HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 309-09
CMR: 309:09 Page 1 of 2
TO: HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
DATE: JULY 13, 2009 CMR: 309:09
REPORT TYPE: CONSENT
SUBJECT: Approval of Council Priorities Work Plan and Palo Alto See-It Site
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the work plan for the 2009 Council Priorities
and the framework developed within the interactive Palo Alto See-It web-based tool to track
progress on the priorities and communicate effectively with the community about progress made
through simple, interrelated content, graphics and data maintained on the new Palo Alto See-It
site.
DISCUSSION
On January 10, 2009, during the annual Council Retreat, the Council identified these priorities
for 2009: Environmental Protection, Civic Engagement for the Common Good and Economic
Health.
After the priorities were determined, staff began creating a work plan of goals and actions to
address them. Through a series of meetings, including a Council Study Session on Monday,
April 6, a framework for accomplishing the 2009 Priorities was developed, which included 18
strategies and 82 actions that each correspond to a specific priority.
Taking into consideration the feedback from previous methods of tracking progress towards
priorities, staff elected to utilize a new and innovative system to enhance accountability and
transparency. Staff chose to work with Visible Strategies Inc., of Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada, and use its interactive See-It software tool. The See-It software creates a simple, clear,
connected picture of goals, strategies, actions, targets and performance data necessary to achieve
them.
The 18 strategies and 82 actions compiled in support of the Council priorities have been entered
into the City’s new Palo Alto See-It site. Every action has a tracking scorecard which provides
detailed information on the goal of the action, timeline for implementation, current status,
relevant additional information, and supporting documentation. Additionally, each scorecard
offers the user the ability to directly contact someone for feedback and to obtain more
information.
Creation of the Palo Alto See-It site at http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/cou/see_it.asp
provides a visual tool for the Council, community and staff that improves the transparency of
CMR: 309:09 Page 2 of 2
City government, defines specific actions to support Council priorities, initiates stronger
performance management and transforms how the City monitors progress on the Council
priorities and communicates this progress effectively with the community.
Staff will host a Community Information and Demonstration Session of the Palo Alto See-It site
on August 18, from 7-9 p.m., in the Council Chambers. The session will allow community
members to hear more about the site, learn how to navigate the site and get acquainted with the
information contained in it.
The Palo Alto See-It site, specifically designed to track progress made towards achieving
Council-set priorities, will initiate stronger performance management and transform how staff
communicates effectively with the community. The capability and opportunity for site is vast. It
will not only be a repository of valuable quantitative information on City operations, but will
also serve as a forward looking plan that charts the course for the long-term vision of the City.
RESOURCE IMPACT
There will be minimal staff time required to maintain the web-based tool for tracking statistics
and accomplishments.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
This request does not represent a change in current policy.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The See-It site is not considered a project subject to review under California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”) section 21080. Environmental Review for individual projects falling
under the Priorities work plan will be or has been completed if required by CEQA.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: 2009 Council Priority Scorecards – Overviews
Attachment B: 2009 Council Priority Scorecards – Sample Details for Stormwater Runoff
Reduction
PREPARED BY: ______________________________________
Greg Hermann, Management Analyst
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: ______________________________________
James Keene, City Manager
ATTACHMENT A
Carbon Intensity of Electricity CKI
scorecard
453
I
!
~ 226.5
8
'0
~
0
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
The goal is to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) ~
emissions factor of the City's electricity supply to no more i!!.
than 150 Ibs of C02e per MWH by 2015, assuming
T
The score is red for this
action because the City
chose to use a baseline that
represented an average
amount of rainfall per year a
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N M .., .. .. .. 0 <:I <:I ~ ~ ~ .. .. .. ~ ~ ~ .. .. ..
It) .. <:I I:::! ... ('I')
(:;I ..
and past years have
Baseline fluctuated considerably from
373 that average. For example,
2006 was a very wet year
and 2007 and 2008 were
dry years. Staff believes that
the actual progress in this
area is better than what is
Target illustrated by the score.
145.5
In March 2007, the Council
increased the City's
qualified renewable electric
supply target for 2015 from
20% to 33%. This will
achieve an 83% carbon free
Target Statement:
•
The goal is to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions factor of the City's electricity supply to no more
than 150 Ibs of C02e per MWH by 2015, assuming average hydro electricity production.
Overview:
The score is red for this action because the City chose to use a baseline that represented an average amour
of rainfall per year and past years have fluctuated considerably from that average. For example, 2006 was a
very wet year and 2007 and 2008 were dry years. Staff believes that the actual progress in this area is better
than what is illustrated by the score.
In March 2007, the Council increased the City's qualified renewable electric supply target for 2015 from 20%
to 33%. This will achieve an 83% carbon free electric supply with a portfolio of qualified renewable and hydrc
resources by the year 2015. As a result, the carbon content of City's electric supply is expected to reduce fro
453 Ibs/MWh in 2008 to 150 Ibs/MWh by 2015. These targets are based on average hydro electricity
generation conditions and could vary widely between a wet and dry hydro year.
Date: 12/31/2008
Target:335.5 Ibs of C02e per MWh
Actual:453 Ibs of C02e per MWh
Score:O out of 10
Status Report:
Due to the City's heavy reliance on hydro electric power, the actual emissions factor varies significantly from
year to year with precipitation levels. Due to drought conditions over the past three years, the current
emissions factor is much greater than it would be in an "average" hydro year. Year 2006, on the other hand,
was a very wet year -resulting in a very low emissions factor for the City. In spite of the City's high emission:
factors in 2007 and 2008, these values were still 33% and 22% below PG&E's emissions factors, respectivel
C02 emissions generated by City operations [8]
OCO,rll()~rd
27646
N 0 (.)
'0
~ 13823 .e
(..) ~
0
baokground
Target Statement
feodback
Overview
The City's goal is to reduce City operations generated ~~-Actions the City have already
emissions by 5% of 2005 levels by 2009 and 15% of 2005 iii taken include purchasing 30%
levels by 2020. renewable energy for City
Y operations) reducing energy
. "
, .
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Baseline consumption by 10% in City
27646 offices by turning off all
Target computers and printers at
23499 night, reducing City-generated
waste through employee
education and through
programming duplex-capable
printers to default to two-sided
printing and increasing
alternative commutes by
increasing incentives for
employees to use public
transport.
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to reduce City operations generated emissions by 5% of 2005 levels by 2009 and 15% of
2005 levels by 2020.
Overview:
Actions the City have already taken include purchasing 30% renewable energy for City operations, reducing
energy consumption by 10% in City offices by turning off all computers and printers at night, reducing City-
generated waste through employee education and through programming duplex-capable printers to default tl
two-sided printing and increasing alternative commutes by increasing incentives for employees to use public \ ' transport. .
Date: 12/31/2005
Target:27646 metric tons of C02
Actual:27646 metric tons of C02
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
C02 emissions generated by the community 0
scorecard
754000
~ ()
'0
Vl 377000 c: .9
0
:EO Q) E
0
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City's goal is to reduce community generated ~ The City Council has
emissions by 5% of 2005 levels by 2012 and 15% of 2005 ;; undertaken a goal to reduce
levels by 2020. community generated
... greenhouse gas emissions.
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~ N N ... ... ... ... ...
.... 00 a> ... ... ... 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ .., .., ..,
N N N ... ... ...
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Baseline This will be accomplished by a
754000 coordi,nated set of actions
between the community, City
Target staff and regional authorities.
603000 A detailed implementation
plan is being developed and
will posted on the information
tab of this scorecard when
complete .
-------~-
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to reduce community generated emissions by 5% of 2005 levels by 2012 and 15% of 2005
levels by 2020.
Overview:
The City Council has undertaken a goal to reduce community generated greenhouse gas emissions. This wil
be accomplished by a coordinated set of actions between the community, City staff and regional authorities.
detailed implementation plan is being developed and will posted on the information tab of this scorecard whe
complete.
Date: 12/31/2005
Target:754000 metric tons of C02
Actual:754000 metric tons of C02
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Healthy Urban Forest 00
scorecard
6
" Q.l
Q) a. E 0 u 3 Ul Q.l c:: 0 1ii i!! ~
0
background
Target Statement
doouments feedback
The City's goal is to develop an Urban Forest Management
Plan by July 2014.
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(1 " r'l
CI CI C> ... M 'It C> C> .. ... ... ..
! ~ ~ C> C> C> l::! l::! l::! .. ... ... ... .. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ... .. ... ... ...
Target Statement:
Target
Overview
Milestones:
1. Update the Tree Tech
Manual
6 2. Update Urban Forest
component of CompreBuilding
Blocks [PaloAltoUsrj
ObjetXhensive Plan
3. Begin to input Street Tree
Database into GIS system
4. Reapply for State Grant
Funding for Plan Development
Other milestones to be
Baseline identified after funding is o secured.
The City's goal is to develop an Urban Forest Management Plan by July 2014.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. Update the Tree Tech Manual
•
2. Update Urban Forest component of CompreBuilding Blocks [PaloAltoUsr] ObjetXhensive Plan
3. Begin to input Street Tree Database into GIS system
4. Reapply for State Grant Funding for Plan Development
Other milestones to be identified after funding is secured.
PaloAltoGreen Participation 0
scorecard
25
I!! Q) e .e B 12,5
'0
::.!! "
0
background feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal is to achieve 25% of its customers* ~
participating in the PaloAltoGreen program. This is iii
equivalent to about 6% of total electric usage in Palo Alto. ;.
~ "" It) II) <.0 <.0 ,..
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 ~ ~ ~ !!! !!! ~ ~ 0 ... 0 ... t:! t:! .., t:! § $ CI> <.0 i'i co:> ... ...
,.. co co 0 0 0 0 g 0 ~ ~ ... S t:! ..,
<.0 i'i ... ...
CI> CI> 0 0 0 0 !!! ~ 0
SJ ..,
t!
Target
25
Baseline
0
~
Target Statement:
Overview
PaloAltoGreen is the nation's
top-ranked renewable energy
program by customer
participation rate, This
program has been ranked #1
by the National Renewable
Energy Laboratory, The
program allows residents and
businesses in Palo Alto to
choose 100% wind and solar
energy to power their homes
or businesses, This
renewable energy comes from
some of the cleanest and
newest generation sources in
the country.
•
The City's goal is to achieve 25% of its customers* participating in the PaloAltoGreen program. This is
equivalent to about 6% of total electric usage in Palo Alto.
Overview:
PaloAltoGreen is the nation's top-ranked renewable energy program by customer participation rate. This
program has been ranked #1 by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The program allows residents
and businesses in Palo Alto to choose 100% wind and solar energy to power their homes or businesses. Th
renewable energy comes from some of the cleanest and newest generation sources in the country.
Date:4/30/2009
Target: 17 % of customers
Actual:20.87 % of customers
Score: 10 out of 10
Status Report:
Use of Photovoltaics and Other Technologies 00
scorecard
6500
3250
background feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal is to fund rebates for the installation of at ~:..y~,~.
least 6,500 kilowatts (kW) of solar electric or photovoltaic =
(PV) installations between 2007 and 2017 to meet state
Target
6500
Overview
The PV Partners Program
was begun in 1999 and
pays customers rebates for
installing qualifying solar
electric systems. It
continues to be one of the
most successful programs -
in the state and entire
country. The state added its
goals for PV installations
beginning in 2007, which
have furthered enhanced
funding for these City
rebates.
PV provides power at the
time the electric usage is
Baseline highest-a summer 0 0 afternoon. Of course, solar
"-IX> '" co .... N 1"1 '<I" II) IQ systems do not provide co co co .... .... .... .... .... .... .... power all the time. To co co co co co co co co co co ~ t:! a! a! t:! t:! t:! t:! t:! t:! co co co co co co co !!! ~ !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! IQ IQ IQ IQ IQ IQ IQ IQ
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to fund rebates for the installation of at least 6,500 kilowatts (kW) of solar electric or
photovoltaic (PV) installations between 2007 and 2017 to meet state law. As a comparison, the average
residential PV system has a capacity of about 4 kW.
Overview:
The PV Partners Program was begun in 1999 and pays customers rebates for installing qualifying solar
electric systems. It continues to be one of the most successful programs in the state and entire country. The
state added its goals for PV installations beginning in 2007, which have furthered enhanced funding for thesE
City rebates.
PV provides power at the time the electric usage is highest-a summer afternoon. Of course, solar systems
do not provide power all the time. To achieve the City goals for PV, about 3% of the load at the peak time
would need to be met by power generated locally by PV systems. Currently about 1 % of the peak load come
from these systems.
Date :6/30/2008
Target: 1300 Kilowatts
Actual:1347.2 Kilowatts
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Community Natural Gas Savings [8]
scorecard
1.4mil
O.7mll
background documents feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City's goal is to reduce community natural gas use by ~ The City's 2007 Ten-Year
1.4 million therms (or a projected 3.5% of use) by 2020, jii Energy Efficiency Plan and
as measured against the base year of 2007. This target is its 2007 Climate Protection
~ Plan both call for significant
co CO> = ... N '" ~ In '" = = ... ... ... ... ... ... .. = ~ = = = = = = = !:! ~ ~ !:! !:! !:! !:! !:! = = = = = = = l::! l::! l::! l::! l::! l::! l::! ill ill '" '" '" '" '" '" '"
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Target reductions in the amount of
1,400,000 natural gas used to meet
customer space and water
heating needs over the
coming decade.
Residents use about 50% of
Palo Alto's natural gas.
Making the ambitious
reductions envisioned in the
Plans will require large
numbers of residents to
install solar water heating
Baseline systems and highly efficient
0 natural gas furnaces or
boilers. Likewise, many non-
~ residential customers will
Target Statement:
•
""
The City's goal is to reduce community natural gas use by 1.4 million therms (or a projected 3.5% of use) by
2020, as measured against the base year of 2007. This target is to be updated every three years.
Overview:
The City's 2007 Ten-Year Energy Efficiency Plan and its 2007 Climate Protection Plan both call for significar
reductions in the amount of natural gas used to meet customer space and water heating needs over the
coming decade.
Residents use about 50% of Palo Alto's natural gas. Making the ambitious reductions envisioned in the Plan~
will require large numbers of residents to install solar water heating systems and highly efficient natural gas
furnaces or boilers. Likewise, many non-residential customers will need to make significant efficiency
improvements.
Date:6/30/2008
Target: 1 07692 Therms
Actual: 35507 Therms
Score:3 out of 10
Status Report:
Purchases of Renewable Energy [8]
scorecard
33
16.5
o
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
Meet at least 33% of electric needs by 2015 with ~ .. '
qualifying renewable resources built after 2002 in addition iii'
to voluntary renewable energy programs.
'"
In addition to voluntary
customer efforts, Palo Alto
Utilities is pursuing a Council
adopted Renewable Portfolio
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CI .... N .... .... .... 0 0 0 !:! !:! !:! § .... ....
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Target Standard (RPS) to add
33 qualifying renewable energy to
the electric portfolio.
