HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-31 City Council Agenda PacketCity Council
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
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May 31, 2016
Special Meeting
Community Meeting Room
6:00 PM
Agenda posted according to PAMC Section 2.04.070. Supporting materials are available in
the Council Chambers on the Thursday 10 days preceding the meeting.
Committee of the Whole Meetings are special meetings, scheduled
periodically by Council to have discussions and take action or provide
directives to Staff on various topics in a less formal setting. The sessions are
designed to allow for a conversation between the Council Members, and
between the Council Members and Staff.
Roll Call
Study Session
1.Council Study Session on Sea Level Rise
Oral Communications
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Council reserves the right to limit the duration of Oral Communications period to 30 minutes.
Action Items
Include: Reports of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Reports of Officials, Unfinished Business and Council Matters.
2.Second Quarter Review of Council Priorities for 2016 and Discussion
and Potential Direction to Staff on the 2016 Staff Work Plan, IncludingProcess Recommendations to Prioritize Work and Achieve Results
(An updated copy of the Council Priorities Work Plan will be sent out
Friday, May 27, 2016. Additional materials by Staff may be provided
at the meeting)
3.Council Member Discussion on Future Issues and Concerns With a
Special Focus on the Second Half of 2016, With Potential Direction to
Staff (Conversation)
At Place
Memo
2 May 31, 2016
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4. Reports From Council Appointed Officers (CAOs) on the State of the
City (Conversation)
Adjournment
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Additional Information
City of Palo Alto (ID # 6953)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Study Session Meeting Date: 5/31/2016
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Study Session on Sea Level Rise
Title: Council Study Session on Sea Level Rise
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Public Works
Recommendation
This is a Study Session report and requires no Council action.
Executive Summary
This study session is being presented to identify facility-specific and programmatic
issues that involve sea level rise. Six “Guiding Principles” and three generic
“Tools” are being presented as a framework for Council discussion both now and
as plans and projects are brought to Council in the future. Specific concerns
discussed in this report as examples include the Regional Water Quality Control
Plant, the Palo Alto Golf Course and Palo Alto Airport, the Municipal Service
Center/Emergency Response capabilities, and the City of Palo Alto Comprehensive
Plan Update to show how the Guiding Principles and Tools could be used to assist
in decision-making. Council input on the Guiding Principles and Tools is being
sought in preparation for specific program and project recommendations, which
will follow in the coming months.
Background
Scientists agree that climate change has led to global increases in temperature
and sea level rise. In the past century, global mean sea level has increased by
seven to eight inches1. In the last 10 to 15 years, the rate of global sea level rise
has increased by about 50 percent. According to experts, climate change will
fundamentally change the way we live. No longer will the environment be a static
condition, a certainty upon which other variables depend. Rather, it will be a
1 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 2013
City of Palo Alto Page 2
variable itself, and it will make us plan for the future like never before.2
In addition to the non-static nature of climate change and its effects, the sheer
complexity of the multiple factors that affect climate change makes modeling
difficult at best. There are many elements at risk of variation because of climate
change, and it is not known how each of these elements will affect each other. As
a result, the general public’s assumption of a steady and predictable change is
likely not accurate.
The San Francisco Bay, home to one of the oldest tide gauges in the country, has
seen 0.63 feet of sea level rise over the last century. In the coming century, the
rate of sea level rise is expected to accelerate, as higher average atmospheric
temperatures cause glaciers and the polar ice caps to melt. Opinions vary on the
forecasted amount of sea level rise, but there is little argument that the
accelerating trend will continue. As a result, there is a very high level of
uncertainty for which it is difficult to plan.
In the year 2000, the State of California adopted guidance and sea level rise
projections for planning purposes ranging from 10 to 17 inches by 2050, 17 to 32
inches by 2070, and 31 to 69 inches by 21003. The San Francisco Bay
Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) in its latest Bay Plan
amendment (October 2011) revised its estimate of the year 2100 sea level rise
from 55 inches to up to 69 inches. However, data on sea level rise is evolving, and
BCDC uses the 55-inch sea level rise scenario in the Bay Plan when assessing long-
term impacts. Recent projections by the United States Geological Survey (USGS)
for the South Bay range from 0.5 to 5 meters (19.7 to 196.8 inches), showing the
considerable uncertainty as to what level of rising waters to expect and the high
variability in projections.4
The Pacific Institute estimates that a 3.28 foot rise in sea level would put 220,000
people at risk of a 1% (100‐year) flood event, given today’s population in the Bay
Area. Critical infrastructure, such as roads, hospitals, schools, emergency
facilities, wastewater treatment plants, power plants, and more will be at
increased risk of inundation, as will vast areas of wetlands and other natural
2 Columbia Law School, Center for Climate Change Law, Managed Coastal Retreat, 2013
3 http://www.opc.ca.gov/webmaster/ftp/pdf/docs/2013_SLR_Guidance_Update_FINAL1.pdf
4 http://www.spur.org/publications/article/2009-11-01/sea-level-rise-and-future-bay-area
City of Palo Alto Page 3
ecosystems. In addition, it is estimated that the cost of replacing property that
will likely be at risk of coastal flooding with this level of sea level rise is $49 billion
(in year 2000 dollars)5.
The overall result of both sea level rise and possible changes in precipitation
patterns is that low-lying areas surrounding the San Francisco Bay will experience
more frequent and severe flooding. Areas that are typically flood-prone will be
inundated, and some areas that are currently not at risk will be periodically
flooded. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts
that by 2050, a majority of U.S. coastal areas are likely to be threatened by 30 or
more days of flooding each year due to dramatically accelerating impacts from
sea level rise.6
The purpose of this study session is to: 1) inform the Council on sea level rise
protection, mitigation, and adaptation efforts occurring in California, regionally,
and in Palo Alto; 2) prepare Council for future actions; 3) present conceptual draft
guiding principles for addressing sea level rise; and 4) obtain input from Council
members on their questions, priorities, and vision for Palo Alto regarding sea level
rise.
Discussion
Palo Alto’s existing Bayfront flood protection system is comprised of a levee
network between San Francisquito Creek and the Mountain View border. These
levees do not meet current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
standards for height or construction quality. As a result, there are approximately
2,700 Palo Alto properties in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area that
are currently potentially subject to tidal flooding from a 1% (100-year) high tide
event in San Francisco Bay, assuming no sea level rise. In addition there are
critical City facilities and infrastructure as well as a regional facility located within
the designated tidal floodplain, including:
Regional Water Quality Control Plant
Palo Alto Airport
City of Palo Alto Municipal Service Center
Palo Alto Utility Control and Engineering Center
5 http://www.pacinst.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2013/02/sea_level_rise_sf_bay_cec3.pdf
6 Coastal Hazards Resiliency Group (CHARG), Strategic Brief, 2015
City of Palo Alto Page 4
City of Palo Alto Animal Services
City of Palo Alto offices at Elwell Court
Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course
Palo Alto Baylands and Byxbee Park
Palo Alto’s closed landfill
Commercial properties, including the U.S. Post Office and International
School
Regional utility corridors (e.g. PG&E gas mains and electric transmission
lines)
Palo Alto Utility Substations
Stormwater Pump Stations
U.S. Highway 101
Sea level rise will result in an increase in the number of properties designated as
being in the floodplain unless measures are taken to adapt and protect the
shoreline and/or specific properties. Such measures may lead to possible changes
in the shoreline as decisions must be made regarding which assets to protect and
whether to retreat or adapt. It will require the expenditure of significant
resources to address sea level rise. Sea level rise also poses emergency response
and safety challenges, which are addressed in the City’s Threat and Hazard
Identification and Risk Assessment as well as the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
This study session provides the Council with information on efforts being taken at
the state, regional and local level related to sea level rise.
State of California Initiatives
In 2014, the State legislature passed AB 2516, which imposes new requirements
for sea level rise planning. The law directed the California Natural Resources
Agency (CNRA) to create a database consisting of various entities, departments,
and boards to share information about sea level rise planning projects.
Participating agencies include the Department of Water Resources, California
Coastal Commission, State Energy Resources Conservation and Development
Commission, State Lands Commission, San Francisco Bay Conservation and
Development Commission, and State Coastal Conservancy. AB2516 requires, on
or before January 1, 2016, the CNRA, in collaboration with the Ocean Protection
Council (OPC), to create, update biannually, and post on an internet website a
Planning for Sea Level Rise Database describing steps being taken throughout the
state to prepare for and adapt to sea level rise. As a result of AB 2516, the Palo
City of Palo Alto Page 5
Alto Utilities Department and Palo Alto Airport were required to provide
information on July 1, 2015 regarding their planning efforts with respect to sea
level rise.
The State Assembly has a Select Committee on Sea Level Rise and the California
Economy chaired by Assemblyman Rich Gordon.
The California Coastal Commission unanimously adopted a Sea Level Rise Policy
Guidance document on August 12, 2015. It provides an overview of the best
available science on sea level rise for California and a recommended methodology
for addressing sea level rise in Coastal Commission planning and regulatory
actions. The potential impacts of sea level rise fall within the California Coastal
Commission’s (and local governments’) planning and regulatory responsibilities
under the Coastal Act. Sea level rise increases the risk of flooding, coastal erosion,
and saltwater intrusion into freshwater supplies. The Coastal Act mandates the
protection of public access and recreation along the coast, coastal habitats, and
other sensitive resources, as well as providing priority visitor-serving and coastal-
dependent or coastal-related development while simultaneously minimizing risks
from coastal hazards.
