Portola Valley Notes: Town reworks fence fee Portola Valley Notes: Town reworks fence fee (November 16, 2005)

Horse fences -- with their open feeling and uncomplicated installation -- are getting a break on permit fees in a new set of ordinances before the Portola Valley Town Council.

At its November 9 meeting, where the council unanimously approved new fence regulations, all five members also agreed to introduce a two-tiered permit fee -- $100 for a horse fence and $225 for most other fences -- instead of the flat $150 fee recommended by the town planning staff.

The council is likely to approve a new fee structure at its November 23 meeting.

The $225 fee reflects costs associated with the new regulations that include staff review of documents, a field check of the property, notification of neighbors, and inspections, said Planning Manager Leslie Lambert.
Animal-control ordinance passes with rural caveats

The Portola Valley Town Council has endorsed the new animal-control ordinance recently handed down by the county Board of Supervisors to all cities and towns in San Mateo County, but with amendments to reflect the town's rural character.

For example, the hearing required to designate an animal as dangerous or vicious will be done by a local panel that would include one Town Council member and the mayor and town administrator, or people chosen by them. The town's plentiful open space may also be a mitigating factor.

Portola Valley animals declared dangerous can have their cases reheard after two years if their behavior warrants it, and the council knocked $100 off the county's $350 hearing fee.

The ordinance is likely to be approved at the council's November 23 meeting. The county's new rules were designed to address growing concerns about dangerous dogs.
Cable TV provider seeks secret negotiations

Comcast, Portola Valley's cable TV provider, has requested that the town sign a non-disclosure agreement before negotiating a new contract, said Councilman Ted Driscoll at the council's November 9 meeting.

Town Attorney Sandy Sloan said she will investigate why Comcast wants this privilege.

"If they want confidentiality, they (shouldn't) deal with public entities," said Councilman Richard Merk, to the general agreement of the other four council members.

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