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Home My WebLink About2026-03-16 City Council AgendaCITY COUNCIL Special Meeting Monday, March 16, 2026 Council Chambers & Hybrid 4:30 PM Amended Agenda Amended agenda items appear below in RED Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference or in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900-6833 PUBLIC COMMENTS General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard for 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda. Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to city.council@PaloAlto.gov and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line. Multiple individuals who wish to speak on the same item may designate a spokesperson. Spokespersons must be representing five or more verified individuals who are present either in person or via zoom. Spokespeople will be allowed up to 10 minutes, at the discretion of the presiding officer. Speaking time may be reduced if the presiding officer reduces the speaking time for individual speakers. PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to city.clerk@PaloAlto.gov at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted. Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting. TIME ESTIMATES Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public. 1 March 16, 2026 Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas. CALL TO ORDER SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (4:30 - 4:55 PM) 1.Recognition of Sister City Tsuchiura, Japan and Palo Alto Student Exchange Program Participants. Late Packet Report added 2.Proclamation Recognizing March 2026 as American Red Cross Month AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS PUBLIC COMMENT (4:55 - 5:25 PM) Members of the public may speak in-person ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 1-3 minutes depending on number of speakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda. COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (5:25 - 5:40 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s). CONSENT CALENDAR (5:40 - 5:45 PM) Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members. 3.Approval of Minutes from March 2, 2026 Meeting 4.Adoption of a Resolution Making Necessary Findings and Approving a Lease-Purchase Agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc for Multi-Band Portable and Mobile Radios and Accessories for all City Departments in an amount not to exceed $5,848,220 for a Term of 8.4 Years; CEQA Status – exempt under Regulation section 15601(b)(3). 5.Adoption of a Resolution Approving Edison Electric Institute Master Power Purchase and Sale Agreements with NRG Business Marketing LLC, DRW Energy Trading LLC, and Dynasty Power Inc., (collectively the “Master Agreements”), Delegating Authority to the City Manager to Transact Under the Master Agreements for Electricity-Related Commodities and Services, and Updating the City’s Standard Form Edison Electric Institute Master Power Purchase and Sale Agreement; CEQA status: not a project under CEQA Guidelines sections 15378(a) 6.Approval of Professional Services Contract Number C26193604 with GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM INC dba NEOGOV in an Amount Not to Exceed $686,277 for Full-cycle Recruitment and Applicant Tracking, Employee Development and Management Human Resource Platform for a Term of Five Years; CEQA Status - Not a Project. 2 March 16, 2026 Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas. 7.Approval of Amendment No. 1 to Contract S23184208 with Flynn Resources Inc., in the Amount of $170,000 for a revised Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $425,000 and Extending Term Two Years to Provide As-Needed Electric Engineering Consulting Services Related to Electric Transmission Line Expansion, Interconnection, Engineering Analysis and Regulatory Issues; CEQA Status: the Grid Modernization Project is Exempt Under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15302, 15303 and 15183 8.Authorization to Fully Encumber Legal Services Contract S26195211 with Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo For a Total Not- to-Exceed Amount of $255,000; CEQA Status – Not a Project. 9.Accept the Single Audit Report audited by Macias Gini & O’Connell for the year ended June 30, 2025, Fiscal Year 2025; CEQA Status – Not a Project. 10.Approval of Professional Services Contract No. C26194015 with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $795,965 for Design and Outreach Services for the City Park-Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project for the period of March 16, 2026 through March 31, 2028; CEQA Status – Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15306 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (5:45 - 6:00 PM) BREAK (15 MINUTES) ACTION ITEMS (Item 11: 6:15 - 6:30 PM, Item 12: 6:30 - 8:00 PM; Item 13: 8:00 - 9:00 PM; Item 14: 9:00 - 10:30 PM) Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, Unfinished Business and Council Matters. 11.Approval of an Employment Agreement and Adoption of a Resolution Appointing Christopher Jensen as City Attorney at an Annual Salary of $380,000. 12.QUASI-JUDICIAL. 2100-2400 Geng Road [24PLN-00356 & 24PLN-00357]: Request for Approval of Applications for Site and Design, a Conditional Use Permit, and a Vesting Tentative Map to Construct 145 For Sale Townhome Units. Thirteen Percent of the Units Would Be Deed Restricted to Low Income Households. The Project is Proposed in Accordance with Builder’s Remedy (California Government Code Section 65589.5(d)(5)). A Senate Bill 330 Pre-Application was Filed on July 8, 2024. The Project Also Includes Adoption of a Parkland Improvement Ordinance to Authorize Tree Removals in the Baylands Athletic Center, Which Would be Impacted by the Project. CEQA Status: Exempt from CEQA in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 (Comprehensive 3 March 16, 2026 Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas. Plan Consistency). Supplemental Report added 13.PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI-JUDICIAL. 