HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-28 City Council Agenda PacketCITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Mitchell Park Library
El Palo Alto Room
9:00 AM
Supplemental Report Added
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. Masks are strongly encouraged if
attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, a n d s t r e a m e d t o M i d p e n M e d i a
Center https://midpenmedia.org.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238)
Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an
amount of time determined by the Chair. 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 provided to the Council and available for inspection
on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your
subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,
the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong
cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not
accepted.
TIME ESTIMATES
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.
2023 ANNUAL COUNCIL RETREAT PROGRAM
1.Roll Call and Welcome from Mayor Kou
2.City Council 2023 Retreat: Discussion and Selection of 2023 City Council Priorities
Supplemental Report
2A.Overview of the 2022 City Council Priorities
PUBLIC COMMENTS
BREAK LUNCH
2B.Selection of 2023 City Council Priorities
2C.Discussion and Possible Revision to 2023 Standing Committee Topics
2D.Retreat Debrief, Take Away and Next Steps
ADJOURNMENT
2.Supplemental Information to assist in the 2023 Council Retreat and selection of the 2023
City Council priorities. Materials include presentation, project status updates, and
feedback from Councilmembers and the community
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. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone 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.
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. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
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.
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.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
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
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
1 Special Meeting January 28, 2023
Materials submitted after distribution are available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
CITY COUNCILSpecial MeetingSaturday, January 28, 2023Mitchell Park LibraryEl Palo Alto Room9:00 AMSupplemental Report AddedPursuant to AB 361 Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with theoption to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safetywhile still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose toparticipate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe andparticipate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged ifattending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, a n d s t r e a m e d t o M i d p e n M e d i aCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance tocity.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspectionon the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in yoursubject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.TIME ESTIMATES
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.
2023 ANNUAL COUNCIL RETREAT PROGRAM
1.Roll Call and Welcome from Mayor Kou
2.City Council 2023 Retreat: Discussion and Selection of 2023 City Council Priorities
Supplemental Report
2A.Overview of the 2022 City Council Priorities
PUBLIC COMMENTS
BREAK LUNCH
2B.Selection of 2023 City Council Priorities
2C.Discussion and Possible Revision to 2023 Standing Committee Topics
2D.Retreat Debrief, Take Away and Next Steps
ADJOURNMENT
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.For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3.Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone 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.
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. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
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.
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.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
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
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
2 Special Meeting January 28, 2023
Materials submitted after distribution are available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
CITY COUNCILSpecial MeetingSaturday, January 28, 2023Mitchell Park LibraryEl Palo Alto Room9:00 AMSupplemental Report AddedPursuant to AB 361 Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with theoption to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safetywhile still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose toparticipate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe andparticipate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged ifattending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, a n d s t r e a m e d t o M i d p e n M e d i aCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance tocity.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspectionon the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in yoursubject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.TIME ESTIMATESListed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while themeeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, tochange the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may beheard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best managethe time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.2023 ANNUAL COUNCIL RETREAT PROGRAM1.Roll Call and Welcome from Mayor Kou 2.City Council 2023 Retreat: Discussion and Selection of 2023 City Council PrioritiesSupplemental Report 2A.Overview of the 2022 City Council PrioritiesPUBLIC COMMENTSBREAK LUNCH2B.Selection of 2023 City Council Priorities2C.Discussion and Possible Revision to 2023 Standing Committee Topics2D.Retreat Debrief, Take Away and Next StepsADJOURNMENT2.Supplemental Information to assist in the 2023 Council Retreat and selection of the 2023City Council priorities. Materials include presentation, project status updates, and
feedback from Councilmembers and the community
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.For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3.Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone 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.
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. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
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.
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.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
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
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
3 Special Meeting January 28, 2023
Materials submitted after distribution are available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
From: City Manager
Report Type: ANNUAL RETREAT PROGRAM
Lead Department: City Manager
Meeting Date: January 28, 2023
TITLE
City Council 2023 Retreat: Discussion and Selection of 2023 City Council Priorities
RECOMMENDATION
The Policy and Services Committee recommends that Council consider and select the 2023 City
Council Priorities.
BACKGROUND
In October 2012, City Council approved Priority Setting Guidelines and outlined the role of the
Policy and Services Committee in this activity. Per the Guidelines (CMR #3156)1, a priority is
defined as a topic that will receive particular, unusual and significant attention during the
year. The Guidelines also set a goal of no more than three priorities per year, generally with a
three-year time limit. The Guidelines state that "the Policy and Services Committee, each year
at its December meeting, shall make recommendations about the process that will be used at
the Annual Retreat paying particular attention to the number of priorities suggested by Council
members."
At its December 13, 2022 meeting, the Policy and Services Committee discussed the 2022
Council Priorities, but no formal action was taken. The committee agenda packet can be found
in Attachment A, and a video of the discussion and summary minutes are linked2.
The 2022 Priorities, as selected at the City Council’s Annual Retreat on February 5, 2022 are:
•Economic Recovery and Transition
•Climate Change: Protection and Adaptation
•Housing for Social and Economic Balance
1 City Council October 1, 2012; CMR #3156: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-
reports/reports/city-managerreports-cmrs/year-archive/2012/mini-packet-3156.pdf
2 Policy and Services Committee December 13, 2022 meeting on 2023 Council Priorities, Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JvLNX71UoU
Summary minutes: https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=40571&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
ITEM 2
Staff Report
Item 2: Page 1 Packet Page 4 of 186
•Community Health and Safety
ANALYSIS
The annual priority setting process is informed by a variety of inputs:
•Council survey on suggested 2023 Priorities
•Recommendations from the Policy and Services Committee
•City Council adopted value statements
•Community survey on Council Priorities via Open Town Hall
•Palo Alto Community Survey conducted by Polco/National Research Center (NRC)
Together, the information helps guide the Council in selecting priorities that represent the
community’s values and helps staff focus the City’s workplans for the coming year.
Recommendations from the Policy and Services Committee
The Policy and Services Committee met to discuss Council priorities in December 2022. While
no action was taken to recommend specific priority areas, the Committee focused on
suggesting guidelines the Council should consider when identifying the 2023 Priorities.
City Council adopted value statements
In order to aid in future retreats and priority setting processes, In November 2022 (CMR
#14912)3 the Council adopted a set of value statements that represented long-term goals and
vision for the community.
The Palo Alto City Council has universally shared values that help guide our decisions and the
work we do. These values include:
1. We will make decisions that balance revenues and expenses, now and in the future.
2. We will make decisions that are environmentally sustainable, now and in the future.
3. We will integrate equity into our decisions, considering how decisions affect people
differently based on their identity or circumstances.
4. We will make decisions that create a healthy, safe and welcoming community for all.
5. We will safeguard public trust through transparent practices and open communication.
6. We embrace innovation.
Acknowledging that no individual issue area is more important than another, the set of values
recognizes a balanced and wholistic approach to Council policy setting.
3 CMR 14912: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-
minutes/citycouncil-agendas-minutes/2022/20221107/20221107pccsm-amended-linked-q.a-2.pdf
Minutes: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-
minutes/citycouncil-agendas-minutes/2022/20221107/20221107amccsm.pdf
ITEM 2
Staff Report
Item 2: Page 2 Packet Page 5 of 186
Community Survey on Council Priorities via OpenGov Open Town Hall
4, early enough for the results to be available as
a resource at the retreat.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
4 City Council January 23, 2023, Item #3,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/meetings/ItemWithTemplateType?id=816&meetingTemplateType=2
ITEM 2
Staff Report
Item 2: Page 3 Packet Page 6 of 186
1
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Policy and Services Committee after distribution of the
agenda packet are available for public inspection in the city’s website at www.cityofpaloalto.org
POLICY AND SERVICES COMMITTEE
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Regular Meeting
Council Chamber & Virtual
7:00 PM
AMENDED AGENDA
Pursuant to AB 361 Palo Alto City Council and Committee 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/94618744621)
Meeting ID: 946 1874 4621 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.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public Comments will be accepted both in person and via 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 a nd will be provided to
the Committee and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly
indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your email subject line.
Call to Order
Oral Communications
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
Action Items
1.Policy and Services Discussion and Recommendations for the 2023 City
Council Priority Setting Process
2.Review and Provide a Recommendation to the City Council on the
Proposed Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook
Late Packet Report added
Presentation
Presentation
ITEM 2
Attachment A-Policy and Services
Committee December 13, 2022
Priorities report
Item 2: Page 4 Packet Page 7 of 186
2
Policy and Services Committee Regular Meeting December 13, 2022
Future Meetings and Agendas
Adjournment
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to hybrid meetings via email, in
person, teleconference, or by phone.
1.Written public comments may be submitted by email to
city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2.In person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on
the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers, and deliver it to the City Clerk
prior to discussion of the item.
3.Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone 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.
•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. Or download the Zoom
application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and
enter the Meeting ID below
•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.
•When you wish to speak on an Agenda It em, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before
they are called to speak.
•When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted.
•A timer will be shown on the computer to h elp keep track of your comments.
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 to Join Zoom Meeting ID: 946 1874 4621 Phone: 1(669)900-6833
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA)
Persons with disabilities who require auxilia ry aids or services in using City facilities,
services or programs or who would like information on the City’s compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may contact (650) 329 -2550 (Voice) 48
hours or more in advance.
ITEM 2
Attachment A-Policy and Services
Committee December 13, 2022
Priorities report
Item 2: Page 5 Packet Page 8 of 186
City of Palo Alto (ID # 14897)
Policy and Services Committee Staff Report
Meeting Date: 12/13/2022 Report Type: Action Items
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Title: Policy and Services Discussion and Recommendations for the 2023 City
Council Priority Setting Process
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Policy and Services Committee discuss and forward for Council
consideration recommendations on the 2023 priority-setting session tentatively scheduled for
January 28, 2023.
Background
In October 2012, the City Council approved Priority Setting Guidelines (CMR #3156) and
outlined the role for the Policy & Services Committee in this activity. Per the Guidelines
(Attachment A), a priority is defined as a topic that will receive unusual and significant
attention during the year. Additionally, there is a goal of no more than three priorities per year,
generally with a three-year time limit.
The 2022 Priorities, as selected at the City Council’s Annual Retreat on February 5, 20221 are:
- Economic Recovery and Transition
- Climate Change – Protection and Adaptation
- Housing for Social and Economic Balance
- Community Health and Safety
Prior years’ priorities are found in Attachment B.
Also at the February 5, 2022 City Council retreat, the City Council referred to the Policy and
Services Committee development of a set of values for City Council consideration to aid in
future retreats and priority setting processes. The Committee made a recommendation on City
1 CMR #13997: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-
minutes/city-council-agendas-minutes/2022/20220205/20220205pccsm-retreat.pdf; Minutes:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/city-council-
agendas-minutes/2022/20220205/20220205amccs.pdf
1
Packet Pg. 3
ITEM 2
Attachment A-Policy and Services
Committee December 13, 2022
Priorities report
Item 2: Page 6 Packet Page 9 of 186
City of Palo Alto Page 2
Council values at their September meeting2 and the City Council adopted a values statement in
November:3
The Palo Alto City Council has universally shared values that help guide our decisions
and the work we do. These values include:
1. We will make decisions that balance revenues and expenses, now and in the future.
2. We will make decisions that are environmentally sustainable, now and in the future.
3. We will integrate equity into our decisions, considering how decisions affect people
differently based on their identity or circumstances.
4. We will make decisions that create a healthy, safe and welcoming community for all.
5. We will safeguard public trust through transparent practices and open
communication.
6. We embrace innovation.
Discussion
As set forth in the Priority Setting Guidelines: The Policy and Services Committee, each year at
its December meeting, shall make recommendations about the process that will be used at the
Annual Retreat paying particular attention to the number of priorities suggested by Council
members. The recommended process is to be forwarded to Council for adoption in advance of
the Council retreat.
Staff emailed current City Council members and City Council member-elects requesting their
suggestions for priority topics to be included. Recognizing the volume and nature of ongoing
work on the current (2022) priorities, staff also suggested that if the 2022 priorities might be
retained with limited refinement, a portion of the retreat could be allocated to deeper
discussion of the projects being advanced for each priority.
The initial City Councilmember priority suggestions received as of the date of report
preparation are listed below in alphabetical order:
1. Cormack: For a new priority, add "Redevelop Cubberley Community Center"; for a
retained priority, "Climate action mitigation and adaptation"
2. Lauing: Maintain current priorities
3. Lythcott-Haims:
a. Avoid Triggering Builders Remedy
2 CMR #14731: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-
minutes/policy-and-services-committee/2022/20220913/20220913ppsr.pdf; Minutes:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/policy-and-
services-committee/2022/20220913/20220913ampsr.pdf
3 CMR 14912: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas -minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/city-
council-agendas-minutes/2022/20221107/20221107pccsm-amended-linked-q.a-2.pdf
Minutes: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/city-
council-agendas-minutes/2022/20221107/20221107amccsm.pdf
1
Packet Pg. 4
ITEM 2
Attachment A-Policy and Services
Committee December 13, 2022
Priorities report
Item 2: Page 7 Packet Page 10 of 186
City of Palo Alto Page 3
b. Develop Area Plans for regions slated to get bulk of housing
c. Determine Grade Separation Designs
Suggestions and comments from community members are also being solicited. It will remain
open and available to the community for inclusion at the Council retreat in January. At the
retreat, the community can also attend and share their input on Council priorities at the
meeting. The purpose of this engagement is to help inform the City Council on priorities for the
upcoming year.
Based on the feedback received to date, staff recommends that a portion of the retreat be
allocated to deeper discussion of the projects being advanced for each of the 2022 priorities.
Time permitting, this will facilitate prioritization of projects not yet underway within each
priority. We also recommend that the City once again secure the services of Mary Egan with
MRG to facilitate priority setting.
Timeline, Resource Impact, Policy Implications
No additional resource impact is expected at this time. This discussion will inform the annual
City Council retreat, which is tentatively scheduled for January 28, 2023.
Stakeholder Engagement
Staff sought input from City Council members and City Council member-Elects. Staff will also
seek input from the community on the Council’s priorities via the Open Town Hall survey which
will be released in December. At the retreat, the public can also attend and share feedback at
the meeting or directly email the Council.
Environmental Review
This is not considered a project as defined by CEQA and no review is required.
Attachments:
• Attachment A-Priority Setting Guidelines
• Attachment B-Past Council Priorities
1
Packet Pg. 5
ITEM 2
Attachment A-Policy and Services
Committee December 13, 2022
Priorities report
Item 2: Page 8 Packet Page 11 of 186
City of Palo Alto
City Council Priority Setting Guidelines
Approved by City Council: October 1, 2012
Last revised: October 1, 2012
Background
The City Council adopted its first Council priorities in 1986. Each year the City Council reviews
it’s priorities at its Annual Council Retreat. On October 1, 2012 the City Council formally
adopted the definition of a council priority, and the Council’s process and guidelines for
selection of priorities.
Definition
A Council priority is defined as a topic that will receive particular, unusual and significant
attention during the year.
Purpose
The establishment of Council priorities will assist the Council and staff to better allot and utilize
time for discussion and decision making.
Process
1. Three months in advance of the annual Council Retreat, staff will solicit input from the City
Council on the priorities to be reviewed and considered for the following year.
a. Council members may submit up to three priorities.
b. Priorities should be submitted no later than December 1.
c. As applicable, the City Manager will contact newly elected officials for their input by
December 1.
d. The City Clerk will provide timely notice to the public to submit proposed priorities by
December 1. The Policy and Services Committee shall recommend to the Council
which suggestions if any shall be considered at the City Council retreat.
2. Staff will collect and organize the recommended priorities into a list for Council
consideration, and provide to Council no less than two weeks in advance of the retreat.
3. The Policy and Services Committee, each year at its December meeting, shall make
recommendations about the process that will be used at the Annual Retreat paying
particular attention to the number of priorities suggested by Council members. The
recommended process is to be forwarded to Council for adoption in advance of the Council
retreat.
Guidelines for Selection of Priorities
1. There is a goal of no more than three priorities per year.
2. Priorities generally have a three year time limit.
Attachment A 1.a
Packet Pg. 6
ITEM 2
Attachment A-Policy and Services
Committee December 13, 2022
Priorities report
Item 2: Page 9 Packet Page 12 of 186
ATTACHMENT B
Past Palo Alto City Council Priorities, By Year for the last six years:
2022
• Economic Recovery and Transition
• Climate Change – Protection and Adaptation
• Housing for Social and Economic Balance
• Community Health and Safety
2021
• Economic Recovery
• Housing for Social and Economic Balance
• Social Justice
• Climate Change – Protection and Adaptation
2020
• Housing, with special emphasis on affordability
• Sustainability, in the context of the changing climate
• Improving mobility for all
2019
• Climate Change
• Grade Separation (choose preferred alternative by end of the year)
• Traffic and Transportation
• Fiscal Sustainability
2018
• Transportation
• Housing
• Budget and Finance (create an infrastructure funding plan)
• Grade Separation (choose preferred alternative by end of year)
2017
• Transportation
• Housing
• Infrastructure
• Healthy City, Healthy Community
• Budget and Finance
1.b
Packet Pg. 7
ITEM 2
Attachment A-Policy and Services
Committee December 13, 2022
Priorities report
Item 2: Page 10 Packet Page 13 of 186
ATTACHMENT C
To support the City Council’s discussion on priorities, the City releases an online survey seeking
community input on priorities for the year. This online survey is one data point to complement
other feedback channels to assist and inform the City Council’s discussion. Other feedback
channels include efforts such as the Community Satisfaction Survey (to be discussed by the
Council on January 23, 2023), Neighborhood Town Halls and other community engagement
efforts planned annually, direct input to the Council via email and feedback through
participation at City Council and Boards, Commissions and Committee meetings.
In addition to soliciting the City Council for suggestions on City Council 2023 priorities, staff
released the OpenGov Open Town Hall survey in early December 2022 and closed the survey on
January 18, 2023. The original survey deadline was January 9, 2023, and staff extended the
deadline to January 18 due to recent storm events and incidents. The survey forum had 270
visitors to the webpage and gained 136 specific community responses.
Overall, this years’ survey was structured differently than past years to gain additional feedback
on community perceptions of each of the 2022 Council priorities. The full report including
individual responses can be viewed in this attachment.
•Question 1: How are we doing on the current 2022 City Council Priorities?
•Question 2: Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority "Economic Recovery and
Transition" [5 being the best]*
•Question3: What should the City be doing differently for "Economic Recovery and
Transition"?
•Question 4: Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority "Climate Change -
Protection and Adaptation" [5 being the best]*
•Question 5: What should the City be doing differently for "Climate Change - Protection
and Adaptation"?
•Question 6: Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority "Housing for Social and
Economic Balance" [5 being the best]*
•Question 7: What should the City be doing differently for "Housing for Social and
Economic Balance"?
•Question 8: Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority "Community Health and
Safety" [5 being the best]*
•Question 9: What should the City be doing differently for "Community Health and
Safety"?
ITEM 2
ATTACHMENT B- OpenGov Open
Town Hall Survey Summary Report
Item 2: Page 11 Packet Page 14 of 186
•Question 10: What other feedback would you like to share about the 2023 City Council
Priorities?
*As noted above, the community was asked to rate on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best,
how the City was doing for each of the 2022 Council Priorities (See Questions 2, 4, 6, 8). The
OpenGov report is limited and only offers an average of ranking information. As such, staff is
synthesizing this data and will provide a supplemental report next week in advance of the
Council’s retreat that provide a fuller spectrum of the rankings to further inform Council’s work.
In addition to the overall ratings on how the City is doing on each 2022 priority, community
members were asked to provide feedback on what the City could be doing differently for each
focus area, which could provide insight on potential focus for the existing priorities should the
Council want to keep the 2022 Council Priorities for 2023.
Summary of Specific Feedback on 2022 Council Priorities and Other Priorities
The following summary shares key themes (listed by 2022 Priority Areas and are in no particular
order):
Economic Recovery and Transition
•Focus on small business, supporting business in general, and creating a more business-
friendly city
•Increase service levels in Planning
•Diverse opinions on increasing business taxes and reducing or eliminating business
taxes)
•Fill vacant retail and office spaces
•Have more events and fun/entertainment options
•Diverse opinions on keeping streets closed and to re-open closed streets
Climate Change – Protection and Adaptation
•More resources for climate change programs
•Expand Safe Routes to School and other mobility items
•Strengthen public transportation, active transportation, and bike infrastructure
•Increase recreation and open space
•Focus on electrification
•More electric vehicle charging incentives and options
•Focus on S/CAP execution
•Replace Pope/Chaucer and Newell Creek bridges and address flooding issues
ITEM 2
ATTACHMENT B- OpenGov Open
Town Hall Survey Summary Report
Item 2: Page 12 Packet Page 15 of 186
Housing for Social and Economic Balance
•Diverse opinions on increasing and building more housing and removing housing as a
priority for the Council in the coming year
•Transit-oriented development – housing near jobs, shopping, services, transit
•Make affordable housing easier, less expensive to build
•Affordable and affordable senior housing
•Rent control
•Remove short-term rentals
•Approve a compliant Housing Element
•Promote more types of housing (multi-family, small apartment, ADUs)
•Convert office space and empty buildings to housing
•Establish short-term housing options for homeless population
•Safe RV parking program
•More focus on Public Safety
•Reduce airplane noise and traffic
•Improvements to major thoroughfares and other infrastructure (road conditions,
crosswalks, sidewalks, bike-ability, tree upkeep)
•More wellness programs
•Budget for more police officers and firefighters
•More police presence in the community
•Emphasis on residential burglaries and criminal activity
•Code enforcement (leaf blowers, parking, speeding)
•More public services for the low-income community
•Move forward with the Grade Separation project
•Hire more staff resources in these areas: Transportation, Planning, Police, Fire, Palo Alto
Junior Museum & Zoo and Human Resources
•Focus on local issues only
•Balanced focus of priorities geographically across the City
•Address car traffic along major arteries
•Less focus on electrification and reducing natural gas use
•Diversity of representation on Council, Boards & Commissions, working groups, and staff
•Several residents recommended that Climate Change, Housing, and Community Health
& Safety should not be priorities.
o Some feedback included climate change issues should be left to the state and
federal government.
ITEM 2
ATTACHMENT B- OpenGov Open
Town Hall Survey Summary Report
Item 2: Page 13 Packet Page 16 of 186
o Removing housing was sometimes related to including it in addressing climate
change or removing it until other services were established.
o Many simply stated Climate Change, Housing and Community Health & Safety
shouldn’t be priorities without a reason given.
ITEM 2
ATTACHMENT B- OpenGov Open
Town Hall Survey Summary Report
Item 2: Page 14 Packet Page 17 of 186
1 | www.opentownhall.com/12436 Created with OpenGov | January 18, 2023, 1:35 PM
2023 City Council Priorities
January 18, 2023, 1:35 PM
Contents
i.Summary of responses 2
ii.Survey questions 5
iii.Individual responses 6
ITEM 2
ATTACHMENT B- 2023 OPENGOV
Open Town Hall Survey Results
Item 2: Page 15 Packet Page 18 of 186
Summary Of Responses
As of January 18, 2023, 1:35 PM, this forum had:Topic Start Topic End
Attendees:269 December 7, 2022, 3:32 PM January 18, 2023, 12:00 PM
Responses:136
Hours of Public Comment:6.8
QUESTION 1
How are we doing on the current 2022 City Council Priorities?
Answered 85
Skipped 51
QUESTION 2
Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority "Economic Recovery and Transition"
[5 being the best]
Average 2.80
Total 221.00
Count 79
Skipped 57
QUESTION 3
What should the City be doing differently for "Economic Recovery and Transition"?
Answered 68
Skipped 68
2 | www.opentownhall.com/12436 Created with OpenGov | January 18, 2023, 1:35 PM
2023 City Council Priorities
Share Input on the 2023 City Council Annual Priorities
ITEM 2
ATTACHMENT B- 2023 OPENGOV
Open Town Hall Survey Results
Item 2: Page 16 Packet Page 19 of 186
QUESTION 4
Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority "Climate Change - Protection and Adaptation" [5 being the
best]
Average 2.54
Total 229.00
Count 90
Skipped 46
QUESTION 5
What should the City be doing differently for "Climate Change - Protection and Adaptation"?
Answered 95
Skipped 41
QUESTION 6
Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority "Housing for Social and Economic Balance" [5 being the best]
Average 2.26
Total 192.00
Count 85
Skipped 51
QUESTION 7
What should the City be doing differently for "Housing for Social and Economic Balance"?
Answered 91
Skipped 45
QUESTION 8
Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority "Community Health and Safety" [5 being the best]
3 | www.opentownhall.com/12436 Created with OpenGov | January 18, 2023, 1:35 PM
2023 City Council Priorities
Share Input on the 2023 City Council Annual Priorities
ITEM 2
ATTACHMENT B- 2023 OPENGOV
Open Town Hall Survey Results
Item 2: Page 17 Packet Page 20 of 186
Average 2.66
Total 229.00
Count 86
Skipped 50
QUESTION 9
What should the City be doing differently for "Community Health and Safety"?
Answered 92
Skipped 44
QUESTION 10
What other feedback would you like to share about the 2023 City Council Priorities?
Answered 86
Skipped 50
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2023 City Council Priorities
Share Input on the 2023 City Council Annual Priorities
ITEM 2
ATTACHMENT B- 2023 OPENGOV
Open Town Hall Survey Results
Item 2: Page 18 Packet Page 21 of 186
Survey Questions
QUESTION 1
How are we doing on the current 2022 City Council Priorities?
QUESTION 2
Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority "Economic
Recovery and Transition"
[5 being the best]
QUESTION 3
What should the City be doing differently for "Economic Recovery
and Transition"?
QUESTION 4
Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority "Climate Change -
Protection and Adaptation" [5 being the best]
QUESTION 5
What should the City be doing differently for "Climate Change -
Protection and Adaptation"?
QUESTION 6
Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority "Housing for Social
and Economic Balance" [5 being the best]
QUESTION 7
What should the City be doing differently for "Housing for Social and
Economic Balance"?
QUESTION 8
Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority "Community
Health and Safety" [5 being the best]
QUESTION 9
What should the City be doing differently for "Community Health and
Safety"?
QUESTION 10
What other feedback would you like to share about the 2023 City
Council Priorities?
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2023 City Council Priorities
Share Input on the 2023 City Council Annual Priorities
ITEM 2
ATTACHMENT B- 2023 OPENGOV
Open Town Hall Survey Results
Item 2: Page 19 Packet Page 22 of 186
Individual Responses
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
December 8, 2022, 7:22 AM
Question 1
Need more resources to meet climate change goals.
Question 2
5
Question 3
No response
Question 4
1
Question 5
Allocate more resources to reduce auto dependency and add housing.
Question 6
3
Question 7
Allow higher buildings, unbundle parking, and do more to make affordable
housing cheaper to build.
Question 8
3
Question 9
Fund the police traffic team, remove on-street parking to build a network
of protected bike lanes, expand the Safe Routes program to high school,
initiate a similar program for adults, initiate a Cycling without Age
program.
Question 10
Increasing the number of EVs in town alone will not get us to our S/CAP
goals. Hire more transportation staff to implement our S/CAP mobility
goals. This will serve our increasingly older population by reducing auto
dependence.
Name not shown
in Old Palo Alto
December 8, 2022, 8:13 AM
Question 1
The community safety is impacting everyone who lives and works in Palo
Alto. It is the bedrock of our community and it deserves a sharper focus
and more efforts than it received this year.
Question 2
3
Question 3
Yes, make people feel safe to dine, shop and do business here again. The
recent crimes and safety challenges at Stanford Shopping Mall scared
people away. Restore the safety, then economy. Not the other way
around.
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
2
Question 9
Let's begin by giving it a higher priority and the attention it deserves!
