HomeMy WebLinkAboutTC Min 1992-12-02
/
'1I:JN!lO:J NMO.1
S3J1lNIW
1
lI3.mIO 0.1 '1'1V:J
'Il!UlOJ!111;) 'uolnq!.1
'IOOlPS lllW l;lG '~ lUooll U! 'Z661 'z l;lqlU;l:l;lG 'AllPS;lUP;lM. "lU'd OJ;>:L III l;lplO Ol
uomq!.1 JO UM.O.1 ;lql JO IPUnO;) UM.O.1 ;lql JO llu!l;l;llU llllnJl;ll ;lql P;lUll:l uqn)llOAllW
TIV:J '1'1011 'V
uqn)l 'uosdlUolU 'l;lAlllU 'UlllUP;lPd 'u;llllAN :S1I39W3WiI;)NilO;) :.LN3S311d
';lUON :S1I39W3WiI;)NilO;) :.LN3SHV
:QI;)HdO X3
'A;lUlll;l)l
:l[l;lj;) ;llnu!w 'A;l]l;lH J;l!q;) ;l:l!1od 'IZUllllS
lOP;ll!G ;l:lUllU!d ';lIA09 l;lUlItlld lUlllS!SSY
'UOSl;lPUY lOP;ll!G llU!UUllld '!dO:>IlI S)[lOM.
:l!1qnd JO 'ldns 'lllllg l;l;lu!llU3 UM.O.1 'llu!^\3
A;lUlOllV UM.O.1 'll;lU!;lj)l l;lllllUllW UM.O.1
3.3.J..LIWWO:J 'SOliVOS 'SNOISSIWWO:J 0.1 S.LN3.W.LNIOddV 'S
I
:UO!lOW
snOlU!llIlUil :S3.\V
UlllUP;lPd Aq P;lPUO:l;lS 'u;llllAN
'UO!SS!lUlUO;) llu!llUllld ;lql Ol ll;lM;l!S
UAlpllW pUll ~SlU;llUlsnrpv JO plllOg ;lql Ol ll;lUU;lg llUll!G ~;l;lll!lUlUO:J
UO!lll;ll:l;llllU!Of ;lql Ol U;lSS;l!ll Arl;lf pUll ddp.1 llUPSPd lu!oddll;ll 0.1
-
:;llOA
:P;lAOW
S.LN3.WWO:J ONY SNOI.1S3.J10 :JI'1H11d ':J
'S;l!l!A!Pll
l:lplS!G llu!pmll;lllPUnO;) UM.o.1 ;lql Ol p;lplllMlOJ AlSnO!A;)ld ;lq llod;ll snllllS ;lql
P;llOU 'PPlS!G lU;llU;llllqV ol!nbsow ;lql Ol ;lA!llllU;lS;lld;ll s,uomq!.1 'u;lllllg UOG (g)
'PU;lllll Ol S;l!lmd.,p;lls;ll;llU! Ull p;lllllmO:lU;l
;lqS pUll ~S;lllllS3 Ol;lUPllW ;lqllOJ UO!SS;lS llu!do:ls llOd;ll PlldlU! llllU;lmuOl!AU;l
;lql SS;llppll Ol llU!l;l;llU UO!SS!llllllO;) llU!UUllld ql6 l;lqlU;l:l;lG ;lql III Pl;lq ;lq ll!M
llUpll;lq :l!1qnd lllllql P;lllOd;ll 'l!llq;)-;l:l!A UO!SS!llllUO:J llu!Ullllld 'pullIPj;) k[:l;lg (v)
'lP!PP
S,UMO.1 ;lql llU!SIl;ll:l;lP U! lS!SSll pUll S;lXlll S;lIIlS ;lSIl;ll:lU! Ol S;lSS;lU!Snq UMO.1
III llu!ddoqs AllP!10q l!;lql pnpUO:l Ol SlU;lP!S;ll UMO.1 p;lllllmO:lu:> uqn)llOAllW (;))
I
-
Z6/Z/Z1 Z96# S31J1NIW iDNilO;) NM.O.1
I
.
./
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
"
Councilmember Thayer requested Item No.2 be removed from the Consent Calendar
for further discussion.