4075 El Camino Way [23PLN-00202]: Adoption of an Amendment to a Planned Community Ordinance (PC-5116) to Allow for Modifications to an Existing 121-Unit Assisted Living and Memory Care Facility. CEQA Status: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Modifications to Existing Facilities). 14.Adoption of an Ordinance Adding a New Section 18.40.280 (Bird-Friendly Design) to Chapter 18.40 (General Standards and Exceptions) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code; CEQA Status: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15308 (Actions for Protection of the Environment) CLOSED SESSION 15.CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY-POTENTIAL LITIGATION Subject: Potential litigation regarding 156 North California Avenue, as set forth in letter(s) from Holland & Knight LLP dated September 3, 2025 Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) Number of potential cases: 1, as Defendant Item Removed Off Agenda ADJOURNMENT INFORMATION REPORTS Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action or discussion during this meeting’s agenda. A.Summary of Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Accomplishments — Review of the CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). CEQA Status: Not a Project. OTHER INFORMATION Standing Committee Meetings this week 4 March 16, 2026 Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas. Finance Committee March 17, 2026 Economic Development Committee March 18, 2026 Public Comment Letters Schedule of Meetings AMENDED / SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEMS 1.Recognition of Sister City Tsuchiura, Japan and Palo Alto Student Exchange Program Participants. Late Packet Report added 12.QUASI-JUDICIAL. 2100-2400 Geng Road [24PLN-00356 & 24PLN-00357]: Request for Approval of Applications for Site and Design, a Conditional Use Permit, and a Vesting Tentative Map to Construct 145 For Sale Townhome Units. Thirteen Percent of the Units Would Be Deed Restricted to Low Income Households. The Project is Proposed in Accordance with Builder’s Remedy (California Government Code Section 65589.5(d)(5)). A Senate Bill 330 Pre-Application was Filed on July 8, 2024. The Project Also Includes Adoption of a Parkland Improvement Ordinance to Authorize Tree Removals in the Baylands Athletic Center, Which Would be Impacted by the Project. CEQA Status: Exempt from CEQA in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 (Comprehensive Plan Consistency). Supplemental Report added 15.CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY-POTENTIAL LITIGATION Subject: Potential litigation regarding 156 North California Avenue, as set forth in letter(s) from Holland & Knight LLP dated September 3, 2025 Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) Number of potential cases: 1, as Defendant Item Removed Off Agenda 5 March 16, 2026 Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas. PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1.Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@PaloAlto.gov. 2.For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item. 3.Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom-based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. ◦You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in- browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up-to-date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the Meeting ID below. ◦You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. ◦When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. ◦When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 4.Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362-027-238 Phone: 1-669-900-6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329-2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@PaloAlto.gov. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. 6 March 16, 2026 Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas. California Government Code §84308, commonly referred to as the "Levine Act," prohibits an elected official of a local government agency from participating in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use if the official received a campaign contribution exceeding $500 from a party or participant, including their agents, to the proceeding within the last 12 months. A “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” includes most land use and planning approvals and the approval of contracts that are not subject to lowest responsible bid procedures and have a value over $50,000. A “party” is a person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use. A “participant” is a person who actively supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use, and has a financial interest in the decision. The Levine Act incorporates the definition of “financial interest” in the Political Reform Act, which encompasses interests in business entities, real property, sources of income, sources of gifts, and personal finances that may be affected by the Council’s actions. If you qualify as a “party” or “participant” to a proceeding, and you have made a campaign contribution to a Council Member exceeding $500 made within the last 12 months, you must disclose the campaign contribution before making your comments. 7 March 16, 2026 Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas.