, following a traffic survey, that certain
intersections approaching Adeline Drive be made "Stop" streets.
Ihe City Attorney was requested to prepare the legislation necessary
for introduction at the next regular meeting of Council, february 3,
L964.
A communication from the City Manager. dated ilanuary L6, L964,
reported ttrat as a result of a preliminary canvass of City employees,
a substantial interest in coordinating Socia). Security with a reduced
State Retirement program is indicated.
fhe City lr{anager advised that to obtain a more accurate indication
of the interest in a coordinated program, it is necessary to pass
the first legislation requiring an employee to make a choice; however,
the City is not obligated until an official resolution is adopted
and a true canvass cornpleted. fhe City llanager further advised that
the first docurnents may be obtained from Sacramento for Council
consideration.
During a brief discussion, Council indicated more infomration should
be forthcoming on survivors' benefits and costs to the City from the
state Retirement system. The City Manager was authorized to obtain
the documents from Sacramento as referred to in his comrnunication
to Council-.
7. ENGINEERING FI'NDS FROM DIVISION OF IIIGIIWAYS
A cornmunication from the City I'lanager, dated Januarl L6, 1964, recom-
mended that a resolution budgeting cas Tax Funds for Engineering
purposes, in the amount of $6,000.0O be adopted.
Itre City Manager, as a matter of information, advised that since the
last special Census, pJ.acing the population of the City at over
25,0O0, the City shall be allocated an additional $1,O0O.O0 annually.
RESOLIIrION NO. 15-64 "Resolution of the cit y council of the city of
Burlingame Adopting and Submitting a Budget For D<penditure of state
Allocated Engineering Funds" was introduced for passage on motion of
Councilman Diederichsen, seeonded by Councilman l4artin and unanJmously
adopted upon Roll CalI .
4. CIVIL DEFENSE ORDINANCE 503 REVISIONS
6. SOCIAI SECURITY-STATE RETI REI.{E NT PLAN
8. SECONDARY STREET RESURI'ACING ACCEPTED
A communication fron the City Manager, dated January L7, 1964, advised
that L. C. Smith Corrpany, has completed the recent contract for the
resurfacing of secondary City streets in fuLl compliance with plans and
specifications and it was recommended by the City Engineer and his
Office that the work be accepted formally by the City.
RESOLIIIION NO. 16-64 "Acce pting Resurfacing of Irtiscellaneous Secondary
City streets - Job filo. 63-12" was introduced for passage on motion of
Councilman crosby, seconded \r Councilman Diederichsen and unanimously
adopted upon Roll CaIl.
A communication from the City !4anager, dated January 17, 1964, advised
that from eonferences with the Pacific Telephone Company and the pacific
Gas and Electric Company, the proposed widening of WilLow Avenue may
be accomplished for the benefit of the City and with a reduced burden
on the developer of an apartment house in the area, Mr. A- R. Carpenter.
Final estimates from the utility companies are pending.
10. PROTESTS RE: CONVERSION TO ITNLII4ITED PARKING
Couununications trere read from E,zra E. Stevens, Public Accountant, 125
Primrose Road, dated January L4, L964, Joseph P. Nevin, irr., Management
Services Agency, 125 Primrose Road, dated January 13, 1964 and Leland
It. Borland, D. C., 123 Primrose Road, dated January 20, 1964, protesting
the conversion to unljmited parkinq on Primrose Road between Howard and
Bayshrater Avenues.
Mr. Stevens and Dr. Borland, in attendance, verbally protested the
removal of parking restrictions and the resultant detrjmental effect
upon their respective business. Each urged that remedial measure
be taken to countermand, in what they termed, a "discriminatory action."
Mr. Theodore Bludberg, Chairman, Burlingame Off-Street Parking District
Parking commission, explained the factors incidental to the easing of
parking limitations and recormnended that the area in question be
retained temporarily on an "unl-imited parking" basis.
Following further discussion, the city Manager was authorized
the Lresterly side of Primrose Road, fron Howard Avenue to the
ReaL to its original " two hour parking" status.
to
EI
convert
Camino
A cornmunication from Richard Delancie, President, united Research
Services, 181I Trousdale Drive, dated January 7, L954, cormending
the skiLl artd dispatch recently displayed by the Burlingame Fire
Department in connection with a recent office fire, was adcnowledged
and the City Manager requested to submit a copy to the Fire Department.
