HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/22/2024Los Altos Hills Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 22, 2024
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Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California
Present: Mayor Stanley Q. Mok, Vice Mayor Lisa Schmidt, Council Member Linda Swan,
Council Member George Tyson
Absent: Council Member Kavita Tankha
Staff: City Manager Peter Pirnejad, City Attorney Steve Mattas, City Clerk Arika
Birdsong-Miller, Assistant to the City Manager Cody Einfalt, Finance Director
Thomas Leung, Interim Community Development Director Jay Bradford, and
Public Works Director WooJae Kim
1. CALL TO ORDER (6:00 P.M.)
Mayor Mok called the meeting to order at 6 P.M.
2. ROLL CALL
Mayor Stanley Mok, Vice Mayor Lisa Schmidt, Council Member Linda Swan, and Council
Member George Tyson were present.
Council Member Kavita Tankha was absent.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- Recited
4. AGENDA REVIEW
The agenda was approved as presented.
5. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
A. Proclamation Recognizing Supervisor Joe Simitian - Vice Mayor Schmidt
presented the proclamation and all members of the City Council
thanked Joe Simitian for all his hard work and dedication to the residents of
Santa Clara County and the Town of Los Altos Hills.
Roger Spreen, Los Altos Hills County Fire District, gave an accommodation in
recognition of Joe Simitian's many years of service.
B. Reappointment to the Environmental Initiative Committee: Council Member Tyson made
a motion to reappoint April Anair to the Environmental Initiative Committee. Council
Member Swan seconded the motion. Approved, Vote 4-0
C. Reappointment to the Environmental Initiative Committee- Vice Mayor Schmidt made a
motion to reappoint Anand Ranganathan to the Environmental Initiative Committee.
Council Member Tyson seconded the motion. Approved, Vote 4-0
D. Reappointment to the Environmental Initiatives Committee- Council Member Tyson made
a motion to reappoint Vrinda Bhandarkar to the Environmental Initiatives Committee.
Vice Mayor Schmidt seconded the motion. Approved, Vote 4-0
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Thursday, October 22, 2024
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E. Appointment to the Pathways Committee – Council Member Swan made a motion to
appoint Marc Gurwith to the Pathways Committee. Mayor Mok seconded the motion.
Approved, Vote 4-0
F. Reappointment to the Finance and Investment Committee – Council Member Swan made
a motion to reappoint Allan Epstein to the Finance and Investment Committee. Mayor
Mok seconded the motion. Vice Mayor Schmidt voted in opposition. Council Member
Tyson abstained. Approved, Vote 2-1-1
Public Comment:
1. Rajiv Bhateja, a Los Altos Hills resident, supports Allan Epstein’s appointment to the
Finance and Investment Committee.
G. Appointment to the Parks and Recreation Committee – Vice Mayor Schmidt made a
motion to appoint Weiwen Li to the Parks and Recreation Committee. Council Member
Tyson seconded the motion. Approved, Vote 4-0
H. Appointment to the Parks and Recreation Committee – Vice Mayor Schmidt made a
motion to appoint Dr. Mukta Sharangpani to the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Council Member Swan seconded the motion. Approved, Vote 4-0
I. Appointment to the Pathways Committee –Council Member Swan made a motion to
appoint Michael Henshaw to the Pathways Committee. Council Member Tyson seconded
the motion. Approved, Vote 4-0
6. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Mayor Mok made a motion to increase the speaker time to 3 minutes. Council Member Swan
seconded the motion. Approved, Vote 4-0.
The following people made comments during the Presentation from the Floor:
1. Michael Grady, a 20-year resident of Los Altos Hills, commented about Twin Oak Court and
asked if the Council intended to allow a 300-plus unit development on the 15- acres that was
rezoned. Mr. Grady referenced the City of Los Gatos and the issues they faced with
developers. Mr. Grady further stated that if the Council was not properly advised of rezoning
changes, the Council should reconsider City Manager Peter Pirnejad’s employment
agreement and salary increase on the Consent Calendar.
