CC 04-23-56
P. O. BOX 597
AX 6-7064
C I T Y 0 F CUP E R TIN 0
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 23, 1956
Place: Collins School, Teachers Lounge
Time: 8:00 P.M.
Press Present: San Jose Mercury, D, Cox
Sunnyvale Standard, M. Soomil
I
ROLL CALL
Councilmen Present:
Councilmen Absent:
Wilson, Lindenmeyer, Nathanson, Saich
Meyerholz
II READING MI~NTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The Clerk read the minutes of the April 16th meeting. The
following corrections were noted: Item IV-A-2 insert "especial-
ly" before the phrase "over the weekends"; Item VI-C line 2,
delete "other" and insert "from sources other than the County"
after "roed maintenance"; Item VI-F line 6, substitute "and
with" for "appointed" and add "presiding" after pro tem,
III PETITIONS ANL COMMUNICATIONS
A. Written
1. A letter from the City of Santa Clara was read, The
letter mentioned the proposed sewerage discussion and
suggested a joint meeting early in May.
2. Mr. Joseph McKinnon reported that Ordinance No. 305.1,
adjusting judicial bounQaries, was adopted on April 9, 1956,
and will be in effect in 30 days.
3. Governor Knight's letter on the traffic safety program
was read,
4. A letter from the Office of Civil Defense, Santa Clara
County, described evacuation plans in the event of emergency.
B, Oral
1. Moved by Councilman Nathanson that the City Clerk contact
Judge Forrest Bentzeim re distribution of fines arising from
citations issued by officers in the name of, and within, the
City of Cupertino; seconded by Councilman Lindenmeyer and
carried 4 - O. Councilman Nathanson reasoned that the
services of a certain few police officers had been transferred
to Cupertino by verbal agreement, since the City of Cupertino
is not as yet empowered to enter a written contract, Copies
were also directed to Sheriff Hawley and Captain Tressler of
the Highway Patrol.
2. Councilman Nathanson reported that Mayor Starbird of San
Jose is willing to cooperate in solving Cupertino's sewerage
problem. San Jose is involved since they have the treatment
plant for Santa Clara's outfall. Mayor wilson asked that the
City acltnowledge Santa Clara's letter and express apprecia-
tion. Councilman Nathanson thought that a letter to Mayor
Starbird would also be appropriate.
IV UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Ordinances for adoption
None
B. Final Hearing on "Quito 1-C" Annexation
The City Clerk read a statement to the effect that the value
of the property of those protesting the annexation amounted
to 73 percent of the total valuation ascribed to the land
within "Quito 1-C". Mayor Wilson said that "Quito 1-C" is a
closed issue. He publicly than:œd Mr. and ¡'¡rs. Robert
Butcher for their efforts and their interest in entering the
City, Mr. Butcher in turn thanked the Council for their
cooperation. City Attorney Anderson requested that the Chair
note the work of Mrs. Dorothy Zeszutekj he felt that mention
of this should be made in the minutes. Councilman Nathanson
requested that a note of appreciation be addressed to
petitioners, such as Lola Shearer, Lorothy Zeszutek and
Robert Butcher.
--..--------..-----------------.------- ---- --------------------
- 2 -
Attorney Anderson reported on the status of Cupertino's
Sunnyvale lawsuit. He observed that a temporary injunction
had been issued against Sunnyvale's "Ortega #3". The first
four allegations of said injunction establish the priority
of Cupertino's annexation in that area. The fifth point has
as its basis the contention that Sunnyvale has circumvented
elective processes by its questionable "uninhabited" methods.
This last issue is still current despite the defeat of "Quito
i-C", i.e., the injunction still stands. Councilman Nathan-
son inquired whether the "Greenbelting" of the Zeszutek pro-
perty would break the contiguity of the annexation. Attorney
Anderson responded that it would not. He also said that the
City Council should move that "Quito i-C" be officially
dropped. Councilman Nathanson inquired whether the writ of
mandamus had prevented "Ortega #3" from clearing the County
Boundary Commission. Attorney Anderson answered that it had
not; it was "tabled". It was recognized and moved by the
County Boundary Commission that no action be taken until 20
days elapse,
With regard to the Zeszutek property, Councilman Nathan-
son did not understand why the County would not grant her
a Greenbelt. Mrs. Zeszutek said that a Mr. Haas stated that
the Boundary Commission will not Greenbelt if that parcel is
trying to escape an annexation. Councilman Nathanson decl~d
that the Board of Supervisors has given immediate Greenbelt~
to protect property from annexation. This, in fact, is the
stipulated present policy of the Board of Supervisors, This
emergency Greenbelting allows the individual 15 days to pre-
pare maps and legal description. He advised t1rs. Zeszutek
to see Karl Belser, Sam Della Maggiore or Joseph McKinnon.
Moved by Councilman Nathanson that the City Attorney
make further study of the writ of mandamus in connection
with the "Quito i-C" annexation; seconded by Councilman Saich
and carried 4 - O.
