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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/25/20221 City Council Special Meeting Minutes May 25, 2022 Via teleconference according to the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20, Mayor Tyson called the City Council Special Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Present: Mayor George Tyson, Vice Mayor Linda Swan, Councilmember Stanley Q. Mok, Councilmember Lisa Schmidt, Councilmember Kavita Tankha Absent: None Staff: City Manager Peter Pirnejad, Assistant City Attorney Alexandria Wolf, Planning Director Sofia Mangalam, Public Works Director Oscar Antillon, Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar, Management Analyst II Cody Einfalt, Administrative Clerk/Technician Emina Steta, City Clerk Deborah Padovan Mayor Tyson said that our hearts go out to the people in Texas after the horrible tragedy of yet another mass shooting. 1. AGENDA REVIEW 2. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS A. Commendation of the Emergency Communications Committee Members Councilmember Schmidt thanked the ECC members for all of their hard work over the years. Mayor Tyson then presented Dru Anderson and Sam Wood, who were present in the audience, with certificates of appreciation. B. Reappointment to the Los Altos Hills Parks and Recreation Committee City Clerk Deborah Padovan presented the reappointment application of Scott Vanderlip. Council discussion ensued. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Tankha moved to reappoint Scott Vanderlip to a fifth four-year term on the Parks and Recreation Committee. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Swan. MOTION PASSED 5-0: AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt, Tankha Town of Los Altos Hills City Council Special Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 25, 2022 – 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California 2 City Council Special Meeting Minutes May 25, 2022 NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None C. Introduction of New Consultant Emergency Manager Ann Hepenstal Ann Hepenstal introduced herself to the City Council. She talked about how the town is prepared to manage disaster events. She will be doing disaster preparedness planning and education. She also plans to strengthen the town administration of DSW Volunteers. The Council asked questions of Ms. Hepenstal and received her responses. No action was taken. 3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Julia Rapoza, Los Altos Hills, spoke about homeless students and asked if the Council would pass an ordinance to support homeless students along with their emotional support animals. She asked that they consider requiring Foothill College to offer safe parking facilities for homeless students. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Swan moved to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Item 4.P. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Schmidt. MOTION PASSED 5-0: AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt, Tankha NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None A. Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes: April 21, 2022 B. Approval of City Council Special Meeting Minutes: May 6, 2022 C. Review of Disbursements: April 1-30, 2022 $949,433.43 D. Receive Quarterly Investment Portfolio Report – Quarter Ending March 31, 2022 (Staff: S. Revillar) E. Motion to Re-Authorize Remote Teleconference Meetings of the Town of Los Altos Hills, Including the Planning Commission and Committees, due to the Imminent Risks to the Health and Safety of Attendees and Making Related Findings Pursuant to AB 361 (Staff: S. Mattas) 3 City Council Special Meeting Minutes May 25, 2022 F. Resolution 49-22 Ordering and Calling for the Holding of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, for the Election of Two City Councilmembers as Required by the Provisions of the Laws of the State of California Relating to General Law Cities; Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara Consolidate the General Municipal Election Pursuant to Section 10403 of the Elections Code; Providing for Notice of the Election; and Adopting Uniform Policies Pertaining to Candidate Statements and Fees (Staff: D. Padovan) G. Resolution 50-22 Approving the Agreement for Countywide Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program and Agreement for Countywide AB939 Fee Implementation (Staff: O. Antillon) H. Resolution 51-22 Approving Plans and Specifications for the 2022 Pavement Rehabilitation and Drainage Improvement Project and Authorizing Staff to Advertise for Bids and Inspection Services (Staff: O. Antillon) I. Resolution 52-22 Approval of an Agreement Between the Town of Los Altos Hills and West Bay Sanitary District for Providing Operation and Maintenance Service for Sanitary Sewer System, Overflow Emergency Response and Asset Management Services (Staff: O. Antillon) J. Resolution 53-22 Awarding a Three-Year Contract for Capital Restoration Work and Maintenance and Education Activities for Town-Owned Open Space Preserves with Grassroots Ecology (Staff: O. Antillon) K. Resolution 54-22 Authorizing City Manager to Execute Agreements for Adding One New Pump, and Service Two Existing Pumps (Staff: O. Antillon) L. Resolution 55-22 Awarding a Contract for the Improvements for the Concession Building in Purissima Park under Proposition 68 Grant Funding to MTW Builders, Inc. (Staff: O. Antillon) M. Resolution 56-22 Accepting an Agreement for an Open Space Easement at 12874 Viscaino Road; Lands of Firouzdor; File #SD21-0021 (Staff: S. Padovan) N. Notification of Fast Track Approval: 26875 Nina Place – File #SD21-0061 – Lands of Bowers; Site Development Permit for a new 4,971 square-foot two-story residence with a 1,684 square-foot basement, a detached 782 square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU), and a 560 square-foot swimming pool. