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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 2022
CALL TO ORDER (6:00 P.M.)
A. Roll Call
B. Pledge of Allegiance
Via teleconference according to the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20, Mayor Tyson called
the hybrid City Council Regular Meeting to order at 6:04 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, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Planning and
Building Director Sofia Mangalam, Public Works Director Oscar Antillon,
Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar, Assistant Planner Areli Perez,
Management Analyst II Cody Einfalt, City Clerk Deborah Padovan
1. AGENDA REVIEW
There were no changes to the agenda. Mayor Tyson also stated that there was no
reportable action resulting from the closed session.
2. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
A. Reappointment to the Los Altos Hills Environmental Design and Protection
Committee.
City Clerk Padovan presented the application of Vijay Chawla.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Tankha moved to appoint
Vijay Chawla to the Los Altos Environmental Design and Protection Committee for
a second four-year term. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Schmidt.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt, Tankha
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, August 18, 2022 – 6:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California
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ABSENT: None
B. Appointment to the Los Altos Hills History Committee
City Clerk Padovan presented the application of Bernado Ferrari.
Mr. Ferrari introduced himself to the Council.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Tyson moved to appoint Bernado
Ferrari to the Los Altos Hills History Committee for a four-year term. 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
C. Appointment to the Los Altos Hills Pathways Committee
City Clerk Padovan presented the two applications.
Jennifer Basiji introduced herself to the City Council and withdrew her application
to the committee as she will not be available to serve.
Joe Mitchell, Los Altos Hills, introduced himself to the City Council and expressed
interest in serving on the committee.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to appoint
Joe Mitchell to the Los Altos Hills Pathways Committee for a four-year term. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Tankha.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt, Tankha
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
D. Mid-Year Status Update on 2022 Council Strategic Goals
City Manager Peter Pirnejad presented a review of the 2022 work plan and
provided a status update on the items that were listed on the plan. He also provided a
progress report on Council projects not on the 2022 priority workplan. The report was
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received, and no action was taken.
E. Planning Commission’s Ad Hoc Committee’s Presentation on SCCFD Driveway
Requirements Relating to ADU and Lot-Split Development by Planning Commission
Chair Jim Waschura
Planning Commission Chair Jim Waschura presented the subcommittee’s report
on the fire department requirements for new construction. The subcommittee had the
following recommendations:
• Ask SCCFD to have a fast-track process for urgent changes that is separate from
the normal 2-year revision cycle.
• Ask SCCFD to make available online updated documents with objective criteria.
• Ask SCCFD to have a fast-track process for urgent changes that is separate from
the normal 2-year revision cycle.
• Ask Staff to communicate the requirements for SCCFD plan approval during the
pre-application stage to avoid surprises.
• Ensure SCCFD approval happens before site development approval. This will avoid
creating conflicts between LAH and SCCFD approvals.
• For Ministerial projects that don’t have a site-development phase, route plans to
SCCFD upon receipt, and don’t grant building permits until SCCFD approval is
completed.
• Ask SCCFD to be proactive in responding to SB9 legislation. Work with other
municipalities with similar concerns to raise the priority of this issue with SCCFD.
Council discussion ensued.
Brad Fox, Assistant Fire Marshal, Santa Clara County Fire Department, was in
attendance and responded to questions from the Council.
Hector Estrada, Fire Marshal, Santa Clara County Fire Department, was in
attendance and responded to questions from the Council.
Public Comment
Breene Kerr, Los Altos Hills, said Sherlock Road will never be 20 feet wide as it is
not physically possible to engineer a project like that. There are six homes on that
road that were approved, built with permits and if those homes become uninhabitable,
there will have been a public taking and litigation may ensue. He said the City
Council has delegated veto power to the Fire Department, and they can take that back.
A clear set of allowable mitigating factors is needed.
Rajiv Bhateja, Los Altos Hills, said his home is subject to this issue. He expressed
concerns about buyers needing to be notified that they may not be able to rebuild, you
just penalized the current owners. He would like to see a flexible solution.
