HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-06 City Council Summary Minutes
07/06/09 105-002
Special Meeting
July 6, 2009
CLOSED SESSION .................................................................................5
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR.........................................5
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY................................................................5
2. Proclamation Expressing Appreciation to Roche Palo Alto LLC for
Outstanding Public Volunteer Service...............................................5
3. Selection of Candidates to be Interviewed for the Planning &
Transportation Commission ............................................................6
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS.....................................6
4. Appointments for the Utilities Advisory Commission for Three Terms
Ending June 30, 2012....................................................................6
5. Resolution 8955 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to Dexter Dawes Upon the Completion
of His Term as a Utilities Advisory Commissioner...............................6
6. Resolution 8956 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to Dick Rosenbaum Upon the
Completion of His Term as a Utilities Advisory Commissioner.” ............7
7. Resolution 8957 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to John Stucky for Outstanding Public
Service as a Member of the Library Advisory Commission.”.................7
8. Resolution 8958 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to John B. Costa Upon His Retirement .....8
9. Resolution 8959 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to Tammela L. Ellegood-Gage Upon Her
Retirement.” ................................................................................8
07/06/09 105-03
10. Resolution 8960 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to Dennis W. Tealer Upon His
Retirement.” ................................................................................8
10a. (Former No. 21) Colleague’s Memo from Mayor Drekmeier,
Council Members Espinosa and Klein Regarding Increasing the
Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) from Five to Seven Members .......8
10b. (Former No. 4.) Appointments for the Utilities Advisory
Commission for Three Terms Ending June 30, 2012 .....................12
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS....................................................................14
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS.......................................................................14
APPROVAL OF MINUTES .........................................................................15
CONSENT CALENDAR.............................................................................15
11. Approval of At-Will Employment Agreement with Stephen Emslie for
the Position of Deputy City Manager ................................................15
12. Approval of a Contract for up to Three Years With Gregory B. Bragg &
Associates in a Total Amount Not to Exceed $783,000 for Workers’
Compensation Claims Administration Services...................................16
13. Resolution 8961 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to Elaina Chan Upon Her Retirement.” .....16
14. Resolution 8962 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Approving and Authorizing the Execution of the State of
California Department of Community Services and Development 2009
– 2012 Direct Payment Program Agreement No. 09-1367 in
Conjunction With the Department of Community Service Home
Energy Assistance Program.”..........................................................16
15. Resolution 8963 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending and Restating the Administrative Penalty Schedule
and Civil Penalty Schedules for Certain Violations of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code and California Vehicle Code Established by Resolution
8858...........................................................................................16
16. Approval of Contract with Thomas S. Barron, PE, a Consulting Civil
Engineer, in a Total Amount Not to Exceed $99,000 Per Year with an
Option to Renew for Two Additional One Year Terms for Industrial
Wastewater Discharge Evaluations for the Regional Water Quality
Control Plant................................................................................16
07/06/09 105-04
PUBLIC HEARINGS ................................................................................16
17. Adoption of Two Ordinances: (1) Repealing Chapter 16.17 of the
Palo Alto Municipal Code and Amending Title 16 to Adopt a New
Chapter 16.17, California Energy Code, 2008 Edition; and (2)
Repealing Chapter 16.18 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code and
Amending Title 16 to adopt a new Chapter 16.18, Establishing Local
Energy Efficiency Standards for Certain Buildings and Improvements
Covered by the 2008 California Energy Code (continued from
6/1/09).......................................................................................16
18. Approval of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Adoption of an
Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map to Apply the Pedestrian and
Transit Oriented Development (PTOD) Combining District to a ½ -
acre Site Zoned Multiple Family Residential (RM-40) to Allow Eight
Residential Condominiums Above Ground Floor Office Space, a Below
Grade Parking Garage, and Related Site Improvements at 305 Grant
Avenue, 2640 and 2650 Birch Street and 306 and 320 Sheridan
Avenue........................................................................................17
REPORTS OF OFFICIALS.........................................................................17
19. Direction to Staff to Prepare an Ordinance Implementing a
Residential Permit Parking Program for the College Terrace
Neighborhood...............................................................................17
20. Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Section 2.40.040 of Chapter
2.40 of Title 2 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code Pertaining to Municipal
Elections for Web Posting of Campaign Contributions .........................27
COUNCIL MATTERS ...............................................................................28
21. Colleague’s Memo from Mayor Drekmeier, Council Members Espinosa
and Klein Regarding Increasing the Utilities Advisory Commission
(UAC) from Five to Seven Members.................................................28
COUNCIL COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND REPORTS FROM CONFERENCES ......28
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 11:50 p.m. .............................29
07/06/09 105-05
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council
Chambers at 6:00 p.m.
Present: Barton, Burt, Drekmeier, Espinosa, Kishimoto, Klein arrived at
6:05 p.m., Schmid, Yeh arrived at 7:00 p.m.
Absent: Morton
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Agency Negotiator: City Manager and his designees pursuant to
Merit Rules and Regulations (James Keene, Kelly Morariu, Russ
Carlsen, Lalo Perez, Sandra Blanch, Darrell Murray, Marcie Scott, Joe
Saccio)
Employee Organization: Local 521 Service Employees International
Union
Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6(a)
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Agency Negotiator: City Manager and his designees pursuant to the
Merit System Rules and Regulations (James Keene, Kelly Morariu,
Russ Carlsen, Lalo Perez, Sandra Blanch, Darrell Murray, Joe Saccio,
Marcie Scott)
Employee Organization: Unrepresented Employee Group Management
and Professional Personnel and Council Appointees
Authority: Government Code section 54957.6(a)
Council returned from the Closed Session at 7:35 p.m.
