HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-09-13 City Council Summary Minutes
09/13/10
Special Meeting
September 13, 2010
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council
Chambers at 6:07 p.m.
Present: Burt, Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Price arrived @ 6:10 p.m.,
Scharff, Schmid, Shepherd, Yeh arrived @ 6:41 p.m.
Absent:
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
1. Acceptance of $275,000 Donation from Palo Alto Library Foundation.
President of the Palo Alto Library Foundation, Bern Beecham presented the
City Council with a check totaling $275,000 for furnishings, fixtures, and
supplies for the City’s new libraries financed by Measure N.
Mayor Burt spoke on his appreciation for the fundraising efforts from the
Palo Alto Library Foundation and Friends of the Palo Alto Library.
Vice Mayor Espinosa encouraged community members to make contributions
to the Palo Alto Library Foundation’s fundraising campaigns.
2. Appointment of Members to the Infrastructure Blue Ribbon
Commission.
Mayor Burt reviewed the process for selection and voting of potential
candidates to the Infrastructure Blue Ribbon Commission (IBRC). Staff’s
recommendation was to appoint the four currently seated members of
Boards and Commissions that were selected by their respective Boards, 11
members from the community, and three members to serve as alternates.
The 11 community members would include two members with financial
backgrounds and three members with technical backgrounds. Council
Members worked in subcommittees of three to interview one-third of the
IBRC candidates and brought forward their recommendations for
appointment.
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Council Member Shepherd stated Robert Stillerman was included as a
recommendation for appointment in the At-Place Item.
Council Member Klein stated 16 candidates were recommended for 14 IBRC
positions. He spoke on the potential difficulty for eliminating two candidates.
He spoke on his concern for the appointment of three members serving as
alternates. He supported the appointment of four currently seated members
of Boards and Commissions that were selected by their respective Boards.
MOTION: Council Member Klein moved, seconded by Council Member
Shepherd to appoint all 16 candidates that were recommended by the
Council Subcommittees to the Infrastructure Blue Ribbon Commission.
City Clerk, Donna Grider stated Robin Kennedy, one of the 16 candidates,
withdrew her application.
Mayor Burt requested that the voting structure for the IBRC appointments be
clarified.
Ms. Grider spoke on Staff’s recommendation for the voting structure for the
IBRC appointments. She stated Staff’s recommendation was to appoint 14
commissioners to the IBRC.
Council Member Shepherd spoke on her concerns for the selection of
candidates to the IBRC.
Council Member Scharff inquired on the number of candidates that were
currently recommended to the IBRC.
Ms. Grider stated the Motion was to appoint all 16 candidates, which
included Mr. Stillerman.
Council Member Scharff agreed with Council Member Klein’s comments;
however, he felt the City Council could eliminate two candidates to appoint
14 candidates, as recommended by Staff.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Council Member Scharff Moved, seconded by
Council Member Holman to limit the vote from the 16 candidates that were
recommended by the Council subcommittees and vote for 14 members who
would be full voting members.
Council Member Scharff stated the Council subcommittees put a lot of effort
into their recommendations, and felt the City Council should limit their
selections to the subcommittees’ recommendations. He felt increasing the
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IBRC membership to 16 would be larger than what was optimal. He spoke
on his recommendation to eliminate the three alternate members.
Council Member Holman stated a limited group size would be more
manageable and able to produce results.
Council Member Price stated the larger the group became the more difficult
it would be to manage. She spoke on her regret that more women did not
apply for the IBRC.
Council Member Klein spoke on his support for the Motion. He felt the
positive effects for adding two additional IBRC members outweighed any
negative consequences.
Vice Mayor Espinosa stated he would be supporting the Motion.
Mayor Burt spoke on his preference for Staff’s original recommendation.
Council Member Scharff stated the Substitute Motion would eliminate the
alternate members and include them as full participants.
