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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 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, Interim
Planning/Building Director Steve Padovan, Administrative Services Director
Sarina Revillar, 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
Councilmember Mok requested that Item 9.A be moved forward. The Council agreed to
move Agenda Item #9.A to the start of New Business.
2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Reappointment to the Los Altos Hills Community Relations Committee
City Clerk Deborah Padovan presented the reappointment application of Lana
Einslag.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to appoint
Lana Einslag to the Los Altos Hills Community Relations Committee for a second
four-year term. 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
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 17, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California
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B. Appointment to the Los Altos Hills Community Relations Committee
City Clerk Deborah Padovan presented the application of Rajiv Bhateja.
Mr. Bahteja introduced himself to the City Council and expressed his interest in serving on
the Community Relations Committee.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Tankha moved to appoint Rajiv Bhateja to
the Los Altos Hills Community Relations Committee for a four-year term. 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
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.
Rhoda Fry, Cupertino, spoke about Lehigh Quarry and enforcement rights on the open
space district. She asked that the Council support the two Board of Supervisors
members.
Peter Brown, Los Altos Hills, informed the residents that he is a member of the
Environmental Design and Protection Committee and there are two openings on the
committee. They are the advisory committee to the Planning Department.
Robert Sandor, Los Altos Hills, talked about a community center in town that serves the
residents and he suggested that the Council look at Foothill College for this use.
Josh Silverman, Los Altos Hills, asked the Council to update the beekeeping ordinance
in town as it hasn’t been updated. The current regulations are unrealistic and outdated.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Mok moved to approve the
Consent Calendar except for Item 4.E. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor
Tyson.
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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: May 21, 2021
B. Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes: May 20, 2021
C. Approval of Joint City Council/Finance and Investment Committee Special Meeting
Minutes: May 26, 2021
D. Review of Disbursements: May 1-31, 2021 $1,066,083.74
E. Consideration of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 12 to Employment
Agreement with Carl Cahill to Extend the Term of the Agreement through October
29, 2021 (Staff: S. Mattas)
Councilmember Swan pulled this item to talk about an interim plan for the
transition. She feels keeping the current City Manager on to educate the new City
Manager is not necessary. She would like the City Manager to retire on June 30th,
with compensation to continue for the additional 4 months that he offered to stay on.
There are pools of city managers who could serve as interim manager. She does not
want to approve the contract extension as written.
Councilmember Mok cited the recent bad publicity the Town has received and the
sharp increase in employee turnover. He is in favor of letting the current City
Manager’s contract expire in June and offering four month’s severance pay.
Public Comment
Robert Sandor, Los Altos Hills, asked that the Council not extend the contract.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved to adopt
Resolution 39-21 Approving and Authorizing the Execution of Amendment No. 12
to Employment Agreement with Carl Cahill for City Manager Services. The motion
was seconded by Councilmember Schmidt.
MOTION PASSED 3-2
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Schmidt
NOES: Mok, Swan
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
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ABSENT: None
F. Resolution 44-21 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Contract Between the
Town and Peckham & McKenney to Provide Recruiting Services for the Planning
Director Position in the amount of $23,000 (Staff: S. Revillar)
G. Confirming Council Liaison Appointments for the Emergency Communications
Committee and the Parks and Recreation Committee (Staff: D. Padovan)
H. Request for Approval of a Budget for a Classic Car Show Town Gathering on July
25, 2021 (Community Relations Committee)
I. Resolution 32-21 Approving Plans and Specifications for the 2021 Pavement
Rehabilitation and Drainage Improvement Project and Authorizing Staff to Advertise
for Bids and Inspection Services (Staff: S. Meditch/J. Chau)
J. Resolution 33-21 Accepting the Dedication of Right-of-Way Easement; Lands of
Irani, 14221 Miranda Road (Staff: S. Meditch/J. Chau)
K. Resolution 34-21 Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 21-22 Funded by SB 1:
The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (Staff: C. Hoffman)
L. Resolution 35-21 Approving a Request to the Metropolitan Transportation
Commission for the Allocation of Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Transportation
Development Act Article 3 Pedestrian/Bicycle Project Funding (Staff: C. Hoffman)
M. Approving the 2021 Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Program for Public
Information; a program under the Community Rating System of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program (Staff: C.