Councilmember Nygren requested several amendments to Item No. l(a), Minutes #959;
and after discussion, it was agreed to continue approval of Minutes #959 to the January
6, 1992, meeting.
Motion:
To approve the Consent Calendar consisting of the following items:
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES #960, November 16, 1992
3. INVESTMENT SUMMARY REPORT (September 1992)
4. SUPPORT MAINTAINING TRADITIONAL FOGHORNS IN SAN
FRANCISCO BAY - Resolution
Moved:
Vote:
Friedman, Seconded by Thompson
AYES: Unanimous
2.
RECONSIDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES #955, October 7, 1992
(Requested by A. Burnham)
Councilmember Thayer requested the meeting tape recordings be reviewed to assure the
additions Mr. Burnham is requesting to be added to the minutes are accurate.
I
The Town Attorney responded that he has spoken to Mr. Burnham and informt:d him'
that the two additions are part of the record since they are included on the recordings;
the minutes are meant to be a summary; and his written request which includes the
amendments is also part of the record. Therefore, he recommended the minutes not be
reopened and stated Mr. Burnham has agreed that this is acceptable.
The Town Council agreed that it was not necessary to amend the minutes.
E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5. MAR WEST IMPROVEMENTS (Town Engineer's Report and
Recommendation_~Y
The Town Engineer reviewed his proposed improvement options for the portion of Mar
West between Tiburo.n Boulevard and Judge Field, and recommended a 22 foot wide
vehicular traffic pavement, a paved 6 foot walkway, and a right turn lane onto Tiburon
Blvd.
Mayor Kuhn reminded the Council that these plans are conceptual only and further
discussions will be held with the Library Committee and their architects before
consideration of a precise plan.
I
"....
Councilmember Nygren questioned whether library parking could be provided in this
area; and the Town Engineer stated the library should provide parking on their own lot,
TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #962 12/2/92
2
and if it is necessary to provide additional parking, he would recommended another area
for parking along the south side of Mar West.
"
The Town Engineer indicated the cost would be approximately $50,000; and Mayor
Kuhn stated that there is $100,000 available in the flood plain fund for this purpose.
Richard Hill, POSC Commissioner, stated that if the flood plain funds are not restricted,
he would recommended these funds be used for the New Town Hall 'or Bfackie's
Pasture.
Arlene Nielson, Mark Terrace, urged the Town Council proceed with improvements at
Mar West because of safety concerns.
Nancy Freed, Chairman of the Youth Committee, stated that they have been
endeavoring to create more children's programs at the TPC which have resulted in a
safety issue on Mar West. She urged the Council proceed with improving the road.
Becky Clelland, Planning Commission Vice-Chair and resident of Mar West, noted her
letter of October 27th expressing concerns about Mar West improvements; disputed the
Town Engineer's contention that the roadway is not wide enough to provide parking
along the sides; and expressed concern about the proposed removal of blackberry bushes
and its effect on the marsh.
I
"...
Jim Leverson, member of the Library Committee, reported that public meetings to
discuss the Library are planned for January; and stated this is an opportunity for the
Town to provide leadership and coordination in the planning of this area.
Richard Kalish, former Mayor of Belvedere, spoke in support for improving Mar West
and providing safe access for children to the TPc.
Barbara Mathews, Manager of the TPC, stated over 4,000 trips are made monthly by
children and encouraged the Town Council to provide a safe access on Mar West. Upon
questioning by Vice-Mayor Friedman, Ms. Mathews stated that the Town Engineer's
proposal would not conflict with the TPC's improvement plans.
Upon questioning by Councilmember Nygren, the Town Attorney responded that it
would be appropriate to use flood plain fund interest for this purpose, and stated that
perhaps some of the work for t&'e 6' path could come out of the principal, but the street
work would not.
Councilmember Thayer questioned why this project should be coordinated and related
to the Library planning when most of the discussions have been about providing safe
passage to the TPC; and stated that all issues relating to the TPC, Library and Town
should be coordinated as one package. Further, he stated that if there is such concern
about safety, the TPC should provide protection.
