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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-09 City Council Summary MinutesCITY COUNCIL SUMMARY MINUTES Page 1 of 22 Regular Meeting March 09, 2026 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: None. Absent: None. Call to Order Mayor Veenker called the meeting to order and announced that the order of the 2 Closed Session items, AA1 and #12, would be switched due to scheduling considerations. Closed Session 12. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—POTENTIAL LITIGATION (four cases) Subject: Initiation of litigation in four cases, United States v. Minnesota, US District Court for the District of Minnesota, Case No. 25-CV-3798; United States v. City of Rochester, US District Court for the Western District of New York, Case No. 6:25-cv- 06226-FPG-MJP; United States v. City of Newark, et al., US District Court for the District of New Jersey, Case No. 2:25-cv-05081-EP-AME; United States v. City of New York, et al., US District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Case No. 1:25-cv-04084. Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) Public Comment: None. MOTION: Councilmember Lythcott-Haims moved, seconded by Councilmember Reckdahl, to go into Closed Session. MOTION PASSED: 7-0 Council went into Closed Session at 5:36 p.m. Council returned from Closed Session at 6:19 p.m. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 2 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 Mayor Veenker announced that Council Session voted unanimously to authorize the City to become a signatory to future amicus briefs in the 4 cases identified in the Closed Session agenda titled US v. Minnesota, US v. City of Rochester, US v. City of Newark, and US v. City of New York. It was noted that, in so doing, the City will not incur any additional legal costs. Special Orders of the Day 1. Proclamation Recognizing March 2026 as Youth Arts Month Councilmember Lu read the proclamation: Whereas, the City of Palo Alto is proud to proclaim March 2026 as Youth Arts Month in Palo Alto, as part of the Council for Art Education’s national observance to emphasize the importance of art education for all children and to encourage engagement in local art programs; and whereas, the City of Palo Alto’s Community Services Department and Library Department proudly support youth arts and offer a diverse array of educational materials and youth classes, including drawing, painting, ceramics, fiber arts, digital photography, fashion design, and mixed media; and whereas, the Community Services Department proudly supports the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, which serves the community with educational experiences in all aspects of performing arts, including year-round productions on multiple stages at the Children’s Theatre, multi-disciplinary performing arts classes and camps for youth ages two through high school, Magical Series spectrum and sensory friendly performances and classes, and the Teen Arts Council, providing free events for teens throughout the school year. The Art Center engages thousands of children ranging from 18 months to 18 years with after- school and weekend art classes, family workshops, and summer camps in a variety of media, as well through their volunteer and Teen Leadership program and free Family Days. The Palo Alto Library Department provides hands-on creative arts and crafts programs for youth in our community as well as gallery space to youth artists; and whereas, over the past four to five decades, the City has partnered with the Palo Alto Unified School District to provide meaningful multi-disciplinary arts education programs to youth. These include the Children's Theatre outreach theater productions in all 12 PAUSD elementary schools, student matinee field trips, and PK-3 Dance in Schools classes, as well as new Joy of Singing and Joy of Musical Theatre classes. The Art Center offers Project Look, its field trip program; Creative Connections, its artists-in-the-schools initiative; and the annual Youth Art Exhibition, all designed to engage and inspire young artists in the community. These programs have engaged thousands of children annually and have won awards in the process, including two California State Superintendent's Awards for Excellence in Museum Education; and whereas, recognizing Youth Arts Month provides a forum to celebrate the valuable skills children foster through art education such as problem solving, creativity, curiosity, observation, and communication. By recognizing this celebration, we can further promote awareness, enthusiasm, and support for art education programs, which are an essential part of the educational curriculum for our students. Now, therefore, Vicki SUMMARY MINUTES Page 3 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 Veenker, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the entire City Council, hereby recognizes March 2026 as Youth Arts Month in the City of Palo Alto. Mayor Veenker thanked Councilmember Lu and welcomed Director of Visual and Performing Arts Kelly Martin of PAUSD and Arts Coordinator Dr. Sofia Fojas of the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Director of Visual and Performing Arts Kelly Martin of PAUSD thanked the Council for recognizing Arts Education Month and supporting arts education. Director Martin highlighted the range of visual and performing arts programs available to K–12 students and their role in fostering creativity, problem solving, confidence, and self-expression, and expressed appreciation for the City’s continued support. Arts Coordinator for Learning and Instruction Sofia Fojas of the Santa Clara County Office of Education thanked the Council for supporting arts education through the Youth Arts Month proclamation. Dr. Fojas described leadership of countywide arts initiatives, including Artspiration, ArtsEdConnect grants, and the Young Artist Showcase, and noted recent and upcoming events supporting arts education. Dr. Fojas shared her personal connection to arts education and expressed appreciation for recognizing March as Youth Arts Month. Brandon G. of the Teen Arts Council thanked the City Council for recognizing Youth Arts Month and described the positive impact of Palo Alto arts programs on personal growth and opportunities. Brandon expressed concern about recent reductions in school arts classes and emphasized the importance of arts education for student engagement and mental health. Support was requested for expanding arts programs, increasing funding, and continuing initiatives such as the Teen Arts Council Film Lab. Mayor Veenker invited Director Martin, Dr. Fojas, and students in attendance to join the Council for a photo. NO ACTION Agenda Changes, Additions and Deletions City Manager Ed Shikada reported changes to the agenda, noting that Item #12 (Closed Session related to litigation) had previously been heard and the outcome announced and that Item AA1 would be moved to the end of the agenda. City Manager Shikada noted that Item #7 and Item #10 were removed and will be considered at a later date. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 4 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 Public Comment 1. Shani K. spoke on behalf of the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance and gave a presentation outlining the importance of bird diversity. Ongoing declines were noted in bird species and population due to agriculture, pesticides, habitat loss, and human-related impacts. Consideration was encouraged of bird-friendly practices in advance of the Council’s upcoming bird-friendly design item at a future meeting. 