HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/17/20221
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 17, 2022
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California
CALL TO ORDER (6:00 P.M.)
A. Roll Call
B. Pledge of Allegiance
This meeting was conducted virtually pursuant to the provisions of Assembly Bill 361 and
Government Code Section 54953(e) related to conducting public meetings during the COVID-19
pandemic. Mayor Tyson called the City Council Regular Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
Present: Mayor George Tyson, Vice Mayor Linda Swan, Councilmember Stanley Q. Mok,
Councilmember Lisa Schmidt
Absent: Councilmember Kavita Tankha
Staff: City Manager Peter Pirnejad, City Attorney Steve Mattas, Planning and Building
Director Sofia Mangalam, Consultant Project Manager Brad Donahue;
Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar, Senior Planner Elaine Ling,
Management Analyst II Cody Einfalt, City Clerk Deborah Padovan
1. AGENDA REVIEW
There were no changes to the agenda.
2. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
A. Introduction of the New Graduates of the Santa Clara County Teen CERT Program
Emergency Communications Consultant Ann Hepenstall introduced and
recognized the youth CERT members as follows:
Evelyn Aguilar
Jennifer Cruden
Kiefer Chow
Alice Iwashita Akutsu
Kaamya Kalyani
John Thoreson
Danica Kabata
Matthew Carlson
Saarang Bondalapati
Ishani Agarwal
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Ms. Hepenstal provided information about the teen CERT. They train teens in
emergency preparedness and basic response; provide opportunities to participate in
webinars, write reports, be featured in news articles, and speak on behalf of the
program. They also help teens develop and broaden their leadership skills and to
collaborate with others to benefit their community. There are currently 40 teen
CERTs.
B. Appointments to the Los Altos Hills Youth Commission
City Clerk Padovan presented the applications of the seven individuals who applied
to serve on the Youth Commission.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to appoint
Lauren Barg, Eesha Cholletti, Shinmu Jiang, Marcus Kao, Adam Schauer, Alan
Shen, and Peter Shen to the Los Altos Hills Youth Commission. The motion was
seconded by Vice Mayor Swan.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Tankha
C. Annual Presentation by the Los Altos Hills Youth Commission
Anika Sikka and Mir Bahri, Co-Chairs of the Los Altos Hills Youth Commission,
presented the annual report of the commission. The Council received the report and
expressed appreciation to the commission for all their hard work this past year. No
action was taken.
D. Los Altos Hills Pathways Committee Progress Report
Committee Member Bob Elson presented the progress report on the pathways
system. The report was received. No action was taken.
3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
There were no presentations from the floor.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Mok moved to approve the
Consent Calendar. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Schmidt.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
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AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Tankha
A. Approval of Regular City Council Meeting Minutes - October 20, 2022
B. Approval of Special Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting Minutes –
October 26, 2022
C. Review of Disbursements for October 1-31, 2022 $3,165,166
D. 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)
E. Receive and Accept Annual Report on Development Impact Fees for Fiscal Year
Ended June 30, 2022 (Staff S. Revillar)
F. Resolution 103-22 Accepting the Town of Los Altos Hills Annual Comprehensive
Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022 (Staff S. Revillar)
G. Resolution 104-22 Providing Direction on How Staff Shall Negotiate Generator
Permit Requests for Telecom Poles in Town (Staff C. Einfalt)
H. Response to the Grand Jury Final Report on the use of Language in Ballot Measures
(Staff C. Einfalt)
I. Adoption of Ordinance 604 (Second Reading) Amending Chapter 1.10 (Green
Building Standards Code) Of Title 8 (Building Regulations) of the Los Altos Hills
Municipal Code and Adopt by Reference Regulations that Require the Electrification
o New Residential Buildings Based on Special Local Conditions and Adopt
Regulations to Require EV Ready Construction for New Residential Buildings and
Establish Electric Vehicle Permit Streamlining Process and Timelines (Staff S.
