HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-07 City Council Agenda Packet
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City Council
Special Meeting
Monday, March 7, 2022
5:00 PM
Council Chambers
Amended Agenda
Amended Agenda items appear in RED
Pursuant to AB 361 Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the
option to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety
while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to
participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and
participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION
CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238)
Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900-6833
The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube at
https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media
Center at https://midpenmedia.org.
IN PERSON PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT:
• Provide Proof of Vaccination or negative COVID-19 test (taken within 48
hours) and a photo ID
• Masks are not required but are strongly encouraged
• Maintain social distancing
• If you cannot or do not wish to comply, you can still participate virtually
TIME ESTIMATES
Time estimates are provided as part of the Council's effort to manage its time at
Council meetings. Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change
at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Council reserves
the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or
to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after
the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time
at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public Comments will be accepted both in person and vi a Zoom meeting. All
requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation. Written
public comments can be submitted in advance to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org
and will be pr ovided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s
website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your
email subject line.
HEARINGS REQUIRED BY LAW
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Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for
public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
Applicants and/or appellants may have up to ten minutes at the outset of the public
discussion to make their remarks and up to three minutes for concluding remarks
after other members of the public have spoken.
CALL TO ORDER
CLOSED SESSION (5:00 - 6:30 PM)
1.CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS City Designated
Representatives: City Manager and his Designees Pursuant to Merit
System Rules and Regulations (Ed Shikada, Kiely Nose, Rumi Portillo,
Sandra Blanch, Nicholas Raisch, Tori Anthony, Molly Stump, and
Terence Howzell) Employee Organization: Service Employees
International Union, (SEIU) Local 521, Utilities Management and
Professional Association of Palo Alto (UMPAPA)Palo Alto Peace Officers’
Association (PAPOA), Palo Alto Police Management Association (PMA),
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) local 1319, Palo Alto
Fire Chiefs Association (FCA), Management and Professional
Employees (MGMT) ; Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6 (a)
SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY
2.Proclamation Honoring Robert S. Hoover Proclamation Added
STUDY SESSION (6:30 - 7:30 PM)
3.Joint Study Session with the Utilities Advisory Commission Regarding
SCAP Development and Implementation Late Packet Report
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT (7:30 - 7:50 PM)
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Council reserves the right to limit the d uration of
Oral Communications period to 30 minutes.
BREAK (7:50 - 8:00 PM)
CONSENT CALENDAR (8:00 - 8:10 PM)
Items will be voted on in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.
4.Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Use of Teleconferencing for
Council Meetings During Covid-19 State of Emergency
5.Adoption of a Resolution Amending the City’s 2020 Water Shortage
Contingency Plan in Compliance With the State Water Resources
Control Board’s January 4, 2022 Emergency Water ConservationPublic Comment
Presentation
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Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for
public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
Regulations and Implementing Stage I of Palo Alto’s Amended 2020
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
AA1. Discontinuation of Vaccination/Testing Checks at City Meetings
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (8:10 - 8:30 PM)
ACTION ITEMS
Include: Reports of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Reports of Officials,
Unfinished Business and Council Matters.
6.Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) recommends that Council
Direct Staff and the PRC to Assess and Conduct Public Outreach on a
new Community Gymnasium Project in Palo Alto (8:40 – 10:00 PM)
7.Colleague's Memo From Vice Mayor Kou and Mayor Burt: Recognizing
Key Dates to Advance Race and Equity (10:00 – 10:45 PM)
COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings
Policy & Services Committee March 8, 2022
Schedule of Meetings
Public Letters to Council
AMENDED AGENDA ITEMS
Items that have been added/modified from the original publication of the agenda are listed below. Any
corresponding materials are appended to the end of the initial packet. If full items have been added to the Agenda,
they will be denoted with a number staring with AA, meaning Amended Agenda item.
2.Proclamation Honoring Bob Hoover Proclamation Added
3.Joint Study Session with the Utilities Advisory Commission Regarding
SCAP Development and Implementation Late Packet Report
AA1. Discontinuation of Vaccination/Testing Checks at City Meetings
Public Comment
Presentation
Presentation
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Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for
public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via
email, teleconference, or by phone.
1.Written public comments may be submitted by email to
city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2.Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to
access a Zoom-based meeting. Please read the following instructions
carefully.
A.You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in-
browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current,
up-to-date browser: Chrome 30+, Firefox 27+, Microsoft Edge 12+,
Safari 7+. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers
including Internet Explorer.
B.You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request
that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will
be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.
C.When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The
Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be
notified shortly before they are called to speak.
D.When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted.
E.A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your
comments.
3.Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through
the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom
application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow the instructions B-E above.
4.Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed
below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so
we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and
last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you
have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and
time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900-6833
City of Palo Alto (ID # 14088)
City Council Staff Report
Meeting Date: 3/7/2022
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Title: Joint Study Session with the Utilities Advisory Commission Regarding
SCAP Development and Implementation
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Clerk
This report will be a late packet report and will be made available on March 10, 2022.
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City of Palo Alto (ID # 13930)
Office of the City Clerk
City Council CAO Report
Meeting Date: 3/7/2022
Title: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Use of Teleconferencing for
Council Meetings During Covid-19 State of Emergency
From: Mahealani AhYun, Deputy City Clerk
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution (Attachment A) authorizing the use of teleconferencing under
Government Code Section 54953(e) for meetings of the Council and its committees due
to the Covid-19 declared state of emergency.
Background
In February and March 2020, the state and the County declared a state of emergency
due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Both emergency declarations remain in effect.
On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed AB 361, a bill that amends the Brown
Act, effective October 1, 2021, to allow local policy bodies to continue to meet by
teleconferencing during a state of emergency without complying with restrictions in
State law that would otherwise apply, provided that the policy bodies make certain
findings at least once every 30 days.
AB 361, codified at California Government Code Section 54953(e), empowers
local policy bodies to convene by teleconferencing technology during a
proclaimed state of emergency under the State Emergency Services Act in any of
the following circumstances:
(A) The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of
emergency, and state or local officials have imposed or recommended
measures to promote social distancing.
(B) The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of
emergency for the purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether
as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present
imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
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(C) The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of
emergency and has determined, by majority vote, pursuant to
subparagraph (B) (B), that, as a result of the emergency, meeting in
person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of
attendees. (Gov. Code § 54953(e)(1).)
In addition, Section 54953(e)(3) requires that policy bodies using teleconferencing
reconsider the state of emergency within 30 days of the first teleconferenced meeting
after October 1, 2021, and at least every 30 days thereafter, and find that one of the
following circumstances exists:
1. The state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of
the members to meet safely in person.
2. State or local officials continue to impose or recommend
measures to promote social distancing.
Discussion
At this time, the circumstances in Section 54953(e)( 1)(A) exist. The Santa Clara
County Health Officer continues to recommend measures to promote outdoor activity,
physical distancing and other social distancing measures, such as masking, in certain
contexts. (See August 2, 2021 Order.) In addition, the California Department of
Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has
promulgated Section 3205 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations, which
requires most employers in California, including in the City, to train and instruct
employees about measures that can decrease the spread of COVID-19, including
physical distancing and other social distancing measures.
Accordingly, Section 54953(e)(1)(A) authorizes the City to continue using
teleconferencing for public meetings of its policy bodies, provided that any and all
members of the public who wish to address the body or its committees have an
opportunity to do so, and that the statutory and constitutional rights of parties and the
members of the public attending the meeting via teleconferencing are protected.
To comply with public health directives and promote public safety, Palo Alto policy
bodies have been meeting via teleconference since March 2020. On September 27,
2021, Council considered the format for future Council, committee, and Board and
Commission meetings. Council determined that beginning November 1, 2021, Council
meetings would be conducted using a hybrid format that allows Council Members
and the public to decide whether to attend in person, following masking and
distancing protocols, or participate via teleconference. Council directed that Council
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standing and ad-hoc committees and Boards and Commissions would continue
meeting via teleconference through January 2022.
