HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 4122
City of Palo Alto (ID # 4122)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Consent Calendar Meeting Date: 9/23/2013
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Update to Heidelberg Agreement
Title: Reauthorization to Engage in a Non-Binding "Smart Cities Alliance
Agreement" with the City of Heidelberg, Germany, and Direction on
Exploring Future "Smart City" Alliance
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
Recommendation
Staff recommends that City Council reapprove the agreement between the City of
Heidelberg, Germany and the City of Palo Alto, replacing the word “partnership”
with “alliance”.
Background
On August 12, 2013, City Council approved Staff Report #3973 to authorize the
Mayor to execute the “Smart Cities Partnership Agreement” with the City of
Heidelberg, Germany at a ceremony to be held in October, 2013.
Discussion
The City of Palo Alto received a request from Heidelberg’s Mayor to change the
word “partnership,” in the agreement to “alliance.” The term “alliance” is more
typically used in Europe than “partnership”. While we may continue to refer to
our Smart City initiatives as partnerships, this change would be appropriate. The
word change would not change the conditions of the agreement. The Heidelberg
Mayor feels that the word change better highlights the difference between smart
city agreements and sister city agreements.
City of Palo Alto Page 2
The Mayor and City Manager will also be traveling to our Sister City Enschede, The
Netherlands, on this trip. Enschede is also interested in exploring a Smart City
“alliance” with Palo Alto. Mayor Scharff and I will be discussing this with their
Mayor and City Manager. Our trip will occur October 6-13.
In related matters, Vice Mayor Shepherd will traveling to China on behalf of the
City with the Bay Area Council, October 12-20. On that trip, she will be
participating in a Smart City Symposium in Yangpu District Shanghai (our Smart
City Partner in China).
Attachments:
Attachment A: Heidelberg Agreement with Edits (PDF)
Attachment B: Heidelberg Agreement Final (PDF)
Attachment C: 8-12-13 Staff Report (PDF)
Attaachment D: 08-12-13 CC Minutes Excerpt (DOC)
Page | 1
Smart Cities Alliance Partnership between the City of Heidelberg, Germany, and the City of Palo Alto,
California, USA
Introduction
The City of Heidelberg, Germany and the City of Palo Alto, California are interested in formalizing their
relationship, especially in the areas of cultural exchange, environmental sustainability and innovation-
driven economic development. As such, both entities would like to engage in a non-binding “Smart
Cities” Alliance Partnership to work together to strengthen ties.
Goal of the agreement
The principal goal of the alliance partnership is to leverage the assets of both Heidelberg and the City of
Palo Alto (cutting-edge research, talented workforce, world class educational institutions, emerging
technologies, engaged communities, forward-thinking policies and strategies, diverse populations, etc.)
to exchange ideas and value, especially in the areas of environmental sustainability and innovation-
driven economic development.
Areas for collaboration
Heidelberg and Palo Alto, through the sharing of information and “best practices” will assist each other
by sharing our perspectives, successes, and challenges, especially in the areas of economic and
environmental sustainability. We will strive to understand our respective places and cultures, and seek
to align partner in specific areas with a focus on mutual benefit. Once we have built a strong foundation,
we will seek to create mutual programs with measurable results. These programs will target the areas
of sustainable practices & community engagement, as well as the development, market introduction,
and application of new technologies.
Areas of specific interest include assistance to businesses that are developing technology in energy
efficiency, cloud computing, interactive digital arts and gaming, nanotechnology, biotechnology/
medical devices/ health care, sustainable development, electric vehicles and “smart automotive”,
renewable energy, and design. Cooperation or collaboration in these areas will be on an activity-by-
activity basis and through mutual consultation.
Both Palo Alto and Heidelberg will facilitate global growth for local businesses and community
engagement by functioning as the gateway to European and United States’ markets and communities
respectively. This gateway concept will include assisting in identifying community leaders, research
institutions, and companies for visitation, venues for further outreach, and the sharing of information to
assist business growth.
A contact person will be identified in each location to assist with coordination of activities. The identified
contact person will work with business associations and research institutes to assist with connectivity to
the appropriate resources or investment locations in Heidelberg and Palo Alto.
