HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-25 City Council Summary MinutesCITY OF PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL
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Special Meeting
June 25, 2018
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council
Chambers at 5:04 P.M.
Present: DuBois, Filseth, Fine, Holman, Kniss, Kou, Tanaka, Wolbach
Absent: Scharff
Closed Session
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(1):
Four Potential Cases
MOTION: Vice Mayor Filseth moved, seconded by Council Member Wolbach
to go into Closed Session.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Scharff absent
Council went into Closed Session at 5:05 P.M.
Council returned from Closed Session at 6:47 P.M.
Mayor Kniss announced no reportable action from the Closed Session. The
City Council selected Ed Shikada as the next City Manager effective January
2019. The City Council moved rapidly because of the competitive market for
City Manager candidates, other cities' interest in Mr. Shikada, and Mr.
Shikada's experience with the City.
Ed Shikada, Assistant City Manager, thanked the Council for moving rapidly
as it allowed Staff to focus on key priorities and challenges. Mr. Shikada
thanked City Manager Keene for hiring him and looked forward to serving as
City Manager.
Council Member DuBois welcomed Mr. Shikada to his new role with the City.
The City is in a fantastic position with Mr. Shikada and Mr. Keene working
together over the next six months.
Mayor Kniss noted four leadership positions within the City are vacant.
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Special Orders of the Day
1A. Proclamation Recognizing the Month of June 2018 as Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month.
Council Member Wolbach read the Proclamation into the record.
Agenda Changes, Additions and Deletions
Beth Minor, City Clerk, reported Staff recommended Agenda Item Number 32
be continued to a date uncertain.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Filseth moved, seconded by Council Member Kou to
continue Agenda Item Number 32 - Recommended Terms of Agreement for
Fire Protection Services to Stanford University … to a date uncertain.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Scharff absent
City Manager Comments
James Keene, City Manager, announced the retirements of Chief Financial
Officer Lalo Perez effective July 5, and Public Works Director Mike Sartor
effective July 7. Kiely Nose was appointed Administrative Services
Department Interim Director, and Brad Eggleston was appointed Public Works
Interim Director. Planning Staff would hold an open house regarding
implementation of the City's Housing Work Plan, Housing Element, and
Comprehensive Plan housing policies on June 28 at the Downtown Library.
The Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury's analysis of the affordable housing
crisis contained a series of findings to which the City would respond formally.
The 37th Annual Chili Cook-Off and Summer Festival would begin at noon on
July 4 at Mitchell Park. The Police Department's Technical Services Director,
Charlie Cullen, was recently elected to the Board of the National Emergency
Number Association as a Western Regional Director. The Junior Museum and
Zoo was finding new homes for objects in its collection in preparation for
vacating its building.
Oral Communications
Pilar Lorenzana, Silicon Valley @Home, urged the Council to negotiate a more
meaningful relocation package for tenants of the Hotel President, including six
months' of rent and a longer period before eviction.
Stephen Levy remarked that protection and preservation of housing should be
considered along with increasing housing supply. Affordable housing could be
built if the City considered special rules for affordable housing projects.
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Mark Mollineaux commented that the City made constructing affordable
apartments illegal. People should be searching for solutions to the lack of
affordable housing.
Max Kapczynski, Palo Alto Forward, commented that the loss of the Hotel
President was a shame. The loss of 75 affordable units would not be offset by
the goal of producing 70 affordable units in 2018.
Stephanie Munoz stated the value of real property was determined by what
could be built on it. The City Council was biased against small, dense units.
Minutes Approval
2. Approval of Action Minutes for the June 11, 12, 18, and 19, 2018 Council
Meetings.
MOTION: Council Member DuBois moved, seconded by Council Member
Holman to approve the Action Minutes for the June 11, 12, 18, and 19, 2018
Council Meetings.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Scharff absent
Consent Calendar
Neilson Buchanan spoke regarding Agenda Item Number 17. The contract
with Dixon should be approved, and Dixon's services were badly needed.
Melanie Liu spoke regarding Agenda Item Number 21. Thanks to Lalo Perez
for beginning the process to divest the City of fossil-fuel holdings and to
develop social and environmental investment policies.
Stephanie Munoz spoke regarding Agenda Item Number 23. The City Council
should plan for the whole population and was obligated to ensure each
individual had housing.
Bob Moss spoke regarding Agenda Item Number 24. The statement of work
should contain a goal of preserving the integrity of existing housing in Ventura
and a requirement for any development in the Ventura neighborhood to
provide public park space.
Joe Simitian spoke regarding Agenda Item Number 26. The item was not a
funding commitment or a funding disbursement. Within the past six months,
the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors had stated its willingness to set
aside real property and $6 million for possible teacher housing. The project
could be a model for additional affordable housing.
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Council Member Holman registered a no vote on Agenda Item Number 23 -
SECOND READING: Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Palo Alto Municipal
Code Title 18 (Zoning) Chapter 18.30 (Combining Districts) to add a new
Combining District to Allow for Higher Density Multi-family Housing … .
