HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-06 City Council Summary Minutes
10/06/08 103-429
Special Meeting
October 06, 2008
CLOSED SESSION .................................................................................433
1. Conference with City Attorney-Existing Litigation...............................433
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY................................................................433
2. Proclamation for United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF).......433
3. Selection of Candidates to be Interviewed for the Architectural Review
Board..........................................................................................433
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS.......................................................................434
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS....................................................................434
APPROVAL OF MINUTES .........................................................................434
CONSENT CALENDAR.............................................................................434
4. Policy and Services Committee and Human Relations Commission
Recommendation to the City Council to Adopt an Ordinance
Amending Section 9.72.070 of Chapter 9.72 [Mandatory
Response to Request for Discussion of Disputes Between
Landlord and Tenant] of Title 9 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code
to Void Rent Increases Given Without Notice of the Right to
Mediation...................................................................................435
5. Acknowledge Receipt of Notice of Nonrenewal of Land Conservation
Contract and Review and File Annual Report of Williamson Act
Contracts Within the City of Palo Alto...............................................435
6. Council Appointed Officer’s (CAO) Committee Recommendation to
Direct the City Attorney to Set a Public Employee Performance
Evaluation Closed Session With City Manager James Keene for the
Purpose of Performance Evaluation Goal Setting................................435
10/06/08 103-430
7. Acknowledge Withdrawal of Appeal of Director’s Approval of a major
Architectural Review Application for a Three Story Commercial Mixed
Use Retail/Office Building at 310 University Avenue. ..........................435
8. Resolution 8863 stating “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to Richard A. Wetzel Upon His
Retirement”. ................................................................................435
9. Approval of a Final Map to Subdivide One Lot Into 45 Residential
Condominiums, Streets and a Public Park, Located at 4249 El Camino
Real............................................................................................435
10. Approval of a Contract with Spencon Construction, Inc. in the Amount
of $584,134 for Fiscal Year 2008-09 Sidewalk Replacement Project –
Capital Improvement Program Project PO-89003...............................435
11. Approval of a Utilities Enterprise Fund Contract with Asplundh Tree
Expert Company in an Amount Not to Exceed $797,080 for the First
Year and $1,062,000 for Up to Four Additional Years for the 2008
Power Line Clearing Project. ...........................................................435
12. Approval of a Contract with Blossom Valley Construction, Inc. in an
Amount of $1,056,900 for the San Antonio Street Tree Replacement,
Median and Road Improvement Project – Capital Improvement
Program Project PE-00104 and Street Maintenance Program Project
PE-86070.....................................................................................436
13. Budget Amendment Ordinance 5020 to Transfer Appropriation of
$58,920 from Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project PE-06006,
Alma Street Landscaping Improvements to CIP Project PE-06005,
University Avenue Gateway Landscaping Improvements.....................436
14. Resolution 8862 stating “Resolution of the Council of the city of Palo
Alto Requesting the Santa Clara County Local Agency Formation
Commission (LAFCO) Approve a Reorganization Consisting of
Detachment of the Land Known as the “Former Los Altos Sewage
Treatment Plant Site” (1237 San Antonio Road) From the City of Los
Altos and Annexation of the Land to the City of Palo Alto and
Authorization for the City Manager to Execute and Submit the
Annexation Application to LAFCO”. ..................................................436
15. Ordinance 5015 stating “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending Section 2.08.210 of Chapter 2.08 of Title 2 [Officers
and Departments] and Section 22.04.035 of Chapter 22.04 of Title 22
[Park and Recreation Building Use and Regulations] of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code to Amend Employee Titles and Names of Divisions and
Reflect the Titles of Employees Who are Authorized to Issue Citations,
Respectively”. ..............................................................................436
10/06/08 103-431
16. Ordinance 5016 stating “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Adding Sections 22.04.342 and 22.04.343 of Chapter 22.04 of
Title 22 [Park and Recreation Building Use and Regulations] of the Palo
Alto Municipal Code to Prohibit the Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages
in Heritage Park and Eleanor Pardee Park”........................................436
17. Ordinance 5017 stating “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Approving and Adopting a Park Improvement Plan for the
Rehabilitation and Relocation of the Building Commonly Known as the
Palo Alto Sea Scouts Base Building and Improvement of the 2500
Block of Embarcadero (Harbor) Road Within Byxbee Park and City-
Owned Baylands”..........................................................................436
18. Ordinance 5018 stating “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending Section 2.21.020 [Architectural Review Board], Section
16.49.030 [Historic Resources Board], Section 2.22.015 [Human
Relations Commission], Section 2.24.020 [Library Advisory
Commission], Section 2.25.020 [Parks and Recreation Commission],
Section 2.20.015 [Planning and Transportation Commission], Section
2.18.030 [Public Art Commission], and Section 2.23.020 [Utilities
Advisory Commission] to Reduce the Publication of Board and
Commission Recruitment Ads From Four Advertisements to Two
Advertisements in a Two Week Period”. ...........................................437
19. Approval of Additional Funds in the Amount of $100,000 for Blanket
Order No. 4609000100 with Skylonda Equipment for Green Material
Compost Grinding Services at the City’s Composting Facility. ..............437
20. Approval of a Wastewater Treatment Enterprise Fund Contract with
JMB Construction, Inc. in the Total Amount of $878,800 for the
Recycled Water Contact Chamber Retrofit Project at the Regional
Water Quality Control Plant - Capital Improvement Program Project
WQ-80021...................................................................................437
21. Approval of Sole Source Software Purchase, Support and Maintenance
Contract and Contract Contingency with Pitney Bowes Software, Inc. in
the Amount of $330,000 for the Upgrade of the Utilities Bill Print
Processing and Storage Systems.....................................................437
22. Ordinance 5019 stating “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending Section 2.31.010 [Surplus Property and Equipment
Disposal or Destruction] of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Allow the
Donation of Surplus Property to Nonprofit Organizations and Declaring
the Urgency Thereof, to Take Effect Immediately”. ............................437
10/06/08 103-432
COUNCIL MATTERS ...............................................................................437
28. Adoption of a Resolution Opposing Santa Clara County Measure B
Enacting a One-Eighth Cent Sales Tax Increase over 30 Years in the
November 2008 Santa Clara County Election. ...................................437
29. Colleague’s Memo from Mayor Klein and Council Member Kishimoto
Requesting Adoption of a Resolution Supporting State of California
Ballot Proposition 1A, the Safe, Reliable High Speed Passenger Train
Bond Act for the 21st Century. ........................................................441
PUBLIC HEARINGS ................................................................................443
23. Approval of Mitigated Negative Declaration, Site and Design Review
and Record of Land Use Action for a New Childcare Facility (San
Antonio Children’s Center) Located at 1129-1137 San Antonio Avenue .443
24. Approval of a Negative Declaration and Adoption of a Resolution
Approving the Palo Alto Baylands Master Plan 2008 ...........................448
REPORTS OF OFFICIALS.........................................................................452
25. Library Department Update on Progress of Audit of Library Operations
Recommendations.........................................................................452
26. Approval of an Agreement Between San Mateo County Convention and
Visitors Bureau and the City of Palo Alto for the Provision of
Destination Palo Alto Visitorship Services in the Amount of $215,000
for Fiscal Year 2008-09 and $240,000 for Fiscal Year 2009-10 and
Approval of an Agreement Between the Palo Alto Weekly and the City
of Palo Alto for the Provision of the Destination Palo Alto Website
Update and Revision, Visitor Guide and Associated Services in the
Amount of $25,000 for Fiscal Year 2008-09. .....................................453
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS ........................................457
27. Policy and Services Committee Recommendation to Approve a Pilot
Program to Implement “Open City Hall” Online Service ......................457
COUNCIL COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND REPORTS FROM CONFERENCES ......457
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 12:20 a.m...............................458
10/06/08 103-433
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council
Conference Room at 6:30 p.m.