Mayor Burt advised that the IBRC membership would grow if the alternate
members were included as full participants. He spoke on the purpose of the
alternate members. The Substitute Motion read that the City Council could
only vote on the 16 subcommittee recommendations and the highest 14
vote-getters would be selected. He stated there would be no alternates.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION PASSED: 5-3 Espinosa, Klein, Shepherd no, Yeh
absent
Ms. Grider announced that the following candidates received the required
five votes:
Ray Bacchetti Burt, Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Scharff,
Schmid, Shepherd
Marc Berman Burt, Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Price, Scharff,
Schmid, Shepherd
Ralph Britton Burt, Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Scharff, Schmid
Brent Butler Burt, Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Price, Scharff,
Schmid, Shepherd
Eric Gerritsen Burt, Holman, Klein, Scharff, Schmid Shepherd
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Wick Goodspeed Burt, Espinosa, Klein, Scharff, Shepherd
Mark Harris Burt, Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Price, Scharff,
Schmid, Shepherd
Leland Levy Burt, Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Price, Scharff,
Schmid, Shepherd
Steven Levy Burt, Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Price, Schmid,
Mark D. Michael Burt, Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Price, Scharff,
Schmid, Shepherd
Jim Olstad Burt, Espinosa, Holman, Price, Scharff,
Schmid, Shepherd
Alex Panelli Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Price, Scharff,
Schmid, Shepherd
James Schmidt Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Price, Scharff,
Schmid, Shepherd
Robert Stillerman Burt, Holman, Klein, Scharff, Schmid,
Shepherd
Gary Wetzel Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Price, Scharff,
Schmid, Shepherd
Mayor Burt stated the City Council’s options were to appoint 14 candidates
per the Substitute Motion, or create a Motion to accept all 15 candidates that
received votes from the majority of the City Council.
Council Member Scharff stated an additional option was to not appoint the
candidate that received the minimum required number of votes.
MOTION: Council Member Scharff moved, seconded by Council Member
Klein to accept the 15 candidates (Ray Bacchetti, Marc Berman, Ralph
Britton, Brent Butler, Eric Gerritsen , Wick Goodspeed, Mark Harris, Leland
Levy, Steven Levy, Mark D. Michael, Jim Olstad, Alex Panelli, James
Schmidt, Robert Stillerman, Gary Wetzel) who received the majority vote of
the Council.
MOTION PASSED: 9-0
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3. Selection of Candidates to be Interviewed for the Public Art
Commission.
Mayor Burt stated there were seven applications received for two terms
ending on April 30, 2011 for the Public Art Commission.
City Clerk, Donna Grider stated Candidate Mickey Griffin withdrew her
application.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Espinosa moved, seconded by Council Member
Shepherd to interview all candidates for the Public Art Commission.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Yeh absent
STUDY SESSION
4. Update on City and Community Emergency Preparedness Activities.
The City Council held a Study Session on the topic of emergency
preparedness, both with respect to Staff and resources, and community and
non-governmental organizations. Staff presented an overview of activities,
plans, and structures that had been implemented to support this City Council
priority. The new Palo Alto/Stanford Citizen Corps Council (CCC) was
discussed as an "umbrella" to facilitate the sharing and coordination of City
and community activities and programs. The City Council underscored the
importance of the CCC and of individual responsibility for emergency
preparedness.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager, James Keene introduced Tommy Fehrenbach the City’s newly
hired Manager of Economic Development and Redevelopment. He spoke on
the following topics: 1) Pearson-Arastradero Preserve temporarily closed to
dogs due to aggressive coyote encounters; 2) preparatory work at Mitchell
Park Library and Community Center and construction would commence
soon; 3) Independent Police Auditor’s Report covering the City’s revised
policy on the use of Tasers; 4) appreciation plaque received from the City of
Oaxaca, Mexico for the sale of three fire engines; 5) plaque received from
Chief Information Officer (CIO) Magazine listing Palo Alto as one of the top
100 organizations driving future business growth through new technological
innovations for the implementation of Hara Carbon Management Software;
6) update on the evaluation of eucalyptus trees at Eleanor Pardee Park; 7)
update on the Hoover Park Play Structure Replacement project; 8) 26th
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Annual Moonlight Run & Walk scheduled on September 24, 2010 at the
Baylands Athletic Center; 9) Skype’s relocation to 3210 Porter Drive, located
in the Stanford Research Park; and 10) Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce’s
Centennial Celebration held and hosted at Tesla Motors on October 14,
2010.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Emily Renzel, Palo Alto, spoke on the Refuse Enterprise Fund shortfall and
Staff’s recommendation to close its budget gap, and the trickling closure of
the Palo Alto City Landfill facility.
Rebecca Counihan, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, spoke on the 6th Annual
Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot Run/Walk scheduled on
November 25, 2010.