2. Edward Cristal asked that Chapter 8 of the City Code be amended to include established
landscaping and trees protections.
3. May Araj, a Los Altos Hills resident, explained that she completely opposed the Twin Oak
Court development. Ms. Araj shared her concerns about fire safety regarding the roadways
with new potential residents from the development. She stated that she had not received any
mail notification from the Town about this development. Council Member Swan encouraged
May Araj to sign up for the City Manager’s Weekly email to stay informed.
4. John O’Connell, a resident of Los Altos Hills, explained that he had met with several of his
neighbors and most of them had not been informed about any potential development. Mr.
O’Connell stated that the City Manager’s Weekly newsletter is a good tool to keep residents
informed, but a mail notification should be a requirement.
5. Liu Yang, a resident of Los Altos Hills, stated that he recently received a notification about
the development, but did not receive any notifications before the Twin Oak development
project was approved. Mr. Yang encouraged the Council to install more safety measures for
pedestrians and bikers.
6. Lanvi Evans, a resident of Los Altos Hills, wanted to clarify that residents appreciated the
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Thursday, October 22, 2024
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Town’s Certified Housing Element, but wanted the number of units to be limited to 92 units.
7. Tami Nguyen, a resident of Los Altos Hills, stated that she is not against the Housing Element
but wants the housing units to be limited to 92 units. Ms. Nguyen explained that she is signed
up for the Weekly newsletter, but the information is an overview and not enough information
for residents.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Schmidt made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Council
Member Swan seconded the motion. Approved, Vote 4-0.
A. Approval of Special City Council Meeting Minutes – September 18, 2024. Approved,
Vote 4-0.
B. Approval of Special City Council Meeting Minutes- September 19, 2024 Approved,
Vote 4-0.
C. Approval of Regular City Council Meeting Minutes – September 19, 2024 Approved,
Vote 4-0.
D. Review of Disbursements: August 31, 2024 Approved, Vote 4-0.
E. Approval of Treasurer’s Report for the Month End August 2024 Approved, Vote 4-0.
F. Receive an update on the Treasurer’s and Disbursements Reports Process and Transition of
the Treasurer’s and Disbursements Reports to the Informational Items Section of the
Agenda Approved, Vote 4-0.
G. Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Los Altos Hills Classification Plan and
Salary Schedule Effective FY 2024-25 to Establish a New Classification Title and Salary
Range for Deputy City Manager and Approving the Deputy City Manager Series Job
Specifications Approved, Vote 4-0.
H. Review the 2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report and authorize transmittal of the
reports to the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) Approved, Vote 4-0.
I. Resolution Accepting Open Space Easement Agreement at 12187 Kate Drive; Lands of
Neary-Vidovich; File #SD21-009 Approved, Vote 4-0.
J. Resolution Approving a Temporary Driveway in an Open Space Easement Agreement at
12815 Deer Creek Lane; Lands of Sattar; File #SD21-0048 Approved, Vote 4-0.
K. Resolution Awarding a Construction Contract to Confluence Restoration, Inc. for the
Matadero Creek Restoration Offsite Mitigation – Planting Project at Byrne Preserve for
$110,000, including Contingency Funds; and Receive an Informational Update on the
Matadero Creek Restoration and Bank Stabilization Onsite Project Approved, Vote 4-0.
Adjourned Regular Meeting From September 19, 2024 - Consent Calendar Items
L. Ordinance (Second Reading) of the Town of Los Altos Hills amending Title 10
(Zoning and Site Development) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code to amend
regulations relating to application processing and standing committee review
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Thursday, October 22, 2024
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procedures in accordance with program B-15 of the Los Altos Hills 2023-2031
Housing Element. Motion to Waive Reading and Adopt the Ordinance
Approved, Vote 4-0.
M. Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of Amendment No. 2 to the
Employment Agreement with Peter Pirnejad for City Manager Services Approved, Vote
4-0.