Present: Barton, Burt, Drekmeier, Espinosa, Kishimoto, Klein, Morton,
Schmid
Absent: Yeh
CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with City Attorney-Existing Litigation
Title: Palo Alto Sanitation Co. v. City of Palo Alto, et al.;
Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No.: CV107084380
Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Council reconvened at 6:50 p.m. from the closed session.
Assistant City Attorney Don Larkin reported that the settlement will include
the following; 1) the City shall pay Pasco the sum of $450,000 from the
Refuse Fund, and 2) Pasco shall sell to the City its fleet of six recycling CNG
trucks and three roll-off trucks for the total net book value of $914,734, and
at its election the City may transfer this purchase option to the City’s new
waste hauler, and 3) Pasco shall dismiss with prejudice its pending lawsuit
against the City for additional compensation, and 4) Pasco shall cooperate
with the new waste hauler in ensuring a smooth transition of crucial
operational functions, and 5) Pasco shall waive all future claims for mid-year
adjustments and additional compensation.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
2. Proclamation for United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF).
Mayor Klein read the Proclamation into the record.
Jasmina Bojic accepted the Proclamation and spoke to keeping Palo Alto
informed on what is going on throughout the world.
3. Selection of Candidates to be Interviewed for the Architectural Review
Board.
MOTION: Council Member Barton moved, seconded by Council Member
Espinosa to interview all five applicants for the Architectural Review Board.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Yeh absent
Mayor Klein asked when the interviewing would take place.
10/06/08 103-434
City Clerk Donna Grider stated the date would be decided in the coming
week.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Arthur Liberman, 751 Chimalus Drive, spoke regarding hazardous material
oversight, and the need for community outreach, as well as the Fire
Department rethinking their mission and fire codes.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager James Keene reported that the Police Department made an
arrest of a murder suspect. He spoke to the financial market turmoil and
the uncertain future, but shared the City’s investment policies as well as
their standings against other cities, and stressed Council’s thoughtful priority
process in City spending. He spoke to area electricity rate increases and
how this affects the average customer. He gave the status of the plan for
adding new restrooms to the parks in the City. He stated further community
outreach would be occurring in this area before money was spent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Council Member Morton moved, seconded by Council Member
Kishimoto to approve the minutes of September 8, 2008 as amended.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Yeh absent
CONSENT CALENDAR
Staff removed Agenda Item No. 4 from the Consent Calendar.
Lynn Chiapella spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 13 and stated she cannot
see where this money is actually going with this transfer in that work does
not seem to be coming along in either area.
Emily Renzel spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 19 and cited various
approvals and costs, and asked how all of this equipment is accounted for in
cost per ton, and wished for a completed count on these expenditures.
Council Member Kishimoto asked staff to clarify the concerns Ms. Chipella
had raised on whether the City has the funding to complete all the projects.
Public Works Director, Glenn Roberts, stated in this year’s phases, the Alma
Project was under budget, and University Project was over budget. Staff
requested the monies be transferred so both projects could be completed.
He stated any ongoing project needs on Alma Street would be funded in
future years’ budgets.
10/06/08 103-435
Council Member Schmid registered a no vote on Agenda Item No. 13.
MOTION: Council Member Morton moved, seconded by Council Member
Barton to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 5- 22.
4. Policy and Services Committee and Human Relations Commission
Recommendation to the City Council to Adopt an Ordinance
Amending Section 9.72.070 of Chapter 9.72 [Mandatory
Response to Request for Discussion of Disputes Between
Landlord and Tenant] of Title 9 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code
to Void Rent Increases Given Without Notice of the Right to
Mediation.
5. Acknowledge Receipt of Notice of Nonrenewal of Land Conservation
Contract and Review and File Annual Report of Williamson Act
Contracts Within the City of Palo Alto.
6. Council Appointed Officer’s (CAO) Committee Recommendation to
Direct the City Attorney to Set a Public Employee Performance
Evaluation Closed Session With City Manager James Keene for the
Purpose of Performance Evaluation Goal Setting.
7. Acknowledge Withdrawal of Appeal of Director’s Approval of a major
Architectural Review Application for a Three Story Commercial Mixed
Use Retail/Office Building at 310 University Avenue.
8. Resolution 8863 stating “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to Richard A. Wetzel Upon His
Retirement”.
9. Approval of a Final Map to Subdivide One Lot Into 45 Residential
Condominiums, Streets and a Public Park, Located at 4249 El Camino
Real.
10. Approval of a Contract with Spencon Construction, Inc. in the Amount
of $584,134 for Fiscal Year 2008-09 Sidewalk Replacement Project –
Capital Improvement Program Project PO-89003.
11. Approval of a Utilities Enterprise Fund Contract with Asplundh Tree
Expert Company in an Amount Not to Exceed $797,080 for the First
Year and $1,062,000 for Up to Four Additional Years for the 2008
Power Line Clearing Project.
12. Approval of a Contract with Blossom Valley Construction, Inc. in an
Amount of $1,056,900 for the San Antonio Street Tree Replacement,
Median and Road Improvement Project – Capital Improvement
10/06/08 103-436
Program Project PE-00104 and Street Maintenance Program Project
PE-86070.
13. Budget Amendment Ordinance 5020 to Transfer Appropriation of
$58,920 from Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project PE-06006,
Alma Street Landscaping Improvements to CIP Project PE-06005,
University Avenue Gateway Landscaping Improvements.
14. Resolution 8862 stating “Resolution of the Council of the city of Palo
Alto Requesting the Santa Clara County Local Agency Formation
Commission (LAFCO) Approve a Reorganization Consisting of
Detachment of the Land Known as the “Former Los Altos Sewage
Treatment Plant Site” (1237 San Antonio Road) From the City of Los
Altos and Annexation of the Land to the City of Palo Alto and
Authorization for the City Manager to Execute and Submit the
Annexation Application to LAFCO”.