Mangalam)
J. Adoption of Ordinance 605 (Second Reading) Amending Chapters 1 Through 1.11
of Title 8 (Building Regulations) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code and
Adopting by Reference the 2022 California Building Standards Code, Including but
not Limited to Administrative, Building, Residential Building, Electrical, Mechanical,
Plumbing, Energy, Historical Building, Existing Building, and Referenced Standards,
Including Local Modifications and Amendments to the Codes (Staff S. Mangalam)
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K. Resolution 105-22 Accepting the 2022 Pavement Rehabilitation and Drainage
Improvement Project (Staff J. Chau)
L. Resolution 106-22 Accepting Installing New EV Charging Stations, Underground
Raceway, Wiring, and Electrical Subpanel at Town Hall and Heritage House Project
(Staff Public Works)
M. Resolution 107-22 Accepting Dedication of Pathway (Trail) Easement (Lands of
Anderson); 27820 Saddle Court (Staff Public Works)
N. Resolution 108-22 Vacating Existing Trail Easement (Lands of Anderson) 27820
Saddle Court (Staff Public Works)
O. Motion to Authorize Delay in Implementation of a Portion of Ordinance No. 603
Amending Title 2, Chapter 6 – Conflict of Interest – of The Los Altos Hills Municipal
Code Related to Designated Standing Committee Members (Staff S. Mattas)
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution 109-22 Approving the Town of Los Altos Hills E-Signature Policy (Staff
S. Revillar)
Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Swan moved to approve
Resolution 109-22 Approving the Town of Los Altos Hills E-Signature Policy. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Schmidt.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Tankha
B. Resolution 110-22 Amending Section 7.5.4 of the Los Altos Hills Employee
Handbook to Update the Employee Work Week and Counter Hours (Staff S. Revillar)
Administrative Services Director Sarina Revillar presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
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MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Mok moved to approve
Resolution 110-22 Amending Section 7.5.4 of the Los Altos Employee Handbook to
Update the Employee Work Week and Counter Hours. The motion was seconded by
Vice Mayor Swan.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Tankha
C. Introduction (First Reading) of Ordinance 606 Adding Chapter 9 “Leaf Blowers” to
Title 5 “Public Welfare, Morals and Conduct” of the Town of Los Altos Hills
Municipal Code Regulating the use of Leaf Blowers; and Resolution 111-22
Educating the Public About the Ordinance Regulating the Use of Leaf Blowers (Staff
Public Works)
City Manager Peter Pirnejad presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
Public Comment
Cris Schiebold, Los Altos Hills, said he was disappointed to see the details of the
ordinance, particularly the hours of operation. He came up with proposed hours of
operation that were voted on by the EIC and City Council. He expressed that he
would like to see the start time be changed to 8:30 a.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. on
Saturdays.
Birgitta Indaco, Los Altos Hills, said she would like to keep the hours to the already
set construction hours.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Swan moved to Waive Reading
and Introduce Ordinance 606 Adding Chapter 9 “Leaf Blowers” to Title 5 “Public
Welfare, Morals and Conduct” of the Town of Los Altos Hills Municipal Code
Regulating the use of Leaf Blowers; and Adopt Resolution 111-22 Educating the
Public About the Ordinance Regulating the Use of Leaf Blowers. The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Mok.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Tankha
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D. Consideration of Issues Relating to the Green Sheets and Potential Direction to Staff
(Staff: S. Mattas)
City Attorney Steve Mattas presented the staff report.
Council discussion ensued.
Public Comment
Jim Waschura, Los Altos Hills, said codifying the green sheets may not be effective
against the state ordinances. He said the money would be better spent on the
legislative process, instead of an initiative petition.
Duffy Price, Los Altos Hills, said our neighborhood voices want to be heard to retain
local control.
Ann Duwe, Los Altos Hills, said there is a movement throughout the state to sue
HCD over the RHNA numbers because they are so high in this particular cycle.
There was consensus to add this topic to the January 2023 Goal Setting Session.
E. Introduction of Ordinance 607 (First Reading) Amending Chapters 1.2 (Residential
Code) And 1.8 (Fire Code) of Title 8 (Building Regulations) of the Los Altos Hills
Municipal Code and Adopting by Reference Amendments to the 2022 California
Building Standards Code Including Local Modifications; CEQA Review: Categorical
Exemption Per Section 15061(B)(3) (Staff: S. Mangalam)
Planning Director Sofia Mangalam presented the staff report.
Shane Lauderdale, Principal Consultant, Pyro Analysis, provided information on
model fire code language and alternative means for fire protection.
Council discussion ensued.
Brian Glass, Assistant Fire Chief, Santa Clara County Fire Department provided
comments and responded to questions.
Public Comment
J. Logan, General Manager, Los Altos Hills County Fire District, said thanks to
all for collaboration on revisions to code. In the FY 23-24 proposed budget for the
fire district there is funding for a new engine. It is important to get the engine ordered
and in the pipeline because of its maneuverability.