Adoption of the Resolution at Attachment A will make the findings required by
Section 54953(e)(3) to allow the continued use of teleconferencing for Council
meetings (for those Council Members who elect to participate remotely) and for
Council standing and ad hoc committees. Each Board and Commission will consider
and make similar findings.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Attachment4.a: Attachment A: Resolution Allowing Hybrid In-Person and
Teleconferenced Meetings under Section 54953(e) (PDF)
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NOT YET APPROVED
Resolution No. ____
Resolution Making Findings to Allow Teleconferenced Meetings Under California Government
Code Section 54953(e)
R E C I T A L S
A. California Government Code Section 54953(e) empowers local policy bodies to convene
by teleconferencing technology during a proclaimed state of emergency under the State Emergency
Services Act so long as certain conditions are met; and
B. In March 2020, the Governor of the State of California proclaimed a state of emergency
in California in connection with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic, and that state
of emergency remains in effect; and
C. In February 2020, the Santa Clara County Director of Emergency Services and the
Santa Clara County Health Officer declared a local emergency, which declarations were
subsequently ratified and extended by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, and
those declarations also remain in effect; and
D. On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed AB 361, a bill that amends the Brown Act
to allow local policy bodies to continue to meet by teleconferencing during a state of emergency
without complying with restrictions in State law that would otherwise apply, provided that the
policy bodies make certain findings at least once every 30 days; and
E. While federal, State, and local health officials emphasize the critical importance of
vaccination and consistent mask-wearing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Santa Clara County
Health Officer has issued at least one order, on August 2, 2021 (available online at here), that continues
to recommend measures to promote outdoor activity, physical distancing and other social distancing
measures, such as masking, in certain contexts; and
F. The California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and
Health (“Cal/OSHA”) has promulgated Section 3205 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations,
which requires most employers in California, including in the City, to train and instruct employees
about measures that can decrease the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing and other
social distancing measures; and
G. The Palo Alto City Council has met remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and can
continue to do so in a manner that allows public participation and transparency while minimizing
health risks to members, staff, and the public that would be present with in-person meetings while
this emergency continues; now, therefore,
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NOT YET APPROVED
The Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows:
1. As described above, the State of California remains in a state of emergency due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. At this meeting, the Palo Alto City Council has considered the
circumstances of the state of emergency.
2. As described above, State and County officials continue to recommend measures
to promote physical distancing and other social distancing measures, in some
settings.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That for at least the next 30 days, meetings of the Palo Alto City
Council and its committees will occur in a hybrid format, where both members of the policy body
and members of the public may elect to be present in person, utilizing appropriate distancing and
masking practices, or participate by teleconferencing technology. Such meetings of the Palo Alto City
Council and its committees that occur using teleconferencing technology will provide an opportunity
for any and all members of the public who wish to address the body its committees and will
otherwise occur in a manner that protects the statutory and constitutional rights of parties and the
members of the public attending the meeting via teleconferencing; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City Clerk is directed to place a resolution substantially similar to this
resolution on the agenda of a future meeting of the Palo Alto City Council within the next 30 days. If
the Palo Alto City Council does not meet within the next 30 days, the City Clerk is directed to place a
such resolution on the agenda of the immediately following meeting of Palo Alto City Council.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
City Attorney City Manager
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City of Palo Alto (ID # 13843)
City Council Staff Report
Meeting Date: 3/7/2022
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Title: Adoption of a Resolution Amending the City’s 2020 Water Shortage
Contingency Plan in Compliance With the State Water Resources Control
Board’s January 4, 2022 Emergency Water Conservation Regulations and
Implementing Stage I of Palo Alto’s Amended 2 020 Water Shortage
Contingency Plan
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Utilities
Recommended Motion
Staff recommends the Council adopt a Resolution amending the City’s 2020 Water
Shortage Contingency Plan in compliance with the State Water Resource Control
Board’s January 4, 2022 Emergency Water Conservation Regulations and implementing
the water use restrictions in Stage I of Palo Alto’s Amended 2020 Water Shortage
Contingency Plan.
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Council adopt a Resolution (Attachment A) amending the City’s
2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan (Linked Document) and shown in redline
(Linked Document) in compliance with the State Water Resource Control Board’s
January 4, 2022 Emergency Water Conservation Regulations (Linked Document); and
implementing the water use restrictions in Stage I of Palo Alto’s A mended 2020 Water
Shortage Contingency Plan.
Executive Summary
California’s drought is ongoing and the City of Palo Alto’s (Palo Alto) water supplier, the
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), declared a local water shortage
emergency by Resolution No. 21-0177 on November 23, 2021 calling for voluntary
systemwide 10% water use reductions. The SFPUC serves retail customers in San
Francisco as well as Palo Alto and 25 other customers (Wholesale Customers) in the Bay
Area. Wholesale Customers’ collective voluntary water purchase cutback level is 13.7%
from fiscal year (FY) 2019-2020 levels. Each Wholesale Customer has its own requested
cutback level and Palo Alto’s voluntary water purchase cutback level is 7.96%. Palo
Alto’s 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan (2020 WSCP) includes six stages of water
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shortage. Stage I is designed for cutbacks up to 10% and is the appropriate stage to
implement.
On January 4, 2022, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) adopted an
Emergency Water Conservation Regulation (January 4, 2022 Emergency Regulation)
prohibiting certain wasteful water uses in order to preserve urban water supplies. Most
of these wasteful water uses are already prohibited in Palo Alto by the eight permanent
water use restrictions in Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) 12.32.010. However, three of
the prohibitions in the January 4, 2022 Emergency Regulation are not included in Palo
Alto’s permanent water use restrictions. To comply with the January 4, 2022 Emergency
Regulation, staff recommends adding the three requirements to Stage I of Palo Alto’s
2020 WSCP and implementing the water use restrictions in Stage I. The three additional
restrictions are:
1) Prohibiting the application of potable water to hardscapes (except when
health and safety are at risk); and
2) Prohibiting the application of water to irrigate turf and ornamental landscapes
during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall of at least one fourth of
one inch of rain; and
3) Prohibiting the use of potable water for irrigation of ornamental turf on public
street medians.
The attached resolution amends the City’s 2020 WSCP in compliance with the January
4, 2022 Emergency Regulation and implements the water use restrictions in Stage I of
Palo Alto’s Amended 2020 WSCP. This action is consistent with the SFPUC’s request for
voluntary water use reductions and the State Board’s January 4, 2022 Emergency
Regulation.
Background
On April 21, May 10, July 8, 2021, and October 19, 2021 Governor Newsom issued
proclamations declaring a drought emergency in all of the state’s 58 counties. On July
8, 2021 Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N -10-21 calling on all Californians to
voluntarily reduce water use 15% from 2020 levels. Governor Newsom’s October 19,
2021 proclamation stated that the State Board may adopt emergency regulations, as it
deems necessary, to supplement voluntary conservation by prohibiting certain wasteful
water practices including:
a. The use of potable water for washing sidewalks, driveways, buildings, structures,
patios, parking lots, or other hard-surfaced areas, except in cases where health
and safety are at risk.
b. The use of potable water that results in flooding or runoff in gutters or streets.
c. The use of potable water, except with the use of a positive shut-off nozzle, for
the individual private washing of motor vehicles.
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d. The use of water to irrigate turf and ornamental landscapes during and within 48
hours after measurable rainfall of at least one-fourth of one inch of rain.
e. The use of potable water for irrigation of ornamental turf on public street
medians.
f. The use of potable water for street cleaning or construction purposes, unless no
other source of water or other method can be used or if necessary, to protect
the health and safety of the public.
g. The use of potable water for decorative fountains or the filling or topping-off of
decorative lakes or ponds, with exceptions for those decorative fountains, lakes,
or ponds which utilize recycled water.
On January 4, 2022, the State Board found that an emergency exists due to severe
drought conditions and adopted an emergency regulation prohibiting certain wasteful
water uses in order to preserve urban water supplies. Table 1 summarizes the
prohibitions.
On November 23, 2021, the SFPUC declared a local water shortage emergency by
Resolution No. 21-0177, per the California Water Code and called for voluntary
systemwide 10% water use reduction. In accordance with the Water Supply
Agreement1 Water Shortage Allocation Plan, SFPUC determined that 64% of the
available water supply is allocated to wholesale customers.2 The total water available to
Wholesale Customers during Calendar Year 2022 is 113.7 million gallons per day
(MGD), which represents a 13.7% cutback from Wholesale Customers’ collective usage
of 131.8 MGD during FY 2019-2020.3 The Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation
Agency (BAWSCA) determined through the use of the “Tier 2 Drought Implementation
Plan”4 that Palo Alto’s water purchase cutback is 7.96% from FY 2019 -2020 levels.5
SFPUC, Palo Alto and the other Wholesale Customers will make good faith efforts to
reduce their water purchases to stay within their annual shortage allocations and
associated monthly water use budgets. Palo Alto will receive a monthly report from
SFPUC reflecting Palo Alto’s water usage compared to the monthly water budget
beginning in February 2022 for the month of January 2022. During voluntary rationing,
SFPUC will not impose excess use charges.
1 Attachment H of the 2018 Amended and Restated Water Supply Agreement.
2 November 30, 2021 letter from SFPUC to BAWSCA titled “2021 Water Shortage Emergency Declaration.”
3 Attachment to January 3, 2022 letter from SFPUC to Wholesale Customers titled “2021 Declaration of Water
Shortage – Final Emergency Monthly Water Budgets.”
4 The Wholesale Customers have negotiated and adopted the Tier Two Drought Implementation Plan (Tier Two),
which allocates the collective Wholesale Customer share among each of the 26 Wholesale Customers. Tier Two is
implemented when RWS shortages are between 10% and 20%. Tier Two allocations are based on a formula that
takes into account multiple factors for each Wholesale Customer including Individual Supply Guarantee, seasonal
use of all available water supplies, and residential per capita use.
5 In accordance with Attachment H of the 2018 Amended and Restated Water Supply Agreement, SFPUC provided
monthly water budgets for the calendar year 2022 totaling 4,379,585 CCF, which is an 7.96% cutback from Palo
Alto’s FY 2019-2020 water purchases of 4,757,199 CCF.
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Discussion
Palo Alto maintains eight permanent water use restrictions in the municipal code
(12.32.010) that prohibit the following uses of water:
(a) Potable water shall not be allowed to flood or run off
into gutters: driveways, sidewalks, streets or other
unlandscaped areas.
(b) By means of a hose to wash cars, boats, trailer s,
buses or other vehicles or to wash sidewalks, building
structures, other hard-surfaced areas or parts thereof
without an operating automatic shut-off valve. Use of a hose
for such purposes should be avoided whenever possible.
(c) Potable water for consolidation of backfill and other
nondomestic uses in construction shall not be used if other
water sources such as reclaimed water are available, as
determined by the director of utilities or his or her designee.
Applicants for hydrant permits from the city of Palo Alto shall
be deemed to have consented to restrictions on water use
which may be imposed by the director of utilities or his or
her designee.
(d) Any broken or defective plumbing, sprinklers,
watering or irrigation systems which permit the escape or
leakage of water shall be repaired or replaced as soon as
possible, but no later than the date established by the
director of utilities, or his or her designee, as reasonable
after observation of the broken or defective system.
(e) The irrigation of turf or ornamental landscapes, which
serve purely decorative purposes, and are distinguished from
trees, edible gardens or landscapes that provide more than a
purely aesthetic function, with potable water shall not be
allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., except via hand
watering with a bucket or a hose with an operating shut-off
valve.
(f) The use of potable water in a fountain or other
decorative water feature is prohibited, except where the
water is part of a recirculating system.
(g) The use of potable water for street sweepers and
washers is prohibited if non-potable water is available, as
determined by the Director of Utilities, or his or her
designee.
(h) Commercial car washes must use recycled water
systems, if recycled water is available, as determined by the
Director of Utilities, or his or her designee, and economically
feasible.
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City of Palo Alto Page 5
Additionally, Palo Alto has a plan to achieve various levels of water use reduction. This
2020 WSCP was approved by Council on June 7, 2021 (Resolution 9965). The 2020
WSCP includes six stages of water shortage and includes a suite of water use
restrictions available for Council’s consideration in droughts. Stage I – “Minimum Water
Supply Shortage” of the 2020 WSCP applies when target water sa vings are in the range
of up to 10%. This stage includes ongoing informational outreach and audit programs
on water saving information.
Staff recommends revising the 2020 WSCP to include all the prohibitions in the State
Board’s January 4, 2022 Emergency Regulation and implementing all of the provisions
in the revised Stage I The additional restrictions are:
1) Prohibiting the application of potable water to hardscapes (except for health
and safety); and
2) Prohibiting the application of water to irrigate turf and ornamental landscapes
during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall of at least one fourth of
one inch of rain; and
3) Prohibiting the use of potable water for irrigation of ornamental turf on public
street medians.
The State Board has expressed an intent to allow communities to continue to irrigate
trees on public street medians, in recognition of the social and environmental benefits
trees provide.6 Palo Alto plans to ensure tree health while implementing the prohibition
on the use of potable water for irrigation of ornamental turf on public street medians by
turning off sprinklers that are located away from trees. While there are two medians in
Palo Alto with both trees and turf (Forest Avenue island and Oregon Expressway
between Cowper and Greer), only the Oregon Expressway median includes ornamental
turf. That median is located on county land that is maintained by Palo Alto. The Forest
Avenue island turf is not ornamental because it is used for recreation purposes.
Table 1 compares the prohibitions in the January 4, 2022 Emergency Regulations with
Palo Alto’s existing and proposed water use regulations.
6 See California Water Boards Fact Sheet; Drought Conservation Emergency Regulation – January 2022: Frequently
Asked Questions; available at
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/conservation_portal/regs/docs/20220118 -faq-
emergency-regulations-january-2022.pdf .
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Table 1 Comparison of Water Waste Prohibitions in the January 4, 2022
Emergency Regulation and the City of Palo Alto’s Existing and Proposed
Water Use Restrictions at Stage I
Prohibitions in January 2022 State
Board Emergency Regulations
City of Palo Alto’s Existing and
Proposed Water Use Restrictions
Section 995, Subdivision (b)(1)(A) prohibits
the application of potable water to outdoor
landscapes in a manner that causes more
than incidental runoff such that water flows
onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas,
private and public walkways, roadways,
parking lots, or structures.
Permanent water use restriction: Palo Alto
Municipal Code (PAMC) Section 12.32.010 (a)
“Potable water shall not be allowed to flood
or run off into gutters: driveways, sidewalks,
streets or other unlandscaped areas.”
Section 995, Subdivision (b)(1)(B) prohibits
the use of a hose that dispenses water to
wash a motor vehicle, except where the hose
is fitted with a shut-off nozzle or device
attached to it that causes it to cease
dispensing water immediately when not in
use.
Permanent water use restriction: PAMC
Section 12.32.010 (b) “By means of a hose to
wash cars, boats, trailers, buses or other
vehicles or to wash sidewalks, building
structures, other hard-surfaced areas or parts
thereof without an operating automatic shut-
off valve. Use of a hose for such purposes
should be avoided whenever possible.”
Section 995, Subdivision (b)(1)(C) prohibits
the use of potable water for washing
sidewalks, driveways, buildings, structures,
patios, parking lots, or other hard surfaced
areas, except in cases where health and
safety are at risk.
Listed in the 2020 WSCP Stage II as an
additional restriction available for Council’s
consideration in droughts or other water
supply shortages: “(t)he application of
potable water to driveways and sidewalks
is prohibited, except where necessary to
address an immediate health and safety
need or to comply with a term or
condition in a permit issued by a state or
federal agency.” Staff proposes adding each
of the hardscapes listed in the Regulation as
well as moving this to Stage I as an
additional restriction in compliance with State
Board’s January 4, 2022 Emergency
Regulation. The restriction would now read
“(t)he application of potable water to
driveways, and sidewalks, buildings,
structures, patios, parking lots, or
other hard surfaced areas is
prohibited, except where necessary to
address an immediate health and safety
need or to comply with a term or
condition in a permit issued by a state or
federal agency.”
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Prohibitions in January 2022 State
Board Emergency Regulations
City of Palo Alto’s Existing and
Proposed Water Use Restrictions
Section 995, Subdivision (b)(1)(D) prohibits
the use of potable water for street cleaning
or construction site preparation purposes,
unless no other method can be used or as
needed to protect the health and safety of
the public.
Permanent water use restriction PAMC
Section 12.32.010 (c) “Potable water for
consolidation of backfill and other
nondomestic uses in construction shall not be
used if other water sources such as reclaimed
water are available, as determined by the
director of utilities or his or her designee.
Applicants for hydrant permits from the city
of Palo Alto shall be deemed to have
consented to restrictions on water use which
may be imposed by the director of utilities or
his or her designee”; and (g) “The use of
potable water for street sweepers and
washers is prohibited if non-potable water is
available, as determined by the Director of
Utilities, or his or her designee.”
Section 995, Subdivision (b)(1)(F) prohibits
the application of water to irrigate turf and
ornamental landscapes during and within 48
hours after measurable rainfall of at least one
fourth of one inch of rain. In determining
whether measurable rainfall of at least fourth
of one inch of rain occurred in a given area,
enforcement may be based on records of the
National Weather Service, the closest CIMIS
station to the parcel, or any other reliable
source of rainfall data available to the entity
undertaking enforcement of this subdivision
Listed in the 2020 WSCP Stage II as an
additional restriction available for Council’s
consideration in droughts or other water
supply shortages. Staff proposed moving this
to Stage I as an additional restriction in
compliance with State Board’s January 4,
2022 Emergency Regulations and add one
fourth of one inch of rain requirement.
Section 995, Subdivision (b)(1)(G) prohibits
the use of potable water for irrigation of
ornamental turf on public street medians.
New restriction not listed in the WSCP. Add
as a Stage I restriction in compliance with the
State Board’s January 4, 2022 Emergency
Regulations
Section 995(c) of the State Board’s January 4, 2022 Emergency Regulation prohibits
homeowners’ associations, community service organizations, and similar entities from
imposing or threatening to impose penalties for reducing watering of lawns or from
requiring owners to reverse or remove landscaping measures in response to a declared
drought emergency. Palo Alto added a description of this requirement on its website to
assist with communicating this requirement to community members.
Similarly, Section 995(d) of the State Board’s January 4, 2022 Emergency Regulation
prohibits any city, county, or city and county, from imposing a fine under any local
maintenance ordinance or other relevant ordinance as prohibited by section 8627.7 of
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City of Palo Alto Page 8
the Government Code. Palo Alto staff have communicated across departments that any
fines under any local maintenance ordinances are prohibited.