Council Member Kou registered no votes on Agenda Item Numbers 8 - QUASI-
JUDICIAL/PUBLIC HEARING 2515-2585 El Camino Real [17PLN-00448] …, 18
- QUASI-JUDICIAL/PUBLIC HEARING. 3225 El Camino Real [17PLN-00007] …,
23 - SECOND READING: Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Palo Alto
Municipal Code Title 18 (Zoning) Chapter 18.30 (Combining Districts) to add
a new Combining District to Allow for Higher Density Multi-family Housing …,
and 24 - Approval of Contract Number C18171717 With Perkins + Will … .
Council Member Tanaka registered no votes on Agenda Item Numbers 10 -
Approval and Authorization for the City Manager or his Designee to Execute
the Following six Utilities Public Benefits Program Contract Amendments …, 14
- Adoption of a Memorandum of Agreement and Salary Schedule …, 16 -
Approval of a Contract With Summit Uniforms …, and 22 - Approval of a Five-
year Contract With All City Management Services, Inc … .
MOTION: Council Member Fine moved, seconded by Council Member DuBois
to approve Agenda Item Numbers 3-28A, including changes to Agenda Item
Number 8 - QUASI-JUDICIAL/PUBLIC HEARING 2515-2585 El Camino Real
[17PLN-00448] … outlined in the At Place Staff Memorandum.
3. Approval of Contract Number C18171689 With Toubar Equipment
Company, Inc. for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $716,030 for Landfill Gas
Collection and Control System and Leachate Collection System
Improvements at the Palo Alto Landfill Over a Term of 90 Days.
4. Approval and Authorization for the City Manager to Execute an Electric
Enterprise Fund Professional Services Contract With Activu Corporation
in the Amount of $438,006, Including Change Orders for Additional
Related but Unforeseen Work in the Amount of $43,800, for a Total Not-
to-Exceed Amount of $481,006, for the Utility Control Room Upgrade
Project.
5. Approval of a General Services Contract With O'Grady Paving, Inc. for
Maintenance of the Renzel Marsh Freshwater Pond for a Total Not-to-
Exceed Amount of $511,500 Over a Four-month Term.
6. Approval of a Five-year Contract With Telecommunications Engineering
Associates (TEA) in a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $500,000 for
Annual Maintenance Services of Legacy Radio Infrastructure Plus a
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Contingency Not-To-Exceed Amount of $25,000 per Year for Additional
Services.
7. Approval of Contract Number C18172268 With Municipal Resources
Group for Council Appointed Officers Performance Evaluation for a
Duration Through June 30, 2019 With the Option to Extend two
Additional Years for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $180,000.
8. QUASI-JUDICIAL/PUBLIC HEARING 2515-2585 El Camino Real [17PLN-
00448]: Recommendation on Applicant’s Request for Approval of a
Vesting Tentative Map to Merge two Lots and Subdivide the Combined
39,953 Square Foot lot Into 13 Residential Condominiums and up to 13
Retail Commercial Units. The Subdivision Map Would Facilitate
Construction of the Previously Approved 39,858 Square Foot Mixed-use
Development Project (15PLN-00170). Environmental Assessment:
Reuse of a Previously Adopted Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration Prepared for the Associated Development Application
(15PLN-00170). Zoning District: Neighborhood Commercial (CN) and
Community Commercial (CC) (2) Zoning District.
9. Approval of Amendment Number 1 to the Agreement With Palo Alto
Unified School District (PAUSD) for PAUSD Athletic Field Brokering and
Maintenance Cost-sharing to Extend the Term to December 2019.
10. Approval and Authorization for the City Manager or his Designee to
Execute the Following six Utilities Public Benefits Program Contract
Amendments: 1) Amendment Number 1 to CLEAResult Consulting, Inc.
C15159135 Increasing Compensation by $910,000 and Extending the
Term for Three Additional Years; 2) Amendment Number 1 to Eagle
Systems International, Inc. DBA Synergy Companies C15159126
Number 2 to Eagle Systems International, Inc. DBA Synergy Companies
C15159125 Increasing Compensation by $900,000 and Extending the
Term for Three Additional Years; 4) Amendment Number 1 to Ecology
Action of Santa Cruz C15155144A With no Increase in Compensation
and Extending the Term for two Additional Years; 5) Amendment
Number 1 to Enovity, Inc. C15155144B With no Increase in
Compensation and Extending the Term for two Additional Years; and 6)
Amendment Number 1 to BASE Energy, Inc. C15155144C With no
Increase in Compensation.
11. Policy and Services Committee Recommends Approval of the Status
Update of the Community Services Department: Fee Schedule Audit.
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12. Resolution 9779 Entitled, “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Determining the Proposed Calculation of the Appropriations Limit
for Fiscal Year 2019.”
13. Approval of a Construction Contract With Vortex Marine Construction,
Inc. in the Amount of $1,097,281 for the Baylands Boardwalk
Improvements Capital Improvement Project PE-14018 and Approve
Budget Amendments in the Capital Improvement Fund and the Parkland
Dedication Fee Fund.
