HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2502-4119CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, February 24, 2025
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
2.Approval of Minutes from February 3, 2025, February 4, 2025, and February 10, 2025
Meeting
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: February 24, 2025
Report #:2502-4119
TITLE
Approval of Minutes from February 3, 2025, February 4, 2025, and February 10, 2025 Meetings
RECOMMENDATION
That the minutes be reviewed and approved.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: February 3, 2025 Draft Action Minutes
Attachment B: February 4, 2025 Draft Action Minutes
Attachment C: February 10, 2025 Draft Action Minutes
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun
CITY COUNCIL
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 1 of 4
Regular Meeting
February 3, 2025
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council Chambers and by virtual
teleconference at 5:30 P.M.
Present In Person: Burt, Lauing, Lu, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl, Stone, Veenker
Present Remotely:
Absent:
Special Orders of the Day
1. Interview Candidates for the Vacancies on the Planning and Transportation Commission
Item Removed Off Agenda
NO ACTION
Agenda Changes, Additions and Deletions
Public Comment
Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements
Consent Calendar
Councilmember Lythcott-Haims registered a no vote on Agenda Item Number 4.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Veenker moved, seconded by Councilmember Reckdahl to approve
Agenda Item Numbers 2-6.
MOTION PASSED ITEMS 2-3, 5-6: 7-0
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 2 of 4
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 02/03/2025
MOTION PASSED ITEM 4: 6-1, Lythcott-Haims no
2. Approval of Minutes from January 13, 2025 Meeting
3. Appointment of 2025 Emergency Standby Council
4. Approval of Construction Contract No. C25191929 with Alex Kushner General Inc. in the
Amount Not-to-Exceed $390,000 for the Temporary Fire Station 4 as part of the Fire
Station 4 Replacement Capital Improvement Program project (PE-18004) and
Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change
Orders for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work that May Develop During the
Project Up to a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $39,000; CEQA Status – Exempt Under Section
15303
5. Authorize the City Manager or their Designee to Execute an Assistance Agreement with
the United States Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration (PHMSA) in the amount of $16,519,879 through January 31, 2030;
CEQA Status – Not a project.
6. Approval of Three Professional Services Contracts for On-call Transportation Engineering
and Planning Project Support Services, for a Four-Year Term: 1) Contract Number
C25191149 with TJKM Transportation in the Amount Not-to-Exceed $300,000, 2)
Contract Number C25192647 With Fehr and Peers in the Amount Not-to-Exceed
$800,000, and 3) Contract Number C25192646 With Kittelson and Associates in the
Amount Not-to-Exceed $800,000; CEQA status - categorically exempt; specific projects
will undergo environmental review as applicable.
City Manager Comments
Ed Shikada, City Manager
Action Items
7. Update and Potential Direction on Car-Free Street Improvements on California Avenue;
CEQA status – CEQA review is currently underway on the projects as described in this
report.
NO ACTION
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 3 of 4
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 02/03/2025
8. REINTRODUCED FIRST READING: Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Palo Alto
Municipal Code Title 18 (Zoning) and Title 21 (Subdivisions and Other Divisions of Land)
to Clarify Existing Regulations and to Implement State Housing Laws Adopted in 2023
and Earlier, Including Parking Requirements Near Transit Stations in Accordance with AB
2097. CEQA Status - Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
(PREVIOUSLY INTRODUCED: November 12, 2024 PASSED 6-1, Kou no; and Pulled from
Consent Calendar on December 16, 2024)
MOTION: Councilmember Burt moved, seconded by Councilmember Reckdahl to adopt the
attached ordinance that clarifies existing land use regulations and implements State housings
laws adopted in 2023 and earlier and direct staff to:
1. Come back with a 1st reading on Consent with an Ordinance consistent with Option 1,
which would require ADA/EVCS parking based on the amount of voluntary parking
provided on site; and
2. Refer to Planning and Transportation Commission, in consultation with the Downtown
Housing Committee, to make recommendation to the Council on how to best
implement a set of ADA/EVCS parking requirements aligned with Option 2 and
incentives aligned with Option 1.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
Closed Session
9. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY – POTENTIAL LITIGATION
Subject: Calculation of Housing In-Lieu Fees for Sheridan Plaza, as set forth in December
18, 2024 Letter from David Van Atta
Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) One Case, as Defendant
MOTION: Vice Mayor Veenker moved, seconded by Mayor Lauing to go into Closed Session.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
Council went into Closed Session at 9:20 P.M.
Council returned from Closed Session at 9:42 P.M.
Mayor Lauing announced no reportable action.
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 4 of 4
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 02/03/2025
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:43 P.M.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
____________________ ____________________
City Clerk Mayor
NOTE: Action minutes are prepared in accordance with Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC)
2.04.160(a) and (b). Summary minutes (sense) are prepared in accordance with PAMC Section
2.04.160(c). Beginning in January 2018, in accordance with Ordinance No. 5423, the City Council
found action minutes and the video/audio recordings of Council proceedings to be the official
records of both Council and committee proceedings. These recordings are available on the
City’s website.
