HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1966.07.18t .:h
Burling, California
July 18, 1966
CALL -TO ORM
A regular meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the above
given date. Meeting called to order at 8:10 p.m., - Mayor George in
the Chair.
PLEDGE OF ARd,.DGIAM
At word from the Chair, all in the Council Chamber arose and gave the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present - Councilmen: Crosby-Diederichsen-George-Johnson-Martin
Absent - Councilmen: None
XZNOT$S
tea...
The minutes of the regular meeting of July 5, 1966, submitted to Council
previously were unanimously approved and adopted.
NNING - APPAL rALBFRT JWATSON LDS"
HEMB VARI ..M AELZVJMT �alf It
Mayor George announced that this was the time and place scheduled by
Council to conduct a public hearing on an appeal from an action taken
by the Planning Commission on June 27, 1966, in denying a variance to
permit the construction of a twelve -storied structure on property
designated 510, 521, 525 and 527 Almer Road for a senior citizen
residence.
A communication dated June 29, 1966, was read from Albert J. Watson,
President, Lesley FoundatioM, the applicant, formally appealing the
decision.
Mayor George declared the hearing open and announced ground rules,
including statements from proponents and opponents, inquiries from
Council to members of the City's staff, with Council thereafter to
consider the evidence for final analysis and disposition.
Communications in favor of the proposed project were acknowledged and
read from the following:
Robert M. Refvem. P. O. Box 266, Burlingame, owner of the subject property
dated June 24, 1966, John J. Conway, 2555 Flores Street, San Mateo,
owner of property at 500 Aimer Road and 1428 Bellevue Avenue, dated
July 13, 1966, Mrs. Mabel Botta, Corresponding Secretary, Senior
Citizens Organization, dated June 6, 1966, Rex Rhodes, President,
Burlingame Senior Citizens Organization, Inc., dated June 6, 1966,
and Mel K. Dollinger, 1808 Ashton Avenue, dated May 23. 1966.
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Communications addressed to the Mayor and to the Council, dated
July 4, 1966, were ackmo+eledged and read from Albert J. Watson, the
applicant, proposing the execution of an agreement wherein the
Poundation shall make a payment monthly of not to exceed "Three
Hundred Dollars" from the date of occupancy of such residence by its
tenants to the City as a fee or license "for the privilege of operating
as a Residence for the Retired and/or the operation of its dining
room for its tenants and their guests."
The City Planner, in reply to Councilman Martin's inquiries concerning.
a basis upon which Council can proceed with the hearing, advised that
the proposal is to "assemble" properties for the purpose of constructing
a building twelve stories in height= a building height, within the
R-3 Zoned area is limited to four stories and the variance therefor is
the height of the structure eight stories above the code requirements.
In reply to further inquiries from Council, the City Planner differentiated
between "apartments" as defined in the Code and the type of building
proposed, not designated in the Coda; that it is "impossible" within
the definition of the Code to conclude how many parking spaces are
necessary; the principle material before the Planning Commission was
evidence presented by the applicant wherein it was stated that "most
occupants would not have automobiles;" an effort was made, however, to
work out a parking space scheme, resulting in a plan thereafter to
provide "sixty-one covered and twenty-seven uncovered" parking spaces.
Some discussion arose on an inquiry from the Chair on the number of
rooms proposed.
Mr. Watson advised that preliminary plans are in process but the actual
number of rooms cannot be determined until the matter of the height
variance is resolved; that an occupancy of from 290 to 295 is desired,
in units consisting of two rooms in some and one and one-half rooms
in others.
Mr. Emory Morris, introducing himself as Attorney for the Foundation
and representing the applicant, stated that a twelve -storied building
would accomodate occupancies to a maxim3st of 300 and in reply to an
inquiry from Councilman Martin, stated that based on "land percentage
costs" it was considered more feasible, from a financial standpoint,
to construct a twelve -storied structure.