14. Adoption of a Memorandum of Agreement and Salary Schedule Between
the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Peace Officers' Association
Effective July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021.
15. Approval of the Renewal of Three Public-private Partnership Agreements
Between the City of Palo Alto and TheatreWorks, Palo Alto Players, and
West Bay Opera for the use of the Lucie Stern Community Theatre.
16. Approval of a Contract With Summit Uniforms for Five-years for a
Maximum Compensation Amount Not-to-Exceed $520,000
($104,000/Year) for the Purchase of Police, Fire, and Park Ranger
Uniforms and Related Equipment.
17. Approval of Contract Number C18172676 With Dixon Resources
Unlimited for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $285,126 for Support of
the City's Parking Programs for a One-year Term, and Exemption of the
Contract From Competitive Solicitation Requirements.
18. QUASI-JUDICIAL/PUBLIC HEARING. 3225 El Camino Real [17PLN-
00007]: Request for a Vesting Tentative Map to Subdivide a 29,962
Square Foot Parcel Into two Parcels Comprised of one Commercial Parcel
and one Residential Parcel for Condominium Purposes. Environmental
Assessment: An Initial Study Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS-MND)
was Previously Prepared for an Associated Development Application
(15PLN-00003) That was Approved by the Director of Planning and
Community Environment on April 21, 2016. Zoning District: Service
Commercial (CS).
19. Approval of Amendment Number 4 to the Agreement With the Peninsula
Corridor Joint Powers Board for Rail Shuttle Bus Service Administration
to Extend the Term of the Agreement for One-year and for the City to
Provide an Additional $130,600 for Community Shuttle Service on the
Existing Embarcadero Shuttle Route From July 2018 Until June 2019.
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20. Approval of Contract Amendment Number Three to Contract Number
C15158029 With Schaaf & Wheeler Consulting Civil Engineers to
Increase the Construction Support Budget in the Amount of $21,000 for
Additional Work and to Extend the Contract Term for the Matadero Creek
Storm Water Pump Station Capital Improvement Program Project SD-
13003.
21. Resolution 9780 Entitled, “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Appreciation to Lalo Perez Upon his Retirement.”
22. Approval of a Five-year Contract With All City Management Services,
Inc., Effective August 1, 2018, in the Not-to-Exceed Amount of
$3,096,779 for Crossing Guard Services for the Palo Alto Unified School
District and Approval of a Budget Amendment in the General Fund.
23. Ordinance 5443 Entitled, “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending Palo Alto Municipal Code Title 18 (Zoning) Chapter 18.30
(Combining Districts) to add a new Combining District to Allow for
Higher Density Multi-family Housing That Includes a Workforce Housing
Component to be Located on Public Facilities Zoned Properties Within
0.5 Miles of Fixed Rail Transit Stations;” and Ordinance 5444 Entitled,
“Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending the Zoning
Map to Apply the new Combining District to the Subject Property at 2755
El Camino Real (FIRST READING: June 4, 2018 PASSED: 7-2 Holman,
Kou no).”
24. Approval of Contract Number C18171717 With Perkins + Will for the
Professional Services Related to the Preparation of the North Ventura
Coordinated Area Plan for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $769,068 Over a
2.5-Year Term.
25. Policy and Services Recommendation to Accept the Continuous
Monitoring Audit: Overtime.
26. Direction to the City Manager to set Aside $3 Million in Affordable
Housing Funds for a Potential Teacher Housing Project at 231 Grant
Avenue.
27. Ordinance 5445 Entitled, “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Title 18 (Zoning),
Chapter 18.28 (Special Purpose (PF, OS and AC) Districts), Sections
18.28.050, 18.28.060, and 18.28.090 to Revise the Public Facilities (PF)
Zone Parking and Development Standards to Allow Council Approval of
Exceptions to PF Development Standards, Including Setback Lines
Imposed by a Special Setback Map, and Required Parking Location for
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City Parking Facilities in the Downtown and California Avenue Business
District and for Essential Services Buildings, and Make Other Clerical or
Technical Corrections (FIRST READING: June 11, 2018 PASSED: 8-0
Tanaka not Participating).”
28. Approval of Amendment Number One to Professional Services Contract
Number C16161182 With Freytag & Associates to Extend the Term of
the Agreement for One and a Half Years (1.5 years) to end December
31, 2019 with no Additional Cost to the City for Professional Services
Related to Airplane Noise Assessment and Mitigation.
28A. Approval of a Contract With MNS Engineers, Inc. in an Amount Not-to-
Exceed $267,000 for a One-year Term for Operation Group Support
Services at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant.
