HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-01 City Council Agenda PacketCITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
Special Meeting
Ventura Community Center
3990 Ventura Court
February 1, 2014
8:30 AM
Agenda posted according to PAMC Section 2.04.070. Supporting materials are available in the
Council Chambers on the Thursday preceding the meeting.
1 February 01, 2014
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DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.
PUBLIC COMMENT
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request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers, and deliver it to the City Clerk prior to
discussion of the item. You are not required to give your name on the speaker card in order to speak to the
Council, but it is very helpful.
TIME ESTIMATES
Time estimates are provided as part of the Council's effort to manage its time at Council meetings. Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Council
reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to
another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur
in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public. To ensure participation in a particular item, we suggest arriving at the beginning of the meeting and remaining until the item
is called.
8:30-9:00 AM Welcome: Coffee, Breakfast and Gathering
9:00 AM Call to Order
9:00 AM Mayor’s Welcome and Overview of Day
9:10-9:25 AM Oral Communications
9:25 AM 1. Core Values Update
Last year after setting Priorities for 2013 (using a new
approach and definition of priorities) Council requested
that Core Values be established for the City. The City is
still in the midst of the civic engagement outreach
soliciting community suggestions.
Staff will present mid-stream results from Open City Hall,
Smart Board comments from Libraries and other venues,
and a short video from Jordan School journalism students
on their community interviews.
2 February 1, 2014
MATERIALS RELATED TO AN ITEM ON THIS AGENDA SUBMITTED TO THE CITY COUNCIL AFTER DISTRIBUTION OF THE AGENDA
PACKET ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION IN THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE AT PALO ALTO CITY HALL, 250 HAMILTON AVE.
DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.
9:55 AM 2. 2014 Workplan and Our Palo Alto Initiative
Staff presentation and Council input on the 2014 work plan
of key City projects and initiatives. In 30 days, the City
Manager will provide Council with a “Master Calendar” of
these projects and other anticipated items expected to
come before Council during the year. This calendar will
evolve and change but should provide a good planning
document for the year and help manage issues and
decision making. See Work Plan Draft Attachment A.
Council is asked to review and be prepared to make
suggestions (additions or deletions) to this list and
comment
Staff will also review the Our Palo Alto initiative and the
implications and potential emergent demands this will
place on Council and staff. See Attachment B, one page
profile.
10:55 AM Break
11:05 AM 3. Council Annual Priorities Setting (No more than
three expected) Attachment C
a. Process Foundation
b. Public Comment
c. Individual Nominees (Council Member Explanations)
d. Action: Final Grouping into Priorities and Vote and
Approval
12:00 PM Working Lunch
Priorities & Work Plan: Getting the Work Done
It is hoped that Priorities Setting and Work Plan review will
inform a productive discussion about changes that could
enhance Council meeting efficiency and decision output,
given the ambitious agenda for 2014:
12:15 PM 4. Committees
a. Technology & Connected City: Action: Review
Reappointment of the Committee. Schedule Staff updates
to Council as part of 2014 Work Plan.
b. Rail Committee: Action: Consider Folding the committee
work into Council for 2014. Cal Train EIR will be brought to
3 February 1, 2014
MATERIALS RELATED TO AN ITEM ON THIS AGENDA SUBMITTED TO THE CITY COUNCIL AFTER DISTRIBUTION OF THE AGENDA
PACKET ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION IN THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE AT PALO ALTO CITY HALL, 250 HAMILTON AVE.
DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.
full Council. Staff will monitor other items and bring to
Council as needed.
c. Committee of the Whole: Action: Consider establishing a
Committee of the Whole format for use a few times a year
(quarterly?) for key emergent issues that could benefit
from full Council discussion and potential action in a
committee setting format.
12:45 PM 5. Council Meetings
a. Action: Approval of Resolution setting the 2014
Council Summer Break and Winter Closure.
b. Council Meeting Management: Action (possible):
Council Members are asked to bring ideas to streamline
meetings or get through more items. Preliminary decisions
may be made (Action). Follow-up action at a subsequent
Council meeting may be necessary. Attachment D
6. Wrap-Up and Next Steps
Adjournment
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA)
Persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids or services in using City facilities, services or programs or who
would like information on the City’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may contact (650) 329-2550 (Voice) 24 hours in advance.
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As with any public comment process, participation in Open City Hall is voluntary. The statements in this record are not necessarily
representative of the whole population, nor do they reflect the opinions of any government agency or elected officials.
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Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the
community?
Introduction
The City Council is starting a community conversation on the topic of core values. They are seeking community
input into what core values you believe they should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the
community. Core values or guiding principles are meant to be enduring and foundational, and used to inform
the Council’s actions and decisions. What do you think they should be?
Please, click on the Post below and write about what you think the Core Values should be.
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Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the
community?
As of January 28, 2014, 3:04 PM, this forum had:
Attendees:424
All Statements:107
Hours of Public Comment: 5.4
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Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the
community?
Name not shown in Greenmeadow January 27, 2014, 11:40 PM
Here is one easy to understand and take action on: A key value of the city council should be to set and enforce
city ordinances that protect its citizens from air pollution caused by leaf blowers and smoke from burning fires in
fireplaces. I wonder if this simple but important value will ever be established for it seems so obvious?
January 27, 2014, 6:01 PM
The City Council should return to the basic principles and values of traditional democratic government. Their
decisions should always take into account the general will of the people and respect the wishes of the
community as a whole over a privileged minority. The City Council has long forgotten the youth of our
community who are an important part of the constituency of Palo Alto. Without hearing the voice of the youth in
our community, the Council is ignoring a significant segment of our population that has the potential for great
ideas.
January 27, 2014, 5:47 PM
I believe that City Council needs to remember that Palo Alto is a city built around the education of its youth. To
that end, decisions should reflect what the youth might like to see, be it adding a bike lane or implementing new
programs.
PAYC member
January 27, 2014, 5:43 PM
City Council does a wonderful job but a little more could be done to appreciate the ideas of youth.
January 27, 2014, 5:40 PM
Respect the youth and their opinions and maintain open communication with the youth in Palo Alto. This can be
implemented through Palo Alto Youth Council or any other youth group.
-GO YOUTH!
Name not shown in Duveneck/ St Francis January 24, 2014, 11:47 AM
Palo Alto should stand out as a community where people come first - addressing the connected issues of
Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the community?
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jobs/housing imbalance and parking. We need to build more housing (not expensive huge houses) and less
commercial space until we come closer to a balance. Our basic infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, utility repairs,
etc) needs to be brought up to date. These priorities will help make Palo Alto more livable and less frantic.
Walkability, diversity (economic, not just racial), and a sense of being connected to our neighbors are
paramount for a livable city.
January 24, 2014, 9:28 AM
Most residents moved here for a reason - especially if they bought a house, condo, townhouse. Odds are they
wanted peace and quiet, good schools, neighborhoods, a 'good place to live'. They did/do NOT want a
metropolis redesigned from what they wanted - and what it was - in the image of big cities.. Palo Alto was
considered a 'suburb'. There were places for families to shop -now we have to go to Mt. View and surrounding
areas - and the internet. Now Stanford U. is running the show, traffic is insane, schools seem to be in constant
uproar, shopping in downtown Palo Alto is for dining,
and no-everyday-shopping, traffic there is horrid, it's not Our Town anymore. The Council must protect what
we had/have -and redesign the city into what IT thinks it should be. This and past councils are running by their
own agenda - and not the people who live here. They were not elected to change the city. The Core values OF
THE RESIDENTS have not changed over the past years, but those of the Council have as they try to
accommodate the Paul, Rapp, Baer, Arrillaga, and others of the builders and developers. When is this going to
stop? At the ballot box - and soon. It happened before- in the 60's and 70's. The residents took back control of
their city. The core values have been on resident agenda for years. Later councils don't listen. Let us hope the
next election takes care of this.
Monica McHenney in Barron Park January 23, 2014, 4:56 PM
On December 30, an Op Ed in the New York Times predicted that in August of 2014, "The police in Palo Alto,
Calif., [will] crack down on people begging for bitcoins." Perhaps an allusion to a city council vote in August of
2013 to ban "the unhoused" from Cubberley. During the November referendum on affordable senior housing,
Scott Herhold of the SJMN gave Palo Alto the Ice Floe Award in his annual NIMBY column. Congratulations are
in order, as a "No" vote on Measure D is "keeping Palo Alto safe for millionaires," in Herhold's estimation.
I don't appreciate having the reputation that comes along with these recent actions. And perhaps others notice
because it is so unlike our formerly liberal, caring image. In the SJMN, Liz Kniss was quoted saying, Palo Altons
are "big hearted." Not if you look at these two votes.
Our community has a surfeit of growth, jobs, educated workers and other blessings. Somehow we are unable to
find it in our hearts to share our wealth, to accept that the price for a growing community is higher density. We
need to allocate community resources in a way that encourages economic and other kinds of diversity. The core
values of inclusiveness and empathy, along with a commitment to listen and compromise would go a long way
towards reclaiming our reputation as a progressive community. Changing things will take real dedication on the
part of politicians and citizens alike.