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Sections 15303(a); 15303(e) (Staff: J. Loh) Appeal deadline: Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. O. Resolution 57-22 Adopting Supplemental Findings for Resolution 48-22 Denying an Appeal Regarding a Zoning Permit Application for New Fencing at 28001 Elena Road on April 21, 2022 (Staff: S. Mattas) 4 City Council Special Meeting Minutes May 25, 2022 P. Resolution Approving the Naming of the Pathway Between Buena Vista Drive and Central Drive to “Lachenbruch Pathway” as Recommended by the Pathway Committee (Staff: O. Antillon) Note: The resolution was not adopted. Vice Mayor Swan pulled the item because the Pathways Committee decided that a pathway should be named. Some of the neighbors and residents have different opinions. As Chair Bob Elson is not available this evening, she asked that it be considered next month. Mayor Tyson suggested that it be continued to a date uncertain. Public Comment Eric Evans, Los Altos Hills, said they dedicated a pathway easement recently. He suggested that that the pathway be named the Mary Steers Pathway. Cheryl Evans, Los Altos Hills, said that she met the Steers family and wishes she could have met Mary Steers. She also suggested that the pathway be named in her honor. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Swan moved postpone the item to a date uncertain and refer it back to the Pathways Committee for further review. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Mok. MOTION PASSED 5-0: AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt, Tankha NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None 5. ONGOING BUSINESS A. Amendment to the Resolution 58-22 Establishing Standing Committees and Adopting General Special Rules Pertaining Thereto to Replace the Emergency Communications Committee with an Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee and Updating the Charter (Staff: D. Padovan) City Clerk Padovan presented the item. Councilmember Schmidt provided background on the topic. She has worked over the last year and half with Dru Anderson, Chair of the ECC to expand the charter of the committee. 5 City Council Special Meeting Minutes May 25, 2022 Council discussion ensued. Public Comment Dru Anderson, Los Altos Hills, Councilmember Schmidt has been a great liaison to the ECC. She spoke in support of the resolution. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to approve Resolution 58-22 Establishing Standing Committees and Adopting General Special Rules Pertaining Thereto to Replace the Emergency Communications Committee with an Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee and Updating the Charter. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Swan. MOTION PASSED 5-0: AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt, Tankha NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None City Manager Pirnejad said that Ann Hepenstal would like a chance to review the charter with Councilmember Schmidt. B. Discussion of Broadband Planning in Town and to: First, Direct Staff on how to Advance Further Community Engagement Efforts Related to Broadband, and Second, Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with Government Technology Group, LLC for Broadband Consulting Services for an Amount Not to Exceed $95,000 (Staff: C. Einfalt) Note: Resolution was not approved. Management Analyst II Cody Einfalt presented the staff report. City Manager Pirnejad provided an update on the community engagement efforts underway. Jeff Lewis, Principal, Government Technology Group (“Gov Tech”), introduced himself and his company to the City Council. Preston Young, Government Technology Group (“Gov Tech”), introduced himself to the City Council. Council discussion ensued. Rajiv Bhateja, Los Altos Hills, said that the Technology Committee saw one 6 City Council Special Meeting Minutes May 25, 2022 proposal, but not the other. Their charter says they are supposed to assist with evaluating proposals. The committee would like to review both proposals and provide feedback to Council at their next meeting. He noted that the two proposals are very different. One is a broadband master plan, and one is a fiber optics plan. Public Comment Gautam Agrawal, Los Altos Hills, thanked the Council for shepherding this along. LAHCF is highly supportive of the Town hiring a consultant. They are not the “fox in the hen house.” They want to be part of the solution, they are not trying to be THE solution. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Mok moved that the staff advance community engagement regarding broadband and that the Ad Hoc Broadband Committee work with less than a quorum of the Technology Committee to evaluate proposals and provide feedback to staff in time for the Council to consider a resolution at the June 16, 2022 Regular City Council Meeting. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Swan. Further Council discussion ensued. MOTION AND SECOND AMENDED: Councilmember Mok amended his motion as follows: move that the staff advance community engagement regarding broadband and that a Special Meeting of the Technology Committee be held, to which the members of the Ad Hoc Broadband Committee are invited, and which Councilmember Schmidt will not attend, to avoid a Brown Act issue. The proposals will be evaluated at the meeting, and feedback will be provided to staff in time for the Council to consider a resolution at the June 16, 2022, Regular City Council Meeting. The second was amended by Vice Mayor Swan. MOTION PASSED 5-0: AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt, Tankha NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS ► City Council Ex Parte Contacts Policy Disclosure A. Conduct Public Hearing and Resolution 59-22 Increasing Sewer Service Charges for FY 22-23 through FY 26-27 in Both Palo Alto and Los Altos Sewer Basins (Staff: O. Antillon) 7 City Council Special Meeting Minutes May 25, 2022 Ex Parte: Vice Mayor Swan and Councilmember Mok talked to Allan Epstein on Item 6.A and Vice Mayor Swan talked to the History Committee about Item 6.B. Both Mayor Tyson and Councilmember Schmidt attended a tour of the wastewater facility. Mayor Tyson opened the Public Hearing. Oscar Antillon, Public Works Director presented the staff report. Council discussion ensued. Public Comment John O’Connell, Los Altos Hills, said he is wasting his time tonight as there is a large majority to overcome. He said he was completely unaware of where he pays for his wastewater charges. He didn’t think to look in his property taxes. You should be billing people and not putting liens on their property taxes. City Clerk Padovan reported that the town has received a total of six written protests. Written protests against the proposed rates were not presented by a majority of the property owners or tenants of the identified parcels subject to the proposed rate increases; therefore, the City Council is authorized to adopt the rate increase. To achieve a majority, at least 945 protests would have needed to be received. Mayor Tyson closed the public hearing. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Swan moved to adopt Resolution 59-22 Increasing Sewer Service Charges for FY 22-23 through FY 26-27 in Both Palo Alto and Los Altos Sewer Basins. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Schmidt. MOTION PASSED 5-0: AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt, Tankha NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None B. Introduction of Ordinance 601 (First Reading) Designating the Westwind Barn as a Historical Landmark (Staff: S. Mangalam) (Motion to Waive Reading and Introduce the Ordinance) Planning Director Sofia Mangalam presented the staff report. Council discussion ensued. 8 City Council Special Meeting Minutes May 25, 2022 Mayor Tyson opened the Public Hearing. Carol Gottlieb, Los Altos Hills, thanked staff for bringing this forward in a timely manner. Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills, said there are several families in Los Altos Hills that have been deeply involved in WWB and to reach this point, it is very important to us. Mayor Tyson closed the public hearing. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to introduce Ordinance 601 Designating the Westwind Barn as a Historical Landmark. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Mok. MOTION PASSED 5-0: AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt, Tankha NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None Recess: 8:09 p.m. Reconvene: 8:17 p.m. 7. STAFF AND CLOSED SESSION REPORTS A. City Manager City Manager Pirnejad reported on the following items: Community Conversation All residents were sent a town mailer to participate in the Community Facilities Needs Assessment. The first virtual community conversation/town hall meeting will take place next Tuesday, May 31st from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sign up on the town website, www.losaltoshills.ca.gov. Town Survey Have you signed up to take Town Surveys? Sign up by visiting www.Flashvote.com/LosAltosHills Town Picnic Will take place Sunday, June 5th from 12:30-4:00 p.m. at Purissima Park. Sign up by going to the town website www.losaltoshills.ca.gov/picnic. This event is limited to Los Altos Hills residents only. Highlights include classic car show, 360 photo booth, pony rides, petting zoo, magic show, inflatables, and lunch. 9 City Council Special Meeting Minutes May 25, 2022 Status of 2022 Council Priorities We are at 40% of the year. We have 60 milestones connected to the 24 Key Projects the Council identified in their January 24th Goal Setting Session. Seventy-eight percent of the projects have either been started or finished. Art Sculpture The Art Sculpture will be arriving in approximately a month and installed in the round about. Irregularities in Permit Fees Anomalies have been found in permit fees since the Fee Study was implemented in 2020. We are aware that members of the community are interested in this and wanted to assure the Council that staff is taking steps to review and solve the issue. City Manager Office Hours The City Manager has instituted new virtual office hours. The fourth Friday of each month at 11:00 a.m. has been dedicated as a time to hear from residents. B. City Attorney No report. C. City Clerk City Clerk Padovan reported that a vote center will be hosted in the Council Chambers from May 28, 2022, through June 7, 2022. She noted that staff is actively watching the status of AB 1944 as it relates to open and public meetings. She informed the Council that recruitments were taking place to fill all committee openings. She also introduced the new Administrative Clerk/Technician Emina Steta. D. Planning Director Planning Director Mangalam provided an update on the progress of the housing element. A joint virtual Planning Commission/City Council meeting is scheduled for June 20th at 5 p.m. Staff is also coordinating with the Environmental Initiatives Committee on the climate action plan goals. E. Administrative Services Director Administrative Services Director Revillar updated the Council on the IT strategic plan and said the discovery phase is completed and they are now beginning the design phase. The consultant will meet with the Technology Committee and staff. She provided an update on the town’s current employment recruitment efforts. 