MOTION FOR AGENDA ITEM NUMBERS 3-7, 9, 11-13, 15, 17, 19-21,
25-28A PASSED: 8-0 Scharff absent
MOTION FOR AGENDA ITEM NUMBERS 8, 18, AND 24 PASSED: 7-1 Kou
no, Scharff absent
MOTION FOR AGENDA ITEM NUMBERS 10, 14, 16, AND 22 PASSED: 7-
1 Tanaka no, Scharff absent
MOTION FOR AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 23 PASSED: 6-2 Holman, Kou no,
Scharff absent
Council Member Kou wanted Agenda Item Numbers 8 and 18 moved to the
Action Calendar. The proposed Ordinance in Agenda Item Number 23 was
essentially spot zoning. Developments utilizing the proposed Ordinance would
not provide below market rate housing and could affect neighborhood retail
shops. She wished the City Council had been given an opportunity to interview
the consultants who submitted bids for Agenda Item Number 24.
Council Member Tanaka opposed Agenda Item Number 10 because the City
just increased utility rates for ratepayers, the City Council directed Staff to
reduce the Budget by $4 million, and the Council had not discussed the item.
Council Member Tanaka supported a pay increase for police officers, but the
5 percent increase was not appropriate when the General Fund Budget
increased by only 1.7 percent. He questioned the need to change the vendor
for crossing guards because of the increased cost of the proposed contract
and the lack of complaints about the existing vendor. The Staff Report for
Agenda Item Number 16 did not provide the amount of the existing contract.
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Council Member Fine remarked that Agenda Item Number 23 was not spot
zoning as the overlay applied to all parcels zoned Public Facilities (PF). The
Municipal Code provided definitions for affordable housing.
Action Items
29. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 9781 Entitled, “Resolution of the Council
of the City of Palo Alto Confirming Weed Abatement Report and Ordering
Cost of Abatement to be a Special Assessment on the Respective
Properties Described Therein.”
James Keene, City Manager, reported this Item fulfilled an annual
requirement.
Public Hearing opened and closed without public comment at 7:50 P.M.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Filseth moved, seconded by Mayor Kniss to adopt a
Resolution confirming the report and ordering abatement costs to be a special
assessment on the properties specified in the report.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Scharff absent
30. Resolution 9782 Entitled, “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Related to the Downtown Residential Preferential Parking (RPP)
Program Reducing or Otherwise Amending the Number of Employee
Parking Permits and Making Related Changes, Modifying or Maintaining
the Prohibition on Re-parking in the RPP District More Than two Hours
After Initially Parking, and Making Other Clarifying Modifications to
Resolution 9671. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): Exempt
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Continued From April
2, 2018).”
Joshuah Mello, Chief Transportation Official, reported on February 26, Staff
presented an update regarding the Downtown Residential Preferential Parking
(RPP) Program, and the Council directed Staff to draft an Ordinance that
reduced the number of employee parking permits from 1,500 to 1,000 with
100 of those held in reserve. The proposed Resolution clarified the two-hour
re-parking restriction, tied permit fees to the Municipal Fee Schedule, and
reduced the total inventory of employee parking permits to 1,000 with an
additional 100 employee parking permits held in reserve. At the Council's
direction, Staff reduced the number of parking permits allocated to Zones 8,
9, and 10. After implementation of the permit reductions, businesses
proximate to Zone 8 and Middlefield Road voiced concerns. Under the
authority granted to the Planning Director, Staff reallocated employee parking
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permits from Zones 3 and 4 to Zone 8. The number of permits allocated to
each zone was provided in an At-places Memorandum.
Molly Stump, City Attorney, advised that the Vehicle Code required notice of
parking requirements prior to the issuance of citations. Signage installed
initially in the district did not describe the re-parking restriction.
Mr. Mello explained that an individual could not park his vehicle for longer
than two hours in one zone, and the two-hour period began at the time of
initial parking. Prior to enforcing the restriction, Staff needed to install
additional signage in all the RPP Districts. Staff requested any Motion to adopt
the Resolution include the permit numbers provided in the At-places
Memorandum rather than the Staff Report.
Mayor Kniss clarified that the Resolution could be adopted, not adopted, or
adopted with different numbers.
Ms. Stump recited the Resolution requirements of one reading and five or
more Council Members voting in support of adoption. The Council could adopt
the Resolution or amend it. If the Council chose not to adopt the Resolution,
then the existing Resolution would remain in effect.
Mr. Mello added that Staff reallocated parking permits to Zone 8 based on
observations of streets and concerns from employees and business owners.
Mayor Kniss noted permits for Zones 1, 2, 4, and 5 were completely sold.
Council Member Holman requested a color map of the zones.
Mr. Mello provided a color map on the public screen in Chambers.
Council Member Holman requested clarification of the reference to the area
east of the South of Forest Area (SOFA).
Mr. Mello explained that Zone 8 was located south of the SOFA District but
within walking distance. Many employees who work in SOFA purchased
permits for Zone 8.
Council Member Holman asked Staff to comment on the loss of public parking
at 800 High Street.
Mr. Mello would look into the situation.
Council Member Holman seemed to recall Council direction for permits to be
sold to community-serving businesses first, but that direction did not appear
to be in effect.
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Ms. Stump recounted the Council's interest in exploring such an option. Staff
advised the Council at the time that implementing such an option would be
challenging and premature. The option was not a part of the current program
and was not noticed to the public.
