HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-01 City Council Agenda PacketCity Council Annual Retreat
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MATERIALS RELATED TO AN ITEM ON THIS AGENDA SUBMITTED TO THE CITY COUNCIL AFTER DISTRIBUTION OF THE AGENDA
PACKET ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION IN THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE AT PALO ALTO CITY HALL, 250 HAMILTON AVE.
DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.
Saturday, February 1, 2020
Special Meeting
Mitchell Park - El Palo Alto Room
3700 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
9:00 AM
Agenda posted according to PAMC Section 2.04.070. Supporting materials are available in
the Council Chambers on the Thursday 2 days preceding this meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to agendized items; up to three minutes per speaker, to be determined by the
presiding officer. If you wish to address the Council on any issue that is on this agenda, please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance and deliver it to the City Clerk prior to discussion of the item. You are not required to give your name on the speaker card in order to speak to the Council, but it is very helpful.
Public comment may be addressed to the full City Council via email at City.Council@cityofpaloalto.org.
8:30 AM
Coffee and Light Breakfast
9:00 AM
Roll Call and Mayor’s Welcome
Oral Communications
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
9:30 AM-12:30 PM
Overview of the Day and Retreat Orientation
1.City Manager Report and City Council Discussion on Accomplishments
Addressing Council Priorities, Continuing Multi-year Efforts, and Discussion
and Selection of 2020 Council Priorities
BREAK 10:30 AM
WORKING LUNCH 12:00 PM
12:30 PM
2.Policy and Services Committee Recommends Council Review and Discuss the
Council's Procedures and Protocols Handbook
2:30 PM
Wrap-up and Next Steps
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA) Persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids or services in using
City facilities, services or programs or who would like information on the City’s compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may contact (650) 329-2550 (Voice) 24 hours in advance.
City of Palo Alto (ID # 11034)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 2/1/2020
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Discussion and Selection of 2020 Council Priorities
Title: City Manager Report and City Council Discussion on Accomplishments
Addressing Council Priorities, Continuing Multi-year Efforts, and Discussion
and Selection of 2020 Council Priorities
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
Recommendation
Staff recommends that Council discuss the 2019 priorities, review the progress made on
achieving them, and select priorities for 2020.
Discussion
On December 10, 2019, City staff presented a staff report to Policy & Services Committee to
discuss and consider making recommendations to the City Council regarding 2020 priorities
setting. Policy & Services Committee recommended “the Council use the 2019 City Council
Priority Setting for the 2020 City Council Priority Setting Process, have the priorities be focused
in such a way that items can be accomplished and, have the format and facilitation be
determined by the new administration” (Minutes).
In October 2012, Council approved Priority Setting Guidelines (CMR: 3156) and outlined the
role for the Policy & Services Committee in this activity. Per the Guidelines, a priority is defined
as a topic that will receive particular, unusual and significant attention during the year.
Additionally, there is a goal of no more than three priorities per year, generally with a three-
year time limit.
A list of past Council priorities by year for the last five years includes:
2019
• Climate Change
• Grade Separation (choose preferred alternative by end of the year)
• Traffic and Transportation
• Fiscal Sustainability
City of Palo Alto Page 2
2018
• Transportation
• Housing
• Budget and Finance (create an infrastructure funding plan)
• Grade Separation (choose preferred alternative by end of year)
2017
• Transportation
• Housing
• Infrastructure
• Healthy City, Healthy Community
• Budget and Finance
2016
• The Built Environment: Housing, Parking, Livability, and Mobility
• Infrastructure
• Healthy City, Healthy Community
• Completion of the Comprehensive Plan 2015-2030 Update
2015
• The Built Environment: Multi-modal transportation, parking and livability
• Infrastructure Strategy and Implementation
• Healthy City, Healthy Community
• Completion of the Comprehensive Plan update with increased focus from Council
2014
• Comprehensive planning and action on land use and transportation: The Built
Environment, Transportation, Mobility, Parking and Livability
• Infrastructure Strategy and Funding
• Technology and the Connected City
The four 2019 Council priorities were chosen from a list of eleven submitted by Council
members and discussed at their annual retreat on February 2, 2019. Other topics included
pursuing a business tax and reconstructing Cubberley Community Center. Grade separation and
transportation are both carry-overs from the 2018 Council Priorities, while climate change and
fiscal sustainability are new priorities in 2019. Among the Council ideas proposed to address
transportation and traffic issues were expanding the City’s shuttle program and promoting
alternatives to solo driving.
Past annual citizen surveys have also allowed for an open-ended response on topics of interest
or concern. The Executive Summary of the 2018 National Citizen Survey discusses the data from
2018, 2017 and 2014. In addition, staff e-mailed Council members requesting their suggestions
City of Palo Alto Page 3
for priority topics to be included as part of the December 2019 Policy & Services Committee
discussion on priorities. Priorities received from the Council Members to help inform the
retreat discussion include:
• In addition to the four priorities from this year (2019), add “rebuild Cubberley
Community Center”
• With respect to climate change, more specificity, particularly around sea level rise
adaptations
• I would vote for roughly the same as we have this year (2019)
o Grade Separations
o Economic Diversity (not just fiscal)
o Transportation and Mobility (not traffic)
o Climate change (maybe)
• Housing
• “Make Palo Alto Fun Again”
• Traffic Congestion Relief
• Affordable Housing and Homeless
• Grade Separations
• Transportation: traffic relief/circulation and flow, mobility, parking, emergency response
• Subsidized deed restricted below market housing
• Retail revitalization
Accomplishments Addressing Council Priorities and Continuing Multi-Year Efforts
At the City Council retreat, the City Manager will review several accomplishments in addressing
the City Council Priorities and continuing multi-year efforts. Below is a high-level list of some
key accomplishments achieved in 2019 by City Council priority. As many of the City’s major
accomplishments connected to addressing Council priorities are multi-year in nature, staff
included some achievements that continue into the coming year.
Climate Change
• Implemented the most aggressive plastics ban in the nation
• Approved Reach Code requirements to support all-electric with new construction
• Decommissioned the Incinerator
• Celebrated the Re-Opening of the Reuse Zone
• Expanded Palo Alto participation in the Cool Block Initiative
• Biggest ever Bike Palo Alto Day
• Highest per capita EV sales in the nation
• Adopted a water reuse agreement Between Valley Water, Cities of Palo Alto and
Mountain View
Transportation and Traffic
• Established the new Office of Transportation
• Extended the Bike share pilot program
City of Palo Alto Page 4
• Expanded the City’s shuttle program
• Began Ross Road Interim Modifications
Grade Separation
• Continuing progress towards a decision on designing the City’s rail corridor for the
future and a decision this spring
Fiscal Sustainability
• Adopted a balanced fiscal year operating and capital budget, including setting aside $4
million to the City’s Pension Trust
• Began developing a Pension Policy
• Released a new services guide to inform the public about City Services
• Adopted a workplan for a potential revenue ballot measure
Continued Other Multi-Year Efforts
Public Safety and Health
• Celebrated new Healthy Cities Rankings
• Launched the mobile emergency operations center
• Furthered construction of Fire Station 3
• Approved the Pets in Need contract to support the animal shelter and animal control
services
• Celebrated the launch of several arts exhibit like Blue Trees, Catch Me if You Can
Investing in the City’s Future Capital Needs
• Approved construction of Highway 101 Bike Bridge
• Released the Cubberley Vision
• Began construction of the Cal Avenue parking garage
• Completion of Charleston and Arastradero
• Completion of University Avenue water and gas infrastructure upgrade for the next 100
years
• Ranked best rated streets in the county -85 PCI score for streets
• Celebrated Baylands Boardwalk Opening
• Completed Running track repaving at Cubberley
• Expanded pickleball courts
• Continued construction of the new Junior Museum and Zoo
Recently Released City Services Guide Background and Overview
As part of the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Budget, the City Council directed staff to develop two
workplans to identify immediate changes to the budget and other strategic action. The City
Council in December of 2018 approved budget adjustments contributing $4 million from the
General Fund to the City’s IRS section 115 irrevocable pension trust fund (Pension Trust). The
second workplan for strategic action was included in the 2019 fiscal sustainability workplan that
City of Palo Alto Page 5
was adopted by the Council. In November 2018, staff embarked on the strategic action work
plan. This work plan, using the FY 2020 Adopted Budget, identified over 120 programs across
the City, allocating over 1,000 full time positions and nearly 1,150 total positions when
including part-time staffing.
Throughout the city, departments have engaged in documenting a guide to City services and
programs, using a common set of terms to describe the wide range of services and programs
currently provided by the City. This is formally being called the “City Services Guide.” In
December 2019, the City Services Guide and the City Services Guide Appendix was released,
approved by the Finance Committee and shared as an informational item for the City Council.
This document seeks to articulate not only the financial accounting of services but the work the
City performs and provides on a daily basis and the outcomes delivered.
The City Services Guide is intended to be used as a tool to begin outreach and education on
both the resources and the costs of business that support the delivery of services to the
community, each a critical component of the City’s financial sustainability ecosystem. Staff
expects to continue to build on this and begin to further tie in performance metrics to assist in
a more robust measuring of the services that are provided.
The City Services Guide complements the City of Palo Alto’s budget, highlighting the work that
our staff do every day to support all Palo Alto residents. From our Fire Department to our
Information Technology Department, we work together to deliver cost-effective services in a
personal, responsive and innovative way. The Fiscal Year 2019-2020 budget at a glance
document was released earlier this month and can be found here.
City of Palo Alto Page 6
Council 2020 Priorities Community Survey Results
In December 2019, City staff released an online survey to engage the community and gain input
for the City Council as they discuss and set priorities for 2020. Attachment A provides a
comprehensive report of all comments received through the online survey that was launched
on December 10, 2019 and closed on Friday, January 24, 2020. The attachment also includes
email correspondence received from the community on this topic.
High level survey results include:
• 504 people visited the online survey form
City of Palo Alto Page 7
• 347 priority responses were provided
• 17.2 hours of public engagement
The comments received through the online survey range in focus and topics, however, several
general themes emerged: (not in priority order)
• Create more housing overall and support housing for all income levels
• Reduce traffic, make streets safer, synchronize traffic light timing
• Make biking easier and safer
• Address rail grade separation/train crossings
• Support climate change, sustainability and resiliency
• Focus on fiscal sustainability
• Implement a plan for Cubberley
• Reduce airplane noise
• Move forward with undergrounding of utilities
Timeline, Resource Impact, Policy Implications (If Applicable)
The Council Priorities, set annually, guide workplans and direction for City activities in
departments and in determining City-wide policies.
Stakeholder Engagement
Policy and Services Committee discussed possible 2020 priorities at their December 10, 2019
meeting. Action minutes are found here. The full Council was solicited for their recommended
priorities for consideration at that meeting. The community was engaged to provide their
thoughts on priorities via the City’s online survey tool at Open City Hall, December 10, 2019 –
January 24, 2020. At the retreat itself community members are encouraged to attend and
express their views in person.
Environmental Review
This is not considered a project that would be subject to environmental review.
Attachments:
• ATTACHMENT A- Community Input on City Council Priorities 2020
ATTACHMENT A
The following attachment relates to the City Council’s discussion on priorities and includes two
sections. The first section includes input gained from the City’s online survey through Open
Town Hall, the City’s community engagement tool, provided by OpenGov. The second section
includes all emailed correspondence from the community providing feedback to the City
Council.
Section 1: Compiled comments received through the online survey launched on December 10,
2019 and closed on Friday, January 24, 2020. High level survey results include:
•504 people visited the online survey form
•347 priority responses were provided
•17.2 hours of public engagement
Section 2: This section includes all community correspondence received via email providing
feedback on priorities for the City Council to consider. The email messages received are
from December 2019 through Monday, January 27, 2020. Overall, nine emails were received
from community members and ranged in topics.
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2020 City Council Priorities
January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
Contents
i.Summary of priorities 2
ii.Individual priorities 3
Summary Of Priorities
As of January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM, this forum had:Topic Start
Attendees:504 December 10, 2019, 6:28 PM
Priorities:343
Hours of Public Comment:17.2
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Individual Priorities
Name not available
December 11, 2019, 11:28 AM
Please address the speed limit on stretch of Middlefield
Road, specifically between Loma Verde and East Meadow.
This stretch has speed limit of 25 MPH which is never
enforced (I haven't see it enforced in the 20+ years I have
been living on the street). The stretch is relatively long
and doesn't have any lights to regulate the traffic. Since
the traffic moves at a high speed, the commuters
(especially elderly) who get off the VTA bus have to be
extra careful -- I have seen them almost getting hit, or
worse getting yelled and honked at. It is not an option for
them to go to either Loma Verde or East Meadow to cross
the street. PLEASE address this ASAP -- it is a matter of
time until someone gets seriously hurt.
Peter Coughlan
in Southgate
December 11, 2019, 5:53 PM
Climate change — specifically, ways that PALO Alto can
sequester more CO2 than it produces
Name not available
December 11, 2019, 6:18 PM
We must do whatever we need to in order to fulfill our 80%
reduction of GHGs by 2030. There is no time to waste and
to be timid in our approach.
Matthew Lennig
in Community Center
December 11, 2019, 7:29 PM
(1) Replace existing 1950s-style bicycle racks at Rinconada
Pool with inverted-U bike racks.
(2) Finish the project started years ago to bury electric
power lines underground throughout Palo Alto. The project
was halted after certain neighborhoods had their power
distribution moved to underground cables. Many
neighborhoods still have power poles with power lines up in
the air. These aerial power lines should be buried
underground.
Name not shown
in Charleston Terrace
December 11, 2019, 7:44 PM
I have lived in my Palo Alto home on E. Charleston Road for
17 years. I have watched the street go from 4 lanes to two
lanes. I watched the Ross Road project go into effect and
take a wide boulevard down to a narrow obstacle course
that makes it harder to avoid cyclists, now I have only
recently realized that the concrete obstacle course laid
down on E. Charleston Road will be extended in front of my
property. I am so not a fan of those awful median strips. If
you wanted to accomplish having less traffic on that
throughway you've already lost me because I actively avoid
it. Now, with the expansion planned for next spring for the
rest of the road I am really upset. Those median strips are
too large. Often they aren't kept up and they become
eyesores (just look at the one near Louis Road). They block
traffic flow in the case of a needed emergency egress and
they make it more difficult to avoid cyclists by pushing cars
further toward the edge of the road. I hear that these
modifications have been planned for many years.
Unfortunately, due to my work as a busy professional and a
single parent I missed the opportunity to provide input
earlier. If there is any chance to block the further
implementation of this plan I would like to add my voice
now.
Addendum: I see that many people want us all to "bike to
work". Not all of us can bike, or even want to bike. Often
biking puts you at risk of inevitably being hit by cars
despite the city's efforts to make the city bike friendly. Not
everyone has or wants to spend an extra 2 hours on a bike
getting too and from work. Often it is dark in the mornings
or it is cold and/or rainy. The same goes for the ride home
which isn't particularly safe for Women. Not everyone has
time to change clothing and shower once they get to work.
Needless to say I will never be biking to work. I do envy
those who find it pleasurable to do so..
Name not available
December 11, 2019, 10:34 PM
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Improve free shuttle system for students
Amie Ashton
in Downtown North
December 12, 2019, 7:59 AM
Safe, protected bike routes! Now that Ross Road is done,
my husband and I RIDE to the YMCA daily. That is four trips
reduced (two each way) in the City, and I am not the only
one. The use of bikes on the street, to area schools, and
the YMCA has greatly increased. They Y has about 25 bike
racks for 50+ bikes and some days they are ALL FULL and
it is a beautiful revelation. This is cars off the road, cleaner
air, less nose, fewer GHGs, and more COMMUNITY spirit!
Please prioritize more bike routes to get folks out of cars
and out with their neighbors. It is for health and the
environment. Fewer cars is a win for bikes and drivers
(because they have to deal with less traffic).
Also housing!!!!! High density, and lots of it along Caltrain,
at Cal Ave, and along University. You want thriving urban
commercial centers that are resilient in the face of online
shopping, build housing.
Neilson Buchanan
in Downtown North
December 12, 2019, 10:45 AM
City planning is clearly a political process with many voices
from many sides.
1. This "open mike" approach via web questionnaire is legit
way to hear from citizens. It is not clear to me how input
from Palo Altans vs others is managed.
2. Priorities are solicited annually via the Annual Citizens
Survey which captures a reasonable sample of Palo Alto
citizens' opinions. This linear multi-year survey is very
appropriate for any city government because most
workable solutions are long-term requiring alignment of
staff and financial resources.
3. The annual statement of mayor's priorities is important
too.
However, too much flux in priorities without steady-state
financial and human resources is recipe for mediocrity
undeserving of Palo Alto's claim for excellence.
Bottom line: How will Council use objective and subjective
data to align 2020 priorities, budget and staffing?
Name not available
December 12, 2019, 11:01 AM
Sustainability, grade separation, and transportation
continue to be hot-button issues. I would love to see a
focus on sustainable transportation - like focusing on
regulating parking to reduce single-occupancy vehicles,
transit-friendly policies, and bike and pedestrian facilities
and emphasis. We have 11 years to change our ways before
climate change is irreversibly damaging. We need to act
now as fast as possible and get clear council leadership
that no one is exempt from this.
Annette Isaacson
in Midtown/ Midtown West
December 12, 2019, 11:40 AM
Climate change and affordable housing. Allow duplexes
and quadplexes in areas currently zoned for R-1
Name not shown
in Old Palo Alto
December 12, 2019, 10:27 PM
community safety shall be our city's priority.
Kenneth Horowitz
in University Park
December 13, 2019, 12:52 PM
Cubberley site.
Do not renew the lease with PAUSD. The City Council has
given the School District over $200M since 1990 with no
improvements made with the facilities. The priorities of the
City and PAUSD are different and it is time for the Council
to move forward. Allow the school district do what it really
wants (future school land), and let them lease
deteriorating and unacceptable facilities at their own risk.
Now the Council should prioritize the 8 acres that the City
owns. Seek a bond in 2020 so that the nonprofits have safe
and modern facilities at Cubberley. Don’t waste time
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
collaborating with PAUSD. Time is now to make Cubberley
your #1 priority. It is truly a local issue and manageable!
Elizabeth Beheler
in Charleston Meadows
December 14, 2019, 10:17 AM
Make progress on the Cubberly development. I was excited
to see that there were plans for big improvements but I
was disappointed to learn they were just ideas and that
there isn't a real timeline for bringing it into reality. It's
quite run down right now but there's a lot of space that
could potentially benefit so many of us. Would love to see
that move along.
Name not available
December 14, 2019, 1:29 PM
Airplane Noise!!!!!
Andy Robin
in Community Center
December 14, 2019, 1:38 PM
Please protect our sleep by fighting to stop concentrated,
low-flying flights over Palo Alto.
Please protect our health by fighting to reduce
concentration of flights over Palo Alto at all hours.
Concentrated jet exhaust particulates are scientifically
known to be bad for health.
Thank you.
Name not shown
in Greenmeadow
December 14, 2019, 3:50 PM
1. Fiscal sustainability
2. Climate change (esp transportation: safer biking, more
useful transit)
3. Grade separation (design and funding)
4. Better balance of office space and affordable housing
(less office space, more affordable housing)
5. Less noise (esp aircraft)
Jennifer Landesmann
in Crescent Park
December 15, 2019, 4:46 PM
#1 PACC and City staff transparency and communication -
using new methods, data and media to track
progress/advocacy on issues that involve regional, state,
and federal actions. Best to communicate regularly and
consistently. For example about airplane noise. Ask
community for ideas about what that could look like. Or
even old methods would be nice like live Town Halls on
specific topics.
#2 HEALTH
isn't that what is ultimately behind everyone's priorities?
To care for the lives and well being of people and our
environment. City especially needs to look at the problem
of airplane noise as a health issue. A recent of many
studies links noise to cardiovascular disease and other
long term adverse health outcomes
https://www.boston.com/news/health/2019/12/03/mas
sachusetts-general-hospital-study-link-noise-
cardiovascular-disease. Specifically, in 2020 the City can
respond to the QUIET NIGHTS petition
https://www.change.org/p/santa-clara-santa-cruz-
roundtable-change-airline-landing-procedures-to-get-
quiet-nights-
back?recruiter=836858468&utm_source=share_petition&
utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition
using it's seat on the SCSC roundtable.
#3 Clean air - City needs to advocate for higher altitudes
for air traffic.
#4 airplane noise, airplane noise, airplane noise
Name not available
December 19, 2019, 2:31 PM
Housing
What else?
Name not available
December 19, 2019, 2:40 PM
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Please continue to prioritize climate. As part of that, we
need to reconsider our approaches to transportation and
individual cars. I would love to see better bike lanes,
especially going east/west and prioritize beyond rides to
schools - such as to shopping districts. And better public
transportation. The Palo Alto shuttle is fabulous, but not
frequent enough nor reliable enough timing-wise to use it
to catch a train. Thank you
Bob Moss
in Barron Park
December 19, 2019, 2:59 PM
Priorities: Climate change
Grade Separations
Traffic & transportation
Housing
Name not available
December 19, 2019, 3:07 PM
Affordable housing, road repairs (especially on El Camino
Real)
Name not available
December 19, 2019, 3:29 PM
Testing
Mark Meyers
in Charleston Terrace
December 19, 2019, 3:49 PM
Important priorities for the City of Palo Alto would be
affordable housing and traffic controls.
Bill Fitch
in Evergreen Park
December 19, 2019, 3:55 PM
I want more housing but i know city council cant get
reelected if they support it. So i hope sb50 passes. Nothing
is near as important as housing our workers near their
jobs.
Name not available
December 19, 2019, 4:06 PM
What is happening on the roads in S. Palo Alto is awful.
There is traffic where none existed before the
'improvements', more road hazards from same.
A big mess.
Please add more "Keep Clear" markings around driveways
coming and going from Charleston Shopping Center and
the back entrance to Cubberly to help reduce accidents
and increase traffic flow.
The light turning left onto Middlefield Northbound from
Charleston Eastbound has a problem. If the first car stops
abruptly, realizing they aren't going to make that cycle, the
light isn't triggered and drivers in the turn lane don't get a
light for several sequences until the front car moves out of
the lane and goes straight.
Traffic backs up, frustration grows, people make unsafe
moves. Please fix the turn light.
Also, several years ago when they redid the traffic lines at
Middlefield and Loma Verde, they didn't align them
correctly and people have to swerve to stay in their lane. If
the turning person is in the intersection and doesn't go, it
creates a hazard for those folks going straight.
Name not shown
in University Park
December 19, 2019, 4:07 PM
1) Cubberley redevelopment
2) Housing
3) Grade separation
4) Transit / shuttles / parking rationalization
Jolinda Decad
in Midtown/ Midtown West
December 19, 2019, 4:07 PM
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Stronger incentives to go green
Increased security measures to keep us safe and catch
criminals - such as cameras in public garages (police
department wants it but city has not implemented for
supposed "privacy concerns."
Building codes that make it harder to ruin neighborhoods -
look at my cul-de-sac on Webster Street (south of Oregon
Expressway, off of Middlefield) to see what the city allows
without neighbor review
Name not available
December 19, 2019, 4:30 PM
Grade separation, fiscal responsibility, and traffic. Please
don't spend any time or my money doing the state and
federal government's job with respect to climate.
Jonathan Lewis
in Midtown/ Midtown West
December 19, 2019, 5:29 PM
Safer streets for cyclists and pedestrians, more traffic
calming, more infrastructure that encourages multi-modal
transit and discourages car use. This has implications for
climate, public health, and the character of our
neighborhoods. Consider taking one block of downtown
Palo Alto and permanently closing it to vehicular traffic -
Ramona between University and Hamilton would be a great
candidate if it wasn't for the garage access issue.
Name not shown
in Palo Verde
December 19, 2019, 5:34 PM
Housing housing and more housing for low and moderate
income individuals and families near transit and services.
Name not available
December 19, 2019, 6:01 PM
Get rid of the traffic calming bollards, bulbouts, Botts dots
roundabouts and other COSTLY and DANGEROUS
nonsense that's impeding through traffic, especially since
it doesn't look like the pro-growth majority's going to do
anything to reduce under-parked huge office complexes
and hotels.
Name not available
December 19, 2019, 7:58 PM
Climate change
Keep Foothills Park closed to non-Palo Alto residents
Deal with traffic
Name not available
December 19, 2019, 9:25 PM
1). Make it easier to optimize use of Caltrain. More
frequent service to SF. We need more bike shares. Put
them by the station. Make it safer to park personal bikes
by the station. Add More shuttles to downtown station.
We Need one along university ave! Sam trans 280 281
take way too long to get to the train.
2). Create a pedestrian zone downtown. Downtown Palo
Alto is boring. The plaza at university and Emerson feels
like to center so why are arts/music /events at the civic
center ???? These aren’t a draw. We need to make
downtown Palo Alto a dynamic destination like Redwood
City.
3). Make it easier to be greener. Make solar and compost
way easier.
Name not available
December 20, 2019, 8:05 AM
- climate change, which includes prioritizing other modes
of transportation over those modes that use internal
combustion engines.
- transportation: Do not make parking and increasing
traffic flow priorities over walking, cycling, shuttles. (folded
into climate change)
- affordable housing
- affordable housing
- affordable housing ...
Name not available
December 20, 2019, 8:18 AM
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
1) Fix the streets in Palo Alto - need repaving
2) Traffic light timing- respond to traffic that exists at that
time of day or week
3) 1998 Flood - 20 years have gone by and there are 5
districts to coordinate- install improvements!!
Name not shown
in Duveneck/ St Francis
December 20, 2019, 9:13 AM
Housing. This city is a country club.
Nathan Szajnberg
in Greenmeadow
December 20, 2019, 9:27 AM
Lower real estate taxes
Name not available
December 20, 2019, 9:35 AM
Affordable housing
Dan Bloomberg
in Barron Park
December 20, 2019, 9:36 AM
Top priority: get control of runaway pension liabilities and
get rid of the huge debt we've foolishly amassed.
(1) Renegotiate contracts with SEIU to remove unfunded
defined-benefit pensions, and use 401K matching instead.
(2) Negotiate with CalPERS to retire pension liabilities in
less than 20 years.
Name not available
December 20, 2019, 9:51 AM
Airplane noise
Malcolm Slaney
in College Terrace
December 20, 2019, 10:05 AM
The most important thing our community can do is get the
trains and cars out of the same intersections. This is a
really rich town. There is no reason to still have kids and
cars getting hit by trains.
I'm happy to pay for undergrounding the crossing. Please
do something soon.
Helen Young
in Palo Verde
December 20, 2019, 10:14 AM
My top priority is to see that the City Council ensures that
Palo Alto becomes a CEDAW (UN Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women)
City and passes the ordinance that has been in process
since 2017 which would ensure gender equity in our city.
Judith Wasserman
in Leland Manor/ Garland
December 20, 2019, 10:20 AM
Climate change
Grade separation
Affordable (really - not just according to statistics) housing
matthieu Bonnard
in Old Palo Alto
December 20, 2019, 10:23 AM
1. Find innovative ways of to discourage use of cars (even
EVs) and promote public transportation or simply
walking.
Too many PA residents get in their cars to grab coffee, go
to the mall, etc because the city of Palo Alto offers very few
alternatives:
- What about testing sccoter or bike sharing programs?
- What about buses routes that would go through
neighborhoods instead of just high traffic roads. Buses
could be small hybrid vehicles with capacity of 10/20
people (my hometown called Sceaux in France uses that.
They are super popular because they are very accessible
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
and frequent)
- what about make at least part of University street
pedestrian only?
2. Affordable housing
Being the 3rd richest zip code in the country comes with
duties
3. Get the Caltrain tracks under or above grounds
because
a) humans, including kids, die every year because of
antiquated railroads crossings, that might be acceptable in
a desert, not in a densely populated area
b) Palo Alto is rich and disruptive
c) Palo Alto is the heart of the world-famous Sillicon
Valley,
d) this is the 21st century
Name not available
December 20, 2019, 10:32 AM
* Fiscal responsibility.
* Lower real estate taxes.
* Less traffic congestion by reducing housing.
* Less money spent on "traffic flow" projects that only
reroute traffic.
* Lower utility bills.
* Continued use of curbside recycling.
* No interest in programs or legislation that deter local
business.
* No interest in climate change, other than reduced litter
and pollution.
Name not shown
in University South
December 20, 2019, 10:34 AM
More affordable housing; more protection for renters.
People with the means to own one or more houses in Palo
Alto continually cite traffic as such a problem, but the
reason we have so many commuters is in large part
because people can't afford to live near where they work. If
you can live near where you work, you're more likely to opt
for climate-friendly commutes (like biking) that take cars
off the road. It's frustrating that the City Council keeps
taking up traffic as a core issue, but not the underlying
problem -- it speaks to who they're really looking out for.
Name not available
December 20, 2019, 10:36 AM
Affordable and Below Market Rate Housing, Housing,
Housing.
Name not available
December 20, 2019, 10:38 AM
I would like to see our city declare a climate emergency,
and enact policies that reduce waste and consumption of
fossil fuels, including plastic usage. The cities timelines are
far too slow in addressing the need for businesses to
change wasteful practices, especially when alternatives are
readily available.
Name not available
December 20, 2019, 10:48 AM
I am most concerned about the disruption of the
environment due to jet noise overhead. Not only has it
increased the stress level and ability for residents to get a
good night's sleep, it is a health hazard due to the constant
rain of fuel pollutants from the skies above us, especially
for our children. Please make this a priority in 2020.
Thank you.
John Koval
in Old Palo Alto
December 20, 2019, 11:09 AM
1. Traffic - Improve Arterial Flow to reduce commute
through neighborhoods
2. Airplane Noise - Hold the FAA responsible for dumping
all of the new traffic to SFO over PA, particularly the
overnight flights that interrupt our sleep and quality of
life!
3. Caltrain - Do not cut off vehicle access to Paly &
Stanford by closing Churchill, this will make Embarcadero
impassable!! And finish up grade separations.
4. City Vibrancy - Zone first floor of Cal Ave and Downtown
for retail only. The downtown is especially suffering from
the lack of a welcoming and vibrant environment (see
Redwood City, San Mateo, Santana Row, and many other
cities that have surpassed PA).
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
5. Housing - Build additional housing adjacent to Caltrain
Stations, not out in neighborhoods. Allow higher structures
within walking reach of stations. Zone new development to
be at least one new housing unit per job. Don't leave out
parking as our transit plan is not adequate.
6. City Character - Move the Motorhomes from
neighborhoods and El Camino to open areas near the city
yard and end of San Antonio Road.
Name not available
December 20, 2019, 11:30 AM
Make Palo Alto drivable again. Enforce road rules for bikes.
Control air traffic noise. Keep Churchill open.
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
December 20, 2019, 11:32 AM
The city should seriously consider building a student
overpass on Embarcadero to the Town and Country mall.
The traffic problems there are serious.. Sometimes a line
of cars extends almost to Bryant everyday because of the
light permitting Palo Alto High School students to cross
the street to Town and Country. The Town and Country
automobile exist at that same crossing complicates the
problem. Automobiles existing have to merge into an
already crowded lane on Embarcardero. An overpass
would considerably relieve the problems.
david schrom
in Evergreen Park
December 20, 2019, 11:41 AM
Plan towards a steady-state city with stable population
stable amounts of building, pavement, and other
infrastructure, and stable amounts of material (e.g., water)
and energy (e.g., electricity) throughput. Pick a size to
which each of these will be limited.
Name not available
December 20, 2019, 11:46 AM
Grade separation is the most important thing you can
actually do to improve the traffic congestion, cohesiveness
and safety of our town. That said, HOUSING within reach
at least for our teachers and firefighters should be a
priority. And BTW, climate change cannot be a LOCAL
priority; it must be national or at least statewide. Your
recent rule banning gas is silly and misguided (see Nancy
Green’s Opinion letter to the Dec 20 Daily Post “Natural
gas ban.”
Michael Fischer
in Charleston Terrace
December 20, 2019, 11:53 AM
1. Grade Separation -- Get it done!
2. Street Maintenance -- Why so poor?
3. Fiscal Sustainability -- Long range planning
4. Climate Change -- Keep up the efforts
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
December 20, 2019, 12:10 PM
1. Climate Change
2. Airplane Noise. Hold the FAA accountable. Stop the low
flying overnight flights. Our time in our garden and yard
has been ruined by the steady and constant flights. Our
neighborhood has become an airplane superhighway. The
FAA destroyed our quality of home-life, we are begging the
city to help us get it back- please act.
3. Affordable Housing
4. Fix the traffic light timing at
Embarcadero/ECR/Paly/T&C. How many years does it
take to fix this? Keep our thoroughfares as thoroughfares,
so our neighborhoods don't become permanent alternate
routes.
Name not available
December 20, 2019, 12:27 PM
Climate change
Transportation - shift away from SOV
Housing
Name not shown
in Barron Park
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2020 City Council Priorities
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December 20, 2019, 12:46 PM
Affordable Housing
A Better Stanford - Palo Alto Relationship
Fred Krefetz
in Downtown North
December 20, 2019, 12:47 PM
Engage legal action against the FAA to stop jet traffic noise
due to Nexgen implementation which concentrates SFO
flight paths over Palo Alto!!! This has been going on since
2014 and has seriously degraded the quality of life and
health in our city. Other communities in the country have
taken more aggressive action than Palo Alto and some
have gotten results. Not dealing with this aggressively is
shirking your governing responsibility.
Doron Keller
in Midtown/ Midtown West
December 20, 2019, 1:10 PM
Remove car dwellers from our neighborhoods. Find a
humane solution that is not in residential areas.
Markus Fromherz
in Barron Park
December 20, 2019, 1:19 PM
2020 priorities should be the same, with climate change
action at the top, and I would add housing as another
priority, perhaps right after climate change.
Name not available
December 20, 2019, 1:44 PM
I commute from Hayward to Palo Alto M-F for work. I would
like it to be easier to get in and out of town during
commute hours.
Jay Whaley
in Crescent Park
December 20, 2019, 2:05 PM
Fiscal Responsibility is a necessary commitment for the
stated priorities of Climate Change, Grade separation and
Traffic and Transport.
Your continuing efforts to decrease airplane noise is a
valuable and specific Climate Change endeavor.
Jamie Beckett
in Evergreen Park
December 20, 2019, 4:07 PM
1/Halt office construction
2/Address problems of traffic, parking and crowding
caused by continued office construction in Palo Alto
3/Retain retail and restrict gyms on commercial streets
Despite a shortage of housing and worsening problems
with traffic, parking and crowding, Palo Alto continues to
allow new office construction. I live in a mixed-used area
that once felt like home. Now it feels like living in an office
park. I realize that mixed-used means just that, but where
is the housing and retail? Instead, the city has allowed tens
of thousands of feet of new office space without taking any
action to address traffic on Page Mill Road/Oregon
Expressway and other major arteries.
Meanwhile, one retailer after another has been forced out
by high rents and replaced with a gym or other fitness
facility. California Avenue, once home to two bookstores,
an art-supplies store and other retail, now has at least a
half-dozen gyms. This reduces the street life and foot
traffic and makes it harder for retailers. How do Mountain
View, Menlo Park, San Carlos and other Peninsula cities
manage to retain retail? Can't we learn from them?