Shani Kleinhaus in Charleston Terrace January 23, 2014, 12:37 PM
Core Values
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Protect and enhance the rich ecological communities in both developed and natural areas of Palo Alto:
* Support local wildlife by providing habitat within the urban landscape and encouraging wildlife-friendly pest
management and gardening practices
* Preserve the diversity of ecological communities and habitats in nature reserves and open space areas
2 Supporters
Jonathan Brown in Ventura January 23, 2014, 9:41 AM
- Respect
- Leadership
- Community
- Education
- Arete, or fulfilling one's potential (excellence)
- Enabling eudaimonia (human flourishing)
1 Supporter
Name not shown in Barron Park January 22, 2014, 10:36 PM
Palo Alto should emphasize inclusiveness & community-building; not just for the top athletes, top-earning
adults, and top students that have no problem being included - but actual outreach to the residents that don't "fit
the mold" - Palo Alto is awesome for its rich diversity & should offer programs & activities for kids that struggle
to fit in, that want to avoid the pressure, that want to get to know neighbors. Adults who don't have the biggest
newest house or car should be just as valued and included, the city should reach out & show that its residents
are cared about & valued. Not just hit up to vote or contribute money.
January 22, 2014, 8:05 PM
Ability of council and staff to think holistically about complex topics, and to frame issues in terms of SEVERAL
different options, all reasonable, and then to explain not necessarily in writing your decision-- like a judge writing
an opinion.
ASK CITIZENS WHAT WE WANT. This survey is good example.
HONESTY, FULL DISCLOSURE and TRANSPARENCY
THINK AND DECIDE LONG TERM-- 25 or 30 years
Core Values
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TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ASSUMPTIONS ON RETURNS ON PENSION FUNDS. CalPERS is still almost
twice too high (7.75%). 4-5% is what conservative financial advisors estimate!!! Adjust pension fund liabilities
for LONGER LIFE SPANS!!!
Name not shown in Green Acres January 22, 2014, 2:35 PM
The city council is a disgrace; its only goal seem to turn Palo Alto, which was once a lovely small town, into a
down-at-the-heels Beverly Hills. Its only concern is pleasing the big-money developers and ignoring completely
the needs of those in our community who are doing without.
January 22, 2014, 4:50 AM
Ther City should incorporate values that are inclusive to homeowners and businesses alike, but not favoring
businesses over the community. They should look at long term goals, be proactive and not reactive to
situations such as infrastructure needs, increased educational facilities due to increased population growth,
improved public transportation services to downplay the use of private vehicles within the city. A five or ten year
master plan should be put in place as a guideline, modifyable as needed, to enable keeping on track of projects.
We value our community as a place to live and work and need to keep that in mind, not acquiesce to state or
regional requirements to increase housing to the detriment of the community.
Name not shown in Charleston Terrace January 21, 2014, 8:56 PM
After going for decades without a useful City Manager, it is refreshing to see progress under Jim Keene.
Our council regularly makes it clear that they are more concerned with the wishes of the SEIU and the
developers than with the residents. This will be changed. Forget increased revenues, instead change the
priorities in the budget. Get our utility rates in line with reality. Correct the long history of parking mistakes.
Bring our streets up from their third-world condition.
Gary Wesley in Palo Verde January 21, 2014, 4:54 PM
I think the happiness of children and teaching them the life skills to be happy is the most important thing for the
city. Though I have no children, I think this focus on the future is paramount.
January 21, 2014, 3:26 PM
Please implement the bicycle/pedestrian transportation plan as quickly as possible. Focus on improving
east/west routes in the south and on the bike boulevard network first. Be true to policy commitments you have
made. Encouraging and engineering for alternative modes is key among these. Drivers have received the
lion's share of transportation funds for years. While their needs are important, other road users have been
Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the community?
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underserved. Historically, we have made slow progress in this area, though lots of good planning is now
complete...now it's time to implement. Go. Go Go!
January 21, 2014, 3:25 PM
Please implement the bicycle/pedestrian transportation plan as quickly as possible. Focus on improving
east/west routes in the south and on the bike boulevard network first. Be true to policy commitments you have
made. Encouraging and engineering for alternative modes is key among these. Drivers have received the
lion's share of transportation funds for years. While their needs are important, other road users have been
underserved. Historically, we have made slow progress in this area, though lots of good planning is now
complete...now it's time to implement. Go. Go Go!
January 21, 2014, 2:39 PM
The city should keep its character as a comfortable suburban community. It resist both attempts to make us into
Atherton, and attempts to make us into Manhatten. Existing homes should not be demolished to create large
estates. Nor should lot sizes be allowed to get too small. The jobs-housing imbalance should be addressed not
by increasing housing density, but more by decreasing the number of people working in Palo Alto. Housing that
replaces workplaces should not be higher or more dense than the buildings that it replaces.
January 21, 2014, 1:55 PM
This is a silly exercise. There are no controls; anyone can participate. I am a voter. I express my core values
by electing City Council members that do the right thing.
January 21, 2014, 1:48 PM
Palo Alto core values should reflect its history, diversity and productivity. They should include:
- environmental protection (open space, conservation, trees, recycling, compost)
- biking and walking centered
- acceptance and tolerance and celebration of difference (including economic and ethnic and ways of living;
build in ways to help people of all economic classes to thrive in Palo Alto)
- innovative; leader in progressive thinking
- colorful
- musical (think Grateful Dead)
Brent Barker in College Terrace January 21, 2014, 1:37 PM
Core Values
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I would add the word "beauty" as a guiding principle for the city. Beautiful places thrive, inspire, draw people,
engender pride, and increase in value.
I would also like the city to expand the meaning of sustainability. It is more than controlling greenhouse gases
and recycling. Sustainability pertains to infrastructure, urban design, architecture, livability, retention of
neighborhoods. Buildings should be designed to last 100 years, not 25 The planning horizon for major
infrastructure, such as high speed rail, should be 100 years, and with that perspective, seriously consider going
underground. All beautiful, sustainable cities, from NYC to London to Paris understand the value/utility of going
underground.
1 Supporter
January 21, 2014, 11:03 AM
I would like the city to follow through on its commitment to bicycle and pedestrian safety made with its approval
of the Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan. I was stunned and disappointed by the recent delay of the
proposed Bike Boulevard improvements initiated by PTC. These were consistent with the plan that was
thoroughly vetted. I hope this is not a signal of things to come. Please stay our well-considered and well-vetted
course.
Someone should spend time educating new PTC members about the limits of their role. Recent work by that
commission has been disappointing.
January 21, 2014, 10:58 AM
livability; reduce traffic, noise, homeless; increase small business, trees, community; improve communication
(listen to community).
Stop wasting money just because it's available. Projects need to be worthwhile.
Follow building regulations, noise regulations, traffic regulations etc.
January 21, 2014, 9:41 AM
Palo Alto needs to curb huge developments which do not have sufficient parking or public benefit for our
community. We need to ponder what the beneficial effects are of following ABAG's guidelines versus listening
to our own community's desires. It may cost us more to comply than to write our own guidelines. Too much
building is ruining the character and sustainability of our city.
Name not shown in Midtown/ Midtown West January 21, 2014, 9:40 AM
Keeping the values of low-key, bigger is not always better, helpful-to-each-other that we had in the 70's-late
90's. Don't let the "developers" run rampant on our community the way they'd like to. We don't need to keep
Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the community?
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pace with the "Winchester University" next door that believes something drastic will happen if they stop building.
1 Supporter
Name not shown in Barron Park January 21, 2014, 8:03 AM
Think globally, regionally, and compassionately - then act locally.
Make a welcoming environment for diverse groups of people, ages, income levels.
Pedestrian and bike friendly vision while decreasing so much commuting (via housing; public transit etc.)
Creative density to accommodate affordable housing, social services, and mixed use neighborhoods
2 Supporters
Name not shown outside Palo Alto January 21, 2014, 7:48 AM
Openness (welcoming) to visitors and all community members; creativity; protection of natural resources;
cooperation with one another; honesty; integrity.
Name not shown in Southgate January 21, 2014, 7:17 AM
Preserve the small town character of Palo Alto, without dense construction and high rise buildings.
1 Supporter
January 20, 2014, 8:31 PM
Any decision should take into account the effect on the residents of Palo Alto. We live here for quality of life that
the city offers. The quality of life is affected by the traffic,noise,parking also by the over commercial
development.
Michael Hodos in University South January 20, 2014, 4:11 PM
From the time we moved here in the late 1970s well into the mid-1990s there was one question that was always
asked about every action made by the City Councils during that period: "Will the action we're about to take help
maintain or improve the quality of life for the residents?" If subsequent City Councils had adhered to that
guideline and only took actions that elicited a positive response we would be a far better off today in terms of
traffic, parking, architecture, etc. and the quality of life in general. Please do so going forward.