10 City Council Special Meeting Minutes May 25, 2022 F. Public Works Director Public Works Director Antillon reported on the electric vehicle charger project at Town Hall. He also reported that the town’s maintenance crew is working on Robleda/La Paloma path and are making progress. The E. Sunset project is also moving forward. In the near future, we will roll out a new reporting app called “Text My Gov” to report a maintenance problem in Town. 8. REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS ON STANDING COMMITTEES, AD HOC COMMITTEES, AND COUNCIL MEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES A. Report by the Undergrounding Ad Hoc Committee (Mayor Tyson) Mayor Tyson presented the report. The Rule 20A project challenge of dealing with PG&E is still ongoing. They are trying to raise the priority of the project with PG&E. Council received the report. No action was taken. B. Report from the Council Ad Hoc Committee on Community Surveys (Councilmember Schmidt) Councilmember Schmidt said a new survey will be going out soon and she was happy to see that more people were signing up to take the surveys. Council received the report. No action was taken. C. Report from the Ad Hoc Committee on Broadband (Councilmember Mok) Councilmember Mok presented the report. He suggested that we have a Digital Equity Bill of Rights. He would like it agendized for next month. He reported that he and Councilmember Tankha have been meeting. They have selected individuals who are experts who they have invited to help them as they are not experts. There will be regular and periodic meetings. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Mok moved to add a proclamation on a Digital Equity Bill of Rights to the next City Council Meeting. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Swan. MOTION PASSED 5-0: AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt, Tankha NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None 11 City Council Special Meeting Minutes May 25, 2022 D. Status Reports from All Councilmembers on Standing Committees, Ad Hoc Committees and Outside Agencies Activities Mayor Tyson suggested that ad hoc committees regularly present their progress at City Council meetings. Councilmember Mok requested, based on an EIC request, that leaf blowers be added as a Council initiated item at the next City Council Meeting. Vice Mayor Swan reported that the History Committee is helping out the Los Altos History Museum this weekend for Rancho Days and a senior walk will take place starting at Town Hall on Thursday, May 26th. Councilmember Tankha reported having meetings with residents on public safety. She has now hosted five meetings as it is necessary to educate our residents on how to protect themselves from burglaries. 9. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS A. Discussion and Possible Action on Requiring Lighting in Construction Sites (Councilmember Tankha) Councilmember Tankha presented the report. Council discussion ensued. Director Mangalam said the item would need to be taken to the Planning Commission in order to make a recommendation on this topic. DIRECTION: Staff to bring to the matter to the Planning Commission for a recommendation. B. Consideration of Direction to the City Attorney to Provide Training as Part of the June City Council Meeting regarding Brown Act Requirements, Options, and Limitations Related to Ad Hoc and Standing Committees (Vice Mayor Swan) Vice Mayor Swan presented the item. She wants the City Attorney to focus on the ad hoc committees and what they can do. Residents want transparency, so we need guidelines for the ad hoc committees. She wants a quick overview of what they can and can’t do - a short presentation at the next City Council meeting. DIRECTION: There was consensus to have a presentation by the City Attorney to focus on the ad hoc committees and what they can do at the June City Council meeting. 12 City Council Special Meeting Minutes May 25, 2022 C. Consideration and Possible Action to Direct Staff to Raise the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag for the Month of June 2022 in Recognition of Pride Month (Councilmember Tankha) – added with Revision No. 1. Councilmember Tankha presented the item. Assistant City Attorney Wolf advised that two approaches can be taken: 1) Town (government) speech - the City Council is asking that a commemorative flag be raised on the town’s flagpole. This would give the City Council control over which flags are raised. 2) Allow external agencies to raise flags on the pole, which would open up a public forum. Due to first amendment rights, that would limit the Council’s ability to restrict certain speech. The City Attorney’s office recommends the first approach and that the flags being raised be raised as town speech. City Manager Pirnejad can return at a later date with a flag policy. Public Comment Kjell Karlsson, Los Altos Hills, said he has no problem with a proclamation, but he thinks the residents feel that is their flagpole. If the Council wants to have their agenda put up, do a separate flagpole. Pat Lang, Los Altos Hills, said she was pleased that the Council was considering the pride flag. People who are being discriminated against need an extra boost. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Tankha moved to direct staff to raise the LGBTQ+ flag for the month of June 2022. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Swan. MOTION PASSED 5-0: AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt, Tankha NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None 10. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Deborah L. Padovan Deborah Padovan City Clerk 13 City Council Special Meeting Minutes May 25, 2022 The minutes of the May 25, 2022, special City Council meeting were approved as presented at the June 16, 2022, regular City Council meeting.