Page | 2
Partners The Cities will work to promote mutually beneficial relationships through Stanford and
Heidelberg Universities to foster internships and cross-businesses/ cultural exchanges. In addition, at
least one joint event will be pursued to engage leaders in both cities towards some meaningful dialogue
and measurable outcomes.
Alliance Partner Organizations
To effectively accomplish the above goals, it is critical that other organizations partners in addition to
the local government participate in this mission. The following are potential Alliance Partner
organizations
Heidelberg
Heidelberg University
Heidelberg Club International
Chamber of Industry and Commerce Rhine-
Neckar
Heidelberg Technologiepark
Palo Alto
Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce
Stanford University
Stanford Research Park
Palo Alto Unified School District
Palo Alto Community Environmental Action
Partnership
Neighbors Abroad
Duration of the Alliance Partnership
The partnership Alliance will be in effect between Heidelberg and Palo Alto for a period of five years
from November 1, 2013. After November 1, 2018, this Alliance will automatically renew on each
anniversary date unless notice of non-renewal is provided by either party 30 days prior to the renewal
date. Both cities agree to review progress on a bi-annual basis.
This alliance partnership expresses the mutual intention of Heidelberg and Palo Alto to foster
collaboration in areas of economic and environmental sustainability. Nothing contained in this
document shall be construed as forming a contract, business entity, partnership or fiduciary relationship
or any other legal obligation between Heidelberg and Palo Alto.
This alliance Partnership is acknowledged and agreed to on behalf of the City of Heidelberg, Germany
and this _________ day of _____________, 2013 in the City of Heidelberg, Germany by
_______________________________, Dr. Eckart Würzner, Mayor of the City of Heidelberg
(Signature)
Page | 3
This alliance partnership is acknowledged and agreed to on behalf of the City of Palo Alto, California,
USA, on this __________ day of _____________________in the City of Heidelberg, Germany, by
______________________________, H. Gregory Scharff, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, California
(Signature)
Page | 1
Smart Cities Alliance between the City of Heidelberg, Germany, and the City of Palo Alto, California,
USA
Introduction
The City of Heidelberg, Germany and the City of Palo Alto, California are interested in formalizing their
relationship, especially in the areas of cultural exchange, environmental sustainability and innovation-
driven economic development. As such, both entities would like to engage in a non-binding “Smart
Cities” Alliance to work together to strengthen ties.
Goal of the agreement
The principal goal of the alliance is to leverage the assets of both Heidelberg and the City of Palo Alto
(cutting-edge research, talented workforce, world class educational institutions, emerging technologies,
engaged communities, forward-thinking policies and strategies, diverse populations, etc.) to exchange
ideas and value, especially in the areas of environmental sustainability and innovation-driven economic
development.
Areas for collaboration
Heidelberg and Palo Alto, through the sharing of information and “best practices” will assist each other
by sharing our perspectives, successes, and challenges, especially in the areas of economic and
environmental sustainability. We will strive to understand our respective places and cultures, and seek
to align in specific areas with a focus on mutual benefit. Once we have built a strong foundation, we will
seek to create mutual programs with measurable results. These programs will target the areas of
sustainable practices & community engagement, as well as the development, market introduction, and
application of new technologies.
Areas of specific interest include assistance to businesses that are developing technology in energy
efficiency, cloud computing, interactive digital arts and gaming, nanotechnology, biotechnology/
medical devices/ health care, sustainable development, electric vehicles and “smart automotive”,
renewable energy, and design. Cooperation or collaboration in these areas will be on an activity-by-
activity basis and through mutual consultation.
Both Palo Alto and Heidelberg will facilitate global growth for local businesses and community
engagement by functioning as the gateway to European and United States’ markets and communities
respectively. This gateway concept will include assisting in identifying community leaders, research
institutions, and companies for visitation, venues for further outreach, and the sharing of information to
assist business growth.
A contact person will be identified in each location to assist with coordination of activities. The identified
contact person will work with business associations and research institutes to assist with connectivity to
the appropriate resources or investment locations in Heidelberg and Palo Alto.
Page | 2
The Cities will work to promote mutually beneficial relationships through Stanford and Heidelberg
Universities to foster internships and cross-businesses/ cultural exchanges. In addition, at least one joint
event will be pursued to engage leaders in both cities towards some meaningful dialogue and
measurable outcomes.