The California Ocean Protection Council provided an updated Sea Level Rise
Guidance Document "to help state agencies incorporate future sea-level rise
impacts into planning decisions." This document includes a table summarizing sea
level rise models for the years 2030-2100 north and south of Cape Mendocino,
which were adopted by the State for planning projections.
The State of California Natural Resources Agency has a California Climate
Adaptation Strategy, which is a comprehensive plan to guide adaptation to
climate change, becoming the first state to develop such a strategy in 2009.
Bay Area Initiatives
The Coastal Hazards Adaptation Resiliency Group (CHARG) is a forum at which
local, regional, state, and federal scientists, engineers, planners, and policy
makers can develop a common understanding about regional coastal hazards
issues. CHARG’s participants represent many Bay Area cities (including Palo Alto),
all nine Bay Area counties, and regional, state, and federal agencies. Each
member organization is responsible for protecting public safety, health, and
City of Palo Alto Page 6
welfare through planning, building, and maintaining infrastructure and enhancing
and maintaining the natural environment. CHARG has developed a Strategic Brief
and is working on technical, funding, and policy issues related to sea level rise.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District (Water District) and Joint Venture Silicon
Valley are hosting sub-regional meetings for agencies in Santa Clara County.
The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC)
consists of 27 members who represent various interests in the Bay, including
federal, state, regional, and local governments and the public of the San Francisco
Bay region. The Commission is authorized to control: 1) Bay filling and dredging,
and 2) bay-related shoreline development. BCDC updated the San Francisco Bay
Plan in October 2011 to deal with the expected impacts of climate change in San
Francisco Bay.7 The previous policy language recommended that new
development not be approved in low-lying areas that are in danger of flooding
now or in the future unless the development was elevated above possible flood
levels. The new BCDC policies require sea level rise risk assessments to be
conducted when planning shoreline development or designing large shoreline
projects within BCDC jurisdiction. The risk assessment should be prepared by a
qualified engineer and should be based on the estimated 100-year flood elevation
that takes into account a range of sea level projections for mid-century and end of
century. All projects should be designed to be resilient to a mid-century sea level
rise projection. If it is likely that the project will remain in place longer than mid-
century, an adaptive management plan should be developed to address the long-
term impacts. Shoreline protection projects, such as levees and seawalls, must be
designed to withstand the effects of projected sea level rise and to be integrated
with adjacent shoreline protection. Whenever feasible, projects must integrate
hard shoreline protection structures with natural features, such as marsh or
upland vegetation, that enhance the Bay ecosystem. [2]
Adapting to Rising Tides (ART) is a collaborative planning effort led by BCDC and
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services
Center to understand how San Francisco Bay Area communities can adapt to sea
level rise and storm event flooding. The ART Project has engaged local, regional,
state and federal agencies, as well as non-profit and private stakeholders, to
explore how the Bay Area can increase resilience to sea level rise and storm
events, while protecting critical ecosystem and community services.
7 http://www.bcdc.ca.gov/planning/climate_change/SLRfactSheet.shtml
City of Palo Alto Page 7
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) provides resources via its
Resilience Program (http://resilience.abag.ca.gov/climate_change/) as well as sea
level rise vulnerability maps (http://resilience.abag.ca.gov/news/new-sea-level-
rise-map-interface/)
The South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project is the largest tidal wetland
restoration project on the West Coast. When complete, the project will restore
15,100 acres of industrial salt ponds to a rich mosaic of tidal wetlands and other
habitats. Its goals are to restore wetland habitat, provide public access and
recreation, and provide for flood management in the South Bay that enables
restoration. Once established, tidal marshes on the outboard side of levees will
be the first line of flood defense and will help protect the levees from storm wave
action and tidal surge. Restored tidal wetlands also increase the flood carrying
capacity of local creeks, flood control channels, and rivers. In addition, the San
Francisco Estuary Institute has updated its Baylands Goals Report to include sea
level rise. The Baylands Goals Report provides a roadmap for wetland restoration
and describes how such restoration can assist with sea level rise protection. In
order for wetlands to assist with sea level rise adaptation, they must be restored
quickly, reconnected to natural processes, such as creeks, and have open land to
be able to migrate landward as sea levels rise.8
The San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority9 is a regional government agency
charged with raising and allocating resources for the restoration, enhancement,
protection, and enjoyment of wetlands and wildlife habitat in the San Francisco
Bay and along its shoreline. The Authority was created by the California
legislature in 2008 with the enactment of AB 2954 (Lieber). The restoration
authority has placed a regional parcel tax measure on the June 2016 ballot. The
$12 tax would raise $500 million over 20 years to fund flood protection
infrastructure and wetland restoration projects across the San Francisco Bay.
The South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Study is a study by the US Army Corps of
Engineers funded through a congressional appropriation together with local
funding from the Water District and the State Coastal Conservancy to identify and
recommend tidal flood risk management projects for federal funding. The
8 www.baylandsgoals.org
9 http://sfbayrestore.org/
City of Palo Alto Page 8
shoreline study team is currently working on the planning and design of flood
protection projects in the Alviso area of San Jose and a pre-feasibility study for
the remaining shoreline area in Santa Clara County. The Water District is also
working with the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority (JPA) on flood
protection, has performed coastal floodplain modeling, and maintains a resource
website on sea level rise10.
The Bay Area Climate Change Consortium (BAECCC) facilitates collaboration
between resource managers, scientists, and interested parties. BAECCC is working
on implementing a Natural Infrastructure Initiative to recognize the value the
ecosystems in the Bay Area add to human well-being and resiliency.
The Silicon Valley 2.0 Project was developed by the County of Santa Clara Office
of Sustainability to respond to a gap in regional climate adaptation planning and
the need for an implementation tool rather than simply a plan.11 This interactive
risk management tool includes geo-economic information about various assets
and allows planners to assess the value of vulnerable assets.
The Bay Area Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP) presents a
thorough summary of climate change projections and expected impacts to four
water-related Functional Areas in the Bay Area, including water supply/water
quality, flood control wastewater/stormwater, and watershed and habitat
protection. The Bay Area IRWMP reviewed climate change adaptation strategies
from a wide range of regional and local initiatives and planning documents such
as urban water management plans, habitat restoration plans, wastewater
treatment master plans, watershed stewardship plans and water supply
strategies. The Bay Area IRWMP identifies the following general strategies for
adapting to climate change:
Incorporate climate change adaptation into relevant local and regional
plans and projects;
“No Regrets” approach to address immediate or ongoing concerns while
reducing future risks;
10http://cf.valleywater.org/Water/Where_Your_Water_Comes_From/Water%20Supply%20and%20Infrastructure
%20Planning/Climate%20Change/SeaLevel.cfm
11 https://www.sccgov.org/sites/osp/SV2/Pages/SV2.aspx
City of Palo Alto Page 9
Establish a climate change adaptation public outreach and education
program;
Build collaborative relationships between regional entities and neighboring
communities to promote complementary adaptation strategy development
and regional approaches;
Establish an ongoing monitoring program to track local and regional climate
impacts and adaptation strategy effectiveness; and
Update building codes and zoning.
For Sea Level Rise, the specific strategies identified by the Bay Area IRWMP are:
Multifunctional ecosystem-based adaptation along the bay shore and rivers
Remove critical infrastructure from hazard zone
Raise, armor and maintain flood control structures that protect critical
infrastructure that cannot be moved.
Prevent placement of new infrastructure in areas likely to be inundated.
Improve emergency preparedness, response, evacuation and recovery
plans.
Local Projects
The City of Mountain View conducted a comprehensive sea level rise vulnerability
and adaptation assessment for its Shoreline Community adjacent to San Francisco
Bay. The study addresses the potential for increased flooding directly from coastal
sources as well as upstream sea level rise impacts to creek flooding and
stormwater drainage. Supporting assessments include geotechnical levee
evaluations, pump intake siltation, and landfill management concerns. As a result
of the study, the City has developed a Capital Improvement Program to meet the
flood protection needs of the area.
Across the Bay in San Leandro, a multi-agency partnership is piloting the
construction of a wide horizontal “ecotone” levee at the Oro Loma Sanitary
District wastewater treatment plant. The ecotone slope (essentially a wide,
gently-sloped levee with wetland vegetation) serves to provide protection from
rising sea levels as well as increase the removal of nutrients from secondary
wastewater effluent. Wastewater treatment plants of the future will be moving
away from the goal of “wastewater treatment” and towards a framework of
“resource recovery.” Wastewater contains two major resources that are
important to the ecology of coastal ecosystems: fresh water and nutrients. The
City of Palo Alto Page 10
movement of fresh water across the ecotone slope is crucial in replenishing a
coastal habitat type that has been removed from the Bay as streams have been
channelized. In addition, wastewater contains nutrients that can stimulate the
growth of the plants on the ecotone levee.12
In terms of tidal flood protection, the San Francisquito Creek JPA is conducting a
levee improvement feasibility study and design project for the Bayfront levees
between San Francisquito Creek and Redwood City. This project, which the JPA
has designated as the “Strategy to Advance Flood protection, Ecosystems and
Recreation” or “SAFER Bay” project, is being jointly funded through a grant from
the State of California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and financial
contributions from the cities of Menlo Park, East Palo Alto and Palo Alto. This is a
separate, but related project from the JPA’s San Francisquito Creek Flood
Protection Project. The scope of the SAFER Bay project includes a feasibility study
to identify the preferred alternative for improving the existing Bayfront levee
system to provide 1% (100-year) protection from tidal flooding (including
consideration of future sea level rise), followed by preparation of an
environmental impact report and final construction bid documents. While FEMA
does not currently address sea level rise in its flood mapping, the SAFER Bay
feasibility study incorporates three feet of sea level rise into its design
assumptions in order to be consistent with the project time frame (at least five
decades) and the range of sea level rise projections over this time13.
