HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-03 City Council Summary MinutesCITY OF PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL
FINAL MINUTES
Page 1 of 31
Special Meeting
June 3, 2019
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council
Chambers at 5:06 P.M.
Present: Cormack, DuBois, Filseth, Fine, Kniss, Kou, Tanaka
Absent:
Closed Session
1. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY- EXISTING LITIGATION
Subject: Gustavo Alvarez v. City of Palo Alto, et al.
United States District Court, Northern District of California,
Case No. 5:19-cv-02328-NC
Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
MOTION: Council Member DuBois moved, seconded by Council Member
Kniss to go into Closed Session.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
Council went into Closed Session at 5:07 P.M.
Council returned from Closed Session at 6:18 P.M.
Mayor Filseth announced no reportable action.
Study Session
2. Safe Routes to School Annual Update.
Rosie Mesterhazy, Safe Routes to School Coordinator reported supporting
users of all ages and sharing the road safely were important parts of the
Comprehensive Plan, the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan and the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan. Bicycling as a transportation
choice was a shared community value for more than 125 years. A new
Public Service Announcement (PSA) entitled "A Safe Routes to School Bike
History Lesson" was shared via social media channels. With the help of
partners, the City offered more than 164 educational trainings during the
year, developed more than 12 youth-focused programs, enhanced middle
school bike safety presentations, and supported the creation of a local bike
FINAL MINUTES
Page 2 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
recovery registry. Equity programs distributed 200 bike lights, 15 bikes with
helmets, and more than 30 new helmets to students. In response to
concerns about student transportation safety, the Palo Alto Police
Department reinstituted its traffic team. Staff planned on discussing an
expansion of the crossing guard program and a cost-sharing agreement with
Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD). Classroom tally data suggested a
3 percent increase in alternative transportation mode share from the
previous year. A Gunn High School student created a roundabout safety
video that would be used in educational outreach. The Safe Routes to
School partnership adopted strategies for year 3 of the 5 year plan. Staff
hoped to increase the scope of data collection and to develop a PAUSD Safe
Routes to School policy.
Council Member DuBois noted biking had increased by 5 percent. He
inquired whether the Residential Preferential Parking Permit (RPP) Program in the Southgate neighborhood was a factor in increasing the number of high
school students that bike.
Sylvia Star-Lack, Transportation Programs Manager answered yes, the RPP
and construction.
Council Member DuBois suggested Staff hold bike events at drop-off
locations. Perhaps student bicyclists were able to earn prizes through a
commuter tracking app. Enforcement of bicycle safety was needed at the
California Avenue tunnel. He asked if PAUSD installed surveillance cameras
on bike cages.
Ms. Mesterhazy indicated PAUSD installed cameras at the middle and high
schools.
Council Member DuBois asked if the biking numbers included pedestrians.
Ms. Mesterhazy advised that elementary students represented an
opportunity for increasing the number of pedestrians and bicyclists.
Completing the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan encouraged
families and younger residents to consider alternative transportation modes.
Council Member DuBois asked if PAUSD and/or the Parent Teacher
Associations (PTA) helped recruit volunteers for Safe Routes to School.
Ms. Mesterhazy clarified that volunteers were needed at each school to implement carpooling programs. Staff was likely to recommend
implementation of a carpool pilot program at Ohlone and Hoover Elementary
Schools.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 3 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Council Member Cormack was pleased with the increase in high school
numbers and the use of multiple languages. She inquired whether police
reports regarding bicycle collisions were public information.
Ms. Mesterhazy replied no.
Council Member Cormack asked if Staff had considered using Instagram
polls to collect high school data.
Ms. Mesterhazy indicated Staff would address the issue over the summer.
Council Member Cormack requested information about PAUSD support of
Safe Routes to School.
Ms. Star-Lack related that PAUSD representatives attended meetings of the
City/School Traffic Safety Committee and said PAUSD supported
infrastructure needs. However, PAUSD did not have a written policy to
support Safe Routes to School.
Vice Mayor Fine concurred with the use of apps to increase the number of students who bike and walk to school. He inquired regarding the evaluation
of methods to increase the number of elementary students.
Ms. Mesterhazy explained that Staff focused on programming for middle and
high school students in the prior year due to resident feedback. Staff
provided programming and parent volunteer opportunities that encouraged
elementary students to choose alternative transportation modes.
Ms. Star-Lack added that bicycle infrastructure and crossing guards were
important in parents allowing their elementary students to walk and bike to
school. The number of elementary school students walking and biking was
always going to be less than middle and high school students because the
youngest students were not able to bike or walk alone. The wide variety of
bicycles encouraged parents to bike with their students to school.
Vice Mayor Fine noted Staff encouraged the use of micro mobility devices.
Council Member Tanaka appreciated the progress shown in the report and
the use of skateboard locks. He encouraged camera surveillance of bike
parking areas and the use of apps to incentivize walking and biking to
school. He inquired about the lower numbers for Ellen Fletcher Middle
School.
Ms. Mesterhazy explained that Ellen Fletcher Middle School served students who lived greater distances from the school.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 4 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Council Member Tanaka inquired regarding construction of protected bike
lanes.
Ms. Star-Lack advised that a segment of the Charleston-Arastradero Corridor
Bike Project was to have a parking-protected bike lane. The problem with
parking-protected bike lanes was the lack of space on roadways for them.
Council Member Tanaka asked if there were crossing guards at Churchill and
El Camino.
Ms. Star-Lack responded no.
Council Member Tanaka remarked that Recreational Vehicles (RV) parked
along El Camino made crossing El Camino difficult. Crossing guards were
able to improve the safety of students crossing El Camino.
Ms. Star-Lack suggested prohibiting parking near the intersection could
improve sightlines.
Council Member Kou concurred with the importance of bicycle infrastructure in encouraging biking and walking as alternative modes of transportation.
Constructing additional protected bike lanes would be helpful, especially
along Ross Road.
NO ACTION TAKEN
Agenda Changes, Additions and Deletions
None.
City Manager Comments
Monique le Conge Ziesenhenne, Interim Assistant City Manager reported the
Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) comment period for the Newell
Road Bridge Replacement Project would end July 30, 2019. Caltrans
approved right-of-way certification for the Highway 101 Bike Bridge the prior
week, and Staff had submitted an application for an encroachment permit
and an E-76 application for approval. Staff anticipated presenting a
construction contract to the Council for approval in August or September.