Enforcement
While Section 995(e) of the Emergency Regulation permits local agencies to impose
fines for non-compliance, the Board encourages local agencies to consider alternatives
as well. As such, Palo Alto will continue to focus on education and outreach and
providing resources to eliminate water waste and achieve efficient water use. Palo Alto’s
enforcement of the restrictions and requirements outlined in Stage I of the amended
2020 WSCP shall follow the education-based process outlined in Resolution 9460
(Attachment E).
Although efforts are currently focused on educating customers, a variety of
enforcement options remain available for violations of any of the City’s water use
restrictions in the City’s Municipal Code and Utilities Rules and Regulations including the
installation of flow restrictors and termination of service. The following process whe n
addressing violations of the City’s existing water use restrictions and SWRCB regulations
will continue prior to the more drastic options listed above:
• 1st Violation: Doorhanger/Email/Phone call to customer
• 2nd Violation: Doorhanger/Email/Phone call to customer
• 3rd Violation: Certified letter from the Utility Director notifying customer of
violation and potential future fines
• 4th Violation: Fines
The steps outlined above recognize that most violations occur because customers are
unaware of the prohibitions. The notification process accounts for normal occurrences
(i.e., vacation) and provides reasonable notice and an opportunity for customers to
mitigate the problem. The ultimate goal will remain reduced water waste.
Water waste is prohibited in Palo Alto and may be reported via email
(drought@cityofpaloalto.org), by leaving a voicemail (650) 496-6968 or via Palo Alto
311.
Timeline
SFPUC’s 10% voluntary system-wide water use reductions are in effect until the SFPUC
lifts the water shortage emergency. The State Board’s January 4, 2022 Emergency
Regulations are expected to become effective on or about January 15, 2022 when filed
with the Secretary of State by the Office of Administrative Law. The regulation will
remain in effect for one year from the effective date, unless the State Board determines
it is no longer necessary, modifies it, or renews the regulation.
Following Council approval, staff will coordinate to ensure that all involved staff (e.g.,
Utilities, Public Works, Development Services, Community Services, and Fire) are
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City of Palo Alto Page 9
informed of the additional water use restrictions. The term of the City’s Resolution will
remain in effect while the State Board’s Emergency Regulation is effective, which is
expected to be for one year from the effective date, and/or while the SFPUC’s declared
water shortage emergency is in effect, or as directed by Council. When the SFPUC lifts
the water shortage emergency or a higher stage of conservation is needed from the
City’s 2020 WSCP, or if the State Board determines that the January 4, 2022 Emergency
Regulation is no longer necessary, modifies it, or renews the regulation, staff may
return to the City Council to implement a higher stage of the City’s Amended 2020
WSCP or make further modifications, as necessary.
Resource Impact
The Stage I outreach and water use restrictions described above and included in the
attached resolution will be accomplished within existing staff resources.
Environmental Review
Council’s adoption of the proposed resolution amending the City’s 2020 Water Shortage
Contingency Plan does not constitute a project under the California Environmental
Quality Act and California Water Code Section 10652, and no environmental assessment
is required.
Attachments:
• Attachment5.a: Attachment E: Resolution 9460 Establishing Enforcement Process
for Violations of the Three Outdoor Water Use Restrictions
• Attachment5.b: Attachment A: Resolution Amending the City’s 2020 Water
Shortage Contingency Plan
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Attachment E
Resolution No. 9460
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Establishing the
Enforcement Process For Violations of the Three Outdoor Water Use
Restrictions Adopted by Council on August 4, 2014 (Resolution 9449)
RECITALS
A. On January 17, 2014, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued Proclamation No. 1-17-
2014 declaring a State of Emergency to exist in California due to severe drought conditions and
calling on Californians to reduce their water usage by 20 percent.
B. On April 25, 2014, the Governor issued an Executive Order to strengthen the state's
ability to manage water and directed the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) under its
authority in California Water Code Section 1058.5 to adopt emergency regulations as it deems
necessary to address water shortage conditions.
C. On July 15, 2014, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted California Code
of Regulations, Title 23, Sections 863, 864, and 865, emergency regulations finding a drought
emergency in California and imposing water conservation measures on individuals and water
suppliers.
D. On August 4, the City Council adopted Resolution 9449, implementing outdoor
water use restrictions in compliance with the SWRCB emergency directive.
E. The City has implemented an education-based compliance plan and is working with
customers to fully comply with the SWRCB water use restrictions.
F. Chapter 12 of City's Municipal Code, City Utilities Rule and Regulation 21, and the
Council-approved Urban Water Management Plan include a variety of tools to encourage
responsible management of the City's water resources.
G. Violations of the City's water use restrictions codified in Chapter 12.32 of the Palo
Alto Municipal Code, are enforceable as misdemeanors, infractions, administrative penalties, or via
the written warning and flow restrictor process outlined in Municipal Code Section 12.32.020(a)
through (f).
H. Violations of the City's Utilities Rules and Regulations prohibiting water waste,
codified in Rule and Regulation 21, are also enforceable via administrative citations of $500 per day.
I. Violations of the State's emergency water use regulations are enforceable by fines
of up to $500 per day, under California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Section 864(b).
J.-The City wishes to establish an enforcement procedure for violations of the three
water use restrictions adopted by Resolution 9449 (Exhibit A), by directing staff to first attempt to
achieve compliance via educational outreach, followed by the issuance of fines of $100 per violation
per day for willful or repeated violations.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows:
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SECTION 1. Findings:
A. Article 10, Section 2 of the California Constitution declares that waters of the State
are to be put to beneficial use, that waste, unreasonable use, or unreasonable method of use of
water be prevented, and that water be conserved for the public welfare.
B. Governor Brown issued emergency water shortage declarations on January 17 and
April 25, 2014, and conservation of current water supplies and minimization of the effects of water
supply shortages that are the result of drought are essential to the public health, safety and
welfare.
C. City regulation of the time and manner of certain water use, design of rates,
method of application of water for certain uses, and establishment of enforcement procedures for
violations of water use restrictions are an effective and immediately available means of conserving
water, and is authorized by Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 12.20.010.
SECTION 2. Violations of the following Council-adopted outdoor water use restrictions
(Resolution 9449) are punishable by fines of $100 per violation:
a. No outdoor irrigation of ornamental landscapes or turf with potable water is
permitted between the hours of 10am and 6pm, except for drip irrigation, soaker
hoses and hand watering;
b. The application of potable water to driveways and sidewalks is prohibited, except
where necessary to address an immediate health and safety need or to comply with a
term and condition in a permit issued by a state or federal agency; and
c. The use of potable water in a fountain or other decorative water feature is prohibited,
except where the water is part of a recirculating system.
SECTION 3. Each day that a violation of the outdoor water use restrictions described in
Section 2 occurs is a separate offense.
SECTION 4. Utilities Department staff shall take primary responsibility for enforcement of
the outdoor water use restrictions adopted by Resolution 9449 and described in Section 2, above.
SECTION 5. While nothing in this resolution is intended to limit or otherwise restrict the
potential application of all available civil and criminal penalties for violations of the state and local
water use restrictions described herein, Council recognizes the value of an education-based
approach in encouraging water conservation. Therefore, Council directs staff to first attempt to
achieve compliance by providing customers reasonable notice of the alleged violation and an
opportunity to correct the problem, before issuing fines for willful and repeated violations.
SECTION 6. If fines are ultimately imposed, the person or persons to whom notice was
provided shall have five business days from the date of service of the notice to request a hearing
before the city manager or his/her designee in order to present any facts or arguments they may
have as to why fines should not be imposed. If a hearing is requested, the city manager or his/her
designee shall schedule a date and time for said hearing as soon as possible after the request is
filed, but not later than five business days after the filing of such request for hearing. At the
hearing, the person who received notice of the water use restriction violation may offer evidence as
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a
to why a fine should not be imposed. Utilities personnel shall be allowed to offer whatever
evidence they may have as to why the fine should be imposed. The city manager or his/her
designee shall make a final determination as to whether or not a fine shall be imposed.
SECTION 7. This resolution will go into effect immediately and will remain in effect for the
270 day term set by the State Water Resources Control Board for the SWRCB's July 15, 2014
emergency water regulations, as extended by the SWRCB, or as directed by Council.
SECTION 8. Council's adoption of the proposed Outdoor Water Use Restrictions is
categorically exempt from CEQA under CEQA Guidelines 15307 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for
Protection of Natural Resources).
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: September 15, 2014
AYES: BERMAN, BURT, HOLMAN, KLEIN, KNISS, PRICE, SCHARFF, SCHMID, SHEPHERD
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
0 enior Deputy City Attorney
Mayor
APPROVED:
Direct ervices
140901 jb 6053121 3
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a
Resolution No. 9449
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Implementing Outdoor
Water Use Restrictions in Compliance with the State Water Resources
Control Board's July 15, 2014 Emergency Drought Regulations
RECITALS
A. On January 17, 2014, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued Proclamation No. 1-
17-2014 declaring a State of Emergency to exist in California due to severe drought conditions
and calling on Californians to reduce their water usage by 20 percent.