City Attorney Mattas provided an overview of state law regarding Employment
Agreement Amendments for Executive Management positions, including the City
Manager role. He outlined the proposed amendment to the City Manager’s Employment
Agreement, which includes a salary increase from $254,880 to $298,000, effective
October 22, 2024, as well as a cost-of-living adjustment consistent with increases
provided to Town staff. The last amendment to the agreement was made in October 2022.
Attorney Mattas further explained that the agreement includes a provision to address
potential salary compaction in the future. Under this provision, the City Manager’s salary
will be set at 15-20% above the top of the salary range for the Town’s highest-paid
department director. Attorney Mattas stated that this agreement does not impact the term
of the agreement which will continue to run through October 24, 2027.
Public Comment:
1. John O'Connell, a resident of Los Altos Hills, spoke about the Employment Agreement
for Peter Pirnejad and explained to the Council that he believes there should have been
input from residents of the Town before considering an amendment to the City
Manager’s contract. Mr. O’Connell asked that this item be removed from the Consent
Calendar.
Mr. O'Connell also spoke about the 2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report and
said that the report wasn’t made available by staff. Mr. O’Connell asked that this item
be removed from the Consent Calendar and heard as a Public Hearing.
2. Eric Bredo, a resident of Los Altos Hills, spoke about the Matadero Creek Restoration
Project. Mr. Bredo encouraged the Council to make progress on this project because
the area width doesn’t provide for safe travel on the road.
3. Jitze Couperus, a resident of Los Altos Hills, spoke about the Matedero Creek
Restoration Project. Mr. Couperus explained that the temporary fix has been in place
for almost 13 years. Mr. Couperus stated that he hopes no one has to attend a funeral
for someone from an accident on Page Mill Road. Mr. Couperus wants the Matedero
Creek Restoration Project completed.
4. Rajiv Bhateja, a resident of Los Altos Hills, spoke about the City Manager’s
Employment Agreement. Mr. Bhateja questioned the process and would have liked to
have input from committees, residents, and staff included in the process. Mr. Bhateja
explained that there should have been more transparency in the process of amending
the employment agreement. Mr. Bhateja stated that it is troubling that there is a clause
that adjusts the City Manager’s salary based on the highest-paid department director
and referenced the fox in charge of the hen house.
5. Anand Ranganathan, a resident of Los Altos Hills, expressed concerns about the
addition of the Deputy City Manager position, noting that it was not included in the
budget. He recalled that the budget was already drawing from reserves and questioned
the necessity of adding more administrative roles. Mr. Ranganathan also commented
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Thursday, October 22, 2024
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on the $25,000 salary increase outlined in the City Manager’s Employment Agreement.
MOTION PASSED 4-0:
AYES: Mok, Schmidt, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Tankha
Mayor Mok adjourned the September 19, 2024, Adjourned Regular Meeting at 7:20 pm and
continued the City Council Special Meeting of October 22, 2024.
8. ONGOING BUSINESS-
A. Resolution Approving a Grant Agreement with Los Altos Hills Community Fiber to Install
Underground Broadband Fiber Infrastructure at Priority Sites and Authorizing the City
Manager to Execute the Agreement.
Public Works Director WooJae Kim explained that the Broadband Infrastructure Project
(Project) was first approved by the Town Council in the FY2023-2027 Five Year Capital
Improvement Plan with $800,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding with a
goal to expand broadband service to underserved areas in the Town to improve residents’
ability to work from home, improve access to the internet for education, and support
public safety. On June 16, 2022, the Town Council, with the support of the Technology
Committee, authorized the Town Manager to execute a contract with Government
Technology Group, LLC (GTG) to conduct a Broadband Feasibility Study for the Town.
GTG met with the Committee regularly during the development of the feasibility study to
answer questions from the community. On August 17, 2023, the study was presented to
Council. The study and the recommendations were discussed in-depth at the Council
Study Session on August 23, 2023. No actionable item materialized from those Council
meetings. The City Council directed staff to work with the Technology Committee to
refine the scope for an underground broadband fiber project before the end of the year
during the April 15th City Council Special Meeting. Two project delivery approaches
were evaluated and discussed in detail with the Technology Committee at their May 8
and May 15, 2024, meetings. The first approach was a Town-led effort in which the
Town would issue a Request for Proposals to hire a design/build vendor to build
broadband fiber infrastructure with Town oversight and control of the new infrastructure.