Qualifying renewable
resources include wind, solar
biomass, landfill gas,
geothermal, small
hydroelectric, etc. Palo Alto
plans to maintain its large
hydroelectric resources, that
supply about 50% of
customers' loads, but is not
considered a qualified
Baseline renewable resource. o
~
Target Statement:
•
Meet at least 33% of electric needs by 2015 with qualifying renewable resources built after 2002 in addition t
voluntary renewable energy programs.
Overview:
In addition to voluntary customer efforts, Palo Alto Utilities is pursuing a Council adopted Renewable Po rtfo Ii.
Standard (RPS) to add qualifying renewable energy to the electric portfolio. Qualifying renewable resources
include wind, solar biomass, landfill gas, geothermal, small hydroelectric, etc. Palo Alto plans to maintain its
large hydroelectric resources, that supply about 50% of customers' loads, but is not considered a qualified
renewable resource.
Date: 12/31/2008
Target:20 % from Qualifying Renewables
Actual:18 % from Qualifying Renewables
Score:9 out of 10
Status Report:
The target was unable to be fully reached due to an inability to get developer commitment to renewable
projects.
Community Electricity Savings [8J
scorecard
43000
21500
0
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City Council adopted its ...
Ten-Year Energy Efficiency
plan in April 2007. This plan
The City's goal is to reduce community electricity use by ~,,=_ ..
43,000 megawatt-hours' by 2020. Based on current _
projections, this will be about 4% of load.
is to be revised every three
Target years based on potential for
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43000 savings in the community. I!!
The plan will provide a
rolling ten year goal for
energy efficiency reduction.
Achieving the savings in the
plan will take concerted
effort by residents and
businesses in Palo Alto. All
savings projected in the
plan are over and above
replacement of equipment
Baseline and appliana::s with
2500 standard effiCiency Items,
and these projections are
made based on the
~ assumptions that all in Palo ....
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to reduce community electricity use by 43,000 megawatt-hours* by 2020. Based on curren1
. projections, this will be about 4% of load.
Overview:
The City Council adopted its Ten-Year Energy Efficiency plan in April 2007. This plan is to be revised every
three years based on potential for savings in the community. The plan will provide a rolling ten year goal for
energy efficiency reduction. Achieving the savings in the plan will take concerted effort by residents and
businesses in Palo Alto. All savings projected in the plan are over and above replacement of equipment and
appliances with standard efficiency items, and these projections are made based on the assumptions that all
in Palo Alto will make a coordinated action to reduce energy, make permanent changes to structures and
install highly efficient equipment and appliances.
Note: These goals are subject to change. Actual use reported is reflective of cumUlative lifetime savings.
Date:6/30/2008
Target:3300 MWh
Actual: 12875 MWh
Score: 10 out of 10
Status Report:
r---.------... ----------------------------,
Regional Water Quality Control Plant Energy Use [8J
scorecard
37.B1mll
Jg
(I)
C6 .i:: 18.9mil :::I in .c: ~
0
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City's goal is to reduce the Palo Alto Regional Water ~ The Regional Water Quality '"
Quality Control Plant's energy use by 30% of 2005 levels i.1 Control Plant is the largest
by the end of 2012. single energy user in the
". City's operations, and
on <:> <:> £:! ..... ~ ....
Baseline therefore represents an
------:----------37,805,447opportunity to achieve
to-00 '" C> C> '" '" ..... '" '" '" '" l:! £:! l:! l:! ..... ..... ..... ..... '" ~ '" ~ N N ... ... .... ...
..... N ..... ..... C> '" ~ £:! ... ~ ~ .... ...
significant reductions in
natural gas and electricity ;:;:
Target usage by optimizing
26,460,OOotreatment processes, fully
utilizing landfill gas from the
Palo Alto landfill, and
implementing energy
efficiency projects. The
Plant's efforts to reduce
energy use decrease
operational costs while
contributing significantly to
meeting the greenhouse
gas reduction goals for City
operations that were
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to reduce the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant's energy use by 30% of 2005
levels by the end of 2012.
Overview:
The Regional Water Quality Control Plant is the largest single energy user in the City's operations, and
therefore represents an opportunity to achieve significant reductions in natural gas and electricity usage by
optimizing treatment processes, fully utilizing landfill gas from the Palo Alto landfill, and implementing energy
efficiency projects. The Plant's efforts to reduce energy use decrease operational costs while contributing
significantly to meeting the greenhouse gas reduction goals for City operations that were established in the
Climate Protection Plan. 2009 is the first year for which a target has been established.
Date: 12/31/2008
Target:33985992 kWh equivalents
Actual:33985992 kWh equivalents
Score:10 out of 10
Status Report:
Zero Waste to Landfills [8]
scorecard
90
.$ t1l a:: c: .g 45 [!!
4l .~ Cl
?fl-
O
<4
background documents feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal is 73% diversion of waste from landfills by
2011 and Zero Waste by 2021.
~ CD ~ i I iii> ... N M "" 1.1) CD I iii> iii> c:o .C:O c:o c:o c:o G> iii> c:o c:o iii> c:o c:o c:o
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ t:! t:! t:! t:! t:! t:! t:! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .... ... .... ... ...
----... -~ ...
Target Statement:
Target
90
Overview
In October 2005. the City
established a goal of 73
percent diversion by 2011
and to strive for Zero Waste
by 2021. To reach these
goals. the City will need to
work collaboratively with the
community .
The most recent information
Palo Alto has for diversion
is a couple years behind
because of the state
reporting process and its
use of the Consumer Price
Baseline Index to help estimate
17.9 t' b waste genera Ion num ers,
The state is aware of the
problems associated with
such a long wait for
~ diversion numbers and is
•
The City's goal is 73% diversion of waste from landfills by 2011 and Zero Waste by 2021.
Overview:
In October 2005, the City established a goal of 73 percent diversion by 2011 and to strive for Zero Waste by
2021. To reach these goals, the City will need to work collaboratively with the community.
The most recent information Palo Alto has for diversion is a couple years behind because of the state
reporting process and its use of the Consumer Price Index to help estimate waste generation numbers. The
state is aware of the problems associated with such a long wait for diversion numbers and is working to
address the issue.
Date: 1/1/2006
Target:55 % Diversion Rate
Actual :62 % Diversion Rate
Score:10 out of 10
Status Report:
We are ahead of our target in this reporting period due to the results of efforts to increase waste diverted frol
landfill. See the information tab for more details.
Composting [KI
scorecard
3
1.5
o
background feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal is to evaluate alternatives for the ~
management of the City's yard trimmings and other "
organics and to implement the selected alternative by the ..
Target
Overview
Milestones:
1. Creation of a Compost Blue
Ribbon Task Force (BRTF)
3 2. BRTF completes
recommendations
Baseline o
3. BRTF to present
recommendations to Council
Once Council adopts or
modifies the BRTF
recommendations additional
milestones will be determined.
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to evaluate alternatives for the management of the City's yard trimmings and other organic
and to implement the selected alternative by the time the City's compost facility closes in 2011.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. Creation of a Compost Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF)
2. BRTF completes recommendations
3. BRTF to present recommendations to Council
Once Council adopts or modifies the BRTF recommendations additional milestones will be determined.
Date:1/12/2009
Target: 1 Milestones completed
Actual:1 Milestones completed
Score: 10 out of 10
Status Report:
The Palo Alto City Council created a Compost Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) to evaluate and recommend
alternatives to address Palo Alto's composting needs.
Residential Zero Waste Participation 00
20
10
o
background feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal Is to increase the number of Palo Alto ~".::
residents participating In mini can refuse service to 20% ::
by January 2010.
Overview
Zero Waste efforts include
waste prevention, reuse,
recycling and buying recycled"
As residents increase their
Target efforts on all these fronts they
20 will throw fewer and fewer
resources in the garbage.
Therefore, efforts will be
. measured by residential Ba~lne garbage collection service.
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to increase the number of Palo Alto residents participating in mini can refuse service to 20~
by January 2010.
Overview:
Zero Waste efforts include waste prevention, reuse, recycling and buying recycled. As residents increase thE
efforts on all these fronts they will throw fewer and fewer resources in the garbage. Therefore, efforts will be
measured by residential garbage collection service.
Date:4/30/2009
Target: 14.75 % of customers
Actual:13.7 % of customers
Score:4 out of 10
Status Report:
Business Zero Waste Participation [8]
scorecard
100
~ ~ .e VI 50 ::I U
'6
cf?
0
background documents feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal is to increase the number of Palo Alto
commercial customers participating in a recycling
collection program to 100% by 2011.
I>,
(.
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s::! s::! ~ s::! ~ s::! ~ s::! ~ <:> ~ <:> <:> J::.! J::.! M J::.! J::.! J::.! (I) M <.0 N M <.0 (I) .... ..
Target Statement:
... .... <:> s::! <:> §
Overview
The 2006 Palo Alto Waste ....
Composition Study
indicates that over 14,000
tons of the commercial I
Target waste stream is comprised ;;
100 of recyclable material (e.g.,
paper, plastic, metal, glass
and construction and
demolition debris) currently
accepted in the City's
. recycling program. As of Ba;~me July 2008, 50% of
Commercial Refuse
account holders were
participating in the City's
recycling program. To
further facilitate recycling
and utilization of existing
programs, which have been
in place since the 1970's,
the City and its contractor,
•
The City's goal is to increase the number of Palo Alto commercial customers participating in a recycling
collection program to 100% by 2011.
Overview:
The 2006 Palo Alto Waste Composition Study indicates that over 14,000 tons of the commercial waste strea
is comprised of recyclable material (e.g., paper, plastic, metal, glass and construction and demolition debris)
currently accepted in the City's recycling program. As of July 2008, 50% of Commercial Refuse account
holders were participating in the City's recycling program. To further facilitate recycling and utilization of
existing programs, which have been in place since the 1970's, the City and its contractor, GreenWaste of Pa
Alto, are committed to providing technical assistance and comprehensive services to help the meet the goa/.
Recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions because: 1) less energy is needed to make products from
existing materials (Le., recycled content) than from virgin materials, and 2) diverted materials do not
decompose in landfills emmiting greenhouse gasses.
Green Business Certifications [8J
scorecard
65
I/l <l)
I/l I/l <l) c: 32.5 'iii :::I ..c
'0
'*I:
0
background documents
Target Statement
The City's goal is to increase the number of Palo Alto
businesses certified by the Bay Area Green Business
program by 20 each year, starting January 2009.
8 ~ ~ t:n C> Q C> Q co Q ... ... ... co Q C> C> C> C> C> t:! t:! t:! t:! t:! t:! t:! ... Q ~ ... ... C> C> ~ l!! ~ ~ ~ l!! co t:n ...
Target Statement:
Q ...
C> t:! ... ~ ...
Overview
Businesses certified in the ....
Bay Area Green Business
Program take measures to
reduce solid waste and
Target recycle, implement energy
65 efficiencies, conserve water =
and prevent pollution. The
best practices that Green
Baseline Businesses adopt reduce
45 greenhouse gas emissions,
save money and protect
worker health. There is no
cost for certification and
businesses receive a
window decal, the Green
Business logo for marketing
purposes and a listing in the
Bay Area Green Business
directory. As of 2009, over
1,600 businesses have
been certified Bay Area-
•
The City's goal is to increase the number of Palo Alto businesses certified by the Bay Area Green Business
program by 20 each year, starting January 2009.
Overview:
Businesses certified in the Bay Area Green Business Program take measures to reduce solid waste and
recycle, implement energy efficiencies, conserve water and prevent pollution. The best practices that Green
Businesses adopt reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money and protect worker health. There is no co
for certification and businesses receive a window decal, the Green Business logo for marketing purposes ani
a listing in the Bay Area Green Business directory. As of 2009, over 1,600 businesses have been certified Be
Area-wide, including the City of Palo Alto (City facilities).
Note: The City's certification goal is influenced by County staff resources to implement the Program
throughout Santa Clara County.
Date: 6/30/2009
Target:50 # of businesses
Actual:60 # of businesses
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Green House Gas Emissions Reductions Page 1 of 1
The City's Climate Protection Plan (CPP) identifies buildings as a priority in reducing green house gas
emissions. Buildings have multiple contributions to green house gas emissions including the energy they
consume, the water they use, the waste they produce and transportation of construction materials and
debris to and from buildings. Strategies for reducing green house gas emissions in buildings is part of
the Palo Alto Green Building Program.
As more data becomes available this scorecard will be used to report on the reduction of green house gas
emissions from the building sector through the Green Building Program. The first update will occur in
August 2009.
F or more information visit: htlP:I!w:ww.cityQful:llpa1tQ.()JgLd~pt~/plnJgIeel1~ bllildingLdefault.a.$p
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Residential Green Buildings Page 1 of 1
The Goal of the Palo Alto Green Building Program is to
ensure the design, building and operation of a new
generation of efficient, environmentally responsible, and
healthy buildings in the City of Palo Alto. The City
believes that the practice of green building can have a
significant impact on reducing energy, water and natural
resource consumption, and improve Palo Alto citizens'
well being through improved indoor air quality and
comfort. Green building is the practice of taking an
integrated approach to building construction, building
systems, and building sites to provide more
environmentally responsive, healthy, productive, and
economical places to work, learn and live. Green
building also goes beyond the physical buildings to consider how the site and buildings interact with the
community and transportation infrastructure.
In June of 2008, the City of Palo Alto passed a mandatory Green Building Ordinance, which added
Chapter 18.44 to the Palo Alto Municipal Code. The new ordinance required specific project types to
meet minimum thresholds of compliance, and verification using the appropriate USGBC LEED or Build
It Green (BIG) Green Point Rated (GPR) green building rating systems. The City Council concurrently
passed a complimentary ordinance which added chapter 16.18 to the Palo Alto Municipal Code
establishing local energy efficiency standards based on the California Energy Code. The ordinance
requires covered projects to exceed Title 24, Part 6 ofthe California Energy Code by 15%. The Green
Building Program also includes promoting the City's Climate Protection Plan (CPP) and Zero Waste
goals as buildings contribute to a high percentage of the City's green house gas emissions and waste.
Currently (last updated 6/1/09):
-There are 2 green homes subject to the mandatory program that have been constructed.
-There are 10 green homes subject to the mandatory program now under construction.
As more data becomes available this scorecard will be used to report on these items.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Non-Residential Green Buildings Page 1 of 1
The Goal of the Palo Alto Green Building Program is to
ensure the design, building and operation of a new
generation of efficient, environmentally responsible, and
healthy buildings in the City of Palo Alto. The City
believes that the practice of green building can have a
significant impact on reducing energy, water and natural
resource consumption, and improve Palo Alto citizens'
well being through improved indoor air quality and
comfort. Green building is the practice of taking an
integrated approach to building construction, building
systems, and building sites to provide more
environmentally responsive, healthy, productive,
economical places to work, learn and live. Green
building also goes beyond the physical buildings to consider how the site and buildings interact with the
community and transportation infrastructure.
