Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/21/20211 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 21, 2021 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; Assistant City Attorney Claire Lai; Interim Planning and Building Director Steve Padovan; Public Works Director Oscar Antillon; Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar; Management Analyst II 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. Mayor Tankha reported that the History Committee would be holding a virtual meeting on Sunday, October 24th at 2:00 p.m. The topic will be Tales of Magdalena and Ravensbury. The link can be found on the town’s website. 2. APPOINTMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND SPECIAL ITEMS A. Presentations of Commendation for Retiring City Manager 1. Commendation from the Office of Assemblymember Marc Berman 2. Commendation from the Office of Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian 3. Commendation from the Board of Commissioners of the Los Altos Hills County Fire District 4. Proclamation from the Town of Los Altos Hills Mayor Tankha recognized Carl Cahill as City Manager. He has worked for the town for 22 years. She said she was grateful for his service to our town, and that thanks to him, the town is financially strong and stable. She thanked him for his hard work to preserve the Los Altos Hills County Fire District’s autonomy, his competence, and leadership. Council also recognized City Manager Cahill. Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 21, 2021 – 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California 2 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 21, 2021 Vice Mayor Tyson said it has been a delight to work with City Manager Cahill. He thanked him for their great working relationship, thoughtfulness, and experience. Councilmember Mok said he has had the privilege of working with City Manager Cahill for the last 25 years. He described him as exceptional person who listens really well. He wished him success in his retirement and knows he will enjoy spending time with his family. Councilmember Swan thanked City Manager Cahill for staying on an extra year to see the Town through the pandemic. She wished him the best in retirement. Councilmember Schmidt thanked City Manager Cahill for teaching her how to be a councilmember. She will miss talking to him and wishes him the best. Isabelle LaSalle, Assemblymember Marc Berman’s office, offered a commendation from Assemblymember Berman and State Senator Becker. It has been a true joy working with City Manager Cahill. He has always been approachable and kindhearted and is unparalleled in his effectiveness in advocacy for his town. Christine Prior, Supervisor Simitian’s Office offered a commendation from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Simitian sends his regrets. He is grateful for the many opportunities to work with City Manager Cahill, and they developed an effective relationship. He extends his best wishes to City Manager Cahill as he embarks on life’s next adventure. Roger Spreen, Los Altos Hills County Fire District, said he was thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize City Manager Cahill for his work in the last two decades, and thanked him for his collaborate support of the fire district, for being a vocal advocate for fire prevention, and for helping to build a resilient community. He has worked with City Manager Cahill for the past 17 years and congratulates him on his retirement. Public Comment There were no public comments. Carl Cahill, City Manager, thanked the City Council and said it has been a pleasure to serve the town for 22 years. B. Appointment to the Los Altos Hills Youth Commission City Clerk Deborah Padovan presented the application of Adrian Kuo. 3 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 21, 2021 Adrian Kuo, Los Altos Hills, expressed his interest in serving on the LAH Youth Commission to help the community. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Tankha moved to appoint Adrian Kuo to the Los Altos Hills Youth Commission. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Swan. MOTION PASSED 4-1: AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Swan NOES: Schmidt ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None C. Annual Report of the Los Altos Hills History Committee Carol Gottlieb and Sally Wood, Los Altos Hills History Committee, co-presented the annual report of the History Committee. The Council thanked the committee for all of their hard work. No action was taken. D. Annual Report of the Los Altos Hills Community Relations Committee Lew Jaimson and Roy Woolsey, Los Altos Hills Community Relations Committee, co-presented the annual report of the committee. The Council thanked the committee for all their hard work. No action was taken. E. Presentation of the Climate Action Plan by the Los Altos Hills Environmental Initiatives Committee and Resolution 70-21 Approving the Implementation of a Revised Climate Action Plan Vrinda Bhandarkar, Chair, Los Altos Hills Environmental Initiatives Committee, presented the proposed Climate Action Plan. Council discussion ensued. Public Comment Anand Raganathan, Los Altos Hills, asked that the Council support the resolution to eliminate the use of natural gas use by 2045. Donovan Carlson, Los Altos Hills, said he is a 13-year-old resident of Los Altos Hills. What he loves about the Town is that it a community where multiple generations can enjoy a wonderful lifestyle connected to the outdoors and it is a small town where people look out for one another. He asked that the Council to endorse an 4 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 21, 2021 aggressive plan for climate action. He said we choose to live in this community for its proximity to open space and wildlife, and it shouldn’t be threatened by wildfires caused by climate change. He asked the Council to consider his generation and generations to come by supporting the resolution before them today. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Mok moved to adopt Resolution 70-21 Approving the Implementation of a Revised Climate Action Plan. 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 F. Update on the Los Altos Hills Neighborhood Watch Program Cody Einfalt, Management Analyst II, presented statistics on the Neighborhood Watch Program. They have had seven orientations by the sheriff’s office since March 2021. Rajiv Bhateja, Los Altos Hills, shared his experience with participation and interest on Neighborhood Watch Programs. The Council received the report. 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. There were no public comments. