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Published on 06/15/1998 All articles from this issue

News Briefs

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Task force selection for design guidelines

Los Altos City Council members are putting together the task force that will soon begin reviewing the city's residential guidelines.

At the council's June 9 meeting, members agreed to a new charge for the task force that includes finding a consensus on design guideline issues and to propose solutions.

The council also directed the task force to consider the one-story vs. two-story design issue and if some parts of town would be one-story homes only.

In areas where two-story designs are allowed, the task force is to consider "proper design guidelines" that will work with "consistent character neighborhoods," said city clerk Carol Scharz.

The council agreed to expand the task force to include four members from the public and up to five members of the planning commission. Councilman Francis La Poll said he wants the task force to "answer specific issues but to have the latitude to look at other issues."

Loyola Fire Station remodel begins soon

The Los Altos City Council, at its June 9 meeting, awarded a contract for remodeling and seismic updating of the Loyola Fire Station on Fremont Avenue.

The station was built in 1953 and has "never had a significant upgrading or remodeling," said director of public works Bruce Bane in a staff report.

Even though the city has a contract with the Santa Clara County Fire Department for fire service, the city owns its two fire stations and is responsible for repairs and renovations on them.

The major part of the remodel includes seismic upgrading, a new roof, a 600-square-foot addition to upgrade sleeping and bathroom facilities to accommodate male and female firefighters.

Part of the money for the fire station work comes from a state funding that is available for seismic upgrading in "essential" buildings such as fire stations. The Loyola qualified for $87,000 of state funds.

Total cost of the project is estimated at $549,000.

- Joanne Griffith Domingue