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Jitze Couperus, Los Altos Hills, thanked the Fire Department for attending. He said
driveway widths are different for other local cities, but not Los Altos Hills. He talked
about the standards the Fire Department uses. He requested further communication
from the Fire Department.
Further discussion ensued. No action was taken.
Councilmember Tankha requested that the Fire Marshal return in two months to see
how we are doing with this issue. There was no commitment from the Fire
Department to return.
F. Presentation by the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff on the Differences
Between a Motorcycle and a Patrol Vehicle
Sheriff Captain Rich Urena provided information on the difference between a
motor unit deputy and a motorcycle unit deputy. He provided some options:
• Option 1: Continue to fund a motor deputy and focus on traffic matters and
complaints
• Option 2: Continue to have a traffic deputy, but instead of a motorcycle, use a
motor vehicle.
• Option 3: Discontinue the use of a traffic deputy and replace that with a patrol
deputy.
The Council asked questions of Captain Urena and received his responses.
Kjell Karlsson, Los Altos Hills, thanked the captain for explaining the difference
between the two units. He said that Option 3 was best - to discontinue the use of a
traffic deputy and replace it with a patrol deputy.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Swan moved to ask Captain
Urena to institute Option 2 - continue to have a traffic deputy, but instead of a
motorcycle, use a motor vehicle. 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
The Council recessed at 7:48 p.m.
The Council reconvened to open session at 7:56 p.m.
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3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Rajiv Bhateja, Los Altos Hills, provided an update on the activities of the Technology
Committee. He said that the committee passed a motion proposing some speed alert
systems in town. They also passed a second motion for gas shut-off valves.
Dru Anderson, Los Altos Hills, reported that her neighborhood (LAHE005) the Saddle
Mountain neighborhood received Firewise certification. The Firewise program is a
grassroot neighborhood wildfire preparedness program developed by the NFPA National
Fire Protection Association.
J. Logan, General Manager, Los Altos Hills County Fire District, congratulated Dru
and her team members. The Fire District completed the criteria to become a nationally
recognized Firewise USA program participant.
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, reported on the FIC on excessive building fees. The
committee recommends further study and requests to calculate the Building Department
revenue used in his study in conformity with the matrix study methods and calculate related
costs after considering corrections noted by the City Manager. The corrections include
compensating for the timing differences between recording the revenue and incurring the
cost and then present to FIC.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comment
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, spoke on item 4.N, regarding the procurement
process. He stated that the town has not met the legal procurement requirements for this
project.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to approve the
Consent Calendar. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tankha.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tankha, Tyson, Mok, Schmidt, Swan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
A. Approval of Regular City Council Meeting Minutes – June 16, 2022
B. Approval of Joint City Council/Planning Commission Special Meeting – June 20,
2022
C. Approval of Special City Council Meeting Minutes – July 18, 2022
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D. Review of Disbursements for July 1-31, 2022 $1,679,756.87
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)
F. Request by the Los Altos Hills History Committee for approval to hold the
Committee’s Fall Annual Presentation the “Tales of Former Mayors” and to
Advertise the Presentation (History Committee)
G. Receive Quarterly Investment Portfolio Report Quarter Ending June 30, 2022 (Staff:
S. Revillar)
H. Resolution 70-22 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Standing Purchase
Orders for Fiscal Year 2022-23 in an amount not to exceed $6,949,991 (Staff: S.
Revillar)
I. Resolution 71-22 Approving Changes to Job Description for Management Analyst
II, Creating a Job Description for an Assistant to the City Manager, Reclass the
Senior Community Services Supervisor to Community Services Manager, Create a
Job Description for Deputy Building Official/Plan Examiner and Resolution 72-22
Approving Amending the Employee Classification and the Salary Schedule (Staff: S.