The JPA has a long-term goal of placing a ballot measure before local voters
seeking approval of a special tax or assessment to fund construction of the
recommended tidal levee improvements. The feasibility study consultant team is
currently finalizing a report with potential levee alignments for the Palo Alto area.
Restoration of tidal marshes, including the idea of constructing wide ecotone
levees, is one of the strategies being considered regionally as the first line of
defense from rising seas and storm surges, which also allows for levees to be
lower than they would need to be without the marsh protection (see discussion
above of Baylands Goals Report).
12 http://www.acfloodcontrol.org/SFBayCHARG/pdf/oro_loma_ecotone.pdf
13 Based on OPC 2013 and USACE 2011
City of Palo Alto Page 11
Palo Alto
Responding to sea level rise generally involves three generic tools:
Protect (e.g. levees, floodwalls, wetlands)
Adapt (e.g. build any new or substantially-improved structures elevated
above future flood levels or as structures that can be submerged without
sustaining appreciable damage)
Retreat (e.g. either partially/seasonably or completely surrender an area to
rising sea level)
While our primary and most cost-effective option may be to protect as much of
the existing floodplain as possible from tidal flooding, if sea level rise meets or
exceeds the currently accepted projections, managed retreat may be needed over
the long-term due to the limitations of the protective structures as well as the
costs of continuing to armor the coastline. The City of Palo Alto already has
limited protection and adaptation measures in place, and related zoning policies
in areas of flood risk.
Staff has developed the following six guiding principles regarding sea level rise for
discussion purposes:
1. For City of Palo Alto capital projects, use sea level rise assumptions that
accommodate the range of California and regional sea level rise estimates
and are consistent with other planning efforts. At this time, the sea level
rise estimate should be a minimum of 55 inches by year 2100 based on
BCDC projections.
2. Staff should continue to monitor the latest climate change and sea level
rise science and adapt as needed if sea level rise occurs at a more rapid
pace and/or higher levels than currently projected.
3. Any engineered solutions should be adaptable to changing predictions.
4. All three categories of tools (protect, adapt, retreat) should be considered
when appropriate and cost effective.
5. For areas where a protection strategy, i.e. levees, is being pursued,
additional tools should still be used in case the severity and speed of sea
level rise increases and other measures, such as designing structures that
can get wet and locating sensitive equipment higher in a building, become
necessary.
City of Palo Alto Page 12
6. Staff should continue to collaborate with regional planning efforts on
studies of impacts and strategies for response to sea level rise.
The following three examples serve to illustrate how the guiding principles and
tools may be used:
1. The Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) serves an essential
function to protect public health and the environment. Using guiding
principle 4, preliminary analysis indicates that relocating the treatment
plant would not be cost-effective and that it must be located near the Bay
to facilitate discharge of treated effluent. As a result, the RWQCP likely
must be protected by levees in the long-term. However, using guiding
principle 5, the RWQCP will also need to adapt, including the possible need
for new pumps to allow the effluent to discharge to the Bay and the need
to construct new facilities with rising groundwater in mind. The RWQCP
may also consider use of its effluent to benefit marshes and reduce
nutrients, similar to the Oro Loma Ecotone project described above. New
buildings at the RWQCP are being built to meet the current flood hazard
regulations minimum elevation requirement (Elevation 10.5 feet, NAVD88).
In light of guiding principle 1, the City should consider increasing that
elevation requirement. When that requirement is changed, new structures
at the RWQCP will be constructed in compliance with the modified
regulations.
2. The SAFER project described above is designed to protect facilities in the
Palo Alto Baylands such as the golf course and airport for at least the next
five decades. Should sea level rise be more extreme or occur faster than
anticipated over the long term, an analysis would need to be done to
determine whether increased protection is cost effective (per guiding
principle 4).
3. With the Municipal Service Center (MSC) located in a potential future tidal
inundation zone, emergency response capabilities may be affected.
Potential future impacts include closure of Highway 101 due to flooding
and the inability to get service vehicles from the east side of Highway 101
to the west side and areas within the City needing assistance during flood
emergencies. Some of these access problems surfaced during the 70-year
City of Palo Alto Page 13
flood event in February 1998. Using all guiding principles, an analysis is
needed to determine the best approach to protect the emergency response
capabilities and other services that the MSC provides.
The ongoing Comprehensive Plan update is an opportunity to further explore the
applicability of the listed guiding principles. It is anticipated that the new
Comprehensive Plan will include discussion and references related to
sustainability, climate change and sea level rise, and their effects. New policies
and programs may be drafted to, for example, increase the resilience of areas in
the current or future floodplain through zoning changes. As an example, the
Alviso Master Plan prepared by the City of San Jose has design guidelines for the
“ground floor “flood story” [which] can be used only for parking and incidental
storage.” 14 Other considerations could relate to restricting new housing or other
sensitive uses east of Highway 101 and other vulnerable areas, a form of
managed retreat. The Comprehensive Plan update could be used to trigger
consideration of such new requirements.
Palo Alto’s proposed actions to address sea level rise vulnerabilities will be further
discussed in the future. While Palo Alto should plan and implement its own
actions, they must be coordinated with other jurisdictions, as rising waters do not
respect political boundaries. A regional response will be critical to a successful
outcome.
Timeline
The following items related to sea level rise will be submitted to the Council for
discussion in 2016 unless otherwise noted:
The Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) - development will
include adaptation strategies to address climate risks and create a resilient
community. In addition, this will include an assessment of Palo Alto’s
specific sea level rise and climate risks (S/CAP Appendix F “Climate
Adaptation and Vulnerability Analysis”).
The Comprehensive Plan Update - will incorporate sea level rise issues.
The SAFER Bay feasibility study results and recommended levee alignments
- will be brought forward in mid-2016; a funding request will be made in
14 https://www.sanjoseca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9341
City of Palo Alto Page 14
the proposed FY2017 Capital Improvement Program budget for design and
environmental analysis of tidal levee improvements in Palo Alto.
The revised Local Hazard Mitigation and Adaptation Plan - will incorporate
plans to mitigate sea level rise such as the SAFER Bay project, and
appropriate adapt and retreat strategies.
FEMA’s new Flood Insurance Rate Maps – will expand the footprint of the
tidal floodplain in Palo Alto and surrounding communities based on an
updated analysis of the existing flood risk.
Modifications to the zoning and floodplain ordinances as needed.
Page 1 of 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
Memorandum
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager DEPARTMENT: City Manager
AGENDA DATE: May 31, 2016
SUBJECT: Council Priorities Work Plan (Update 2nd Quarter 2016)
Attached is a copy of the updated Council Priorities Work Plan for use during your discussion at
the Committee of the Whole on May 31, 2016. The projects on the list stem from your January
2016 Council Retreat. Some new Council projects have been added and are identified as
“New”. In addition, we’ve added columns on the right side of the spreadsheet: Impact of
Budget and Current Staffing, and Go or No Go Status field, colored green, yellow, or red (think
traffic lights).
This Work Plan only addresses Projects under the four Council Priority areas. For example,
pending projects such as the Stanford Fire Service Contract, or Prep for FY 2018 Budget (in the
fall) are not included. Also, ELT level Priority Projects are not included. And perhaps the
biggest consumer of staff productivity and provider of service value to our community is not
included‐‐the day to day “routine” work of any City: Police Patrol, Emergency Service response,
Recreation programming, Park maintenance, keeping the lights on, etc. etc. We must
remember that management of those routine services falls to most of the same staff who
support priority projects.
At your meeting, we will also use two 2016 Projects: Housing Options and Eichler Design
Guidelines as “pop‐up” project modifications of scope expansions that illustrate the dynamic
nature of managing the Work Plan during the course of the year. (Memos related to those
topics are also attached.)
Thank you.