Itlayor Johnson announced receipt of a cotEnunication from Senator Ricltard
L. Dolwig, advising of the scheduling of a meetingr, ilanuary 22, L964,
in the San llateo Council Chambers, 8:OO p.m., at which time "Ways and
lleans" to obtain a San ltlateo County State College would be the main
topic. Mayor Johnson announced her intention to attend.
tsg5
9. REPORT ON WIDENING OF WILIPW AVENUE
11. I]NITED RESEARCH SERVICES COMMENDATION
12. IT1EETING RE: SAN MATEO COUNIY STATE COLLEGE
396
RESOLI.I:TIONS
RESOLUTION NO. 17-64 "Authoriz ing Execution of Contract with E. L.
Norberg For Preparation of Preliminary Plans and Working Drawings
and Supervision of Construction of Corporation Yard Facitities"
was introduced for passage on motion of Councilman Diederichsen,
seconded by Councilman Crosby and unanirnously adopted upon RoI1 CalI.
RESOTUTION NO. 18-64 "A Resolution Orderin g Reduction of Assessments
California Drive street Lighting project', (to 9I3,646.88) was intro-
duced for passage on motion of Councilman Crosby, seconded by
Councilman Diederichsen and unanimously adopted upon RoIt CaIl.
RESOLUTION NO. 19-64 "Approving Final Map Entitled 'Mil}s Estate
No. 25, Burlingame, San lt{ateo County, California,' and Directing
Execution of Agreement to Construct Public Improvements" was before
Council for its consideration.
The City Attorney advised that in view of a slight change necessary
in language contained on the bonds, it was his recommendation that
the resolution be adopted and the submission of documents be
withheld until the bonds and deeds meet with the approval of his
Office.
Counci]-man Diederichsen
of RESOLUT ION NO. 19-64
thereafter introduced and moved the passage
seconded by Councilman Cro sbry and unani-
ca].l .mously carried upon RoI1
RESOLUTION NO. 2O-64 "Acce pting Grant Deeds to Lots
Block 39, and Lot 14, Block 43, Mills Estate No. 25,
Homes, fnc., Dated ,January 20, L964" was introduced
upon motion of Councilman Diederichsen, seconded by
Crosby and unanimously adopted upon Rol,I CalI.
35 ,and 52,
f rom Ei.chl-er
for passage
Councilman
Cro sby-Diederichsen-ceorge-Johnson-!lartin .
None
None
ORDINANCES Introduction thereof:
ORDINANCE NO. 793 "An Ordinance Amendin g Ordinance No. 753 and
Section L222.27 of the 1941 Ordinance Code of the City of Burlingame
Establishing Parking Regulations Governing Municipal Parking Lots"
was introduced by Councilman l{artin and given its first reading.
ORD]NANCES Consideration thereof :
ORDINAI.ICE NO. 790 "An Ordinance of the Cit y Council of the City of
Burlingame Authorizing an Amendnent to the Contract Between the
City of Burlingame and the Board of Administration of the California
State Hnployees' Retirement System" (retirement prior to 1954 benefits)
was given its second reading and upon nrotion of Councilman Crosby,
seconded by councilman George, said ordinance passed its second
reading and was adopted by the following vote:
AYES : Counc j-lmen : Crosby-Diederich sen-George-alohnson-llartin.
NOES: Councilmen: None
ABSENT Councilmen: None
ORDINAIICE NO. 791 "An Ordinance Amendi ng Ordinance No. 474 and
Section L229.L of the 1941 Ordinance Code of the City of Burlingame
Controlling Directj-on of Traffic on City XIaII Lane" was given its
second reading and upon motion of Councilman ceorge, seconded by
Councilman Diederichsen, said ordinance passed its second reading
and was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmen:
NOES: Councilmen:
ABSEIillt Councilmen:
397
I]NFINISHED BUSINESS
1 REAPPOINTMETiITS TO CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
llayor ifohnson announced the reappointment
and Mr. Edward Crawford as members of the
for another three year term.
of Mr. Joseph Peterson
Civil Service Conunission
2. .'ABAG., I.{EETING FEBRUARY 6 L964
Councilman I{artin announced that a special meeting has been scheduled
by the Association of Bay Area Governments, fhursday, February 6, 1964,
Itotel Claremont, Berkeley, on the subject of "Bay Fi11, Moratoriums
and Tideland Development. "
Councilman Martin requested Council to review the questions contained
in the January L6, L964, corununication from and that recom-
mendations be submitted to hirn by February 3, 1964, for report to the
special " ABAG" meeting.