2. Winter D. referenced a recent report from the National Policing Institute of the City’s police stop data and highlighted findings indicating disparities in outcomes for Black individuals compared to other groups. The Council was urged to review the report, consider its recommendations, and take action to address equity concerns in PAPD policing practices. 3. Prisha G., a student at Palo Alto Middle College High School, described personal experiences with air quality impacts and emphasized the importance of the City’s climate goals. Support was expressed for transitioning away from natural gas, particularly through increased adoption of induction stoves, and existing City programs promoting electrification were highlighted. Continued expansion of incentives and outreach was encouraged. 4. Larry M., Government Affairs and Community Liaison for JobTrain, invited Councilmembers to attend their April 16 “Breakfast of Champions” fundraising event. JobTrain’s role was highlighted in workforce development and promoting economic mobility through training and certifications. Attendance was encouraged to learn about the organization’s work and support its mission. 5. Valen V., a 10th-grade student at Los Altos High School, expressed support for induction cooking as a practical step toward electrification and emphasized the value of the City’s induction stove loaner program. Support was offered for assistance with outreach, demonstrations, and expanding access to induction stoves. 6. Mora O. recognized Paly student Avroh Shah for youth climate advocacy, including participation as a plaintiff in Genesis v. EPA. Recent court proceedings and community efforts were described and the City was encouraged to invite Avroh Shah to address the community and be recognized for his leadership. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 5 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements Councilmember Lythcott-Haims announced a March 12 community listening session regarding the potential temporary closure of the Churchill Avenue rail crossing as part of the City’s 60-day evaluation process, to be held at the PAUSD boardroom on Churchill Avenue. Plans were noted for the City’s first Pride event on June 7, led by local youth with community support, and consideration of Council contingency funding not to exceed $10,000 was suggested for this event. Additionally, a community meeting with The Jed Foundation will be held on March 17 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Palo Alto Art Center to provide an opportunity to learn about and ask questions regarding its work. Mayor Veenker thanked public speaker Mora O. for highlighting youth climate advocacy and acknowledged the significance of Avroh Shah’s work. Support was expressed for the upcoming Pride event, with City sponsorship and potential Council funding to be brought forward for formal consideration. Appreciation was extended to Women in Enterprise and Leadership Palo Alto for the recent invitation to speak at a celebration of women alumni. It was announced that the March 23 City Council meeting will include a Women’s History Month celebration, including a proclamation honoring former women Councilmembers, Mayors, and leaders, and consideration of adopting principles of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Councilmember Burt expressed support for using Council contingency funds to support the upcoming Pride event. Vice Mayor Stone provided an update on work by The Jed Foundation, noting ongoing collaboration with City staff to develop policies and a response framework following the recent tragedy. A report is expected in April. Two upcoming focus groups were announced for teens and young adults to gather input on mental health needs and support strategies: Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. at the Lucie Stern Community Center for ages 13 to 17; and Thursday, March 19, from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. at the Mitchell Park Community Center for ages 18 to 30. A community grief processing session hosted by The Jed Foundation will be held on March 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Mitchell Park Community Center, which will provide a space for connection, emotional expression, and access to local support resources. Additional support sessions were noted, organized by local nonprofits focused on recognizing signs of distress and connecting individuals to resources. There will be 2 sessions called “You Can Help: Recognizing Signs of Distress” on March 18 (open to all ages) and March 19 (ages 21 and younger) at the Mitchell Park Community Center. The Children’s Health Council will be hosting 2 upcoming sessions for parents and caregivers focused on supporting teens and offering guidance, strategies, and communication tools, to be held on March 18 and March 26 at the Children’s Health Council campus on Clark Way in Palo Alto. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 6 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 Study Session 2. 51 Encina Avenue [25PLN-00312]. Request for Council Prescreening for a Zoning Text Amendment to Palo Alto Municipal Code Title 18 (Zoning) Section 18.18.070 (Floor Area Bonuses) and Section 18.18.080 (Transfer of Development Rights) to Expand Floor Area and Transfer of Development Right Benefits to Category 1 and 2 Buildings on the City's Historic Inventory in the CS Zone District. CEQA Status: Not a Project. Senior Planner Steven Switzer introduced the item as a required prescreening for a proposed zoning text amendment and clarified that no formal decisions would be made at this meeting. The proposal would expand the Floor Area Bonus and Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) benefits to Category 1 and 2 historic buildings in the CS district, where such benefits are not currently available. The project location and surrounding uses were described, including recent and pending applications in the vicinity. Background was provided on the property at 51 Encina Avenue, including its origins as part of an 1835 Mexican land grant and construction of the existing structure in 1900 by Mary Greer O’Brine, granddaughter of Rafael Soto. The property is designated as a Category 2 historic resource with ties to the Greer family and early Stanford University development. Senior Planner Switzer outlined key considerations for the prescreening item, noting the TDR program’s origins in the 1980s and subsequent expansions. The proposal would apply to a site near downtown in a commercial setting and could generate up to 5,000 square feet of TDR through seismic and historic rehabilitation. The amendment was described as limited in scope and effectively site-specific, with only 1 property currently eligible in the CS district and many others unevaluated for historic status. Senior Planner Switzer referenced applicable Comprehensive Plan policies supporting adaptive reuse and expanded historic incentives. The proposal was described as aligning with these policies by facilitating reuse of the Category 2 structure and helping offset rehabilitation costs. Without the amendment, rehabilitation of the property could be financially constrained. The item is not a project under CEQA and no determination is required at this stage. A full CEQA review would occur upon formal submittal of a development application. Senior Planner Switzer stated that the recommended action is for Council to conduct the prescreening and provide informal comments on the request to expand Floor Area Bonus and TDR benefits to Category 1 and 2 historic structures in the CS zoning district. CEO Eileen Richardson at Peninsula Healthcare Connection described the organization’s interest in rehabilitating the historic building at 51 Encina Avenue to expand clinic services. CEO Richardson explained that the current facility in the Opportunity Center is space- constrained and emphasized that the project would support development of a larger medical and mental health center through community support and partnerships with Sutter Health and Stanford. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 7 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 VP of Growth and Strategy Brandon Davis at Peninsula Healthcare Connection described significant growth in clinic demand, noting increased visits, higher numbers of uninsured patients, and patients being turned away due to space constraints. Expansion into 51 Encina Avenue would address capacity limitations by increasing clinical space, enabling additional services, and accommodating more patients while offering a welcoming space. Support from the Council was requested for the proposed zoning amendment to facilitate the expansion. Mayor Veenker thanked the presenters and invited Councilmembers to ask clarifying questions. Public Comment: Herb B. urged a more comprehensive approach to planning along Encina Avenue, noting multiple related projects and potential cumulative impacts. Questions were raised about the project’s relationship to other Peninsula Healthcare Connection sites, the population served, and financial transparency. Consideration of broader zoning strategies and a more holistic review process was recommended to Council. Councilmember Lu expressed support for the project’s collaborative and preservation- focused approach and asked about the amount and value of TDRs. Senior Planner Switzer responded that the project could generate up to 5,000 square feet of TDR, with estimated market values ranging from approximately $200 to $400 per square foot. Councilmember Lu noted that the TDR benefit represents a significant economic subsidy and asked whether the proposal should be considered as a one-time allocation or a broader ordinance change. Senior Planner Switzer explained that, while the request could be broader, it is effectively site-specific due to only 1 eligible property under current criteria, though expansion to additional properties could be explored. Councilmember Lu sought clarification on whether the limitation was inherent to the proposal or due to existing conditions and Senior Planner Switzer confirmed it reflects the current eligibility criteria rather than a property-specific designation. Councilmember Lu asked whether the TDR benefits would apply to historic rehabilitation and seismic retrofit. Senior Planner Switzer clarified that the program allows TDRs for either type of project or a combination of the 2, though the current proposal does not yet include seismic retrofit. Councilmember Lu expressed support for incentivizing both and noted the project’s community benefit, while raising broader questions about the scope and potential impacts of expanding TDR policies. Councilmember Burt expressed support for the proposed use of TDRs, noting alignment with community health needs and benefits of early care in reducing emergency costs. A prior TDR application for the Roth Building was referenced as a comparable example. Councilmember Lauing expressed support for the proposal and commended the vision for rehabilitating the historic building at 51 Encina Avenue. Councilmember Lauing noted familiarity with the building and the existing clinic, highlighting current space limitations and the potential benefits of expansion. Support was expressed for further exploration of the proposal at a future stage. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 8 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 Vice Mayor Stone expressed support for the proposal, commending the organization’s growth, leadership, and community impact. It was noted that the flexibility in the code is intended to support projects of this nature. Councilmember Reckdahl asked about the relationship between the proposed expansion and existing clinic operations, as well as coordination with PAMF. CEO Richardson clarified that the project would expand, not replace current services and described partnerships with Stanford and Sutter Health, which purchased PAMF. It was confirmed that the property would remain under Sutter ownership through a long-term lease arrangement. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims expressed appreciation for the organization’s sustained efforts and commitment to serving vulnerable populations. Mayor Veenker expressed support for the proposal, noting the opportunity to expand clinical capacity and meet existing demand. Mayor Veenker stated the project aligns with TDR program goals related to historic preservation and represents a beneficial outcome. Interest was expressed in further exploring whether the approach should be structured as a broader ordinance or a more limited action. Senior Planner Switzer noted his appreciation for the Council’s feedback. NO ACTION Consent Calendar Public Comment: None. Mayor Veenker asked whether there were any no votes or requests to pull and, seeing none, requested a motion. MOTION: Councilmember Reckdahl moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Stone, to approve Agenda Item Numbers 3-6 and 8-9 (Agenda Item #7 Removed Off Agenda). MOTION PASSED: 7-0 3. Approval of Minutes from February 23, 2026 Meeting 4. Appointment of 2026 Emergency Standby Council 5. Adoption of a Resolution Setting the Regular Meeting Times at 4:00 p.m. for the Finance Committee and 6:00 p.m. for the Policy & Services Committee; CEQA status - not a project. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 9 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 6. Stanford University Medical Center (SUMC) Annual Report to Council for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 2025) 7. 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 9, 2026 through March 31, 2028; CEQA Status – Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15306 Item Removed Off Agenda 8. Approval of Contract Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. C23185922 with Kittelson & Associates, INC. to Increase Compensation by $17,000 to $350,945 and to Extend the Term for an Additional Six Months Through December 31, 2026, for the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update; CEQA status - exempt under Public Resource Code section 21080.20. 