HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-06 City Council Summary Minutes
06/06/2011
Special Meeting
June 6, 2011
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council
Chambers at 6:07 P.M.
Present: Burt, Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Price, Shepherd Scharff, Schmid,
Yeh
Absent:
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager, James Keene, reported that on: 1) on May 21, 2011 there was
a pre-cleanup of litter from the San Francisquito Creek, 2) the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) audit to decrease flood insurance
premiums, 3) the Public Works Department’s recently finished their street
repaving program in College Terrace area, with Crescent Park as the next
planned area, and 4) the City was recently awarded a $250k grant for a
rubberized asphalt street repaving program.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mark Petersen-Perez spoke regarding PaloAltoFreePress.com, and freedom of
press rights. He noted his plan to file a State Bar complaint regarding the
anti-discrimination policy, in that he has been excluded from news and
media announcements.
John Morris spoke regarding the AT&T cell tower installation and disapproval
regarding the sites of these mock installations in residential neighborhoods.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Vice Mayor Yeh moved, seconded by Council Member Shepherd
to approve the minutes of April 11, 2011.
MOTION PASSED: 9-0
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Herb Borock spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 3. He felt it was premature
to take a stance on the proposal for several reasons including timing and the
pending lawsuit. He suggested they look at the items which the High Speed
Rail Authorities agreed upon. He cited information from Eurostar Rail and
lessons they have learned regarding high speed rail.
City Manager, James Keene, spoke regarding Agenda Item Number 3, the
letter to Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo, Senator Joe Simitian and Assembly
Member Rich Gordon. He stated Council Member Schmid suggested
changing the wording in the graph, contained in the letter, to “System
should remain within Caltrain ROW(Right of Way)”, which he believed was
appropriate.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Yeh moved, seconded by Council Member Klein to
approve Agenda Item Numbers 1-3, to include changing the wording in the
graph of Agenda Item Number 3, contained in the letter, to “System should
remain within Caltrain ROW”.
1. Request for Approval of: 1) Agreement Between the City of Palo Alto
on Behalf of the Joint Powers and the Midpeninsula Community Media
Center, Inc. for Public, Education, and Government Access Channel
Support Services; 2) Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. C05111535
Between the City of Palo Alto and Midpeninsula Community Media
Center, Inc. in the Amount of $25,000 for Cablecasting and Other
Production Services Through June 30, 2011 for a Total Amount Not to
Exceed $125,000; 3) Agreement Between the City of Palo Alto and
Midpeninsula Community Media Center, Inc. in the Amount of
$100,000 for Cablecasting Services from July 1, 2011 Through June
30, 2014; and 4) Authorize the City Manager to Execute Amendments
to the Cablecasting Services Agreement Between the City of Palo Alto
and the Midpeninsula Community Media Center, Inc. for Additional
Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $25,000 Per Year.
2. Approval of Contract Amendment No. 1 to Add $48,510 to Contract
No. S11136318 with R3 Consulting Group, Inc. for a Total Amount Not
to Exceed $133,190 for Completion of the Refuse Fund Cost of Service
Study.
3. Approval of Letter to Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo, Senator Joe
Simitian and Assembly Member Rich Gordon to authorize the Rail
Committee to communicate with the Peninsula Cities Consortium
(PCC), the California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) and related
interests as necessary, regarding the City’s support of the April 18th,
2011 joint statement on High Speed Rail (HSR).
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MOTION PASSED: 9-0
Mayor Espinosa reminded the public, Staff and Council about an upcoming
meeting on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 where High Speed Rail was scheduled
for discussion.
ACTION ITEMS
4. Approval of an Amendment to the Agreement with Sherry L. Lund
Associates in an Amount of $7,450 for Mid-Year Check-In and
Alignment for Council Appointed Officers (CAO), and Review and
Approval of Revised Criteria for City Attorney Performance Evaluation.
Council Member Holman spoke regarding the mid-year check-in suggested
by Council in the past. This mid-year check-in had not been done yet due to
lack of time. A mid-year check differed from CAO evaluations in that it
looked forward and helped to reset goals. She spoke regarding Ms. Lund
and her work. She discussed the City Attorney and City Auditor reviews.
She noted the CAOs deserved the best guidance available from Council and
these mid-year checks would aid in that process.
