HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/20/2020Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California
Via teleconference according to the Governor's Executive Order N-29-20, Mayor Wu called the
City Council Regular Meeting to order at 5:40 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER (5:30 P.M.)
A. Roll Call
B. Pledge of Allegiance
Present: Mayor Wu, Vice Mayor Tankha, Councilmember Corrigan, Councilmember
Spreen, Councilmember Tyson
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Carl Cahill, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Planning/Building
Director Zachary Dahl, City Engineer/Public Works Director Nichol Bowersox,
Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar, Management Analyst Cody
Einfalt, City Cleric Deborah Padovan
PUBLIC COMMENT (Public Comment is Limited to Items which are the Subiect of the
Special Meeting)
There was no public comment.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph 2 of subdivision (d) of Section
54956.9— One case
Vice Mayor Kavita Tanka and Councilmember Corrigan abstained from participating
in the closed session.
ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION
Closed session adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER (6:00 P.M.)
A. Roll Call
B. Pledge of Allegiance
1. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Steve Mattas said that the City Council met in Closed Session and there
was no reportable action.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 20, 2020
2. AGENDA REVIEW
Councilmember Spreen requested that Agenda Item 6.13 be heard prior to the
appointments. City Attorney Steve Mattas informed the Council that it was within their
authority to move the item forward. The Council agreed to move the item forward.
The Council now considered Agenda Item No. 6.13.
6. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB -COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
B. Report by the Subcommittee Reviewing Committee Membership (Councilmembers
Corrigan & Spreen)
Councilmember Spreen presented the committee reports and shared his screen
regarding the subcommittee's work.
Council discussion ensued.
Mayor Wu opened up the discussion for public comment.
Ludka Koskova Nesbit, Los Altos Hills, said that she is a new resident and is
interested in one or two committees. Los Altos Hills still has students in local schools
and is wondering about resources officers and perhaps the committee could make a
recommendation to the schools about that topic.
Linda Swan, Los Altos Hills, said some committees require some long-term
knowledge and she would hate to lose that knowledge due to term limits.
Birgitta Indaco, Los Altos Hills, said to keep the committees the way they've had
them. She didn't think the Council should change the fundamental structure of the
way they have been run. Land use committees take a lot of knowledge and is best
done by the older members.
Yuki, Los Altos Hills, said the Education Committee should have had things to
discuss.
Jay Sutaria, Los Altos Hills, said talk of limiting of Brown Act is being brought up
on good governance. The format suggested that is ripe for abuse and he urged Los
Altos Hills to explore a sunshine ordinance.
Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills, proposed that we form a proper town committee
following the Brown Act rules to get rid of ad hoc committees.
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August 20, 2020
Carol Gottlieb, Los Altos Hills, asked if the History Committee was removed from
the standing committee, how would they be able to meet if they became a non-profit?
Teresa Balser, Los Altos Hills, said all committees should be kept and a change
shouldn't be made during a pandemic.
Jim Waschura, Los Altos Hills, said that he appreciated the effort that has been
undertaken to provide efficiency and accountability in government and the Council
should still look at associate memberships.
Ms. Ludka Koskova Nesbit used up her remaining time to suggest a human rights
committee could be beneficial.
Council discussion ensued.
No action was taken. The Council directed the Education Committee to bring a
proposal forward that takes a deep dive into their charter, what work would be a great
value to them individually, and what suggestions they can bring to the City Council.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
A. Reappointment to the Los Altos/Los Altos Hills Library Commission
City Clerk Padovan presented the reappointment request Ying Liu.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to appoint
Ying Liu to the Los Altos/Los Altos Hills Library Commission for a four-year term.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Spreen.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Wu, Tanklia, Corrigan, Spreen, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
B. Reappointment to the Los Altos Hills Environmental Design and Protection Committee
City Clerk Padovan presented the reappointment request Carol Gottlieb.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tankha moved to appoint Carol
Gottlieb to the Los Altos Hills Environmental Design and Protection Committee for a
third, four-year term. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tyson.
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August 20, 2020
MOTION PASSED 3-2:
AYES:
Wu, Tanlcha, Tyson
NOES:
Corrigan, Spreen
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
C. Reappointments to the Los Altos Hills Education Committee
City Cleric Padovan presented the reappointment request of Kay Randall.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tanlcha moved to appoint Kay
Randall to the Los Altos Hills Education Committee for a second, four-year term. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Tyson.
The motion was amended to provide direction as follows: Vice Mayor Tanlcha
expressed that staff inform Ms. Randall that the committee is currently under review
and there is a chance the committee could be sunsetted in the future. Councilmember
Tyson challenged the committee to come up with suggestions to advance their charter.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES:
Wu, Tanlcha, Corrigan, Spreen, Tyson
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
City Cleric Padovan presented the reappointment request of Heather Rose.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Tyson moved to appoint
Heather Rose to the Los Altos Hills Education Committee for a third, four-year term
with the same direction as noted in the motion for Kay Randall. The motion was
seconded by Vice Mayor Tankha.