B. On April 25, 2014, the Governor issued an Executive Order to strengthen the
state's ability to manage water and directed the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
under its authority in California Water Code Section 1058.5 to adopt emergency regulations as
it deems necessary to address water shortage conditions.
C. On July 15, 2014, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted California
Code of Regulations, Title 23, Sections 863, 864, and 865, emergency regulations finding a
drought emergency in California and imposing water conservation measures on individuals and
water suppliers.
D. Section 864 applies to all Californians and prohibits„certain activities in
promotion of water conservation, many of which are already required by Palo Alto Municipal
Code 12.32.010.
E. Section 865 requires mandatory outdoor irrigation restrictions and reporting by
water suppliers, including urban water suppliers like the City of Palo Alto.
F. The City of Palo Alto receives 100% of its potable supplies from the San Francisco
Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC).
G. The SFPUC has requested a 10% voluntary water consumption reduction in
response to the drought and their determination of available supplies in the regional water
system.
H. The SFPUC has not declared a water shortage emergency nor imposed
mandatory cutbacks upon Palo Alto or any of SFPUC's wholesale customers.
I. The City of Palo Alto has responded to SFPUC's voluntary water consumption
reduction request and has achieved an approximate 17% reduction in water use relative to
2013.
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a
J. The City's Municipal Code and Urban Water Management Plan (approved by the
City Council on June 13, 2011) include a Water Shortage Contingency Plan and other tools to
encourage responsible management of the City's water resources.
K. The City supports the SWRCB's efforts to encourage conservation, with an
emphasis on outdoor water use, to the extent it may do so within the context of its Council -
approved Urban Water Management Plan and the Palo Alto Municipal Code.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows:
SECTION 1. The following outdoor water use restrictions are hereby adopted, in
compliance with the State Water Resources Control Board's July 15, 2014 emergency drought
regulations (collectively, the "Outdoor Water Use Restrictions"):
a. No outdoor irrigation of ornamental landscapes or turf with potable
water is permitted between the hours of 10am and 6pm, except for drip
irrigation, soaker hoses and hand watering;
b. The application of potable water to driveways and sidewalks is
prohibited, except where necessary to address an immediate health and
safety need or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued by a
state or federal agency; and
c. The use of potable water in a fountain or other decorative water feature
is prohibited, except where the water is part of a recirculating system.
SECTION 2. The Council finds that the Outdoor Water Use Restrictions implemented as
a result of this action were taken from Stage II of the City's Water Shortage Contingency Plan,
which is itself a part of the City's Urban Water Management Plan, approved by the Department
of Water Resources July 8th, 2014. The Outdoor Water Use Restrictions are intended to
complement the City's existing and permanent water use restrictions, codified in Palo Alto
Municipal Code Section 12.32.010.
SECTION 3. The Council finds that adoption of the Outdoor Water Use Restrictions
meets the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Section 865(b)(1).
SECTION 4. The Outdoor Water Use Restrictions will remain in effect for the 270 day
period specified in SWRCB Resolution No. 2014-0038, or as extended by the SWRCB.
SECTION 5. Council directs staff to further promote water conservation by preparing
and submitting to the SWRCB the monitoring reports described in California Code of
Regulations, Title 23, Section 865(d). Council also directs staff to monitor compliance and to
explore increased enforcement in the event the desired response is not being achieved.
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a
SECTION 6. Council's adoption of the proposed Outdoor Water Use Restrictions is
categorically exempt from CEClA under CEClA Guidelines 15307 (Actions by Regulatory. Agencies
for Protection of Natural Resources).
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: August 4, 2014
AYES: BERMAN, BURT, HOLMAN, KLEIN, KNISS, PRICE, SCHARFF, SCHMID, SHEPHERD
NOES:
ABSENT:
• ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
nior Deputy City Attorney
ity Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
1
Mayor
(AA S
APPROVED:
I
Director
Directo
ervices
140722 j 0180048
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6055591
NOT YET APPROVED
Resolution No. _________
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending
the City’s 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan in
Compliance with the State Water Resources Control Board’s
January 4, 2022 Emergency Water Conservation Regulation
R E C I T A L S
A.Governor Newsom has issued four proclamations dated April 21, May 10, July 8,
and October 19, 2021 and Executive Order N-10-21 on July 8, 2021 declaring a drought
emergency in all of the state’s 58 counties and called on all Californians to voluntarily reduce
water use 15% from 2020 levels.
B.On November 23, 2021, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)
declared a local water shortage emergency per the California Water Code (Division 1, Chapter
3, 350-359), called for voluntary systemwide 10% water use reduction, and authorized the
General Manager to implement actions under the SFPUC’s 2020 Water Shortage Contingency
Plan.
C.The City receives 100% of its potable supplies from the San Francisco Public
Utilities Commission (SFPUC). Palo Alto’s share of the amount of water allocated to the
Wholesale Customers collectively is 7.89%, and Palo Alto’s water purchase cutback from FY
2019-2020 levels is 7.96% for Calendar Year 2022.
D.The City has responded to the Governor’s voluntary water consumption
reduction request and achieved an approximate 10% reduction in water use from July 1 -
December 31, 2021 relative to 2020.
E.On January 4, 2022, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board)
adopted an Emergency Water Conservation Regulation prohibiting certain wasteful water uses
in order to preserve urban water supplies.
F.While most of these prohibitions are already included in the Palo Alto’s
municipal code (Section 12.32.010), three of the prohibitions are not.
G.In order to address the SFPUC’s declaration of a water shortage emergency, to
comply with the State Board’s Emergency Water Conservation Regulation and to ensure
consistency with Palo Alto’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) adopted by the Council
via Resolution 9965 on June 7, 2021, staff proposes modifying the WSCP to include the State
Board’s additional restrictions and to make them applicable during Stage I of the City’s WSCP.
Attachment A
5.b
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6055591
H. While a variety of civil and criminal enforcement procedures are available to the
City to prevent the waste and unreasonable use of water, the City wishes to continue the
education-based enforcement procedure established by Resolution 9460 for violations of the
water use restrictions referred to in Section 2 below, by directing staff to first attempt to
achieve compliance via educational outreach, followed by the issuance of fines of $100 per
violation per day for willful or repeated violations.
I. The City Council held a public hearing on the proposed amendment to the WSCP
on INSERT DATE, the City Clerk having first duly given notice of the hearing as required by
Government Code Section 6061.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings
A. Article 10, Section 2 of the California Constitution declares that waters of the
State are to be put to beneficial use, that waste, unreasonable use, or unreasonable method of
use of water be prevented, and that water be conserved for the public welfare.
B. Conservation of current water supplies and minimization of the effects of water
supply shortages that are the result of drought are essential to the public health, safety and
welfare.
C. Under Water Code section 10632(a)(10) the Council has the authority to
evaluate the functionality of the WCSP in order to ensure appropriate water shortage
mitigation strategies are implemented as needed.
D. Amending the City’s 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan will address the
SFPUC’s November 23, 2021 declaration of a water shortage emergency, and comply with the
State Board’s January 4, 2022 Emergency Water Conservation Regulation, while maintaining the
City’s existing and permanent water use restrictions, codified in Palo Alto Municipal Code
Section 12.32.010.
SECTION 2. Appendix H, “Water Use Restrictions” and Table 24 “WSCP Summary” of the
amended 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan are hereby amended and adopted, as
attached and incorporated.
SECTION 3. Council hereby adopts each of the Stage I water use restrictions included in
Appendix H, “Water Use Restrictions” of the City’s amended 2020 Water Shortage Contingency
Plan.
SECTION 4. The water use restrictions in Stage I of the amended 2020 Water Shortage
Contingency Plan will remain in effect while the State Board’s Emergency Regulation is
5.b
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6055591
effective, which is expected to be for one year, and while the SFPUC’s declared water shortage
emergency is in effect, or as directed by Council.
SECTION 5. Enforcement of the restrictions and requirements outlined in Stage I of the
amended 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan shall follow the education-based process
outlined in Resolution 9460.
SECTION 6. Council’s adoption of this resolution amending the 2020 Water Shortage
Contingency Plan does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act
and California Water Code Section 10652, and no environmental assessment is required.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
___________________________ ___________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
___________________________ ___________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
___________________________
Director of Utilities
___________________________
Director of Administrative Services
5.b
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City of Palo Alto (ID # 14077)
City Council Staff Report
Meeting Date: 3/7/2022
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Title: Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) recommends that Council
Direct Staff and the PRC to Assess and Conduct Public Outreach on a new
Community Gymnasium Project in Palo Alto
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Community Services
Recommended Motion
The Parks and Recreation Commission recommends that City Council direct staff and
the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) to assess and conduct public outreach on a
new gym project, including location, site considerations, gym features and
requirements, construction and operations costs, funding timeline, demand assessment,
and prioritization of projects.
