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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-18 City Council Summary MinutesCITY COUNCIL SUMMARY MINUTES Page 1 of 18 Regular Meeting March 18, 2024 The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council Chambers and by virtual teleconference at 5:30 P.M. Present In Person: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Tanaka, Veenker Present Remotely: Absent: Mayor Stone called the meeting to order. The clerk called roll with all being present. Special Orders of the Day 1. Proclamation Welcoming Exchange Students and Chaperones from Sister City Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan. NO ACTION TAKEN Mayor Stone read a proclamation welcoming exchange students and chaperones from Sister City Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan. Sarah Burgess, Neighbors Abroad President, spoke about the student exchange program. Mr. So Karato, City of Tsuchiura, International Exchange Division discussed the student exchange program. Closed Session 2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Authority: Cal Govt Code 54957 Title: City Manager – Mid-Year Check-In MOTION: Vice Mayor Lauing moved, seconded by Council Member Kou to go into Closed Session. MOTION PASSED: 7-0 SUMMARY MINUTES Page 2 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 Public Comment: 1. Liz G. (Zoom) spoke about the quality of life for lower-income individuals in California and expressed her opposition in giving the City Manager another raise. She discussed some incidents with City Manager Shikada that she disagreed with. 2. Aram J. (Zoom) discussed his thoughts about some of City Manager Shikada’s actions asking for him to be fired. Council went into Closed Session at 5:49 P.M. Council returned from Closed Session at 7:10 P.M. Mayor Stone announced no reportable action. Agenda Changes, Additions and Deletions City Manager Shikada announced the action items for the evening. Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk, reported that they were in the process of troubleshooting the YouTube streaming. She recommended that the public viewers switch to Zoom. Public Comment Mayor Stone set some ground rules for public comment. 1. Giora speaking on behalf of (7): Ilana C., Yaron, Eric S., Edith C., Avivit S., Yishai S. provided a slide show presentation discussing what a ceasefire declaration by the Palo Alto City Council would and would not accomplish and acts of antisemitism that have occurred in the City. He asked why the synagogue had to be behind iron gratings. He stated a ceasefire resolution would support terrorism. He requested Council reject a ceasefire. 2. Makenzie speaking on behalf of (6): Jon H., Carolee H., Jessie H., Lubna Q., Tuba S. talked about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the large number of Palestinian deaths including children. She discussed Israel’s history of and ongoing discrimination of Palestine. She questioned why the Council passed a proclamation concerning the events of October 7 and stated this exposed their prejudice. She asked them to act accordingly to their statement on their website which states that Palo Alto “is actively engaged in making a difference both locally and globally” by declaring a ceasefire. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 3 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 3. Deborahlise speaking on behalf of (6): Lily B., Yazan A., MaLisa M., Paul J., Alysha D. read a passage written by Theodor Herzl that stated his determination to create a Jewish state in order to resolve the Jewish problem in Europe in the 30s. She proclaimed Israel to be the Zionist’s colonial project and discussed how the conflict is damaging the ecosystem. 4. Linor speaking on behalf of (7): Sarit S., Rebecca S., Avner, Jennifer F., David C., Miriam R. described how calling for a ceasefire resolution would serve the interest of Hamas. She encouraged a call for a return of the hostages, surrender of Hamas and the mutual recognition of the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination. 5. Kshama K. speaking on behalf of (6): Craig K., Alice K., Jill B., Karen B., Deborah F. spoke about Living Wisdom High School and how it benefits its students. She described how it is limited in its ability to serve students because of the limited space it occupies in Cubberley. She asked for Council’s support in working with Living Wisdom and Cubberley to allow them to use the unused space in Cubberley Community Center. 6. Jay I. described how Living Wisdom High School uplifts its students and inspires them to be their best selves. He expressed hope that the school can expand. 7. Krishav G. focused on reasons Living Wisdom should be allowed to utilize the current empty space within the Cubberley Community to expand their campus. 8. Shreya T. hoped Council would take into consideration their request to expand the community of Living Wisdom High School. 9. Nicholas M. declared that Living Wisdom High School has changed his life and the benefits of the ability to expand the school. 10. Hari V. discussed drawbacks of very large academic institutions and how Living Wisdom overcomes this. 11. Baatcha D. talked about the role Living Wisdom plays regarding the emotional, social and intellectual needs of kids toward the end the spectrum. He asked Council to help them all they could. 