Name not shown
in Greenmeadow
December 20, 2019, 6:55 PM
AIRPLANE NOISE
Barbara Bowden
in University South
December 20, 2019, 8:26 PM
Low and moderate cost housing - no new office space until
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
we can house city workers and teachers; stop letting
developers buy their way out of providing low-income units
in new developments. The $ never yields indentifiable
housing benefits.
Restore bus service throughout the city - stop sending
money to VTA until they provide us service commensurate
with our financial contribution to their funding.
Reduce pension liability and negotiate to stop defined
benefit plan for new employees, start new employees with
401k's & employer matching % to ee contribution.
Begin accumulating funds to deal with grade crossings,
consider selling naming rights for them.
Name not available
December 20, 2019, 8:27 PM
Continue work to stop the relentless noise from overhead
jets. The noise is miserable and unhealthy. Some quiet at
night would be particularly welcome. It's so bad, my
grandchildren can not have sleepovers.
Name not shown
in Duveneck/ St Francis
December 20, 2019, 9:43 PM
My top priorities include constantly increasing traffic,
climate change, constantly growing office populations
leading to more traffic and fewer parking places, anemic
public transportation, grade crossing, particularly not
closing Churchill
Joel Hayflick
in Midtown/ Midtown West
December 21, 2019, 9:14 AM
1) Since 2014, each day over 300 jet aircraft fly low and
loud (many as low as 1800 ft) directly over Palo Alto. When
the FAA transitioned to NextGen in 2014, they never
measured (or planned to measure) the impact of chronic
jet noise and exhaust exposure on humans. There is ample
peer-reviewed scientific literature supporting negative
health effects of chronic jet noise and exhaust exposure
including impaired learning in children and cardiovascular
toxicity in adults.
stephen levy
in University Park
December 21, 2019, 12:41 PM
Make housing a priority. In 2019 council said let's wait and
see how the housing support policies we just adpted have
worked.
But in 2019 despite council's efforts, very little new
housing was build or proposed, far, far below our goal of
300 aded units per year.
And in 2019 we postponed the second part of council's
adopted housing work plan--to look at gentle density in R!
neighborhoods--duplexes and the like.
Please adopt the following housing goals as a minimum:
--complete the housing work plan
--propose a bond for low income housing
--support the regional housing agency funding plan for low
income housing
--learn why so little housing is being proposed and adopt
additional incentives
--support state legislation to backfill housing fess so
communities get the money but it is not added to the cost
of housing
Joel Davidson
in Barron Park
December 21, 2019, 2:07 PM
El Camino Real in Palo Alto is a car wrecker. I know that
the road belongs to the County of Santa Clara. The City
must have some influence with the Board of Supervisors to
get El Camino Real paved. The construction trucks
working at Stanford have eaten the road down to its first
paving it seems. Tax payers should not have to have their
cars repaired more often because of Stanfords growth.
Christopher Cocca
in Crescent Park
December 21, 2019, 4:06 PM
The four priorities you highlight: climate change, grade
separation. traffic and transportation and financial
sustainability all have a simple solution - making Palo Alto
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
less car-dependent. A less car-dependent Palo Alto will
have a smaller impact on climate change as single
passenger automobiles produce the most carbon dioxide
pollution per mile of any transportation option. A less car-
dependent Palo Alto won't need to waste billions of dollars
on grade separation, and without grade separation as the
city has defined it, will guarantee fiscal stability. Finally, a
less car-dependent Palo Alto will relieve traffic by including
more housing close to transit and pedestrian areas and
more opportunities for bicycling.
Name not available
December 22, 2019, 8:18 AM
1. traffic congestion (train is part of this)
2. grade separation
3. making biking easier, faster and safer in PA through
routes and separating bikes from cars
4. environment / sustainability
Name not available
December 22, 2019, 9:32 PM
Priorities need to be:
1) Abolish the Individual Review Guidelines. They simply pit
neighbors against neighbors and are used by local vote-
mongering politicians to wedge lines between
neighborhoods. Let families rebuild their homes because a
lot of Palo Alto consists of old dilapidated poorly built
structures built by greedy developers making shortcuts.
Name not available
December 23, 2019, 2:23 PM
Please work with neighbor communities to reduce jet
noise, especially at night.
gary fine
in College Terrace
December 23, 2019, 2:46 PM
I still believe supply of housing is a priority. We simply
cannot continue to zone all of PA for single family housing.
We need more - not only affordable, but regular
apartments, housing complexes, and multi-family units.
We need to accommodate folks who work here, grew up
here, and to encourage some diversity if thats at all
possible.
Peggy Prendergast
outside Palo Alto
December 23, 2019, 2:58 PM
Hello, I would love to see the Palo Alto City Council approve
more housing units. It has been increasingly frustrating for
neighborhood cities who are building more than 10,000
housing units. Palo Alto does not come close to building
new homes. What can be done about this? Is it fair to
expect Menlo Park, Mountain View, Sunnyvale and
Redwood City to do all the building? Meanwhile home
prices in PA go even higher because the inventory is so
low? In 2020, I sincerely hope the leaders of PA make a
true, honest and sincere commitment to building more
homes and go beyond the affordable housing
requirements.
Name not available
December 23, 2019, 5:33 PM
My #1 priority and it should be Palo Alto's as well-housing
for the homeless. Rv parks for people living on the street.
Instead of continuing to "talk about" action is needed and
NOW.
Name not shown
in Palo Verde
December 23, 2019, 5:58 PM
Fix Ross Road. Return it to the way it used to be. It's a
current danger to both cars and bikes. Start with the
ridiculously large traffic circle at East Meadow and Ross.
Name not available
December 24, 2019, 8:11 PM
I would like the city to be more aggressive in trying to
decrease the number and timing of jet airplane overflights
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Ozzie Fallick
in Evergreen Park
December 25, 2019, 8:17 PM
Build as much dense housing near transit as possible. We
have plenty of office space already and nowhere near
enough housing. Where are the workers supposed to live?
I don't know that the PA Council has much influence over
this, but our electricity generation mix is about to get a lot
dirtier with the premature closure of the Diablo Canyon
nuclear plant. Any pressure the Council can exert to keep
the plant open would be helpful.
Hamilton Hitchings
in Duveneck/ St Francis
December 26, 2019, 4:23 PM
Fiscal Sustainability - continue to move towards
addressing over $700 million unfunded pension
obligation
Traffic and Transportation - improve people circulation
(cars, bikes, walking) including by more aggressively
limiting office space expansion
Grade Separation - figure out a less expensive & less
disruptive plan and work on business tax that earmarks
where funds go so funds not diverted
Climate Change - we need to be a leader in the USA so we
can show other cities what's possible
Name not available
December 28, 2019, 12:20 PM
Address parking in "non-commute" neighborhoods, those
too far from either downtown, train, or Stanford. It is bad
here as well. Too many commercial vehicles parked all the
time, not just during work hours. This includes the
oversized vehicles that people are living in. We need to be
compassionate to these people, but also to those of us who
do have homes here in Palo ALto. Not pleasant to find
human waste on the sidewalks.
David Coale
in Barron Park
December 29, 2019, 6:05 PM
Climate Change
Transportation
Grade Separation
Housing
jim fox
in Fairmeadow
December 31, 2019, 10:30 AM
Housing, and housing, and housing are important issues -
including providing (restoring) single-room occupancy as
well as affordable rental and owner-occupied housing.
and the train - we need to find solutions that don't stop
traffic crossing Alma everywhere.
Jim Fox
Name not available
December 31, 2019, 10:32 AM
Infill housing with subsidized housing in larger amounts
Plans for rail crossing - tunnel or elevated
Name not shown
in Crescent Park
December 31, 2019, 11:02 AM
I believe housing must be a priority for Palo Alto. All around
us cities are building many large multi-unit dwellings,
facing the reality that the lack of housing means both
homelessness and ever-increasing rents and house prices,
while Palo Alto manages to authorize fewer than 100 new
multi-family units and a scattering of ADUs. We cannot
keep increasing the number of people working in Palo Alto
and not provide for housing. We must also honestly
address parking. If we don't want homeless people on our
streets or RVs parked along El Camino and elsewhere
(really, a rather creative solution to homelessness when
you think about it), then there must be more housing
overall. Clearly defining zones for multi-family and
requiring employers to contribute to housing funds are
possible means to foster increased housing.
Name not shown
in Charleston Meadows
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2020 City Council Priorities
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December 31, 2019, 5:11 PM
Housing, Housing, Housing: for middle and low income
workers. SUPPORT SB50. Apply affordable housing
overlay around the city. Create a lot of housing for
teachers at Cubberley: instead of gyms. Add a school to
support housing in Charleston area.
Diane Rolfe
in Old Palo Alto
December 31, 2019, 10:41 PM
Please add Housing as a top priority for the City of Palo
Alto in 2020.
Thank you.
Diane Rolfe, 1360 Emerson Street, Palo Alto
Name not shown
in Palo Verde
January 2, 2020, 1:44 PM
I would like to see Palo Alto become more business
friendly. We chase businesses away to Mountain View and
other surrounding cities, losing revenue that has to be
made up with higher taxes.
ron hall
in Community Center
January 2, 2020, 2:39 PM
More affordable housing. Eliminate the ground floor retail
requirement and reduce parking requirements for projects
with 25% affordable component.
R Hall Channing Ave.
Steve Raney
in Crescent Park
January 3, 2020, 12:17 PM
These priorities are my personal opinion only. These
priorities do not represent the views of PATMA.
1. 1.5C climate change leadership. The IPCC’s October
2018 Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5C
recommended halving GHG emissions by 2030 to avoid
disastrous impacts. No U.S. state or region has adopted
the 2030 halving goal, nor has developed a plan to achieve
that goal.
1A. Adopt a city policy to halve GHG emissions by 2030.
The policy should acknowledge that while incremental
measures are virtuous, non-incremental measures (10% or
greater reductions) will be required.
1B. Dedicate staff and budget for leadership among nearby
cities, the county, and the region to advocate for the
halving policy.
2. Enact a regionally-scalable traffic reduction policy
2A. Adopt a city policy of 19% per capita transport GHG
reduction by 2030 in support of the state’s allocation to
the region to reduce regionally-controlled transport GHG
by 19% per capita. (See MTC’s Plan Bay Area 2050.)
2B. Dedicate staff and budget for collaboration among
nearby cities, the county, and the region to analyze traffic
reduction policies.
2C. Evaluate and rank traffic reduction policies. Rank
policies on {political viability, GHG reduction, congestion
reduction, cost-effectiveness, social equity, and ease-of-
implementation}. One methodology can be found in “Rank
Eight Congestion Reduction Pricing Policies via the Delphi
Method,” PDF to paper:
http://bit.ly/ITSWC_rankPolicies.
2D. Enact a high-impact traffic reduction policy. One
example policy is: Cap SOV Commuting at 50% SOV. At no
cost to employers, SOV commuting can be capped at 50%
SOV (a reduction from the current 75%). This applies to
both current and future buildings. A simple majority state
bill has progressed through State Legislative Counsel
(attorneys who create bill language). The policy is in the
regional Transportation Improvement Program
(#SCL170003). The law enables local supermajority votes
for ordinances to cap in-commuting to cities at 50% SOV.
The concept builds on Stanford’s commute program. Two-
page policy brief: http://bit.ly/50pcntSOVcap
3. Pilot a regionally-scalable housing technique that can
produce 30,000 or more housing units per year.
3A. One example technique: unsubsidized affordable zero-
car TOD microunits with local union labor. The private
sector can finance, build, and market 8’ x 20’ micro-
studios renting for $1,300/month, without taxpayer
subsidy. Such housing works best in transit-oriented areas
where a downtown streetscape helps provide an extended
living room. Such housing meets the definition of
moderate-income (80% to 120% of area median income)
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
affordable housing. Multiples of 8’ x 20’ can also be built,
such as a 640 square foot four-bedroom apartment,
providing housing for larger families. Modular steel
housing units are stackable so that a structure can arise
from nothing to complete building envelope in one week,
with finish work such as plumbing hookups taking
additional time. Details: http://bit.ly/micro-apts.
3B. Dedicate staff and budget for analyzing scalable
techniques, modular housing construction techniques,
required zoning/parking changes, market demand, etc.
Collaborate with nearby cities, the county, and the region.
3C. Acquire control over an appropriate parcel. Then get
the pilot project built and occupied.
Name not available
January 4, 2020, 11:09 AM
1. Unquestioned sustainable financial strength
2. Dramatic decarbonization of life in Palo Alto
3. Caltrain grade separation
Name not shown
in Palo Verde
January 4, 2020, 11:39 PM
Climate change, including sea level rise and green house
gas emissions
Affordable housing
Traffic and transportation
Fiscal sustainability
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 5, 2020, 9:56 AM
climate change - moving quickly to zero waste, pollution
control, energy resilience, sea level rise, and others
transportation - moving to better/more extensive public
transit, car-free roads, more electric fast charging
stations
housing - reduced/low income affordable housing for all
Peter Cross
in Barron Park
January 5, 2020, 12:44 PM
Building electrification
Affordable housing
Grade separations
Public transportation
Name not available
January 5, 2020, 2:23 PM
City council should continue with the 4 priorities from
2019. The climate crisis should be #1 followed by
Caltrain&grade separation.
Stephen Rosenblum
in Old Palo Alto
January 5, 2020, 7:06 PM
Palo Alto needs to commit to being carbon free by 2030
Name not available
January 6, 2020, 2:25 PM
I would like to see Palo Alto partner with neighboring
communities to establish a biodiversity conservation plan
for the San Francisquito Creek watershed. See San
Francisco's Biodiversity Program at
https://sfenvironment.org/article/the-biodiversity-
program/biodiversity-program-summary
Name not available
January 6, 2020, 3:56 PM
Our City must address the barriers to high density housing.
We need to raise height limits and we need to stop tip
toeing around these problems.
Glenn Fisher
in Charleston Terrace
January 6, 2020, 8:42 PM
1) Building permit/architecture review process. Housing
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
takes way too long and is too expensive; to get more
housing built we have to be clear we want it, what the
guidelines are, and make it fast and easy to get approval.
2) Traffic. We need better public transit alternatives
(empty busses? single-person cars?)
3) Grade separation. It's time to cut to the chase, pick an
alternative and get started.
4) Fiscal responsibility. If we don't have money, we can't
do anything. A clear, transparent budget process and
reporting, and a way for citizens to participate in budget
choices, as well as making sure we've covered pension
obligations and they won't swamp us.
Name not available
January 7, 2020, 5:15 PM
1) Traffic and transportation, particularly on Embarcadero
in the area near Town and Country and Paly. Also work on
influencing traffic improvements on 101 through Palo Alto,
where it is worsening. Castilleja -- Reign them in and make
them abide by existing enrollment agreements. Kill this
ridiculous talk of expansion.
2) Grade separation. Let's get it done.
Name not available
January 8, 2020, 9:13 AM
Please adopt San Jose’s ADU amnestie acceptions
Name not available
January 8, 2020, 9:00 PM
Housing, housing, housing!
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 9, 2020, 12:07 AM
My priorities for the city of Palo Alto are the following:
climate change, homelessness, need to stop approving
new office space and replace it with affordable housing
options.
Name not available
January 9, 2020, 1:14 PM
Housing should be the council’s number one priority in
2020.
Traffic and parking are no longer and issue due to ride
share and the efficacy of TDM programs.
It’s embarrassing to live in a City that creates no housing at
all given the current dire need for that.
Please fulfill your mandate to make this happen.
Name not available
January 9, 2020, 1:14 PM
More housing
Rationalize parking and shuttles to reduce traffic and
increase transit
Name not available
January 9, 2020, 1:16 PM
Carolyn
Sarah Longstreth
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 9, 2020, 1:16 PM
I want to make sure that the addition of more housing - and
particularly more affordable housing - is one of the City's
very top priorities.
Patty Irish
in University South
January 9, 2020, 1:24 PM
MUCH MORE Infill housing and more subsidized too
And plans for a tunnel or bridge for the train
Name not available
January 9, 2020, 1:27 PM
More housing and density. The suburban nature of Palo
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Alto is not sustainable, just as the agrarian nature of Palo
Alto in a previous lifetime was not sustainable
Name not shown
outside Palo Alto
January 9, 2020, 1:30 PM
I think housing and supports for the greatest diversity of
people possible should be a top priority for the City of Palo
Alto. There are many residents and families of residents
that are being displaced by the extreme cost and elite
focus of this town. Let's create and retain a population that
lives and works in this city, starting with families that have
lived here for generations. We have room, creative
capability, resources, and financial support to be an
INCLUSIVE community to seniors and disabled people
aging in place, students, veterans returning home, etc., all
of whom add to the richness and depth of our locale.
Thank you for taking this opinion into consideration as you
make plans and resolutions for 2020 and moving forward!
Name not available
January 9, 2020, 1:34 PM
For the League of Conservation Voters of Santa Clara
County, our highest priority inside cities is transit oriented
development, emphasizing housing. Commute trip lengths
on the Peninsula are embarrassingly high.
Name not available
January 9, 2020, 1:52 PM
The top two priorities for Palo Alto in 2020 are 1)
increasing the supply of all kinds of housing and 2)
increasing the frequency and accessibility of public
transportation.
Peter Rice
in College Terrace
January 9, 2020, 1:52 PM
Housing
Housing
Housing
Housing
Evan Goldin
in Crescent Park
January 9, 2020, 2:00 PM
Council's top priorities should be making progress on
housing and transportation, through a lens of our climate
change crisis. My younger generation of Paly grads is
quickly getting priced out of the area, and we're seeing
workers commuting from as far away as Stockton and
Madera to work here. We need vastly more housing, vastly
better non-auto transportation and we needed it three
decades ago.
Council should: 1) Convert parking minimums to parking
maximums 2) Upzone near transit (you've claimed you
don't need SB50. PROVE IT!) 3) Reduce barriers to home
construction so people can live locally, such as allowing 2-3
units on every piece of land city wide. 4) Invest in better
transportation, not in parking garages. Nothing will move
the needle more on climate change than these things.
Chris Colohan
in Community Center
January 9, 2020, 2:02 PM
Housing to jobs ratio. Since decreasing jobs is not
practical, must increase housing.
chao Lam
in Downtown North
January 9, 2020, 2:04 PM
Housing please
Name not available
January 9, 2020, 2:11 PM
Would like to see Council insure Fiscal Responsibility and
sustainability be a focus this year followed by completing a
plan for grade seperation.
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Hilary Glann
in Barron Park
January 9, 2020, 2:22 PM
I don't see how we can achieve our climate goals and
reduce traffic without building more housing in Palo Alto.
We are also seeing retail businesses in Palo Alto struggle to
get workers, the PAPD struggle to hire police officers, and
my veterinary hospital struggle to hire enough vet
technicians due to the housing shortage. So we have to
make building more middle housing and affordable
housing a priority if we are to retain our quality of life in
Palo Alto and meet our 4 City Council priorities.
Name not shown
in Downtown North
January 9, 2020, 4:14 PM
My priorities are building more homes and increasing
access to transit. These are the most important things that
Palo Alto can do to fight inequality and climate change.
Name not shown
in Crescent Park
January 9, 2020, 4:17 PM
Approve 2,000 new affordable housing units of any size by
April 2023.
Kelsey Banes
in Palo Verde
January 9, 2020, 4:19 PM
Please focus on these policy areas in 2020 to further
climate and equity goals:
Housing: form-based zoning citywide, financially feasible
transit-oriented near rail stations and ECR, designate
public-owned parcels for affordable housing
Transportation and Mobility: grade separation, active
transportation promotion (bike share, protected bike lane
network), parking pricing and management
Charles Salmon
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 9, 2020, 4:58 PM
We need to increase the amount of housing build in Palo
Alto significantly. We have become a mockery worldwide
for blocking any new housing.
Name not available
January 9, 2020, 5:12 PM
We need more workforce housing. Start with housing for
municipal employees and nonprofit staff.
--Carol Steinfeld, board member, Stevenson House
Name not shown
in Community Center
January 9, 2020, 6:22 PM
Water - from scarcity to flooding. It seems as if one of the
consequences of climate change is that we are going to
see more extremes, more frequently. We can't be
complacent just because it rained today.
Name not shown
in Green Acres
January 9, 2020, 7:03 PM
Safety. More regulations on the rental property, such as
the accessibility to the house owner information.
Name not available
January 9, 2020, 8:39 PM
More housing.
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 9, 2020, 8:56 PM
Build and allow more housing so that people can live near
where they work and the young and old can afford to live in
our town. Reduce urban sprawl and waste by creating high
19 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
density hosing near transit.
Name not available
January 9, 2020, 9:08 PM
HOUSING!! I am a highly educated millenial working in the
legal industry in Palo Alto. But I do not see a long term
future here because of the housing prices.
Name not available
January 9, 2020, 9:34 PM
I would like to see compensation and benefits for City Staff
improved to be better aligned with the quality work that
they do and to ensure that the City can attract and retain
the best and brightest workers. As things currently stand
there are many other cities in the Bay Area that pay the
same or more than Palo Alto with lower cost of living and
shorter commutes. Also the City should try to be more like
the private sector with flexible work schedules, work from
home options, depending on job classification (where
appropriate). Why force Staff to sit in horrible traffic 2-3
hours round trip just to sit in front of a computer in a City
paid office space when they could do the exact same work
from home or a coffee shop down the street from their
house a day or two a week? Please get with the times!
Name not available
January 9, 2020, 9:47 PM
I would like to get all the RVs off our streets.
Name not shown
in University South
January 9, 2020, 10:07 PM
More housing for local workers will reduce traffic and
provide greater justice.
Name not available
January 10, 2020, 8:58 AM
The most important change to the 2019 priorities is to add
housing as a 1st priority. Housing supply is a Palo Alto's
biggest problem and one that won't get solved unless the
Council commits to policies to make it possible and not
chicken out of tough decisions.
Name not available
January 10, 2020, 10:03 AM
Expand affordable workforce housing
Ted Wang
in Community Center
January 10, 2020, 10:36 AM
Housing
Name not available
January 10, 2020, 1:11 PM
HOUSING! Period. I want to make sure we remain the
vibrant, diverse city - we love. We will not be able to do that
without a Council that understands that housing for
everyone, including low-income and affordable - is the key.
Name not available
January 10, 2020, 1:13 PM
Housing and Cubberley
Gabriel Manjarrez
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 10, 2020, 1:18 PM
HOUSING
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 10, 2020, 1:27 PM
Housing
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 10, 2020, 1:39 PM
More housing, homes, apartments, skyscrapers if needed.
I understand the people that already have their property
and want things to be the same as they were 30 years ago
but that is not reality. The world has change as has the
local population. Let people who own homes build second
stories as well if needed. This close minded mentality of
having to keep the Eichler look is ridiculous.
Jeff Hoel
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 10, 2020, 2:12 PM
In 2020, Council should make citywide municipal fiber to
the premises (FTTP) a priority.
According to MuniNetworks, as of January 2019,
https://muninetworks.org/communitymap
305 communities are being served by some kind of
municipal FTTP network. (Of these, 109 are being served
by citywide municipal FTTP.)
In 2019, when Council did not make citywide municipal
FTTP a priority, staff proposed (06-24-19) a third revision
of its "fiber to the node" ("FTTN") idea -- and, I regret to
say, Council approved staff's issuing an RFP for this idea --
but staff has not returned to Council since then. That's not
much progress for a year. Anyhow, FTTN is not FTTP.
Don't let staff bamboozle you into thinking that 5G wireless
(or any kind of wireless) is good enough to be an
alternative to FTTP.
https://www.eff.org/wp/case-fiber-home-today-why-
fiber-superior-medium-21st-century-broadband
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 10, 2020, 2:18 PM
Housing! ADUs are a great opportunity to add housing
units without changing the residential character of our
neighborhoods. Make it easier to get ADU permits!
Name not available
January 10, 2020, 4:33 PM
Neighborhood traffic and safety with an emphasis on
adding to safe routes to school for bicycles and
pedestrians. Affordable housing for teachers and other
workers who contribute so much to our community but do
not have the economic means to live within its boundaries.
Name not shown
in Barron Park
January 10, 2020, 5:50 PM
(1) Move forward with fiber-to-the-premises for Internet
access. Despite AT&T's promise to deliver FTTP in the SF
Bay Area and some progress in Palo Alto, lots of Palo Alto
neighborhoods can't get gigabit Internet access. Municipal
fiber services have been successfully deployed in many
communities, and should be a priority for Palo Alto.
(2) Improve the reliability of the electric utility. The
reliability of the power in Palo Alto has been deteriorating
over the years that I have lived here. We seem to have an
outage every month or two now. This is unacceptable, and
the City Council should be directing the Utilities to do the
necessary maintenance to prevent this.
(3) Fix the roads. The potholes are bad on many Palo Alto
streets, and the PCI reports don't seem to capture the
problems.
(4) Fix the traffic signals. Apparently we have smart traffic
lights (at least at some locations). You wouldn't know it
from the way the traffic flows. I suspect that the systems
are either not correctly programmed or components have
failed.
Name not shown
in Ventura
January 10, 2020, 6:54 PM
City Council should make housing a top priority for 2020,
for creating affordable ones for future residents and well
as tenant protections for our current neighbors. As all in
the Bay Area know, there's a major housing crisis: every
week there are stories of displacement, evictions,
homelessness, and traffic problems, all of which are due to
there are little housing near our workplaces and little
housing except for the wealthy. We shouldn't pay lip
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
service to incidents like the President Hotel, then
completely ignore it, especially in a city nearly half-renter.
A change is going to come; the question whether this
council is going to progress or react.
Utility reliability should also be a priority. Palo Alto has
seen its share of power outages and internet outages, the
former of which can occur just by a single bird at a single
power line. The power grid needs to be robust, and
information about outages should known more widely than
just tweet. And as PG&E will continue power shutdowns,
we will need assistance for those living west of 280 and the
rest of us, if need be.
Name not available
January 10, 2020, 7:04 PM
MY PRIORITIES ARE:
Climate/environment
Affordable housing
Name not available
January 10, 2020, 8:52 PM
Robbery prevention
Youth mental health
Name not shown
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 10, 2020, 9:06 PM
Housing - denser housing near transit
Transportation - continue building out safe bike routes and
install safer bike parking (bike theft is a deterrent to biking
downtown), enhance shuttle routes, work with other cities
to get VTA routes that our students need
Grade separation - this is a safety issue as well as a traffic
circulation issue
Name not available
January 10, 2020, 9:29 PM
Afford/Senior Housing
Name not available
January 11, 2020, 9:06 AM
Housing!
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 11, 2020, 9:31 AM
Housing and Homelessness
Name not available
January 11, 2020, 10:12 AM
Quality of life issues. Too much traffic, too crowded,
nowhere to park. Not everyone can ride bikes. Sorry, I wish
I could. Preserve open space.
Name not available
January 11, 2020, 10:51 AM
I am a low-income senior living in Midtown. I've been here
20 years.
My Landlord keeps raising my rent. I now pay 60% of my
income on rent.
I am very afraid of bein g forced out of my apartment and
my town.
Please prioritize rent control.
Sheryl Klein
in Crescent Park
January 11, 2020, 1:43 PM
I would like to see housing especially affordable housing be
a priority for 2020. Creating additional housing will help
ensure the our community remain economically diverse,
reduce traffic and commutes.
Name not available
January 11, 2020, 1:59 PM
Housing, especially affordable housing.
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Palo Alto has lagged behind adjoining cities in providing
this basic necessity.
Name not shown
in Downtown North
January 11, 2020, 2:04 PM
We need to work on getting more housing built to do our
part alleviate the bay area's housing crisis, and build a
more affordable and sustainable bay area, where people do
not have highly polluting commutes from the central valley
in afford to live in our area.
R Wright
in University South
January 11, 2020, 2:42 PM
Palo Alto is awesome - we have access to nature, 2 train
stations, 3 great places to shops/eat etc., great schools,
bikeways, trees. It’s a beautiful place with super smart
people. Let’s figure out a way to generate more housing at
all income levels but especially more housing that is
affordable to the people that work here. This means
affords for childcare providers, nurses, nonprofit
professionals, teachers, wait staff, etc. etc. etc. If people
work here and live here we can mitigate traffic and create a
more diverse, equitable, inclusive community.
Name not shown
in Greenmeadow
January 12, 2020, 4:13 PM
Number 1 - Affordable Housing
Number 2: Affordable Housing
Number 3: Affordable housing
Don’t shoot we are your grandparents
Russell Siegelman
in Old Palo Alto
January 12, 2020, 7:41 PM
Palo Alto needs more affordable housing. I want more of
our school teachers, shopkeepers, police and all the people
who serve and participate in our area to be able to live in
Palo Alto and not commute hours to work and contribute
to our community. Let's build more affordable, livable,
attractive housing. We can do it. If more people in our
community LIVE in our community we will have a richer
environment, with less traffic, and Palo Alto will be an even
more attractive and flourishing place to live and work. I
want the city council to make affordable housing one of the
top priorities for our city.
Beth Siegelman
in Old Palo Alto
January 12, 2020, 7:46 PM
The city council’s stance towards making Palo Alto more
affordable is the same as the Trump administration’s
policy to migrants: “We’re full!” And we are not. We have
plenty of room and wealth and can open our hearts to
other human beings so they have less commute time, more
opportunity and a better quality of life. More housing (and
more affordable housing) might slightly affect current
residents’ quality of life because of density, while making a
huge impact on the quality of life of people who would be
able to move closer to their jobs and schools. People who
live in Palo Alto have been blessed with some combination
of prosperity, brains, luck and talent, we should use our
talents to find solutions to make Palo Alto affordable and
welcoming.
Ryan Globus
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 12, 2020, 8:12 PM
In 2020, please prioritize:
* Increasing the production of market-rate and affordable
housing. Let's meet and exceed our goal of 300 new
homes/year.
* Investing safety infrastructure for alternatives to driving
(walking, biking, bike/scooter share, buses, Caltrain, etc).
* Addressing climate change, which can be done in part by
addressing the above two priorities.
Allen Podell
in Community Center
January 12, 2020, 10:27 PM
Switch to one-way streets to improve traffic flow
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
downtown. A must. No flow, no grow.
THEN consider how to add more housing.
Execute FTTTP plan to prepare for this century. Then,
greatly increase use of internet for virtual meetings, virtual
companies. Redefine headquarters, offices.
Increase the efficiency of locating in downtown. Make Palo
Alto a shining example.
Name not available
January 13, 2020, 9:13 AM
Moving forward with the proposed Foothills Park pilot
program to welcome a small number of neighbors is a
priority for my family. We think it's important to project a
welcoming attitude and implement a better, data-based
study of this issue.
Name not shown
in Downtown North
January 13, 2020, 7:02 PM
-- Install fiber optic technology.
-- Traffic lights should be responsive to immediate traffic
conditions.
-- Create quiet zones on Caltrain/motor vehicle crossings.
It has not been shown that blaring train horns are any more
successful at preventing accidents and suicides than just
bell ringing when gates are lowered.
Name not shown
in Fairmeadow
January 13, 2020, 9:47 PM
Housing, particularly for young people\people working in
service jobs, rather than tech, (such as teachers, etc.) who
cannot afford housing at all here.
Name not available
January 14, 2020, 10:41 AM
Housing
Traffic Congestion
Lynnie Melena
in Barron Park
January 14, 2020, 11:41 AM
Top priorities are:
Addressing climate change
Increasing the supply of housing (including new local
sources of funding for affordable housing, making progress
on the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan)
And expanding alternatives to the auto
Mitigating climate change depends strongly on addressing
housing and transportation
Name not available
January 14, 2020, 11:51 AM
I'll stick with simple requests this year since the city can't
even seem to accomplish these simple things from its rules
and regualations book.
Fix the traffic light timing and sensors at just about every
signal in the city.
Enforce leaf blower ban.
Enforce red curb 'no parking anytime' at Edgewood
Shopping Center St. Francis Drive.
Jeffrey Hook
in Evergreen Park
January 14, 2020, 11:51 AM
1. Complete blower ban for all properties (residential,
multifamily, commercial). Currently there is a ban on gas-
powered blowers for single family residential only. Passed
in 2005, it is widely ignored and seems to not be enforced
at all. Blower noise is extremely annoying, and blower
activity, whether from gas or electric, puts polluted dust
into the air. This pollution, which may contain rodent
feces, automobile brake pad dust, and bacterial or fungal
allergens, drifts onto neighbors' properties. It is
straightforward to see that the property owners who allow
blowers are exacting a heavy cost on their neighbors which
is completely uncompensated, and were it to be fairly
priced, would cause the cost to rise above that of using
brooms and rakes. Better still, is to develop a city program
very similar and compatible with the utility water
conservation program that offers rebates to homeowners
who convert to low water-use landscaping. It is very
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
possible to design landscapes that do not require power
tools for weekly maintenance. Such gardens are much
more likely to be friendly to birds and pollinators. They will
also help reduce the city's carbon footprint. Blowers were
not invented until 1970, and landscapes were maintained
just fine prior to their invention. A "Blower-free Garden"
sign similar to the "Palo Alto Green" sign can be made and
proudly displayed in conforming gardens to encourage
others to join in. A modest rebate from the city will
certainly help. Announcement can be made in the utility
bill.
2. Transportation. What about supporting a statewide bill
to require that all companies with more than X employees
offer their employees the option of working from home 3
days per week, if the job is classified as office work
(workers' comp classification can be used as verification).
Allowing workers to work from home will result in a huge
drop in traffic. Traffic is a cost imposed on the
environment and on local residents that is, like blowers,
not compensated. The costs are road degradation,
congestion, mental stress, increase of response time for
emergency vehicles, air and ground pollution, climate
change, noise pollution and lost worker productivity. It is
time to move beyond words like "encourage" which have
no teeth and have been ineffective for decades. It is time
to require employers to offer work-from-home options.
3. Business tax. It makes no sense that Palo Alto has no
business tax. Start with e.g. $.10/ft2/year (this is half of
what just went into effect in East Palo Alto) and increase
over time to be in line with other Bay Area cities, or higher
if deemed reasonable. The marginal cost to most
businesses will be quite low, and the money raised could be
as much as $30-40M per year, which can go a long way to
addressing transportation and affordable housing issues.
4. Adopt a "Think globally, act locally" policy that begins by
acknowledging the "global hectares" (gha) analysis done
by www.footprintnetwork.org. This analysis shows that
Earth's human population is in overshoot. We now require
1.7 earths biocapacity to sustain our consumption.
Biocapacity is broken down by country. For the U.S., our
biocapacity is a little over 3 gha per person but our
consumption is over 8 gha per person. The dataset
includes a column for the population level in each country
that brings consumption and biocapacity into balance. For
the U.S. it is 145 million, the population at the end of WW II.
We need to reduce population and consumption per
person in some combination to achieve balance, ideally to
reduce consumption below the balance level to allow our
environment to recover. The City should commission a
local gha study and recommend limits to city population
and a road map to dramatically reduce consumption. With
a population limit data point, we can then address
affordable housing. Without it, there is no limit to
population and no sound scientific basis for making policy.