Jo Coffaro, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, spoke on the 6th Annual
Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot Run/Walk scheduled on
November 25, 2010.
Pat Emslie, President of the Palo Alto Recreation Foundation, spoke on the
2010 Palo Alto Black and White Ball scheduled on October 2, 2010.
William Landgraf, Palo Alto, spoke on Staff wages and unsustainable
employee costs.
Wynn Grcich, spoke on Agenda 21 Depopulation and inorganic materials
found in drinking water.
Herb Borock, Palo Alto, felt Measure S should be defeated due to its
implications on High Speed Rail and other important City issues.
Michael Francois spoke on rising water rates, San Francisco Public Utilities
Commission as a money-generating entity, and a potential medical
marijuana dispensary.
Bernadette Burns-Line, Administrative Director for Emergency Management
at Stanford Hospital Clinics and Lucile Packard, spoke on emergency
preparedness.
Bob Moss, Palo Alto, spoke on the location of Pacific Gas and Electric
Company’s pipelines that travel through Palo Alto.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Council Member Shepherd moved, seconded by Council Member
Klein to approve the minutes of July 19 and 26, 2010, and August 2 and 5,
2010.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Yeh absent
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION: Council Member Schmid moved, seconded by Council Member
Klein to pull Agenda Item No. 11 to become Agenda Item No. 12a.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Espinosa moved, seconded by Council Member Yeh to
approve Agenda Item Nos. 5-10, 12.
5. Ordinance 5092 entitled “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending the Budget for the Fiscal Year 2011 to Provide an
Additional Appropriation of $30,000 to Capital Improvement Program
(CIP) Project PD-08000, Crime Scene Evidence Collection Vehicle”.
6. Recommendation from Finance Committee to Preliminarily Approve
Fiscal Year 2010 Reappropriation Requests to be Carried Forward into
Fiscal Year 2011.
7. Recommendation from Finance Committee to Accept the City Auditor’s
Office Fiscal Year 2011 Work Plan.
8. Recommendation from Finance Committee to Accept the City Auditor’s
Office Quarterly Report as of June 30, 2010.
9. Resolution 9093 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Approving an Amendment to the Northern California Power
Agency Green Power Project Third Phase Agreement to Allocate Shares
from Existing Participants to an Additional Member, the City of
Gridley”.
10. Approval of a Term Contract with Okonite Company in the Not to
Exceed Annual Amount of $1,313,356 for a Three Year Period for the
as Needed Purchase of Four Types of Medium Voltage Cable in Support
of Utility Department. Maximum Value of Contract for the Three Year
Term of the Agreement would be $3,940,068.
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11. Adoption of Budget Amendment Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2011 to
Provide Additional Appropriations of $275,000 Within the General Fund
for Estimated Election Costs for Measure R (Firefighters Charter
Amendment) and Measure S (Charter Amendment to Change Council
Elections to Even-Numbered Years).
12. Approval of Utilities Advisory Commission Recommendation to Defer
any Action on Trading the City’s Unused Individual Water Supply
Guarantee Until at Least January 2011 and Approval of the City’s
Position that San Francisco Should Use the Individual Water Supply
Guarantee to Establish the Interim Water Supply Allocation.
MOTION PASSED for Agenda Item Nos. 5-10, 12: 9-0
12a. (Former No. 11) Budget Amendment Ordinance 5093 for Fiscal Year
2011 to Provide Additional Appropriations of $275,000 Within the
General Fund for Estimated Election Costs for Measure R (Firefighters
Charter Amendment) and Measure S (Charter Amendment to Change
Council Elections to Even-Numbered Years).
Council Member Schmid stated the estimated election cost for the two
Measures in November was $275,000. There was a constant flow of special
elections, referendums, and initiatives in the City that were voted on.
Measure S proposed that the City change Council elections to even-
numbered years. He stated it was hard to see the savings that would be
generated by moving Council elections from odd-numbered years to even-
numbered years.
MOTION: Council Member Shepherd moved, seconded by Council Member
Klein to approve Agenda Item No. 12a.
MOTION PASSED: 9-0
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS
Mayor Burt requested, with the consent of the City Council, to move up
Agenda Item No. 14 to be heard before Agenda Item No. 13, Agenda Item
No. 13 to become Agenda Item No. 14a.
