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PC Min 02/24/1983PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF CAMPBELL, CALIFORNIA 7:30 P.M. SPECIAL MEETING CIRCULATION ELEMENT LAND USE ELEMENT SAN T0MAS AREA THURSDAY FEBRUARY 24, 1983 SAN TOMAS NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER MINUTES The special meeting to discuss the Circulation Element and the Land ilse Element of the General Plan was called to order by Chairman Kotowski. The Chairman in- troduced the Commissioners present: Fairbanks, Campos, Dickson, Meyer; and Staff present: Kee, Stafford, Helms. Pte. Kee stated that Staff ~,ri.ll be cliscussing the Circulation Element which is directly related to the land use in the area; and will also discuss the text of the Land Use Element. The purpose of this meeting is to solicit input from the area residents regarding these two items. Mr Helms, City Engineering Manager, presented at length the proposed Circula- tion Element for the City, noting that this element expresses the City Coun- cil's policy regarding the types of street services the City is trying to provide--recognizing not only what is currently in existence, but what will ultimately be in place. He explained the various types of street classifica- tions and the level of service each classification is designed to accommodate; as well as the method of determining trip generations, collector streets, and arterials streets. Mr. Helms noted that since the streets are built in bits and pieces, as properties are developed, that it is essential that the City have a long-range criteria which will enable the developers to build the streets accordingly. Mr. Jack Banfield, 1209 Abbott, asked what the time frame was for the proposed extension of Abbott; and, noted that this extension would wipe out a number of homes as well as eliminate much of the rural aspect of the neighborhood. Ntr. Helms explained the City's budgeting process, both annually and the three- year capital improvement plan, noting that this project is not proposed for funding through 1985. Mr. Banfield stated that he felt Staff should give the residents a straight answer regarding the City's "game plan", in order that the property owners might have a chance to sell their property if they wished. Mr. Helms stated that the presented circulation plan is a policy statement of the City Council which states that this circulation element is the best element for the entire community, and was adopted after a series of public hearings. Staff is, at this time, trying to solicit input from the area residents to deteYmine if this plan is still valid. He continued that it is not possible for Staff to be precise regarding the exact placement of possible streets, that the plan presented this evening is really just a "stick map", and that before anything definite could be started there would have to be a lengthy study. He invited anyone in the area to came into his office during the week to discuss what might happen. -2- Cor-tinissioner Fairbanks noted that I~1r. Banfield's continent implied that this issue is out of the residents hands. Staff is only carrying out the policy of the City Council, and if the residents are finding that this Circulation Element is not of benefit to them, that this is the place to make the state- ment. This will cause further study and advise to the City Council regarding the feelings of the area residents. Mr. Norm Schirle, 1449 Pollard Rd., questioned why the residents of Los Gatos and Saratoga should benefit from Campbell's tax dollars used for streets. Nh~. Hal Crittendon, 1492 Westmont, asked what the most effective method of communicating with the Council would be. bir. Helms stated that we have to recognize that there is always going to be traffic from other cities, either entering Campbell, or going through Campbell, since the City is not an island. Additionally, Campbell residents use streets in other cities that are paid for by other city's residents. He explained that by designing arterial streets that can handle the traffic, much of the excess traffic will be taken off the neighborhood streets, since people will take the most direct route to their destination. He continued that if you look at some of the streets designated as local streets, you will find that many of these streets are currently over-burdened (I-Iarriet, Westmont, Burrows) becaue there are no collector streets or arterials to accommodate the amount of traffic. Airs. Dorothy Ellis, 1109 Steinway Ave., stated that San Tomas Aquino Road is in terrible condition and asked when it was going to be up-graded. Phr. Helms explained that cities are usually not in the business of building streets--only of maintaining:~them. Generally, the streets are built by developers when property is developed; or, in some instances, the City can form a Local Improvement District with the property owners in order to fund street improvements. Mr. Helms continued with an explanation of street improvement funding, noting that in cases where a multi-lane arterial street is proposed, there is usually a substantial amount of the cost picked up by the City. The money must be saved over a long period of time from gas taxes and federal revenue sharing to finance the project. Staff has made a rough estimate to up-grade San Tomas Aquino Read--approxi- mately one million dollars; and, since the opportunities for saving this amount of money are limited, it may be some time before the work can be done. Atis. Jane Catalano, 940 Hazel Avenue, asked about the townhouse complex currently under construction on San Tomas Aquino Road. Mr. Kee briefly explained this project, noting that it was approved under the County's jurisdiction and is being built under the County's supervision. Alr. Lee Peterson, 1156 Audrey Avenue, asked about proposed improvements for Burrows Road. P~'Ir. Helms explained the City's adopted street standards as it pertains to various types of roadway construction, noting that the only alternatives at this point are some minor modifications that the City Council