JAMES KEENE
City Manager
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
1 IN Post Office Acquire and Renovate
Downtown Post Office for City
Offices
Purchase Post Office
Develop Funding Plan (including bridge funding at start)
Begin Design for Renovation
ASD/
CMO
PW, DSD, PCE Funding stategy will
need to be developed‐‐
attention to near tern
cash flow
2 BE Local Transportation
Funding
[New] Explore local funding
options for transportation
programs and investments as a
way to supplement the County
sales tax measure
[New] Undertake polling and outreach to assess the feasibility of a local funding measure in
November 2016 CMO 6
3 BE Business Registry Implement phase two of the
business registry, deliver key
data about businesses in Palo
Alto, plan for integration with
other permits as phase 3 (subject
to Council direction)
• Enhance/ Test Upgraded Tool
• Launch Renewal Period March 1
• Deliver Upgraded Reports
• Plan for integraƟon of other permits to launch in phase 3
CMO DS, PLN, ATY,
ASD, FD, IT 5 Business Registry next
phases slowed down
due to departure of
Economic Deve Mgr
4 CP Sustainability and
Climate Action Plan
(S/CAP)
Develop world class goals and
strategy to guide next
generation sustainability efforts
for City and community.
• Produce comprehensive plan and implementaƟon roadmaps to achieve basic and aggressive
greenhouse gas emissions reductions with measures that are technically, financially, legally and
socially feasible.
• Provide findings and recommendaƟons to Council and community.
• Develop process for integraƟon of SCAP and CompPlan
• Develop 3-5 year implementaƟon plans for specific SCAP elements
CMO DS, PLN, PW
UTL 6 BUDGET: Reduction of
requested contingency
may affect consultant
support. May require
supplement funding to
complete listed tasks.
STAFFING: Will depend
on availability of staff
from other
departments
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 1
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
5 HC Airplane Noise Continue to work with
Congresswoman Eshoo's Office,
FAA, SFO Roundtable,
Neighboring Cities and Sky Posse
1. Work through new governance structure-select committee CMO City Attorney,
PWD 5 This is an ever
expanding Project that
appears to be taking
more staff resources
than we have available.
6 HC Neighborhood
Engagement
Implement recommendations of
Colleagues Memo dated 4/20/15
expanding engagement with
neighborhood associations.
1) Update Co-Sponsorship Agreement; 2) meeting with neighborhood leaders, to further discuss
development of the City’s Neighborhood Engagement initiative, including association definition,
support models, communication, conflict resolution, ombudsman concept, City’s website and
social media for neighborhoods. 3) Schedule 2016 Town Halls
CMO City Attorney,
CSD 3
7 IN Animal Shelter To spin off the animal shelter to
a non-profit organization to have
a robust public private
partnership.
1. Continue negotiations with Pets in Need
2. Take results to City Council
3. Begin new service model
CMO
PD
Cash Alaee
Bob Beacom
ASD, CSD, ATT 2 Potential minor
increase or net neutral
impact to FY17 budget.
Ongoing long term cost
savings due to reduced
staff costs.
8 CP Baylands
Comprehensive
Conservation Plan
Comprehensive plan for effective
management of the Baylands by
balancing ecosystem
conservation with recreation
and environmental education
opportunities.
• Develop conservaƟon goals and strategies
• Develop recreaƟon goals and strategies
• Create and convene a Baylands conservaƟon advisory commiƩee.
• Issue RFP; Award Bid; Create project calendar; Conduct public outreach, involve Parks and Rec
Commission and Council.
CSD Kristen O'Kane CSD: Daren
Anderson, Rich
Bicknell, Lisa
Myers, Robbie
Parry
2 Currently proposed to
begin in FY 2017,
however due to budget
constraints may need
to be postponed
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 2
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
9 HC Project Safety Net Transition Project Safety Net
Community Collaborative to the
Collective Impact framework for
increased effectiveness.
• Use the CollecƟve Impact model to develop a roadmap (logic model) to accomplish PSN’s
specified goals and objectives for promoting youth well-being and suicide prevention;
• Work with the City and school district to establish an execuƟve board to provide leadership,
guidance and support for PSN’s mission;
• Create an expert team to develop a shared data collecƟon system, build overall capacity, and
facilitate communication and collaboration;
• Set up a mechanism to elevate, support and measure youth voice within the PSN Community
Collaborative leadership and the work of suicide prevention and youth well-being in the
community;
• Evaluate and recommend a fiscal agent for PSN, either the creaƟon of a separate 501c(3) tax
exempt organization, or through an established nonprofit agency to serve as a “backbone”
organization for PSN.
• Develop funding plan and parƟcipaƟon
CSD Mary Gloner CSD Rob de
Geus, Lacee
Kortsen; CMO
Jim Keene,
Claudia Keith,
OES
5 Budgeted and
Resourced. On target
to complete by end of
the 2016 calendar year
10 HC Homeless Services Strategic alignment and
investment in regional efforts to
support the unhoused.
Formulate options and recommendations on advancing Palo Alto's involvement CSD Minka van der
Zwaag
CSD: Rob de
Geus CMO Jim
Keene, Ed
Shikada; PCE
Jeremy Dennis
4 Not budgeted or
adequately resourced.
There is additional
funding to continue
strategic investment to
house homeless
individuals in
partnership with Santa
Clara County in the
FY17 proposed budget.
11 HC Healthy City Healthy
Community
Resolution
Reconvene the Healthy City
Healthy Community working
group to advance community
health as defined in the Council
adopted Healthy City Healthy
Community Resolution.
• Re-convene a diverse stakeholder group
• Meet through-out the year to advance the Healthy Cities Healthy Community 2016 work plan:
1. Create a welcome packet for new residents that orients individuals and families to the
many health and wellness opportunities available in Palo Alto;
2. Include Healthy City/Healthy Community goals, policies and programs in the Comprehensive
Plan Update;
3. Advance specific and safe Bike/Pedestrian Plan projects;
4. Implement a City of Palo Alto Employee Health and Wellness Initiative;
5. In partnership with the business community, coordinate a forum for local businesses to
share and learn about workplace health and wellness best practices and encourage the
adoption of similar employee health and wellness initiatives;
6. In partnership with community partners, coordinate an annual Health Fair that promotes
community health and wellbeing;
CSD Kristen O'Kane CSD Rob de
Geus; Minka
van der Zwaag,
Stephanie
Douglas PSO ‐
Rumi Portillo
CMO Claudia
Keith; PCE ‐
Jonathan Lait
3 Budgeted and
Resourced. On target
to complete by end of
the 2016 calendar year
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 3
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
12 IN Cubberley Master
Plan
Begin the Cubberley Master Plan
process in collaboration with
PAUSD and the community.
• Joint statement on commitment
• Engage the Community in an event at Cubberley begin the public engagement phase of the
Master Plan process
• Leverage Stanford Design School and other partners in a design thinking challenge for process
design
• Seek Board of EducaƟon and Council agreement on a vision, and essenƟal elements needed in
the Master Plan
• Prepare a scope services and release an RFP Cubberley Master Plan design
CSD Rob de Geus CSD Kristen
O'Kane, Adam
Howard,
Stephanie
Douglas CMO
Jim Keene,
PWD ‐ Brad
Eggleston
5 Budgeted and
Resourced. On target
to complete by end of
the 2016 calendar year
13 IN Junior Museum &
Zoo Project
Develop an agreement between
the Friends of the Junior
Museum and Zoo and the City of
Palo Alto to rebuild the facility
• Complete the design of the new center
• DraŌ a construcƟon agreement for Council consideraƟon.
• Complete CEQA requirements.
• Complete a draŌ operaƟng agreement with pro forma reflecƟng the public private partnership
for Council consideration.
CSD Rhy Halpern CSD ‐ Rob de
Geus, John
Aikin; ASD ‐
Lalo Perez,
Steve
Guagliardo; PLN‐
Amy French,
Chitra Moitra ;
PW‐Brad
Eggleston,
Elizabeth Ames;
Attorneys ‐
Molly Stump,
3 On target to complete
by end of the 2016
calendar year
14 IN Foothills Park 7.7
Acres
Evaluate and recommend to
Council use of additional 7.7
acres of dedicated park land
added to Foothills Park..
• Complete the Buckeye Creek hydrology study
• AŌer the Buckeye Creek hydrology study is completed work with the Parks and RecreaƟon
Commission to draft a recommendation for Council on how to use the 7.7 acre
• Evaluate the impacts of the recommendaƟon to Council on the Acterra Nursery lease
CSD Daren
Anderson
PWD ‐ Brad
Eggleston 1 Budgeted and not fully
resourced causing the
Buckeye Creek
hydrology study to
take longer than
expected to begin ‐
other CIP taking
priority.
15 CP Parks, Trails, Open
Space & Recreation
Master Plan
Develop a Parks and Recreation
Master Plan to guide future
renovations, expansions and
improvements
• Develop and PrioriƟze Project and Program OpportuniƟes: PreparaƟon of recommendaƟons;
identification of capital projects, needed renovations and other improvements; and
prioritization of projects into an implementation timeline of short (5-year), medium (15- year)
and long-term (20-year) ranges.
• Plan Review and AdopƟon: Public, Parks and RecreaƟon Commission (PRC), and Council
review; and Council approval process to adopt the plan.
CSD/
PWD
Kristen O'Kane CSD ‐ Daren
Anderson,
Kristen O'Kane.
PWD ‐ Peter
Jensen ‐ Brad
Eggleston
5 Resourced however
project budget may
need a change order to
complete by end of the
2016 calendar year
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 4
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
16 BE Seismically
Vulnerable Building
Ordinance
Update the inventory of
seismically vulnerable buildings
and support City Council
consideration of an ordinance
with priorities and incentives
and requirements for addressing
hazards.