Council Member Holman expressed concern about the loss of employees and
potential loss of businesses because of the lack of parking. She hoped parking
signage would be added to existing signage.
Mr. Mello intended to utilize existing sign posts, but the signs would have to
be large to accommodate the required language.
Council Member Kou inquired whether the notification pertained to the RPP
Program only. The re-parking restriction was discussed with color zones.
Mr. Mello explained that signage for color zones contained the re-parking
restriction. Staff hoped to find shorter language to utilize for the RPP Program.
Council Member Kou asked if the color zone signage could be carried over to
the RPP Program.
Ms. Stump responded no.
Simon Cintz, speaking for Melissa Auonoff, Benjamin Cintz, Elizabeth
Eastman, and David Cintz, related the lack of public notice that parking
permits were available for Zone 8. More permits were needed in the
Downtown RPP, and the permits should be transferrable among a company's
employees.
Chris Joy, speaking for Mary Ann Michel, Holly Aspiras, Anita Joy, Stan Bjehjic,
asked the Council to provide 1,500 parking permits unless it could guarantee
parking permits for community-serving businesses and employees.
Charlene Gibson remarked that the reduction of parking permits for Zone 8
was draconian. Employee turnover further reduced the number of permits
available for employees.
Susan Nightingale felt a further reduction in the number of parking permits
was not necessary when Staff stated the RPP Program was working.
Rob Fischer commented on the difficulty of finding employees and purchasing
a parking permit. The lack of parking and parking permits contributed to the
difficulty of retaining employees.
Mel Matsumoto asked the Council to provide more time for Staff to refine the
RPP Program and not to reduce the number of parking permits.
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Jenny Yoo advocated for priority purchasing of permits and transferrable
permits. Public transportation was often not an option for employees.
Neilson Buchanan stated not all employees would be able to park close to their
employment. Preference should be given to low-wage workers and
community-serving businesses. The parking garages and Zone 3 had parking
spaces available.
Michael Hodos remarked that the number of parking permits was not
distributed evenly across all zones.
Chris Lee reiterated concerns about hiring and retaining employees.
Mayor Kniss recalled Mr. Mello's February suggestion to maintain 1,400
permits.
Mr. Mello indicated Staff did not recommend any changes in February.
MOTION: Mayor Kniss moved, seconded by Council Member Fine to:
A. Adopt a Resolution to amend the Downtown Residential Preferential
Parking (RPP) Program Resolution No. 9671, reducing the number of
employee permits to 1,200 and making other clarifying changes;
B. Direct Staff to make corresponding changes to the Administrative
Guidelines for the residential preferential parking programs;
C. Direct Staff to amend the Resolution to modify the prohibition on “re-
parking” in the RPP District after two hours has expired from the time
of initial parking; and
D. Find these actions exempt from the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3)
and 15301 (Existing Facilities) of Title 14 of the California Code of
Regulations.
Mayor Kniss learned firsthand the difficulties of obtaining a parking permit for
her intern. Reducing the number of permits to 1,000 was too great.
Council Member Fine agreed that the reduction of parking permits to 1,000
was too aggressive. Since February, the Council had received approximately
100 emails regarding parking concerns. The Council had not set objective
targets for each of the RPP Districts. The re-parking restriction should be
included but not enforced. He inquired whether Staff had the authority to
reallocate permits among the zones.
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Mr. Mello advised that the Planning Director had authority to redistribute
permits among zones. Council approval was not needed; however, Staff
would reserve the ability to redistribute permits for extraordinary
circumstances.
Council Member Fine asked about progress on the ability to transfer permits.
Mr. Mello reported hangtags were available for employers and employees in
the Downtown RPP. Low-income employees must purchase decals because
the decal was associated with the employee.
Council Member Fine suggested hangtags be the default option for purchase.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Vice Mayor Filseth moved, seconded by Council
Member DuBois to:
A. Adopt a Resolution to amend the Downtown Residential Preferential
Parking (RPP) Program Resolution No. 9671, reducing the number of
employee permits to 1,000, and making other clarifying changes,
including permit allocation as outlined in the At-Places Staff
Memorandum;
B. Direct Staff to make corresponding changes to the Administrative
Guidelines for the residential preferential parking programs;
C. Direct Staff to amend the Resolution to modify the prohibition on “re-
parking” in the RPP District after two hours has expired from the time
of initial parking; and
D. Find these actions exempt from the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3)
and 15301 (Existing Facilities) of Title 14 of the California Code of
Regulations.
Vice Mayor Filseth recalled the Council's promises to provide parking relief for
residents and to reduce the number of permits. Parking would always be a
scarce resource, and someone would always have to walk to work. The
Council knew the parking permit system needed improvements, community-
serving businesses and low-wage workers needed priority, and the garages
had available spaces.
Council Member DuBois inquired about the current garage situation.
Mr. Mello responded that all permits for garages had been sold and wait lists
created.
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Council Member DuBois inquired whether more permits could be sold for the
garages as spaces were vacant.