Hoffman)
N. Resolution 36-21 Awarding a Contract for the Construction of the Westwind
Community Barn Feeding Pasture Fence Improvement Project. (Staff: C. Hoffman)
O. Resolution 37-21 Updating the Policy on Automatic License Plate Readers in the
Town of Los Altos Hills (Staff: C. Einfalt)
P. Approve a Parade Permit for the Town’s Independence Day Caravan Parade (Staff: S.
Robustelli)
Q. Notification of Fast Track Approval: 13800 Barton Court - File #SD20-0099 – Lands
of Jackson Site Development Permit for a new 1,033 square-foot two-story accessory
building with a 1,019 square-foot attached accessory dwelling unit and a 913 square-
foot basement, and a new 1,000 square-foot swimming pool. CEQA review:
Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(e) (Staff: K. Yost/Z. Dahl) Appeal
deadline: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 4:00pm.
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R. Resolution 38-21 Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Professional Services
Agreement with Bob Murray and Associates for Recruitment Services for the City
Manager. (Staff: S. Mattas)
S. Request for Council Approval to use Town Hall for a Los Altos Hills Vines and
Wines Event on October 10, 2021 (Ann Duwe on behalf of Vines & Wines) – added
with Revision No. 1
Item 9.A was moved to be heard before 5. NEW BUSINESS:
9. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
A. Presentation by Next Level on proposed fiber optic cable project in public road right
of way and consideration of a resolution granting Next Level an exception to
Municipal Code Title 7, Chapter 1, “Public Utility Franchises” and give direction to
staff to issue an Encroachment Permit to Next Level subject to the requirements of
Title 7, Chapter 2, Street and Sidewalk excavations (Councilmember Mok)
Councilmember Mok introduced Sasha Zbrozek, who is a member of Los Altos
Hills Community Fiber (LAHCF) Board of Directors. He described his experience
attempting to establish Internet service with Comcast when he first moved to town
and how discovered LAHCF. LAHCF is a member-operated community fiber co-op
and a non-profit mutual benefit corporation. It is funded by its members. Next Level
is the general contractor putting this all together.
Council Member Schmidt suggested an informational meeting on the issue would
have been preferable prior to being asked to vote on the issue. She confirmed with
Mr. Zbrozek that the LAHCF non-profit owns the network and contracts with Next
Level to construct it and operate it. She asked if LAHCF would have to follow all
same steps and meet the same permitting requirements that any other utility
organization would have to, and that they were not asking for any special treatment.
David Barron, CEO, Next Level Networks, confirmed that Next Level follows the
permitting process of any city in which they work. There are requirements such as
insurance and bonding that are usually handled through the permitting process.
Mayor Tankha explained to Mr. Zbrozek that today is this is the first time this
project has been discussed by Council, thus the many questions.
Councilmember Mok stated that this was his third attempt to get this agendized
before Council. The fact that it hasn’t been heard previously was not for lack of
trying. He said tonight’s request was a simple one and he would make a motion after
Council discussion.
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Mayor Tankha explained that she had spoken to Scott Vanderlip two months ago
and told him she would be happy for him to make a presentation to Council at any
time. For some reason he had not followed through.
Vice Mayor Tyson noted that many community members are struggling to get decent
Internet connectivity. He likes the idea of LAHCF and the possibility of waiving fees
and providing funds to jump-start this kind of project but is troubled by being asked
to decide on something of this magnitude without more information. Moving forward,
he is not in favor of going around things like franchise agreements and things that
will protect the Town. He wants to be very careful to protect the Town against future
liability. He has heard from Next Level’s counsel about how this should work but
needs a separate view to say how the Town can protect itself from further liability.