Sherry Lund, Sherry Lund and Associates, stated the CAO’s are responsible
for finance and personnel issues for the city. The CAO and Council’s
relationship was unique. They have nine (9) bosses who make majority
rulings. The only time CAO’s received unified direction from Council was
during closed session reviews. The City Attorney’s contract called for a mid-
year evaluation. The mid-year checks were about alignment and course
correction.
Council Member Shepherd noted there was an Interim Auditor at this time.
She asked how the Auditor’s review process was managed in the original
contract.
Ms. Lund stated the Auditor staff was interviewed along with the Interim
Auditor during the annual review process. Information was then forwarded
along to help with the hiring process.
Council Member Shepherd asked for clarification on the Interim Auditor and
how this incorporated all four CAO’s in the agreement.
Ms. Lund stated time would be used to set goals for the new City Auditor.
Council Member Shepherd asked for clarification on the funding.
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Ms. Lund noted the costs would be reduced $900 per person if a review was
not completed.
MOTION: Council Member Schmid moved, seconded by Council Member
Scharff to approve Staff recommendation to: 1) authorize the Mayor to enter
into an amendment to the contract with Sherry L. Lund and Associates in an
amount of $7,450 (subject to 10% standard contingency) for facilitation of
Council Appointed Officer Mid-Year Check-ins, and 2) approval of revised
criteria for the City Attorney performance evaluation.
Council Member Schmid was in favor of these evaluations.
Council Member Scharff agreed that this was a worthwhile effort.
AMENDMENT: Council Member Klein moved, seconded by Council Member
Shepherd to not authorize an amendment to the contract with Sherry L.
Lund and Associates in an amount of $7,450 for facilitation of Council
Appointed Officer Mid-Year Check-ins.
Council Member Klein stated the check-ins were very involved and were
more like evaluations. He did not believe the cost for this process was
$7,450. He noted it came at a significantly higher cost when time spent was
factored into the equation. He did not see the benefit to the mid-year
check-in, this year in particular, when it came to the Auditor position. He
also did not believe a mid-year check-in was needed for the City Clerk. This
left consideration of a mid-year check for the City Manager which he also did
not believe was necessary.
Council Member Shepherd stated it was the wrong year to spend the funds
on this particular item and agreed with Council Member Klein.
Council Member Holman was not in support of the Amendment. She spoke
regarding the value of the mid-year check with Sherry Lund, Associates.
Council Member Price was not supportive of the Amendment. She felt
Council needed the professional guidance and support for this mid-year
check to be focused and precise.
Mayor Espinosa associated himself with the comments made by Council
Member Price.
AMENDMENT FAILED: 3-6 Burt, Klein, Shepherd yes
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
MAKER AND SECONDER to delete the Mid-Year Check-in of the City Clerk
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and to reduce the contract amendment for Mid-Year Check-ins with Sherry L.
Lund and Associates by $900.
Council Member Scharff agreed the mid-year check for the City Clerk was
unnecessary. With the possibility of a new hire for the City Auditor position,
he felt this mid-year check was necessary.
Council Member Burt asked when the mid-year check would take place.
Ms. Lund noted this occurred in December or January, depending on
Council’s schedule.
Council Member Burt asked, in the hiring process of the City Auditor, to what
degree were they defining goals as part of the process.
Ms. Lund stated she was not aware of the conversations with the recruiters.
Setting goals after the person came on board was usually a different goal-
setting process.
Council Member Holman concurred with Ms. Lund.
AMENDMENT: Council Member Holman moved, seconded by Council
Member XXX to add $4,550 to the Council budget to do the Mid-Year Check-
ins.
AMENDMENT FAILED DUE TO THE LACK OF A SECOND
Council Member Scharff asked if the original Motion for the annual reviews
contained a reduction of $1500 less if completed by August.
Council Member Holman stated the discount still applied.
Council Member Schmid asked if the funding for the mid-year check-ins was
added to the budget from the Council Contingency or added to the 2012
Annual Budget.
Ms. Grider stated funds would need to come from the Budget Stabilization
Fund or the Council Contingency.
Council Member Holman stated the amount was $4950 without the Clerk’s
mid-year check. It was then subject to further reductions if the Council
Members met their deadlines for CAO evaluations.
Council Member Scharff stated he would rather they all meet the deadline in
order to lower the amount.
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AMENDMENT: Council Member Shepherd moved, seconded by Council
Member Klein to delete the Mid-Year Check-in of the City Auditor.