MOTION PASSED 3-2:
AYES:
Wu, Tanlcha, Tyson
NOES:
Corrigan, Spreen
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
4. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
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August 20, 2020
Daisy Itty, Los Altos Hills, explained her problems with the building permit process.
Bob Sandor, Los Altos Hills, had an individual read his public comments into the
record. The comments were provided in advance of the meeting and posted accordingly.
Yuki, Los Altos Hills, said that the Town needs to have its own air quality site; the
residents of this town deserve to have accurate data.
Ludka Koskova Nesbit, Los Altos Hills, commended Vice Mayor Tankha for
requesting the police data from the police department and for the transparency. She
requested the Town start a human rights committee.
Nara Rajagopalan, Los Altos Hills, said his wife Daisy spoke earlier and complained
about the Town's landscape screening process.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to approve the
CONSENT CALENDAR, with the exceptions of Items 5.E, 5.I and 5.1-1 The motion was
seconded by Vice Mayor Tankha.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES:
Wu, Tankha, Corrigan, Spreen, Tyson
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
A. Approval of Regular City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020
B. Review of Disbursements: July 1-31, 2020 $889,802.42
C. Proclamation Designating August 26, 2020 as Women's Equality Day (Staff: D.
Padovan)
D. Resolution 46-20 Accepting Dedication of Right -Of -Way Easement for Lands Of
Zamani; 12516 Robleda Road (Staff. N. Bowersox)
F. Resolution 47-20 Authorizing Staff to Advertise the Request for Proposal for Survey
Services for the Summerhill Pathway Phase 2 Project (Staff: N. Bowersox)
G. Resolution 48-20 Authorizing Staff to Advertise the Town Hall Addition, Phase One
Project (Staff. N. Bowersox)
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August 20, 2020
J. Resolution 49-20 to Approve a Map Adjustment Permit to Abandon all 75 -foot and 50 -
foot Building Setback Line Easements for Light and Air on Six Properties Along
Dawnridge Drive. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15305(a) (Staff: J.
Loh)
K. Notification of Fast Track Approval: 26685 Purissima Road - File #SD20-0030 — Lands of
Stemm and Hsia; Site Development Permit for a new 3,542 square -foot, two-story
residence with an attached two -car garage. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per
Section 15303(a) Project Planner: Krista Yost (Staff: Z. Dahl) Deadline to Appeal:
Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
L. Notification of Fast Track Approval: 24490 Amigos Court — File #SD20-0033 — Lands of
Teng; Site Development Permit for a new 5,076 square -foot, single -story residence with
attached garage, detached 663 square -foot accessory dwelling unit, and 600 square -foot
pool. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) Project Planner: Jeremy
Loh (Staff. Z. Dahl) Deadline to Appeal: Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
M. Notification of Fast Track Approval: 24160 Dawnridge Drive - File #SD20-0040 — Lands
of Andrews; Site Development Permit for a new 5,351 square -foot, two-story residence
with a 3,729 square foot basement and attached ADU. CEQA review: Categorical
Exemption per Section 15303(a) Project Planner: Steve Padovan (Staff. Z. Dahl)
Deadline to Appeal: Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
The Council now considered Consent Calendar Items 5.E, 5.H and 5.1
E. Resolution 50-20 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Waze Sub -License
Agreement between the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and the Town of Los
Altos Hills (Staff. N. Bowersox)
Councilmember Corrigan asked staff to address the letter received from a resident
regarding this item.
Public Works Director Nichol Bowersox provided some background and history on
the Waze sub -license agreement. She stated that it is a true, no -cost agreement.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to adopt
Resolution 50-20 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Waze Sub -License
Agreement between the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and the Town of
Los Altos Hills. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Spreen.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Wu, Tankha, Corrigan, Spreen, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
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August 20, 2020
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
H. Review the East Sunset Drive Traffic Safety Technical Memo (Staff. N. Bowersox)
Mayor Wu pulled the item at the request of a resident who had questions about widening
the road.
Public Works Director Nichol Bowersox said that this was a continuation of an item
from a previous meeting. Staff met with the residents on East Sunset, received feedback,
and developed alternatives that are included in the technical memo.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Spreen moved to receive and
review the East Sunset Drive Traffic Safety Technical Memo. The motion was seconded
by Councilmember Corrigan.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Wu, Tanlcha, Corrigan, Spreen, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
I. Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Senior Maintenance Superintendent and the
Utility Engineering Manager Job Titles and Job Descriptions and Departmental
Reorganization (Staff: C. Cahill)
Vice Mayor Tanlcha said she pulled the item as it has a proposed changed to the job
description and reorganization. She asked about the Management Partners report.
Council discussion ensued.
City Attorney Mattas stated that the memo could be provided to the City Council as
confidential information. He suggested that a closed session may not be most appropriate
form to discuss the topic.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Tyson moved to continue the
item until the Council can review the Management Partners report and then decide on next
steps. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Tankha.