15. Ordinance 5015 stating “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending Section 2.08.210 of Chapter 2.08 of Title 2 [Officers
and Departments] and Section 22.04.035 of Chapter 22.04 of Title 22
[Park and Recreation Building Use and Regulations] of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code to Amend Employee Titles and Names of Divisions and
Reflect the Titles of Employees Who are Authorized to Issue Citations,
Respectively”.
16. Ordinance 5016 stating “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Adding Sections 22.04.342 and 22.04.343 of Chapter 22.04 of
Title 22 [Park and Recreation Building Use and Regulations] of the Palo
Alto Municipal Code to Prohibit the Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages
in Heritage Park and Eleanor Pardee Park”.
17. Ordinance 5017 stating “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Approving and Adopting a Park Improvement Plan for the
Rehabilitation and Relocation of the Building Commonly Known as the
Palo Alto Sea Scouts Base Building and Improvement of the 2500
Block of Embarcadero (Harbor) Road Within Byxbee Park and City-
Owned Baylands”.
18. Ordinance 5018 stating “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending Section 2.21.020 [Architectural Review Board], Section
16.49.030 [Historic Resources Board], Section 2.22.015 [Human
Relations Commission], Section 2.24.020 [Library Advisory
Commission], Section 2.25.020 [Parks and Recreation Commission],
Section 2.20.015 [Planning and Transportation Commission], Section
2.18.030 [Public Art Commission], and Section 2.23.020 [Utilities
Advisory Commission] to Reduce the Publication of Board and
10/06/08 103-437
Commission Recruitment Ads From Four Advertisements to Two
Advertisements in a Two Week Period”.
19. Approval of Additional Funds in the Amount of $100,000 for Blanket
Order No. 4609000100 with Skylonda Equipment for Green Material
Compost Grinding Services at the City’s Composting Facility.
20. Approval of a Wastewater Treatment Enterprise Fund Contract with
JMB Construction, Inc. in the Total Amount of $878,800 for the
Recycled Water Contact Chamber Retrofit Project at the Regional
Water Quality Control Plant - Capital Improvement Program Project
WQ-80021.
21. Approval of Sole Source Software Purchase, Support and Maintenance
Contract and Contract Contingency with Pitney Bowes Software, Inc. in
the Amount of $330,000 for the Upgrade of the Utilities Bill Print
Processing and Storage Systems.
22. Ordinance 5019 stating “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending Section 2.31.010 [Surplus Property and Equipment
Disposal or Destruction] of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Allow the
Donation of Surplus Property to Nonprofit Organizations and Declaring
the Urgency Thereof, to Take Effect Immediately”.
MOTION PASSED for Item Nos. 5-12, 14-22: 8-0 Yeh absent
MOTION PASSED for Item No. 13: 7-1, Schmid no, Yeh absent
MOTION: Mayor Klein moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Drekmeier to move
Agenda Item Nos. 28 and 29 forward on the agenda.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Yeh absent
COUNCIL MATTERS
28. Adoption of a Resolution Opposing Santa Clara County Measure B
Enacting a One-Eighth Cent Sales Tax Increase over 30 Years in the
November 2008 Santa Clara County Election.
MOTION: Council Member Kishimoto moved, seconded by Mayor Klein to
adopt the resolution in opposition of Santa Clara County Measure B, enacting
a one-eighth cent sales tax increase over 30 years in the November 2008
Santa Clara County Election.
10/06/08 103-438
David Coale, 766 Josina Avenue, spoke in opposition of Measure B, and
stated the less-expensive Caltrains system was a better and more effective
option.
Mona Miller, 751 Christine Drive, stated she has used public transit over the
long-term, stressing the current problems with the bus system. She was not
in support of Measure B and spoke in support of the Caltrains system.
Phyllis C. Cassell, 621 Wellsbury Way, representing the League of Women
Voters, stated they were in support of Measure B as the next step to
complete the rail system and reduce global warming.
Irvin Dawid, 753 Alma St. #126, spoke against Measure B and stated transit
funds should come from a more diverse revenue base besides just sales tax.
Robert Moss, 4010 Orme Street, spoke against Measure B, and spoke to past
bus and other transit problems in the city, and stated that the proposed
funding measure would not result in any real change or upgrades.
Toby Williams, spoke against Measure B, and stated funding one train line
that needs more work and even more money than the measure provided
was not a feasible option.
Margaret Okuzumi, Bay Rail Alliance, spoke against Measure B. BART had
not shown a true financial plan where these monies will result in finishing
the project. The money is better spent on electrifying the Caltrains line.
Herb Borock, P.O. Box 632, spoke against Measure B, and stated the
measure only supports transit users, and larger corporations, none of which
benefit the citizens of Palo Alto.
Carl Anderson, 4044 Amaranta Avenue, spoke in support of the need for fast
transit due to increased population growth, but also cited reasons why
Measure B was not entirely appropriate.
Doug DeLong, 982 Wright Avenue #1, Mountain View, read from the
Mountain View Voice in an effort to inform Palo Alto citizens as they made
their decisions regarding Measure B.
Rod Diridon stated the League of Conservation Voters researched this issue
and did endorse Measure B, with only one dissenting vote, and stressed that
this is a board which represents every city in the County.
Carl Guardino, 489 Bird Avenue, Los Gatos, spoke in support of Council’s
efforts to work towards local and regional good, and in that vein hoped for
Council support of Measure B in interconnecting all transit systems.
10/06/08 103-439
Council Member Espinosa asked where the funding is really coming from for
BART and whether or not this will take money away from the electrification
of Caltrains, or other Caltrains’ improvements.
Mr. Guardino stated the funding comes by multiple process from the local
share of the Measure A revenue, the State’s share and the Federal
Government. He stated if Measure B passes, and the Federal Government
does not come through on their grants, the tax never takes effect.
He stated this makes sure they can operate and maintain what is built
without taking money from the rest of the system.
Vice Mayor Drekmeier asked if this was really the best way to spend limited
dollars for increased transit, and would they be seeing real benefits in terms
of environmental concerns.
Mr. Guardino stated the BART system has 75 percent ridership and Caltrains
had its biggest month in August with 46,000 weekday passenger trips. The
goal is to bring both systems together with seamless rail which could result
in removing the equivalent of two full freeway lanes of traffic into the rail
system, for phenomenal ridership numbers. He reiterated there had been
alternative analysis completed looking at 11 different alternatives and
modes, and the BART alternative still proved the best bet. He stated it is
not inexpensive, but is effective, will achieve goals, and is an efficient
system with a dedicated revenue source.
Council Member Morton asked if Measure B would jeopardize the other
systems, or was BART truly well near completion, whereas the other
alternatives were in very early or pre-development stages.