In June of 2008, the City of Palo Alto passed a mandatory Green Building Ordinance, which added
Chapter 18.44 to the Palo Alto Municipal Code. The new ordinance required specific project types to
meet minimum thresholds of compliance, and verification using the appropriate USGBC LEED or Build
It Green (BIG) Green Point Rated (GPR) green building rating systems. The City Council concurrently
passed a complimentary ordinance which added chapter 16.18 to the Palo Alto Municipal Code
establishing local energy efficiency standards based on the California Energy Code. The ordinance
requires covered projects to exceed Title 24, Part 6 of the California Energy Code by 15%. The Green
Building Program also includes promoting the City's Climate Protection Plan (CPP) and Zero Waste
goals as buildings contribute to a high percentage of the City's green house gas emissions and waste.
Currently (last updated 7/1/09):
• There are 750 employees working in green offices.
• There are 3 non-residential green buildings subject to the mandatory program that have
been constructed or renovated.
• There are 5 non-residential green buildings subject to the program now under
construction.
As more data becomes available this scorecard will be used to report on these items.
For more information visit: http://w:wY!.r;.jtyQfp~lQfl1to!QJ:g/d(;.:pt~/pll}lgre~lLb1.li1di:QgJd(;.:falllt.~$p
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/912009
Water Efficiency Page 1 of 1
The City, along with the Environmental Protection Agency, believe that depleting reservoirs and
groundwater can put water supplies, human health, and the environment at serious risk. Lower water
levels can contribute to higher concentrations of natural or human pollutants. Using water more
efficiently helps maintain supplies at safe levels, protecting human health and the environment. Water
reduction is also important in reducing energy used to deliver and heat water. Water reduction supports
the City's green building and climate protection goals. Water reduction is achieved through low flow or
highly efficient indoor fixtures and appliances, water recycling, and through efficient irrigation systems
and drought/climate sensitive landscaping. 5 billion gallons of potable water are used in the United
States solely to flush toilets each day.
As more data becomes available this scorecard will be used to report on water efficiency achieved
through the Green Building Program.
For more information visit: http:l{www!cityofpfl19alt9,Qrglg~pt!3Lplnlgr~~lJJ,JJ.lilQingrQdfllJlt.fl~p
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Energy Efficiency Page 1 of 1
Buildings consume 30% of all energy and 60% of all electricity generated nationally. Energy efficient
buildings reduce demand on natural resources, decrease environmental pollution and green house gas
emissions. There are many methods to create or renovate an energy efficient building including using
passive design, good daylighting, efficient and appropriately sized HVAC and lighting systems and a
well designed building envelope. Energy efficiency is part of the City's Green Building Program.
Covered projects are required to achieve 15% energy savings beyond the California State Energy Code,
Title 24 Part 6.
As more data becomes available this scorecard will be used to report on energy efficiency achieved
through the Green Building Program.
http://paioaito.visiblestrategies.com/ 7/912009
Construction and Demolition Debris Diversion Page 1 of 1
Construction and demolition debris (C&D) recycling supports the green building, zero waste and
climate protection goals for the City. In 2004, the City adopted the C&D Diversion Ordinance to add
Chapter 5.24 to the Palo Alto Municipal Code, requiring covered projects to divert 90% of inert debris
(i.e. asphalt, concrete) and 50% of all other construction and demolition debris from the landfill.
Diversion can occur through salvage or recycling and all diverted debris must go to an approved
facility. In 2009, the City revised Chapter 5.24 to increase the number of covered projects by lowering
the threshold from a $50,000 valuation to a $25,000 valuation, to increase the diversion rate of non-inert
materials from 50% to 75%, and to improve compliance.
The diversion rate of construction and demolition debris in 2008 was 87% or 12,036 tons.
As more data becomes available this scorecard may be used to report on this item.
For more information visit: bttp:ljW:WW,GityofpalQ~lt().Qrg/depls/plnlgJ:~~JLI:>1Jilding£d~f~1JIt.a~p
Note: An increase or decrease in the total amount diverted does not reflect the diversion rate, it simply
varies based on the volume and size of demolition or construction projects which greatly varies year to
year.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/912009
Alternative Energy Solutions Page 1 of 1
The City's Green Building Program and Climate
Protection Plan (CPP) encourage the use of alternative
energy solutions such as solar, wind, and passive design.
Alternative energy sources reduce demand on traditional
energy supply sources such as hydroelectric and fossil
fuels. The mild climate of Palo Alto, and abundant solar
access throughout the year allow alternative energy
solutions to be a prominent source of energy supply for
typical buildings that are designed to take advantage of
the climate through proper orientation, daylighting and
efficient building systems.
As more data becomes available this scorecard will be
used to report on the number and type of alternative energy installations achieved through the Green
Building Program.
For more information visit: h:ttp:llwww.~ityQfpI.lIQaltQ.Qrgldepts/pll.llgreelLPuildillg/defa.ult.li$.p
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.com/ 7/9/2009
Pedestrian and Transit-Oriented Development
The City of Palo Alto intends to facilitate a mix of
uses, along with enhanced pedestrian, bicycle, and
transit usage, and supporting services and amenities,
within areas proximate to the University Avenue
and California A venue transit stations.
The City's goal is to begin to measure the ratio of
number of housing units to square feet of
commercial square footage approved in
California Avenue Pedestrian and Transit
Oriented Development (PTOD) District.
The intent of developing Pedestrian and Transit
Oriented Development is to provide for
Page 1 of 1
reduced automobile use (particularly as measured in vehicle-miles traveled), enhanced community
interaction, diversity of housing opportunities, and improved integration of jobs, services and
housing. The City's 1998-2010 Comprehensive Plan includes policies to develop regulations to
implement Transit Oriented Residential zoning (Program L-14) within areas designated as such in the
. Plan (llttP:I/www.(;itYQfp;:tlQaJt.Q,QIgI~iyiql!fil~b;:t11l(/blobglQa.4,a.$.p7BlQbU)=8J]Q). These areas are
defined as being located within 2000 feet of the University A venue and California Avenue Cal train
stations. '
In 2006, the City Council amended the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 18.34) to provide for a Pedestrian
Transit Oriented Development (PTOD) Combining District in the California Avenue area
(1lt;tp://www&ityQfpa.lQa.ltQ.QIg/chiGWfil~l>&lkIbl~ibglQa.g-,~127B1QblD=1377Q). In 2007, the City
submitted an application to the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) to include the California
Avenue area in its Priority Development Areas (PDA) list to receive potential funding for planning and
implementation purposes. Both station areas were included within submittals by the Valley
Transportation Authority (VTA) to ABAG as PDAs, along with all other transit stations and the EI
Camino Real corridor within VT A's jurisdiction. In 2009, as part of the City's Comprehensive Plan
Amendment, an Area Plan is being prepared for the California A venue area
(ht;tp:llwww,palQa.ltoc;Qmpnla112Q20-,Qrg), to be followed by more specific planning and implementation
measures. A downtown (University Avenue) plan is also expected to be developed within the next few
years. Baseline data and measurements of progress in implementing these planning concepts will be
developed as part of those plans.
Comprehensive Plan definition of Transit Oriented Residential, Policy L-14, maps:
httP:I['WWw&itYQfpalQSlJtQ.Qrg/~i.yi.c:Mfil~bal1k/blQbglQCl4,a$p7Blobl1.)=8170
Zoning Ordinance PTOD district regulations for California Avenue PTOD: Municipal Code, Title 18
(Zoning), Chapter 34 (Pedestrian and Transit Oriented Development (PTOD) Combining District:
llttj2:IIWWF..c:itYQfnalQ;:tltQ,oIglc:iYi.c;;:t/fil~.ba.nk/blQbdlQa.g.a.$.p7B10b1))::=:1377Q
Links to Transit Oriented Development References and Studies:
bttp:!!www.~c:Qll11ec;til1g8.l11eric;a.org!public/tQd
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Housing Production Page I of I
The projected housing need is described as the Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA), which is
mandated by State Housing Law and implemented by the California Housing and Community
Development Department (HCD) as part ofthe periodic process of updating the City's housing element
of the Comprehensive Plan. The regional housing needs allocation process addresses statewide and
regional concerns of jobs and housing imbalance and sustainable growth, and reflects shared
responsibility among local governments for accommodating the housing needs of all economic levels.
The law does not require local governments to provide housing to meet all of its identified need, but it
requires that the community plan for the needs of all their residents.
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) indicates that Palo Alto's projected housing need
for the period from January 1,2007 December 30, 2014 will be 2,860 units (930 units have already
been approved as of June 30, 2009, so the net remaining need is 1,930). In addition to projecting
overall housing needs, ABAG also projects housing needs by income category. The intent of this action
is to equitably distribute new housing growth by household income categories so that all cities and
counties provide a variety of housing types affordable to various income groups to help meet overall
regional housing needs. Below is the breakdown by income category of the City of Palo Alto's assigned
"fair share" of housing units.
• 690 Very Low Income Units
• 543 Low Income Units
• 641 Moderate Income Units
• 986 Above Moderate Income Units
The City Council has not taken a position on the City's assigned "fair share" of 2,860 housing units.
Since staff is currently preparing the draft Housing Element, it is anticipated that the Council will be
reviewing the draft Housing Element in 2010, which will include a Housing Sites Inventory that
identifies sites sufficient to meet Palo Alto's assigned housing allocation.
The table below show the cumulative number of housing units approved for development broken by
income category on an annual basis (the data for 2009 is as of 6/30):
Data
Cumulative Number of Housing Units Approved for Development.
Income Category 2001 2OO4J; 2OO9t""
Very Low Income 57 57 92
Low Income 2 2 16
Moderate 91 S8 105
Above Moderate 604-680 717"
Totftl 154 331 930
* as of June 3D, 2009
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Online Development Plans and Permits Page 1 of 1
The City is committed to working toward a goal of Zero Waste and increased customer service
efficiency; particularly, permit processing efficiency. The City is seeking ways to reduce paper usage
each year and is pursuing web based technology to allow for on-line plan submittal and increased server
capacity to allow plan storage. Only a few California cities have begun pilot programs for limited types
of on-line permitting. Electronic plans are problematic for routing and reviewing since the City does not
have large computer monitors, nor a storage system for large electronic files.
At this time, the only permit application types received electronically or via fax are re-roofing and water
heater replacement permits. The City targets online processing for additional permit types within five
years. In the meantime, the submittal of compact disks (CDs) containing concept plans for major
projects is encouraged to facilitate uploading to a webpage link so that staff and public may view
projects prior to public hearings. Read-only options would prevent the public from downloading and
printing copyrighted architectural plans. CDs of Environmental Impact Reports are now distributed to
hearing bodies and libraries.
The City uses the Accela web-based system to track planning and building permit review
progress. Accela modules currently in use are Building, Planning, Public Works, Fire, Code
Enforcement and Utilities. Applicants are able to log on to the City's website on the Development
Center webpage to see comments that have been entered by City staff.
Progress toward the following goals will be quantified in the future:
-reducing the amount of paper plans and related documents submitted for planning entitlements and
building permits
-improving public information about the status of pending projects
-allowing the community to view concept plans
Check back here in the next few months to see goals and measurements for target dates January 1 and
July 1,2010.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
San Francisquito Creek Flood Control [8]
scorecard
8
4
o
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City's goal is to complete the construction of an initial ~ ...
capital project to reduce the risk of flooding from San "
Frandsquito Creek downstream of Highway 101 by the 1. Issue Request for
... Proposals for feasibility
Milestones:
/ill /ill /ill /ill 0 0 0 0 0 ....
0 0 0 0 0 !::! ~ !::! ~ !::! .... .... .... N M «I c; ;;; .... _ ..... -
Target study
8
2. Hire consultant to II
perform feasibility study
3. Select preferred project
alternative
4. Hire consultant to
perform project
environmental review and
Baseline design
1 5. Complete 50% project
plans, speCifications, and
cost estimate
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to complete the construction of an initial capital project to reduce the risk of flooding from
San Francisquito Creek downstream of Highway 101 by the end of Summer 2012 in partnership with the Sar
Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. Issue Request for Proposals for feasibility study
2. Hire consultant to perform feasibility study
3. Select preferred project alternative
4. Hire consultant to perform project environmental review and design
5. Complete 50% project plans, specifications, and cost estimate
6. Adopt project CEQA environmental document
7. Start construction
8. Complete construction
Date: 3/1 12009
Target:2 Milestones completed
Actual:2 Milestones completed
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Uiro t"''''~~I''+''''t'"\+ +" norF"rt"'lr'\ fo...,,~ihili+\1 ~+llrI\1
Pesticide Free Parks [8]
soorecard
7
Vi "'" "-co 0..
(l)
,§
(l) 3.5 I 0-
'0
~
0
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City has a goal to have seven pesticide free parks by In 2002, The City of Palo Alto
2012. instituted an integrated pest
01 co ... Q ... ...
Q f! co ~ !::! co Q ~ 5l 5l «>
management plan (IPM),
which requires the City to carry
Target out its pest management
7 operations using techniques to
reduce or eliminate chemicals
for the control of pests to the
maximum extent possible.
Chemicals will be used only as
a last resort for pest
management problems,
Baseline o
Target Statement:
The City has a goal to have seven pesticide free parks by 2012.
Overview:
•
In 2002. The City of Palo Alto instituted an integrated pest management plan (IPM). which requires the City t
carry out its pest management operations using techniques to reduce or eliminate chemicals for the control (
pests to the maximum extent possible. Chemicals will be used only as a last resort for pest management
problems.
Date :6/30/2009
Target: 1 # of Pesticide free parks
Actual: 1 # of Pesticide 'free parks
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Wallis Park -located at 202 Ash Street at Grant Avenue
Open Space Trails Page 1 of 1
From the salt marsh of the Baylands though the
grasslands ofPearson-Arastradero to the oak
woodlands of Foothills Park, Palo Alto has more
that 4000 acres of preserves with over 45 miles
of trails to explore. Preserves are open every
day from 8:00am to sunset to explore. So if you
are looking to explore nature, Palo Alto's Open
Space preserves are just for you.
For more information on Open Space and Parks
visit our home page at:
The Baylands Nature Preserve protects some of the last remaining salt marsh and mud flat habitats on
the west coast. It offers excellent birding year round.
F or a park map visit: http://www.dtYQfpa.lQa.ltQ.Qrg/dyicajfi1~b(ll1k!blQbcllQacl.a.sp ?810 bID=6117
Foothills Park is a 1,400-acre preserve with rugged chaparral, woodland, fields, streams, a lake, 15 miles
of backwoods trails and spectacular views of the bay.
For a park map visit: bttp:!lwww.GityQfpa.lQa.ltQ.Qrg!Giykajfil~ba.l}k!blQbcllQa.cl.a.~P£B1Qb11)==85Q5
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve is a beautiful mixture of rolling savannah grassland and broadleaf
evergreen forest. Each area of the preserve has something different to offer: views of the bay, a quiet
walk through the grasslands, or a snooze by the lake.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Arastradero Creek Restoration 0
scorecard
6
"0 .E:l Q)
Ci E 8 3 til Q) c: .9 til ..!!2 ~
0
background
Target Statement
feedback
To increase valuable habitat, the City's goal is to recreate ~ ..
an 1100 foot natural seasonal stream where a concrete iii
culvert existed within the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve .. ,.