AMENDMENT FAILED: 3-6 Burt, Klein, Shepherd Yes
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
MAKER AND SECONDER to add $4,550 to the Council budget for the Mid-
Year Check-ins.
Council Member Scharff was not supportive of this. He noted the ability for
further savings if Council Members simply met their deadlines.
Council Member Holman noted it was prudent to leave this amount in there
in case it needed to be drawn upon.
MOTION AS AMENDED PASSED: 6-3 Klein, Price, Shepherd no
Council Member Holman noted the minor revisions to the City Attorney
Performance Evaluation.
The City Council took a break from 6:53 P.M. and returned at 7:04 P.M.
5. Public Hearing-Quasi Judicial: Certification of the Final Environmental
Impact Report for the Stanford University Medical Center Facilities
Renewal and Replacement Project (SUMC Project); Adoption of a
Resolution 9168 Containing California Environmental Quality Act
Findings and a Statement of Overriding Considerations; Adoption of a
Resolution 9169 Amending the Comprehensive Plan to Permit the
SUMC Project; Adoption of an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Code to
Establish a New “Hospital District”; Adoption of an Ordinance
Approving a Thirty–Year Development Agreement; Adoption of a
Record of Land Use Action Approving a Conditional Use Permit for the
SUMC Project; Adoption of a Resolution 9170 Commencing Annexation
of an Approximate 0.65 acre Site from Santa Clara County;
Acceptance of SUMC Area Plan Update; and Adoption of a Resolution
9171 Approving Architectural Review Board Findings.
Council Member Klein advised he would not be participating in Agenda Item
Number 5 as his wife is on staff at Stanford University. He left the meeting
at 7:05 P.M.
Mayor Espinosa reviewed the process for this Item, noting he was following
a script for this purpose. The script was meant to provide consistency as
they discussed these quasi-judicial matters.
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Senior Assistant City Attorney, Cara Silver, stated the Council Procedure’s
Handbook required a disclosure of ex parte communications on the quasi-
judicial items.
Advanced Planning Manager, Steven Turner discussed the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), certification of the Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) and adoption of the resolution containing the CEQA findings
and Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC). Entitlements were
reviewed as well as the Developmental Agreement. He gave an overview of
the site to orient Council and the public. Project meetings were reviewed
along with what had taken place over the past four years including the 2011
meetings thus far. Accomplishments were reviewed including the complete
EIR review, hospital peer reviews, the Architectural Review Board (ARB)
process, negotiations for the Development Agreement (DA) and resolution of
issues, as well as the development of the project to facilitate tree
preservation. Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) meetings were
discussed which resulted in the unanimous recommendation and approval of
all items except for the Final EIR which had a 5-1 vote for approval. The
Commission’s recommendations included adjustments to entitlement
documents and information consistent with the PTC recommendations.
Policy issues were also raised on several of the 11 items discussed. The
Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) was also reviewed. This included
a 69-day public review period for the Draft EIR. This was comprised of 13
public hearings. Over 1,000 individual comments were received on the Draft
EIR via members of the public, Commissioners, City Council Members and
members of the ARB and Historical Resources Board (HRB). Forty-one (41)
significant impacts were cited, though all but 12 were reduced to less-than-
significant status. The comprehensive Mitigations, Monitoring and Reporting
Program (MMRP) for those 12 remaining items were discussed. Council
must adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC) for these
remaining 12 issues. The SOC included two categories of benefits from the
amenities of the Project which constituted the overriding considerations.
These were the amenities to the project itself, as well as additional
community benefits, and other payments negotiated as part of the DA for
the Project.
Deputy City Manager, Steve Emslie, reviewed the 30-year Development
Agreement which was negotiated in 2010-2011. He discussed the primary
community benefits which included health care, Palo Alto fiscal benefits,
traffic mitigation and reduced vehicle trip measures, linkages,
infrastructures, sustainable neighborhoods and communities with affordable
housing and climate change. He reviewed the DA update and preliminary
reviews which were presented to the City Council, the Finance Committee
and the Policy & Services Committee in January 2011, March 2011 and April
2011, respectively. The fiscal benefit provisions included payment of $2.42
million to address projected deficits of the project, Use Tax Direct Payment
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Permits at $750,000 over the lifetime of the project, and a guaranteed
receipt by the City of no less than $8.1 million in Construction Use Tax
Revenue. He summarized the community benefits in the DA and the
structuring of payments to the City of Palo Alto, Menlo Park, AC Transit and
Caltrain. The key issues which came to the forefront in various meetings
with Council were discussed. These included Caltrain and the viability of the
Go Pass, intersection monitoring, indexing and cost escalations over the DA
term and neighboring communities’ traffic issues. Recommendations for
CEQA, entitlements and the DA were reviewed.