Mr. Guardino agreed that the other options were in these early stages of
development and concern. He stated he believed in these other systems;
however, the BART system posed fewer challenges and was closer to
completion. He stated the ultimate goal would be for the rail systems to
finish concurrently, but that funding still needed to be identified in areas
regarding the other rail options.
Phaedra Ellis, South Bay Labor Council, spoke in support of Measure B. She
cited reasons why it is feasible and accountable by studies, spoke to Santa
Clara County Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) better operations, and
the ability to bring more people together in a regional partnership.
Council Member Kishimoto disagreed with Measure B and noted the four
reasons she is against the measure: 1) a BART-dominated transportation
plan is not the most effective; 2) sales tax is the most regressive tax and
not the best way to pay for transit; 3) was this fair share, and/or does this
10/06/08 103-440
really serve the economy; and 4) it is not clear which projects will risk
incompletion with the full funding of BART.
Mayor Klein stated Irwin Dawid’s comments resonated with him in that he
has been a longstanding supporter of transit projects, but he was not in
favor of the measure. He agreed with the need to look at the measure in a
countywide perspective.
He stated BART is not near completion in that said completion has been
over-promised and under-performed. He stated they needed to still be
looking at short-term ways to reduce the area’s carbon footprint with buses
and light rail.
Council Member Barton stated he understood the concerns shared, was
against the notion of a regional approach, and opposed the Motion on the
table.
Council Member Morton stated this was not a vote for or against BART. The
sales tax does not come into play until Federal funds are received and other
alternative transit measures are not in jeopardy by Measure B’s approval.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Council Member Morton moved, seconded by
Council Member Espinosa to support Measure B.
Council Member Espinosa stated transportation planning cannot be done
solely on a local basis. He stated there had been a federally approved audit
to ensure that sales tax revenue would be enough and he voiced his support
of Measure B.
Council Member Burt stated he was not entirely convinced in either direction.
He shared colleague and community concerns, wished there was a better
alternative to tie-in seamless rail. He stated he was in opposition of the
Motion, and would endorse Council taking a neutral position.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION FAILED: 3-5 Barton, Espinosa, Morton yes, Yeh
absent.
Council Member Morton urged colleagues to vote no, or at least staying
neutral, in not going against their neighboring jurisdictions.
MOTION FAILED: 4-4 Barton, Burt, Espinosa, Morton, no, Yeh absent
MOTION: Mayor Klein moved, seconded by Council Member Morton to
move Agenda Item No. 29 forward on the Agenda
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Yeh absent
10/06/08 103-441
29. Colleague’s Memo from Mayor Klein and Council Member Kishimoto
Requesting Adoption of a Resolution Supporting State of California
Ballot Proposition 1A, the Safe, Reliable High Speed Passenger Train
Bond Act for the 21st Century.
Rod Diridon ran through a presentation on keynotes of high-speed rail
around the world, and the plans for high-speed rail in the United States. He
stated the plan receives one-third of its funding from the ballot measure,
another one-third from the Federal Government and the final one-third from
public and private entities. He stated they will be using private contractors
following public and private procedures, will be fully bonded with no
overruns and they will complete on time with funds left over for the other
rail systems’ concerns.
Council Member Burt asked how much latitude existed in the route and
system should the proposition pass.
Mr. Diridon stated the identified route was in an overlay area of the
peninsula, parallel to Caltrains, and would go into project level
environmental review and bid process with community involvement and
public hearings on the type of configuration in the corridor selected. He
stated it is probable that they will choose the Caltrains corridor and probable
that they would look at a four-track system, even though they would legally
be required to look at two-track systems, tunnels and trenching, grades and
elevations, and that Council would be involved in the process.
Council Member Burt asked if it were true that above 200 mph, the CO2
generation per passenger mile on high-speed rail was comparable to and/or
greater than air travel.
Mr. Diridon stated this was false in that they have data suggesting
otherwise, and noted on the peninsula the trains will not be running at those
high speeds, due to relatively frequent stops and noise concerns.
Council Member Espinosa asked where Redwood City and/or Palo Alto are in
the planning process as far as stops or stations.
Mr. Diridon cited two stations that were being decided upon on the south
end, and/or Palo Alto or Redwood City. He stated those are left to be
decided in the project level environmental review, and will depend upon
Council’s decision. He stated Redwood City is interested in having a station.
Council Member Barton stated he was supportive of this approach, but did
ask for the numbers of air traffic travelers per year, going north to south
California, versus the number of rail traffic passengers at full build-out, in
per year figures.
10/06/08 103-442
Mr. Diridon stated the figures were low at this point, but as population grows
in the state, the air corridor will be more congested, so rail will reduce this
congestion. He cited conservative ridership figures of between 90- and 117-
million riders per year based on the State Department of Finance’s
population projections.
Council Member Morton asked where things are, statewide, in terms of
supporting bond measures, considering the economic crisis and stressed the
need for community outreach.
Mr. Diridon stated latest polls show 30 percent opposed and 50 percent in
favor. He stated once there is more community outreach, the public will
realize this measure is a no tax increase bond. He stressed the long-term
cost effectiveness of the rail system over the next 100 years of usage. He
repeated that no bonds would be sold until the Federal grants were
processed.
Phyllis C. Cassell, 621 Wellsbury Way, stated the League of Women Voters
supports Proposition 1A, which will provide an innovative transportation
alternative to auto and air travel in consideration of population growth.
David Coale, 766 Josina Avenue, stated he was in support of Proposition 1A
as an easy choice in these economic times and that it would boost regional
and local transit. He was also in support of Measure B.
Herb Borock, P.O. Box 632, questioned the benefits of the rail system to Palo
Alto. He stated the speeds proposed would require four-tracks and grade
separations, which he felt would be bad for the City, as well as any
alternatives to limiting the numbers of tracks or miles per hour, since this
would not make the transit system any faster or more effective.
Omar Chatty, stated opposition of the high-speed rail with regard to the
budget for the State of California. He is not opposed to high speed rail, but
felt this was not the time for it, economy-wise, city and statewide.
Jim Bigelow, 1011 Merrill Street Menlo Park, Chamber of Commerce, stated
many chambers along the peninsula are in support of high-speed rail. He
urged Council support on 1A, along with the Sierra Club, and pointed out
further benefits of train travel and eventual connection of all systems.
MOTION: Mayor Klein moved, seconded by Council Member Kishimoto to
adopt the Resolution 8865 Supporting State of California Ballot Proposition
1A, the Safe, Reliable High Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st
Century.
10/06/08 103-443
Vice Mayor Drekmeier stated he was in support of the motion in that it was a
better proposal than years prior and that high-speed rail is the one viable
long-term option.
Council Member Kishimoto supported the bond measure, and states that any
real issues on how this affects the peninsula are out ahead of this decision.