I
/'"'
Councilmember Nygren expressed concern regarding miscommunication to the public
and the COl1ncil regarding this issue; stated this project has been presented as an
improvement for access to the Library and the TPC when a plan has not yet been
TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #962 12/2/92
3
~
received; stated it is still unknown whether the Library bond measure will pass; stated
this project is premature and stated the Town Council never gave instruction to proceed
this far; suggested this project be set aside until it is known whether the Library will be
built and when the TPC has submitted a plan.
Vice-Mayor Friedman recommended the Town Engineer be directed to continue
working with and monitoring the plans of the TPC and Library to achieve a coordinated
plan; and that the Police Department be directed to give Mar West a high priority' for
enforcement.
The Town Council concurred and requested the Town Engineer notify the Council if his
time is required over and above his regular retainer.
6. LAST CHANCE COMMITTEE TO SAVE OLD ST. HILARY'S OPEN
SPACE (Adopt Resolution Relating to the South Tiburon Ridge Open
Space Study - Resolution)
The Town Attorney stated that the proposed Resolution provides that whenever any
project within the Old St. Hilary's Open Space study area comes in for an application,
that the South Tiburon Ridge Open Space study be reviewed as an altt::rnative in the
EIR process.
I
The Acting Planning Director further stated that this Resolution informs all EIR
consultants the Town hires that the Town Council has directed that this open space study
be considered as an alternative approach when assessing applications.
Councilmember Friedman questioned whether the property owners in this study area,
were notified of this resolution and suggested this matter be considered in a public
hearing. Councilmember Nygren concurred.
The Acting Planning Director responded that Harroman, Agins and the Martha
Company are all aware of this resolution.
Nancy Knoble, Co-Chairman of the Last Chance Committee, stated this resolution is an
important step in preserving as much of the open space as possible in this area; stated
the Committee believes the entire area needs to be considered as a single entity and the
study provides an integrated vie-w of what should be done with these properties. She
urged the Town Council adopt the proposed resolution.
After discussion, the Town Council agreed to amend the proposed resolution as follows:
Paragraph #9, change to read "...wherever useable, be deemed open space
for public use, and..."
I
Motion:
Moved:
Vote:
To adopt the proposed resolution as amended.
Thompson, Seconded by Friedman
AYES: Unanimous
,r-..
TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #962 12/2/92
4
, ""
Motion:
Moved:
Vote:
7. DONAHUE BUILDING
A. Accept Consultants "Existing Conditions Survey"
To accept the Architect's Report titled "Existing Conditions Survey".
Friedman, Seconded by Thompson
AYES: Unanimous
B. Consider Landmarks Society Proposal
Mayor Kuhn reported that the Landmarks Society is requesting exploration of the future
ownership and management of the Donahue Building. .
Joan Bergsund, of the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society, reviewed the intent of the
Society to form a partnershipwitb the Town for the management of the building. She
stated the Society would like to begin designing the museum interior and fund raising
for that purpose, but must first have a strong commitment from the Council regarding
their right to tenancy of the building.
Discussion ensued regarding the geotechnical report and what action should be taken
if unstable soils and needed repairs are found.
Motion:
I
Moved:
Vote:
To accept POSC recommendations Nos. 1,2, and 3 to authorize the Public
Works Department to strap and properly vent the existing water heater;
to replace the missing vertical post in the Joint Recreation Department
Office; and to authorize Staff to order a termite inspection, and authoriie
the treatment of any existing infestation; pending Public Works
recommendations.
Thompson, Seconded by Friedman
AYES: Unanimous
After discussion regarding the Society's reluctance to enter into a lease agreement until
the stability of the soil is known, the Town's liability for repair of the building, and the
need for the POSC to address the Landmarks Society's memorandum of November 23,
1992, it was agreed to refer the memorandum from the Landmarks Society to the POSC
for their review and recommendations regarding the geotechnical study and their
consideration of a lease arrang~inent.