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Anne Brask, Director of Planning, Abodu, an ADU company in Redwood City,
said she was speaking in support of the adoption of the fire codes and the thought of
purchasing smaller fire trucks.
Further Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Councilmember Schmidt moved to waive
reading and introduce Ordinance 607 amending Chapters 1.2 and 1.8 of Title 8 of the
LAHMC; adopt by reference the amendments to the California Building Code
Standards with local modifications including SCCFD and staff recommended
amendments to the Fire Code. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Swan.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Tankha
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
► City Council Ex Parte Contacts Policy Disclosure
A. Appeal of Planning Commission’s Denial of Appeal for Conditions of Approval for a
Landscape Screening Site Development Approval for a new Residence at 24490
Amigos Court (SD22-0018) to Modify Conditions #2, #3, and #4 for a 36-inch box
size minimum for all Screening Trees and eight (8) 36-inch box Canyon Live Oaks
along the Northern Property Line (Staff E. Ling)
Mayor Tyson opened the Public Hearing.
Ex Parte: Mayor Tyson said that had a phone call with the appellant, Dr. Wolfe and
reviewed his property and spoke with Ms. Wolfe. He had no contact on item 6.B.
Vice Mayor Swan said she had an email exchange with the owner on 6.A and some
of the neighbors. There were no other ex parte communications.
Senior Planner Elaine Ling presented the staff report.
Council asked questions of staff and received responses.
Appellant Dr. James Wolfe presented his appeal.
Public Comment
John Aldrich, Landscaping Architect, said that in designing the screening plans for
their client they considered Dr. Wolfe’s property and other properties behind and
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next door. He spoke of trees that would be included that would grow to a height of
25’ to 30’ and will grow together. There are shrubs that will grow from 15’ to 20’ tall.
They have a balance between what the neighbors wants and what their clients want
for their house.
Mike Dillon, Los Altos Hills, said this problem could have been rectified at the very
beginning by planting a taller variety of tree. The height of the tree should be tall
enough to screen the home and the noise.
Lulu Teng and Felix Lo, homeowners, presented their landscaping screen project to
the City Council.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Swan moved to continue the meeting past
10:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Mok.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Tankha
Recess at 9:50 pm
Reconvene 9:55 pm
Birgitta Indaco, Los Altos Hills Planning Commissioner, said the applicant
showed the plantings, and they have a 26’easement and in the diagram, they show
that they had the shrubs in the 26’ easement, which is not allowed. They need to be
close to the retaining wall. She said she is available to respond to any questions.
Barry Trost, Los Altos Hills, said he lives at the end of the driveway, and he has
concerns about a “tunnel of trees” driveway. It creates a danger because they may
have difficulty getting out. He said his view of the world will be shut off based on
Dr. Wolfe’s proposal.
David from Kielty Arborist Services, San Mateo, presented a slide that showed
trees that provide a lot of screening. What the homeowner is proposing should be
sufficient.
Jenny Teng, Los Altos Hills, said she lives in the house next to the subject property
and she does not think it is necessary to plant more large oak trees. She expressed
concerns about fire hazards.
Kjell Karlsson, Los Altos Hills, when it comes to the metal roofs said that they
should be a lot less reflective. That type of roof should be used.
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Mayor Tyson closed the Public Hearing.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Tyson moved to adopt Resolution
112-22 of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills Denying the Appeal
(APL22-0005) of the Planning Commission’s October 6, 2022, Decision on Denying
Appeals (APL22-0003 and APL22-0004) and Upholding a Site Development Permit
with Landscape Plan Revision 1 for Landscape Screening at 24490 Amigos Court
with Conditions of Approval Issued on August 16, 2022, Site Development Public
Hearing. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Schmidt.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Tankha
B. Approval of a Tentative Map to Create a Two-lot Subdivision of an Existing 2.20
Gross Acre Parcel Located at 27600 Altamont Road (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 opened the Public Hearing.
Planning Director Sofia Mangalam presented the staff report.
John Lewis, Los Altos Hills, said it would be a prudent decision to ask the applicant
to prove the driveway is safe before proceeding.
Waidy Lee, Los Altos Hills, said there are errors in the speed estimate and line of
sight. She asked that the applicant to go back and redo the driveway and fix the error
and address how people can make a left turn into the property.