Background
The City of Palo Alto does not own a gymnasium (gym). There are two small gyms and
a recreational court pavilion at Cubberley Community Center, which is owned by Palo
Alto Unified School District. The City leases these gym spaces from the School District
and makes them available to community groups for recreation purposes. There are no
locker rooms, weight rooms, or meeting space available in these gyms. The demand for
gym space is high; these gyms are almost always reserved in the afternoon and
evenings every day of the week.
The 2017 Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space and Recreation Master Plan (Parks Master
Plan), discusses the importance of gym space and notes that planning, designing, and
constructing a new public gym as a major project that needs further study and strategic
funding. The Parks Master Plan also notes that the limited number of gyms available to
the public and the lack of a City-owned gym complicate the expansion of most sports
programs. During the community outreach process for the Parks Master Plan, gym
facilities were identified as highly desired by the community.
The Parks Master Plan states the following regarding gyms:
• As of means of responding to growth and to maintain, expand, and provide
future programming, at least one multi-purpose gymnasium is recognized as a
community need.
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City of Palo Alto Page 2
• Increasing sports facilities, sharing of facilities, and adjusting facility scheduling
should be investigated.
• Sports programs, particularly middle school athletics and adult sports, are
operating over capacity, with full teams and waitlists for most offerings. These
programs are not easily expanded, as they rely on limited gym and field space.
• The highest participation in City programs is in sports (adult and youth), aquatics
(youth and teen) and day camps. Continued demand for these program areas is
anticipated, and program offerings should respond to this demand. The current
policy of “everyone plays” is widely supported for middle school athletics. Since
limited gym and field space makes it difficult to expand these programs, the City
and PAUSD should consider additional facilities or improved scheduling to
maximize student involvement.
• Intramural sports provide the opportunity for children to learn a new sport,
develop social skills, practice teamwork and build friendships. They also promote
an active and healthy lifestyle. Palo Alto will explore creating an intramural
sports program for middle and high school students. Implementation of
intramurals will require coordination with PAUSD and would require additional
field and gym space.
Discussion
An Ad Hoc Committee of the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) prepared a memo
to the full Commission describing the need for a recreational gym in Palo Alto (Park
Memo). On November 17, 2021, the PRC discussed adding a new Palo Alto gym and
voted unanimously to pass the following motion:
The Parks and Recreation Commission supports investigating a plan, design, and
construction of a new public gymnasium, consistent with the Parks Master Plan.
The Commission requests City Council to direct staff and the Commission to
assess and conduct public outreach on a new gym project, including location,
site considerations, gym features and requirements, construction and operations
costs, funding timeline, demand assessment, and prioritization of projects.
Feasibility is based upon privately funded construction and operation. A status
update will be provided to City Council during calendar year 2022.
The PRC explored several potential locations for a new gym and noted that the two
most promising sites are the Baylands Athletic Center, which includes 10.5 acres that
became available after the golf course was reconfigured, and the Ventura
neighborhood, which has long been identified as deficient in recreational amenities and
is currently the focus of its own master plan process. The potential location of a new
gym was discussed extensively by the PRC and additional information of all sites
discussed can be found in the PRC’s memo referenced above; this list is not exhaustive
nor limiting to the exploration process staff would begin if directed.
In December 2021, a donor, Mr. John Arrillaga, contacted City staff about an interest in
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City of Palo Alto Page 3
providing major funding and constructing a new gym. Through his philanthropy, Mr.
Arrillaga established a project development model, previously implemented with the
County of San Mateo, that would enable an expedited gym design and construction
process. In January 2022, staff received the devastating news that the donor had
passed away, making this model no longer possible. Mr. Arrillaga’s philanthropy in Palo
Alto, Stanford and the Bay Area left an extraordinary legacy, and the City is grateful for
his offer to make what would have been among his last major gifts toward youth and
families.
If Council is interested in exploring the PRC’s recommendation to assess a new gym
project, staff would return to Council at a future date with results of any assessments
and studies conducted such as location limitations and constraints, construction and
operations costs, and the likelihood of securing donors or partnerships.
Timeline
If the recommended action is approved, staff and the PRC would begin working on
Council’s direction immediately.
Resource Impact
The initial resource impact would consist primarily of staff time. Additional research will
be required to determine the costs of community outreach, planning, design,
construction, and ongoing operations and maintenance of a new gym.
There are several other projects under way or planned in the next few years that will
compete for limited staff resources if Council directs staff to prioritize work on a new
gym project. Those projects that may be impacted due to the scarcity of time and
resources include:
• Partnership with the First Tee of Silicon Valley to improve the Baylands Golf Links
youth practice area
• Community outreach on a new skatepark
• Foothill Nature Preserve Infrastructure Improvements
• Animal Shelter Improvements
• New dog park
• New park restroom
• Byxbee Park Improvement
• Boulware Park Improvement
• Cameron Park Improvement
• Ramos Park Improvement
• New history museum/Roth Building
In addition, funding for the City’s financial support of both construction and non-
construction costs as noted above would need to be identified as part of the near term
of the five-year capital improvement plan. This would require prioritizing this project as
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an immediate funding need versus other planned projects as noted above in addition to
the prioritization of staff time.
Policy Implications
Plan, design and construct a new gymnasium is identified in the Parks Master Plan as a
major project that needs further study and strategic funding.
Stakeholder Engagement
On November 17, 2021, the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) discussed adding
a new Palo Alto gym.
Environmental Review
This action is statutorily exempt from CEQA per CEQA regulation 15262 as it is only a
feasibility or planning study for possible future action.
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City of Palo Alto
COLLEAGUES MEMO
March 07, 2022 Page 1 of 4
(ID # 14044)
DATE: March 7, 2022
TO : City Council Members
FROM: Council Member Kou, Council Member Burt
SUBJECT: COLLEAGUE'S MEMO FROM VICE MAYOR KOU AND MAYOR BURT:
RECOGNIZING KEY DATES TO ADVANCE RACE AND EQUITY
Issue
The City of Palo Alto strives to be a welcoming and inclusive community for people of all
backgrounds and ethnicities. In November 2020, the Council made an important
commitment to the City’s equity goals by its adoption of an Equity Mission Statement1:
The City of Palo Alto is committed to creating a respectful, fair, and professional
workplace and city. We will identify prejudices, eliminate inequities, welcome
many perspectives, and use a collaborative approach to create an environment
that works for everyone. The City's commitment to achieve equity in Palo Alto is
the shared responsibility of our residents, organizations, governments, and other
institutions.
To help meet those goals, the City should pursue opportunities to recognize and
embrace our diversity and civil rights, and oppose hate crimes. As a next step, we
should formally recognize and celebrate significant multicultural dates and months to
promote equality, honor diversity and oppose racism.
Background Discussion
Unfortunately, we are too frequently reminded that significant challenges remain in our
society, and some of the recent national political environment has undermined our
mission of inclusion. Federal2 studies have shown a troubling growth in hate crimes
nationally in recent years with hate incidents becoming an increasing concern locally
and regionally. Recognition of historic leaders and events provides an important
1 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City-Hall/Hot-Topics/Race-Equity
2 https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-releases-updated-2020-hate-crime-statistics
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March 07, 2022 Page 2 of 4
(ID # 14044)
opportunity to increase community awareness and for us to acknowledge the struggles
and accomplishments of groups who have been fundamental to the development of
American society.
Juneteenth –On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation
Proclamation3 declared freedom for enslaved Americans in the Confederacy and that
the war for the Union must be a war for freedom, codifying the moral force to the
Union cause. The Emancipation Proclamation has assumed a place among the great
documents of human freedom.
June 19th, 1865 has become recognized as when freedom was obtained in the last
locations of the south and Juneteenth has become a symbolic date of African American
freedom.
Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta - On March 28, 2014, President Barack Obama
used his authority to proclaim each March 31st as Cesar Chavez Day, a federal
commemorative holiday.4It celebrates the birth and legacy of the civil rights and labor
movement activist, Cesar Chavez, and of the fight for Latino rights. With dedication and
selflessness, Cesar Chavez and his full partner, Dolores Huerta, co-founded what
became the United Farm Workers, along with Larry Itliong who led the Filipino
farmworker movement on behalf of Asian rights. They fought for farm workers’ rights,
economic justice, and civil rights.
When President Bill Clinton awarded Chavez the Medal of Freedom posthumously in
1994, he declared, “The farm workers who labored in the fields and yearned for respect
and self-sufficiency pinned their hopes on this remarkable man who, with faith and
discipline, soft spoken humility and amazing inner strength, led a very courageous life”
We want to recognize Dolores Huerta, one of our leading civil and women’s rights
activists to this day, as a full partner in the movement with Chavez. They were farm
workers from childhood who “possessed a deep personal understanding of the plight of
migrant workers and labored all his years to lift their lives.”
Chavez’s successor, UFW President Arturo Rodriguez said, “Every day in California and
in other states where farm workers are organizing, Cesar Chavez lives in their hearts.