Name not shown
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 14, 2020, 11:51 AM
Housing: Building more housing near public transportation,
building more housing in general
Name not available
January 14, 2020, 11:56 AM
Please prioritize lowering barriers to building both market
rate and affordable housing
Name not shown
in Greenmeadow
January 14, 2020, 1:25 PM
More housing, more housing, more housing -- and better
public transit so we don't choke in traffic once we get more
people here.
Name not available
January 14, 2020, 2:04 PM
Flood control for San Francisquito Creek
Airplane noise
Name not available
January 14, 2020, 2:42 PM
I'll stick with simple requests this year since the city can't
even seem to accomplish these simple things from its rules
and regualations book.
Fix the traffic light timing and sensors at just about every
signal in the city.
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2020 City Council Priorities
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Enforce leaf blower ban.
Enforce red curb 'no parking anytime' at Edgewood
Shopping Center St. Francis Drive.
Perry Randall
in Evergreen Park
January 14, 2020, 3:48 PM
Housing - the lack of even close to moderately affordable
housing in such a population center is responsible for
many downstream effects, exacerbates transportation
issue because everyone in the area is forced to drive here.
Stanford is also exacerbating this by not contributing to
housing and making housing only available to its own.
Where are regular working people supposed to live?
Transportation - living a reasonable life in Palo Alto and
many other surrounding areas requires you to drive, this
again makes transportation a huge issue and pollutes our
streets and creates noise. Caltrain schedules are
inadequate, there is no BART, because everyone is driving
it also makes traffic terrible so even when you're forced to
drive, driving is also difficult!
Noise - I live near california avenue and the noise from
cars, yard equipment, and commercial traffic, street
cleaning is at times unbearable. This is a big drop in quality
of life for people who expect to be living in the suburbs free
of this commotion.
Car free spaces - downtown areas such as University
avenue and California avenue should not allow cars on the
main roads, instead we should focus on bringing transit to
the periphery and making walkable spaces.
Name not shown
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 14, 2020, 4:42 PM
As of now, Embarcadero Road largely submits to speeding
out-of-town cut-through traffic. If we can implement bike
improvements, we can show that we are serious about
being a bicycle friendly city, both to our residents and to
those that use the road. Embarcadero is the most common
sense biking and walking connection to a large number of
our city's amenities, including Town and Country,
Edgewood Plaza, Riconada Park/Museum, Riconada
Library, Children's Library, Gamble, Walter Hayes, Casti,
PALY, Stanford... etc. It is utilized at all times of the day
with people walking and biking. The incredibly dangerous
driving on Embarcadero, including countless accidents at
an intersection last year (I'm only aware of those at
Greer/Embarcadero) with one resulting in a car launching
over the sidewalk and hitting a resident's fence, mean that
pedestrians using this road are in danger. A bike lane from
Edgewood Plaza to Stanford would help make drivers more
cautious and drive slower, make it so that bikers and
walkers do not have to navigate around each-other on
Embarcadero's sidewalks, make it safer for bikers that are
currently riding in the road with the traffic, and make it
known that we are serious about being bicyclist friendly on
this common sense bike route.
Name not shown
in Downtown North
January 14, 2020, 6:05 PM
Reduce traffic.
Continue to encourage bicycle usage.
Severely limit new office space and jobs.
Stop caving to real estate/developer interests over Palo
Alto residents' quality of life.
Oppose SB-50.
Name not available
January 15, 2020, 4:47 PM
I request that the City Council make passage of safe
storage laws for firearm owners a priority. Many cities and
counties in the Bay Area have already passed such laws.
The Gifford Law Center is an excellent resource for
studying how all these local and county laws resemble
each other. The PA City Council can leverage these in
coming up with a version best suited for Palo Alto.
Research shows that safe storage of firearms makes a big
impact on suicide prevention and other forms of violence.
Name not shown
in Evergreen Park
January 15, 2020, 5:52 PM
Climate change and local actions to fight it (see Carbon
Free Palo Alto recommendations)
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Traffic
Name not shown
in Leland Manor/ Garland
January 15, 2020, 6:08 PM
1. Crime. I'm reading about crime in Palo Alto on the news
and in social media weekly, sometimes daily. Car break ins,
assault, break ins, robbery etc. Whether Stanford Mall &
parking lots, Midtown Safeway, Downtown Palo Alto, as
well as residential crime. Do we need more security
cameras in public places, more police on patrol, something
else?? -- I don't know what will deter crime but something
needs to be done. Otherwise what's the point of living in
this city if the cost of living is already really high and now
the crime rate is trending upwards too!?!?!
2. Traffic. I'd recommend that the traffic lights be better
synchronized as people suggest. Also, i'd recommend
considering having all cross walks at a given intersection
have a walk light synchronized to be at the same time
including letting people walk diagonally across the streets.
In cities I've seen this done, the traffic flow seems much
better and pedestrians seem much less at risk for getting
hit by impatient drivers. It doesn't work well to alternate
walk signs with so many cars doing right hand turns.
Name not available
January 15, 2020, 6:41 PM
Grade separations: Please plan for the long term benifit of
Palo Alto residents since what ever 'solutions' are chosen
will outlive us, our kids, and their kids. I personally prefer
the more costly out of sight out of mind options. In a few
decades, the cost of this project will be a mostly forgotten
foot note. The structures built will be daily reminders for
perhaps a century of your decisions in the months to
come. Please plan for the long term aesthetics and quality
of life as best you can.
Housing, development, SB-50, traffic: please, no more
development without adequate infrastructure included!
Traffic is miserable, adding more housing and commercial
development will do nothing but make it worse without
significant and REAL modifications to roads and mass
transit. SB-50 specifically has no plan to mitigate the new
housing it mandates. It will likely be a huge win for
developers and a big loss for residents. Consider
getting/requiring big technology companies to contribute
significantly to the problem they largely created. Resist
'input' from silicon valley leadership group with respect to
this issue. Their purpose is make sure their tech clients
contribute as little as possible, and that residents pay as
much as possible for local mass transit improvements.
Consider a proposal to dismantle all local mass transit
agencies and create a regional mass transit agency where
county boarders are no longer unnecessary barriers to
mass transit.
Andy Poggio
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 15, 2020, 8:15 PM
Internet access is more important than ever before. The
incumbent ISPs in Palo Alto offer slow service, poor
service, or both. And they are not making substantial
investments to improve their infrastructure; they are
simply milking their current infrastructure.
I would like to City Council to commit to a Fiber-to-the-
Premises (FTTP) plan for 2020. Thank you.
Yifei Huang
in College Terrace
January 15, 2020, 9:57 PM
Thank you Palo Alto City Council for all your hard work
towards an emission-free city, and I would like to see the
issue of climate change continue to top the priority list this
year. However, I'm worried that this will continue to be an
issue unless other cities, states, and countries follow in our
footsteps. I think we should encourage our sister cities to
adopt similar changes, advocate for the aggressive
measures we've implemented in neighboring cities and
states, and decisively support national legislation that
works towards a carbon-free economy.
Name not available
January 15, 2020, 10:08 PM
Electric and gas system reliability and resiliency are vital to
our modern economy, and the health and safety of our
citizens. The consequences of failure to invest in
modernization and redundancy was vividly demonstrated
27 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
by the Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) last fall. While
Palo Alto was fortunate to avoid PSPS this year, and unlike
most municipal utilities, including nearby City of Santa
Clara, we have no indigenous generating capacity to be
able to provide power in the event of PSPS, earthquake,
sabotage, or other grid failure.
Moreover, Palo Alto has a single point of failure at the
Colorado Avenue substation, whose aging equipment is
adjacent to a creek and the Baylands that flood, and which
is accessible and unprotected from nefarious malefactors.
Replacing the Colorado Avenue substation could take
many weeks or months in the worst case, and the loss of
power for that duration would harm our citizens, damage
our primacy in technology and innovation, and harm local,
state, national and even global economies.
Given the accelerating risks due to climate change and
other foreseeable hazards, it is prudent for the City to
invest in electric power resiliency measures.
1. A second independent grid connection, geographical and
electrically separated from Colorado Avenue is urgently
required. A relatively short connection path could be made
from Stanford along Sand Hill Road to a new substation
near downtown north.
2. Distribution systems should be upgraded to permit
sectionalizing so the grid can be fed from both the existing
(Colorado Avenue) and new grid connections, to allow for
maintenance as well as failures.
3. Indigenous generation should be acquired in at least
enough capacity to support rolling blackouts around the
city. This would require study as to the size of loads at the
various distribution substations and the acceptable
duration of time that customers would be with and without
power, as well as which loads/customers would be
curtailed. The utility's baseload of about 80 MW could be
readily served from a single, compact combustion turbine,
and the entire load could be supplied from a small
combined cycle occupying the Fry's parking lot. High
pressure gas and a substation are conveniently located
nearby.
These measures would provide the resiliency appropriate
for Palo Alto's role in the world.
Name not available
January 15, 2020, 10:13 PM
Electric and gas system reliability and resiliency are vital to
our modern economy, and the health and safety of our
citizens. The consequences of failure to invest in
modernization and redundancy was vividly demonstrated
by the Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) last fall. While
Palo Alto was fortunate to avoid PSPS this year, and unlike
most municipal utilities, including nearby City of Santa
Clara, we have no indigenous generating capacity to be
able to provide power in the event of PSPS, earthquake,
sabotage, or other grid failure.
Moreover, Palo Alto has a single point of failure at the
Colorado Avenue substation, whose aging equipment is
adjacent to a creek and the Baylands that flood, and which
is accessible and unprotected from nefarious malefactors.
Replacing the Colorado Avenue substation could take
many weeks or months in the worst case, and the loss of
power for that duration would harm our citizens, damage
our primacy in technology and innovation, and harm local,
state, national and even global economies.
Given the accelerating risks due to climate change and
other foreseeable hazards, it is prudent for the City to
invest in electric power resiliency measures.
1. A second independent grid connection, geographical and
electrically separated from Colorado Avenue is urgently
required. A relatively short connection path could be made
from Stanford along Sand Hill Road to a new substation
near downtown north.
2. Distribution systems should be upgraded to permit
sectionalizing so the grid can be fed from both the existing
(Colorado Avenue) and new grid connections, to allow for
maintenance as well as failures.
3. Indigenous generation should be acquired in at least
enough capacity to support rolling blackouts around the
city. This would require study as to the size of loads at the
various distribution substations and the acceptable
duration of time that customers would be with and without
power, as well as which loads/customers would be
curtailed. The utility's baseload of about 80 MW could be
readily served from a single, compact combustion turbine,
and the entire load could be supplied from a small
combined cycle occupying the Fry's parking lot. High
pressure gas and a substation are conveniently located
nearby.
These measures would provide the resiliency appropriate
for Palo Alto's role in the world.
William Conlon
in Old Palo Alto
28 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
January 15, 2020, 10:14 PM
Electric and gas system reliability and resiliency are vital to
our modern economy, and the health and safety of our
citizens. The consequences of failure to invest in
modernization and redundancy was vividly demonstrated
by the Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) last fall. While
Palo Alto was fortunate to avoid PSPS this year, and unlike
most municipal utilities, including nearby City of Santa
Clara, we have no indigenous generating capacity to be
able to provide power in the event of PSPS, earthquake,
sabotage, or other grid failure.
Moreover, Palo Alto has a single point of failure at the
Colorado Avenue substation, whose aging equipment is
adjacent to a creek and the Baylands that flood, and which
is accessible and unprotected from nefarious malefactors.
Replacing the Colorado Avenue substation could take
many weeks or months in the worst case, and the loss of
power for that duration would harm our citizens, damage
our primacy in technology and innovation, and harm local,
state, national and even global economies.
Given the accelerating risks due to climate change and
other foreseeable hazards, it is prudent for the City to
invest in electric power resiliency measures.
1. A second independent grid connection, geographical and
electrically separated from Colorado Avenue is urgently
required. A relatively short connection path could be made
from Stanford along Sand Hill Road to a new substation
near downtown north.
2. Distribution systems should be upgraded to permit
sectionalizing so the grid can be fed from both the existing
(Colorado Avenue) and new grid connections, to allow for
maintenance as well as failures.
3. Indigenous generation should be acquired in at least
enough capacity to support rolling blackouts around the
city. This would require study as to the size of loads at the
various distribution substations and the acceptable
duration of time that customers would be with and without
power, as well as which loads/customers would be
curtailed. The utility's baseload of about 80 MW could be
readily served from a single, compact combustion turbine,
and the entire load could be supplied from a small
combined cycle occupying the Fry's parking lot. High
pressure gas and a substation are conveniently located
nearby.
These measures would provide the resiliency appropriate
for Palo Alto's role in the world.
Name not shown
in Downtown North
January 15, 2020, 11:01 PM
Keep the priorities the same. Work on keeping Palo Alto on
track to help the environment. Work on keeping the city
financially stable and have employees pay more for their
pensions like other workers do. And work on the train
track separation. That should keep you busy. Don't get
distracted with all this housing nonsense. You have done a
good job limiting office growth, keep it up so you don't add
more jobs.
Name not available
January 16, 2020, 7:08 AM
Housing
Name not available
January 16, 2020, 9:09 AM
Addressing traffic. We cannot continue to increase density
and development without a strategy to address increased
traffic. Current thinking that people will just take public
transportation is just a dereliction of duty in order to
approve more development. Further thinking should also
consider flow as well as traffic calming. Arastradero Road
is a disaster due to the idea that traffic calming is
successful when the road is jammed with no cars moving.
Name not shown
in Old Palo Alto
January 16, 2020, 9:29 AM
1) Restore trust in government:
- not removing Michael Alcheck from office makes city
council complicit and sanctions his behavior.
-Commit to campaign finance reform to avoid quid pro
quo. No one running for council should be taking money
from developers or businesses. These are NOT your
primary customers and make you conflicted. If the money
flow cannot be stopped, then it should be PROMINENTLY
displayed during campaigns so everyone knows whose
bread you will be buttering.
29 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
2) Ensure organizational and council alignment. Ex -
Council should give PTC direction on what you want them
to work on and what you don't want them to work on. They
are off the rails (again, focused on satisfying their own
personal interests, developers, etc)
3) Fiscal stewardship. Stop wasting taxpayer money on
things like $2.1 million council chamber audio/visual
upgrades, $4m house for city manager, tons of
consultants, wasting money traveling to visit 9 sexy
international destinations (sister cities) on a regular basis,
stop with constant raises (base benchmarking on TOTAL
compensation not base salary), pension reform (which
includes not making it worse by raising salaries), ...
4) Stop taxing residents with ever increasing fees (raising
utility rates, various fees). Start raising taxes big time on
businesses who aren't doing their fair share to fix
infrastructure issues they caused.
5) Stop cell tower installations in residential
neighborhoods. Stand up to telecom like Los Altos is.
Don't let the city attorney make all the decisions around
this. Be bold and listen to residents.
Barry strauss
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 16, 2020, 9:34 AM
If the grade around the Cal Ave train tracks will be an item,
can the city also add a "bike" tunnel there? Currently, it's
dangerous walking in the tunnel as bikes zoom/speed by
from both directions - seems like a lawsuit waiting to
happen. Rarely do riders walk their bikes in the tunnel. If
bike riders had their own tunnel, there would be less
danger to pedestrians, especially those hard of hearing
(i.e., can't hear bikes coming from behind).
Name not shown
in Evergreen Park
January 16, 2020, 9:37 AM
Solve the camper van living on El Camino Real. Provide real
alternative options and then enforce no camping/living on
city streets
Name not available
January 16, 2020, 9:44 AM
Quit it with the utilities rate hikes.
Bob Hinden
in Palo Verde
January 16, 2020, 9:47 AM
I have a few things I would like to see the City Council
adopt as priorities for 2020. These are:
Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP): We need a real plan for this
in 2020, it would be good for everyone in the city, it's time.
Internet access is more and more important to everyone in
the city. The current commercial ISPs are not investing in
Palo Alto, they are only raising their prices.
Reliable sustainable electricity: There have been number
of major outages in 2019, it's time to make our local power
grid more reliable. The current approach for green power
doesn't work if our grid is not reliable. I think there should
be more local solar and storage to make us more green
and reduce our reliance on PG&E. It's not clear that our
current approach to green power is really green. Too many
losses in the power grid, it's probably on green on paper.
Promote local solar and local storage.
Stop wasting our tax money: Stop the so called traffic
calming projects like Ross Road, we don't need a boutique
bridge over 101, a new public safety building, etc.
Precious Balin-Watkins
in Charleston Terrace
January 16, 2020, 9:56 AM
Improve separated bike lanes in Palo Alto. Build separated
bike lanes on Meadow and Park. Keep our kids safe!
Nancy Krop
in Barron Park
January 16, 2020, 10:01 AM
Hi
30 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
I am very concerned about the proliferation of people
having to live in RVs and out of their cars to work in our
city. Please add "affordable housing" as one of your top
priorities. We simply cannot add more jobs until we can
house our current workforce. Thank you. Nancy Krop, Palo
Alto resident
Name not available
January 16, 2020, 10:16 AM
My priority is to have the Council ignore (if not actively
reject) the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation
Commission to change the access requirements for
Foothills Park. The so-called trial would be difficult to
reverse. There has been no mention of the criteria to be
used to judge whether the trial is successful or not. No
mention of how much Palo Alto has spent over the years to
maintain the park; no mention of the financial implications;
no analysis of the effect on those who use Page Mill Road;
no mention of any possible benefit to those who live in Palo
Alto and are your true constituents.
Isaac Winer
in Leland Manor/ Garland
January 16, 2020, 10:18 AM
Improving the flow of traffic on Embarcadero Road near
Town & Country. There is tremendous congestion on
Embarcadero at the intersection with T&C and Paly high
school. This creates unreasonable delays and risks for
drivers trying to navigate the area. The pedestrian
crossing between Paly and T&C contributes to these risks
during school break hours (early morning, lunchtime and
classes ending) and adds risk to the students crossing.
Perhaps consider a bridge crossing over Embarcadero for
students/pedestrians between Paly and T&C. Perhaps
consider more sophisticated traffic light patterns and/or
lanes in this area.
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 16, 2020, 10:23 AM
I agree with continuing the 2019 priorities for 2020, with
the inclusion of affordable housing.
Affordable Housing
Climate Change
Grade Separation
Traffic and Transportation
Irina Cross
in College Terrace
January 16, 2020, 10:25 AM
I am Irina Cross long time resident of Palo Alto
David Lieberman
in Professorville
January 16, 2020, 10:34 AM
The fact that housing does not show as a priority gives the
game away. The city has spent the last several decades
actively working to prevent more housing through a
morass of bureaucratic barriers. More housing will
REDUCE traffic, will REDUCE noise, will REDUCE carbon
emissions. Please make building 20,000 new dwelling
units number one priority.
Mora Oommen
outside Palo Alto
January 16, 2020, 10:37 AM
I would like to request that the city actively recruit for
positions that were previously filled but have been vacant
since the last person resigned-
Superintendent of Recreation Services
Economic Development Manager
Both of these roles play a critical roll in supporting the
diversity and culture of our community.
Elliott Bloom
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 16, 2020, 11:29 AM
I believe that the climate change policies of Palo Alto are
elitist and very wasteful of public resources given the
pressing problems that Palo Alto faces.
My highest priorities are:
31 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
1. Infrastructure improvements, particularly Palo Alto's
electric grid. Bringing utilities underground to help avoid
blackouts is high on this list.
2. Get moving on connecting Palo Alto. This is a serious
safety issue, as well as a future traffic nightmare as the
train frequency increases.
3. Solve the homeless problem in Palo Alto. Worrying
about plastic straws and utensils is immoral when people
are sleeping in the streets in our town. Yes, let them eat
cake!
Bret Andersen
in Palo Verde
January 16, 2020, 11:52 AM
Council Priorities 2020
Focus on meaningful, goal oriented, measurable systemic
changes that are required to enable our community to
address the profound challenges we face.
Housing / Climate / Livability:
- Meaningfully expand the market for low cost house
building by rezoning/permitting high density, especially
small/tiny unit, home building consistent with the fair and
practical SB 50 proposal. Set annual targets for such
housing.
- Favor dense, walkable, pedestrian only retail/housing
zones
- Stop/reverse(via disincentives/fees) large office
development to reduce our current outlandish
income/jobs/housing imbalance
Transportation / Climate / Livability
- Follow through on bike / pedestrian plans that are long
overdue
- Charge a fair cost for parking and congestion where
needed to reduce demand and fund SOV reduction efforts
- Expand the Transportation Management Association
program (or emulate it) as it is a local, proven, measurable,
successful SOV trip reduction approach
- Set measurable annual goals to reduce the number of
Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) trips in order to reach our
80/30 GHG and congestion reduction goals
Energy / Climate / Livability:
- Expand mandatory electric building codes to existing
buildings where it is cost effective upfront to switch from
gas to electric
- Provide a proactive program to help residents and
businesses switch to electric systems with easy
permitting, direct installation services and financing to
cover the upfront cost for electric upgrades on the utility
bill. Start with measures that are cost effective today and
expand as costs decline to cover all measures and
buildings.
- Set measurable annual goals starting in 2020 to for the
number of gas powered buildings and appliances to be
switched to electric in order to meet 80/30 climate
objective
- Redirect funding, 2020 and on, for gas network
improvement or expansion to the electrification / gas
decommissioning effort. Limit spending on gas
infrastructure to short term maintenance and safety
measures only.
Finally, focus on public engagement and trust: Include the
public in developing and implementing the above solutions.
The actions above complement and reinforce each other
but only if the city, businesses and residents all agree to
make large investments and lifestyle changes
cooperatively over the next 10 years to create a better built
environment and support a thriving community.
Patrick Butler
in University Park
January 16, 2020, 11:57 AM
Severely restrict new office space. Require more
environmental impact studies for these projects as they all
impact our quality of life.
Do not install so-called "smart" electric meters on all Palo
Alto homes, as you are planning, with little publicity, to do.
Such meters tier rates by the time of day and drastically
increase our electric bills as they attempt to push our
usage of AC/ heating/ laundry into the late evening. The
cost of installation will be in the millions. If you want to cut
back on usage, why do the largest commercial consumers
of electricity pay less per KWH than residential users?
Also, you should look at the use of electricity by the City of
Palo Alto. Place meters on City offices and take the usage
out of their budgets. That might also be a good place to
start using your tiered meters if city employees think it is
such a great idea.
32 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Name not shown
in Community Center
January 16, 2020, 12:09 PM
I would like Palo Alto to review the Palo Alto groundwater
situation and consider if it is really wise to allow new homes
to have basements where millions of gallons of
groundwater are sent to the Bay.
Celia Boyle
in Barron Park
January 16, 2020, 12:12 PM
Climate change - increase opportunities for education.
Zero waste. How do we get reduce the enormous amount
of plastic used in every aspect of our lives. And just where
is all our recycled materials in the blue bins going now that
China is rejecting it. Please increase awareness. I love the
compost bins - perhaps encourage people more to place
their food scraps in the bin by education/outreach.
Financial oversight: More transparency on how much
money is lost on errors made by city government-ie the
penalty for not having a grocery store in the JJF location. I
read that the city missed collecting a substantial penalty,
the error in negotiations by the school administration...etc.
We are paying enormous property taxes and it is painful to
see revenue forgone. I'd rather see my taxes going for
excellent programs such as tuition for special education,
etc. than for being lost due to administrative errors.
John Guislin
in Downtown North
January 16, 2020, 12:23 PM
I want to see more than just another list of 3 or 4 priorities.
I want a list of priorities that also includes goals and
deliverables so residents can hold officials accountable.
So, if transportation is a priority, goals/deliverables might
include:
- ensure increased funding for the TMA, minimum 50% to
be provided by local businesses
- design a shuttle system that will unblock the roads near
our Downtown and California commercial cores with a pilot
running by end of year.
- establish a Residents Advisory Group to prioritize all of
our concerns relating to transportation and traffic
Without goals and deliverables, the annual priorities are
just feel-good placebos and do not improve our quality of
life or address critical challenges.
Name not available
January 16, 2020, 12:51 PM
CPA's four big priorities are certainly good and important
ones. I would add, at a perhaps slightly lower priority level,
the undergrounding of our communications and electrical
distribution wires. In many parts of the world this is
already standard practice, and i've had more than one
visiting friend from Europe comment to me about how
horrendous our mess of wires is to see. Besides the
beautification of the city, it would trade a one-time expense
against the ongoing cost of utility tree pruning. The tree
pruning is an endless cost, thus at some point in the future
the savings will have paid for the undergrounding. And we
would not experience some of the electrical outages we
periodically have when a tree falls against a wire, or a mylar
balloon causes a short.
Name not available
January 16, 2020, 12:55 PM
CPA's four big priorities are certainly good and important
ones. I would add, at a perhaps slightly lower priority level,
the undergrounding of our communications and electrical
distribution wires. In many parts of the world this is
already standard practice, and i've had more than one
visiting friend from Europe comment to me about how
horrendous our mess of wires is to see. Besides the
beautification of the city, it would trade a one-time expense
against the ongoing cost of utility tree pruning. The tree
pruning is an endless cost, thus at some point in the future
the savings will have paid for the undergrounding. And we
would not experience some of the electrical outages we
periodically have when a tree falls against a wire, or a mylar
balloon causes a short.
Name not available
January 16, 2020, 12:58 PM
CPA's four big priorities are certainly good and important
ones. I would add, at a perhaps slightly lower priority level,
the undergrounding of our communications and electrical
33 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
distribution wires. In many parts of the world this is
already standard practice, and i've had more than one
visiting friend from Europe comment to me about how
horrendous our mess of wires is to see. Besides the
beautification of the city, it would trade a one-time expense
against the ongoing cost of utility tree pruning. The tree
pruning is an endless cost, thus at some point in the future
the savings will have paid for the undergrounding. And we
would not experience some of the electrical outages we
periodically have when a tree falls against a wire, or a mylar
balloon causes a short.
Name not shown
in Crescent Park
January 16, 2020, 1:35 PM
How to defeat SB 50.
Thomas Wasow
in Barron Park
January 16, 2020, 1:44 PM
Affordable housing is the issue that dominates all others.
Increasing the overall supply of housing is part of the
solution, but the emphasis must be on housing that people
of modest means can afford. Given the high cost of land
here, that is only possible if Palo Alto stops resisting
increased housing density. We have to rethink height
limitations and other restrictions designed to limit density
of housing. To keep increased density from resulting in
gridlock on our streets, we need more and better mass
transit options, so this has to be a second priority. Making
the city more bike friendly could also help. But it all comes
back to housing, housing, housing. Palo Alto's record of
repeatedly failing to meet its housing goals is shameful; we
can do better. The North Ventura neighborhood provides
the best opportunity in decades to make a meaningful
increase in the city's stock of affordable housing. The city
council needs to be bold in its vision for that area,
maximizing the amount of affordable housing created
while attending to the transportation needs of the people
who will live in that housing.
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 16, 2020, 1:53 PM
Climate change, especially infill/higher-density housing
and better non-car transportation options
Grade separation
Scott Oneil
in Charleston Terrace
January 16, 2020, 2:04 PM
The only priority that matters right now is getting more
housing built. The city has three jobs for every two
residents, and residential population probably exceeds
what the city is built for. The council should be trying to
reverse that 30,000 housing unit deficit.
The housing crisis is the most important local issue
because it's forcing families and social groups apart. As
young adults start their lives they are forced to live in
financially desperate conditions or leave. Most leave. I
grew up in the bay area and very few of my non-tech
friends still live nearby. It's increasingly difficult for local
businesses and the city to recruit and retain employees in
positions that do not command high salaries but are
nevertheless critical to a thriving community.
The housing crisis is the most important thing the council
can tackle to address climate change, our most pressing
global issue. Housing close to jobs means lower transit
trips distances, and easier use of low-carbon transit
options. Higher densities expose heating and cooling
efficiencies. Poor land use is driving excessive energy
consumption, and the council has the power to reduce
this.
Bay Area leaders are morally accountable for the extensive
social, economic, and environmental damage the housing
deficit is causing. They are in a desperately deep hole. It is
not enough to just stop digging. The problem must be
addressed.
Reid Kleckner
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 16, 2020, 5:35 PM
The City of Palo Alto needs to prioritize the creation of new
housing. While the city is not itself a developer, the city can
relax zoning requirements near transit to create the
conditions necessary for more housing to be built. The
34 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
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council should also look at parking requirements and relax
them near transit. It's time to get creative and think about
how we can bring new young families into our community.
Name not shown
in Greenmeadow
January 16, 2020, 6:42 PM
Lower real estate taxes.
Yikun Wu
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 16, 2020, 8:40 PM
We need to solve the problem of people having to live in
their cars. Perhaps an affordable housing option for a
certain length of time for people who need to get back on
their feet would solve this problem, or perhaps social
programs. I am sure each vehicle dwellers story as to how
they got to this situation may be different, and there may
not be one size fits all solution. But City Council needs to
address the fact that having so many vehicle dwellers in PA
is a huge problem.
I'm extremely uncomfortable with all of the vehicle
dwellers at the end of our street. There are at least 10-15
vehicles with people living in them at any time at the end of
Colorado Ave. That area is completely crowded with motor
homes and other cars people are living in. The City Council
just passed new legislation so that they can live on church
lots. We have a church across the street from our home -
so now vehicle dwellers will be living in the church lot
across the street (which is not nearly large enough for all of
the cars parked on Colorado) AND at the end of our street.
I'm not sure what City Council thinks it solved by passing
this new legislation - I believe it is just encouraging the
problem and it will grow more and get even more out of
hand. Let's face it, a neighborhood should be made up of
homes. If people need to live in RVs or cars, there should
be an RV park for them to do so or something of that
nature. If it is affordable housing that would solve this
problem, then City Council should find a way to make that
happen. But just allowing this to go on and on and
encouraging it is not the solution.
Alice Smith
in University South
January 16, 2020, 9:09 PM
Grade-crossinga at Churchill, Alma (Palo Alto Ave), East
Meadow and West Charleston solved because traffic
planning demands this solution now.
Name not available
January 16, 2020, 9:12 PM
Build more housing. Any housing. All housing. Just build
more of it.
Kevin Kiningham
in Charleston Meadows
January 16, 2020, 9:17 PM
1) Significantly higher density near transportation 2)
Increasing the overall supply of housing.
Name not available
January 16, 2020, 9:25 PM
Affordable housing is a priority for me. I want teachers,
nurses, construction workers and first responders to feel a
part of this community.
Let's start to build taller buildings and denser row housing!
L. David Baron
in University Park
January 16, 2020, 9:50 PM
I'd like to see the council focus on making changes to
zoning code that would allow the development of denser
infill housing, particularly around Downtown (where I live)
and California Avenue, and perhaps also along El Camino
and San Antonio. Allowing people to live in denser housing
has major environmental benefits: to reducing human-
caused global warming from transportation and climate
control, and reducing local pollution from car
transportation. This type of housing is clearly in high
35 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
demand (as we can all see from its price): lots of people
would rather live in apartments in or near Palo Alto than
face a 90-120 minute commute that they might otherwise
need to find housing affordable to them. Addressing the
housing crisis is also critical to having a fair economy in our
region, rather than one that only works for people who
bought their homes in the 1970s or are very rich. A
functioning society depends on having a mix of people of
different skills, some of whom earn different incomes. We
should allow everybody who is part of our community to
live in our community, and not force all but the richest to
commute from long distances away.
California has a massive housing shortage. The state
needs to allow the construction of 3.5 million new homes.
Palo Alto's fair share of that, given its location close to
transportation and strong economic activity, is probably
around 15,000-20,000 homes. Yes, that's a large number.
But if we want to have a path out of this housing crisis, we
need to think seriously about how to accommodate that
level of growth (the sort of growth that California had in the
1940s and 1950s, and about 50% more than the sort of
growth California had in the 1960s and 1980s).
I think this means a number of things: (1) expanding the
area around Downtown and California Avenue that is zoned
for larger buildings, including both office and multifamily
housing (2) increasing the number of homes that can be
built in areas zoned for multifamily housing by
substantially increasing FAR, height, and lot coverage
limits, and increasing or entirely removing unit density
limits (3) relaxing the parking requirements that massively
increase the cost of building new housing (and use the
money to subsidize car owners), and gradually move
towards a model where people pay a market price for
parking and (4) improving transit and improving
infrastructure for walking and cycling so that more people
feel they don't need to own cars (5) allowing more office
construction (with similar relaxation of building limits as
for homes) in these central areas as well so that people
living there are more likely to be able to walk or bike to
work rather than having to drive to suburban office parks,
since having jobs centralized is more important for a good
transit system than having homes centralized.
Lisa Van Dusen
in Community Center
January 16, 2020, 9:58 PM
Housing, including Affordable housing for middle income
residents.
Transportation/transit - focus on this rather than parking
garages. Include separate bike lanes, please. Let’s be
leaders!
Climate resilience and carbon neutrality.
Airplane noise reduction.
Thank you.
Barbara Kingsley
in Greenmeadow
January 16, 2020, 9:58 PM
Housing. Especially below market rate. Given the high land
prices, we need to address the R1 zoning restrictions to
allow reasonable density. People are being unnecessarily
spooked by the specter of 4 story apartment buildings
sprouting up next door. But when I go out walking and see
> 3k square feet houses being built, it disturbs me that no
duplex—> triplex occupying the same amount of space,
would be allowed on these lots. (My first Palo Alto house
—50 years ago—was just under 1k square feet.) Increased
density would also make better public transportation
possible.
What about something like a R1.5 zoning of our current R1
neighborhoods, allowing up to 4 units, providing guidelines
on footprint/height that would make these fit in better.
Name not shown
in University South
January 16, 2020, 10:11 PM
• Traffic and parking . . . especially in the neighborhoods
adjacent to the downtown area
• Decisions on the Caltrain crossing issues
Name not shown
in Ventura
January 16, 2020, 10:13 PM
To make Palo Alto a home town that works for all of the
individuals that live here, and for those that might want to
36 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
live here. Our town is not affordable to anyone except a
certain elite sector of the labor market. To reduce our
carbon foot print as quickly as possible, which requires
more low and middle income housing, as the one sector of
our GHG emissions that is increasing is Palo Alto located
employee commute emissions, as employees drive hours
to get to work. EVERY town, and every economy, will be
affected if we all don't do our part to make this happen. No
more planning for the current moment, more long term
vision.
David Gudeman
in Charleston Meadows
January 16, 2020, 10:27 PM
Increasing density of housing through zoning reform.
Mary Jane Marcus
in College Terrace
January 16, 2020, 10:50 PM
My #1 care for Palo Alto is to focus on community well-
being, including renters, youth, elders, all backgrounds and
cultures, those from neighboring cities, those who have to
commute long distances -- by supporting creative CIVIC
spaces for community life and positive interactions with
one another.
Parks, schools, rental facilities aren't enough.
#2: Challenge R-1 Zoning - allow for more small units on
these lots to more readily meet human rights need for
housing while keeping PA character.
#3: Hire a new Sustainability Coordinator to lead the
boldest climate plan (including consumption goals, not just
production) in the country.
Name not shown
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 17, 2020, 8:15 AM
Incentives to get us out of our cars are most important:
better bikeways, better free shuttle service with better-
than half-hour schedules, walkways separated from car
traffic where feasible.