The second approach was for a project led by Los Altos Hills Community Fiber
(LAHCF) with grant funding from the Town for LAHCF to design and build underground
fiber infrastructure, which they would then continue to operate and maintain. LAHCF is a
501.c.12 non-profit mutual benefit corporation that has installed, operated, and
maintained fiber throughout the Town since 2019. The Town has an existing Master
Access Agreement with LAHCF that governs the installation of broadband infrastructure
within the public right of way. Both project delivery approaches were deemed acceptable
by staff from a regulatory and legal perspective. At the May 15, 2024 meeting, the
Technology Committee adopted a motion recommending the LAHCF-led option with a
scope of work extending the fiber infrastructure at priority sites including Town Hall,
under Highway 280 to Foothill College, to emergency/public safety services at and near
Foothill College, and as far west beyond Foothill College as feasible with the project
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Thursday, October 22, 2024
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funding. The two project delivery approaches, along with staff’s analysis, and the
Committee’s recommendations were presented to the Town Council at the May 21, 2024,
Council Meeting. After hearing from staff, LAHCF, the Technology Committee, and
members of the public at the meeting, the Council concurred with the Committee’s
recommendations and authorized staff to negotiate an agreement with LAHCF to install
underground fiber at priority sites as recommended. Council also approved the inclusion
of the Project in the 2024-25 Town Council Work Plan.
Director Kim explained that the Town anticipated using ARPA funds for the project, but
after realizing that the ARPA funds were already reported to the U.S. Department of
Treasury, decided instead to use other sources of funding from the General Fund. During
the initial stages of the negotiations and development of the grant agreement with
LAHCF, the Town Attorney and Finance staff determined that the Town’s ARPA funds,
previously thought to be reported based on specific eligible projects, had been reported as
revenue loss replacement. The $800,000 previously set aside from revenues received
from ARPA funding for broadband installation was still being held in a separate account
in the General Fund.
Since the May 21, 2024, Council Meeting, staff with assistance from the Town’s contract
project manager have worked closely with LAHCF, their vendor Next Level
Infrastructure (NLI), and the Technology Committee to develop and negotiate a grant
agreement, scope of work, and cost estimate for the Project. The Technology Committee
formed an ad-hoc group to assist staff and LAHCF in negotiating the scope of work. At
the July, August, and September 2024 Technology Committee meetings, a successively
more refined scope of work was presented and discussed at each meeting for the
Committee’s input.
Vice Mayor Schmidt asked why the route for installing fiber was changed from Foothill
College up to Moody and Altamont to a different route.
Sean Rose, SR Rose Engineering, explained that the main consideration was that it is less
costly to install the fiber on residential streets and the number of people that can be
served.
Dr. Agrawal, a Los Altos Hills resident and member of the Los Altos Hill Community
Fiber Committee, explained that the goal was to maximize the number of people who
would have the potential to connect to fiber.
Vice Mayor Schmidt mentioned the comments received from resident Jim Waschura and
asked if could language be added to the agreement that states the antenna in front of his
property will be removed once the project is completed.
Dr. Agrawal clarified that the antenna is temporary and will be removed but expressed
reluctance to amend the agreement at this stage.
Public Comment:
1. Jim Waschura, a Los Altos Hills resident, would feel more comfortable if the contract
had a statement that promises to remove the antenna in the LaCresta Neighborhood.
2. Rajiv Bhateja, a resident of Los Altos Hills, is happy to see the project move forward
Los Altos Hills Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 22, 2024
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and thanked Sean Rose and WooJae Kim for their collaborative efforts with the
Technology Committee.