Mayor Burt stated the City Council Meeting scheduled on September 20,
2010, would be principally focused on High Speed Rail matters.
City Manager, James Keene stated that was correct. He stated the bulk of
City matters, other than the Public Hearing considering changes to the City’s
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refuse rates, were moved to a Special City Council Meeting scheduled for
September 27, 2010.
Council Member Schmid inquired on a corresponding item that connected to
the City’s refuse rate increase.
City Clerk, Donna Grider stated the Agenda Item associated with the City’s
refuse rate increase was the Public Hearing.
Council Member Schmid stated the Agenda Item should include a
recommendation, by the Finance Committee, for Staff to prepare a report on
the land activity over the coming year. He inquired whether the matter was
included within the Public Hearing.
Council Member Holman inquired whether the High Speed Rail item
scheduled on September 20, 2010 would be an Action Item.
Mayor Burt stated that was correct.
ACTION ITEMS
13. High Speed Rail Presentation on Background and History by
Californians Advocating Responsible Rail Design (CARRD).
(Continued from 7/19/10)
14. High Speed Rail Update.
Staff provided an overview of High Speed Rail (HSR) activities past, present
and future. Staff’s presentation covered the following topics: 1) new Palo
Alto HSR website, including the use of social media tools Facebook and
Twitter; 2) HSR project schedule; 3) background on the California High
Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) Board and Chief Executive Officer; 4)
Peninsula Rail Program Partnership; 5) policy and technical working groups;
6) policy and technical issues; 7) Caltrain Corridor and potential station
locations; 8) HSR funding status; 9) key HSR milestones with dates and
activities; 10) Caltrain electrification funding; 11) Palo Alto station; 12) HSR
project phasing; 12) Stanford impacts; and 13) CHSRA oversight and inter-
connect of issues (i.e., HSR and Caltrain). Staff spoke on key HSR issues as
follows: 1) track designs; 2) costs; 3) traffic impacts; 4) property impacts;
5) noise; and 6) ridership. Staff spoke on next steps for the HSR project as
follows: 1) Program Environmental Impact Report action; 2) responding to
Supplemental Alternatives Analysis Report (SAAR); 3) property value
analysis; 4) economic value analysis; 5) responding to station guidelines and
principles; 6) partnerships; and 7) lobbying.
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14a. (Former No. 13) High Speed Rail Presentation on Background and
History by Californians Advocating Responsible Rail Design (CARRD).
(Continued from 7/19/10)
Co-founder of Californians Advocating Responsible Rail Design (CARRD),
Sara Armstrong, spoke on the importance for the upcoming timeline and
deadlines for the High Speed Rail (HSR) project. She spoke on recent
changes to the California High Speed Rail Authority’s (CHSRA) executive
leadership, increase in Statewide and local awareness along the HSR
corridor, awareness of Caltrain issues, and Caltrain’s support of HSR. She
spoke on the overriding concerns from various urban cities regarding
potential HSR impacts on noise, vibration, and property. A green fields
approach, through agricultural and open field areas, had been considered
due to higher costs and mitigation impacts associated with HSR alignment in
urban areas. There were increased concerns from Central Valley Farmers
and Environmental groups about sprawl and agricultural land impacts. She
stated the Context Sensitive Solutions process had failed. She stated the
Program Level Environmental Impact Review (EIR) next step was to accept
the Program decision, or challenge the EIR via litigation. The Program Level
issues and implications seen were flawed ridership data, locked in the
Caltrain corridor as the HSR route, and insufficiently described impacted
areas. CARRD suggested an alternate route, on the Altamont Corridor with
no bay crossing, which was not studied by the CHSRA. She spoke on three
different HSR alignments, track configuration, and engineering schematics
contained in the Project Level EIR. The physical constraints engineers
needed to work around were creeks, existing grade separations, horizontal
curves in right-of-ways, and the width of right-of-ways. Although in favor
for the Phasing Alternative approach to try to ready the corridor, she spoke
on the implications for the approach. She spoke on capital expenditures and
operational costs. Caltrain was currently in a budget crisis due to a lack of
dedicated funding. She stated the City had no formal position on Caltrain
electrification; however, was considering one as part of the No Confidence
Resolution. She spoke on Caltrain funding and a dedicated funding source
that may take the form of a sales tax.