City vehicles should be HV, PHEV or EV
Find funding for good Caltrain grade separations.
Name not available
January 17, 2020, 8:50 AM
1) No empty residences: Require living spaces have a
minimum occupancy rather than sit empty as investments
or vacation homes.
2) Require large (and mid-sized?) businesses locating in
Palo Alto to add as much to the housing stock as required
by their employees; incentivize on site dormitories and
other amenities for efficient, commute-free, employee
living.
3) Incorporate a reasonable search engine on the City of
PA website; currently I do Startpage.com searches and
follow their links into the city’s website.
Name not available
January 17, 2020, 9:38 AM
More housing near jobs and transit. 8 story apartment
buildings
John Kunz
in Leland Manor/ Garland
January 17, 2020, 10:38 AM
High Speed Rail. Options include:
1) lots of high speed traffic at grade, which is a major safety
and pedestrian/car movement problem
2) Raise tracks 15 feet in air on an elevated railway, which
blocks east-west views of the city
3) Underground rail, pay for undergrounding with air
rights, build tall buildings along the El Camino corridor, and
put parks and soccer fields on what is now train right of
way.
Some Stanford students built 3D models in the computer
of these options, showed dozens of patrons at a coffee
shop the options and asked viewers what they liked best.
Strong preference was for #3. Survey not statistically valid
in any way, and study now a number of years old, but city
could readily redo the process today. Point: visualization
much better than simple descriptive words. Council
process needs better discussion than simple words from
passionate advocates.
37 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Name not shown
in Charleston Terrace
January 17, 2020, 11:38 AM
Make more affordable housing for low income, instead of
commercial building.
Jake Millan
in Downtown North
January 17, 2020, 11:53 AM
In addition to the housing crisis in Palo Alto, I would like to
see a concerted effort by the City of Palo Alto to enforce
existing air quality laws that have already been passed-
some over a decade ago. Specifically, the gasoline leaf
blower and vehicle idling laws- those are very easy to
enforce and greatly improve the immediate air quality in
the City of Palo Alto and beyond.
Additionally, during City sponsored events like the
Children's Fire and Police Demonstation outside City Hall-
can we not have the diesel engines idling the entire time?
The Fire Engine was the only vehicle not turned on and
spewing emissions directly into the kids' faces.
Thank you,
Jake
Name not shown
in Charleston Terrace
January 17, 2020, 2:29 PM
You need to figure out how to stem the bleeding of money
to the pension system. Ideally all city (and state and
school) employees would be in the same boat as the rest of
us and get a 401K and Medicare at 65. As my company
and most of the rest of the private sector have dumped
pensions, so should governments transition away from
them. Too much money is being diverted to the too
generous promises made in the past that other priorities
that would otherwise be on the radar are being squeezed
out by these growing expenses. Most people do not
understand the amount of money being diverted to the
pension system and endless medical benefits and away
from other projects and needs.
Oh, and grade separation needs to be done somehow. I
wish it could be underground but putting it up in the air is
better than not doing it. And when this is done, get two
lanes on Alma both directions over Embarcadero, please.
And do not close Churchill off...…..
Name not available
January 18, 2020, 4:02 AM
My main priorities are climate change, transportation
(including grade separation), housing the homeless and
low income workers, and fiscal sustainability.
Name not shown
in Downtown North
January 18, 2020, 12:12 PM
I'd like to see the city council evaluate adopting Ranked
Choice voting for city elections.
Tim Flagg
in Crescent Park
January 18, 2020, 1:21 PM
Airplane noise and pollution from low flying airplanes.
Name not shown
in Old Palo Alto
January 18, 2020, 4:57 PM
Creating affordable housing.
Bruce Hodge
in Palo Verde
January 18, 2020, 6:02 PM
Climate Mitigation
- Focus on implementing programs that put the City on
track to meeting its 80/30 Climate goals.
- All programs should have key performance indicators
and regular public reporting of progress or lack thereof
- Staff should provide more transparency with respect to
their work in this area
- Adequate staffing levels to address these issues
38 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Affordable Housing
- For both low & middle income residents
Transportation
- Increased funding for the TMA
- Implement paid parking
Susan Stansbury
in Barron Park
January 18, 2020, 6:30 PM
I would like to see climate change and fiscal responsibility
remain priorities. Additionally, on a related matter, I would
like to see the city divest from fossil fuels from their
portfolio and invest in clean energy. Here is a link to a
toolkit for cities from leaders around the world:
https://c40.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/#36000001Enhz/
a/1Q000000MmBe/0sK2VDoRdYwGyPuXNGTakGB47En
JKXFUE5qWGpJEawg To help with this process, public
banks are now legal in California. I would like the city to
explore forming a public bank with other local
municipalities as a means to take our money out of Wall
Street and invest it locally. San Francisco is already taking
steps to do this. See
https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/sf-takes-next-step-
to-become-first-in-california-to-launch-public-bank/
Name not available
January 18, 2020, 7:17 PM
Housing, including mixed use options that promote
housing
Kyrie Robinson
in Palo Verde
January 18, 2020, 7:39 PM
Climate, climate, climate.
Train track grade separation.
Plan for Fry's / Ventura that includes housing, retail,
walkable neighborhood amenities. Get the owner to move
on SOMETHING.
Name not shown
in Community Center
January 18, 2020, 8:18 PM
priorities for 2020 Palo Alto City Council
1) help reduce Climate Change
2) Solutions to temporary housing for homeless
3) Reduce traffic
4) Maintain infrastructure
Mark Grossman
in Old Palo Alto
January 19, 2020, 9:42 AM
Climate change is the #1 issue facing the world, and every
possible action, both local and global, must be taken in the
next 1-10 years to address it. The city must phase out its
fossil fueled vehicle fleet, assist residents with phasing out
their gas appliances, and divest from bonds and banks
financing the fossil fuel infrastructure. Palo Alto should
also measure, report, and mitigate the carbon intensity of
all future legislative measures.
Name not shown
outside Palo Alto
January 19, 2020, 11:22 AM
Priorities must be on housing, and housing affordability.
Palo Alto has become a gated community, out of reach for
people with regular jobs including teachers, plumbers, staff
(e.g. at Stanford). This trend must be reversed by allowing
more building, especially near transit centers but in
general as well. It's simple supply and demand, and
housing subsidies are not the answer, building more units
is.
Name not available
January 19, 2020, 11:23 AM
Climate Change.
Name not available
January 20, 2020, 9:28 AM
39 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Climate change and environmental pollution need to be
priorities to protect the health and well being of our
community and beyond. What more can Palo Alto do to cut
emissions? Think creatively and aggressively! What if
downtown and Cal. Ave. were a pedestrian zone? (it would
be amazing!) What if there were free bikes or scooters, or
e-bike check-out credits? What if there are more incentives
or challenges so people don't drive to work? What if
parking charges went up by a factor of 10? What if all home
remodels and new office construction went all electric w/
solar etc, now? What if the Palo Alto Shuttle had more
routes? What if Palo Alto residents got free bus passes on
transit, and a Caltrain allowance? What if all companies
had to set up electric commuter buses for their
employees? What if all delivery vehicles had to be electric,
or using e-bikes with carts? What if ...?
Patrick Ye
in College Terrace
January 20, 2020, 10:11 AM
I would like the council to consider ways to intelligently
increase housing density that relieves high rents,
minimizes total traffic on Palo Alto streets, and reduces
per capita carbon footprint. As a young professional, I feel
like I represent a segment of the Palo Alto citizenry that
would benefit from increased housing supply and use low
carbon methods for their shorter commutes.
Name not shown
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 20, 2020, 11:52 AM
my priorities are:
- focus on identifying and addressing the barriers to
increasing affordable housing
- improve east/west cross-town traffic flows (including a
bridge to T&C for Paly students)
- continue leadership on long term sustainability and
climate change issues (including sea level rise)
- continue attention to long term fiscal responsibility for
the City
Arnout Boelens
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 20, 2020, 12:15 PM
The city of PA is facing a number of challenges: climate
change, high cost of housing, and traffic congestion. all of
these can be addressed by making
PA more pedestrian and cycling friendly. Walking and
biking reduces CO2 emissions. Building high density and
mixed use real estate makes for a more
walkable and bicycle friendly environment, reduces the
cost of living, and reduces commuting distances. More
people walking and biking would reduce the
number of single occupancy vehicles which are clogging
the roads.
While there are many aspects to encouraging a healthy
walking and cycling culture, infrastructure still seems to be
a bottleneck in PA. I would like to see the
following projects finished in 2020:
* Finish the Neighborhood Traffic Safety & Bicycle
Boulevard Project
* Finish the Charleston / Arastradero Corridor Project
* Finally start the Embarcadero Road/El Camino Real
Corridor and Intersection Improvements Project
Name not shown
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 20, 2020, 5:37 PM
More affordable housing for low income residents. Allow
for more diversity of class in Palo Alto so that minimum
wage folks can live where they work. More housing!
Name not available
January 20, 2020, 10:25 PM
Train Transportation
Palo Alto should be a leader in building reliable regional
transportation. Unlike some NIMBY neighboring cities, we
should support the completion of a BART circuit,
accelerate the EPA - Fremont connector, finish grade
separation and improve frequency on Caltrain, push
Caltrans to add train lines on 101 and 280 that connect
with the segments on 85/87 down south and lead the El
Camino Real development corridor in including a VTA line
all along El Camino. Buses just give public transit a bad
name because without special rights of way, they are slow,
unreliable and a burden on small city streets. Go all in on
trains.
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Robert Neff
in Palo Verde
January 20, 2020, 10:27 PM
I think we especially need progress on housing and
sustainability. We need to add substantial numbers of
homes, before we add any more jobs. (Same for our
neighboring cities.) Few current residents of Palo Alto
could afford to move in at today's prices! For
sustainability, I would focus on moving us away from single
occupancy automobiles. Moving 3000 pounds of
automobile on every trip is not sustainable, even if electric.
If we are to keep travelling by jet airplane, we will have to
abandon inefficiency and carbon for the rest of our trips.
We need to make progress on housing, with higher density,
with BMR and lower options. This should be in locations
that can be served by transit or personal transportation
(walking, biking, scooters). We need to consider
connection of jobs to transit systems, too. Can offices be
convenient to the nearest bus stop, instead of across an
acre of parking?
We need to lobby VTA to put a 522 Rapid bus stop at
Barron Ave, to serve the dense Ventura neighborhood, new
housing developments on that part of El Camino, and
Barron Park.
Prioritize transportation improvements include several
long-time efforts in our current bike/ped plan. Build the
new bike bridge over 101 quickly. Connect the bike lanes
on Charleston/Arastradero by funding and building phase
3. Provide sufficient bike parking at all libraries, improve
California Ave, including a solution for the Farmers’
Market, and promote bike parking at the private shopping
centers. Then fund the next revision of the bike/ped plan -
We can learn how to build cost-effective improvements to
improve bike connectivity for all users.
This year CalTrans should finish six new signalized
pedestrian crossings on El Camino. (They really should
have last year!). These safety improvements include
locations with recent fatalities. There are other heavily
used, unprotected crossings in Palo Alto that should be
evaluated for similar treatments (Middlefield/Sutter and
Churchill/Castilleja, to name two.)
We should charge for parking, and then everyone will be
able to find a place.
Name not shown
in Barron Park
January 20, 2020, 10:59 PM
Address the unbalance between offices on one hand and
housing on the other hand:
SORRY:
No more new offices till housing is available in or near Palo
Alto.
As part of the housing issues: please find a way to prevent
houses to be sold and then left unoccupied or unfinished,
while the absentee owner reserves the right to sell the
property later with profit. It is a disgrace and an eyesore
when a former nice house becomes a field of weeds.
Housing should serves people first, not investment. May
be have a heavy tax penalties on such unoccupied
properties. Or even have them confiscated. Houses waiting
to be demolished could be used by homeless people for a
while.
Ease the rules for allowing trailers at churches etc. and
select those who were actually former displaced tenants
from PA-MV-MP.
Building condos, apartments: how do we make sure they
are bought and used by local people? If not, we will just be
putting dollars on other people's pockets. Not helping
teachers etc.
Of course those who want higher buildings are
volunteering THEIR OWN STREET(right?) , since we cannot
go build on Stanford campus along el camino...
Name not available
January 21, 2020, 2:52 AM
Some stronger actions are needed to curb the recent
crime waves. What are you doing about this problem that
we all know has gone way out of proportion?
Homelessness problem is also elsewhere but the solution
is not a sanctuary state. I do believe that mishandling of
homelessness problem and permissive handling of crime
(through sanctuary state) has contributed to the present
crime waves. I am not sure what as the city, Palo Alto can
do but they can push back on to the State Government.
And when possible cooperate with ICE. 25% of the
homeless population is in Calif. Who is responsible for us
being the magnet of this problem? Sorry .. I am upset a lot
and angry too. I may sound incoherent but I am not. The
City must push back to the Sacramento and help control
the problem at the root.
41 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Name not shown
in Evergreen Park
January 21, 2020, 5:56 AM
First priority for Palo Alto should be transportation
improvements and traffic mitigation. This is key to
addressing many other pressing problems, including truly
affordable housing (beyond "below market") to motivate
economic diversity in our community and the badly needed
infrastructure and public service investments that will be
need to support that housing and those who will live in it.
Doing so also means sharing necessary costs equitably -
not just putting them on the back of those who live or will
here - meaning businesses whose employees commute to
work in Palo Alto must contribute in a significant way.
susan chamberlain
in Downtown North
January 21, 2020, 7:39 AM
1. Sustainability
2. Housing
3. Transportation
Name not available
January 21, 2020, 8:38 AM
Climate Change is the most important
Name not shown
in Downtown North
January 21, 2020, 8:52 AM
Climate change is my #1 priority. We have a good start.
Let’s go further to eliminate all plastic. Require all products
be sold in biodegradable containers. Stop air pollution. We
need all city vehicles to be electric. For a business to be
located in Palo Alto we should require it to be sustainable.
Name not available
January 21, 2020, 10:44 AM
We need to decrease our carbon emissions asap and as
much as possible. Let's support electric cars and solar
power from homes so citizens can plug in their cars to their
homes.
Jan Holliday
in Crescent Park
January 21, 2020, 10:46 AM
My top priority is the unhoused population not only in Palo
Alto but what has become a national crisis.
I believe we need to be creative in dealing with traffic in our
neighborhoods.
Name not shown
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 21, 2020, 12:09 PM
1. climate change - 2. housing. 3. transportation
4.inequality
Susan Voll
in Barron Park
January 21, 2020, 12:51 PM
I am very concerned about the continued growth Palo Alto
is experiencing. Can we please stop adding office space to
this little city?! Every time a new office is added we offset
our working/living ratio more, bring in more traffic, and put
more stress on city services. Every time we add more
housing we bring more traffic into the city, add to bulging
attendance in the schools and again put stress on city
services. Property values go up and long time residents
and treasured businesses are lost. Not everyone can live in
Palo Alto, not everyone needs to live in Palo Alto or work
here. Geographically we are a small city, let's not add more
and more houses and businesses than we can
harmoniously sustain.
Name not shown
in Old Palo Alto
January 21, 2020, 8:54 PM
42 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
After 5 years the City needs to finally address, in a
meaningful way, the jet traffic that has been shifted and
concentrated over the residents of Palo Alto. The City has
done nothing effective to this point.
Cherrill Spencer
in Barron Park
January 22, 2020, 12:10 AM
In October 2018 the Palo Alto City Council directed staff to
study and return to the Policy and Services Committee
with options for a City Ordinance endorsing the United
Nations' Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The Policy and
Services Committee has yet to direct staff to start this
study and so we remain ignorant of the extent to which
women and girls who live and work in Palo Alto suffer
discrimination and how the City could amend its policies to
counter this discrimination. I request that the Policy and
Services Committee, chaired in 2020 by Councillor Alison
Cormack, make it their top priority to direct city staff to
start work on an ordinance based on the principals of the
United Nations' CEDAW. See the pertinent resolution of
the Palo Alto City Council here:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/docume
nts/67315
Name not shown
in Palo Verde
January 22, 2020, 8:53 AM
1. Our water. Is our water really safe? EWG believes there
are issues. Why are water quality issues so hidden?
2. Our electric grid—are we ready for electric cars? Almost
every house on my street has at least 1 electric car and
some families have 2. Are we keeping lines clear of trees
and other hazards? We had a 3.5 hr power outage in our
neighborhood in December due to a tree hitting the lines.
3. Taking care of community plantings and trees. On the
bicycle boulevards and public library and community
center, who is responsible for taking care of the plantings?
Plantings require weeding, pruning and upkeep (replacing
dead plants etc). They are not getting it—not on Ross
Road, not at Mitchell Park Library/Community Center.
4. Hidden costs of going green. For example, building
permits costs for electric car chargers, gray water etc. We
need to create incentives for people to go green.
5. Communication. I had to specifically search for this
survey. Most people don’t have the time and really have
lost that sense of civic responsibility. I get emails from all
kinds of organizations every day. Where is Palo Alto in
this? Our social media, out-reach e-mail marketing and
website are far behind in functionality and reach.
6. Where is our high speed rail? Let’s bite the bullet and get
our baby bullet train. We say we want to change. We say we
want to really do something to stop climate change. I just
don’t see it happening. All talk and no action. Yes, it is hard
and we must do it. Real, concrete projects, not just waving
hands.
Thank you so much for this opportunity to share.
Stephen Rock
in Charleston Terrace
January 22, 2020, 10:51 AM
1) Better Transportation
a) grade separation of RR
b) Improve Public Transportation system with more
buses.
c) Smart and maintained signal lights coordinated over
many blocks
d) Safer and more bike routes.
2) Cost effective reduction of CO2 output by reducing
waste
a) No outdoor heating
b) Outdoor lighting off during day
c) Store doors closed when heating/air conditioning on
d) Solar and Wind from least expensive sources (probably
not rooftop)
e) Prioritize parking for small cars (fuel efficient).
f) Parking fees for cars to encourage bike and bus
3) Enforcement of Traffic laws
4) Encouragement of the arts by subsidizing theater,
music, etc.
Name not shown
outside Palo Alto
January 22, 2020, 2:47 PM
League of Women Voters of Palo Alto Statement on City
Council Priorities 2020
43 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
The city should make production, not merely
encouragement, of low and moderate income housing
(including for the missing middle) a high priority and adopt
dramatically different measures than it has adopted to
date. Impact fees have been depleted, highlighting the
need to find new sources of financing. Some ideas include
bond measures, headcount or other taxes on large
employers, using public land for housing (e.g. Cubberley),
adopting a “no-net loss of housing” ordinance, use of
eminent domain, transfer of surplus lands to affordable
housing organizations, mixed-use developments,
partnering with nonprofit developers, community land
trusts or shared equity housing cooperatives, and
investigating new sources of financing by partnering with
social equity funds, pension funds, or banks with a
commitment to housing people currently unserved by
market rate developers.
The severe lack of housing affordable to low and moderate
income households has created a social and environmental
crisis, threatening our community’s character and
diversity, and making it impossible for essential workers to
live here.
The League of Women Voters position is that decent
housing, affordable to people of all income levels, is a basic
right and that public policies should promote this outcome.
Homelessness, the lack of affordable housing and climate
change are League legislative priorities. These two topics
are closely related: a 2017 Terner Center UC Berkeley
study found that creating infill housing would be the one
policy which would have the greatest downward effect on
greenhouse gas emissions for Palo Alto.
The shortage of housing for working people has caused
people to live in their vehicles or on the street; schools,
public institutions, health care industries, the nonprofit
sector, and retail businesses are unable to hire or retain
employees; long commutes generate significant
greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global warming.
Those able to find housing here often spend up to 50% of
their income on shelter, leaving them on an economic
tightrope. These conditions are unacceptable.
Council recognized housing as a priority in 2018. Its
Housing Workplan required the city to adopt policies which
would encourage housing for all income levels, including
the middle class, as required by state law. The city has not
finished that part of the Workplan which addresses new
policies for housing for the missing middle, ironically
because of the short staffing in the planning department
created by the housing shortage. We urge the city to focus
on implementing policies relating to missing middle
housing.
Terry Godfrey
President, LWV Palo Alto
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 22, 2020, 3:10 PM
A "climate protection-related public relations" educational
campaign to "create a sense of moral imperative" as
recommended by the 2007 Palo Alto Green Ribbon Task
Force. This should help explain the broad rationale for
anti-pollution efforts, i.e., 80 x 30, which is to mitigate the
over-heating of our global climate. As well as the big, and
foreboding, picture, such a campaign could also include
education about local housing and transit efforts, along
with household carbon footprint plans.
For more information, please see
https://coolcalifornia.arb.ca.gov/household
Ken Joye
in Ventura
January 22, 2020, 4:06 PM
In the fall, I picked up a volume at a local bookstore entitled
"No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference", which is a set
of speeches made by Greta Thunberg (if you have not read
it, I will loan you my copy). As she forcefully states,
addressing climate change must be a priority for us all. I
urge you to consider all issues before you through this
filter; you can take steps which will make a difference. I
won't presume to suggest which steps are most important:
changing the economics around housing construction?
compelling fewer single-occupancy vehicle trips?
addressing *both* sides of the jobs:housing ratio? Thank
you for your service!
Becky Sanders
in Ventura
January 22, 2020, 5:58 PM
1. I would like us to get real about the fact that no for profit
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2020 City Council Priorities
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developer is going to build the housing we need without
exacting concessions from the city, such as allowing more
office development so they can get maximize the return on
investment. More offices will exacerbate our already
grotesque jobs/housing imbalance. We need a way, way,
way out of the box, non-profit solution. As a city, we need
to get into the business of buying property and converting
it to affordable and BMR housing. That is the housing that
we need. We are meeting our goals for market and luxury
housing. Let's put a cap on those! And let's find those
expert non-profits that know how to build this kind of
housing. What financial products can be structured. Can
we apply for grants? There must be a way to raise some
capital for such a worthy endeavor. No new office space,
period. Not until we are at 1-1 ratio workers/housing
units.
2. I would like to see civility at the dais be a priority at all
levels of government - starting with the council, and going
right down to the commissions, boards and committees. I
urge the meeting chairs to give equal time to all voices and
to have zero tolerance for any funny business up on the
dais, whether it's talking abusively to another body
member or calling out someone in the audience. Let's
embrace civic engagement and have productive meetings
with a specified goal of reaching consensus.
3. I would like to see some progress meeting the needs of
our vehicle dwellers. Allowing faith communities to provide
safe places to park is a good start. The housing crisis
which I alluded to above has forced even tech and
construction workers as well as the working poor into their
cars and mobile homes. It's a public health crisis as well as
a humanitarian crisis, particularly when children are living
with such instability, and when the streets and parks serve
as their waste management solution. Let's find a way to
get folks off the streets and into more stable, if temporary
housing solutions, while we sort out how we are going to
pay for the housing that we need.
Thank you.
Christopher Dembia
in Evergreen Park
January 23, 2020, 10:03 AM
Affordable housing and climate change. More
opportunities for communal/cooperative living.
Name not available
January 23, 2020, 10:04 AM
Save money by cleaning the streets less.
Allow residents to make the turns that are restricted
morning and night in North PA.
Build higher for more density.
Container homes.
Allow empty commercial buildings to change over to or
allow for part of it to become residential.
Make NIMBYS realize that the more multi-family that is
built, makes their single family homes go up in value!
Elliot Margolies
in Barron Park
January 23, 2020, 10:27 AM
#1 Affordable and Attainable Housing
#2 Re-balancing Jobs/Housing
#3 Immigrant Rights / Protection of Undocumented
Families
#4 Places for RV Overnight Parking
#5 Climate Change measures including renewable
energies, water-recycling, plastics recycling that is
converted to products in US
Name not available
January 23, 2020, 10:34 AM
I think denser housing should be the cities top priority. We
need housing for middle and lower income families in our
city.
Walter Bliss
in University Park
January 23, 2020, 10:40 AM
It is time for the PA Council to provide incentives to BUILD
LOW-INCOME HOUSING for our city workers, service
sector workers, low-income people
who contribute much to the welfare of this city. Cities
around us have done their fair share. We also need shelters
for the homeless.
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Anne Gregory
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 23, 2020, 11:20 AM
No on 50, it does nothing for affordable housing
Aram James
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 23, 2020, 11:49 AM
# 1. Priority for 2020 —release the investigation re Palo
Alto Police Captain Zack Perron. The alleged vile and racist
conduct by Perron is being covered up by the city of Palo
Alto. The alleged racist incident occurred on Jan 28, 2014
—nearly 6 years ago. Having a high ranking officer under a
cloud of racist and outrageous conduct is unacceptable. If
the allegations are true the message being sent to the
other members of the PAPD and to our community
members .....is that our city council, city manager, city
attorney and police chief are willing to accept and promote
a culture of racism in our police department -with no
mechanism in place to expose and hold accountable racist
members of the PAPD. We must not allow such a culture to
fester in our city.
# 2. I have filed an extensive CPRA request ( at the city
council meeting on Tuesday January 21, 2020) re
important data re the of use of Tasers, expense of Tasers
and other relevant data points. I expect full transparency in
the release of these records in a timely fashion ...and full
compliance with the CPRA by the city. Once I have all
necessary data—-I will present the information to the
community and the city council. I will then call for the city
council and HRC to re-examine whether Tasers are still
necessary in Palo Alto. Should we ban Tasers in Palo Alto
given the growing evidence that Tasers are much more
dangerous then originally thought?
# 3 priority for 2020. A robust discussion re the critical
need for a bathroom at Bol Park. A bathroom designed to
complement the extraordinary natural setting.
Sincerely,
Aram James
415-370-5056
P.S. any guideline for civility ( code for self-censorship)
must not be used to chill speakers full right to exercise
their first amendment rights.
Leora Tanjuatco Ross
in Palo Verde
January 23, 2020, 12:00 PM
Palo Alto needs to prioritize building more multifamily
homes, at all levels of affordability.
Name not available
January 23, 2020, 3:09 PM
Providing affordable housing.
Name not shown
in University South
January 23, 2020, 3:37 PM
1) Palo Alto needs to secure a site and open a large year-
round shelter, including secure tiny houses, for those
without homes because not enough affordable homes have
been offered for too long. The Opportunity Center provides
services, but not shelter, so people still need somewhere
secure to go at night that is nearby.
2) Palo Alto needs to provide land, either public or
purchased private sites, and grant funds needed for the
development of 500 hundred new units of affordable
homes for those with extremely low and very-low incomes
who are most in need of housing.
3) Palo Alto needs to stop allowing the development and
expansion of buildings that will bring more jobs until there
is a meaningful jobs-housing balance in this city.
Name not available
January 23, 2020, 3:43 PM
Dear Members of the City of Palo Alto Staff,
Please make affordable, diversified housing the #1 priority
for the City of Palo Alto in 2020. Without a sustainable
community with an adequate housing stock, Palo Alto will
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2020 City Council Priorities
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loose its economic and social vitality. The middle class and
the young adults will move away in desperation. Many
thanks.
Diane Rolfe 1360 Emerson Street, Palo Alto, CA
Name not shown
in Research Park
January 23, 2020, 3:43 PM
If Palo Alto is serious about wanting builders to bring more
housing projects to Palo Alto, the current height limits
need to be updated to reflect today's economic realities.
At four stories, almost no multifamily housing project with
structured parking (underground or with a concrete
parking garage capable of parking the number of cars
needed to meet city code and appease existing
neighborhoods) will meet the necessary financial
threshold. As a result, housing is not getting built in Palo
Alto when it's getting built in neighboring cities such as
Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Redwood City, etc. In areas
such as El Camino Real and in other select locations,
height limits should be raised to 5-7 stories. Other cities
are able to manage these types of heights by requiring
sensitive transitions in height between El Camino and
lower density residential neighborhoods that are adjacent
to El Camino parcels. In other words, building heights can
be stepped down to meet the existing neighborhood +1
story. So, a 7 story building might transition down to 2 or 3
stories adjacent to older single family neighborhoods so
that existing residents' views/privacy are not unduly
impacted.
Justine Burt
in Crescent Park
January 23, 2020, 8:38 PM
Please alter zoning and streamline permitting to allow an
increase of housing supply within one mile of the three
train stations and along El Camino Real.
marty klein
in Palo Verde
January 23, 2020, 11:34 PM
STOP NARROWING OUR STREETS. Everyone agrees
traffic keeps getting worse—so why narrow streets from
four lanes to two lanes, slowing everything down more?
Why hobble more streets by making cars share a lane with
bikes?
More people are living in Palo Alto, so you’ve cut down the
capacity of Arastradero, Ross, Middlefield, and other
streets. This is like inviting people to a dinner party and
throwing away half your chairs.
I drive on the WRONG SIDE of the street whenever there’s
a bicycle on Ross Road, the latest “traffic calming”
disaster. Do you really expect cars to go at the speed of
bikes for 3 or 4 blocks? Bikes used to do fine on Ross
(where there are NO SCHOOLS). Then you added concrete
bulbs that cut down the lane for bikes, shoving them into
the road in front of cars.
You owe residents DATA—give us numbers showing how
“dangerous” our streets were before you cut them down,
and then give us numbers showing how much “safer” our
streets are after you cut them down. Show us how all these
“bike boulevards” are leading to huge increases in bike
riding, decreasing car trips.
I say the data don’t support your ridiculous changes, which
are making things worse. Dare you prove me wrong?
Name not available
January 24, 2020, 6:54 AM
More affordable housing availability and options...
Name not shown
in Southgate
January 24, 2020, 8:24 AM
I'm a resident and homeowner in the city of Palo Alto. I
drive around and see fancy, sprawling office parks but I
also see RVs and converted school buses housing our
poorer community members. I'm tired of the wealth
disparity, and the inequality and the lack of dignity for
gardeners, construction workers, teachers and nurses. I
would like to see the city council prioritize building
housing, REAL housing, that's accessible for everyone.
Allowing in-law units is like sticking your finger in a damn
that's about to burst. Change the rules to allow taller
residential buildings along El Camino and Alma and
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2020 City Council Priorities
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mandate affordable units. I see Redwood City and
Mountain View adopting these changes and I'd like to see
my town do it as well. We need to stop thinking of Palo Alto
as a sleepy suburb and start transitioning to a more
healthy, vibrant city that is welcoming to all.
Jeralyn Moran
in Barron Park
January 24, 2020, 8:36 AM
Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from our
City must be a top priority for the City Council in 2020.
This includes (but is not limited to) ramping up the public
transportation infrastructure, clearing the way for dense
housing construction near transit, promoting Electric
Vehicle adoption (with robust plans for a comprehensive
charging station network) and incentivizing the move
toward a plant-based diet.
Holly Pearson
outside Palo Alto
January 24, 2020, 9:38 AM
Climate change should remain one of Palo Alto’s highest
priorities, and a major part of the city’s strategy should
involve trees. Large trees should be protected for the
carbon they sequester as well as their other environmental
and public health benefits. Additional trees should be
planted, not as an after-thought to development but as an
integral part of the design.
Name not shown
in Green Acres
January 24, 2020, 10:10 AM
Do something to eliminate the intrusive, horrible airplane
noise
Name not available
January 24, 2020, 10:16 AM
Ban Leaf Blowers
More low income housing
Shelter for the homeless
Name not shown
outside Palo Alto
January 24, 2020, 11:06 AM
I believe climate change and housing should both be top
priorities for Palo Alto. One way of achieving both goals is
to thoughtfully integrate trees and nature into housing
developments, so that the City provides not only
sustainable built environment for residents but also
sustainable natural landscape for public health,
community well-being and a host of environmental
benefits.
Sufficient open spaces should be required in every
development project, and all housing projects should be
required to provide as many large canopy trees as
possible. Strong preference should be given to tree species
that are adaptable to climate change threats, can foster
resilience, build biological diversity, support native wildlife,
and are resistant to insect and disease damage.
Darlene Yaplee
in University South
January 24, 2020, 11:14 AM
- Airplane noise, airplane noise, airplane noise
- Climate crisis
- Fiber to home
- Fiscal sustainability
Name not shown
outside Palo Alto
January 24, 2020, 12:17 PM
Palo Alto should continue to address climate change as a
top priority, which will mean addressing both
transportation and development. Trees play a key role in
addressing climate change, by sequestering carbon,
combating the urban heat island effect, and as part of a
complete streets strategy that will encourage people to
make more trips without cars. As such, it’s critical that
trees are protected in the development process.
Name not available
January 24, 2020, 12:54 PM
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2020 City Council Priorities
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Airplane noise.
Name not available
January 24, 2020, 12:55 PM
1. Reduce airplane noice, especially between 10:00pm and
8:00am.
2. Figure out a way to not close Churchill Street to car
traffic. In my opinion, Embarcadero Road and El Camino
Real is the worst intersection in Palo Alto and it will only get
worse if Churchill is closed to car traffic.
Izabel Grey
outside Palo Alto
January 24, 2020, 1:05 PM
I'm about to be a first time mom, so buying a home and
putting down roots in a place for our new family is top of
mind. We were renting on Emerson st but found a better
rental 1mi away in Menlo Park, but we plan to buy in PA. I
honestly don't understand the housing crisis situation well
enough, despite trying to research it and it's hard for me
know which bills would be best for my family and PA over
time. I don't feel like I'm seeing useful discourse in the city
council to help educate me and others on this topic. It's
complicated and I can totally see logic in all sides of the
argument. If I spend every penny of savings both my
husband and I have earned for the duration of our careers
on a house in PA, which is the reality in order to get a 3 or 4
bedroom house that isn't completely falling apart. If we do
this and then housing prices fall a lot, it would be hard to
ever recover from this financially. So I can kinda see the
NIMBY point of view, while simultaneously being really
frustrated by it. However, PA can't just become a place for
a small group of ultra rich people to live in, that never
changes. I'm not sure what the best path forward is or what
my options are, and I feel many people are misinformed or
under informed on this. Please help us think through this
and see all sides of the situation, and don't just argue
about policy details most people don't understand and
don't have background on. I don't think we are actually all
on different sides. This could take the from of having open
forums for discussion with experts, and doing q & a
sessions about specific top concerns of residents, but
these can't turn into political bickering and positioning.
This turns people off, keeps people misinformed, and hurts
everyone in the end. These are my honest feelings and
concerns, and I hope this was helpful.
Name not shown
outside Palo Alto
January 24, 2020, 1:08 PM
I'd like the Council to do whatever it can to reduce the
noise from jets on landing approach to SFO. (Prop planes
from our local airport do not bother me - they are
infrequent and a different pitch)
Name not shown
in College Terrace
January 24, 2020, 1:08 PM
Airplane noise reduction, rat removal, city employee
pension reform
Name not available
January 24, 2020, 1:08 PM
The ongoing aggravation of airplane noise into SFO is a
significant issue for me, and I would hope the city gives a
high priority to addressing it. It affects the quality of life
here. I don’t think
FAA will respond to city complaints. I think the city should
bring action directly against the airline companies that are
impacting us by flying over our city for the benefit of their
customers and their own profit. The FAA doesn’t require
the airline companies to fly noisy Airbus jets over our city,
or to fly over the city at midnight — that is the airline
company’s decision, made for its own convenience and
profit. If the airline companies can be made to feel the
heat, they will complain to FAA, and then we will see some
action. I urge the city to make this a high priority, and to do
it by commencing a civil action against the offending airline
companies.