City Attorney Anderson said that the law provides that
the City Council shall take no further action on annexation
proceedings if the value of the territory of those protesting
exceeds 50 percent. Councilman Nathanson felt that the
attitude of Judge Owens was known, and there was little
question but that Owens would reach the same conclusion as
in the Katesich Case. City Attorney Anderson felt that
"Ortega #3" might be illegal and that the absence of termina-
ting action by the Cupertino City Council might prejudice the
remaining aspect of the lawsuit. Councilman Lindenmeyer
moved that the Council withhold for one week the final deci-
sion on "Quito i-C". Mayor Wilson asked if the mandamus
protected the Zeszuteks from annexation to Sunnyvale.
Attorney Anderson answered in the negative. Councilman
Nathanson inquired as to the difference between dismissing
the annexation tonight or next week. Moved by Councilman
Lindenmeyer that the Council adopt a Resolution terminating
action on "Quito l-C"; seconded by Councilman Saich and
carried 3 - 1, Councilman Nathanson opposing.
Attorney Anderson referred to the "Quito i-C" protests
as political skullduggery.
V NEW BUSINESS
A. Attorney's Report - Bianchi Affair
At the last meeting of the Planning Commission the matter
was reviewed. The City Attorney advised the Planning Com-
mission, at that time, that the Bianchi permit could be
revoked under the City's Planning ~rocedure Ordinance if
they saw fit. The Planning Commission recommended no further
action at the present time and voted 4 - 0 that they reaffirm
their previous stand. The City Attorney reported meeting
with County Officials and learning that contracts with
Cupertino are being drawn. He expects further word in 2 or 3
weeks. With reference to street lighting there is only one
district within the City, according to P.G,&E. Attorney
Anderson declared he would check the Streets and Highways
Code to determine the rights and procedures of a municipality
- J -
with reference to taxing a public utility, The Clerk was
asked to contact P,G.&E. and verify the various details such
as the number of districts, number and location of lights,
and the money matters involved.
B. Report of Finance Chairman
No report
Mayor Wilson asked the Clerk to estimate City revenue from
Ordinances 10 and 15, to estimate expenses of his office and
to check with Councilman Meyerholz on the Motor Vehicle Fee
apportionment with particular reference to the $2400,00
supposed to have been remitted.
C, Report of Roads and Maintenance Commissioner
No report
D. Report of 20lice and Fire Chief
Councilman Nathanson has instructed Marshall Wiggins to in-
spect Cupertino Union Church before and after its projected
move.
E. Report of Building and Health Inspector
No report
F. See below
G. Selection of Planning Commission
Mayor Wilson verified the fact that Ordinance No. 5 provides
that the Mayor appoint the members of the Planning Commission
with the approval of the Council. He felt that the original
Planning Commission had been appointed on a long range basis.
After much consideration. he came to the conclusion that there
was no need to expand the Commission to 7 members. He felt
that any change might be construed to indicate a lack of con-
fidence, There seems to be a general feeling that the
Planning Commission has done an excellent job. With added
time and experience, this job will become better, Therefore,
he would like to reappoint the three incumbents, namely:
Mr. Leonard, Mr, Neilsen and Mr. Paizis. Moved by Councilman
Nathanson that the Mayor's appointments be ratified; seconded
by Councilman Saich and carried 4 - o.
H. Certificates of election
Certificates of election were signed.
I. Statement of Finances
Desire for additional and more complete information had been
expressed above.
F. Selection of City Treasurer
With the prospect of mounting finances, Mayor Wilson declared
the need for a City Treasurer, apart from the function of
Councilmen, He suggested the appointment of Earl Foster for
this honorary position, Councilman Nathanson said that he
would contact ¡Jr. Foster with tl'Bt object in mind. Attorney
Anderson stated that an Ordinance was needed for the pros-
pective City Treasurer and for the City Clerk as well.
J. Miscellaneous
1. Mayor Wilson expressed hope that our Civil Defense Directo~
Mr. Shelly Williams, be accorded the necessary cooperation and
information.
2. Mayor Wilson also queried the Council as to the feasibility
of appointing Commissioners and Inspectors of the various
departments, other than Councilmen. The Mayor also wanted
more definite information concerning our budget and tax rate,
as to time factors and procedures.
J. Councilman Lindenmeyer reported a letter from a fact-
finding committee of the Rancho Rinconada Homeowners Associa-
tion, They request that the City of Cupertino send them a
letter stating the policy of the City in regard to the annexa-
tion of Rancho Rinconada. Moved by Councilman Nathanson that
the Council of the City of Cupertino adopt a policy toward
homeowner associations contemplating entrance to Cupertino:
namely, that the basis for annexation be the creation of pub-
lic service assessment districts to support such services as
petitioners may require; seconded by Councilman Lindenmeyer
and carried 4 - O. The City Clerk was instructed to inform
Mrs. Brand of this motion.
VI ADJOURNMENT at 11:00 P.M.
Re~pectfully submitted,
1\QM>-V..A.UÁ 1<. l(t1t~
Lawrence K. Martin, City Clerk