Mayor Drekmeier announced there was no reportable action taken on the
first Closed Session and the second Closed Session would be heard at the
end of the meeting.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
2. Proclamation Expressing Appreciation to Roche Palo Alto LLC for
Outstanding Public Volunteer Service.
Council Member Espinosa read the Proclamation expressing appreciation to
Roche Palo Alto LLC (Roche) for outstanding public volunteer service.
07/06/09 105-06
Interim Director of Community Services, Greg Betts spoke on Roche’s
corporate citizenship endeavors.
Alex Haedrich, on behalf of Roche, thanked City Staff for the Proclamation
and for providing opportunities for Roche to make the City of Palo Alto a
better place to work and live.
Council Member Kishimoto expressed her appreciation toward Roche, and
commended the volunteer work performed by Roche.
Council Member Klein spoke on Roche’s work on the Red Ribbon Task Force
for Emergency Preparation.
3. Selection of Candidates to be Interviewed for the Planning &
Transportation Commission.
MOTION: Council Member Barton moved, seconded by Council Member
Kishimoto to interview all candidates for the Planning & Transportation
Commission.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Morton absent
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS
MOTION: Council Member Espinosa moved, seconded by Council Member
Klein to move Agenda Item No. 21 forward to become Agenda Item No.
10A and Agenda Item No. 4 to become Agenda Item No. 10B.
Council Member Espinosa stated it would be helpful to discuss the
Colleague’s Memo before Agenda Item No. 4, because it may dictate how
the City Council may vote for the Utilities Advisory Commissioner
appointments.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Morton absent
4. Appointments for the Utilities Advisory Commission for Three Terms
Ending June 30, 2012
5. Resolution 8955 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to Dexter Dawes Upon the Completion
of His Term as a Utilities Advisory Commissioner.”
Council Member Yeh read the Resolution expressing appreciation to Mr.
Dawes upon the completion of his term as a Utilities Advisory
Commissioner.
07/06/09 105-07
MOTION: Council Member Yeh moved, seconded by Council Member
Barton to adopt the Resolution expressing appreciation to Dexter Dawes
upon the completion of his term as a Utilities Advisory Commissioner.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Morton absent
Mr. Dawes spoke on his experience serving on the Utilities Advisory
Commission.
6. Resolution 8956 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to Dick Rosenbaum Upon the
Completion of His Term as a Utilities Advisory Commissioner.”
Council Member Kishimoto read the Resolution expressing appreciation to
Mr. Rosenbaum upon the completion of his term as a Utilities Advisory
Commissioner.
MOTION: Council Member Kishimoto moved, seconded by Council
Member Espinosa to adopt the Resolution expressing appreciation to Dick
Rosenbaum upon the completion of his term as a Utilities Advisory
Commissioner.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Morton absent
Mr. Rosenbaum spoke on his experience serving on the Utilities Advisory
Commission.
7. Resolution 8957 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to John Stucky for Outstanding Public
Service as a Member of the Library Advisory Commission.”
Council Member Barton read the Resolution expressing appreciation to Mr.
Stucky for outstanding public service as a member of the Library Advisory
Commission.
MOTION: Council Member Barton moved, seconded by Council Member
Schmid to adopt the Resolution expressing appreciation to John Stucky for
outstanding public service as a member of the Library Advisory
Commission.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Morton absent
Mr. Stucky spoke on his experience serving on the Library Advisory
Commission.
07/06/09 105-08
8. Resolution 8958 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to John B. Costa Upon His Retirement
Council Member Klein read the Resolution expressing appreciation to Mr.
Costa upon his retirement.
MOTION: Council Member Klein moved, seconded by Council Member
Barton to adopt the Resolution expressing appreciation to John B. Costa
upon his retirement.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Morton absent
Interim Police Chief, Dennis Burns recognized Mr. Costa for his dedicated
service to the City and the community.
Mr. Costa spoke on his experience serving the City of Palo Alto.
9. Resolution 8959 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to Tammela L. Ellegood-Gage Upon Her
Retirement.”
MOTION: Council Member Kishimoto moved, seconded by Council
Member Barton to adopt the Resolution expressing appreciation to
Tammela L. Ellegood-Gage upon her retirement.”
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Morton absent
10. Resolution 8960 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to Dennis W. Tealer Upon His
Retirement.”
MOTION: Council Member Espinosa moved, seconded by Council Member
Schmid to adopt the Resolution expressing appreciation to Dennis W.
Tealer upon his retirement.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Morton absent
10a. (Former No. 21) Colleague’s Memo from Mayor Drekmeier, Council
Members Espinosa and Klein Regarding Increasing the Utilities
Advisory Commission (UAC) from Five to Seven Members.
Council Member Espinosa stated the Colleague’s Memo recommended
increasing the size of the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) from five to
seven members, for the following reasons: 1) the number of qualified
07/06/09 105-09
applicants that recently applied; 2) the UAC had fewer members than other
City Council appointed commissions; and 3) the UAC’s importance to the
organization including its oversight responsibility.
MOTION: Council Member Espinosa moved, seconded by Council Member
Klein to direct the City Attorney to prepare an Ordinance to return to Council
to increase the number of commissioners serving on the UAC from five to
seven members, effective 30 days after adoption of the Ordinance amending
the Palo Alto Municipal Code.
Council Member Schmid stated larger City Council appointed commission
characteristics include a wide range of interests, expertise, and broader
conversations. He indicated a smaller group’s characteristics include a more
intense interaction amongst its members. He requested an opinion from
Staff on working with larger groups versus smaller ones.
City Manager, James Keene stated seven members was an optimal number
of commissioners to oversee.
Council Member Schmid spoke on the importance of the UAC in advising the
City Council on technical aspects of utility matters.