Council Member Espinosa supported the measure and spoke to starting talks
sooner rather than later on whether or not Palo Alto would want a station.
He stressed the need to keep the community informed and the need for
early planning and study.
Council Member Schmid stated he would support the Motion, but also
discussed concerns over how high-speed rail will affect their area which has
long been comprised of smaller networks and hubs within an automobile
infrastructure and framework. He was also interested in the possibility of
underground rail. Long-distance he felt rail was a competitive element but
in the short-rail system, he felt it was more of a detriment.
Council Member Morton stated support in the Measure in the hope that it
would solve transportation issues in the west Bay Area, and hoped there
would be enough money to support Caltrains and other systems.
Council Member Burt supported the Motion, and stated raised issues could
be handled at future Study Sessions.
Mayor Klein was in support of the Measure, seeing it as a step forward for
Palo Alto.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Yeh absent
PUBLIC HEARINGS
23. Approval of Mitigated Negative Declaration, Site and Design Review
and Record of Land Use Action for a New Childcare Facility (San
Antonio Children’s Center) Located at 1129-1137 San Antonio Avenue
Mayor Klein advised he would not be participating in Agenda Item No. 23 as
he is a shareholder in Google.
Interim Planning Director, Curtis Williams, stated this item went under site
and design review by the Planning & Transportation Commission and by the
Architectural Review Board (ARB), and both are in support.
Planning & Transportation Commissioner, Paula Sandas spoke on approval of
the Negative Declaration in that it was a unanimous vote, with two members
10/06/08 103-444
absent. She stated findings were met with it being consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan and appropriate land use.
Council Member Morton asked what the anticipated morning drop-off traffic
pattern would be.
Commissioner Sandas stated the applicant could better address that issue.
Council Member Espinosa asked what can Council do about the adjoining or
close-by sites with hazardous materials.
Mr. Williams stated there are specific concerns, but they have advice from
the Fire Department on developing emergency response plans, and these
plans renew yearly. He stated the applicant is aware of possible hazards.
Chris Dorman, Dorman and Associates, gave an overview of the project,
including traffic and traffic backup concerns, and their confidence in the
location including regard for the possible hazardous or otherwise activity on
the neighboring site. He stated the building plan meets LEED Silver
standards.
Council Member Kishimoto asked if there was going to be a shuttle.
Mr. Dorman stated Google has been looking at shuttle service but nothing
has been decided upon as of yet.
David Blitz, representative from Staubagh Company, spoke to Google’s
interest in sustainability with the project, and that given it would take a year
to complete the project, they would be studying the traffic and shuttle issues
ongoing.
Council Member Kishimoto asked if Google was fully aware of earthquake,
liquefaction, flooding and toxic waste exposure concerns.
Mr. Dorman stated extensive assessments, and consultation with the Fire
Department were done prior to the project’s design and recommendations
were followed. As well, the liquefaction concerns were low, and the one-
story design helped in that regard. He stated the building sites will be
brought up to the minimum flood standard.
Council Member Kishimoto hoped Google would also look at facilitating bike
and pedestrian access near that site.
Council Member Schmid asked for clarification on the traffic turn-arounds.
Mr. Dorman explained the parking and turn-arounds, and the loop and
diagonal-only parking on the Bayshore Highway side.
10/06/08 103-445
Council Member Schmid asked if the preschool drop-off and pick-up traffic
was going to be substantial enough to effect the Baylands Trails.
Mr. Dorman stated the trail comes near and around the site, but the site is
heavily wooded.
Council Member Schmid stated at this point you can see the parking lot from
the trail.
Mr. Dorman stated across the site, the traffic analysis was 40 trips beyond
what the current trips are, and that the parking lot size has been reduced by
at least 40 cars.
Council Member Schmid noted his concerns about turn-around traffic which
is twice a day, drop-off and pick-up and quite a number of trips.
Mr. Dorman stated the turn-around is functional with plenty of drop-off
parking spaces, decreasing the number of cars using the turnaround.
Council Member Schmid asked staff to address concerns over the noise
issues that may arise from the heavy equipment used at the Los Altos
Treatment Plant (LATP).
Mr. Williams stated there was enough separation in the plan to ameliorate
those issues, along with screening along the property, to minimize the
concerns over the noise effects on the school children.
Council Member Schmid asked if the applicant is in agreement with this
statement.
Mr. Williams stated the applicant is aware of the wide range of uses on that
site.
Council Member Morton asked if the composting site is going to be sound-
proofed enough that it will not affect the daycare site.
Mr. Williams stated they are looking at what they are doing on their site as
well to lessen these effects.
Council Member Morton stated they may have mitigation measures as well in
their approval of this project.
Mr. Williams stated this to be true, but it should not prohibit the uses on
their site, and they would need to look at measures to help with the sound-
proofing and additional screening.
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Council Member Morton asked if this would include walling the composting
side of the site.
Mr. Williams stated it would be hard to know that at this particular point.
Council Member Morton stated the composting site will be there for 40 or
more years and was concerned whether Council needed to address any
additional measures.
Mr. Williams stated what is before Council is the Site and Design Review,
and not the Conditional Use Permit. He stated they were limited in their
comments as they have not heard specifics from the treatment plant. He
stated measures are being taken, however, by that site to ameliorate the
situation with vegetation and sound-proofing.
Council Member Morton stated it was understood, then, that there may be
future uses on the LATP site that may not be compatible with the daycare.
Council Member Burt asked if it was possible to put something in the Record
of Approval stating that they have this verbal agreement over the future
intended uses and potential implications to prevent any legal challenges in
the future.
City Manager, James Keene, stated this could be done, or they could come
back to Council on this before they act, and that the applicant should be
informed of this discussion as well.
Council Member Burt stated he would be comfortable with language in the
Motion that would conceptually acknowledge the oral agreement with
approval contingent upon staff and applicant giving the ministerial
agreement to the anticipated contingencies and uses.
Council Member Espinosa agreed with Council Member Burt.
Council Member Schmid asked about the A2 map and the mediation buffers
on the LATP side, if this was the official map and clarification on those
buffers.
Mr. Williams stated it was the official map and the city would not be making
any kind of commitment for those buffers.
Mr. Dorman stated the map was the initial constraints map in looking at how
the site relates to the marshland. The remedial buffer was a point to the
applicant regarding where to plant vegetation and was completely their
responsibility.
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Council Member Kishimoto wanted the checklist to include the liquefaction
item, and wording that the applicant was responsible for striping.
Mr. Williams stated the language would be changed to reflect this.
Council Member Morton wanted clarification on the remediation buffer on
Map 2A and whether it was on the daycare side or the LATP side.
Mr. Dorman stated that particular drawing is included for site context and is
not drawn specifically as to the scope of work. The buffer is not intended to
be on the LATP site, nor be the City’s responsibility.