William Cutler, Palo Alto, addressed three elements of the No Confidence
Resolution.
Virginia Saldich, urged the City Council to take a strong stand on the No
Confidence Resolution, and take legal action necessary in the interest of
protecting Palo Alto from the threat posed by the CHSRA.
Carolyn Dobervich, representing the Green Meadow Association, urged the
City Council to take a strong stand of no confidence toward the CHSRA.
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Hinda Sack urged the City Council to take a strong stand on the No
Confidence Resolution, and take legal action against the CHSRA.
Ellen Hartog urged the City Council to take a strong stand of no confidence
toward the CHSRA.
Jim McFall urged the City Council to take a strong stand of no confidence
toward the CHSRA.
Council Member Klein inquired whether the City’s HSR website could display
renderings of what the preferred project, the Aerial Viaduct, would look like
along Alma Street.
Mr. Keene stated they would be placed on the City’s HSR website.
Caran Chappell supported Council Member Klein's original version of the No
Confidence Resolution.
Robert McGinn stated the lack of technical, engineering, and maintenance
experience of CHSRA personnel, combined with the economic viewpoint for
maximizing traffic circulation, would cause serious safety risks.
Martin Sommer, Palo Alto, urged the City Council to facilitate the meeting
organized by HNTB scheduled on October 7, 2010, and spoke on the various
HSR alignment options.
Herb Borock, Palo Alto, stated the City Council should take separate votes on
each of the actions that Council Member Klein had suggested to implement
within the No Confidence Resolution, vote on whether the City should spend
any funds on the HSR project, and not take a leadership role in a lawsuit.
Aram James, Palo Alto, spoke on the possibility for private funding for an
underground HSR project by high tech companies.
Mr. Keene directed Staff to work on decision deadlines and decision mapping
over the next few months.
Council Member Schmid spoke on the importance of meeting critical
deadlines. He spoke on the financial impacts on the community, and the
importance of holding a discussion on funding and cost impacts before the
City Council responded to the Supplemental Alternatives Analysis Report
(SAAR).
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Council Member Holman spoke on her support for Council Member Klein's
original version of the No Confidence Resolution. She recommended that
background information be incorporated in the No Confidence Resolution.
She stated information on the financial burden to the City and community,
and the fact that the State cannot support an unfunded HSR project should
be included.
15. Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Section 2.04.010, Relating to
Notice of Regular Meetings, and Section 2.04.070, Relating to Notice of
Agendas, of Chapter 2.04 of Title 2 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to
Eliminate the Publishing of the Council Agendas in the Newspaper and
Updating the Language for the Council Regular Meetings and Agenda
Sections of the Municipal Code. (Continued from 7/19/10)
MOTION: Council Member Klein moved, seconded by Council Member
Shepherd to continue Agenda Item No. 15 to September 27, 2010. MOTION PASSED: 9-0
16. Council Direction to Voting Delegate Council Member Klein for 2010
League Conference Regarding City’s Position on Proposed Six
Resolutions.
Council Member Scharff inquired whether Council Member Klein was the
Council liaison to the League of California Cities (League).
Council Member Klein stated no. He stated he had been much more
involved in the National League of Cities. He stated he had read the
Resolutions contained within the League’s Annual Conference packet.
Resolution 3 was controversial and related to opposing the Board of
Directors’ decision to defer action on AB32 and SB375. He spoke on
Resolution 4 related to responsible banking.
Council Member Scharff felt Resolution 3 was not controversial among the
City Council. He stated Resolution 4 could potentially encourage a
misallocation of capital, and banks may lend to higher risk loans than they
otherwise would make. He recommended that the City Council vote against
Resolution 4.
Council Member Klein agreed with voting against Resolution 4.
City Manager, James Keene agreed.
MOTION: Council Member Klein moved, seconded by Council Member
Scharff to direct its delegate to vote in favor of the proposed Resolutions 1,
2, 5, and 6, and vote against Resolutions 3 and 4.
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Council Member Schmid requested a review of Resolution 3 and 4.
Council Member Klein felt Council Member Scharff effectively expressed the
reasons to vote against Resolution 4. He stated Resolution 3 would
potentially have a negative impact on the economy. His concerns extended
toward the ability for cities to deliver vital public services, and the viability of
businesses which were critical to the State’s economic recovery.