Alliance Organizations
To effectively accomplish the above goals, it is critical that other organizations in addition to the local
government participate in this mission. The following are potential Alliance organizations
Heidelberg
Heidelberg University
Heidelberg Club International
Chamber of Industry and Commerce Rhine-
Neckar
Heidelberg Technologiepark
Palo Alto
Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce
Stanford University
Stanford Research Park
Palo Alto Unified School District
Palo Alto Community Environmental Action
Partnership
Neighbors Abroad
Duration of the Alliance
The Alliance will be in effect between Heidelberg and Palo Alto for a period of five years from
November 1, 2013. After November 1, 2018, this Alliance will automatically renew on each anniversary
date unless notice of non-renewal is provided by either party 30 days prior to the renewal date. Both
cities agree to review progress on a bi-annual basis.
This alliance expresses the mutual intention of Heidelberg and Palo Alto to foster collaboration in areas
of economic and environmental sustainability. Nothing contained in this document shall be construed
as forming a contract, business entity, fiduciary relationship or any other legal obligation between
Heidelberg and Palo Alto.
This alliance is acknowledged and agreed to on behalf of the City of Heidelberg, Germany and this
_________ day of _____________, 2013 in the City of Heidelberg, Germany by
_______________________________, Dr. Eckart Würzner, Mayor of the City of Heidelberg
(Signature)
Page | 3
This alliance is acknowledged and agreed to on behalf of the City of Palo Alto, California, USA, on this
__________ day of _____________________in the City of Heidelberg, Germany, by
______________________________, H. Gregory Scharff, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, California
(Signature)
City of Palo Alto (ID # 3973)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 8/12/2013
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: International Relationships
Title: Review of the City of Palo Alto/ Neighbor's Abroad Sister Cities
Program, Discussion of International Relationships Strategy, Authorization to
Engage in a Non-Binding "Smart Cities Partnership Agreement" with the City
of Heidelberg, Germany, and Direction on Exploring Future "Smart City"
Partnerships
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
Recommendation
Staff recommends that Council review and discuss the background and history of
the City’s international relationships, and Motion:
1. Authorize the Mayor to execute the attached “Smart Cities Partnership
Agreement” (Attachment 5) with the City of Heidelberg, Germany at a
ceremony to be held in October, 2013.
2. Discuss the Bay Area Council’s invitation to the Mayor and/or other Council
Members to represent the Council in the US-China Collaboration Symposium
in October, 2013, with special focus on the Smart Cities Conference in
Yangpu, Shanghai
3. Direct staff to work with Stanford University to explore the creation of a
Government Innovations and Entrepreneurship Fellowship.
4. Direct staff to work in collaboration with Neighbors Abroad and other
community volunteers to explore the addition of the “Smart City” concepts
to existing Sister Cities who might be interested.
City of Palo Alto Page 2
Background
Sister Cities International and Neighbors Abroad
Sister Cities International (SCI) was created in 1956 by President Dwight D.
Eisenhower, who “envisioned an organization that could be the hub of peace and
prosperity by creating bonds between people from different cities around the
world.” In a post-war era, SSI promoted “citizen diplomacy”; promoting peace and
prosperity by creating opportunities for people to learn about other people and
cultures and build lifetime friendships [see additional sources 1 below]. The
intent was that upon a foundation of mutual understanding, a new era of
peaceful collaboration between cities, and ultimately nations, would be catalyzed.
In the early 1960s, citizen leaders in Palo Alto formed Neighbors Abroad, an
organization meant to create and manage the City’s emerging international
relations strategy based on the principles of SCI, focused primarily on cultural and
educational exchanges. Palo Alto’s first official Sister City relationship was forged
in 1963 with Palo, Leyte, Philippines. It was followed in 1964 by Oaxaca, Mexico.
Since then, several more official Sister City relationships developed: Enschede,
Netherlands (1980); Linkoping, Sweden (1987); Albi, France (1994); and Tsuchiura,
Japan (2009).