12. Hazemach recalled how Living Wisdom was a haven for him as he grew up in a difficult home and requested Council’s support for expanding their space. 13. Keshava B. discussed that Living Wisdom High School provides opportunity for hope in the world for children. 14. Shamti R. talked about many high school students who have come to her over the years as a practicing community physician due to stress from issues at home, socially and SUMMARY MINUTES Page 4 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 politically. She spoke about the joy and stability the students are provided from Living Wisdom. 15. David G., mental health professional, feared for the current state of young people. He has seen what the Living Wisdom school system has done for the youth over the decades. He asked Council to accommodate their need for more space. 16. Eric M. commented that there is a waitlist for Living Wisdom High School and the extra space would allow them to serve twice as many students as they currently do. He asked for Council’s help in making more rooms available. 17. Ana De J. P. expressed her love of Living Wisdom High School and how more space is required. 18. Christopher De J. P. thought the most important thing Living Wisdom taught him is connection. He asked Council to help provide more space for them. 19. Seema C. described how Living Wisdom has helped her daughter. She expressed hope in their ability to serve more kids. 20. Eve W. discussed how her child struggled in public school and how Living Wisdom has been transformational for him and her family. She hoped Council would grant the school additional space. 21. Ken H. expressed his passion about Cubberley honoring additional space for the students. 22. Estee G. 23. Michael F. discussed health issues created by Assembly Bill 967 and Toilet to Tap to Table Act which allows the liquid from cremation to be poured down the drain to be converted into drinking water. 24. Carol G. (Zoom) 25. Shani K. talked about the potential extinction of the burrowing owl and a petition by the Santa Clara Valley Audabon Society attempting to protect them. 26. Liz G. (Zoom) wanted to let Council know that she has been silenced psychologically and emotionally because if she takes a ceasefire side she is deemed a terrorist and if she takes an Israeli side then she is for the killing of large numbers of people in Palestine. 27. Syed (Zoom) asked City Council to agendize a resolution for ceasefire. He outlined a news report he read about the situation in Palestine. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 5 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 28. Lori M. referenced two articles in the packet telling how to stop City Councils from doing municipal business every week and a cover story from this month’s Atlantic with highlighted sections portraying what it is like to be Jewish in the Bay Area post October 7. She implored Council to make the pro-ceasefire driven hate go away. 29. Jamal K. brought up a resolution recently passed by the Santa Clara Democratic Central Committee calling for a ceasefire. His request was for City Council to agendize a similar resolution. 30. Michelle H. spoke about the many Palestinian children that have been killed and the need to call for a ceasefire. 31. Aram J. supported Palo Alto putting a resolution on for permanent and immediate ceasefire. 32. Talha B. (Zoom) clarified that being pro ceasefire does not mean supporting Hamas or being antisemitic. It would mean saving every life possible. 33. Paul J. (Zoom) 34. Lily B. (Zoom) Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements Council Member Lythcott-Haims discussed a letter she received from third graders at Hoover Elementary School indicating they are studying the people and departments in community governments. They had questions including how much money is received from taxes, how they make people agree to the laws and what was the latest decision made. Vice Mayor Lauing noted that the Retail Ad-Hoc Committee meets at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in the Community Room. The public is invited, especially retailers and Council Members. Council Member Burt shared that the previous Thursday the Caltrain Local Policy Maker Group had a workshop in Redwood City that Council Members Lauing and Lythcott-Haims joined him at. He detailed the focus of the workshop. He encouraged his colleagues to keep an eye open for the quarterly workshops of the LPMG. Mayor Stone announced that he and the Vice Mayor have agreed to allocate $1000 from the Council Contingency Funds toward the purchase of supplies for children to be able to make hygiene kits for the ecumenical hunger program at an upcoming Ramadan event. Study Session SUMMARY MINUTES Page 6 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 4. Presentation from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Community Planning Studio on its Findings Related to San Antonio Road Corridor Existing Conditions and Alternatives Report. CEQA Status - Not a project. NO ACTION TAKEN Jonathan Lait, Planning Director, outlined Cal Poly’s