Question 10
No response
Name not available
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2023 City Council Priorities
Share Input on the 2023 City Council Annual Priorities
ITEM 2
ATTACHMENT B- 2023 OPENGOV
Open Town Hall Survey Results
Item 2: Page 20 Packet Page 23 of 186
December 8, 2022, 9:08 AM
Question 1
Badly on housing.
Question 2
4
Question 3
More services for low income and public employees
Question 4
5
Question 5
No response
Question 6
2
Question 7
Build more housing!
Question 8
5
Question 9
Putting crime in perspective so people don't view anecdotal info and think
crime is surging.
Question 10
Housing, housing, housing. And services for our low income community.
Name not shown
in University South
December 8, 2022, 9:32 AM
Question 1
Too much debate without decisions
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
4
Question 5
No response
Question 6
3
Question 7
Move ahead and make decisions
Question 8
4
Question 9
Not sure
Question 10
Please clean up the city!!! Trees need trimming and streets need
repaving. Quit looking at big picture and take care of the city. Would like
to see cars ticketed on street cleaning days so the sweeper can really
clean the streets. Long Beach has this program in place and streets are
clean. Decide and do underpasses for the trains like Embarcadero has
had for years!!!
Name not available
December 8, 2022, 9:56 AM
Question 1
It seems as if council members are too stuck in their beliefs and not
willing to work together. I'd like to see more cooperation on big problems
of public and non-car transporation and more housing stock.
Question 2
No response
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2023 City Council Priorities
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ITEM 2
ATTACHMENT B- 2023 OPENGOV
Open Town Hall Survey Results
Item 2: Page 21 Packet Page 24 of 186
Question 3
No response
Question 4
2
Question 5
We need more public transportation options. Palo Alto should also be a
model city for biking.
Question 6
2
Question 7
Poorly - we should be emracing housing targets so that our children can
live in our community
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Name not available
December 8, 2022, 10:03 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
4
Question 3
Enhance small retail opportunity.
Question 4
4
Question 5
Go slowly on transition from natural gas. Make sure there is adequate
electricity generation to supply the increased need.
Question 6
3
Question 7
Affordable senior housing should be a priority. Perhaps convert unused
office space to residential.
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Name not available
December 8, 2022, 12:02 PM
Question 1
You're ignoring MY priorities! What a waste to keep pushing the risky
$144,000,000 fiber project with your flawed surveys. And wehere did
you find that retail consultant who DOUBLED the number of nail salons on
Cal Aver??
Question 2
2
Question 3
Fire your idiot retail consultant who's more concerned with how many sq
feet of retail we deserve and start looking at Los Altos and Menlo Park etc.
for how THEY revitalize their downtowns without wasting OUR money.
Question 4
1
Question 5
Get our utility bills under control and stop pretending PA is a country unto
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2023 City Council Priorities
Share Input on the 2023 City Council Annual Priorities
ITEM 2
ATTACHMENT B- 2023 OPENGOV
Open Town Hall Survey Results
Item 2: Page 22 Packet Page 25 of 186
its own self.
Question 6
5
Question 7
It should sue the state for its absurd housing targets and force Stanford
to put housing on its land, not remove housing from PA and our tax rolls.
Question 8
1
Question 9
Hire more police.
Question 10
Force the 2 new former Stanford employees on City Council to recuse
themselves on all Stanford-related decisions like you've forced members
of PAN to recuse themselves
Name not available
December 8, 2022, 1:50 PM
Question 1
Fair
Question 2
3
Question 3
acknowledge that we need to provide more housing and actually take
concrete steps to do that so that more people can afford to live here and
support our economy. More housing -> stronger economy
Question 4
3
Question 5
Company the city uses for landscape services at all its city parks and City
Hall uses gas powered blowers EVERY DAY, even though this is
technically not allowed in the city. But city does nothing about it.
Question 6
1
Question 7
Not spend so much time focused on what the NIMBYs want. We need
more affordable housing, for workers and for seniors who would like to
stay here.
Question 8
3
Question 9
Police never enforce the gas blower ban, or the fact that bikes speed
through the Cal Ave pedestrian tunnel despite the sign that says they
should walk their bikes. Yet the police always claim they are "so busy".
Why not put some resources towards these items as a start, to show what
they are actually spending their time on.
Question 10
Many families here have working parents who cannot attend various City
meetings, due to the hours their job requires, or looking after their
families. So the people the City Council hears from are retirees and
NIMBYs, who have an unbalanced effect on city priorities. Try to get out
to hear from families more - by having a meeting at a school, or meet on
weekends at a city park or somewhere these citizens are likely to be.
Prioritize hearing from ALL residents, not just a few
Name not available
December 8, 2022, 2:33 PM
Question 1
Good. I think the council has been fiscally responsible while making
improvements in the city.
Question 2
4
Question 3
It feels like the city is focused on solving the housing problem by focusing
on the southern end of the city. I would strongly prefer a more balanced
approach to include the northern transit station at a minimum.
Question 4
3
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2023 City Council Priorities
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ITEM 2
ATTACHMENT B- 2023 OPENGOV
Open Town Hall Survey Results
Item 2: Page 23 Packet Page 26 of 186
Question 5
I appreciate that the city attempted to find out how much of our recycling
is actually recycled. However, I think the city needs to do a lot more in
this area or people will stop recycling.
Question 6
1
Question 7
As previously stated, new housing should be balanced throughout the
main transit corridors of the city. I do not object to larger
apartment/condo buildings near El Camino and the train stations/bus
stations. To the extent it's possible I would prefer the neighborhoods to
retain their housing character without the influx of lots of duplexes or
even apartment buildings amongst single family homes. To add housing
without overwhelming traffic use a smaller footprint near transit.
Question 8
4
Question 9
No response
Question 10
The city needs to accommodate more housing with much better public
transit, better biking options and improvements to major thoroughfare
roads. It is really worrisome that the city will have an explosion of housing
without those improvements, which will only lead to gridlock. The city
needs to address some additional car traffic on El Camino, University,
Embarcadero, Oregon Expressway/Pagemill and San Antonio Road. This
will be expensive and take longer than public transit and biking options
but will be a necessary addition in the long run.
Name not available
December 8, 2022, 3:00 PM
Question 1
The priorities seem to reflect the greatest needs of the city in the current
moment.
Question 2
3
Question 3
Encouraging more small, local businesses to open up shop.
Question 4
4
Question 5
Keep up the good work.
Question 6
2
Question 7
We can’t have social and economic balance if renting or owning a home is
limited to a small section of the population.
Question 8
4
Question 9
Sadly, I think the focus on infrequent crimes by the media colors the
public’s perception of safety in town. Making strides toward a more
balanced income distribution and more stable, affordable housing options
locally and regionally would go a long way in addressing the rare crime
that occurs in Palo Alto.
Question 10
No response
Name not shown
in Duveneck/ St Francis
December 8, 2022, 9:15 PM
Question 1
OK
Question 2
3
Question 3
full recovery will take tiem, keep doing what you are doing
Question 4
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2023 City Council Priorities
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ITEM 2
ATTACHMENT B- 2023 OPENGOV
Open Town Hall Survey Results
Item 2: Page 24 Packet Page 27 of 186
5
Question 5
nothing
Question 6
3
Question 7
make actions match the rhetoric
Question 8
3
Question 9
i don't really know what is being done, but the new police chief is a great
start
Question 10
keep them the same
Name not available
December 8, 2022, 11:39 PM
Question 1
The city has been too fiscally conservative. More, and better quality, staff
should be hired and trained to support comprehensive planning for
population growth in areas that are being upzoned. If we don't get the
transportation piece right, our economy will suffer. The necessary
comprehensive planning and thinking just isn't being done. Grade
separations are a key example. The grade separation projects seem to be
considered piecemeal, rather than as a set and in context of planned
growth. The consultant is not very good, and they don't seem to be well
managed.
Climate change, Housing and Social Economic Balance, and Community
Health & Safety, to my mind, all relate to alternative transportation,
particularly active transportation. The city has done very little in this area
this year.
Question 2
2
Question 3
Work with businesses on a plan to spend tax dollars to serve them better
IF they will support a larger business tax. They are going to be unhappy,
and might move out, when they figure out how poor planning is going to
negatively impact local work commutes. Failure to plan comprehensively
is bad for businesses and the economy.
Question 4
3
Question 5
Too much emphasis on electric cars. Focus more on smaller e-vehicles
and building heating systems.
Question 6
3
Question 7
The city has been responsive to state housing mandates with the
Housing Element, but it has completely failed to plan for social and
economic balance--which will be negatively impacted by failure to plan for
trips and community services.
Question 8
3
Question 9
What has the city done to improve community health and safety? Really, I
don't know.
Question 10
Comprehensive planning, comprehensive planning, comprehensive
planning.........We need people who know how to do comprehensive
planning on our staff.
Name not available
December 9, 2022, 9:10 AM
Question 1
Doing pretty well. Businesses still need more support from the City.
Question 2
3
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ITEM 2
ATTACHMENT B- 2023 OPENGOV
Open Town Hall Survey Results
Item 2: Page 25 Packet Page 28 of 186
Question 3
Making it easier to do business in Palo Alto. Allowing a variety of
businesses to come to our town and thrive.
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
3
Question 7
Don't allow more housing until services are in place
Question 8
4
Question 9
It would be good to see more police around regularly. We need help
stopping all of the property crimes like stolen cars, car break ins, bike
thefts etc.
Question 10
Please continue to make helping businesses thrive a priority! Without a
strong business community the city suffers in multiple ways. Please
budget for more police officers to help keep the citizens and visitors to
our city safer and knowing help is near if needed. Thank you!
Name not available
December 9, 2022, 9:38 AM
Question 1
Housing should not be a priority. I don't want Palo Alto to turn into San
Francisco
Question 2
2
Question 3
Don't impose business taxes
Question 4
1
Question 5
This is not something a city can effectively address. It would be better to
leave this to the state and federal governments, and the city should focus
on local issues.
Question 6
1
Question 7
Drop this priority.
Question 8
3
Question 9
Ensure criminals are prosecuted to the full extent of the law
Question 10
Palo Alto is no longer a family oriented city. It now has very expensive
stores and restaurants, too much housing and not enough local retail. I
can afford to move to Beverly Hills, if that's what I wanted I would move
there. I moved to Palo Alto because it was a family oriented city, and I'm
sad to see what it's turning into.
Nathan Szajnberg
in Greenmeadow
December 9, 2022, 9:51 AM
Question 1
Lower taxes. At least for elderly and middle class. Mortgage rates are
punishing. Council can give at least temporary relief by dropping taxes
Question 2
1
Question 3
Lower taxes homeowners. Especially to attract new buyers with children
and elderly
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ITEM 2
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Open Town Hall Survey Results
Item 2: Page 26 Packet Page 29 of 186
Question 4
2
Question 5
Solar. Stop cars into schools. Parents should use bike or pub transport.
Eg use the free minivans for kids to school in am.
Question 6
5
Question 7
Don’t tax us further. Let wealthy owners build and use those races to
support teachers etc.
Question 8
1
Question 9
We’ve become a theft magnet. Get more innovative policing. Eg use
drones for night surveillance
Question 10
Drop taxes!
Name not available
December 9, 2022, 9:52 AM
Question 1
Don't know
Question 2
4
Question 3
No response
Question 4
3
Question 5
Focus more on active transportation. Stop prioritizing parking, parking
garages and car commutes.
Question 6
3
Question 7
Rent control and supporting transit oriented developments.
Question 8
3
Question 9
Put more funding into wellness programs that reduce reliance on car
ownership.
Question 10
No response
Name not available
December 9, 2022, 10:04 AM
Question 1
Please focus on criminal. Reducing theft, burglary, robbery in our
neighborhood.
Question 2
3
Question 3
Please focus on criminal. Reducing theft, burglary, robbery in our
neighborhood.
Question 4
3
Question 5
Please focus on criminal. Reducing theft, burglary, robbery in our
neighborhood.
Question 6
3
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Question 7
Please focus on criminal. Reducing theft, burglary, robbery in our
neighborhood.
Question 8
3
Question 9
Please focus on criminal. Reducing theft, burglary, robbery in our
neighborhood.
Question 10
Please focus on criminal. Reducing theft, burglary, robbery in our
neighborhood.
Name not available
December 9, 2022, 10:15 AM
Question 1
no idea
Question 2
3
Question 3
No response
Question 4
3
Question 5
No response
Question 6
2
Question 7
low income housing? Where!!!
Question 8
4
Question 9
Fix sidewalks and streets and prune trees and remove dead ones. Take
care of local problems.
Question 10
No response
Name not shown
in Barron Park
December 9, 2022, 10:23 AM
Question 1
The City Council continues to focus on unproductive and wasteful
activities.
Question 2
1
Question 3
Is the City doing anything to help economic recovery? It appears to be
doing just the opposite - like supporting a tax on business. Instead doing
everything possible to discourage businesses, the Council should be
looking for ways to make Palo Alto business-friendly.
Question 4
1
Question 5
Everyone is an expert on climate change and many think that having Palo
Alto do everything "right" (read as politically correct) is ok - it is not. We
should NOT be discouraging use of natural gas - use of natural gas is a
great stepping stone toward cleaner energy. We are fortunate as a
country to have an abundance of natural gas that we can use to
transistion to cleaner energy. Instead we are cramming down
technologies on to our citizens that are not yet economically viable and
make housing MORE expensive and makes Palo Alto a more expensive
place to live.
Question 6
1
Question 7
The City should be doing the bare minimum as the voters have abdicated
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local control of housing to the State - shameful - such laws should be
repealed. California population is decreasing - for a number of different
reasons - and the State is giving us no reason to think that the trend will
be reversed. Whatever model the State is using....it is wrong. So, until the
voters wake up - do just enough to avoid lawsuits.
Question 8
1
Question 9
There is no question that our citizens are being increasing victimized by
crime - again, our City Council is thinking more about reducing and
policing our police force than supporting and increasing our police force.
And as our city is forced into providing more "Housing for Social and
Economic Balance", so will the need for proportionately MORE police, not
less. The Council's focus is off 180 degrees.
Question 10
I cannot offer feedback to Council members that are more focused on
political correctness and their political careers than the well-being of the
citizens of our City - for that feedback would fall on deaf ears.
Name not shown
in Greenmeadow
December 9, 2022, 10:40 AM
Question 1
Completed 12 Priorities, ongoing 42 and dropped 11, is not a great record
of completion.
Question 2
3
Question 3
Move faster. I have seen how quickly things have been able to change in
Palo Alto. This has been an extremely slow year!
Question 4
2
Question 5
NOTHING has been achieved when 0 of the goals have been completed,
the results speak for themselves. At least there are still 8 ongoing goals.
Question 6
3
Question 7
Again the numbers speak, 8 goals completed, 7 ongoing and 9 dropped.
Come on folks, we can move faster to solve these problems.
Question 8
2
Question 9
Why is this so difficult. The citizens have spoken, the council has
mandated, and the action is too little and too slow.
Question 10
Let's start making valuable progressive changes which enhance the
experience of living in Palo Alto. Why do we drag our feet at every
decision??
Name not shown
in Community Center
December 9, 2022, 11:05 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
Let's bring Palo Alto in line with other nearby communities in regard to
closed pedestrian-friendly streets. We are missing out by not moving
quickly to create closed pedestrian areas now. By creating so many
requirements for parklets, we are making this very difficult and expensive
for restaurants and cafes to have outside areas. Parklets are only small
areas, and while they are nice, they are still missing the point -- the great
benefits of closing streets. Less noise, less pollution, more attractive --
build it and people will come! The city should be more supportive of this
and move on this now. The one good thing to come from the COVID
pandemic was the fantastic increase in outdoor dining and seating areas,
something I've always hoped for. Let's not lose that! (I am not affiliated
with any businesses in Palo Alto; I'm a long-time resident.)
Question 4
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No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Name not shown
in University South
December 9, 2022, 11:08 AM
Question 1
No opinion in general because it's not obvious what has been achieved.
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
3
Question 5
Give highest priority to de-gassifying the utilities and adapting to less
water, lowest to expanding fiber. We already HAVE fiber providers. Direct
resources at the problems only Palo Alto utilities can affect.
Question 6
1
Question 7
Making it easy to build low-cost housing near transit.
Question 8
3
Question 9
Build bicycle boulevards, the cheapest, most effective encouragement to
cycling.
Question 10
Besides priorities, we need public commitments to measurable goals and
measurement of progress. E.g., Finish Park Bicycle Boulevard.
Name not available
December 9, 2022, 11:24 AM
Question 1
You are making good progress on some priorities. However, one area that
I feel you are not doing nearly enough is "Community Health and Safety".
Palo Alto has become a totally different city in terms of safety. We hear
about burglaries, thefts, robberies all the time! 20 years ago these things
were unheard of in Palo Alto. What has the city done to improve safety for
its residents?! I am sad and disappointed!
Question 2
4
Question 3
No response
Question 4
3
Question 5
Not a priority on my mind.
Question 6
3
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Question 7
Don't want to see Palo Alto turned into a highly congested city! Don't have
build houses just to be politically correct.
Question 8
1
Question 9
Hire more police officers and have them patrol the streets more often and
respond to 911 calls more promptly! Install cameras in major
intersections!
Question 10
No response
larry alton
in Downtown North
December 9, 2022, 1:22 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
1
Question 5
Please facilitate and accelerate the support for ev charging. It is pathetic
now. I applied for an ev installation in May and have not gotten any
installation yet.
The water and gas utility charges are way too high. We want to have a nice
looking place with flowers, trees and fruit and it is costing us $512 for
water for the month of November including a $218 water distribution?
charge; this is much higher than neighboring cities. Gas costs are $213
including a $107 service charge? for November and the price per therm is
up 12.2% from last year!!.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
I think the salaries and benefits provided to Palo Alto employees are too
high and out of line when compared to similar jobs in industry.
Name not available
December 9, 2022, 1:34 PM
Question 1
Mixed
Question 2
3
Question 3
Well, really not much the city can do for the macro aspect of Economic
Recovery. Things have bounced back, traffic picked up, people are going
to restaurants, etc. If possible, put service levels back to pre-pandemic
levels where needed and increase if warranted, such as the planning
department.
And somehow get pension costs under control because that is sucking up
way too much money that could be going to other uses.
Question 4
1
Question 5
Not discouraging solar. Your utility department seems to be taking the
attitude of the large IOU's when it comes to residential solar.
Making setback changes so quiet electric heat pumps can be installed
(legally as I know several put in just ignoring requirements by a foot or so)
because when many of the setbacks were established in the 1950's
climate change was not an issue. A little thing but keeps people like us
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from installing said heat pumps and may need to put in a new gas furnace
as ours is almost at the end of its usable life.
Question 6
3
Question 7
Banish Airbnb's. If the housing stock sucked up by the short-term rentals
was put back into play bay area wide, it would make a big difference
without building anything new.
Concentrate new housing in the downtown areas or El Camino Real or San
Antonio. Convert Palo Alto Square buildings to housing. Or build another
building or two of Condos there the same height as there is plenty of
parking and space. Parking is needed as any fantasy of people not driving
belongs to a very small minority of activists who yell loudly and seem to
think everyone agrees with them.
Good luck on affordable housing as the only way is for government to
fund such housing. I see no huge surplus of monies for that right now. All
other funding sources make somebody else pay for "affordable housing"
one way or another. And taxes in California have driven people elsewhere
in the country so raising more for "affordable housing" by taxing the rest
of us will further the exodus or revolt.
Question 8
2
Question 9
You (city of Palo Alto) cannot fully control people's behavior so quit
trying. Health issues really belong at a higher, better funded government
level and/or left to individuals. The city cannot defeat Covid. Or the Flu
or RSV, etc.
Safety - E-bikes are okay if kept on paved streets, not hacked to go 35-40
mph. The not okay side, I see E-bikes going through stop signs at 25 mph
on a regular basis as I live right next to a corner with a quasi-lot of
residential and cut through traffic. They are a menace on trails. They
should be licensed like I had to license my moped back in the early 1980's.
And regular bikes need to stay in the street and off the sidewalks.
Train crossings need to be picked, funded and built. That would enhance
the greater community, health, safety and livability. Don't know if I will
live to see it done.
Reinstate free shuttle - the custom door to door shuttle concept is great.
Question 10
Basics of local government should be emphasized. Infrastructure, police,
fire, running utilities efficiently, departments serving the public staffed
and available. Our little city cannot solve the world's problems but can
serve the citizens who live here well. Do that!
Name not shown
in Crescent Park
December 9, 2022, 1:35 PM
Question 1
Very badly. The recycling program continues to do significant
environmental damage, and the various climate programs incentivize bad
behaviors.
Question 2
1
Question 3
Eliminate the per-square foot tax on businesses! At a time when
businesses are struggling to recover, this is a tragic mistake.
Question 4
1
Question 5
Stop wasting money on these totally ineffectual, symbolic gestures. Every
city initiative is a waste of money that could actually improve people's
lives.
Question 6
2
Question 7
Make it easy to build high-density housing near the train stations.
Question 8
2
Question 9
More visible police presence.
Question 10
No response
Name not available
December 9, 2022, 2:43 PM
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Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
2
Question 7
Stop fighting the state laws! Stop imposing silly rules such as window and
porch requirements to try to slow implementation of state laws.
Up-zone the whole city so that at least duplexes can be built on any
formerly R1 lot (4-pexes on large lots). Allow large buildings on El Camino
and in commercial zones (see Creekside).
Cut parks/schools fees for ADUs to be proportionate.
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Name not available
December 9, 2022, 5:20 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
1
Question 7
Focus on below market housing and below market senior housing
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Name not available
December 10, 2022, 10:25 AM
Question 1
The big challenge we have is maintaining quality of life in a changing
climate. Overzealous population growth policies driven by Sacramento
are partially to blame, but the City and staff of Palo Alto need to push
back harder. We are in an era of reduced availability of natural resources.
If we want to maintain quality of life we need to reduce population, not
increase population!
1) Increase space reserved for recreation and open space.
2) Reduce water recycling and conservation efforts that put environment
at risk and enable population density increase.
3) Make a formal plan for population decrease in Palo Alto. World
population is nearing a peak, US population is nearly stagnant, CA
population is nearly stagnant, why are we planning for population density
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increase in a natural environment where key resources including water,
energy and food are increasingly scarce?
Question 2
4
Question 3
Plan for population density decrease, not increase.
Question 4
1
Question 5
Climate change means reduced availability for resources including water,
energy, food and open space to support both humans and the natural
environment that defines "Quality of Life". With resources increasingly
scarce we need to engineer towards a REDUCTION in human population
NOT an INCREASE in population
Question 6
1
Question 7
Social and Economic Balance is important and an admirable goal. The
root cause of social and economic imbalance though is not expensive
housing and lack of housing. The root cause is California's choice to NOT
invest in education for our own citizens and instead import people
primarily from other US states. The people coming in from other states
are primarily highly educated and well paid driving up housing prices.
Result is that our own California children are leaving the state in record
numbers. CA is well below median per-pupil spending at 27th up from a
nadir of 47th in 2012 with HUGE imbalances by district.
Palo Alto should:
1) Reduce housing
2) Increase # of EPA students accepted in to PA schools by providing city
funding to school district.
3) Focus on increasing opportunity not on increasing equality.
Question 8
2
Question 9
Apple store downtown PA has been broken into how many times?
We hardly feel safe walking downtown after dark.
Cars are routinely broken into even in otherwise quiet neighborhoods
People are living in vehicles on the street.
1) Pass and enforce law against living in vehicles on street.
2) Install police cameras throughout the city and strictly enforce traffic
violations
3) Increase police force and spending
4) Make our city safe again.
Question 10
No response
Name not available
December 10, 2022, 5:24 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
With many companies opting to give employees the option to work from
home, how about looking at converting some office space for housing?
Question 4
No response
Question 5
There is much being done on this topic at the federal, state, & county
levels; let's concentrate on Palo Alto's other issues this year and go along
with whatever the other entities legislate/suggest.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
See suggestion under Economic Recovery above.
Question 8
No response
Question 9
I'm very concerned about safety in Palo Alto....the home & auto break-ins,
robberies at local stores, number of people with guns etc. Let's make
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citizen/home safety our top priority in 2023.
Question 10
No response
Name not shown
in Greenmeadow
December 11, 2022, 3:17 AM
Question 1
poorly. Taxes are pressing our family badly, particularly with rise in
mortgage rates.
Question 2
1
Question 3
lower taxes at least temporarily to help at least middle and lower classes
(but preferably across the board)
Question 4
2
Question 5
more solar.
Rescind fee for charging electric vehicles in downtown garages.
ridiculously short-sighted.
Question 6
3
Question 7
lower taxes to attract middle class buyers.
Question 8
1
Question 9
theft is ram[pant and the police show no interest. We had four thefts in a
two month period (several thousand dollars ).
The police wouldn't come out unless we had video. When we showed the
video, they said nothing could be done because the thieves wore masks
(covid!) and hoodies. We asked for nighttime patrols and they said no.
Question 10
lower taxes. Help us stay in community
Name not available
December 11, 2022, 4:39 AM
Question 1
N/A
Question 2
No response
Question 3
N/A
Question 4
No response
Question 5
N/A
Question 6
No response
Question 7
N/A
Question 8
No response
Question 9
N/A
Question 10
Utilitie are too expensive.
Tom B.
in Charleston Terrace
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December 11, 2022, 10:30 AM
Question 1
Time to adjust the priorities as the situation has changed. Put more
emphasis on prevention of residential burglaries (part of Community
Health and Safety?).
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
Don't ban electric bikes on Baylands gravel roads.
Study how to protect from flooding from storm surge in the Bay (that has
supposedly a higher than 1% chance of happening each year).
Question 6
1
Question 7
Build more housing near transit locations, instead of places without much
infrastructure.
Question 8
2
Question 9
Time to adjust the priorities as the situation has changed. Put more
emphasis on prevention of residential burglaries (part of Community
Health and Safety?).
Question 10
Time to adjust the priorities as the situation has changed. Put more
emphasis on prevention of residential burglaries (part of Community
Health and Safety?).
Name not available
December 11, 2022, 12:00 PM
Question 1
ok
Question 2
2
Question 3
relaxing zoning for downtown and cal ave
Question 4
3
Question 5
No response
Question 6
1
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
more enclosed dog parks near or on cal ave and downtown (cogswell
plaza)
Name not available
December 12, 2022, 2:27 PM
Question 1
Poorly
Question 2
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2
Question 3
Support retail business. Focus housing by increasing density bonuses on
downtown properties, Cal Ave, El Camino- Add 3rd floor of housing on
existing 1-2 story businesses.
Question 4
1
Question 5
Too much focus on electrification. Increase support of local public
transit. Density housing near jobs. Real recycling rather than the fake
programs shipping waste over seas to be burned.
Question 6
2
Question 7
Increase density on El Camino and neighboring street. Add 3 story
zoning to existing building to add residences near jobs and support retail.
Build low cost only apartments at the dump. minimum of 5 stories high
with priority to teachers, public safety employees, health care
professionals, and families with 2 or more children employed in Palo
Alto.
Question 8
1
Question 9
Have traffic police to ticket speeders and red light runners on university,
embarcadero, page mill.
Question 10
Read above comments. In addition, focus on cutting expenses, with
personel cuts, do no give money or other services to other cities. Focus
on the citizens of Palo Alto only. Work on cutting regressive city service
costs like utilities and other fees that impact the poor and lower middle
class.
stephen levy
in University Park
December 12, 2022, 4:30 PM
Question 1
Poorly
Question 2
2
Question 3
Stop pretending the large number of vacant retail spaces will attract new
retail businesses. Fill those spaces to create more customers for all
businesses by allowing services and small offices. We need customers not
vacant spaces
Allow more mixed use projects to get needed housing and more
customers.