Revillar)
J. Resolution 73-22 of the Town to Abide by the California Disaster and Civil Defense
Master Mutual Aid Agreement, and Resolution 74-22 Clarifying Workers’
Compensation Benefits for Registered Disaster Service Worker Volunteers (Staff: C.
Einfalt)
K. Resolution 75-22 Awarding a Contract for the 2022 Pavement Rehabilitation and
Drainage Improvement Project (Staff: O. Antillon)
L. Resolution 76-22 Awarding a Contract for Design and Permitting Services for the
Summerhill Pathway Project (Staff: O. Antillon)
M. Resolution 77-22 Approving the Designation of System Low Carbon Fuel Standard
(LCFS) Credits to Power Flex (Staff: O. Antillon)
N. Resolution 78-22 Awarding a Contract for the Corporation Yard Site Improvements
Project (Staff: O. Antillon)
O. Notification of Fast Track Approval; 26880 Ortega Drive – File #SD22-0006 – Lands
of Rajwar Family Trust - Site Development Permit for a 1,866 square-foot addition,
which includes a new 789 square-foot lower floor, to an existing single-story
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residence and new patios and walkways. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per
Section 15303(e) (Staff: J. Loh). Appeal Deadline: Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at 5:00
p.m.
Item 6 was heard next:
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
► City Council Ex Parte Contacts Policy Disclosure
A. Approval of a Tentative Map to create a two-lot subdivision of an existing 2.20 gross
acre parcel (APN 182-028-026. Proposed new Parcel A would be 1.010 acres and the
proposed new Parcel B would be 1.073 acres (Staff: S. Mangalam)
Mayor Tyson had no contacts but has walked the property. Councilmember Mok
spoke to Allan Epstein and Kjell Karlsson. There were no other ex parte
communications.
Mayor Tyson opened the Public Hearing.
Assistant Planner Areli Perez presented the staff report.
The Council asked questions. Areli Perez and Planning and Building Director
Sofia Mangalam addressed them.
Council discussion ensued.
Carlos (Gustavo) Auqui, Applicant, presented his request to the City Council.
Public Comment
Michael Milani, Milani and Associates, Civil Engineer on the project, said there are
a number of objective standards that have been applied to the project. They are in
agreement with the conditions of approval. The intersection meets objective
standards by the state of California.
Kit Gordon, Los Altos Hills, is encouraged that all driveways go onto Altamont and
not Page Mill Road. The study may not convey the dangers of Page Mill Road.
Waidy Lee, Los Altos Hills, said she shares a fence with the subject property. She
expressed concerns about the driveway coming out on Page Mill Road. The traffic
study should come forward for Council review prior to the map approval.
John Lewis, Los Altos Hills, said the only responsible decision is to accept option 3
as the traffic study has not been completed yet. It may not be possible to make the
driveway entrance off of Page Mill safe.
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Mayor Tyson closed the Public Hearing.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Swan moved to deny the
subdivision application without prejudice and allow the applicant to re-file; direct the
applicant to refile the application with a Traffic Safety Study prepared, for Planning
Commission review; and any application fees for re-filing to be waived for the
applicant. 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. Receive a Report on the Findings for the Community Facilities Needs Assessment
and Provide Direction on Town Hall Addition/Community Space (Staff: S.
Robustelli)
Community Services Supervisor Sarah Robustelli presented the staff report.
Ryan Mottau, MIG, Inc., Berkeley, and Kevin Lyons, Chief Scientist,
Governance Sciences Group, each presented the reports on the survey results.
Council discussion ensued.
Public Comment
Allan Epstein, Los Altos Hills, complimented the staff on surveying the public and
hearing all voices. With regard to the public space, the survey results are statistically
accurate. Regarding the town staff needs, he doesn’t believe the report identifies the
needs or the needs over a period of time: what the space will be used for, who will
use it and how will it grow over time. The needs need to be established.
