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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 22, 2021
Via teleconference according to the Governor’s Executive Order N-08-21, Mayor Tankha called
the City Council Special Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Tankha, Vice Mayor Tyson, Councilmember Mok, Councilmember
Swan
Absent: Councilmember Schmidt
Staff: City Manager Carl Cahill, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Interim
Planning/Building Director Steve Padovan, Administrative Services Director
Sarina Revillar, Community Services Supervisor Sarah Robustelli, Associate
Planner Jeremy Loh, 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. Councilmember Mok asked to comment on the
flights over Los Altos Hills and community fiber. City Attorney Mattas said the aircraft
noise issue could come up under item 7.D. The community fiber is already on the
agenda.
2. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
A. Reappointment to the Los Altos Hills History Committee
City Clerk Padovan presented the reappointment request of Sally Wood.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Tanka moved to reappoint Sally
Wood to the History Committee for a second, four-year term. The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Swan.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Special Meeting Minutes
Thursday, July 22, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California
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July 22, 2021
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Schmidt
B. Reappointment to the Los Altos Hills Environmental Initiatives Committee
City Clerk Padovan presented the reappointment request of Pat Lang.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Tanka moved to appoint Pat Lang
to the Los Altos Hills Environmental Initiatives Committee for a second four-year
term. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Mok.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Schmidt
C. Reappointments to the Los Altos Hills Environmental Design and Protection
Committee
City Clerk Padovan presented the reappointment requests of Nancy Couperus and
Peter Brown.
Public Comment
Peter Brown expressed his desire to serve a second term on the committtee. He
stated that he believes the committee is valuable to the Town.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Tanka moved to reappoint Nancy
Couperus to a third four-year term and Peter Brown to a second four-year term to
the Los Altos Hills Environmental Design and Protection Committee. The motion
was seconded by Vice Mayor Tyson.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Schmidt
D. Annual Presentation of the Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Kit Gordon, Chair, Open Space Committee presented the annual report of the
committee.
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The Council thanked Ms. Gordon for all of committee’s hard work this past year.
Ms. Gordon said the committee has not been full since a two-term limit was
imposed. She asked Council to reconsider this.
Councilmember Swan asked if this could be discussed.
Mayor Tankha clarified that there are no term limits on this committee. Preference is
given to first-time applicants.
City Clerk Padovan told Council she was advertising for applicants for those
committees having vacancies and hoped to bring applications to the August 19th
meeting for Council’s review.
Ms. Gordon said that members have not reapplied for a third term as they believed
they could not.
Mayor Tankha asked if there was in fact a two-term limit.
City Clerk Padovan stated that it was a guideline in the standing committee
resolution, but it is Council’s decision whether to reappoint members who have
served two or more terms.
City Attorney Mattas added that the resolution does not impose a two-term limit but
encourages the appointment of new applicants when members have served two or
more terms. The application of this has varied with different councils over the years.
Any council could modify the resolution if they so desired.
Councilmembers Mok and Swan felt that members who have served two terms
should be encouraged to reapply.
The Council received the Committee’s report. No action was taken.
E. Annual Presentation of the Los Altos Hills Pathways Committee
Bob Elson, Chair, Pathways Committee presented the annual report of the
committee.
Council discussion ensued. They acknowledged the hard work of the committee to
audit the entire pathways system.
Vice Mayor Tyson noted that pathways seem to have been installed in a somewhat
patchwork manner. Was the intention of the new funding to rectify this?
Mr. Elson said a mandate to install pathways by segment is needed to avoid falling
behind.
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Vice Mayor Tyson asked if some segments could be built, and another report could
be presented after some real-life construction was completed.
Mr. Elson agreed but said that a process needs to be put in place directing that
construction take place. If a pathway is to be installed at one house, and another one
exists a few houses down, it makes sense to go ahead and install three or four
segments joining those two paths rather than continue in a hodgepodge manner. It
also reduces costs. He feels that the current policy of having the town oversee the
installation of paths puts a tremendous burden on staff and the pandemic and staff
shortages have exacerbated the problem.
Councilmember Swan suggested that we need a future agenda item to review fees
for appropriateness and discuss possible partial funding by the town.
Mayor Tankha recalled that when the current policy was put in place, the idea was
to reevaluate it after a year. She believes it is time to do so. She suggested the
Pathways Committee discuss possible options, review them with staff, and return to
Council.
Councilmember Mok asked if the GIS work that the Council funded has been
progressing.
Mr. Elson replied that they have the money and the project, but he has not been able
to connect with Lynx Technologies after their initial exchanges.