Herb Borock, P.O. Box 632, spoke on the legalities of appointing additional
members to the UAC without adopting an Ordinance that would modify the
Municipal Code.
Council Member Yeh stated this was an opportunity to create a new Council
subcommittee to create a manual to expand the technical aspects of
potentially adding new members on the UAC, and to gather feedback from
Staff on the potential increase in workload due to an expansion of the UAC.
Mayor Drekmeier stated the original Motion should be voted on and then
have the City Council participate in a discussion and vote on a separate
Motion to create a subcommittee to put together a manual.
Council Member Yeh stated his Amendment was to create a task force to
produce a manual for the UAC that would describe expectations,
responsibilities, and new commissioner information. He stated if there was a
level of interest, a manual could be created for all City Council appointed
Commissions.
City Attorney, Gary Baum stated the Motion and Amendment could be
combined into one Motion.
07/06/09 105-010
AMENDMENT: Council Member Yeh moved, seconded by Council Member
Burt for the Mayor to appoint a subcommittee to prepare a manual for the
UAC.
Council Member Klein stated he was not clear on the intention of the
Amendment.
Council Member Yeh stated his intent was to expand on the original Motion
to include developing a manual for the UAC. He stated the manual would set
guidelines on efficient use of Staff time and provide an introduction to new
UAC members.
Council Member Klein stated he did not feel the City Council had the
expertise to develop a manual and would not be supporting the Amendment.
Council Member Yeh stated the City Council’s involvement would be specific
to the Commission that they are a liaison to.
Council Member Barton stated he would be voting no on the Amendment.
He felt more involvement of the City Council would be micromanaging.
COUNCIL MEMBER BURT WITHDREW HIS SECOND TO THE
AMENDMENT.
Mayor Drekmeier noted that Council Member Schmid would second the
Amendment.
AMENDMENT: Council Member Yeh moved, seconded by Council Member
Schmid to appoint a subcommittee appointed by the Mayor to prepare a
manual for the UAC.
Council Member Burt stated the UAC candidates were exceptional; He felt it
would be beneficial to consider expanding the UAC. He stated more
consideration should be looked into when considering the pros and cons of
expanding the UAC. He indicated it would be beneficial to study new roles,
processes, and create clearer bylaws for the UAC.
Mayor Drekmeier stated the UAC had evolved in their responsibilities to
include utility rates, environmental matters, and climate protection. He
supported the Committee as more proactive by providing them with
challenging issues and tapping into the expertise of the commission
members. He felt creating a manual was not needed, however forming an
Ad Hoc Committee to meet with Staff to discuss expectations and roles
would be beneficial.
07/06/09 105-011
Council Member Klein stated the UAC possessed five members, and the
other Commissions possessed seven members. He felt the UAC was a
critical Commission which took a vast amount of time and expertise from its
members. He stated the UAC members have the potential to travel. He
indicated seven members would allow the group to divide work amongst
themselves. He was not in favor of developing a manual.
Council Member Kishimoto stated the scope of the UAC was wide and seven
members would broaden the expertise of the Commission. It was her belief
the Amendment was to rewrite the scope of the UAC and should be restated
to address the scope as described in the Municipal Code.
Council Member Espinosa stated the Amendment was two separate issues
including the scope of work and the mission of the UAC. He stated
institutional knowledge was presently shared through a handbook that new
commissioners received when they were appointed. It was his belief Council
Member Yeh was seeking a process to share information between outgoing
and newly appointed commission members. He felt these issues were
separate than what was outlined in Agenda Item No. 10a, and should be
presented as an agenda item at a later date.
Council Member Schmid stated there were two issues, expanding the UAC
from five to seven members and the City Council was not in complete
agreement on the responsibilities of the UAC. He stated if the UAC’s
governing body was changed, a subcommittee to clarify the UAC and their
function would be valuable.
COUNCIL MEMBER YEH WITHDREW HIS AMENDMENT.
Council Member Klein inquired whether the Motion was to direct the City
Attorney to prepare a proposed amended Ordinance amending the Municipal
Code to increase the UAC membership from five to seven members that
would be effective thirty days after the adoption of said Ordinance.
Mayor Drekmeier stated that was correct. He stated Agenda Item No. 10b
was to vote for five commissioners and the top three would be appointed
immediately and the fourth and fifth top candidates would be appointed on
the condition that the proposed amended Ordinance was approved.
Mr. Baum stated appointing the fourth and fifth UAC Commissioners was
contingent upon the passing of the proposed amended Ordinance. He stated
this addressed the concern a member of the public had in regards to
appointing candidates to positions on the UAC that do not currently exist.
07/06/09 105-012
MOTION PASSED: 6-2 Barton, Burt no, Morton absent
MOTION: Council Member Yeh moved, seconded by Council Member Schmid
for the Mayor to appoint a Council subcommittee to review the role of the
UAC and return with a report before the second reading of the Ordinance.
MOTION PASSED: 7-1 Barton no, Morton absent
Mr. Baum stated it would be appropriate for the subcommittee to meet with
the City Attorney, City Manager and Utilities Director.
10b. (Former No. 4.) Appointments for the Utilities Advisory Commission
for Three Terms Ending June 30, 2012.
Mayor Drekmeier stated the City Council would vote for five candidates to
serve on the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC). He indicated the top
three candidates would be appointed immediately, and the fourth and fifth
top candidates would be appointed contingent on the passing of the
proposed amended Ordinance from Agenda Item No. 10a.
Council Member Schmid inquired if the City Council would be voting twice,
once for three candidates and once for two candidates.
Mayor Drekmeier stated the intention of the Staff report was to hold one
vote for five candidates; however a new Motion could be suggested to
separate the votes.
MOTION: Council Member Schmid moved, seconded by Council Member
Barton for Council to first vote for the three current UAC openings with
terms ending June 30, 2012, then vote for the additional potential two new
openings which would take affect 30 days after adoption of the Ordinance.