1 Supporter
Steve Raney in Crescent Park January 20, 2014, 3:54 PM
Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the community?
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Value: preservation. Preserve Palo Alto’s existing single family home residential neighborhoods. Stop approving
major new auto-centered residential development in South Palo Alto.
Value: fiscal prudence. Ensure that new housing has a minimal impact on city and PAUSD budgets. Choose
housing types, sizes, and mitigations to this end.
Value: affordable housing. Acknowledging that Palo Altans are compassionate, stretch beyond best practices to
maximize affordable housing production.
Value: public participation. Increase the quality and quantity of public participation. Modern “Design sprints”
(week-long intensive problem-solving and brainstorming) and text-your-vote participatory democracy (a la
California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsome’s book Citizenville) can shrink 48-month public processes
down to one week, with more innovative outcomes, higher impact mitigation, richer quantitative analyses, and
increased public participation, all at much lower cost.
Value: empathy. Agree that state and regional goals to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, traffic congestion,
and pollution are sound. Remember that Palo Alto is a member of the Association of Bay Area Governments,
so “ABAG” is not a four letter word. After acknowledging the wise state and regional goals, then it is fine to
explain how much resistance some Palo Altans will have towards implementation of the regional/state goals.
But empathy is very different from mischaracterizing regional/state goals and mischaracterizing regional
planning science.
Value: innovation. Focus on innovation and “maximal mitigation.” Seek to pioneer strategies that improve upon
smart growth best practices. Palo Alto has a great innovation track record for mitigating Stanford growth – that
same spirit should be turned onto Palo Alto itself.
1 Supporter
January 20, 2014, 11:05 AM
Safety and livability of the community. Honesty and integrity of the elected officials. Administration of city
regulations in an equitable fashion, favoring the residents. Support business but NOT at the expense of
residents and the city's fiscal health.
Some examples of livability: Parking is not just a downtown problem. Larger houses bring many more cars to
residential areas. Businesses run out of homes bring lots of commercial vehicles to residential areas. One
result, streets can not be swept.
January 20, 2014, 10:11 AM
I believe the Council has forgotten to listen to the people of the city, the home owners that suffer from the lack of
parking on thier streets as the approval of monster, unsightly development downtown with a lack of respect to
the parking required. I believe the council has lost touch with its surroundings and the people they are
supposed to represent. The quaint shops of yesterdays dountown are gone and they are loosing the rest to high
Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the community?
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rents and development. I wont even go into the traffic traveling through this city. We all see that. I suggest we
the people of Palo Alto vote in some new blood if the council does not open thier eyes to what is going on
around this city.
January 19, 2014, 3:27 PM
1. Environmental Leadership.
2. Transparency and communication.
3. Preservation of diversity.
Name not shown in Professorville January 18, 2014, 7:27 PM
Quality of life: walkable community, farmers' markets, good education, seniors aging in place, the arts (keep
Cubberley Artists in Residence!! Very important!), affordable housing options, free local public
transportation...something for all ages, not just the tech boom.
January 18, 2014, 12:28 PM
Walkable communities, free local public transportation, help for seniors aging in place,good education, farmers'
markets, keep and enhance arts such as Cubberley (or equivalent) LOCAL artists in residence as part of
community; all lead to our quality of life.
Laure MAZZARA in Crescent Park January 17, 2014, 2:28 PM
Leadership
integrity, communication and accountability from you and your staff
Communicate your vision about where Palo Alto should be
Tradition
keep what made Palo Alto such a good place to live.
limit the number of stories for downtown buildings. Set limits on house/land ratio. The houses where the PAMF
used to be are a disgrace.
Preserve the “village” feeling. Make the city “walkable”,and “bikable”. Streets should be safe from crime and
traffic.
Support local businesses so they will be profitable.
Invest in future
ask the school board to provide a plan for our school to become the best in California. This would include a plan
for continuing improvement, pay for performance, etc
Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the community?
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modernize our city to enhance its attractiveness to the benefit of our economy but not be at the expense of our
quality of live
work with neighbor cities but always place the interests of Palo Alto first
Solve the problem of parking
be wary of big business
Financial responsibility
Our tax money is not YOUR money. We work hard to earn those dollars. Respect them. They should be spent
on project for the common good.
Do not promise benefits that the city cannot fund. Resolve all unfunded liabilities. Challenge all the city
employees to do their best work. Promote merit and accountability.
Be goal oriented and set deadline for any project
Streamline all the paperwork (20 years ago, it took less than 2 months to get a building permit, it now takes
more than 6 month)
January 17, 2014, 10:27 AM
New office buildings must have set backs for sidewalk life. We need to encourage pedestrian friendly
construction. Not only for commercial buildings but for the new condos being constricted along major roads: eg
El Camino. Please keep to the original city plan. Height limits are what make a community livable and prevents
cutting out the light in adjacent areas. See Paris.
Name not shown in Barron Park January 17, 2014, 10:12 AM
The basic core value that our current City Council seems to have forgotten is often referred to as the Golden
Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Each of the large developments that destroy property values and quality of life for affected residents has been
along El Camino or in the California Ave and Barron Park areas. A very few have been in the University Ave
area but developers have been exempted from providing required parking in this area, thus exacerbating
parking woes for nearby residents. Permit parking for residents will not solve this; it will push shoppers and
workers further out into the neighborhoods. Eventually the shoppers will go elsewhere.
At one time a walk along El Camino from Maybell to Stanford was somewhat interesting. There were many
small businesses, each with a large front window that enabled pedestrians to take a look at the business.
Perhaps to return when they were in the market for the product provided.
Council claims that they want to increase the walkability and encourage many to ride bikes to shop. Yet each of
the recent developments has served to decrease both. Sheer concrete walls, straight up from the edge of a
rather narrow sidewalk are of no interest (unless a graffiti artist used them). Biking on either El Camino or Alma
at any time of day could be considered a suicide venture.
The California Ave area once had many small, useful, and interesting businesses including two good
bookstores, Patterson's variety store and a nearby hardware store.
Now all that remains is Country Sun, Accent Arts, Keeble and Schuchat photography, Maximart pharmacy and
a high end stationary store. We have many restaurants, some that seem to attempt to become among the most
Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the community?
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expensive in Palo Alto.
Notice that former Mayor Bloomberg of NYC usually took the subway from his home to work, eschewing the city
provided private limo. In contrast to Palo Alto, NYC is very walkable in most areas. Buildings usually have either
large windows facing the street and/or a front entry set back from the sidewalk. Many older buildings have been
retained. And very few vehicles run red lights.
I recommend that the City Council members walk and ride a bike around the city. Try all areas, not just your
immediate neighborhood. See for yourself what it is like. Then ask, "Would I want this within one block of where
I live?"
Core values:
While these may seem more like prescriptions than values, if the city addresses each of them in a manner that
will keep Palo Alto more livable and welcoming, core values will emerge to guide any future plans.
1. Keep the city a pleasant and interesting place to live and work. Don't allow large office fronts on University
Ave or the streets either side of it. Develop an office park along bay front. Keep a mixture of small businesses
on University and California Aves.
2. Improve transportation by maintaining road quality, avoid traffic "solutions" that only a traffic engineer could
love and that defy the laws of physics. Run trains more frequently. Run smaller busses (no double busses) more
frequently.
3. Repair sidewalks so that it is easier for residents to walk. Wider sidewalks would also encourage more to
walk.
4. Repair and retrofit for earthquakes any city building that needs it when it first needs it. Don't think you can
just ask residents for more taxes to trash an existing building and build a new one.
5. Keep foliage trimmed away from public sidewalks and roads. Also trim all foliage away from safety related
signs and lights. This includes stop signs, street name signs, street lights, traffic lights.
6. Enforce traffic laws for cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles. Part of the reason that El Camino at the
intersection with Page Mill/Oregon is so bad is that usually at least 5 cars go through the red light on each light
change. This impedes the opposing traffic often to the point of missing the light.
7. Do not allow any exemptions for developers to provide required parking (which is already too low and allows
them to act as though everyone drives a Smart) for the development and a certain number of low income units
in each new building, regardless of the purpose of the building. This will lessen the impact of low income
housing on any one neighborhood and spread it out over the whole city.
January 16, 2014, 9:45 PM
Keeping an urban/outdoor lifestyle, respecting other peoples' choices, encouraging civic participation with all
age groups, and environmental-mindedness
Nina Shirole in Palo Verde January 16, 2014, 7:59 PM
City Council should continue to work for the citizens of the city, not special interest groups. They should always
consider the effects of their decisions on the day to day lives of the ordinary Palo Altan. City Council should
engage with the youth of Palo Alto, and continue to consider their inputs. As a member of Palo Alto's Teen
Advisory Board, I feel that continued interactions between the city and the city's teens regarding decisions
about the youth are vital. Above all, the key values of any member of City Council should always be honesty
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and integrity.
January 16, 2014, 7:54 PM
City Council should consider the best interests of Palo Altans, not special interest groups.