8. NEW TOWN CENTER
A. Conceptual Meetings Update (Mayor Kuhn)
Mayor Kuhn reported that the New Town Hall Committee is in the process of
completing the conceptual circulation plan; meetings have been held with the Reed
Union School District, Hilarita Tenants Association, and the Thrift Shop; and meetings
have been scheduled with the Community Garden representatives, Child Care Center,
and the Tiburon Ecumenical Association. When these meetings are completed, Hal
Edelstein, Project Manager, will prepare a preliminary master plan to be considered at
I
r'
TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #962 12/2/92
5
.
the Town Council January 6th regular meeting along with the completed Architect's
contract.
"
B. Roland Miller Contract Status (Mayor Kuhn)
Mayor Kuhn reported that the design approval process will begin after the January 6th
Council meeting.
9. GREENWOOD BEACH ROAD DRAINAGE (Town Engineer's Report and
Recommendations)
The Town Engineer reviewed his report and concluded that from a technical engineering
point of view, it is his conclusion that no drainage problem exists.
Bruce Abbott, 458 Greenwood Beach Road, disputed the Town Engineer's contention
that no drainage problem exists, and stated the laws do not allow for the Town to dump
water on the lower property owners.
The Town Engineer responded that the ponding area was established before Mr.
Abbott's home was built; Mr. Abbott filled the ponding area with lawn and put gravel
into the drainage ditch; therefore, when water drains in from the State highway it drains
into the lawn; he recommended removing the gravel from the ditch which will allow the
water to flow into the Bay; and stated it is a private ownership problem.
I
r
Mr. Abbott, responded that this ditch was created on his land and does not belong to
the Town; he has a right to install a lawn on his property; he has a right to not have the
Town use his property to drain water; and he requested the Town remove the drainage
ditch from his property.
Simon Snellgrove, 442 Greenwood Beach Road, presented an independent survey map
indicating the locations of various drainage culverts; stated that the Abbott's home floods
because of its elevation in relation to the "meadow" area which blocks drainage into the
Bay; recommended a culvert be installed to run through the meadow to the Bay;
complained about the open ditch carrying polluted water through their properties; and
stated responsibility needs to be determined.
The Town Engineer respondeg'that much of the ponding is caused from high tides;
possible solutions could include opening the mouth to the Bay with a dozer to eliminate
stagnant water; and another solution would be to fill up the slough.
I
Rick Cupples, 444 Greenwood Beach Road, stated that the Town Engineer's letter of
November 23, 1992, indicates that the drainage off Tiburon Blvd. is not intercepted and
the ponding on their properties is from off the hillside behind them and from what runs
down Greenwood Beach Road and through the culvert; therefore, this removes
CAL/TRANS from responsibility. The Town Engineer responded that the runoff from
Tiburon Blvd. travels to the entrance of Blackie's Pasture and then travels across the
property of Mr. Abbott to the slough.
"
TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #962 12/2/92
6
"
Florence Holcomb, 448 Greenwood Beach Road, stated the meadow is an illegal
garbage fill; stated they have lived on Greenwood Beach Road since 1952; stated that
the natural siltation which has occurred between the seawall and the meadow area is
causing the drainage problem.
There was discussion regarding the determination of responsibility and resolving the
historical issues of existing easements, property lines and boundaries, etc. The Town
Attorney was directed to explore these issues and report back to the Town Council, and
to keep the POSC and Greenwood Beach Road homeowners apprised.
10. GOVERNMENT RESTRUCTURING. SESSION IX
A. Status of Citizen's Financial and Operations Review Committee .
Councilmember Thayer
Discussion regarding this issue was postponed to the January 6, 1993, regular Town
Council meeting. Councilmember Thayer announced that the next meeting of the
Citizen's Financial and Operations Review Committee is scheduled for December 3,
1992, in the Police Training Room.
B. Police Dispatching Services Consolidation (Progress Report and
Authorization to Proceed with Full Consolidation)
I
Police Chief Herley reported that the results of the consolidation trial period have been
favorable and he recommended the Town Council endorse these findings and the
Tiburon Police Department's participation in the Southern Marin Communications
Consolidated PSAP under the provisions of a joint powers agreement, after which a start
up cost of $20,000 will be required and a joint powers agreement will be brought before
the Council for approval.
Captain Lewis reviewed a chart comparing costs for participating in various dispatching
options, noting that the overall savings for participating in the County's program of
approximately $68,700, and for the Southern Marin Consolidation Program the savings
would be under $12,000 annually. However, he stated the County's program would
provide decreased services; and the Southern Marin Consolidated Program would
provide increased services and j~proved equipment.