Council Member Barton stated the Motion aligned with the procedures and
processes of the City.
MOTION PASSED: 5-3 Drekmeier, Espinosa, Klein no, Morton absent
First Round of Voting for Three, Three-Year Terms on the Utilities Advisory
Commission ending June 30, 2012
Voting For Alex Ameri: Drekmeier, Schmid
Voting For William Berry: Barton, Espinosa, Kishimoto, Klein
07/06/09 105-013
Voting For Steve Eglash: Kishimoto, Klein, Yeh
Voting For Jonathon Foster : Barton, Burt, Drekmeier, Espinosa,
Kishimoto, Klein, Schmid, Yeh
Voting For Marilyn Keller: Barton, Burt, Drekmeier, Espinosa,
Schmid, Yeh
Voting For Stanley Sussman: Barton
City Clerk Donna Grider announced that Jonathon Foster with 8 votes, and
Marilyn Keller with 6 votes were each appointed to the Utilities Advisory
Commission with terms ending June 30, 2012.
Second Round of Voting for Three, Three-Year Terms on the Utilities
Advisory Commission ending June 30, 2012
Voting For Alex Ameri: Schmid
Voting For William Berry: Barton, Burt, Espinosa
Voting For Steve Eglash: Drekmeier, Kishimoto, Klein, Yeh
City Clerk Donna Grider announced that no candidate received the required
votes.
Third Round of Voting for One Unexpired Term and Three, Three-Year
Terms on the Utilities Advisory Commission:
Voting For William Berry: Barton, Espinosa,
Voting For Steve Eglash: Burt, Drekmeier, Kishimoto, Klein,
Schmid, Yeh
City Clerk Donna Grider announced that Steve Eglash with 6 votes was
appointed to the Utilities Advisory Commission with a term ending June 30,
2012.
First Round of Voting for two new openings on the Utilities Advisory
Commission which would take affect 30 days after adoption of the
amended Ordinance:
07/06/09 105-014
Voting For Alex Ameri: Burt, Drekmeier, Espinosa, Kishimoto,
Schmid, Yeh
Voting For William Berry: Barton, Burt, Drekmeier, Espinosa,
Kishimoto, Klein, Yeh
Voting For Arthur Roberts: Schmid
Voting For Stanley Sussman: Barton, Kishimoto
City Clerk Donna Grider announced that William Berry with 7 votes was
appointed to the UAC with a term ending June 30, 2012, and Alex Ameri
with 6 votes was appointed to the UAC with a term ending June 30, 2011.
Both appointments are contingent upon adoption of the Ordinance
increasing the UAC from five to seven members.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager, James Keene spoke on a summit meeting of city, county and
school officials in Sacramento on July 17-18, 2009 to discuss and debate
the emerging proposals to reform California's governance and fiscal
systems. College Terrace Library would be closing for one year to renovate
the historic building. The Twilight and Brown Bag Concert Series 2009 was
in its fourth week. Police Lieutenant, Sandra Brown had been invited to
participate on a Curriculum Development Team for the U.S. Department of
Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Service’s Project entitled Fair
and Impartial Policing an Unbiased Approach.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Peter Holoyda, P.O. Box 620442, Woodside, spoke on a non-profit
organization called Renewably First.
Andrew Jentzsch, spoke on the City’s budget crisis and employee
negotiations.
Michael Francois, 224 Gardina, East Palo Alto, spoke on water fluoridation.
Wynn Grcich, 3045 Miraloma, Union City, spoke on water fluoridation.
James Wei, spoke on his experience providing a noise complaint to the
Police Department.
07/06/09 105-015
Robert Moss, 4010 Orme Street, spoke on the Pedestrian Transit Oriented
Development on Birch Street and Grant Avenue.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Council Member Barton moved, seconded by Council Member
Klein to approve the minutes of June 1, 2009 as amended.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Morton absent
CONSENT CALENDAR
Herb Borock, P.O. Box 632, spoke on Agenda Item No. 11 the proposed
agreement with Stephen Emslie for the position of Deputy City Manager.
City Attorney, Gary Baum stated Agenda Item No. 11 was on the Consent
Calendar because the City Manager did not have the authority to approve a
contract over the amount of $85,000.
MOTION: Council Member Klein moved, seconded by Council Member
Barton to approve Agenda Item Nos. 11-16.
Council Member Kishimoto spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 11,
specifically inquiring about the Variable Management Compensation clause.
MOTION: Council Member Kishimoto moved, seconded by Council
Member XXXX to pull Agenda Item No. 11 from the Consent Calendar.
MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND
City Manager, James Keene stated Agenda Item No. 11, Section 3.3,
contained within the agreement stated Mr. Emslie would be entitled to
receive the Variable Management Compensation Plan pursuant to the terms
of the City Council’s approved Management Compensation Plan. There are
conditions and terms within that Variable Management Compensation Plan,
and it would not be automatic.
City Attorney, Gary Baum stated Mr. Emslie would be eligible to receive the
Variable Management Compensation if it was approved by the City Council
and does not provide Mr. Emslie with additional rights.
11. Approval of At-Will Employment Agreement with Stephen Emslie for
the Position of Deputy City Manager.
07/06/09 105-016
12. Approval of a Contract for up to Three Years With Gregory B. Bragg &
Associates in a Total Amount Not to Exceed $783,000 for Workers’
Compensation Claims Administration Services.
13. Resolution 8961 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to Elaina Chan Upon Her Retirement.”
14. Resolution 8962 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Approving and Authorizing the Execution of the State of
California Department of Community Services and Development 2009
– 2012 Direct Payment Program Agreement No. 09-1367 in
Conjunction With the Department of Community Service Home
Energy Assistance Program.”