Question 4
3
Question 5
Realize that more housing in Palo Alto, especially near jobs, shopping and
services, will reduce both long and short commutes and associated GHG
emissions and pollution versus having workers drive long distances to
reach job centers in and near PA.
Question 6
1
Question 7
Commit to approving a compliant Housing Element
Distribute housing for low and moderate income residents broadly
throughout the city especially near shopping, jobs, services and
transit/bike paths
Question 8
3
Question 9
No response
Question 10
Increase the diversity of representation on council appointed boards,
commissions and working groups including more renters and residents
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with diverse views on key city issues unlike recent appointments
Name not available
December 12, 2022, 6:24 PM
Question 1
Pretty good. More focus on econmic recovery is needed
Question 2
3
Question 3
Tracking similiar cities throughout bay area and rapidly following good
ideas. More analysis on economic impact of keeping Cal Ave closed vs
other parts of PA and open streets in other cities. Use data
Question 4
5
Question 5
Overwighted effort in this area
Question 6
4
Question 7
Spent a huge amount of time here and did what is possible. Need to
balance with other needs of city
Question 8
5
Question 9
No response
Question 10
1. Build out Fiber network - keep focus on executing well
2. Economic Development
3. SCAP execution
David Coale
in Barron Park
December 12, 2022, 7:30 PM
Question 1
Pretty well all things considered. Finally we are getting some real work
done on the SCAP and addressing climate change but we have a lot to do
between now and 2030 to meet our 80 X 30 goals. We will have to have
climate change in the mix for next year so that we can continue this good
work and transition from an Ad Hoc Committee to the next step.
Question 2
3
Question 3
Hiring more staff to get City programs going, especially in the area of
transportation and staff needed to upgrade the electrical grid.
Question 4
4
Question 5
More actions faster. Put the Palo Alto process aside and meet the
challenge head on. Climate change is not waiting around for Palo Alto to
get it perfect.
Question 6
3
Question 7
Some how shorted the cycle from project to building.
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
City priorities
1) Climate change with a focus on electrification and transportation. This
would include grid upgrades for electrification and updating the Bike-Ped
plan and putting this in to place. With the very successful Ad Hoc
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committee’s work, it is essential to see this through to the next step,
commission or otherwise to ensure this vital work continues.
2) Transportation: Rail crossings and bike/ped infrastructure. This will
dovetail into item one to get people out of their cars to reduce our fossil
fuel use and make for a more livable city, less dependent on car travel of
any kind. This would be guided by a Safe Systems approach for
transportation planning at all levels where safety comes first. This
includes three cross-town bike/ped crossings of Alma and the train
tracks at
Seal Ave, Matadero creek and south Palo Alto before the rail crossings go
in.
3) Housing for all. This also includes items one and two above and should
be integrated as such. If Palo Alto can help house the people that work
here and have safe ways of getting to work without a car, we will all be
much better off; healthier and happier.
While these priorities have come up before in many ways, a truly
integrated approach between all three with the goal of addressing climate
change is what we need to make the city the best that it can be. The
vision of a city that houses our teachers, city workers and essential
workers in livable, walkable neighborhoods with vibrant town centers an
easy bike ride a way, all the while cohabiting our planet in a way that will
ensure a livable Earth for generations to come is a vision I think we can all
get behind.
Arnout Boelens
in Midtown/ Midtown West
December 13, 2022, 11:25 AM
Question 1
Reasonably well
Question 2
3
Question 3
Overall, Council cannot do much about the economic climate.
Considering the City budget, I would have liked to see a higher business
tax.
Question 4
3
Question 5
Good progress on home electrification.
However, no significant progress on reducing transportation emissions,
which is the largest source of GHG emissions. I would like Palo Alto to be
more aggressive in reducing car dependency and discouraging car usage.
Question 6
3
Question 7
I would like to see increased housing density all over Palo Alto instead of
only South PA where there are no facilities and amenities. Abandoning
free parking requirements would also be great.
Question 8
1
Question 9
Not sure what Council has accomplished.
Question 10
I would like Council to focus on increasing road safety for all road users,
adopt a Safe Systems policy, and make funding available to fix all our
hazardous roads.
Neilson Buchanan
in Downtown North
December 15, 2022, 9:00 AM
Question 1
i am not sure. Need some sort of dashboard
Question 2
4
Question 3
Too early to know. The Dow today is bouncinng down 700+ points for
investors. This region usually does better but who knows. State and local
government tracks the general markets eventually.
I am impressed with PA budgeting and caution. The outgoing Council has
demonstrated reasonable balance between optimism and caution. Most
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other councils seem to be in similar frame of mind but it is difficult to
determine with greater newspaper analysis.
Question 4
3
Question 5
I really know know the composite budget and actual spending for past
years or next year. Plans are at least a 5. Ability to implement is much
lower.
Question 6
3
Question 7
The debate about affordability lacks focus and is not reaching many
voters. The next Council will face the reality of what any city can
accomplish. There are at least three levers. #1 Capital entering the
stratas of housing markets. #2 Capital from government support sources
to support non-market rate housing for complex layers. Funds to operate
this housing is a hurdle too. #3 Zoning changes None of the local cities
have been open about the private and public market timeframes to build
and open hundreds of new housing units. The infrastructure investment
to support this housing will remain unaddressed. Similarly public
transportation will snarl up any form of "rationalized" housing growth.
Question 8
3
Question 9
Traditional healthcare is acceptable to good for most people. Lower
income citizens and their provider system are always at risk. This risk is
growing due to cost of living pressures on providers.
Adequate mental health and social service support has always been
seeking funding and providers. These will be shakier until post-covid
needs abate.
Question 10
Limit priorities and focus on programs within PA's ability to make a
marginal difference. PA Council tends to over-commit and spread
resources too thinly.
Examine the potential for intercity programming for health and social
needs. In general the narrow neck of the Peninsula has smaller cities and
towns without economies of scale. Sequoia Hospital District understands
how to address limited resources and has innovative results. Smaller city
governments in the US do not have strong track records with health and
social services.
Name not available
December 15, 2022, 10:57 AM
Question 1
I wish there were more focus on biodiversity which is a global crisis. Palo
Alto should be a leader in preserving species since it has so many
resources.
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
Please prioritize nature in the urban and open spaces. Also, there are
opportunities to restore degraded areas, such as wetlands, in order to
build natural protection from sea-level rise.
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Sharon Lee-Nakayama
in Charleston Terrace
December 15, 2022, 1:00 PM
Question 1
Fine
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
5
Question 9
The effort and recognition of Altaire Walk 's crime problems made by
Mayor Pat Burt, Council Members Greer Stone, Eric Filseth were
commendable. Special attention and support was given to us by Council
Member Greg Tanaka and retired PAPD Chief Jonsen. Since last January ,
we had gone from near weeky thefts of mail, packages, bikes, electronics
to only one attempt this month. Thank you. We hope to continue open
lines of communication between the newly elected Council members and
Chief Binder. It has helped.
Question 10
See above.
Name not available
December 16, 2022, 7:44 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
2
Question 3
Have more open streets events and community events. Get people out
and about, spending money and seeing their neighbors. Build more
housing near Stanford, Cal Ave, and University (our economic engines)!
Office jobs are likely to never come back fully given current remote-work
trends. This creates a a spiral where businesses will never recover,
property values will dip, and the city's bottom line will bleed. Building A
LOT more housing puts residents where the office workers were,
increases property values, facilitates more interesting retail and service
opportunities (more foot traffic), and makes us a stronger community.
Question 4
2
Question 5
Facilitate more bike and transit trips (more than half of our GHG
emissions are transportation-related) with better/more infrastructure,
slower streets, lower car parking requirements (i.e. ELIMINATE PARKING
MINIMUMS LIKE OTHER CITIES ARE DOING), more bike parking all over
the city, and rezone sites immediately to build lots of high-density
housing near Stanford, Cal Ave, and University - so people don't have to
drive.
Question 6
1
Question 7
Rezone sites, eliminate density maximums, eliminate parking
requirements, adopt a compliant Housing Element (we are very very far
from that right now).
Question 8
3
Question 9
Take back on-street car parking (a private good on a public street for free
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is madness) and use it for safe bike lanes so people of all ages can bike
and be healthy and safe. 60% of folks say they would like more but don't
feel safe. I can think of no other traffic improvement that would remove
60% of vehicle traffic from roads than building safe bike lanes. Palo Alto
used to be a leader on this front, we have so lost our way. Lets be a leader
again!
Question 10
Adopt and implement a compliant housing element, including significant
rezoning of areas of the city where density is appropriate (i.e. near
transit). Though at this point, I will take housing even where it makes no
sense (out near 101 in the Bayshore area).
Name not shown
in Professorville
December 16, 2022, 10:22 AM
Question 1
Ok on Sustainability, not good on housing and economic recovery.
Question 2
2
Question 3
Provide a pedestrian friendly - event centric University Ave. Provide for
more entertainment options (things we can't get online).
Question 4
4
Question 5
Have specific plans on how we're going to meet our 80x30 goal with
annual benchmarks. Need better communication of goals to residents
and get them engaged more. Residents don't understand why
sustainability is important on a personal, household level.
Question 6
2
Question 7
Make sure the Housing Element is compliant and SPEED UP THE
permitting process for new housing. Utilize parking lots for housing.
Question 8
3
Question 9
Engage more with residents on diversity - promote diversity of ages,
ethnicities, incomes. Provide more for low-income residents.
Question 10
Many times the Priorities are a lot of talk and no action (esp on housing).
Hope the new Council can eliminate the Palo Alto Process. Too many
older, conservative and retired people have undue influence - they do not
necessarily speak for the community yet are the ones who show up as
they have the time and resources. So easy to say "no" and gum up the
works. We need PROGRESS!
Name not available
December 16, 2022, 3:56 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
Encouraging more self-powered transport by making walking and biking
safer - more bike lanes, more raised intersections, more traffic circles
instead of 4-way stops, no more one-way streets in downtown Palo Alto
Question 6
No response
Question 7
Build more housing. Allow residential to be built in commercial areas.
Build more housing in parking lots. Allow business to build higher, such as
the BMW dealership on Alma and H0mer
Question 8
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No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Name not available
December 17, 2022, 9:57 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
build more housing near public transit (train station, bus transit center).
Question 8
No response
Question 9
Reduce crime rate (especially burglary). Palo Alto is not as safe as before.
Question 10
No response
Mary Beth Train
in Palo Verde
December 18, 2022, 12:06 PM
Question 1
Middling. Seem to spend more time on easily decided issues.
Question 2
4
Question 3
Cluster small shops and service businesses together, separate from
restaurants so that they are easier to get to, when buildings are being
remodeled. Maybe have easier to identify parking for accessibility.
Question 4
3
Question 5
Encourage car subscriptions, like Zipcar, with more visible parking spots.
Same for bicycles and scooters. On-demand shuttle = great! Expand
shuttle idea for schools, to prevent parents' driving & idling.
Be careful about building in flood zones, or else houses on stilts.
Finish Caltrain crossings; it's dragged on for seemingly 30 years.
Special parking places for vanpools in business areas.
Same-day package delivery service, partly subsidized, for shoppers who
drive because they need a car to carry the purchases home.
Question 6
2
Question 7
Housing element work to identify places for more housing picked the
obvious places; that's good, but it took a long time. Consider more mixed-
use buildings on main streets, e.g. Middlefield in south Palo Alto, El
Camino, Arastradero, Charleston. Some of these streets are already on
bus lines. Airbnb restrictions are good. I'm a landlord for a single-family
house, and I don't see a sign-up for a registry.
Question 8
3
Question 9
Unsure. Support for PAUSD's beefing up counslors, etc. though I don't
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know how.
Question 10
Put the contentious items first on the council meeting agenda. Are the
speakers' comments repetitive? Should there be some yes/no boxes for
agenda items on the speakers' forms - though preparation would be labor
intensive. Should print copies of council packets be made available in
libraries again, or if they still are, have a sign at the libraries' information
desk that they are available for check out for an hour with 1 renewal. Also
put packets in cooperating coffee houses, though most are closed by 5 or
6pm
Name not available
December 19, 2022, 12:32 PM
Question 1
Ok
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
3
Question 9
Please take into consideration the increased airplane traffic over Palo
Alto.
We’ve been working on this issue for over 7 years and are hoping that
you’ll be able to work with the FAA on this issue.
Please keep up the pressure.
Question 10
No response
Name not available
December 19, 2022, 1:21 PM
Question 1
I want to see progress on eliminating nighttime flights over Palo Alto that
disturb our sleep and having the planes fly at higher altitudes whenever
possible to reduce noise and pollution.
Question 2
3
Question 3
No response
Question 4
4
Question 5
No response
Question 6
3
Question 7
No response
Question 8
2
Question 9
Reducing airplane noise at night and having planes fly at higher altitudes
whenever possible. This is a health concern for adequate sleep and the
ability to work in my garden without airplane noise overhead.
Question 10
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No response
Name not available
December 19, 2022, 1:22 PM
Question 1
Hard to evaluate. The "Jet Noise" over our Santa Cruz property is still
overwhelming.
The FAA apparently is deaf to its' own citizens complaints.
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
Not sure about these other questions but Sky Posse isn't getting the job
done.
Name not shown
in Duveneck/ St Francis
December 19, 2022, 1:42 PM
Question 1
The priority should be adjusted to address the top issue, Community
Health and Safety, which is significantly challenged by the AIRPLANE
NOISE. Palo Also is the city that suffers the most from airplane noise -
airplanes landing in SFO concentrate in the same route that is just above
Palo Alto. It's an issue that directly threatens residents and hard to be
ignored. I urge the city council to focus on this real problem in the new
year.
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
1
Question 9
Airplane noise, in particular the 60-day Statute of Limitations on FAA
actions, needs to be on the top of Council's agenda. Airplane noise has
been around all day till late night and start from early morning, especially
during summer time. With the pandemic relieved and travel recovering,
density of the airplanes would continue to increase. If we continue to do
nothing, Palo Alto would be a place that is no longer suitable for living.
Mental and physical health of local residents is significantly challenged -
lack of a peaceful living environment is a very dangerous factor to
people's wellbeing.
Ask for resident input on alternatives to what has been presented by City
consultants at the recent Airplane Study Session. Sky Posse’s
suggestions are here:
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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jeja3ChmrnDCohqNaHz13mH-
XzGpLSFl/view
PACC needs to engage residents early in the year to more robustly
explore options to address the issues. There are more alternatives than
what the City’s consultants presented at the study session.
Community priorities:
1. Address unfair concentration of routes and "Fly at Higher Altitudes!"
2. Eliminate night time noise
3. Need new Metroplex re-design team and resources to work for
communities.
Question 10
Airplane noise should be the first priority and much much more important
than all other priorities. If not addressed, the community would perish
very fast!
Bob Moss
in Barron Park
December 19, 2022, 3:02 PM
Question 1
very good
Question 2
4
Question 3
Too many retail vacancies downtown and California Avenue. Work to
bring in more retail stores, a few more restaurants.
Question 4
5
Question 5
Greater efforts to have homeowners change from gas appliances to
electric. Offer incentives for solar panel installation.
Question 6
3
Question 7
Land cost and construction are expensive. City can't cover costs but4
may be able to convince big employers to fund housing.
Question 8
4
Question 9
Do more to get people vaccinated and boosted, especially lower income
and Hispanic people.
Question 10
No response
Name not available
December 19, 2022, 3:03 PM
Question 1
Fair
Question 2
3
Question 3
No response
Question 4
4
Question 5
Businesses should not water greens.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
Stop ADUs and Stop chopping up large parcels.
Question 8
2
Question 9
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Fight airplane noise and pollution!
Nothing allowed in the sky but airplanes... not flying cars! not drones!
Question 10
Encourage high tech companies to move out of the area - they are our
housing and traffic problem!
Nathaniel Sterling
in Research Park
December 19, 2022, 3:36 PM
Question 1
Not so good, with respect to airport noise.
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
Airport noise needs to be addressed more aggressively. I would forget
FAA and go directly against the offending airlines, in particular Korean Air.
True, FAA determines the flight patterns. But FAA doesn't require Korean
Air to fly into SFO in the middle of the night, using the loudest possible
equipment. That is a decision Korean Air makes for its own profit, and
they should pay for the consequences of that decision.
Question 10
No response
Name not shown
outside Palo Alto
December 19, 2022, 7:35 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
2
Question 3
The city has plenty of money to do what most residents want: a nice place
to live. Instead, it caters to loud interest groups who don't represent the
rest of us. The result has been a hash of non-coordinated policies that
don't please anyone.
Question 4
2
Question 5
This should be a lower priority for the City. Climate change is more
properly a state or federal issue. A lot of what the city does feels more
like expensive virtue signaling than it does intelligent policy.
Question 6
2
Question 7
A lot of diddling around with no clear direction or results. The city should
make sure we keep our suburban feel before recklessly building more
housing that will overstress our infrastructure and lower the quality of life
for those already here.
Question 8
1
Question 9
The City has been working on airplane noise for close to a decade with no
visible results. This is something that affects quality of life as well as
health and safety. It should be moved higher on the priority list.
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Question 10
No response
Name not available
December 19, 2022, 8:42 PM
Question 1
Airplane noise over Palo Alto still not addressed even after all the SFO
Roundtable meetings the last few years.
Question 2
3
Question 3
No response
Question 4
2
Question 5
Address airplane pollution over Palo Alto (and over the Bay Area in
general) brought about from NextGen air traffic changes since 2015. How
can we claim to be addressing climate change when SFO is ADDING new
airlines and new flight routes year by year??? One airplane's exhaust
releases how many emissions as compared to how many cars? (a lot
more)
Question 6
3
Question 7
No response
Question 8
1
Question 9
We need to address airplane noise and airplane pollution i.e. particulate
matter (in addition to CO2 emissions for the climate change topic above)
from Nextgen which has planes since 2015 fly lower (to save fuel) and
exposing the city to air pollution that residents like you and me are
breathing in.
I am not against airplanes and don't want to sound like a radical but we
need them to fly more over bodies of water, fly higher and fly more
dispersed and further away from communities. FAA needs to innovate
and come up with Nextgen 2.0 as the current version is a health hazard in
the making.
Airplane pollution effects on health news articles:
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-
3A__pubs.acs.org_doi_full_10.1021_es5001566&d=DwMFaQ&c=clK7kQU
TWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=l2KCljWm1GRdWfXVv
ddwxA&m=FCXNQaFeBWAc6-
oTMMsrW4YWEe3OiWHyMFVvb8V6p2E&s=qhKOQyQdTrN4-
JJiHJ16cZpKiHVhwBVaWLuG-7tnjAw&e=
https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2019/09/24/air-pollution-
from-logan-airport-harms-surrounding-communities-research-shows
Question 10
No response
Name not available
December 20, 2022, 8:31 AM
Question 1
I'm pleased with initiatives to make biking safer, but disappointed in how
much louder and frequent the plane noise it. I know part of it is the return
to pre-covid plane travel, but it seems to be all the time and is especially
disruptive when trying to sleep.
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
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Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Name not available
December 20, 2022, 10:30 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
Dear Council,
Thank you for holding a study session on Airplane Noise. We would like to
reiterate Council’s
priorities for 2022 - Economic Recovery, Climate Change, Housing, and
Community Health
and Safety. Public speakers and requests from citizens during Council’s
Priority setting off
site was largely to address noise and air quality health concerns.
Noise, and particularly night and early morning jet noise, have serious
quality of life and
productivity repercussions. Thus, the impact on the well being of current
and future residents
is significant to Palo Alto’s resilience - especially for families with our
older and youngest
residents, and to many who increasingly want to work from home. When
the FAA rolled out
the Nextgen program in 2014 the response from Palo Alto residents and
neighboring
communities was swift and unequivocal - noise from poorly designed
Nextgen procedures is
"brutal" and "unbearable.
1
"
The FAA's quest
2
to reduce separation between incoming planes meant air traffic was
shifted
lower and concentrated over communities. While the FAA and airports
have focused on
obscuring noise problems, and spend more time highlighting Nextgen
"benefits,' in actuality
the partnership between FAA and the airline industry is expensive and
dysfunctional with
benefits that cannot be traced. During a May 2021 Update
3
to Congress on Nextgen, the
Inspector General plainly stated that the FAA's original benefits analysis
was based on
“optimistic assumptions.” In the same hearing, it was made clear that
Congress has yet to
identify a baseline to understand Nextgen benefits or any metrics
because the program was
launched with none. Environmental costs have not been quantified, and
we already know
that the FAA's assumptions about noise are wholly flawed.
In 2016, the FAA began to tell Congress that noise is a “shared
responsibility” with local
governments.
4
In truth, the FAA has sole responsibility for noise assessments as required
by
NEPA in order to determine appropriate mitigation measures. The agency
has also failed to
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improve community outreach in spite of testifying to Congress about
their efforts, which
takes decades to implement and inadequately serve the public or not at
all. Lately, the FAA
brings industry folks to talk at Roundtables about how airlines and
community interests are
“aligned,” ignoring public complaints about noise, health, and
environmental issues. In
almost nine years of observation, the FAA’s community outreach
ultimately misleads the
4 FAA Report to Congress on Lessons Learned from Nextgen Projects
3 May 18, 2021 Air Traffic Control Modernization Update Roundtable
2 New FAA Procedures Reduce Separations at Major Airports
1 Petition to Elected Representatives - Reduce Aircraft Noise over Palo
Alto and Neighboring
Communities
Sky Posse Palo Alto
public, policy makers, and regularly reinterprets laws as is happening with
the 2018
Ombudsman law.
5 This law was initiated by quiet skies grassroots groups for the FAA to
communicate with community groups, but the money to fund this law is
not being used for its
intent.
Please consider in your study session, Status of National and Regional
Airplane Noise
Initiatives, the following three Sky Posse requests: 1) address the
jurisdictional and legal
issues that prevent progress; 2) explore a city jet noise complaints app, 3)
address the
unanimous Select Committee recommendations that can help the
MidPeninsula.
1. Jurisdictional and legal issues of FAA’s Community Outreach Policies
and
Practices
ASK TO PACC:
Please task the City Attorney to explore and propose a petition for rule
change
6 with
the FAA about FAA’s Community Outreach practices to address the
interests of
actual communities by recognizing the current dysfunction of the FAA
partnership
with airports in managing noise concerns.The City needs to engage
advisors who
have a strong environmental practice, in government ethics and
compliance, and not
advisors that derive most of their profits from airports.
The most problematic issue about FAA’s Community Outreach is the idea
of using airports
and airport roundtables as the regulator’s public outreach
representatives. While airports are
regulated by federal laws, they are owned and operated by cities and
counties whose
interests are in conflict with the interests of communities impacted by
Nextgen. And the
stakeholders that profit from airports carry no accountability for issues
outside their
jurisdiction. As profit-making businesses, airports cannot speak for
communities and should
not be “one” with the FAA or treat the public as the FAA Western
Administrator called the
public - “external stakeholders.” The FAA is wrong to try to outsource
their noise
responsibilities while fighting the public in court, to ignore noise.
The SCSC Roundtable and its eventual demise is a case study where a
“seat” at the table
for Palo Alto also did not help. Funded with our local tax dollars, the SCSC
was launched
with an agreement between the FAA and Members of Congress who
decided what the
regional table could or could not talk about. In San Diego, an airport
community table
initiative seems proud to say that they begin work with communities with
an understanding
that airport capacity issues are off the table. This is not at all consistent
with what the FAA
says it wants to do - share responsibility, and it’s an illustration that the
FAA is regressing
from the first time their leadership met with us in Palo Alto CIty Hall, or is
deeply misguided
in carrying out its job as a regulator.
In 2016, when airports were not leading community discussions, and with
the FAA at the
table, citizens did put capacity up for discussion. Please see the
unanimous Select
6 https://www.transportation.gov/regulations/rulemaking-
process#rulemaking
5 https://quietskiesconference.org/2018-reauthorization
Sky Posse Palo Alto
Committee Recommendation 3.4, on balancing airport capacity and
impacts on health. This
was a process that involved 12 members and 12 alternate high level
elected officials from
Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz Counties in nearly 20 meetings
over six months.
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The growth projections from 2016 need review in light of the IG’s
comments. Recent airline
cancellations are not because of new traffic growth:
Capacity Limitations
The Select Committee understands that the growth in air traffic for the
Bay Area is
projected to increase by approximately 2 percent per annum. While
overall capacity
limitations have not been reached at San Francisco International Airport,
the
availability of additional daytime flight capacity is limited, and it is
anticipated that
future traffic growth can only be accommodated during nighttime hours.
The impact
of additional flights during overnight hours is significantly greater to those
on the
ground, and requires stricter nighttime regulations to avoid sleep
interference, as
discussed further in Item 2.4 in this Report (Overnight Flights). Longer
term,
increased traffic levels may necessitate implementation of capacity
limitations,
such as longer in-trail spacing between aircraft or assigned gate slots.
Recommendation: The Select Committee believes these capacity issues
should
be considered by any successor committee, as recommended in Item
3.1,
Recommendations 1 and 2, in this Report (Need for an Ongoing Venue to
Address
Aircraft Noise Mitigation).
(Vote: __12__ Aye, __0__ Nay, __0__ Absent or Abstain)
The Select Committee also had something to say about “who makes
recommendations to
whom” and aptly described the FAA’s process as “fundamentally
backwards.”
Who Makes Recommendations to Whom
In the face of widespread concern about aircraft noise over portions of
three
counties, the Select Committee was empaneled to provide
recommendations to
Members of Congress on appropriate measures to eliminate or mitigate
noise where
practicable. The Committee members understood and accepted that
assignment,
and this Report represents the Committee’s best effort to offer such
recommendations.
That being said, the mitigation of aircraft noise is a highly technical
matter. The
Committee was wholly comprised of (elected) lay people. Charging a
group of
elected lay people with the responsibility for making recommendations in
this area
seems less than ideal, particularly when the FAA has the requisite
expertise and
responsibility to manage aircraft traffic in the public interest.
Simply put, notwithstanding the FAA’s good faith effort to provide
technical expertise
to the Committee, the Committee’s view is that the process is
fundamentally
Sky Posse Palo Alto
backwards – the FAA should be going to Members of Congress and their
affected
constituencies with proposals for review and comment, not the other way
around.
Recommendation: Should a similar process be employed here or
elsewhere in the
country in the future, the Select Committee recommends that, to the
greatest degree
possible, the FAA be charged with the responsibility for identifying and
proposing
solutions to mitigate noise concerns, and that community groups and
elected officials
be consulted for review and comment, and to offer additional
suggestions.
(Vote: __12__ Aye, __0__ Nay, __0__ Absent or Abstain)
Any rule change to address the FAA's Community Outreach practices
must review how
NEPA is being abused; environmental effects of Nextgen and all FAA
actions are subject to
NEPA disclosure and potential mitigation agreements before
implementation, which the FAA
evades. Please see our Special Report,The Role of Local Officials in FAA’s
NEPA Practices.
2. Explore a new City jet noise complaints app
ASK TO PACC:
Building on Santa Cruz citizen Adam Worrall’s http://stop.jetnoise.net
app that shares
anonymized data with airports, academics, citizen researchers, please
explore
establishing a new City jet noise app.
City complaint numbers exist for abandoned vehicles, shoreline noise,
fireworks, etc.
Reporting aircraft noise requires something like a smart phone app that
can identify specific
flights and elevations in order to have meaningful data to be collected,
archived, and shared
in a way that is considerate of the various parties that can use the
information. Citizen noise
reporting fulfills a communication role that goes beyond airport uses and
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they need to be
handled better than the Airport/FAA status quo. SFO has been working to
replace Adam’s
app, but with unreasonable constraints.
Mayor Burt will recall that prior to Nextgen, impacted citizens did not
have contact with
SFO’s noise office. Council’s reaction to resident concerns when we
approached Council in
April 2014 was - how could there be a problem if there aren’t any
complaints at SFO? Our
early observations, in 2014, about noise complaints to the airport are
described here.