Public hearing opened and closed with no speakers at 10:11 p.m.
MOTION: Council Member Burt moved, seconded by Council Member
Morton to accept Staff, Planning & Transportation Commission, and
Architectural Review Boards recommendation to approve 1) the Mitigated
Negative Declaration, prepared for the property at 1129-1137 San Antonio
Avenue, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and 2) approve a Record of Land Use Action approving a Site and Design
Review application to allow the construction of a new childcare facility
subject to the findings and conditions of approval contained in the record of
Land Use Action. Staff will negotiate a written acknowledgment of potential
uses and preparation for those uses of adjacent City-owned land (former Los
Altos Treatment Plan site), to include acceptance of anticipated noise and
other impacts of those uses. Additionally, the applicant will pay for all
pavement striping and the environmental checklist will be revised to include
liquefaction mitigation.
City Manager Keene stated the Google site is under existing zoning, and can
be permitted there, but they are to clearly acknowledge that it is adjacent to
a site with demanding land uses that stretch into the future.
Council Member Burt stated that was the intent of the Motion.
Council Member Morton hoped it would go well in that this is not a traditional
site neighbor.
Council Member Barton wanted to be clear that they were adding additional
wording regarding the neighboring site, which was worded legally.
Council Member Burt stated the City Attorney had deemed the wording legal.
Assistant City Attorney, Don Larkin, said that they were simply asking the
applicant to acknowledge the risks.
Council Member Morton asked if it would also be binding on a future tenant.
10/06/08 103-448
Mr. Larkin stated Council was not acting on a use issue currently, that it
would be part of the record, but not legally binding.
Council Member Kishimoto asked if striping and liquefaction were being
added.
Mr. Williams stated those changes were minimal and fine with them.
Council Member Kishimoto asked if the new wording included noise and
hazardous material.
Council Member Burt said it was noise and other impacts of those uses.
Mr. Williams stated if there is contamination that needs to be addressed, this
would be addressed before the project proceeds.
Council Member Burt asked what if something happened after the project
was underway or in place.
Mr. Williams stated that is tightly controlled area of concern and anticipated
it is also part of the project when they discuss potential uses, but it could be
reworded with respect to remediation and prospective uses, if need be.
Council Member Burt, wished to modify his Motion to say, the uses and the
preparation of those uses, if the seconder accepted, and restated that is an
acknowledgement and not legally binding, but would be in the written body
of the record.
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
MAKER AND SECONDER: of those uses and preparation for those uses.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0 Klein not participating, Yeh absent
24. Approval of a Negative Declaration and Adoption of a Resolution
Approving the Palo Alto Baylands Master Plan 2008
Senior Planner, Gloria Humble, stated the intent of the update was to
consolidate the existing documents and update the document with regard to
policy implementations, Council actions, out-of-date facts and other relevant
information. She gave a presentation on the original plan documents
(Master Plan Documents, Byxbee Park Documents and Other) and went
through the events leading to the current Palo Alto Baylands Master Plan
2008 and the Site Assessment and Design Guidelines. Her presentation also
covered what has happened since 1988 in terms of implementation of
policies, additional Council actions, fact corrections and other relevant
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information. She summarized the update as reflective of the contents of the
prior documents and what has happened since 1988.
Ms. Caporgno told Council the completed final document could be issued as
early as the end of the year.
Paula Sandas, Planning & Transportation Commissioner, conveyed staff’s
enthusiasm for the updated plan and thanked those involved.
Vice Mayor Drekmeier asked about recycled water being released into the
unnamed slough, and asked if there were issues regarding caps on the
amount of water being released.
Public Works Director, Glenn Roberts, stated there have been no substantial
marsh conversion issues at their discharge point, being further north of the
bay, although there are a few scattered areas of questionable plant growth,
but nothing of substance.
Council Member Burt asked for clarification of Page 3 of the Baylands
Comprehensive Conservation Plan.
Ms. Caporgno stated Community Services Department is currently working
on it with a consultant on its preparation. The intent is to implement many
of the policies that exist in the Baylands Master Plan, having been discussed
3 years ago, and with the consultant on board for the last 1½ years.
Council Member Burt asked for clarification for policies on natural areas
versus commercial areas and whether the surface road gap in the bike trail
would be dealt with in the future, and had questions regarding the acronym,
CLUP.
Interim Deputy City Manager, Steve Emslie, stated CLUP stood for the
Comprehensive Land Use Plan for aviation, and is state-mandated land use
plan for airports. He stated it has little bearing on the park plan because the
City’s Master Plan does not allow intense development at all, and this is a
passive open space park and is compatible with the County CLUP.
Council Member Morton noted noise level plans are included in CLUPs. He
stressed appreciation for staff’s work.
Council Member Schmid asked why, if the work on Byxbee Hills Park is
completed and paid for, is it fenced off and not open to the public.
Mr. Roberts stated prior policy directives in previous years involved not
opening the space until all technical issue were met including final grading
and methane gas collection systems.
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Council Schmid asked if it Council’s decision on when to open.
Mr. Roberts stated this was primarily the case to the best of his
understanding, in that the Hardgrave’s Master Plan contemplates the
development of scenic vistas on those hilltop points and trail systems,
rendering this plan incomplete.
City Manager, James Keene, asked how many years this entails, if by current
policy, the park cannot open until completion.
Mr. Roberts stated best case scenario would be two or more years after final
closure and release of the lands by the State of California, and completion of
improvements contingent on funding.
Council Member Kishimoto asked if the design guidelines were officially
adopted, and if so, could they be included.
Ms. Caporgno stated the design guidelines have never been officially
adopted, and were now up for Council adoption.
Council Member Kishimoto asked if they were taking action today to adopt
the guidelines.
Ms. Humble pointed Council to Policy No. 12, the Overall Environmental
Quality Policy (Page 61), following the guidelines established in the Site
Assessment and Design Guidelines of Palo Alto Bay Lands Nature Preserve,
published in 2005.
Council Member Kishimoto asked if staff had a work plan for implementation
of the next steps regarding the parklands.
Ms. Caporgno stated they would be coming back with the completed
document, and asked if by other items she was referring to composting.
Council Member Kishimoto stated items such as the Mayfield Slough area
conversion.
Ms. Caporgno stated those items were being implemented and would
continue to be implemented as to policy direction by the different
departments responsible for oversight of the projects. She stated Planning
Staff had not anticipated coming back with multiple changes, in that this was
the conclusion of their assignment.
Council Member Kishimoto inquired about bringing back a plan to
incorporate changes into the next 5-year Capital Improvement Project (CIP).
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City Manager Keene stated they could follow-up with Council on the
implementation while moving into the new CIP with the completed plan.
Public Hearing opened at 10:57 p.m.