Mr. Keene spoke regarding the hard work that was done in meeting the
schedules which Council had set out 18 months prior. He gave an overview
of what was expected of Council at this meeting.
Planning & Transportation Commissioner, Eduardo Martinez, discussed the
over eight hours of meetings and discussions held. He noted that the PTC
supported the project without a doubt and recommended that Council certify
the FEIR and CEQA findings. The PTC also recommended approval of the
SOC and approval of creation of the new Hospital District. He noted they
deliberated a great deal on the housing impacts and disagreed with the
consultant’s work on this subject. He discussed the housing impacts and
how they affected the school district. The PTC found exception to the
mitigation of the Stone Building, though they agreed with the SOC. They
felt the recommendation for mitigation in creating a historical fund to
recognize the historical and architectural importance of Stanford Hospital
was a worthy idea. They also felt traffic mitigations were an issue. He
discussed whether the Go Passes were adequate. He looked forward to the
yearly review of this. He also discussed the Comprehensive Plan and how it
applied to the plans for the Stanford project. He discussed changes to the
Land Use Map.
Architectural Review Board Chair, Clare Malone-Pritchard, noted the
extensive review process that was done. She gave an overview of this
process and how they broke down the components of the project. The most
important part of the review was the environmental impacts and the
proposed mitigations. She broke down the voting numbers in their approval
of the project.
Historic Resources Board Member, Beth Bunnenberg, spoke about the
Hoover Pavilion as a major asset to the campus, architecturally and
medically. She gave an overview of the board’s review of this and some of
their concerns over the changes with regard to CEQA standards and the
medical office buildings.
Public hearing opened at 7:59 P.M.
9 06/06/2011
Christopher Dawes, President of Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, spoke on
behalf of himself, Amir Ruben, and Dean Pizzo on the importance of the
project and the collaboration. He stated it was a breathtaking project which
played a transformative role in health care. He noted they were committed
to spend the money in order to make this possible. They were committed to
ensuring the finest health care possible on a daily basis as well as in the
event of a disaster situation. He discussed how the improvement plan
helped them to meet the ongoing needs of the community. Their focus was
on the creation of a hospital and clinic that met current and future needs of
the community. He discussed the key design elements of the projects as
well as the guiding principles they kept in mind over the four-year process.
Mark Tortorich, Vice President of Design and Construction-Stanford Hospital,
gave an overview of the facility’s renewal projects. He also thanked the
ARB, HRB and the PTC for their time, efforts, comments and guidance.
Infrastructure improvements were discussed for the Welch Road Corridor.
Hoover Site projects were also discussed with the three projects contained
on this site. The Hoover site development plans protected the historic view
shed. He discussed the design of the Lucille Packard’s Children’s Hospital,
its expansion needs and how this fit the existing landscape. Environmental
stability was also discussed for the Children’s Hospital. Hospital and clinic
structures were discussed, the 1959 structuring versus what was needed
now and into the future. The integration and linkage of the University to the
hospital was discussed. Further energy-saving and sustainability
components were reviewed. The changes to the Stanford School of Medicine
buildings were summarized. He spoke to the four-year history of
collaborative efforts in design, the overwhelming support from the
community and the philanthropic support they have for the project.
Prudence Delamater spoke regarding the acute need within the community
for acute psychiatric care/beds for children at the hospital.
Crystal Gamage spoke in support of the Stanford Project. She discussed its
history and value to the community and hoped for approval of the project.
John Kelley spoke in support of the Stanford Project, and the care given to
his family when they have had to use it. He spoke about the benefits of the
School of Medicine. He discussed environmental issues, mitigations and
climate change.
Former Mayor, Gary Fazzino spoke in support of the Stanford Project and the
quality medical care provided by the hospital.
Dr. Dan Bernstein spoke in support of the Stanford Project and the benefits
of the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.