• Update inventory of vulnerable buildings and categorize by construcƟon type and occupancy
• Research best pracƟces related to prioriƟzaƟon and model ordinances
• City Council check-in
• Outreach to property owners and stakeholders
• Begin draŌing ordinance for review by the City Council
DSD PCE 2 Budgeted and
Resourced OK
17 BE Energy Efficiency
Building Code
toward Zero Energy
and Carbon
Buildings.
Develop an Energy Code that
focuses on energy efficiency and
prepares for the ultimate State
goal of developing buildings to
be energy neutral
• Engage with a multi-stakeholder engagement event that draws opinions & perspectives from
experts in the development industry
• Incorporate these & other changing state requirements to ensure our code is able to reflect
these requirements in clear & enforceable language
• Prepare adequate cost effectiveness study to comply with California Energy Commission
• City Council Adoption
DSD 1
Budgeted and
Resourced
18 BE Construction in the
R-O-W Notification
Tool
Develop a tool that is able to
track and prioritize all city
related work in the Right of Way.
The tool will provide notice to
neighbors as well as commuters
by showing all related work on a
map. The goal is to direct
citizens to one map that will
track all work in the R-O-W (In
the interim, continue to enhance
home webpage notifications)
• Prepare a SOW that encompasses all the needs of the different departments ;
• Go through IT Governance;
• Solicit bids and select a vendor;
• Enter into contract with the vendor of choice;
• Implement the soluƟon that is department agnosƟc and displays all City Work on one site;
• ConƟnue to monitor and implement the soluƟon.
DSD
CMO
ITS
0 Not Budgeted
Not Resourced
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 5
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
19 HC Fire & Rescue -
Community Risk
Reduction
Identify opportunities to reduce
community risk, especially in
high risk populations (over age
65, under age 13)
• Determine project scope;
• IdenƟfy successful outcomes and community partners;
• Meet with prospecƟve consultants who have done similiar projects for local hospitals;
• Enter into contract with the professional services vendor of choice;
• Complete study / Implement recommendaƟons;
• ConƟnue to monitor and implement the soluƟon.
FIRE Eric Nickel Community
Services, Police,
OES, CMO
1 No funding in FY17.
Reapropriation from
FY16 for study only. No
funds for
implementation.
Staffed with current
EMS Chief and possibly
line personnel working
on this as part of a
special project or
career development.
20 IN Fiber-to-the-
Premise Master Plan
Assessment
Arrive at a Council-directed
strategy for Palo Alto's approach
to municipal provided fiber-to-
the-premise.
• Review outside plant build estimates in Master Plan with Citizen Advisory Committee and
document discrepancies.
• Co-build discussion with Third Parties (GF and AT&T)
• Develop “Dig Once” Ordinance
• Develop and issue Request for Information (RFI) to explore municipally-owned and public-
private partnership models for FTTP
• Evaluation of RFI responses
• Bring recommendation to City Council on co-build and City partnership options
• Dependent on City Council direction, begin planning City fiber deployment
ITS Legal, Utilities,
Public Works,
City Manager
Office,
Planning,
Development
Services, OES
5 This is a project that
has been susceptible to
changing direction on
objectives and
strategy. Any
significant changes in
direction can impact
schedule and
deliverables.
21 IN Wireless Network
Master Plan
Assessment
Arrive at a Council-directed
decision to work with a vendor
to provide a broadband wireless
support infrastructure for Public
Safety and Utilities.
• Update citywide wireless network scenarios with 20-year forecasts
• Develop cost estimate and fiber backhaul information to expand wireless access in unserved
City facilities and retail areas; develop RFP
• Issue RFP for dedicated wireless communications for Public Safety and Utilities
• Evaluate RFP responses
• Bring recommendation to City Council on provider for Public Safety and Utilities wireless
• Dependent on City Council, engage vendor on Public Safety and Utilities wireless build
ITS OES, Utilities 1
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 6
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
22 BE Library Bike
Outreach
2 bike repair stations installed,
outreach bicycle w/trailer
purchased & in use (Bike PALS),
safe routes to libraries map
completed, training/programs as
part of Summer Reading
Program
Received grant, Nov. 2015; Purchase/installation: May 2016; programs: July, 2016 LIB Jenny Jordan PW 0 This is underway, with
100% completion
expected by end of
summer, 2016; only
staff time is part of
FY17 budget.
23 HC New Americans
Project
newly-arrived residents will learn
library functions, use, and be
oriented to community
ESL discussion groups began in 2015; outreach to community stakeholders/coordination of
activities to be strengthened in 2016 LIB RuthAnn
Garcia 1 This is underway and
included as part of
FY17 budget; 100%
implementation
expected
24 *New*BE Cal Train Grade
Crossing/
Separation
[New] Undertake the analysis,
outreach, and other tasks
necessary to advance grade
separation of Caltrain crossings
in Palo Alto
[New] Retain the services of a program manager; undertake a circulation study and "context
sensitive solution" public engagement process; prepare for the preliminary engineering,
environmental review, and review of financing options in future years.
PCE None Assigned CMO, City
Attorney, PW 7 Budgeted in the
proposed CIP FY17‐18.
Program manager
must be hired before
progress can be made
on 2016 action steps.
25 BE Bike & Pedestrian
Plan
Implementation
Finalize Concept Plan Line work
for 23 ongoing bicycle boulevard
projects and initiate final design
and construction
• Complete final design and iniƟate construcƟon of Churchill Phase I, Maybell, Wilkie, Park, and
Bryant Extension
• Complete concept plans and secure approvals for Ross, Amarillo-Moreno, Loma Verde, Bryant
Update
• Coordinate with PW in advance of resurfacing projects for striping changes
PCE Chris PW, City
Attorney, CMO 6 None; addressed in the
proposed CIP.
26 BE Traffic Signal Timing Update traffic signal timing
where needed
• Implement adapƟve traffic signal Ɵming along San Antonio Road
• Make other adjustments across the City as needed PCE Rafael Utilities 6 Proposed use of FY16
transportation
contingency to be
considered by the City
Council in June.
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 7
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
27 *New*BE CEQA -
Transportation
Analysis
[New] Dialog regarding existing
transportation impacts analysis
methodologies and thresholds
and upcoming changes in CEQA
significance thresholds
[New] Convene a study session with the City Council; participate in VTA's process to amend their
guidelines in response to changes in State law PCE Josh City Attorney 5 Study session will be
scheduled for August
or September. No
work is currently
programmed after the
study session except
for continued
coordination with VTA
on updated guidelines.
28 BE Midtown Connector
Project
Evaluate the feasibility of East-
West Bicycle and Pedestrian
Connections through Midtown
and design preferred options for
construction
• Contract amendment
• Complete feasibility study
• Council direcƟon
• Complete concept plan line & final design
PCE Josh CMO, City
Attorney, PW 4 Staff vacancies may
slow down project
delivery if decision is
made to proceed once
the feasibility study is
complete.
29 BE Annual (Land Use)
Code Update
Undertake an annual review of
code interpretations and needed
zoning code (clean-up) changes.
• Work with the City AƩorney to idenƟfy needed technical correcƟons and clarificaƟons
• Present an ordinance for consideraƟon by the PTC and the City Council PCE Amy City Attorney 4 Carry‐over item from
2015 scheduled for
ARB and City Council
review later this year.
Additional "clean‐up"
ordinance will be
deferred to 2017.
30 *New*BE Housing Micro Units [New] Council requested a
"pilot" program to encourage
small units with reduced parking
downtown on 3/21/16
TBD PCE None Assigned City Attorney,
CMO 4 No consultant support
has been funded. No
staffing available. Not
feasible ahead of the
Comp Plan unless
proposed by a single
property owner (which
may occur).
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 8
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
31 BE Next RPP
Implementation
Implement RPP in the next
priority neighborhoods
(Evergreen Park and Southgate)
• Review applicaƟons received (March) and prioriƟze next RPP district
• Work with neighborhood stakeholders to develop program parameters
• Prepare a resoluƟon and contract amendments for Council consideraƟon
• ImplementaƟon
PCE Sue-Ellen City Attorney,
CMO 4 Proposed FY17 budget
is being adjusted to
accommodate two new
RPP districts. Staff
vacancies and follow‐
up work on the
Downtown RPP will
affect the date of
program(s) delivery
and adoption.
32 BE Retail Preservation
Ordinance (Cal Ave)
follow-up
Support City Council
Consideration of Potential
Modifications to Retail
Protections in the Cal Ave area
• Analyze parking requirements.
• Analyze retail feasibility on Cambridge
• Council direcƟon
• Develop revisions to adopted ordinance for consideraƟon.
PCE None Assigned City Attorney 4 Funding proposed for a
consultant contract in
the FY17 budget is
being reallocated to
RPP. This project will
be unfunded. Staff
support is not available
unless other projects
are deferred.
33 BE Paid Parking Study Analyze parking downtown and
consider paid parking
alternatives
• Establish a stakeholder group
• Complete data collecƟon
• Analyze issues and opportuniƟes
• Present for Council direcƟon
• Finalize recommendaƟons
PCE Sue-Ellen City Attorney 3 None
34 *New*BE Rental Costs [New] Incentives for Moderate
Income Housing
TBD PCE None Assigned City Attorney,
CMO 3 No consultant support
is currently budgeted.