Council discussion continued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to continue
the meeting past 10 p.m. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Mok.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt, Tankha
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NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
Brene Kerr, Los Altos Hills, said that the public is greeted outdoors lately. There
must have been some of the public spaces taken over by the staff. He hopes the town
will provide a more welcoming place for the residents. The tables outside do not feel
very permanent. It is worth taking a look at.
Council discussion continued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to direct
staff to look at ways to expand Town Hall that incorporate the ideas set forth in the
report put together by staff based on FlashVote and MIG reviews that we assume we
need more room for staff and that we include community involvement in the design
as well. The motion was seconded by Mayor Tyson.
MOTION FAILED 2-3:
AYES: Tyson, Schmidt
NOES: Mok, Swan, Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Tankha moved to direct
staff to return to Council with projections for the next 10 years in terms of staffing
needs, any additional space for staffing, and how that space would be used. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Mok.
Council discussion continued.
MOTION PASSED 4-1:
AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Tankha
NOES: Schmidt
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
The Council recessed at 10:11 p.m.
The Council reconvened to Open Session at 10:18 p.m.
B. Resolution 79-22 to Authorize the City Manager to Submit Payment to the Santa
Clara County Office of the Sheriff for Additional Law Enforcement Services
Received during FY 21-22 totaling $32,197 (Staff: C. Einfalt)
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Management Analyst Cody Einfalt presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
Public Comment
Anand Ranganathan, Los Altos Hills, said there is no accountability the Sheriff’s
Department. The Sheriff’s Department should give a report every month reflecting
which deputies were in town, what days, and what they were doing. All we get from
the Sheriff’s Department is the monthly bill. The town needs to demand more
accountability.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to approve
Resolution 79-22 to Authorize the City Manager to Submit Payment to the Santa
Clara County Office of the Sheriff for Additional Law Enforcement Services
Received during FY 21-22 totaling $32,197. 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
C. Update to Council Appointments to Committees and Outside Agencies 2022 (Staff:
D. Padovan)
City Clerk Padovan presented the update of the Council appointments.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Swan moved to accept the
updated schedule of Council Appointments to Committees and Outside Agencies
2022. 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
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Introduction of Ordinance 602 (First Reading) of the City Council of the Town of
Los Altos Hills Authorizing an Amendment to the Contract Between the Town and
the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System
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and Resolution 80-22 of Intention to Approve an Amendment to Contract Between
the Board of Administration California Public Employees’ Retirement System and the
City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills (Staff: S. Revillar)
Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to waive
reading and introduce Ordinance 602 (First Reading) of the City Council of the
Town of Los Altos Hills Authorizing an Amendment to the Contract Between the
Town and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees’
Retirement System and Resolution 80-22 of Intention to Approve an Amendment to
Contract Between the Board of Administration California Public Employees’
Retirement System and the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills. The motion
was seconded by Councilmember Tankha.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt, Tankha
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
8. STAFF REPORTS
A. City Attorney -No report.
B. City Clerk
City Clerk Padovan reported on the volunteer dinner scheduled for September 7th. A
special City Council meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 19th to discuss the
outcome of the nomination period for the November City Council election. Staff is
working with a consultant to come up with streamlined guidelines for agenda,
minutes, and training. She is planning to bring a proposal back to the City Council in
quarter 4 to determine how to preserve the records that are stored at the Corp Yard.
C. Planning Director
The State mandated Public Review Draft of the 6th Cycle Housing Plan 2023 – 2031
Housing Element (draft) for the Town of Los Altos Hills is available online for public
review and comment. We have sent emails via listserv, social media messaging, and
advertising in the Town Crier and Daily Post.
The community can provide comments via email, online feedback form, or in person
during counter hours. Staff will also be available on August 22nd and 29th between 5
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pm and 7 pm to assist residents with reviewing the draft and providing comments. So
far, we have received three public comments via email.
Keeping in mind the water supply challenges due to the drought, a condition of
approval stating that “all required plantings shown on the plans shall be installed
during the winter months between October and March” has been added to recently
approved Site Development Permits for landscape screening. In addition, staff will
send request letters to homeowners who recently got their landscaping projects
approved to defer the planting of trees and shrubs to the winter months.