Overview
Milestones:
1. City acquired 13-acre
inholding
Target
an ~ .... = = = 51 = = I::! I::! !: :t: :t: ... .. ..
6 2. Hydrologic design and
planting plant completed
3. Groundbreaking started
4. Construction completed
and site hydro mulched.
Phase one of three planted
with over 500 plants using
over 2000 hours of
volunteers
Baseline 5. Phase two planted with
o over 500 plants using over
4000 hours of volunteers
Target Statement:
•
...
To increase valuable habitat, the City's goal is to recreate an 1100 foot natural seasonal stream where a
concrete culvert existed within the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve by January 2010.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. City acquired 13-acre inholding
2. Hydrologic design and planting plant completed
3. Groundbreaking started
4. Construction completed and site hydro mulched. Phase one of three planted with over SOO plants using
over 2000 hours of volunteers
S. Phase two planted with over SOO plants using over 4000 hours of volunteers
6. Phase three planted with over 6S0 plants using 4200 hours of volunteers
7. Successfully establish at least 80% of the planted willows. Establish a monitoring and maintenance systen
with future goals of percent native plant canopy over the stream corridor.
Date: 1/1/2009
Target:S Milestones completed
Actual:S Milestones completed
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Baylands Conservation Plan [8J
scorecard
12
j
! E 8 6 !3 c ~ j! :;
0
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
Milestones:
Plan that will help guide staff on best management ;;
1. Contract awarded to ESA
The City has a goal to complete a Baylands Conservation ~
practices in the areas of vegetation, wildlife, and public ...
to create the plan ;;
II) II) II) .... 03 03 en tTl c:o c:o c:o c:o c:o c:o c:o c:o c:o .... c:o c:o c:o c:o c:o c:o c:o § c:o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ g ~ ~ .... .... .... a :t: j;:: Co in i'I <0 .... .... .... .... ....
.... .... N .... .... .... c:o c:o c:o ~ ~ ~ i;:j .... U; ....
Target
12 2. ESA conducts
stakeholder interviews
3. ESA and City staff host
public workshop
4. ESA completed 1st draft
of vegetation section of the
plan
5. ESA completed 2nd draft
of vegetation section
Baseline
0 6. ESA conducted wildlife
field work and analysis of
Byxbee Hills; focusing on ...
Target Statement:
•
The City has a goal to complete a 8aylands Conservation Plan that will help guide staff on best managemen
practices in the areas of vegetation, wildlife, and public access. Funding for the project was temporarily
eliminated due to budget constraints. Alternative methods for completing the plan are being researched.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. Contract awarded to ESA to create the plan
2. ESA conducts stakeholder interviews
3. ESA and City staff host public workshop
4. ESA completed 1st draft of vegetation section of the plan
5. ESA completed 2nd draft of vegetation section
6. ESA conducted wildlife field work and analysis of 8yxbee Hills; focusing on creating suggestions for habit~
for the land that is active land fill, but will revert to park land in 2011
7. Project stopped due to lack of funding
8. Determine if local universities (grad student or class project) can complete the plan for a small stipend
9. 1 st draft of wildlife element
10. 2nd draft of wildlife element
11. 1 st draft of public access element
Oregon Expressway Improvements Project [8]
scorecard
9
~ -a E 8 4.5 U) (I) c ~ (I) ~
0
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
Milestones: ... The City, in cooperation with the County of Santa Clara, ~ .... :.
will monitor all project activities in the project review, '"
development, alternatives recommendation, design and 1. 1st Community Meeting
Target 2. 2nd Community Meeting
9
3. 3rd Community Meeting
4. Planning and "
co co q, q, q, q,
C> C> C> C> C> C> C> C> C> C> ... C> C! C! ~ ~ C! ~ ... C> ... C> C> ~ ~ M ~ ~ ~ iD .., I"-....
.... .... N .... .... .... C> C> ... C! ~ ~ C> ~ C> ~ ~ M
Transportation Commission
Meeting
5. City Council Meeting
6, Design & Environmental
Completion
Baseline 7. Advertise for
o Construction
8. Begin Construction
Target Statement:
•
The City, in cooperation with the County of Santa Clara, will monitor all project activities in the project review
development, alternatives recommendation, design and construction of the Oregon Expressway
Improvements Project.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. 1 st Community Meeting
2. 2nd Community Meeting
3. 3rd Community Meeting
4. Planning and Transportation Commission Meeting
5. City Council Meeting
6. Design & Environmental Completion
7. Advertise for Construction
8. Begin Construction
9. End Construction
Date:3/30/2009
Target:3 Milestones completed
Actual:3 Milestones completed
~r..nr~·1 n nllt nf 1 n
High Speed Rail [8]
scorecard
8
4
o
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
Milestones: The City of Palo Alto will monitor all project activities and ~
provide timely comment to the California High Speed Rail "I
Authority (CHSRA) on the EIR/EIS for the San Francisco' 1. Council Direction to Staff
... to report back on High
IlCI
I ...
Target Speed Rail project
8
2. Council forms Ad Hoc
High Speed Rail Committee
and approves Scoping
Comments Letter on Project
EIR/EIS
3. Council provides Policy
Direction to CounCil High
Speed Rail Ad Hoc
Committee
Baseline 4. Draft HST Scoping
o Report
5. Conceptual Design
Target Statement:
•
The City of Palo Alto will monitor all project activities and provide timely comment to the California High Spee
Rail Authority (CHSRA) on the EIR/EIS for the San Francisco to San Jose High Speed Train (HST) project a1
every project milestone to ensure that the project results in minimal impacts to Palo Alto residents.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. Council Direction to Staff to report back on High Speed Rail project
2. Council forms Ad Hoc High Speed Rail Committee and approves Scoping Comments Letter on Project
EIR/EIS
3. Council provides Policy Direction to Council High Speed Rail Ad Hoc Committee
4. Draft HST Scoping Report
5. Conceptual Design Options Alternatives and Station Needs Assessment
6. Alternatives Analysis Draft Report
7. Station Concepts Report
8. Draft EIR/EIS
9. Final EIR
Date: 5/30/2009
Target:3 Milestones completed
Employee Commute Program [8J
scorecard
73
36.5
o
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City's goal is to reduce the percentage of employees ~ .... __ =I who get to work by driving solo from 65% in 2009 to 73%
by 2013.
This Information will be
measured primarily by the
percentage of employees
whose usual commute mode
0=
Baseline Is driving alone, as indicated in
73 'biannual employee commute
Target surveys conducted by 511.org
65 and also the annual averages
of the number of employees
who participate In the City's
commute program by taking
transit, participating in a
vanpool or carpool, biking or
walking.
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to reduce the percentage of employees who get to work by driving solo from 65% in 2009 t
73% by 2013.
Overview:
This information will be measured primarily by the percentage of employees whose usual commute mode is
driving alone, as indicated in biannual employee commute surveys conducted by 511.org and also the annUi:
averages of the number of employees who participate in the City's commute program by taking transit,
participating in a van pool or carpool, biking or walking.
Caltrain Shuttle [8]
scorecard
7327
3663.5
0
feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City's goal is to work with regional transit agencies to ~.'
support Caltrain and achieve a 10% annual growth in ii'
Caltrain ridership at the two Caltrain stations in Palo Alto.
y
The City's 1998-2010
Comprehensive Plan includes
policies to promote and
improve local and regional
It) U> "'" co '" <::> C) C) = = = ..... C) ~ = = = C) .t:! .t:! .t:! .t:! .t:! ... ... ... ... ... ... '" ~ '" ~ '" ~ N N N ... ... ... ... ... ...
..... N ..... ... <::> = .t:! .t:! ... ... '" '" N N ... ...
'" ... 0 .t:! ... £:! N ...
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Target transit services to support the
7327 city's goal to have a
"convenient, efficient, public
transit system that provides a
viable alternative to driving."
The City provides funding for
shuttle services that serve the
Palo Alto Caltrain station,
Baseline operation of the bikestation
2825 and other commute programs
to encourage Caltrain use.
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to work with regional transit agencies to support Caltrain and achieve a 10% annual growth
in Caltrain ridership at the two Caltrain stations in Palo Alto.
Overview:
The City's 1998-2010 Comprehensive Plan includes policies to promote and improve local and regional tram
services to support the city's goal to have a "convenient, efficient, public transit system that provides a viable
alternative to driving." The City provides funding for shuttle services that serve the Palo Alto Caltrain station,
operation of the bikestation and other commute programs to encourage Caltrain use.
Date: 12/31/2008
Target:4589 # of riders
Actual:4589 # of riders
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Page 1 of 1
The City of Palo Alto has applied for Department of Energy Clean Cities Grant to purchase electric
"Neighborhood" vehicles for the City fleet and for the placement of upwards of 270 electric recharging stations in 6
separate public garages throughout the City. This funding, when combined with other State and private sector
funding, will allow for residents and commuters alike who purchase the new electric vehicles to be able to charge
the vehicles while they are working and shopping in the City. This grant is being submitted in collaboration with
the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, in order to for Palo Alto to be a key participant in this Bay Area-
wide program.
Additional information on the success of this grant application will be provided once new information is made
available. The City expects to be notified if the grant was accepted in September 2009.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/912009
Bicycle Transportation Plan 0
scorecard baokground feedbaok
Target Statement Overview
The City's goal is to implement 10 of the high priority ~"._=_,
projects identified in the Palo Alto Bicycle Transportation
Plan by 2013.
Milestones:
1. Completed Homer
Avenue/Caltrain
13
6.5
o
..,. g 1.0 1.0 ,.. co CI> = = = '" = = = = ~ = = ~ = £! £! £! £! £! .... .... .... .... .... .... ... ~ M ~ ~ M ~ ~ i'i N i'i .... .... ... .... .... .... ...
Target Statement:
CI> '" '" ... '" .... .... .... = = '" = £! £! £! £! ... .... ... ... ~ ~ ~ ~ N N ... ... ... ....
N .... '" £! ... ~ ....
Target Undercrossing Project
13
2. Completed Caltrain Rail
Trail project
3. Completed Hanover
AvenuetPorterAvenue Bike
Lanes Project
4. Completed Charleston
Road Bike Lanes Project
5. 1 Completed Maybell
Baseline Avenue Bicycle Boulevard
o trial installation
6. Initiate Park Boulevard
•
The City's goal is to implement 10 of the high priority projects identified in the Palo Alto Bicycle Transportatio
Plan by 2013.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. Completed Homer Avenue/Caltrain Undercrossil1g Project
2. Completed Caltrain Rail Trail project
3. Completed Hanover Avenue/Porter Avenue Bike Lanes Project
4. Completed Charleston Road Bike Lanes Project
5. 1 Completed Maybell Avenue Bicycle Boulevard trial installation
6. Initiate Park Boulevard Bicycle Boulevard Study
7. Complete California Avenue business district bike route improvements
8. Initiate Hwy 101 pedestrian/bicycle grade separation feasibility study
9. COl1struct Park Blvd. Bicycle Boulevard project
10. Construct Stanford Avenue/EI Camino Real Streetscape Improvements
11. Complete Oregon Expressway crossing improvements
12. Implement a third Bicycle Boulevard location TBD
Bike Share Program 0
scorecard
4
2
o
background feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal is to create a pilot public bicycle sharing
station by June 2010.
Target Statement:
Overview
Mitestones:
1. Project initiation
Target 2. Consultants to complete
4 which would analyze
Baseline o
· Market analysis
· Station/rental technology
· Finance and business plan
· Develop pilot program
implementation plan
3. City of Palo Alto Staff
provide Year One report back
to City Councit
4. Implement pilot program
The City's goal is to create a pilot public bicycle sharing station by June 2010.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. Project initiation
2. Consultants to complete which would analyze
· Market analysis
· Station/rental technology
· Finance and business plan
· Develop pilot program implementation plan
3. City of Palo Alto Staff provide Year One report back to City Council
4. Implement pilot program
Date:4/30/2009
Target: 1 Milestones completed
Actual:1 Milestones completed
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
•
Community Water Savings 0
scorecard
667
333.5
0
background
Target Statement
feedback
The City's goal is to reduce community water use by 667 ~",== .. Acre-feet per year (AFY) by 2030 (a 4.7% reduction), as
measured against the base year of 2004. An Acre Foot
Target
667
Baseline
0
I/) ~ "-co en 0 .. N !'t ..,. I/) '" 0 0 0 o· 0 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ~ ~ 0 0 0 § 0 0 0 ~ 0 § ~ t! t! I I ~ t! t! ~ C> 0 0 0 s::! s::! s::! s::! $ s::! s::! ~ '" '" '" ~ '" '" '" '"
Target Statement:
Overview
The most effective way that
residents and businesses in
Palo Alto can help achieve this
goal is to reduce outdoor
water use. Over one-half of
the average residential water
use over the year is used for
outdoor "irrigation" of plants.
Through a partnership with the
Santa Clara Valley Water
District, the City has rebates to
assist residents and
businesses install new
landscaping that uses less
water.
•
The City's goal is to reduce community water use by 667 Acre-feet per year (AFY) by 2030 (a 4.7% reductior
as measured against the base year of 2004. An Acre Foot equals 325,851 gallons, or approximately as muc
as about 8 people use on an annual basis, assuming a per capita water use of 115 gallons per day.
Overview:
The most effective way that residents and businesses in Palo Alto can help achieve this goal is to reduce
outdoor water use. Over one-half of the average residential water use over the year is used for outdoor
"irrigation" of plants. Through a partnership with the Santa Clara Valley Water District, the City has rebates tc
assist residents and businesses install new landscaping that uses less water.
Date:6/30/2008
Target:305 AFY
Actual:274 AFY
Score:9 out of 10
Status Report:
Recycled Water Use [8]
scorecard background feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal is to utilize 600 million gallons of recycled ~:=_.
water from the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control
Plan by 2011.
600
300 •
0
PI 'II' It) (0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g ~ £:! £:! :t: :t: :t: .... .... .... ....
Target Statement:
,.. 00 '" 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ ~ £:! :t: :t: :t: .... .. ....
0 .... .... .... 0 0 £:! £:! :t: :t: .... ..
Target
600
Baseline
0
Overview
The use of recycled water
decreases the use of potable
water. The recycled water
meets state regulations for
use in landscape irrigation and
dust control. The near-term
increases in the use of
recycled water will result from
increased demand for
landscape irrigation water in
the North Bayshore Area of
Mountain View.
•
The City's goal is to utilize 600 million gallons of recycled water from the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality
Control Plan by 2011.
Overview:
The use of recycled water decreases the use of potable water. The recycled water meets state regulations fc
use in landscape irrigation and dust control. The near-term increases in the use of recycled water will result
from increased demand for landscape irrigation water in the North 8ayshore Area of Mountain View.
