HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/18/2021 (2)Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California
Via teleconference according to the Governor's Executive Order N-29-20, Mayor Tankha called
the City Council Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Tankha, Vice Mayor Tyson, Councilmember Mok, Councilmember
Schmidt, Councilmember Swan
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Carl Cahill, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Planning/Building
Director/Interim Engineering Services Manager Zachary Dahl, Administrative
Services Director Sarina Revillar, Principal Planner Steve Padovan, Management
Analyst Cody Einfalt, City Clerk Deborah Padovan
CALL TO ORDER (6:00 P.M.)
A. Roll Call
B. Pledge of Allegiance
1. AGENDA REVIEW
There were no changes to the agenda.
2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Appointments to Los Altos Hills Youth Commission
City Clerk Deborah Padovan presented the applications.
Avi Bahri, Los Altos Hills, introduced himself and expressed an interest in serving on the
Los Altos Hills Youth Commission. Manya Sikka, Los Altos Hills, introduced herself and
expressed an interest in serving on the Los Altos Hills Youth Commission.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Swan moved to appoint Avi Bahri
and Manya Sikka to the Los Altos Hills Youth Commission. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Mok.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES:
Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
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B. Presentation on Goal Setting Workshop and Action to Receive and Adopt the Goals
for 2021 by Nancy Hetrick with Management Partners
Nancy Hetrick with Management Partners presented the goal setting report where
good governance and priorities for the coming year were discussed.
Council discussion ensued. Action was taken later in the meeting. See note after
Item 4.I.
C. Presentation on Mid -Peninsula Regional Open Space District Current Activities by
Ward Two Director Yoriko Kishimoto
Yoriko Kisimoto, Ward Two Director with Mid -Peninsula Regional Open Space
District, provided a district introduction and current update of the District's activities.
Brian Malone, Assistant General Manager with Mid -Peninsula Regional Open
Space provided information on the wildland fire resiliency program.
Council discussion ensued. No action was taken.
D. Presentation of Written Responses to Mayor Tankha's Questions by the Santa Clara
County Sheriff's Office by Captain Rich Urena
Sheriff s Captain Rich Urena presented the responses to operational questions
raised by Mayor Tankha.
Council discussion ensued.
Public Comment
Vara Ramakrishnan, Los Altos Hills, suggested that the sheriff's weekly reports
include a broad standard terminology if items were taken. She asked that the sheriff's
office please change the methodology.
The report was discussed and received. No action was taken.
3. 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.
3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills, provided a status update on the digital archives on the
Town's website. He said, "they are finally there."
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Robert Sandor, Los Altos Hills, asked about the most recent staff departure. He
commented on the staff turnover numbers. He asked that the City Council take a
proactive role in analyzing this matter.
J. Quarshi, Los Altos Hills, asked about an email from a group called TTAGS and he
did not see a need for a parallel group since the City Council is elected to represent the
residents.
Roger Spreen, Los Altos Hills, said he supports everyone's right to criticize how things
are run, but a line has been crossed. A group has been insulting staff and Council with
cheap, slanderous insults, all done anonymously. He apologized to staff for cowardly
slurs on performance and value.
John Swan, Los Altos Hills, explained the TTAGS group and said they feel incredibly
intimidated. He said two former staff members are willing to talk to the City Council in a
closed session.
Courtenay Corrigan, Los Altos Hills, asked that her letter from earlier today be added
to the public record. She reminded the community that the City Manager's review is a
personnel issue. She further said that residents inserting themselves in the personnel
relationship that exists between the City Manager and the City Council is highly
inappropriate.
Kjell Karlsson, Los Altos Hills, said that our employees are well compensated; they are
not leaving due to compensation. This is not about our staff, it is about other issues.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved to approve the CONSENT
CALENDAR with the exception of Items 4.0 and 4.1). The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Swan.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
A. Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes: January 21, 2021
B. Approval of City Council Special Meeting Minutes: February 18, 2021
C. Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes: February 18, 2021
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 2021
Councilmember Swan said that the minutes did not reflect her request to have items
put on the March agenda. She asked that the minutes be corrected.