Upon questioning by the Coun~i1 Chief Herley responded that Mill Valley City Council
would be the governing body of the joint powers agreement, although all the
participating parties Vlould have equal input. There was additional discussion regarding
concerns over cost controls that would be provided under the joint powers agreement.
It was noted that although the cost savings under this proposed program would be
negligible, the enhancement of service would be increased.
I
Councilmember Nygren expressed concern about the proposed structure of the Joint
Powers Agreement and the fact that Tiburon would have equal monetary responsibility
when it's population is much smaller than Mill Valley's, and stated this is why Belvedere
is reluctant to join in the program.
r'
TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #962 12/2/92
7
-
Chief Herley responded that test results indicate that Tiburon's share of the calls
received and workload for the dispatcher is 32.8%; stated that Sausalito and Mill Valley
have received direction from the City Councils to proceed and are awaiting a decision
by Tiburon.
Nicky Wolf, Greenwood Beach Road, stated that although Sausalito has approximately
the same population as Tiburon, they have a much larger retail commercial area
requiring a larger police force; stated that the County's information indicates that
Sausalito's case reports are 33% greater than Tiburon's; stated that some overhead costs
will remain if the Town participates in this proposal and will cost the Town $60,000
more than current costs; referred to the consolidation option #5 of SausalitQ,
Tiburon/Belvedere sharing a County frequency and stated this would be the most logical
'option because it would provide a dedicated channel and personnel and would not
require sharing the Sheriffs channel, and she urged this option be considered because
it would provide a cost savings of $66,000 over the Southern Marin Consolidatio~
program. Further, she disputed the Police Department's contention that s<:rvices would
be improved because the Town now provides a single dispatcher during the night with
a dedicated channel; and the proposed program would require multiple services being
dispatched on multiple frequencies and channels; and she recommended an independent
consultant review the issue.
Captain Lewis responded that Ms. Wolfs cost figures include the loss of revenue from
Belvedere's participation in' the program and the remaining overhead costs would be
applied to another area of service.
I
""'
Chief Herley added that Sausalito's Police Chief has indicated complete opposition to
joining with the County's program; invited Ms. Wolf to meet with himself and the other
Chiefs to review the program.
Tiburon Police Sergeant Tom Aiello disputed Ms. Wolfs comments; stated that money
should not be the deciding factor, but service; stated his experience with using the
County system when he was employed with the City of Ross was unsatisfactory; and
recommended Ms. Wolf visit the Police Department to review operations.
Don Batten, Belveron Homeowners Association President, spoke in support of the
consolidation program based on the improved service and safety that will be provided
to the community. .
I
Don Best, Captain with the County Sheriffs Department, stated that although
consolidation is a good idea, he disputed some of the comments made regarding the
County having an inadequate system; stated the County has a long history of providing
contract services in communications and have a completely new dispatch center with the
most modern equipment and the best trained dispatchers in the County. However, he
stated that their system was not designed to provide service for cities and could not
provide a records management system which Tiburon needs; and he agreed that a
consolidated system would be the best system for the Town.
".-.
After additional discussion, the Town Council agreed that more information was needed
regarding the County's services and directed that the Police Chief schedule a special
TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #962 12/2/92
8
.
workshop session to meet with the Police Chiefs from Sausalito, Belvedere, Mill Valley
and County Sheriffs Department representatives to further discuss this issue.
I'~,
11.
BLACKIE'S PASTURE IMPROVEMENTS (Future Direction to Parks
and Open Space Commission)
Because of time constraints, the Town Council agreed to postpone discussions regarding
this item to the January 6, 1992, Town Council meeting.
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS
12. APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION. ANTENNA (A.P.
#58-341.09; Applicant: A. Burnham; Appellant: Joan & Charles Dresow,
Staff Report on Proposal & Cost of Mediation)
Mayor Kuhn stepped down from the table because of conflict of interest: and Deputy
Mayor Friedman took the Chair.