Major Tankha asked City Manager Cahill what Council could do to help with
pathways.
City Manager Cahill asked Interim Planning/Building Director Steve Padovan if
he knew why Lynx had been unresponsive.
Interim Director Padovan responded that he would contact Patrick Kelleher with
Lynx Technologies to determine why this part of the project had not moved forward.
He believed it was part of the contract Lynx had with the Town.
City Manager Cahill added that he would make sure that Mr. Kelleher was aware
that Mr. Elson had full authority to speak with him about the project. Mr. Cahill also
provided input on a proposed License Agreement between the Town of Los Altos
Hills and Purissima Hills Water District regarding the pathway crossing the water
district’s property at Robleda Road.
Mayor Tankha mentioned that the water district’s lease on that property comes up
for renewal soon and they should be aware that they need to work with the town on
projects.
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City Manager Cahill explained that the water district is working with the town; but
their priorities are not the same as the town’s.
Public Comment
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, asked about the way Mr. Elson identified the map
between the 2005 vs. 2020 map. The Council reviewed and updated it in 2020.
Carol Gottlieb, Los Altos Hills, said that the La Paloma/Robleda is a
pedestrian/equestrian path, not using stairs. There is a distinct difference between the
two maps. The 2005 maps have been updated with those 5 or 6 areas that have not
been completed. No other work has been done. The pathways map has been updated
as paths are built. You are dealing with two maps.
Jeff Mason, Los Altos Hills, said the public is appreciative of the work of the
Pathways Committee. He inquired if the committee would consider adding more
doggie-waste stations.
City Clerk Padovan read comments from resident Robert Sandor into the record.
The Council received the Committee’s report. No action was taken.
F. Presentation on the results of the 2020/21 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Town-
Wide Survey by M-Group
Sung Kwon, Principal Planner and Erin Tou, Assistant Planner, M-Group,
presented the results of the 2020-21 Accessory Dwelling Unit Townwide Survey.
Public Comment
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, asked of the 28% ADUs reported in design or
construction, is that 28% of the responses received? Also, statistically do you project
your results to the 3,000 homes in the town? Also, what were the concerns about the
impact on the community, as he noted that he did not see that in the report.
Council received the report. No action was taken.
G. Presentation and Request by the Los Altos Hills Chamber of Commerce for
Additional Funding in the amount of $100,000
Kim Mosley, Los Altos Chamber of Commerce, presented the chamber’s request
for the $100,000.00 to support the chamber of commerce.
Council discussion ensued. At the August City Council meeting, the staff could
return to the council with eligible expenditures of those funds.
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Public Comment
Jim Waschura, Los Altos Hills, said that he hopes that funds that come in can help
the community.
City Clerk Padovan read a comment into the record from resident Robert Sandor.
No action was taken.
3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills, said he has been approached by a number of residents
to bring things to their attention. Ten years ago City Clerk Deborah Padovan was hired
by the town. Her service to the town is deeply appreciated by the residents.
City Clerk Padovan read a comment into the record from resident Robert Sandor.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Mok asked to pull items 4.H and 4.K for discussion.
Councilmember Swan asked to pull item 4.F for discussion.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved to approve the
CONSENT CALENDAR with the exception of items 4.F, 4.H, and 4.K. The motion
was seconded by Councilmember Mok.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Schmidt
A. Approval of City Council Special Meeting Minutes: June 16, 2021
B. Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes: June 17, 2021
C. Approval of City Council Special Meeting Minutes: June 29, 2021
D. Approval of City Council Special Meeting Minutes: July 8, 2021
E. Review of Disbursements: June 1-30, 2021 $883,529.40
F. Resolution Approving Transfer of Unclaimed Funds to Originating Fund (Staff: S.
Revillar)
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Councilmember Swan said the funds should go to the state, not to the Town so the
individuals could come back later and collect the money.
City Attorney Mattas said that the Town is in compliance with state law.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Swan moved to transfer the
unclaimed funds to the state to the extent permissible by law. The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Mok.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Schmidt
G. Approval of Change in Regular Meeting Date and Time for the Los Altos Hills
Environmental Initiatives Committee (Staff: D. Padovan)
H. Resolution 51-21 Authorizing for City Manager to Execute Standing Purchase
Orders for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 in an Amount Not to Exceed $6,138,456 (Staff: S.