Date:1/1/2008
Target: 129 H20 -MG (millions of gallons)
Actual:129 H20 -MG (millions of gallons)
Score:10 out of 10
Status Report:
Stormwater Runoff Reduction [8]
scorecard background feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City's goal is to reduce stormwater runoff to local ~:"'",-E· •. ' creeks by issuing financial rebates to Palo Alto residents
and businesses for 50,000 square feet of permeable
A portion of the monthly Storm
Drainage Fee paid by all Palo
Alto residential and
commercial utility customers is
50000
25000
o
Target Statement:
Target used to provide financial
50000 incentives for reducing stomn
water runoff to storm drains
and local creeks. Reducing
stomn water runoff protects the
environment by preventing
street flooding and creek
erosion and lessens the need
for costly storm drain
infrastructure improvements.
Runoff reduction measures
eligible for the rebates include
permeable pavement, rain
Baseline barrels, cisterns, and green
o roofs.
•
The City's goal is to reduce stormwater runoff to local creeks by issuing financial rebates to Palo Alto resider
and businesses for 50,000 square feet of permeable pavement by July 2010.
Overview:
A portion of the monthly Storm Drainage Fee paid by all Palo Alto residential and commercial utility customel
is used to provide financial incentives for reducing storm water runoff to storm drains and local creeks.
Reducing storm water runoff protects the environment by preventing street flooding and creek erosion and
lessens the need for costly storm drain infrastructure improvements. Runoff reduction measures eligible for
the rebates include permeable pavement, rain barrels, cisterns, and green roofs.
Mercury Reduction [8]
scorecard
44.5
22.25
0
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
Reduce the mercury air emissions from the Palo Alto ~< Mercury at the Regional Water
Regional Water Quality Control Plant's incinerator to 13.6 Ii! Quality Control Plant attaches
grams per day by the end of 2012. < to the solids that are burned in
... an incinerator. Nearly all of the
Q ... N ,... co Q Q Q Q Q ~ Q ~ Q Q
t:! t:! t:! .. .. .. ... .... ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ N .. ... .. ... ..
(II Q ... Q ... ... Q Q Q t:! t:! t:! .... ... Ii ~ ~ N N .. .. ..
N ... Q t:! ... ~ ..
Baseline mercury that enters the Plant
44.5 is released to the atmosphere.
The City has for many years
implemented pollution
prevention programs that
attempt to reduce the amount
of mercury coming to the
Plant. Examples of these
programs include mercury
Target thermometer exchanges,
13.6 fluorescent light bulb
recycling, and reqUirements
for dental offices to install
amalgam separator
equipment.
Target Statement:
•
Reduce the mercury air emissions from the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant's incinerator to
13.6 grams per day by the end of 2012.
Overview:
Mercury at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant attaches to the solids that are burned in an incinerator.
Nearly all of the mercury that enters the Plant is released to the atmosphere. The City has for many years
implemented pollution prevention programs that attempt to reduce the amount of mercury coming to the Plar
Examples of these programs include mercury thermometer exchanges, fluorescent light bulb recycling, and
requirements for dental offices to install amalgam separator equipment.
Date: 12/31/200B
Target:1B.6 grams
Actual:1B.6 grams
Score:10 out of 10
Status Report:
Ultraviolet Light Water Disinfection Unit CK/
scorecard
10
5
0
background feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal is to complete the construction of an
Ultraviolet Light Water Disinfection Unit at the Regional
Water Quality Control Plant by January 1, 2011.
: "" co co ! co co Q> '" ... '" '" '" '" '" '" ... ... '" '" '" <:> ~ '" ! <:> <:> <:> s::! ~ ~ s::! .!.'!! s::! !::! ~ ~ .... It) ;;; ... j;:: ... ;; ~ j;:: co <Xi ... <:> .... ...
--.. -.~-----~-.-----------~
Target Statement:
Overview
Milestones:
1. 1st of 4 Community
DialoglWorkshop on
Target Disinfection Alternatives
10
2. Council Approval of
Project Design and SRF
Loan Application
3. Council Approval of
Environmental Review
4. 50% Design Complete
5. 90% Design Complete
Baseline 6. Council Approval of UV
o Equipment Selection
7. 100% Design Complete
•
The City's goal is to complete the construction of an Ultraviolet Light Water Disinfection Unit at the Regional
Water Quality Control Plant by January 1, 2011.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. 1 st of 4 Community DialoglWorkshop on Disinfection Alternatives
2. Council Approval of Project Design and SRF Loan Application
3. Council Approval of Environmental Review
4. 50% Design Complete
5. 90% Design Complete
6. Council Approval of UV Equipment Selection
7. 100% Design Complete
8. Start Construction
9. Complete Construction
10. Initiation of Operations
Date:5/1/2009
Target:8 Milestones completed
Actual:8 Milestones comoleted
'~-"---'---'----------------------------------,
Reusable Bag Ordinance 0
scorecard
5
~ II 0. E 8 2.5 Cf) Q) c: .9 Cf) Q)
:E
0
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City's goal is to take the initial steps to restrict the ~ ... _'"
distribution of certain single-use plastic bags and to take _
additional steps in the future.
Milestones:
1. Initiation of dialogue with
Business and Community
Target Stakeholders.
5
2. Adoption of phase·out of
single-use plastic checkout
bags at grocery stores.
3. Compliance date for
phase out of single-use
plastic checkout bags at
grocery stores."
4. Council consideration of
fee system for single-use
Baseline paper bags,*
0
co '" '" '" ... 5. Council consideration of ... ... ... ... .... next phase of restrictions on ... ... ... ... ... l::! l::! l::! £:! £:! .... .... co .... ... ;or ~ ai ~ ~ '" ....
Target Statement:
•
...
The City's goal is to take the initial steps to restrict the distribution of certain single-use plastic bags and to
take additional steps in the future.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. Initiation of dialogue with Business and Community Stakeholders.
2. Adoption of phase-out of single-use plastic checkout bags at grocery stores.
3. Compliance date for phase out of single-use plastic checkout bags at grocery stores. *
4. Council consideration of fee system for single-use paper bags.*
5. Council consideration of next phase of restrictions on single-use plastic bags. *
*Note: Dependent on outcome of litigation initiated by plastic bag interests.
Date: 3/31/2009
Target:2 Milestones completed
Actual:2 Milestones completed
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Re port:
Adoption of phase-out of single-use plastic checkout bags at grocery stores.
-------
Polystyrene Ban 0
scorecard
4
2
o
background feedbaok
Target Statement
The City's goal is to eliminate the distribution of Expanded ~
Polystyrene (usually called Styrofoam) food containers by 5
April 2011. ...
Target
4
Overview
Milestones:
1. Adopt an Ordinance
requiring Food Service
Establishments (FSE) to
phase out Expanded
Polystyrene Food
Containers by 4/22/10 with
the possibility of a one year =
extension.
2. Notify businesses and
residents of the new
requirements and assist in
the selection of alternatives.
3. Achieve 85% compliance
Baseline with the Ordinance. o
4. Achieve 100%
compliance with the new
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to eliminate the distribution of Expanded Polystyrene (usually called Styrofoam) food
containers by April 2011.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. Adopt an Ordinance requiring Food Service Establishments (FSE) to phase out Expanded Polystyrene
Food Containers by 4/22/10 with the possibility of a one year extension.
2. Notify businesses and residents of the new requirements and assist in the selection of alternatives.
3. Achieve 85% compliance with the Ordinance.
4. Achieve 100% compliance with the new requirements.
Date:5/29/2009
Target:1 Milestones completed
Actual: 1 Milestones completed
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Adopt an Ordinance requiring Food Service Establishments (FSE) to phase out Expanded Polystyrene Food
Containers by 4/22/10 with the possibility of a one year extension
Incorporate Green Criteria into City Purchases 0
scorecard
6
j
Gl 0. E 8
If) 3
(I) r::: ~ ..!!2 ::is
0
background feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal is to implement its three year Green
Purchasing Plan by January 2010.
co '" '" C) 0 C) C) C) ... ... C) C) C) C) C) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ... 0 :!:: l::! t? ~ ...
Q ... It) ... ...
Target Statement:
•
Overview
Milestones:
1. Adopt Green Purchasing
Policy
Target
2. 'Require that all II 6
purchased printers are
duplex-capable
3. Require outsourced
printing services to use soy
inks and increase use of
100% recycled post-
consumer content paper
processed without chlorine
4. Update contract
Baseline speCifications for City's
0 copiers, office supplies,
C) blueprints, custodial ... products, lighting, cafeteria 0 ~ ...
t? ..,
The City's goal is to implement its three year Green Purchasing Plan by January 2010.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. Adopt Green Purchasing Policy
2. Require that all purchased printers are duplex-capable
3. Require outsourced printing services to use soy inks and increase use of 100% recycled post-consumer
content paper processed without chlorine
4. Update contract specifications for City's copiers, office supplies, blueprints, custodial products, lighting,
cafeteria service and batteries
5. Require maximum energy efficiency, reduced toxicity, appropriate recycling/disposal and producer
responsibility for computers and monitors
6. Systemize green purchasing into City operations
Date:5/29/2009
Target:3 Milestones completed
Actual:3 Milestones completed
Score:10 out of 10
Status Report:
Printing services
Local/Regional Food Production and Consumption 0
scorecard
3
1.5
o
background feedbeck
Target Statement Overview
Milestones: The City's goal is to average 200 monthly participants in ~.
the weekly Palo Alto Community Farmshop by October 1, :;;
2010. 1. Launch Palo Alto
.. Community Farmshop pilot
Target project
3
Baseline o
2. Maintain an average of 100
weekly participants
3. Maintain an average of 200
weekly participants (the City
will also strive for 25% of
these participants to be from
downtown businesses)
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to average 200 monthly participants in the weekly Palo Alto Community Farmshop by
October 1, 2010.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. Launch Palo Alto Community Farmshop pilot project
2. Maintain an average of 100 weekly participants
3. Maintain an average of 200 weekly participants (the City will also strive for 25% of these participants to be
from downtown businesses)
Date:4/22/2009
Target:1 Milestones completed
Actual: 1 Milestones completed
Score:10 out of 10
Status Report:
Launch Palo Alto Community Farmshop pilot project
Community Cafe Speaker Series Page 1 of 1
One key element of the initial civic engagement work will be to build awareness of the effort among
community members. To this end, the City could host and/or co-sponsor a speaker series that would
help introduce key civic engagement concepts to both staff and the community. Currently, staff is
proposing three sessions between July and November and is exploring different topical possibilities. A
couple of ideas include a session focused on using technology to build community and a session
exploring civic engagement models in other cities/agencies/institutions. Staff would also explore ways
to incorporate an interactive or participative element to each session, thus allowing for further input and
feedback on the civic engagement initiative.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Leadership Palo Alto Page 1 of 1
A small group of community stakeholders, staff and Council members has been meeting to discuss
reinitiating the Leadership Palo Alto program formerly sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. This
group is evaluating ways to rebuild or re-form the program in a way that supports the Council's Civic
Engagement priority. This proposal will likely return to Council for further discussion in the coming
months.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Staff Resource Team Page 1 of 1
The staff resource team would bring together a group of staff members dedicated to enhancing the
relationship between City Hall and the community and developing key skills in this group. The group
will help City Hall understand why it exists and will help develop resources that will allow City Hall to
work towards its purpose. This might take the form of a group of trained facilitators that can be utilized
for varied community meetings. The group could also help design meeting agendas to maximize
effective outcomes.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Community Conversations Page 1 of 1
The City's goal is to facilitate 5-7 Community Conversations by October 2009.
The City will convene community conversations with various stakeholders around key topics. The
conversations are a way to hear specific concerns about certain issues, but are also a way for City staff
and the community to practice civic engagement in the process. Staffwill be participating in the
conversations but will also be trying to learn from the community about ways we need to change the
way the City does business.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Emergency Block Preparedness Coordinator Program (}[I
scorecard
550
0
background feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal is to provide emergency training for 550 ~.
Block Preparedness Coordinators (BPCs) and 5'
Neighborhood Preparedness Coordinators (NPCs) by the ' ...
co CI> <:> <:> <:> <:> £:! £:! ... ... ~ ~ ... ...
<:> ... Q
£:! ... ...,
N ...
Target
550
Baseline
0
Target Statement:
Overview
The progam focuses on
emergency preparadness
training for the community
conducted by public safety
personnel to improve
emergency preparadness and
disaster recovery by
coordinating governmental
and community resources.
•
The City's goal is to provide emergency training for 550 Block Preparedness Coordinators (BPCs) and
Neighborhood Preparedness Coordinators (NPCs) by the end of 2010.
Overview:
The progam focuses on emergency preparadness training for the community conducted by public safety
personnel to improve emergency preparadness and disaster recovery by coordinating governmental and
community resources.
Date: 12/31/2008
Target: 183 Individuals Trained
Actual:300 Individuals Trained
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Community Environmental Action Partnership (CEAP) Page 1 ofl
The City of Palo Alto and community groups created the Community Environmental Action Partnership
(CEAP) in accordance with the recommendations made by the 2006 Green Ribbon Task Force and the
2007 Climate Protection Plan. In our inaugural meeting on March 5th, 2008, community members
collaboratively defined CEAP's mission and goals.
CEAP Mission:
To bring the various segments of our community together to share knowledge, build mutual
understanding, leverage resources, and both create and implement innovative environmental solutions.
CEAP Goals:
• Identify and implement top-priority environmental initiatives with measurable objectives.
• Educate and engage each segment of the community in environmental initiatives that fit
their needs.
• Create a vehicle for communication, education and awareness among the City and all
segments of the community.
• Leverage resources and actions among segments by aligning and coordinating efforts.
• Connect with expertise, input and initiatives from the community and beyond to inform,
improve and inspire innovative ideas and programs.
• Track and report progress toward objectives to the community.
Detailas ofthis report as well as the report on CEAP's Green Takes ... Action! show can be found on the
CEAP website at www,p~:c~e~p,.Qt:g
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
----_ .... __ .. _---------::
izen Police Academy (KI I~·~ro-baokground feedbaok
Target Statement
The City's goal is to have 30 students graduate annually
from Palo Alto Police Departments Citizen Police Academy.
Overview
The purpose of the Palo
Alto Police Department
Citizens Police Academy is
to provide an opportunity for I'
Target citizens to get a better
381 understanding of how the
Police Department _,
operates. This is an exciting '"
opportunity to learn about
roles and responsibilities of
local law enforcement and
building community support.
Participants will learn and
expand their knowledge of
police duties,
responsibilities through the
eight week academy.
Baseline Classes such as laws of
Target Statement:
o Arrest, Evidence Collection,
Criminal Investigations,
Defensive Tactics, Patrol
•
The City's goal is to have 30 students graduate annually from Palo Alto Police Departments Citizen Police
Academy.
Overview:
The purpose of the Palo Alto Police Department Citizens Police Academy is to provide an opportunity for
citizens to get a better understanding of how the Police Department operates. This is an exciting opportunity
learn about roles and responsibilities of local law enforcement and building community support. Participants
will learn and expand their knowledge of police duties, responsibilities through the eight week academy.
Classes such as laws of Arrest, Evidence Collection, Criminal Investigations, Defensive Tactics, Patrol and
Use of Deadly Force will be offered in addition to police ride-alongs with an officer and a sit-along with
Dispatch personnel.