Cesar lives wherever Americans’ he inspired work nonviolently for social change.”5
October 11th Christopher Columbus Day change to Indigenous Peoples’ Day
3 https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation
4 https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/03/28/presidential-proclamation-cesar-chavez-
day-2014
5 https://ufw.org/research/history/story-cesar-chavez/
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March 07, 2022 Page 3 of 4
(ID # 14044)
On October 8, 2021, President Joe Biden became the first U.S. President to formally
recognize the holiday, by signing a presidential proclamation declaring October 11,
2021 to be a national holiday.6
Palo Alto and much of our region are located on the traditional lands of the indigenous
Ohlone people who were subjugated and often enslaved under the Spanish government
in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, followed by oppression and massacres after
California statehood.
Asian American Pacific Islander (Native Hawaiian) AAPI(NH)
May is Asian, American, Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a celebration of Asians
and Pacific Islanders in the United States. AAPI Heritage commemoration was first
proposed in 1977 to observe the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States
(May 7, 1843), and the completion of the transcontinental railroad, constructed mainly
by Chinese immigrant workers (May 10, 1869). In 1978, President Carter made it an
annual week-long event and President George H.W. Bush extended the proclamation to
include the entire month of May.
On May 28, 2021, President Biden established the White House Initiative on Asian
Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders7(AA and NHPI). This new Initiative is
charged with driving an ambitious, whole-of-government agenda to advance equity,
justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities.
Recommendation
To promote our commitment to equality, honor diversity, and oppose racism, the City of
Palo Alto can formally recognize and celebrate the following dates as continuing
reminders of hard-fought freedoms and to promote racial reconciliation and that all
persons are created equal.
• June 19th as “Juneteenth”
• May 31st as “Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta Day”
• October 11th as “Indigenous People’s Day”8
• Proclaim May as “Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage
Month’
This memo does not propose new City holidays at this time. Staff advises that
designation of City holidays may have fiscal and regulatory effects, as describe d below
under “Resource Impact.” In order to allow staff to develop recommendations for how
best to address these issues, we recommend that Council take the following actions:
6 A Proclamation on Indigenous Peoples' Day, 2021 | The White House
7 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/05/28/fact-sheet-president-biden-
establishes-the-white-house-initiative-on-asian-americans-native-hawaiians-and-pacific-islanders/
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March 07, 2022 Page 4 of 4
(ID # 14044)
• Direct staff to return with a Resolution recognizing Juneteenth, Cesar Chavez and
Dolores Huerta Day, and Indigenous People’s Day as dates of historic
significance, and May as Asian American Pacific Islander Native Hawaiian
Heritage Month.
• Direct staff to explore with the City’s labor groups to agree upon appropriate
means of recognition for these dates.
Resource Impact
There is no significant resource impact for renaming an existing City holiday or through
observation of a commemorative month (besides any planned events within that
month). Designation by Ordinance or Resolution would be appropriate and will be
prepared for subsequent Council action.
While this memorandum does not recommend determination of an additional holiday,
the below information is provided for Council context and consideration.
City holidays are designated in the Palo Alto Municipal Code Sections 2.08.100, and a
designation as a City holiday determines whether “municipal business” is to be
suspended. Staff estimates that total payroll on a holiday at current compensation
structure and staffing level is approximately $635,000; it would be approximately
$735,000 if fully staffed in all funds (approximately 67 percent of this would be General
Fund). However, the actual impact of an additional holiday is the loss of a municipal
business day plus the incremental financial cost of approximately $100,000 to $120,000
for holiday-specific compensation. In addition, City holidays typically suspend some on-
street parking regulations as well as permitted construction and other noise -generating
activities. Staff would meet and confer with the City’s employee bargaining units to
determine effects on work schedules and employee benefits.
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Schedule of Meetings
Published February 24, 2022
This is a courtesy notice only. Meeting dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Almost all Palo Alto
Council and some Standing Committee meetings are cablecast live on Channel 26. If there happens to be
concurrent meetings, one meeting will be broadcast on Channel 29.
Persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids or services in using City facilities or programs, or who would like information on the City’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may
contact: ADA Coordinator, City of Palo Alto, 650-329-2550 (voice) or 329-1199 (TDD), ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Listening assistive devices are available in the Council Chambers. Sign language interpreters will be
provided upon request with 72 hours advance notice. Please advise the City Clerk's Office (650-329-2571) of meetings or changes by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays for inclusion in the following week’s schedule.
2/24/2022
Starting March 1, meetings will be held in person and by virtual teleconference
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Sp. City Council Meeting, 5:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, MARCH 1
Sp. Finance Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2
Sp. Utilities Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, MARCH 3
Architectural Review Board Meeting, 8:30 a.m.
MONDAY, MARCH 7
Sp. City Council Meeting, 5:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, MARCH 8
Policy & Services Committee Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9
Sp. City Council Meeting – Board and Commission Interviews, 2:00 p.m.
Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, MARCH 10
Historic Resources Board Meeting, 8:30 a.m.
Human Relations Commission Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
MONDAY, MARCH 14
Sp. City Council Meeting, 5:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, MARCH 15
Sp. Finance Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, MARCH 17
Architectural Review Board Meeting, 8:30 a.m.
City/School Liaison Committee Meeting, 8:30 a.m.
Public Art Commission Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
MONDAY, MARCH 21
Sp. City Council Meeting, 5:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, MARCH 22
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
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City of Palo Alto (ID # 14092)
Office of the City Clerk
City Council CAO Report
Meeting Date: 3/7/2022
Title: Proclamation Honoring Bob Hoover
From: Lesley Milton, City Clerk
ATTACHMENTS:
• Attachment1.1.a: Attachment A: Proclamation Honoring Bob Hoover (DOCX)
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__________________________
Pat Burt
Mayor
Proclamation
HONORING ROBERT S. HOOVER
WHEREAS, Robert S. Hoover is a social giant, honored and revered for his community leadership. His
paramount efforts were publicly distinguished by the Jefferson Award presented in 2014 and the Service of
Mankind Award, Sertoma in 1993, as to name a few; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hoover excelled in community recreational activities as the Varsity Baseball team captain at
Penn State University in 1959 and a U.S. Baseball Team member in the Pan American Games in 1959, 1963; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hoover originally served the U.S Airforce as an Aircraft Gunner Instructor and Staff Sergeant
in 1951-1955; thereafter, Mr. Hoover counseled and planned community organizations in civil rights work for the
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He further developed supportive services and administration in the
1960s for minority students as the Director of the College Readiness Program at San Mateo College; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hoover founded Nairobi College as its President in 1969, an Independent Black Institution
serving 400 college students per year with programs for students from preschool to college. He spearheaded its
administration in fundraising, facility procurement, policy, collaborating with accreditation commissions, and
developing an upper-level literacy program for students; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hoover continued to contribute greatly to the future of our youth and student communities
by championing and promoting the importance of higher education as Director of East Palo Alto’s Youth Services
Program; Dean of Student Affairs at Olive Harvey College; Dean of Student Affairs at Edward Waters College;
Founder & Executive Director of the Youth Development Center in East Palo Alto; Director of Live In Peace
Drop Out Prevention Program (Students With Amazing Goals, SWAG); and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hoover heavily impacted and supported community health and wellbeing throughout his
years as the Director of Community Services at the City of East Palo Alto. He advanced his professional interest
in community development as the Founder & Executive Director of Congress of Community Organizations and
as the Community Safety Coordinator of the Enterprise Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hoover founded and led the East Palo Alto Jr Golf Program since 1991 to serve the minority
youth of the Mid and South Peninsula. The program uses the game of golf to teach respect for others, honesty,
courtesy, patience, discipline, and a passion for learning, resulting in an exceptionally high proportion of the
participants going on to college.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Pat Burt, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the entire City Council, do
hereby recognize and proclaim the powerful and sustained contributions of Robert S. Hoover in his leadership
and service to the community.
PRESENTED: March 7, 2022
City of Palo Alto (ID # 14116)
City Council Staff Report
Meeting Date: 3/7/2022
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Title: Discontinuation of Vaccination/Testing Checks at City Meetings
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
Recommendation
Staff recommends that Council approve discontinuation of vaccination and testing
checks at City meetings.
Background
At its September 27, 2021 meeting, the City Council approved the following actions
related to virtual, in-person, and hybrid council and board and commission meetings:
A. Begin hybrid City Council meetings on November 1, 2021, and not requiring
Standing Committees, Ad-Hoc Committees, Boards and Commissions to
physically convene until January 2022;
B. Require the public, Staff and City Council Members to provide proof of
vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours prior to the meeting;
C. Provide an option for City Council to attend in-person or virtually as long as the
Santa Clara County maintains mandatory indoor masking for public meetings;
D. Upon the end of mandatory indoor masking, modify the City Council protocols to
increase City Council’s teleconference participation to 5 meetings per year;
E. Request Staff to allow virtual attendees to participate by video, barring technical
barriers in doing so; and
F. Upon relevant changes in Santa Clara County’s or the CDC’s guidelines, for City
Council to revisit the guidelines, consider a default standard for in-person
meetings if provided by the Santa Clara County, and discuss other in-person
meeting requirements.
