Portola Valley: George Comstock takes mayor's gavel Portola Valley: George Comstock takes mayor's gavel (December 24, 2003)

By David Boyce

Almanac Staff Writer

Councilman George Comstock now holds the mayor's gavel at Portola Valley Town Council meetings after being elected at the council's December 10 meeting. The new vice mayor is Councilman Ed Davis, a former mayor himself.

The mayor's job is largely ceremonial, and includes chairing the council meetings. The vice mayor steps in when the mayor is absent.

The five-member council elected Mr. Comstock and Mr. Davis on 3-0 votes, with Councilman Richard Merk absent.

Newly elected Councilman Steve Toben also took his seat on the council dais for the first time at the meeting.
Nathhorst Triangle zoning rescinded

In keeping with the voters' rejection of Measure H in the November election, the Portola Valley Town Council officially rescinded the resolution and the zoning ordinance that had authorized the construction of 15 to 20 small homes near the intersection of Alpine and Portola roads.

The five-member council rescinded the measures on a 4-0 vote at its December 10 meeting, with Councilman Richard Merk absent. Only a few residents witnessed the vote and the only comment came from Mayor George Comstock: "It's cheaper to rescind them than it is to create them," he said.

Measure H was defeated 991 to 921 -- a margin of 70 votes -- and had involved the community in more than three years of discussion that was occasionally contentious. The margin narrowed from 123 votes after all the absentee votes were counted.
Town again passes audit

For the third consecutive year, an independent auditor has reviewed the town of Portola Valley's accounting methods and has not found them lacking.

The Town Council accepted the audit from Town Administrator Angela Howard at its December 10 meeting and approved it on the recommendation of the town's finance committee.

The council also approved the addition of $225,000 to the $3 million account in the general fund reserved for rebuilding the Town Center offices and library.

PV Town Council meeting rescheduled

The next meeting of the Portola Valley Town Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 14, in the Historic Schoolhouse at 765 Portola Road. The December 24 meeting has been cancelled.

The January 14 meeting begins an hour earlier than usual to allow time for council members to interview seven applicants for the Planning Commission seat being vacated by Steve Toben, who is now on the council.

Portola Valley town offices will close for the holidays at 1 p.m. December 24 and reopen at 8:30 a.m. Friday, January 2.

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