City Clerk Padovan read the minutes on page 15 where those items did appear.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Swan moved to approve the
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes for February 18, 2021 as stated. The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Schmidt.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES:
Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
D. Review of Disbursements: February 1-28, 2021 $705,504.75
Councilmember Mok asked that the disbursements be pulled so he can confirm the
expenditures are correct.
City Attorney Mattas explained that it is the Town's practice to provide an itemized
statement identifying the vendors and the amounts paid.
Councilmember Mok requested that the item return next month so he has time to
review them. There was agreement to continue the February disbursements to the
April City Council meeting.
E. Proclamation Recognizing March as American Red Cross Month (Staff: D. Padovan)
Katie Roper, Red Cross Board Member accepted the Proclamation Recognizing
March as American Red Cross Month.
F. Proclamation Recognizing March as Women's History Month (Staff. D. Padovan)
G. Proclamation Acknowledging Equal Pay Day 2021 (Staff. D. Padovan)
Jessica Speiser, Los Altos Hills, on behalf of Los Altos/Mountain View University
of Women accepted the proclamation on Equal Pay Day 2021.
H. Resolution 16-21 to Approve Sewer Construction and Dedication Agreement for
Taaffe Road Sewer Extension (Staff. J. Lee)
I. Adoption (Second Reading) of Ordinance 592 to amend various sections within
Chapter 1 (Subdivisions) of Title 9, and Chapter 1 (Zoning) and Chapter 2 (Site
Development) of Title 10 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code pertaining to
updating the appeals process and clarifying the effective date of decisions made by
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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the Planning Director, the Staff Committee and the Planning Commission; and an
amendment to Article 6 (Off -Street Parking) in Chapter 1 of Title 10 to reestablish
minimum parking stall dimension requirements. CEQA Review: Categorically
Exempt per Section 15061(B)(3). (Staff. Z. Dahl)
Motion to Waive Reading and Adopt the Ordinance
Return to Agenda Item 2.13
City Attorney Mattas asked if the City Council could return to Agenda Item #2.B to
approve the goals and priorities identified in the report.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved to adopt the Goals for
2021 as outlined in the Goal Setting Workshop Report. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Mok.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES:
Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
➢ City Council Ex Parte Contacts Policy Disclosure
A. 2020 Housing Element Annual Progress Report, which Summarizes the Status of
Housing Production, Implementation of Housing Element Programs and Progress on
Meeting the Town's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) (Staff: S. Padovan)
There were no ex parte communications.
Mayor Tankha opened the Public Hearing.
Principal Planner Steve Padovan presented the staff report.
Council asked questions of staff and received responses.
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, talked about the implication these units will have on
the sewer system.
Mayor Tankha closed the Public Hearing.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to adopt the
2020 Housing Element Annual Progress Report, which Summarizes the Status of
Housing Production, Implementation of Housing Element Programs and Progress on
Meeting the Town's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA)
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 2021
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Swan.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
6. ONGOING BUSINESS
A. Resolution Adopting a Policy on Automatic License Plate Readers in the Town
of Los Altos Hills (Staff. C. Einfalt)
Management Analyst Cody Einfalt presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
City Manager Cahill recognized three residents who were helpful in researching the
information, namely: Rajiv Bhateja, Ameesh Divatia and Barry Smith.
Public Comment
Sunil, Los Altos Hills, said that the Town should leverage the free trial offered by the
software company and to see what it can do.
John and Maria Caffey, Los Altos Hills, expressed support in installing full readers
as soon as possible.
Shyamoli Banerjee, Los Altos Hills, said she wants full deployment now.
Ameesh Divatia, Los Altos Hills, there is nothing on the west side of Town and
hoped they are also included.
Rajiv Bhateja, Los Altos Hills, spoke about the software provider Flock and said it
is front runner of ALPR vendors. Flock offers a trial period after the installation at
zero costs. They have offered a 60 -day cancellation period. He suggested that the
Town install cameras in all locations.
Dorit Perry, Los Altos Hills, strongly urged full deployment as soon as possible.
Roger Melen, Los Altos Hills, encouraged a full deployment to see if the cameras
work.
John Caffey, Los Altos Hills, said he supports full deployment of cameras as time is
of the essence.
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Anand Ranganathan, Los Altos Hills, said the policy as it is written does not
protect resident's privacy. He expressed concern on residents vs. non-residents and
treating some as second-class citizens just because they are not residents.