Upon further questioning by Council, the number of "occupancies" was
clarified by the applicant as referring instead to "units.
The City Planner, in reply to Council, advised that the structure as
proposed shall conform with requirements set forth in the Code affecting
lot coverages in R-3 Zones (50%) with Mr. Richard Zahn, Architect for
the project, in attendance, confirming that the building shall encompass
a lot coverage area of approximately forty-three percent.
Mr. Morris, referring to conditions required to qualify for a variance
and to confirm the applicant's contention that a denial thereof would
create an "economic hardship," invited Mr. Harry Lehrfeld, real
estate agent, to comment.
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Mr. Lehrfeld, speaking on the "high cost of the land" stated that the
"only feasible way to show any profit would be to go 'up in the
airs'" that in company with Mr. Watson, other parcels viewed in
Burlingame failed to meet requirements set by the "Comity Facilities
Administration" with the result that the subject property was considered
most appropriate to house a retirement facility.
Mr. Morris invited the following persons to speak in support of the
proposed project.
Mr. John Conway, 2555 Flores street, San Mateo, owner of property in
the area of the proposed site, and an interest in property immediately
adjacent to a Leslie Foundation Project in San Mateo, stated that
from his knowledge. the project is successful, well -operated and an
asset to the e r m -unity.
Mr. Rex Rhodes, President, Burlingame Senior Citizens organization, Inc.,
advised that a survey conducted within the organisation revealed that
ai number of senior citizens reside in inadequate apartments and while
some have taken up residence in San Mateo, the proposed facility, because
of its location, would be an ideal situation wherein to serve a
"desirable and deserving people."
Mr. Norman Cavanaugh. 2525.Poppy Drive, member of the Vestry of at.
Paul's Church in Burlingame, spoke of. the interest of the church in
residences of the type proposed and if approved, St. Paul's may become
a "part -sponsor" of the subject project.
Mr. Paul Constantino, 1920 Carmelita Avenue, vice -President, Burlingame
chamber of Commerce, spoke an the favorable "economic impact" to the
general area -of Burlingame and on the Mt of a proparty that
shall add to and preserve the beauty of the City for years hence.
Mrs. Elsie Hill, Mr. Claude Blodgett and Mrs. Mary Sousy, former
residents of Burlingame, currently living in the Lesley Poundation's
project "Park Towers" in San Mateo, expressed their individual pleasure
on the services offered by the Foundation and urged Council to act
favorably on the petition to construct a similar facility in the City of
Burlingame.
Mr. Albert J. Watson, President, Lesley Foundation, the applicant, read
from a prepared statement, reciting in some detailr the concern of
government on problems arising with respect to "social welfare" conditions
and the funds made available by the Federal Government to "non-profit"
foundations to particularly assist citizens within "middle-class" income
brackets.
Referring to those persons sixty-five and over, having experienced the
"depression" years, lac. Watson stated that this group is now confronted
with limited incomes and according to statistical survey are considered
the "fastest expanding group in society."
Explaining also the functions of the Foundation and its administrative
operation, Mr. Watson concluded by stating that the "variance should not
be considered on a 'dollar' basis" but rather in terms of "a community
service" and that "we are discussing the lives of people who make the
City. "
3 _.
There being no further proponents, the Chair extended the privilege
of the Floor to opponents.
Communications from those opposed were first introduced into the record
from the following:_
Mrs. J. R. Dickie, 1532 Los Montes Drive, dated May 31, 1966, James E.
Carroll, 848 Walnut Avenue, dated June 27, 1966. Mr. Wasil Demchuk,
515 Almer Road, dated June 12, 1966, fire. Neil C. Benneson, 110 Lorton
Avenue, Mrs.7J. Macawen, former Burlingame resident, dated May 26, 1966
and Mr. and Mrs. Len R. Anderson, 1460 Bellevue Avenue.