The City was going to host an appreciation event to thank the community
and businesses for their patience during the recent Upgrade Downtown
Project on June 11, 2019. Ping pong tables were installed in Lytton Plaza.
The Recreation Division was going to be training summer camp counselors
during the week. The Library launched its Summer Reading Program on June 1, 2019. Approximately 400 teens attended the Fourth Annual
Buoyancy Music and Art Festival on June 2, 2019.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 5 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Oral Communications
Tina Chow, speaking for Celia Boyle, Jay Hopkins, Sharo Espar and Kathleen
Martin requested the Council reconsider its April, 2019 decision and
immediately establish setbacks and zoning restrictions for wireless facilities
with respect to schools and residences. Cell towers were proposed near
Barron Park, El Carmelo and Ohlone Elementary Schools and Palo Alto High
School.
Jalene Salus, speaking for Neelima Ram, Guoping Su, Jyothi Kota and
Amrutha Kattamuri believed homes and schools should benefit from cell
tower setbacks. She asked the Council to direct Staff to implement zoning
restrictions and setback guidelines immediately and to revoke approval of
the cell tower near Barron Park Elementary School.
Star Teachout encouraged the Council to make Palo Alto more teen friendly
and offered a list of activities the City could offer teens.
Mark Shull pointed out inaccuracies in the Federal Aviation Administration's
(FAA) letter to the City regarding the PIRAT route.
Rebecca Ward remarked regarding the negative impacts of airplane noise on
adults and children.
Sri requested the Council stop the installation of five new cell towers near
schools and homes because of their harmful effects on health.
Bharat provided reasons for the Council to prevent the installation of cell
towers near homes and schools.
Dr. Ann Yeawon Lee felt waiting a year to establish setbacks to protect the
Council's constituents was not in the best interests of the community.
Jennifer Schmidt urged the Council to reduce the risk of electromagnetic
field (EMF) exposure by establishing setbacks for wireless facilities.
Jeanne Fleming asked the Council to accelerate the update of the Wireless
Ordinance to include setbacks from cell towers. She opposed removal of the
language regarding the location of wireless facilities on poles from the
Wireless Ordinance.
Herb Borock noted some appointments of department directors were not
presented to the City Council for approval. Placing "interim" in the title did
not exempt the appointment from Council approval.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 6 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Paul Martin commented that dense housing should occur in dense cities
rather than in suburbs. The Council was able to rebalance taxes for
businesses and prevent the conversion of R-1 housing to avoid the
densification of housing.
Rita Vrhel concurred with comments regarding cell towers. The Council
needed to stop the destruction of moderate-rate housing.
Suzanne Keehn, Creative Health Network concurred with comments
regarding airplane noise and cell towers. The Council needed to conduct its
due diligence and prevent harm to the community.
Richard Mehlinger opposed the City's construction of a parking garage when
the property could be better used for housing.
Minutes Approval
3. Approval of Action Minutes for the May 13, 2019 Council Meeting.
MOTION: Council Member Kniss moved, seconded by Council Member
DuBois to approve the Action Minutes for the May 13, 2019 Council Meeting.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
Consent Calendar
MOTION: Council Member DuBois moved, seconded by Council Member
Kou, third by Council Member Tanaka to remove Agenda Item Number 11,
”Adoption of a Resolution Amending Objective Standards for Wireless
Communications Facilities …” to be heard on June 17, 2019.
Mayor Filseth requested a date for the Council to hear Agenda Item Number
11.
Molly Stump, City Attorney advised that Staff would reschedule Agenda Item
Number 11 for June 17, 2019.
Dave Lanferman, speaking regarding Agenda Item Number 9, requested a
continuance of Agenda Item Number 9 so that the applicant could continue
to work with Staff toward a solution.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Fine moved, seconded by Council Member Cormack
to approve Agenda Item Numbers 4-10, 12-13.
4. Approval of Amendment Number 2 to Contract Number C16161210
With Shah Kawasaki Architects, Inc., in an Amount Not-to-Exceed
FINAL MINUTES
Page 7 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
$117,564 to Provide Continued Construction Administration and LEED
Certification Services for the Fire Station 3 Replacement Project
(PE-15003), for a new Total Not-To-Exceed Amount of $814,242.
5. Approval and Authorization for the City Manager to Execute a Fiber
Optic Lease Agreement With Equinix LLC., for a Term Not-to-Exceed
Five Years and a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $625,465.
6. Authorization for the City Manager to Sign a Memorandum of
Understanding for a $200,000 Grant of Funds With the State
Homeland Security Grant Program via Santa Clara County for a Solar
Generator to Support the Mobile Emergency Operations Center
(MEOC).
7. Adoption of a Park Improvement Ordinance for Pickleball Courts at
Mitchell Park.
8. Preliminary Approval of the Downtown Business Improvement District
(BID) 2019-2020 Annual Report; Adoption of a Resolution 9835
Entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Declaring an
Intention to Levy an Assessment Against Businesses Within the BID for
Fiscal Year 2020; and Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to
be Held by the City Council on the Levy of the Proposed Assessment.”
9. QUASI-JUDICIAL.1210 Newell Road [18PLN-00289]: Recommendation
by the Planning and Transportation Commission to Uphold the
Director's Tentative Decision to Deny a Variance Request to Allow for
an Exception From the Standard Corner Lot Fence Height Regulations
for a Fence of Approximately 7' 5" in the Front Yard, 8' in the Rear
Yard, and 7' 5" in the Street Yard, and no Reduced Height in the Sight
Triangle for the Newell Road/Community Lane Intersection.
Environmental Assessment: In Accordance With Guideline Section
15270, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Does not Apply to
Projects That a Public Agency Disapproves. Zoning District: R-1
(Single-Family).
10. Policy and Services Committee Recommends the Council Accept the
2019-2020 Sustainability Work Plan.
11. Adoption of a Resolution Amending Objective Standards for Wireless Communications Facilities on Wood Utility Poles in the Public Rights of
Way to Correct an Administrative Error.
12. Ordinance 5466 Entitled “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending Title 16 (Building Regulations) of the Palo Alto
FINAL MINUTES
Page 8 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Municipal Code to Require Management of PCBs During Building
Demolition in Compliance With the Municipal Regional Stormwater
Permit (FIRST READING: May 20, 2019 PASSED 7-0).”
13. Ordinance 5467 Entitled “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending Title 12 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to set a 120
Day Statute of Limitations for Challenges to the City’s Gas Rates
(FIRST READING: May 20, 2019 PASSED 7-0).”