planning program and its benefits and a request for proposals their staff is preparing. He provided an email address for community members interested in providing any advanced feedback regarding a future area plan. Jake Jansen started a slide presentation about Cal Poly’s vision for the future of the San Antonio Corridor to include an agenda, introduction of who they are, discussion of the Corridor, key deliverables, the Land Use Plan, proposed and existing land use and proposed and existing zoning. Elena Blewett continued the slide presentation discussing the transportation plan, transportation issues, improvement recommendations, San Antonio Road at Fabian Way, San Antonio Road at San Antonio Avenue, environmental considerations, proposed community park and the Green Corridor and Green Neighborhood recommendations. Mr. Jansen proceeded with slides outlining community outreach, a community workshop held on January 24 allowing the public to contribute to the urban design process, an open house held on February 24 encouraging further community feedback and feedback received. Council Member Burt commented on ways that the corridor would be a benefit to the community. City Manager Shikada asked Director Lait to comment on the special setback in place on San Antonio Road. Director Lait said if the City were interested in expanding the right-of-way to include this special setback area could be acquired if the City were to purchase that land. He noted the hotel project where there are imposed conditions saying should the City need that space in the future that a redesign would be required at their expense. Council Member Burt expressed his interest in whether they could not only require the setback which means that the building was not built in a way that precluded putting an offroad path in that area to one where they are granted easements as the condition of the approval of the projects. City Manager Shikada noted that there are constraints on their ability to mandate requirements such as an easement dedication in the absence of a nexus to the development. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 7 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 Council Member Burt stated he was looking for them not being told that there are constraints but to have a discussion on what those constraints are with an intention to achieve the outcome they are seeking. Mr. Shikada countered that involves the development of a plan and the funding behind it. Council Member Veenker thought it was important to mention that the corridor is not pedestrian friendly. She questioned why there are four lanes going away on the San Antonio Road at San Antonio Avenue slide. Dave Amos joined to provide explanation for that issue. Council Member Lythcott-Haims asked for their thoughts on the merit of having higher buildings in sections one and three with the linear park in the middle inherently lower to enhance its centrality and potential desirability as a gathering place and wanted more detail on the linear park. Council Member Kou asked if there would be a coordinated area plan or just take projects as they come. Director Lait answered that was his reference to the Staff working on a request for proposals that will be made available in public so that consultants that would want to participate in the process would have a chance to submit proposals that the City would review. They will select a firm that would represent all of their interests articulated in the request for proposals and it will be presented to City Council for review and taking action to initiate the process. Council Member Kou wanted to know how many projects is coming through besides the 788 one. Director Lait thought there were two other pending formal applications and one other SB 330 preliminary application. Council Member Kou asked if the allowed use of the sharrows on 788 San Antonio would continue with all the other projects coming through. Director Lait replied projects that are in the pipeline now for review will be reviewed to the City’s policies in place. There is no coordinated plan for right-of-way acquisition to build out a dedicated cycle path. Council Member Kou commented the roads and right-of-way are important. She wants to see a transportation study plan. She thought it would be necessary to evaluate whether there should be parking on San Antonio since it is higher density. She wanted to be sure that as that area was developed for the coordinated plan that some of these developments have more community center space as well as courts for play areas and there is acknowledgment that that is a bird corridor. She wanted to know if PABAC is involved in reviewing any of this coordination. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 8 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 Director Lait stated as they begin work on the area plan, they will have a whole outreach and engagement strategy to include all interested parties including PABAC. Mayor Stone questioned if they know about how many vehicle dwellers were identified along San Antonio. Director Lait believed that data would be available going forward. Mayor Stone thought they would want to consider the compounding impact to the community and potential growth of the number of vehicle dwellers as they recognize potential displacement on San Antonio. He mentioned an upcoming discussion regarding El Camino bike lanes that will similarly displace vehicle dwellers on April 1. Philip Kamhi, Chief Transportation Official, noted that in the upcoming specific plan they will be coordinating with planning on the transportation elements and that they have their Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan update identifying projects in this area and will look toward Council to potentially prioritize those as projects. Council Member Lythcott-Haims wanted to keep in mind that there will be a lot of new residents on their border with Mountain View as they work on this plan and there is an attractive retail environment on Mountain View’s side of San Antonio. As a matter of economic development, they have to be thinking about pivoting those residents toward grocery, dining, etc. in Palo Alto. Council Member Burt stated that this is a corridor they share with Mountain View. He thought it was essential that their planning process work closely with Mountain View. He would like to see Mountain View represented as a stakeholder entity but ideally it should be almost a joint planning process. Public Comment: 1. Liz G. (Zoom) observed that residential overlays are problematic. The zone remains commercial and these overlays leave out residents to City protected ordinances that one-zoners enjoy. She brought up all the concrete poured, sound barrier walls and earthen septic tanks. She asked if the design and plan for the interior of the units would be amenable for families. She wanted to support retail and economy in Palo Alto. She found the distance from the train troubling. 2. Penny E. (Zoom) queried how they plan to treat the two-way cycle tracks at major intersection like Middlefield. She expressed hope that the City would engage with Mountain View. She did not see any evidence in the plans of any thought about bicycle transportation or bus transit. She thought the special setback should be integrated in the planning process and reflected in the drawings. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 9 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 3. Natalie G. (Zoom) echoed the concerns about transit. She saw this as a wonderful stepping stone to the next phase of planning. Consent Calendar Council Member Burt registered a no vote on Agenda Item Number 10. Council Member Tanaka registered a no vote on Agenda Item Number 7, 8, 10. Council Member Veenker registered a no vote on Agenda Item Number 10. MOTION: Council Member Burt moved, seconded by Council Member Lythcott-Haims to approve Agenda Item Numbers 5-11. MOTION PASSED ITEMS 5, 6, 9, 11: 7-0 MOTION PASSED ITEMS 7, 8: 6-1, Tanaka no MOTION PASSED ITEM 10: 4-3, Burt, Tanaka, Veenker no Public Comment: 1. Herb B. (Item 8) believed this should be removed from consent and rejected because instead of being a contract based on a request from the City to provide the services the City is required to provide by state law, it looks like the City is responding to requests for proposal from Pets in Need to meet their services. He also mentioned that Pets in Need’s annual report that was due six months ago has not yet been filed according to the Attorney General’s Registration for Charities and Fundraisers 2. Kadri C. (Item 8) talked about the contract terms between Pets in Need and the City of Palo Alto. She described multiple issues with the scope of services that have not been discussed prior and are now added to the contract with no discretions with Council Members or Animal Control. She felt these contract adjustments are necessary to ensure a good-natured working relationship between Pets in Need and the City of Palo Alto. 3. Jeannette W. (Item 8) was saddened by the contract with Pets in Need. She felt the animal services have not gone well since the takeover and they have not been held accountable for the lack of services. She stated they need to bring back the five days a week spay and neuter, provide care for animals 24 hours a day and work with cruelty investigations. She asked Council to consider the alternative of an in-house shelter. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 10 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 4. Kim S. (Item 8) 5. Liz G. (Zoom) (Item 9) commented that residential overlays do not change commercial zones. She expressed a need to build more housing but the development of this type of housing is contracted with private companies with 50-year leases. They lack oversight. They are not a good way to secure affordable housing for families. She discussed the Mayfield Place part of the Mayfield Agreement as an example. She suggested working with the county and local housing organizations would provide equitable, inclusive housing for all in Palo Alto. 6. Aram J. (Zoom) discussed his opposition to the Shikada plan to privatize the animal shelter. He opined that the City Manager overloads the calendar so people get tired and the Mayor feels compelled to reduce public speaking time. He thought many issues need to be resolved before giving a five-year contract to Pets in Needs. Council Member Burt voted no for procedural reasons and some