'The Town Attorney reviewed the staff report and recommended the various parties
involved in this issue be encouraged to participate in the mediation process to resolve
this matter and stated that Ms. Spater of Marin Mediation'Services has indicated her
first step would be to meet' with each homeowners association and request they each
select a representative to meet with the mediators and Mr. Burnham.
I
r
There was discussion regarding the difficulty in identifying the parties to be involved in
the mediation.
Deputy Mayor Friedman opened the public hearing.
Patty Kellett, President of the Meadowhill Homeowners Association, stated that the
ravine site is the only site for the antenna approved by the Meadowhill homeowners;
stated any attempts to violate the Meadowhill CC&Rs during mediation will be
unacceptable; and expressed concern about additional antennas erected on Mr.
Burnham's property without notification to the neighbors and requested a process be
developed to rectify this situation. However, she indicated that she would take the issue
of participating in mediation t~..her homeowners association for their approval.
Mr. Burnham, the applicant, stated he had tried to contact Ms. Kellett regarding the
erection of the vertical antenna on a trial basis; stated the vertical antenna did not
perform satisfactorily for his purposes; questioned whether the Council would approve
whatever solution is found through mediation; and indicated his willingness to participate
in mediation although he is doubtful a satisfactory solution can be reached since the
Meadowhill Homeowners have indicated that the only acceptable location for the
antenna would be in the ravine.
I
Tom Cowley, 26 Tara Hill, stated he would support mediation, but suggested the
mediator meet with all parties and submit an estimate for the time and costs involved
in the process.
,r-
TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #962 12/2/92
9
.
Joan Dresow, 40 Meadowhill, stated she and her husband are in favor of mediation, but
expressed concern about procedure; and stated they are not committed to the ravine site
and would consider other alternatives.
-
Upon hearing no further public comment, Deputy Mayor Friedman closed the public
hearing.
After discussion, it was agreed to direct the Town Attorney to 'contact the mediator and
request she proceed with the mediation process.
. 13. APPEAL OF BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS & REVIEW DECISION .
SECOND STORY ADDITION (A.P. #55.102.07; 158 Stewart Drive;
Applicant: Zsuffka; App.ellants: John Kern, et al.)
Assistant Planner Boyle reviewed the staffreport and stated the appeal is based on the
grounds that the proposed addition would be out of character with the neighborhood and
create an unattractive visual block, would cause loss of privacy, and cause a view
obstruction.
There was discussion regarding the neighbors' concerns that what is built would not be
in compliance with what was approved; and the Assistant Planner stated that the
inspection process would assure compliance.
I
Mayor Kuhn opened the public hearing.
,-
John Kern, 166 Stewart Drive, stated all the neighbors. are independently appealing the
BAR's decision; stated the neighbors were told at the first BAR hearing that the
addition would not go up, but would be expanded out on the first floor; stated the
proposal would violate the neighborhood's CC&Rs; stated that any decision made by the
Council should be predicated on acknowledgement of the CC&Rs and their prohibition
of this type of construction and the existing'trees that block views; presented a copy ,of
the neighborhood's CC&Rs; stated the development would block views, violates the
integrity of the neighborhood, would change its character, would set a precedent, would
invade privacy and effect their property values. Further, he stated the applicant has
refused to trim his trees which are in violation of the Town's tree ordinance and hillside
guidelines; presented photographs of views from several homes that would be affected
by the addition; and disputed the proposed square footage.
There was discussion regarding the Town Council's inability to enforce CC&Rs.
Joan Foster, 11 Sierra Court and President of the Little Reed Heights Homeowners
Association, stated she is opposed to the proposed project and stated there was
indecision amongst the BAR members in approving the project.
I
Jack Cooper, 173 Stewart Drive, stated that he is a real estate appraiser and property
values could be affected by as much as 15 to 25% based on view loss.
-
TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #962 12/2/92
10
.
Vivian Jacobs, 167 Stewart Drive, requested the appeal be granted because of the
potential effect on her views and stated the existing pine tree already blocks her water
view.