Jenny Wan-Mernyk
in Crescent Park
January 24, 2020, 1:09 PM
Work with FAA to assess alternative waypoints to reduce
disproportionate amounts of low altitude air traffic over
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2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
Palo Alto and neighboring cities, as well as eliminating
night jet noise with quiet approaches over the bay.
sallie whaley
in Crescent Park
January 24, 2020, 1:11 PM
Airplane noise is my top priority.
Second, is zoning. Single family zoning is crucial !!!
Name not available
January 24, 2020, 1:15 PM
Two top priorities for our family are:
1) air traffic noise over Palo Alto homes
2) Palo Alto traffic congestion
Name not available
January 24, 2020, 1:15 PM
Priorities:
(1) Improve bike routes. More with better isolation from
automobile traffic. (For example, close automobile
ingress-egress at Bryant-and-Embarcadero ("north" side
not Castilleja side). Drivers are using the reduced stop-
sign bike route as a way to get to downtown from
Embarcadero. They endanger bicyclists on this "Bicycle
Boulevard".)
(2) Lobby for reductions in jet airplane over-flights to
reduce noise over Palo Alto.
(3) Control/reduce non-housing development in downtown
and Cal Ave areas; require adequate parking accompany
housing development.
Name not shown
in Old Palo Alto
January 24, 2020, 1:26 PM
Quiet location with clean air to breath.
Name not shown
in Green Acres
January 24, 2020, 1:33 PM
Please make airplane noise a City priority. We are suffering
every day and night from the frequent onslaught of low
flying aircraft.
Name not shown
in Leland Manor/ Garland
January 24, 2020, 1:41 PM
Please address the ever increasing noise from airplanes.
Name not available
January 24, 2020, 1:51 PM
Reduce airplane noise!!
Name not available
January 24, 2020, 1:52 PM
You have to address the airplane noise. It is terrible.
Name not shown
in Downtown North
January 24, 2020, 1:58 PM
Airplane noise and pollution should be the First Priority for
the City Council of Palo Alto. For more than three years
now, our community has been unfairly exposed to constant
Low and Loud aircraft noise and pollution 24/7, adversely
affecting the health and well being of our community. City
Council has not done enough to represent Palo Alto in this
arena. The time is now.
Mark Shull
in Old Palo Alto
January 24, 2020, 2:08 PM
The issue of the growing concentration of airplane arrivals
over Palo Alto needs to be made a priority. The city's
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2020 City Council Priorities
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past strategy of hoping for improvements has resulted in a
major increase in concentration due to the Select
Committee's recommendation to redesign SFO's class B
airspace, which resulted in the creation and positioning of
SFO's main arrival waypoint in the very middle of Palo Alto.
This in turn resulted in all three arrival streams now
merging over Palo Alto, rather than be relatively
distributed as in the past. In addition, Palo Also passively
allowed the SFO Roundtable to move Pacific Arrivals from
over Atherton and Menlo Park to a path that also crosses
the middle of Palo Alto, adding significant night-time,
heavy international aircraft and Oakland cargo traffic to
our already crowded skies.
All of these have happened because Palo Alto refuses to
take this issue seriously, and passes it off as something
that will somehow improve if we cooperate with the
ongoing changes or that cannot be helped. These
changes are not being driven by the FAA, but rather by
regional bodies and Congressional efforts that Palo Alto
refuses to challenge or counter in any meaningful way.
This must change. It not just the noise, but major studies,
including those sponsored by the FAA, are showing that
concentrating jet traffic created highly toxic plumes of
ultrafine exhaust particles that do not dissipate quickly as
the FAA assumed in creating its new arrival concentration
models. These ultrafines are much smaller than diesel
particulates, and produced almost exclusively by jet
exhausts when engines are at low power. They are
invisible, but according to the National Institutes of Health,
they have a much higher toxicity that larger particles like
diesel because they cannot be expelled from the lungs.
University studies in Seattle, Boston, LA and Amsterdam
have have show concentrations of ultrafines under arrival
paths, and these arrival paths are a fraction as intensive
than those over Palo Alto. (It is unclear why ultrafines do
not dissipate quickly, but one hypothesis is that unlike
diesel they are too small to attach to dust in the air.) Our
health, particularly those most affected by ultrafines (the
elderly, children and those with respiratory problems), and
Palo Alto needs to move aggressively move to undo the air
traffic concentration that it has allowed regional
roundtables and SFO to centralize over us during the past
4 years.
The air traffic situation needs to be a priority. At a
minimum, Palo Alto needs to conduct measurements of
the ultrafines we are ingesting. And, it should not be
buried under a general environmental category or continue
to be a reporting and no action task for city staff.
Name not available
January 24, 2020, 2:12 PM
Traffic abatement
Airline traffic noise.
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 24, 2020, 2:20 PM
Repair streets and pavement throughout the city where
construction and telephony crews have excavated and
then failed to patch the road surface evenly or left steel
plates in place.
Convince the FAA to reconfigure the SFO approach route
with (1) higher altitude (2) lower power (3) more evenly
distributed traffic (4) approaches over the Bay when this
can be done without risk.
Name not shown
in University South
January 24, 2020, 2:43 PM
Airplane noise and routes
Name not shown
in Palo Verde
January 24, 2020, 3:04 PM
Top priority should be the RELENTLESS airplane noise
caused by the extreme amount of planes flying over Palo
Alto. It is affecting our quality of life, our health and our
sleep. There is so much data out there to prove how bad it
is and it’s only going to get worse! Palo Alto needs to do
something or else we will lose one of the best communities
to live in. Ours!
Name not available
January 24, 2020, 3:15 PM
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2020 City Council Priorities
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1. Why HAVE YOU FAILED TO PROVIDE INCENTIVES TO
BUILD LOW, LOW-INCOME HOUSING FOR OUR
WORKERS? WHAT YOU CAN DO IS: Halt all office, condo
development until we get low, low-income housing --Seek
out proposals, with incentives for developers. We
desperately need to house the workers, the poor, those
who struggle to survive in Palo Alto.
2. Support CEDAW: Time to sign on for Palo Alto-- we need
to affirm diversity, protect the rights of all, end
discrimination against women. We have been working for
four years to get the PA Council to ACT on this important
UN policy. NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT.
3. Ban Tasers-- They are dangerous, overkill, not needed in
this town, and are too expensive. Train the police to be
humane agents for the law, not
destructive, and potential killers.
Sincerely,
Dr. Roberta Ahlquist
Name not shown
in Crescent Park
January 24, 2020, 3:23 PM
We need a City Council that will serve the citizens of PA
and not the non-citizen developers who are getting rich as
the expense of the rest of us. We need a council that has
the guts to tell downtown offices that they have to
decrease the number of jobs within a defined time frame,
that will reject all expansion of office space in Palo Alto,
and to tell Stanford that within a defined time frame cross
town traffic will be limited to less than what we have now.
Then maybe we won't need to deal with rail crossings.
Then maybe we'd have a basis for an exemption to SB50.
Tell all the people who want to come here to go somewhere
else - there's no law that says we have to destroy our
community in order to accommodate others who want to
profit from our values. Come spend 15 minutes at the
intersection of Seneca and Boyce, and tell me that the
airplane noise is something we have to live with - drag the
FAA bureaucrats to that location and have them listen.
Considering my suggestions above, if the reaction is "we
can't do that", then perhaps we should look a the way
government in Palo Alto works, possibly admit that it
doesn't work now, and change to a structure that will work.
Elaine Uang
in Downtown North
January 24, 2020, 4:09 PM
As both a Housing Element CAC and Comp Plan CAC
member, I'm appalled at how badly Palo Alto has
performed on housing. It is City Council's duty to work
toward Housing Element goals and implement Comp Plan
programs. Council needs to re-prioritize housing
production ASAP. Here are three housing priorities (plus
one transportation priority):
1) Go Back to the Future, take inspiration from the 1920
when Palo Alto's three 7+-story downtown buildings were
constructed - Hotel President, Staller Court, Casa Real.
Let's abolish the 50' height limit downtown (increase the
FAR and reduce parking requirements) and let 20 more of
these housing projects to be built in the 2020s.
2) Make co-housing & multi-generational living legal again.
Evergreen Park, College Terrace, Downtown North & South
are full of these housing types - why can't ALL
neighborhoods have them? Why can't Palo Altans have
more affordable housing and stronger social bonds?
Please let 2, 3, or 4 families or generations legally coexist
on a single parcel.
3) Allow more small apartments along Middlefield and
Alma. Existing one-two story small apartments structures
along Middlefield and Alma are not in great shape, and
these corridors could support much more housing 3-5
stories, especially around train stations. But what about
traffic? Read on...
4) Start some Shuttles! The Manager's Mobility
Partnership coordinated a Peninsula Bikeway from RWC to
MV, why not start up Peninsula shuttles along Middlefield
and Alma to support more housing capacity (and existing
businesses!) These corridors could use very frequent
(every 10 min) express and infll semi-express shuttle
services across county lines between from Redwood City
to Sunnyvale. We don't need transit stopping at our border
(San Francisquito Creek)
Please make re-prioritize housing so we can work toward
meeting our 2023 Housing Element goals and implement
our 2030 Comp Plan goals and programs.
Name not shown
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 24, 2020, 4:09 PM
52 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
The issues to which I would give priority are:
Maintaining the independence of the City Auditor's Office.
Hiring truly qualified city management.
Ticketing red-light scofflaws.
Ensuring pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Addressing traffic congestion.
Effectively lessening air traffic noise - SFO, PAO, and SJC
(when weather causes low rerouted landing approaches
over Palo Alto).
Improving city infrastructure repair and maintenance.
Name not available
January 24, 2020, 4:12 PM
Airplane noise. We have a "sacrificial highway" going over
Palo Alto that interferes with sleep as well as normal daily
enjoyment of our homes. If your house is not under this
highway you probably don't care. But you are our
representatives. Please help to mitigate this problem
which appeared without any notice and has gotten worse
not better over the years. It seemed as though the council
was willing to take this up in the past but backed down at
the last minute. This issue is not over. Please do not
forget about it.
Name not shown
in Downtown North
January 24, 2020, 4:20 PM
I have written to you many times about the intolerable
airplane noise over our Midtown house. I again urge you to
put Airplane Noise and Pollution as your #1 priority for
2020. This is the most serious threat to our quality of life
in Palo Alto that we have ever had and it comes from
outside our community.
The current FAA routes over Palo Alto impact not only the
quality of life but the health and well-being of its citizens.
The constant drone reduces productivity and increases
stress levels. It affects sleeping, concentration, enjoying
the outdoors and just plain living. It brings additional
pollution with the increased flights and lower altitudes.
And it is unfairly affects Palo Alto compared to other
communities in the Bay Area.
Please set Airplane Noise and Pollution as your #1 priority
for 2020.
Melanie Bieder
Name not available
January 24, 2020, 4:26 PM
I would like to see the city council commit to alleviating
airplane noise which has plagued our neighborhoods since
the FAA adopted a policy of funneling approaching SFO
inbound flights at lower altitudes over our homes and
schools. The growth of SJC has further burdened Palo Alto
with many days of exceedingly loud, and very low flying
planes. Past reluctance by the city council to take any
substantial action to address this serious problem is a
source of great disappointment.
Ken Bencala
in Barron Park
January 24, 2020, 4:26 PM
Climate change is the highest priority. A focus on the urban
canopy is a mechanism for the city to have a positive
impact. Trees need to be protected for the carbon they
sequester along with combating the urban heat island
effect. Additional trees need to be planted as an integral
part of every development design. Open spaces need to be
required in every development project and single-family
housing project. Strong preference should be given to tree
species that are adaptable to climate change threats, can
foster resilience, build biological diversity, support native
wildlife, and are resistant to insect and disease damage.
Name not shown
in Greenmeadow
January 24, 2020, 4:33 PM
Please consider prioritizing projects that reduce our
contributions to climate change and help to mitigate its
impacts, as envisioned in the Comprehensive Plan. Toward
this end, I think it would be most effective to focus on
these three areas, considering priorities in each category
within a sustainability context:
1. Transportation (the largest contributor to GHF
emissions)
2. Housing and Land Use
3. Budget/Finance
Financial and staff resources are limited, so let’s prioritize
53 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
projects and programs that move us toward a sustainable
future environment—a legacy our children and
grandchildren will remember with gratitude. Let’s be
worthy of their trust in us to protect their future. Here is
what this might look like:
Transportation
Comp Plan Goal T-1 “Create a sustainable transportation
system, complemented by a mix of land uses, that
emphasizes walking, bicycling, use of public transportation
and other methods to reduce GHG emissions and the use
of single-occupancy motor vehicles.”
Finish what we started. Complete construction of the
Charleston/Arastradero Plan, Adobe/101 Pedestrian
Bicycle Bridge, and bicycle boulevards. These projects
have languished for nearly two decades while the Cal Ave
parking garage is being constructed at lightning speed and
magnificent cost. Going forward, let’s evaluate major
transportation expenditures based on how well they serve
Goal T-1.
Implement paid auto parking in high demand areas on the
public streets and in existing public parking garages. Let’s
not use public funds for public auto parking going forward.
If businesses and developers want to subsidize driving,
that is their prerogative. It should not be the responsibility
of taxpayers. Auto parking garages encourage more
people to drive, exacerbating congestion, creating safety
and GHG impacts, and undermining progress toward Goal
T-1.
Complete plans for grade separation and Shuttle
expansion plans and create a funding plan for improving
transit. Fill in gaps created by VTA cuts. Consider asking
the VTA Grand Jury to propose specific mitigations for VTA
failures to provide equitable levels of service in Palo Alto
—perhaps providing CoPA with funding for Shuttle
expansion.
We need more bike parking at many city facilities, most
city events, and many commercial and retail locations
citywide. Safe Routes to School has demonstrated that
inadequate bike parking is a real deterrent to biking. It also
has shown that placing new bike parking in visible,
convenient locations that connect well to on-street bike
facilities and desirable destinations draws new riders. It
reminds people who often drive that they could try
something different. Identify areas where bike parking
gaps exist and address the problem using grants—as we
did with PAUSD. This will be far less expensive than
building auto parking.
Start work on the next Bicycle-Pedestrian Transportation
Plan—but please do not postpone current projects in order
to accomplish this task.
Housing & Land Use
Make better use of land where we can. Consider Goal T-1 in
land use planning. More units of higher density at locations
that are well-supported by public transit. Slow down
office/jobs growth. Addressing the jobs:housing
imbalance requires us to work on both sides of the
balance. As we grow housing (especially higher density
housing) we must preserve public land to increase services
(school and community spaces) that new residents living
in much smaller spaces will badly need in order to preserve
quality of life and minimize car trips to these services.
Budget
Nothing gets done without money. Invest in infrastructure
that aligns with the vision for sustainability outlined in our
Comprehensive Plan. Conserve money to fund more
affordable housing, transit and public facilities we will need
to support denser housing…and to mitigate the inevitable
impacts of climate change that already are underway.
Thank you for considering my comments.
Richard Gerould
in Crescent Park
January 24, 2020, 4:34 PM
Commercial Aircraft Noise--the noise created by
commercial aircraft approaching SFO is a significant
quality of life issue for many of us in Palo Alto. I live in
Crescent Park and the overflying approaching aircraft
number over 100 each day. Most of them approach at an
altitude of 4,000 feet or lower, which for international
flights in particular can occur at any hour of the night.
Typically they fly over Palo Alto toward the MENLO
waypoint, which is roughly at the intersection of Willow
Road and 101 (I happen to be a private pilot so I have some
familiarity with the waypoints).
I grew up in the Bay Area and have lived at our present
address since 1997. When we moved here, all commercial
aircraft approaching SFO flew over the San Francisco Bay,
descending from over 10,000 feet over Milpitas. There
was (and is) very little noise over any Peninsula
communities when the Bay approach is used. Somewhere
about 5-8 years ago, flights started being redirected from
the Bay approach to over Palo Alto and the MENLO
waypoint (probably as part of the FAA Next Generation Air
Transportation System (NextGen)) . This change in
approach pattern did not receive any local review and the
FAA has consistently resisted efforts to address it. I am
sure the history is well known to the City Council.
54 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
It would be one thing if current residents knowingly had
moved into the vicinity of SFO or in the flight path of
approaching commercial traffic. However, what happened
is that the FAA simply decided to reroute traffic over Palo
Alto and other Bay Area communities without any
environmental review.
I understand that the City Council has declined in the past
to join legal efforts to compel the FAA to address the
commercial aircraft noise issues. I believe that this issue is
at least as important as the other priorities listed by the
City Council and should be added as a priority.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name not available
January 24, 2020, 4:38 PM
Control noise, from air plane but train and car...
marie-jo fremont
in Leland Manor/ Garland
January 24, 2020, 4:50 PM
* Airplane noise. Airplane noise. Airplane noise. Continue
to fight the disproportional concentration of aircraft over
Palo Alto on an almost 24-hour basis.
* Climate change. Make drastic changes to curb carbon
emissions.
* Fiscal responsibility. Be frugal.
Name not shown
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 24, 2020, 4:56 PM
priorities: less airplane noise, improve traffic on
Embarcadero, better oversight of the city manager, auditor
to report to city council not the city manager, stop red light
runners, resist pressure to develop more housing and
offices just because we are supposed to
Name not shown
in College Terrace
January 24, 2020, 5:34 PM
1. Reduce jet noise.
2. Figure out a way to keep Churchill Avenue open to cars.
Embarcadero Road near El Camino is already a mess and it
will get much worse if Churchill is closed to cars.
Name not available
January 24, 2020, 5:38 PM
Priorities:
- Stop new development and new housing to avoid traffic
getting even worse than it already is. Why do we need all
the new development and housing? I have been here since
1987. In what way has all the growth made my way of life
here better?
- Do not close any rail crossings. Clearly it will must make
already bad traffic at the remaining crossings even worse.
- Figure out SOMETHING to do about the airplane noise!
NOTHING has improved since the Select Committee on
South Bay Arrivals
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 24, 2020, 6:09 PM
My priorities are 1) creating a lot more affordable housing
in our community in the next 3 years—at least 500 units
and at different levels of affordability, 2) funding and
launching more shuttles with more frequent service to get
us out of our cars, engaging more forcefully with the FAA
to reduce the horrendous number of commercial flights at
low altitudes that go over many of our homes in numbers
of 150 to 300 every 24 hours.
Name not shown
in Charleston Terrace
January 24, 2020, 6:19 PM
Our city council's priorities have been so out of line with
the needs of everyday Palo Alto residents, that I find it hard
to believe that any of you are actually residents who spend
any time in this city. For those of us who actually do live
here we need the following:
55 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
1. End the jet noise plaguing our lives, do whatever it takes.
I can no longer get a full night of sleep and it has become
impossible to sit outside in my yard at all. I moved here for
the peace and quiet, and we no longer have that. We have
loud, low planes at least as early as 5:30am and as late as
2:30am. During the day we have planes flying over as low
as 1500 feet every 60-90 seconds. The air quality in Palo
Alto has to have been affected. If one of those planes loses
altitude and crashes, a huge swath of Palo Alto and Menlo
Park can be wiped out. There apparently was no
Environmental Impact Study done by the FAA before they
trashed the quality of life of Palo Alto and surrounding
towns. If this isn't our City Council's highest priority, you
are NOT doing your jobs. Forget global warming which
most of us won't live long enough to see, it's long past time
to make this the top priority and get it fixed so we can
enjoy our homes and gardens again.
2. Put an end to senseless growth that may enrich some
developers and give the council more tax dollars to play
with, but overtaxes the city's infrastructure and makes life
stressful for those who actually live here. I would point to
the planned development of East Meadow Circle by
Google. That area has no direct exits to any major road, so
we will have hundreds more car and bus trips a day going
through residential streets including onto the new Ross
Road bike boulevard. How is that going to improve life for
kids riding their bikes to/from school not to mention the
rest of us who thought we lived in a residential
neighborhood, not in a high traffic, overly dense
commercial development?
3. Stop wasting our tax dollars on poorly thought out and
worse executed projects like the Ross Road bike boulevard
which pushes bikes into the same space as cars, puts
bulbouts and other hard to see impediments in the path of
drivers, and slows emergency vehicles that can't readily
transit the badly designed roundabouts. How did this
project go through with so little imput from residents and
no adjustments when its many failings became obvious?
4. The real priority I'd like to see is a City Council that
actively seeks out input from residents all the time, not just
once a year for a retreat, and listens to that input to make
constructive change in our city. You should be on top of all
the issues I've outlined above, but you haven't been. You
need to restructure your approach so you really represent
and serve the voters in this city.
Osborne Hardison
in Greenmeadow
January 24, 2020, 6:34 PM
1. Reduce jet noise day and night.
2. Fix the dangerous interchange from the San Antonio
service road into San Antonio going east toward 101 near
Middlefield.
3. Did I mention jet noise?
Melanie Liu
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 24, 2020, 6:39 PM
1. divestment from fossil fuels
2. investment in low and extremely low income housing
3. investment in citywide EV shuttles that are fast, free and
frequent
Name not shown
in Crescent Park
January 24, 2020, 6:41 PM
#1 - Stop the flight paths being straight over us with jets
low and noisy literally every 2-6 minutes presently(!)
[Cresent Park etc.]
#2 - Remove local retail and business KILLING ridiculous
rules of zoning changes by business and building owners
desiring to rezone to alternate forms of retail (Ex. gym to
food sales) telling owners what they can or cannot do
building and stop this 100% business-murdering parking
space fantasy slaughtering all retail outside of 1 block from
University to having an impossible amount of parking
losing downtown immunity.
Palo Alto had a very special history of supporting its local
business, and due to these corporate interests (office
buildings and ignoring all small retailers' desires and
protections required for little guys) taking full control our
local downtown has completely lost its soul and is not AT
ALL supportive of small business and long term inviting
behaviors for local business to thrive and draw even more
culture and promise (as the soul is NOT the big retailers).
#3 - Actually enact long term 'smartest shining city on the
hill' intelligence beyond unreasonable bickering and
enormous and utterly ridiculous fantasmical budgets
56 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
(Churchill and the 50yrs too late kids crossing trains . .
etc-etc.) in removing the obvious elephant of 'TRAFFIC' in
the room by truly looking at: University from 101,
Embaradaro, Oregon Expressway, Page Mill, Sand Hill, and
Arastadaro MAIN thoroughfares they TRULY ARE and as
an air traffic controller does, and with a sound and wise 20-
year lens and really looking into alternate methods already
utilized by other cities for solutions such as:
a) intelligent traffic lights (not these dumb antiques from
the 1950-60's)
b) timed efficiency (Ex: certain times of day restricts or
enables flow and is broadcast to all entering and leaving)
c) improvements and ADVANCED design flow using some
of our Valley genius employed into algorithmic intelligence
finally!
Sally O'Neil
in Barron Park
January 24, 2020, 8:36 PM
Climate change is a gigantic problem that already does and
will increasingly affect all of us. One way to do our part is to
focus on Palo Alto's trees, which provide many benefits to
us, including but not limited to: moderating climate
warming, helping to clean our air, sequestering carbon and
simply making our children and adults happier and more
relaxed. Tree canopy in schoolyards has been shown to
influence students' mental health and comfort. Our city
council can make a difference right now at a relatively low
cost that does not threaten the sustainability of the city
budget by devoting resources to caring for our existing
trees and fostering the planting of and caring for the right
kinds of trees. Trees are not a luxury, nor are they
peripheral to our daily experience. They are a crucial
element of our local environment and our lives and health.
This is now recognized worldwide. Let us here do our part
-- we all benefit from an environment with healthy trees.
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 24, 2020, 9:37 PM
Airplane noise is a major quality of life and health issue,
one of the biggest if not the biggest in Palo Alto. All
airplane traffic is badly impacting us, this particularly
includes all SFO bound traffic, and San Jose bound traffic
when it is shifted to a "South Flow", which impacts
Midtown Palo Alto very badly. The airplanes are
particularly harmful at night. They wake us up and keep us
from sleeping. Airplane noise needs to be lessened.
Airplane traffic needs to be reorganized so that Palo Alto
does not bear the brunt of it on the peninsula any longer as
we do now.
Karen P
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 24, 2020, 10:03 PM
The steady rise in air traffic since the FAA decided to re-
route and concentrate SFO and SJC flights over Palo Alto
has seriously increased noise and air pollution, threatening
the health and wellbeing of everyone in the City (as well as
our neighbors). Numerous residents have spoken at
council meetings about the disruption to their lives.
Teachers have said how overflights require them to
interrupt class lessons. It is well past time for the City to
specify the reduction of jet noise and emissions as a key
priority. Given the City’s past failure to timely recognize
and challenge the FAA's implementation of NextGen, there
is an added responsibility to finally give this issue
appropriate attention.
Name not shown
in Palo Verde
January 24, 2020, 10:15 PM
We need less dense housing, limits on street parking, limits
on jet noise from low-flying planes.
Name not shown
in Old Palo Alto
January 24, 2020, 10:20 PM
Please advocate for our city and the city's clean air and
clean noise requirements, that we have planes diverted
from overhead to over the Bay.
57 | www.opentownhall.com/8110 Created with OpenGov | January 27, 2020, 11:13 AM
2020 City Council Priorities
What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2020?
From:pellson@pacbell.net
To:Council, City
Subject:2020 City of Palo Alto Priorities
Date:Friday, January 24, 2020 10:17:00 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Honorable City Council Members,
Please consider prioritizing projects that reduce our contributions to climate change and help tomitigate its impacts, as envisioned in the Comprehensive Plan. Toward this end, I think it wouldbe most effective to focus on these three areas, considering priorities in each category within asustainability context:
1. Transportation (the largest contributor to GHF emissions)2. Housing and Land Use3. Budget/Finance
Financial and staff resources are limited, so let’s prioritize projects and programs that move ustoward a sustainable future environment—a legacy our children and grandchildren will rememberwith gratitude. Let’s be worthy of their trust in us to protect their future. Here is what this mightlook like:
Transportation
Comp Plan Goal T-1 “Create a sustainable transportation system, complemented by a mix of landuses, that emphasizes walking, bicycling, use of public transportation and other methods toreduce GHG emissions and the use of single-occupancy motor vehicles.”
Finish what we started. Complete construction of the Charleston/Arastradero Plan, Adobe/101Pedestrian Bicycle Bridge, and bicycle boulevards. These projects have languished for nearly twodecades while the Cal Ave parking garage is being constructed at lightning speed and magnificentcost. Going forward, let’s evaluate major transportation expenditures based on how well they serveGoal T-1.
Implement paid auto parking in high demand areas on the public streets and in existing publicparking garages. Let’s not use public funds for public auto parking going forward. If businesses anddevelopers want to subsidize driving, that is their prerogative. It should not be the responsibility oftaxpayers. Auto parking garages encourage more people to drive, exacerbating congestion, creatingsafety and GHG impacts, and undermining progress toward Goal T-1.
Complete plans for grade separation and Shuttle expansion plans and create a funding plan forimproving transit. Fill in gaps created by VTA cuts. Consider asking the VTA Grand Jury to proposespecific mitigations for VTA failures to provide equitable levels of service in Palo Alto —perhapsproviding CoPA with funding for Shuttle expansion.
We need more bike parking at many city facilities, most city events, and many commercial and retaillocations citywide. Safe Routes to School has demonstrated that inadequate bike parking is a realdeterrent to biking. It also has shown that placing new bike parking in visible, convenient locationsthat connect well to on-street bike facilities and desirable destinations draws new riders. It remindspeople who often drive that they could try something different. Identify areas where bike parkinggaps exist and address the problem using grants—as we did with PAUSD. This will be far lessexpensive than building auto parking.
Start work on the next Bicycle-Pedestrian Transportation Plan—but please do not postpone currentprojects in order to accomplish this task.
Housing & Land Use
Make better use of land where we can. Consider Goal T-! in land use planning. More units of higherdensity at locations that are well-supported by public transit. Slow down office/jobs growth. Addressing the jobs:housing imbalance requires us to work on both sides of the balance. As wegrow housing (especially higher density housing) we must preserve public land to increase services
(school and community spaces) that new residents living in much smaller spaces will badly need inorder to preserve quality of life and minimize car trips to these services.
Budget
Nothing gets done without money. Invest in infrastructure that aligns with the vision forsustainability outlined in our Comprehensive Plan. Conserve money to fund more affordablehousing, transit and public facilities we will need to support denser housing…and to mitigate theinevitable impacts of climate change that already are underway.
Minimizing contributions to climate change should be guiding priorities in each of these criticalareas.
Thank you for considering my comments.
Penny Ellson
P.S. My PC warns me that the city site for submission for these comments uses cookie tracking. Please ask staff to fix this. I have opted to use email for this reason. I ask staff to include mycomments with others they have collected on their tracked web site.
December 21, 2019
To the Council (to add as a 2020 priority)
Senate Bill 35 (SB35): Each City then updates the Housing
Element of its Comprehensive Plan to show sites where the
new housing units can be built and the policies and
strategies to meet the housing needs.
The PF zones, the many city parking lots surrounding the
two downtowns, University and California Avenues, are
the best potential locations for Palo Alto’s response to the
State’s housing initiative. There are several very
significant reasons why this is an appropriate idea:
The first and most important fact is the city’s ownership of the
land. The most significant cost to a developer is the first one – the
purchase of the land. If this cost is minimized, or if the city
leases the land to the developer for some significant period these
savings could be leveraged to reduce the rents to an affordable level to
satisfy the state’s program requirements. In a mixed income
development, this initial cost savings could be used to skew the rentals
to allow a significantly larger percentage of affordable units.
A second benefit would be the retention of the parking under this new
housing. The Senate Bill (SB50) proposes a significant reduction in the
parking requirement for such transportation rich areas, so the parking
can remain as a public amenity to reinforce the viability of the retail
commercial uses.
The state has insisted on an abbreviated local review process. So a third
benefit of city ownership is the opportunity to study the potential of
these sites now, by exploring various planning and architectural options
such as massing and density modeling; contextual issues; site
development schemes including how to incorporate the parking;
whether to provide ground floor retail uses; how to improve the quality
and minimize the negative impact of the service areas at the rear of the
retail; and how to landscape the residual spaces either at the ground
level or on decks or rooftops, etc. While these would be early schematic
exercises, they would establish a format for further development and
prioritize the sites with the most obvious potentials.
A fourth benefit would be that these sites would not displace any
existing residential use.
And a fifth benefit would be aesthetic. The least attractive areas around
these two downtowns, especially at California Street, are these endless
parking lots.
This forward thinking initiative would give Palo Alto a leg up on the
state’s mandate and allow a reasonable timeframe for the necessary
input and coordination with the Council, City Planning, the review
Boards and the City’s technical agencies.
The task of organizing this effort is quite significant: it really requires a
leader, someone to establish the milestones and deliverables who can
properly analyze economic feasibility; who can determine if additional
funding such as tax incentives or the use of the impact fees or other
forms of subsidies are needed; and who can present these findings along
with physical models to the Palo Alto community.
This decision will likely require much discussion, which means it will
not be coordinated with the Objective Standards Project as scheduled by
City Planning to be completed by August 2020. While this is
unfortunate, perhaps it will be an incentive for the Council to act
expeditiously.
I hope you will consider this.
David Hirsch
From:Bonnie Packer
To:Council, City
Subject:Consent Calendar item 6- Jan. 13.
Date:Saturday, January 11, 2020 3:55:39 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
Dear City Council,
Please approve the $10.5 million loan to PAH so that the 100% affordable housing Wilton Court project can be
built.
You know how important this project is for Palo Alto. By approving this loan, you ensure that it happens.
And please make housing, particularly affordable housing in transit-rich areas, a City Council priority this year.
Thank you for your consideration.
Bonnie Packer
768 Stone Ln
Palo Alto
From:D Martell
To:Council, City
Cc:Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; Jonsen, Robert; Supervisor Simitian; Drekmeier, Peter; Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow; Jim
Hewlett; Reverend Dr. Debra Murray Murray; Kou, Lydia; Tony Ciampi
Subject:Tasers are Instruments of Torture & should be Banned | Priority Issue for City Council"s Agenda for 2020
Date:Thursday, January 23, 2020 4:42:33 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
I propose placing "TASERS TO BE BANNED", as a priority issue, on Palo Alto City
Council's agenda for 2020.
During the past two decades, PAPD cost our city hundreds-of-thousands of dollars forbreaking civil rights and unprovoked violence against law-abiding Palo Alto residents. In
2007, Council allowed taser use by a slim 5-4 vote. In 2008, long-time resident AnthonyCiampi was injured as a result of being tasered, filed an $11-million-dollar lawsuit, and settled
victorious. Mr. Ciampi was NEVER suspected of a crime.
Taser voltage is unreliable, and can be lethal. According to WASHINGTON (Reuters), in theU.S., there has been more than 1,000 deaths after being tasered by police officers.
I've lived my life in Palo Alto, and I don't know of one resident that supports the use of tasers
in our community. In 2018, East Palo Alto City Council members voted unanimously to nixthe use of tasers by their police officers.
Tasers are uncivilized instruments of torture.
Danielle Martell
Palo Alto City Council Candidate 2016 & 2005
From:Roberta Ahlquist
To:Council, City
Subject:Feedback due Friday: Most Important Priorities for 2020 for Palo Alto
Date:Tuesday, January 21, 2020 9:13:57 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
1. Halt all office, condo development until we get low, low-income housing --Seek out
proposals, with incentives for developers. We desperately need to house the workers, the poor,those who struggle to survive in Palo Alto.
2. Support CEDAW: Time to sign on for Palo Alto-- we need to affirm diversity, protect the
rights of all, end discrimination against women
3. Ban Tasers--
Sincerely,
Roberta Ahlquist
From:slevy@ccsce.com
To:Council, City; Planning Commission
Cc:Lait, Jonathan; Shikada, Ed
Subject:housing work plan
Date:Sunday, January 19, 2020 7:15:07 PM
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Dear Mayor Fine and council members,
Please expand the programs in the housing work plan and provide funding for staff support
on the many items not yet started. And then reinstate housing as a priority at the Retreat.
As the staff memo notes, despite positive council action with regard to ADUs and incentives
adopted last year, these measures alone will not come close to meeting the housing targets
in the adopted Comp Plan and will leave the city unprepared for the higher RHNA targets we
will receive as HCD has added substantial targets to relieve overcrowding and cost burdens
for existing residents.
Staff has provided a long list of potential additional policies.
Those that come to the top of my list include:
--planning for low rise 204 unit complexes and row houses in neighborhoods--originallyscheduled as part of the 2019 housing work plan
--additional height limits when paired with commitments for more subsidized units
--lowering or eliminating retail requirements in new housing developments
--exploring coops and community land trusts
--working with Stanford for housing on their city properties
--developing additional funding sources for projects like Wilton that are 100% BMR--like a
bond or parcel tax and including a substantial commitment of business tax revenues
--further streamlining the approval process.
In addition I would ask the state legislature to develop legislation to backfill some or all of
the impact fees so the city can retain the funds but the cost of projects can come down.