Miss Elsieann Irvin, 525 Almer Road, challenged whether "this can take
care of the 'middle-class'" and replying to her inquiries concerning
rentals and occupancy requirements, Mr. Watson.,, through the Chair,
advised: (1) a minimum rental of $70.00 per unit for a single person;
$90.00 per one and one-half unit; and a rental of $110.00 for a couple
per month; and (2) income, according to government limitations, not to
exceed $4,000.00 per year for a single person. $4,800.00 per year for
a married couple.
Mrs. M. Baxter, 522h Almer Road and Miss Irvin both *.make on the current
traffic congestion and the narrowness of the street, with hazards
considerably increased if the project were approved.
Miss Irvin stated that the project should be located closer to the park
and recreation areas, as in the City of San Mateo.
Mr. John McCloskey, 535 Almer Road,stated that the proposed "high-rise"
would aggravate an.existing sewer inadequacy in the area; that in
the matter of financing the project, the interest rates varying between
bank loans and government loans would adversely affect the citizens;
on the issue of 'hardship' "it isn't economics against life" and should
not be considered as such; and in his opinion, a "high-rise" apartment
should be excluded from an area primarily residential.
Mr. A. G. Westcott, President, Burlingame Suburban Protective Association,
objected on the basis that the application fails to meet the four
conditions to qualify for a. variance.
Mr. James E. Carroll, 848 Walnut Avenue, in expressing his objection
to the project, questioned the ratio of Burlingame senior citizens
occupancy to the number of senior citizens reported to be residing in
the City of Burlingame.
There being no further opponents, the Chair declared a recess at
9s40 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 9:50 p.m.
HSARM COCONT==_
Mayor George announced the continuation of the hearing and prior to
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referring to Council and nwabers of the City's staff, granted
Mr. Morris permnission to commat on the following several points
raised by the opposition: (1) Tha foundation would assume its share
of the coet'to extend utility facilities necessary to service the
projectf (2) Requirements of the "Caammanity Facilities Administra-
tion" specify that the project be located within a business area of
the City; and (3) fhe project is strictly *non-profit" with rentals
controlled by the Government.
Councilman Sirtin, initiating Council discussion, referred to the City
Lngineer on the adequacy of utility installations.
The City $ngineer, reporting the result of a survey conducted in_the
area by his +office,' certified to the adequacy of the installationl
that if the -project is approved, however, his Office shall request
that the sewer lime be directed to the Floribunda Avenue outlet where
the capecit-11 is.greater; that there is a water deficiency in the area,
with the exception of Almmsr Road; and an additional fine hydrant is
required In the area of the proposed.project.
The City Planner, in reply to Councilman Martin, advised that the project
shall cover an area of approximmately-159,000 square feet and that there
is no way to 'determina the number: of parking spaces because of the
absence o:; material on the number of automobiles anticipated.
A series of questions from Councilman Martin were referred thereafter
to and replied by Kr. Morris, the Attorney for the project, to Mr. Conway,
adjacent property owner and proponent, to Mr. Watson, the applicant,
to mac. - temhrfeld, real estate agent and to 1 r. Robert Reften, the owner
of the subject property, concerning the.nmber of employees engaged
At the. Park Tacers in San Mateo, parking problem in the, area of Park
Towers, vecupftwrequirements, excessive land costs in an area zoned
specifically R�3 (3rd residential -multi -family) and the property's
market potential should the variance be denied.
Councilman Martin, commenting that the variance conditions, particularly
pertaining to "hardship" and to the "comprehensive zoning of the City"
first must be resolved, referred to Mr..Morris.
Mr. Morris staged that sources have indicated that the area is "ear-
marked* for "h.igh-riamm eonstructfont that the *economic return is
not there" and to repeat his previous statement, the application "should
be considered on the basis of an 'exception' under the laws of the City."
Councilman Johnsen directed inquiries to and received answers from the
applicant concerning vacancies in him other enterprises and the
screening procedure for occupancy.