MOTION PASSED FOR AGENDA ITEM NUMBERS 4-10, 12-13: 7-0
Action Items
14. Discussion and Direction Regarding the Cubberley Master Plan,
Including a Request for Proposal for Development of the Cubberley
Business Plan and Level of Housing for the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) Review.
Kristen O’Kane, Community Services Director reported the City owned 8
acres and Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) owned 27 acres of the
35-acre Cubberley Community Center site. PAUSD also owned two
properties contiguous to PAUSD's portion of Cubberley, Greendell School and
525 San Antonio. The Cubberley Master Plan process began in September,
2018. Key takeaways from Cubberley Co-Design meetings were maximize
green space, buildings of two to four stories, and some shared space
between the City and PAUSD. Meeting participants totaled 727, 462 of
whom were unique participants. Following the third meeting, Staff reduced
a parking garage from four stories to two stories, relocated the pool, revised
bike paths from one-way to two-way, removed car access from San Antonio
to the center of the site, and improved access from Middlefield Road. The
latest conceptual design included 70 percent more green space, reduced
surface paving by 43 percent, doubled the interior area and increased the
building footprint by 17 percent.
Council took a break at 7:54 P.M. and returned at 8:14 P.M.
Ms. O’Kane advised that community responses to site organization,
circulation, and look and feel were mostly neutral to positive. Two design
options included housing on PAUSD property only, and two design options
included housing on PAUSD and City property. PAUSD had indicated housing, if any, on its property was likely to be workforce housing.
Construction of housing on the Cubberley site, the Greendell School site and
525 San Antonio required zoning changes. Of the 140 responses regarding
housing submitted during the community meetings, 27 respondents did not
want housing on the Cubberley site; 48 respondents preferred Option 1; and
FINAL MINUTES
Page 9 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
29 respondents preferred Option 2. Staff hoped to retain a consultant to
answer community questions about funding and financing, construction and
ownership, operations, shared use facilities, and housing. An At-Places
Memorandum contained a draft scope of work for a consultant. A consultant
prepared cost estimates for the four options. The cost estimates assumed
an escalation rate of 5 percent. With no housing on City-owned land
(Options 1 and 2), the cost estimate was $229 million. With one 4-story
building of dwelling units (Option 3), the cost estimate was $256 million.
With Option 4 housing, the cost estimate was $283 million. Next steps
included environmental review, preparation of a Business Plan and a joint
City Council/PAUSD Board of Education (Board) Study Session in the fall of
2019. Staff hoped to return to Council in December, 2019 with a
recommendation to adopt a draft Master Plan and approve the
environmental document.
Jeff Greenfield, Parks and Recreation Commission, (PARC) Vice Chair
indicated the PARC recommended the Council maximize recreation resources
and not include housing on City property. The Cubberley site needed to be
maintained for recreation programs and services forever. Housing did not
fall under the recreation umbrella. As the City's resident population
increased in future years, assets became even more important, scarce, and
valuable. Any land dedicated to housing directly limited future recreation
growth. As stewards of recreation resources, the PARC advocated for
maximizing recreation opportunities at Cubberley.
Cari Templeton, Planning and Transportation Commissioner related that the
Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) appreciated Staff's creativity
in achieving the City's goals for the Cubberley site.
Mayor Filseth noted the total cost to the City and PAUSD would be
approximately $800 million. Finding funding for the project was complicated
and time consuming. The Council was not able to decide the future of the
Cubberley site during this meeting. The issues were priorities and tradeoffs.
He requested housing supporters consider ways to meet the Community
Services Department's (CSD) need for space while recreation supporters
consider ways to build affordable housing.
Gail Price, speaking for Steven Lee, Katie Causey, Emma Donnelly-Higgins
and Michelle Higgins remarked that the Cubberley site was ideal for
affordable housing. Housing was compatible with expanded and enhanced
educational, community, and recreational uses and open space. Costs and
funding options needed to be identified as soon as possible.
Liz Gardner supported housing on the Cubberley site.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 10 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Arthur Keller encouraged the Council not to rush into a decision and to
remember as housing production increased, the City needed more parkland
and more recreation space.
Hillary Glann supported housing on the Cubberley site because a mixed-use
project with more green space was more innovative.
Penny Ellson supported limiting housing at 525 San Antonio. The Business
Plan needed to include funding to implement recommended street
improvements and construction phasing to maintain school commute safety.
Alison Van Egeren noted participants in the meetings did not request
housing on the Cubberley site. More community services were needed for
higher-density housing.
Sonya Bradski preferred Cubberley remain a community center for everyone.
Marilyn Keller suggested ignoring the community's opinions could result in
the Council losing the community's trust and support for the Cubberley Project and future projects.
Mark Mollineaux commented that the goal of the project should be
outcomes.
Robert Moss supported Option 1 and emphasized the importance of
preserving open space and community facilities at Cubberley.
Stephen Levy proposed an exploration of Option 4. Housing for low-income
seniors, teachers and Staff was one of the highest public benefits.
Jeff Kmetec remarked that the City would grow through either City means or
State means, and the City needed to serve that population. Recreation uses
and residents did not mix in close proximity.
Mitch Mankin, Silicon Valley @Home advocated for the study of all the
housing options but particularly Option 4. Housing and recreation were
complementary uses.
Elizabeth Wolf felt land zoned Public Facility (PF) should not be rezoned.
Heidi Voltmer believed preservation of the Cubberley site for everyone's use
was important. Housing needed to be constructed throughout the
community.
Grant Dasher suggested the environmental document consider multiple
scenarios.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 11 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Winter Dellenbach believed a discussion of housing was premature as the
PAUSD Board did not discuss the project until the fall. Large spaces were
needed on the Cubberley site for the temporary housing of community
programs.
Carolyn Dobervich supported the position of the PARC and Mr. Keller's
comments. Neither the City nor PAUSD seemed to have studied housing on
the Cubberley site before directing Staff to include it.
Herb Borock related that alternatives not chosen for the project description
would have to be studied because the Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
had to evaluate reasonable alternatives to the project. Housing, if any, had
to be limited to the low-income workforce, people who were not teachers.
Don McDougall commented that the use of parks, open space, and
recreation positively affected mental and physical wellness.
Terry Holzemer supported the PARC's position. Any public land at the Cubberley site had to be used to maximize recreational facilities, which were
desperately needed in the community.
Joe Hirsch agreed with the PARC's recommendation and supported teacher
housing at 525 San Antonio.
Suzanne Keehn supported the PARC's position. Green space was needed for
people's wellness and to further the Council's Priority around climate change.