Date: 12/31/2008
Target:321 # of students
Actual:321 # of students
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Palo Alto/Stanford Citizen Corps Council Page 1 of 1
The City Manager's Office is in the process of revamping the Citizen Corps Council (CCC). The CCC will serve
as an advisory body to the City Manger, coordinating all City-and Stanford-sponsored disaster volunteer and
education programs.
The City will work to streamline communication and coordination with CCC members by implementing new
technologies, including a common calendar of emergency-related events and volunteer opportunities, training,
maps of neighborhoods and other areas (showing points of contact such as Neighborhood Preparedness
Coordinators.
Read more about the national CCC program on www.citLzEmcorp§,gov-
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.com/ 7/9/2009
Library Bond Stakeholder Group Page 1 of 1
The Library Bond Stakeholder Group consists of both staff and community stakeholders and will
initially include representatives from the Library Foundation, Friends of the Palo Alto Libraries, Library
Advisory Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Recreation Foundation, Library Department,
Community Services Department, Public Works Department and the City Manager's Office.
This group will meet monthly as convened by the City Manager's Office and will be responsible for
information flow both to and from the community.
The group has convened several times and developed a draft communications strategy. This plan
is currently being finalized and will include:
-Project website with job site webcams
-Job site signage
-Construction fencing windows
-Various public and community meetings
-Regular updates to Council
Once the plan has been finalized it will be incorporated into this scorecard.
Do you have outreach ideas for the Library construction projects? Let us know by clicking on the
Feedback Tab of this scorecard.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Website Committee Page 1 of 1
In the spirit of civic engagement the City collaborated with members of the community in an effort to
improve the City website. Over a period of six months the committee met in collaboration with City
staff. The outcome of the work was a set of recommendations for improving the City website, which
were presented to the City Council on May 18,2009.
The committee will continue to meet to collaborate with the City on implementing the first group of
recommendations and to plan for the later groups.
More information on the recommendations of the Website Committee can be found:
• In the Staff Report on the City website at:
h.1;1:p:aWYN!.~itYQfpJlIQlilllQ,Qrg/~iYi~alfiJ~l>flnklblQl>41QJld,fl~p7.:BlQhlD==JiaLl9 ..
• On the City Website scorecard under the Civic Engagement for the Common Good priority and
the Building Community Through Technology Strategy on the Palo Alto See-It site.
• On the Documents tab of this scorecard where the presentation to Council can be viewed.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.com/ 7/9/2009
Boards & Commissions 00
scorecard
3
1.5
o
background feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal Is to increase the average number ~ ... =
applications per vacancy on Boards and Commissions to =
3 applications per vacancy by June, 30, 2010.
Target
3
Baseline
1
Target Statement:
Overview
The number of applications
received in the past two years
for Boards and Commissions
vacancies have decreased.
The City Clerk's office is
striving to increase the
number of applications by
using outreach strategies to
attract citizens eager to serve
their city.
•
The City's goal is to increase the average number applications per vacancy on Boards and Commissions to :
applications per vacancy by June, 30, 2010.
Overview:
The number of applications received in the past two years for Boards and Commissions vacancies have
decreased. The City Clerk's office is striving to increase the number of applications by using outreach
strategies to attract citizens eager to serve their city.
Date:6/30/2009
Target:3 # of applications
Actual:1.6 # of applications
Score:3 out of 10
Status Report:
Volunteer Programs [8]
scorecard
36106
j 18053
o
background feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal is to provide meaningful opportunities for ~'
volunteers to partner with staff to strengthen, enrich, and Ii
beautify the community and to increase citizen awareness ' ...
Overview
As a measurement of the
support provided by volunteers
to City operations, information
will be provided annually on
the total number of volunteer
hours worked in the following
programs: Library Department,
Community Services
Department (Open Space &
Parks, Art Center, Children's
Theatre, Junior Museum &
Zoo, Fire Department" Office
of Emergency Services.
If volunteer support is valued
at an average of $20 per hour,
the service provided in FY
Target 2008 would equate to o $722,120.
Baseline o
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to provide meaningful opportunities for volunteers to partner with staff to strengthen, enrich
and beautify the community and to increase citizen awareness of City programs, services, and issues.
Overview:
As a measurement of the support provided by volunteers to City operations, information will be provided
annually on the total number of volunteer hours worked in the following programs: Library Department,
Community Services Department (Open Space & Parks, Art Center, Children'S Theatre, Junior Museum &
Zoo, Fire Department -Office of Emergency Services.
If volunteer support is valued at an average of $20 per hour, the service provided in FY 2008 would equate t(
$722,120.
Date:6/30/2008
Target:O hours
Actual:36106 hours
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
City Website Improvements 0
scorecard
5
* is. E 0 (,,) 2.5 (I)
Q) c J2 (I) ~ :E
0
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City's goal Is to implement the first group of ~ ..
recommendations from the Website Committee and g
develop a plan to address additional recommendations by T
The City's goal is to update
the website on a regular basis
to ensure that it remains a
central component of the
Ch Ch II> Q CI CI Q CI I C! S GCI .... ... iii 00 ....
CI CI .... .... Q CI C! C! !: CI ... t! (D
Target City's efforts to build
5 community. In response to
communications about the
current website, staff
convened a group of
community members to review
the website and make
recommendations about ways
to improve it. The outcome of
that effort is currently
documented in this scorecard.
Additional efforts to update the
website will be incorporated as
Baseline they are defined.
o
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to implement the first group of recommendations from the Website Committee and develo~
a plan to address additional recommendations by October 2009.
Overview:
The City's goal is to update the website on a regular basis to ensure that it remains a central component of tl
City's efforts to build community. In response to communications about the current website, staff convened a
group of community members to review the website and make recommendations about ways to improve it.
The outcome of that effort is currently documented in this scorecard. Additional efforts to update the website
will be incorporated as they are defined.
Date:5/18/2009
Target: 1 Milestones completed
Actual: 1 Milestones completed
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Provide list of recommendation to the City Council
Open City Hall Page 1 of 1
Open City Hall is an on-line forum for civic engagement, giving community members an opportunity to
voice their opinion on current issues which will be made available to city officials making decisions or
having influence in decision-making processes.
You can participate in Open City Hall by visiting llttp:l,IpaJQ(lltQ,QPel)Gityhall&Qm/.
You can learn more about the Open City Hall program by visiting
http://WWYt,9itYQfpalQ(ll1Q.QIg/d(;)pt~L(lscl/1Jews/del(lil~,a~p?New~IP::=ltS9&I~rgetJP::=1.:21 ..
The Open City Hall program has proven to be a successful pilot and the next steps for the
program are currently being developed. They may include:
-Embedding the Open City Hall site onto the City Website
-Embedding a hyperlink to the Open City Hall City on agenda items
-Various strategies to increase the number of participants in the program
As the next steps are finalized they will be incorporated into this scorecard.
Do you have feedback about the Open City Hall program or do you have ideas on how to increase
participation? Please let us know by clicking on the Feedback tab of this scorecard.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/912009
Palo Alto See-It Page 1 of 1
On January 10,2009, during the annual Council Retreat, the Council identified these priorities for 2009:
Environmental Protection, Civic Engagement for the Common Good and Economic Health.
After the priorities were determined, staff began creating a work plan of goals and actions to address
them. Through a series of meetings, including a Council Study Session on Monday, April 6, a
framework for accomplishing the 2009 Priorities was developed, which included 18 strategies and 83
actions that each correspond to a specific priority.
Taking into consideration the feedback from previous methods of tracking progress towards priorities,
staff elected to utilize a new and innovative system to enhance accountability and transparency. Staff
chose to work with Visible Strategies Inc., of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and use its
interactive See-It software tool. The See-It software creates a simple, clear, connected picture of goals,
strategies, actions, targets and performance data necessary to achieve them.
The 18 strategies and 83 actions compiled in support of the Council priorities have been entered into the
City's new Palo Alto See-It site. Every action has a tracking scorecard which provides detailed
information on the goal of the action, time line for implementation, current status, relevant additional
information, and supporting documentation. Additionally, each scorecard offers the user the ability to
directly contact someone for feedback and to obtain more information.
The Palo Alto See-It site, specifically designed to track progress made towards achieving Council-set
priorities, will initiate stronger performance management and transform how staff communicates
effectively with the community. The capability and opportunity for site is vast. It will not only be a
repository of valuable quantitative information on City operations, but will also serve as a forward
looking plan that charts the course for the long-term vision of the City.
Have thoughts or ideas about this site? Please use the Feedback tab to let us know.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.com/ 7/912009
Social Networking Strategy Page 1 of 1
The City is extremely aware of the important role that new and emerging social networking sites and
new media channels are playing in the exchange of information between governments and the
communities they serve.
In recognition of this trend, the City of Palo Alto is undertaking a process to develop an Online Social
Networking and New Media Strategy. The first step in this process is the development of a
Technological Communications Committee. The members of this committee are currently being
determined and it will be formed by the end of August 2009.
Possible areas of the action for this committee include:
-Drafting of policies and procedures for communication with social networking and new media
sites
-Development of City of Palo Alto Facebook pages
-Development of City of Palo Alto Twitter accounts
-Use of video on the City website and on other locations
-Other areas of interest as they are brought to the committee
Once the committee is formed, a plan of action will be developed and incorporated into this scorecard.
Do you have thoughts on what steps the City should be considering to take advantage of social
networking sites and new media channels? Please let us know by clicking on the Feedback tab of this
scorecard. '
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Community Alert Notification System Page 1 of 1
In September 2007, the City of Palo Alto contracted for mass notification services with NTI Group Inc
(NTI), uti1izing its Blackboard Connect product as part of the Community Alert and Notification System
(CANS). CANS is a mass communication system that is capable of rapidly communicating with
residents, businesses, City employee groups over telephones (cellular and landline), email, and wireless
devices.
Examples of notifications include: disaster information, crime bulletins, power outages, and other
related urgent or time-sensitive information.
A database of published numbers is maintained by CANS and residents can add or edit information by
logging on to the company's website he.re..
In 2009 (as of6/15) the CANS system has sent out 15 emergency and informational notifications.
To sign up for CANS please click he.re..
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/912009
Arts & Culture [8]
soorecard
75
37.5
0
baokground feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City's goal is to develop and/or have in process two ~"';;
public art projects on an annual basis adding 32 new ~
artworks to the City's Art in Public Places collection by
Palo Alto's Art in Public Places
program's mission is to
promote and maintain art in
public sites. The program
It) ID ,.. 00 (I) Q ...
Q Q = = Q ... ~ = Q = = = Q ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ... ... ... ... ~ ... ... ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ... ... ... ... ... .... ...
~ M 'It ... ...
Q = Q ~ g ~ ~ ... 1:2 § N ... ....
~ IC ....
Q Q ~ ~ ~ § ....
Target takes every opportunity to site
75 art throughout the City, using
the work of artists,
craftspeople, architects, and
Baseline landscape architects in the
53 design and improvement of
public spaces.
~
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to develop and/or have in process two public art projects on an annual basis adding 32 ne\l
artworks to the City's Art in Public Places collection by 2020.
Overview:
Palo Alto's Art in Public Places program's mission is to promote and maintain art in public sites. The prograrr
takes every opportunity to site art throughout the City, using the work of artists, craftspeople, architects, and
landscape architects in the design and improvement of public spaces.
Date: 12/31/2008
Target:58 # of artworks
Actual:63 # of artworks
Score: 10 out of 10
Status Report:
Community Services W
scorecard
24116
12058
0
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City's goal is to increase participation in Community ~T-=
Services programs and classes by 2% a year or 24,116
participants by 2020.
The City provides and
develops vibrant programs
and special interest classes
for youth development,
., II) <D ".. co ." = = = = = = = .... = = = = = = = ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ !:: !:: !:: !:: !:: !:: ;: ... ... ... ... ... ...
... !:! .., .... .... = = = ~ ~ ~ !:: !:: !:: ... .... ...
., II) .... ... C> C> ~ ~ ;: !:: ....
Target increased knowledge, artistic
24116 expression. physical activity,
social well-being, and
Baseline enjoyment of the outdoors.
19000 Through the classes and
programs we offer to the
community, we promote life
styles and activities that
enhance the physical and
mental well-being of program
participants, patrons and park
visitors.
~
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to increase participation in Community Services programs and classes by 2% a year or
24,116 participants by 2020.
Overview:
The City provides and develops vibrant programs and special interest classes for youth development,
increased knowledge, artistic expression, physical activity, social well-being, and enjoyment of the outdoors.
Through the classes and programs we offer to the community, we promote life styles and activities that
enhance the physical and mental well-being of program participants, patrons and park visitors.
Date:1/1/2008
Target: 19000 # of Participants
Actual: 19018 # of Participants
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Quality Schools & Childcare CKI
scorecard background feedback
Target Statement
Quality education in Palo Alto is recognized as one of the ~
community's greatest assets. The City is in partnership !i!
with the school district to support quality education .
~
8.4
Ii) c ~ 'E
4.2
1!.1 ~ c
0 Target
0
'" c::> .... N Baseline c::> .... .... .... 0 c::> c::> c::> c::> ~ l:::.! l:::.! l:::.! c::> c::> ~ ii5 S!? S!? It) It)
Target Statement:
Overview
As a measurement of the
support provided by the City to
the school district, information
will be provided annually on
the total dollars budgeted on
programs directly benefitting
the schools. The City's
contribution of $8.4 million is
roughly 6 percent of the City's
General Fund operating
budget.
The largest component of this
support comes through the
Cubberley lease payment.
•
Quality education in Palo Alto is recognized as one of the community's greatest assets. The City is in
partnership with the school district to support quality education through contributions for school programs.
Overview:
As a measurement of the support provided by the City to the school district, information will be provided
annually on the total dollars budgeted on programs directly benefitting the schools. The City's contribution of
$8.4 million is roughly 6 percent of the City's General Fund operating budget.
The largest component of this support comes through the Cubberley lease payment.
Date:6/18/2009
Target:O Dollars (in millions)
Actual:8.4 Dollars (in millions)
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Green Technology Hub Page 1 of 1
A baseline number of employees in green tech businesses will be estimated by July 1,2010, and the
change in the number of employees in that sector will be reported annually to measure success of
the City's efforts.
Economic development staffwill identify green tech companies that are currently located in Palo
Alto. A baseline of green tech companies will be completed for the initiation of targeted business
outreach efforts.
One challenge that the City faces is that companies of this type often site their research and development
functions in Palo Alto, but when production (and point of sale) development begins, local companies are
often enticed away by financial incentives from other cities or unable to afford the cost of manufacturing
and development of products in Palo Alto.
Staff expects to develop a menu of strategies that would position Palo Alto to compete for these valuable
second stage companies. In addition, to support the green principles of the City, staffwould like to
identify the City as the "green tech" hub that Palo Alto has the potential to achieve.
Following the establishment of a baseline inventory of green tech businesses, an interdepartmental team
will be assembled to identify key interdepartmental strategies that will assist in green tech development
and expansion. Possible areas for concentration will include: development process enhancements that
support and target this business sector, utility department incentives that support green business
principles and business outreach that will assist in identifying obstacles to green business location and
growth.