related aspects. He stated there was a need to go forward with the renewal of the project to enable an affordable housing project to be able to take advantage of this program and extend it for that purpose but he found that the report did not provide the context for what that means. When this was first adopted, it was put in place a major stepdown of the feed in tariff rate that would occur after the first three megawatts which the upcoming project would fulfill. That lower rate kills any interest in the program. What they have going on right now is their reliability and resiliency plan which will include the role of local distributed generation and storage issues like solar programs. They are going to want programs that will be not only solar but solar plus storage. He thinks the programs need to be revamped but they are killing this program after the next project. There are opportunities for solar within the City. He noted that his understanding is that C40 cities have a high percentage of their renewables to be generated in the City. He thought they should have a review of their existing and past solar programs come to the SCAP Ad-Hoc before they get the reliability and resiliency plan. Council Member Tanaka said he supports the idea of having EV ports at a bunch of sites in Palo Alto but he does not see how they will get them in the targeted time. On Item 8, he described contractual issues that he believes need to be resolved. Regarding Item 10, he liked the idea but agreed that it was a poorly written report. Council Member Veenker voted no on Item 10 because she did not feel she had enough information and notice to vote yes. She liked the idea of extending a deadline to facilitate an affordable housing project but she wanted more context and notice. 5. Approval of Minutes from March 4, 2024 meeting SUMMARY MINUTES Page 11 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 6. Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Edison Electric Institute Master Power Purchase and Sale Agreement With Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority and Delegating Authority to the City Manager to Transact Under the Master Agreement for Electricity-Related Commodities and Services CEQA Status: Not a project under CEQA Guidelines 15378(b)(5) 7. Approval of Amendment No. 2 of C19171513 With CLEAResult Consulting, Inc. (CLEAResult) Extending the Contract Expiration Date by Three Years From April 16, 2024 to April 15, 2027. CEQA Status - Not a Project. 8. Approval of a Professional Services Agreement (Contract No. C24190819) Between the City of Palo Alto and Pets in Need for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $7,373,516 for a Five-year Term; and Amend the FY2024 Budget in the General Fund; CEQA status – categorically exempt. 9. Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Use of the City’s Activity (1) Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) 2019, 2020, and 2021 Allocations for Predevelopment Activities, Construction, and/or Permanent Financing of New Affordable Housing at the Matadero Creek Affordable Housing Site, and Approve FY 2024 Budget Amendments in the Permanent Local Housing Allocation Fund; CEQA Status – not a project. 10. Approval of Amended Palo Alto CLEAN Program Rules and Requirements, Handbook, and Power Purchase Agreement; CEQA Status: Not a Project under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(a) and (b) 11. SECOND READING: Adopt a Park Dedication Ordinance for the Tower Well site, 0.19 acres of land (8,437 square feet) at 201 Alma Street and approve the proposed name “Tower Well Park” as Recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission. CEQA status - not a project. (FIRST READING: March 4, 2024 PASSED 7-0) City Manager Comments City Manager Shikada spoke about the State of the City Address and Event, grade separation upcoming discussions, Caltrans proposal to add bike lanes on El Camino Real, upcoming community events, Artlift Microgrants: Utility Box Murals and notable tentative upcoming Council items. Action Items 12. SECOND READING: Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Chapter 8.04 (Street, Trees, Shrubs, and Plants) and Chapter 8.10 (Tree Preservation and SUMMARY MINUTES Page 12 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 Management Regulations) (FIRST READING: January 16, 2024 PASSED 5-2, Lythcott- Haims, Tanaka no) Item Removed Off Agenda 13. Discussion and Direction Regarding the City Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook - Annual Discussion as Recommended by the Policy & Services Committee Item Removed Off Agenda AA1. Approval of the 2024 City Council Priority Objectives and Finance Committee and Policy & Services Committee Workplans (Item Continued from March 4, 2024 and March 11, 2024 City Council Meeting) New Item added Vice Mayor Lauing wanted clarification on Items 29 and 30. Brad Eggleston, Public Works Director clarified that one of those was a City-wide EV strategic plan that council recently approved a consultant contract for looking at the whole community charging needs and other types of impacts. The other one is developing a plan for electrifying and providing charging capacity for the internal City fleet. Vice Mayor Lauing asked