and Planning Commission adopted a few years ago regarding streets in a rural-type area, providing for different types of sidewalks and curbings (asphalt vs concrete). -3- Mr. Helms continued that the proposed width for Burrows would be a two-lane street (40') plus 20' for curbing and sidewalks. -- bir. Mike Klupfell, Walnut Drive, stated that the big push has been for "sub- '~ standard" street improvements; however, some place down the line all these streets are going to conform to the rest of the City. He spoke for leaving the streets are they now exist. Mr. Klupfell asked about the recent re-graveling of his street. Mr. Helms explained the method of maintenance used in the City known as chip seal. He further explained the method for determining which streets needed this preventative maintenance, noting that priorities are based on the amount of money available. Mr. Herb Killmeyer, 696 Emory Avenue, asked how the circulation plan ties in with the County Rapid Transit System. Mr. Helms responded that he did not have that information with him this evening, however he would be happy to discuss it with anyone who would like to come into the office. He commented that he is not aware of any plans to construct a "Park and Ride" facility in the City; however, the residents should understand that there are always on-going studies. bir. Kenneth L. Campbell, 1440 Juanita 19ay, commented that these plans being discussed this evening have been given a great deal of thought, and he hopes that any construction on Abbott Avenue will be done better than what was done on Westmont, which is beautiful to Harriet Avenue, then jogs out - to the south. He asked if the street construction was going to keep zig-zagging throughout the area, or if it might all be straighted out. D4r. Helms once again explained that the City is generally not in the business of building streets, and that the streets are usually brought up to standard as properties are developed. This accounts for the zig-zag effect. The question was asked if Abbott is put through, will the jog near the school be taken out; to which Pdr. Helms responded that it is anticipated that this portion of the street will receive a gentle "reverse curve". Mr. Flank Zmak, 1200 Abbott Avenue, asked how wide the bridge over the creek on Abbott would be. Mr. Helms stated that it would possibly be 48 feet wide. Mr. Jack Banfield questioned residential setbacks in the area. Mr. Kee explained residential setback requirements in the City (25' for garages, and 15' for residences). Mrs. Laurene Crittenden stated that the widening of Abbott would be taking a large portion of her property. She noted that a traffic signal would be required at the corner of Westmont and Abbott/Harriet. She also goes- _ tinned the hearing notification procedures. Mr. Helms explained the process that is used in determining the placement of a signal light. Mr. Kee explained the notification process for public hearings, as well as the process that was used to notify area residents of this evening's meeting. He noted that the people who had expressed an interest in the -4- process at earlier area meetings were notified of tonight's meeting, and asked to notify their neighbors; as well as small articles being placed in the Campbell Press and the San Jose Mercury telling of this evening's meeting. Mr. Bruce Reed, 1509 Walnut Drive, stated that he has circulated several petitions in the area, and expressed his concern about what happens. He questioned where the money would becoming from to make a four-lane road down Abbott, and why the City didn't enlarge San Tomas Aquino Road which is already disrupted. Mr. Helms stated that the City currently does not have the money to do either project, and that the decision to extend Harriet to Abbott was made several years ago by the City Council and the Planning Commission, because it makes the best sense for the entire com~manity. Mrs. Dottie Reed, 890 Scott Ct., stated that the only area she has difficulty traversing is through the San Tomas Area. She stated she would like to see Pollard Road improved to the extent of the new sections-- noting that the new sections are clear and concise. She commented that the area is choking. Mr. M. W. Peyton canunented that he is tired of looking at this circulation plan, and that the City should not have let Harriet dead-end in the first place. Mr. Milton Brown commented that the City wants everyone's property right up to their front door step in order that they can improve the roads, so - that developers will come in and build, and the City can have the tax money. Mr. Al Ellis, 1109 Steinway Avenue, asked if this circulation plan provided for foot traffic for children in the area. Mr. Helms stated that City-approved standards required a sidewalk. Mr. Herb Killmeyer questioned the condemnation process, and asked how the City proposed to save up enough money to fund the construction of Harriet. Mr. Helms explained the condemnation process at length, noting that it is usually very favorable from a monetary standpoint to the property over. He noted, in reference to saving mmney for construction, that it is possible for a jurisdiction to save one type of fluids (as designated by Council) over a period of time; ie. gas tax revenue. b'~. Lee Petersen questioned the noise level impact when a two-lane street is converted into a four-lane road, in reference to a street like Abbott. bir. Helms stated that there are several things that must be look at when this type of project is set in motion, including the type of traffic and how close the houses are to the street. A great deal of study would go into this type of proposal before any work could be started, and an environmental impact report would generally be required. -S- Nlr. Helms then reviewed at length the standard type of street construction ___ with 40' pavement, curbs ~ gutters, planting areas, and street lights. He then reviewed possible alternatives to this standard (attached hereto). Mr. Helms presented a map indicating the streets in the San Tomas Area which