Mr. Barron added that the reason this has come before the City Council instead of
going directly to the permitting process is that there has been an assertion that the
network cannot have the right to public right-of-way. The purpose of this evening’s
item is to establish that it can have access.
City Attorney Mattas explained that the Town would require a franchise agreement,
and pursuant to that agreement there would an encroachment permit. The Town’s
franchise provision is quite dated, so the Council should be aware of that. Council can
ask staff to prepare documents so that appropriate levels of insurance, indemnity, and
bonding are included in the franchise agreement or encroachment permit.
Councilmember Swan noted that LAH Community Fiber had submitted a permit
request in May and were told they needed a CLEC license, which was not applicable.
That may be why they decided to come to Council at this time. If a detailed plan was
brought to the Council, that would solve the issue.
Mayor Tankha said she feels this is an opportunity to get this right. Many people
have been working from home and attending school virtually during the pandemic
and fast Internet connectivity is imperative. She sees this as a great example of a
public/private partnership and would like to support it. She would like LAH
Community Fiber to bring to Council a proposal detailing what they would like to do.
City Manager Cahill said there needs to be an agreement setting out the “rules of
engagement” between the Town and LAH Community Fiber. It would presumably be
a non-exclusive agreement that will outline a procedure for other potential groups to
follow.
Councilmember Swan said that staff needs to prepare a complete package of
information for Next Level and LAH Community Fiber Network telling them exactly
what they need to do so that they can move forward.
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Public Comment
Jim Waschura, Los Altos Hills, asked about having some talks in parallel with
existing franchisees about what is possible for these underserved areas. We have two
large providers and if we could get them to get into some of these areas, it might be a
better solution, because these are real companies that will answer the phone at 3 a.m.
or show up the next day to fix a problem.
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, the Council needs to direct staff to evaluate what
needs to be done in order to move forward and provide adequate funding to hire the
people necessary to look at all the issues involved.
Robert Sandor, Los Altos Hills, he wants the Town to figure out how to help these
people. They are trying to help others in Town.
Greg Badros, Los Altos Hills, spoke in support of LAH Community Fiber. The
question being asked is can a group of 29 neighbors use the sidewalk in a non-
disruptive way to bore under the ground to connect their houses using the public
right-of-way. This is not a public utility.
Further Council discussion ensued.
Vice Mayor Tyson feels that is a manageable degree of risk. If we are interested in
working with this group, let’s find out what’s required. We need to protect the Town.
We don’t need to do this slowly but let’s give staff that direction.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Swan moved to direct the
staff to expeditiously determine what is needed to get this encroachment permit ready
to go and allow the fiber to be installed while protecting the town. The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Mok.
Councilmember Schmidt emphasized the need to confirm that the Town is
protected. We need to decide, as a Council, if this is the way we want to grant access
to our public right-of-way. It is not up to staff to tell us what to do.
Councilmember Swan replied that Council does need staff to determine what forms
and requirements are needed.
City Attorney Steve Mattas reported that staff understands the Council wants to
further this expeditiously. Council needs to know what the form and terms of the
agreement would be, with recommendations regarding insurance, etc., and have it
brought back to the Council, ready to review and act upon when you are ready to do
so. He must work with LAH Community Fiber to prepare this and estimates that will
require one to months.
City Manager Carl Cahill agreed and added that he viewed this as a two-step
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process. First would be a franchise agreement for LAH Community Fiber’s use of
the public right-of-way. Once that is approved by City Council and signed, the next
administrative step is for Next Level to come in with the appropriate engineering
drawings and proceed with their encroachment permit request.
Mayor Tankha said that Council is happy to go forward with a special meeting once
they have all the information they need.
Mr. Zbrozek asked if the ordinance could be amended to allow permits to be issued
before agreement is signed.