With the goal of “promot[ing] international and inter-cultural understanding” [see
additional sources 2 below], the 50 years of international relationships for Palo
Alto through Neighbors Abroad has been very successful. This is evidenced not
only by the continued relationships between citizens in Palo Alto and our sister
cities, but also in the numerous programs, visits, and student exchanges that
continue to be organized and produced by Neighbors Abroad. Many of these
events are documented in El Chisme de Neighbors Abroad, their bi-monthly
publication. In fact, within the last year, the City has partnered with Neighbors
Abroad to host visits from citizens and leaders from 5 of our 6 Sister Cities (Palo,
Oaxaca, Enschede, Linkoping, and Tsuchiura). It is important to note that in
conversations with each of our Sister Cities it has become clear that they are all
interested in a more focused relationship, especially as it relates to economic
development.
City of Palo Alto Page 3
Managing an official Sister-City relationship requires a great deal of energy and
commitment. Neighbors Abroad established a program management structure
that largely relies on a volunteer Vice President to lead each relationship. This
creates a risk to the sustainability of the program if their effort to engage new
members in the leadership pipeline is unsuccessful. Further, while SCI has
adapted its emphasis to include economic partnerships as a focus area, Neighbors
Abroad has deliberatively not done so. Staff recommends working together with
Neighbors Abroad to ensure that our established relationships continue, allowing
the flexibility to transition the nature of our collaborations as appropriate.
“Smart Cities” Partnerships
In the 50 years since 1963, Palo Alto/Stanford has emerged as a global center for
technology and innovation. This has had an important impact on our appeal to
other cities as a potential strategic partner. This interest is evidenced by the
regular visits by leaders from cities all over the world. Environmental
sustainability, innovation-driven economic development, and educational
exchanges are just a few areas where a mutually beneficial, strategic, and focused
relationship could be fruitful for those cities and ours.
Especially in the last decade, changes in the geo-political landscape, technological
advancements, and the globalization of the world economy have made new types
of collaboration and partnership possible. It is now appropriate to review our
international relationships and explore structures and strategies attuned to this
changing landscape and which allow for the flexibility to experiment with new
approaches. Because the Sister-City model does not allow for such smaller,
focused, relationships, the concept of a “Smart-City” partnership has materialized
as a potential new model worth testing.
A smart city, as defined by the United Cities for Local Governments, is “a type of
city that uses new technologies to make them more livable, functional,
competitive, and modern through the use of new technologies, the promotion of
innovation and knowledge management, bringing together 6 key fields of
performance: the economy, mobility, the environment, citizenship, quality of life
and, finally, management.” [See additional sources 3 below]
City of Palo Alto Page 4
The idea of the “Smart City” partnership is to create a vehicle by which the City
can engage with another city or region of the world around strategically targeted
topic areas that benefits the City, its people, and community. The partnership
would be short-term (less than 5 years) in duration, and be expected to provide
valuable results measured through mutually-established metrics. These topic
areas could draw from the Smart City movement, which includes:
Support for Entrepreneurship
Retaining and attracting talent and promoting creativity
Education
Online public services
Transparent governance
Promoting ICT (information and communications technology) and Innovation
Smart mobility
Culture and Identity
Accessibility and e-inclusion [3]
City of Heidelberg, Germany
For several years, the City of Heidelberg, Germany, has been in discussions with
City Leaders about engaging in such a partnership.
In October, a presentation was given to the Council by representatives from
Heidelberg and SAP regarding the City of Heidelberg. This presentation is
attached (Attachment 4), and highlights several of the key aspects of Heidelberg
as well as areas of potential collaboration with the City of Palo Alto. Heidelberg is
a city of approximately 150,000 people that takes up approximately 68 square
miles at the center of the Neckar River Triangle in Germany. It is home to several
institutions of scientific and technical research, and boasts an economy largely
driven by invention and innovation.