15. Resolution 8963 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending and Restating the Administrative Penalty Schedule
and Civil Penalty Schedules for Certain Violations of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code and California Vehicle Code Established by Resolution
8858.”
16. Approval of Contract with Thomas S. Barron, PE, a Consulting Civil
Engineer, in a Total Amount Not to Exceed $99,000 Per Year with an
Option to Renew for Two Additional One Year Terms for Industrial
Wastewater Discharge Evaluations for the Regional Water Quality
Control Plant.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Morton absent
PUBLIC HEARINGS
MOTION: Council Member Kishimoto moved, seconded by Council Member
Barton to continue Agenda Item Nos. 17 and 18 to a date uncertain.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Morton absent
17. Adoption of Two Ordinances: (1) Repealing Chapter 16.17 of the
Palo Alto Municipal Code and Amending Title 16 to Adopt a New
Chapter 16.17, California Energy Code, 2008 Edition; and (2)
Repealing Chapter 16.18 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code and
Amending Title 16 to adopt a new Chapter 16.18, Establishing Local
Energy Efficiency Standards for Certain Buildings and Improvements
Covered by the 2008 California Energy Code (continued from 6/1/09).
18. Approval of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Adoption of an
Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map to Apply the Pedestrian and
Transit Oriented Development (PTOD) Combining District to a ½ -
07/06/09 105-017
acre Site Zoned Multiple Family Residential (RM-40) to Allow Eight
Residential Condominiums Above Ground Floor Office Space, a Below
Grade Parking Garage, and Related Site Improvements at 305 Grant
Avenue, 2640 and 2650 Birch Street and 306 and 320 Sheridan
Avenue.
REPORTS OF OFFICIALS
19. Direction to Staff to Prepare an Ordinance Implementing a Residential
Permit Parking Program for the College Terrace Neighborhood.
Council Member Barton advised he would not be participating in Agenda
Item No. 19 as he has a client who lives in the neighborhood.
Interim Director of Planning and Community Environment, Curtis Williams
gave a PowerPoint presentation that reviewed the proposed College
Terrace Neighborhood Residential Permit Parking Program (RPPP). He
recommended that the City Council direct Staff to: 1) Prepare an Ordinance
that would approve and implement the RPPP and report back to the City
Council with a status report; 2) Return to the City Council with a Budget
Amendment Ordinance for interest earned on $100,000; and 3) Accept
additional petitions from College Terrace through September 30, 2009. He
reviewed the RPPP area map, project history, and proposed key elements.
He reviewed the voting results based on polling of the neighborhood, next
steps in the process, future permit expansions and programs, occupancy
parking figures, and alternative options. He requested implementation of
the RPPP no later than January 2010.
Mayor Drekmeier stated he spoke to Stanford University personnel and
they were willing to educate the residents of Stanford on the RPPP.
Council Member Espinosa stated two years was an extended amount of
time to get the RPPP to this point, as the project was clearly defined and
funds were allocated.
Mr. Williams stated the RPPP consisted of initial work including discussions
with effected neighborhoods, cost analysis, administering the program, and
policing issues.
Council Member Espinosa requested a review of the PowerPoint slide titled
Voting Results for Proposed Parking Permit Areas. He inquired how a
patchwork approach made sense from a policy standpoint, and how Staff
would handle a spill-over effect to neighboring areas within the proposed
parking areas.
07/06/09 105-018
Mr. Williams stated the preferred approach was to be uniform; however, in
working with the residents, there was a need for the RPPP to minimize the
impact on some properties. He felt the patchwork approach was a
workable solution. He stated as parking shifts within the neighborhood a
future expansion of the RPPP will be developed. He reviewed the likely
future permit expansion.
Council Member Schmid stated the RPPP showed parking on both sides of
Stanford Avenue. He inquired whether the City had control over the
parking area within Stanford.
Engineer for Planning and Community Environment, Shahla Yazdy stated
parking was not allowed on Stanford property, and verified parking was
allowed only on one side of Stanford Avenue.
Council Member Schmid stated flexibility was an important element; he
inquired why there was a deadline of September 30 for accepting additional
petitions from College Terrace residents. He felt leaving this deadline open
would be appropriate as the effects of the RPPP are felt in neighboring
areas.
Mr. Williams stated a date needed to be established in order to purchase
signage, register participants, administer the program, and establish
parameters.
Council Member Schmid stated Facebook has had an impact on parking,
and inquired why prior issues were not seen before they moved into the
neighborhood.
Mr. Williams stated the Research Park was the development that Facebook
resided in, and was zoned with a parking ratio that corresponds with
laboratory oriented-businesses. He stated an office-use facility requires
more parking than a laboratory-oriented organization. He stated additional
permits were not required of Facebook.
Council Member Schmid stated a change in use in the Research Park should
have initiated a need for additional parking.
Mr. Williams stated the Facebook facility was a limited term site because it
would be zoned residential per the Mayfield Agreement in the future.
Council Member Burt inquired whether the RPPP would be implemented on
the residential side of California Avenue.
07/06/09 105-019
Mr. Williams stated yes.
Council Member Burt inquired on the additional start-up cost for the entire
balance of the College Terrace neighborhood.
Ms. Yazdy stated $95,000. She indicated 900 additional households would
require additional Staff members from Revenue Collections and the Police
Department.
Council Member Burt inquired on the start-up cost for the RPPP as
proposed.
Ms. Yazdy stated $47,000.
Council Member Burt stated there was enough money budgeted if the
entire College Terrace neighborhood opted to participate in the RPPP. He
inquired whether the College Terrace neighborhood was the only
neighborhood in the State that was adjacent to a university that did not
have a RPPP.
Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc., consultant Mike Mowery, stated every
city surveyed had a RPPP.
Council Member Burt inquired on the pick-up locations of the Stanford
shuttle that serve the College Terrace neighborhood.
Ms. Yazdy stated Stanford Avenue, California Avenue, Hale Street, and
Bowdoin Street have pick-up locations.
Council Member Burt inquired whether there was a discussion on relocating
the Stanford shuttle within the College Terrace neighborhood. He felt
convenient stops for residents, rather than students parking in the College
Terrace neighborhood, should be reviewed.
Mr. Williams stated Staff would look into this.
Council Member Klein inquired why the cost for permits for the College
Terrace neighborhood may increase if additional neighborhoods requested
to implement their own RPPP.
Mr. Williams stated additional residential parking permit programs would
require added costs due to the additional Staff needed to administer and
enforce the programs.
07/06/09 105-020
Council Member Klein inquired whether a petition or vote would be needed
by residents requesting to be added to the RPPP.
Ms. Yazdy stated a proposal to reopen the vote on a petition basis was
currently being evaluated by Staff. She stated a letter would be sent to
residents and if 51 percent of residents on a block signed the petition
agreeing to be added to the RPPP, each resident would be sent a follow-up
survey postcard for them to accept or decline to opt into the program.
Council Member Klein stated both the petition and survey was needed and
appropriate.
Ms. Yazdy agreed.
Council Member Klein inquired what the result would be on a block
containing 40 percent willingness to participate in the RPPP.
Mr. Williams stated it would take 51 percent on a petition to be eligible to
be included in the RPPP.
Council Member Klein stated Facebook employees may park along El
Camino Real to avoid the parking permit areas within the RPPP.
Mr. Williams stated Facebook had leased large parking areas and they
would be running shuttles for their employees when the RPPP takes effect.
Council Member Klein inquired on the likelihood of the entire College
Terrace neighborhood opting to be included in the RPPP within one year.
Mr. Williams stated a majority of the blocks would participate in the RPPP.
Council Member Klein inquired whether the City was ethically constrained,
due to discussions and negotiations with residents, on implementing the
RPPP in the entire College Terrace neighborhood.
Mr. Williams stated the City had made a commitment to bring the RPPP
forward, and the program was not scheduled to be put forward all at one
time.
Council Member Klein inquired on the start-up costs involved to
incrementally bring the RPPP to the entire College Terrace neighborhood.
Mr. Williams stated increasing the size of the RPPP in increments would
follow the budget predictions that Staff forecasted; however, adding
streets as they were approved would add additional costs and workload.
07/06/09 105-021
Mr. Keene stated the RPPP in the College Terrace neighborhood would
serve as an example for future projects on this matter.
Council Member Yeh inquired what the most common opposition for
including the entire College Terrace neighborhood was according to
residents.
Ms. Yazdy stated the most common opposition from residents was they felt
there was not a problem that needed to be dealt with.
Council Member Yeh inquired how the City chose the proposed $35.00
violation cost.
Ms. Yazdy stated a neighborhood vote was used to assist Staff in
determining the citation cost. She stated the citation rate proposed had
been increased to $45.00. She stated $10.00 of the citation would be
remitted to the County of Santa Clara, and $5.00 would help fund the
Police Department’s position needed to manage and enforce the RPPP.
Council Member Yeh stated the RPPP consisted of permit revenue and
citation revenue. He inquired whether an approach was looked into to
raise the citation revenue to change the behavior of non-residents parking
in the College Terrace neighborhood.
Police Captain, Mark Venable stated the citation was based on similar
locations within the City and current rates contained within the Municipal
Fee Schedule. He stated the law that was currently being written around
the RPPP could include an increase in citation revenue.
Council Member Yeh inquired whether the City Council had the authority to
set a separate citation level for the RPPP in the College Terrace
neighborhood.
City Attorney, Gary Baum stated yes.
Council Member Yeh stated that given the current streets that have agreed
to participate in the RPPP, no additional Staff would be needed to manage
and enforce the program. He inquired why there was a need for an
additional patrol car as stated in the Staff Report.
Mr. Venable stated last Fiscal Year an additional Community Service
Officer, assigned as a Parking Enforcement Officer, was hired to take
advantage of revenue potentials that had been missed.
07/06/09 105-022
Council Member Yeh inquired whether there were efforts made between the
City and Facebook to align parking interests.
Mr. Williams stated there have been several conversations with Facebook
and they have provided the City with an outline of their program to address
their parking needs.
Council Member Kishimoto inquired whether the Budget included plans for
re-registering participants online.
Mr. Williams stated he was unsure if online re-registering was included
within the Budget; however, Staff had discussed implementing an RPPP
renewing online system.
Council Member Kishimoto inquired on the timeline for a re-registering
online system, and whether it would be compatible with the City’s SAP
system.
Director of Administrative Services, Lalo Perez stated the SAP system
would not tie into the online re-registration program; however, there were
other systems that would tie into SAP for its financial aspects. He stated
capturing vehicle validation of the applicant was essential.
Council Member Kishimoto stated as more streets enter into the RPPP the
need for online services would be greater.
Mr. Perez agreed.
Council Member Kishimoto inquired on the non-residential cars that were
found in the College Terrace neighborhood.
Ms. Yazdy stated there was an occupancy survey that was performed in the
neighborhood.
Mr. Williams stated a survey was performed in 2003 by the Police
Department of vehicle license plates within a 24 hour period. It was found
44 percent were residents and 56 percent were non-residents.
Council Member Burt inquired on the anticipated revenue that was
expected to be generated due to parking enforcement versus the expense
of the enforcement.
Mr. Venable stated existing programs ran by the City more than cover
personnel costs involved in managing and enforcing said programs.