Commenting on the replies, Councilman Johnson stated that the limited
income qualifying occupany in the project contradicts statements that
the City's sales tax revenue would be increased.
Councilman Johnson further stated that the removalof the property -
from the tax rolls of the City would impose a burden upon the taxpayers,
including also, the senior citizens of the coma:Aunity.
Referring to the applicant's proposal offering the City the sus of
$300.00, Councilmaan Johnson questioned the legality thereof. -
Confirming that the proposal is being researched by his Office and
that of the City Attorney, Mr. Morris advised that the Community
Facilities Administration has indicated that a nominal fee could be
added to the rental of the units to provide the payment to the City.
Councilman Diederichsen stated that in his opinion, the project cannot
be constructed and operated under the supposition that it will
exclusively house Burlingame senior citizens; outsiders, greeting
occupancy requirements shall be accomodated; that if the project is
not approved, the construction of a =ult3�fami1y dwelling, under the
permitted zoning, would increase the sales tax revenue.
Concluding his comments, Councilman Diederichsen stated that he was
"not against the project" but that he could not "absorb that this
is the only place the facility can be built;" adding further, that
a "variance may become the rule rather than the ozeeption."
Councilman Crosby pointed out that Council is not opposed to the project
in itself but with the incumbent ramifications.
in reply to Councilman Crosby's inquiries concerning the possibility
of a "project failure" the City Planner advised that the proposed units
are "rooms" and possibly could be turned into a hotel or a boarding-
houses however, it would be difficult to convert the structure into an
apartment -house.
Mr. Watson, the applicant, advised of two remote instances of failure
wberein the Government interceded; but because of the demand for this
type of residence, it is not likely the project *hall fail.
Mr. Cavanaugh, member St. Paul's vestry, in reply to Councilman Crosby,
stated that a definite eomamitmasn$ to "sponsor• the project was held
pending approval of the variance.
Mayor George, in some detail, spoke on his experience in Washington,
D. C. in providing housing for the aged and of his knowledge of govern -
went code provisions pertaining to the establishment of "non-profit"
retirement residences.
Mayor George presented the following statistics to illustrate his
concern should the property be removed from the tax rolls:
Cost of Land $ 350,000.00
Cost of Daprovements 2,500,000.00
Assessed Valuation
(24.9% of cost) 712,500.00
or a loss of an annual City of Burlingame tax revenue in the amount of
$9,120.00.
The Chair further expressed his concern that the project would obligate
the City to increase all its facilities, the traffic congestion in
the area would bosom more hazardous and in general, would interfere
with the rights of the citizens of Burlingame.
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Concluding his statements, Mayor George pointed out that the City
of Burlingame encompasses only an area of 6.2 square miles and that
the proposed facility could be located more appropriately in a city of
increased size.
Councilman Martin, stating his concern with the "eight -story" variance
and the too few parking spaces proposed, questioned the applicant,
who, following a brief deliberation, stated that he would amend his
application to request a ten -storied building with parking to remain
as proposed.
Councilman Martin, commenting that "strictly on the basis of the
building, a 'hardship* bad not been proven;" the proposal is a
"violation of the general zoning larva of the City" and the "parking,
in relation to the use of the building" is inadequate.
Following a brief discussion, the hearing was declared closed by Mayor
George.
A motion was introduced thereafter by Councilman Martin that the action
of the Planning Commission be upheld and the application be denied. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Johnson and adopted unanimously
upon a Boll Call vote.
RXCZSS
A recess was declared by the Chair at 12:10 a.m.
A/
PRU
The meeting again convened at 12*20 a.m.
A communication from the City Engineer, dated July 13, 1966, advised
that final inspection has been made regarding improvements on the Bayside
Improvement District No. 1, Schedule #3, including the construction
of Carolan Avenue from Broadway to Toyon, Industrial Nay, widening of
a portion of Sayshore Boulevard and miscellaneous and pertinent fixtures
and it has been determined that all details of the plans and specifica-
tions have been met.