Citizen reporting data is best managed independently from federal and
airport contractors
who have conflicts of interests with FAA and airport business - and as has
been proven by
Adam’s innovation done at his own personal expense. Palo Alto is affected
by three
international airports and other GA airports, including its own - all with
different and
cumbersome systems. Our area counts on brilliant researchers and
engineers who can
advise on a City app. Please work with community experts to modernize
the various data
and information systems that inform you and for future leaders.
Sky Posse Palo Alto
3. Implement the Select Committee’s Unanimous Recommendations
ASK TO PACC:
Please take the responsible parties of Nextgen national infrastructure to
task for
implementing the unanimous recommendations of the Select Committee
relying on
lawful cumulative impacts analysis or fair data capture (not just looking at
the
footprint of one plane) and relevant metrics. There are several, and these
should be
considered in GBAS assessments..
● Southern Arrivals – rec. 2.5.5 to assess a procedure for Southern
Arrivals
that does not “simply result in noise shifting”
● Flights from the North – rec. 2.2. to utilize the so-called East leg (over
the
Bay) as much as possible"
Recommendation 2.5.5 follows Sky Posse advocacy for a Full Length of
the Bay route to
have aircraft at high altitudes when going over populations, and with noisy
descents over
water. The FAA has for too long been neglecting the SC process and its
own two offers to
the Select Committee for night time noise reduction for the MidPeninsula
- voluntary
programs and/or what FAA leadership described as infrastructure
changes such as a new
route. Please note that new route or flight path development is only as
good as their
eventual appropriate and balanced usage. The FAA recently presented in
LA about “Option
B” processes
7
to address usage which is critical and does not need to wait for the work
with
GBAS.
The Select Committee was formed in response to citizen complaints with
the support of
elected representatives, to address Nextgen noise. Private citizens
devoted thousands of
hours to the effort, working with the FAA and members of Congress at
their direction, on
their terms. In the end, the FAA ignored the committee's
recommendations, effectively
thumbing their noses at the entire effort. We expect better, and need
PACC to be more
proactive in advocating to reduce air traffic noise impacting Palo Alto
neighborhoods.
Thank you,
Question 10
No response
Name not shown
in Charleston Terrace
December 20, 2022, 3:09 PM
Question 1
Poorly. Housing is key to success on all of the Council's professed
priorities. The Housing Element draft released on November 7
conspicuously missed the opportunity to use housing production to
advance all of these goals.
Question 2
1
Question 3
I attended the Cal Ave community meeting in December. It felt like the
presenter was trying to condition us to accept eventually closing the
street to pedestrians to combat commercial vacancies. So it's hard to
imagine the city feels it's doing great on this front. Obviously online retail,
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likely exacerbated by the pandemic, has been awful for many small
businesses. In 2022 we had the opportunity to choose to colocate
housing growth in business districts that desperately need customers to
encourage walkable shopping.
Instead, the city intends to put most of its planned upzoning on its border
with Mountain View. These new Palo Altans will shop at Mountain View
businesses in Rengstorff Center and San Antonio Shopping Center.
Midtown, Cal Ave, and University will see few of their dollars.
Question 4
2
Question 5
The city is choosing to place the vast majority of its new density from
upzoning in the South Palo Alto transit desert, maximizing the car
dependency of future development, and missing an opportunity to bolster
the financial viability of regional mass transit. Outside of South Palo Alto,
the city is trying to use spot zoning to gerrymander its way to barely meet
RHNA. This will continue to displace housing development into
supercommuter towns.
Three people doing construction work in my complex wake up at 4 AM in
Los Banos, commute to Palo Alto, and are home at 10 PM. They make
this trip every day. That's 600 vehicle miles of daily travel from those
three people because communities like ours do not build adequate
housing. Palo Alto surely measures its emissions in ways that avoids
admitting responsibility for those emissions, but climate change doesn't
care which emissions we choose to acknowledge.
Palo Alto has a mild climate. We are a major job center, as measured by
our jobs:housing ratio. We have two Caltrain stations. If we cared about
climate change we would be luring people throughout the region into low-
VMT housing that requires relatively modest energy for heating and
cooling.
Question 6
1
Question 7
Build housing throughout the city, especially in places where relatively
lower car-dependency will enable people who make somewhat less money
to be able to live here.
We should also find ways to encourage more development in R-1 zones. A
good start would be exempting SB-9 and ADU projects from the tree
ordinance and slashing our exceptionally high fees, to accelerate bringing
missing middle housing into our most affluent areas. Obviously this
would represent a 180-degree reversal from policies enacted as recently
as 2022.
Question 8
3
Question 9
The pandemic showed how having unrelated people forced into crowded
housing by economics can accelerate the spread of disease. Creating
more housing units is in the interest of both personal dignity and basic
public health.
The city's police department is also a safety risk, as Joel Alejo and
Gustavo Alvarez would surely tell you. Academics studying police
misbehavior have coined the term "bluelining" to describe the tendency of
Police to commit abuse in areas coded for ethnicity [1]. In Palo Alto we
might extend this idea to relative poverty, and it might apply to our trailer
park, McDonald's, or a shack behind someone's house. Yet Palo Alto's
Council has, in recent years, been narrowly focused on creating 100%
affordable housing developments --and putting them as far out of sight of
affluent R-1 areas as possible. We might as well draw a bright blue line
around them and get ready to write more settlement checks.
It would be much safer to create more inclusively zoned communities. I
know some of my neighbors are in subsidized housing. But if I didn't
know which townhouse was owned by a tech executive versus a teacher,
it wouldn't be obvious. They all look the same --both to me, and to Palo
Alto Police. That's where our focus should be on subsidized housing.
[1]
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3746717#
Question 10
My wife is from Kyiv. She came here as a refugee decades ago. I am
gladdened that many of our neighbors have been helping a new wave of
Ukrainian refugees come to the United States. Please consider what you
can do to make this a less economically hostile place for people starting a
new life. Our new neighbors will need both jobs and housing.
Constraining the former will not help them with the latter. So please
reconsider the appropriateness of using an office cap as a solution to the
housing crisis.
If not for refugees, then perhaps for our children.
Name not available
December 21, 2022, 10:18 AM
Question 1
Airplane noise isn't on your priority list.
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Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
1
Question 9
Do something about jet planes overflying Palo Alto! Sue the FAA. Sue the
San Mateo "airport noise NIMBYS". My house is ground zero for the noise,
outdoor gatherings are intruded upon and friends comment about the
noise. My quality of life in PA sucks! I like to be outside and to have
windows open weather permitting and noise makes that painful. Come
visit 876 Boyce Ave and listen for yourself. Yes, this is a health issue. If
your consultants don't think so (especially after hanging out at 876 Boyce
Ave (Sunday evening is worst)), get some new consultants.
Question 10
No response
Name not available
December 21, 2022, 5:44 PM
Question 1
Mixed. Pleased on decision to move forward on Fiber.
Question 2
4
Question 3
Too much money spent on PA transit bus idea. Cheaper to give vouchers
for UBER/LYFT instead of having empty buses driving around - need to
seriously look at the number of people who use bus transport. Palo Alto is
not going to get the downtown workers back in pre-COVID volume. Need
to re-envision and support restaurants more to be successful and
recognize it will not go back to the busy days of office workers - University
Avenue. Help us have a thriving downtown with the change in business
(not like it was pre-COVID). The parklet decisions don't seem to support
downtown, changing rules means increased costs to businesses to
redesign/build existing parklets.
Question 4
2
Question 5
Need more objectivity in goals and performance. Feel good goals and
slides but not really substantive. I recommend you have someone critique
what PA is doing so there is more objectivity. Palo Alto is not being
progressive enough to make a difference. Too hard to electrify and do
solar in Palo Alto - this must be fixed. Instead there is a lot of marketing
about Palo Alto's programs to support electrification and solar -- it is
marketing without substance. Contractors don't want to work with Palo
Alto and citizens come out of the process not happy (to difficult to do the
right thing, this is bad). More substance and less promotion of subpar
programs. It isn't true if you asked citizens who have gone through the
process or used the programs. It is a bit embarrassing. Great job on zoom
meetings - more accessible and no commute time.
Question 6
3
Question 7
Would be good if there were quantitative goals. There seems to be lots of
plans and meetings but not so clear on what has been actually
built/completed.
Question 8
2
Question 9
It seems to be politically incorrect to not support the gym. Why should the
City be spending money on this project when it benefits a few. Shouldn't
citizens pay to use a gym. It wasn't a priority until a private donor was
giving funds and that is no longer the case. What about the dinosaurs?
Palo Alto keeps spending money on low priority items but it is not
palatable to say "no". We must get out of this cycle.
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Question 10
Must continue "Community Health and Safety" in 2023. Airplane noise
continues to be an issue and is a long term effort that spans multiple
years. We must not give up! The Council should reflect on what worked
and what doesn't work from a process and decision making perspective.
We need a learning culture to be more effective and efficient.
Name not available
outside Palo Alto
December 21, 2022, 11:10 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
1
Question 3
No response
Question 4
2
Question 5
No response
Question 6
1
Question 7
There is not enough housing being built. Not just affordable housing, all
housing. We need more housing.
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
I have seen so many almost accidents with all of the two way stop signs
we have in downtown Palo Alto. Most of these should be four-way stops.
Also, what happened to Car free streets on University Avenue? We need
more space that is off-limits to cars. I know you guys don’t control the
Caltrain, but it really needs to come more frequently and go faster.
Adam Schwartz
in University South
December 22, 2022, 10:47 AM
Question 1
I am disappointed that Palo Alto is not building MUCH MORE housing. I'd
like to see fourplexes going up everywhere. And 4+ story apartment
buildings going up within blocks of University Ave., California Ave., the
San Antonio Caltrain station, and Camino Real.
Question 2
1
Question 3
We should be transitioning to a society where people can live where they
want. Many people want to live in California's bay area, because it is home
to jobs, a tolerant culture, and great weather. We should welcome them --
by building more housing. Also, long-time residents are getting squeezed
out. My adult kids want the opportunity to live near me, but might not be
able to.
Question 4
1
Question 5
The best thing Palo Alto can do for climate change is build more housing.
A lot of it. Otherwise, we will continue the current pattern: people driving
excessive distances from lower-priced homes at the distant periphery of
the bay, to the many jobs here in the bay.
Question 6
1
Question 7
We should be building much more housing. The vast majority of people
cannot afford to live here, because of the artificial scarcity of homes
created by excessively strict zoning rules. If we build more homes, at all
price points, we can bring down the price of homes.
Question 8
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No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Name not available
December 22, 2022, 1:58 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
1
Question 7
Eliminate zoning requirements and build more housing aggressively,
above and beyond what is required by the Housing Elemtent
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Eric Nordman
in Old Palo Alto
December 23, 2022, 9:33 AM
Question 1
Going slow. Good that Palo Alto is not adding office space that counters
any increase in housing. Progress seems slow on the rail crossing
decision. Not much activity to promote active transportation
Question 2
4
Question 3
Actions seem reasonable.
Question 4
3
Question 5
Greater push to support active transportation and TMA.
Question 6
4
Question 7
Not sure. This is a difficult task.
Question 8
3
Question 9
Staffing issues need to be addressed to allow speed enforcement and
code compliance.
Question 10
No response
Andrea Allais
in University South
December 23, 2022, 3:47 PM
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Question 1
Poorly. The scarcity of housing is at the root of all the priority issues, and
the regulations that restrict the production of houses have not changed.
Question 2
1
Question 3
Allow more people to move to Palo Alto by permitting the construction of
more houses. Palo Alto is a high opportunity location, but too few people
can take advantage of the opportunity because there are no homes for
them.
Question 4
1
Question 5
Permit infill construction near train stations and other transit location, not
just near the highway exits. Abolish parking mandates. Driving is a major
driver of climate emission, and allowing more people to live near transit is
part of the solution.
Question 6
1
Question 7
Upzone, including the wealthiest areas. Restrictions on housing density is
a major driver of economic inequality.
Question 8
1
Question 9
Prioritize pedestrian and cyclist over car traffic. Remove crosswalk "beg
buttons". Use leading pedestrian indicators. Close to car traffic the
downtown section of University avenue. Car collisions kill people, and car
tires release particulate matter that causes serious health problems.
Question 10
No response
Name not shown
in Barron Park
December 23, 2022, 5:30 PM
Question 1
Good progress on climate. Please keep it up! Some but not enough
progress on housing. Don't have the information to comment on
economic recovery of community health and safety.
Question 2
No response
Question 3
Don't have the information to comment.
Question 4
4
Question 5
Take a 'whole of government' approach to climate change to ensure that
all parts of the City government are aligned and measured on helping
meet the City's climate goals. Very pleased about the new heat pump
water heater turnkey program and look forward to the development of
new programs for electric stoves and heat pump heater/coolers as soon
as the engineering resources are available.
Question 6
3
Question 7
Figure out how to rescale or adapt housing proposals instead of rejecting
them completely. For example, the Creekside Inn project was a
supersized project, but could've been rescoped to a medium-large size
project, and achieved good results for the community.
Question 8
No response
Question 9
Don't have the information to comment.
Question 10
No response
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Name not shown
in Barron Park
December 23, 2022, 6:33 PM
Question 1
Good job on housing. Need to accelerate work on grade crossings
Question 2
3
Question 3
Not close California Ave to bicycles
Question 4
4
Question 5
Make it easier for residents to get a level 2 charger for EV
Question 6
5
Question 7
nothing - good work on the Housing Element
Question 8
3
Question 9
Accelerate efforts on Air Plane Noise and Cal Train crossings
Question 10
In 2023 the Council should make Decide on Caltrain Grade Crossings a
priority. Citizen groups and a Council committee have reviewed the Grade
Crossing possibilities for several years. It is time to make DEFINITE
DECISIONS so that the City can obtain grants and funding.
Name not available
December 24, 2022, 12:44 AM
Question 1
Safety is and must be the first priority.
Question 2
1
Question 3
Focus on making our community safe and supporting police, fireman,
schools and traffic safety. Please do not just focus on politically hot topics
- as a citizen of Palo Alto, we care about our community, and if our safety
are not guaranteed, we will lost our residents.
Be more business friendly, look at how many businesses have left Palo
Alto? Please don't take business for granted, once a business moves
away, they usually don't come back.
Question 4
2
Question 5
Focus on what we can do as a small city to leverage infrastructure, focus
on planting more trees, be more strict with enforcing rules of cutting
down city trees, I've seen so many city tree being cut down for no obvious
reasons.
Question 6
4
Question 7
There's overly large focus on housing for economic balance, instead,
please focus on building efficient and effective housing policy and be
economically viable so the policy can be successful e.g. build multi-unit
with mixed use so you can build community, and make it economically
feasible instead of just opportunity for developer to make more $ by
taking advantage of government policy. Be fiscally responsible and
nimble, we are a small city with limited budget and we aren't Google or
Meta, please be fiscally responsible, and learn how other similar cities
have become much more successful and effective in solving the same
kind of problems.
Question 8
1
Question 9
The city's safety has gotten worst and worst in safety, many residents
move away because our safety issues. IF this is not address, Palo Alto will
be like SF.
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Question 10
Prioritize for safety, spending responsibly, and over focused nor
influenced by any specific political party or policy. Please focus on local
residents' priority first and foremost.
Name not shown
in Community Center
December 29, 2022, 9:35 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
KEEP Health and Safety in 2023!!
How can this NOT BE a city priority!
In particular, jets, roaring with noise and dropping fine-particles is a
serious community health concern.
Ask residents for alternatives to what was presented at the Airplane
Study Session. Some of our residents are national leaders in this area.
Question 10
No response
Name not shown
in Charleston Meadows
December 30, 2022, 1:50 PM
Question 1
I followed the link to your webpage for "council priorities" but found it
difficult to get a succinct, clear summary of what was accomplished in the
past year.
Question 2
2
Question 3
Be more clear about what was accomplished in the past year in this area.
Question 4
2
Question 5
Work with the state as climate change is an important issue and should be
addressed at a broader level than the city level. I don't think it's effective
for individual cities to be investing in standalone costly programs. For
example, for reducing emissions from transportation, the state should
impose an additional gasoline tax rather than the city funding very costly
bus programs, etc.
Question 6
3
Question 7
1) Be more clear about what was accomplished in the past year in this
area.
2) It seems that building inspections are having very slow turnaround time
this year. Hiring more inspectors would decrease the cost of building and
help with the housing problem.
Question 8
4
Question 9
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Thank you for being so prompt to clean up graffiti!
Regarding leaf blowers: the renewed ban on gas blowers is a decent
gesture but I think that an ordinance limiting decibels (loudness) may be
helpful also... although difficult to enforce.
Question 10
Please focus on core quality of life and cost-of-living issues and less on
pet social issues which are better handled by independent organizations.
Name not available
January 1, 2023, 7:45 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
4
Question 3
It would be good to have more vibrancy downtown. There are so many
empty buildings. And I wish we could close University Ave to traffic
permanently. Castro St in Mountain View is so much more fun
Question 4
3
Question 5
We know we need to strengthen our infrastructure to adapt to climate
change. Our roads flood in the rain, our power grid is under serviced for
the demands of electrification and permitting is a chokehold.
Question 6
1
Question 7
We need more housing of all kinds. Let’s make downtown multiuse and
raise the height limit to put in housing above retail.
Question 8
5
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Name not available
January 1, 2023, 11:18 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
2
Question 3
Many stores are closed along El Camino Real, the whole stretch of El
Camino Real looks from Oregon ave to Charlestone st looks abandoned
and mismanaged. Also, lots of rusty RV parked along El Camino Real
making it even worse.
Please restrict overnight parking of oversized vehicles along El Camino
Real.
Question 4
3
Question 5
-
Question 6
1
Question 7
Please restrict overnight parking of oversized vehicles along El Camino
Real.
Question 8
1
Question 9
I often see homeless people along El Camino Real and neighboring
streets. Many of them obviously have mental health and substance abuse
issues. I saw many times how homeless person stole goods from Real
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Produce Market. I often see mentally ill people on the intersection of
Stanford Ave and El Camino Real. We bike with my daughter to Escondido
school and have to watch how mentally ill person randomly yell. This is
unacceptable. I afraid for the safety of my kids
Question 10
please make homelessness and safety the top priority and act fast. We
can't afford to wait many years to make it fixed. Few suggestions:
1. Restrict overnight RV parking on El Camino Real and neighboring
streets
2. Restrict any camping in public areas. I saw an encampment popped up
recently on Homer ave and Alma st intersection, next to the underpass, in
the bushes
3. Add visible police presence and foot patrol in the downtown area. I
often see mentally all people in Lytton plaza area
Suggestions nonrelated to safety:
1. Please repave more streets. Currently, street conditions in Palo Alto are
pretty bad. Examples: Cambridge ave from El Camino tp Park ave, Leland
ave from El Camino to Park ave, Park Ave from El camino to Leland,
Stanford ave from Park ave to Escondido road
2. Obviously whole El Camino real should be fixed. I know it's a state
owned road and it should be fixed in 2023. So looking forward to it
Anton Isko
in Evergreen Park
January 1, 2023, 11:21 AM
Question 1
-
Question 2
2
Question 3
Many stores are closed along El Camino Real, the whole stretch of El
Camino Real looks from Oregon ave to Charlestone st looks abandoned
and mismanaged. Also, lots of rusty RV parked along El Camino Real
making it even worse.
Please restrict overnight parking of oversized vehicles along El Camino
Real.
Question 4
3
Question 5
-
Question 6
No response
Question 7
Please restrict overnight parking of oversized vehicles along El Camino
Real.
Question 8
2
Question 9
I often see homeless people along El Camino Real and neighboring
streets. Many of them obviously have mental health and substance abuse
issues. I saw many times how homeless person stole goods from Real
Produce Market. I often see mentally ill people on the intersection of
Stanford Ave and El Camino Real. We bike with my daughter to Escondido
school and have to watch how mentally ill person randomly yell. This is
unacceptable. I afraid for the safety of my kids
Question 10
please make homelessness and safety the top priority and act fast. We
can't afford to wait many years to make it fixed. Few suggestions:
1. Restrict overnight RV parking on El Camino Real and neighboring
streets
2. Restrict any camping in public areas. I saw an encampment popped up
recently on Homer ave and Alma st intersection, next to the underpass, in
the bushes
3. Add visible police presence and foot patrol in the downtown area. I
often see mentally all people in Lytton plaza area
Suggestions nonrelated to safety:
1. Please repave more streets. Currently, street conditions in Palo Alto are
pretty bad. Examples: Cambridge ave from El Camino tp Park ave, Leland
ave from El Camino to Park ave, Park Ave from El camino to Leland,
Stanford ave from Park ave to Escondido road
2. Obviously whole El Camino real should be fixed. I know it's a state
owned road and it should be fixed in 2023. So looking forward to it
Hamilton Hitchings
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 2, 2023, 10:40 AM
Question 1
Some good progress made this year but much more work needed.
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Question 2
4
Question 3
I give it a 4 because we needed to pass Measure K & L to make up for lack
of revenue from recovery. Did we really need a Palo Alto History
Museum? Not necessarily anyone's fault and partly due to telecommuting
but we did not get back to our pre-Covid economic activity level.
Question 4
2
Question 5
We need flood protection now! It's been 25 years since the 1998 and the
city continues to plod along on replacing the Newell Bridge. They are able
to build a $100 million police station within a few years. Let's see that
same level of progress for Newell Bridge replacement and to actually
begin construction in spring of 2024 instead of continuing to delay.
The city also gets low marks for their sea level rise plan because they
insist on sticking with only raising the levees 3 feet even though the
estimated sea level rise keeps increasing for 2100 and thus the lifespan of
the cities proposed project keeps shrinking. NOAA currently says that
unless emissions are brought under control world-wide, sea level rise
could be 3.5 to 7. The city should be proposing a 5 to 7 foot increase in
the levees.
The Hot Water Heater Program gets an A+ or 5 out of 5. However,
residential zoning regulations, the permitting process and high fees
continue to block and discourage many residents from electrifying. It's
critical the city pass less restrictive zoning for installing outdoor: heat
pumps for HVAC and hot water heaters, electric home batteries (ESS)
and electric car chargers. Note, the Planning Department is working on
this. Also, faster permitting on solar.
Question 6
4
Question 7
The city was able to identify sites for their RHNA quota of 6600 housing
sites in their new Housing Element for the next 8 years, which many folks
thought would not be possible because it is 3 times the last cycles
housing. This also includes low income housing above parking lots. The
city is building a new transitional housing site on North San Antonio for
homeless, which has the capacity to cycle all the existing homeless in
Palo Alto through it within a few years. Homeless from the surrounding
areas will also use it as capacity becomes available. Wilton Court low
income housing opened, teacher housing near California is being
constructed and other projects are in the pipeline. The residents also
passed Measure K which allocates another 3 million per year for
affordable housing, which when combined with matching state and
federal funds, could provide substantial funding. However, the state is
essentially providing a 1 billion dollar unfunded mandate with the current
unrealistic RHNA numbers for 3800 affordable housing units and no
density cannot deliver these. Deducting 1 star for state pushing
fabricated RHNA numbers that even the state's own auditor found to be
based on a flawed methodology.
Question 8
5
Question 9
Crime is up, especially violent crime. However, with Measure K passing,
we are able to restore police staffing back to pre-Covid levels and now
have leading mental health response, relative to almost every other city in
the United States (shout out to other leaders like Portland). City did a
good job with Covid.
Question 10
Prioritize Climate Adaption for 2023 including replacing the Newell Bridge
(so then Chaucer can be replaced), raise the target height of levees for
sea level rise to six feet and relax residential zoning requirements for
electrification.
Name not shown
in Leland Manor/ Garland
January 2, 2023, 2:33 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
I don't have the data to rate the City's efforts.
I wished that University Avenue had remained pedestrian as it made the
downtown area much more amenable for people instead of cars. Cars are
not necessary on University Avenue: there is plenty of free parking in
garages right nearby, and plenty of other streets that drivers can use.
People with disabilities can also be dropped at the corner of the
intersecting streets.
Parking in front of a restaurant or a shop to avoid walking one or two
blocks is a very old model that many cities around the world have decided
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to abandon, and they are doing very well.
Question 4
No response
Question 5
I don't have the data to rate the City's efforts.
Continue to promote renewable energy, less consumption of petroleum
products (for instance, why are there plastic bags in farmers' markets
instead of paper bags?), use of public transportation or walking and
biking (electric cars are better but the recycling of batteries is still a major
issue), re-use of materials, and water conservation.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
I don't have the data to rate the City's efforts.
Without relieving some constraints such as height limitations, there is
limited potential for making a dent on that problem. Also consider
housing developments that provide small apartments (< 500 square feet,
with 1 or 2 bedrooms) --billions of people around the world, including in
world class cities, live in much smaller places than the typical apartments
built in our area.
Question 8
No response
Question 9
I don't have the data to rate the City's efforts.
I appreciate the City's continuing efforts on the problem of airplane noise.
Question 10
See comments above.
Airplane noise must remain a priority.
Name not shown
in Green Acres
January 2, 2023, 2:48 PM
Question 1
Not great because there is not close to enough housing. Mountain View is
doing much better than us.
Question 2
1
Question 3
Make it much much easier to build way more housing. Make it
prohibitively expensive to leave land in Palo Alto undeveloped
Question 4
1
Question 5
Build way more housing so people can live closer to where jobs are and
aren’t spending hours in traffic jams on freeways.
Question 6
1
Question 7
Build way more multi family housing so people of different ages and
incomes can live here. Palo Alto is turning into a retirement community.
Question 8
1
Question 9
Strengthen bike infrastructure. Increase public transit. Make it harder for
cars to speed.
Question 10
Make it easier to build build build housing. There should be construction
cranes everywhere. The building height limit needs to increase also. We
aren’t taking advantage of land value with artificially low height limits.
Height limits also incentivize uglier buildings.
Name not available
January 2, 2023, 4:49 PM
Question 1
Palo Alto needs to approve much more housing at all levels, including
market rate. This is the main issue facing the City and everything else
flows from that.
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Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
The City is not serious about climate change if it is not a city that builds
housing for all that want to live here. Otherwise, it just outsourcing long
commutes for the workforce. It would also be good to continue to improve
the bike infrastructure.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
Approve multifamily housing without delay. The more housing the better.
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Name not available
January 2, 2023, 7:27 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
Please do flood control on San Francisquito Creek, including replacement
of Pope Chaucer Bridge and Newell Road Bridge.
Name not available
January 3, 2023, 9:51 AM
Question 1
Don't know
Question 2
No response
Question 3
Don't know
Question 4
No response
Question 5
Don't know
Question 6
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No response
Question 7
Don't know
Question 8
No response
Question 9
The city should be more proactive in its efforts to address airplane noise.
a) There's no reason for planes to fly over our heads at night. b) I'm
concerned about air and noise pollution affecting our health, c) The city
should partner with neighboring cities to object to any SFO expansion
initiatives unless the FAA addresses these noise issues.
Question 10
The city should be more proactive in its efforts to address airplane noise.
a) There's no reason for planes to fly over our heads at night. b) I'm
concerned about air and noise pollution affecting our health, c) The city
should partner with neighboring cities to object to any SFO expansion
initiatives unless the FAA addresses these noise issues.
Name not shown
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 3, 2023, 9:34 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
4
Question 3
No response
Question 4
1
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
3
Question 9
Flood mitigation.
Question 10
No response
Name not available
January 3, 2023, 9:40 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
Expedite San Francisquito Creek flood control measures.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
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Question 9
Expedite San Francisquito Creek flood control measures.
Question 10
No response
Name not available
January 3, 2023, 10:06 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
2
Question 9
Addressing the flooding that has happened, and will likely happen again in
the future, in our community due to Chaucer/Pope and Newell Street
bridges. These structures need to be removed or replaced so that the San
Franscisquito Creek does not overflow and flood the streets and
residential properties. Your lack of action regarding this issue is pathetic!
