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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/18/20201 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 18, 2020 Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California Mayor Wu called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. CALL TO ORDER (6:00 P.M.) A.Roll Call Present: Mayor Wu, Vice Mayor Tankha, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Tyson Absent: None Staff: City Manager Carl Cahill, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Planning Director Zach Dahl, Public Works Director/City Engineer Nichol Bowersox, Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar, Assistant Planner Jeremy Loh, Management Analyst Cody Einfalt, City Clerk Deborah Padovan B.Pledge of Allegiance 1.AGENDA REVIEW There were no changes to the agenda. 2.ONGOING BUSINESS A.Status of Local Emergency Declaration (Staff: C. Cahill) City Manager Carl Cahill provided an update on the status of the local emergency, including reporting on the testing that occurred at Town Hall on June 12, 2020. No action was taken. Mayor Wu thanked Councilmembers Tyson and Spreen for volunteering at the testing and Supervisor Joe Simitian for assisting in scheduling the testing in Los Altos Hills. 3.PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS A.Appointment to the Los Altos Hills Finance and Investment Committee 2 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 City Clerk Deborah Padovan presented the application of Nathan Blair. Nathan Blair, Los Altos Hills, introduced himself and expressed an interest in serving on the Finance and Investment Committee. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Spreen moved to appoint Nathan Blair to the Los Altos Hills Finance and Investment Committee for a four- year term. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Tankha. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Tyson, Vice Mayor Tankha, Mayor Wu NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None B. Appointment to the Los Altos Hills Environmental Initiatives Committee City Clerk Padovan presented the application of Sasha Zbrozek. Sasha Zbrozek, Los Altos Hills, introduced himself and expressed his interest in serving on the Environmental Initiatives Committee. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tankha moved to appoint Alexander (Sasha) Zbrozek to the Environmental Initiatives Committee for a four- year term. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Corrigan. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Tyson, Vice Mayor Tankha, Mayor Wu NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None C. Appointments to the Los Altos Hills Planning Commission to Fill Three Seats 3 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 The City Clerk presented the applicants for the Los Altos Hills Planning Commission. Councilmember Spreen suggested appointing Birgitta Indaco to a full term on the Planning Commission as she was currently filling an unexpired term. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Spreen moved to appoint Birgitta Indaco to the Planning Commission for a four-year term. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Corrigan. Motion Carried 5 to 0. AYES: Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Tyson, Vice Mayor Tankha, Mayor Wu NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Simran Arora, Los Altos Hills, introduced herself to the City Council and expressed an interest in serving on the Los Altos Hills Planning Commission. Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills, expressed his interest in serving a third term on the Los Altos Hills Planning Commission. David Marta, Los Altos Hills, introduced himself to the City Council and expressed his interest in serving on the Los Altos Hills Planning Commission. Joan Sherlock, Los Altos Hills, introduced herself to the City Council and expressed her interest in serving on the Los Altos Hills Planning Commission. Jim Waschura, Los Altos Hills, introduced himself and expressed his interest in serving on the Los Altos Hills Planning Commission. Public Comment Margaret Braun, Los Altos Hills, spoke in opposition to Joan Sherlock's application. Chase Renzo, Los Altos Hills, spoke in opposition to Joan Sherlock's application. Council discussion ensued. The results of the vote are as follows: Councilmember Spreen selected Simran Arora and Jim Waschura. 4 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 Councilmember Tyson selected Jitze Couperus and Jim Waschura. Councilmember Corrigan selected Jim Waschura and Simran Arora. Vice Mayor Tankha selected Jitze Couperus and Joan Sherlock. Mayor Wu selected Jitze Couperus and Jim Waschura. City Clerk Padovan announced that Jitze Couperus received a majority three (3) votes and Jim Waschura received majority four (4) votes. Further Council discussion ensued. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Tyson moved to appoint Jitze Couperus and Jim Waschura to the Planning Commission for a four-year term. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Tankha. Motion Carried 4 to 1: AYES: Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Tyson, Vice Mayor Tankha, Mayor Wu NOES: Councilmember Corrigan ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None D. Presentation by Greenwaste on Status of Service in Los Altos Hills Emily Hansen, Greenwaste Recovery, presented the status of the first year of the contract in Los Altos Hills. John O'Connell, Los Altos Hills, said he never thought about garbage service until the last year as the service he has been receiving has not been very good. Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, commented on the current garbage contract. Robert Sandor, Los Altos Hills, expressed displeasure with Greenwaste and the contract. Peter Evans, Los Altos Hills, expressed displeasure about the rate increases and the added expense of manure hauling. Anand Ranganthan, Los Altos Hills, said that residents pay 30% more than Portola Valley for a lower base service. 5 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 City Clerk Padovan read a letter into the record from resident Kathy Evans regarding a lack of customer service with Greenwaste Recovery. Council discussion ensued. Councilmember Corrigan suggested a subcommittee made up of residents, including Jay Shideler, Allan Epstein and Peter Evans. DIRECTION: The City Manager shall select members of the public form of a subcommittee to discuss the garbage contract. 4. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Persons wishing to address the Council on any subject not on the agenda may do so now. Please complete a Speaker Card located on the back table of the Council Chambers and submit it to the City Clerk. Comments are limited to two (2) minutes per speaker. California law prohibits the Council from acting on items that do not appear on the agenda. Under a Resolution previously adopted by the Council, such items can be referred to staff for appropriate action, which may include placement on the next available agenda. There were no presentations from the floor. 5. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tankha moved to approve the CONSENT CALENDAR with the exception of Items 5.F, 5.G and 5.I. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Corrigan. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Tyson, Vice Mayor Tankha, Mayor Wu NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None A. Approval of Meeting Minutes: City Council Special Meeting (Closed Session) May 21, 2020 B. Approval of Meeting Minutes: City Council Regular Meeting May 21, 2020 C. Approval of Meeting Minutes: City Council/Finance and Investment Committee Special Meeting May 28, 2020 D. Review of Disbursements: May 1-31, 2020 $523,461.90 E. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a Cost Sharing Agreement with the 6 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 County of Santa Clara for Imagery and LiDAR Data Acquisition (Staff: Z. Dahl) H. Resolution 25-20 Approving an Application for a Local Early Action Planning Grant up to $65,000 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract with a Planning Consulting Firm not to exceed $50,000 (Staff: C. Einfalt) The Council now considered Items 5.F, 5.G and 5.I. G. Resolution Approving a Two-year Agreement with Alexander Atkins for the Our Town Newsletter (Staff: D. Padovan) Councilmember Corrigan pulled the item to ask about the public comments received. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to adopt Resolution 26-20 authorizing the City Manager to renew the professional services agreement with Alexander Atkins Design for the quarterly preparation of the Our Town Newsletter. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Tankha. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Tyson, Vice Mayor Tankha, Mayor Wu NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None I. Request by the Environmental Initiatives Committee to Offer Educational Opportunities for Town Residents on Matters Concerning the Environment Councilmember Corrigan pulled the item to ask that the committee return for each event for approval for content, material and execution. Robert Sandor, Los Altos Hills, expressed opposing views to the Environmental Initiatives Committee's educational series. The request was not approved. The Council asked the Environmental Initiatives Committee to provide specific content to the City Council for approval when they are ready to move forward with an event. F. Amending the Standing Committee Resolution to Include Council Approval of Associate Membership (Staff: D. Padovan) 7 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 Councilmember Spreen asked to have this item pulled so he could discuss associate membership in greater detail. Council discussion ensued. No action was taken. 6.PUBLIC HEARINGS A.Resolution of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills Requesting that the Santa Clara County Tax Collector Collect Delinquent Sewer Charges, the 2019- 2020 Sewer Service Charges, and Contractual Assessment District Charges for Both the Palo Alto and Los Altos Sewer Basins (Staff: N. Bowersox) Public Works Director Nichol Bowersox presented the staff report. Council discussion ensued. Mayor Wu opened the Public Hearing. Seeing no one wishing to speak, she then closed the Public Hearing. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Spreen moved to adopt Resolution 27-20 for the sewer tax roll to be forwarded to the Santa Clara County Tax Collector for collection. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tyson. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Tyson, Vice Mayor Tankha, Mayor Wu NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None The City Council Meeting went into Recess at 9:15 p.m. The City Council Reconvened to open session at 9:22 p.m. B.Resolution Adopting the Proposed FY 2020-21 Operating and FY 2021-25 Five- Year Capital Improvement Plan Budget and Gann Limit for the Town of Los Altos Hills (Staff: S. Revillar) Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar presented the staff report. Santa Clara County Sheriff Captain Rich Urena presented the law enforcement portion of the budget. 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 The Council asked questions of Captain Urena and received responses. Mayor Wu opened the Public Hearing. Robert Sandor, Los Altos Hills, said that the sheriff doesn't get to proper respect he deserves and he was proud of the sheriff's office. Bridget Morgan, Los Altos Hills, said has the utmost respect for the Santa Clara County sheriff. She also commented on the La Paloma/Robleda pathway budget. Anand Ranganthan, Los Altos Hills, thanked the Vice Mayor for bringing up the issue of potential bias in the sheriff's office. Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, said he sent in a number of reports in response to the budget. Mayor Wu closed the Public Hearing. Council discussion ensued. Staff responded to questions from the Council on the budget for the Atherton Court pathway. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Spreen moved to continue the meeting past 10 p.m. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tyson. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Tyson, Vice Mayor Tankha, Mayor Wu NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Tyson moved to adopt Resolution 28-20 adopting the Town's 20-2021 Operating and Five Year Capital Budget and the Gann Appropriation Limit. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Spreen. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Tyson, Vice Mayor Tankha, Mayor Wu 9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None C. Resolution to Initiate Island Annexation Proceedings for an Unincorporated in Santa Clara County identified as the Ravensbury Avenue Island, Consisting of Eight Parcels Bounded by the Southerly Town Limits and the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. (Assessor Parcel Numbers: 351-08-005, 351-08-018, 351- 08-019, 351-08-026, 351-08-028, 351-08-030, 351-08-031, and 351-08-032). File # AN20-0001 (Staff: Z. Dahl/J. Loh) Planning Director Zach Dahl introduced Assistant Planner Jeremy Loh, who presented the staff report. Council discussion ensued. Mayor Wu opened the Public Hearing. Dave Payne, Los Altos Hills, expressed some concerns, but spoke in support of the annexation and the Mid-Pen easements. Ann Duwe, Los Altos Hills, inquired whether the staff had specifically discussed the pathway map with the residents during their outreach. Bridget Morgan, Los Altos Hills, expressed her opposition to the annexation. Jane Mark, Planning Manager, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, expressed appreciation of Town planning staff for their outreach and coordination with Midpen and LAFCO to discuss the annexation. Mayor Wu closed the Public Hearing. Council discussion ensued. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tankha moved to adopt Resolution 29-20 to initiate the island annexation of eight parcels on Ravensbury Avenue in unincorporated Santa Clara County known as urban island LAH04. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Spreen. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Tyson, Vice Mayor Tankha, Mayor Wu 10 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 7.NEW BUSINESS A.Request for a Map Adjustment to Abandon a 100-foot Front Yard Building Setback Line on Lot 5 of Recorded Tract Map No. 1288 at 24180 Dawnridge Drive; File # MA20-0001 (Staff: Z. Dahl/J. Loh) Assistant Planner Jeremy Loh presented the staff report. Council asked questions of staff and received responses. Kendra Rosenberg, Los Altos Hills, asked for fair and consistent treatment for the residents in the area. Council discussion ensued. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to approve a certificate of correction to amend Tract Map No. 1288 to reduce the 100- foot building setback line for light and air on Lot 5 to 40 feet to align with standard 40-foot front yard setback, subject to the findings in attachment 1 and conditions of approval in attachment 2. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tyson. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Tyson, Vice Mayor Tankha, Mayor Wu NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None DIRECTION: Staff should proceed with a Map Adjustment to abandon all remaining building setback line easements that encumber properties on the west side of Dawnridge Drive within Crestwood Track No. 1288 to allow all properties on Dawnridge Drive to be subject to uniform setbacks, fence requirements and development standards. B.Consideration of Resolution Approving Amendment No. 11 to Employment Agreement with Carl Cahill (Staff: S. Mattas) 11 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 City Attorney Steve Mattas presented the staff report. Robert Sandor, Los Altos Hills, suggested that we study what the role of City Manager is for the Town. Council discussion ensued. Bridget Morgan, Los Altos Hills, said that her experience with the City Manager, dating back to when her neighborhood was annexed, has been nothing but positive. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to adopt Resolution 30-20 Approving Amendment No. 11 to Employment Agreement with Carl Cahill. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tyson. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Tyson, Vice Mayor Tankha, Mayor Wu NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 8. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES A. Report by the Undergrounding Subcommittee (Councilmember Tyson) Councilmember Tyson presented the underground subcommittee report. Council discussion ensued. Robert Sandor, Los Altos Hills, spoke in opposition to undergrounding projects and any proposed utility tax. Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, asked about 20A funding, and the fact that the budget that was passed has $300,000 set aside for undergrounding. Further Council discussion ensued. No action was taken. B. Status Reports from All Councilmembers on Outside Agencies Activities Councilmember Corrigan presented a report on the Parks Subcommittee. 12 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 Council discussion ensued. Robert Sandor, Los Altos Hills, suggested asking residents that if instead of spending $100, perhaps the residents would prefer receiving the money back. Mayor Wu presented a status report on the Cities Association. Councilmember Spreen presented a report on reviewing committee structures. Bridget Morgan, Los Altos Hills, said that significant decisions to good governance should not be done via Zoom. 9.STAFF REPORTS A.City Manager - Reported that the fire audit will be discussed by the County on June 25. Palo Alto will be discussing Foothills Park entrance program on June 23. B.City Attorney - No report. C.City Clerk - No report. D.Planning Director - No report. E.Administrative Services Director Director Revillar provided an update on the deposits. Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, said he was glad to hear the refunds were progressing. F.Public Works Director - No report. 10.COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS A.Request for the Council to Reconsider a Donation to the Community Services Agency of Mountain View, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills (CSA) (Councilmember Tyson) Councilmember Tyson presented the item and requested the City Coucnil reconsider a one-time donation $5,000 to Community Services Agency. Council discussion ensued. 13 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 Victoria Oldberg, Los Altos Hills, said she is embarrassed to be a Los Altos Hills resident and not funding the CSA, especially during this pandemic. She said we should go back to funding CSA on a regular basis. Robert Sandor, Los Altos Hills, thanked Councilmember Tyson for introducing us to the CSA as they do really great work. However he opposed the one-time donation to CSA. Anand Ranganathan, Los Altos Hills, said he did not think tax dollars should be used for this purpose. Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills, said there is a huge effectiveness in one's dollars if you give it to a nimble, effective organization. Council discussion ensued. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Tyson moved to provide a one-time donation to the Community Services Agency of Mountain View, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills (CSA) in the amount of $5,000. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Tankha. Motion Carried 5 to 0: AYES: Councilmember Spreen, Councilmember Tyson, Vice Mayor Tankha, Mayor Wu NOES: Councilmember Corrigan ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 11.ADJOURN Pursuant to Ordinance No. 506, the Council Meeting shall adjourn no later than 10:00 p.m., unless otherwise approved by a majority of the Councilmembers present. The meeting adjourned at 12:42 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Deborah Padovan Deborah Padovan City Clerk The minutes of the June 18, 2020 regular City Council meeting were approved as presented at the August 20, 2020 regular City Council meeting.