Melanie Griswald, attorney for applicants, said although the applicants are in the
business of developing properties, this parcel is where they hope to build their dream
homes and live with their families. Nobody has a more vested interest in making sure
these driveways are safe than the applicants. Two safety studies have been performed
to ensure that the driveway meets all relevant safety standards.
Gary Black, Hexagon Transportation Expert, told Council they did a safety study
of the driveway. They have determined the driveway to be safe. The sight distance is
adequate and meets the standards.
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Kit Gordon, Los Altos Hills, said the applicant was critical of the traffic study. The
traffic study and sight lines will all based on coming out of the driveway. The left
turn is concerning. There was no discussion of sight lines from turning left into the
driveway.
Mayor Tyson closed the Public Hearing.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Mayor Tyson moved to adopt Resolution
113-22 making CEQA Exemption and Approving a Tentative Map to Create a Two-
Lot Subdivision of an Existing 2.20 Gross Acre Parcel located at 27600 Altamont
Road. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Schmidt.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1:
AYES: Tyson, Swan, Mok, Schmidt
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Tankha
7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
A. Report by the Undergrounding Subcommittee (Mayor Tyson)
No report.
B. Report from the Council Ad Hoc Committee Focusing on Broadband
(Councilmembers Mok and Tankha)
Councilmember Mok suggested reviewing the Technology Committee presentation
on broadband from November 16, 2022.
C. Status Reports from All Councilmembers on Subcommittee and Outside Agencies
Activities
Vice Mayor Swan said on Friday, December 2, 2022, the Joint Volunteer Awards
luncheon will be held. On Sunday, December 4, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
the Westwind Barn Lighting will occur. On Thursday, December 8, 2022, the Senior
Commission is having a luncheon and presentation on aging in place.
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8. STAFF REPORTS
A. City Manager
City Manager Pirnejad provided the following report:
The Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council is managing the project to update the
county’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) with support from partners
including CAL FIRE, Santa Clara County Fire, County of Santa Clara Office of
Emergency Management, and others. Town staff has been invited to sit on the
technical advisory team to help update the plan.
There will be community meetings for the public to provide comments on the CWPP.
The next meeting for Los Altos Hill’s District is:
District 5, Supervisor Simitian
Thursday, December 1, 2022, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Saratoga Community Center,
19655 Allendale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
The Los Altos Hills County Fire District is inviting residents of the town to
participate in updates to their 5-year strategic plan. This document will help plan the
district’s vision and programs planned for the town. The district is having a
community meeting, in-person at the information below:
Thursday, December 1, 2022, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Gardner Bullis Elementary School, Multi-purpose Room
A postcard was mailed to every resident advertising the broadband survey that
GovTechGroup is conducting for the town. Please complete this survey by the first
week of December. The data collected in this survey will help the town understand
where broadband infrastructure is needed most in the town and possibly allow the
town to apply for grants
Staff is working to create a webpage where the community can weigh in on the
proposed updates to the standing committee resolution. The goal is to get this
webpage up and running by the end of the month.
Town Hall renovation is underway. We apologize for any inconvenience that may
have caused. We are fully operational in the Council Chambers for all front-counter
assistance such as building permit and plan checks. The Parks and Recreation
building continues to remain open. Please be advised that if you are holding or
wanting to attend committee meeting in person there are no meeting rooms available
in the chambers and the Town Hall is very dusty and uncomfortable.
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B.City Attorney
No report.
C.City Clerk
No report.
D.Planning Director
Director Mangalam reported that the draft Housing Element was submitted on
October 27, 2022. We are anxiously awaiting a response from HCD.
E.Administrative Services Director
Director Revillar that the town has received the GFOA budget award for excellence
in financial reporting for 2022-23. The Council approved the annual comprehensive
financial report and there were no findings in the audit.
F.Public Works Director
Project Manager Brad Donohue reported that after the Thanksgiving holiday, the
crew will be working on the Briones pathway. Staff will also be working on the
annual maintenance work at Purissima Park to get it in shape for springtime. The
maintenance team did add a new member to their team, and he is scheduled to start in
mid-December. He was finally able to contact the Rule 20 project manager. They
have set up an on-site meeting where she can bring her design team, engineers, and
estimators after the Thanksgiving holiday.
9.COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
There were no Council Initiated Items.
10.ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Padovan
City Clerk
The minutes of the November 17, 2022, regular City Council meeting were approved as
presented at the December 15, 2022, regular City Council meeting.
Deborah L. Padovan