Question 10
No response
Name not available
January 3, 2023, 10:06 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
5
Question 3
No response
Question 4
4
Question 5
Make upgrades of electrical lines and panels from the street to homes
easier and cheaper (125Amp -> 200Amp, 200Amp -> 400Amp). Also
incentivize / subsidize installation of EV chargers in multi-tenant housing.
Question 6
3
Question 7
No response
Question 8
5
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Name not available
January 3, 2023, 10:15 PM
Question 1
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No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
San Francisquito Creek Flood Control must be an absolute priority. 24
years since the last flood and no progress on Reach 2 and subsequent
stages.
Julie Jomo
in Crescent Park
January 3, 2023, 10:48 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
2
Question 5
I would like to see swift action to mitigate flood risk on San Francisquito
Creek, in particular the choke point of the Pope/Chaucer bridge.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
I would like to see swift action to mitigate flood risk on San Francisquito
Creek, in particular the choke point of the Pope/Chaucer bridge.
Name not available
January 3, 2023, 11:01 PM
Question 1
Not sure, but in general I do not agree with the priorities that seem to be
pushed by Council. Emphasis should be on public safety, infrastructure,
recreational facilities, and priority should be given preserving the quality
of life for the RESIDENTS of Palo Alto who pay taxes and elect our
representatives.
Question 2
2
Question 3
Reopen closed streets, i.e., California Avenue and Ramona Street. We no
longer need to support a few restaurants at the expense of other
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businesses and the vitality of our retail districts.
Question 4
2
Question 5
Fix the creek, replace the Pope Street bridge, ASAP. Get serious about
this problem.
Stop mandating how houses can be built and "deconstructed." You are
making it more expensive to live in this city, which is not helping the
housing imbalance.
Question 6
2
Question 7
Resist efforts by non-residents (ABAG and others) to dictate the
character of our city. Fight to maintain R-1 zoning and single family
residences. Oppose efforts by state officials to strip us of our local
control over zoning and turn the entire peninsula into one homogenous
urban environment.
Question 8
3
Question 9
Safety: Make sure our police and fire departments have the staffing levels
and resources they require to do their jobs. Reinstate the Police
Department's traffic team and make traffic enforcement a higher priority.
Make it clear that the leadership of our city supports and appreciates our
first responders. Stop stalling and fix the SF creek.
Question 10
Focus on the following main issues: (1) public safety, i.e., police and fire
staffing and resources, (2) infrastructure, i.e., roads, utilities, (3) parks
and recreation. Focus on preserving and promoting quality of life issues
for residents who live in this city, not for those who want to live here but
don't.
Get serious about addressing the SF creek flooding problem; press the
Joint Powers board to complete the Reach 2 phase and replace the Pope
St. bridge ASAP.
Name not available
January 4, 2023, 12:40 AM
Question 1
Poorly
Question 2
1
Question 3
Preserve the closure of California Ave. and Ramona St. and restore the
closure of University Ave.
Question 4
1
Question 5
Replace the Newell Road bridge. When the project was approved in 2020
construction was scheduled to begin in 2021 and be completed in 2023.
It is now 2023 and the project has not started. There is no excuse for this.
COVID is not an excuse, it was an opportunity to complete the project
with less disruption because there were fewer people on the road.
Question 6
1
Question 7
No response
Question 8
1
Question 9
Replace the Newell Road bridge. When the project was approved in 2020,
construction was scheduled to begin in 2021 and be completed in 2023.
It is now 2023 and the project has not started. There is no excuse for this.
COVID is not an excuse, it was an opportunity to complete the project
with less disruption because there were fewer people on the road.
Question 10
There is no excuse for the failure make progress on the Newell Road
bridge project. None. COVID is not an excuse. A lawsuit is not an
excuse. Allowing people who are themselves not at risk of flooding to
obstruct the project is not an excuse. The City of Palo Alto has an
obligation to get it done. We will not wait any longer.
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Name not shown
in Crescent Park
January 4, 2023, 1:12 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
2
Question 5
It's pretty clear that a large portion of the City is vulnerable to flooding
risk that is getting exacerbated by Climate Change. The City has dragged
its feet on key projects, such as reconstructing the Newell Road bridge,
that will go a long way in reducing risk for hundreds of homes. The City
must make this a strategic imperative.
At a tactical level, very little has been done ahead of forecasted storms.
Measures like leaf sweeping, proactively clearing debris from the San
Francisquito Creek, etc. could have reduced the damage to the streets
and some homes.
Finally, communication has been abysmal. Residents could have been
warned not to park on certain high-risk roads, secure sandbags ahead of
time, etc.
It's all very well to organize road shows for the latest electric cars, but
managing the impact of climate change requires nuts and bolts work,
which I have only seen in a reactive sense after the first storm hit on New
Year's Eve 2022.
Question 6
2
Question 7
I'm currently building an ADU, with the intention of renting it out and
thereby increasing the housing supply in the City. The level of permitting
friction, both in terms of time, regulation dressed up as
safety/environmental protection, and permit costs, is substantial. Having
consulted with individuals who understand the state mandates on
housing, it is very clear that the City is misaligned with the State goals of
increasing housing supply.
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Don Amsbaugh
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 4, 2023, 9:16 AM
Question 1
no harm done so far
Question 2
3
Question 3
focus on small businesses, restoring commercial centers with emphasis
on mixed use (residential and commercial in same zone, pedestrian traffic
encouraged). Make decisions faster. parklets are good, why can't you
just move forward with them?
Question 4
1
Question 5
use the excess revenue from the Gas utility to expediate the replacement
of gas appliances. using that money in the general fund was illegal, and
should be stopped.
Question 6
1
Question 7
establish short term housing solution for homeless. increase support for
vehicle parking for those needing safe locations for overnight parking.
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support re-zoning for more commercial space to be converted to housing
options.
Question 8
2
Question 9
absolutely establish police media contact and increase the
communications from the police with the community. hire more patrol
officers, increase community presence, decrease spending on privacy
invasion tech (license plate readers).
Question 10
focus on the people, not the businesses
Jennifer Landesmann
in Crescent Park
January 4, 2023, 9:35 AM
Question 1
2022 and past years should have included flood control given its
relevance to health and safety and climate. Some of the 2022 priorities
had the virtual kitchen sink thrown at them in terms of work plans and
policy books while others like airplane noise had nothing except a link to a
webpage. I’d like to encourage the City to start producing an Annual
Report ahead of the City’s priority setting work, which organizes the
City’s portfolios and multi-year projects with elevator pitch paragraphs
(for each portfolio or major project) with three parts 1) brief mention of
key milestones 2) obstacles encountered and 3) next steps. A digital
medium preferred. How else would Council and the community know
what may need urgent attention? Because the priority setting session
informs how the public agenda is used, I also suggest for Council to
dedicate the start of each year to review the status of key multi-year
projects related to health and safety. That still leaves Council the majority
of the year for new endeavors but the oversight of City projects and
initiatives that relate to population health and safety should have standing
“priority” status on Council's and the public agenda.
Question 2
No response
Question 3
The background info for this item is heavily intertwined with “community”
recovery” One link is “Community and Economic Recovery.” What isn’t
readily available is what the title of the priority reads - Economic recovery.
So, it’s impossible to evaluate how the City is doing - or what economic
metrics are used as a baseline. What the city can do differently is to first
define what metrics it uses to track economic recovery and share that
analysis. Also, share the evolution of these metrics periodically.
Question 4
No response
Question 5
Add flood control and all direct climate related risks to Palo Alto’s
population and reorganize this work to put more emphasis on protection
of Palo Alto and Palo Alto residents. I found nothing about dealing with
emergency events related to natural or man made hazards. What the City
should do differently is to score “climate” related initiatives for how they
relate to protecting the City and residents. For example, the City may
need to set aside more money to handle natural hazards and emergency
response (including data analysis efforts for risk management) and that
work would have a high score versus work on attaining broad UN like
goals. The elephant in the room is Palo Alto Airport’s footprint. The City
needs to have more data and reporting on the airport’s activities.
Regarding data, the pictures of stand alone numbers on the climate page
are not helpful. A number is meaningless without other baselines and
comparisons. Tables and other state of the art visualizations are needed.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
Confront the assumptions about jobs, work modalities, and workforce in
the Bay Area that are being used for the state’s unfunded mandates to
permit aggressive housing growth, and produce projections for the
increase in costs to manage infrastructure, emergency, safety, and other
services with added population.
Question 8
1
Question 9
Airplane noise needs more work. Please keep Health and Safety as a
priority in 2023 and add flood control. The City should adopt a risk
management approach to population health as is done in Europe using
exposure maps for physical and environmental pollutants. There are
various federal and state agencies which are involved as well; the City
needs to coordinate and provide leadership to measure, assess risks, and
mitigate impacts. Airplane noise, air pollutants and airplane accidents are
a high risk for the City as well as for our neighbors; airplane noise did not
receive sufficient attention in 2022. Community health and safety metrics
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to measure progress need to be developed. How will jet noise be reduced?
Are night time flights being addressed with voluntary programs or
infrastructure changes as the FAA committed it could help address? What
are the altitudes of jets overflying Palo Alto? How is the City representing
itself with SFO, OAK, SJC and the FAA given the FAA has determined
noise to be a shared responsibility?
Question 10
I suggest for the 2022 priorities to continue into 2023 - with the
suggestions for improvements provided in my other feedback - to add
flood control and do more about airplane noise; institutionalize a City
Annual Report; leave health and safety as a standing priority every year;
produce impact and exposure analysis with state of the art visualization
tools, and score City initiatives with how they directly impact or protect
Palo Alto’s property and population. City initiatives or tasks that do not fit
in one year should also be handled in a more transparent manner and not
dropped off a list or require repeated citizen advocacy to get executive
updates and follow up on the City's ongoing projects.
Name not available
January 4, 2023, 9:48 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
Flood control at the Chaucer and Newell Bridges needs to become a very
high priority. We cannot wait another 25 years.
Name not shown
in Crescent Park
January 4, 2023, 9:48 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
3
Question 3
No response
Question 4
2
Question 5
1. The biggest risk of climate change for our community is flooding. Get
the Newell and Chaucer bridges removed as soon as possible!! Every year
they remain up, there is a risk of catastrophic flooding, and the risk is
increasing due to climate change. Replacing them is also important, but
not as urgent. Think about the impact a repeat of the 1998 incident would
have on the affected residents, property values, etc.
2. Ensure our electric utility is robust enough to support further
electrification.
3. Streamline permitting and inspection for energy-related installations.
Question 6
3
Question 7
A lot of attention is being paid to increasing the supply of small
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apartments. Preserving affordable single-family homes is also important.
Is it a good thing to be tearing down so many modest homes and
replacing them with palaces?
Question 8
1
Question 9
1. Get the Newell and Chaucer bridges removed as soon as possible!!
Every year they remain up, there is a risk of catastrophic flooding, and the
risk is increasing due to climate change. Replacing them is also important,
but not as urgent. Think about the impact a repeat of the 1998 incident
would have on the affected residents, property values, etc.
2. Crime seems to be on the rise. Has the necessary funding for police
been restored?
Question 10
I don't understand why the city should be spending time and money
developing its own fiber-to-the-home service in competition with ATT and
to some extent Comcast.
Liam Rose
in Evergreen Park
January 4, 2023, 9:53 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
2
Question 3
City council should be doing more to address the high number of
commercial vacancies. The council focused on large businesses with the
business tax, but should be focusing on incentives to fill small commercial
vacancies through either tax breaks or vacancy taxes.
Question 4
1
Question 5
The council has done little in this area, preferring to put the onus on
Stanford University to take action.
Question 6
1
Question 7
The council lagged far behind on submitted their housing plan to the
state. The council planned for additional housing, but specific plans for
housing have been repeatedly scaled down. No specific plans have been
laid out to support the additional housing outlined in the plan, especially
in the eastern portion of the city. The council has preferred to spend time
trying to tell the state that their methodology is flawed, despite having
over 3.5 jobs per home in the city.
Question 8
5
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Steve Bisset
in Crescent Park
January 4, 2023, 10:00 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
Ensure that the Newell and Pope-Chaucer bridge replacement projects
are completed on their current schedule. Allocate City funds as
necessary to move these projects forward. If funding from other entities
is delayed, then reallocate City funds from non-essential projects and
proceed unilaterally. For example, the Council recently announced its
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Open Town Hall Survey Results
Item 2: Page 72 Packet Page 75 of 186
intention to spend of the order of $100m for the fiber network, a very
large expenditure to address an issue that is not a problem. Eliminating
the danger to life, property, and City finances posed by the Pope-Chaucer
bridge creek flow constriction should clearly be a higher priority than
funding internet access for the vast majority who already have it (the City
can choose to provide internet access to those who do not have it for a
tiny fraction of the cost of the fiber project). Please note that the City
created the flood danger by installing the flow constriction in ~1948,
therefore it is liable for the cost of the flood damage that will likely occur
as a result, as well as for the unaffordable flood insurance premiums
caused by the danger.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
Ensure that the Newell and Pope-Chaucer bridge replacement projects
are completed on their current schedule. Allocate City funds as
necessary to move these projects forward. If funding from other entities
is delayed, then reallocate City funds from non-essential projects and
proceed unilaterally. For example, the Council recently announced its
intention to spend of the order of $100m for the fiber network, a very
large expenditure to address an issue that is not a problem. Eliminating
the danger to life, property, and City finances posed by the Pope-Chaucer
bridge creek flow constriction should clearly be a higher priority than
funding internet access for the vast majority who already have it (the City
can choose to provide internet access to those who do not have it for a
tiny fraction of the cost of the fiber project). Please note that the City
created the flood danger by installing the flow constriction in ~1948,
therefore it is liable for the cost of the flood damage that will likely occur
as a result, as well as for the unaffordable flood insurance premiums
caused by the danger.
Question 10
Ensure that the Newell and Pope-Chaucer bridge replacement projects
are completed on their current schedule. Allocate City funds as
necessary to move these projects forward. If funding from other entities
is delayed, then reallocate City funds from non-essential projects and
proceed unilaterally. For example, the Council recently announced its
intention to spend of the order of $100m for the fiber network, a very
large expenditure to address an issue that is not a problem. Eliminating
the danger to life, property, and City finances posed by the Pope-Chaucer
bridge creek flow constriction should clearly be a higher priority than
funding internet access for the vast majority who already have it (the City
can choose to provide internet access to those who do not have it for a
tiny fraction of the cost of the fiber project). Please note that the City
created the flood danger by installing the flow constriction in ~1948,
therefore it is liable for the cost of the flood damage that will likely occur
as a result, as well as for the unaffordable flood insurance premiums
caused by the danger.
Richard Almond
in Crescent Park
January 4, 2023, 10:59 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
Find a way to remove the Chaucer bridge now, despite traffic
consequences.
Question 10
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No response
Patricia Jones
in Crescent Park
January 4, 2023, 11:08 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
In light of all the current storms that are only going to continue and get
worse, I feel that flood control needs to be at the top of your list of
priorities.
Name not available
January 4, 2023, 11:27 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
Please put 'flood control' as top priority, aka, remove the two obvious
bottlenecks: Chaucer bridge and Newell bridge.
Name not available
January 4, 2023, 11:45 AM
Question 1
3
Question 2
3
Question 3
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Prefer that University Avenue remain/have more pedestrian-only areas.
It seems that most of the restaurants we frequent have recovered, based
on wait times for a table or take-out.
Question 4
2
Question 5
The city should make San Francisquito creek flood management the
number one priority. It's been many years since this was a known
problem; it's baffling to see that the city has still not remedied the
situation.
If City Council truly cares about Climate Change - Protection and
Adaptation, new housing would be constructed closer to transit, instead
of along San Antonio Rd.
Question 6
2
Question 7
City council has been controlled by a NIMBY faction that has slowed Palo
Alto's response to the state's housing crisis. There should be more
AFFORDABLE housing, not merely more housing.
Question 8
2
Question 9
The city should make San Francisquito creek flood management the
number one priority. It's been many years since this was a known
problem; it's baffling to see that the city has still not remedied the
situation.
Question 10
San Francisquito creek flood management must be the top priority.
Name not available
January 4, 2023, 12:02 PM
Question 1
3
Question 2
3
Question 3
Hybrid WFH is here to stay and mostly benefits Palo Alto. The city should
co-design housing, office space and transportation with the assumption
that 80% of Palo Alto workers will be from out of town. Fewer white collar
workers coming in each day, but blue collar workers who mainly drive in
do come in each day
Question 4
3
Question 5
There will be more severe flooding, wildfires, droughts and rising sea
levels near us. Please implement the SFCJPA plans immediately and save
us from catastrophic flooding in Crescent Park
Question 6
3
Question 7
Count renters in the affordability discussions. Include dashboards of
household demographics in the city by income, age, rent vs. Own, race,
work status, school going children and preferred transportation
Question 8
2
Question 9
COVID fears eased, but kids have had severe learning loss and there are
no plans to address them.
We had a near flood on 12/31/22 - 25 years after the last one, people on
Crescent park had no better flood protection.
The train grade separation has gone nowhere - it is a source of many
health and safety issues in Palo Alto
Question 10
Don’t spend any time or money on enforcing leashing for dogs in parks.
We can manage this among neighbors.
Name not available
January 4, 2023, 12:11 PM
Question 1
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No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
2
Question 5
Please accelerate the program to protect the residents from flooding due
to creek overflow. The current plan to replace the Chaucer bridge in 2025
is not enough. It should not take 30 years to take action on a preventable
climate disaster.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Name not available
January 4, 2023, 12:38 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
1
Question 5
Fix the creeks to stop flooding. Residents experienced massive flooding
2x on Sat Dec 31st when the Sanfrancisquito creek overflowed at Chaucer
street. People have spent hundreds of thousands of hours & money
cleaning up & prepping for more flooding. This will drive down property
values & interest in making purchases in the city which impacts city tax
revenue. Climate change is here & there is going to be a massive increase
in these flooding events.
It's been 25 years since the 1998 massive flood, yet so much red tape
these flood prevention/creek fixing projects should have been all finished
years ago but most haven't even started.
Experts say there are not enough storm drains on city Streets so that if
there is too high a volume of water it goes into people's homes b/c the
drains can't keep up. Our street has only 1 drain on 1 side for a very long
block none on the other side, this results in millions of $ in property
damage that could have been avoided if the streets had standard # of
drains & doesn't even require people to agree & execute on the creek
improvement projects.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
1
Question 9
Improve the Storm Drains, fix the creeks so they stop overflowing &
flooding the city. Stress you are putting on people worried about & trying
to recover from flooding in their homes, their cars, driving through
flooded streets when they try to get groceries or medical care, the
physical labor required to try to protect homes by filling & lifting have
sandbags with the current poor creek system means health & safety in
the community is extremely poor.
The street sweepers have been going around not stop to remove the Sat
Dec 31 mud from our streets which is great to reduce what can block the
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drains in the next storm, but as they do so they are pushing debris onto
the grates of the drains as have the winds. The City has asked Residents
to help clear storm drain grates but as we know, since they are on city
property there is little success in that. We have not seen anyone from the
city helping to clear the drain grates. In a 30 minute walk recently in one
of the massively flooded areas from the 12/31 storm, I saw at least 15
drains that were 80% or more covered with heavy debris. Again, we have
50% fewer drains than we need so clogging what does exist creates a
massive problem as there's no backup, water ends up in people's living
rooms.
Question 10
More drains, keeping them free of clogging, accelerating projects to
eliminate flooding from the creeks spilling over need to be the #1 priority
in 2023. This is the single most important thing the council can do that
impacts every aspect of life here.
Name not available
January 4, 2023, 1:23 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
2
Question 5
For climate change adaptation you should help with making things easy
for people to get done at the planning dept: give options for people
regarding gas outlets and not take ways freedom to add gas to the stove
ect .
Question 6
2
Question 7
When we say affordable it is not really affordable. We should certinaly
look at how to help bringing in the hard working force
Question 8
1
Question 9
Downtown is so much more unsafe to send kids to hangout. Having
maybe volunteer patrols or having police presence will help
Question 10
Please do address the flood of the creek and remedial solutions soon .
Keep that as a priority
Name not shown
in Crescent Park
January 4, 2023, 1:30 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
3
Question 9
We need to resolve the Chaucer-Pope bridge flooding issue!
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Question 10
No response
Name not available
January 4, 2023, 1:59 PM
Question 1
issue: flooding
Question 2
1
Question 3
focus on flooding
Question 4
No response
Question 5
focus on flooding
Question 6
No response
Question 7
build housing in open space (east of 101?)
Question 8
No response
Question 9
focus on flooding
the last flood was in 1998, too long, need to take action NOW.
NEW YOUNG TECH PEOPLE ARE NOW HERE IN PA--WAKE UP AND DO
SOMETHING FOR YOUR CITIZENS.
I have been in PA since 1975.
Question 10
PRIORITY: FLOODING
Name not available
January 4, 2023, 2:00 PM
Question 1
In general, fine; too slow on moving forward, also in general.
Question 2
3
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
Worry less about "feel-good" climate change conversations and more
about actual short term accomplishments. The climate is going to
change. Stay honest about social engineering and reasons why and why
not we as citizens may wish changes, and what true costs would be, along
entire chain of the changes.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
Any social and economic "balance" changes recommended should first!
be implemented (mandated) if passed, to occur next to or near council
member's and staff homes, such as high density infills, (as a certain
meaningful percentage of all infills.)
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
Please spend less money in general on consultants and external contracts
going forward, solve problems and issues with in-house staff, and "move
faster" in-house. It seems there is a tendency for action paralysis until
hired experts (?) have spoken from the top of the mountain. This
presumably absolves those working for the City from responsibility for
decisions.
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Name not available
January 4, 2023, 2:14 PM
Question 1
The priorities are wrong.
Question 2
1
Question 3
Not seeking to tax businesses or anyone.
Question 4
1
Question 5
It should not be a priority.
Question 6
1
Question 7
Stop pursuing this. What steps would the city take to institute 'social
balance?' Meaning what? There are too many white residents? How will
the city rid itself of white residents and favor non white, non Asian
residents? Favoring one race over another is discrimination.
Question 8
1
Question 9
Stop crime. Move homeless addicts outside of residential and public
property areas.
Stop being woke.
Question 10
Your priorities are backwards.
Name not available
January 4, 2023, 3:50 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
It's been 25 years since the 1998 flood and yet we still had major flooding
on New Year's Eve due to overflow at the same Pope-Chaucer bridge. The
Newell Street bridge and Pope-Chaucer bridge are way overdue for flood
control work, plus the city needs to evaluate where its storm drains are
located and how they performed during flooding, as well to do regular
monitoring as to whether the storm drains need maintenance. On Alester
Avenue, this was once again a big issue with the recent New Year's Eve
flooding. There need to be additional storm drains between San
Francisquito Creek and Alester (e.g. on Dana) and we need more and
larger storm drains that function well on Alester. The city should also
send crews to areas that are prone to flooding to ensure that the drains
are working during a flood. My call to the non-emergency number to
request help with the storm drains on Alester was met with the response
from the dispatcher that city workers were prioritizing helping at sandbag
locations and would not be available for at least an hour -- it was too late
for sand bags, we needed timely assistance with the storm drains!
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
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Question 10
The City also needs to figure out how to work more closely with PAUSD on
property issues. On Alester Avenue, we had trouble with the city street
sweeper not having a mandate to clear the mud from the Duveneck
Elementary parking spaces on the street or the adjacent Duveneck
parking lot. Calls to Public Works went unanswered. We had to contact
PAUSD (not easy during a holiday) and have PAUSD work out an
arrangement with the street sweeping contractor. Without that
intervention, the storm drains would have been inoperable due to mud in
the next (imminent) storm. The city should be taking the initiative to
coordinate with the school district for protecting both city and school
zones, not leaving it up to residents to connect the city and school
district.
Name not available
January 4, 2023, 6:04 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
As someone whose house was flooded 25 years ago when san
francisquito creek flooded its banks and the most recent event on
12/31/2022, m hoping the city will prioritize the projects for the Newell
and Chaucer bridges.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Name not available
January 4, 2023, 8:27 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
I live on Hale Street and I'm concerned about future flooding. I would like
flood prevention and improvements to the San Francisquito Creek to be
pushed ahead as quickly as possible. Hopefully the recent flooding will
provide the impetus to finally get this done.
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Thank you for considering!
Name not available
January 4, 2023, 8:32 PM
Question 1
4
Question 2
5
Question 3
No response
Question 4
3
Question 5
Lower the flood risk through moving faster on infrastructure projects that
mitigate flood risk.
Question 6
4
Question 7
Is it possible to gift money within the county to other cities where cost of
housing construction and land is cheaper to build. Can the city partner
with foundations to do this? Housing is expensive because this area next
to Stanford U. is job rich. There are many reasons for this but In part this
is due to how Stanford is obliged to lease land rather than sell it. A
requirement Stanford needs to meet In perpetuity. Large corporate
campuses also have put pressure on housing and appear to be buying up
residential housing for their employees. Perhaps the city should
investigate solutions with these corporations, Google, Facebook ect. A
few projects in Palo Alto, where land is very expensive, are unlikely to
make a real difference. “Low cost housing” is still very expensive.
Question 8
5
Question 9
No response
Question 10
No response
Name not shown
in Crescent Park
January 4, 2023, 11:50 PM
Question 1
I have no idea. My brief scan of the first priority's evaluation on your
website shows me that your "traffic light" evaluation has, as its highest
achievement, "progress." Which means to me that you don't care to
actually look for full achievement of any goals. I don't think that's an
approach designed to get real results.
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
3
Question 5
To pick one example, waste diversion, your goal for a long time has been
100% diversion from landfill if I've understood correctly. I think this is
nearly impossible today (and in the medium future) for any reasonable
set of definitions, and therefore that the goal is simple value posturing.
It's problematic because I think it has led to extreme efforts to "recycle"
things that haven't, in reality, gotten recycled at their destinations
(China/Asia), instead creating other problems there. I've also seen
several requests in recent years that you report on specifically what does
happen with our diverted waste streams, but never a serious self-
assessment of that question from the city.
Question 6
2
Question 7
Perhaps look at what neighboring cities with much better results (MV) are
doing? Just do a lot more to streamline permitting and inspections? I
recently did some straightforward electrical work at my home, decided to
add an EV charger to the job as I was planning on buying one shortly, and
my contractor got a lot of grief from the city because he couldn't fill out a
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2-page (!!!) questionnaire on what car I had (because I didn't have one
yet).
Question 8
5
Question 9
No response
Question 10
It's time to make flood control a high-priority objective, with measurable
objectives that include not going through another rainy season with the
Chaucer Street Bridge threatening us, and monitoring/reporting to make
it happen. We supposedly have a plan to replace this bridge. Why can't
we make sure that it's not sitting there at the end of the summer, even if
the replacement isn't done yet? The City should be pushing hard on the
Joint Powers group to move, if you can't make it happen alone, or maybe
just push on Menlo Park to collaborate.
Name not available
January 5, 2023, 8:24 AM
Question 1
The HSEB goals fell woefully behind, but climate change projects did
pretty well.
Question 2
3
Question 3
No response
Question 4
4
Question 5
While Palo Alto is doing a better job than most places, there's still a lot of
denial about both heat and water extremes (including high rain events
when they happen).
Question 6
1
Question 7
Catch up on projects not started last year. Accept the state requirements
for ADUs (especially adjusting the height based on flood zone rules
applied to other housing).
Question 8
3
Question 9
No one in my neighborhood (that flooded in 1998) believes the Chaucer
Street bridge will be fixed on schedule (2025). Both the Newell and
Chaucer bridges should be a top priority. There is considerable emotional
distress each time the creek rises or water backs up to flood the streets,
not to mention people who shouldn't be out in storms clearing streets and
moving sandbags. It's a safety issue one way or the other until we
improve those bridges.