Emily Renzel, 1056 Forrest Avenue, spoke to the area wetlands and their
preservation, its continued importance and all the work that had been done
in many areas.
Enid Pearson noted the Baylands were designated as parklands in 1965, and
that they had come a long way in securing and improving these lands since
then, and looked to Council to continue these efforts.
Phyllis C. Cassell, 621 Wellsbury Way, President of the League of Women
Voters in Palo Alto, stated the League was in support of the Baylands
projects. This new plan was historic documentation on open space issues.
Libby Lucas, 174 Yerba Santa Avenue, Los Altos, hoped for further
delineation and support of the wetlands in the area, with help from the Corp
of Engineers, and stressed the continued importance of maintaining and
sustaining these lands.
Tom Jordan, 474 Churchill Avenue, supported staff recommendations, urged
Council’s recommendations, and asked that titling of the baylands be
undertaken with the State Lands Commission, and that Council look into the
curative 1974 Corp permit requirements.
Deirdre Crommie, Park and Recreation Commission Member, stated the
Commission unanimously supported the approval of the Baylands Master
Plan.
Herb Borock, P.O. Box 632, thanked staff for the document, and urged
Council to adopt staff recommendations.
Public Hearing closed at 11:15 p.m.
MOTION: Council Member Morton moved, seconded by Council Member
Kishimoto to accept Staff, Planning & Transportation, and Parks and
Recreation Commission recommendation to 1) adopt the Negative
Declaration and 2) adopt the Resolution approving the Palo Alto Baylands
Master Plan 2008 including errata.
Council Member Morton stated Council shared the public’s remarks on how
much the document is appreciated, the persistence and patience involved.
10/06/08 103-452
Council Member Kishimoto broke Council’s usual procedure and asked that
the staff involved be given a round of applause.
Council Member Schmid spoke to recent time spent in the Baylands, and
overhearing community appreciation of the park. He stressed the need to
continue this open access to the park system for the community.
Council Member Espinosa asked staff to clarify the concerns or issues about
the 1976 Resolution 5187, Marsh Restoration and Preservation Plan, and
whether or not it is omitted and/or included in the new plan.
Ms. Caporgno stated the information Council received was an attempt to
address that issue, which they had heard about on late notice, and would
return to Council with wording to address that.
Council Member Espinosa stated it is important when looking back
historically, to remember the unpaid citizen faction who remain adamant
through the years fighting for the Baylands preservation, and he wished to
acknowledge them. He also expressed the hope that positions would not
soften on the issue of restoring the Byxbee areas to pastoral parklands.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Yeh absent
REPORTS OF OFFICIALS
25. Library Department Update on Progress of Audit of Library Operations
Recommendations.
Library Director, Diane Jennings, gave the library’s update on the progress
on implementing the recommendations of the Audit of Library Operations
and gave a presentation on this progress citing audit purpose, the 32 audit
areas (with substantial completion ratios in these areas), and highlighted the
library’s next steps.
Council Member Espinosa stated he is the Council Liaison to the Library
Advisory Commission and there had been robust movement on all
recommendations by library staff, and wanted Palo Alto community
members to know that their libraries are efficient.
Mayor Klein noted that no Council action was required on this agenda item.
Alison Cormack, 3487 Ross Road, Better Libraries for Palo Alto stated the
City’s libraries have received bad reports in prior years, which make the
voting in November important for the future of Palo Alto libraries.
Council Member Burt thanked staff for bringing this forward prior to the
election so community members can be aware prior to voting. He asked
10/06/08 103-453
what the impact of staff concerns for new libraries would be in Council’s
current planning.
Ms. Jennings stated one to three additional staff would be required for
Mitchell Park, and no additional staff for Main or Downtown.
Council Burt asked if the Mitchell Park library’s use of the new technology
would offer the greatest potential for staff efficiencies.
Ms. Jennings stated he was correct because circulation studies showed
increased circulation at Mitchell Park and more appeal, and the technology
will help to keep staffing down even with additional workload.
Council Member Burt asked throughout the library system, if implementation
of the new technology is feasible at all locations.
Ms. Jennings stated there is an issue of space at the current Mitchell Park
location, it could be installed at Main, and a small unit at Children’s, but
Mitchell Park has the greatest circulation concerns, which will grow in
proportion to the other libraries when it becomes the new facility.
Council Member Burt asked what kind of range of increased usage can be
expected at the new facility if approved.
Ms. Jennings stated the Main library closing for renovations will add to the
already expected numbers, so she has difficulty making a first-year estimate
on how much of the increase is due to the new facility and how much is
runoff from Main. Over time, they are expecting a 30 percent increase.
Council Member Schmid spoke to leveraging the libraries continued
resources by looking at library usage areas, how they change, the number of
people and the ratio of employee-to-user, and extended hours of usage
where there would be less staff needed with the new technology.
Ms. Jennings said she would take all this for the future into consideration.
Mayor Klein remarked that the library should keep up the continued good
work and hoped for a good outcome at election.
26. Approval of an Agreement Between San Mateo County Convention and
Visitors Bureau and the City of Palo Alto for the Provision of
Destination Palo Alto Visitorship Services in the Amount of $215,000
for Fiscal Year 2008-09 and $240,000 for Fiscal Year 2009-10 and
Approval of an Agreement Between the Palo Alto Weekly and the City
of Palo Alto for the Provision of the Destination Palo Alto Website
Update and Revision, Visitor Guide and Associated Services in the
Amount of $25,000 for Fiscal Year 2008-09.
10/06/08 103-454
Economic Development Manager, Susan Barnes, gave an abridged version of
her Destination Palo Alto presentation. She did talk about the solicitation
process and gave information on the bids received and considered. She
reviewed the evaluation process with a well-seated board, the interviews and
review process and what lead to their final unanimous decision. She
reiterated what they would like Council’s action on currently.
Council Member Kishimoto stated she was supportive of the efforts thus far.
She asked about waiving of permits and asked for clarification on whether
the proposed amount includes this or not.
Ms. Barnes stated it would go through the normal permitting process and
only City-Sponsored events would have a waiver of the permits.
Council Member Kishimoto asked about event support and assumed booking
of hotels was included, but other event support was not.
Anne LeClair, San Mateo County Convention & Visitor Bureau, 111 Anza
Boulevard, Burlingame, stated they would be involved in booking hotels,
taking planners around, taking travel agents around as the primary function.
She stated they might also set up fresh food service. She stated it is not an
absolute part of the contract, but they are helpful in any area they can.
Council Member Schmid stated the criteria for success and stated area
merchants would jump on board in support.
Council Member Barton left the meeting at 11:50 p.m.
Ms. Barnes stated that type of momentum and involvement was absolutely
critical.
Mayor Klein asked for clarification on fam, and assumed it meant
familiarization.
Ms. LeClair stated this was correct and bringing planners out for a
familiarization tour of the hotels was key to their success.