07/06/09 105-023
Council Member Burt inquired whether ongoing costs would be covered by
violations and ticket citation revenues.
Mr. Venable stated yes.
Council Member Burt inquired on setting up off-site locations to register
residents for the RPPP near the College Terrace neighborhood, and whether
the Neighborhood Association had been contacted to help coordinate the
start up involved in registering residents more efficiently.
Mr. Williams stated Staff would look into this idea.
Council Member Espinosa inquired whether there was an analysis
performed to look into an increase in citation fees that would offset the
initial start-up fees for parking permits.
Mr. Williams stated he was unaware of a study.
Mr. Venable stated Staff could analyze the effects of raising citation fees to
offset initial start-up costs to residents or reduce permit costs in the
College Terrace neighborhood.
Doria Summa, 2290 Yale Street, spoke on the parking issues in the College
Terrace neighborhood.
Wendy Smith, 2263 Yale Street, spoke on the parking issues in the College
Terrace neighborhood due to commercial employee parking and her
support of the RPPP.
Colin Mick, 2130 Hanover Street, spoke on his hand-out provided to the
City Council which contained petitions he collected from the neighborhood
in support of the RPPP.
Diane Finkelstein, 2049 Dartmouth Street, spoke on the need for the RPPP
in the College Terrace neighborhood.
Mary B. Fitzgerald, 771 Stanford Avenue, spoke on the parking issues in
the College Terrace neighborhood in both the morning and evening hours.
John Mark Agosta, 1648 California Avenue, spoke on the parking issues
near Facebook. He was in support of including the entire College Terrace
neighborhood in the RPPP and making the process of inclusion easier.
Steve Woodward, 1655 Stanford Avenue, spoke on the assets of the
proposed RPPP.
07/06/09 105-024
Dennis Facchino, 653 Stanford Avenue, spoke on his support of the RPPP.
Karie Epstein, 1143 Stanford Avenue, spoke on issues she had witnessed
regarding the Stanford shuttles that travel through the College Terrace
neighborhood.
Bill Ross, 2103 Amherst Street, spoke on his support of including the entire
College Terrace neighborhood in the RPPP.
Susan Rosenberg, 1425 Stanford Avenue, spoke on behalf of the Board of
Directors of the College Terrace Residences’ Association; she shared its
support of the RPPP and its support to expedite the program.
Melissa Campbell, 2141 Princeton, spoke on her support of the RPPP, and
the potential parking issues regarding the Olmsted Road Staff Rental
Housing Project.
Brent Barker, 2331 Amherst Street, spoke on his belief that the remedy of
the parking issues would be redeemed though the RPPP.
Michael Newton, spoke on the Stanford shuttle issues in the College
Terrace Neighborhood. He overviewed the Stanford shuttle bus route. He
was in support of the RPPP, but not as proposed.
MOTION: Council Member Burt moved, seconded by Council Member
Klein to; 1) Direct Staff to prepare a program Ordinance approving the
College Terrace Residential Permit Program and return to Council for
approval, 2) Direct Staff to return to Council with a Budget Amendment
Ordinance in the amount of $36,839 (representing interest earned on
Stanford University’s $100,000 deposit to provide additional funding for the
initial start-up costs, 3) Authorize Staff to accept additional petitions from
College Terrace neighborhood blocks that did not initially receive 51
percent support, through September 30, 2009, for the initial permit
parking program’s first year implementation, and 4) Request Staff to meet
with Stanford to review their shuttle stop locations.
Council Member Klein stated the process had been elongated and should be
expedited.
Council Member Burt requested that Staff attempt to move the RPPP
forward prior to the start of the 2009 Stanford fall quarter.
07/06/09 105-025
Council Member Klein stated it was too late to bring the entire College
Terrace neighborhood in compliance; however, the current process could
be moved forward and adjustments could be made if needed.
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
MAKER AND SECONDER that Staff attempt to expedite the process so the
program is in place prior to the start of the 2009 Stanford fall quarter.
Council Member Schmid requested that Staff be flexible in accepting
additional RPPP petitions in the College Terrace neighborhood. He stated
the streets within the neighborhood had been identified and it was the City
Council’s intent to move forward as quickly as possible. He stated other
blocks were possibly trying to gather more petitions to be added into the
RPPP. He indicated once the program gets underway, parking will start
moving into other neighborhoods. He felt that rather than set a date as to
when the City will accept petitions, it should be flexible.
Council Member Burt inquired whether this incremental process was
manageable.
Mr. Williams stated yes.
Council Member Klein stated he did not want this item brought back to the
City Council regularly and felt a process was needed.
Mr. Keene stated a batch processing system could be looked into to
incorporate streets into the RPPP efficiently.
INCORPORATED INTO MOTION WITH CONSENT OF THE MAKER AND
SECONDER to be flexible in accepting additional parking program petitions
from College Terrace residents.
Council Member Espinosa stated he supported the RPPP, however did not
agree with the patchwork approach. It was his belief a spillover effect
would be seen once the program was implemented.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Council Member Espinosa moved, seconded by
Council Member Yeh to direct Staff to prepare an Ordinance to look at a
College Terrace wide implementation of the residential parking program to
include: 1) Approve the elements to be included in a Residential Parking
Permit Program in College Terrace, outlined in Attachment A of CMR:
298:08 with the following changes; No. 1) Remains the same, No. 2)
Delete, No. 3) Change to a 2 year opt-out option rather than opt-in, No.5)
Include that residents can get parking permits from within the College
Terrace neighborhood, Nos. 6-9) No changes, No. 10) Change initial cost of
07/06/09 105-026
permit to $15.00, and add No. 11) Raise parking citation fees so the
program is cost neutral; 2) Direct Staff to prepare a program Ordinance
approving the College Terrace Residential Parking Permit Program as
described and return to Council for approval; 3) Direct Staff to return to
Council with a Budget Amendment Ordinance in the amount of $36,839
(representing interest earned on Stanford University’s $100,000 deposit) to
provide additional funding for the initial start-up costs.