City of Palo Alto Page 5
Staff was especially impressed with their leadership in the area of environmental
sustainability, both in terms of their City’s goals as well as their robust programs-
especially those that engaged their citizenry in behavioral changes. This is
exemplified by their inclusion in the C40, an internationally respected Climate
Leadership Group, made up mostly of much larger cities. An overview of their
environmental efforts is included in their collateral entitled “Climate Protection
Commitment” included in this report (Attachment 6)
Staff has also identified several current residents in Palo Alto from the Heidelberg
region who have expressed their interest in volunteering in any effort to connect
our two cities. In follow-up efforts and meetings, a “Smart City Partnership
Agreement” has been drafted for the Council’s Consideration (Attachment 5)
Yangpu District of Shanghai, China
In November of 2012, the Council authorized the Mayor to execute an
exploratory agreement with the District of Yangpu, Shanghai, China (Attachment
3). Staff and Council Members traveled to China with a Bay Area Council (BAC)
Delegation, and returned with a presentation on their experiences in December.
At that point, staff was given directions specific to continuing the Yangpu/Palo
Alto relationship. An update of the efforts of staff and volunteers thus far was
included in the Council Packet for 8/5/13 as an informational item. Of particular
note is the successful completion of a pilot student exchange/ experiential
learning program by six teens from Palo Alto High Schools. Staff was also directed
to return to Council with a study session on International Relations. This action
session of the Council is intended to allow for discussion, but also includes the
flexibility for some specific actions for Council’s consideration.
As noted in the informational report on 8/5/13, The City has also been invited by
the Bay Area Council to take part in the “Smart City” Conference 2013 to be held
in China. It begins outside Beijing in Tianjin and concludes in Yangpu, Shanghai.
The Mayor and the City Manager (or appointees) have been invited to speak at
the conference. Vice Mayor Shepherd has been participating in the steering
committee process and expects to have an informative program involving green
tech leaders, government officials and industry. The purpose is to promote 21st
Century thinking on green efforts as China develops their domestic economy and
City of Palo Alto Page 6
public services. The conference is scheduled for October 13-20, and all council
members are welcome to attend. The Bay Area Council has created a special
government rate for those interested in participating.
City of Espoo, Finland and Aalto University
In late May, 2013, The Mayor, Vice Mayor, City Manager, and Asst. Planning
Director met with representatives from the Stanford Technology Venture
Program, leaders from the City of Espoo, Finland, and the University of Aalto in
Espoo. Through this interesting discussion, an idea emerged that a program
between Palo Alto and a Stanford graduate student could be developed with a
focus on government innovations and entrepreneurship. If such a program was
also developed simultaneously between the City of Espoo and Aalto University, it
could form the initial foundation for a very interesting “Smart Cities” Partnership
as well.
Discussion
The City of Palo Alto has an opportunity to build on its international identity and
the existing strong foundation of international relationships to create new value
for the City. In this Digital Age, it is appropriate to build upon our goodwill and
cultural exchanges to reach beyond to form new economic, technical, and
innovation focused programs with other cities in the world.
We can leverage our existing international relationships and add some new ones,
especially those that benefit our city and enhance our position in the global
marketplace. A nimble model such as the “Smart Cities” partnership allows us to
explore potential relationships and engage in shorter term, focused collaboration
towards specific and measureable goals.
The “Sister City” model has an important place in the history of Palo Alto. It has
provided a strong foundation for our international relations. The efforts of the
Neighbors Abroad volunteers and Staff over the last 50 years have been
remarkably valuable and fruitful for the City, especially from a cultural,
City of Palo Alto Page 7
educational, and ambassadorial perspective. Staff recommends that the City
continue to support the Sister City programs, visits, and exchanges largely
managed by Neighbors Abroad. At the same time Staff can also work with
Neighbors Abroad and other interested community members to create new
strategic opportunities as well. These results-oriented relationships need not rise
to the level of depth and permanence of the “Sister City”, and indeed should be
lithe and flexible in their structure. It is intended that through the inclusion of a
new Smart Cities model, Staff and Neighbors Abroad can work to attract a
broader range of citizens to volunteer in the efforts.
Given the background and meetings between the City of Palo Alto and the City of
Heidelberg, a short term Smart City Partnership between the two cities is a good
chance to experiment with a new model and a chance to develop some
measurable results. Additionally, Staff anticipates using it as a test case to draw
new people and interest into our collaboration with Neighbors Abroad. A draft of
a non-binding and exploratory agreement with Heidelberg was created for the
Council’s consideration and approval, and is attached as (Attachment 5)
Government Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellowship
Staff is also seeking the Council’s direction to work with Stanford to explore the
interest in designing a fellowship that would focus on innovations in local
government and entrepreneurialism. Staff would develop a framework for a
potential program and return to Council for discussion/ action at a later time.