Barry Smith, Los Altos Hills, said he is proud to be part of this community. He has
been in contact with other towns to find out what their results have been.
Vara Ramakrishnan, Los Altos Hills, pointed out that the default for storing the
data is 30 days and she recommended keeping the 30 days in place. It is very
common for individuals to take a two-week vacation and data can be lost if we store
data for less than 30 days.
Jim Basiji, Los Altos Hills, said residents on lower Page Mill Road are very
vulnerable. He was in support of a full deployment policy.
Jim Waschura, Los Altos Hills, commented on the cost of this system. By his
calculations it would cost $90,000 per year. He asked, "what barriers do we have for
exiting in the future? Will we be locked in? Who owns the cameras?"
Rajiv Patel, Los Altos Hills, requested a full deployment on ALPR's. The budget is
minimal compared to the value cameras bring.
JX expressed support of full deployment of ALPRs.
Lynn Miller, Los Altos Hills, said she agrees with full deployment with 30 -day
retention.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Mok moved to adopt Resolution
17-21 Adopting a Policy on Automatic License Plate Readers in the Town of Los Altos Hills
and approve full deployment in cameras in Town. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Swan.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES:
Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB -COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
A. Report by the Undergrounding Subcommittee (Vice Mayor Tyson)
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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Vice Mayor Tyson presented the underground subcommittee report.
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, asked the Vice Mayor to outline the schedule. Vice
Mayor Tyson replied that the schedule on the Town's website.
No action was taken.
B. Report by the Fire Taskforce Subcommittee (Councilmember Schmidt)
Councilmember Schmidt provided an update on the Fire Taskforce. She reported
that she has reached out to community members and the fire district and presented an
outline on the topics that need to be addressed. She said that she has received very
valuable feedback that she has been compiling and will share next month.
No action was taken.
C. Status Reports from All Councilmembers on Subcommittee and Outside Agencies
Activities
Councilmember Mok reported out on the Cities Association. He also met with
District Attorney Jeff Rosen and Assembly member Evan Low and learned about
Asian hate crimes. He requested that a resolution condemning Asian hate crimes be
placed on the April 15, 2021 City Council agenda.
Councilmember Swan reported out on the Joint Volunteer Awards Committee.
Vice Mayor Tyson reported out on Silicon Valley Clean Energy and CHAC.
8. STAFF REPORTS
A. City Manager — Report on Town Organization and Staffing
City Manager Carl Cahill reported on current staffing in Town. In 2000 the Town
had 18 full time staff members and today, 26.1 full time equivalent staff members.
The Town currently offers more services in 2021 than it did in 2000.
B. City Attorney — No report.
C. City Clerk — No report.
D. Planning/Building Director — No report.
E. Administrative Services Director — No report.
F. Public Works Director — Planning Director Dahl reported that he is filling in as
Interim Engineering Services Manager while the recruitment for a new Public Works
Director is in process.
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9. COUNCIL INITIATED
A. Discussion on Fire Department ADU Driveway Requirements and Customer Service
(Mayor Tankha)
Mayor Tankha presented the item. Planning Director Zach Dahl provided
background information. He said that the fire department confirmed they would revert
back to 12 foot minimum driveway width for family dwelling units. The fire department
will work with the Town on a case-by-case situation on ADU's and turnarounds.
Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills, was thankful this topic is being brought up as he sent a
memo two years ago to the City Council. He suggested an article for the Town
newsletter describing what the rules really are.
Gary Kremen, Los Altos Hills, said it seems the fire department is averse to Town
policy. He suggested that the fire department could look at smaller trucks.
Council discussion ensued.
There was consensus to agendize for further discussion next month.
B. Discussion and Possible Action on Reinstating the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)
Map (Mayor Tankha)
Mayor Tankha presented the item. Councilmember Schmidt said that her taskforce is
discussing this very topic. The City Attorney said that the information the taskforce is
working on can be shared, but it should be agendized for April. The Mayor requested
that staff review and return with a recommendation.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to direct the staff
to review the WUI designation, including hiring a consultant if necessary, and return to the
City Council with a recommendation. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Tyson.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES:
Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
C. Discussion and Possible Action to Form an Emerging Technology Committee
(Councilmember Swan)
Councilmember Swan presented the item. She asked that the Council authorize the
formation of a committee to review emerging technologies. Councilmember Schmidt
suggested that perhaps it should be an ad hoc committee.