3. Kjell Karlsson, a resident of Los Altos Hills, thanked everyone for how fast the
project came together. Mr. Karlsson stated the equipment is expensive and as soon as
the network is stabilized the antenna will be removed from the LaCresta
Neighborhood.
Council Member Swan made a motion to approve Resolution Approving a Grant
Agreement with Los Altos Hills Community Fiber to Install Underground Broadband
Fiber Infrastructure at Priority Sites and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the
Agreement. Council Member Tyson seconded the motion.
Approved, Vote 4-0.
AYES: Mok, Schmidt, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Tankha
9. PUBLIC HEARING
A. 26140 Duval Way – File #CUP24-0001 – Lands of Episcopal Laymens Group of
Los Altos - Conditional Use Permit for a request for a 10-year renewal of an existing
AT&T-operated wireless communications facility (monopine) at St. Luke’s Chapel
in the Hills with no changes to equipment or structures. CEQA review: Categorical
Exemption per Section 15301(b).
Associate Planner Jonathan Fox explained The City Council initially approved the
monopine structure and equipment area through Conditional Use Permit #139-08-
CUP-IS-ND on January 8, 2009. One of the conditions of approval required that the
CUP be renewed after ten (10) years. The wireless facility has been in continuous
operation since installation; however, the Town did not receive a renewal request
until May 14, 2024 with the current application. The Use Permit is expired and the
applicant, AT&T Mobility (represented by Epic Wireless), is requesting a 10-year
extension.
A Conditional Use Permit renewal for a wireless facility can be approved if the City
Council finds that the facility operates in compliance with the Town’s Wireless
Communications Facilities Policy (see Attachment 3) and approved conditions of
approval for the site. The subject property complies with the siting and co-location
criteria in the Wireless Policy and conditions for landscaping, colors, and structure
are included in the CUP. The applicant’s response to the conditions is included in
Attachment 6. Staff conducted an inspection of the property and found it to be
adequately maintained, clean, and generally in compliance with the previous
conditions of approval. Members of the Environmental Design and Protection
Committee also visited the property and found the facility to be in good condition.
On September 18, 2024, the Planning Commission reviewed the proposal and voted
5-0-0 to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council. The Planning
Commission-recommended conditions of approval are included in the draft
resolution (Attachment 1). A condition of approval is included requiring the wireless
Los Altos Hills Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 22, 2024
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provider to augment the existing landscaping with two (2) 24-inch box trees/shrubs
of similar species.
The Public Hearing was opened for comments in favor or opposition of the
Resolution for 26140 Duval Way – File #CUP24-0001.
There were no public comments.
The Public Hearing was closed.
Council Member Tyson made a motion to approve the Resolution for 26140 Duval
Way – File #CUP24-0001 – Lands of Episcopal Laymens Group of Los Altos -
Conditional Use Permit for a request for a 10-year renewal of an existing AT&T-
operated wireless communications facility (monopine) at St. Luke’s Chapel in the
Hills with no changes to equipment or structures. CEQA review: Categorical
Exemption per Section 15301(b) Council Member Swan seconded the motion.
Approved, Vote 3-0-1. Mayor Mok abstained because of the business he
does with clients that involve AT&T.
Approved, Vote 3-0-1.
AYES: Schmidt, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Mok
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Tankha
B. 12889 Viscaino Place – File #CUP24-0002 – Lands of Fremont Hills Country Club -
Conditional Use Permit for (1) demolition of an existing pool house and construction of a
new 6,886 square-foot single-story aquatics building/multi-purpose room, (2) construction
of a 230 square-foot addition to an existing office building, (3) request to exceed the
Maximum Floor Area set by the existing Conditional Use Permit, (4) request for a 3-year
review of the existing Conditional Use Permit. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per
Section 15302 – Replacement or Reconstruction.