Companies interested in a Palo Alto location or seeking to expand will be targeted for specific
assistance. Businesses will be informed about the benefits of a Palo Alto location and offered assistance
in locating or growing their business here.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Destination Palo Alto 00
scorecard
18372
"0 ~ 8 .c
:E .!2l c: 9186
E 0 e
'0
=It
0
background feedbaok
Target Statement Overview
To measure of the effectiveness of the Destination Palo ~ ... _=_.
Alto program, the total number of room nights booked by
the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley Convention &
The purpose of Destination
Palo Alto is to provide
visitorship services that will
enhance the number of
bUsiness travelers and tourists
to Palo Alto, increasing
revenues to the city, primarily
transient occupancy tax and
sales tax.
DC! Q Q
! ...
These graphs reflect the total
number of room nights booked
by the San Mateo
County/Silicon Valley
Convention & Visitors Bureau
for all of San Mateo County
except for two cities and Palo
Target Alto.
o
Baseline o
Target Statement:
•
To measure of the effectiveness of the Destination Palo Alto program, the total number of room nights booke
by the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau will be provided on a quarterly basis.
Overview:
The purpose of Destination Palo Alto is to provide visitorship services that will enhance the number of
business trave.lers and tourists to Palo Alto, increasing revenues to the city, primarily transient occupancy ta)
and sales tax.
These graphs reflect the total number of room nights booked by the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley
Convention & Visitors Bureau for all of San Mateo County except for two cities and Palo Alto.
Date:3/30/2009
Target:o # of room nights booked
Actual:17178 # of room nights booked
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Update Economic Development Strategy Page 1 of 1
The City of Palo Alto's Economic Development Strategy was last updated in 1999. Since that time, the
economic climate, city priorities and available resources to address these priorities have changed
significantly. To maximize the efforts of economic development and other City staff, an updated plan,
reflective of current City priorities will guide citywide economic development efforts in the future.
The City's goal is to update the City's Economic Development Strategy to coincide with Council
priorities and the update of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
In the past, the City's Economic Development Strategy has guided the priorities and actions ofthe City
of Palo Alto. To provide for an integrated, citywide economic development strategy, an effort that
encompasses areas such as revenue enhancement, green business attraction (through Utility Department
incentives) and business district safety (Police Department) must be initiated. This multi-department
initiative will incorporate city departments, the public and local business to assure a strategy that is
forward thinking, innovative and responsive to business and community needs.
This opportunity to re-evaluate the City's economic development priorities and craft a plan that
effectively addresses these goals currently has no allocated staff and no budget. The need for a
comprehensive multi-department economic development strategy will be shared with City Council in
late 2009, and direction for next steps will then be identified and an implementation program developed.
http;llpaloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/912009
Healthy Business Districts Page 1 of 1
To support and strengthen local business districts, City staff must evaluate objective data and work
proactively with stakeholders to monitor changes, detect threats and assist in business success. Business
districts will be defined as retail, employment and business centers in Palo Alto.
The City's goal is to identify districts and establish business "health" parameters by July 1,2010.
Healthy business districts are a visible measure of the economic health of the City. A balanced mix of
retail, personal service and other commercial uses ensure that residential neighborhoods are supported
by nearby uses. In addition, vibrant business and employment districts provide sales tax, transient
occupancy tax and other revenues that support City services.
The success of a business district includes clean streets, adequate public safety, appropriate business
attraction and retention efforts by City staff and attractive elements like streetscape design and public
art.
To assess the viability of the City's business districts, staff will establish a list of parameters to measure
business district vitality. The parameters for districts will vary according to the district to assess
opportunities and threats to each area. Examples of such parameters may include (where data is
available):
• Vacancy rates
• Sales tax revenues, lease rates and other data that may serve as an indicator of changes in the local
economy and in specific business sectors
• Citizen and/or employee satisfaction rates
In addition, City staff will continue to interact on a regular basis with key stakeholders in the City's
regional, local and neighborhood business districts. Staff participates regularly in Chamber of
Commerce, CAADA, BID, and other associations to understand issues affecting local businesses and
address concerns that threaten their viability. Business outreach efforts further enhance the
understanding of local and regional issues that affect business viability.
htt :// aloalto.visiblestrate ies.coml 7/912009
Development Review Process Efficiency Page 1 of 1
The Planning, Building and Public Works staff are committed to identifY and implement improvements
to the development review process to streamline processing time lines while providing for mandatory
public review and adequate civic engagement related to pending development projects. Certain minor
building permits now have a three to five day process timeline. Development Review Committee
meetings of City staff are held within two to three weeks of planning application submittals, and
applicants are invited to attend these meetings to receive verbal and written comments on development
proposals. Staff is committed to forwarding department comments to applicants in writing within the
30-day time line afforded by the Permit Streamline Act, and in some cases, have targeted hearing dates
within that time period.
City Council will receive a report from the Chief Building Official on August 3 outlining various
improvements to the photovoltaic permitting and inspection processes in order to expedite permit
issuance and minimize staff time and costs for both permit applicants and the City. A second report will
be provided on September 21 that will outline a plan for identifYing improvements to the broader
Building Permit plan review and permit processes. Some of the recommendations anticipated to be
made will be evaluation of increased ability to submit permit applications on-line, performance of plan
reviews by appointment, improved interdepartmental coordination, and restructuring of Development
Center management control. and operations to facilitate improved service delivery through increased
staff productivity and reduced operating costs. Specific performance benchmarks will be identified and
reported out at least quarterly and feedback mechanisms, such as customer surveys, will be
implemented.
In 2004 and 2005, the City Council approved ordinance changes to streamline planning entitlement
processes following a 2003 audit that was critical of the number and variety of planning processes. City
staff met with focus groups to strategically revise the permit processing regulations. Several of the
City's planning processes involve public hearings only by request and this change has significantly
reduced the number of Director's Hearings for applications such as Conditional Use Permits and
Variances. Appealed entitlement approvals do not go to public hearings unless the City Council opts to
hear them by pulling the item off the consent calendar and scheduling a public hearing. The maximum
number of Architectural Review hearings allotted to major projects is three hearings and it is easy for
applicants to get scheduled for daytime Architectural Review Board hearing agendas. The evening
meetings of the Planning and Transportation Commission are long and it is sometimes difficult for
applicants to get scheduled for hearings, and recommendations can be quite unpredictable. Applicants
are cautioned regarding lengthy processing time lines for large projects requiring review by the
commission and City Council, and Council may provide direction to its boards and commissions to
assist staff in streamlining development review processes. Staff is also open to ideas for marketing staff
services to maximize development potential and revenue to support a sustainable budget.
Check back in the near future to see strategies and dates of focus group meetings related to this topic.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Emergency Water Supply (8]
scorecard
10
"0 S ! E 8 5 C/) Q,) c:: ~ ..!!! ~
0
background feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal is to Improve public safety by increasing ~ .•
the emergency water supply through the completion of the i!i
Emergency Water Supply Project by 2013. ...
Target
10
Overview
Milestones:
1. Emergency Water Study
completed
2. AdviSOry Vote on the Use
of EI Camino Park for a
Water Reservoir
3. Acquire Land for a
Reservoir, Pump Station
and Well at EI Camino Park
4. Council Certification of
the Environmental Impact
Report
Baseline 5. Pre-design Contract for
o Two New Wells
6. Award of a Design-build
Target Statement:
•
The City's goal is to improve public safety by increasing the emergency water supply through the completion
of the Emergency Water Supply Project by 2013.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. Emergency Water Study completed
2. AdviSOry Vote on the Use of EI Camino Park for a Water Reservoir
3. Acquire Land for a Reservoir, Pump Station and Well at EI Camino Park
4. Council Certification of the Environmental Impact Report
5. Pre-design Contract for Two New Wells
6. Award of a Design-build Contract for the Construction of Two New Wells
7. Design Contract for Reservoir, Pump Station and Well at EI Camino Park
8. Design Contract for Mayfield Reservoir Pump Station Upgrade
9. Construction Contract for Mayfield Reservoir Pump Station
10. Construction Contract for Reservoir, Pump Station and Well at EI Camino Park
Date: 3/1/2009
Target:4 Milestones completed
Actual:4 Milestones comoleted
Foothills Fire Management Plan Page 1 of2
The City first prepared and adopted a Foothills
Fire Management Plan in 1982. The City's
consultants have prepared an updated Foothills
Fire Management Plan, in response to Council
direction to staff and in response to changes in
the Foothills, laws and regulations, and input
from residents, neighboring jurisdictions, and
other community members.
The Plan incorporates lessons learned from the
Oakland Hills Fire of 1991 and other best
practices, including working collaboratively with
neighboring jurisdictions, police and fire
agencies, and community partners.
The objectives driving the recommendations in the Plan are:
• Life Safety
• Structure and Infrastructure Protection
• Ignition Prevention
• Fire Containment
• Natural Resource Protection and Enhancement
The components of the Plan are:
• Fire Hazard Assessment: The consultant conducted a fire science review of fuel types, loads,
topography, and other factors. The data were analyzed with various computer models and
correlated on maps.
• Regional Evacuation: The consultant surveyed 19 miles of City roadways, 12 miles of which are
identified as critical evacuation routes, and most of which have prolongations or feed other road
systems outside the City limits.
• Review of Municipal Ordinances: The consultant found most City Municipal Codes related to the
Foothills are adequate. Several updates were suggested.
• Staffing of Fire Station 8: The consultant analyzed objectives and resources for response to fires
in the Foothills. The recommendation in the Plan is to maintain current staffing levels for Fire
Station 8 (~$200,000 in staff overtime and ancillary costs). Police officers (directed patrol) and
Open Space Ranger staffing may need to be increased during high-risk conditions (viz., Red
Flag).
• Wildland Fire Management Recommendations and Mitigations: The consultant presents specified
fire prevention treatments on City-owned lands and roads. An outside environmental consultant
(TRA Environmental Sciences, Inc.) supplemented the evaluation of and incorporation into the
Plan of best practices for recommended treatments.
• Updates to Pearson-Arastradero Trails Master Plan and Foothills Trail Maintenance Plan: The
consultant reviewed existing Plans and suggested updates.
• CEQA Documentation: The consultant worked with the Planning Department and TRA
Environmental Sciences, Inc. to develop the MND.
• Implementation Plan and Potential Funding: The Plan presents an overview of funding
htt :/1 aloalto.visiblestrate ies.coml 7/9/2009
Foothills Fire Management Plan Page 2 of2
strategies. The total five-year cost, beyond what the City currently spends, to implement the
recommended projects is estimated at approximately $435,000. This report will not include a plan
to address the funding implications of the recommendations. Staff will return to the Council at a
later date with funding plan recommendations along with other implementation measures.
While the Palo Alto Police Department is the lead agency for evacuation planning and operations, other
jurisdictions must coordinate in these processes. The Plan calls for the creation of a regional evacuation
and response system for the Foothills: "Foothills Regional Emergency Response and Evacuation Plan
(FREREP)." This plan would provide for standardized signage and evacuation route nomenclature and
protocols. The Block Preparedness Coordinator (BPC) Program will be an integral component, as
residents who are BPCs can open gates and serve as "eyes and ears" for first responders. The FREREP
would also facilitate an "all hazards" approach, covering crime prevention, missing persons (lost child or
person at-risk), and other issues affecting the Foothills region.
The Draft Plan plan can be found at www,citYQfpl:iIQalto.Qrg/civic<:l/fikbanklblobdlQad,aspilUQblP.=
14823.
The Staff Report pertaining to this item can be found at
http://wWw.city()fpaIQ~JtQ,Qrg/civic&lfilebanklPlo.bdlQad.aspialQbIP.=15866.
The Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission, at the request of the City Council, recently reviewed the
Foothills Fire Management Plan and has recommended that the Council adopt it. The minutes from that
meeting can be found at http://~.cityQfpaloallQ~ivica(fiJ~b~lQbdload.l:isp7.81.obrp.=16148.
The City Manager's Office has formed a staff implementation team to implement the recommendations
of the Plan. The team will be continuing to work with stakeholders including residents, business, and
neighboring jurisdictions through the formation of a new Midpeninsula Foothills Emergency Forum,
which will operate through the Palo Alto/Stanford Citizen Corps Council.
More information about the Foothills Fire Management Plan can be found at
http://Y:fWW,citYQfpl:ilQal1Q.QIg/infQ/A9.ws/d9.tails,asp?:N9.wsIP.=lQ49&.Il:tl;g~tr.J)=6Q.
htt :11 aloalto.visiblestrate ies.com/ 7/912009
-----------'-'-~-"----------------------,
Diversified Revenue Base [8]
scoreoard
20
10
0
background feedbaok
Target Statement
The City's goal is to maintain a broad revenue base so ~& ... '~'
that the top Individual revenue sources remain near 20% ..
of total budgeted revenues in a given year.
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Target
20
Baseline
0
Target Statement:
Overview
The City of Palo Alto has a
goal to sustain diverse
revenue sources for the long-
term. A diverse revenue base
makes it easier for the City to
weather economic downturns
since the City is not reliant on
a single revenue stream. By
monitoring individual revenue
sources for their percentage of
total revenue, the City gets an
indicator of the broadness of
the revenue base.
•
The City's goal is to maintain a broad revenue base so that the top individual revenue sources remain near
20% of total budgeted revenues in a given year.
Overview:
The City of Palo Alto has a goal to sustain diverse revenue sources for the long-term. A diverse revenue ba~
makes it easier for the City to weather economic downturns since the City is not reliant on a single revenue
stream. By monitoring individual revenue sources for their percentage of total revenue, the City gets an
indicator of the broadness of the revenue base.
Date:6/29/2009
Target:20 %
Actual:17.8 %
Score:9 out of 10
Status Report:
Balanced Budget 00
scorecard
5.096
~ ... ~ Vl c: !!! -2.548 ~ .Q ~ .= ~
o
background feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal is that expenditures remain equal to or ~"' ... _=~-
below revenues on annual basis and that any additional
remaining funds are transferred to the General Fund
Target o
Baseline o
Target Statement:
Overview
A balanced budget is achieved
by ensuring expenses are
below revenues on a fiscal
year basis. Any surplus
revenues are committed to the
General Fund reserve and
other city reserves as required
by policy and approved by the
City Council. On rare
occasions the City of Palo Alto
must use funds from the
General Fund reserve to
achieve a balanced budget as
is antiCipated for FY 2009.
•
The City's goal is that expenditures remain equal to or below revenues on annual basis and that any additior
remaining funds are transferred to the General Fund reserve.
Overview:
A balanced budget is achieved by ensuring expenses are below revenues on a fiscal year basis. Any surplu:
revenues are committed to the General Fund reserve and other city reserves as required by policy and
approved by the City Council. On rare occasions the City of Palo Alto must use funds from the General Fun(
reserve to achieve a balanced budget as is anticipated for FY 2009.
Date:6/30/2009
Target:O $ in millions transferred
Actual:O $ in millions transferred
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Rainy Day Fund 0
scorecard background feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City has the goal of maintaining a healthy rainy day ~".~_=-__ -
fund, also known as the Budget Stabilization Reserve
(BSR).