Timeline
Staff intends to return to Council with an update in the first quarter of 2014.
Resource Impact
Some staff time will be dedicated to this effort. it is likely that additional
resources may be requested as part of any further staff recommendations,
especially the creation of a Government Innovations/ Entrepreneurship
Fellowship.
City of Palo Alto Page 8
Additional Sources
[1] www.sister-cities.org/mission-and-history
[2] www.neighborsabroad.org
[3] http://www.cities-
localgovernments.org/committees/cdc/Upload/formations/smartcitiesstudy_en.pdf
Attachments:
Attachment 1: Excerpt Minutes 10-22-12 (Heidelberg Presentation) (JPG)
Attachment 2: Excerpt Minutes 12-17-12 (Yangpu Partnership and Direction for Study
Session) (PDF)
Attachment 3: Yangpu Partnership Agreement_Final (PDF)
Attachment 4: Heidelberg Presentation 10-12 PPT (PPTX)
Attachment 5: Heidelberg-Palo Alto Draft MOU_7-1-13 (DOCX)
Attachment 6: Heidelberg Climate Protection Commitment (PDF)
CITY OF PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL
EXCERPT MINUTES
Page 1 of 4
Special Meeting
August 12, 2013
Review of the City of Palo Alto/Neighbor's Abroad Sister Cities Program,
Discussion of International Relationships Strategy, Authorization to Engage
in a Non-Binding "Smart Cities Partnership Agreement" with the City of
Heidelberg, Germany, and Direction on Exploring Future "Smart City"
Partnerships.
Thomas Fehrenbach, Manager of Economic Development, reported the intent
of the item was to build a framework and strategy for choosing cities and
regions for partnership and methods to measure success. Staff sought
Council direction to work with Neighbors Abroad and other volunteer leaders
to explore a new model for future global partnerships. The first part of the
recommendation authorized the Mayor to execute a Smart Cities Partnership
Agreement with Heidelberg, Germany. Staff would utilize the non-binding
agreement as a test case for a new model of partnership and work with
Neighbors Abroad and other community members who supported the
partnership. The idea was to build a structure for a fruitful exchange and to
measure outcomes. If approved, the Mayor and Council Members would
sign the agreement in October 2013 in Germany. Staff recommended the
Council discuss the Bay Area Council's invitation to participate in the U.S.-
China Symposium in October 2013 in Shanghai, China. The conference
aligned with the City's current exploratory agreement with the Yangpu
District in Shanghai. Staff could work with Stanford University to explore
creation of a Local Government Innovations and Entrepreneurship Fellowship
in the City Manager's office. That position could be mirrored at the
University of Aalto in the City of Espoo, Finland. Staff could return to the
Council in early 2014 with any plans for a fellowship. Staff requested
Council direction to work with Neighbors Abroad to determine whether
current sister cities were interested in a new relationship.
Robert Moss felt the potential agreement with Yangpu regarding
technological and scientific information could be a problem.
Bing Wei, Bay Area Council, stated the agreement was designed to provide a
broad structure for partnership. She supported the City signing an
agreement with the City of Heidelberg.
MINUTES
Page 2 of 4
City Council Meeting
Excerpt Minutes: 8/12/13
Vice Mayor Shepherd asked why Heidelberg would be considered a test case
when the Yangpu agreement was in place.
Mr. Fehrenbach indicated the cultural and business differences between the
US and China allowed for the building of cultural understanding. Because
the City had worked with Heidelberg over the past few years, the
relationship was more tangible.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Shepherd moved, seconded by Council Member Kniss
to: 1) authorize the Mayor to execute the attached “Smart Cities
Partnership Agreement” (Attachment 5) with the City of Heidelberg,
Germany at a ceremony to be held in October 2013; 2) discuss the Bay Area
Council’s invitation to the Mayor and/or other Council Members to represent
the Council in the US-China Collaboration Symposium in October 2013, with
special focus on the Smart Cities Conference in Yangpu, Shanghai; 3) direct
Staff to work with Stanford University to explore the creation of a
Government Innovations and Entrepreneurship Fellowship; and 4) direct
staff to work in collaboration with Neighbors Abroad and other community
volunteers to explore the addition of the “Smart City” concepts to existing
Sister Cities who might be interested.