Developing a new
program will not be
feasible in 2016 unless
other projects are
deferred.
35 BE Parking Access/
Revenue Controls
Implement garage technologies
based on paid parking study
recommendations
• Stakeholder input on goals and deleƟons
• RecommendaƟon to Council PCE None Assigned City Attorney 3 Project is on hold
awaiting completion of
the paid parking study.
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 9
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
36 BE Review Office & R/D
use categories in
zoning
Review and update definitions of
"Office", "R&D", etc. as needed.
• PTC work sessions
• Public input
• Council direcƟon
• Prepare Ordinance to make changes.
PCE None Assigned City Attorney 3 Not feasible with
current staff vacancies
unless other projects
are deferred; re‐
evaluate when
vacancies are filled.
37 BE Housing: Second
Dwelling units
Consider changes in policy and
regulations to incentivize
additional dwelling units
("granny units").
• PTC direcƟon and data collecƟon.
• Analysis of opƟons for consideraƟon.
• City Council direcƟon.
• Develop ordinance for consideraƟon.
PCE Chitra City Attorney 2 Staff vacancies may
slow down 2016 tasks.
Pending State
legislation will also
affect the development
of new ADUs.
38 *New*BE Vacation Rentals
Ordinance
[New] Adopt regulations
regarding short term vacation
rentals in Palo Alto
TBD PCE None Assigned City Attorney,
ASD, CMO 2 Developing new
regulations in 2016 will
not be feasible unless
other priorities are
eliminated.
39 *New*BE C22 Zoning
Amendment
[New] Prepare an Ordinance
adjusting the allowable FAR in
the C22 zoning district
TBD PCE None Assigned City Attorney 2 Not feasible with
current staff resources
and priorities; suggest
implementing
concurrent with Comp
Plan adoption.
40 BE Parking Guidance
Systems
Implement technologies that
make it easier for drivers to find
parking. Including Garages
• Complete design of parking guidance systems in tandem with wayfinding
• Bid construcƟon and award contract & ImplementaƟon PCE None Assigned City Attorney,
PW, IT 2 Project is currently
unfunded. The ongoing
paid parking study will
examine the potential
for financing with
parking revenues.
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 10
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
41 BE Shuttle Expansion Expand shuttle service and
implement other strategies to
increase ridership
Determine strategy and form
Develop and implement a coordinated design and markeƟng program to include schedules,
stops, vehicles, and the web/mobile aps
Design service changes and expansions to make the shuƩle more convenient for more people
Public input
City Council review of staff recommendaƟons
ImplementaƟon
PCE Sue-Ellen City Attorney 2 Planning phase can be
completed once VTA
service changes are
understood;
implementation of
shuttle service
improvements and
rebranding is currently
unfunded.
42 BE IR Program review Conduct an impartial review of
the IR process and recommend
any necessary changes.
• Develop report based on input from stakeholders
• Suggest updates to the guidelines and implemenƟng ordinance as needed
• Review report with the PTC & City Council
PCE Anu City Attorney 2 IR Review can be
completed but IR
Guideline amendments
and/or Eichler‐specific
guidelines will take
additional consultant
resources (see below).
43 *New*BE Eichler Specific
Guidelines
Prepare amendments to the IR
Guidelines or Eichler-specific
design guidelines to address two
story homes in Eichler
neighborhoods
Issue RFP and hire a design professional to manage the project; community engagement; draft
document preparation PCE None Assigned City Attorney Funding is currently
proposed in the form
of a planning and
transportation
contingency in FY17.
44 BE Quarry Road
Pedestrian & Bicycle
Improvements
Design and implement
pedestrian and bike
improvements connecting the
Transit Center to SUMC
• Award design contract
• Complete Design
• Bid and award construcƟon contract
PCE Shahla Purchasing
Public Works
City Attorney
CSD
1 None. Funded with
SUMC fees.
45 BE Embarcadero Road
Phase II
Design and construct traffic,
pedestrian, and bicycle
improvements for Embarcadero
between El Camino Real and
Alma Street
• Contract Award
• Public input and Caltrans CoordinaƟon
• Conceptual Design Approvals
PCE Shahla PAUSD 1 CIP funding for
construction in FY18‐
19
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 11
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
46 BE Housing Impact Fee
Update
Adopt and implement updated
impact fees to fund affordable
housing.
• Present Nexus study and fee recommendaƟons to the Finance CommiƩee.
• ConsideraƟon of Ordinance by the City Council.PCE Eloiza City Attorney,
ASD 1 None.
47 BE Professorville
Design Guidelines
Complete neighborhood specific
design guidelines
• Reach out to stakeholders in Professorville regarding the objecƟves and scope of the work.
• Obtain grant funds and retain outside consultant.
• Finalize recommendations and agendize for review by the PTC and City Council.
PCE Matt City Attorney 1 None.
48 BE Parking Study of
Housing Types
Prepare a study to ensure
adequate parking for housing
approved per State Density
Bonus law
• RFP and Consultant SelecƟon
• Data collecƟon
• Review draŌ recommendaƟons and prepare Ordinance
PCE None Assigned City Attorney
Purchasing 1 Not proposed for
funding.
49 BE Speed Survey
Updates
Develop new speed surveys to
allow for traffic enforcement
• Bid and award contract
• Conduct surveys
• Recommend adjustments to posted speed limits and concurrent safety improvements as
needed
• Implement desired changes
PCE Ruchika Police 0 Funded in current fiscal
year; phase one to
begin in FY17
50 BE CPI
Draft an Ordinance for
consideration by the City Council
regarding siting and risks
associated with plating shops of
similar uses.
DraŌ an Ordinance for consideraƟon by the PTC and the City Council PCE Hillary City Attorney 0 Complete *
51 BE Geng Road
Circulation &
Embarcadero Road
Parking Study
Examine possible circulation
improvements and additional
parking east of 101
• Complete circulaƟon and parking Study
• Develop recommendaƟons for review by PTC and City Council PCE None Assigned Purchasing 0 Not proposed for
funding.
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 12
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
52 BE Ground Floor Retail
Protection (Other
Commercial
Districts)
Evaluate other
protections/changes needed to
preserve GF retail outside of
Downtown and Cal. Ave.
• Outreach to stakeholders and property owners
• Analysis of issues and alternaƟves
• Council direcƟon
• Prepare ordinance for consideraƟon by PTC and CC
PCE None Assigned City Attorney
CMO 0 Not feasible with
current staff vacancies;
re‐evaluate when
vacancies are filled and
reevaluation of retail
protections in the Cal
Ave and Downtown
areas are complete.
53 BE TMA Support Support efforts of the newly
established Transportation
Management Association (TMA)
aimed at reducing SOV trips
downtown
Council study session; council consideration of pilot funding agreement with conditions; annual
survey of commuters; oversight and support of TMA activities PCE Sue-Ellen City Attorney,
CMO
None.
54 BE Downtown Mobility
Study
Design and implement needed
mobility and safety
improvements downtown
RFP & consultant selection; study of existing mobility & safety challenges and opportunities;
development and testing of alternatives; public engagement; PTC & Council review and approval
and final design and construction in 2017/18
PCE Jarrett City Attorney,
Public Works,
CMO
Staff vacancies may
affect timing of the
study. CIP funding for
construction in FY18‐
19.
55 BE Retail Preservation
Ordinance
(Downtown)
Support City Council
Consideration of Potential
Modifications to Retail
Protections in Downtown.
• Data collecƟon and analysis of retail trends
• Outreach to stakeholders
• Return to City Council for direcƟon
• DraŌ one or more ordinances for consideraƟon by the PTC and the City Council
PCE None Assigned City Attorney
CMO
Final tasks may be
deferred to 2017
because of current
staff vacancies; can
happen before the
interim ordinance
expires.
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 13
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
56 CP Housing Element
Implementation
Part I
• Consider eliminaƟon of sites on
San Antonio/S El Camino &
replacement with higher
densities on existing sites or the
addition of new sites (in the
Comp Plan process)
• Consider code changes to
encourage more, smaller units
(in the Comp Plan process)
• Consider small lot
consolidation incentives
• Council direcƟon re: sites and programs.
• Develop draŌ ordinance(s) for public input and PTC/Council review PCE Eloiza City Attorney 6 Can be staffed as part
of the Comp Plan effort
(relocation of sites &
desired code changes)
and after the housing
impact fee update is
complete (small lot
consolidation).
57 CP Comp Plan Update Develop world class policy
framework to guide City and
community decision making to
the year 2030.
• CAC review and recommendaƟon for all elements.
• City Council review of CAC work and direcƟon on key issues.
• DraŌ EIR and responses to comments.
(see schedule)
PCE Elaine City Attorney,
CSD, OES, CMO 4 Analysis of a 5th and
6th scenarios in the EIR
is contingent on a
further amendment to
the Placeworks
contract. Limited
staffing means that
subcommittee
meetings of the CAC
must be spaced‐out
and mostly scheduled
during the day.
58 CP Downtown CAP Develop and Implement policy
and code changes to update the
Downtown CAP on Non-
Residential square footage
• Complete consultant study and outline policy opƟons.