Associate Planner Jonathan Fox explained that the 17.04-acre Fremont Hills Country Club
(FHCC) site is a private establishment operating as a conditional use in the Residential-
Agricultural Zoning District since the early 1960s. FHCC currently operates under the
conditions of File No. 19-94-ZP-SD-CUP, approved in 1994. This permit set
requirements/limitations for hours of operation, parking, membership capacity,
development area, floor area, etc. FHCC is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to
demolish an existing pool house and construct a new 6,886 square-foot single-story
aquatics building/multi-purpose room and a 230 square-foot addition to an existing office
building. The project includes a request to exceed the Allowable Floor Area set by the
prior use permit in 1994. Review and approval of the application would also satisfy the
need for a recurring 3-year review of the conditional use. On October 3, 2024, the Planning
Commission reviewed the proposal at a noticed public hearing and voted 4-0-1 (one
commissioner absent) to recommend approval to the City Council, subject to conditions of
approval.
The Public Hearing was opened for comments in favor or opposition of 12889 Viscaino
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Place – File #CUP24-0002 – Lands of Fremont Hills Country Club - Conditional Use
Permit.
Council Member Swan expressed opposition to delaying the historic designation work,
emphasizing the importance of the property’s barns and water tower to Los Altos Hills'
history and the need to preserve the Town’s historical heritage.
Randy Popp, architect and representative for the Fremont Hills Country Club, stated that
they have a budget and timeline for the project already established, and adding the
obligation to get the historical designation before they can obtain building permits would
impact the club’s budget tremendously. Mr. Popp said they have no issue with adding the
historical designation and tying it to the final building permit.
Public Comments:
1. Jitze Couperus, a resident of Los Altos Hills, spoke about a property on Fremont Road
that was supposed to be added to the historic designation list, but it was delayed. Then,
within one weekend, the house was demolished.
2. Carol Gottlieb, a resident of Los Altos Hills, would like to add the landmark
designation to the water tower at the Fremont Hills Country Club.
The Public Hearing was closed.
Council Member Swan made a motion to approve the Resolution for 12889 Viscaino Place
– File #CUP24-0002 – Lands of Fremont Hills Country Club - Conditional Use Permit for
(1) demolition of an existing pool house and construction of a new 6,886 square-foot
single-story aquatics building/multi-purpose room, (2) construction of a 230 square-foot
addition to an existing office building, (3) request to exceed the Maximum Floor Area set
by the existing Conditional Use Permit, (4) request for a 3-year review of the existing
Conditional Use Permit. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15302 –
Replacement or Reconstruction adding language for Condition #49: Prior to the earlier
issuance of the certificate of occupancy of the aquatics center or the issuance of a final
building inspection for the modification to the equipment and office building, the applicant
shall apply for, and upon approval by the City Council receive or upon disapproval not
receive, the Landmark Designation for the water tower located on the property pursuant to
Title 11, Chapter 1 of the Los Altos Municipal Code. Council Member Tyson seconded
the motion.
Approved, Vote 4-0.
AYES: Mok, Schmidt, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: Tankha
10. NEW BUSINESS- None
11. STAFF REPORTS
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Thursday, October 22, 2024
Page 10
A. City Attorney Steve Mattas had no report.
B. City Clerk Arika Miller reported that Council Chambers will be used as a Voting
Location for Early Voting from October 26, 2024 – November 4, 2024 from 9 AM –
5 PM. And will serve as an Election Day Voting Center on Tuesday, November 5,
2024, from 7 AM- 8 PM.
Clerk Miller also provided the current vacancies on the volunteer committees. She
further stated that there is 4 Town of Los Altos Hills nominees for the 2024 Los
Altos Hills Volunteer of the Year Award through JVAC.
C. Finance Director Thomas Leung stated the following:
• The trial balance has been submitted to the auditors, and we are in the final phase of
the audit. We anticipate presenting the ACFR to the FIC on December 8 and to the
City Council on December 19.
• Recruitment for the Senior Accountant position closed on October 7. We have
extended an offer to a candidate, who has accepted our offer. The new Senior
Accountant will start on November 12.
• The Town's sweep account became operational on September 27, allowing cash to be
swept into a Money Market Fund, currently yielding 4.74%.