Vice Mayor Shepherd believed the City should work with Neighbors Abroad
to develop economic relationships. She reported on the student exchange
with Yangpu. A closer relationship with Yangpu would provide good
experiences. Palo Alto had a natural synergy with Heidelberg's green
energy. All Council Members were invited to the symposium in Shanghai.
Council Member Kniss indicated Neighbors Abroad made a difference in the
cultural aspects of Sister Cities. The new model provided an opportunity to
interact on a different level with Sister Cities.
Council Member Price inquired whether Staff would provide additional details
concerning the fellowship position with Espoo, Finland.
Mr. Fehrenbach reported the partnership with Stanford University to create
the fellowship was a concept at the current time. Staff requested Council
direction to explore that opportunity.
Council Member Price inquired about the expenses Council Members were
expected to pay for the trips to Germany and China.
Mr. Fehrenbach stated Council Members were expected to pay their
expenses. The Bay Area Council provided a reduced rate.
MINUTES
Page 3 of 4
City Council Meeting
Excerpt Minutes: 8/12/13
Council Member Price asked if Staff would present information regarding
resources needed to work on these programs.
Mr. Fehrenbach could return with information for Council consideration.
Council Member Holman expressed concern about the impact of these
programs on City resources.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Council Member Holman moved, seconded by
Council Member Klein to go forward with Staff recommendations 1 and 3 at
this time: 1) authorize the Mayor to execute the attached “Smart Cities
Partnership Agreement” (Attachment 5) with the City of Heidelberg,
Germany at a ceremony to be held in October 2013; and 3) direct Staff to
work with Stanford University to explore the creation of a Government
Innovations and Entrepreneurship Fellowship.
Council Member Holman felt proceeding in phases was prudent. Because of
earlier Council comments, Recommendation Numbers 1 and 3 were logical
first steps.
Council Member Klein agreed the future was global partnerships. However,
the Council needed to define its goals and determine metrics and resource
impacts. He did not understand why Recommendation Number 2 needed
Council action.
Pamela Antil, Assistant City Manager, recalled that previously the Council
decided Council Members would pay for travel. Staff provided
Recommendation Number 2 to allow the Council to discuss payment of
expenses.
Council Member Schmid was excited by the prospect of building relationships
with foreign cities. The intent was to build relationships with respect to
technology, innovation and sustainability. One of the goals of the Heidelberg
partnership was to assist businesses, which was not the City's responsibility.
With respect to sustainability, exchanges with Heidelberg would benefit the
City. He was attracted to Recommendation Number 3, because of the
potential flow of ideas regarding government operations. That type of
relationship could be valuable to the Council.
Council Member Berman supported the Substitute Motion in order to
understand the Smart City concepts and to solidify those concepts with a
few cities.
MINUTES
Page 4 of 4
City Council Meeting
Excerpt Minutes: 8/12/13
Mayor Scharff agreed with limiting action to Recommendation Numbers 1
and 3. The Substitute Motion did not preclude acting on Recommendation
Number 4 once relationships were solidified with concrete proposals.
Council Member Burt recommended the primary focus of the relationships
relate to technology, innovation and government and best practices in
sustainable cities. Heidelberg implemented innovative technologies that
could benefit Palo Alto. He supported the Substitute Motion.
Vice Mayor Shepherd wanted to include Recommendation Number 2 to allow
Council discussion regarding payment of expenses. Recommendation
Number 4 should be implemented to build a better relationship with
Neighbors Abroad.
Council Member Price supported the Substitute Motion. She acknowledged
the important relationships built with Yangpu and China and the fine work of
Neighbors Abroad. Because of impacts to City resources, she preferred to
focus on Recommendation Numbers 1 and 3. With additional experience,
the City could ensure future relationships were successful and mutually
beneficial.
Council Member Holman requested Staff provide possible funding sources for
Council trips.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION PASSED: 7-2 Kniss, Shepherd no
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 P.M.