Finally I would have council remind the NVCAP committee of the importance of substantialnew housing in that area for the reasons outlined in the staff report as to the importance ofNorth Ventura if we are to meet our goals and simultaneously avoid being sued by the statefor violating our Housing Element.
Stephen Levy
365 Forest Avenue ( a wonderful home for 17 families in downtown that would be illegal to
construct today
Palo Alto
From:Aram James
To:Human Relations Commission
Cc:Council, City; greg@gregtanaka.org
Subject:Palo Alto City Council Priorities for 2020 -submitted by Aram James and related issues
Date:Thursday, January 16, 2020 3:30:00 PM
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Hi Council member Greg Tanaka,
I hope you and your family are doing well. I previously lived in PaloAlto for most of my life..but moved to Redwood City for the last 5-6years. I’m now living in Palo Alto again.
1. At some point I would like the opportunity to meet with you todiscuss my experience with issues surrounding safe parkingprograms.
My personal # 1 priority for the city council for 2020
2. I would also like to discuss, with you, the issues surroundingPAPD Captain Zack Perron -and the failure of the city and or thepolice department —and the part played by the Palo AltoIndependence Police auditor —in failing to release the IPA report reallegations that Captain Perron acted in a racist and bigoted mannertowards a now former member of the PAPD -during an incidentdating back to Jan 28, 2014...nearly six years ago now.
In fact I know that soon the city of Palo Alto will be having Itsannual meeting re setting priorities for 2020. My request is that thiscritical issue be prioritized as the # 1 issue before the city council for2020. I realize this is a long shot -but I feel compelled to make mybest effort to see that this issue is not ignored.
I will copy this e-mail to the entire city council and any staffmembers you suggest .... so that at least my input is considered priorto the annual retreat —for priority setting.
In a separate e-mail I will send a copy of a short letter to editor of theDaily Post....that I wrote back on December 16, 2019 titled: City footdragging.
3. Second requested priority for our city council for 2020..Ban Tasers
In the 2007 I was very active in Palo Alto in opposing the
introduction of Tasers into the city of Palo Alto. I believe it is time topermanently ban Tasers in Palo Alto....it is not a weapon that is
needed by our police department. The weapon is extremely expenseto maintain and are very unsafe ....and are rarely used by the PAPD.
In a separate email I will send you two articles I co-authored with
attorney Richard Konda ....a few years back... when we opposed thepurchase and use of Tasers by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s
Department.
Although the issue of the use of Tasers in our jails is different thanthe use of Tasers by our police in the streets ....many of the key issues
are the same. I will also send you-if still available-the video of mypresentation to the Palo Alto Taser Task Force back in 2007.
Ultimately in May of 2007 our City Council in a 5-4 vote...voted toallow the PAPD to purchase Tasers. Guess who provided the 5th and
deciding vote!!!!!
3rd priority for the City Council to consider in 2020 is a bathroom At Bol Park.
4. I will discuss this issue in detail with you.... council member Tanaka...when we meet
and do my best to prepare a memo of reasons for this request to be provided to
staff members who are preparing issues for the upcomingretreat.
Sincerely,
Aram James
415-370-5056 abjpd1@gmail.com
Sent from my iPhone
From:Elizabeth Ratner
To:Council, City
Subject:Safe Parking Proposal, item 10, January 13 council meeting
Date:Monday, January 13, 2020 11:14:43 AM
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Dear Council members,
A severe shortage of housing for working households in our community has caused people to sleep in
their vehicles at night in unsafe conditions. I support the trial safe parking program which would let up to 4
vehicles stay overnight in parking lots of religious institutions and through connections to social service
agencies, help vehicle dwellers find permanent housing. I live in south Palo Alto, in a neighborhood
which has religious institutions which may apply for a permit under this program.
I urge the council to quickly work on the tier 2 and tier 3 safe parking proposals which would include large
private lot owners and city-owned land.
The safe parking program is a temporary fix for a larger problem, The city needs to adopt policies which
will produce permanently affordable housing for working people--including the middle class (teachers, first
responders, nurses, etc ). Other communities have used community land trusts and co-ops to provide
permanently affordable housing for the working population not served by market rate developers. The
number of homes produced by our inclusionary ordinance is so small as to barely address the problem.
Please make production of housing for working people in our community a priority this year.
Thank you.
Lisa Ratner
From:Nancy Neff
To:Council, City
Subject:Priorities
Date:Friday, January 24, 2020 9:20:08 PM
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on links.
________________________________
Dear City Council Members,
Please prioritize addressing the Climate Crisis, especially manifested
as increasing density of housing near jobs and/or transit.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Nancy Neff
City of Palo Alto (ID # 11036)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 2/1/2020
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Discussion of Council Procedures and Protocols
Title: Policy and Services Committee Recommends Council Review and
Approve Initial Revisions to the Council's Procedures and Protocols
Handbook and Provide Direction on Next Steps
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
Recommendation
The Policy and Services Committee and staff recommend that the City Council review the
attached partially revised Procedures and Protocols (CPP) Handbook (redline version is
Attachment A) and (1) approve the initial round of edits which were intended to make legally
required changes, delete obsolete provisions, and update sections to reflect current practices;
and (2) provide direction on additional areas for revision, including topics identified by the
Policy and Services Committee and described below and other topics that are of interest to
Council Members.
Background
At its December 10, 2019 meeting, the Policy and Services Committee reviewed the CPP and
provided feedback on an initial round of edits and updates to the document (ID #10904). The
Travel Policy (Ch. 7) was discussed at the November 12, 2019 Policy and Services Committee
meeting (ID #10790; Action Minutes). Section 2.4 – Council Conduct with Palo Alto Boards and
Commissions is currently under review by a City Council Ad Hoc Committee.
The full City Council discussed the CPP at their October 29, 2018 meeting. At this meeting,
Council referred the review of additional discretionary changes to the CPP to the Policy and
Services Committee. Policy and Services reviewed the CPP at their November 13, 2018 meeting.
No suggested changes were ever recommended to the full Council. The most recent Council-
adopted version is dated 2013 and is available on the City Council Webpage:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/8258
Discussion
The City Council Procedures and Protocols (CPP) Handbook describes the way the Palo Alto City
Council does its business and is a directional guide. It is intended to accomplish two goals: First,
City of Palo Alto Page 2
the handbook is an informational guide for anyone doing business or appearing before the City
Council. Second, the handbook is a compilation of Procedures and Protocols that have been
formally adopted by Council Resolution.
Municipal Code 2.04.100 states the following related to the handbook:
Municipal Code 2.04.100 - Handbook of procedural rules
The council shall adopt by resolution a handbook of procedural rules
governing any aspect of the conduct of meetings and hearings for the council
and its standing committees, including but not limited to agenda
requirements, the order of business, rules of order, rules of evidence, closed
session procedures and rules for public participation in meetings. The
handbook of procedural rules shall be deemed guidelines and failure to
comply with any procedural rule shall not be the basis for challenge to or
invalidation of any action of the council, nor shall they be construed to create
any independent remedy or right of action of any kind.
In addition, the CPP includes a provision for the Policy and Services Committee to annually
review the CPP as stated below from Section 5 – Enforcement:
Section 5 – Enforcement
Council Members have the primary responsibility to assure that these
protocols are understood and followed, so that the public can continue to
have full confidence in the integrity of government. As an expression of the
standards of conduct expected by the City for Council Members, the
protocols are intended to be self-enforcing. They therefore become most
effective when members are thoroughly familiar with them and embrace
their provisions. For this reason, Council Members entering office shall sign a
statement affirming they have read and understood the Council protocols. In
addition, the protocols shall be annually reviewed by the Policy and Services
Committee and updated as necessary.
Based on the Policy and Services Meeting in December 2019 (Minutes), what follows are the
sections recommended for full Council discussion:
City Council Procedures, Section 2 – Council Meeting & Agenda Guidelines
2.4.B. Telephonic Attendance of Council Members at Council Meeting (pp.
7-8)
Policy and Services Committee referred this topic to the Council for
discussion and direction. Specifically:
o Should the CPP state that telephonic participation is “actively
discouraged”?
o Should Council Members be limited to 3 telephone appearances
per year?
City of Palo Alto Page 3
o How many days’ notice should be provided to the Clerk prior to
the posting of the agenda?
o Should Council Members participating remotely be required to
post the agenda in the remote location for the time it is posted in
Palo Alto, or only for the minimum legally-required period (72
hours for regular meetings; 24 hours for special meetings)
2.4.H Consent Calendar (p. 10)
Policy and Services referred to Council the procedure that allows Council
Members to explain a “no” vote on a Consent item after the Consent
calendar is voted on. Council Member Tanaka suggested the following
sequence of consent items:
--Public speaks before Consent Calendar
--Council Members may speak on the “no” items to inform peers
of why they choose to vote that way
--Then proceed with Consent Calendar vote
2.4.J. Council Requests to Remove Item (p. 10)
Policy and Services referred to Council the number of Council Members
needed to request an item be removed from Consent. The current rule is
three.
2.4.L. Consent Calendar Categories (pp. 10-11)
Policy and Services referred to Council the question of whether contracts
above a given dollar threshold should be ineligible for the Consent
agenda, and should instead be placed on the Action agenda.
2.4.V. Motions (pp. 16-17)
Committee Chair Kniss asked if Council should begin work on an Action
item with a motion, followed by public comment and Council discussion
and action, rather than entertaining Council Member questions and
general discussion prior to a motion being made.
To inform Council’s discussion regarding the Consent calendar issues, above, Committee
Members asked staff to research what other cities do from a protocol standpoint with the
Consent Calendar.
Menlo Park: Consent Calendar: Those items on the City Council agenda that are considered to
be of a routine and noncontroversial nature by the City Manager are placed on the “Consent
Calendar.” These items shall be approved, adopted, accepted, etc., by one motion of the City
Council. Typical consent calendar items include the final reading and adoption of ordinances,
various resolutions approving agreements, awards of contracts, minor budgetary adjustments,
meeting minutes, status reports, and reports of routine city operations. Councilmembers may
City of Palo Alto Page 4
request that any item listed under “Consent Calendar” be removed from the Consent Calendar,
and the City Council will then take action separately on this item. A member of the public may
request that an item listed under “Consent Calendar” be removed and City Council action taken
separately on the item; the City Council must concur with such a request. Items that are
removed (“pulled”) by councilmembers for discussion will typically be heard after other
Consent Calendar items are approved unless the majority of the City Council chooses an earlier
or later time. Councilmembers are encouraged to contact the City Manager’s office before
Noon on the day of a City Council meeting day to provide notification of items to be removed
from the Consent Calendar. This practice allows the City Manager to notify staff that may need
to be present to respond to removed items. Equally important, it also allows the Manager to
inform staff who do not need to be present at the meeting. Unless contacted in advance of the
meeting with sufficient time, the presumption is that staff will not be present.
(from Procedures Manual Menlo Park City Council, retrieved 1/27/2020)
Redwood City: Consent Calendar. There is generally a Consent Calendar on all regular meeting
agendas which includes those matters that the City Manager, in consultation with the Mayor
and Vice-Mayor, deems to be of a routine nature and will be enacted by one motion and one
vote. The public may contact the person identified on the agenda prior to the Council meeting
with questions about matters on the consent calendar.
(from A Guide to City Council Communications & Business, retrieved 1/27/2020)
Mountain View: Items that have been reviewed by the staff and considered to be
noncontroversial, requiring only routine action by the Council shall be listed on the Consent
Calendar. The presiding officer shall advise the audience that the Consent Calendar matters will
be adopted by one motion unless any Councilmember or any individual or organization
interested in one or more Consent Calendar matters has any question or wishes to make a
statement. In that event, the remainder of the Consent Calendar may be approved and the
presiding officer will open the items pulled from the Consent Calendar, unless the Council
requests they be considered elsewhere on the Agenda.
(from City of Mountain View Council Policies, retrieved 1/27/2020)
Other cities throughout the state have similar information when they have a published policy
guide for council meetings.
City Council Protocols, Section 2 – Council Conduct
2.3.H. Respect the “One Hour” Rule for Staff Work. (p. 33)
Policy and Services recommends that Council review and discuss the “one-hour” rule for
staff work on issues raised by an individual Council Member.
City Council Protocols, Section 6 – City Council E-Mails for Agenda-Related Items
6.2.B. Procedure (pp. 39-40)
Policy and Services recommends that Council discuss the procedures and timelines for
Council Member questions on agenda items and staff responses.
City of Palo Alto Page 5
City Council Protocols, Section 7 – City Council and Boards and Commissions Policy for Travel
and Miscellaneous Expense Reimbursement, March 2006 (pp. 41-46)
Committee Chair Kniss and Council Member Tanaka recommend following Mountain
View policy of allocating individual amounts for travel use for conferences, sister city
visits, etc.
This initial round of amendments updates the CPP to provide a current workable set of rules.
Council may determine that more work is needed. Council may give direction to staff to draft
additional amendments and return to Council, or may refer the matter to Policy and Services. In
addition to substantive changes that Council may wish to make, staff notes that the CPP could
be revised to improve readability and facilitate ease of use. In addition, the Ad Hoc Committee
on Boards and Commissions may propose changes regarding Boards and Commissions.
Stakeholder Engagement
Prior to the November 13, 2019 Policy and Services Committee discussion on the CPP, staff
asked Council to share their thoughts on how the CPP could be improved. Policy and Services
Committee reviewed the full content at a public meeting on December 10, 2019 (Action
Minutes).
Environmental Review
This is not a project and no environmental review is required.
Attachments:
• Attachment A: 2013 ADOPTED Council Protocols and Procedures Manual revised
061713 with P&S 121019 changes underlined
CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL PROCEDURES
AND PROTOCOLS HANDBOOK
Procedures and Protocols Approved 2/11/13 XX/XX/2020
If you have any questions about this handbook, please feel free to contact the City Clerk
by phone at (650) 329-2571 and e-mail at city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org or the City
Attorney by phone at (650) 329-2171 and e-mail at city.attorney@cityofpaloalto.org.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CITY COUNCIL PROCEDURES __________________________________________ 1
INTRODUCTION & CONTENTS ____________________________________________ 1
SECTION 1 - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN COUNCIL MEETINGS ______________ 2
1.1 - Policy ______________________________________________________________________ 2
1.2 – Purpose ____________________________________________________________________ 2
1.3 - Summary of Rules ____________________________________________________________ 2
1.4 - General Requirements _________________________________________________________ 2
A. Accessibility _____________________________________________________________ 2
B. Presiding Officer's Permission Required ________________________________________ 3
C. Recording and Identification _________________________________________________ 3
D. Specific Requirements and Time Limits ________________________________________ 3
SECTION 2 – COUNCIL MEETING & AGENDA GUIDELINES __________________ 5
2.1 - Policy ______________________________________________________________________ 5
2.2 – Purpose ____________________________________________________________________ 5
2.3 - Summary of Guidelines ________________________________________________________ 5
A. Regular Meetings __________________________________________________________ 5
B. Special Meetings __________________________________________________________ 6
C. Study Sessions ____________________________________________________________ 6
D. Closed Sessions ___________________________________________________________ 6
2.4 - General Requirements _________________________________________________________ 6
A. Regular Meetings __________________________________________________________ 6
B. Telephonic Attendance Of Council Members At Council Meetings ___________________ 7
C. Items Considered After 10:30 p.m. ____________________________________________ 8
D. Late Submittal of Correspondence or Other Information Related to Planning Applications. 8
E. Agenda Order ____________________________________________________________ 9
F. Council Comment _________________________________________________________ 9
G. Public Comment _________________________________________________________ 10
H. Council Requests to Remove Item ____________________________________________ 10
I. Hearing of Removed Items _________________________________________________ 10
J. Consent Calendar Categories ________________________________________________ 10
K. Colleagues MemosCouncil Matters ___________________________________________ 12
L. Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements ______________________ 13
M. Closed Sessions __________________________________________________________ 13
N. Adjournment ____________________________________________________________ 13
O. Rescheduling Agenda Items ________________________________________________ 13
P. Adding New Items to the Agenda ____________________________________________ 14
Q. Special Meetings _________________________________________________________ 14
R. Study Sessions ___________________________________________________________ 14
S. Closed Sessions __________________________________________________________ 15
T. Motions, Debate & Voting _________________________________________________ 16
U. Motions ________________________________________________________________ 16
V. Debate and Voting ________________________________________________________ 21
W. Quasi-Judicial/Planned Community Hearings ___________________________________ 23
X. Standing Committees ______________________________________________________ 25
Y. Ad Hoc Committees & Committee as a Whole __________________________________ 27
2.5 - Election of Mayor ___________________________________________________________ 28
CITY COUNCIL PROTOCOLS __________________________________________ 29
SECTION 1 - CORE RESPONSIBILITIES ____________________________________ 30
SECTION 2 - COUNCIL CONDUCT _________________________________________ 31
2.1 – Public Meetings ____________________________________________________________ 31
2.2 - Private Encounters ___________________________________________________________ 31
2.3 – Council Conduct with City Staff ________________________________________________ 32
2.4 - Conduct with Palo Alto Boards and Commissions __________________________________ 34
2.5 - Staff Conduct with City Council ________________________________________________ 35
SECTION 3 - OTHER PROCEDURAL ISSUES ________________________________ 36
3.1 – Commit to Annual Review of Important Procedural Issues ___________________________ 36
3.2 – Don’t Politicize Procedural Issues (e.g. Minutes Approval or Agenda ___________________ 36
Order) for Strategic Purposes _______________________________________________________ 36
3.3 – Submit Questions on Council Agenda Items Ahead of the Meeting _____________________ 36
3.4 - Submittal of Materials Directly to Council ________________________________________ 36
3.5 - Late Submittal of Correspondence or Other Information Related to _____________________ 36
Planning Applications ____________________________________________________________ 36
3.6 – Respect the Work of the Council Standing Committees ______________________________ 37
3.7 – The Mayor and Vice Mayor Should Work With Staff to Plan the Council _______________ 37
Meetings_______________________________________________________________________ 37
SECTION 4 - POLICY & SERVICES COMMITTEE – ROLE, PURPOSE, & WORK
PLANNING ______________________________________________________________ 38
SECTION 5 - ENFORCEMENT _____________________________________________ 38
SECTION 6 - CITY COUNCIL E-MAILS FOR AGENDA-RELATED ITEMS ______ 39
6.1 - Policy _____________________________________________________________________ 39
6.2 - Procedure __________________________________________________________________ 39
SECTION 7 - CITY COUNCIL AND BOARDS AND COMMISSSIONS POLICY FOR
TRAVEL AND MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT, March 2006 __ 41
7.1 - Eligible Activities ___________________________________________________________ 41
7.2 - Out-of-Town Conferences or Meetings ___________________________________________ 41
A. Reimbursement __________________________________________________________ 41
B. Meals and Incidentals _____________________________________________________ 42
C. Lodging Expense _________________________________________________________ 43
D. Transportation ___________________________________________________________ 43
7.3 - Local or Bay Area Activities ___________________________________________________ 44
7.4 - Other Expenses _____________________________________________________________ 45
7.5 - Activities Not Considered Reimbursable __________________________________________ 45
7.6 - Reports to Council ___________________________________________________________ 45
7.7 - Violation of This Policy _______________________________________________________ 45
7.8 - Mayor and Vice Mayor Additional Compensation __________________________________ 46
7.10 - Support Services ___________________________________________________________ 46
CITY OF PALO ALTO COUNCIL PROTOCOLS ETHICS ADDENDUM _________ 47
A. Comply with Law ________________________________________________________ 47
B. Conduct of Members ______________________________________________________ 47
C. Respect for Process _______________________________________________________ 47
D. Decisions Based on Merit __________________________________________________ 47
E. Conflict of Interest ________________________________________________________ 47
F. Gifts and Favors__________________________________________________________ 47
G. Confidential Information ___________________________________________________ 49
H. Use of Public Resources ___________________________________________________ 49
I. Representation of Private Interests ___________________________________________ 49
J. Advocacy _______________________________________________________________ 49
K. Positive Work Place Environment ____________________________________________ 49
1
CITY COUNCIL PROCEDURES
INTRODUCTION & CONTENTS
This handbook describes the way the Palo Alto City Council does its business and is a
directional guide. It is intended to accomplish two goals. First, the handbook is an
informational guide for anyone doing business or appearing before the City Council.
Second, the handbook is a compilation of Procedures and Protocols that have been
formally adopted by Council Resolution.
The handbook is organized into two sections:
1) Public Participation in Council Meetings
This section explains the basic rules for speaking to the City Council. It
covers things like when to speak, time limits, and how groups of speakers are
handled.
2) Council Meeting & Agenda Guidelines
This section explains the different kinds of meetings the City Council holds,
what they are for, and how the meeting agenda is prepared.
2
SECTION 1 - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN COUNCIL MEETINGS
1.1 - Policy
It is the policy of the City Council to assure that members of the public have the opportunity
to speak to any regular or special meeting agenda item before final action. These rules
establish the rights and obligations of persons who wish to speak during City Council
meetings.
1.2 – Purpose
These rules are intended to enhance public participation and Council debate so that the
best possible decisions can be made for Palo Alto. Palo Alto has a long and proud tradition
of open government and civil, intelligent public discourse. Open government meetings
must allow everyone to be heard without fear of cheers or jeers. For these reasons, the
City Council takes these rules seriously. Disruptive or unruly behavior in violation of the law
can result in removal from the Council meeting and/or arrest and prosecution.
1.3 - Summary of Rules
Every regular City Council agenda has two different kinds of opportunities for the public to
speak. The first is during Oral Communications. This part of the meeting is provided so
that the public can speak to anything that is in the City’s jurisdiction, even if when there is
no action item listed on the agenda. The Council allows up to three minutes per speaker,
but limits the total time to 30 minutes per meeting. State law does not permit the Council to
respond to act on or discuss an item raised in oral communications, but Council Members
may ask brief clarifying questions and may ask City staff may be asked to follow up on any
concerns that are raised.
The second opportunity to speak is during the public comment or public hearing portion of
Each Agenda Item. Public comments or testimony must be related to the matter under
consideration. The Council allows up to three minutes per speaker for most matters.
During “quasi-judicial” hearings (where the City Council is legally required to take evidence
and make impartial decisions based upon that evidence), the applicant1 or appellant may
have up to ten minutes at the outset and three minutes for rebuttal at the end. These
hearings are specially marked on the Council agenda.
A person who wants to speak to the Council must should fill out a speaker card and hand it
in to the City Clerk. Speakers are not required to provide a name or address. The Clerk will
give the cards to the Mayor or Vice Mayor so that the speakers can be identified and
organized in an orderly way.
1.4 - General Requirements
A. Accessibility
Palo Alto makes every reasonable effort to accommodate the needs of the
disabled consistent with law. Any provision of these rules may be modified if
needed to provide reasonable accommodation. Persons needing assistance
should contact: Larry Perlin, ADA Director, City of Palo Alto, 650/329-2496
(voice) or 650/328-1199 (TDD).
1 For all purposes, applicant also refers to applicant agent.
3
B. Presiding Officer's Permission Required
The presiding officer at Council meetings (usually the Mayor or Vice-Mayor) is
legally authorized and required to “preserve strict order and decorum.”i This is
important in order to assure a fair opportunity for everyone to participate in an
open and civil setting.
• Any person desiring to address the Council must first get the permission of
the presiding Presiding officer Officer by completing a speaker card and
handing the card to the City Clerk.
• The presiding Presiding officer Officer shall recognize any person who has
given a completed card to the City Clerk, subject to limitations on the time
for public participation described in these Procedures.
• No person, other than a Council Member and the person having the floor,
shall be permitted to enter into any discussion without the permission of the
presiding Presiding officer Officer.
• No person shall enter the staff area of the Council dais without the
permission of the Presiding Officer or appropriate Council Appointed Officer.
C. Recording and Identification
Persons wishing to address the Council shall comply with the following:
• Use the microphone provided for the public and speak in a recordable tone,
either personally or with assistance, if necessary.
• State their name and address if presenting evidence in a hearing required
by law.
• Other sSpeakers are requested to should state their name and address, but
cannot be compelled to do so register their name or other information as a
condition to attendance at the meeting of addressing the Council.
D. Specific Requirements and Time Limits
1) Oral Communications
Oral communications shall be limited to up to three minutes per speaker
and, at the discretion of the Presiding Officer, will be limited to a total of
thirty minutes for all speakers combined.
• Oral communications may be used only to address items that are
within the Council’s subject matter jurisdiction, but not listed on the
agenda.
• Oral communications may not be used to address matters where
the receipt of new information would threaten the due process
rights of any person.
• All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body and not to
any individual member.
4
• Council members shall not enter into debate or discussion with
speakers during oral communications.
• The presiding Presiding officer Officer may direct that the City
Manager will respond to the person speaking and/or the Council at
a later date.
2) Other Agenda Items
Public comments or testimony on agenda items other than Oral
Communications shall be limited to a maximum of three minutes per
speaker unless additional time is granted by the presiding Presiding officer
Officer. The presiding Presiding officer Officer may reduce the allowed time
to less than two minutes if necessary to accommodate a larger number of
speakers.
3) Spokesperson for a Group
When any a group of people wishes to address the Council on the same
subject matter, the presiding officer will request that they may designate a
spokesperson be chosen by the group to address the Council.
Spokespersons are subject to the same time limits as other speakers,
except that spokespersons who are representing a group of five or more
people who are present in the Council chambers will be allowed ten minutes
and will to the extent practical be called upon ahead of individual speakers.
4) Quasi-Judicial/ Planned Community Hearings
In the case of a quasi-judicial/planned community hearing, single applicants
and appellants shall be given ten minutes for their opening presentation and
three minutes for rebuttal before the hearing is closed. In the case of a
quasi-judicial/planned community hearing for which there are two or more
appellants, the time allowed for presentation and rebuttal shall be divided
among all appellants, and the total time allowed for all appellants shall be a
total of twenty minutes for the opening presentation and six minutes for
rebuttal before the hearing is closed; however, under no circumstances shall
an individual appellant be given less than five minutes for presentation and
three minutes for rebuttal. In the event a request is made and the need for
additional time is clearly established, the presiding Presiding officer Officer
shall independently, or may upon advice of the city attorney, grant sufficient
additional time to allow an adequate presentation by the applicant or
appellant in a hearing required by law.
5) Addressing the Council after a Motion
Following the time for public input and once the matter is returned to the
Council no person shall address the Council without first securing the
permission of the Council Presiding Officer so to do to do so, subject to
approval of the City Attorney with respect to any hearing required by law.
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6) Decorum
The Palo Alto Municipal Code makes it unlawful for any person to:
• Disrupt the conduct of a meeting
• Make threats against any person or against public order and
security while in the Council chamber.
• Use the Council Chambers during meetings for any purpose other
than participation in or observation of City Council Meetings.
Any Council Member may appeal the presiding Presiding officer’s
Officer’s decision on a decorum violation to the full Council. Decorum
violations are punishable as a misdemeanor and may lead to a person
being removed from the Council meeting.ii
SECTION 2 – COUNCIL MEETING & AGENDA GUIDELINES
2.1 - Policy
It is the policy of the Council to establish and follow a regular format for meeting agendas.
2.2 – Purpose
The purpose of these guidelines is to facilitate the orderly and efficient conduct of Council
business. This purpose recognizes the value of establishing a community understanding of
meeting procedures so that broad public participation is encouraged. This purpose also
recognizes that Council Members must have a common approach to the discussion and
debate of City business so that meetings are both streamlined and thorough.
2.3 - Summary of Guidelines
The City Council generally conducts four two different kinds of meetings. These are
Regular Meetings, and Special Meetings, Study Sessions, and Closed Sessions.
A. Regular Meetings are conducted at City Hall on the first three Monday nights of
each month, except during the Council’s annual vacation summer and winter
recesses. The meetings will are scheduled to begin at 7 6:00 p.m. Regular Under
the Brown Act, regular meeting agendas must be posted in the City Plaza by the
elevators no later than 7:00 p.m. on no later than the preceding Friday immediately
preceding the meeting as required by the Brown Act. It is City policy to make every
effort to complete and distribute post the agenda and related reports by the
preceding Wednesday on Thursday eleven days prior to the meeting. For major
complex projects and policies, the City will make every effort to distribute these
reports two weeks prior to the meeting when the item will be considered.
Agendas are posted in King Plaza by the elevators and are Once the agenda is
posted, it shall also be uploaded to the City Council web page. for use by the
public. It is City policy to make every effort to complete and distribute the agenda
and related reports by the preceding Wednesday. For major, complex projects
and policies, the City will make every effort to distribute these reports two weeks
prior to the meeting when the item will be considered.
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It is City policy to make every effort to provide supporting reports and materials at
the time the agenda is posted. Typically, this will occur eleven days before the
meeting. Materials that are not available at the time of agenda posting will be
distributed as soon as feasible before the meeting. Materials that are distributed
to a majority of Council will be made available to the public at the same time, as
required by law. Some materials, such as presentation materials or “at places”
memoranda may be distributed to Council Members and the public at the
meeting.
B. Special Meetings are “special” because the mayor Mayor or Council can call them
on a minimum of 24 hours notice, or because they are held on a different day of the
week, at a different time or in a different location. Special meetings need not be
held at City Hall, as long as the alternate location is within the City. The Council
makes every effort to provide notice well in advance of 24 hours, especially when
the special meeting is for the purpose of conducting a Study Session.
C. Study Sessions are meetings during which the Council receives information about
City business in an informal setting. The informal study session setting is intended
to encourage in-depth discussion and detailed questioning and brainstorming by
Council on issues of significant interest, including City policy matters, zoning
applications, and major public works projects. The Council may discuss the material
freely without following formal rules of parliamentary procedure. Staff may be
directed to bring matters back for future Council consideration as no action can be
taken at a study session. Public comments on study session items may be received
together with oral communications immediately following the session or may be
heard during discussion of the item as determined by the Mayor. The Decorum
rules still apply to the behavior of the Council and public.
D. Closed Sessions can be part of regular or special meetings. Closed sessions are
the only kind of Council meeting that the public cannot attend. State law allows
closed sessions to discuss pending litigation, employment issues, real estate
negotiations and certain other matters. Members of the public are permitted to
make public comments on closed session matters prior to the start of the closed
session. The Council must make a public report after the session when certain
kinds of actions are taken.
These are guidelines, not rules. The Council intends that City staff and Council
Members will follow these guidelines. However, these guidelines should not be
used in a way that leads to inefficiency, unfairness, or the promotion of form over
substance. State law establishes a variety of mandatory meeting rules the City must
follow in order to assure open and public government, regardless of unusual
situations and consequences.
2.4 - General Requirements
A. Regular Meetings
Attendance Required. Council Members, the City Clerk, City Attorney, and City
Manager, along with any other city officers and department heads that have been
requested to be present, shall take their regular stations in the Council chamber at 7
6:00 p.m. on the first, second and third Mondays of each month, except during the
established Council vacation.iii The Presiding Officer will ensure that during each
regular meeting there will be one 5 minute break. The Council expects its members
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to attend regularly and notify the City Clerk of any planned absences. The Council
may levy fines of up to $250.00 against Council members who willfully or
negligently fail to attend meetings.iv
B. Telephonic Attendance Of Council Members At Council Meetings
The City Council Procedures provisions concerning Telephonic Attendance shall
apply to all Boards and Commissions as well as the City Council members.
Requests by Council Members to attend a Council meeting via telephonic
appearance are actively discouraged. Telephonic attendance shall only be
permitted not more than 3 times a year in the event of extraordinary events such
as a medical, family or similar emergency requiring a Council Member’s absence.
In addition, at least a quorum of the Council must participate from a location
within the City (Government Code Section 54953(b)(3)).
If these two threshold requirements are met, the Council Member who will be
appearing telephonically must ensure that:
• The meeting agenda identifies the teleconference location and is
posted at that location in an area that is accessible and visible 24
hours a day for at least 5 days 72 hours prior to the meeting.
• The teleconference location is open and fully accessible to the public,
and fully accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act,
throughout the entire meeting. These requirements apply to private
residences, hotel rooms, and similar facilities, all of which must
remain fully open and accessible throughout the meeting, without
requiring identification or registration.
• The teleconference technology used is open and fully accessible to all
members of the public, including those with disabilities.
• Members of the public who attend the meeting at the teleconference
location have the same opportunity to address the Council from the
remote location that they would if they were present in Council
Chambers.
• The teleconference location must not require an admission fee or any
payment for attendance.
• If the meeting will include a closed session, the Council Member must
also ensure that there is a private location available for that portion of
the meeting.
If the Council Member determines that any or all of these requirements cannot be
met, he or she shall not participate in the meeting via teleconference.
Approved Teleconference Guidelines for Council Members:
• One week advance 5 days written notice in advance of the publication
of the agenda must be given by the Council Member to the City
Clerk’s office; the notice must include the address at which the
teleconferenced meeting will occur, the address the Council packet
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should be mailed to, who is to initiate the phone call to establish the
teleconference connection, and the phone number of the
teleconference location. If Ccellular telephones shall not be are used
to participate in teleconferenced meetings then Council members
need to ensure speaker phone option is functioning.
• The Council Member is responsible for posting the Council agenda in
the remote location, or having the agenda posted by somebody at the
location and confirming that posting has occurred. The City Clerk will
assist, if necessary, by emailing, faxing or mailing the agenda to
whatever address or fax number the Council Member requests;
however, it is the Council Member’s responsibility to ensure that the
agenda arrives and is posted. If the Council Member will need the
assistance of the City Clerk in delivery of the agenda, the fax number
or address must be included in the one-week five-day advance written
notice above.
• The Council Member must ensure that the location will be publicly
accessible while the meeting is in progress.
• The Council Member must state at the beginning of the Council
meeting that the 72-hour posting requirement was met at the location
and that the location is publicly accessible, and must describe the
location.
Furthermore, the City Clerk will provide Council with a quarterly report detailing
the telephone charges associated with teleconferenced meetings.
C. Items Considered After 10:30 p.m.
The City Council makes every effort to end its meetings before 11:00 p.m. The
Council also generally does not take up new matters after 10:30 p.m. Before 10:00
p.m. the Council will decide and announce whether it will begin consideration of any
agenda items after 10:30 and, if so, which specific items will be taken up.
D. Late Submittal of Correspondence or Other Information Related to Planning
Applications.
In order to allow for adequate Staff review and analysis, and to ensure public
access to information, all plans, correspondence, and other documents supporting
planning applications being heard by the City Council must be submitted to staff not
later than noon five working days prior to the release of the Council Agenda Packet.
If any correspondence or other information is submitted after this deadline to
Council Members or staff, and Staff determines additional review is needed Staff
will reschedule the item for a future Council meeting. If a Council member receives
planning application materials from a project applicant he or she shall notify the City
Clerk and the City Manager as soon as possible. There are no restrictions on the
rights of applicants or others to comment or respond to information contained within
the Staff Report. At the meeting the City Council may determine whether to
continue or refer the item to the appropriate Board and/or Commission if significant
changes to a project or significant new information become known. Nothing in this
statement is intended to restrict the rights of applicants or other interested parties to
respond to information contained in or attached to a Staff Report..