if that would be different than what they are doing now. Mr. Eggleston said thus far it has been done on an ad-hoc basis over last year’s budget season and what they are currently going through. They are trying to get more organized. He looked at that as a five-year or longer plan. Vice Mayor Lauing said adding city-wide to the wording made it clearer. Council Member Veenker added that the Climate Protection Ad-Hoc reviewed these objectives with Director Eggleston and others. She commented that this is packed and there is still more they want to do so it is all about prioritizing the work. Council Member Burt reference the 65,000 smart meters mentioned on Item 21 asking if that is 65,000 electrical and commented on the timeline being faster than he expected. Dean Batchelor, Utility Director, answered that 65 represents all three utilities for all the residential customers. They are at 35 percent. They have been tracking for the last three weeks but are actually installing 1000 meters a week. He felt confident they will have the residential area up and running with all electric, gas and water. Council Member Burt wanted to see as part of that implementation is the data they are going to use and for what purpose. On Item 30, he wanted to see the City e-bike fleet explicitly added. He was glad to see parking policy under the climate program because cars driving around for a parking space has a needless contribution to GHGs. He would like those smart programs to be embraced. Under 37, he wanted to be sure that everybody has on their radar that in terms of a paved area that is a candidate for solar programs and that there is a SUMMARY MINUTES Page 13 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 consortium of companies involved in full sustainability and electrification of municipal airports and they have identified their municipal airport for a variety of reasons as their top candidate for a really green airport. Under natural environment, he did not see an upcoming update to the Wildland Protection Plan. City Manager Shikada did not recall the specifics and they would get back to him about that. Council Member Kou commented that on Item 37, in order to be green and be addressing climate change, the fuel tanks would need to all be unleaded to fit into that SCAP. She wanted to know why commercial dewatering requirements were dropped as part of climate change. Mr. Eggleston said that the unleaded fuel at the airport was on Item 94. Regarding commercial building dewatering, much more stringent standards had been set several years ago that encourage people to put in these cutoff walls that essentially block the flow of brown water and dramatically reduce the amount of brown water that has to be pumped or they have to go through more stringent requirements to justify not using that kind of system. That has been successful and they have not had enough projects come through that process yet to evaluate and identify the need for further changes. Council Member Kou asked if they have the tree canopy as part of the infrastructure. Mr. Eggleston answered there is no Council priority objective for that but they do have SCAP goals under the natural environment for a higher target of canopy coverage and other goals in the budget for adding trees every year. Council Member Tanaka queried which item covers the scooter program that was unanimously approved about four years ago. Philip Kamhi, Chief Transportation Official, stated micromobility or scooter and bikeshare is included both as a component along with other SCAP projects they currently have planned for a planner they attempted to hire to work on last year but were unsuccessful in. They will be going out again to try and hire for that position. They hope to get started on it this year. He noted that one of the larger providers of scooter and bikes in the country has gone bankrupt. Council Member Tanaka wanted to know the plan for widening Charleston Bridge. City Manager Shikada answered that was covered under Community Health and Safety and it will be in an upcoming section. Mr. Eggleston said it is under Climate Change Adaptation Flood Protection, Item 40. Council Member Tanaka expressed need to advocate pushing this forward. Mr. Eggleston added that because of the new hydrological information that came from the December 31 flood, the JPA is working on bringing a consultant to do a re-evaluation of the SUMMARY MINUTES Page 14 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 possibilities for those projects. They are not in a place to currently push forward with that project. They are looking at alternatives and how it can fit in. Vice Mayor Lauing discussed his understanding of NOFA and felt they need to add to that fund, should be deciding what the criteria are and be looking at reserves in that fund. He would like to suggest the wording to state evaluate NOFA policy and consider criteria for funding. Director Lait stated they have been working on preparing a notice of funding availability for release. They do not have a lot of funds. They have a number of agencies seeking funds. There is question of how to distribute and support different groups with their limited resources. He thought the language was fine. They could explore