A now from the City Manager, footnoted in the project report, concurred
with the recommendation of the City Engineer that the project be
accepted as complete.
RRSQMIS. 43--66 "A Resolution Accepting Completion and Directing
Engineer to File Notice of Acceptance of Completion - Sayside Dmprovement
District - Schedule III" was introduced for passage on motion of
Councilman Martin, seconded by Councilman Johnson and unanimously
adopted on Roll Call.
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aXV_VT 20. 44-66 "A Resolution of intention to Aoq lire jxwovernts
nd to Order pioltion and Cancellation of Bonds and to Issue Refunding
Bonds and Rescinding Resolution No. 118-65 - Bayside improvement
District No. 3" was introduced by Councilman Johnson, who roved its
passage, seconded by Councilman Crosby and adopted upon R011 Call.
A memo from the City Manager, dated July 14, 1966, advised that the
Chief of. the Fire Department has requested legislation to provide a
building elevator safety device accessible to firemen in the event of
a fire.
Council concurred with the reeomrsndation of the City Manager and
thereafter directed the City Attorney to draft legislation to include
the provision within the building code.
3. 3 RS ,...CH7i►tyGB.pPROP0M
A now from the City Manager, dated July 14, 19", advised that a regoest
has been made to change the street name of "Industrial May" to
"Cadillac Lane."
August 1, 1966, was thereafter scheduled to conduct a public hearing on
the suggested change and the City Manager was directed to notify
interested parties and agencies.
A ramo from the City !Manager, dated July 14. 1966, advised that it is
the recommendation of the Chief of Police, concurred in by his Office,
that pedestrian -actuated traffic signals be installed at Trousdale
and Ashton and that school officials train and supervise the school
patrol in the use of the signals.
A notion was introduced by Councilman Crosby, seconded by Councilman
Diederichsen, that the signals as recommended be installed. The motion
unanimously carried.
Councilman Johnson expressed concern with traffic hazards prevelant in
the Washington School area, between Arundel Boad and Anita Road.
Following a brief discussion, the City Manager advised that his Office
would request the Police Department to investigate the possibility of
creating a "four -sway stop" at the intersection of Arundel Road and
Howard Avenue or to install a mobile actuated signal for use during
school hours.
A memo from the City Manager, dated July 14. 1966, advised that the
Pringle Construction Company has requested an extension of time to
complete subdivision requirements.
-s-
A motion was introduced by Councilman
be extended to October 15, 1966, upo
facilities be completed on or before
was seconded by Councilman Crosby
9992LDTXONS
- introduction thereof:
n
Johnson that a period of time
condition that the storm drainage
September 1, 1966. The motion
and una:ai�ausly carried.
QRDMKZ NO. 8" "An Ordinance Adding Chapter 9.06 to Title 9 of the
Municipal Code.Providing for an Animal Shelter, Authorizing Contracts -
for Animal Shelter Services, Creating the Office of Poundm ester and
Providing for the 8nforcem ent of Laws and Ordinances Relating to
Animals" was introduced by Councilman Johnson for first reading.
ORD%M= NO. 845 "An Ordinance Adding #1.12.030 to the Burlingame
c pa C e Adopte:tl Pursuant to853.1 of the California Penal Code
Authorizing Arresting Officers to issue Notices to Appear to Arrested
Persons who Are'Not Taken Before a. magistrate Zmnediately" was introduced
by Councilman Johnson for first reading.
QRDM z no. 846 "An Ordinance Amending Section 13.20.020 of the Municipal
Code by Designating a Portion of Carolan Avenue is Through street"
was introduced by Councilman Johnson for -first reading.
Councilman !martin advised that at the last. meeting of the: North County
Council of Cities, the five madm r cities from Burlingame north concurred
to draft legislation to levy a hotel- notel. tax within their respective
city. limits by October 1, IS66.