MOTION PASSED 3-1-1:
AYES: Wu, Tanlcha, Tyson
NOES: Spreen
ABSTAIN: Corrigan
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 20, 2020
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
6. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB -COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
A. Report by the Undergrounding Subcommittee (Councilmember Tyson)
Councilmember Tyson provided a report on the status of the subcommittee's
progress.
Council discussion ensued. No action was taken.
C. Status Reports from All Councilmembers on Outside Agencies Activities
Councilmember Corrigan gave a "shout out" to former Councilmember Gary
Waldeck on his work to pave I-280. She urged this Council and future Councils to
continue to pressure Caltrans for the Magdalena Lane addition.
Councilmember Tyson provided input from Silicon Valley Clean Energy and
suggested that the City Council read the letter from CEO Girish Balachandran.
D. Consideration of History Committee Request to Honor Peter Duxbury
Jitze Couperus presented the request of the History Committee to name a conference
room in honor of Peter Duxbury with a photo of him in the room as a memorial.
Council discussion ensued. There was Council consensus to naming the room after
Mr. Duxbury with a small, modest plaque.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Corrigan moved to approve
the History Committee's request to name a future conference room in memory of
Peter Duxbury and that the plaque can be designed a future time. The motion was
seconded by Vice Mayor Tanlcha.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES:
Wu, Tanlcha, Corrigan, Spreen, Tyson
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
➢ City Council Ex Parte Contacts Policy Disclosure
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 20, 2020
A. Zoning Ordinance Amendment — Town of Los Altos Hills
Introduction of an Ordinance to amend Article 14 of the Zoning Code (Accessory
Dwelling Units) in Chapter 1 of Title 10 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, to
update site standards and development requirements to address comments from the
Department of Housing and Community Development. (Staff: Z. Dahl) Motion to
Waive Reading and Introduce the Ordinance
Councilmember Corrigan stated that would be recusing herself as she has had
discussions with the Town about building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Vice
Mayor Tankha also recused herself from the discussion. Both Councilmember
Corrigan and Vice Mayor Tankha exited the Zoom meeting.
Planning Director Zach Dahl presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
Mayor Wu opened the Public Hearing.
Ludka Koskova Nesbit, Los Altos Hills, had questions about the Housing Element's
progress. Director Dahl responded to her questions.
Jim Waschura, Los Altos Hills, expressed concerns about losing the semi -rural
character of Los Altos Hills.
Nara Rajagopalan, Los Altos Hills, said that incentivizing people is the best way to
modify behavior.
Mayor Wu closed the Public Hearing.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Tyson moved to waive
reading and introduce the Ordinance to amend Article 14 of the Zoning Code
(Accessory Dwelling Units) in Chapter 1 of Title 10 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal
Code, to update site standards and development requirements The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Spreen.
MOTION PASSED 3-0-2:
AYES:
Wu, Spreen, Tyson
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
Tankha, Corrigan
ABSENT:
None .
Councilmember Corrigan and Vice Mayor Tankha returned to the Zoom meeting.
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August 20, 2020
8. STAFF REPORTS
A. City Manager — Status of Covid-19 County Health Order
City Manager Cahill provided an input on the status of the Covid-19 emergency and
the fires that occurring in the Bay Area.
Council discussion ensued. No action was taken.
Daisy Itty and Nara Rajagopalan, Los Altos Hills, asked if the Fire District plans
to do proactive measures to prevent fire. Councilmember Tyson responded to their
questions.
B. City Attorney — No report.
C. City Cleric — No report.
D. Planning Director
Planning Director Dahl reported on the June and July Permit Activity and upcoming
legislation that could impact the Town.
Council discussion ensued.
The City Attorney said that the Council could delegate efforts to the City Manager or
Mayor the authority to write the letters.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Spreen moved to approve
an ad hoc committee comprised of Mayor Wu and Vice Mayor Tanlcha to review
and approve a letter prepared by staff to oppose SB 1120 and include any language
that would be a broad statement in opposition on any of the bills that could impact
Los Altos Hills The motion was seconded by Councilmember Corrigan.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES:
Wu, Tanlcha, Corrigan, Spreen, Tyson
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
E. Administrative Services Director - Refundable deposits project update
Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar provided an update on
refundable deposits and said the issue should be resolved by the end of the year, if not
sooner.
Mayor Wu recognized Director Revillar on her one-year anniversary at the Town of
Los Altos Hills
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F. Public Works Director - PARWQCP Partner's Meeting Update
Public Works Director Nichol Bowersox provided an update Palo Alto Regional
Water Quality Control Plan.
9. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
There were no Council Initiated items.
10. ADJOURN
Councilmember Corrigan asked that the meeting be adjourned in acknowledgement and
gratitude of firefighters, public safety, first responders and Town staff for their efforts
while working during a pandemic and dealing with other current natural disasters.
Mayor Wu adjourned the meeting in memory of Peter Duxbury, architect of the current
Los Altos Hills Town Hall.
The meeting adjourned at 9:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Padovan
City Cleric
The minutes of the August 20, 2020 regular City Council meeting were approved as presented at
the October 15, 2020 regular City Council meeting.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 20, 2020