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City Attorney Mattas said that ad hoc committees that the City Council creates can
only have councilmember representatives, and not more than two members. The
committee can meet with other people, but they aren't committee members. Ad hoc
committees have limited subject matter jurisdiction and duration.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Swan moved to form an ad hoc
committee to review emerging technologies as they come up and become issues in Town;
Councilmembers Mok and Swan agreed serve on the ad hoc committee. The motion was
seconded by Councilmembers Mok.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES:
Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
D. Discussion and Possible Action to Form a Committee to Review the Green Sheets
Principles (Councilmember Swan)
Councilmember Swan presented the item.
The City Attorney asked clarifying questions about the course to take, whether it be a
Council directive, or an initiative taken to the voters. If the Council places a measure on
the ballot, then it could be subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Council discussion ensued about the Green Sheets and General Plan.
Councilmember Swan said she will research the issue and return to the City Council
with her findings. No action was taken.
E. Discussion and Possible Action to Seek an Audit to Confirm Equal Pay for all
Employees (Mayor Tankha)
Mayor Tankha presented the item and proposed undertaking an audit to confirm equal
pay of Town employees.
City Manager Cahill suggested a component that analyzes equal pay be included in the
Town's compensation study.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Tankha moved to have staff include a study
to determine equal pay for equal work. The motion was seconded by Councilmembers Swan.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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AYES:
Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
Public Comment
Claire Noonan, Los Altos/Mountain View Chapter of the American Association of
University Women (AAUW) said it is a wonderful idea to have the study completed.
F. Discussion and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Expressing Support for Actions
to Further Strengthen Local Democracy, Authority, and Control as Related to Local
Zoning and Housing Issues (SB9) (Mayor Tankha)
Mayor Tankha presented the item and requested support for a resolution opposing
SB 9.
Public Comment
Duffy Price, Los Altos Hills, said there are over 100 plus communities involved in this in
the state of California. She further said that there was a hearing in Sacramento earlier today
for SB 10 and only 10 people supported it and 50+ that were opposing the bill. She said there
will be additional hearings on the matter.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Swan moved to adopt
Resolution 18-21 Expressing Support for Actions to Further Strengthen Local
Democracy, Authority, and Control as Related to Local Zoning and Housing Issues
(SB9). The motion was seconded by Councilmember Mok.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES:
Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved to continue the meeting
past 10 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mayor Tankha.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 2021
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
G. Discussion and Possible Action to Support a Town Hall Meeting to Discuss SB 9 &
SB 10 - Understanding the Impact of the Proposed State Zoning Legislation on Los
Altos Hills (Mayor Tankha)
Mayor Tankha presented the item and requested support for a Town -wide flyer to be
mailed to residents informing and educating them on SB 9 and 10. She clarified that
a petition would be posted once it was ready.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to approve a Town
Hall meeting educating Town residents on the impacts of S139 and 10 and next steps. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Mok.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES:
Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan
NOES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
RECUSE:
None
ABSENT:
None
H. Discussion and Possible Action on Preparing a Safe Storage Ordinance (Mayor Tankha)
Mayor Tankha presented the item.
Council discussion ensued.
Staff will work with the city attorney's office to prepare a proposed ordinance.
Public Comment
Mir Roan Bahri, Los Altos Hills, on behalf of the social justice project expressed
support for an ordinance.
Samvita Gautham , Los Altos Hills, spoke in support of an ordinance.
Kelly Traver, Moms Demand Action Volunteers of Los Altos Hills, said she wrote
to each Councilmember with this request. She appreciated that they took up this
topic. She provided statistics and said that unintentional deaths have increased by
43% among small children.
Rajiv Bhateja, Los Altos Hills, spoke in support of this proposed ordinance.
DIRECTION: Staff will return with a proposed safe storage ordinance.
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10. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Padovan
Deborah Padovan
City Clerk
The minutes of the March 18, 2021 regular City Council meeting were approved as presented at
the April 15, 2021 regular City Council meeting.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 2021