9. FIRST READING: Adoption of an Ordinance Adding a New Section 18.70.105 (Noncomplying facility - De minimis exceptions) to Chapter 18.70 (Nonconforming Uses and Noncomplying Facilities) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code; CEQA Status: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption). City Manager Comments City Manager Ed Shikada provided updates on upcoming community engagement events related to the potential Churchill Avenue rail crossing closure and youth mental health and noted that times and locations for these events can be found on the City website. It was announced that recruitment for the Historic Resources Board and Stormwater Management Oversight Committee has been reopened through April 8. Upcoming Council agendas were previewed. For the March 16 meeting, items include proposed development projects at 2100 Geng Road and 4075 El Camino Way, consideration of the appointment of the next City Attorney, and review of the bird-friendly design ordinance. The March 23 meeting will be a special meeting without regular comment periods and will include an action item on the CEDAW Ordinance as well as interviews for prospective board and commission appointees. For April 6, scheduled items include study sessions on the San Antonio Road Area Plan alternatives and next steps for the Nonprofit Partnership Workplan, along with action items related to board, commission, and committee workplans and Brown Act changes under SB 707. [Council took a 21-minute break] Action Items SUMMARY MINUTES Page 10 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 10. Receive Update and Provide Direction to Staff on the Implementation of Senate Bill 79 (2025) and Work Related to the Downtown Housing Plan. CEQA Status: Exempt Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15262. Item Removed Off Agenda Agenda Item #10 was not heard. 11. Approval of City Council Values (as Recommended by Policy & Services Committee), 2026 Objectives, Ad Hoc Purpose Statements, and Committee Workplans Assistant to the City Manager Lupita Alamos presented 3 items for Council consideration following the January 24 retreat: updated Council Values, 2026 Priorities and Objectives, and Ad Hoc Purpose Statements and Committee Workplans. The proposed Council Values reflect input from the Policy and Services (P&S) Committee and include 7 categories. The 2026 Priorities and Objectives framework includes 42 projects organized under 5 priorities and divided into Group 1 (mission-critical, requiring Council engagement) and Group 2 (important but lower priority or underway). Ad Hoc Purpose Statements and Committee Workplans were outlined, aligned with Council priorities and ongoing initiatives. The recommended actions are approval of the Council Values, the 2026 Priorities and Objectives, and the Ad Hoc Purpose Statements and Committee Workplans. Public Comment: 1. Jeremy L. (Zoom), on behalf of Palo Alto Forward, expressed support for the Council’s priorities and appreciation for its leadership. The organization is looking forward to advancing ADUs, housing, and mixed-use development throughout the community in collaboration with the Council. Mayor Veenker outlined the 4 components of the item as Council Values, Priority Objectives, Ad Hoc Purpose Statements, and Committee Workplans, and proposed organizing discussion and action by each component, beginning with Council Values. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims clarified the development of the draft Council Values, noting that multiple versions were prepared by 4 Councilmembers and consolidated with staff analysis at the P&S Committee meeting. The final draft reflects the effort of these inputs and incorporates contributions from all authors. Councilmember Burt expressed general support for the proposed Council Values and commended the P&S Committee for its work. Councilmember Burt noted that “center equity in every decision” may be too broad and suggested refining the equity language to better reflect practical application. Alternative phrasing was suggested to ensure the statement aligns with how equity is considered in decision-making. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 11 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 Mayor Veenker suggested revising the equity language to “center equity in all of our decision-making” to provide broader applicability. Mayor Veenker expressed support for the overall values framework and proposed incorporating equity language into #3, Accountable Governance, and revising #5 to be titled "Shared Prosperity and Housing for All" to elevate housing within the structure. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims expressed support for Mayor Veenker's suggestion to revise #3 and #5 and acknowledged the concerns of Councilmember Burt that applying equity to all decisions may be overbroad, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining an equity lens in Council actions. Vice Mayor Stone expressed appreciation for the P&S Committee and staff and supported the proposed Council Values, including the Mayor’s revisions. Vice Mayor Stone made a motion to approve the Council Values as modified. Mayor Veenker seconded the motion. Councilmember Lauing raised concerns about potential duplication in the proposed revisions, noting that equity concepts may be reflected in existing language such as “inclusive engagement.” Councilmember Lauing cautioned against diluting the focus of the value statements and suggested avoiding redundant terminology. Vice Mayor Stone acknowledged some redundancy in the language but stated that the terms address distinct goals. Vice Mayor Stone agreed that incorporating "center equity in every decision" would help ensure issues are consistently considered through an equity lens in Council decision-making. Mayor Veenker clarified that relocating equity language distinguishes between outward- facing inclusive engagement and internal decision-making policy. Mayor Veenker stated a preference for retaining each concept to reflect program and policy considerations. Councilmember Burt distinguished between inclusive engagement as participation and equity as program and service outcomes. Support was expressed for including both concepts in Value #3. Clarification was requested on the meaning of “housing for all.” Mayor Veenker clarified that “housing for all” was intended to reflect a goal of eliminating homelessness in the City and expressed openness to alternative language. Councilmember Burt noted that “housing for all” is commonly used more broadly in the community and could be interpreted in different ways and supported the intent but suggested clarifying the language to more precisely reflect Council's goal. Mayor Veenker clarified that the intent of “housing for all” includes housing across income levels and invited additional Council input on how best to state the language. Councilmember Reckdahl thanked colleagues for their work on the Council Values and supported revising the equity language to “centering equity in decision-making” to be more generic and refining the “housing for all” language to more clearly reflect the City’s commitment to inclusive housing. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 12 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 Councilmember Lu expressed appreciation for the work on the Council Values and acknowledged the challenges of drafting language. Councilmember Lu agreed with refining the housing language and suggested alternatives such as “Shared Prosperity and Inclusive Housing” or “Shared Prosperity and Housing Leadership.” Support was stated for moving forward with any version of the revised language. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims expressed comfort with leaving housing out of the title of Value #5, noting that it is addressed within the description as "advance housing." Councilmember Lauing supported removing “housing for all” from the title, noting the phrase can be interpreted in different ways. Councilmember Lauing emphasized the importance of clear and precise language in defining Council Values. Mayor Veenker expressed support for including housing more prominently in the values and suggested “housing leadership” as alternative phrasing. The motion maker was asked whether that revision would be acceptable. Vice Mayor Stone agreed to incorporate “housing leadership” into the value title and supported elevating housing within the Council Values because of its continued importance. Councilmember Burt reiterated his concern that “equity in all of our decision-making” is an overstatement and proposed revising the language to “equity in decision-making.” Vice Mayor Stone expressed support for retaining “all” in the equity language, questioning whether any Council decisions would not involve equity considerations. Councilmember Burt responded that not all items involve an equity component and emphasized the importance of accurately reflecting when equity is applicable in decision-making. Vice Mayor Stone and Mayor Veenker accepted the amendment to revise the language to “centering equity in decision-making.” Mayor Veenker described ongoing challenges related to equity in appointments to the Emergency Standby Council and described efforts to recruit participants, including administrative requirements such as Form 700 filings. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims acknowledged the efforts made and raised broader questions about how past experiences may affect willingness of former Councilmembers to participate, particularly among people of color. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims encouraged further consideration of how to improve participation and inclusivity. Mayor Veenker agreed and expressed interest in continuing the discussion. MOTION: Vice Mayor Stone moved, seconded by Mayor Veenker, to approve the revised Council Values, as recommended by the Policy & Services Committee, with the following changes: SUMMARY MINUTES Page 13 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 3. Accountable Governance. Earn public trust through transparent leadership, inclusive engagement, [and] open communication, and centering equity in decision-making. 5. [Equity and] Shared Prosperity and Housing Leadership. [Center equity in every decision, and] Advance housing, workforce, and social policies that promote inclusion, socioeconomic diversity, and opportunity. FRIENDLY AMENDMENTS INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE MAKER AND SECONDER MOTION PASSED: 7-0 Mayor Veenker transitioned to discussion of Council Objectives and proposed organizing the discussion by category, beginning with housing, and noted the potential for adjustments between Group 1 and Group 2 objectives. Councilmember Lu expressed appreciation for the variety and depth of the housing objectives and asked whether the ADU milestone would lead to formal action following PTC review. Planning and Development Services Director Jonathan Lait confirmed the item is expected to return to Council in Q3. Councilmember Lu asked about opportunities for earlier Council input and the scope of potential ADU changes, including size limits. Director Lait stated the effort will focus on aligning with state law and prior Council direction, with potential consideration of items such as floor area and fees. Councilmember Lu indicated interest in further clarification outside the meeting. Councilmember Lu raised questions about the scope of housing objectives, noting that items such as innovative housing typologies could vary widely and lack clear Council guidance. Councilmember Lu asked whether these items would go directly to PTC or could be routed through the P&S Committee for input. Director Lait responded that the work is driven by the Housing Element program and includes evaluating zoning changes to support various housing types. It was noted that while Council review was not initially planned prior to PTC, the item could be brought to the P&S Committee for refinement. Councilmember Lu asked whether identifying additional Housing Element sites could be streamlined by leveraging upzoning under SB 79 rather than pursuing a more complex process with consultants. Director Lait responded that the effort is driven by the need to maintain required housing capacity buffers, noting that upcoming project approvals may reduce the City’s current inventory. Staff is exploring multiple options, including SB 79 opportunities and newly identified sites, and may seek Council authorization to update the inventory more efficiently. Councilmember Lu expressed general support for the proposed programs and noted that some refinements regarding scope and ambition could be addressed outside of Council discussion. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 14 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 Vice Mayor Stone noted that the objective regarding receiving a prohousing designation from HCD lacked a prioritization designation. Assistant City Manager Kiely Nose confirmed the omission was unintentional and should be categorized as Group 1. Vice Mayor Stone expressed surprise at the Group 1 designation and asked whether additional information would be provided, recalling limited discussion at the retreat. Director Lait explained that staff is advancing the effort in coordination with HCD and that the process will include a public meeting and future Council action to authorize submission of the application. Director Lait added that the designation primarily reflects existing policies and initiatives rather than new requirements. Vice Mayor Stone expressed interest in learning more about the prohousing designation and its benefits as the process moves forward. Vice Mayor Stone questioned whether the objective regarding a short-term rental study should remain a higher priority, noting reduced community concern over time, and suggested it could be moved to Group 2 in favor of renter-focused items. Director Lait explained that the study is required under the Housing Element due to HCD concerns about impacts on housing supply and noted that Palo Alto prohibits short-term rentals. The effort is expected to be limited in scope, focused primarily on enforcement and compliance, though the City must still complete the analysis and report findings. It was clarified that renter-related policies in Group 2 are still actively underway despite their lower prioritization. Vice Mayor Stone indicated that explanation was very helpful in addressing some of his other questions. Councilmember Burt echoed that concerns regarding short-term rentals appear to have diminished and emphasized the importance of distinguishing between owner-occupied rentals and whole-home rentals. Councilmember Burt expressed greater concern about vacant “ghost homes” and suggested considering that issue alongside short-term rental policies to inform future policy direction. Director Lait responded that while related, vacant homes represent a separate body of work requiring additional analysis and noted that a prior study done by Stanford undergraduates on vacancies could be incorporated to provide context. Councilmember Burt clarified that the intent would be to