Rita Vrhel wanted to know who included housing in the Cubberley Master
Plan process because the participants in the co-design process did not want
housing.
John Kelley believed housing and recreation would be compatible on the
Cubberley site. Option 4 needed to be included in the EIR.
Mila Zelkha advocated for housing of all types, but the Cubberley site was a
limited community resource that needed to be used for current and future
community resources. Other sites were available for housing.
Sheryl Klein supported study of all the options. Housing on the site
contributed to the City's annual housing goal and affordable housing stock.
Kelsey Banes, Palo Alto Forward supported a range of housing options at
Cubberley.
Kendra Hornbostel supported the PARC's position. Housing was important, but it should not be located on the City's portion of Cubberley.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 12 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Lanie Wheeler believed the City was able to rezone underutilized commercial
properties for housing; therefore, there was no need to deny recreational,
cultural, and social opportunities for future residents.
Karen Holman concurred with Ms. Wheeler's comments and the PARC's
memorandum. As to the introduction of housing into the co-design process,
the 2018 Council did not authorize it. She suggested the Council conduct a
poll as to the scenarios for the EIR. Humans needed a place to recreate,
socialize and destress.
Shani Kleinhaus recommended the Council move slowly and modestly. The
EIR had to look at other properties owned by PAUSD.
Pat Burt related that a range of housing types were able to be accomplished
through a rezoning plan for the San Antonio Corridor and were able to
provide more opportunities for housing at the Cubberley site. He thought to
use a portion of the Cubberley site for housing would be misconceived.
Richard Mehlinger stated the Council should choose Option 4 for the EIR
because it would preserve maximum flexibility for the City with no
commitment.
Jan Stokley, Housing Choices advocated for the Council to explore all options
for housing as part of the EIR. If one of the City's core values was equity
and inclusion, recreation uses and affordable housing needed to be
considered.
Andy Mutz commented that managing the noise and traffic of recreation
activities with residents' expectation was difficult. He concurred with the
PARC's position.
Chris Brosnan stated building underground on the Cubberley site was not
environmentally sound.
Angela Evans supported Option 4 because it would provide the greatest
number of housing units with the deepest level of affordability. Including
Option 4 in the EIR was not a commitment to build housing.
Amy Sung supported Option 4 because recreation could coexist with
housing.
Council Member Kniss wanted to explore all options. She inquired whether
the cost estimates pertained to the City's 8 acres only.
Ms. O’Kane replied yes.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 13 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Council Member Kniss was not able to support any options without knowing
potential funding sources. The cost per unit in the Wilton Court Project was
approximately $800,000. The public appeared to be comfortable with
building housing on 525 San Antonio. She inquired regarding ownership of
the future Cubberley site.
Ms. O’Kane advised that there was no talk of changing the existing
ownership. The boundary between City and PAUSD property was able to be
redrawn.
Council Member Kniss questioned whether the City would have to pay for
shared uses located on PAUSD's portion of the site. Any discussion of the
property was complicated.
Council Member DuBois felt the Council was being asked to think about the
nature of public spaces. Recent incentive programs and changes to zoning
added many housing sites; consequently, the demand for community services grew. He questioned whether adding another story to buildings
allowed the City to add community services. He proposed a CEQA scenario
for higher-density housing on the San Antonio site. He anticipated the
PAUSD Board was going to need help with funding if housing was approved
on the Cubberley site. Perhaps a joint teacher and City Staff Housing Project
was logical. Construction phasing was critical to the project. He wanted a
joint Study Session between the PAUSD Board and the Council scheduled as
soon as possible in order to move the process forward. He asked if the City
and PAUSD were going to share the cost of the EIR.
Ms. O’Kane answered yes. If the City and PAUSD did not amend the cost
share agreement, the City was going to pay slightly more than PAUSD
because the bids were higher than expected.
Council Member DuBois asked if Staff had discussed sharing the cost of
preparing a Business Plan.
Ms. O’Kane reported PAUSD indicated they would not participate in
developing a Business Plan at the current time; therefore, the City was going
to pay the cost.
Council Member DuBois asked if the Business Plan would include PAUSD's
acreage.
Ms. O’Kane explained that the Business Plan would consider a potential
structure for shared-use facilities.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 14 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Council Member DuBois suggested the Council may have to negotiate with
PAUSD to buy more of the land or have an ownership interest in facilities if
the City had to fund more of the project. Upon expiration of the Cubberley
lease agreement, the City's payment needed to be deposited into a
Development Fund rather than paid to PAUSD. The location of the City's 8
acres was fundable. The Council needed to discuss the costs of staffing and
operating the shared use facilities. He inquired about an estimate of the
cost for preparing a Business Plan.
Ms. O’Kane thought the cost could be less than $100,000.
Council Member DuBois requested the circumstances under which Staff
added housing to the co-design process and EIR.
Ms. O’Kane stated that Staff heard individuals' comments about how they
would like an alternative with regard to housing. Staff chose two scenarios
with different levels of housing as a way to demonstrate the possibilities.
Council Member DuBois noted Cubberley was a heavily used facility because
of the lack of community center space in South Palo Alto. He inquired
whether the Lucie Stern Community Center and Mitchell Park Community
Center were located on dedicated parkland.
Ms. O’Kane indicated Mitchell Park Community Center was located on
dedicated parkland, but she did not believe the Lucie Stern Community
Center was.
Council Member DuBois remarked that surrounding streets would not serve
housing located at Cubberley well.
MOTION: Council Member DuBois moved, seconded by Council Member Kou
to request a Request for Proposals (RFP) for development of a Cubberley
Business Plan, as well as the following:
A. Assume that lease payments will go into a development fund after
December 2019. Do not assume automatic renewal of lease;
B. Assume that if the parties chose to do so they can relocate the
property lines to benefit the project;
C. Assume that ownership and operational costs will be subject to
negotiation based on funding commitments;
D. Explore higher density for housing on San Antonio at 32, 64, and 112 Units for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) purposes; and
FINAL MINUTES
Page 15 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
E. Business plan should propose parkland dedications as part of the
project.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Council Member Cormack moved, seconded by
Council Member Kniss to:
A. Direct Staff to proceed with a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a
consultant to develop a Business Plan and proforma for future
Cubberley construction and operations; and
B. Direct Staff to include Option 3, 112 housing units, in the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Project Description.
Council Member Cormack felt it was past time to retire the old and
dilapidated buildings at Cubberley. Doing nothing was not an option. She
asked if the current proposal included two pools, a new playground, and
more gym space.
Ms. O’Kane replied yes.
Council Member Cormack asked if the proposal contained other amenities
that currently were not available.
Ms. O’Kane noted the amount of building space would double under the
proposal.
Council Member Cormack asked if the proposal included all current uses at
Cubberley.
Ms. O’Kane clarified that there would be sufficient space for all vendors
currently located at Cubberley.
Council Member Cormack noted only 6 percent of the City's goal for very-
low-income housing had been built over the past five years. Waiting lists for
affordable and market-rate senior housing were years long. People living in
senior affordable housing were unlikely to own multiple cars or to drive to
work during commute times. Senior housing was not going to add children
to PAUSD. She had suggested housing at Cubberley at co-design meetings
and at a February Council meeting. The Cubberley site had sufficient space
for all the current uses and housing.
Council Member Kniss asked if Council Member Cormack had a specific
location in mind for the 112 housing units.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 16 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Council Member Cormack was comfortable giving PAUSD the options that
they may or may not were able to use and with 48 housing units being
located on City land.
Council Member Kniss asked if Options 1, 2, and 3 were to be included in the
analysis.
Council Member Cormack considered including Option 4.
INCORPORATED INTO THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WITH THE
CONSENT OF THE MAKER AND SECONDER to change the Motion Part B
to state “Direct Staff to include Option 4, 164 Housing units, in the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Project Description.”
Council Member Cormack inquired whether a specific location for housing
units was relevant to the CEQA analysis.
Ms. O’Kane advised that the location of housing could be relevant if it
affected traffic routes.
INCORPORATED INTO THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WITH THE
CONSENT OF THE MAKER AND SECONDER to add to the Motion a New
Part C to direct Staff to hold a Joint Study Session with PAUSD in August
2019.
Council Member Kniss inquired whether Staff was aware of a consultant with
the desired expertise and experience.
Ms. O’Kane indicated Staff had spoken with the founder of the Center for
Cities and Schools at the University of California Berkeley and was interested
in seeking his recommendations for a consultant. A combination of
consultants was possibly needed.
Council Member Kniss asked if the consultant was able to work with PAUSD
while working with the City.
Ms. O’Kane reiterated that the consultant would work with the City only.
Council Member Cormack understood PAUSD did not intend to use the
shared facilities until and unless it built a school on the site.
Council Member Kniss remarked that shared use of playing fields were
difficult to accomplish over the past 30 years.
Vice Mayor Fine commented that a community center was about the people
who participated in the space. He was surprised to see the garage was
FINAL MINUTES
Page 17 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
reduced from a height of 35 feet to 9 feet. He questioned whether the
facilities were being planned equitably across the entire community because
of the age of participants in the co-design process. Bicycle, pedestrian, and
roadway improvements needed to be refined based on the final uses of the
site. The most expansive scenario, Option 4, needed to be included in the
CEQA analysis. Teacher housing had to provide 64 units. Housing and
recreation uses were possibly complementary. PAUSD needed to share the
cost of preparing a Business Plan. If lease payments were deposited into a
Development Fund, the City had to fund the improvements from the General
Fund.
Ms. O’Kane clarified the assumption regarding lease payments as the City
continued to lease space to entities and deposit the entities' lease payments
into the General Fund.
Vice Mayor Fine felt redrawing the property lines was reasonable. He inquired into Parts B and C of the Motion and asked if they could be
incorporated into the Substitute Motion.
Council Member Cormack suggested Parts B and C of the Motion should be
topics addressed in the joint Study Session between the Council and the
Board.
INCORPORATED INTO THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WITH THE
CONSENT OF THE MAKER AND SECONDER to add to the Motion Part C: i.
Assume that if the parties chose to do so they can relocate the property lines
to benefit the project; and ii. Assume that ownership and operational costs
will be subject to negotiation based on funding commitments.
Monique le Conge Ziesenhenne, Interim Assistant City Manager inquired
whether the Council intended to renegotiate the lease with PAUSD or allow it
to expire.
Council Member Cormack advised that the provision was removed from the
Motion.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION AS AMENDED RESTATED: Council Member
Cormack moved, seconded by Council Member Kniss to:
A. Direct Staff to proceed with a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a
consultant to develop a Business Plan and proforma for future Cubberley construction and operations; and
B. Direct Staff to include Option 4, 164 Housing units, in the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Project Description.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 18 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
C. Hold a Joint Study Session with PAUSD in August 2019, which will
include discussion regarding the following:
i. Assume that if the parties chose to do so they can relocate the
property lines to benefit the project; and
ii. Assume that ownership and operational costs will be subject to
negotiation based on funding commitments.
Council Member Kou requested the percentage of the EIR cost that the City
would pay.
Ms. O’Kane reported the cost sharing agreement assumed the cost for an
environmental document would be $100,000, but the bids were closer to
$140,000. Under the cost sharing agreement, PAUSD was going to pay
$50,000, plus an additional $15,000. The CEQA document was going to
acknowledge a future school on the Cubberley site, but it was not going to
analyze a school use in detail.
Council Member Kou asked if not analyzing a school use would result in
segmentation.
Ms. O’Kane explained that the CEQA document analyzed the Master Plan,
which contained many unknown factors. The environmental document
acknowledged the potential for unknown factors and indicated a
supplemental analysis would be conducted once unknown factors were
known.
Council Member DuBois hoped the environmental document would analyze
different amounts of housing in different locations. Perhaps a fifth option
was constructing 112 housing units on the Greendell School site and 525
San Antonio. More generally, the environmental document analyzed up to
164 housing units in different configurations on 525 San Antonio and the
City's 8 acres.
Council Member Kniss inquired whether the proposal would fit into a CEQA
analysis.
Molly Stump, City Attorney advised that a CEQA analysis studied the
greatest potential impacts, but the Council was able to choose a project that
had fewer impacts. The Motion directed analysis of up to 100 housing units
on the City's property and 64 housing units on PAUSD property.
Council Member DuBois suggested the language state up to 112 housing
units on PAUSD property and up to 100 housing units on the City's property.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 19 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Council Member Cormack noted the total would be 164 housing units with up
to 100 housing units on City land and up to 112 housing units on PAUSD
land.
Vice Mayor Fine requested the language clearly state the Greendell School
site or the Greendell School site and 525 San Antonio.
Council Member Cormack noted Option 2 located housing atop the proposed
PAUSD administration building and on 525 San Antonio. She requested
Staff's assistance in crafting language for the proposal.
Ms. Stump suggested the Council indicate the maximum number of housing
units to be studied for each parcel.
INCORPORATED INTO THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE MAKER AND SECONDER to change the Motion Part B
to state “Direct Staff to study 164 housing units, with up to 100 units on City
land, and up to 112 units on 525 San Antonio and Greendell School, in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Project Description.”
INCORPORATED INTO THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE MAKER AND SECONDER to move Part C. ii. to Part A.
Council Member DuBois requested clarification of the $5.8 million annual
lease payment relative to the scope of work for the consultant.
Ms. O’Kane explained that the City was not able to operate the Cubberley
Community Center without a lease agreement; therefore, Staff intended to
extend the lease agreement with additional language regarding the Master
Plan process.
Council Member DuBois did not want the consultant to assume the $5.8
million lease payment was going to continue indefinitely.
Council Member Cormack remarked that the Business Plan addressed the
future state of the site rather than the current state of the site.
Council Member DuBois asked if the Business Plan was going to address
construction funding.
Ms. O’Kane responded yes, along with a future operational scenario for the
site.
Council Member DuBois wanted to use the lease agreement as a means to
obtain information from PAUSD.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 20 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Council Member Tanaka requested an explanation of the public's comment
regarding three-quarters of co-design participants opposed to housing.
Ms. O’Kane believed the public was referring to the total responses that
supported no housing and Options 1 and 2. Options 1 and 2 proposed
housing to be located on PAUSD property only.
Council Member Tanaka requested the rationale for a Council discussion of
the project prior to a joint session between the Council and the PAUSD
Board.
Ms. O’Kane explained that Staff had intended to schedule a joint session
prior to the Council and the Board recessing for summer break, but Staff felt
the Council should resolve some of the issues prior to a joint session.
Council Member Tanaka asked if Staff had received any indication of
PAUSD's intentions for its portion of the site.
Ms. O’Kane advised that the Board had established priorities for the site, which included workforce housing, reserving space for a future school, and
space for administrative offices.
Council Member Tanaka asked if the Board had indicated whether the
proposed concepts aligned with its plans for the site.
Ms. O’Kane reported City Staff and PAUSD Staff spoke weekly regarding the
project, and Staff had presented monthly updates to the City School Liaison
Committee. The City and PAUSD were working with slightly different
timeframes, but both were moving through the process.
Council Member Tanaka questioned whether the Council should meet with
the Board before making any decisions because PAUSD owned the majority
of the land.
Ms. O’Kane related that Staff was providing an update regarding the project.
The City and PAUSD had reached an agreement to fund the environmental
analysis, which likely included workforce housing on PAUSD property.
Council Member Tanaka expressed concern that the Council would spend
time and money on concepts that would not align with PAUSD's needs or
desires.
Ms. O'Kane indicated the Council could defer any decision until they met with
the Board.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 21 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Mayor Filseth inquired whether the Council could approve a Request for
Proposal (RFP) for a Business Plan and to defer discussion of the EIR to a
date after a joint meeting of the Council and Board.
Ms. O’Kane explained that delaying discussion of the EIR could delay
adoption of a Master Plan.
Council Member Cormack asked if adoption of a Master Plan by the end of
2019 was a goal or a requirement of the lease agreement.
Ms. O'Kane related that the lease agreement stated the two organizations
would jointly enter into a Master Plan with the site by the end of December
2019.
Council Member Cormack understood the desire to obtain information from
the Board, but she was not willing to delay the process.
Council Member Tanaka requested the cost for the total project.
Ms. O'Kane replied approximately $800 million.
Council Member Tanaka inquired about funding sources for the total project.
Ms. O'Kane advised that the Business Plan would identify funding options
and associated costs.
Council Member Tanaka asked if the Council could direct Staff to ensure Safe
Routes to School around the Cubberley site were safe, as part of the Motion.
Ms. O'Kane stated Staff was committed to studying bike and pedestrian
safety for the site and the surrounding area. If the project budget contained
sufficient funding, Staff was going to proceed with a study.
Council Member Tanaka asked if a cricket field could be added to the
concept.
Ms. O'Kane explained that Staff did not include a cricket field because a
cricket field was larger than the existing fields.
Council Member Tanaka inquired regarding the consequences of adding a
cricket field to the site.
Ms. O'Kane indicated some facilities or buildings had to be eliminated.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 22 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Council Member Tanaka inquired regarding resolution of residents'
complaints about noise from recreation activities, assuming housing was
built on City land.
Ms. O'Kane related that Staff would have to develop a policy for such a
scenario.
Mayor Filseth hoped questions about the compatibility of housing and
recreation activities could be answered prior to adoption of a Master Plan.
Council Member Tanaka believed the Council should meet with the Board
before making decisions and expending funds.
Mayor Filseth suggested Council Member Tanaka offer an Amendment to the
Motion or Substitute Motion.
Ms. Stump clarified that the two items in Staff's recommendation were not
going to determine the content of the Master Plan.
Mayor Filseth reiterated that the EIR analyzed the maximum housing scenario, but the Council was not obligated to include any housing in the
Master Plan.
Ms. Stump added that the EIR would provide data for a Council discussion
and a decision regarding housing.
Council Member DuBois suggested the Council could have an option within
the Business Plan to consider developing the City's 8 acres first. Then the
Council was able to continue planning for the City's space and the shared
space; they wanted to really consider the City's space in order to advance
the process.
Vice Mayor Fine noted the Council routinely planned for property it did not
own. The Motion created a maximum vision for the property, and the
Council was going to meet with the Board in August, 2019 to discuss the
Business Plan and EIR. A discussion of the EIR needed to include the
compatibility of housing and recreation activities.
Council Member Kou asked when Staff anticipated selecting a consultant
from responses to the RFP.
Ms. O'Kane advised that a selection could be made in August, 2019 or later.