Sophia Abramson in Crescent Park January 16, 2014, 12:55 PM
1) Decisions should be scrupulously examined to determine that the common good will be served by any given
decision. Case in point: the benefits accruing to a number of seniors laid out in the recent ballot Measure D
were outweighed by the reduced quality of life that would impact a far greater number of citizens.
2) Maintain the "small city" quality of life that most citizens signed up for when they opted to live in Palo Alto.
Example: It's one thing to have to strategize our movements on and off the freeways. It's another to have to
increasingly avoid certain intersections and thoroughfares at certain hours within Palo Alto itself, suggesting we
are being required to accommodate big city issues within the framework of a structurally small city.
3) Architectural innovation in the 21st century is a strong indicator of a vital and evolving community. The only
reason to prefer an older Birge Clark building (still beautiful in its own right) is that many new buildings and
residences in Palo Alto are either overly derivative of the past or nondescript and banal. (Take a look at
innovative cities like Santa Monica, willing to be cutting edge in its architectural choices)
4) Livability in our community should trump any attempts to enhance Palo Alto's international image as the
heart of the technology juggernaut, at the expense of its citizens. This could mean resisting a developer's offer
to insert top-heavy, inappropriate projects into a small city's infrastructure.
Respectfully,
Sophia Abramson
Crescent Park resident since 1972
Mike Greenfield in Downtown North January 15, 2014, 9:39 PM
The best of Palo Alto is hard to beat. Done right, the city can balance the following:
1) Outdoor-loving. We live in a beautiful place with amazing weather and accessibility. Done right, residents
can appreciate Palo Alto by walking, biking, using its parks, and resting under the shade of its trees. Palo Alto
is better than most cities for those things, but there's plenty of room for improvement.
2) Urban. Palo Alto is the dominant city in Silicon Valley, and should revel in that fact. Downtown is an urban
center, and one of the most in-demand location for businesses (startups as well as retail) in the world. Let's
embrace demand that and let downtown grow, and allow other areas (e.g., along El Camino) to increase in
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density.
3) Market-driven. If there's a city in the world that represents free market capitalism at its best, it's Palo Alto,
founding home of HP, Google, PayPal, and so many others. But many of the city's policies -- from
free/extremely low cost parking, to overly restrictive zoning -- don't let the market function properly. Hundreds
and hundreds of startups would love to be in Palo Alto; overly restrictive zoning regulations turn them away and
risk turning this into a boutique town only a few can afford. And the city leaves huge amounts of parking
revenue on the table by not charging appropriately: 150-200 square feet of office space downtown rents for
~$1000/month. 150-200 square feet of a parking space rents for $45 in a lot, or $0 on the street.
4) Visionary and clear. Palo Alto has the profile of an elite, risk-taking city, but it doesn't act that way. Rather
than taking bold (and usually good) steps, the city often reacts to the loudest complaints and the most
aggressive advocates. One may not agree with every one of Michael Bloomberg's policies, but they were
nothing if not visionary and clear. Can we unearth that kind of leadership for Palo Alto?
5) Leading. Palo Alto sits right next to the greatest university in the world, and is the home or birthplace of
many of its top companies. But sometimes, the city seems to be running away from a leadership role. We
need to think big -- putting Palo Alto in position for the next generation of entrepreneurs -- and not get lured into
debates about trivial stuff.
I'd love to see the City Council enact policies and prioritize with their goals in mind.
Thanks -- I know they have a tough job!
4 Supporters
Name not shown in Evergreen Park January 15, 2014, 11:29 AM
My suggestions would be:
1. Quality of Life - Protect and enhance the community’s quality of life. Provide a safe environment and
promote active and healthy lifestyles.
2. Thriving Youth - Value (and demonstrate that we value) our Youth, their Contributions and their Voice.
3. Stewardship - Use today's resources carefully and plan for the future.
a. Financial Sustainability - Ensure the City’s financial stability.
b. Environmental Sustainability - Preserve and protect the environment.
4. Open Government and Civic Participation - Inform, engage, and partner with the community through
transparency, technology and citizen involvement.
5. Innovation and Entrepreneurship - Be creative, innovative, and bold in seeking solutions to taking on the
challenges of our community. Support the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of Palo Alto that drives invention
and new technology throughout the world.
1 Supporter
Elaine Haight in Downtown North January 15, 2014, 10:23 AM
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We must keep the walkability and bikeability of Palo Alto. This encourages diversity, since people without
drivers' licenses can still get around. It gives us environmental sustainability because our streets are not choked
with cars and the pollution that they bring. Our citizens will obviously be more healthy if they walk or bike to get
around. Finally, non-auto transportation allows growth since we can fit more people into our city to live, work
and shop if they don't have to bring their cars with them.
5 Supporters
January 14, 2014, 4:17 PM
Speaking as a student, education is a definite value at our school. The City Council should examine all sides of
an issue, such as from the student angle, before making a decision.
January 14, 2014, 2:48 PM
1. All actions taken open and honest, without regard to personal reward, political or monetary.
2. Balance maintained for the various interests of Palo Alto citizens.
3. Concern shown for citizens of neighboring
towns when there is no significant adverse effect on PA residents.
4. Costs, long and short term, are of primary concern.
5. Within the range of affordability by the citizens, city employees should be recruited with great selectivity,
trained well in their jobs and taught and kept to the highest standards of behavior.
6. The interests of small groups of PA residents are not ignored in favor of larger, more powerful groups.
F. Pitch Johnson
Edgewood Drive
Mike Humphries in Crescent Park January 14, 2014, 1:47 PM
The core values should reflect those of both the community at large and the neighborhoods affected by specific
decisions and plans.
In my case I moved to Palo Alto and Crescent Park initially because certain aspects of those respective
communities met many of my requirements. In time I came to appreciate other qualities and aspects that were
clear only after living here for a substantial time. And not appreciate others because of the same time-to-absorb
factor.
I believe other neighborhoods may well have different requirements and values for their neighborhood, as I have
for mine. I believe Council values should reflect those differences wherever possible to keep neighborhoods a
place where its residents want to be.
Our council should make Palo Alto-wide decisions based on what residents with a vested stake want our town
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to be now, soon and in the more distant future. And make decisions which will sustain those results.
Decisions should not be about promoting growth and revenue for their own sake. Many of us work at
businesses where growth and revenue are valid daily issues but our community should have goals that lead to
attaining the kind of place we want to live or maintain that kind of place once achieved. I am personally not for
optimizing city revenues at the expense of quality of neighborhoods, or growing the city organization as large as
possible or changing the character of our town for the sake of change. Or complying with directives from
organizations such as ABAG that lead to incompatible and substantial changes. In many cases we have chosen
to live here mainly for a quality of life and style of life that Palo Alto and specific neighborhoods provide.
Differences in neighborhoods may account for individual goals and the future efforts to achieve them. I have
lived in a number of neighborhoods and towns during my life and really have no desire to reside in one that
does not generally fit my requirements. If I find myself in that situation I will know my values are not reflected in
the Council values and it is time to either work diligently for change or find another place to live.
1 Supporter
January 14, 2014, 11:12 AM
I have lived and worked here for over 30 years. My values for the city of Palo Alto have always been the same.
It should be a city that cares for its occupants by providing the delivery of basic needs: Utilities, police and fire
protection, parks, and health services within reach along with good schools. The most important item right
now is the growing division between the rich, those of moderate income and the poor. This city has to be
careful of catering to those who are wealthy only by the fact their homes and therefore estates have gone up in
tremendous value by no virtue of their own doing. Squeezing out housing opportunities for the service workers
and retirees seeking to own homes is not the kind of city we envisioned years ago.
We all know land is scarce here. No one should be allowed to squash the liberty and opportunity of others to
own a home just because they are guarding their belief that their home values will go down if someone with
less income moves next door. Wealthy neighborhoods are just going to have to get used to the density of the
Bay Area and work with it. The further away your service workers live the more you pay for services.
Name not shown in Downtown North January 14, 2014, 9:45 AM
Like most residents, I am too busy to compose thoughtful statement. My feedback today would be a bunch of
random, rambling and venting issues. Furthermore it would be almost impossible to analyze with the other
submissions. Nevertheless, this open ended, unaided survey can be the basis for a structured follow-up survey
based on these submissions. I am sure the follow-up survey would be easier to complete and gather a larger
database of public opinion. My apologies to City Staff and Council if that is already your intent.
The recent on-line water survey from the Utility Dept is a good example of how to enrich public dialogue about
core values.
Elaine Uang in Downtown North January 13, 2014, 11:20 PM
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First off, thank you for doing this! Council decisions should be guided by a diverse set of community inputs, and
in today's world, it may require reaching out to many different channels, like these forums. Some values to
embrace:
Regional Leadership - Palo Alto has always been a magnet for technology innovators. Let's also be leaders in
how we run local government, and foster decisions about land use, housing, transportation, and development.
Let's think about solutions that don't just benefit our city, but have the potential to influence the Peninsula
region.