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E. Agenda Order
City Council agendas will be prepared by the City Clerk and presented to the City
Council in the order described below. It is the Council’s policy to hear the major
items of business first at each meeting, to the extent possible. The City Manager,
with prior approval of the Mayor, is authorized to designate upon the agenda of the
Council, and the City Clerk shall publish in the agenda digest, items that shall be
taken up first or at a specific time during the course of the meeting.v The City
Council may take matters up out of order upon approval by a majority vote of those
present:
1) Roll Call
2) Study Session and/or Closed Session
3) Special orders of the day
4) Agenda Changes, Additions and Deletions
5) City Manager Comments
6) Oral communications, including oral communications related to any study
session that began immediately before the regular meeting
7) Approval of minutes
8) Consent calendar
Items may be placed upon the consent calendar by any council-appointed
officer whenever, in such officer's judgment, such items are expected to be
routinely approved without discussion or debate. The consent calendar
shall be voted upon as one item.
9) City Manager Comments
10) Action Items
11) Inter-Governmental Legislative Affairs
12) Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements
13) Adjournment
F. Council Comment
F. Study Sessions. Study Sessions are meetings during which the Council receives
information about City business in an informal setting. The informal study session
setting is intended to encourage in-depth discussion and detailed questioning and
brainstorming by Council on issues of significant interest, including City policy
matters, zoning applications, and major public works projects. The Council may
discuss the material freely without following formal rules of parliamentary
procedure. Staff may be directed to bring matters back for future Council
consideration as no action can be taken at a study session. Public comments on
study session items may be received together with oral communications
immediately following the session or may be heard during discussion of the item as
determined by the Mayor. The Decorum rules still apply to the behavior of the
Council and public.
G. Closed Sessions. Closed Sessions can be part of regular or special meetings.
Closed sessions are the only kind part of a Council meeting that the public cannot
attend. State law allows closed sessions to discuss pending litigation, employment
issues, real estate negotiations and certain other matters. Members of the public
are permitted to make public comments on closed session matters prior to the start
of the closed session. The Council must make a public report after the session
when certain kinds of actions are taken.
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H. Consent Calendar: No discussion or debate shall be permitted upon items upon the
consent calendar; however, any Council Member may request that his or her vote
be recorded as a "no" or "not participating" due to a specified conflict of interest on
any individual item. Council Members may also explain their "no" votes at the end
of the Consent Calendar, with a 3 minute time limit for non-appeal items and 5
minutes for appeal items for each Council Member. Council Members may also
submit statements in writing to the City Clerk before action is taken. The City Clerk
shall preserve and make available such written statements in a manner consistent
with the Brown Act and shall assure that the minutes of the meeting make reference
to the existence and location of such written statements.
I. Public Comment
If members Members of the public wishing to speak to items on the Consent
Calendar, the Mayor will have the option of allowing the testimony shall be
permitted to speak prior to Council Member requests to remove an item or the vote
to adoption of the Consent Calendar., or removing the item from the consent
calendar and hearing the public comment at a later time, prior to the vote on the
item.
J. Council Requests to Remove Item
Three Council Members may request that an item be removed from the consent
calendar following public comment on the consent agenda. The City Manager’s
office should be advised whenever possible, in writing, of a request for removal
no later than noon the day of the meeting Sunday before the meeting.
K. Hearing of Removed Items
Removed items will be heard either later in the meeting or agendized for a
subsequent discussion at a subsequent meeting, depending upon the number of
speakers, and the anticipated length of the items that have been officially
scheduled for discussion on a particular evening, the availability of staff required
to support the discussion, and legally-required noticing procedures. The Mayor,
in consultation with the City Manager, will decide when during the meeting any
removed items will be heard.
L. Consent Calendar Categories
The consent calendar portion is the section where administrative and non-
controversial items shall be presented. Mayor and City Manager should be sensitive
to high dollar value items and consider placing those items in the action agenda
section. The consent section may include: in 5 categories in the following order:
1) Ordinances and Resolutions
The following ordinances and resolutions may appear on a consent
calendar:
• Second Reading (passage and adoption) of Ordinances.
• a Resolutions whichthat are ceremonial in nature.
• Ordinances or resolutions that implement a prior Council policy
direction in the manner contemplated by the Council's previous
actions, in the Adopted Budget (including the Capital Improvement
Program and especially in the department key plans); the Council
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Priorities, and the Council Top Priority Workplan, among other
similar sources..
• Budget amendments ordinances that accept funding such as grants
or gifts, provided Council has previously approved the activity or
program.
• Resolutions approving funding applications, such as grants or loans,
provided that the program or activity has been previously approved
by Council.
2) Administrative Matters Including Contracts, Appointments, Approval of
Applications, and Any Other Matter.
The titles of administrative matters need not be read. An administrative
matter may be placed on the consent calendar if it is:
• An action that is merely the administrative execution of previous
Council direction. The Council direction and vote will be quoted in
the staff report accompanying the item.
• Contracts for which the subject or scope of work has been
previously reviewed by the City Council.
• A contract for goods, general services, professional services,
public works projects, dark fiber licensing contracts or wholesale
commodities, purchases, as outlined in the Purchasing Ordinance,
provided such contracts represent the customary and usual
business of the department as included in the Adopted Budget.
Examples include: routine maintenance contracts, annual audit
agreement; software and hardware support agreements, janitorial
services, copier agreements or postage machine agreements.
• Rejection of bids.
• Designation of heritage trees.
• Designation of historic building at the request of the property
owner if there are no unusual policy ramifications.
• Approval of funding applications, such as grants or loans,
provided that Council has previously approved the general
program or activity.
• Formal initiation, for consideration at a later date, of a zoning code
amendment or review process, such as preliminary review.
• Status report required by law for fee administration.
• Cancellation of meetings or scheduling of special meeting.
• Other similar matters as determined by the City Manager, in
consultation with the Mayor.
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3) Request to Refer Items to Any Council Standing Committee, Committee,
Board, Commission or Council Appointed Officer.
The consent calendar includes matters for which staff is merely seeking
Council approval of a referral to a Council standing committee or other
City official, advisory board or commission. This does not preclude staff
from making referrals to the standing committees. Staff uses such
referrals in order to expedite the business of the full Council, since its
agenda is so full. Discussion of a complex issue by another body,
provides an opportunity for public input and extended discussion by the
members of the body. The full Council is then able to benefit from the
minutes of that discussion when the item comes back to the Council for
final approval. This practice also allows the City/School Liaison
Committee to consider items of interest to both agencies without having
to go through the formality of a Council agenda referral.
4) Items Unanimously Recommended for Approval by a Council Committee
if the Committee Unanimously Recommends Placement on the Consent
Calendar, Unless Otherwise Recommended by the Committee, Mayor,
City Attorney or City Manager. or Staff.
5) Items Recommended for Approval, and for Placement on the Consent
Calendar, by any Council-Appointed Boards and Commissions, Provided
that Other Public Hearing Requirements are Not in Effect or Otherwise
Recommended by the Board or Commission, Mayor, City Manager or City
Attorney.
6) Agenda Changes, Additions, and Deletions
7) Action Items:
• Unfinished Business
• Public Hearings
• Reports of committees/commissions
• Ordinances and Resolutions
• Reports of officials
M. Council Matters - Colleagues Memos
Any two Council Members may bring forward a colleague memo on any topic to
be considered by the entire Council. Two Council Members are required to place
such a memo on the agenda, reflective of the Council procedure requiring a
motion and a second for consideration of a motion by the Council. Up to four
three Council Members may sign a colleague memo. The City Attorney
recommends that the colleague memo be limited to three Council Members in
order to avoid the potential of a Brown Act issue. Prior to preparing a colleague
memo, Council Members will consult with the City Manager to determine whether
13
he/she the City Manager is or is not is or is willing and able to address the issues
as part of his/her operational authority and within current budgeted resources.
Colleagues Memos should have a section that identifies any potential staffing or
fiscal impacts of the contemplated action. This section will be drafted by the City
Manager. Council Members shall provide a copy of the proposed memo with to
the City Manager or appropriate senior staff and City Attorney prior to finalization.
Completed Council Colleagues Memos shall be provided to the City Clerk’s staff
by noon on the Tuesday 11 days prior to the Council meeting that the memo is
intended to be agendized, to provide time for the City Clerk to process for the
Council packet.
The City Council will not take action on the night that a Colleagues Memo is
introduced if it has any implications for staff resources or current work priorities
which are not addressed in the memo. The Council will discuss the Colleagues
Memo and refer it to a committee or then direct the City Manager to agendize the
matter for Council action within two meetings, allowing City staff time to prepare
a summary of staffing and resource impacts. Action may be taken immediately
by the Council on Colleagues Memos where there are no resource or staffing
implications or where these are fully outlined in the Colleagues Memo. The
Brown Act requires that the public be fully informed of the potential action by the
Council via when the Agenda is published, and in no event less than 72 hours
before a scheduled regular Council meeting. In order to satisfy the Brown Act
requirements, the Council should consult with the City Attorney to ensure that the
proposed title to the Colleagues Memo contains all actions that the Council
Members want completed on the night of the Council review.
N. Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements
The purpose of this agenda item is to allow Council to question staff briefly on
matters upon which Council has taken action or given direction, make general
comments as a reference to staff on factual matters of community concern, or
make brief announcements in a manner consistent with Government Code
section 54952.2. New assignments will not be given nor will major policy issues
be discussed or considered. To the extent possible, Council will confer with staff
before raising matters under this agenda item. This agenda item will generally
be limited to 15 minutes in length and the public may not speak to matters
discussed;
O. Closed Sessions
Special closed sessions will be scheduled before or after regular or special
Council meetings to the extent possible and appropriate. Closed sessions may
be scheduled during a regular or special Council meeting, but this is discouraged
by Council;
O. Adjournment
P. Rescheduling Agenda Items
When the Council is unable to complete its agenda the remaining business will
generally be rescheduled as follows. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to
supersede or conflict with state law.
1) Meeting Adjourned Sine Die Items Rescheduled to a Date Uncertain
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When a regular meeting is adjourned sine die (without a day), all unfinished
items will be listed under unfinished business on the next regular Council
meeting agenda; except, that where deemed necessary, the City Clerk, with
the City Manager's concurrence, may place those business items in a
different order on the agenda. When Council reschedules an item to a date
uncertain, the City Manager, Clerk and Mayor shall confer on an appropriate
date to reschedule the item.
2) Items Rescheduled to a Date Certain. Council may reschedule an item to a
specific future Council meeting.
3) Continued Items
When an item on the agenda is continued to a subsequent meeting, such
item will be listed under unfinished business on such agenda unless the
Council by majority vote chooses to place such item in a different location
on such agenda or unless the City Clerk, with the City Manager's
concurrence, deems it necessary to place such item at a different location
on such agenda.
Q. Adding New Items to the Agenda
No matters other than those on the agenda shall be finally acted upon by the
Council. However, emergency actions (as defined in Government Code section
54956.5) and matters upon which there is a lawful need to take immediate action
(as defined in Government Code section 54954.2) may, with the consent of two-
thirds, or all members present if less than two-thirds are present, be considered and
acted upon by the Council.
R. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the Mayor or City Council by providing a
minimum of 24-hours posted notice in the manner required by state law. To the
greatest extent possible, special meetings called for other than regular meeting
days should be scheduled by a majority of the Council present and voting at a
regular meeting.vi Unlike regular meetings, there are no circumstances that permit
the City Council to add new items to a special meeting agenda or notice.
S. Study Sessions
Study sessions are meetings or agenda items during which the Council receives
information about City business in an informal setting.
1) Time
Special study sessions will be held as needed.
2) No Formal Rules
Study sessions are intended to be conducive to in-depth factual
presentations by City staff and detailed questioning and brainstorming by
Council. The Council may discuss the material freely without following
formal rules of parliamentary procedure, and the Mayor shall have discretion
to determine the appropriate process for conducting the study session,
including when public comment and oral communications will be heard.
3) Public Participation.
The general rules of decorum apply.
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4) No Final Action
Staff may be directed to bring matters back for Council consideration at
future meetings, as no action can be taken.
T. Closed Sessions
Closed sessions are the only kind of Council meeting agenda item that the public
cannot observe. State law allows closed sessions to discuss pending litigation,
employment issues, real estate negotiations and certain other matters. To the
greatest extent possible, the City Attorney and City Clerk shall use standardized
agenda descriptions that are consistent with Government Code section 54954.5.
Closed sessions will be scheduled at the beginning or end of Council meetings to
the extent possible and appropriate. Closed sessions may be scheduled in the
middle of a regular or special Council meeting, but this is discouraged by Council;
The City Council will take a vote to go into Closed Session prior to a Closed
Session beginning.
1) Announcements Before Closed Sessions
The mayor Mayor/City Clerk shall announce the item or items to be
considered in closed session by reference to the appropriate agenda
number or letter, or in an alternate form that shall be provided by the City
Attorney.
2) Public Comments
Members of the public are permitted to make public comments on closed
session matters. The City Clerk shall be present in the open session to
record Council attendance and any statements made during oral
communications or by the Council.
3) Vote to Go Into Closed Session. The Council shall vote to go into closed
session.
4) Attendance
The City Manager and City Attorney, or their designees, shall attend closed
sessions unless it is necessary to excuse them. Only such additional staff
shall attend as are necessary and then only if the legal privileges of
confidentiality obtained in an executive session are not waived.
5) Public Reports
State Law and a Palo Alto initiative require the Council to make a public
report after a closed session when certain kinds of actions are taken.vii
Reports from closed sessions shall be made by the Mayor, the Vice Mayor
in the Mayor's absence, or such other City representative as designated by
the Council or its committees. Such designated person is the only individual
authorized to make public statements concerning the closed session.
It is the policy of the City Council to inform the public of action taken in
closed session to the greatest extent possible. It is recognized, however,
that the need for confidentiality is inherent in closed sessions and that
certain matters if revealed may be a detriment to the results desired. The
Council shall publicly report: (a) any decision to appoint, employ, or dismiss
a public employee and the roll call vote thereon at its next public meeting,
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(b) actions related to litigation and the roll call vote on such actions, unless
the report would, in the written opinion of the City Attorney for specifically
stated reasons, clearly jeopardize the city’s ability to effectuate service of
process on one or more unserved parties or impair the city’s ability to
resolve the matter through negotiation, mediation or other form of
settlement. Notwithstanding the City Attorney's written opinion, the Council
may under any circumstance, by majority vote, determine that it is in the
City's best interests to disclose actions taken in closed session related to
litigation. The public report shall be given as soon as possible, but no later
than the next regular meeting, and shall include the vote or abstention of
every member present. The City Attorney’s written opinion shall be made
public, along with any action taken and any vote thereon, as soon as any
litigation is concluded. The City Attorney shall record any action and vote
upon such forms as the City Attorney may deem desirable.
6) No Minutes
No minutes of closed sessions shall be kept. The City Attorney shall record
the information necessary to comply with state law and the Palo Alto
initiative.
7) Confidentiality
No person in attendance at a closed session may disclose the substance or
effect of any matter discussed during the session.viii
U. Motions, Debate & Voting
1) Policy
It is the policy of the Council to follow simplified rules of parliamentary
procedure for motions, debate and voting. These rules focus on the types
of motions the Council can debate and when those motions are properly
used.
2) Purpose
The purpose of these rules to facilitate orderly and thorough discussion and
debate of Council business. These rules shall not be applied or used to
create strategic advantage or unjust results.
3) Summary of Rules
Palo Alto does not follow Roberts Rules of Order. See the Summary Table
below.
V. Motions
A motion is a formal proposal by a Council Member asking that the Council take a
specified action. A motion must receive a second before the Council can consider
a matter. Matters returning to the Council with unanimous approval from a standing
committee will be introduced without a motion if directed by the committee. Motions
may be provided to the City Clerk in advance of the City Council meeting so that the
Clerk can efficiently post the motion on the screen for the convenience of the
community and Council Members.
1) Types of Motions
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There are two kinds of motions. These are the “main” motion and any
secondary motions. Only one main motion can be considered at a time.
2) Procedure:
• Get the Floor
A Council Member must receive the permission of the Mayor (or
other presiding officer) before making a motion.
• State the Motion
A motion is made by a Council Member (the “maker”) stating his or
her proposal. Longer proposals can be written and may be in the
form of a resolution.
• Second Required
Any other Council Member (including the presiding officer) who
supports the proposal (or who simply wishes it to be considered)
may “second” the motion without first being recognized. A motion to
raise a question of personal privilege does not require a second.
• Motion Restated
The Mayor should restate the motion for the record, particularly if it
is long or complex.
• Lack of a Second
If there is no second stated immediately, the Mayor should ask
whether there is a second. If no Council Member seconds the
motion the matter will not be considered.
• Discussion
The maker shall be the first Council Member recognized to speak on
the motion if it receives a second. Generally Council Members will
speak only once with respect to a motion. If the Mayor or Council
permits any Council Member to speak more than once on a motion,
all Council Members shall receive the same privilege.
• Secondary Motions
Secondary motions may be made by a Council Member upon
getting the floor.
• Action
After discussion is complete the Council will vote on the motion
under consideration.
3) Precedence of Motions
When a motion is before the Council, no new main motion shall be
entertained. The Council recognizes the following secondary motions which
may be considered while a main motion is pending. These motions shall
have precedence in the order listed below. This means that a secondary
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motion that is higher on the list will be considered ahead of a pending
secondary motion that is lower on the list:
• Fix the time to which to adjourn;
• Adjourn;
• Take a recess;
• Raise a question of privilege;
• Lay on the table;
• Previous question (close debate);
• Limit or extend limits of debate;
• Motion to continue to a certain time;
• Refer to committee;
• Amend or substitute;
4) Secondary Motions Defined
The purpose of the allowed secondary motions is summarized in the
following text and table.
• Fix the time to which to adjourn
This motion sets a time for continuation of the meeting. It requires a
second, is amendable and is debatable only as to the time to which
the meeting is adjourned.
• Adjourn
This motion ends the meeting or adjourns it to another time. It
requires a second and is not debatable except to set the time to
which the meeting is adjourned, if applicable. A motion to adjourn
shall be in order at any time, except as follows: (a) when repeated
without intervening business or discussion; (b) when made as an
interruption of a member while speaking; (c) when the previous
question has been ordered; and (d) while a vote is being taken.
• Take a recess
This motion interrupts the meeting temporarily. It is amendable, but
is not debatable.
• Raise a question of personal privilege
This motion allows a Council Member to address the Council on a
question of personal privilege and shall be limited to cases in which
the Council Member's integrity, character or motives are questioned,
or when the welfare of the Council is concerned. The maker of the
motion may interrupt another speaker if the presiding officer
recognizes the "privilege." The motion does not require a second, is
not amendable and is not debatable.
• Lay on the table
This motion is used to interrupt business for more urgent business.
A motion to lay on the table requires a second, is not amendable
and is not debatable. It shall preclude all amendments or debate of
the subject under consideration. If the motion prevails, and the
subject is tabled, the matter must be reagendized in the future if
further consideration is to be given to the matter.
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• Previous question
This motion “calls the question” by closing debate on the pending
motion. A motion for previous question requires a second, is not
debatable and is not amendable. It applies to all previous motions
on the subject unless otherwise specified by the maker of the
motion. If motion for previous question fails, debate is reopened; if
motion for previous question passes, then vote on the pending
motion. A motion for previous question requires a two-thirds vote of
those Council Members present and voting.
• Limit or extend debate
This motion limits or extends the time for the Council or any Council
Member to debate a motion. It requires a second, is amendable and
is not debatable. The motion requires a two-thirds vote of those
Council Members present and voting.
• Continue to a certain time
This motion continues a matter to another, specified time. It requires
a second, is amendable and is debatable as to propriety of
postponement and time set.
• Refer to a city agency, body, committee, board, commission or officer
This motion sends a subject to another city agency, body,
committee, board, commission or officer for further study and report
back to Council, at which time subject is fully debated. It requires a
second, is amendable, and is debatable only as to the propriety of
referring. The substance of the subject being referred shall not be
discussed at the time the motion to refer is made.
• Amend or substitute
This motion changes or reverses the main motion. It requires a
second, is amendable, and is debatable only when the motion to
which it applies is debatable. A motion to amend an amendment is
in order, but one to amend an amendment to an amendment is not.
An amendment modifying a motion is in order but an amendment
raising an independent question or one that is not germane to the
main motion shall not be in order. Amendments take precedence
over the main motion and the motion to postpone indefinitely.
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Motion Description 2nd
Required Debatable Amendable 2/3 Vote
Fix the time to which to
adjourn Sets a next date and time for continuation of the meeting X Only as to time to which
the meeting is adjourned X
Adjourn
Sets time to adjourn. Not in order if (a) repeated without
intervening business (b) made as an interruption of a
member while speaking; (c) the previous question has
been ordered; and (d) while a vote is being taken
X
Only to set the time to
which the meeting is
adjourned
Take a recess Purpose is to interrupt the meeting X X
Raise a question of privilege
Lay on the table Interrupts business for more urgent business X
Previous question (close
debate or “call the question”) Closes debate on pending motion X X
Limit or extend limits of
debate Purpose is to limit or extend debate X X X
Motion to continue to a
certain time Continues the matter to another, specified time X X X
Refer to committee
Sends subject to another city agency, body, committee,
board, commission or officer for further study and report
back to council, at which time subject is fully debated
X
Only as to propriety of
referring, not substance
of referral
X
Amend or substitute
Modifies (or reverses course of) proposed action. Cannot
raise independent question. Can amend an amendment,
but no further
X Only if underlying motion
is debatable X
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W. Debate and Voting
1) Presiding officer to state motion
The presiding officer shall assure that all motions are clearly stated before
allowing debate to begin. The presiding officer may restate the motion or may
direct the City Clerk to restate the motion before allowing debate to begin.
The presiding officer shall restate the motion or direct the City Clerk to restate
the motion prior to voting.
2) Presiding officer may debate and vote
The presiding officer may move, second and debate from the chair, subject
only to such limitations of debate as are by these rules imposed on all Council
Members. The presiding officer shall not be deprived of any of the rights and
privileges of a Council Member.
3) Division of question
If the question contains two or more divisible propositions, each of which is
capable of standing as a complete proposition if the others are removed, the
presiding officer may, and upon request of a member shall, divide the same.
The presiding officer's determination shall be appealable by any Council
Member.
4) Withdrawal of motion
A motion may not be withdrawn by the maker without the consent of the
Council Member seconding it.
5) Change of vote
Council Members may change their votes before the next item on the agenda
is called.
6) Voting
On the passage of every motion, the vote shall be taken by voice or roll call or
electronic voting device and entered in full upon the record.
7) Silence constitutes affirmative vote
Council Members who are silent during a voice vote shall have their vote
recorded as an affirmative vote, except when individual Council Members
have stated in advance that they will not be voting.
8) Failure to vote
It is the responsibility of every Council Member to vote unless disqualified for
cause accepted by the Council or by opinion of the City Attorney. No Council
Member can be compelled to vote.
9) Abstaining from vote
Council Members should only abstain if they are not sufficiently informed
about an item, e.g. when there was a prior hearing and they were unable to
view the prior meeting before the current meeting. In the event of an
abstention the abstainer in effect, "consents" that a majority of the quorum of
the Council Members present may act for him or her.
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10) Not participating
A Council Member who disqualifies him or herself pursuant to the Political
Reform Act of 1974 because of any financial interest shall disclose the nature
of the conflict and may not participate in the discussion or the vote. A Council
Member may otherwise disqualify him or herself due to personal bias or the
appearance of impropriety.
11) Tie votes
Tie votes may be reconsidered during the time permitted by these rules on
motion by any member of the Council voting aye or nay during the original
vote. Before a motion is made on the next item on the agenda, any member
of the Council may make a motion to continue the matter to another date.
Any continuance hereunder shall suspend the running of any time in which
action of the City Council is required by law. Nothing herein shall be
construed to prevent any Council Member from agendizing a matter that
resulted in a tie vote for a subsequent meeting.
12) Motion to reconsider
A motion to reconsider any action taken by the Council may be made only
during the meeting or adjourned meeting thereof when the action was taken.
A motion to reconsider requires a second, is debatable and is not amendable.
The motion must be made by one of the prevailing side, but may be seconded
by any Council Member. A motion to reconsider may be made at any time
and shall have precedence over all other motions, or while a Council Member
has the floor, providing that no vested rights are impaired. The purpose of
reconsideration is to bring back the matter for review. If a motion to
reconsider fails, it may not itself be reconsidered. Reconsideration may not
be moved more than once on the same motion. Nothing herein shall be
construed to prevent any Council Member from making a motion to rescind
such action at a subsequent meeting of the Council.
13) Appeal from the decision of presiding officer
When the rules are silent, the presiding officer shall decide all questions of
order, subject to appeal by a Council Member. When in doubt, the presiding
officer may submit the question to the Council, in which case a majority vote
shall prevail. Any decision or ruling of the presiding officer may be appealed
by request of any member. The presiding officer shall call for a roll call or
electronic voting device vote to determine if the presiding officer's ruling shall
be upheld. If said vote passes or results in a tie vote, the presiding officer's
ruling shall stand. If said vote fails, the decision or ruling of the presiding
officer is reversed.
14) Getting the floor; improper references to be avoided
Every Council Member desiring to speak shall address the chair and, upon
recognition by the presiding officer, every Council Member shall be confined
to the question under debate, avoiding all indecorous language and personal
attacks.
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15) Interruptions
Except for being called to order, a Council Member once recognized, shall not
be interrupted when speaking, except as otherwise provided for in these rules.
A Council Member called to order while speaking shall cease speaking until
the question or order is determined, and, if in order, said Council Member
shall be permitted to proceed.
X. Quasi-Judicial/Planned Community Hearings
Policy
It is the policy of the Council to assure that the due process rights of all persons are
protected during City hearings. A “quasi-judicial” hearing is a hearing that requires
a higher level of procedural due process because of the potential impact on life,
liberty or property. Usually, quasi-judicial/planned community hearings involve a
single parcel of land and apply facts and evidence in the context of existing law.
Findings must be stated to explain the evidentiary basis for the Council’s decision.
Purpose
These rules are intended to assure that City Council decision making on quasi-
judicial/planned community matters is based upon facts and evidence known to all
parties and to support the role of Boards and Commissions in making independent
recommendations to Council.
General Requirements
For purposes of this Section IV, a Quasi-Judicial or Planned Community
Development Project subject to these rules is a formulated plan to go forward with a
particular project or development.
1) Quasi-Judicial/Planned Community Proceedings Defined
Quasi-judicial/planned community proceedings subject to these procedural
rules include hearings involving the following matters:
• Conditional Use Permits
• Variances
• Home Improvement Exceptions
• Design Enhancement Exceptions
• Subdivisions, other than final map approvals
• Architectural Review
• Assessment protest hearings
• Other matters as determined by the City Attorney
• Appeals related to any of the above
• Environmental Review relating to any of the above
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2) Restrictions on Council Communications Outside of Quasi-Judicial and
Planned Community Zone Hearings
It is the policy of the Council to discourage the gathering and submission of
information by Council Members outside of any noticed public meeting, prior
to final recommendations by the Architectural Review Board or Planning &
Transportation Commission. The following procedural guidelines are intended
to implement this policy, but shall not be construed to create any remedy or
right of action.
3) Identification of Quasi-Judicial/Planned Community Matters
The City Attorney, in conjunction with the City Clerk and City Manager, will
identify agenda items involving quasi-judicial/planned community decisions on
both the tentative and regular Council agendas. This identification is intended
to inform the Council, interested parties, and the public that this policy will
apply to the item.
4) Council to Track Contacts
Council Members will use their best efforts to track contacts pertaining to such
identified quasi-judicial/planned community decision items. Contacts include
conversations, meetings, site visits, mailings, or presentations during which
substantial factual information about the item is gathered by or submitted to
the Council Member.
5) Disclosure
When the item is presented to the Council for hearing, Council Members will
disclose any contacts which have significantly influenced their preliminary
views or opinions about the item. The disclosure may be oral or written, and
should explain the substance of the contact so that other Council Members,
interested parties, and the public will have an opportunity to become apprised
of the factors influencing the Council's decision and to attempt to controvert or
rebut any such factor during the hearing. Disclosure alone will not be deemed
sufficient basis for a request to continue the item. A contact or the disclosure
of a contact shall not be deemed grounds for disqualification of a Council
Member from participation in a quasi-judicial/planned community decision
unless the Council Member determines that the nature of the contact is such
that it is not possible for the Council Member to reach an impartial decision on
the item.
6) No Contacts after Hearings
Following closure of the hearing, and prior to a final decision, Council
Members will refrain from any contacts pertaining to the item, other than
clarifying questions directed to City staff.
7) Written Findings Required
On any matter for which state law or City ordinance requires the preparation
of written findings, the staff report and other materials submitted on the matter
will contain findings proposed for adoption by the Council. Any motion directly
or impliedly rejecting the proposed findings must include a statement of
alternative or modified findings or a direction that the matter under
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consideration be continued for a reasonable period of time in order for staff to
prepare a new set of proposed findings consistent with the evidence which
has been presented and the decision which is anticipated.
8) Rules of Evidence
Council hearings need not be conducted according to formal rules of
evidence. Any relevant evidence may be considered if it is the sort of
evidence upon which responsible persons rely in the conduct of serious
affairs. The presiding officer may exclude irrelevant or redundant testimony
and may make such other rulings as may be necessary for the orderly
conduct of the proceedings while ensuring basic fairness and full
consideration of the issues involved. Evidentiary objections shall be deemed
waived unless made in a timely fashion before the Council.
9) Burden of Proof
The applicant and appellant shall bear the burden of proof on all aspects of
the action or relief they seek. The person with the burden of proof must offer
evidence to the Council to support his or her position.
10) Council Members Who are Absent During Part of a Hearing
A Council Member who is absent from any portion of a hearing conducted by
the Council may vote on the matter provided that he or she has watched or
listened to a video or radio broadcast, or video or audio recording, of the
entire portion of the hearing from which he or she was absent and if she or he
has examined all of the exhibits presented during the portion of the hearing
from which he or she was absent and states for the record before voting that
the Council Member deems himself or herself to be as familiar with the record
and with the evidence presented at the hearing as he or she would have been
had he or she personally attended the entire hearing.
11) Appeals
Appeals to the Council shall be conducted de novo, meaning that new
evidence and arguments may be presented and considered. All matters in
the record before any other City board, commission or official shall be part of
the record before the Council.
Y. Standing Committees
Policy
It is the policy of the Council to use standing committees in open and public
meetings to study City business in greater depth than what is possible in the time
allotted for Council meetings.
Purpose
These rules are intended to enhance public participation and committee meetings
so that the best possible decisions can be made for Palo Alto.
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General Requirements
Council standing committees shall be subject to the following procedural rules:
1) Quorum
A majority of the committee membership shall constitute a quorum.
2) Referrals
Only the Council or City Manager shall make referrals to the standing
committees. Referrals will generally be directed to only one of the standing
committees. Items may be withdrawn from the committee and taken up for
consideration by the Council at any Council meeting with the consent of a
majority of the Council, and subject to any applicable noticing or agenda
posting requirements. Council members who submit matters to the Council
which are referred to a standing committee may appear before the standing
committee to which the referral has been made in order to speak as
proponents of the matter. Standing committee meetings during which such
referrals may be considered shall be noticed as Council meetings for the
purpose of enabling the standing committee to discuss and consider the
matter with a quorum of the Council present.
3) Function of committees
The purpose and intent of committee meetings is to provide for more thorough
and detailed discussion and study of prospective or current Council agenda
items with a full and complete airing of all sentiments and expressions of
opinion on city problems by both the Council and the public, to the end that
Council action will be expedited. Actions of the committee shall be advisory
recommendations only.
4) Minutes
The City Clerk shall be responsible for the preparation and distribution to the
Council of the minutes of standing committee meetings. The minutes for
these meetings shall be sense Action minutes which reflect the motions made
during these meetings. The minutes shall be delivered to all Council
Members before the Council meeting at which the committee's
recommendations are to be discussed.
5) Report of committee
The minutes of each committee meeting shall serve as the report to the
Council. Any member may write a separate report.
6) Agenda
The chairperson of each standing committee shall work with staff to prepare
the agenda for committee meetings, the sequence of study being, within
reasonable limits of practicality, the same as the sequence of referral.
7) Public Participation
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Public comment on agenda items will be limited to a maximum of five
minutes per speaker, or any alternate time limit specified by the presiding
officer.
8) Conduct of standing committee meetings
The chairperson of each committee may conduct meetings with as much
informality as is consistent with Council procedural rules, which shall also be
in effect during committee meetings. The views of interested private citizens
may be heard in committee meetings, but in no case shall a committee
meeting be used as a substitute for public hearings required by law.
9) Oral Communications
Opportunities for oral communications shall be provided in the same
manner as Council meetings.
Z. Ad Hoc Committees and Committee as a Whole
Policy
The Council may use Ad Hoc Committees or the Committee as a Whole on a
limited basis where necessary to study City business in greater depth than what is
possible in the time allotted for Council and Standing Committee meetings.
Purpose
These rules are intended to clarify the distinctions between Standing, and Ad Hoc
Committees, and the Committee as a Whole and to set up guidelines for creation of
Ad Hoc Committees and the Committee as a Whole.
General Requirements
Council Ad Hoc Committees and the Committee as a Whole shall be subject to the
following procedural rules:
1) Definition of Ad Hoc Committee
An Ad Hoc Committee is an advisory committee composed solely of less than
a quorum of members of the Council. The work of an Ad Hoc Committee is
limited to a single finite purpose. By contrast, a Standing Committee has
continuing subject matter jurisdiction extending for a lengthy time period
and/or a meeting schedule fixed by charter, ordinance, resolution, or formal
action of the Council.
2) Definition of Committee as a Whole
A Committee as a Whole is a committee composed of the entire City Council.
The work of the Committee as a Whole is limited to a single finite purpose.
3) Brown Act
Ad Hoc Committees do not constitute legislative bodies and are not subject to
the requirements of the Brown Act. The Committee as a Whole is subject to
the Brown Act.
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4) Appointment
The Mayor or the City Council may appoint fourthree or lessfewer members of
the Council to serve on an Ad Hoc Committee. In contrast, only the Council
and not the Mayor alone can create a Standing Committee. The Mayor will
publicly announce any Ad Hoc Committee created by him or her, its
membership and stated purpose and postedthis information on the City
Council website. The City Manager shall prepare a report to Council about the
anticipated time commitment required for staff to assist the Ad Hoc
Committee.
5) Duration
Ad Hoc Committees are created for a finite period of time. If an Ad Hoc
Committee does not complete its task by the end of the calendar year, it shall
not continue unless reappointed by the new Mayor in the following year.
6) Members
Ad Hoc Committees shall consist of less than a quorum of Council members
only, and shall not include any other persons such as members of other
legislative bodies.
7) Reporting
Ad Hoc Committees shall report their recommendations to the Council no less
than once per quarter in writing or orally. Any Council Member may during
the COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND
ANNOUNCEMENTS request that an updated Ad Hoc Committee report be
placed on the next meeting’s agenda.