Mr. Mello advised that Staff would present the Council with a new valet
contract to improve the use of garage spaces.
Council Member DuBois believed that the RPP Program had been relatively
successful. In 2014, the Council approved 1,400 permits with a reduction of
200 permits in each successive year. In March 2017, the Council approved a
1,400 limit based on trial data. The 100-permit reserve had not been utilized.
Commuter traffic should be removed from the neighborhoods. Permits were
available for purchase; yet, businesses reported they could not purchase
permits. The problems seemed to be allocation and transferability of permits.
Perhaps medical and dental businesses could be prioritized after low-income
workers, and permits revoked and resold once an employee left his
employment. He inquired about the impact of the re-parking restriction as
stated in the Motion.
Mr. Mello explained that the proposed Resolution clarified the language
regarding re-parking to be more consistent with the language for color zones.
The Council could direct Staff to proceed with posting signage and beginning
enforcement.
Council Member DuBois believed nonpermitted parking should be limited to
two hours in the entire residential area.
Ms. Stump advised that the language did not do that.
Council Member DuBois asked if Staff planned to streamline and simplify the
RPP Districts.
Mr. Mello indicated the Council's approval of the Dixon contract would enable
Staff to proceed with the comprehensive permit and citation system, which
would correct many of the problems voiced by employees and employers.
Council Member DuBois inquired whether the current re-parking restriction
would allow vehicles to park for two hours in each zone. No other California
city allowed commuters to park in neighborhoods.
Council Member Kou inquired about implementation of priority purchasing of
permits for community-serving businesses.
Mr. Mello advised that priority had not been provided for community-serving
businesses. Staff's prior recommendation was to implement the
comprehensive permit and citation system and improve the Business Registry
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so that permits could be linked to the Business Registry. Staff did not have
the capacity to determine whether a business served the community in order
to allow it priority purchasing.
Council Member Kou asked when Staff anticipated implementing priority
purchasing.
Mr. Mello reported Staff had received proposals for a new permit system.
Conservatively, a new system could be in place by June 2019. Improvements
were underway for the Business Registry.
Ms. Stump reminded the Council that the State Legislature authorized RPP
Programs, and any RPP Program had to fit within the parameters set by the
State. On-street parking, even in residential neighborhoods, was governed
by State law.
Council Member Wolbach inquired whether the first reading of the Resolution
occurred in February.
Mr. Mello replied no.
Council Member Wolbach asked if the Council passed anything directing Staff
to reduce the number of permits to 1,000.
Mr. Mello clarified that the Council adopted a Motion directing Staff to return
with a Resolution that reduced the number of permits.
Council Member Wolbach seemed to recall the Council removing the item from
the April Consent Calendar because of concerns about unintended
consequences.
Ms. Stump reported she advised the Transportation Division to operate and
administer the program in compliance with the Council's majority vote to
reduce the number of permits to 1,000 unless and until a majority of the
Council decided otherwise. If the Council did not pass a Resolution during the
meeting, then the existing Resolution, which set the number of permits at
1,500, would govern.
Council Member Wolbach was struggling with the availability of permits and
public comments that permits were not available. He requested Staff
comment on the number of permits still available for purchase, including
reserve permits.
Mr. Mello explained that Staff notified permit accountholders of available
permits by email. Staff struggled with notifying the public generally about
permits and helping the public navigate the online system. Staff worked with
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the Chamber of Commerce and the business community to spread information
about available permits. Staff attempted to reserve half of permits for low-
income workers and had to manually allocate permits to each group. At times,
a full-price employee could attempt to purchase a permit only to learn one
was not available because Staff had not reallocated permits.
Council Member Wolbach was not aware of the constant reallocation of
permits. He preferred to give Staff an opportunity to work with emerging
challenges to achieve policy objectives.
Vice Mayor Filseth requested the zones for which Staff would release reserve
permits.
Mr. Mello advised that Staff would balance the number of reserve permits
across zones and consider the prevalence of two-hour parking spaces closer
to Downtown and the current occupancy of block faces. Before releasing
reserve permits, Staff would reallocate permits from one zone to another
zone.
Council Member DuBois inquired about unique features of Zone 8 that caused
a shortage of permits.
Mr. Mello suggested Zone 8 was popular because of its proximity to SOFA and
businesses on Middlefield Road, which were ineligible for the University
Avenue Parking Assessment District.
INCORPORATED INTO THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT
OF THE MAKER AND SECONDER to add to the Substitute Motion Part A,
“with 200 permits in reserve” after “to 1,000.”
Council Member Wolbach encouraged Staff to be proactive and responsive
when reallocating parking permits across zones. He did not want to initiate
priority purchasing for community-serving businesses because of the difficulty
of defining a community-serving business.
Mayor Kniss inquired about the difference between 1,000 permits with 200
reserve permits and 1,200 permits and which of the two was easier or harder
for Staff to administer.