Council Member Yeh stated he did not recommend authorizing Staff to
accept additional petitions from the College Terrace neighborhood blocks
through September 30, 2009. He spoke on his recommendation to
approve the elements to be included in the RPPP as outlined in Attachment
A of the Staff report, as follows: 1) No. 2 should be removed; 2) No. 3
should contain an opt-out option clause; 3) No. 5 should include locations
to purchase residential parking permits in the College Terrace
neighborhood; 4) No. 10 to provide residential parking permits at an initial
cost of $15.00; and 5) add No. 11 to raise the citation fees to No. 10 to
become cost neutral.
Mr. Baum stated Staff report recommendation No. 1, to adopt the RPPP’s
Negative Declaration should be removed. He stated the Negative
Declaration would be brought back to the City Council for approval in the
future.
Council Member Kishimoto stated Stanford University charges parking on
their campus which funds their programs. It was her hope that the City
move in the direction of implementing a RPPP in other residential
neighborhoods.
Mr. Baum stated it would take five votes for the Substitute Motion to pass.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION FAILED: 4-3 Burt, Klein, Schmid no, Barton not
participating, Morton absent
Council Member Espinosa inquired on night parking issues within the
College Terrace neighborhood that have been studied.
Mr. Williams stated daytime parking issues were the focus of Staff efforts;
however, he stated nighttime parking issues could be evaluated and
addressed.
Council Member Espinosa stated changing the RPPP’s hours of operation
would require work. He stated enforcement signs would need to be
changed if there were alterations to the RPPP.
07/06/09 105-027
Mr. Williams agreed. He stated the overall consensus of the neighborhood
was that nighttime parking of non-residents was not as significant of an
issue as daytime parking issues.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0 Barton not participating, Morton absent
20. Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Section 2.40.040 of Chapter 2.40
of Title 2 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code Pertaining to Municipal
Elections for Web Posting of Campaign Contributions.
City Clerk, Donna Grider stated the Municipal Code required publishing
campaign contributions in a newspaper of general circulation on the Friday
preceding special and general elections. She recommended the City Council
adopt the proposed Ordinance amending the Municipal Code pertaining to
Municipal Elections for posting campaign contributions online. She spoke on
the beneficial aspects of adopting the proposed Ordinance.
Council Member Espinosa inquired on any legal concerns of not providing
language translations on postings of online campaign contributions.
City Attorney, Gary Baum stated ballot statements were the only voting
materials that required language translations by Federal law.
MOTION: Council Member Barton moved, seconded by Council Member
Espinosa to adopt an Ordinance amending Section 2.40.040 of Chapter 2.40
of Title 2 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code pertaining to municipal elections.
Council Member Barton stated the Staff report was consistent with the City
Council’s direction to utilize technology to communicate information to the
public more efficiently.
Council Member Espinosa spoke on the benefits of the Staff report, including
cost savings.
Council Member Kishimoto spoke on the possibility of posting other pertinent
information on the City’s website.
Ms. Grider indicated she was looking into technology as a means of
communicating information for the public.
Council Member Yeh stated considering the diversity in the community,
volunteers could be sought to translate campaign statements in other
languages. He stated the information translated would consist of a brief
description of the political campaign contribution, candidate’s name, and
contributed dollar amounts.
07/06/09 105-028
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH CONSENT OF THE MAKER
AND SECONDER to have volunteers translate the campaign statements in
Chinese and Spanish languages for online posting of the statements in these
languages.
Council Member Kishimoto inquired whether the language translations would
be mandated or simply volunteered.
Council Member Yeh felt translating campaign contributions should be a
commitment from the City Council and felt it would send a consistent
message to the community of the City Council’s inclusiveness of all
community members.
Council Member Burt felt enlisting the Website Committee or Human
Relations Commission to be the conduit for this project would be beneficial.
Council Member Kishimoto spoke on volunteer translation examples from
past years that were successful.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Morton absent
COUNCIL MATTERS
21. Colleague’s Memo from Mayor Drekmeier, Council Members Espinosa
and Klein Regarding Increasing the Utilities Advisory Commission
(UAC) from Five to Seven Members.
COUNCIL COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND REPORTS FROM CONFERENCES
Council Member Barton reported on the annual Palo Alto Chili contest held
on July 4, 2009.
Council Member Kishimoto reported that the next High Speed Rail
Peninsula Cities Coalition meeting will be held on July 17, 2009.
Council Member Yeh spoke about the letter submitted by the City stating
opposition with amendments to Senator Simitian’s proposed bill regarding
the statewide renewable energy portfolio.
Council Member Espinosa spoke about a plan by the Parks and Recreation
Commission to have community wide discussions on the issue of dogs in
parks.
Mayor Drekmeier spoke about attending the Silicon Valley mayor’s meeting
hosted by Joint Venture of Silicon Valley Network. He also spoke about a
07/06/09 105-029
meeting he attended at the Ox Mountain Landfill in Half Moon Bay on
July 1, 2009. He stated that half of the methane gas produced by the
landfill is being purchased by the City of Palo Alto.
Council Member Burt suggested that the City of Palo Alto should offer a
Palo Alto model on green programs for other Silicon Valley city
governments.
Mayor Drekmeier stated that Joint Venture Silicon Valley Network is
interested in our On-Bill financing program. He also spoke about the
delegation from one of our Sister Cities, Enschede, The Netherlands visiting
here last week.
Council adjourned into Closed Session at 11:18 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 11:50 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
City Clerk Mayor
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