• Council input/direcƟon
• Prepare Comp. Plan policy language and code changes.
PCE Chitra City Attorney 2 Policy discussion and
code changes (third
bullet) will coincide
with Comp Plan
Update.
59 CP Build to Line Ordinance to increase setbacks
on El Camino Real
Schedule ordinance recommended by the PTC for consideration by the City Council; include
related policies and programs in the Comp Plan Update PCE Amy City Attorney 1 This initiative is not
currently staffed due
to other Department
priorities.
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 14
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
60 BE Mobility App or
"wallet" along the
lines of "MAAS"
Explore development of an App
to make transportation more
convenient
• RFP
• Consultant selecƟon and data collecƟon
• Review draŌ with stakeholders
• Review with PTC and City Council
• Build App if feasible
PCE/
CMO
None Assigned Sustainability
Purchasing
HR, IT, City
Attorney
4 Contingent on receipt
of regional
transportation funding
(from MTC) for this
purpose. Staff has not
been assigned to this
initiative.
61 *New*HC Means Restriction This project has been broken out
separately from the Project
Safety Net Project
Track Guard Security oversight
Intrusion Detection System
Fencing installation
Additional means restriction efforts
PD/
OES
Ken Dueker PD Bob
Beacom, Dennis
Burns; CMO Jim
Keene, Claudia
Keith, Ed
Shikada
Intrusion Detection
and Fencing not
budgeted.
62 BE Charleston/Arastrad
ero Corridor Project
Preliminary design and
environmental assessment for
the corridor project from Fabian
Way to Miranda Avenue
• Community Outreach on Landscaping PaleƩe
• Coordinate with Caltrans and JPB/Caltrain
• Complete NEPA process
• Develop final design to 65% level
PW PCE 2 None
63 BE Dewatering
Address public concerns
regarding basement construction
dewatering
Develop new requirements for basement construction dewatering PW 1
None; new
requirements are being
implemented in pilot
program, but it is too
early to judge their
success
64 CP Recycled Water
(S/CAP link)
Expand recycled water use by
imposing recycled water quality
by advanced water treatment
feasibility study and develop a
recycled water strategic planning
effort within North Santa Clara
County
Contract with consultant for RO Feasibility Study ; contract with consultant for Recycled Water
Strategic Planning and Groundwater Management Plan; Partner funding agreements with
SCVWD and City of Mountain View; Decide Go/No Go On Recycled Water extension to Research
Park
PW Utl, Atty 3 Water district Funding
appears to be
committed , but mostly
not available until July
1, 2016; Other
agencies are
supportive, New City
Staffer approved by
Finance Committee for
FY 2017
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 15
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
65 CP Urban Forest Master
Plan
Continue to work with
community and environmental
representatives to finalize the
Urban Forest Masterplan while
completing the implementation
of the plan.
1.Continue to analyze funding and staffing levels necessary to implement this plan.
2. Complete phase 1 of implementation
3. Begin phase 2 of implementation
4. Report back to council fall of 2017 to seek final adoption of the plan.
PW Walter
Passmore
Development
Services, CMO,
Utilities,
1 Staffing levels currently
under evaluation.
Additional funding will
be required to
implement the plan
fully. This will have an
impact on our ability to
complete this project.
66 HC Smoking Ban Restrict smoking in multifamily
areas and establish tobacco
retailer licensing
PW PD, PCE 3 Staff time not available
to establish smoking
restrictions inside
Multifamily units.
County cooperative but
slow on retailer
licensing for PA
67 IN Public Safety
Building Project
Create a new facility built to
Essential Services standards to
house Police, 911 Dispatch,
Emergency Services, Fire Admin,
and the Emergency Operations
Center on parking lot C-6
• Hire ConstrucƟon Management (CM) firm to assist with project.
• Hire Architect and begin design development and EIR.
• Complete pre-design and schematic design phases.
• Begin design development phase.
PW PD, Fire, OES,
and IT will be
engaged in the
design process
6 Budget and staffing are
in place pending
approval of Program
Manager contract
68 IN Downtown Parking
Garage
Finalize location, select design
concept, begin preliminary
design
Return to Council for further policy direction with assistance from Planning PW Planning will be
leading the
policy
discussion
5 No funds Budgeted.
Garage is in the IMP
69 IN California Ave
Parking Garage
Create a new parking garage
with a retail element on existing
surface parking lot C-7 to create
at least 150 additional parking
stalls and replace parking to be
lost by siting the PSB on the
adjacent parking lot
• Hire ConstrucƟon Management (CM) firm to assist with project.
• Hire Architect and begin design development and EIR.
• Complete schematic design and select preferred configuration.
PW Planning will be
engaged in the
design process
5 Budget and staffing are
in place pending
approval of Program
Manager contract
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 16
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
70 IN Highway 101
Pedestrian/
Bicycle Overcrossing
at Adobe Creek
Select design concept and begin
preliminary design for new, year-
round Pedestrian/Bicycle
Overcrossing
• Select a design consultant through a Request for Proposal process by February 2016.
• Begin design in March 2016.
• Complete development of 65% design documents.
• Complete environmental studies and documentation.
PW PCE 5 None; however,
updated schedule
begins design in June
and last two bullets will
not be achieved in
2016
71 IN Fire Station No. 3
Replacement
Rebuild Fire Station No.3 at
Embarcadero Road and Newell
Road
• Begin Fire StaƟon and temporary facility design.
• Select location for temporary station.
• Complete pre-design, schematic design, and design development
• Hire construction management firm & begin contractor pre-qualification
PW Fire, OES and IT
will be engaged
in the design
process
2 Budget and staffing are
in place pending
approval of Program
Manager contract
72 IN Golf Course
Reconfiguration
Complete reconstruction of the
Golf Course, including substantial
regrading, new irrigation system,
and environmental
enhancements
• Secure regulatory permits.
• Award construction contract.
• Complete 50% of project construction.
PW CSD 2 Current budget is not
adequate to award
construction contract
due to high bids; still
not full certainty
regarding regulatory
permits
73 IN Ventura Building
Improvements
Replace or upgrade the
mechanical and electrical
systems and
provide accessibility
improvements to the Ventura
Community Center facility
• Complete ADA assessment of the facility
• Hire design firm
• Complete pre-design, schemaƟc design, and design development phases
• Begin construction documents and apply for permits
PW CSD and ASD
will be engaged
during the
design process
2 Potential delay due to
funding capital fund
budget constraints and
staff workloads with
post office
prioritization
74 IN Matadero Creek
Storm Water Pump
Station
Improvements
Capacity upgrade to the
Matadero Creek Storm Water
Pump Station, an essential
element of the storm drain
system serving a 1,250-acre
watershed area
• Complete project design.
• Award construction project.
• Complete 33% of project construction.
PW 2
None
75 IN Street Resurfacing
Program
Continue resurfacing streets to
meet average citywide pavement
condition index (PCI) score of 85
by 2019
• Complete paving of 70 city blocks
- includes 18 blocks to finish paving Middlefield and Alma with additional funding over 3
years
• Complete prevenƟve maintenance of 80 city blocks
• ConƟnue frequent community outreach
• Raise citywide PCI score to 82
PW UTL 1 None
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 17
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
76 IN Baylands
Interpretive Center
Improvements
Improvements to aging Center
including Boardwalk repair
feasibility study, and
replacement of Center railing,
decking, siding, flooring,
cabinetry and doors
• Complete Boardwalk Feasibility Study.
• Secure funding for boardwalk design and construction and complete design
• Complete design development for the Interpretive Center
• Obtain environmental and construction permits for the Interpretive Center
• Bid out the Interpretive Center project and begin construction.
PW CSD 1 None; however,
uncertainty in timing of
regulatory permits and
short construction
season could push
construction to fall
2017
77 IN Organics Facilities
Plan
Replace incinerators with new
biosolids handling system
• Obtain approval of Dewatering Building from the ARB and the Planning Commission.
• Complete 100% design drawings.
• Prepare and issue IFB.
• Select Contractor and award Contact.
• Begin ConstrucƟon.
PW PCE 1 ARB approval
completed, but lated,
East Palo Alto Sanitary
District has not
approved agreement &
therefore loan cannot
be obtained, and
project cannot go out
to bid immediately, as
hoped.
78 IN Newell Road/San
Francisquito Creek
Bridge Replacement
Replacement of functionally-
obsolete Newell Road bridge
over San Francisquito Creek to
provide increased creek flow
capacity in coordination with the
San Francisquito Creek JPA
• Circulate draft of project Environmental Impact Report.
• Initiate project permitting.
• Complete preliminary bridge design.
PW PCE 1 None; however, newly
required traffic count
data gathering may
delay the preliminary
bridge design beyond
the 2016 schedule
79 IN Sidewalk Repairs
Project
Continue sidewalk repairs to
complete 30 year district cycle
leveraging budget doubled per
IBRC recommendations
• Complete sidewalk program assessment to set new program goals and standards.