10 06/06/2011
Anne Dauer spoke in support of the Stanford Hospital Renewal Project and
urged approval of the plans.
Walt Hays spoke in support of the Stanford Hospital Renewal Project and the
benefit of having a hospital which was seismically safe as well as cutting-
edge in medical care and research. He also submitted a letter from a
Friends group regarding support of the project.
Dr. S.V. Mahadevan spoke in support of the Stanford Hospital Renewal
Project and the care given to his family and the public by the emergency
department.
Susie Thom spoke in support of the Stanford Hospital Medical Center
Renewal Project. She discussed the history of the project planning and
review process.
Marilyn Anderson spoke in support of the Stanford Hospital Medical Center
Renewal Project. She thanked Council for their time and effort in the plan.
Dan Dykwel, Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Chair, spoke in support of the
Stanford Hospital Renewal Project.
Dr. Joe Hopkins spoke in support of the Stanford Hospital Renewal Project
and urged Council to approve the project.
Ron Johnson spoke in support of the Stanford Hospital Renewal Project. His
comments came from the perspective of being on the board at Stanford as
well as being an employee at Apple. He noted six companies in the area had
contributed funds to this hospital project because they recognized the
importance of the project.
Carlos Romero, East Palo Alto Mayor, spoke regarding the final EIR as well
as the contributions of the hospital and campus to the community.
Steve Young spoke in support of the Stanford Hospital Renewal Project.
Stephanie Munoz spoke in approval of the project; however, she did not
believe it was a good idea to tear down the old hospital within the realm of
this project. She commented on the financial sustainability of the project as
well.
Liz Kniss, Santa Clara County Supervisor, spoke in support of the Stanford
Hospital Renewal Project and putting a face on the hospital, its care, the
patients and what was provided to the community.
11 06/06/2011
Amir Dan Rubin, President, Stanford Hospital & Clinics, thanked everyone for
the commitment to the project. He noted the hospital’s continuing objective
was to provide patient care, innovations, compassion and seismically sound
facilitation. He discussed some of the front-running innovations and
pioneering developments which occurred at Stanford Hospitals in the past.
Dean Pizzo, Dean, Stanford School of Medicine, spoke in appreciation for the
efforts thus far, as well as an appreciation of the community comments. He
discussed the past and future considerations of the project, which have
changed the face of medicine.
Public hearing closed at 9:05 P.M.
Mayor Espinosa opened the meeting up for Council Members to discuss and
gave an overview of what was expected next in the meeting with a
discussion in three categories: 1) certification of the EIR, 2) land use
permits, and 3) issues related to the Development Agreement.
MOTION: Council Member Scharff moved, seconded by Council Member
Burt to: 1) certify the Final Environmental Impact Report, and 2) adopt the
Resolution containing the California Environmental Quality Act Findings and a
Statement of Overriding Considerations.
Council Member Scharff thanked everyone for coming out on the subject.
He noted his pride over the community coming together on the issue. He
discussed the EIR and the overriding considerations.
Council Member Burt discussed where issues stood now as opposed to
during the early years of their discussion processes. He noted the tradeoffs
involved and project impacts, though many of these were mitigated fully or
significantly so. He stressed the net value of the project. He stated this was
a sustainable project which integrated well with its surroundings. He looked
forward to approving the EIR and the project.
Vice Mayor Yeh thanked Staff and the Applicant for their efforts. He noted
the decision came down to a sequence of votes, which reflected the many
lessons they have learned over the four years of discussion. He spoke to the
level of detailed review and discussion by the various boards and
commissions. He looked forward to supporting this Motion and subsequent
Motions regarding project approval.
Council Member Shepherd agreed with Mayor Yeh in that this project met
with the Council’s top five priorities. She spoke primarily to the historic
nature of this project and its large scale. She was appreciative of the
ongoing debates which provided information for them to make educated
decisions.
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Council Member Price noted the discussions on this issue had resulted, over
the years, in a quality process. She appreciated the quality of the technical
work done and also the input from the community. She discussed the
complexity of the plan and its positives. She was pleased with the
mitigations and the monitoring plans.
Council Member Schmid stated this was a night of celebration for the City.
He also spoke to the linkage the community had with Stanford Hospital and
what this meant for the community’s future. He acknowledged the hard
work done on the EIR and was in support of moving ahead with this.