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Swan asked to pull Item G for discussion. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved to approve all items on the Consent Calendar except Item 4.G. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Mok. 5 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 21, 2021 MOTION PASSED 5-0: AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None A. Approval of City Council Special Meeting Minutes: August 31, 2021 B. Approval of City Council Special Meeting Minutes: September 16, 2021 C. Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes: September 16, 2021 D. Approval of City Council Special Meeting Minutes: September 20, 2021 E. Review of Disbursements: September 1-30, 2021 $966,421.10 F. Resolution 71-21 to Authorize the Legislative Bodies of the Town of Los Altos Hills, Including City Council and all Advisory Bodies, to Continue Meeting Virtually Through Teleconference Meetings and Making Related Findings Pursuant to AB 361 (Staff: D. Padovan) G. Authorizing the Auction of Surplus Vehicles and Equipment (Staff: S. Revillar) Councilmember Swan asked about the vehicles that would be made surplus. She asked about the supply chain issues and thought it might be better to wait a year and get rid of the vehicles when prices may be favorable. Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar responded that this issue has been kept in mind. One of the vehicles has been placed on the list so that it can be made surplus next year when a better price may be received. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Swan moved to approve Authorizing the Auction of Surplus Vehicles and Equipment as needed. 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. Resolution 72-21 Authorizing the City Manager to Enter Into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff to Manage the Town’s Automatic License Plate Reader System (Staff: C. Einfalt) 6 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 21, 2021 I. Resolution 73-21 Accepting the Seven Acres Lane Sanitary Sewer Main Extension Project and Approving a Sanitary Sewer Dedication and Reimbursement Agreement between the Town of Los Altos Hills and SA 996 LLC (Staff: O. Antillon) J. Resolution 74-21 Accepting Irrevocable Offer of Dedication of Right-of-Way Easement and Public Utility Easement; Lands of Sloss Trust (Former Lands of Stirling); 28025 Natoma Road (Staff: O. Antillon) K. Resolution 75-21 Approving the Final Subdivision Map for the Lands of Natoma (Staff: O. Antillon) 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution 76-21 Approving the City Manager Employment Agreement Between the Town of Los Altos Hills and Peter Pirnejad (Staff: S. Mattas) Mayor Tankha presented the item. City Attorney Mattas presented the staff report. Council did extensive recruitment and included community, council, and staff interviews. The Council selected Peter Pirnejad and the five-year contract is before the Council tonight. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved to adopt Resolution 76-21 Approving the City Manager Employment Agreement Between the Town of Los Altos Hills and Peter Pirnejad. 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 Peter Pirnejad introduced himself to the City Council and the Town of Los Altos Hills residents. He commended City Manager Cahill for his commitment to the town for over two decades. Because of his contributions, this is a thriving community. He said he will be transparent and accessible to all town residents and is delighted to “hit the ground running.” B. Report on Recently Adopted State Law SB 9 Related to Development on and Subdivision of Single-Family Lots and Report on Potential Compliance Options for Consideration Prior to the Effective Date of SB 9 (Staff S. Padovan and C. Lai) 7 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 21, 2021 Interim Planning and Building Director Steve Padovan provided a summary of the new regulations, development implications and potential compliance options. Council asked questions of staff and received responses. Mayor Tankha suggested appointing a subcommittee of planning commissioners and direct them to prepare some draft regulations. City Attorney Mattas asked if Council would like staff and the Planning Commission to consider any incentives in this structure, limits to square footage, or options for flexibility. There was consensus to have options. Public Comment Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills, said he would like the Council to recognize the tremendous job Interim Director Padovan has done here. He encouraged him to put together some draft ordinances with adjustable numbers so that the subcommittee doesn’t have to draft it from scratch. A rough format would be helpful. Mike Z, Silicon Valley Builder (Zoom label), thanked the staff for the presentation and asked specific questions about the presentation, which Interim Director Padovan answered. Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, asked if the owner of a property that is currently a rental wishes to tear it down and build a new house, not asking to subdivide or take advantage of SB 9, would they have to wait three years. Peter Carlino, Lea & Braze Engineers, said he looks forward to hearing what the town will do about this. When it comes to the properties with septic systems, the county requires the septic be on your own property, and not in an easement, so that will be a factor. Jim Waschura, Los Altos Hills, asked about the Santa Clara County Fire Department’s requirements regarding width of driveways required for multiple units. Further Council discussion ensued. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Tankha moved to appoint Birgitta Indaco and Rajiv Patel to an ad-hoc subcommittee of the Planning Commission to work with staff to prepare draft regulations for an urgency ordinance. The Planning Commission will hold a special meeting on Monday, November 8th to approve recommendations to send to the City Council, so the Council can approve an interim urgency ordinance at their Thursday, November 18th Regular City Council Meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Swan. 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 21, 2021 MOTION PASSED 5-0: AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None Five-minute break: 8:54 p.m. to 8:59 P.M. 6. ONGOING BUSINESS ► City Council Ex Parte Contacts Policy Disclosure A. Resolution 77-21 Awarding a Planning Services Contract to Update the Town of Los Altos Hills General Plan Housing and Safety Elements to Michael Baker International, Inc. (Staff: S. Padovan) Interim Director Padovan presented the staff report. Council asked questions of staff and received responses. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved to adopt Resolution 77-21 Awarding a Planning Services Contract to Update the Town of Los Altos Hills General Plan Housing and Safety Elements to Michael Baker International, Inc. 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 B. Report and Proposed Resolution on the Use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funds (Staff: S. Revillar and O. Antillon) Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar presented the staff report. Council asked questions of staff and received responses. Councilmember Mok suggested the formation of a two-member an ad hoc committee of the Council. Councilmember Schmidt volunteered to serve on an ad hoc committee with Councilmember Mok. 9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 21, 2021 Public Comment Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, assured Vice Mayor Tyson that the way the request was made, there was insufficient time to call a meeting. The chair reached out to a minority of the Finance and Investment Committee (FIC) and asked for input. She coordinated a response. The committee did not vote on it. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Mok moved that an ad hoc committee comprised of Councilmembers Mok and Schmidt be formed to review possible uses of the funds and to receive input from those with a vested interest. Their findings will be brought to Council for discussion and approval. 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 C. Resolution 78-21 Approving Configuration of the Town Hall Backup Power Resiliency Capital Project and Appropriating $250,000 for the Electrical Service Panel Upgrade at Town Hall (Staff: C. Einfalt) Management Analyst II Cody Einfalt presented the staff report. Jason Smith, Syserco Energy Solutions, presented design build energy services. Management Analyst II Einfalt presented the updated budget. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. 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 Council discussion ensued. Public Comment Steve Schmidt, Los Altos Hills, said that that Management Analyst II Einfalt and Mr. Smith have taken the comments from the Environmental Initiatives Committee 10 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 21, 2021 (EIC) and did a great job refining the proposal to reflect that information. Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, said he is supportive of battery backup, but expressed several concerns about the proposal before the Council. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to adopt Resolution 78-21 Approving Configuration of the Town Hall Backup Power Resiliency Capital Project and Appropriating $250,000 for the Electrical Service Panel Upgrade at Town Hall. 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 7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES A. Report by the Undergrounding Subcommittee (Vice Mayor Tyson) Vice Mayor Tyson presented the report of the Undergrounding Subcommittee. The report was received. No action was taken. B. Report by the Fire Taskforce Subcommittee (Councilmember Schmidt) Councilmember Schmidt provided an update on the Fire Safety Taskforce Subcommittee. The report was received. No action was taken. C. Status Reports from All Councilmembers on Subcommittee and Outside Agencies Activities Councilmember Swan reported that the Joint Volunteer Awards Committee (JVAC) has received nominations. The luncheon will be on December 3, 2021. The Ad Hoc Emerging Technologies Committee did a presentation on the license plate readers to the town. The Vice Mayor of Saratoga asked Los Altos Hills resident Rajiv Bhateja to provide information about the automatic license plate readers. Councilmember Mok said the Emerging Technologies Committee is an ad hoc committee. He suggested it might become a full committee in the future. 11 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 21, 2021 Vice Mayor Tyson said that he and Councilmember Schmidt are also on a subcommittee regarding development of a new survey of town They have been in contact with councilmembers from seven neighboring cities regarding best practices for conducting efficient and cost-effective surveys. Mayor Tankha reported that Los Altos Hills is doing a joint Veterans Day event with the City of Los Altos. 8. STAFF REPORTS A. City Manager City Manager Carl Cahill gave his last report. He conservatively estimates he has attended 300 city council meetings during his tenure with the town. He met the incoming City Manager Peter Pirnejad, and said he possesses integrity, has an engaging personality, and is a quick study. He commended the Council for what appears to be an excellent choice in city manager. B. City Attorney No report. C. City Clerk City Clerk Deborah Padovan reported that a reception for incoming City Manager Peter Pirnejad will be held on Wednesday, November 3rd from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall and residents are invited. D. Planning Director Interim Planning and Building Director Steve Padovan reported that the appeal hearing before ABAG for our RHNA numbers on Friday, October 22, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Management Analyst II Cody Einfalt said that he started his professional career here in LAH. He was given an incredible opportunity. He thanked City Manager Carl Cahill for setting him up for a successful career. E. Administrative Services Director Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar reported that the final audit has been completed. The draft CAFR will be presented to the FIC on Monday, November 8th. 12 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 21, 2021 F. Public Works Director Public Works Director Oscar Antillon thanked the Open Space Committee and Environmental Design and Protection Committee for their work on tree issues. 9. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS A. Discussion on Exploring a Community Center for Los Altos Hills (Mayor Tankha) Mayor Tankha said she put this on the agenda to explore the options. She was invited to the Los Altos Community Center, and it is an amazing, incredible resource. As a council we should add to the lives and experience of the residents - to provide something like this. She wants a survey done to see what the residents want done. 10. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m. in memory of Jim Abraham. Respectfully submitted, Deborah L. Padovan Deborah Padovan City Clerk The minutes of the October 21, 2021, regular City Council meeting were approved as presented at the November 18, 2021, regular City Council meeting.