The City Council subsequently postponed the resumption of in -person and hybrid
committee and board/commission meetings until March 1, 2022.
On March 1, 2022, the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department announced that
all masking metrics have been met and therefore indoor masking will no longer be
required beginning March 2. However, the Public Health Department and the California
Department of Public Health strongly recommend that the public continue to wear
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masks in all indoor public spaces. These requirements apply regardless of vaccination
status.
Discussion
Based on part B of the City Council’s prior direction, staff is now implementing
vaccination and/or testing status checks for members of the public attending city
meetings. Now that indoor masking requirements applicable to city meetings have
been removed irrespective of vaccination status, this raises the question of whether
proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours should discontinued
as a requirement for attending a city meeting in-person.
Resource Impact and Timeline
Implementing vaccination/testing checks requires 1-2 staff members dedicated to this
task for the duration of each meeting. Discontinuation could occur immediately upon
City Council approval.
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City of Palo Alto (ID # 14076)
City Council Staff Report
Meeting Date: 3/7/2022
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Title: Joint Study Session With the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC)
Regarding S/CAP Development, Implementation, and the UAC's Role in S/CAP
Implementation Efforts
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Utilities
Overview
The Council and Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) are holding a joint study session to discuss
sustainability and utility related items. This report provides background on several relevant
discussions of the Utilities Advisory Commission and Council Sustainability and Climate Action
Plan (S/CAP) Ad Hoc Committee (S/CAP Committee), below.
This study session is intended to solicit Council input on the UAC’s roles and responsibilities
with respect to the City’s S/CAP implementation efforts, with a few specific.
Q1) What are the roles and responsibilities of the City Council and the UAC regarding the
S/CAP?
Q2) Would the City Council like a UAC representative to work with the S/CAP Committee
in its working group meetings?
Q3) Does the City Council want the UAC in its full capacity engaged in the various aspects
of the S/CAP for consideration by the City Council or the S/CAP Committee?
Council S/CAP Committee
The S/CAP Committee was constituted at the April 19, 2021 Council meeting at which staff
presented the S/CAP update impact analysis (Agenda Item 7; Staff Report 12009; Memo with
missing attachments; Minutes; Video; Webinar: S/CAP Impact Analysis Overview)
Below is the schedule of S/CAP Committee meetings focused on the City’s S/CAP update.
Meeting materials, including meeting recordings, can be found on the S/CAP Committee’s
website.1
MEETING DATE MEETING TOPIC
1 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City-Hall/City-Council/Sustainability-and-Climate-Action-Plan-Ad-Hoc-Committee
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City of Palo Alto Page 2
AUGUST 12, 2021 Kickoff Meeting
SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 Residential Building Electrification
OCTOBER 14, 2021 Non-residential Building Electrification
NOVEMBER 4, 2021 Electric Vehicles
DECEMBER 9, 2021 Mobility
JANUARY 13, 2022 Wildfires and Sea Level Rise
FEBRUARY 10, 2022 Funding and Financing
The S/CAP Committee has yet to discuss some topics assigned to it, such as reliability and
resiliency, which was assigned to be discussed by the S/CAP Committee at the Council’s August
16, 2021 meeting (Item 4, Staff Report 12194, Minutes, Video).
In addition to its public meetings the S/CAP Committee has formed a working group of
community members active in sustainability from in and around Palo Alto to inform its work.
The working group has held two workshops on residential electrification (No vember 16, 2021
and January 5, 2022). The working group will break into teams to discuss the following topics : 1)
Financing; 2) Engagement; 3) Technology; 4) Scaling up S/CAP activities
The S/CAP Committee has also held a discussion regarding the electric distribution system and
the impacts of electrification (including appliance fuel switching, EV charging, solar, and
storage).
Utilities Advisory Commission
Over the last sixteen months the UAC has held several discussions relevant to the S/CAP,
including:
• Impact of single-family residential electrification on the gas and electric systems
(November 4, 2020; Staff Report 11639, Minutes; Video)
• Recommend the City Council Decline to Adopt Energy Storage System Targ ets and
Receive the 2020 Energy Storage Report (December 2, 2020; Staff Report 11357;
Minutes; Video)
• Projected Electrification Impacts on Gas Utility System Average Rates Impact of single-
family residential electrification on gas rates (January 6, 2021; Staff Report 11751;
Minutes; Video)
• Lifecycle Emissions for Gasoline, Natural Gas and Electricity Consumed in Palo Alto
(January 6, 2021; Staff Report 11778; Minutes; Video)
• Discussion and Status Update on the 2020 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Update
(February 3, 2021; Staff Report 11867; Minutes; Video)
• Permit Processes for Various Energy Technologies:
o April 7, 2021 initial presentation (Staff Report 12032; Minutes; Video)
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o September 1, 2021 update (Staff Report 13530; Minutes; Video)
o January 5, 2022 update (Staff Report 13806; Minutes; Video)
• Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan (June 2, 2021; Staff Report 12190; Minutes; Video)
• One Water Plan Objectives, Scope and Community Engagement (July 7, 2021; Staff
Report 12332; Minutes; Video)
• Impact of Decarbonization on the Resiliency of Single Family Homes in Palo Alto
(November 3, 2021; Staff Report 13608; Minutes; Video)
• Discussion of Objectives and Scope of Energy Resiliency and Reliability Plan (January 5,
2022; Staff Report 13821; Minutes; Video)
• Discussion of electric distribution system impacts (February 2, 2022 meeting; Staff
Report 13923; Video)
Attachments:
• Attachment1.3.a: Attachment A: Commissioner Memo on SCAP Grid Modernization
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1
City of Palo Alto
Commissioners MEMO
DATE: March 07, 2022
TO: City Council Members and Utilities Advisory Commissioners
FROM: Commissioner Johnston, Commissioner Metz
SUBJECT: COMMISSIONER MEMO ON ELECTRIC GRID MODERNIZATION
Objective
Our goal is to ensure that CPAU electric distribution grid modernization receives the urgency, attention,
and resources needed to keep pace with Palo Alto’s Sustainability & Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
implementation.
To that end, we recommend as a first step the immediate development of a high-level Roadmap for grid
infrastructure modernization.
Such a Roadmap, in addition to underpinning SCAP implementation, will help reduce grid infrastructure
upgrade cost and risk of technological obsolescence by anticipating opportunities to optimize energy
demand.
Background
Accomplishing Palo Alto’s Sustainability & Climate Action Plan (SCAP) is a top priority for the City to
achieve its sustainability and climate change objectives. Electrification of services now powered by fossil
fuel, including personal transportation, domestic hot water, cooking and space heating, is core to SCAP
success; SCAP outcomes needed by 2030 include “85% of all Palo Alto new vehicle purchases are
EVs…virtually all single-family gas appliances and virtually all commercial rooftop HVAC units are
electrified…significant additional multi-family and commercial building electrification…”. (2021 S/CAP
Update Report, April 19, 2021)
As discussed in the February 2 UAC meeting, delivering those energy services electrically will require
modernization of the CPAU electric distribution infrastructure: The existing infrastructure has
insufficient capacity for a sufficient level of electrification of EV transportation and electrical heating to
meet the SCAP goals, and the grid has other technical shortcomings that need to be addressed. But
CPAU has “no staffing to manage Grid Modernization program and contracting”. (Discussion &
Presentation on the Electric Distribution Infrastructure Modernization for S/CAP ID # 13923, February 2,
2022)
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2
Recommended Actions
To address this challenge, we recommend as a first step development of a high-level Roadmap for grid
infrastructure modernization and adoption of a timetable for each step.
1. Within days develop a plan and a cost estimate (currently funded or not) for hiring or
contracting resources to develop a high-level Roadmap for CPAU distribution infrastructure
modernization consonant with SCAP.
2. Within days hire or contract the resources to develop the grid modernization Roadmap.
3. Complete the Roadmap within months.
We suggest the Modernization Roadmap should include:
1. A high-level estimate of the fraction of the grid/generation/transformer/switch/storage
components requiring upgrade
2. Key milestones and decision points
3. Specific links and coordination of grid modernization stages with the SCAP rollout
4. Ballpark capital and operating costs for grid modernization implementation
5. Approximate human resource requirements for modernization implementation
6. Top opportunities to mitigate, reduce, or delay grid modernization expenditures, especially ways
to reduce future energy consumption or to reduce/shift peak demand:
a. Increased use of high-efficiency space conditioning or water heating equipment
b. Improved building envelopes or other energy efficiency initiatives
c. Local energy generation and storage (on both sides of the meter), including EV storage
d. Demand management
To ensure that the Grid Infrastructure Modernization Project receives continued emphasis, we would
request that progress on the project be reported at least quarterly to the UAC.
1.3.a
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