Data driven decision making - We live in an increasingly data saturated world, but when it comes to many city
government related issues, decisions are made based on emotions, anecdotes, hyperbole, devoid of data.
Let's start using the tools our intelligent and hardworking neighbors work on to inform decisions on budget,
infrastructure, public safety, etc.
Economic Sustainability - Are budgets reasonable, are we spending wisely, do we have underutilized resources
to generate additional revenue?
Physical Sustainability - are we making the right physical investments - to roads/streetscapes , utilities, parks,
public safety. Are we accommodating future growth intelligently, and minimizing impacts properly?
Delight - are we making Palo Alto a fun place to live, to work, to be?
4 Supporters
January 13, 2014, 6:37 PM
A city that is environmentally friendly. Maintain the community, family focused, friendly neighborhoods. We
moved here for the Children's library, the Jr. Museum, the great downtown area within walking distance.
January 13, 2014, 6:37 PM
A city that is environmentally friendly. Maintain the community, family focused, friendly neighborhoods. We
moved here for the Children's library, the Jr. Museum, the great downtown area within walking distance.
Name not shown in Leland Manor/ Garland January 13, 2014, 6:34 PM
Responsiveness to city residents to ensure Palo Alto remains a special place.
Providing cost-effective services and intelligent services to the residents. Utilities are NOT a profit center;
charge market rates. Do not close two libraries at once AND then discontinue LINK-PLUS library loans "in
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preparation for the completion" of Mitchell Park which won't happen for a few more years.
2 Supporters
Bruce Crocker in Crescent Park January 13, 2014, 4:33 PM
Residential--people live here in comfortable and well maintained housing.
Education--outstanding k-12 with good access to pre-K for residents.
Safety--residents and visitors should be able to walk in their neighborhoods and downtown without concern and
be confident houses and personal property are protected.
Diverse commercial districts--downtown and California street districts should include a variety of small business
as well as offices and restaurants.
Financial stability--city government should operate prudently without creating large unfunded liabilities (e.g.
public employee compensation and pension plans) and with good maintenance of physical plant.
2 Supporters
Name not shown in Duveneck/ St Francis January 13, 2014, 4:22 PM
listen and obey community opinion
January 13, 2014, 4:14 PM
Elicit community opinion, listen to community opinion, obey community opinion
Name not shown in Evergreen Park January 13, 2014, 3:38 PM
Value our citizens' health and the environment.
For example, when I walk into my office here in Palo Alto, a sign provides me with the knowledge that materials
building "may cause cancer, birth defects, reproductive harm..." etc; while the knowledge is a first step, what is
the city doing to mandate removal of these toxic materials?
Similarly, Palo Alto airport allows planes to fly with LEADED gas. The EPA recently conducted a study on lead
concentrations in the U.S. around 17 sample airports in the U.S.; Palo Alto had the 3rd highest concentration of
lead at 0.12 ug/m3. ,just under the EPA limit of 0.15 for regional airports. Unfortunately, while the EPA has
deemed it necessary to ban lead from automobile and commercial aircraft gasoline, it has not, for whatever
political reason, banned lead from planes flying into regional airports such as Palo Alto . The toxic impact of
lead in air is dire and significant. According to the Salon article (link below which cites different studies) lead
can “damage the central nervous system, resulting in learning disabilities, stunted growth, and hearing loss, as
well as cause anemia. Recent findings indicate that children who are repeatedly exposed exhibit violent
behavior in later life. Adults may be at risk of kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke,
miscarriages, and premature births.Even at infinitesimal levels in the blood, lead has been linked to ADHD.”
We see no reason why our community should risk suffering these effects. If the City Council values our health
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and the environment, we should be able to act immediately on these issues!
http://www.salon.com/2013/09/08/living_near_an_airport_could_be_a_toxic_decision_partner
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/nonroad/aviation/420f13032.pdf
1 Supporter
John Carlsen in Downtown North January 13, 2014, 3:31 PM
The Core Value of city governance should be:
1. Establish specific measurements/metrics for the value added
2. Periodically evaluate the cost of providing that value
3. Set up a reward structure to insure the cost continues to decrease.
My priority list of added value items:
Safety and security (police, fire, flood control, etc.)
Infrastructure (roads, utilities, trees, etc.)
2 Supporters
Kirsten Flynn in Ventura January 13, 2014, 3:28 PM
I believe an outstanding city is one that works for all of it's citizens, and as a member of it's larger region.
Therefore I believe the city should be:
Inclusive-- of all who live there, irregardless of income level, age, nationality, level of education or other factors.
Diversity contributes to a vibrant city with a higher quality of life for all.
Responsible-- to those who live or work here, and those who live and work nearby. We are all part of global
solutions, and we cannot make decisions based only on what is best for our city's population only. The reality is
that we are part of a growing region, and selfish decisions are unkind.
Farseeing-- we should manage our financial, human and physical assets so as to ensure enduring vibrancy in
our growing region. Short term solutions have long term consequences.
Sustainable-- We cannot ignore the environmental issues facing the world, and they are exacerbated by the
extreme wealth inequality in the region, a transportation infrastructure that prioritizes single occupant carbon
fueled transportation, and a consume and dispose economy. We can lead as part of the solution.
Kind and respectful-- perhaps this is covered by inclusivity, but we must respect the point of view and input of all
of our amazing citizens. We have some very smart, entrepeneurial, involved and engaged citizens. But we do
not always treat each other very well. We should all remember that everyone, city council, staff, citizens,
council gadflies, homeless, are doing the best they can. Remind each other that we can be kind and still
disagree, that including different points of view leads to strong and lasting compromises. These are core values
of any democracy, not just our city.
1 Supporter
Name not shown in (your neighborhood)January 13, 2014, 3:17 PM
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At the core should be preserving and enhancing quality of life and recognizing that Palo Alto is a unique,
suburban college town. Urbanization should NOT be a part of this core; it is possible to manage growth and
change without urbanization.
An understanding of what Palo Alto residents view as quality of life should be incorporated into core values. For
example, we value family-friendly neighborhoods vs. high-density housing where there is less sense of
connection; high-quality schools with reasonable teacher-student ratios and safe transit to schools by bus or
walking; low traffic density vs. lane closures and high-density housing that adds to traffic; continued excellent
public safety by fire and police departments; well-considered use of resources and good planning vs. the no-
setback and unattractive building projects such as the JCC, Alma Plaza, new buildings on Alma, as well as
others that were appeared to be driven by "urbanization" values. The City Council and City planning continue
to assume that residents see "urbanization" as desirable. It is not.
We live in Palo Alto because it has had a small town/college town feel, has lots of trees and good parks,
excellent schools, and a sense of neighborhood and community. We enjoy much of what can be found in more
urban settings, such as excellent and varied dining, and good shopping and have been able to resist the chain-
store invasion to some degree. We have not succeeded in resisting poorly designed, high-density and ugly
building projects.
January 13, 2014, 2:39 PM
The number one value for the Council must be the maintenance of the Palo Alto quality of life (QoL) which is
dear to my neighbors here that I live and talk to.
Development is important and is part of life, but not at the expense of our neighborhood QoL. This has become
a burning issue in the last 3 years and the Council must hold the reins on the maintenance of character of our
beautiful city.
Bette Kiernan in Oak Creek January 13, 2014, 1:23 PM
Thank you for considering this topic.
I wish you would add EMPATHY AND COMPASSION. There needs to be a shift created away from monetary
values to values that embody creating a more nurturing community. As licensed Marriage, Family and Child
therapist I gladly offer my services to add to a new, kinder Palo Alto story
1 Supporter
January 11, 2014, 8:42 PM
The City Council should listen to everyone who gives input and try their hardest to accommodate to their needs.
Claude Ezran in Leland Manor/ Garland January 9, 2014, 10:57 PM
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Core values:
- Integrity
- Transparency
- Inclusiveness
- Respect
- Open-mindedness
- Encourage community-building
- Preserve the environment and the quality of life in Palo Alto
- Take a facts-based analytical approach to decision making
- Encourage regional collaboration to address regional problems
- Consider what is in the best long-term interest of the City when making decisions
January 9, 2014, 3:44 PM
Palo Alto is a great City to be proud of now and in the future. It is the residents who make this City what it is
today and has been for generations. The Council must make the people who live here, the residents first
priority in their decision making.
Listen, listen listen!
January 9, 2014, 10:41 AM
80/20 Rule
Find the 80% that will be satisfied, not the 20%. 90/10 even better.
January 9, 2014, 10:38 AM
80/20 Rule
Find the 80% that will be satisfied, not the 20%. 90/10 even better.
January 9, 2014, 10:32 AM
1. Process- Respect and periodically/systematically review the processes of decision making and
implementation. The processes must have integrity, logic, and functionality for as much of the future as can be
anticipated. Consult the logical resources for unbiased (however painful) and expert advice. Don't be too proud
to implement short process improvement cycles if there are problems-be wary of tunnel vision and "yes"
people. Don't necessarily go with the first proposal that pops up in a committee meeting. If processes are
developed independent of issues, then they are more likely to lead to robust and less biased decisions.