Council Member Holman noted the difficulty of putting a dollar amount on
the value of the EIR which tipped the scales when it came to previous EIR
processes. She noted a high level of time and effort was put into these
documents. She asked for a clarification of the terminology “use reasonable
efforts” when speaking about the mitigation measures. She noted the
terminology had a fair amount of interpretations. She asked how Staff
would monitor these situations.
Ms. Silver stated there were two terms they typically used in mitigation
efforts. These were “best efforts” and “use reasonable efforts,” which were
common terms with legal meanings as well. The expectation was that
Stanford would be fully cooperative in enforcing these mitigation measures.
Council Member Holman asked for clarification on whether there was
maximum flexibility if ridership numbers fluctuated since traffic patterns
were subject to change.
Ms. Silver noted they had received comments on this via various boards and
commissions as well as after Policy & Services Committee review. There
was flexibility in terms of the Transportation Demand Management Program.
This was built into the Development Agreement.
Council Member Holman spoke to greenhouse gases, air quality and traffic
impacts. She noted strong measures to mitigate these issues were crucial.
She agreed the loss of the Stone Building was unfortunate, but that the
seismic upgrades were necessary for safety.
Mayor Espinosa noted that he and members of Council had several
opportunities over the course of the discussions to visit Stanford Hospital
and see for themselves what they were looking at as far as the necessity for
redevelopment. He stated due diligence took place and there was now a
project which worked well for the community. He was supportive of the
Motion. On behalf of the City, he stated they looked forward to a different
era of collaboration with Stanford hospitals and campus.
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MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Klein not participating
Council Member Holman asked for clarification on Mr. Martinez previous
comments about policy changes.
Director of Planning & Community Environment, Curtis Williams, spoke to
this issue and the fact that it was the 50-foot height limit that leads these
discussions. There were discussions on how and where this was applied.
After review by the subcommittee and a look at the Comprehensive Plan, the
overall sense was height limits and compliance issues must correlate with
the overall Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Martinez stated these changes do not affect the policies on the impacts
of height, scale and mass, but there was a clause provided to make
exceptions. He felt this was confusing and therefore fit better in a section
regarding the land use elements.
Mr. Williams stated it was appropriate to keep it where it was, but they may
look at stating it in additional sections as well.
Ms. Silver noted they had gone back and forth on whether or not to use
separate language for Stanford. Staff felt it was appropriate to address the
issues in policy as they came up. She noted it was more user-friendly to
have the discussion first with the exceptions below them rather than located
somewhere else in the Comprehensive Plan.
MOTION: Council Member Scharff moved, seconded by Mayor Espinosa to:
1) adopt the Resolution amending the Comprehensive Plan to permit the
SUMC Project, 2) adopt the Ordinance amending the Zoning Code to
establish a new “Hospital District”, 3) adopt the Record of Land Use Action
approving a Conditional Use Permit for the SUMC Project, 4) adopt the
Resolution approving Architectural Review Board Findings, 5) adopt the
Resolution commencing annexation of an approximate 0.65 acre site from
Santa Clara County, and 6) accept the SUMC Area Plan Updates.
Council Member Scharff spoke briefly on the excellence of the project and
everyone’s hard work. He stated the redevelopment plan worked for both
parties and struck the right balance.
Mayor Espinosa recalled they were speaking to the six components of the
Land Use Actions. He stated they flowed from the EIR which they had
previously voted on.
Council Member Schmid asked about the limit on commercial development
within the city. He asked how this impacted the Comprehensive Plan.
14 06/06/2011
Ms. Silver stated the limit exempts only if the Amendment went into effect.
Council Member Schmid asked if there were exemptions prior to this.
Ms. Silver noted the Amendment was meant to clarify and prevent
ambiguity.
Council Member Schmid asked if the passing of the Amendment affected
future developments in the Hospital Zone.
Ms. Silver stated this was correct, although there was not much area left up
for development possibilities after the project’s completion. She stated the
process started over with any planned additions to the zone.
Council Member Schmid asked if there were any city limits associated with
these discussions.
Ms. Silver stated there were City limitations, although there also was not a
large available footprint left for development in this area.
Council Member Price asked about the East Palo Alto mitigations and how
they planned to document these along with the current materials.
Ms. Silver recommended these mitigations inclusion in the Development
Agreement.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Klein not participating
Mr. Keene noted the City Attorney had some statements at this time
regarding the additional language.