City Attorney Matttas explained that an ordinance must go through two meetings to
be approved and does not go into effect until 30 days after adoption. If Council wants
this project to be moved forward expeditiously, it would be better not to amend the
ordinance if not necessary. Conversely, if this project is to be a model for other
projects around Town, amending the ordinance could make sense.
City Manager Cahill added that this type of agreement is not difficult to prepare.
What is needed is discussion between LAH Community Fiber and Town staff
regarding the requirements of the agreement. Next Level has already been sent a list
of the requirements for the encroachment permit and can be working on that. noted
that underground in the public rights-of-way is “very crowded real estate,” and
caution needs to be exercised not to hit any other utilities as has happened in the past.
City Clerk Padovan noted that there was a motion on the floor made by Swan and
seconded by Mok.
Councilmember Swan asked for help from City Attorney Mattas to clarify her
motion.
City Attorney Matttas explained that the motion at this meeting won’t be to “allow”
anything, but rather to direct staff to put together the documents and background
information for which Council has asked so that Council can consider whether it
wishes to adopt and franchise agreement with LAH Community Fiber. The next step
would be an encroachment permit.
Mayor Tankha asked if a motion was needed.
Vice Mayor Tyson replied that a consensus was sufficient to direct staff.
Councilmember Swan withdrew her motion and asked for consensus to direct staff
as City Attorney Mattas had described. Councilmember Mok withdrew his second.
City Attorney Mattas confirmed that he understood Council’s direction.
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5. NEW BUSINESS
A. Presentation by Koff & Associates and Receive Total Compensation and Pay Equity
Report from Koff & Associates (Staff: S. Revillar)
Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar introduced Georg Krammer
with Koff & Associates. She provided background about a compensation study and
pay equity study.
Georg Krammer presented the compensation report.
Alyssa Thompson, Koff & Associates presented the pay equity report.
Council discussion ensued.
Director Revillar clarified that tonight staff is asking that Council accept the report
and staff will return at a later date to update the salary schedule.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to accept
the compensation and pay equity report presented tonight and to direct staff to
prepare and bring to Council recommendations for attracting potential employees to
the 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
B. Resolution Authorizing to Approve the Accounting Technician and Management
Analyst II Job Descriptions (Staff: S. Revillar)
Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
Public Comment (from Item 5.A above)
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, talked about the previous item. He suggested an ad
hoc committee to review inequities in positions.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to approve
Resolution 40-21 Authorizing to Approve the Accounting Technician and
Management Analyst Job Descriptions. The motion was seconded by Councilmember
Swan.
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MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
C. Resolution Approving Transfer of Unclaimed Funds to Originating Fund (Staff: S.
Revillar)
Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
Public Comment
Rajiv Bhateja, Los Altos Hills, pointed out that in the public notice, the link for the
form for the unclaimed funds is a bad link.
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, reminded City Attorney Mattas that the FIC
reviewed the policy and specifically asked the question about the funds needing to be
remitted to the state. Mr. Mattas’s office confirmed that the funds could be remanded
to the town.
Robert Sandor, Los Altos Hills, said the right thing to do, the funds do not belong to
the town. The State Treasurer could perhaps find the appropriate place to provide the
funds.
This item was continued to the July City Council Meeting.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
City Council Ex Parte Contacts Policy Disclosure
Ex Parte Communications: Councilmember Schmidt spoke with Jim Waschura
regarding budget issues. Councilmember Mok spoke with Jim Waschura.
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 2021-2022
Sewer Service Charges, and Contractual Assessment District Charges for Both the
Palo Alto and Los Altos Sewer Basins (Staff: J. Chen/S. Padovan)
Mayor Tankha opened the Public Hearing.
Interim Planning/Building Director Steve Padovan presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
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Seeing no one wishing to speak, Mayor Tankha closed the Public Hearing.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved to adopt
Resolution 41-21 of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills Requesting that
the Santa Clara County Tax Collector Collect Delinquent Sewer Charges, the 2021-
2022 Sewer Service Charges, and Contractual Assessment District Charges for Both
the Palo Alto and Los Altos Sewer Basins. 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. Resolution to Adopt FY 21/22 Planning and Building Fee Schedule (Staff: Z. Dahl/S.
