HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 9978City of Palo Alto (ID # 9978)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Special Orders of the Day Meeting Date: 1/7/2019
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Adoption of a Resolution for CM Greg Scharff
Title: Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Expressing
Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to H. Gregory Scharff as Mayor
and Council Member
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Cl erk
Attachments:
•Attachment A: Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to
Gregory H. Scharff as Council Member
Resolution
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE
TO H. GREGORY SCHARFF AS MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER
WHEREAS, Greg Scharff was first elected to the City Council in 2009 and has served as Vice Mayor in 2012 and 2016, and
as Mayor in 2013 and 2017; and
WHEREAS, throughout his time on the City Council, Greg served on all Council Committees and was Chair on many of them;
and
WHEREAS, Greg has also played a major role on many important regional boards and committees including the Northern
California Power Agency (NCPA), the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), the San
Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority (SFJPA), and the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Caltrain Joint Powers Board; and
WHEREAS, Greg’s leadership has been essential not only to the City of Palo Alto, but to the entire region, where he also
served as President of the Cities Association of Santa Clara County and was recently elected Vice Chair of the prestigious
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG); and
WHEREAS, as a champion for a transit-rich environment, Greg was involved in the creation of the Infrastructure Blue Ribbon
Commission (IBRC) which led to the development of today’s transportation programs, he supported increased investment in the
City’s street maintenance program, he leant his vison to the creation of the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan as
well as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, contributed to the approval of the Highway 101 Bike/Pedestrian Bridge project, supported
the continued funding of the Transportation Management Association (TMA), assisted with the successful expansion of the
Residential Parking Permit Program (RPP), and pushed for the reinstatement of the Rail Committee; and
WHEREAS, Greg has been a proponent for the advancement of Palo Alto’s environmental sustainability through the creation
of the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP), renewable energy and zero waste plans as well as the efforts to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, which resulted in moving Palo Alto to a 100 percent carbon neutral electric utility, and during his service
as Mayor, the City of Palo Alto was also recognized in front of hundreds of elected leaders from throughout California at this year’s
League of California Cities Annual Conference as the first city to achieve a Platinum Level Beacon Award for its efforts and
leadership in addressing climate change; and
WHEREAS, Greg made important decisions regarding housing in Palo Alto, including facilitating an agreement between the
Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) and the owners of the Buena Vista Mobile Park to keep the park open, which
has allowed over 400 low-income residents to remain in their homes, and the adoption of the new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) regulations; and
WHEREAS, Greg is a tireless advocate for infrastructure development funding, as demonstrated by his support for an increase
in the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), which will allow the development of a world class Public Safety Building. He also
shepherded the approval of two new mixed-use developments at 3001 and 3877 El Camino Real, which will provide the community
with housing and incorporate new ground floor retail at both locations; and
WHEREAS, Greg continued to foster Palo Alto’s important relationships with its Sister Cities. He traveled to Tsuchiura, Japan
to run the local marathon and work with the City of Heidelberg, Germany on strengthening of our Smart City Partnership
Agreement and the designation of Heidelberg as our seventh Sister City; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as Mayor, Greg successfully led the City of Palo Alto during a landmark year that included
many important accomplishments such as the completion and approval of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the City’s
Comprehensive Plan, which shapes the vision of the City’s future for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, under Greg’s leadership, the City of Palo had the honor of receiving Santa Clara County’s top public health
award, the Healthy City, Healthy Community Best Overall Award, which recognized the City for reducing secondhand smoke, its
Safe Routes to School Program, and its work in creating healthier food and beverage environments; the City also received the Age
Friendly City Award by the World Health Organization; and
WHEREAS, as Mayor, Greg chaired efficient and productive meetings, allowing everyone an equal opportunity to participate
while encouraging timely action, and his service on the Council exemplified his integrity, passion and commitment toward the
betterment of this community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Palo Alto hereby commends Greg’s outstanding
public service and gratefully records both its appreciation, and the appreciation of the citizens and businesses of this community,
for his meritorious service and commitment as a Palo Alto City Council Member and Mayor.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: JANUARY 7, 2019
ATTEST: APPROVED:
________________________ _____________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________ _____________________
City Manager City Attorney