Mayor Espinosa noted for transparency that these were not changes they
were making at the last minute but was material received, and in the public
record, which required incorporation into the plan.
Ms. Silver made suggestions regarding materials on page 20, packet page
278, of the Development Agreement 5 C 5 iii, Exhibit D of the Staff report
with regard to the East Palo Alto letter and payments. She noted the
hospital will make a payment of “$200,000 for roadway and traffic signal
improvements scheduled to be done on the length of University Avenue
within the East Palo Alto city limits. This work includes repaving and
restriping/bike lanes to improve both vehicular and non-vehicular traffic
flow. In the event that the SUMC does not come through with a contingent
$150,000 from the $4 million Palo Alto was slated to receive from the
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hospital if the TDM measures set forth in TR 2.3 do not achieve 35.1 percent
usage of alternative transportation by 2025.”
MOTION: Council Member Shepherd moved, seconded by Council Member
Burt to: 1) adopt the Ordinance approving a Development Agreement
between the City of Palo Alto and the Applicants that would grant certain
development rights in exchange for certain public benefits, and 2) include in
the Development Agreement, page 20, Exhibit C, a new Section 5(c) iii,
entitled East Palo Alto Voluntary Mitigation that would include:
1) Stanford University Hospital would make a contribution of $200,000 to
the City of East Palo Alto for roadway and traffic signal improvements
scheduled to be done on the length of University Avenue within the East
Palo Alto city limits. This work includes repaving and restriping/bike
lanes, to improve both vehicular and non-vehicular traffic flow.
2) In the event the SUMC parties are unable to meet the trip diversion goal
set forth in this agreement such that the $4m penalty payment is
triggered the City of Palo Alto shall remit the $150,000 of the penalty
payment to the City of East Palo Alto.
Council Member Shepherd concluded they had what was necessary to move
this project forward in a fluid manner. She saw this as an asset to the
community. She noted many of the mitigations were directed as mitigations
from the hospital and called out in the EIR, but some of the others were
tracking well with Council priorities. She spoke to the appreciation of the
synergy of the project. She was pleased by the projects sustainability
aspects.
Council Member Schmid stated they had just certified the EIR which clearly
stated the greatest impacts were traffic. He felt this needed further address.
He noted the City might exercise the option to check up on the traffic
impacts along the way.
AMENDMENT: Council Member Schmid moved, seconded by Council
Member Holman to add to the Monitoring of TDM Programs, section viii, in
the Development Agreement, page 22, in addition the City of Palo Alto will
monitor in year 2017 and 2025 activity at 10 intersections that feed directly
into SUMC to see if there is any substantial variations from these cited in the
EIR, and as a result of the monitoring should additional or unanticipated
impacts be identified maximum flexibility can be applied to the use of
mitigation dollars to reduce impacts.
Council Member Schmid stated he had identified areas where things may go
wrong with the Go Passes. He also discussed hospital visitation traffic and
its effects on intersection monitoring. He spoke to the various intersections
16 06/06/2011
and the ease of monitoring these intersections. A national consulting firm
had identified higher trip issues for suburban hospitals. Since Stanford was
growing, this made them more like an extensive suburban hospital. He felt
this provided a good reason to include the City and Council on a check-in of
the alternative mode sharing.
Council Member Holman clarified that this was to include the ability to flex
the spending of the already established funds for this process. She was in
support of this Amendment since traffic was a large concern for health and
well being. This required the maximum flexibility for monitoring. She
repeated they were not asking for additional dollars but flexibility on the
spending in this area.
Mr. Keene stated Staff already monitors intersections around the city on an
ongoing basis. There was no plan, however, for future check-ins.
Ms. Silver noted, to the extent the language was incorporated into the
Development Agreement, the Applicant needed to approve this as well. If
the Applicant did not approve the incorporation of language into the DA,
then they could make this a Council directive to Staff instead.
Bill Phelps noted they had significant concerns over the Amendment. He
stated it took the issue on a tangent as to the way they were providing trip
mitigations in the EIR. The TDM approach was applied to employees and not
patients and visitors. The granular analysis of how traffic was mitigated,
how it was evaluated and what happened in different scenarios was all
addressed in the Development Agreement. He stated this aspect of review
made it difficult to attribute the happenings at these intersections with the
medical center. Ambiguity of analysis was created because of this and he
reiterated they were not in approval of the language in the Amendment.