Mayor Filseth noted 20 percent of the total space would be utilized for
housing under Option 4. Based on community responses, the Council was not able to conclude that the public supported using 20 percent of the
FINAL MINUTES
Page 23 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Cubberley site for housing. He expressed concern that the Council's
exuberance for housing was not reflected in the community. The assertion
that the site provided plenty of space for programs and activities was
questionable. Having a broad EIR prolonged divisiveness in the community,
and the nature of the community's input was not suspected to warrant
prolonging the divisiveness. Just a few weeks ago, the Council supported a
housing project on San Antonio that was going to displace a martial
arts/community center.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION AS AMENDED RESTATED: Council Member
Cormack moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Fine to:
A. Direct Staff to proceed with a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a
consultant to develop a Business Plan and proforma for future
Cubberley construction and operations, and assume that ownership
and operational costs will be subject to negotiation based on funding commitments;
B. Direct Staff to study 164 housing units, with up to 100 units on City
land, and up to 112 units on 525 San Antonio and Greendell School, in
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Project Description;
and
C. Hold a Joint Study Session with PAUSD in August 2019, which will
include discussion regarding the following:
i. Assume that if the parties chose to do so they can relocate the
property lines to benefit the project
SUBSTITUTE MOTION AS AMENDED PASSED: 4-3 DuBois, Kou, Tanaka
no
Mayor Filseth, who voted on the affirmative side, asked for a reconsideration
of the Substitute Motion.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION AS AMENDED FAILED: 3-4 DuBois, Filseth, Kou,
Tanaka no.
MOTION RESTATED: Council Member DuBois moved, seconded by Council
Member Kou to request a RFP for development of a Cubberley Business Plan,
as well as the following:
A. Assume that lease payments will go into a development fund after December, 2019. Do not assume automatic renewal of lease;
FINAL MINUTES
Page 24 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
B. Assume that if the parties chose to do so they can relocate the
property lines to benefit the project;
C. Assume that ownership and operational costs will be subject to
negotiation based on funding commitments;
D. Explore higher density for housing on San Antonio at 32, 64, and 121
Units for CEQA purposes; and
E. Business plan should propose parkland dedications as part of the
project.
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE MAKER AND SECONDER to delete from the Motion Parts A and E.
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE MAKER AND SECONDER to add to the Motion Part D “… and Greendell
School … .”
Ms. O'Kane asked if the 121 units would be located on 525 San Antonio and the Greendell School site only.
Mayor Filseth proposed locating some of the housing on the City's 8 acres.
Ms. O'Kane inquired whether the CEQA analysis would include any housing
on the City's 8 acres.
Council Member DuBois replied no.
Council Member Kniss inquired whether housing would be located solely on
the Greendell School site and 525 San Antonio.
Council Member DuBois answered yes.
Council Member Kniss did not support the Motion.
Vice Mayor Fine did not support the Motion.
AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Fine moved, seconded by Council Member Kniss
to change Motion Part C to support Option 4 for CEQA purposes.
Vice Mayor Fine clarified Option 4 as 100 units on the City's site and 64 units
on PAUSD's site.
Council Member Kniss wanted to consider higher density for housing on the
Greendell School and San Antonio sites.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 25 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
AMENDMENT FAILED: 3-4 Cormack, Fine, Kniss yes
MOTION AS AMENDED RESTATED: Council Member DuBois moved,
seconded by Council Member Kou to request a RFP for development of a
Cubberley Business Plan, as well as the following:
A. Assume that if the parties chose to do so they can relocate the
property lines to benefit the project;
B. Assume that ownership and operational costs will be subject to
negotiation based on funding commitments; and
C. Explore higher density for housing on San Antonio and Greendell
School at 32, 64, and 112 Units for CEQA purposes.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Council Member Cormack moved, seconded by
Vice Mayor Fine to:
A. Direct Staff to proceed with a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a
consultant to develop a Business Plan and proforma for future Cubberley construction and operations, and assume that ownership
and operational costs will be subject to negotiation based on funding
commitments;
B. Direct Staff to study 112 housing units, with up to 100 units on City
land, and up to 112 units on 525 San Antonio and Greendell School, in
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Project Description;
and
C. Hold a Joint Study Session with PAUSD in August 2019, which will
include discussion regarding the following:
i. Assume that if the parties chose to do so they can relocate the
property lines to benefit the project.
Council Member Tanaka reiterated concerns about the compatibility of
housing and recreation activities.
Vice Mayor Fine suggested the final Master Plan could separate housing from
recreation activities within the City's 8 acres. Through the environmental
analysis, the Council could understand the impacts of locating housing near
recreation activities.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION PASSED: 6-1 Tanaka no
FINAL MINUTES
Page 26 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
15. PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI-JUDICIAL. 2321 Wellesley Street [18PLN-
00178]: Request for a Zone Change From R-1 to RMD (NP) and
Approval of a Major Architectural Review to Construct a Two-family
Residence. Environmental Assessment: Exempt From the Provisions of
CEQA per Section 15303. Zoning District: R-1 (Single-family
Residential).
Jonathan Lait, Planning and Community Environment Director reported the
applicant had requested a Zoning Map amendment to change the property
from Single-Family Residential (R-1) zoning to Residential Two-Unit
Multifamily Residential with the Neighborhood Preservation Combining
District (RMD(NP)) zoning and an Architectural Review. The subject
property was vacant and surrounded by the College Terrace Library,
multifamily properties zoned RMD, and R-1 properties. The Planning and
Transportation Commission (PTC) and Architectural Review Board (ARB) reviewed and recommended approval of the project. The primary difference
between R-1 and RMD zoning was building height and floor area restrictions.
Council Member DuBois disclosed a conversation with the applicant
approximately a year ago and a trip to view the property.
Council Member Cormack disclosed a brief phone conversation with the
applicant.
Council Member Kniss disclosed no contact with any parties.
Vice Mayor Fine disclosed he passed the site regularly and had spoken with
the applicant approximately three years ago.
Council Member Kou disclosed a conversation with the applicant more than a
year ago.
Council Member Tanaka disclosed a conversation with the applicant
approximately three years ago.
Public Hearing opened at 11:20 P.M.
Jack Culpepper, Applicant advised that the building was compatible with the
neighborhood.
Glen Jarvis, Architect indicated in October, 2017 the Council reviewed the
project and recommended the applicant proceed with the project. In
December, 2018 the PTC approved the project, and the ARB approved the project with modifications to the landscape plan later. The requested zoning
change allowed a 20 percent increase in floor area, a two-bedroom second
FINAL MINUTES
Page 27 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
unit rather than an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), and a 15 foot daylight
plane. The requested zoning change required an additional covered parking
space, which was included in the plans.
Kelsey Banes encouraged the Council to approve the zoning change.
Public Hearing closed at 11:24 P.M.
MOTION: Council Member DuBois moved, seconded by Council Member
Kniss to:
A. Find the proposed Ordinance and project exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section
15303(b);
B. Introduce an Ordinance amending the Zoning Map to rezone the
subject property from R-1 to RMD(NP) as recommended by the
Planning and Transportation Commission on December 12, 2018; and
C. Adopt the Record of Land Use Action approving the Architectural Review, based on findings and subject to conditions of approval as
recommended by the Architectural Review Board on December 20,
2018.