~"
Victor Zsuffka, applicant, displayed a map of Little Reed Heights and stated he
conducted a survey and found many existing two-story homes in excess of 23 feet in
height; stated their home would still appear as a one story from Stewart Drive; stated
their proposal would not change the character of the neighborhood; displayed
photographs of views from various neighbors' homes indicating no significant view
blockage; stated they are not proposing anything that would violate the Hillside
Guidelines; stated they are only requesting 625 additional square feet and 2'7" increas!l
in height; stated Mrs. Coleman's property is 200 feet away from their property and less
than one degree of her view will be affected; disputed alleged view blockages of other
neighbors; stated they plan to cut their pine tree to open views; and stated they have
made every effort possible to appease the neighbors and requested the appeal be denied.
The resident of 162 Stewart Drive stated the windows on the back of the proposed
project will effect the privacy of his back yard.
Usa Klairmont, 161 Stewart Drive, stated the applicant never considered the option of
expanding the first story instead of building a second story.
I
,....
Colleen Mahoney, applicant's architect, stated they considered expanding on the ground
level and found that it would bring the house closer to the street and would not
significantly improve the value of the home relative to a vertical addition. Further,.she
stated this neighborhood is very resistent to change; stated this application should be
considered on its own and not compared to what future applicants may do; stated they
have made every effort to respond to the neighbors' and the BAR's requests; and stated
the CC&R's were never discussed during previous hearings.
Mayor Kuhn closed the public hearing.
Michael Heckman, Chairman of the BAR, clarified that Diana Bennett had voted in
protest against requiring the applicant to reduce the overall roof height by another 6",
but she was in favor of the project; therefore, although the vote was 3-2 in favor of the
project, the true sentiment was ,~. 4-1 approval.
Robert Farood, neighbor ofthe'applicant, stated the vote was definitely 3-2 and the third
person indicated he was reluctant to vote in favor of the project.
Councilmember Thayer stated he visited the site and found no serious view obstructions,
no privacy issues and would vote to uphold the decision of the BAR.
I
Councilmember Thompson visited the site and various neighbors' homes and agreed that
no major view obstruction would result from the addition; discussed the Homeowners
Association's power to rewrite their CC&Rs to control development in their
neighborhood; and stated he would vote to uphold the decision of the BAR.
,....
TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #962 12/2/92
11
.
~
Deputy Mayor Friedman stated that much of the animosity attached to this project was
created by the original application; stated this addition is appropriate, expressed concern
about the existing trees and stated he would support the decision of the BAR with the
condition that the pine tree in question be removed and vegetation trimmed.
Councilmember Nygren stated that the Town has an obligation to follow CC&Rs even
though it is not ruled by them; stated this addition is reasonable; would prefer a
condition be included in the resolution requiring a survey to guarantee compliance; and
that the long needle pine tree be removed.
Mayor Kuhn concurred with the previous comments; that the application is in
compliance with the Town's guidelines and does not cause a serious view obstruction.
There was discussion regarding the Town's enforcement of requiring property owners to
maintain trees at a certain height and requiring the applicant to remove the needle nose
pine tree and trim the large cedar tree before issuance of the building permit.
The applicant indicated he is willing to remove the needle nose pine tree and will trim
the large cedar tree.
Motion:
To deny the appeal and uphold the decision of the BAR to approve the
project with the added conditions that prior to issuance of the Building
Permit the pine tree be removed in its entirety and all other trees on the
street side of the property be cut to roof height; and further that all trees
be maintained to not grow higher than the roof height; and at the time of
framing that a survey be conducted to guarantee the height of the roof.
Friedman, Seconded by Thayer
AYES: Unanimous
,
Moved:
Vote:
14. APPEAL OF BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS & REVIEW DECISION .
GARAGE ADDITION (A.P. #38-041.29 4960 Ranch Road; Applicants &
Appellants: William & Georgia Kolthotl)
Assistant Planner Boyle reviewed the staff report and stated the applicants are appealing
the conditions requiring tree alterations the Board of Adjustments and Review
Commission placed upon the garage addition approval. The applicants claim the
required tree alterations are no~related to the garage addition and should not be related
to the application. Assistant Phinner Boyle agreed that the disputed conditions are not
related to the garage and were an attempt to accommodate the concerns of the
neighbor, Mrs. Jerom~; therefore, recommended the Town Council grant the appeal and
delete the three conditions.