Council Member Burt made comments and suggestions towards using an
alternative metric to factor in the current financial outlook, and looking at
how Palo Alto stacks up with area cities. He stated occupancy is a common
quantifiable metric, but asked if they could factor in each occupant’s retail
purchases.
Ms. LeClair stated they had average visitor spending metrics and would be
using Godby Research for a better picture of how people are spending in the
area during different seasons.
10/06/08 103-455
Council Member Burt stated there are four days a week less supply than
demand, and a lot more business and recreational visitors than are put up
on hotels, and asked if there would be some kind of metric to address their
retail spending, even if they are not using the hotel, per se.
Ms. LeClair stated, in terms of daily visitors, they are going to use the hotel
user studies to latch on to that metric, but she has also created surveys for
area restaurants to better establish numbers.
Council Member Burt stated press and public comment describes this as a
tourism program, when really the greatest hotel income comes from
business and university travelers, and hoped the public would come to
understand the difference.
Ms. LeClair stated group events are key, beyond business or university
traffic.
Council Member Morton asked for a sense of how they would accommodate
30,000 people for the 2009 Senior Games and how much of this contract will
go to that concern. He asked also, since many visitors would be using other
community hotels, what are their plans for keeping them in Palo Alto for the
most part of their stay prior to retiring to their hotels.
Ms. LeClair stated the Cribbs’ group took the lead on that, and they
participated in those meetings.
Council Member Morton asked if she expected other community buy-ins as
well, and assumed this would be one of her big efforts in the support of the
Senior Games.
Ms. LeClair stated it is possible, but normally the best time and way to get
money from the other communities is before the contracts are signed for the
hotels. She stated they are in continued support of the Senior Games.
Vice Mayor Drekmeier spoke to the amount and number of room revenues
they would have to attain in order to recoup the $240,000. He stressed this
was a considerable investment, and also they needed to be reminded of the
increasing traffic levels and other concerns that came with this plan.
Ms. Barnes stated the formulary is a 5 percent increase in the top five hotels
in Palo Alto netting out the $240,000 over a year’s time, and in addition to
that they’ve looked at other multipliers and secondary impacts, with a Friday
and Saturday night focus in improving occupancy, and she felt it was an
attainable goal.
Vice Mayor Drekmeier spoke to the numbers based on her estimations.
10/06/08 103-456
Ms. Barnes stressed looking at monies spent on retail, arts and
entertainment.
Council Member Kishimoto stated in order to keep continued support from
the community they should be mindful of traffic concerns and other
sensitivities. She stated branding Palo Alto can also be a sensitive subject.
Ms. LeClair stated most groups are aware and in support of using mass
transit, walking or taking the bus, and the green movement is also a huge
selling point for event planners.
Council Member Espinosa asked for a brief re-explanation of the breaking
even on just the hotels and the percentage increase.
Ms. Barnes stated the Administrative Services Department came forward on
what was reasonable to spend on a percentage rate over a year’s times for
the top five Palo Alto hotels.
Council Member Espinosa agreed with the Vice Mayor that public perception
is that they are creating a tourism plan, when really it is a revenue plan
looking at where they can get increased tax dollars. He urged Council
approval on the recommendations.
MOTION: Council Member Espinosa moved, seconded by Mayor Klein to
accept staff recommendations to, 1) authorize the City Manager or his
designee to execute the agreement with the San Mateo County Convention
and Visitors Bureau in an amount not to exceed $455,000 for visitorship
services for the fiscal year 2008-09 and fiscal year 2009-10, and 2)
authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the agreement with
the Palo Alto Weekly in an amount not to exceed $25,000 for the fiscal year
2008-09 for Destination Palo Alto website update and revision, visitor guide
and associated services.
Mayor Klein stated he had been critical of the Destination Palo Alto for the
previous lack of metrics, but sees an improvement in that area now, and
spoke to the Vice Mayor’s numbers bringing them down to weekly numbers,
which lends to lesser traffic. He stressed also the need, perhaps, for
renaming or re-branding.
Council Member Morton did not want to change branding and indicated his
support will be measured on how well things go with the Senior Games since
that will be the first big indicator, and not in that they should do or expect to
have the Senior Games every year. He asked if the funding was coming out
of this year’s budget or next year’s budget.
City Manager Keene stated it comes out of both years’ budget, although
10/06/08 103-457
there is a clause not to proceed with the second year’s budget, based on
metrics.
Council Burt stated professionals are on board who could help with re-
branding, and this would be the time in the process to do it. He also
thought they should widen the metrics beyond the top five hotels. He asked
also for the average daily rate of Palo Alto hotels.
Ms. Barnes stated $300-$400 dollars per night.
Council Member Bart stated that even paring down that figure, they could
break even.
MOTION PASSED: 6-1 Drekmeier no, Barton, Yeh absent
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS
MOTION: Mayor Klein moved, seconded by Council Member Morton to
move Agenda Item No. 27 to the Council meeting on October 20, 2008.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Yeh absent
27. Policy and Services Committee Recommendation to Approve a Pilot
Program to Implement “Open City Hall” Online Service
MOTION: Council Member XXXX moved, seconded by Council Member
XXXX to accept Staff and Policy and Services Committee recommendation to
approve a pilot program to implement “Open City Hall” online services as an
additional means to further engage the residents of Palo Alto in the decision
making process and adhere to one of Council’s top four priorities (Civic
Engagement) for this year. The elements of the pilot program are:
a. 6-month pilot program at a cost of $6,200 ($5,000 set up fee +
200/month
b. Hosted on www.OpenCityHall.com
c. Initially, staff will select 1-3 key Council agenda items to use as
discussion topics each week on the forum during the pilot program
d. Peak Democracy staff (founders of Open City Hall) will monitor the
forum
e. An evaluation of the program will be conducted at the end of the 6-
month period. Guidelines to indicate the success of the program
have yet to be determined; however, staff had identified key areas
to evaluate: Participation, Discussion Items, and Resources.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Yeh absent
COUNCIL COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND REPORTS FROM CONFERENCES
10/06/08 103-458
Council Member Kishimoto reported there is an upcoming show on October
25, 2008 at the Palo Alto Art Center of four custom made Kimonos for Palo
Alto. She reminded everyone that this week is Palo Alto Walks and Rolls
Week and that Gunn High School had over 600 bikes parked at the school.
Mayor Klein reported that there will be information coming forth to Council
on the upcoming Turkey Trot Walk/Run charity event.
Council Member Kishimoto also reported that several members of the
Council attended the Palo Alto Black and White Ball last weekend, which was
a huge success.
Council Member Morton also praised the Palo Alto Black and White Ball.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 12:20 a.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
City Clerk Mayor
NOTE: Sense minutes (synopsis) are prepared in accordance with Palo Alto
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