Council Member Burt had some problem with the Amendment which
excluded elements of how to implement it. He also did not see that
differentiations were possible at the intersection level as to whether the
traffic flow was directly attributed to Stanford’s development process. He
disagreed on the premise of the Amendment since it was not clear how all
the conclusions were drawn. He was not in support of the Amendment.
Council Member Scharff thought the issues had already been addressed
prior. He was not clear on the need for the Amendment.
Council Member Price was not in support of the Amendment.
Council Member Shepherd was not in support of the Amendment. She
agreed with Council Members Price, Burt and Scharff on reorganization of
trip strategies.
17 06/06/2011
Council Member Holman asked the City Attorney if there was a conflict
between the Amendment and the FEIR.
Ms. Silver noted, in the way that she had heard the Amendment, this
required the City to do further studies to supplement their understandings;
however, the Applicant had made it known they were not in agreement to
the Amendment language. She stated Council was hard-pressed, then, to
incorporate this into the DA.
AMENDMENT FAILED: 1-7 Schmid yes, Klein not participating
Council Member Price supported the original Motion. She noted the
consistency of elements within the project plan. She agreed the issues of
physical and mental health were important to the community as well as the
focus in the child and adolescent mental health areas.
Council Member Holman spoke to the establishment of a preservation fund
for the Stone Building. She noted they were in a place where they had the
critical components for approval of the DA. She felt it was a reasonable
agreement. She wished, however, that there was the inclusion of some
items that would not cost Stanford further dollars but provided community
benefit. These items included extending park leases, upstream catch basin
and other flood alleviation measures. Going forward she hoped for increased
efforts at solidifying the partnership between Stanford Hospital and campus
with Palo Alto for a strong community bond.
Mayor Espinosa asked about the U-Line bus route as a point of clarification
as to where this was referenced.
Ms. Silver noted they did not have the specific language yet. On Council
direction they would explore this with Stanford.
Mayor Espinosa made closing remarks including the fact that even though
they were ending the discussion process they were entering a whole new
process with the development. He noted the future transformative effects of
what they had before them in their agreement.
Ms. Silver reread the portions of text to be added regarding the $200,000
payments for roadway and traffic signal improvements, the contingent
$15,000 and the U-Line “on demand” stop along the U-Line route within the
city limits of the City of East Palo Alto for those commuting to either end-line
location.
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
MAKER AND SECONDER to direct Staff to work with AC Transit, Santa
18 06/06/2011
Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Stanford and the City of East Palo Alto
to deal with the “U” Bus Line issue.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Klein not participating
Council took a break at 10:31 P.M. and returned at 10:39 P.M.
COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member Burt commented on the World Music Event, he had concerns
about closing University Avenue for 10 hours; he suggested considering
closing Ramona Street and Bryant Avenue, between University Avenue and
Hamilton Avenue.
City Manager, James Keene stated that Staff would look into his concerns.
Mayor Espinosa clarified that the closure was going to be as few hours as
possible, and the portion of University Avenue to be closed was going to be
as small as possible.
Council Member Klein returned at 10:45 P.M.
Council Member Shepherd reported on attending the Palo Alto PTA awards
ceremony on Friday, June 3, 2011.
Council Member Scharff spoke on the World Music Event; he requested that
if there are changes to the closing of University Avenue that Staff contact
the Palo Alto Business Improvement District.
Mayor Espinosa spoke on the Electric Vehicle Symposium held in Palo Alto
this past week; he gave kudos to the 79 Palo Alto High School students who
received the Presidential Awards for their volunteer hours this past year;
additionally, Sven Tessen who held the opening of his new home, which is
considered the greenest house in Palo Alto.
The City Council convened into the Closed Session at 10:51 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
6. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
Authority: Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 4000 Middlefield Avenue, Assessors Parcel No. 147-08-052
Negotiating Party: Linda Thor, Chancellor
Foothill-De Anza Community College District
19 06/06/2011
City Negotiator: James Keene, Donald Larkin, Steve Emslie, Lalo
Perez, Martha Miller
Subject of Potential Negotiations: Price and Terms of Payment for
Possible Future Sale/Lease
The City Council reconvened from the Closed Session at 11:15 P.M. and
Mayor Espinosa advised no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 11:16 P.M.