The Budget Stabilization
Reserve (BSR) is the City's
primary financial reserve to
handle emergency
20.8
~ o 10.4
0
In CD ..... 00 Q Q Q Q
Q Q Q Q ~ ~ ~ ~ Q Q Q Q
!!? !!? !!? !!? CD CD CD CD
Target Statement:
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expenditures and other City
Council-approved high Target 18.5 priorities that impact the
General Fund_ A Council
policy sets the BSR at a
range of between 15 and 20
percent of General Fund
expenditures with a target of
18.5 percent. This range
gives the City flexibility in
funding the reserve. The
BSR currently sits at 15
percent. A healthy BSR
Baseline helps the City address
o critical priorities and is also
recognized by third parties a
central component of overall
•
The City has the goal of maintaining a healthy rainy day fund, also known as the Budget Stabilization Reser\J
(BSR).
Overview:
The Budget Stabilization Reserve (BSR) is the City's primary financial reserve to handle emergency
expenditures and other City Council-approved high priorities that impact the General Fund. A Council policy
sets the BSR at a range of between 15 and 20 percent of General Fund expenditures with a target of 18.5
percent. This range gives the City flexibility in funding the reserve. The BSR currently sits at 15 percent. A
healthy BSR helps the City address critical priorities and is also recognized by third parties a central
component of overall fiscal health.
Date:6/30/2009
Target:18.5 %
Actual:18.1 %
Score: 1 0 out of 10
Status Report:
Long Range Financial Forecast Page 1 of 1
The Long Range Financial Forecast takes a forward look at the City's General Fund revenues and
expenditures. Its purpose is to identify financial trends, shortfalls, and issues so the City can proactively
address them. It does so by projecting the future fiscal results of continuing the City's current service
levels and policies, and providing a snapshot of what the future will look like as a result of the decisions
made in the recent past. Any needed course corrections are thereby illuminated.
The Long Range Financial Forecast sets the stage for the upcoming budget process, aiding both the City
Manager and Council in establishing priorities and allocating resources appropriately. This year's
forecast addresses the current economic turmoil that is being felt both nationally and worldwide. The
consequences of these events may affect the City's ability to sustain the current level of services and
programs over a long period of time within its revenue constraints.
The City will update the annual Long Range Financial Forecast annually and presents to Council in
early December.
The Long Range Financial Forecast is not intended as a budget, or as a proposed plan. The City has
changed the name of the report from "Long Range Financial Plan" to "Long Range Financial Forecast"
to make it clear that this document does not present a comprehensive financial plan for achieving City or
Council objectives.
To see the current Long Range Financial Forecast, please follow this link:
http://www.cityofpalQalto.Qrg/depts/asd/financial_reporting.asp
htt :11 aloalto. visiblestrate ies.coml 7/9/2009
General Fund Infrastructure Backlog [8]
scorecard
155
77.5
o
background feedback
Target Statement
The City's goal is to fully fund the current 5-year General
Fund Infrastrucutre Backlog.
Target Statement:
Target
153
Baseline o
Overview
The City's General Fund
Backlong includes the
maintenance and rehabilitation
of streets, sidewalks, parks
and open space and City
buildings. The reduection of
backlog is funded each year
by the Infrastructure Reserve
Fund which a part of the City's
General Fund. SpeCific
projects are prioritized and
approved by Council in the
annual budget. Specifc details
can be found in the
information tab of this
scorecard.
•
The City's goal is to fully fund the current 5-year General Fund Infrastrucutre Backlog.
Overview:
The City's General Fund Backlong includes the maintenance and rehabilitation of streets, sidewalks, parks
and open space and City buildings. The reduection of backlog is funded each year by the Infrastructure
Reserve Fund which a part of the City's General Fund. Specific projects are prioritized and approved by
Council in the annual budget. Specifc details can be found in the information tab of this scorecard.
Date:6/30/2009
Target: 153 Dollars (in millions)
Actual:64 Dollars (in millions)
Score:4 out of 10
Status Report:
Measure N Library Bond 00
scorecard
16
8
0
background feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City plans to build a new joint library and community ~ ... _=..,.,' center at Mitchell Park, renovate the Downtown Library
and renovate and expand the Main Library by March
Project Milestones:
1 -September 2006,
Feasibility Study begins
&D &D ..... OCI OCI (I) (I) c:> c:> c:> c:> c:> c:> c:> c:> .... c:> c:> 0 c:> c:> c:> ~ c:> ~ ~ t! ~ t! t! t! 0 c:> OCI g,: ~ ~ ~ $ £'! t! 0 ~ (;j .... .... .... ....
c:> c:> c:> .... .... .... .... .... c:> ~ 0 c:> ~ t! ~ c:> c:> ~ £'! £'! U) <C
Target
16 2 -December 2006, Library
Advisory Commission's
'Library Service Model
AnalYSis (LSMAR)' is
approved by Council
3 -May 2007, Conceptual
design and public reviews
begin
4 -July 2008,
Environmental analysiS is
Baseline approved
0
5 -November 2008, Voters
~ approve Measure N bond
Target Statement:
•
ii
...
The City plans to build a new joint library and community center at Mitchell Park, renovate the Downtown
Library and renovate and expand the Main Library by March 2013.
Overview:
Project Milestones:
1 -September 2006, Feasibility Study begins
2 -December 2006, Library Advisory Commission's 'Library Service Model Analysis (LSMAR)' is approved b~
Council
3 -May 2007, Conceptual design and public reviews begin
4 -July 2008, Environmental analysis is approved
5 -November 2008, Voters approve Measure N bond for improvements and/or expansion of the Downtown
Library, Mitchell Park Library and Community
Center and the Main Library
6 -February 2009, Design work begins on Downtown Library rehabilitation project and new Mitchell Park
Library and Community Center.
7 -May -Dec 2009, Public meetings to review design (Library Advisory Commission, Parks & Recreation,
community, etc)
8 -January 2010, Improvements to provide a Temporary Library begin at the Cubberly Community Center
Auditorium
9 -April 2010, Temporary Library is completed and transfer of staff and books begins.
10 -May 2010, Downtown Library begins construction
11 -June 2010, Mitchell Park Library and Community Center begins construction
12 -May 2011, Downtown Library is completed and re-opens
13 -August 2012, Mitchell Park Library and Community Center is completed and opens to the public
14 -December 2011, Main Library begins design
15 -March 2012, Main Library begins construction
16 -March 2013, Main Library completes construction and re-opens to the public
Date:2/28/2009
Target:6 Milestones completed
Actual:6 Milestones completed
Score: 10 out of 10
Status Report:
Greer Park Renovation Project [8]
scorecard background feedback • Target Statement Overview
Milestones: The City's goal is to complete the Greer Park renovation
project by August 2010.
1 . Council direction to utilize I'
undeveloped land
Target i,
11
5.5
0
Cl) QO QO 00 0 '" 0 '" '" '" '" '" !::! !::! !::! !::! E S .... '" ~ ~ QO ....
~.~,_._,"",,~_.~ .. _._4~_~'~~"<-___ ~ ____ """"_~
Target Statement:
00 CI) CI)
'" '" '" 0 '" 0 $l !::! !::! ~ .... (') (') iN it; ....
CI)
'" '" !::! '" fa
11 2. Design consultant
selected
3. Project kick off with
consultant
4. Park improvements with
cost estimates given to City
staff
5. First of two community
presentations held;
Baseline beginning of preliminary
o design
6. Second community
The City's goal is to complete the Greer Park renovation project by August 2010.
Overview:
Milestones:
1. Council direction to utilize undeveloped land
2. Design consultant selected
3. Project kick off with consultant
4. Park improvements with cost estimates given to City staff
5. First of two community presentations held; beginning of preliminary design
6. Second community presentation held; comments forwarded to City staff for review
7.95% of design completed including comments from community presentations
8. 100% of design completed
9. Council approval of construction contact
10. Construction begins
11. Greer Park renovation project completed
Date:6/30/2009
Taroet:8 Milestones comoleted
Fiber to the Premises Page 1 of 1
Using its existing dark fiber backbone, the City's goal is to provide 100 mbps, symmetrical broadband
service to every residential, institutional, and commercial premise in the City. The network would be an
open access system. A wireless component is being considered as the City extends the fiber network.
In 1997 a 41 mile dark fiber backbone was built throughout the City with the goal of delivering
broadband services to all premises. There have been several efforts since then to implement this vision.
At Council's direction, staff issued an RFP in 2006 to find firms willing to build out the system
leveraging existing City assets. After 3 years of negotiations with a consortium of firms, this process
was terminated due to the lack of necessary funding. With the advent of the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act, federal stimulus funding is being sought to achieve the City's goal. Should the City
receive no funding, an alternative plan is being developed to build out a fiber network using existing
City resources.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.com/ 7/912009
ATTACHMENT B
Stormwater Runoff Reduction [KJ
scorecard background feedback
Target Statement Overview
The City's goal is to reduce stormwater runoff to local ~:=_
creeks by issuing financial rebates to Palo Alto residents
and businesses for 50,000 square feet of permeable
A portion of the monthly Storm
Drainage Fee paid by all Palo
Alto residential and
commercial utility customers is
50000
25000
o
Target Statement:
Target used to provide financial
50000 incentives for reducing storm
water runoff to storm drains
and local creeks. Reducing
storm water runoff protects the
environment by preventing
street flooding and creek
erosion and lessens the need
for costly storm drain
infrastructure improvements.
Runoff reduction measures
eligible for the rebates include
permeable pavement, rain
Baseline barrels, cisterns, and green
o roofs.
•
The City's goal is to reduce stormwater runoff to local creeks by issuing financial rebates to Palo Alto resider
and businesses for 50,000 square feet of permeable pavement by July 2010.
Overview:
A portion of the monthly Storm Drainage Fee paid by all Palo Alto residential and commercial utility customel
is used to provide financial incentives for reducing storm water runoff to storm drains and local creeks.
Reducing storm water runoff protects the environment by preventing street flooding and creek erosion and
lessens the need for costly storm drain infrastructure improvements. Runoff reduction measures eligible for
the rebates include permeable pavement, rain barrels, cisterns, and green roofs.
StOlTI1Water Runoff Reduction Page 1 of3
The following storm water runoff reduction measures qualifY for the City's storm water rebate program:
Standard paving materials (such as concrete and asphalt)
used for driveways, patios, walkways, and parking lots
are highly impervious and produce high rates of storm
water runoff. Rainfall flows quickly across these paved
surfaces, picking up accumulated surface pollutants and
draining directly to gutters and storm drains and thence
to local creeks and the Bay. The use of permeable
paving materials allows rainfall to enter the pavement
section and infiltrate into the underlying soils. The three
primary permeable pavement technologies are porous
asphalt, pervious concrete, and permeable interlocking
concrete pavers. All permeable pavements have high
initial surface infiltration rates and can immediately infiltrate and store rainfall from most storm events.
Permeable pavements rely on the ability of open-graded aggregate in their surfaces and base to receive;
store, and infiltrate runoff into the underlying soiL In many cases, storm water runoff from the pavement
is completely eliminated.
Rebate Information: Install a driveway, patio, walkway, or parking lot using an permeable pavement
material and receive a rebate of $1.50 per square foot.
(Maximum residential rebate = $1,000)
(Maximum commercial rebate = $10,000)
Rain Barrels
Rain barrels are low-cost, effective, and easily
maintainable water conservation devices that can be
used to reduce runoff volume and, for smaller storm
events, delay and reduce the peak runoff flow rates from
residential and commercial sites. By storing and
diverting rainfall runoff from roofs, these devices reduce ~;
the undesirable impacts of runoff that would otherwise '
flow swiftly into gutters and storm drains and contribute
to flooding and erosion problems in creeks. Due to their
relatively small volume, rain barrels are most commonly
used as a secondary source of water for gardening in
residential areas. Rain barrels can provide a source of
chemically untreated 'soft water' for gardens and
compost, free of most sediment and dissolved salts. Because residential irrigation can account for up to
40% of domestic water consumption, water conservation measures such as rain barrels can be used to
reduce the demand on the municipal water system, especially during the hot summer months.
For residential applications, a typical rain barrel design will include a hole at the top to allow for flow
from a roof downspout, a sealed lid, an overflow pipe and a spigot at or near the bottom of the barrel.
The top opening must be fitted with a screen in order to control mosquitoes and other insects. The stored
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.com/ 7/912009
Stormwater Runoff Reduction Page 2 of3
water can then be used for lawn and garden watering. Rain barrels can be connected to provide larger
volumes of storage.
Rebate Information: Purchase and install a rain barrel and receive a $50 rebate.
Stormwater runoff cisterns are roof water management
devices that provide retention storage volume in above
or underground storage tanks. They are typically used to
supplement the water supply for landscape irrigation.
Cisterns are substantially larger than rain barrels, with
some underground cisterns having the capacity of
10,000 gallons or more. They are also typically equipped
with an electric pump to facilitate pressurized
distribution to an automated landscape irrigation system.
Cisterns are constructed of durable material, such as
concrete, plastic, polyethylene, or metal.
Rebate Information: Install a rain water cistern at your
home or business and receive a rebate of 15 cents per
gallon.
(Maximum residential rebate = $1,000)
(Maximum commercial rebate = $10,000)
Green Roofs
Green roofs, also known as vegetated roof covers, eco-
roofs or nature roofs, are multi-beneficial structural
components that help to mitigate the effects of
urbanization on water quality by filtering, absorbing or
detaining rainfall. They are constructed of a lightweight
soil media, underlain by a drainage layer, and a high
quality impermeable membrane that protects the
building structure. The soil is planted with a specialized
mix of plants that can thrive in the harsh, dry, high
temperature conditions of the roof and tolerate short
periods of inundation from storm events. Green roofs provide storm water management benefits by
utilizing the biological, physical, and chemical processes found in the plant and soil complex to prevent
airborne pollutants from entering the storm drain system and reducing the runoff volume and peak
discharge rate by holding back and slowing down the water that would otherwise flow quickly into the
storm drain system. The quantity of rainfall retained or detained by a green roof can vary, but for small
rainfall events little or no runoffwill occur and the majority of the precipitation will return to the
atmosphere through evapotranspiration. For storms of greater intensity and duration, a vegetated roof
can significantly delay and reduce the runoff peak flow that would otherwise occur using conventional
roof design. In addition to their storm water benefits, green roofs also reduce the urban "heat islandll
effect, reduce C02 levels, reduce summer air conditioning costs and winter heat demand, and help
preserve habitat and biodiversity by providing an oasis of life in an otherwise sterile urban environment.
http://paloalto.visiblestrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Stormwater Runoff Reduction Page 3 of3
Rebate Information: Install a green roof on your building and receive a rebate of $1.50 per square foot.
(Maximum residential rebate $1,000)
(Maximum commercial rebate $10,000)
City of Palo Alto Storm Water Rebate Program web site: www&ityQfp~lQl:lltQ,Qr~stQnllwI:lJ~:r
http://paloalto.visib1estrategies.coml 7/9/2009
Stormwater Runoff Reduction 0
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