HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2503-4436CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Monday, May 05, 2025
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
2.Proclamation Honoring Russ Reich for his Service to the City of Palo Alto
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: May 5, 2025
Report #:2503-4436
TITLE
Proclamation Honoring Russ Reich for his Service to the City of Palo Alto
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Proclamation Honoring Russ Reich for his Service to the City of Palo Alto
APPROVED BY:
Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO RUSS REICH UPON HIS RETIREMENT
WHEREAS, Russ Reich began his career with the City of Palo Alto as an intern in 1999 and has provided exemplary
service to the community throughout his 25-plus year career in Planning and Development Services; and
WHEREAS, Russ served as liaison to the Architectural Review Board for multiple terms and facilitated the ARB
Design Awards program in 2010 and 2015; and
WHEREAS, Russ made a positive impact throughout the community having managed hundreds of planning
entitlement applications including Single-Family Individual Reviews, Architectural Review Board reviews, Zone
Changes, Subdivisions, Conditional Use Permits, Site and Design Reviews, Planned Community Developments, Home
Improvement Exceptions, Variances, and Temporary Use Permits; and
WHEREAS, Russ has received recognition by professional organizations for his work in tree preservation and for his
contributions to the City’s R-1 Zoning Technical Manual; and
WHEREAS, Russ held a leadership role in the department and was involved in hiring and training planning staff as
the Planning Manager at the Development Center and was known for having provided excellent customer service; and
WHEREAS, Russ was able to nimbly transition from Planning Manager to the Development Center Manager position
early in the pandemic when the teams were working remotely and he was able to lead the Project Coordination Team
through the transition from a paper format to an online digital permit review and issuance process; and
WHEREAS, Russ is commended as a mentor who has trained many new planners who have advanced to higher level
roles; and has earned the respect of his colleagues through his personable nature, depth of knowledge, and ability to
collaborate with individuals across the organization and will be greatly missed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Palo Alto hereby gratefully records and
extends its sincere appreciation to Russ Reich for his dedication and excellent service rendered to the City.
PRESENTED: May 5, 2025
APPROVED:
______________________
Mayor Ed Lauing
______________________ ______________________
Vice Mayor Vicki Veenker Councilmember Pat Burt
______________________ ______________________
Councilmember George Lu Councilmember Julie Lythcott-Haims
______________________ ______________________ Councilmember Keith Reckdahl Councilmember Greer Stone
ATTEST:
______________________
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________ ______________________
City Manager City Attorney
Proclamation