Mr. Mello clarified that 1,200 permits would cause Staff to make 1,200 permits
available for purchase. One thousand permits with 200 in reserve would cause
Staff to make 1,000 permits available for purchase. The 200 reserve permits
would not be released until Staff felt they were needed to address a shortage
of permits. The Council would have to grant Staff discretion to release the
200 reserve permits.
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Mayor Kniss asked if Staff would hesitate to release the reserve permits.
Mr. Mello agreed that Staff would be deliberate about releasing reserve
permits. The Council could require stakeholder involvement in releasing
reserve permits.
Council Member Holman inquired about methods to notify the public that
permits were available.
Mr. Mello could utilize the Business Registry email list and work with the
Chamber of Commerce.
Council Member Holman asked if Staff could utilize addresses for utility
customers to notify the community.
Mr. Mello agreed to explore the possibility; however, Staff had to consider the
amount of resources dedicated to notifying the public about a limited number
of permits.
Council Member Holman was unsure whether the number of permits dedicated
to low-income workers should be equal to the number of permits dedicated to
other employees as the Council wanted to support retail and personal service
businesses.
Mr. Mello advised that the new permitting and citation system could utilize
virtual permitting, which would allow the online transfer of a permit from one
license plate to another. The feature would require the use of license plate
recognition enforcement.
Council Member Holman suggested the Downtown RPP Program convert to all
hangtags to allow transfer of the permits. Importantly, employee permits
should be issued for zones close to the place of employment.
Council Member Tanaka inquired whether the Substitute Motion would resolve
some of the issues.
Mr. Mello reported 860 permits had been sold to date. Immediately, the issues
would not be made worse. Staff would watch for impacts caused by the
reduction in the number of permits.
Council Member Tanaka asked if Staff had an estimate of the number of
vehicles being re-parked.
Mr. Mello answered no. Staff had to balance the cost of permits with the
number of permits to prevent cars moving into the outer neighborhoods and
the re-parking of vehicles.
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Council Member Tanaka expressed concern that reducing the number of
permits would cause more people to re-park their cars. He questioned
whether the challenges were so severe that the RPP Program needed
refinement.
Vice Mayor Filseth speculated that re-parking was related to the price of
permits. The reserve system provided some increasing resistance in the
system.
Mayor Kniss noted the Council had reduced the number of permits by one-
third since the inception of the RPP Program. While Mr. Mello stated the RPP
Program was working, she did not believe it was working so well based on her
recent experience with the Program. She was uneasy with the Substitute
Motion's provision to reserve 200 permits.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION AS AMENDED RESTATED: Vice Mayor Filseth
moved, seconded by Council Member DuBois to:
A. Adopt a Resolution to amend the Downtown Residential Preferential
Parking (RPP) Program Resolution No. 9671, reducing the number of
employee permits to 1,000, with 200 permits in reserve, and making
other clarifying changes, including permit allocation as outlined in the
At-Places Staff Memorandum;
B. Direct Staff to make corresponding changes to the Administrative
Guidelines for the residential preferential parking programs;
C. Direct Staff to amend the Resolution to modify the prohibition on “re-
parking” in the RPP District after two hours has expired from the time
of initial parking; and
D. Find these actions exempt from the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3)
and 15301 (Existing Facilities) of Title 14 of the California Code of
Regulations.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION AS AMENDED PASSED: 5-3 Fine, Kniss, Tanaka no,
Scharff absent
31. Review and Provide Direction to Staff on the Stanford University General
Use Permit 2018 Re-circulated Draft Environmental Impact Report.
Jonathan Lait, Planning and Community Environment Interim Director,
reported the County of Santa Clara (County) recirculated a Draft
Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) that added two alternatives to the 2018
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Stanford General Use Permit (GUP) DEIR. Alternative A placed the amount of
anticipated housing generated from the project within the Academic Growth
Boundary (AGB). Alternative B halved the amount of anticipated housing and
placed the housing within the AGB. Staff did not prepare a comment letter
for the Council's review but highlighted impacts and provided links to the
report and appendices. Staff requested the Council provide comments for
inclusion in the comment letter, which had to be submitted on or before July
26.
James Keene, City Manager, advised that Stanford University added the
alternatives in response to public comments. Placing the housing within the
AGB could worsen traffic impacts and increase the density of housing.
Because of time constraints, the Council may not have an opportunity to
review the City's draft comment letter.
Mayor Kniss inquired whether the Council could review a draft comment letter
in its meeting scheduled for July 30.
Mr. Keene responded yes. Staff could seek an extension to submit its
comment letter.
Council Member DuBois believed the new alternatives were logical. This was
an opportunity for the City to reiterate the need for transportation mitigations.
The letter should contain a summary of previous Council comments with an
emphasis on transportation mitigations, a request to update the circulation
study around grade separations, a request to extend the protections for open
space, a request to maintain the setbacks along El Camino Real, and a
suggestion to increase funding for recycled water pipelines. The letter should
emphasize the need for an additional school and potentially park space. Staff
should draft a letter and submit it without presenting it for Council review
during a Council meeting.