BAY AREA ATR POIIIITION CONTROL DISTRICT REPORT
Irlayor Johnson ad<nowledged receipt of a communication from sidney D.
Ilerkner, San l,lateo County representative on the Bay Area Air Pollution
Control District Board, reporting on recent developments in connection
with the Board's activities to control air pollution.
PROCLAMAT IONS
Ir{ayor irohnson proclaimed the week of February 16 to 2 3, 1964, as
"Brotherhood Week" and the period between January 20 and January 23,
1964, as "Medical Self-Help" week.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
llayor Johnson adcnowledged receipt of minutes from the Planning
sion, the L,ibrary Board and the recent meeting of the san llateo
Council of Mayors.
Tthe Chair reported also on her attendance at recent meetings
Burlingame Sister city conEnittee and the Installation of Mr.
It{oskovitz as President of the Burlingame Chamber of corunerce
Conuuis-
County
of the
Leonard
for 1964 .
Itlayor.rohnson also conunended Chief of Police Lollin for a service
recently rendered Mrs. Dorothea Harrison, a merdber of the Burlingame
Library Board.
REPORT ON CIVIL DEFENSE DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Councilman ceorge reported on his recent attendance at a meeting of
the san Uateo OperationaL Area, Civil Defense and Disaster Organization,
advising that the meeting included discussion on the purchase of radio
equipment for emergency purposes to maintain an adeguate communications
system and that t]1e Cityrs share would approximate a monthly expenditure
of $47.0O to participate in the service.
Mayor ,Johnson acknowledged a communication
Lengfeld, Administrator, Medical Self-He1p
President, soliciting comnun ity attendance
on "Medical Sel-f-Help. "
received from llrs. Helen
Program, I,VS National
at a seri-es of classes
"MEDICAI, SELF-HELP" PROGRAM
398
ACKNOW.LEDGMENT FROM MRS. JACQUELINE KENNEDY
llayor Johnson announced receipt of a " thank-you" card from Mrs.
ilacgueline Kennedy, acknowledging a telegram of condolence sent
to her by Mayor ilohnson, in behalf of the City Council and citizens
of Burlingame, on the occasion of the death of President John F.
Kennedy.
PURCHASE OF AI{ERICAN FLAG AUTHORIZED
Ttle City Manager was authorized to purchase a new indoor American
Flag to replace the one now on display in the Council Chanibers.
Mr. Howard wilkinson, 1259 Bernal Avenue, in attendance, called
the attention of Council to a traffic condition at the foot of
Adeline Drive.
Councilman Martin confirmed that the area in quest ion is hazardous
and the subject was referred to the Health, Safety and Traffic
Commission for survey and report to Council.
E. L. NORBERG EXPRESSION OF APPRECIATION
ur. E. L. Norberg, architect, engaged to prepare preliminary plans
for the proposed construction of the Corporation Yard facilities,
expressed his appreciation to Council for their confidence, pledging
that the best interests of the city shall be served.
Claims, uonth of 'January, 1964, Nos. IlI2 to 1311, in the total
amount of $342,992.60, duly audited, were approved on motion of
Councilman crosby and seconded by Councilman lrlartin.
PAYROLL APPROVAT
Payroll warrants for the l.,Ionth of Decedber, 1963, Nos. 5584 - 6054,
in the total amount of $107,188.69, were approved on motj-on of
Councilrnan crosby and seconded by Councilman Martin.
Council unanimously adjourned at 11:50 p.m., j-n respect to the memory
of Mr. E. C. Fichtner, Health, Safety and Traffic Conunissioner and
former member of the Library Board and the Park Commission and in
memory of Mrs. John Drury, wife of Police officer ilohn Drury, who
recently passed in death.
Respectfully submitted
APPROVED:
CHARLOTTE soN, uegoR
IIERBERT K. WHITE, CITY CLERK
TRAEFIC HAZARD NOTED ON ADELINE DRIVE
C],AIMS
ADJOURN},IEIf,I
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