2. Posterity- The city lives with consequences beyond the term of a city official or the lives of its residents.
Stewards of the city must consider what others have done well and poorly in the past. Consider what history
will think of their time at the helm.
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3. Future vision- Imagine planning a city from prairie land. Now use that logic and esthetic in the development
of future 5-10-20 year city plans for infrastructure, function, structure, flow, beauty, etc. Use those roadmaps to
guide development related ordinances and permits. Without the overall city plan, it's too easy for future
stewards of the city to be biased by individual developments that lead to an incoherently assembled city -- or a
city that stagnates trying to preserve the status quo for a minority of influential citizens.
4. Represent- When possible, make the extra efforts to reach out and get feedback from the stakeholders of the
issues. Identify the relevant stakeholders (e.g. neighborhoods, all 5 schools, Arastradero commuters, and fire
station in the Mayfield development question). Validate the survey tools and then LISTEN to the people
affected. If there are significant concerns, then don't be too proud to consider a course adjustment.
5. Do the right thing-- How you respond and behave on the City Council sets an example for the city. It's
expected for special interests to lobby for their special interest. It is your duty to protect the city interests as
long as you wear the hat of City Council member.
January 9, 2014, 7:46 AM
Each classroom in PAUSD has a child with special needs. Palo Alto has some amazing summer camps, after
school programs, the Children's Museum and Zoo, parks, libraries, etc. To serve this population of children and
their families, I would like to see our city adopt the inclusiveness that we find in our schools. We already have
ADA. We can take it further by considering the needs of children and adults who have sensory issues, hearing,
visually impaired or simply need a little extra effort so that they can be included. As our school district recovers
from the OCR complaints and looks to make our schools safe and welcoming for all students, I hope our greater
community will follow their example and look for opportunities to include everyone.
Name not shown in Midtown/ Midtown West January 8, 2014, 9:26 PM
Attract technology and innovation. We cannot go back. Support the creative people and businesses that will
solve our problems with new ideas. City Council should be open to these new concepts. Instead of limiting
growth, how can we make densely populated areas more pleasant (mini parks, free wifi, sponsored social
volunteer days). Instead of limiting consumables, how can we transform waste into future consumables and
combat pollution (recent ideas being investigated in China: magnets to attract air pollution to the ground,
microbes to digest plastics). We have brain power here in Palo Alto. Stop complaining and trying to go back to
the good old days and start moving forward as part of the solution.
1 Supporter
Name not shown in Barron Park January 8, 2014, 6:08 PM
I would like to see the city come up with a vision of what they want Palo Alto to look like in 5 years.
This statement should go neighborhood by neighborhood. It should define where we want major traffic
thoroughfares. How we plan to accommodate the traffic in these areas.
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Where we want higher density shopping or housing. Realistic views of the number of cars and parking needed
for these changes and provisions for them. From this map decisions should flow.
I want to stop the one off willy nilly re-zoning and the like. Having a plan and zoning for that plan seem like a
better option. A vision / zone plan should be put in place well before requests to develop in that area.
2 Supporters
Steve Urbach in Barron Park January 8, 2014, 5:25 PM
Remember quality of Life is measured with a smile, not a $.
A Home is a place to live and raise a family, not just make a Profit.
A 'Matching Grant' does not make the reason to spend money, better.
The Residents are not a 'Source of Revenue', We are Taxpayers that are funding essentials that individuals
can't do on their own: Like Public Safety Services, Streets, Parks and Schools. Remember to represent the
Majority of Taxpayers when you make decisions.
3 Supporters
January 8, 2014, 3:58 PM
I do not think the City of Palo Alto should bend to the influence of developers and put in high density multiple
storey buildings built to the limit of what is allowed by law. I cherish the small city, low density, family friendly
atmosphere. All the new development and infill is taking that feeling away from our lovely city.
Ron Swan in Charleston Terrace January 8, 2014, 3:52 PM
I believe we should retain the few remaining values we have that reflect the Palo Alto that made us a pleasant
place to live such as lower density housing and traffic. I suggest we don't allow "outsiders" to dictate our
growth profile. We should be concerned about water availability, lack of school property for population growth
and transportation infrastructure. Our leaders should remain independent from outside pressure, think AGAB
and developers.
3 Supporters
Name not shown in (your neighborhood)January 8, 2014, 3:47 PM
Core values: Smart Growth, Sustainability, Health & Safety, Community Engagement, Beautiful Palo Alto
Looking forward to seeing the city place a bit more emphasis on these...
January 8, 2014, 2:32 PM
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To do what is in the best interest of its residents. This includes services, traffic, crime, schools and city
maintenance.
Star Teachout in Barron Park January 6, 2014, 8:31 PM
For starters I would like the city to consider standing behind the following core values:
1. Organize and make decisions based on optimizing quality of life, reducing consumption, and promoting
environmental sustainability. Here are a few examples:
-Attempt to reduce our consumption of single-use plastics and plastics in general.
-Enforce waste reduction and reusables on city grounds used by schools and sports clubs--the waste is
extreme.
-Establish, monitor, and disclose per lot limits on power and water for 500 sq ft/person with incentives and
disincentives for excessive consumption.
-Yes, continue to promote safer bicycle routes, along with stronger and better-connected neighborhoods.
2. Promote and value diverse experiences and paths for all the students in our community, not just the strictly
academic:
-Continue offering more light-hearted and connecting events like the great ping pong challenge--fun and
interactive.
-Brainstorm ways to bring out more creativity in our youth, ways to give more useful feedback to them, more
connection.
-Provide more public exposure to the many people in our community who are leading balanced lives (their
education and career paths and decisions they make.)
-Support efforts to reform our schools towards being more student-centered rather than traditional teacher-
centered ones.
-Develop more teen centers within neighborhoods or allow schools to be used more liberally. For example, why
do the baseball fields have to be locked all the time over weekends? The sight of a pristine, locked up field is
sad when neighborhood people could benefit by using the fields. Brainstorm ways to preserve the fields but
allow more access.
Thanks for asking. I don't necessarily insist that my community share my core values, but it would be a pleasant
surprise!
Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the community?
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3 Supporters
Jeff Rensch in Barron Park January 6, 2014, 8:01 AM
Primarily think in terms of stewardship so that the commonwealth we pass onto our descendants remains a
healthy place. Conservation of resources, maintenance of civility, good relations with neighboring cities, etc.
Most urgent is coping with effects of job growth, thus issues of traffic, infrastructure and affordable housing near
transit.
1 Supporter
January 2, 2014, 4:04 AM
The City Council should place the needs of the residents of Palo Alto above those of developers.
No more buildings that are built right up to the sidewalk or that exceed height limits or that don't supply parking
spaces.
It appears that if developers pay enough, the City Council waives building restrictions.
Daniel M outside Palo Alto December 29, 2013, 1:21 PM
Is this survey a joke? After years of ruining this city and ignoring the public, these senior political "leaders" are
asking the public for help? Such a huge contradiction.
Anyway ... if these comments will actually be taken seriously:
- Care about the disabled, and actually DO something.
- Care about public opinion.
- Don't be cowardly; be willing to reject developments; stand up for us; BE a government. Quit being a
dictatorship.
- Care about history. Care about preserving history.
- Create a connection between yourselves and the public; nobody attends your meetings because
EVERYBODY distrusts you.
- Preserve what little remains of the traditional Palo Alto "look" that we all KNOW and LOVE!
1 Supporter
William Cutler in Charleston Meadows December 28, 2013, 10:50 AM
Equity in distribution of benefits and burdens. If an action benefits some particular group, that group should
share proportionately in the burdens. If an action imposes a burden on some particular group,that group should
experience direct benefits in like manner or equivalent recompense. A benefit such as a shell for a police
station, that serves the entire community, is not equitable recompense for the burden of traffic and parking
imposed on a particular neighborhood.
December 28, 2013, 8:04 AM
Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the community?
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Environmental and resources stewardship, and everything that entails, should be Palo Alto's primary concern,
as we humans are swiftly running out of time to arrest climate change and are suffering pollution's effects. Palo
Alto leads the nation in this effort and it should continue to do so, only more aggressively. This should include
LEED-type building efficiency mandates, electric vehicle support, banning of fracking, replacing the city's use of
fossil fuels including natural gas with use of renewables including solar and wind, enforcing inspection and
cleanup of not just the strictly bounded SuperFund sites but also their surrounding areas, improving bicycle
lanes throughout the city, and so on.
Supporting all citizens, especially the poor and the vanishing middle class, should be a core value. Perhaps the
city could raise its minimum wage and cap or reduce its maximum wage for city employees.