• Treasurer's, Disbursements, and Investment Reports will be published on the City’s
website after each month-end close, rather than waiting until the next available Council
meeting. The link will also be included in each City Manager’s Weekly and on the
Finance Department website.
• The Town has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the FY 2024-25 and 2025-26 budget.
This achievement resulted from collaboration among the City Council, FIC, and staff,
particularly during a period marked by staff turnover and budget constraints.
D. Community Development Director Jay Bradford explained that the Notice of
Preparation (NOP) for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the Town’s multi-
family rezoning efforts officially closed on September 14, 2024. This NOP period
opened on September 13, 2024, and allowed the public and stakeholders to provide
input on the scope of the environmental review, which will analyze the potential
impacts of rezoning single-family properties to multi-family use.
On September 25 and October 9, 2024, the Town held two separate Multi-family
Zoning and Environmental Impact Review (EIR) Scoping Workshops. Attendees
were provided with an overview of the Housing Element Update timeline, public
engagement, Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) requirements, no net loss
monitoring, and the implications for multi-family rezoning under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Residents had the opportunity to ask questions
and share concerns about the zoning and EIR scoping process, while Town
representatives actively gathered feedback from participants. We received roughly 30
responses from members of the public.
The tribal consultations required by Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52) are still ongoing.
Feedback received during this period will help shape the Draft Environmental Impact
Los Altos Hills Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 22, 2024
Page 11
Report (DEIR), ensuring that all relevant environmental concerns are thoroughly
evaluated before the next steps in the rezoning process.
An invitation was made to all to attend a “Forum on Housing” in Los Altos Hills,
November 18th, 2024, at City Hall from 5:00pm – 7:00pm.
E. Public Works Director WooJae Kim reported the following:
Earlier today, the Town received five (5) bids for the Heritage House Upgrade
project. The bids ranged from around $690,000 to $1.4M. The apparent lowest bid is
well under the Engineer’s Estimate. Staff will evaluate all bids in detail. By next
week, a determination of the lowest responsive and responsible bidder would be
made, and the City Manager should be able to award a construction contract to the
lowest bidder as authorized by Council at the September meeting. Staff is hoping to
start construction by November or December timeframe to meet the CDBG funding
deadlines for the project.
F. City Manager Peter Pirnejad presented the following:
1. Thanked Supervisor Simitian for his years of dedicated service leaving a legacy of
responsible governance and steadfast leadership.
2. Wished everyone a joyful and prosperous Diwali! May this festival of lights fill
your homes with happiness, your hearts with love, and your lives with endless
blessings.
3. This past week, Mayor Stanley Mok, Councilmember Linda Swan, and I had the
privilege of attending the 2024 CalCities Annual Conference in Long Beach. It was
an incredibly productive and insightful experience, as we joined over a thousand
elected officials and city professionals from across the state—a record-breaking
turnout for the event.
4. We had a spooktacular evening at our new event: Costume Game Night! Families
joined us for a Halloween-themed game night, where ghouls and goblins of all ages
were welcome.
5. We will be hosting the Trick or Treat Tour at Town Hall on October 31st from
3:00-5:00 PM! Trick-or-treaters will have the exciting opportunity to visit staff
offices while collecting delicious candy and other goodies along the way.
6. We are looking to host another Housing Element Forum to discuss on November
18th. I am meeting with my planning committee later this week to determine if the
dates work, but I mention it because it will be in advance of the next regular
meeting. We intend to send out a postcard to all residents, advertise in the paper,
and in multiple Weekly E-Newsletters.
12. REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS ON STANDING COMMITTEES, AD HOC
COMMITTEES, AND COUNCIL MEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
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Thursday, October 22, 2024
Page 12
A.Status Report from All Council Members on Subcommittees and Outside
Agencies Activities
1.Council Member Tyson stated that the Undergrounding project is making good
progress and shared a picture of some of the work.
13.REPORTS FROM COUNCIL, COMMISSION, AND COMMITTEE-INITIATED
ITEMS
14.ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 P.M
Respectfully submitted,
Arika Birdsong-Miller