Question 10
Palo Alto needs to prioritize all stages of work on San Francisquito Creek
and stop making excuses. Every delay has been foreseeable, and 27
years to fix a bridge is too long already.
Kevin Fisher
in Duveneck/ St Francis
January 5, 2023, 9:46 AM
Question 1
Creek flooding is by far my top priority. We are seeing insufficient
progress on replacing the Newell Rd bridge, which is something City of
Palo Alto has primary responsibility to resolve.
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
2
Question 5
San Francisquito Creek flooding is one of the primary climate change
impacts in your City. This needs top attention. Replacing Newell Rd and
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Pope/Chaucer bridges, and working with neighboring communities for
additional upstream enhancements.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
1
Question 9
Flood control is a major issue in our community. It is complicated and
does not lend itself to easy short-term solutions that appeal to politicians
and has not gotten sufficient attention from our city government.
Question 10
No response
Name not available
January 5, 2023, 12:10 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
2
Question 5
My rating would have been higher if the flood control I have been waiting
for over the past 25 years had happened. Climate change is predicted to
create increased intensity in our winter storms. Based on the 1998 flood,
we all know San Francisquito creek will flood in these conditions given the
bridge replacement project has not moved along in a timely fashion.
Please focus on accelerating this project now to save our homes from
flooding again.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
2
Question 9
My rating would have been higher if the safety issues created by the lack
of flood control along San Francisquito creek had been more fully
addressed in the past 25 years. Without new effort to complete the flood
control via the bridge replacement project, my neighborhood's safety is at
risk due to flooding like in 1998. Please focus on accelerating this project
now to save our homes from flooding again.
Question 10
No response
Name not shown
in Crescent Park
January 5, 2023, 3:17 PM
Question 1
priorities are fine. but follow through, not so great.
Question 2
3
Question 3
the city seems to be recovering nicely "all by itself". however as always,
local small businesses were hit hard and need the most help.
Question 4
3
Question 5
one area in which the city has not moved quickly enough, is moving
forward to put in place the existing plans for upgrading San Francisquito
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Creek protections - the Newell St. and Chaucer St. bridges .
Question 6
2
Question 7
we need more low income housing. social/economic balance is non-
existent. at this point, folks with middle class jobs (teachers, nurses,
workers) can't afford to live in our City.
Question 8
3
Question 9
the City needs to enforce its own codes. I am tired of breathing the
fumes from gas blowers and being bombarded by the noise. please
enforce our codes.! the use of gas blowers affects the health and safety
of our neighborhoods.
Question 10
No response
Name not available
January 5, 2023, 3:53 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
Please ensure Flood Control is a high priority. The recent storms have hit
very hard and show weakness in the infrastructure to handle heavy rains.
Question 10
No response
Name not available
January 5, 2023, 5:25 PM
Question 1
I have concerns with the slow pace of progress on controls related to
flooding and managing climate change.
I'm also disappointed that we don't yet have an agreed on plan for the rail
crossings given the pending electrified trains in 2024.
Question 2
2
Question 3
We urgently need to address the rail crossing issue for electronified
trains.
Question 4
2
Question 5
While progress is being made it's much too slow and we urgently need to
complete the work on Newell bridge and plan for Pope Chaucer bridge.
Question 6
3
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Question 7
I think the changes related to ADUs are a start but we need to support
more affordable housing. Menlo Park has added a lot of housing on El
Camino Real and I think Palo Alto should look at that as well.
Question 8
4
Question 9
I think there were a lot of learnings post pandemic and we are in good
shape.
Question 10
Please urgently focus on the priority of flood control. This impacts our
lives, our schools, our property values and it's unacceptable that nearly
25 years after the 1998 flood we still haven't solved this problem.
Name not available
January 5, 2023, 7:08 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
4
Question 3
Look at downtown Los Altos for inspiration on how to configure Cal Ave
and maybe parts of downtown Palo Alto
Question 4
4
Question 5
Reduce the setbacks required in residential areas for heat pumps
Question 6
3
Question 7
Reviewed the number of vacancies presently in apartments, Review the
number of Airbnb‘s, review the number of houses sold to foreign entities
which are vacant, revisit the housing requirements keeping in mind all the
jobs which are leaving the area
Question 8
3
Question 9
Need more police presence to reduce crime
Question 10
No response
Name not available
January 5, 2023, 7:23 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
2
Question 5
This should be the number one priority.
Question 6
3
Question 7
This is also important especially as climate continues to get worse
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
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Question 10
No response
Name not available
January 5, 2023, 8:54 PM
Question 1
AVERAGE. If there is a priority, there should be benchmarks for
evaluation. Where are the internal evaluations located on the City web
site.
Question 2
3
Question 3
Restoration of city services should have been prioritized before
additional projects and new spending was approved.
Question 4
3
Question 5
No response
Question 6
1
Question 7
The City has always prioritized jobs over housing. In the many years I
have lived here developers have consistently NOT BEEN REQUIRED to
fulfil their BMR requirement by "paying" off the City with a payment to the
BMR fund, which is slow to develop housing and uses depreciated monies
from the BMR fund. No BMR in lieu payments should be allowed! It's a
cheap cheat for developers.
Question 8
3
Question 9
Palo Alto Police Department needs real diversity, not officers who suffer
mental distress from a picture on the ground, including more women and
minorities. I hope to never have to call the PA police since there are
officers who are scary especially to a small woman.
Question 10
Restore City services to pre-covid levels.
Name not available
January 6, 2023, 6:08 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
The previous questions are about the 2022 priorities. How about the
2020 and 2021 priorities?; aren’t they active for 3 years?
Now you ask for “other feedback” on the 2023 priorities. Where do I input
my SUGGESTIONS for the 2023 priorities?
Input, not feedback, is what the survey says it’s about; why not have two
separate surveys? Or at least label the Priorities question clearly?
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Lawrence Garwin
in Community Center
January 6, 2023, 6:17 PM
Question 1
Please see response to last question.
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
2023 Priorities for Palo Alto City Council:
(Written 1/6/2023.)
(In no particular order, so please read the entire list. Thank you for your
kind consideration of these suggested Council priorities.)
Continue focus on reducing climate change. (More detailed suggestions
below.)
Roads:
Resurface dangerously bumpy bike lanes such as the one by the high
school that is eastbound on Churchill from Alma to Emerson. Be sure they
are kept free of obstructions, such as waste bins.
Install and diligently maintain reflective paint, reflectors, and warning
signs on all bulb-outs, medians, traffic circles, etc., that narrow biking and
driving lanes throughout the city. (Car tire strikes have darkened or
removed much of the reflective paint and reflectors, where there was
any.) Currently, many of these create a huge hazard in that someone
going straight down a street (particularly in the bike lane) can easily hit
them without warning. Design future ones and possibly retrofit current
ones to have a soft landing spot, such as a bush, for cyclists who hit these
curbs and flip over their handle bars. (This is a serious suggestion.)
Review all roadway signs, starting with those along bikeways, that say,
“Not a Through Street”. Amend them, as appropriate, to say, “for motor
vehicles” or “except for bicycles and pedestrians”, as often there’s a path
out the other end. Make all signage throughout the city appropriate for
bicyclists (and pedestrians, where appropriate), as they are legitimate
road users and must be encouraged to reduce climate change, pollution,
and the ills of sedentary living. Clarify, perhaps with CA DMV
collaboration, whether bicycles are considered “vehicles” and have
signage reflect this standard.
Air:
Enforce the existing gasoline leaf blower ban, expand it to be city-wide
(not just for residential properties) and cover all landscaping tools. Make
available a more effective downloadable flyer for folks to share with
offending property owners and yard care workers. Create an online
reporting tool for easy, perhaps anonymous, offense reporting. Possibly
have warnings sent out without the need for staff intervention.
Ban all indoor fireplace wood fires, as they destroy the air quality for
blocks around the offender’s home and are truly ineffective at heating the
home.
Require all wood stoves to be low emission and fed with outdoor air;
catalytic converters and pellet stoves allow relatively clean wood burning
and outside air intakes substantially lower the emissions from burning
wood in a well-sealed house and the air infiltration in a leaky house.
Consider banning all indoor wood burning and further regulating outdoor
fires.
Electrification to displace fossil fuel use, including evening peak-electric-
load gas peaker plants.
Encourage the adoption of electric vehicles by people living in multi unit
and rental housing by expanding and diligently maintaining publicly
available level 1 and 2 EV chargers in the neighborhoods and DC Fast
Chargers in retail areas. (Many municipalities very affordably install level
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2 chargers on street light poles.) Require all remodels and new dwelling
units to be EV charger ready. Encourage/require work place charging
(standard 120 VAC, 15 amp outlets are all that’s needed for most
commutes) to make use of the statewide surplus of solar energy during
the day. Encourage/require solar photovoltaics near daytime chargers to
reduce or eliminate the need for grid or building service upgrades to
charge EVs.
Lobby the Federal government to incentivize maintaining, not just
installing, DC Fast Chargers for long distance travel.
Install and encourage electric load shedding and power storage, including
smart breaker panels and bidirectional electric vehicle chargers, whether
behind the meter or municipally owned or contracted. Incentivize the
former by providing rebates and introducing instantaneous two-way
electricity pricing and a communication structure for customers’
equipment to automatically respond to price fluctuations. (OhmConnect
currently provides a limited incentives-for-load-shedding service to PGE
and other utilities’ customers; perhaps OhmConnect could be engaged to
do the same for PA in at least the short term.) Educate local contractors
and residents on how to install and use the aforementioned load shedding
and grid storage equipment.
Aggressively encourage building electrification and natural-gas-free
buildings by giving huge incentives to not pipe gas to new or remodeled
buildings and large rebates to folks who do transition their appliances
from gas to electricity. Progression: Increase the reliability of the electric
supply to reduce resistance to giving up gas appliances such as stoves,
water heaters, wall furnaces, and gas fireplaces that currently don’t
require electricity. Make no new gas connections. Ban installation of new
gas appliances. Require existing gas appliances to be replaced by a
certain date. Cap off older lines to prevent leakage. Cap off all unused
lines. Stop supplying gas altogether or transition non-electrifiable needs
to biogas, possibly supplied through the remaining gas pipeline network.
Railway:
Follow the lead of other cities on the Peninsula by cost-effectively grade
separating the railway crossings with a hybrid approach of raising the
tracks and lowering the cross streets to go underneath. Be sure that
there are low sound walls on the elevated tracks to protect the nearby
homes from wheel noise. (The electrified locomotives will be much
quieter than the current diesel ones, so tall sound walls are not needed.)
Name not shown
in Old Palo Alto
January 8, 2023, 12:21 PM
Question 1
Not too badly
Question 2
4
Question 3
No response
Question 4
3
Question 5
Main focus is on removing gas-fueled appliances which is good.
Not sure what's happening w/ increasing solar on public buildings, and
figuring out how to get EV charging at multi-unit structures, and enforcing
the prohibition on gas-fueled gardening equipment (blowers currently).
Another area to study is to find substitutes for the propane-powered
outdoor heaters restaurants use widely.
Question 6
4
Question 7
No response
Question 8
4
Question 9
A recent study pointed out that 1 in 5 childhood asthma cases can be
traced to natural gas stoves. The community should be educated on this,
and make sure people at least use their exhaust fans when cooking
Question 10
No response
Shannon McEntee
in Evergreen Park
January 8, 2023, 1:17 PM
Question 1
I salute the City Council. These are extremely challenging times due to
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health and other issues related to COVID, the difficulty in keeping
employees, and to the extreme pressure to build more housing, especially
affordable housing.
Question 2
3
Question 3
I don't have any suggestions to contribute.
Question 4
3
Question 5
One of the most effective ways we can help battle climate change is to
make it easier for people to use public transportation, bicycles and walk.
That means optimizing safe routes (and effectively advertising them and
offering classes on safe bicycling) and working with VTA, Caltrain, BART
and other transportation systems to make paying easier, connections
more efficient, and more frequent options. Until we figure out how to
incentivize people to drop their SOV (single occupancy vehicle) usage, we
can't conquer climate change. We have to make it easier and more
efficient to use alternative ways to move to and from work, recreation and
whatever. One important change we need to make is to improve the
east/west connectivity on California Avenue. While outdoor dining is all
well and good, even more important is protecting our planet. Making it
hard for workers, students, children and seniors like myself to move from
the east side of Cal Ave to the west side and vice versa is counter to our
climate goals. The City must rethink making Cal Ave focused on dining
and shopping, unless they can figure out how to make biking east/west
safe and efficient. It it not at all efficient since you closed the road at El
Camino and on Ash Street. Someone who lives in College Terrace or
works in the Stanford Research Park is hardly going to be persuaded to
change to biking when the City has made that crossing nearly impossible
for bikes. In addition, cutting off the access to Cal Ave for cars has traffic
bottled up, with awkward backing up and back to turn around on dead
ends. This causes more emissions and lost time. Is outdoor dining more
important than protecting our air quality and countering climate change?
No!!! Countering climate change is more important than enjoying
ourselves as we eat and drink outside. Unfortunately Cal Ave is not a
good location for dining in the street, regardless of how popular it might
be.
Question 6
3
Question 7
This is a fight we won't win any time soon given the impossible to reach
State housing mandates. I noticed that something new is just starting to
be built on Cambridge Avenue -- parallel to Cal Ave. That is a big lot and
could be an excellent housing location with access to Caltrain and
schools. I haven't seen anything in the Palo Alto Weekly describing what
the project will be. If it will be offices, that's a lost opportunity. It's clear
we don't need more offices. We need affordable housing and especially
housing located with walking distance to transportation.
Question 8
3
Question 9
We are fortunately in Palo Alto to have excellent healthcare. What we
could use more of is cleaner air (less traffic), safer streets (less traffic and
traffic laws enforced such as stop signs and speed limits), and a more
quiet city. Reducing traffic will reduce much of the noise we endure.
Citing cars without mufflers will help (seems to be increasing numbers of
"hot" cars flexing their noise muscles). In addition, there is a great deal of
research that shows night lights disturb our sleep AND perhaps more
important, the health of other species such as birds. Other cities are
dealing with excessive lights at night. Palo Alto needs to add this to our
list of important climate and health improvement goals.
Question 10
I give my sincere appreciation to the City Council and the City's
employees for the challenging work you all accomplish. This modern
world is more challenging than ever. I hope you can devote more
attention in the future to the various aspects of climate change where we
can and must make a difference.
Name not available
January 8, 2023, 7:58 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
4
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Question 5
The City can be even more effective at tackling climate change by
expanding our electrification initiatives to multi-family homes and
commercial buildings as well as setting up a plan to phase out natural gas.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
I would love to continue to see the Council prioritizing climate change, our
80x30 goal, and the S/CAP work plans. We have made so much progress
as a city yet we cannot achieve the powerful goals we've set without
officially highlighting climate change as a priority in 2023. We've seen
with annual wildfires and the recent flooding that climate change and its
impacts are not going away.
Name not shown
in Downtown North
January 12, 2023, 7:56 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
1
Question 3
No response
Question 4
1
Question 5
No response
Question 6
1
Question 7
We need many slots for seniors on fixed incomes in ALL the Palo Alto FOR
PROFIT Senior Living Retirement Communities, like Lytton Gardens,
Webster House, Channing House.
Question 8
3
Question 9
No response
Question 10
We need many slots for seniors on fixed incomes in ALL the Palo Alto FOR
PROFIT Senior Living Retirement Communities, like Lytton Gardens,
Webster House, Channing House.
Name not available
January 12, 2023, 8:54 AM
Question 1
Mediocre, started some progress but lots more to do
Question 2
3
Question 3
More support for small businesses, while also bringing some large
business to PA
Question 4
2
Question 5
Don’t wait any longer to start the Chaucer bridge and creek projects
Question 6
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1
Question 7
All other towns around PA seem to build more apartments than PA.
Besides building more housing there needs to be more affordable housing
Question 8
4
Question 9
N/A
Question 10
Develop the Fry‘s site with housing, affordable housing (and there is
nothing worthwhile keeping that ‚historic’ structure!) If this structure
really has to remain then put creative spaces in some of it
Robert Neff
in Palo Verde
January 12, 2023, 10:43 AM
Question 1
I'm glad to see the heat pump water heater program. I wish the
transportation department had more bandwidth for transportation in all
its forms (active transportation, transit/trains, and vehicles) and spent
less time on parking. B
Question 2
4
Question 3
I think we should embrace having employers continue to use work at
home substantially, and promote much more housing near our
downtowns to increase the vibrancy of those areas. I don't think we
should pivot away from depending on return to work in the office in the
Research Park or at Stanford as a necessity to having successful business
districts at Cal Ave and Downtown. I love the changes on Cal Ave.
Question 4
3
Question 5
If electrification is the future, we need to plan for infractructure to support
that throughout the city. Also, I would love to see actual progress on
undergrounding of utilities (it has been so slow!) so that we have more
trees along back lot lines in south of Oregon Expy, and be comfortable
with higher housing densities. Make sure our transportation
infrastructure has few barriers to walking, shuttles, and active
transportation (biking / scooters) and that these trips can serve work
commutes and errands is important.
Question 6
2
Question 7
We have some projects, but it seems like no fortitute for embracing the
housing we need when a loud group objects. It seems like we are set up to
solicit projects, and then shoot them down. Leadership on what we want
would be great. I'd like to see the proposed housing at Fabian /
Charleston and at the Creekside Inn properties be given a more positive
reception.
Question 8
4
Question 9
The new 101 overpass is great! Much safer to get to the baylands in south
PA for healthy exercise! We can continue these kinds of connections by
formalizing the 101 seasonal undercrossing at Matadero Creek (widely
used by able bodied joggers and dog walkers already).
Question 10
I would like to see the city to continue to put energy and money into
Climate and Sustainabilty issues, including a broad approach that
includes housing, transportation, utilities, and overall development that is
complimentary to the Climate and Sustainability progress. I would like to
see our parking lots simplified. Anyone should be able to drive in, park,
and pay conveniently for metered parking, from 2 hours to all day, and not
have to return to their car until they are done with their trip. Also, I'd like
to see plans completed for the rail crossings, and a firm start on bike/ped
crossings near Loma Verde and Seale to serve the city while the multi-
modal crossings are under development.
Name not shown
in Midtown/ Midtown West
January 12, 2023, 11:14 AM
Question 1
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No response
Question 2
3
Question 3
More focus on homelessness and affordable housing, since they have
been affected by the pandemic and economic downturn.
Question 4
3
Question 5
Palo Alto does not appear to be a leader.
Question 6
3
Question 7
For Palo Alto to be a welcoming city, much more affordable housing is
needed. The recently elected mayor appears to move in the opposite
direction.
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
Expect 2023 to put the US and the world in a recession. How does Palo
Alto want to respond to falling wages, rising unemployment (or workers
giving up jobs), more homelessness, a reduced state budget, and falling
property values?
Name not shown
in Charleston Meadows
January 12, 2023, 12:24 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
Make solar panels easier for homeowners to get approval for.
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
Would love to see progress on the Cubberley community center
rebuild...not just repairs.
Mitchell Park dog park project approval.
Name not shown
in Charleston Terrace
January 12, 2023, 1:28 PM
Question 1
Very well on Economic & Recovery, Climate Change, and Community
Health. Poorly on affordable housing. Safety seems to be an increasing
issue.
Question 2
5
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Question 3
No response
Question 4
5
Question 5
No response
Question 6
1
Question 7
The City should create an ordinance requiring that homes be used as
primary dwellings and not be purchased as foreign investments & left
uninhabited. Palo Alto needs to house those who serve our community
(teachers, police, firefighters, local government employees) and not
simply collect taxes on unused properties. Unoccupied homes weaken the
sense of neighborhood community (no actual neighbors), pose a safety
hazard/crime threat (unmonitored property) and worsen the housing
crisis. In our Charleston Gardens neighborhood, a home that once housed
a family was sold & rebuilt 5 years ago and has remained unoccupied
since. I have heard similar stories from friends in other PA neighborhoods.
In addition to unused homes, we have unused business properties some
on which could certainly be rezoned for housing.
Housing should take priority over hotel construction. Given the housing
crisis, I was surprised when PA City Council approved the construction for
2 hotels on San Antonio Road rather than allow that plot to be rezoned
from business to housing (there are two beautiful condominium
complexes with a combined 188 units directly across the street and
another family condo complex 2 blocks away so it is partially a residential
area.) When I read that hotel tax represented (at that time) 12% of the
City's budget, I understood the motivation but, again, feel like housing
needs to be a priority over simple tax collection.
Question 8
4
Question 9
Really my answer is 5 for Community Health & 3 for Safety. The City did
an extraordinary job providing myriad community support services
throughout the Pandemic and the weekly "Coronavirus Reports" have
always provided a wealth of information. I'm giving a 3 to Safety. I'm a
second generation Palo Altan, raising a 3rd, and have been disturbed by
the rash of homes burglaries & car thefts in the past several years not to
mention the regular issues at Stanford Shopping Center including store
robberies, & parking lot muggings & car-jacking. I realize crime is complex
issue tied to the growing population in the area & and the increased
wealth gap and appreciate the work of local Law Enforcement...Surely
there is a way to mitigate crime...Perhaps an investment in aiding our
under-resourced neighbors in East Palo Alto might serve to decrease
criminal activity rooted there & enacted here?
Question 10
Thank you for soliciting community feedback. On the whole, my family & I
are very satisfied with life in Palo Alto and my feedback is meant just that:
notes & suggestions based on my experience within the community. I
appreciate the Council's work & care for our city.
Name not available
January 12, 2023, 10:21 PM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
3
Question 3
No response
Question 4
4
Question 5
More emphasis on saving energy and water. Transferring only to
electricity will not work.
Question 6
3
Question 7
Keep in mind the quality of living rather than the quantity of housing!
Instead of building more housing, why not convert some offices and
empty buildings into (low-income )housing? Stanford Industrial park
could be one of the. places.
Question 8
5
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Question 9
Designate a place for RV vehicles with toilets and require RV (homeless)
owners to keep the place clean.
Question 10
Provide housing for homeless people in exchange for community work.
Transportation, no parking along El Camino Real or a maximum of 15
min.
More Cleaning of the bicycling areas at the side of streets after storms.
For example, on the Foothill expressway on 1-12-2023 and on other days
as well, the cycling pass
was full of debris . Yet cars would not slow down for cyclists who had to
avoid crashing into debris. This was a clear day without any rain.
Otherwise I appreciate clear labeling (green color) of crossing for
cyclists. Right way to go !
Pat Grange
in Palo Verde
January 15, 2023, 11:16 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
No response
Question 10
I volunteer at the Jr Museum & Zoo.
There are VERY few full-time employees, resulting in staffing deficiencies
& turnover.
I have read that a city can be judged by the manner in which it treats its
animals.
At this point, our city would be getting a low grade.
Please give zoo staff full-time employment. Thank you.
Name not available
January 17, 2023, 6:46 PM
Question 1
Not sure how this can be equated. Priorities are often very similar each
year although possibly with different wording or different orders.
Question 2
5
Question 3
According to Palo Alto online, recovery seems to be going well. There
appears to be plenty of money to spend on Junior Museum and to do
more lane disruption to several of our main traffic corridors.
Question 4
1
Question 5
How this can be equated is a mystery.
Question 6
1
Question 7
From the fact that there are a lot less people working in Palo Alto and
there are For Lease signs on offices, commercial buildings, and rental
housing, it is impossible to say how much this is due to anything the City
is doing or not doing.
Question 8
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1
Question 9
Not sure how this can be equated. There are very few opportunities for
young people to have fun, meet friends, and to relax. There are some
great restaurants, but not all are family affordable or suitable for teens to
meet. We appear to have plenty of expensive coffee shops and ice cream
type shops with queues outside the doors, but these are not particularly
healthy, safe or offer relaxation and recreational offerings. We have had
plenty of crime in Stanford shopping centre as well as local supermarkets,
sandwich shops and 7 11. Some of this crime happens during the day
which is scaring people from going out.
Question 10
n/a
Name not shown
in Palo Verde
January 18, 2023, 6:38 AM
Question 1
No response
Question 2
No response
Question 3
No response
Question 4
No response
Question 5
No response
Question 6
No response
Question 7
No response
Question 8
No response
Question 9
An unrecognized aspect of community health is simply Fun. There is very
little fun to be had in Palo Alto, particularly for young people. Over the
years, this area has lost bowling alleys, laser tag, mini golf, etc. City
government itself does not need to provide these things but city policy
and practice should encourage, support and protect such businesses.
Our community would greatly benefit from having some fun social options
nearby.
More than having additional hotels, etc.
Question 10
Need to get the city HR department functional again! I hear of many open
positions within the city that are not being filled because HR isn’t doing its
job.
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CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
From: City Manager
Report Type: ANNUAL RETREAT PROGRAM
Lead Department: City Manager
Meeting Date: January 28, 2023
TITLE
Discussion and Possible Revision to 2023 Standing Committee Topics
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and accept 2023 Standing Committee Topics.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
The tentative topics and regularly scheduled work that the City Council Standing Committees of
Policy and Services and Finance expect for 2023 are included in attachments A and B. The
tentative workplans or calendars were created knowing that there will be referrals and other
topics that arise.
Work Plan Calendars for Finance Committee and Policy and Services Committee Standing
Committees Per the CPP, Section 2 – Council Meeting & Agenda Guidelines, Subsection 2.4,
Letter Y (of the existing CPP Handbook, not the proposed revised Handbook):
The purpose and intent of committee meetings is to provide for more thorough and
detailed discussion and study of prospective or current Council agenda items with a full
and complete airing of all sentiments and expressions of opinion on city problems by
both the Council and the public, to the end that Council action will be expedited. Actions
of the committee shall be advisory recommendations only.
Referrals for discussion and action at the committee level are referred to Standing Committees
by Council action or City Manager (staff) and are made to only one committee (CPP, page 24).
The tentative schedules include regularly scheduled work, such as audit updates and budget
related reports, as well as any items that have been previously referred, with the date of the
referral.
These schedules were shared with the new Chairs, as appointed by the Mayor for 2023 for
information purposes given the timing of publishing.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Depending on the nature and extent of revisions sought, direction to revise standing committee
topics could involve substantial staff resources.
ITEM 2C
Staff Report
Item 2C: Page 1 Packet Page 99 of 186
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
2301-0804
ITEM 2C
Staff Report
Item 2C: Page 2 Packet Page 100 of 186
City of Palo Alto I 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. I www.cityofpaloalto.org – January 2023
POLICY & SERVICES TENTATIVE TOPICS
CALENDAR 2023
As of January 19, 2023
January
• Mayor appoints Committee and designates Chair; no Policy & Services Committee meeting
February
• Auditor Report [tentative]
March
• Update: Summary of Recent Race and Equity Work since late 2022
• Rental Registry Update (linked to Council Referral from Nov. 29, 2021: Renter Protections: Staff to
go to P&S with updated language in ordinance for a renter survey and estimates on effort to
enforce it for P&S discussion) [tentative]
April
• Auditor Report [tentative]
• Brief Update on the National Community Survey Plans
May
• Auditor Report [tentative]
• Report: Legislative Update
June
• Quarterly Audit Status Report
• Audit Report [tentative]
• Update: Summary of Recent Race and Equity Work since March
July
No meeting; Council break
August
• Quarterly Audit Status Report (April-June) [tentative]
• Procedures & Protocols Handbook Discussion (Annual Discussion)
• Council Referral from Nov. 29, 2021: Renter Protections: Fair chance ordinance to be reviewed by
P&S for analysis on consequences/unintended consequences
ITEM 2C
Attachment A- Policy and Services
Tentative 2023 Work Plan
Item 2C: Page 3 Packet Page 101 of 186
City of Palo Alto I 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. I www.cityofpaloalto.org – January 2023
September
• Legislative Recap (what passed/didn’t pass)
• Referral from 2021: Council Referral – Affordable Housing Funding (from August 16, 2021 Council
Meeting)
October
• Quarterly Audit Status Report (July-Sept) [tentative]
• Audit Report [tentative]
• Quarterly Race and Equity Update: Summary of Recent Race and Equity Work
November
• Legislative Agenda and Guidelines (can also go in December)
• 2024 City Council Priorities Discussion
December
• Informational: Report out on Status of Committee Referrals
Completed or Pending Referrals (status and date of referral):
1. Will follow Housing Element timing: Council Referral from Nov. 29, 2021: Renter Protections:
Bring back to P&S [a] proposal and discussion on expanding anti-gouging measure to address
loopholes
2. COMPLETED: Council Referral from Feb. 5, 2022: Discussion of Council Values, Strategic
Priorities, etc.