Jeffrey Hook in Evergreen Park December 27, 2013, 4:14 PM
Plan toward a much smaller human population. Our present size of 7 billion and growing is way beyond
sustainable if we care about biodiversity, climate stability and quality of life. Plan toward e.g. 1 billion. Plan
toward elimination of fossil fuels, including fracking, and fission-based fuels. The damage from radiation is not
worth the risk (cf Fukushima, Cherynobl). Plan toward foot and bicycle traffic as predominant modes of
transportation, followed by public transit, followed by private autos. Plan toward restoring our creeks to their
natural state over a 100 year time span. Raise money through property tax levies to buy currently developed
creekside properties. Plan for developments in science and technology to be used to REDUCE human
population, carbon footprint, ecological impact. Plan for fiber optic high speed network infrastructure, enabling
virtual office communications rather than commuting via automobile. Plan for rising ocean levels, as much as 6
feet by 2100.
2 Supporters
Wayne Martin in Fairmeadow December 26, 2013, 10:33 PM
The city should:
Operate under charter constraints. Do not undertake projects or activities suggested by staff or the so-called
“political class” (aka the Palo Alto 400) if they are not expressly authorized by the city charter.
Provide legally-required essential services to residents, property owners and business owners.
Efficiently manage publicly-owned assets, keeping them well-maintained and preserving their financial value.
Represent – and treat equally under the law – all city residents, property owners and business owners. Do not
show favoritism to special interests such as Stanford or property developers.
Ensure transparency and conformance to law in all city actions. Recognize that laws like the “California Public
Records Act” apply to the city as an entity, as well as every staff member employed by the city.
Live within its financial means. Prioritize spending. Be prudent in hiring and in salary/benefit negotiations.
Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the community?
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Provide required services in the most cost-effective means possible, including outsourcing where appropriate.
Recognize that the city is not, and cannot be, an employment engine.
Be open to sharing public safety personnel, equipment, and expertise with neighboring cities.
Obey United States immigration laws. Expect that people living or operating within municipal boundaries are
legal residents or are in the county legally. Under no conditions should the city seek to undercut, or fail to
comply with federal law.
8 Supporters
Stan Hutchings in Old Palo Alto December 26, 2013, 5:51 PM
Core Values:
Safety of persons and property;
Health;
Enforce laws, codes and rules consistently or update/cancel/withdraw them.
3 Supporters
Dorothy Dewing in Midtown/ Midtown West December 26, 2013, 5:05 PM
The city is for its citizens, all of us, not just the City Council.
To quote a previous writer,"Integrity, transparency, Listening to constituents".
Update this email, listen and consider our thoughts.
3 Supporters
Dan Bloomberg in Barron Park December 25, 2013, 1:08 PM
Core value: be a careful steward of our resources.
In more detail ...
* Money: Except for bonds for capital expenses, do not increase the debt. Make all pensions 401K - style. Pay
for all future employee benefits from tax money coming in now. Never force people in the future to pay for
services we enjoy now.
* Livability: Admit that Palo Alto is FULL UP. Tell ABAG to stuff it. Tell developers that no high-density
variances to zoning will be permitted. Require all development to provide sufficient parking.
* Transportation: make all efforts to discourage drivers from cutting through residential areas. Encourage
bicycling with more bike routes and places to secure bicycles.
* Crime: zero tolerance. Set up CCTV throughout the city and let criminals know they will be caught in Palo
Alto. Install license reading systems on all patrol cars. Engage the community.
6 Supporters
Name not shown in University South December 24, 2013, 4:13 PM
Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the community?
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As of January 28, 2014, 3:04 PM http://peakdemocracy.com/1627 Page 29 of 33
Stop adding housing, ignore obsolete ABAG philosophy. It only adds more load on infrastructure, traffic and
schools.
4 Supporters
Ray Bacchetti in University South December 24, 2013, 12:50 PM
Suggestions for Palo Alto Community Values
When there’s a choice between me and us, pick us.
Listen carefully and with empathy to one another—and be wary of those who claim to speak for the community.
Respect and appreciate city staff and City Council.
Be open to regional issues and regional solutions.
Be stewards of the future, not just the present.
Make sure Palo Alto is a good town to grow up in.
Plan for growth, not get stuck just reacting to it.
Value facts and judgment over biases and opinions.
As a community, be what we wish to seem.
5 Supporters
December 23, 2013, 9:42 PM
It would be more useful if you were to send us a survey with questions that are a bit more specific. I find this
question too general and open ended to respond to.
John Guislin in Downtown North December 23, 2013, 5:21 PM
1. Residents are your top priority. Engage them in decision-making early and listen carefully.
2. If residents tell you they think we have a problem, investigate and report back. Don't dismiss insight from the
community.
3. Tackle the hard, unglamorous problems - that's what government is supposed to do.
4. Work very hard to build trust. I fear the council, like much of government in the US, is losing the confidence of
the people.
7 Supporters
Joel Davidson in Barron Park December 23, 2013, 1:38 PM
Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the community?
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As of January 28, 2014, 3:04 PM http://peakdemocracy.com/1627 Page 30 of 33
1) Make sure to include neighborhood citizens in your decision making.
2) Slow, smart growth along and close to transportation corridors.
3) Always include more Open Space as mitigation when development projects are agreed upon
4) Listen and heed to your constituents. The city belongs to us all.
3 Supporters
December 23, 2013, 1:32 PM
Ray Bacchetti, University South
Let these qualities characterize our work together: generous, inclusive, humane, humble, caring, and
foresighted.
Give facts a central place in civic discussions.
Listen to each other with care and empathy and be wary of those who claim to speak for the community.
Thinks of ourselves as stewards of the future, not just the present.
Plan for growth, don't just let it happen.
Be open to regional problems and regional solutions.
Respect and appreciate city staff.
Make our town a good one to grow up in.
December 23, 2013, 12:33 PM
I don't like many of the changes that have happened in our community over the past 20 yrs. I think we are
losing a small town community feel to the overgrown businesses and residences that build right up to the
sidewalk. I
I am nervous that decisions are made without care to the thoughts of our residents. The Maybell issue is point
and case of that. We don't want our neighborhoods over populated. We want an easier atmosphere surrounding
us.
December 23, 2013, 11:53 AM
The city should never forget what makes Palo Alto a gemstone city to live in. It is extremely family friendly and
family focussed. From a city urban planning and development perspective, education perspective, city activities
perspective... valuing the family should be one of the driving factors.
Richard Placone in Barron Park December 23, 2013, 10:55 AM
When I think about it, it is a crying shame, not to mention an outrage, that in a city like Palo Alto, its council has
to ask its citizens what its core values should be. How about "Do unto others what you would have them do
unto to you". This exercise just shows how far our city government has moved from reality and the ability to
even understand the meaning of the word "governance. Our Founding Fathers gave us our core values - its
Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the community?
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called The Constitution.
Richard C. Placone
Chimalus Drive
Barron Park/Palo Alto
3 Supporters
Pat Marriott outside Palo Alto December 23, 2013, 10:38 AM
- INTEGRITY
- HONESTY
- HUMILITY (instead of hubris)
- TRANSPARENCY: This has been sorely lacking for some time, e.g., the 27 University project.
- ACCOUNTABILITY: Admit mistakes; exercise your oversight responsibility by holding staff accountable for
their actions and decisions, e.g., Mitchell Park Library disaster, Arastradero Road narrowing that pushed 24%
more traffic to Maybell
- RESPECT FOR RESIDENTS (your constituents) and their opinions. Don't avoid criticism by dismissing the
messenger, e.g., branding him/her a naysayer or a bully, or claiming the message is vitriolic. Be open to the
truth.
4 Supporters
Stephen Rosenblum in Old Palo Alto December 23, 2013, 10:37 AM
Palo Alto should actively promote policies that reduce the impact of the city's residents and businesses on the
environment. Principally, it should reduce its introduction of carbon into the atmosphere, reduce its water
consumption, convert all its municipal waste to useful products including anaerobic fermentation of sewage and
re-use of the reclaimed water and the active encouragement of renewable sources of energy within the city
boundaries as well as the use of electric vehicles and mass transit.
3 Supporters
December 23, 2013, 9:54 AM
Sadly, most people I've talked to recently about Palo Alto's core values believe those values to center around
further development and the added revenues that would come with it—or, to put it another way, they believe that
Palo Alto aims to be the "San Francisco of the mid-Peninsula." I hope for exactly the opposite: I feel that
development should be slowed. I chose to live here many years ago because it was NOT as crowded as
frenetic as San Francisco, yet it's becoming more that way all the time. Slow down, already!
Gary Gechlik outside Palo Alto December 23, 2013, 9:35 AM
Core Values
What core values do you believe the City Council should use to guide them in their decisions on behalf of the community?
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Palo Alto is a "university town". The benchmark for properly running a city like this is a standard shared by
Cambridge, Princeton, Ann Arbor, and the like. Basically, you want to encourage inclusion, protect families, and
work with the University, it is that simple. You want to have downtown rental real estate to be at full occupancy,
you want to manage the traffic reasonably, and above all, you want to avoid senseless legal disputes and pay
the city employees well so they continue doing a great job.