evaluating the policy and making changes. City Manager Shikada thought it sounded like a criteria discussion and should be approved by Council and they would gear toward that. Vice Mayor Lauing stated the issue that needs to be addressed now is raising money for affordable housing and he thought they should be specific about that. His suggestion is to add evaluating sources and methods for raising significant funding to support affordable housing and develop potential programs that appeal to them. Director Lait commented that is part of their work program. The Housing Ad-Hoc has that as one of its charges to explore different options. Staff is working on information to present to the Mayor and Vice Mayor as representatives of the Housing Ad-Hoc. They will note that work on the chart. Vice Mayor Lauing pointed out Items 58 through 62 that are referred to as housing element implementation. He thought 61 seemed repetitive. Director Lait stated the other references are specific to the actions being taken. There is a list of other one-off actions that need to be taken to amend the local zoning to comply with state law. It will be an omnibus of code changes that are wrapped up into one discreet effort. Council Member Kou referenced a colleague’s memo on short-term rentals. She wanted to know if that could be added back to the objectives. City Manager Shikada commented this has been an issue that has been rolled forward over the course of a couple of years. Director Lait answered the colleague’s memo is not identified on the current workplan as an assignment they will take on in this objectives year. That will be a new body of work they will need to allocate resources for. City Manager Shikada said it would require removal of something else to be prioritized. Mayor Kou read somewhere that it was going to be a consideration of the FY24 budget. She wondered if the colleague’s memo was just being ignored. She hoped her colleagues will SUMMARY MINUTES Page 15 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 consider putting that back on. On Item 62, she asked if Housing Element Program 3.9 is related to converting commercial floor area to residential. Director Lait clarified this is a policy that reduces commercial floor area allowances or other commercial incentives at strategic locations to shift the economic incentive toward housing production and away from office. Council Member Kou referenced the Palo Alto Redwoods Condo Complex. Council had unanimously approved looking into protections for residentially zoned properties throughout the City. Their attorney requested specific text amendments that have provided. She asked if that is on this schedule. Director Lait said Kristi Bascom was the representative for the Palo Alto Redwoods. That is presented as a property specific text amendment. City Council did give direction to follow up on that. It is not on the current list. It is a new body of work and they need to identify resources to take that on. Council Member Kou stated this is another item the Council voted to proceed forward on examining it. She hoped that Council would consider putting it on the list or referring it to the Housing Ad-Hoc Committee. Council Member Burt hopes to have short-term rentals on the calendar year 25 agenda. He hoped to see an update on the gap analysis on housing and services for the unhoused before the end of the year. He asked if Item 66 is only related to vehicle dwellers and the need for safe parking. Melissa McDonough, Assistant to the City Manager, clarified the original proposal from the previous year talked about a strategy to better connect the unhoused with housing. There are a lot of things already within the county’s strategic plan that they are partners with developing. In terms of the gap analysis, this is a good idea of what they are doing, what the county is doing and what they can be doing better within their span of control. In terms of Geng Road, that came out of Council direction from the Safe Parking Permanent Ordinance conversation in December. Two pieces came out of that direction that will take some substantial leg work from Staff and that is both looking at the question of expanding safe parking at Geng Road and then Council had an interest of understanding their unhoused population. It was her recollection that the interest was broader than just in vehicles. Council Member Burt thought that a more comprehensive and strategic understanding of this was needed to include the roles of the county. He wanted to see the gap analysis and a clearer summary of the county initiatives. He wanted a better grasp of how well the affordable housing providers are performing their services. He would like their office to have a role in reviewing any performance issues with affordable housing providers. Council Member Lythcott-Haims concurred with Council Member Kou in asking that they figure out how to get Palo Alto Redwood started. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 16 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 Council Member Kou requested adding exploring the amendment from the proposal of the Palo Alto Redwoods HOA for zoning code text changes and short-term rentals. Vice Mayor Lauing thought it was fair but that it could not be fit in this year. Council Member Burt thought they wanted to make sure some things they want to see on the 2025 list are delineated on a follow-up list, including the Redwoods project and short-term rentals. He asked Staff if they could get that codified. City Manager Shikada agreed to figure out how to do that to keep it on the plate. Council Member Burt requested a mechanism to review performance complaints on existing affordable housing projects. City Manager Shikada shared that is an issue of ongoing discussion among Staff as to how that can be done. It is currently handled through the Office of Human Services and Community Services Department. As they look at scaling up the low-market residential units around town, the City’s role in landlord-tenant issues is a big question. He thought they would bring forward some thoughts on how to address that issue without specific recommendation as a part of the upcoming budget process because this could be a very significant resource allocation. Council Member Kou stated they have contracts of their own for City’s below-market rate and asked how they oversee those complaints. Director Lait answered when they get a complaint, they reach out to Alta Housing to share what they are hearing and understand more about the condition or complaint being made. They have been hampered with their efforts because they lost their housing planner to another city several months ago. They are bringing somebody onboard in the next week so they will be able to shore up their local support for the BMR program and be able to respond to those complaints more effectively. City Manager Shikada added that in addition to the planner involvement in reviewing the circumstances with Alta and the resident or perspective resident, under other circumstances there has been Code Enforcement go visit units where there have been issues of concern raised with the condition of units. That is another dimension of the City’s involvement in addition to the services provided through the Community Services Department Office of Human Services. The issue they want to discuss with Council more broadly is how they handle this if there is a prospect not only of increase in inventory of below-market but on a topic such as the rental registry. Council Member Kou queried if the Matadero Creek affordable housing would be a contract through the City. Director Lait said it is yet to be determined how that gets developed but he imagined that to be a scenario where the City would engage Alta Housing or some agency to oversee that. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 17 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 MOTION: Council Member Veenker moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Lauing to approve the 2024 Proposed City Council Priorities and Objectives: Climate Change & Natural Environment section. MOTION PASSED: 7-0 MOTION: Vice Mayor Lauing moved, seconded by Council Member Kou to approve the 2024 Proposed City Council Priorities and Objectives: Housing for Social and Economic Balance section and additional changes/additions: 1. Revise NOFA to read: “Conduct a policy review with criteria for Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)”; and, 2. Add the evaluation of sources and methods for raising significant funding to support affordable housing. MOTION PASSED: 7-0 Agenda Item AA1 to be continued to a City Council Meeting Date uncertain. AA2. Policy and Services Recommendation to the City Council for the creation of a Citizens Advisory Committee on a Potential Charter Amendment on Council Member Compensation (Item Continued from March 11, 2024 City Council Meeting) Agenda Item AA2 not heard and to be deferred to a City Council Meeting date uncertain. Mayor Stone announced they will start at 5:30 March 25 on AA1 and AA2. Closed Session AA3. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY-EXISTING LITIGATION Subject: Hamilton and High, LLC, The Keenan Family Trust, et al. v. City of Palo Alto, et al. Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 20CV366967 Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) New Item added 3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS Authority: Government Code Section 54956.8 Property: 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (Informally known as the Cubberley Site) Negotiating Party: Palo Alto Unified School District City Negotiators: (Ed SUMMARY MINUTES Page 18 of 18 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/18/2024 Shikada, Chantal Cotton Gaines, Kristen O'Kane, Sunny Tong) Subject of Negotiations: Purchase, Exchange, and/or Lease Price and Terms of Payment Agenda Item Reordered Public Comment: 1. Aram J. (Zoom) opined that the closed sessions were a disservice to the public. He disagreed with having these kinds of critical issues with public input put into closed sessions. He asked that the closed sessions be ended as much as possible. MOTION: Vice Mayor Lauing moved, seconded by Council Member Veenker to go into Closed Session. MOTION PASSED: 7-0 Council went into Closed Session at 10:40 P.M. Council returned from Closed Session at 11:29 P.M. Mayor Stone announced no reportable action. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 P.M.