Dan Edds, consultant for the building permit fee study, will be presenting his
findings to the City Council in the October meeting. He also made a presentation to
the FIC on August 8th.
D. Administrative Services Director
Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar reported that staff created an
internship program this summer. Three interns were hired in the areas of City
Manager, Administrative Services, and Community Services. Some of the following
projects included:
1. Research and recommendation regarding an EOC.
2. Research and draft financial policy.
3. Research and draft tabling policy.
4. Learned about the sewer system and shadowed the Engineering staff.
Jonathan Reichental will present the IT Master Plan at the September City Council
meeting.
E. Public Works Director
Public Works Director Oscar Antillon reported on the following:
Pathways update
Public Works continues to define the list for the next ten segments. There are lots of
opportunities to improve many paths in which the town already has the easements,
but the path has not been improved due to lack of resources.
Matadero Creek
On August 10th the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control board (Water
Board) responded to our letter from July 19th. In the latter the Executive Officer said
that the quality certification for the project will be issued once the town completed
and submitted the mitigation and monitoring plan for the project. We expect a draft to
be completed by the end of August.
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Personnel
We expect the newest member of our maintenance team, Walter Fiallos, to start
work on Monday, August 22, 2022. We have selected our new assistant engineer,
currently going through the pre-hiring process.
Prop 68 and Town Hall
Both projects are waiting for building permits.
East Sunset
Complete and great job by our associate engineer John Chau managing a difficult
contract, but the project was completed on schedule and on budget.
4 Additional EV Chargers.
Thanks to staff engineers Daniel Liang and Melissa Elian-Carrillo for their efforts
working on the project and coordinating with the EIC to procure the new chargers.
Once the chargers are installed, we welcome the community to use them.
Procurement Process update
We follow our procurement procedures, basically construction projects under
$200,000 can be done with informal bid procedures, as part of that the town needs the
list of contractors we use.
F. City Manager
City Manager Peter Pirenjad reported on the following:
Drought Planning
• Water Conservation Meeting
Staff hosted a meeting with Cal Water Service and Purissima Water District to
discuss ways in which the town can help residents conserve water
• QWEL Program
Staff is working with the Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency
(BAWSCA) and the California Water Efficiency Partnership (CalWEP) to put
together a proposal on bringing the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper
(QWEL) program to Los Altos Hills.
Emergency Management
• Disaster Council Meeting
The Los Altos Hills Disaster Council held its first meeting since the
pandemic. Attendees included the Director of Emergency Services, Peter
Pirnejad: City Manager, Mayor of Los Altos Hills: George Tyson,
Management Analyst: Cody Einfalt, and Emergency Management Consultant:
Ann Hepenstal. At least one annual meeting of the Disaster Council is
required to remain in compliance with state regulations.
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• Santa Clara County Emergency Preparedness Fair
Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 10th and visit the county’s
Emergency Preparedness Fair in San Martin from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
• Emergency Communication Meeting with the Fire Department
In response to the few fire incidents over the past few weeks, town
management staff held a meeting with the Fire Department (Brian Glass) to
understand how they can establish better communication during these events.
Town staff has assembled an efficient Public Information Officer (PIO) team
that oversees outgoing messages from the town.
Please continue to use Watch Duty and Pulse Point to get the latest updates on
town emergencies.
GreenWaste
July 23, 2022 GreenWaste Neighborhood Clean-up event
GreenWaste hosted the Neighborhood Clean-Up Event at Foothill College. A
total of 612 cars utilized the drop-off service totaling 68.34 tons collected.
LAFCO Fire Service Review Meeting
Santa Clara LAFCO resumed their Technical Advisory Committee and held a
meeting on the Countywide Fire Service Review. A replacement consultant has
been chosen to pick up the work that has already been started, and an updated
timeline in available on LAFCOs website.