Padovan)
Interim Director Steve Padovan presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
Mayor Tanka opened the Public Hearing.
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, said fees are typically a matter that goes through the
Finance and Investment Committee. It would be approrpiate that the changes go
through the committee before they go to the Council.
Mayor Tankha closed the Public Hearing.
Further Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved to adopt
Resolution 42-21 Adopting an Updated Planning and Building Fee Schedule for FY
21/22. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Schmidt.
MOTION PASSED 4-1:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Schmidt, Swan
NOES: Mok
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
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C. Resolution Adopting the Proposed FY 2021-22 Operating Budget and FY 2022-26
Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan and Gann Limit for the Town of Los Altos Hills
(Staff: S. Revillar)
Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
Councilmember Swan proposed providing $100,000 to Hidden Villa using the ARP
funds. Councilmember Schmidt agreed.
Mayor Tankha opened the Public Hearing.
Rajiv Bhateja, Los Altos Hills, said the Emerging Technology Committee asked the
Council to budget some funds for a hybrid meeting solution. A budget of $30,000 is
needed to implement the hybrid solution.
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, said that he is not sure this is a balanced budget by
definition of revenues exceeding expenditures. He also reiterated the concern
expressed in the Joint Council-FIC Budget meeting that inappropriate charges were
being included in budgeted overhead allocations, which could improperly impact fees
and sewer rates.
Mayor Tankha closed the Public Hearing.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved to approve
Resolution 43-21 Adopting the Town’s 2021-22 Operating and Five-Year Capital
Budget and the Gann Appropriations Limit. 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
D. Introduction (First Reading) of an Ordinance adding Chapter 9, “Automatic License
Plate Readers (ALPR)”, to Title 4 “Public Safety” in the Los Alto Hills Municipal
Code Imposing Penalties on Violators of the Town’s ALPR Policy (Staff: C. Einfalt)
Management Analyst Cody Einfalt presented the staff report.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Mok moved to waive the
reading and introduce Ordinance 595 Adding Chapter 9, “Automatic License Plate
Readers (ALPR)”, to Title 4 “Public Safety” in the Los Alto Hills Municipal Code
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Imposing Penalties on Violators of the Town’s ALPR Policy. 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
E. Introduction (First Reading) of an Ordinance Amending Title 4, Chapter 4
“Weapons” of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code Establishing Regulations for Safe
Storage of Firearms in a Residence and Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms (Staff: C.
Cahill/C. Einfalt)
Management Analyst Cody Einfalt presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
Mayor Tankha opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no one wishing to speak, Mayor Tankha closed the Public Hearing.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to waive
the reading and introduce Ordinance 596 Amending Title 4, Chapter 4 “Weapons” of
the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code Establishing Regulations for Safe Storage of
Firearms in a Residence and Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms. 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
The meeting went into recess at 9:12 p.m.
The meeting reconvened to Open Session at 9:17 p.m.
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.
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Council discussion ensued. No action was taken.
B. Report by the Fire Taskforce Subcommittee and Request for Funding in the amount
of $12,000 for a Fire Preparedness Fair on September 25, 2021 and $30,000 for a Fire
Hardening Program (Councilmember Schmidt)
Councilmember Schmidt presented a program in collaboration with Los Altos Hills
County Fire District.
Council discussion ensued.
C. Status Reports from All Councilmembers on Subcommittee and Outside Agencies
Activities
Vice Mayor Tyson reported on the activites at Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE).
8. STAFF REPORTS
A. City Manager - List of Town Contracts and Agreements
City Manager Carl Cahill presented the list of major agreements and the upcoming
expirations and negotiations.