Council Member Schmid inquired whether the League had specific
recommendations, or simply sought to delay implementation deadlines.
Council Member Klein stated Resolution 3 requested that the Governor
exercise his authority to delay individual AB32 implementation deadlines,
and support, but not sponsor, any legislation that would suspend or delay
implementation of SB375 until there was funding and resources in place to
implement individual mandates and requirements associated with the bill.
Council Member Shepherd requested that Resolutions 3 and 4 be separated
out of the Motion for voting. She felt Resolution 4 was created for
transparency, and banks making small business loans may be beneficial.
Council Member Klein stated the Motion could be divided if it was the
direction of the City Council.
Council Member Shepherd stated she intended to support Resolution 4. She
felt reluctant to support Resolution 3.
Council Member Klein requested that the vote be separated out with
Resolutions 1, 2, 5, and 6 being heard first.
MOTION: Council Member Klein moved, seconded by Council Member
Scharff to direct its delegate to vote in favor of the proposed Resolutions 1,
2, 5, and 6.
MOTION PASSED: 9-0
MOTION: Council Member Klein moved, seconded by Council Member
Scharff to direct its delegate to oppose the proposed Resolution Number 3.
Council Member Holman requested clarification on the implications on AB32
and SB375.
Assistant City Attorney, Donald Larkin stated AB32 would set the 2020
greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal into law. SB375 entailed the
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Sustainable Communities Strategy legislation. The implications surrounded
climate action programs and environmental impacts.
Mr. Keene stated Staff did not foresee concerns with Resolution 3, as it had
no targeted issue.
Council Member Holman stated AB32 and SB375 had good intentions;
however, applying their applications could pose a struggle. Staff had alluded
that the City Council could enact local rules to help contain implications
regarding SB375.
Mr. Larkin stated there was a provision in SB375 that stated nothing in the
bill would remove local control over planning decisions.
Council Member Schmid inquired whether supporting SB375 would support
the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) allocations.
Mr. Larkin stated SB375 was not intentionally related to ABAG allocations.
Council Member Holman inquired whether the City Council had the ability to
separate AB375 from the Resolution.
Council Member Klein stated he did not foresee amendments being made to
these Resolutions at the League Annual Conference.
MOTION PASSED: 9-0
MOTION: Council Member Scharff moved, seconded by Vice Mayor
Espinosa to direct its delegate to oppose the proposed Resolution Number 4.
Council Member Shepherd believed Resolution 4 was to provide transparency
to banks when investing in the community.
Council Member Scharff believed Resolution 4 would place pressure on banks
to make investments, which they would normally not make, within the City
that they did business in. He stated loans may be taken away from smaller
cities, such as Palo Alto.
Council Member Yeh stated the Federal Community Reinvestment Act was a
powerful example for cities deciding on their own initiatives. He felt SB375
may not be appropriate for some cities and would be best left to individual
cities to decide.
MOTION PASSED: 9-0
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COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member Yeh reported that on September 17, 2010 at Mitchell Park
there would be the Harvest Moon Festival presented by the Palo Alto-Menlo
Park Parents Club.
Council Member Price reported, on behalf of the Valley Transportation
Agency’s (VTA) Policy Advisory Committee, that the VTA received a Bike
Share Pilot Program grant at three Caltrain stations including Palo Alto. She
stated the VTA Grand Boulevard Initiative Task Force started a conceptual
design of a Bus Rapid Transit System through Santa Clara County.
Council Member Klein reported that at the last Santa Clara County Cities
Association meeting they provided a list of the propositions on the November
2010 ballot.
MOTION: Council Member Scharff moved, seconded by Council Member
Klein to agendize the discussion of the positions to take on the November
2010 ballot measures for September 27, 2010.
Council Member Schmid reported on attending a tour of the Santa Clara
Valley Water District Salt Ponds.
Mayor Burt reported on the new hotel on High Street, and the expanded
Magnussen-Toyota dealership. He attended the North County Cities meeting
of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and the major discussion was about a
permanent funding source for Caltrain. He reported on the new Head of
School at Castilleja and her changes in their curriculum. He spoke on
attending Quakeville on Saturday, and the new online newspaper provided
by America On Line (AOL).
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 11:50 p.m.