might be considered for these alternative improvements, noting that there are no arterial or connector streets suggested. Commissioner Fairbanks noted that she had been on the committee that studied possible alternative street improvements, and that she recalled some dis- cussion regarding water/flooding problems on some of the streets in the area. She asked Mr. Helms if any of the streets proposed for alternative improve- ments had flooding problems. Mr. Helms stated that the water problems usually do not occur with the streets that run north and south, unless the street has some low pockets in it. However, in constructing east/west streets, an artificial grade must be created to prevent flooding. A concrete gutter (rather than an asphalt one as proposed as an alternative) can provide better grade control and lessen flooding. When the drainage system was designed, it was designed on the basis of concrete gutters with different grades than what would be necessary with asphalt curbs/gutters. There are limitations throughout the area with regard to streets that could possible have alternative improve- ments because of the storm drain system. D~fr. Helms continued that the City does not think it is appropriate to not have sidewalks in any residential area. --- Mr. Helms stated that these alternative standards could, theoretically, be chosen when a parcel is developed and it is necessary for the developer to construct street improvr~nents. Mr. Bruce Reed questioned the sidewalk policy for Pollard Road pertaining to children going to Rolling Hills School. Dom. Helms explained that the City has been working with Los Gatos for a long time to acquire the necessary rights-of-way to construct the needed sidewalk; however, the legalities have not been over-come. Des. Dorothy Ellis commented regarding the drainage problems near her home on Steinway Avenue, noting that they have been caused by the townhouse development nearby. She stated that you can't put a townhouse development up against a rural area. Dlr. Phil Topolski, 1545 Hacienda Avenue, stated that he was not in agreement with the asphalt curbing, and questioned the life expectancy of this type of curbing. P~Ir. Helms noted that the City has experienced a significant amount of damage in the City to concrete curbings because of tree roots; however, the damage is diminishing because the City is now requiring trees that have small root systems. The asphalt, however, has a degree of flexibility and can be more - durable with regard to this type of problem. Mr. Al Ellis questioned the soundness of an alternative street improvement that proposed no on-street parking. -6- Mr. Helms noted that the alternative presented here this evening is just an idea at this time--not an adopted policy--and that in order for this type of improvement to be constructed, the neighborhood would have to be in agreement. ~~~ LAND USE ELD~iT Mr. Stafford reported briefly on what has happened with the Land Use Element regarding the San Tomas Area, existing lot patterns, and recommendations for densities. The City Council recently took action to increase the minimum lot size for single family residential from 6,000 sq.ft. to minimum lot sizes of 6,000-8,000-10,000 or larger in some areas. The purpose for this meeting is to solicit the residents input to this Land Use Element, with the intention of incorporating these concerns in a draft element which will be considered by the Planning Commission at a public hearing. Mr. Milton Broom asked if the City was going to follow the plan or if it was going to constantly approve variances. Mr. Stafford addressed the variance procedure noting that it provides for relief of hardship on a property o~mer, and that it is a public hearing procedure in which property owners within 300 feet of the affected property are notified of the hearing. _ Mr. Bruce Reed noted that the rqquirement of 300 feet for notification was not applicable in the San Tomas Area since the lots were so large, stating that this requirement would mean that only his immediate neighbor would be notified of any action on his property. Mr. Lee Petersen stated that it was his desire that the area retain its "rural" character, which he defines as: large lots; low traffic volume; low noise levels; non-tract housing; no two-story tract housing; no four- lane streets; and no "fancy" storm-drains, curbs, or gutters. Tyr. Jack Banfield stated his agreement with Mr. Petersen. Des. Maggie Desmond, 1491 Hack Avenue, stated she was in agreement with Mr. Petersen and Mr. Banfield. She spoke yin favor of an "area plan" which would encompass all these components. D4r. Stafford stated that an "area plan" is provided for in the State law which a cit may adopt--this is typically for very large cities (such as Los Angeles with extreme diversities. Staff's position is that the text of the City's General Plan can be such that a specific section can be set aside for the San Tomas Area establishing guidelines for the insurance of maintaining the desired standards. Mr. Kee added that this would be a section dealing with the San Tomas Area and its particular concerns regarding density, street standards, lot sizes, etc., and that this text would be reviewed by the Planning Commission at a public hearing. - 7- Mfrs. Desmond stated that she did not feel that this position was adequate because the developers can still come in and try to develop. ~- Mr. Kee noted that the newly-created densities definitely limited development. _ He asked that the residents express their views to the Staff as to what they would like to see in the area, and this would be incorporated into the General Plan. A specific "area plan" is extremely time-consuming project and the City has very limited staff and money. Chairman Kotowski stated that the Planning Commission would invite residents to call on write the Planning Department if they had any comments or questions. The meeting was adjourned at 10:02 p.m. APPROVED: Michael F. Kotowski airman ATTEST: Arthur A. Kee ecretary REO~RDED: Linda A. Dennis ecor g Secretary