CITY COUNCIL
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 1 of 1
Special Meeting
February 4, 2025
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council Chambers and by virtual
teleconference at 5:30 P.M.
Present In Person: Burt, Lauing, Lu, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl, Stone, Veenker
Lythcott-Haims arrived at 5:36 p.m.
Present Remotely:
Absent:
Special Orders of the Day
1. Interview Candidates for the Vacancies on the Planning and Transportation Commission.
CEQA Status – Not a project.
NO ACTION
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 P.M.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
____________________ ____________________
City Clerk Mayor
NOTE: Action minutes are prepared in accordance with Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC)
2.04.160(a) and (b). Summary minutes (sense) are prepared in accordance with PAMC Section
2.04.160(c). Beginning in January 2018, in accordance with Ordinance No. 5423, the City Council
found action minutes and the video/audio recordings of Council proceedings to be the official
records of both Council and committee proceedings. These recordings are available on the
City’s website.
CITY COUNCIL
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 1 of 6
Special Meeting
February 10, 2025
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council Chambers and by virtual
teleconference at 5:30 P.M.
Present In Person: Burt, Lauing, Lu, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl, Stone, Veenker
Present Remotely:
Absent:
Special Orders of the Day
1. Santa Clara County 2024 Synopsys Championship Science Fair STEM Winners from Palo
Alto
NO ACTION
2. Appointment of Candidates to the Planning and Transportation Commission
MOTION: Councilmember Burt moved, seconded by Councilmember Stone, to appoint seat 5
effective immediately tabulating the two highest vote getters. If candidates receive a majority,
they would be appointed to the two full year positions. The highest vote getter among those
two will be appointed to seat 5.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
Planning and Transportation Commission
First Round of Voting for Two (2) vacancies on the Planning and Transportation Commission
with full terms ending March 31, 2029.
Forest Olaf Peterson: Veenker, Lythcott-Haims, Lu
Daniel Hekier:
William Glazier:
Arthur Keller:
Kevin Ji: Reckdahl, Burt, Lythcott-Haims, Veenker, Stone, Lauing
Salim Parak:
Thomas Kellerman: Lu
Declan King:
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 2 of 6
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 2/10/25
Michael Regula:
Todd James: Reckdahl, Burt, Stone, Lauing
Candidate Kevin Ji receiving 6 votes is appointed to a full-term (Seat 5) expiring March 31,
2029.
Candidate Todd James receiving 4 votes is appointed to a full-term (Seat 6) expiring March
31, 2029.
First Round of Voting for One (1) vacancy on the Planning and Transportation Commission with
a partial term ending March 31, 2026.
Forest Olaf Peterson: Stone, Lythcott-Haims, Veenker, Lu
Daniel Hekier: Burt
William Glazier:
Arthur Keller:
Salim Parak:
Thomas Kellerman:
Michael Regula:
Terrance Holzemer: Reckdahl, Lauing
Henrik Morkner:
Candidate Forest Olaf Peterson receiving 4 votes is appointed to a partial term (Seat 4)
expiring March 31, 2026.
Agenda Changes, Additions and Deletions
Public Comment
Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements
Study Session
3. Housing and Homelessness in Palo Alto: Review of current efforts including the 2024
Gap Analysis Report, Update on Enforcement Work, Overview of Engagement
Framework to Develop an Implementation Plan, and Discussion of Other Potential Next
Steps
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 3 of 6
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 2/10/25
NO ACTION
Consent Calendar
MOTION: Councilmember Lu moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Veenker to approve Agenda
Item Numbers 4-12.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
4. Approval of Minutes from January 21, 2025 and January 25, 2025 Meetings
5. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 2 to Contract Number S24189598 with Good City
Company in the Amount of $24,930 for a Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance Update;
CEQA Status: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3)
6. Approval of Contract Amendment Number Three to Contract Number C21177024 With
Veolia Sustainable Buildings USA West, Inc. to Extend the Contract Time Through August 14,
2026 With No Change in the Amount Not-to-Exceed of $1,985,000 for the Commercial &
Industrial Energy Efficiency Program. CEQA - Not a Project
7. Approval of Amendment Number Three (3) to Contract Number C19174648 with
WaterSmart Software, Inc. (dba WaterSmart) for the WaterSmart Utilities Customer Portal,
to Extend the Contract Term for 18 Months, for the Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of
$537,763 Over the Seven-Year Term; CEQA status –Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section
15308.
8. Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Approve the Verified Emission
Reduction (VER) Master Agreements with AQC Environmental Brokerage Services, Inc. and
SCB Brokers, LLC and Authorizing the City Manager to Purchase VERs from AQC
Environmental Brokerage Services, Inc. and SCB Brokers, LLC Under Specified Terms and
Conditions During Calendar Years 2025 Through 2034, Inclusive, Subject to Limitations;
CEQA Status: Not a Project, CEQA Guidelines 15378(b)(5)
9. Approval of Professional Services Contract Number C25189597 with Rutherford & Chekene
in an Amount Not to Exceed $207,812 for Development of a Seismic Hazard Identification
and Mitigation Program for a Period of Three Years. CEQA Status: Exempt under CEQA
Guidelines 15262.
10. Approval of Two Professional Service Agreements: Contract No. C25190944A with 4Leaf,
Inc. and Contract No. C25190944B with Park Engineering, Inc in the Aggregate Amount Not-
to-Exceed $3.75 Million for a Period of Five Years for On-Call Field Inspections and
Construction Management Services to Support Utilities Water, Gas, and Wastewater Capital
Improvement Projects; CEQA Status: Not a project.
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 4 of 6
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 2/10/25
11. Adoption of a Resolution Amending the Conflict of Interest Code for Designated City
Officers and Employees as Required by the Political Reform Act and Regulations of the Fair
Political Practices Commission and Repealing Resolution Number 9937. CEQA Status -- Not a
Project
12. SECOND READING: Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Various
Chapters of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Implement the 2023-2031
Housing Element (FIRST READING: January 21, 2025 PASSED 7-0)
City Manager Comments
Ed Shikada, City Manager
Recess City Council Meeting and Convene Public Improvement Corporation Meeting
Action Items
13. Approval of the FY 2024 Public Improvement Corporation’s Annual Financial Report;
CEQA Status: Not a Project
MOTION: Board Member Stone moved, seconded by Board Member Veenker to approve the
Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Annual Financial Report for the Palo Alto Public Improvement Corporation.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
Reconvene City Council Meeting
Action Items
14. PUBLIC HEARING: Objections to Weed Abatement at Affected Properties and Approval of
Affected Property List for Commencing Weed Abatement in 2025; CEQA status – exempt
MOTION: Mayor Lauing moved, seconded by Councilmember Lythcott-Haims to:
1. Adopt a determination that weed abatement activities in 2025, as described in
Resolution 10201 (Attachment A) adopted by Council on December 2, 2024, are exempt
under Class 8 (CEQA Guidelines section 15308);
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 5 of 6
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 2/10/25
2. Hold a Public Hearing to hear and consider any objections to the proposed destruction
and removal of weeds in 2025 at the properties listed in Attachment B; and
3. Approve the final list of affected properties for weed abatement in 2025 (Attachment B)
following the public hearing, and direct weed abatement activities to commence at
those properties in accordance with Resolution 10201.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
15. PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI-JUDICIAL. 3265 El Camino Real [24PLN-00012]: Approval of an
Ordinance Rezoning the Subject Parcel From Commercial Services (CS) to Planned
Community Zoning (PC) and Adoption of a Record of Land Use Action to Construct a 100%
Affordable, Five-Story, 55 Unit Residential Rental Project. Environmental Assessment: Initial
Study/15183 Streamlined CEQA Review.
MOTION: Councilmember Stone moved, seconded by Councilmember Burt, to take the
following actions:
1. Consider the Initial Study Checklist/Streamlined Environmental Review prepared in
accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15183;
2. Adopt the Ordinance in Attachment B amending the zone district from CS to PC; and
3. Approve the Record of Land Use Action in Attachment C, with the following additions:
a. Future residents shall be notified that if a future Residential Parking Permit (RPP)
will be enacted, that they may be excluded from it; and
b. The property manager shall provide an annual report to the City of the number
of Palo Alto Unified School District employees that occupy the building and
which unit types they are occupying.
4. Incorporate into the Regulatory Agreement:
a. Allow the Owner to designate the Low-Income Unit as a Moderate-Income Unit
with a countervailing re-designation of a previously Moderate-Income Unit to
Low-Income Unit; and
b. For PAUSD employees, if a tenant exceeds the maximum allowable income, they
will be allowed to stay in the unit for a period of six months or through the end
of the school year, whichever is later, subject to legal review; and
c. Include a preference for PAUSD employees; and
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 6 of 6
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 2/10/25
d. Allow up to 2 low-income units to transition to 100% AMI.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
AMENDMENTS INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE MAKER AND
SECONDER
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:06 P.M.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
____________________ ____________________
City Clerk Mayor
NOTE: Action minutes are prepared in accordance with Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC)
2.04.160(a) and (b). Summary minutes (sense) are prepared in accordance with PAMC Section
2.04.160(c). Beginning in January 2018, in accordance with Ordinance No. 5423, the City Council
found action minutes and the video/audio recordings of Council proceedings to be the official
records of both Council and committee proceedings. These recordings are available on the
City’s website.