3. COMPLETED (Committee work; now at City Council): Revise to the City Council Procedures and
Protocols Handbook
4. COMPLETED: Review of National Community Survey Questions with Policy and Services Chair
Item Pending Further City Council Direction:
• Continued Item from November 2021: City Council Referral: Policy and Services Committee to
Recommend Strategies to Support and Strengthen Neighborhood Programs, Identify Gaps in
Existing Neighborhood-based Services, and Evaluate new Strategies as Proposed in the Colleagues'
Memo Regarding a Proposed Program for Neighbor Connection
ITEM 2C
Attachment A- Policy and Services
Tentative 2023 Work Plan
Item 2C: Page 4 Packet Page 102 of 186
City of Palo Alto I 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. I www.cityofpaloalto.org
ATTACHMENT B
FINANCE COMMITTEE TENTATIVE TOPICS
CALENDAR 2023
Updated on January 13, 2023
January
•Mayor appoints Committee and designates Chair; usually no FC meeting
February
March
•Utilities Advisory Commission Rate Forecasts and Financial Plans: Gas, Electric, Water,
Wastewater
April
•Utilities Advisory Commission Rate Forecasts and Financial Plans: Gas, Electric, Water,
Wastewater
•Rate Schedule Storm Water Management Fee
•Rate Schedule Refuse Fees
May
•Annual Budget Review: Operating + Capital Five Year Plan
•daytime meetings, typically 5/9, 5/10, 5/15, 5/23
•Fiscal Year 2023 Municipal Fee Schedule
•Retiree Healthcare Plan and Annual Actuarially Determined Contributions (ADC)- Biannual
report, last done May 2022 (FY2022 and 2023 contributions), next scheduled May 2024
•Utilities Advisory Commission Rate Forecasts and Financial Plans: Gas, Electric, Water,
Wastewater
June
•Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Report
•Adoption of Fiscal Year 2023 Investment Policy (to be done by June 30 per code)
July
No meeting; Council Break
August
ITEM 2C
Attachment B- Finance Committee
Tentative Calendar Topics 2023
Item 2C: Page 5 Packet Page 103 of 186
City of Palo Alto I 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. I www.cityofpaloalto.org
ATTACHMENT B
•Evaluation of Printing & Mailing Services levels and service delivery. Referred May 2019.
[tentative]
September/October
•Accept California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) Pension Annual Valuation
Reports as of June 30, 2022
•Every 3-4-year review/decision on pension funding policy assumptions next review
scheduled for FY 2026.
•JMZ ticket pricing analysis to understand interactions between changes to $18 ticket,
attendance, and cost recovery. Referred September 2022; procurement process underway for
consultant, review expected calendar year 2023. [tentative]
November
•Discussion and Recommendation to the City Council to Accept the Macias Gini & O'Connell's
Audit of the City of Palo Alto's Financial Statements as of June 30, 2023 and Management
Letter
•Discussion and Recommendation to Approve the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Comprehensive
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Approve Budget Amendments in
Various Funds
December
•Review and Forward the FY 2024 - FY 2032 Long Range Financial Forecast
•First Quarter Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Report
•Informational: Report out on Status of Committee Referrals
Completed Referred Topics:
A full report on the status of Finance Committee referrals and the status can be found here1,
Item 1 on the December 5, 2022 agenda.
1)COMPLETED: FY 2021 Budget: A report or item on the Junior Museum and Zoo six months
after it opens and what it would look like to eliminate the General Fund Subsidy through a
fully cost recoverable program. Referred in June 2021, Reviewed September 2022.
2)PENDING: Planning and Development Services Fee Study. Staff initiated, study is on hold while
the Fire Prevention Program organizational study is completed.
3) PENDING: Parking Permits Pricing and Parking Permit Funds Financial Status. Staff initiated,
review is on hold while post pandemic trends are collected.
1 Finance Committee, December 6, 2022, Item #1, CMR #14906:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/finance-
committee/2022/20221206/20221206pfcsm-late-packet.pdf
ITEM 2C
Attachment B- Finance Committee
Tentative Calendar Topics 2023
Item 2C: Page 6 Packet Page 104 of 186
City Council
Supplemental Report
From: Ed Shikada, City Manager
Meeting Date: January 28, 2023
Item Number: 2
TITLE
Supplemental Information: 2023 Council Retreat Presentation and Supporting Materials
RECOMMENDATION
Supplemental Information to assist in the 2023 Council Retreat and selection of the 2023 City
Council priorities. Materials include presentation, project status updates, and feedback from
Councilmembers and the community
DISCUSSION
The following meeting materials are being transmitted to assist the City Council and public in
preparation for the 2023 Council retreat discussion and selection of 2023 Council priorities.
1) 2022 City Council Priorities Major Project Quarterly Update (February 6, 2023
Informational Report)
2) Priorities recommendations that were not included in the original Policy and Services
report on December 13, 2022
3) Emails from constituents to the City Council on 2023 Council Priorities (attachment a)
4) Presentation materials (attachment b)
2022 City Council Priorities Major Project Quarterly Update (February 6, 2023 Informational
Report)
Staff routinely issues City Council Priority project status updates on a quarterly or semi-annual
basis in alignment with the Council approved workplan. Included as an informational item on
the February 6, 2023 agenda is the most current status of the 2022 City Council Priorities and
the major projects approved in the workplans. For ease of reading and reference materials for
the Council and community, staff wanted to draw attention to this helpful report.
2022 City Council Priorities Major Project Quarterly Update (February 6, 2023 Information
Report)
ITEM 2
Supplemental Report
Item 2: Page 1 Packet Page 105 of 186
Priorities recommendations that were not included in the original Policy and Services report on
December 13, 2022
Subsequent to the issuance of the Policy and Service December 13, 2022 report, staff received
additional recommendations from Councilmembers regarding initial suggestions for 2023
Council priorities. Below, reflects those additional suggestions.
Councilmember initial suggestions not included in the December 13, 2022 report:
Veenker:
1. Climate action and adaptation
2. Housing, with an emphasis on affordable housing
3. Public services, with an emphasis on public safety
Kou: I would like to continue the 2022 priorities into 2023:
•Economic Recovery and Transition
•Climate Change – Protection and Adaptation (with a focus on biodiversity)
•Housing for Social and Economic Balance
•Community Health and Safety
For ease of review, the complete list of Councilmember (and Council-elect) initial suggestions
were:
1. Cormack: For a new priority, add "Redevelop Cubberley Community Center"; for a
retained priority, "Climate action mitigation and adaptation"
2. Lauing: Maintain current priorities
3. Lythcott-Haims:
o Avoid Triggering Builders Remedy
o Develop Area Plans for regions slated to get bulk of housing
o Determine Grade Separation Designs
4. Kou: Continue the 2022 priorities into 2023
5.Veenker:
o Climate action and adaptation
o Housing, with an emphasis on affordable housing
o Public services, with an emphasis on public safety
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Emails to the City Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Attachment B: City Council Retreat Presentation
APPROVED BY:
Ed Shikada, City Manager
ITEM 2
Supplemental Report
Item 2: Page 2 Packet Page 106 of 186
ATTACHMENT A
Emails to the City Council on 2023 Council Priorities
The following email messages were received through the City Council email inbox and
are being transmitted as part of the City Council’s retreat discussion on City Council
2023 Priorities.
The combined email messages are those received as of January 26, 2023 at 10 a.m.
ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 3 Packet Page 107 of 186
1
From:neva yarkin <nevayarkin@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, January 25, 2023 2:48 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:from neva, ideas for City Council Retreat
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Jan. 25, 2023
For the city council retreat on Jan. 28, 2023.
I would like to see more crime prevention – more police hired.
Why should I feel afraid of going into the Apple Store or Stanford Shopping
Center? What about the Midtown area or Charleston Shopping Area.
My concerns are as follows:
1)Robberies at the Apple store on University Ave.– more patrols around
University Ave.
2)Robberies at Stanford Shopping Center – more patrols around the area
3)Home burglars at dinner time
4) Midtown area ‐ 7 Eleven store, Safeway, and Baskin Robbins Ice Cream.
5)More traffic police hired – speeding at 60mph on Alma
6)People going through stop signs on Thursday night after Paly games.
7)Elderly having purses/wallets stolen or being targeted.
8)More police presence around town (visibility).
Thank you.
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 4 Packet Page 108 of 186
2
From:Carole Mullowney <carole.mullowney@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, January 24, 2023 4:08 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:San Franciscoquito Creek Flooding
[Some people who received this message don't often get email from carole.mullowney@gmail.com. Learn why this is
important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear City Council,
Please make flood protection a priority for 2023 and beyond. Specifically, please renew your city priority of Climate
Change and Adaptation for 2023. This year please add the following projects under this priority: the Newell Bridge
replacement, explicit support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris before flood
season.
I live in the flood zone and improved flood prevention and protection of my home from flooding is imperative for my
family’s safety and well being.
Thank you,
Carole Mullowney
1291 Pitman Avenue
ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 5 Packet Page 109 of 186
3
From:caroline hicks <cyhicksmail@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, January 24, 2023 6:18 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:FLOOD PROTECTION CRUCIAL REMEDIATION IN 2023
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council.
Please make flood protection a priority in 2023. We live in the flood zone and saw knee deep flooded streets at the
nearby Duveneck Elementary school during these recent storms.
I am grateful that our storm drains worked so well on our street. However it is imperative that we prioritize the
following projects for 2023:
1.The Newell Bridge replacement
2.full support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek
3.clearing debris before flood season.
Thank you!
Respectfully yours,
Caroline Hicks
Bert Fingerhut
195 Heather Lane
Palo Alto, CA 94303
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 6 Packet Page 110 of 186
4
From:Jane Millman <jane.millman@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, January 23, 2023 3:09 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Speed up flood protection PLEASE
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
My name is Jane Millman and I live on De Soto Drive in Palo Alto. I was flooded in 1998 and subsequently went to 5
years of JPA meetings following that traumatic event. In 2003 I realized that nothing was going to be done to help
me….it was ALL talk, studies, money concerns, more studies, etc. 25 years later, on Dec 31, the creek overflowed again
and my street filled contaminated water. My husband and I both had covid at the time so were isolating per the
protocol. Fortunately the water did not enter our house, but we were inches away from that happening.
Please, please, please please make flood protection a priority for 2023. Specifically, please renew your city priority of
Climate Change and Adaptation for 2023. This year add the following projects under this priority: the Newell Bridge
replacement, explicit support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris before flood
season. Living in the flood zone, improved flood prevention and protection of our home from flooding is an imperative
for our family’s safety and well being.
Thank you.
Jane & Paul Millman
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 7 Packet Page 111 of 186
5
From:William Reller <wereller@664gilman.com>
Sent:Monday, January 23, 2023 2:40 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:William Reller
Subject:Flood Control-2023 Priority
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Please make flood protection a priority for 2023.
As a long time Palo Alto resident, my home and neighborhood were greatly affected by the recent storms and
associated flooding.
Specifically, please renew the city's priority of Climate Change and Adaptation for 2023.
This year, please add the following projects under this priority:
—Newell Bridge replacement
—Explicit support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek
—Clearing debris before flood season.
Improved flood prevention and protection of our homes from future flooding is an imperative for all.
Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Bill Reller
ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 8 Packet Page 112 of 186
6
From:Tom Glenwright <tom@glenwright.com>
Sent:Monday, January 23, 2023 9:18 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Flood protection priority for 2023
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Please make flood protection a priority for 2023. Specifically, please renew your city priority of Climate
Change and Adaptation for 2023. This year please add the following projects under this priority: the Newell
Bridge replacement, explicit support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris
before flood season. I live in the flood zone and improved flood prevention and protection of our home from
flooding is an imperative for our family’s safety and well being. Thank you.
Tom Glenwright
261 Iris Way
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 9 Packet Page 113 of 186
7
From:Henry Fang <henryfang@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 22, 2023 9:20 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Request setting flood control as a 2023 priority
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Please make flood protection a priority for 2023. Specifically, please renew your city priority of Climate Change
and Adaptation for 2023. This year please add the following projects under this priority: the Newell Bridge
replacement, explicit support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris before
flood season.
I live in the flood zone, improved flood prevention and protection of our home from flooding is an imperative for
our family’s safety and well being.
Thank you,
Henry Fang
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 10 Packet Page 114 of 186
8
From:Fernando Pereira <fernando.pereira@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 22, 2023 8:10 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:2023 Climate Protection & Adaptation Priorities
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To the Palo Alto City Council,
As Downtown North homeowners at the edge of the historical San Francisquito Creek flood zone, as shown in the city's
own 1998 flood map, we are very concerned with the lack of progress in flood control measures, especially with respect
to the Newell and Chaucer bridges.
The urgency of this critical climate adaptation work was made clear by the recent atmospheric river close call, which was
just an early warning of the growing California climate instability that has been investigated in depth by
UCLA/NCAR/Nature Conservancy scientist Daniel Swain.
We very much hope and expect that the City Council and its Finance Committee impart all the required urgency and
funding priority to these climate adaptation public works that will protect our homes and civic infrastructure from
unfortunately inevitable increases in flood risk.
Thank you for your service to our community
Fernando Pereira and Ana Carvalho
335 Webster St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
650‐262‐4372
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 11 Packet Page 115 of 186
9
From:Mitch Gevelber <docmitch63@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 22, 2023 7:12 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please prioritize flood planning/ prevention
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
First:
Thank you for working so hard to make Palo Alto such a great place to live!
Second:
Please make flood protection a priority for 2023. Our street, Kings Lane, was really flooded on New Years eve
and I'm worried about our street.
Specifically, please renew your city priority of Climate Change and Adaptation for 2023. This year please add
the following projects under this priority: the Newell Bridge replacement, explicit support for the full Reach 2
upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris before flood season.
Clearly our street is in the flood zone and improved flood prevention and protection of our home from flooding
is an imperative for our family’s safety and well being.
Thank you.
Mitch Gevelber
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 12 Packet Page 116 of 186
10
From:Susan Mittmann <mittfamily@yahoo.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 22, 2023 6:16 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Prioritize flood protection, Newell and Chaucer Bridges
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
My home was flooded in 1998 because the Chaucer Bridge wasn't safe. My daughter, who was turning two
and had been looking forward to moving to a bed rather than a crib, decided to stay in her crib until summer
because everything touching the floor soaked up dirty flood water and was ruined.
That daughter graduated from college five years ago, and Palo Alto still hasn't fixed Chaucer Bridge. The same
creek overtopped on New Year's Eve. My daughter called to check if we were safe. Twenty-five years is a
ridiculous delay in fixing a hazard that traumatized a generation of children and families, not to mention other
costs to the city and residents.
Please make flood protection a city priority for 2023 and each following year until the Chaucer Bridge is fixed.
In particular, please add the following projects under priorities for Climate Change and Adaptation: the Newell
Bridge replacement, the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek, clearing debris before flood season,
and the Chaucer Bridge replacement.
Thank you,
Susan Mittmann
2377 Saint Francis Dr.
Palo Alto, CA 94303
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 13 Packet Page 117 of 186
11
From:Charles Munger <charlestmungerjr@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 22, 2023 3:53 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Flood Control on San Francisquito Creek is an urgent priority
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Honorable Members of the City Council:
25 years ago in 1998 my wife and I were roused by our neighbors in the dead of night to haul carpets and furniture
upstairs as the muddy overflow from San Francisquito creek filled the street, rose over our lawn, topped the step up to
our front door, and then mercifully subsided, having however totaled the minivan we used to take our 3 children (ages
2, 5, and 7) to school and about. We were assured that the replacement of the Pope/Chaucer bridge, the principal
chokepoint for the creek because of its low arch, would be a matter of urgent priority.
Our children are grown and out, and this year neighbors sent us video of the muddy overflow from the creek rising half
over our lawn, before mercifully subsiding. This time. Our neighbor across the street had her basement flood. She is
from China, and I doubt she views with admiration a modern nation that can’t accomplish a modest bit of civil
engineering in 25 years‐‐‐even accounting for the various projects downstream that must also have been improved to
handle more flow down the creek. This is a creek we are trying to handle, not the Mississippi river.
We now have proof that flooding from San Francisquito creek is not a once‐in‐a‐century‐or‐two sort of problem. It is a
two‐or‐three‐times‐in‐your‐lifetime problem. I wish to escape #3.
Yes, the city needs to maintain all the standard services: police and fire, water and power, and the rest. But otherwise
replacing this bridge and allowing for more safe flow down the creek is the single project that will most improve
residents’ quality of life, here in Palo Alto and across the creek.
Residents can’t do it. Residents can address shortfalls in many other places: in the funding of the libraries; we can clean
up and maintain parks; we can pick up trash on the streets. We residents can’t do civil engineering on a volunteer basis;
we can’t even make the creek better by ourselves hiring people to help, as we could with other problems. Getting that
bridge and creek fixed is something only our government‐‐‐of which the Palo Alto City Council is a part‐‐‐can do. Please
make your first priority what we residents cannot do for ourselves.
Sincerely yours,
Charles T. Munger, Jr.
1423 Hamilton Avenue
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 14 Packet Page 118 of 186
12
From:Pamela Hakl Economos <pamhakl@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 22, 2023 3:49 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Economos Evan
Subject:Flood protection now
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council, Please make flood protection a priority for 2023.
I live on De Soto Drive. In 1998, we woke up in the middle of the night to find one foot of water in our home,
which rapidly increased to two feet as sewage spilled out of our toilets and bathtubs. We were out of our home
for 8 months, and lost both our cars, furniture and many possessions.
Imagine our worry as we saw De Soto Drive flood once again on New Year’s Eve. Fortunately water did not
enter our home this time, but one block away, the garages on Alester were flooded.
It’s hard to believe that after 25 years the bridges at Newell and Chaucer still put our homes at risk of flooding.
It is imperative that the city priority of Climate Change and Adaptation for 2023 is renewed.
In addition add the following projects under this priority:
the Newell Bridge replacement
Explicit support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek
Clearing debris BEFORE flood season.
Improved flood prevention and protection of our home from flooding is an imperative for our family’s safety and
well being. Thank you.
Pamela Economos
753 De Soto Drive
Palo Alto CA. 94303
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 15 Packet Page 119 of 186
13
From:m l <sjmarylee@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 22, 2023 3:09 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Flood protection in 2023
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council, Please make flood protection a priority for 2023. Specifically, please renew your city priority
of Climate Change and Adaptation for 2023.
This year please add the following projects under this priority: the Newell Bridge replacement, explicit support
for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris before flood season. I live in the
flood zone and improved flood prevention and protection of our home from flooding is an imperative for our
family’s safety and well being.
Thank you,
Mary Lee
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 16 Packet Page 120 of 186
14
From:V.K. Rajaram <vkrajaram@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 22, 2023 2:25 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please Make Flood Protection A Priority For 2023
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Please make flood protection a priority for 2023. Specifically, please renew your city priority of Climate Change and Adaptation for
2023. This year please add the following projects under this priority: the Newell Bridge replacement, explicit support for the full Reach 2
upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris before flood season. I live in the flood zone and improved flood prevention and
protection of our home from flooding is an imperative for our family's safety and well being.
Thank you,
VK Rajaram
Heather Lane Resident
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 17 Packet Page 121 of 186
15
From:Ted Davids <tdavids@sonic.net>
Sent:Sunday, January 22, 2023 2:17 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:2023 Priorities for the Council and its Finance Committee
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Please include Flood Protection under the Climate Protection & Adaptation Goal for 2023. Last year no flood protection
projects were officially included under the Climate Protection & Adaptation Goal.
I am concerned that Palo Alto's basic sources and uses of cash do not address the risks highlighted by the recent rains and
flooding. Specifically, please add the following projects under this priority: the Newell Bridge replacement, explicit
support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris before flood season, especially
cleaning channel debris BEFORE flood season.
Late last year Mr Neilson Buchanan suggested to the Finance Committee to clarify its concepts of financial issues. The
list of issues was a great step forward. However, I continue to feel that the list of issues was incomplete. It did not
communicate the inherent risks associated with each issue. A list of issues is passive A list of risks communicates
urgency.
Now is the time to delegate two risks to the Finance Committee in the context of Climate Protection and Adaption. First,
full commitment for the San Francisquito Creek flood zone's staged remedies. This means full and regular disclosure of
funding and timelines.
Second, greater disclosure of Palo Alto's commitment to the system of levee protections around SF Bay. I could be
mistaken but this risk has received minimal public attention.
Construction on the Newell Bridge was originally scheduled to start in 2021 but construction is now scheduled for the
summer of 2024 due to various delays (e.g. lawsuits now dismissed). Please make it a priority to ensure there are no
further delays, that the city is doing everything it can to complete this project and support full Reach 2 upgrade of San
Francisquito Creek including channel widening and Chaucer bridge as fast as possible.
Thousands of homes are in the San Francisquito Creek flood zone and over the floor flooding means the home becomes
inhabitable for 9 months to a year, like 400 homes were in the 1998 flood during an El Nino season. Next winter is
predicted to be an El Nino winter so statistically higher risk.
The benefits of replacing Newell Bridge go far beyond flood control. This 113 year old bridge, was designated as
functionally obsolete by CalTrans. It is a substandard narrow bridge with no traffic lights, no sidewalk and no bike path.
Many parents from East Palo Alto push their baby carriages and walk small children across this bridge on their way to
Eleanor Parde Park. The bridge is also used by many to commute to work from East Palo Alto. The new bridge will
provide safe sidewalks for pedestrians, safe bike paths and improved car safety.
Thank you again for all the hard work you have done to move the Newell Bridge replacement project so far and please
prioritize bringing it over the finish line as funded infrastructure win for the city.
Sincerely,
Ted Davids
475 Everett Avenue
ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 18 Packet Page 122 of 186
16
Palo Alto
ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 19 Packet Page 123 of 186
17
From:Christy Telch <gforman806@aol.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 22, 2023 11:36 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Top Priority- Flood Prevention and Protection
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council Members,
I urge you to make Flood Prevention and Protection, specifically FIX the Pope-Chaucer Bridge!, the City's top priority in
2023! Our home at 1130 Hamilton Ave between Lincoln and Chaucer was flooded in 1998 and after 25 years we should
not have to suffer that disaster again! It took us a year and significant financial costs to repair the damage to our home
and property and much longer to recover from the emotional stress! Watching the muddy creek water roar down Hamilton
Ave and head up our driveway, yards and sidewalk again this past New Year's Eve day was a nightmare! This could have
been prevented and should not have happened again!
Your first priority and responsibility is the protection of the safety and well being of residents and their property. Therefore,
I urge you to immediately implement whatever actions are necessary to prevent another flooding event. Make this your
absolute top priority until the safety and well being of residents and their property is insured.
Respectfully,
Christy Telch
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ITEM 2
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Item 2: Page 20 Packet Page 124 of 186
18
From:Harry Dennis <hledennis@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 22, 2023 11:26 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Flood protection for Crescent Park.
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________________________________
Hello,
Having had more than 2 feet of water in our basement in 1998, we were better prepared this winter with beefier sump
pumps and a small Honda generator. Still, it IS frustrating that 24 years later I was back to filling sandbags a few weeks
ago. Thankfully, our home on Pitman Avenue has so far not been flooded this year. I AM impressed with the city’s work
clearing streets and drains, and making sand and bags available to us. But please, don’t let work on the Newell and
Chaucer bridges get further delayed. Make flood protection and climate adaptation as high a priority as possible.
Thank you,
Harry Dennis
1274 Pitman Ave.
Palo Alto
P.S. ‐ as an infant, in early 1955, I was evacuated from my family’s home on Desoto Drive, too! This has been a known
problem for WAY too long.
ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 21 Packet Page 125 of 186
19
From:Lisa Gevelber <lisagevelber@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 22, 2023 11:25 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Flood protection priority
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Please make flood protection a priority for 2023. Our street, Kings Lane, was really flooded on New Years eve
and I'm worried about our street.
Specifically, please renew your city priority of Climate Change and Adaptation for 2023. This year please add
the following projects under this priority: the Newell Bridge replacement, explicit support for the full Reach 2
upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris before flood season.
Clearly our street is in the flood zone and improved flood prevention and protection of our home from flooding
is an imperative for our family’s safety and well being.
Thank you.
Lisa Gevelber
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
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Item 2: Page 22 Packet Page 126 of 186
20
From:Carol Kenyon <carolskenyon@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 22, 2023 8:22 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:January flooding in Palo alto
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To The Palo Alto City Council,
I hope you as a City council are as concerned as I am about the flooding we have been living with this month. This issue
must be a priority for our City as we continue to confront climate change in many areas.
Please make flood protection a priority for 2023. Specifically, please renew your city priority of Climate
Change and Adaptation for 2023. This year please add the following projects under this priority: the Newell
Bridge replacement, explicit support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris
before flood season. I live in the flood zone and improved flood prevention and protection of our home from
flooding is an imperative for our neighborhood safety and well being. Thank you.
I appreciate you giving this issue your immediate attention.
Carol Kenyon
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 23 Packet Page 127 of 186
21
From:Patricia Jones <pkjones1000@icloud.com>
Sent:Saturday, January 21, 2023 10:13 PM
To:Council, City; City Mgr
Subject:Priorities for 2023
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council and City Manager,
As you determine the priorities for 2023, I propose that at the top of your list of 2023 priorities, you commit to the
following under the Newell Bridge replacement:
(1)complete support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito creek and (2) clearing debris from the creek before
flood season.
I understand that we face the risk of another El Niño next year, just as we did in 1998. Please, please find a way NOW
to mitigate the possibility of the flooding that occurred in 1998 and partially occurred 12/31/22. Flood damage is
absolutely devastating to those affected and completely unnecessary because it can be avoided.
To this end, I ask that you set measurable goals, such as “reduce the risk of local 100‐year flooding from the San
Francisquito Creek by 50% in 12 months and 100% in 24 months.“
Achieving such goals would give those of us living under the constant threat of flooding much needed peace of mind.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Patricia Jones
1407 Hamilton Avenue
Patricia Jones
www.pkjones.com
pkjones1000@icloud.com
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 24 Packet Page 128 of 186
22
From:Mel Kronick <melkronick@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, January 21, 2023 7:55 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Mel Kronick; Karen Kronick
Subject:Flood Control as a City of Palo Alto Priority
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
We have lived in Palo Alto on Forest Avenue since 1976. We suffered modest damage in the horrible 1998
flood. We came close to damage again this year. We appreciate that the issue is complicated and that 6
different governmental agencies (Palo Alto, Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, the County of Santa Clara, the County
of San Mateo, and the Army Corps of Engineers) are all involved. It is, nevertheless, shameful that the
Chaucer Street bridge and solving the whole issue once and for all is still years away. My wife and I VERY
strongly request setting flood control as a top 2023 priority by the City Council.