8) Termination of Ad Hoc Committee by Majority of Council
A majority of the Council may vote to terminate any Ad Hoc Committee
following placement of the issue on an agenda.
9) Conclusion
A public announcement shall be made any time the Ad Hoc Committee has
concluded its work and/or upon dissolution.
2.5 - Election of Mayor
Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.04.060 governs the election of the Mayor.
Nominations for Mayor may be made by any individual Council Member and do not
require a second.
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CITY COUNCIL PROTOCOLS
The handbook is organized into eight sections to serve as guidelines:
1) Core Responsibilities
2) Council Conduct
3) Other Procedural Issues
4) Policy & Services Committee – Role, Purpose & Work Planning
5) Enforcement
6) City Council Emails for Agenda-Related Items
7) City Council and Board and Commissions Policy for Travel and
Miscellaneous Expense Reimbursement, March 2006_______ 2020
8) City of Palo Alto Council Protocols Ethics Addendum
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SECTION 1 - CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
All members of the City Council, including those serving as Mayor and Vice Mayor, have
equal votes. No Council Member has more power than any other Council Member, and
all should be treated with equal respect.
All Council Members:
A. Demonstrate honesty and integrity in every action and statement
B. Comply with both the letter and spirit of the laws and policies affecting the
operation operations of government.
C. Serve as a model of leadership and civility to the community
D. Inspire public confidence in Palo Alto government
E. Work for the common good, not personal interest
F. Prepare in advance of Council meetings and be familiar with issues on the
agenda
G. Fully participate in City Council meetings and other public forums while
demonstrating respect, kindness, consideration, and courtesy to others
H. Participate in scheduled activities to increase Council effectiveness
I. Review Council procedures, such as these Council Protocols, at least annually
J. Represent the City at ceremonial functions at the request of the Mayor
K. Be responsible for the highest standards of respect, civility and honesty in
ensuring the effective maintenance of intergovernmental relations
L. Respect the proper roles of elected officials and City staff in ensuring open and
effective government
M. Provide contact information to the City Clerk in case an emergency or urgent
situation arises while the Council Member is out of town
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SECTION 2 - COUNCIL CONDUCT
Councils are composed of individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds, personalities,
values, opinions, and goals. Despite this diversity, all have chosen to serve in public
office in order to improve the quality of life in the community. In all cases, this common
goal should be acknowledged even as Council may "agree to disagree" on contentious
issues.
2.1 – Public Meetings
A. Use Formal Titles
The Council should refer to one another formally during Council meetings as
Mayor, Vice Mayor or Council Member followed by the individual’s last name.
B. Practice Civility and Decorum in Discussions and Debate.
Difficult questions, tough challenges to a particular point of view, and criticism
of ideas and information are legitimate elements of a free democracy in
action. Be respectful of diverse opinions.
C. Honor the Role of the Presiding Officer in Maintaining Order and Equity.
Respect the Chair's efforts to focus discussion on current agenda items.
Objections to the Chair's actions should be voiced politely and with reason,
following the parliamentary procedures outlined in the City Council
Procedural Rules.
D. Demonstrate Effective Problem-Solving Approaches.
Council Members have a public stage to show how individuals with disparate
points of view can find common ground and seek a compromise that benefits
the community as a whole. Council Members are role models for residents,
business people and other stakeholders involved in public debate.
E. Be Respectful of Other People's Time.
Stay focused and act efficiently during public meetings.
2.2 - Private Encounters
A. Treat Others as You Would Like to be Treated.
Ask yourself how you would like to be treated in similar circumstances, and
then treat the other person that way.
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2.3 – Council Conduct with City Staff
The key provisions on Council-staff relations found in section 2.04.170 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code:
“Neither the council nor any of its committees or members shall direct, request or
attempt to influence, either directly or indirectly, the appointment of any person to office
or employment by the city manager or in any manner interfere with the city manager or
prevent the city manager from exercising individual judgment in the appointment of
officers and employees in the administrative service. Except for the purpose of inquiry,
the council and its members shall deal with the administrative service solely through the
city manager, and neither the council nor any member thereof shall give orders to any of
the subordinates of the city manager, either publicly or privately.”
Governance of a City relies on the cooperative efforts of elected officials, who set policy,
and City Staff, which analyze problems and issues, make recommendations, and
implement and administer the Council’s policies. Therefore, every effort should be made
to be cooperative and show mutual respect for the contributions made by each individual
for the good of the community.
A. Treat All Staff as Professionals.
Clear, honest communication that respects the abilities, experience, and
dignity of each individual is expected. As with your Council colleagues,
practice civility and decorum in all interactions with City staff.
B. Channel Communications through the Appropriate Senior City Staff.
Questions of City staff should be directed only to the City Manager, Assistant
City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, Assistant City Clerk, City Auditor,
Senior Assistant City Attorneys, or Department Heads. The Office of the City
Manager should be copied on any request to Department Heads. Council
Members should not set up meetings with department staff directly, but work
through Department Heads, who will attend any meetings with Council
Members. When in doubt about what staff contact is appropriate, Council
Members should ask the City Manager for direction. However, nothing in
these protocols is intended to hinder the access Council-appointed liaisons
(e.g. to the San Francisquito JPA or NCPA) may require in order to fulfill their
unique responsibilities.
C. In Order to Facilitate Open Government, All Council Members Should Make
Decisions with the Same Information from Staff On Agendized or Soon-To-Be
Agendized Items (i.e. Items on The Tentative Agenda or in a Council
Committee).
D. Never Publicly Criticize an Individual Employee, Including Council-Appointed
Officers. Criticism is Differentiated From Questioning Facts or the Opinion of
Staff.
All critical comments about staff performance should only be made to the City
Manager through private correspondence or conversation. Comments about
staff in the office of the City Attorney, City Auditor or City Clerk should be
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made directly to these CAOs through private correspondence or
conversation.
E. Do Not Get Involved in Administrative Functions.
Avoid any staff interactions that may be construed as trying to shape staff
recommendations. Council Members shall refrain from coercing staff in
making recommendations to the Council as a whole.
F. Be Cautious in Representing City Positions on Issues.
Before sending correspondence related to a legislative position, check with
City staff to see if a position has already been determined. When
corresponding with representatives of other governments or constituents
remember to indicate if appropriate that the views you state are your own and
may not represent those of the full Council.
G. Do Not Attend Staff Meetings Unless Requested by Staff.
Even if the Council Member does not say anything, the Council Member’s
presence may imply support, show partiality, intimidate staff, or hampers
staff’s ability to do its job objectively.
H. Respect the “One Hour” Rule for Staff Work.
Requests for staff support should be made to the appropriate senior staff
member, according to the protocol for channeling communications. Any
request, which would require more than one hour of staff time to research a
problem or prepare a response, will need to be approved by the full council to
ensure that staff resources are allocated in accordance with overall council
priorities. Once notified that a request for information or staff support would
require more than one hour, the Council Member may request that the City
Manager place the request on an upcoming Council agenda.
I. Depend upon the Staff to Respond to Citizen Concerns and Complaints.
It is the role of Council Members to pass on concerns and complaints on
behalf of their constituents. It is not, however, appropriate to pressure staff to
solve a problem in a particular way. Refer citizen complaints to the
appropriate senior staff member, according to the protocol on channeling
communications. The senior staff member should respond according to the
Policy and Procedure for Responding to Customer Complaints. Senior staff
is responsible for making sure the Council Member knows how the complaint
was resolved.
J. Do Not Solicit Political Support from Staff.
The City Charter states that “Neither the city manager or any other person in
the employ of the city shall take part in securing or shall contribute any
money toward the nomination or election of any candidate for a municipal
office.” In addition, some professionals (e.g., City Manager and the Assistant
City Manager) have professional codes of ethics, which preclude politically
partisan activities or activities that give the appearance of political
partisanship.
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2.4 - Conduct with Palo Alto Boards and Commissions
The City has established several Boards and Commissions as a means of gathering
more community input. Citizens who serve on Boards and Commissions become more
involved in government and serve as advisors to the City Council. They are a valuable
resource to the City’s leadership and should be treated with appreciation and respect.
Council Members serve as liaisons to Boards and Commissions, according to
appointments made by the Mayor, and in this role are expected to represent the full
Council in providing guidance on Council processes or actions to the Board or
Commission. Refrain from speaking for the full Council on matters for which the full
council has not yet taken a policy position. In other instances, Council Members may
attend Board or Commission meetings as individuals, and should follow these protocols:
A. If Attending a Board or Commission Meeting, Identify Your Comments as
Personal Views or Opinions.
Council Members may attend any Board or Commission meeting, which are
always open to any member of the public. Any public comments by a Council
Member at a Board or Commission meeting, when that Council Member is
not the liaison to the Board or Commission should make a point to clearly
state it is an individual opinion and not a representation of the feelings of the
entire City Council.
B. Refrain from Lobbying Board and Commission Members.
It is inappropriate for a Council Member to contact a Board or Commission
member to lobby on behalf of an individual, business, or developer, or to
advocate a particular policy perspective. It is acceptable for Council Members
to contact Board or Commission members in order to clarify a position taken
by the Board or Commission.
C. Remember that Boards and Commissions are Advisory to the Council as a
Whole, not as Individual Council Members.
The City Council appoints individuals to serve on Boards and Commissions,
and it is the responsibility of Boards and Commissions to follow policy
established by the Council. Council Members should not feel they have the
power or right to unduly influence Board and Commission members. A Board
and Commission appointment should not be used as a political reward.
D. Concerns about an Individual Board or Commission Member Should be
Pursued with Tact.
If a Council Member has concerns with a particular Board or Commission
member fulfilling his or her roles and responsibilities and is comfortable in
talking with that individual privately, the Council Member should do so.
Alternatively, or if the problem is not resolved, the Council Member should
consult with the Mayor, who may address the issue to the Council as
appropriate.
E. Be Respectful of Diverse Opinions.
A primary role of Boards and Commissions is to represent many points of
view in the community and to provide the Council with advice based on a full
spectrum of concerns and perspectives. Council Members may have a closer
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working relationship with some individuals serving on Boards and
Commissions, but must be fair to and respectful of all citizens serving on
Boards and Commissions.
F. Keep Political Support Away from Public Forums.
Board and Commission members may offer political support to a Council
Member, but not in a public forum while conducting official duties.
Conversely, Council Members may support Board and Commission members
who are running for office, but not in an official forum in their capacity as a
Council Member.
G. Maintain an Active Liaison Relationship.
Appointed Council liaisons or alternates are encouraged to attend all
regularly scheduled meetings of their assigned Board or Commission.
2.5 - Staff Conduct with City Council
A. Respond to Council Questions as Fully and as Expeditiously as is Practical.
The protocol for staff time devoted to research and response is in application
here. If a Council Member forwards a complaint or service request to a
department head or a Council Appointed Officer, there will be follow-through
with the Council Member as to the outcome.
B. Respect the Role of Council Members as Policy Makers for the City.
Staff is expected to provide its best professional recommendations on issues.
Staff should not try to determine Council support for particular positions or
recommendations in order to craft recommendations. The Council must be
able to depend upon the staff to make independent recommendations. Staff
should provide information about alternatives to staff recommendations as
appropriate, as well as pros and cons for staff recommendations and
alternatives
C. Demonstrate Professionalism and Non-Partisanship in all Interactions with
the Community and in Public Meetings.
D. It is Important for the Staff to Demonstrate Respect for the Council at all
Times. All Council Members Should be Treated Equally.
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SECTION 3 - OTHER PROCEDURAL ISSUES
3.1 – Commit to Annual Review of Important Procedural Issues
At the beginning of each legislative year, the Council will hold a special meeting to
review the Council protocols, adopted procedures for meetings, the Brown Act, conflict
of interest, and other important procedural issues.
3.2 – Don’t Politicize Procedural Issues (e.g. Minutes Approval or Agenda
Order) for Strategic Purposes
3.3 – Submit Questions on Council Agenda Items Ahead of the Meeting
In order to focus the Council meetings on consideration of policy issues and to maintain
an open forum for public discussion, questions which focus on the policy aspects of
agenda items should be discussed at the Council meeting rather than in one-on-one
communications with staff prior to the meetings. Any clarifications or technical questions
that can be readily answered can be handled before the meeting. Council Members are
encouraged to submit their questions on agenda items to the appropriate Council
Appointed Officer or City Manager by 5:00 p.m. the Wednesday prior to the meeting. as
far in advance of the meeting as possible so that staff can be prepared to respond
before or at the Council meeting. More detailed procedures relating to agenda questions
can be found in the addendum to these protocols titled “Policy and Procedures for
Council E-mails for Agenda Related Items.”
3.4 - Submittal of Materials Directly to Council
If Council receives planning application materials related to agenda item matters they
will notify the City Clerk and the City Manager as soon as possible.
3.5 - Late Submittal of Correspondence or Other Information Related to
Planning Applications
In order to allow for adequate Staff review and analysis, and to ensure public access to
information, all plans, correspondence, and other documents supporting planning
applications being heard by the City Council must be submitted to staff not later than noon
five working days prior to the release of the Council Agenda Packet. If any correspondence
or other information is submitted after this deadline to Council Members or staff, and Staff
determines additional review is needed Staff will reschedule the item for a future Council
meeting. If a Council member receives planning application materials from a project
applicant he or she shall notify the City Clerk and the City Manager as soon as possible.
There are no restrictions on the rights of applicants or others to comment or respond to
information contained within the Staff Report. At the meeting the City Council may
determine whether to continue or refer the item to the appropriate Board and/or
Commission if significant changes to a project or significant new information become
known. Nothing in this statement is intended to restrict the rights of applicants or other
interested parties to respond to information contained in or attached to a Staff Report.
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*For all purposes, applicant also refers to applicant agent.
3.6 – Respect the Work of the Council Standing Committees
The purpose of the Council standing committees is to provide focused, in-depth
discussion of issues. Council should respect the work of the committees. If a matter is
taken forward to the full Council for approval and it receives a unanimous vote at
Committee, the item will be placed on the Consent Calendar unless otherwise
recommended by the Committee, Mayor or staff. , City Attorney or City Manager if any of
these entities believe the item is of significant public interest.
3.7 – The Mayor and Vice Mayor Should Work With Staff to Plan the Council
Meetings
There are three purposes to the pre-Council planning meeting: 1) to plan how the
meeting will be conducted; including review of approximate time allocation of staff report
presentations and to ensure adequate time for large complex items; 2) to identify any
issues or questions that may need greater staff preparation for the meeting; and 3) to
discuss future meetings. Consideration in building the agenda should be given to the
potential length of the meeting and at what point items of significant public concern may
be heard.
The purpose of the meeting is not to work on policy issues. Normally, only the Mayor
and Vice Mayor are expected to attend the pre-Council meetings with the City Manager
and other CAOs, and Department Managers. The Mayor and Vice Mayor’s role is to
represent the interest of the entire Council. Consideration in building the agenda should
be given to the potential length of the meeting and at what point items of significant
public concern may be heard.
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SECTION 4 - POLICY & SERVICES COMMITTEE – ROLE,
PURPOSE, & WORK PLANNING
The Municipal Code states that the role of the Council Policy & Services Committee is
to:
…consider and make recommendations on matters referred to it by the council
relating to parliamentary and administrative procedures and policy matters
pertaining to intergovernmental relations, personnel policies, planning and
zoning, traffic and parking, public work, and community and human services.
(§2.04.220)
In 2009 and 2010, the Council reviewed the purpose and structure of the Committee and
adopted recommendations on several items related to this. This section documents
these agreements related to the Committee.
Purpose Statement: The purpose of the Policy & Services Committee is to review and
identify important community issues and City policies and practices to ensure good
public policy.
The Committee shall consider and make recommendations to Council on matters
relating to parliamentary, and administrative protocols, procedures and policy matters.
SECTION 5 - ENFORCEMENT
Council Members have the primary responsibility to assure that these protocols are
understood and followed, so that the public can continue to have full confidence in the
integrity of government. As an expression of the standards of conduct expected by the
City for Council Members, the protocols are intended to be self-enforcing. They therefore
become most effective when members are thoroughly familiar with them and embrace
their provisions. For this reason, Council Members entering office shall sign a statement
affirming they have read and understood the Council protocols. In addition, the protocols
shall be annually reviewed by the Policy and Services Committee and updated as
necessary.
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SECTION 6 - CITY COUNCIL E-MAILS FOR AGENDA-RELATED
ITEMS
6.1 - Policy
The Council adopted protocols provide a framework for the policy on e-mail
communications between Council Members and Staff on agenda-related items, including
the following:
A. In order to facilitate open government, all Council Members should make
decisions with the same information from Staff on agendized or soon-to-be
agendized items (i.e. items on the tentative agenda or in a Council
Committee)
B. Submit questions on Council agenda items ahead of the meeting, In order to
focus the Council meetings on consideration of policy issues and to maintain
an open forum for public discussion, questions which focus on the policy
aspects of agenda items should be discussed at the Council meeting rather
than in one-on-one communications with Staff prior to the meetings. Any
clarifications or technical questions that can be readily answered can be
handled before the meeting. Council Members are encouraged to submit their
questions on agenda items to the appropriate Council Appointed Officer or
City Manager as far in advance of the meeting as possible so that Staff can
be prepared to respond at the Council meeting.
In its settlement agreement with the San Jose Mercury News of February 2003, the City
Council agreed to consider a policy under which the Council would waive any
deliberative or other privilege, other than attorney-client privilege, that it might assert with
regards to e-mails on agendized items. This policy and procedure implements that
agreement. The Council, in adopting this policy, does not waive attorney-client-privilege
or any other privilege associated with a closed session authorized under the Brown Act.
6.2 - Procedure
A. Council Members should direct any questions on staff reports to the City
Manager or designee. Questions on reports from the City Auditor, City
Attorney, or City Clerk should be directed to the appropriate Council
Appointed Officer. Council Members should not direct any questions on
agenda items to other members of the City Manager’s Staff or the Staff of the
other Council Appointed Officers.
B. Council Members will should submit questions on agenda items no later than
9 a.m. 5:00 p.m. on the Monday Wednesday prior to of the Council meeting
at which the item will be discussed. Staff will make best reasonable efforts to
post written responses to timely-submitted questions by Thursday 5:00 p.m.
Any questions received after that time 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday before
the meeting may be responded to via e-mail, or alternatively, will be
responded to at the Council meeting.
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C. Staff will not engage in “dialogues” with individual Council Members regarding
questions, i.e. follow-up questions to initial questions will be responded to at
the Council Meeting.
D. Staff will give highest priority to responding prior to the Council meeting via e-
mail only on items on the Consent Calendar. Questions which address the
policy aspects of the item on the Council agenda will not be responded to
prior to the meeting, although Staff welcomes such questions in advance of
the meeting in order to prepare for the Council and public discussion.
Technical and clarifying questions on non-Consent Calendar items will be
responded to as time permits.
E. If the Staff will be responding to a Council Members Consent Calendar
question at the meeting rather responding to the question via e-mail, Staff will
inform the Council Member as early as possible after receipt of the
question(s).
F. Questions and all Staff-prepared responses will be forwarded to all Council
Members as well as put up on the special web page created for public review
of Council agenda questions and Staff responses. Staff will include the name
of the Council Member posing the questions in the “subject” field of the e-mail
response.
G. Written copies of all Council Member agenda questions and Staff responses
will be at Council places at the meeting; additionally copies will be made
available in the Council Chambers for members of the public.
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SECTION 7 - CITY COUNCIL AND BOARDS AND COMMISSSIONS
POLICY FOR TRAVEL AND MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSE
REIMBURSEMENT, March 2006______ 2020
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
This policy is set by the City Council and applies to Council Members and to Board and
Commissions members, who will be referred to as “Officials” in the policy. In
reimbursing travel and miscellaneous expenses, a municipal purpose requiring the
expenditure of public funds must be in evidence; also, in accord with the Charter and
Municipal Code, such expenditures must be from authorized appropriations.
7.1 - Eligible Activities
The following activities (“Eligible Activities”) are recognized by the Council as advancing
municipal purposes and are eligible for expense reimbursement, subject to limitations on
activities and specific and total expenditures described elsewhere in this policy:
A. Communicating with representatives of regional, state and national
government on adopted city policy positions;
B. Attending educational seminars designed to improve officials’ skill and
information levels;
C. Participating in regional, state and national organizations whose activities
affect the city’s City’s interest;
D. In collaboration with city City staff, implementing a city-approved strategy for
attracting or retaining businesses to the city City.
All other expenditures require prior approval by the City Council at a regular or special
meeting.
7.2 - Out-of-Town Conferences or Meetings
A. Reimbursement
All payments for travel and meetings shall be on the basis of either
reimbursement of expenses advanced by the Council Member/Official or
payments made directly to travel agencies/websites, hotels, airlines or the
organization sponsoring the meeting. All requests for payments or
reimbursements must be accompanied by supporting vouchers, invoices or paid
detailed receipts and a copy of descriptive literature about the conference or
meeting. The City Clerk, Mayor or Chair for Officials must approve, in advance,
individual travel requests for out-of-town meetings and conferences, e.g., Annual
League of California Cities Conference, National League of Cities Conference,
etc., including Eligible Activates. [Beth has been approving travel] Allowable
expenses for local or Bay Area Eligible Activates do not require prior approval by
the Mayor or Chair.
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The total reimbursement shall not exceed the budget adopted by the Council for
this purpose.
All reimbursements shall comply with the limits of Policy and Procedures 1-02
(Citywide Travel Policy).
Expense reports should be submitted within 30 days of end of trip. Inability to
provide such documentation in a timely fashion may result in expense being
borne by the Council Member or Official.
B. Meals and Incidentals
Notwithstanding the preceding general policy regarding reimbursement, a
Council Member or Official may submit a payment request (supported by
conference literature) for advance payment of meals and incidentals allowance
according to the Internal Revenue Service authorized mileage reimbursement
rate and payment for meals and incidentals consistent with City Policy and
Procedures 1-02. If the amount advanced is exceeded, additional reimbursement
may be requested upon return from the meeting. Requests for additional
reimbursement must be supported by a detailed report and receipts for all meals
and incidentals. The Mayor shall pre-approve additional reimbursements, and if
the expenses are determined to be excessive, they may not be approved.
The City will provide a per diem (“per day”) allowance for meals and incidentals
to Council Members or Officials who are approved to travel overnight for official
City business. Council Members or Officials will receive a flat rate for meals and
will not be required to submit receipts.
The per diem rate varies and is dependent on the destination of travel. The rates
for the various travel destinations are available on the U.S. General Services
Administration website (http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877). When meals
are provided at an event, the value of that meal will be deducted from the daily
per diem rate. Travelers will receive 75% of the daily per diem amount on days
requiring transportation to and from the location (i.e., departure day and return
day) regardless of departure and arrival times. Meals provided on days of travel
shall be deducted at full-value.
Incidental Expenses
Incidental expenses related to City business shall be reimbursed at cost as
supported by submitted receipts. Incidental expenses may include hotel parking
charges, Internet connection services, and telephone charges.
The actual costs for parking will be reimbursed when approval to use a personal
vehicle or rental car is obtained in advance. Council Members or Officials should
use the lowest cost alternative for parking within a reasonable area from the
destination. Internet connection services purchased to conduct City business are
reimbursable. Other charges on the hotel bill, such as pay-TV movies, cleaning,
laundry, room service charges or charges for additional guests are not
reimbursable.
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C. Lodging Expense
Council Members or Officials shall select single occupancy, standard, non-deluxe
accommodations and should stay at hotels offering economical lodging rates.
When possible, travelers attending a conference or seminar should stay at
conference hotels, which offer a negotiated rate.
The City will not reimburse any cost related to the extension of a hotel stay
beyond the time necessary to complete the event. An out-of-state trip involving
cross-county travel may require hotel accommodations both before and after the
conference or training. Within California and adjoining states, an extra night’s
hotel stay should not be necessary if flight arrangements can be made the same
day.
The use of hotels is restricted to cities located beyond 50 miles (one-way) from
the City of Palo alto or the traveler’s residence (whichever is shortest). For
example, if the destination is Sacramento and you live in Palo Alto (118 miles) or
Oakland (81 miles), you would qualify for a hotel (and per diem for meals).
However, if you live in Vacaville (35 miles) or Lodi (36 miles) you would not
qualify for a hotel.
Reimbursements or payment of hotel bills will be limited to the highest group or
governmental rate available and will cover room charges, applicable taxes and
any other item listed in this policy for the Council Member or Official. Telephone
calls to Palo Alto City Hall may be made collect. Other charges on the bill such
as Expenses incurred for extra guests of the traveler and the like are not
reimbursable.
D. Transportation
• Air Transportation
Reimbursement or payment will be limited to economy class commercial
air carrier, or an available group travel rate if lower.
Council Members or Officials shall fly economy class on the lowest flight
available for the most direct route to the final destination, which could
reasonably include scheduled layovers. Council Members or Officials are
encouraged to make air reservations as early as feasible to obtain the
greatest discount and to consider the use of alternate but nearby airports
to take advantage of the lowest fares. Extension of the trip to cover a
weekend stay to obtain a lower airfare does not entitle the Council
Member or Official to be reimbursed for the extra day’s hotel costs or
meal expenses. Council Members or Officials may use City travel to
qualify for frequent flyer credits, but the selection of an airline for a given
trip shall not be made for the purpose of accumulating such credits.
Council Members or Officials that choose to use their personal frequent
flyer miles for City business shall not be reimbursed for the value of the
tickets. If the airline charges for all checked baggage, the City will cover
the cost for one checked bag only. Excess baggage charges are not
reimbursable.
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• Rental Cars
Rental cars shall be approved if other ground transportation, such as
shuttles or taxis, is more expensive during the stay at the destination.
Only economy or compact car models may be rented unless an upgrade
is provided by the rental agency at no additional cost. Because the City is
self-insured, Council Members or Officials should decline any additional
insurance offered by the rental company. Council Members or Officials
must also decline the Fuel Purchase Options (which allows for
prepayment of a gas tank refill) and shall refuel prior to returning the
rental car. Rental car options such as GPS devices and any other extra
optional charges are not reimbursable.
The use of a rental car, in lieu of a private auto, to travel to and from an
out of town event will be reimbursed either at the current IRS mileage rate
or the car rental cost apportioned for the number of days used for City
business, whichever is less.
• Private Automobiles
Private automobiles may be used for personal or group transportation on
extended trips. Reimbursement shall be made at the current IRS mileage
rate. The distance to be reimbursed shall be measured from the place of
work and from the employee’s home, and the calculated mileage
reimbursement shall be based upon which of the two distances is shorter.
established by the Internal Revenue Service authorized mileage
reimbursement rate consistent with the City Policy and Procedures 1-02.
Mileage reimbursement for private automobiles shall not exceed the cost
of round trip air transportation (economy class) for a reservation made at
least seven days in advance of the trip. and rental car, if applicable, or an
available group travel rate if lower.
• Rental Car
Economy level only when Council Member or Official has traveled by
airplane out of the Bay Area.
• Shuttle/Taxi
When traveling out of the area.
7.3 - Local or Bay Area Activities
Council Members or Officials who have been requested or designated to represent the
City may receive the actual cost of:
A. Meals, if they are a scheduled feature of the activity, e.g., SCCCA dinner
meetings.
B. Registration fees where applicable.
C. Mileage if activity is outside the City (mileage claims should be submitted
monthly, with details: date and type of meeting, number of miles traveled to be
indicated), consistent with City Policy and Procedures 1-02.
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D. Council Members and Officials may be reimbursed by the City for use of a private
bicycle to attend local or Bay Area activities outside the City of Palo Alto
consistent with City Policy and Procedures 2-9.
7.4 - Other Expenses
A. Airport parking fees, but Council Members and Officials must use long-term
parking for travel exceeding 24 hours.
B. Meal expenses and associated gratuities must be within the limits set in City
Policy and Procedures 1-02.
C. Telephone/Fax/Cellular expenses will be reimbursed for actual expense incurred
on City business.
D. Internet Fee up to $15 per day, if a Council Member or Official is traveling on
official business and needs access for City-related business.
E. Baggage Handling Fee up to $3 per bag will be reimbursed.
F. A. Ethics Training Expenses – AB1234 requires ethics training every two years
and such fee and related expenses are eligible for reimbursement.
7.5 - Activities Not Considered Reimbursable
A. Voluntary attendance at any conference or meeting, not representing the City.
B. Meetings of social or service organizations.
C. Meetings of voter groups or with individual citizens concerned with agenda items.
D. Election campaign activities.
E. Alcohol and entertainment expenses.
F. Personal portion of the trip and other non-mileage automobile expenses.
7.6 - Reports to Council
Council Members and Officials shall provide brief verbal reports on meetings attended at
the City’s expense at the next regular Council/Board/Commission meeting. If multiple
Officials attended, a joint report may be made. All related documents are subject to the
Public Records Act and can be periodically reviewed by auditors.
7.7 - Violation of This Policy
Use of public resources or falsifying expense reports is in violation of this policy and may
result in any or all of the following:
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A. Loss of reimbursement privileges
B. A demand for restitution to the City
C. The City reporting the expenses as income to the elected or appointed Official to
state and federal tax authorities
D. Civil penalties of up to $1000 per day and three times the value of the resources
used
E. Prosecution for misuse of public resources
7.8 - Mayor and Vice Mayor Additional Compensation
The Mayor shall receive $150 monthly and the Vice Mayor $100 monthly to defray
additional expenses of these offices.
7.10 - Support Services
The City Clerk’s Office makes travel arrangements for Council Members. This service
includes conference registration, hotel reservations, per diem advances and
reimbursement of unforeseen expenses. The department liaison for each board and
commission will be responsible for arrangements for Officials.
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CITY OF PALO ALTO COUNCIL PROTOCOLS ETHICS
ADDENDUM
The citizens, businesses and organizations of the city are entitled to have fair,
ethical and accountable local government, which has earned the public’s full
confidence for integrity.
To this end, the City Council has adopted Council Protocols and this Code of
Ethics for members of the City Council to assure public confidence in the integrity
of local government and its effective and fair operation.
A. Comply with Law
Members shall comply with the laws of the nation, the State of California and the
City in the performance of their public duties. These laws include but are not
limited to: the United States and California constitutions, the city Charter, laws
pertaining to conflicts of interest, election campaigns, financial disclosures,
employer responsibilities and open processes of governments and City
ordinances and policies.
B. Conduct of Members
The professional and personal conduct of members must be above reproach and
avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Members shall refrain from abusive
conduct, personal charges or verbal attacks upon the character or motives of
other members of the Council, boards and commissions, the staff or the public.
C. Respect for Process
Members shall perform their duties in accordance with the processes and rules of
order established by the City Council governing the deliberation of public policy
issues, meaningful involvement of the public and implementation of policy
decisions of the City Council by City staff.
D. Decisions Based on Merit
Members shall base their decisions on the merits and substance of the matter at
hand, rather than on unrelated considerations.
E. Conflict of Interest
In order to assure their independence and impartiality on behalf of the common
good, members shall not use their official positions to influence decisions in
which they have a material financial interest or where they have an
organizational responsibility or personal relationship, which may give the
appearance of a conflict of interest.
F. Gifts and Favors
It is contrary to the city of Palo Alto’s ethical standards for any council member to
accept gifts or gratuities from an individual, business, or organization doing
business, or seeking to do business, with the City or who is seeking permits or
other entitlements from the City.
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The acceptance of gifts can convey an appearance of favoritism and conflict of
interest. Gifts can be perceived as attempts to influence City operations or as
compensation for services rendered and can erode the public confidence in the
impartiality of decisions made by Council Members.
Council Members exercise good faith in carrying out this Protocol. It is
impossible to list every situation and fact pattern, so it anticipates that Council
Members will exercise their good judgment in determining whether the item is a
gift or not.
This policy is supplemental to the gift limitations of the Fair Political Practices
Commission’s Limitations and Restrictions on Gifts, Honoraria, Travel and Loans.
The following are not considered gifts under this Protocol:
• Gifts which the Council member returns (unused) to the donor, or for
which the Council Member reimburses the donor, within 30 days of
receipt.
• Gifts from a Council Member’s spouse, child, parent, grandparent,
grandchild, brother, sister, parent-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law,
aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or first cousin or the spouse of any such
person, unless he or she is acting as an agent or intermediary for another
person who is the true source of the gift.
• Minor gifts of hospitality involving food or drink, that the Council Member
receives in an individual’s home or at another location of business.
• Gifts approximately equal in value exchanged between the Council
Member and another individual on holidays, birthdays, or similar
occasions.
• Informational material provided to assist the Council member in the
performance of their official duties, including books, reports, pamphlets,
calendars, periodicals, videotapes, or free or discounted admission to
informational conferences or seminars.
• A bequest or inheritance.
• Campaign contributions.
• Personalized plaques and trophies with an individual value of less than
$250.
• Tickets to attend fundraisers for campaign committees or other
candidates, and tickets to fundraisers for organizations exempt from
taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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• Free admission, refreshments, and similar non-cash nominal benefits
provided to the Council Member at an event at which the Council Member
gives a speech, participates in a panel or seminar, or provides a similar
service. Transportation within California, and any necessary lodging and
subsistence provided directly in connection with the speech, panel,
seminar, or similar service, are also not considered gifts.
• Passes or Tickets which provide admission or access to facilities, goods,
services, or other benefits (either on onetime or repeat basis) that the
Council Member does not use and does not give to another person.
• Wedding gifts
• A prize or award received in a bona fide competition not related to official
status.
(These exceptions are paraphrased from FPPC publications.)
• Gifts from Sister Cities or other entities, other municipalities, if forwarded
to the City.
G. Confidential Information
Members shall respect the confidentiality of information concerning the property,
personnel or affairs of the City. They shall neither disclose confidential
information without proper legal authorization, nor use such information to
advance their personal, financial or other private interests.
H. Use of Public Resources
Members shall not use public resources, such as City staff time, equipment,
supplies or facilities, for private gain or personal purposes.
I. Representation of Private Interests
In keeping with their role as stewards of the public interest, members of Council
shall not appear on behalf of the private interests of third parties before the
Council or any other board, commission or proceeding of the City, nor shall
members of boards and commissions appear before their own bodies or before
the Council on behalf of the private interests of third parties on matters related to
the areas of service of their bodies.
J. Advocacy
Members shall represent the official policies or positions of the City Council,
board or commission to the best of their ability when designated as delegates for
this purpose. When presenting their individual opinions and positions, members
shall explicitly state they do not represent their body or the City, nor will they
allow the inference that they do.
K. Positive Work Place Environment
Members shall support the maintenance of a positive and constructive work
place environment for City employees and for citizens and businesses dealing
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with the City. Members shall recognize their special role in dealings with City
employees to in no way create the perception of inappropriate direction to staff.
i Palo Alto Municipal Code, § 2.04.080(b).
ii Palo Alto Municipal Code, § 2.04.120(c); 2.04.150(b)
iii Palo Alto Municipal Code, § 2.04.010(b).
iv Palo Alto Municipal Code, § 2.04.050(a).
v Palo Alto Municipal Code, § 2.04.070(c)
vi Palo Alto Municipal Code, § 2.04.020.
vii Palo Alto Municipal Code, § 2.04.030.
viii Palo Alto Municipal Code, § 2.04.040.