Courtney Pal emphasized that the Stanford University GUP was an opportunity
for local governments to have transit-oriented development. Stanford
University as an employment hub had a wealth of transportation resources.
She supported Alternative A.
MOTION: Council Member DuBois moved, seconded by Council Member Fine
to direct Staff to draft a letter in response to the Stanford University General
Use Permit 2018 Re-circulated Draft Environmental Impact Report
emphasizing previous Council Member comments and incorporating
comments from Council Members.
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
MAKER AND SECONDER to add to the Motion “if Santa Clara County agrees
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to a deadline extension, direct Staff to return the draft letter to Council on
Consent on July 30, 2018.”
Council Member Fine remarked that the County Board of Supervisors held
Stanford University to criteria that were important to the community. He
concurred with Council Member DuBois' comments except for maintaining
setbacks along El Camino Real. Staff's comments seemed overly focused on
traffic impacts.
AMENDMENT: Council Member Holman moved, seconded by Council Member
XX to add to the Motion, “if an extension is not granted, direct Staff to forward
the draft letter to Council Members.”
Council Member Fine preferred Staff write and submit the letter as the Council
had discussed the issues several times.
Council Member Holman disagreed in that the Council had not reviewed the
new alternatives.
AMENDMENT FAILED DUE TO THE LACK OF A SECOND
Mr. Keene suggested the Council plan on reviewing a draft letter and revising
it publicly on July 30. If Council Members wished to provide written
comments, then they should do so within the next few weeks. If the County
did not agree to an extension, then Staff would draft and submit the letter
without Council review.
Council Member Holman concurred with Council Member DuBois' comments.
Stanford University affiliates' use of City parks would increase the City's
maintenance costs and the need for parks. Building heights of 100-130 feet
were a problem and would have environmental impacts. Construction impacts
on air quality, traffic, and noise were not mentioned.
Council Member Wolbach favored either Alternative A or Alternative B over
the original proposal. The traffic impacts shown under Alternatives A and B
may be exaggerated. The growth in use of motorized small personal vehicles
could mitigate many of the mid-distance vehicle trips described as negative
impacts. At the current time, he was not comfortable with denigrating
Alternatives A and B because of traffic impacts. Addressing the housing issue
was critical. Stanford University should be allowed to construct taller buildings
on its lands. Large setbacks were not necessary if Stanford University was
willing to house more of its affiliates. Stanford University should work with
Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) to plan new schools, if needed.
Stanford University should provide park space and recreation opportunities.
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Council Member Kou wanted the California Avenue and Town and Country
stations assessed for demand capacity and utilization of Caltrain.
Vice Mayor Filseth appreciated the realism shown in the DEIR.
Mayor Kniss remarked that not providing all or some housing within the AGB
meant housing would be provided in the Foothills or Menlo Park.
Mr. Lait reported that the appendices noted housing placed on the periphery
of the AGB would stress other areas that the Council was interested in
protecting. The Staff comment related to placing housing in the built-out
areas of adjacent cities.
Mayor Kniss suggested Staff refine the comment.
Mr. Lait clarified that Staff's comment was a response to the new significant
and unavoidable impact documented for the project and the alternative.
Language in Alternative A suggested that vacant housing units could be
offered to the public.
Mayor Kniss was intrigued by the statement that Stanford University could
develop outside the AGB after 2035. The City had no control over traffic to
and from Stanford University. She inquired whether densities of 40-80
dwelling units per acre, building heights of 100-130 feet, and setbacks less
than 20 feet would equate to the new hospital.
Mr. Lait answered yes.
Mayor Kniss could not imagine Stanford University constructing 130-foot tall
buildings on El Camino Real across from Town and Country; however, the
proposals alluded to that.
Mr. Lait advised that Staff continued to review and find inconsistences in the
DEIR. He requested the Council provide guidance regarding support for
Alternative A or Alternative B.
Council Member Wolbach did not believe the Council should oppose the
construction of buildings taller than 50 feet outside Palo Alto.
Mayor Kniss suggested the location of the buildings was the issue.
Council Member Wolbach noted housing in Town and Country was not a
possibility; therefore, no one would be affected by tall buildings across the
street from Town and Country.
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MOTION AS AMENDED RESTATED: Council Member DuBois moved,
seconded by Council Member Fine to direct Staff to draft a letter in response
to the Stanford University General Use Permit 2018 Re-circulated Draft
Environmental Impact Report emphasizing previous Council Member
comments and incorporating comments from Council Members, if Santa Clara
County agrees to a deadline extension, return the draft letter to Council on
Consent on July 30, 2018.
MOTION AS AMENDED PASSED: 8-0 Scharff absent
32. Recommended Terms of Agreement for Fire Protection Services to
Stanford University for the Period January 1, 2018 - June 30, 2023 and
Settlement of Prior Claim for Overpayment (Staff Requests This Item be
Continued to a Date Uncertain).
State/Federal Legislation Update/Action
None.
Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements
Mayor Kniss reported she attended a California League of Cities meeting.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:18 P.M.