B. City Attorney
City Attorney Steve Mattas had no report except to say that with the engagement of
Bob Murray and Associates for the City Manager recruitment the initial meetings
with Council will be organized soon.
C. City Clerk - Report on Hybrid City Council Meeting Model
City Clerk Padovan presented.
Public Comment (for Item 8.A)
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, said he doesn’t see Maze & Associates on the
agreement list.
D. Administrative Services Director
Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar said the Town received the
comprenhensive report award for 2020. Proud to say that the Finance staff has
worked hard to get to this point.
E. Planning Director
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Interim Director Padovan told the Council that a recruitment is underway for a new
Planning/Building Director. Projects are moving forward.
A new associate planner is being recruited. Suzanne Avila is helping with current
projects. The proposed Wildlife Urban Interface Map has been before the Planning
Commission and will be coming to Council in July, and the Outdoor Lighting Policy
will be heard by the Planning Commission soon.
F. Public Works Director
Interim Director Padovan said two engineers have been hired. One started on
Monday and the other starts on July 1st. Recruitment for a new Public Works
Director is underway.
9. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS, continued
B. Request to Create an Ad Hoc Committee for the TEDx Event (Councilmember Swan)
Councilmember Swan presented the request to form an ad hoc committee for this
TedEx event.
City Attorney Mattas said an ad hoc committee consisting solely of less than a
majority of the Council is not subject to Brown Act Requirements. Anyone can work
with an ad hoc committee; they aren’t formally members. Councilmember Swan
will be the ad hoc committee.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved to continue the
meeting past 10:00 p.m. 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. Request for Form a City Council Ad Hoc Committee to Monitor and Report on
Permitting Activities for the Lehigh Hanson and Stevens Creek Quarry with
Authority to send Correspondence on behalf of the Council (Mayor Tankha)
Mayor Tankha presented the request.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to
authorize a letter to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors supporting an
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agreement with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MIDPEN) to
maintain the ridgeline; and formation of an ad hoc Council subcommittee comprised
of Mayor Tankha and Councilmember Mok to monitor the activities of Lehigh
Hanson. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Tyson.
Motion Initiated by Schmidt, seconded by Tyson. Unanimous vote.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
D. Review Proposed California Senate Bill 556 (Street light poles, traffic signal poles:
small wireless facilities attachments) and determine whether to take a position
(Mayor Tankha)
Mayor Tanka presented the item.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved that a letter to the
state be drafted opposing the passage of SB 556. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Schmidt.
MOTION PASSED 4-0:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Schmidt, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Mok
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
E. Consideration of a Temporary No Parking Restriction and a Request for Staff to
Include Specific Goals/Instructions in the Proposed Study on Byrne Preserve Parking
and Appropriate use (Mayor Tankha/Councilmember Schmidt)
Mayor Tankha and Councilmember Schmidt presented the parking at Byrne
Preserve issue.
Council discussion ensued.
Public Comment
Carol Gottlieb, Los Altos Hills, supported Nancy Couperus’s request. Westwind
Community Barn is having riding camps; people won’t have a place to park. She
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 2021
asked that parking closest to the barn be reserved for the handicapped program.
Karla Juervetsen, Los Altos Hills, said the Westwind Community Barn parking lot
having some spots just for the barn is a good suggestion. It is still problematic for the
neighbors. She suggested no parking signs, but with an arrow pointing to the parking
lot.
Sue Chou, Los Altos Hills, reminded Council that the parking that developed along
Altamont was something that evolved during the pandemic. The parking lot was
never full before the pandemic.
Further council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Tyson moved that parking be
redirected to the lot with reserved spaces for Westwind Community Barn use; and
direct the Open Space and Parks and Recreation Committees to develop an all-
inclusive sign that explains the rules but has a welcoming presence. 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
10. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah L. Padovan
Deborah Padovan
City Clerk
The minutes of the June 17, 2021 regular City Council meeting were approved as presented at the
July 22, 2021 special City Council meeting.