Community Services
The Fall/Winter Activity Guide is at the printer and will be mailed by the end of
the month. In the guide you will find community events, activities, and
resources.
Upcoming Events:
On Saturday, August 20th the 4th Adult Softball Game taking place from 1-3 pm at
Purisimma Park. Come out and cheer for your home team and watch LAH take
home the trophy!
Mark your calendar for the Los Altos Hills Hoedown Saturday, September 10th
from 4-7 pm at Westwind Community Barn. The event will include Equestrian
Expo, Live Music, Line Dance Caller, Capelo’s BBQ, and arts and crafts. See you
there!
Want to stay informed? Sign up on the Town’s website for the City Manager’s
Weekly Report.
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9. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
A. Report by the Undergrounding Subcommittee (Mayor Tyson)
Mayor Tyson reported that PG&E has provided a contact person and Public Works
Director Oscar Antillon has been in touch with them.. No action was taken.
B. Report from the Council Ad Hoc Committee on Community Surveys (Mayor
Tyson/Councilmember Schmidt)
Councilmember Schmidt said the committee’s work has concluded.
C. Report from the Council Town Hall Ad Hoc Committee (Mayor
Tyson/Councilmember Schmidt)
Councilmember Schmidt said the committee’s work has concluded.
D. Report from the Council Ad Hoc Committee Focusing on Broadband
(Councilmembers Mok and Tankha)
Councilmember Mok said the committee has met twice, once with Comcast and
once with AT&T. They hope to have a report at the next City Council meeting.
E. Status Reports from All Councilmembers on Subcommittee and Outside Agencies
Activities
Vice Mayor Swan reported that the TEDx committee set a date for January 28, 2023.
The title of the program is The Power of Creativity and Innovation in Silicon Valley.
The guest list is limited to 100, so sign up right away when the invitations are sent.
Mayor Tyson encouraged council liaisons to encourage their committees to work
through the liaison for presenting at Council meetings. There were a couple of
committee reports made during public comment this evening. Additionally, Council
Initiated items are generally new ideas that are not in the work plan. He encouraged
Councilmembers to discuss topics with the City Manager in advance to see what type
of background work needs to be done.
10. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
A. Request by the Environmental Initiatives Committee for Consideration to Direct Staff
to Prepare Leaf Blower Regulations (Councilmember Mok)
Councilmember Mok presented the item.
Council discussion ensued.
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Chris Schiebl, Los Altos Hills, is asking for a leaf-blower ordinance. Not trying to
ban gas powered leaf blowers, but sensible hours and noise ordinance.
Anand Ranganathan, Los Altos Hills, clarified the enforcement piece. The EIC
discussion centered on the enforcement - it should be a civil defense using code
enforcement. We should not be involving law enforcement in the enforcement of the
matter.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Mok moved to direct staff
to prepare leaf-blower regulations for noise and hours of operation and to not use the
Sheriff for enforcement, but a compliance officer. The first offense would be a
warning, the second warning would be a set fine, and third would be an infraction.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tankha.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt, Tankha
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
B. Request for Consideration to Offering a Lifetime Volunteer Award to Qualified
Individuals (Vice Mayor Swan)
Vice Mayor Swan presented the request.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Swan moved to create an ad hoc
committee made up Councilmember Tankha and Vice Mayor Swan to develop a
process and criteria for Offering a Lifetime Volunteer Award to Qualified
Individuals. 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
C. Request by the Environmental Initiatives Committee to Participate in a new
Community-Based Network to Sample the Chemical Composition of Natural Gas
Delivered to Los Altos Hills Homes (Councilmember Schmidt)
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Councilmember Schmidt presented the item.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Tyson moved to participate in a
study to sample the chemical composition of natural gas delivered to Los Altos Hills
homes. 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
11. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah L. Padovan
Deborah Padovan
City Clerk
The minutes of the August 18, 2022, regular City Council meeting were approved as
presented at the September 15, 2022, regular City Council meeting.