Mel and Karen Kronick
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 25 Packet Page 129 of 186
23
From:roblipshutz@gmail.com
Sent:Saturday, January 21, 2023 3:57 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Priorities for 2023
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
I live in the flood zone and improved flood prevention and protection of our home from flooding is an imperative
for our family’s safety and well-being.
Please make flood protection a priority for 2023. Specifically, please renew your city priority of Climate
Change and Adaptation for 2023. In addition, this year, please add the following projects under this priority:
1.the Newell Bridge replacement,
2.explicit support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris before flood
season.
Thank you.
Regards
Robert Lipshutz
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 26 Packet Page 130 of 186
24
From:betty tse <btse04@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, January 21, 2023 3:23 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:2023 priority of Palo Alto - flood protection
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Please make flood protection a priority for 2023. Specifically, please renew your city priority of Climate
Change and Adaptation for 2023. This year please add the following projects under this priority: the Newell
Bridge replacement, explicit support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris
before flood season. I live in the flood zone and improved flood prevention and protection of our home from
flooding is an imperative for our family’s safety and well being.
Thank you.
betty tse and gabe kralik
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 27 Packet Page 131 of 186
25
From:Neilson Buchanan <cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com>
Sent:Saturday, January 21, 2023 2:52 PM
To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Nose, Kiely
Cc:Hamilton Hitchings; Norm Beamer
Subject:2023 Priorities for the Council and its Finance Committee
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Please include Flood Protection under the Climate Protection & Adaptation Goal for 2023. Last year
no flood protection projects were officially included under the Climate Protection & Adaptation Goal.
I am concerned that Palo Alto's basic sources and uses of cash do not address the risks highlighted
by the recent rains and flooding. Specifically, please add the following projects under this priority: the
Newell Bridge replacement, explicit support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and
clearing debris before flood season.
Late last year I suggested to the Finance Committee to claify its concepts of financial issues. The list of issues
was a great step forward. However, I continue to feel that the list of issues was incomplete. It did not
communicate the inherent risks associated with each issue. A list of issues is passive A list of risks
communicates urgency.
Now is the time to delegate two risks to the Finance Committee in the context of Climate Protection and
Adaption. First, full committment for the San Francisquito Creek flood zone's staged remedies. This means full
and regular disclosure of funding and timelines.
Second, greater disclosure of Palo Alto's committment to the system of levee protections around SF Bay. I
could be mistaken but this risk has received minimal public attention.
Construction on the Newell Bridge was originally scheduled to start in 2021 but construction is now scheduled
for the summer of 2024 due to various delays (e.g. lawsuits now dismissed). Please make it a priority to ensure
there are no further delays, that the city is doing everything it can to complete this project and support full
Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek including channel widening and Chaucer bridge as fast as
possible.
Thousands of homes are in the San Francisquito Creek flood zone and over the floor flooding means the home
becomes inhabitable for 9 months to a year, like 400 homes were in the 1998 flood during an El Nino season.
Next winter is predicted to be an El Nino winter so statistically higher risk.
The benefits of replacing Newell Bridge go far beyond flood control. This 113 year old bridge, was designated
as functionally obsolete by CalTrans. It is a substandard narrow bridge with no traffic lights, no sidewalk and
ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 28 Packet Page 132 of 186
26
no bike path. Many parents from East Palo Alto push their baby carriages and walk small children across this
bridge on their way to Eleanor Parde Park. The bridge is also used by many to commute to work from East
Palo Alto. The new bridge will provide safe sidewalks for pedestrians, safe bike paths and improved car safety.
Thank you again for all the hard work you have done to move the Newell Bridge replacement project so far and
please prioritize bringing it over the finish line as funded infrastructure win for the city.
PS
As a resident of Downtown North, I tend to be passive about flood risks. However, the recent creek
flooding of El Camino Real underpass at University Avenue is a shocking reminder of infrastructure
collapse and risk. I had to remind myself of actual DTN flooding. Attached is the 1998 flood map of
water that literally went only to a few DTN neighbors' front doors.
ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 29 Packet Page 133 of 186
27
Neilson Buchanan
155 Bryant Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650 329-0484
650 537-9611 cell
cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com
ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 30 Packet Page 134 of 186
28
From:Margot Lockwood-Stein <mommylockwood_stein@yahoo.com>
Sent:Saturday, January 21, 2023 12:18 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Fw: Please Make Flood Protection for Crescent Park, Duveneck/St. Francis & Greer Park a priority
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Please make flood protection a priority for 2023. Specifically, please renew your city priority of Climate
Change and Adaptation for 2023. This year please add the following projects under this priority: the Newell
Bridge replacement, explicit support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris
before flood season. I live in the flood zone and improved flood prevention and protection of our home from
flooding is an imperative for our family’s safety and well being. Thank you.
Thank you,
Margot Lockwood-Stein
Duveneck/St. Francis neighborhood
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 31 Packet Page 135 of 186
29
From:Mehmetf <mehmetf@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, January 21, 2023 10:14 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Flood priority
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Please make flood protection a priority for 2023. Specifically, please renew your city priority of Climate
Change and Adaptation for 2023. This year please add the following projects under this priority: the Newell
Bridge replacement, explicit support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris
before flood season.
I live in the flood zone (Oregon Ave) and improved flood prevention and protection of our home from flooding is
an imperative for our family’s safety and well being. Thank you.
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 32 Packet Page 136 of 186
30
From:Pat Kinney <pkinney48235@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, January 21, 2023 9:54 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please make flood control a priority for 2023
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Please make flood protection a priority for 2023. Specifically, please renew your city priority of Climate
Change and Adaptation for 2023. This year please add the following projects under this priority: the Newell
Bridge replacement, explicit support for the full Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris
before flood season. I live in the flood zone and improved flood prevention and protection of our home from
flooding is an imperative for our family’s safety and well being. We were not impacted as much this year as we
were in 1998, but we still carry memories of that flood.
I understand that the Newell Bridge project is constrained to only working in the creek for four months each
year, but are there other roadside improvements that could start in 2023 that could speed up the overall
project?
Thank you.
Patricia Kinney
WIldwood Lane
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ITEM 2
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Item 2: Page 33 Packet Page 137 of 186
31
From:Barbara Riper <tobin8@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Saturday, January 21, 2023 9:43 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Flood protection
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________________________________
As a resident in the flood zone, I ask that you renew your City priority of Climate Change and Adaptation for 2023. Please
add these projects under that priority:
Newell Bridge replacement
Clear support for the complete Reach 2 upgrade of San Francisquiro Creek
Pre‐flood season clearing of debris from the creek
We narrowly missed a much worse outcome recently. Let’s not waste time before the next one.
Sincerely,
Barbara Riper
ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 34 Packet Page 138 of 186
32
From:Nadine Terman <nadineterman@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, January 21, 2023 9:19 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:City Priorities
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Please make flood protection a priority for 2023.
We have lived near the Creek since 2008 and remain confused and frustrated over the lack of progress from
our leaders.
Specifically, please renew your city priority of Climate Change and Adaptation for 2023. This year please add
the following projects under this priority: the Newell Bridge replacement, explicit support for the full Reach 2
upgrade of San Francisquito Creek and clearing debris before flood season. The city was not prepared and
only was removing debris when it was too late—a baffling situation for a known issue.
I live in the flood zone and suffered flooding from the New Year’s flood of the Pope Chaucer Bridge. Improved
flood prevention and protection of our home and streets from flooding is an imperative for our family’s safety
and well being.
If you choose not to be proactive on the above initiatives, then please (I) find a way to clean sidewalks so that
people do not slip (or be forced to walk in the streets and dodge cars) and (ii) also set aside funds to reimburse
us for our damage while we wait and for doing your job in cleaning up the neighborhood. You probably noticed
that most of us were cleaning up our neighborhoods…while inspiring as a neighborhood, it is representative of
the shortcomings of the council.
Thank you,
Nadine
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ITEM 2
Attachment A Emails to the City
Council on 2023 Council Priorities
Item 2: Page 35 Packet Page 139 of 186
FOCUS ON THE FUTURE
CITY COUNCIL RETREAT 2023
January 28, 2023 www.cityofpaloalto.org
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 36 Packet Page 140 of 186
2
9:00 am Roll Call & Welcome from Mayor
9:45 Council Retreat Overview and Discussion of Community
Survey Results Status
10:00 Overview of 2022 Council Priorities
11:30 Public Comment
12:15 pm Lunch Break
1:00 Selection of 2023 City Council Priorities
2:00 Discussion/Revision to 2023 Standing Committee Topics
2:30 Retreat Debrief, Take Away and Next Steps
3:00 Adjournment
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 37 Packet Page 141 of 186
3
TO ENSURE A PRODUCTIVE DAY
We allow time for candid and honest feedback
We seek to hear ideas and perspectives of residents
in our public comments before deliberations
We will adhere to schedule and allow the facilitator to
move the conversation along
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 38 Packet Page 142 of 186
Lydia
Kou
Mayor
City Council
Greer
Stone
Vice
Mayor
Pat
Burt
Council
Member
Ed
Lauing
Council
Member
Julie
Lythcott-
Haims
Council
Member
Greg
Tanaka
Council
Member
Vicki
Veenker
Council
Member
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 39 Packet Page 143 of 186
What’s Your
December 31,
2023
Headline?
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 40 Packet Page 144 of 186
INTRODUCTION TO ANNUAL GOAL PROCESS
City Council Retreat –January 28, 2023 www.cityofpaloalto.org
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 41 Packet Page 145 of 186
7
9:00 am Roll Call & Welcome from Mayor
9:45 Council Retreat Overview and Discussion of Community
Survey Results Status
10:00 Overview of 2022 Council Priorities
11:30 Public Comment
12:15 pm Lunch Break
1:00 Selection of 2023 City Council Priorities
2:00 Discussion/Revision to 2023 Standing Committee Topics
2:30 Retreat Debrief, Take Away and Next Steps
3:00 Adjournment
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 42 Packet Page 146 of 186
•Since 1986, this Council has established Policy Priorities
•Policy anticipates between 1 -3 Council identified topics will receive,
unusual and significant attention in 2023. Topics may remain
priorities for up to 3 years
•Goal setting is supplemented by input through
2022 Open City Hall, staff input, the National Community Survey,
review of work plans and resident testimony today
COUNCIL PRIORITIES OVERVIEW
8
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 43 Packet Page 147 of 186
Feedback
Themes from Community Input
9
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 44 Packet Page 148 of 186
SURVEY STRUCTURE
10
•Over the past several years, the survey has typically asked the community to
share feedback as an open field.
•This year we added additional questions/rankings to gain a sense of
community perceptions about each 2022 Council priority
•10 questions in total
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 45 Packet Page 149 of 186
SURVEY STRUCTURE
11
1
10%2
11%
3
21%
4
12%
5
4%
_No Response_
42%
Question 2.
Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority
"Economic Recovery and Transition"
[5 being the best]37% ranked 3-5
21% ranked 1-2
42% no response 1
15%
2
18%
3
19%4
10%5
4%
_No Response_
34%
Question 4.
Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority
"Climate Change -Protection and Adaptation"
[5 being the best]33% ranked 3-5
33% ranked 1-2
34% no response
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 46 Packet Page 150 of 186
SURVEY STRUCTURE
12
1
21%
2
13%
3
22%
4
4%
5
2%
_No Response_
38%
Question 6.
Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority
"Housing for Social and Economic Balance"
[5 being the best]
28% ranked 3-5
34% ranked 1-2
38% no response 1
17%
2
11%
3
19%4
9%5
7%
_No Response_
37%
Question 8.
Please rate how we are doing on the 2022 Priority
"Community Health and Safety"
[5 being the best]
35% ranked 3-5
28% ranked 1-2
37% no response
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 47 Packet Page 151 of 186
COUNCIL PRIORITIES SURVEY THEMES
13
Economic Recovery and Transition
•Focus on small business,
supporting business in general, and
creating a more business friendly
city
•Increase service levels in Planning
•Diverse opinions on increasing
business taxes and reducing or
eliminating business taxes
•Fill vacant retail and office spaces
•Have more events and
fun/entertainment options
•Diverse opinions on keeping
streets closed and to re-open
closed streets
Climate Change –Protection and
Adaptation
•More resources for climate change
programs
•Expand Safe Routes to School and
other mobility items
•Strengthen public transportation,
active transportation, and bike
infrastructure
•Increase recreation and open space
•Focus on electrification
•More electric vehicle charging
incentives and options
•Focus on S/CAP execution
•Replace Pope/Chaucer and Newell
Creek bridges and address flooding
issues
Community Health and Safety
•More focus on Public Safety
•Reduce airplane noise and traffic
•Improvements to major
thoroughfares and other
infrastructure (road conditions,
crosswalks, sidewalks, bike-ability,
tree upkeep)
•More wellness programs
•Budget for more police officers and
firefighters
•More police presence in the
community
•Emphasis on residential burglaries
and criminal activity
•Code enforcement (leaf blowers,
parking, speeding)
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 48 Packet Page 152 of 186
SURVEY THEMES
14
Housing for Social and Economic Balance
•Diverse opinions on increasing and building more
housing and removing housing as a priority for the
Council in the coming year
•Transit-oriented development –housing near jobs,
shopping, services, transit
•Make affordable housing easier, less expensive to build
•Affordable and affordable senior housing
•Rent control
•Remove short-term rentals
•Approve a compliant Housing Element
•Promote more types of housing (multi-family, small
apartment, ADUs)
•Convert office space and empty buildings to housing
•Establish short-term housing options for homeless
population
•Safe RV parking program
Other Themes
•More public services for the low-income community
•Move forward with the Grade Separation project
•Hire more staff resources in these areas: Transportation,
Planning, Police, Fire, Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, HR
•Focus on local issues only
•Balanced focus of priorities geographically across the City
•Address car traffic along major arteries
•Less focus on electrification and reducing natural gas use
•Diversity
•Climate Change, Housing, and Community Health & Safety
should not be priorities.
•Climate change issues should be left to the state/federal
•Removing housing was sometimes related to including it in
addressing climate change or removing it.
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 49 Packet Page 153 of 186
2022 ADOPTED PRIORITIES
Economic Recovery and Transition (ERT)
Climate Change -Protection and Adaptation (CCPA)
Housing for Social /Economic Balance (HSEB)
Community Health and Safety (CHS)
15
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Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
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2022 Priority –ERT
Economic Recovery and Transition
City Council Retreat –January 28, 2023 www.cityofpaloalto.org
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 51 Packet Page 155 of 186
ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND TRANSITION (ERT)
1.Downtown Business Improvement District (BID)
2.Economic Development Request for Proposal (RFP)
3.Economic Dev Committees for Downtown & California Ave.
4.Retail and Retail-Like Land Uses and CUP Thresholds
5.University Avenue Streetscape Design Project
6.California Avenue Closure and feasibility study (car-free streets)
7.Ramona Street Closure and feasibility study (car-free streets)
8.Build Out Fiber Backbone as Foundation for Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP)
9.Electronic Plan Review RFP to integrate with Accela
10.New Parking Facilities in the University Avenue Downtown (potential BMH site)
11.California Avenue Subscription Parking (Commercial)
12.Citywide Retail Recovery Ordinance
13.17
85% of 2022 ERT Projects
are either Complete
or On Track
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 52 Packet Page 156 of 186
•Award of contract for comprehensive
economic development strategy (ERT2)
•‘Car-Free Streets’ on Cal Ave. and
Ramona interim design standard
updates (ERT6 & ERT7)
•Issuance of Request for Information for
New Parking Facilities in University
Avenue Downtown and Below Market
Rate housing (ERT 10)
•Extension of interim ordinance for
Retail and Retail-like land uses through
June 2024 (ERT 12)
ERT: Accomplishments
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Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 53 Packet Page 157 of 186
•Developing plan to reimplement Business
Improvement District (ERT1)
•Economic Development Committees
(Downtown and California Ave.)(ERT3)
•University Avenue Streetscape Impv. (ERT5)
•Fiber Backbone to facilitate Fiber-to-the-
premises (ERT8)
•Improve Electronic Plan Review (ERT9)
•Evaluating Citywide Retail Recovery
Ordinance and efforts at retail preservation
(ERT12)
ERT: Work to Continue in 2023
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Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
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•Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy by Streetsense -Implementation
•Council review and direction on the priorities within the strategy
•Implementation of strategy recommendations
•Implementation of Measure K, new Business Tax: outreach & stakeholder
engagement, development, implementation, and administration
•Parklet Standards: integrating into other City efforts (Car-Free streets, University
Ave Streetscape)
•Downtown parking & below market housing RFI responses
•Council review and direction on next steps and priorities
ERT: 2023 Changes & New Priority Projects
20
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 55 Packet Page 159 of 186
2022 Priority –CCPA
Climate Change-Protection & Adaptation
City Council Retreat –January 28, 2023 www.cityofpaloalto.org
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 56 Packet Page 160 of 186
CLIMATE CHANGE: PROTECTION & ADAPTATION (CCPA)
1.Municipal Code Amendments to Facilitate PV, ESS, EVCS and Heat Pump
(Water/Furnace) Installations
2.Permit/Inspection Streamlining for Electrification Projects
3.Valley Water Purified Water Facility at LATP Area B
4.Sustainability/Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) update
5.Advance Residential Home Electrification Strategy
6.Grid Modernization to Prepare for Electrification
7.Implement Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
8.Advance Commercial Electrification Retrofit
22
100% of CCPA Projects
are either
Complete or On Track
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 57 Packet Page 161 of 186
•Community Engagement:
•S/CAP Ad Hoc Committee meetings
•Working Group and Teams
•Making Better Choices in Your Home
workshop
•Heat Pump Water Heater Program
(development and approval, CCPA5)
•Launched commercial rooftop heating/
cooling pilot (CCPA8)
•Reach Code items (development & approval)
•S/CAP Goals & Key Actions (Council
acceptance, CCAP4)
•Established new carbon neutrality goal
CCPA: Accomplishments
23
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 58 Packet Page 162 of 186
Where are we headed in 2023?
•Implementation & scaling of HPWH program
•S/CAP 3-yr workplan CEQA analysis and workplan
approval by Council
•Pivot S/CAP work to the implementation of approved
strategies and programs
Governance and Council Engagement
•S/CAP Ad Hoc Committee for 3rd year (appointed by Mayor)
•Council guidance needed:
•Scope of 2023 S/CAP Ad Hoc Committee
•Council and Board & Commission engagement
•Longer-term governance
CCPA: Work to Continue in 2023
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Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
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Key projects for 2023 (S/CAP 3-Yr WorkPlan):
•Gas and Electric Utility Electrification
Infrastructure Changes
•Heat Pump Water Heater Program
Implementation and Expansion
•Commercial Rooftop HVAC Prog. Launch
•EV Strategic Planning
•Reliability & Resiliency Strategic Planning
•S/CAP Resource Needs & Funding Sources
Study
•Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation Plan
Update
CCPA: 2023 Changes & New Priority Projects
Additional 2023 Project Areas:
•Newell Road Bridge Replacement (CHS)
•San Francisquito Creek Reach 2 Flood
Protection Project Support
25
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Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 60 Packet Page 164 of 186
2022 Priority –HSEB
Housing for Social & Economic Balance
City Council Retreat –January 28, 2023 www.cityofpaloalto.org
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 61 Packet Page 165 of 186
1.HomeKey Application
2.Parking in Lieu Downtown Office Parking Ban
3.SB35 Objective Standards Ordinance
4.North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP)
5.Housing Element Update & Implementation
6.Grand Jury Rec. Affordable Housing
7.SB-9 Urban Lot Split / SB-9 Historic Res. Policy
8.City/Sobrato Ad Hoc Regarding 340 Portage
9.Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations (Ordinance)
10.Downtown Housing Master Plan
11.Renter Protections Tenant Relocation Assist
12.Safe Parking Program
13.LifeMoves Operating/Lease Agreement (HomeKey)
58% of 2022 HSEB Projects are either Complete or On Track
HOUSING FOR SOCIAL & ECONOMIC BALANCE (HSEB)
14.SB-9 Permanent Ordinance
15.Renter Protection -Rental Survey
16.Renter Protection -Just Cause Eviction
17.Grand Jury Report Recommendation #3
18.Retail and Residential Parking Adjustment
19.PHZ/PC Amendment -Allow Greater Height
20.Inclusionary Housing Program
21.Streamline App Pre-Screening
22.Commercial Office Zoning Adjustments
23.Residential Zoning Name Change
24.Grand Jury Report Recommendations #4 and #8
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ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 62 Packet Page 166 of 186
Policy Direction & Ordinances
•Draft Housing Element submitted
to HCD (HSEB5)
•Council endorsed North Ventura
Coordinated Area Plan preferred
plan (HSEB4)
•Tenant relocation assistance
ordinance (HSEB11)
•Accessory dwelling units
amendment (HSEB9)
•SB 9 interim implementation
ordinance (HSEB7)
HSEB: Accomplishments
Housing Unit Type Pending Entitled Permitted
Affordable Housing 209 73 1
Market Rate Housing 548 134 8
J/ADUs 86 -120
Homeless Shelter 88 beds --
Totals 843 + 88 207 129
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ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 63 Packet Page 167 of 186
HSEB: Services Accomplishments
Catholic Charities supported 262 residents in long term care facilities
151 residents received SRO support (Alta Housing)
56 unhoused residents received support services from the Opportunity Center (LifeMoves)
38 residents received fair housing services (Project Sentinel)
26 adults with disabilities received housing and emergency services (SVILC)
6 residents received critical health and safety home repair services (Rebuilding Together
Peninsula)29
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Item 2: Page 64 Packet Page 168 of 186
1
HSEB: Accomplishments / 5th Cycle RHNA
30
Income Level RHNA Allocation Units Permitted
Total Remaining
RHNA Allocation
% of RHNA
Permitted
Very Low 691 218 473 31.55%
Low 432 65 367 15.05%
Moderate 278 29 249 10.43%
Above Moderate 587 687 -100 117.05%
Totals 1,988 999 989 50.25%
2500 El Camino Real
(source: LiveatMayfieldplace.com)
Wilton Court Apartments
(source: news.theregistrysf.com)
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 65 Packet Page 169 of 186
1. Housing Element Implementation
•Stanford-owned housing opportunity sites
•Certain GM/ROLM properties to 90 units/acre
•Carryover sites zoned for by-right development w/20% lower income
•Housing Incentive Program: revise and expand to multi-family zones
•Fair housing tenant protections: just cause and security deposit
ordinances, rental registry
2. Downtown Housing Master Plan (partially funded)
3. Housing-Related Services
•Outreach and engagement with unhoused residents
•Evaluation of housing and housing services offered by the City
HSEB: 2023 Changes & New Priority Projects
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ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 66 Packet Page 170 of 186
2022 Priority –CHS
Community Health & Safety
(mental health, crime reduction,
air quality, noise, sense of belonging)
City Council Retreat –January 28, 2023 www.cityofpaloalto.org
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 67 Packet Page 171 of 186
1.Palo Alto Animal Shelter Services Review
2.Cubberley Next Steps
3.Improve Fire Safety in Foothills
4.Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) Upgrade
5.Complete Reopening of Libraries
6.Hire Ahead up to Five Police Officers
7.Rinconada Park Improvement Project
8.Tree Protection Ordinance Update
9.Public Safety Building Capital Project
10.Newell Road Bridge Replacement (MOVE TO CCPA)
11.Monitor and Respond to SFO/FAA Airplane Noise Issues
12.Provide and Promote Use of Unleaded Fuel at
Palo Alto Airport
13.Sewer System Replacement Project 30
14.Evaluate Gym Feasibility
15.Emergency Plans Updates
16.Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Amendment
17.Fire Station 4 Project
18.Sewer System Laterals Repair and
Replacement throughout the City
19.Water Main Replacement Project 28
20.Seismic and Resiliency Ordinance
33
100% of CHS Projects are either
Complete or On Track
COMMUNITY HEALTH & SAFETY (CHS)
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 68 Packet Page 172 of 186
•Tree Protection Ordinance Update
•Rinconada Park Renovations & Reopened
Park
•Foothills Roadside Clearing -Fire Safety
•Library Reopening
•Palo Alto Libraries Rated 5-Star Library
•Expanded Library Open Hours
•Capital Projects in Motion:
•Public Safety Building 63% complete,
•Advanced critical regulatory steps for
Newell Bridge Replacement Project
CHS: Accomplishments
PSB under construction
(coming soon)
34
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 69 Packet Page 173 of 186
35
Libraries and Community Services:
•Continue to expand Library open hours
•Continue discussions on community space expansion
(e.g., Cubberley and Gym/Wellness Center)
Public Safety
•Progress the CAD project and emergency services
plans
•Continue progress on Hire Ahead for officers
Capital Projects
•Continue progress on Public Safety Building and other
capital
CHS: Work to Continue in 2023
Picture (maybe one of Community
Resource Center in relation to
expanded library hours)
Can also insert another capital
project (maybe a design plan or
something from Brad)
Fire Station 4 prelim desnign
rendering coming soon!
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 70 Packet Page 174 of 186
•Expand focus on sense of belonging / inclusion with programs for human connectedness
•Assess human service needs in Palo Alto and explore best practices for human services funding
processes (HSRAP process)
•Rename "Evaluate Gym Feasibility" to "Evaluate Wellness Center Feasibility"
•Expansion of Emergency Services Volunteer (ESV) program
•Continue flood protection actions through moving the Newell Bridge Project to Climate Action Priority
CHS: 2023 Changes & New Priority Projects
36
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 71 Packet Page 175 of 186
AGENDA
9:00 am Roll Call & Welcome from Mayor
9:45 Council Retreat Overview and Discussion of Community
Survey Results Status
10:00 Overview of 2022 Council Priorities
11:30 Public Comment
12:15 pm Lunch Break
1:00 Selection of 2023 City Council Priorities
2:00 Discussion/Revision to 2023 Standing Committee Topics
2:30 Retreat Debrief, Take Away and Next Steps
3:00 Adjournment
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Item 2: Page 72 Packet Page 176 of 186
Public Comment
38
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Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 73 Packet Page 177 of 186
LUNCH BREAK
12:15 –1:00 pm
City Council Retreat –January 28, 2023 www.cityofpaloalto.org
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 74 Packet Page 178 of 186
Council Discussion 2023 Priorities
Revisiting Current Priorities
Feedback on Staff Update
Do any need to be modified
40
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 75 Packet Page 179 of 186
41
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 76 Packet Page 180 of 186
42
9:00 am Roll Call & Welcome from Mayor
9:45 Council Retreat Overview and Discussion of Community
Survey Results Status
10:00 Overview of 2022 Council Priorities
11:30 Public Comment
12:15 pm Lunch Break
1:00 Selection of 2023 City Council Priorities
2:00 Discussion/Revision to 2023 Standing Committee Topics
2:30 Retreat Debrief, Take Away and Next Steps
3:00 Adjournment
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 77 Packet Page 181 of 186
COMMITTEES
Standing Committees are a resource for study of matters referred
by the Council where more thorough and detailed discussion are
needed
Current 2 Standing Committees are:
•Policy & Services
•Finance
Ad Hoc Committees are used on a limited basis to study matters
that require a deeper review than Standing Committee level
43
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 78 Packet Page 182 of 186
AGENDA
9:00 am Roll Call & Welcome from Mayor
9:45 Council Retreat Overview and Discussion of Community
Survey Results Status
10:00 Overview of 2022 Council Priorities
11:30 Public Comment
12:15 pm Lunch Break
1:00 Selection of 2023 City Council Priorities
2:00 Discussion/Revision to 2023 Standing Committee Topics
2:30 Retreat Debrief, Take Away and Next Steps
3:00 Adjournment
44
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 79 Packet Page 183 of 186
WRAP UP & DEBRIEF
City Council Retreat –January 28, 2023 www.cityofpaloalto.org
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 80 Packet Page 184 of 186
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ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 81 Packet Page 185 of 186
ITEM 2
Attachment B Council Retreat Presentation
Item 2: Page 82 Packet Page 186 of 186