1 Supporter
December 23, 2013, 8:42 AM
Listen to those who voted for you, not developers.
stephen levy in University Park December 23, 2013, 8:22 AM
Be a welcoming community--to the people who come here to study and teach to the people who come from all
around the world to contribute to Silicon Valley, to everyone without regard to gender, religion, sexual
orientation or where they were born.
Stephen Levy, University South
1 Supporter
Jared Bernstein in University South December 23, 2013, 7:32 AM
Proactive commitment to collaboration in ensuring the safety and well-being of all people in Palo Alto, but
especially the most vulnerable – children, seniors, pedestrians, bicyclists, and those with physical or medical
challenges.
1 Supporter
Gwen Luce in Barron Park December 23, 2013, 7:17 AM
Please respectfully listen to constituents!
2 Supporters
Core Values
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ATTACHMENT A
2014 (Draft) Council Work Plan
Project/Issue Level
Land Use & Transportation
1. Our Palo Alto
2. Parking: RPP/ Garages/ Lots/ Shuttles
3. TDM/TMA : Go Pass/Two Go app
4. Comprehensive Plan
5. Housing Element
6. PC Zone Reform
7. Buena Vista
8. CPI
9. Cal Train EIR
10. VTA issues: Grand Blvd/Transit Center
11. DC Blueprint
Infrastructure/ Capital Projects/ “Buildings”
12. Ca Ave Streetscape
13. Mitchell Park Library
14. Main Library
15. Bike Pedestrian Plan Projects
16. Post Office
17. Infrastructure Funding Plan: Ballot Measure/ Subsequent Capital Planning
18. Fiber to the Premise/ Wireless & WiFi
19. First Floor City Hall remodel
20. Cubberley
21. Airport Transfer
Environment
22. RWQCP & Compost Facility
23. SF Creek JPA Project: Downstream 101/ Newell Bridge/ Pope Chaucer Bridge
24. Golf Course EIR and Construction
25. Urban Forest Master Plan
26. Parks & Recreation Master Plan
27. Refuse Pilot: Expansion?
28. Drought
Finance
29. Budget
30. Labor Negotiations/ SEIU/ Fire/ Police/ UMPAPA/ management
31. Stanford Fire Services Contract
ATTACHMENT A
A Series of Conversations and Events
A Community Conversation
About Our City’s FutureIDEAS
ACTION
DESIGN
Beyond City Hall Dialogues
and conversations across our
community
Actions to Address Today’s Critical Issues:
A Blueprint for the Future:
Creating connections
Neighborhood gatherings
Planning workshops
House parties
Picnic in the park
Social media
Walking/bike tours
Enact PC Zoning Reform
Conduct & Evaluate
Attendant Parking Trial
Establish Satellite Parking &
Shuttle to Downtown
Downtown Garage Design
Initiate Urban Lane Transit
Center Planning
Parking Management
Programs
Expanded Shuttle Service
TDM Programs, including
TMA Implementation Phase I
Housing Element Update
Bike Plan Implementation
Cal Ave Streetscape
Completion
Traffic Signalization &
Garage Technologies to
Enable “Real Time” Data
The City’s Comprehensive
Plan: Updated to plan for
tomorrow.
• Identify and prioritize
existing challenges and
opportunities
• Baseline data report
• Design and test
alternative futures
• Pace and location of
growth
• Transportation, land use &
design
• The natural environment
• Community services,
business & the economy
• Cumulative impacts &
feasible mitigation
• Informed decision-making
• Adopted Plan into action
Complimentary Planning
Efforts: Climate Action;
Parks & Open Space
Online forum
Design competitions
ATTACHMENT C
2014 Council Priorities
Suggestions by Council Members (with comments)
Council Member Price
1. Transportation and Mobility
Several work plan items are underway which address improving transportation options, services, and
alternatives which reduce reliance on the automobile and improve mobility. Several items including
parking permitting, TDM strategies, exploration of traffic generation, the development cap study ,
increasing parking capacity and ongoing implementation of the transportation and pedestrian plan all
complement each other. These major projects and studies will require significant City Council, staff, and
community engagement.
2. Environmental : Sustainability and Climate and Drought Adaptations
Focusing on environmental and sustainability issues will be an opportunity to highlight ongoing and new
initiatives being developed to better address climate and drought adaptations by the City of Palo Alto
and our residential and business communities. This effort would promote these issues and educate all
stakeholders while promoting additional partnerships. With a new sustainability officer this would be an
ideal time to focus on improving programs and outcomes.
Note: I believe that we would be better served by having two priorities this year because of the
scheduled projects already underway or pending. I think that urban design and the built environment
will be addressed via "Our Community Conversation, " planned community reform, and the
comprehensive plan update and EIR.
Council Member Burt
I spoke with Karen about how we might we fold last year’s “Future of Downtown and Cal Ave” priority
into the broader discussion that we are now engaging in. It seems that the Land Use and Transportation
Sections of the Comp Plan Update synthesize our priority. So here is a prospective revision to Priority #1:
Updated Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan:
The Built Environment, Transportation, Parking, and Livability
Council Member Holman
Here are my priorities, the first one edited, the other two as they currently are.
This assumes that Healthy City becomes a core value as opposed to a Priority as was indicated by CC
members last year.
• A Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan:
The Built Environment, Transportation, Parking, and Livability
• Infrastructure Strategy and Funding
• Technology and the Connected City
ATTACHMENT C
Council Member Schmid
My priorities for 2014 would include:
---updated area plans for our two key 'mixed use areas--Downtown and Cal Ave;
--Based on the notion that 'good data produces good planning', I would suggest a top priority for
providing good public contextual data for decision-making: traffic counts, parking needs in our
commercial areas, total commercial space built since the 1986 survey that is at the basis of our current
Comp Plan, etc
-- Our latest Comprehensive Annual Financial Report indicates that Residential parcels are heavily
subsidizing Commercial parcels (residential parcel account for 71% of all property tax revenues and that
subsidy seems to be growing each year (it has been rising by 1% in each of the last four years). We
should have a clear economic analysis of economic contributions to local public services.
Council Member Berman
• Downtown and California Avenue:
Urban Design, Transportation, Parking, and Livability
• Infrastructure Strategy and Funding
• Our Palo Alto: a community conversation about our city's future
Council Member Kniss (Vice Mayor)
Downtown and California Avenue:
Urban Design, Transportation, Parking, and Livability
• Infrastructure Strategy and Funding
• Our Palo Alto: a community conversation about our city's future
Council Member Shepherd (Mayor)
Mobility: we need to get Palo Alto moving again with transportation innovations at all levels, specifically
in our downtown areas where it is spilling out into the neighborhoods.
Comprehensive Plan: I hope to see a "moratorium" on all exceptions, or exchanges unless there is no
net-new square feet until the Comp Plan is complete including the EIR and updated traffic study.
ATTACHMENT C
CITY OF PALO ALTO OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
February 3, 2014
The Honorable City Council
Palo Alto, California
Approval of Resolution Scheduling the City Council Summer Break and
Winter Closure for 2014
RECOMMENDATION
Approval of Resolution scheduling the City Council Summer Break and Winter Closure in
Calendar Year 2014.
BACKGROUND
Pursuant to the Municipal Code Section 2.04.010, the City Council must schedules its annual
vacation for each calendar year no later than the third meeting in February. During said
scheduled annual vacation, there shall be no regular meetings of the City Council nor of the
Council standing committees. The Mayor or a majority of the Council may call a special meeting
during the scheduled vacation if necessary. Please note that the Palo Alto Unified School
District last day of school is May 29, 2014 and school resumes on August 18, 2014. The Council
also needs to set the winter closure.
I polled Council Members for their suggestions when the Council should take their breaks and
received the following responses:
• Three Council Members thought that the Council’s summer break should be the month
of July and the winter break December 22 through 26, 2014.
• One Council Member thought that the Council’s summer break should be July 21, 2014
through August 15, 2014.
ATTACHMENTS:
2014 resolution (DOCX)
Department Head: Donna Grider, City Clerk
Page 2
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
SCHEDULING THE CITY COUNCIL VACATION AND WINTER CLOSURE FOR CALENDAR
YEAR 2014
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 2.04.010 of the Municipal Code, the City Council must schedule
its annual vacation for each calendar year no later than the third meeting in February; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to set its annual vacation for 2014.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as follows:
The City Council sets their vacation for calendar year 2014, from XXXX, 2014 through
XXXX, 2014 and winter closure from XXXX, 2014 through XXXX, 2014.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
City Manager
ATTACHMENT D
2014 Council Meeting Calendar
Right now there are, by the Clerk’s calendar as of Feb 1, 2014:
31 Council Meetings (Includes 3 in July & 3 in August. Need to determine summer recess month. Only 2
meetings in Sept and Oct each. Need to add another to @ month)
21 Finance Meetings (Includes both July & August. We haven’t set extra meetings in May for the Budget)
10 P&S Meetings
11 RHNA Meetings
1 Infrastructure Meeting (Feb 12)
11 Rail Meetings starting in Feb