inform future policy direction rather than propose immediate solutions. Councilmember Burt highlighted the City’s strong performance in ADU growth, noting that Palo Alto’s per capita rate significantly exceeds that of nearby jurisdictions such as San Jose and should be a more widely recognized success. It was noted that Palo Alto had proactively initiated ADU updates in 2016, prior to State mandates. Councilmember Burt noted that SB 79 extends beyond the Downtown Housing Plan scenarios identified in the objective on Row #13 and referenced related Staff Not Recommended Objective #54 regarding implementation. Councilmember Burt suggested distinguishing between developing implementation strategies, which could be incorporated into the objective on Row #13, and full implementation, which may extend into a future year. Director Lait confirmed that this distinction reflects staff’s intent, though the current wording may not clearly convey that structure. It was noted that staff is SUMMARY MINUTES Page 15 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 coordinating with the ad hoc group and expects to return to Council in Q2 with recommendations on implementation approaches. Councilmember Reckdahl thanked staff for adapting the workplan following revisions to the Council values and expressed general support for the proposed objectives. Councilmember Reckdahl concurred with prior comments regarding short-term rentals and vacant “ghost homes.” Councilmember Reckdahl asked about the status of the Charities Housing program related to OSVs. Director Lait indicated that a permit has been issued and City Manager Ed Shikada added that construction is expected to begin shortly. Councilmember Reckdahl expressed concern about potential spillover from Mountain View’s changes to its RV parking program. Assistant to the City Manager Melissa McDonough responded that replacement spaces are planned in Mountain View, which should avoid displacement to Palo Alto. Councilmember Reckdahl acknowledged that update but noted uncertainty remains as Mountain View’s legal agreement expires in November. Councilmember Reckdahl asked whether the timeline for objectives related to OSVs in Rows #18 and #19 could be accelerated, citing concerns about potential overflow from neighboring jurisdictions and the high cost of enforcement and towing. Councilmember Reckdahl inquired about coordination efforts with other communities. Assistant McDonough explained that the City is actively coordinating with neighboring North County cities and the County Office of Supportive Housing through regular meetings focused on policy, safe parking, and operations, as well as ongoing informal communication among staff. Councilmember Reckdahl expressed interest in advancing the timeline for RV buyback and storage efforts, noting that earlier action could support increased participation in the Homekey program. City Manager Shikada clarified that although the schedule indicates Q3, staff expects to return to Council within the next several weeks with an initial evaluation, while noting that full implementation will involve multiple components requiring additional time. Councilmember Reckdahl noted concerns from business owners regarding parking availability and suggested that implementing short-term 1-hour parking in front of some businesses could be a relatively simple improvement. Councilmember Reckdahl asked whether such requests could be incorporated into the OSV strategy. City Manager Shikada responded that addressing parking restrictions incrementally on a block-by-block basis, without a comprehensive plan, could shift impacts to other areas and emphasized that staff is pursuing a broader, coordinated approach. Councilmember Reckdahl acknowledged that concern, reiterated the need to support businesses in the near term, and encouraged facilitating Transportation’s evaluation of individual parking requests where possible. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 16 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 Councilmember Lythcott-Haims identified several Staff Not Recommended Objectives, including Objective #83 (implement strategies to activate vacant commercial storefronts), #86 (report on vacancy tax options for commercial properties and residential “ghost homes”), and #90 (a design option for California Avenue) and asked whether these could be reconsidered within the Business and Economic Recovery/Advancement (BRE/A) Committee work. City Manager Shikada explained that staff recommendations reflect current resource constraints and prioritization of initiatives with the highest likelihood of success, noting that advancing additional items would require deprioritizing others. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims clarified that these items align with the Enhance Business Vibrancy priority and advocated for renewed consideration, emphasizing prior progress on the concepts. Mayor Veenker acknowledged the request and suggested the Council revisit these items during discussion of that priority area. Mayor Veenker expressed appreciation for items related to the prohousing designation and the Homekey program. Initial consideration was given to elevating the Safe Parking Program objective but that approach was deferred following prior discussion on OSVs. Mayor Veenker then invited motions to revise Housing priorities and indicated an intent to move to the next topic if none were proposed. City Manager Shikada noted the planned transition to the second Closed Session between 9:45 and 10:00 p.m. and suggested considering time management for the remaining discussion. Mayor Veenker introduced the Cubberley Acquisition and Renovation Funding priority and, seeing no comments from Council, moved on to the Enhance Business Vibrancy priority for discussion. Councilmember Burt emphasized that economic development extends beyond retail vibrancy and highlighted the importance of reinforcing Palo Alto’s role as an innovation ecosystem. It was suggested to incorporate that focus more explicitly within the Enhance Business Vibrancy priority. City Manager Shikada and Economic Development Manager Alex Andrade confirmed that this concept is intended to be included within existing efforts to strengthen the City’s economic development branding. Councilmember Burt supported refining the language to better reflect that emphasis. Vice Mayor Stone expressed support for prioritizing the California Avenue Outdoor Activation Guidelines and asked about the status of similar efforts for Ramona Street. Assistant City Manager Nose explained that while initial guidelines were brought forward, the Committee requested a more comprehensive planning approach incorporating historic context, which requires additional staff resources. As a result, staff has prioritized California Avenue, with the option to revisit Ramona Street at a later time. City Manager Shikada added that interim outreach to businesses has revealed differing perspectives and that additional work will be needed before advancing a cohesive plan for Ramona Street. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 17 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 Mayor Veenker expressed support for the Enhance Business Vibrancy approach and emphasized the importance of being more intentional in engaging with large businesses. Manager Andrade confirmed that staff is proactively engaging businesses of all sizes, with a focus on major revenue generators, and noted that the top 25 sales tax contributors account for approximately 53 percent of the City's sales tax revenues and that recent outreach has included discussions about potential business expansion and job growth. Mayor Veenker invited follow-up on Councilmember Lythcott-Haims’s earlier comments regarding the 3 items under Staff Not Recommended Objectives. Councilmember Lythcott- Haims noted no support from colleagues and pursued no further action, stating the intent was to highlight the issue. Mayor Veenker introduced the Government Efficiency priority and invited Council comments on the associated objectives. Vice Mayor Stone proposed exploring the addition of a part-time Council executive assistant and requested that staff return with cost estimates and potential scope of responsibilities. It was suggested the role could improve efficiency by allowing Councilmembers to focus on constituent services and enabling staff to better utilize their time and expertise. Mayor Veenker asked staff whether cost information was available for a potential part- time Council executive assistant position. Assistant City Manager Nose responded that an unbenefited, hourly management-level position would cost approximately $59,000. Councilmember Lu asked for clarification on the scope and expected outcomes of the quick-build transportation improvements objective on Row #36, including whether daylighting is included and what tangible deliverables could be expected. Chief Transportation Official Ria Lo explained that the effort would focus on updating the City’s traffic-calming policy, adjusting thresholds, and enabling more operational, small-scale improvements through work orders. It was confirmed that daylighting and certain traffic control measures could be included. Councilmember Lu expressed concern that the objective, as written, emphasizes analysis rather than implementation and suggested revising it to include clearer deliverables and measurable outcomes. Chief Transportation Official Lo noted that current work, including a Bryant Street pilot, could inform a revised approach and support more visible improvements. Councilmember Lauing asked for clarification on the objective related to streamlining approval of revised procurement thresholds (Row #32) and noted the absence of a defined milestone. City Manager Shikada explained that the effort involves implementing recommendations from a City Auditor report and will require returning to Council for municipal code amendments. Councilmember Lauing expressed concern that the timeline for improvements to the Palo Alto 311 system (Row #34) places major milestones in Q4 without interim updates and SUMMARY MINUTES Page 18 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 emphasized the need for ongoing visibility into progress. City Manager Shikada clarified that work is underway and that progress is being made in parallel with longer-term system improvements. Assistant City Manager Nose added that quarterly updates will be provided to the Council as part of regular reporting on Group 1 objectives. City Manager Shikada confirmed that these updates will include sufficient detail to track progress. Councilmember Lauing asked whether the Consultant Stewardship Framework in Row #31 refers to an ongoing consultant study reviewing the full lifecycle of consultant use. City Manager Shikada confirmed that it does. Councilmember Lauing expressed support for the objective on Row #36, noting that the existing program is insufficient and that the objective is appropriately framed. Councilmember Burt supported the objective in Row #36 and emphasized improving efficiency in delivering transportation improvements. It was suggested that policy considerations related to limiting through traffic on bike boulevards be incorporated into the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan for future Council consideration. The need to prioritize implementation of daylighting requirements in high-priority areas was highlighted, such as Safe Routes to School and bike corridors, noting current inconsistencies and delays. Councilmember Burt cited the prolonged Crescent Park traffic- calming project as an example of inefficiencies, noting extended timelines and consultant costs. It was suggested that when consensus cannot be reached, matters should be brought to Council to enable timely decisions and advance progress. Councilmember Burt asked about lease timelines related to facilities affected by the Public Safety Building relocation and whether extensions would be required. City Manager Shikada confirmed that leases do have expiration dates and noted that the timeline is intended to avoid extensions, with the Utilities Engineering lease at Elwell Court expiring first. Councilmember Burt inquired about the timing of appraisals for vacated space and suggested initiating that process earlier. City Manager Shikada responded that the appraisal process is underway. Councilmember Reckdahl noted his support for prioritizing daylighting in high-priority locations and raised safety concerns about vehicles crossing bike lanes, noting specific intersections where fast-moving traffic creates hazards for cyclists. Councilmember Reckdahl suggested considering additional controls, such as 4-way stops, to improve safety. Mayor Veenker likewise proposed adding a part-time Council administrative assistant to improve efficiency and centralize administrative tasks and made a motion to include the item. Vice Mayor Stone seconded the motion. Councilmember Burt expressed concern that adding a Council administrative assistant would be premature, noting that staff had been directed to return with an analysis of functions and costs. Councilmember Burt indicated a preference to review that SUMMARY MINUTES Page 19 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 information before making a decision and was not supportive of the motion at this time. Mayor Veenker clarified that the motion was intended to align with and support the ongoing analysis. Councilmember Reckdahl asked whether existing staff could support Council administrative tasks, such as travel and expense reporting. City Clerk Mahealani Ah Yun explained that the Clerk’s Office currently handles Council travel arrangements and expense reporting, including coordination for conferences and other events. Clerk Ah Yun added that while some coordination has shifted from other departments, the current structure is functioning effectively. Councilmember Reckdahl asked whether the arrangement is efficient and Clerk Ah Yun confirmed that it is, noting that Council travel demands are relatively limited. Mayor Veenker stated that administrative tasks create an opportunity cost that limits time available for City work and suggested that a part-time assistant could improve efficiency. Mayor Veenker proposed funding a pilot using Council contingency funds to evaluate the role and reduce reliance on multiple staff members for administrative support. It was explained that a centralized staff resource could help coordinate and identify opportunities for Councilmember participation at events. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims reflected on the overall workload of Councilmembers and the level of support needed, noting that the role often functions as a full-time commitment. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims shared personal experience using an administrative assistant and expressed support for exploring a centralized resource to improve coordination, including calendar management and event coverage. Councilmember Burt clarified that Councilmembers may coordinate attendance at community events, provided they do not discuss substantive matters that could come before the Council. Mayor Veenker noted that this support position could assist with coordinating and managing Council office hours, including scheduling and rescheduling. Councilmember Lauing asked whether the proposed motion would go beyond the ongoing analysis by the City Clerk of Council support needs and expressed concern about allocating funds prior to completing that analysis. Mayor Veenker clarified that the intent is to initiate a temporary part-time position on a pilot basis, with duties to be informed by the forthcoming analysis, and reiterated that funding could be drawn from Council contingency funds. Clerk Ah Yun explained that the current analysis assignment involves benchmarking Council support services across other jurisdictions and preparing a memo for Council. Councilmember Lauing indicated a preference to review that analysis in the context of the budget but had no objection to a short-term pilot if there is an immediate need. Mayor Veenker proposed establishing a short-term pilot for a part-time Council administrative assistant, funded through Council contingency funds for approximately 6 SUMMARY MINUTES Page 20 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 months, with evaluation during the budget process. Vice Mayor Stone supported the proposal and suggested that a longer duration may improve feasibility for recruitment. Councilmember Lu requested an amendment to revise Objective #36 to include clearer implementation elements and asked about the appropriate process for making substantive changes. City Manager Shikada indicated that staff would need direction on desired revisions and suggested referring the item back to staff for return to Council. Councilmember Lu proposed amending the motion to approve the Group 1 objectives, excluding Objective #36, which would be referred back to staff and returned to Council. Mayor Veenker accepted the amendment. City Manager Shikada noted that the Council had not yet addressed the Council Values priorities section. Mayor Veenker asked whether there were procedural comments on that section and suggested deferring discussion to a later meeting due to time constraints if needed or proceeding with the motion as amended. Councilmember Burt sought clarification on whether staff would incorporate Council feedback into revisions or if formal motions were required for each change. City Manager Shikada responded that staff could incorporate input and return with revisions or alternatively bring all objectives back for Council confirmation, depending on Council’s preference. Mayor Veenker expressed confusion, noting that opportunities had been provided at the end of each section to propose motions, identify changes, or to confirm consensus. Councilmember Burt indicated that proceeding through individual motions would be time-consuming and suggested relying on staff to incorporate feedback, particularly for Objective #36, and return with revisions reflecting Council input. Councilmember Burt expressed concern about using Council contingency funds to add a position during a period of budget constraints and staffing reductions. It was stated that the proposal should be considered through the regular budget process and informed by the pending analysis, rather than advancing ahead of that process. Mayor Veenker sought clarification from staff on whether direction was needed regarding returning with revisions based on Council feedback. Councilmember Burt asked how staff intends to incorporate Council feedback and when revisions would return. City Manager Shikada explained that staff will incorporate direction where the current language does not fully reflect Council intent and include updates in the next quarterly report at the end of March. Councilmember Burt emphasized the need for clarity on how feedback will be reflected. City Manager Shikada confirmed that not all updates would return for separate approval but would be incorporated into reporting. Councilmember Burt noted the importance of having an opportunity to revisit and revise items if needed when the updates are presented. City Manager Shikada stated that items such as the daylighting and traffic-calming objective would benefit from returning with revised language for Council review, potentially as a consent item, and noted that SUMMARY MINUTES Page 21 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 additional updates would be included in the upcoming quarterly report. Mayor Veenker indicated that this approach aligns with her intent to identify items needing formal direction during each section and expressed comfort with reviewing updates through quarterly reporting. Councilmember Burt requested that the motion be split. Mayor Veenker asked whether Councilmembers had comments on the Council Values priorities section or wished to discuss it prior to approval and, hearing none, indicated it would remain included in the motion. MOTION: Mayor Veenker moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Stone, to approve the 2026 City Council Group 1 Objectives, excluding Objective 36, which will be referred to staff and returned to Council. MOTION PASSED: 7-0 MOTION SPLIT FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING MOTION: Mayor Veenker moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Stone, to add an additional 2026 City Council Group 1 Objective: - Council support position allocation as a short-term pilot (6 to 12 months) funded from the Council Contingency fund. MOTION PASSED: 5-2, Reckdahl and Burt voted no Councilmember Reckdahl explained that his no vote was based on concerns about the optics of adding staff during a period of broader budget reductions, despite acknowledging the need for additional support. Mayor Veenker stated that the Ad Hoc Purpose Statements and Committee Workplans portions of this item would be continued to a future agenda. Closed Session AA1. Public Employee Appointment Title: City Attorney Authority: Gov. Code Section 54957(b) Public Comment: 1. Herb B. referenced prior communications regarding a City Attorney candidate and raised concerns about governance, development-related dynamics, and past conflicts of interest. A contract detail was cited involving a missing signature date and it was suggested that Council may wish to consider its implications. SUMMARY MINUTES Page 22 of 22 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 03/09/2026 Mayor Veenker acknowledged the public speaker's comment and stated that the comment would be considered when the item is heard in closed session. MOTION: Councilmember Reckdahl moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Stone, to go into Closed Session. MOTION PASSED: 7-0 Council went into Closed Session at 10:12 p.m. Council returned from Closed Session at 11:28 p.m. Mayor Veenker announced that, due to time constraints, Agenda Item AA1 would be continued to 5:15 p.m. on March 11, 2026. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:29 p.m. and continued Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 5:15 p.m.