Revillar)
Councilmember Mok questioned the amount of $450,000 for law enforcement
services. He said he does not recall voting on the additional deputy for the swing
shift.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Mok moved to approve
Resolution 51-21, Authorizing for City Manager to Execute Standing Purchase
Orders for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 in an Amount Not to Exceed $6,138,456, as
amended to remove the $450,000 for the second sheriff’s deputy. The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Swan.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Schmidt
I. Resolution 45-21 Authorizing the City Manager to Award a Design Services
Contract for the East Sunset Drive Roadway Widening Project in an amount not to
exceed $30,550 (Staff: Public Works)
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J. Resolution 46-21 Accepting the Sunhills Drive Sanitary Sewer Main
Extension Project and Approving a Sanitary Sewer Dedication and Reimbursement
Agreement between the Town of Los Altos Hills and Jody Akana and Julien
Plougastel (Staff: Public Works)
K. Resolution 52-21 Accepting the Magdalena-Albertsworth Sanitary Sewer Main
Extension Project and Approving a Sanitary Sewer Dedication and Reimbursement
Agreement between the Town of Los Altos Hills and Sotiria Trembois, Donna
Whitney, and Don J. Leonard (Staff: Public Works)
Councilmember Mok questioned the reimbursement sewer agreement.
Council discussion ensued.
Public Comment
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, said it would be a mistake to grant a 25-year
reimbursement agreement from the current date. There are many applicants who
have applied and have received 25 years from the date of acceptance. It would
inequitable to the other residents. For equity purposes, it would be unwise to forward
date this nine years from when the sewer line was accepted. The applicant should get
agreement, but back date it.
Further council discussion ensued. City Attorney Mattas said that the Council could
provide direction to staff that these agreements come to the Council within a year of
acceptance of the line. It should be made clear to the applicants, that if they choose to
wait, they are at risk of losing those years.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved to approve
Resolution 52-21 Accepting the Magdalena-Albertsworth Sanitary Sewer Main
Extension Project and Approving a Sanitary Sewer Dedication and Reimbursement
Agreement between the Town of Los Altos Hills and Sotiria Trembois, Donna
Whitney, and Don J. Leonard, and to direct staff to prepare for Council’s approval a
revised policy shortening the period of time during which new sewer project
reimbursement agreements are to be brought to the town for acceptance. The motion
was seconded by Councilmember Swan.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Schmidt
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L. Resolution 47-21 Approving an Agreement for Open Space Easement at 24269
Dawnridge Drive; Lands of Lim; File #SD19-0089 (Staff: J. Loh)
M. Resolution 48-21 Approving an Historic Property Preservation Agreement at 14700
Manuella Road; Lands of Hauser; File #SP21-0001 (Staff: J. Loh)
N. Resolution 49-21 Approving an Agreement for Open Space Easement at 13581
Wildcrest Drive; Lands of Sutaria Family Trust; File #ER21-0002 (Staff: S. Padovan)
O. Motion Authorizing Payment to Shaw Law Group in the amount of $2,572.50 and
Oppenheimer Investigations Group, LLP in an amount up to $25,000 for personnel-
related legal services (Staff: S. Mattas)
P. Resolution 50-21 Authorizing the City Manager to Reimburse the Sewer Main
Relocation Project at 13428 Carillo Lane (Staff: Public Works)
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
► City Council Ex Parte Contacts Policy Disclosure
A. 11997 Hilltop Drive – File #CUP21-0002 – Lands of Sarraf
Resolution 53-21 to Adopt a 10-year renewal of the Conditional Use Permit for an
existing wireless telecommunications facility with no changes to equipment or
structures.
CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15301 (b) (Staff: J. Loh)
There were no ex parte communications.
Associate Planner Jeremy Loh presented the staff report.
Mayor Tankha opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no public comments, Mayor Tankha closed the Public Hearing.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: by Vice Mayor Tyson moved to approve
Resolution 53-21 to Adopt a 10-year renewal of the Conditional Use Permit for an
existing wireless telecommunications facility with no changes to equipment or
structures. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Mok.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Schmidt
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B. Introduction of Ordinance 597 (First Reading) Amending Title 12, Chapter 1 “Parks,
Preserves and Public Areas”, Section 12-1.01 “Acts Prohibited” to Include Smoking
(Staff: S. Robustelli) Motion to Waive Reading and Introduce the Ordinance
Community Services Supervisor Sarah Robustelli presented the staff report.
Mayor Tankha opened the Public Hearing
Seeing no one wishing to speak, Mayor Tankha closed the Public Hearing.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Tankha moved to waive the reading
and Introduce Ordinance 597 Amending Title 12, Chapter 1 “Parks, Preserves and
Public Areas”, Section 12-1.01 “Acts Prohibited” to Include Smoking. The motion
was seconded by Councilmember Swan.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Schmidt
6. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution 54-21 Approving a Fifteen (15) Year Extension to the Telecom Lease
Agreement with American Tower for the Site Located at 27210 Altamont Road
(Staff: C. Einfalt)
Management Analyst Cody Einfalt presented the staff report.
Council asked questions of staff and received responses.
Public Comment
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, said that he suggested the Council consider getting a
professional negotiator to get a better value.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Mok moved to adopt
Resolution 54-21 Approving a fifteen (15) year extension to the Telecom Lease
Agreement with American Tower for the Site Located at 27210 Altamont Road. The
motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Tyson.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Swan
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NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Schmidt
7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
A. Report by the Undergrounding Subcommittee (Vice Mayor Tyson)
Vice Mayor George Tyson presented the utility underground report.
Public Comment
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, wondered about the pay back that Comcast and
AT&T have to provide. Did you receive any clarity? Vice Mayor Tyson responded
that these are not the people who can answer that.
Rajiv Bhateja, Los Altos Hills, asked if Los Altos Hills Community Fiber is part of
the discussion.
Council discussion ensued. No action was taken.
B. Report by the Fire Taskforce Subcommittee (Councilmember Schmidt)
This report was not considered as Councilmember Schmidt was absent.
C. Report on Adopting a Hybrid Meeting Technology from the Ad Hoc Emerging
Technology Committee and Potential Action to Approve Direction to Staff to Enter
into a Contract with the Council-approved Vendor for Acquisition and Installation of
Hybrid Meeting Technology (Councilmember Swan)
Councilmember Swan presented the item. She introduced Rajiv Bhateja, who
presented the ad hoc committee’s findings. The ad hoc committee recommended
Coda-Tech as the vendor of choice and requested the Council approve the CM sign an
agreement with Coda-Tech in an amount not to exceed $30,000.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Mok moved to authorize
the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Coda-Tech for Acquisition and
Installation of Hybrid Meeting Technology in an amount not to exceed $30,000,
without the roll-in TV option. The motion was seconded by Mayor Tankha.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Swan
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NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Schmidt
D. Status Reports from All Councilmembers on Subcommittee and Outside Agencies
Activities
Councilmember Mok talked about the SCSC Roundtable regarding airplane
noise. The proposed changes by the FAA had are not going to happen. They were
thinking of changing one of the routes, but they aren’t going to do that now. They
will retain the route they currently have.
Councilmember Swan reported that the JVAC nominations are open. The
documents can be found on the Town’s website.
8. STAFF REPORTS
A. City Manager - ALPR Status Report (C. Einfalt)
Management Analyst Cody Einfalt provided the Council an update on the ALPR
status. He said the item is going to the August 17, 2021 Board of Supervisor’s
meeting to review documents.
B. City Attorney
No report.
C. City Clerk
No report.
D. Planning Director
No report.
E. Administrative Services Director
No report.
F. Public Works Director
No report.
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9. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
A. Discussion and Possible Action on Hosting a Study Session on Community Fiber
(Mayor Tankha)
Mayor Tankha presented the discussion and proposed a study session. She
requested City Attorney Mattas be involved and for staff to come up with questions
for the study session. Councilmember Mok said he would like to present the entire
process from start to finish and then direct staff to implement. Mayor Tankha asked
that consultants be included.
Council discussion ensued.
DIRECTION: City Manager and City Attorney to work together come up with a
date for all the stakeholders in the room. Start with staff and City Attorney and make
sure we have enough people present to participate. A Town-wide mailer is
necessary.
B. Revisit the Concept of a Multi-Generational/Multi-user park for Los Altos Hills
(Mayor Tankha)
Mayor Tankha presented the item.
Council discussion ensued.
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 4-0-1:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Schmidt
Public Comment
Yibin Tang, Los Altos Hills, said the Parks and Recreation Committee is interested
in such a park.
Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills, said both a needs analysis and a practical look at
what’s feasible in a limited situation are needed. He believes it is possible to reach a
reasonable agreement with the Little League.
There was consensus to move forward on this matter.
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MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Swan moved to appoint
Mayor Tankha and Councilmember Mok to an ad-hoc council subcommittee to
assist the Parks and Recreation Committee is obtaining proposals for a multi-
generational/multi-use park. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Tyson.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Schmidt
10. ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 10:11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah L. Padovan
Deborah Padovan
City Clerk
The minutes of the July 22, 2021, special City Council meeting were approved as presented at
the August 19, 2021, regular City Council meeting.