Council Member Cormack noted the hearing date in the proposed Ordinance
needed to be corrected.
Mayor Filseth suggested surrounding properties were up-zoned rather than
the subject property being down-zoned.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
16. Authorize and Approve $1 Million From the Residential Housing In-lieu
Fund and $9 Million From the Commercial Housing Fund for a Total of
$10 Million for the Development and Construction of the 100 Percent
Affordable Housing Project at 3705 El Camino Real; and Approve
Budget Amendments in the Residential Housing In-lieu Fund and the
Commercial Housing Fund.
Jonathan Lait, Planning and Community Environment Director reported the
City collected Development Impact Fees and In-Lieu Fees from development
projects, and those funds were used to help produce affordable housing
opportunities in the City. Combined commercial and residential funds
totaled approximately $14 million; however, use of the funds was restricted. Approximately $3 million of the $14 million was reserved for a potential
Teacher Housing Project proposed by the County of Santa Clara (County),
FINAL MINUTES
Page 28 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
and approximately $750,000 was related to the Stanford University Medical
Center (SUMC) Development Agreement. Staff had intended to prepare a
Notice of Funding Availability to disburse funds collected for affordable
housing, but the Wilton Court Project was submitted, and the Council
supported it. All of the proposed 59 units would be deed restricted to
affordable housing with a significant component dedicated to individuals with
developmental disabilities. The cost of the project was approximately $46
million, resulting in a per unit cost of $780,000. The City's contribution of
$10 million reduced the per unit cost by approximately $170,000.
Jan Stokley, Palo Alto Housing Corporation urged the Council to support the
Staff recommendation. Some of the units were affordable for people with
incomes as low as 30 percent of Area Median Income (AMI).
MOTION: Council Member Kniss moved, seconded by Mayor Filseth to
approve a $10 million loan to Palo Alto Housing Corporation for the predevelopment and construction of an 100% affordable housing project at
3705 El Camino Real, including:
A. Amend the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Appropriation Ordinance for:
i. The Residential Housing In-Lieu Fund by:
a) Increasing Grants and Subsidies in the amount of
$1,000,000; and
b) Decreasing the Ending Fund Balance in the amount of
$1,000,000;
ii. The Commercial Housing Fund by:
a) Increasing Grants and Subsidies in the amount of
$9,000,000; and
b) Decreasing the Ending Fund Balance in the amount of
$9,000,000; and
B. Authorize the City Manager or designee to negotiate and execute a
Loan Agreement, Regulatory Agreement, and related documents
necessary to implement Council direction in a form substantially
similar to prior agreements approved by the City.
Council Member Kniss noted the project was the first Affordable Housing
Project in the City since 2010.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 29 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Sheryl Klein indicated project supporters sought State and County funding
for the units dedicated to adults with developmental disabilities.
Council Member Kniss requested the average size of the units.
Ms. Klein responded 400 square feet.
Council Member Kniss commented that the number of low-income affordable
housing units produced had decreased each decade since the 1980s. She
asked if there were any other funding sources for affordable housing
projects.
Mr. Lait answered no.
Mayor Filseth recalled Staff's projection that the City would increment
affordable housing funds by $2.3 million in 2019.
Council Member Kniss indicated the Stanford University General Use Permit
(GUP) could provide funds for affordable housing.
Mayor Filseth asked when the City collected impact fees from a project.
Mr. Lait related that fees were collected with the issuance of a building
permit.
Council Member DuBois remarked that the City did not build housing. Since
2017, the Council implemented zoning changes that almost doubled the total
number of housing units allowed in the City. He inquired whether the
Council would forgive a loan and apply the funding to the Wilton Court
Project.
Hang Huynh, Senior Planner explained that the applicant was required to
have a reserve account to renew the contract. The applicant was able to
utilize funds in the account for an Affordable Housing Project.
Council Member DuBois asked if the City would be contributing $12.6 million
rather than $10 million.
Ms. Huynh replied yes.
Mr. Lait clarified that $2 million originally allocated to the Sheraton Project
would be allocated to the Wilton Court Project.
Council Member DuBois inquired whether the Sheraton Project was deed
restricted in perpetuity.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 30 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Mr. Lait answered yes.
Council Member DuBois asked if the $10 million contribution was actually a
loan that the City could forgive if the project was deed restricted as
affordable housing in perpetuity.
Ms. Huynh responded yes.
Mr. Lait added that the deed restriction would be a part of the loan
agreement.
Council Member DuBois asked if the Wilton Court Project would be deed
restricted to affordable housing for a period of 55 years initially.
Ms. Huynh answered yes.
Mr. Lait clarified that the Council could forgive the loan at the end of the 55
year term if Palo Alto Housing agreed to continue affordability in perpetuity.
Council Member DuBois asked if the $46 million project would generate a
profit of $6 million.
Scott Felco, Palo Alto Housing Corporation explained that the Developer Fee
shown in the pro forma was a statutory maximum amount allowed to project
sponsors. The general contractor amount was intended to cover the general
contractor's fees and overhead costs. The amounts were estimates and
included some profit for the project sponsor and general contractor.
Council Member DuBois asked if there was a standard profit level for
affordable housing projects.
Mr. Felco advised that the maximum statutory amount for both fees could
not exceed 15 percent. The actual percentages were closer to 6 percent for
overhead and 4.5 percent for fees.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
State/Federal Legislation Update/Action
None.
Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements
Council Member Kou requested an update from the lobbyist regarding State
legislation.
FINAL MINUTES
Page 31 of 31
Sp. City Council Meeting
Final Minutes: 06/03/2019
Closed Session
17. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Subject: 2555 Park Blvd
Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(3)
(One Potential Case, as Defendant)
MOTION: Council Member Kniss moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Fine to go
into Closed Session.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
Council went into Closed Session at 11:45 P.M.
Council returned from Closed Session at 12:10 A.M.
Mayor Filseth announced the Council voted 6-1 (Council Member Kou
dissenting) to approve an agreement between the City and the property
owner at 2555 Park Boulevard to resolve a potential lawsuit with an
agreement that retail use shall not be required on the ground floor of the
building at 2555 Park Boulevard and that the office use on the ground floor
shall be considered a legal nonconforming use.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned in honor of the victims of the
shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center at 12:15 A.M.