There was discussion regarding the fact that Mrs. Jerome's property is located within the
County and therefore the Town's tree ordinance cannot be applied.
Mayor Kuhn opened the public hearing.
I
-
The applicant and appellant, Mr. Kolthoff, stated the trees provide privacy and noise
blockage; stated he has already cut the trees by half since he purchased the property;
TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #962 12/2/92
12
stated he is willing to compromise by cutting two trees, not three, and stated that Mrs.
Jerome should pay the cost.
~,
Mrs. Jerome, 4903 Ranch Road, stated the trees are a fire hazard; stated the previous
owners trimmed the trees yearly; stated a large branch has recently fallen on her
telephone line and has not been removed; stated she preferred five trees be cut and
compromised that only three be trimmed; and stated that at the BAR meeting, the
Kolthoffs had not indicated any objection to the conditions. '
The Assistant Planner stated the trees were inspected by the Fire Marshall who
indi~ated they were maintained properly and thus not a fire hazard.
Michael Heckman, Chairman of the BAR, stated he was surprised that the applicants
appealed the BAR decision because he had felt a satisfactory resolution had been
reached by all parties.
Mrs. Kolthoff stated they were not given an opportunity at the BAR hearing to state
their opposition to the conditions because the public hearing had been closed.
Mayor Kuhn closed the public hearing.
I
Jf""'
Deputy Mayor Friedman stated the applicant's trees are blocking views and should be
trimmed regardless of when they were planted; disputed the BAR's decision to exceed
the F ARs by approving the garage; expressed concern that no story poles were erected
and stated that without story poles he cannot make a judgment regarding the need. for
trimming the trees; recommended this matter be continued until after story poles are
erected; and stated that if he voted at this time he would vote to deny the application
because he could not make the findings to exceed the floor area ratio.
Councilmembers Nygren, Thayer and Thompson concurred with Deputy Mayor
Friedman's comments.
Motion:
To continue this matter to the first regular meeting in January and direct
the appellant to erect story poles and reconsider the entire application.
Friedman, no second
Moved:
Councilmember Thompson ch~riged his opinion and stated he would vote to deny the
appeal, but not to reconsider the entire application again.
Mr. Kolthoff withdrew the appeal stating that his property was downsized from 30%
FAR to 15% FAR when they were forced to annex into the Town.
G. COUNCIL. COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORTS
None.
I
r'
TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #962 12/2/92
13
.
H. COMMUNICATIONS
~
l
15. Letter from VIACOM to Town Manager, dt'd 11/11/92 (Increased
Cablevision Rates Effective January 1, 1993)
Councilmember Nygren requested a letter be forwarded to Viacom indicating the Town's
objection to the rate increase. The Town Manager was so directed.
16. Letter from Marin Board of Supervisors to Mayor Kuhn, dt'd 11/16/92
(Commuter Bikeway Feasibility Study Funding)
The Town Manager was directed to forward a letter to the Board of Supervisors
indicati,ng the Town's intention to support and contribute $1400 to the North-South
Commuter Bikeway Feasibility Study.
I. STAFF AND TOWN MANAGER REPORTS,
17. TOWN CONSTRUCfION HOURS (Definition of Holidays)
The Town Council agreed to confirm Staffs recommendation for official "no construction
work days" to include New Years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
I
"
18. TOWN APPEAL PROCESS (Consider New POlicy/Procedure for
Consideration of Appeals)
After discussion, it was agreed the appeal procedure should be determined on a case-by- '
case basis.
19. TIBURON STREET MAINTENANCE (Street Repair. Sealing of Cracks)
The Town Manager reported that he has directed the Town Engineer to proceed with
the process of obtaining cost estimates to repair cracks in Town Streets.
J. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business' before the Town Council of the Town of Tiburon,
Mayor Kuhn adjourned the meeting at 1:55 a.m. Thursday, December 3, 1992, to January
6, 1993.
CR4I/L
ALVIN R. KUHN, MAYOR
,--
ATIEST:
Qft4.~.~
ERESE M. HENNESSY, WN CLERK
I
TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #962 12/2/92
14
;;J ~ -.-