Council thereafter directed the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance
to enable Council to introduce and to schedule a -hearing at the
second reading and adoption of the legislation prior to October 1.
At the request of Councilman Crosby,'Council liaison, City Hall Site
Committee, Tuesday, July 26, 1966, 8:00_p.®., Council Chambers was
scheduled as a study meeting an the selectlon of a City Hall site.
The City Manager was rested to notify members of the Civic Impro e-
enent Coeaittee inviting their attendance.
Councilmen Martin announced that a report on the status of the "Broadway
Ov+erpasa" may be available for presentation to Council at the next
meeting of Council on August 1.
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3. ANALYSIS REPOitT RBCRFATION CFN
The City Manager advised that an analysis report from Mr. Kingsford
Jones, Architect, engaged by Council to investigate storage and other
functional needs for the Recreation Center is available for review.
The City Manager was requested to place the subject on the Council
study meeting agenda, August 3, 1966.
4. RBPAViNG-MKZ 3,,,_DOWN'1owN C_,,ITY=SZ ITS
The City Manager referred to the City•s repaving program on Burlingame
Avenue, Lorton Avenue and Park Road and formal action required of
Council to designate the type of parking preferred.
Following considerable discussion, motions establishing street stall
arrangements were adopted as follows:
murNGANI-B AVzm
�ews-
A motion was introduced by Councilman Crosby, that the current diagonal
parking in effect on Burlingame Avenue be retained, seconded by
Councilman Johnson and carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Councilman: Crosby -George. -Johnson
Noes: Councilmen: Diederichsen-Martin
Councilman Diederichsen moved that all parking stalls on the west side
of Park Road be made parallel with the exception of those spaces in
front of the City Hall and that the parking stalls on the east side
of Park Road from Burlingame Avenue to the "entrance" area of the
municipal parking lot be made parallel and that the remainder from the
Post Office property south to Howard Avenue be made diagonal. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Johnson and unanimously carried.
ORTO-N-, hm=
Councilman Crosby moved that all parking stalls on the west and on the
east side of Lorton: Avenue be made parallel, from Burlingame Avenue to
[Hward Avenue, seconded by Councilman Diederichsen and unanimously carried.
B�0sI.RRX.�„� AM_EC$8i1M
Councilman Martin, observing that the monthly report from the Police
Department indicates considerable increase in the number of burglaries
in automobiles, requested the City Manager to ascertain from the
Chief of Police whether "open garage constructions" in apartments are
primarily the cause.
r13STA 0MAIIONISS
Councilman Johnson reminded Council members of an invitation to be
present at the fiesta grounds on Thursday, July 21, 1966 at 6:30 p.m.
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Mayor George requested the City Manager to obtain cats to place a
heater and a defroster in the automobile purchased a year ago for
the use of the Recreation Department.
The Chair acknowledged receipt of monthly reports from the Police
and the Fire Departments.
MARM
Claims, Month July, 1966, Nos. 6582-6751, with the mweption of No. 6701,
in the total amount of $16S,452.36, duly audited, were unanimously
approved for payment on ®otian of Councilmen Crosby and seconded by
Councilman Martin.
Payroll warrants, Month of June, 1966, Nos. 9846-10360, in the total
amount of $128,427.81, were approved on motion of Councilman Crosby
and seconded by Councilman Jobnson.
. . USM .
the City Manager was requested to bave copies of the 1966-1967 budget
available for public bearing at the next regular meeting of Council on
August 1, 19".
C27fM RUMEMM RIMEWRR
Council extended a vote of tbanks to Councilman Diederichsen for his
role in improving the load speaker Wotan in the City Ball Council
Chambers.
The meeting was thereafter adjourned at 1:00 a.m.
Respectfully subritted,
BJMMT R. VHZ=, City Clerk
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