• Complete 30-year district cycle including sidewalk repairs in Sidewalk Replacement Districts 25,
32 and 36
PW UTL 0 None
80 IN SF Creek JPA Project Build downstream 101 Section of
Flood Control Project
• Obtain final permits from State & Feds
• Approve Funding Agreement (gap funding)
• Approve ConstrucƟon Contract
• Begin ConstrucƟon
PW CMO, City
Attorney
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 18
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
81 IN Lucie Stern
Mechanical &
Electrical Upgrades
Rehabilitate and improve the
existing building systems
including fire/life safety
components for Lucie Stern
Community Center, the
Children’s Theater and the
Community Theater
Award Construction Contract PW CSD will be
engaged during
the
construction
process
0 Current budget is not
adequate to award
construction contract
due to high bids;
project may be broken
into phases
82 BE Customer
Information System
/ Smart Grid
The Utility Billing and Smart Grid
systems are highly integrated.
Smart grid systems enable many
alternatives such as the ability to
offer time of use rate schedules
and other information that
promote energy conservation,
reduce carbon emission, improve
system reliability and provide
real-time customer usage
information.
• Develop billing system specificaƟons in parallel with City's ERP system
• Select vendor and implement new billing system
• Develop meter data management specificaƟons
• Evaluate advanced meter infrastructure for electric, gas and water
UTL Dave Yuan 1 Project proceeding on
multiyear timeline
83 IN Local Solar
Generation Plan
Council adopted the Local Solar
Plan, which establishes the goal
of meeting 4% of the City’s
energy needs from local solar by
2023
• Launch community solar program to allow those who wish to access solar energy, but don’t
have adequate on-site access.
• Develop a solar donaƟon program.
• ConƟnue Palo Alto CLEAN program.
• Develop Net Energy Metering Successor Program and Rates
UTL Jane Ratchye PWD, OES 4 Program manager
recently left City,
position being
recruited. Community
solar program
dependent on
availability and timing
of suitable site(s).
84 IN Second electric
transmission
interconnection plan
The new 60kV line would
improve the City's transmission
service reliability with potential
cost savings/ Alternatives review
• Joint evaluaƟon of feasibility studies with SLAC, Stanford and possibly PG&E, DOE and WAPA
• Preliminary design of the interconnecƟon plan
• TentaƟve MOA with Stanford and SLAC
• ConƟnue to monitor PG&E and CAISO transmission acƟviƟes
UTL Tomm
Marshall 3 Project partially
funded, full funds
dependent on Stanford
University agreement
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 19
2016 COUNCIL PRIORITIES 2nd Quarter
May 31, 2016
2016 Phase 1
NEW
ITEMS
COUNCIL
PRIORITY
PROJECT NAME OUTPUT/OUTCOME 2016 ACTION STEPS DEPT.
LEAD
PROJECT
MANAGER
DEPT.
SUPPORT
COUNCIL
RETREAT
RANKING
Impact of
Budget and
Current Staffing
on Ability to
Complete
Go
OR
No
Go
85 BE Fuel Switching /
Electrification
Evaluate potential electrification
programs and incentives for the
community to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions by
replacing the use of natural gas
and gasoline with electricity for
building appliances and vehicles.
• Implement a pilot program for heat pump water heaters in exisƟng homes to determine cost-
effectiveness and identify obstacles to installation.
• Provide resources to homeowners to convert exisƟng homes to all-electric homes.
• Evaluate retail electric rate schedule for home electrificaƟon.
• Explore building code changes for new construcƟon and remodeling projects.
• Promote installaƟon of EV supply equipment.
UTL
DSD
Jane Ratchye Development
Services,
Sustainability
Office
1 Project funded at
pilot/evaluation level.
86 *New*BE Middlefield Road
Safety Study
Assess safety at intersections
along Middlefield Road near
Menlo Park and implement
needed improvements.
Analyze safety after one year trial of time-of-day turn restrictions; community engagement and
analysis of potential improvements; City Council direction/approval; implementation
Rafael CMO, City
Attorney, PW
Funding is currently
proposed in the form
of a planning and
transportation
contingency in FY17.
87 BE Employment Center Added by Council at Retreat?1
88 HC Focus on Service for
Vulnerable Groups
Added by Council at Retreat?4
BE: Built Environment HC : Healthy City CP : Comprehensive Plan IN : Infrastructure O : Other 20
May 23, 2016 DRAFT
Page 1
TO: James Keene, City Manager
FROM: Hillary Gitelman, Director of Planning & Community Environment
RE: Council Requests Regarding Eichler‐Specific Guidelines
This memo provides responses to the City Council’s request that planning staff assess the ability to
undertake development of new Eichler‐specific amendments to the Individual Review (IR) Guidelines
and/or develop separate design guidelines or zoning regulations to guide development of two story
homes in Eichler neighborhoods, as well as amendments to the process for assessing resident support
for new Single Story Overlay (SSO) districts.
Executive Summary
We appreciate the desire to amend the Individual Review (IR) Guidelines and/or develop separate
design guidelines or regulations to guide development of new two story homes in Eichler
neighborhoods. With sufficient resources, this project could be undertaken as a consultant‐led effort
after completion of the IR program review and the Professorville Design Guidelines (both are wrapping
up soon). Amendments to the petition process for new SSO districts can be developed by staff and
considered by the City Council in the context of the next “code clean‐up” ordinance, expected in 2017.
Background
On May 2, 2016, Council directed staff to evaluate the feasibility of undertaking two possible initiatives
in response to controversy surrounding the construction of two story homes in Eichler neighborhoods:
A. Conduct a preliminary evaluation of a potential Eichler Overlay Zone or Strengthening of
IR guidelines for Eichler design and privacy compatibility (for second story additions);
and
B. Explore options for breaking up the petition and 'voting' process to determine the level
of support for Single Story Overlays and Eichler Overlays.
The issues addressed by this motion are related to some of the Planning Department’s “Council Priority
Projects” for 2016 as discussed by the City Council at their retreat in late January. At that time, the
priority projects included a review of the Individual Review (IR) process for two story homes and
development of recommendations for improving this program, and also included an annual “code clean‐
up” project. To reflect the Council’s May 2nd motion, a new project related to Eichler neighborhoods has
been added to the list of priority projects and has been proposed for funding in a “contingency” within
the FY17 proposed budget.
Discussion
In its motion on May 6, the Council requested staff evaluate the feasibility of undertaking two different
approaches to the issue of two story homes in Eichler neighborhoods. The feasibility of the various
components of the motion varies quite a bit, and is discussed further below.
A. Adopt an Eichler Overlay Zone or strengthen the IR guidelines for Eichler design compatibility and
privacy. This proposal will require consultant support in the form of an architect or urban design
professional with an affinity for mid‐century modern residential architecture. While not currently
budgeted, such an individual could conduct community outreach and develop design guidelines
specific to Eichler neighborhoods as other jurisdictions have done, and/or develop regulations to be
May 23, 2016 DRAFT
Page 2
adopted as part of the IR Guidelines or the municipal code. This planning effort would be
strengthened if it also involved preparation of a “context statement” to support evaluation of the
City’s Eichler neighborhoods in terms of their architectural integrity and significance.
Staff believes that preparation of a “context statement” may be eligible for grant funding from the
State Office of Historic Preservation (similar to the Professorville Guidelines which are currently
being wrapped up). General fund resources would be needed for the project manager/design
consultant, and staff has proposed this be funded through a “contingency” in the FY17 budget. The
project can be initiated as soon as the project manager is retained. Staff estimates it will take 16‐18
months from start to finish, assuming mid‐course check‐ins with the City Council do not result in
additional/modified direction requiring additional effort.
B. Improve the petition process to determine the level of support for Single Story Overlays (and
potentially Eichler Overlays). Staff can easily include improvements to the SSO process in the next
regular “code clean‐up” ordinance, which is scheduled for 2017. The only clean‐up planned for 2016
is the update to the ARB findings, which was referred back to the ARB when the City Council
considered the 2015 code clean‐up ordinance.
Conclusion
These are interesting issues that can be tackled in the coming year presuming budget and consultant
resources are available.
May 26, 2016 DRAFT
Page 1
TO: James Keene, City Manager
FROM: Hillary Gitelman, Director of Planning & Community Environment
RE: Council Requests Regarding Housing Policy Items
This memo provides responses to the City Council’s request that planning staff assess the ability to
undertake a number of new projects related to housing policy matters. It is intended to be read in
conjunction with the current list of “Council Priority Projects” and to facilitate a discussion of adjusting
priorities for the second half of 2016 if desired.
[Please note that this analysis does not address or factor in the Governor’s May 2016 proposal to
streamline multifamily housing by eliminating local discretion when affordable units are proposed in
projects that conform with local zoning. Staff is analyzing the Governor’s proposal ,
http://budgettrack.blob.core.windows.net/btdocs2016/1185.pdfhttp://budgettrack.blob.core.windows.n
et/btdocs2016/1185.pdf, and will provide additional information/analysis as soon as possible.]
Executive Summary
Staff appreciates the Council’s attention to housing questions and would be thrilled to make significant
progress on housing policies and regulations, however current staffing levels (due to vacant positions)
and the number of other, ongoing projects will make this difficult in the near term. There are also
challenges associated with sequencing some of the Council’s housing policy ideas ahead of the
Comprehensive Plan and its associated environmental impact report (EIR). In the discussion below, we
provide further explanation of these conclusions and indicate how the Council’s suggested projects
might be tackled, and when re‐prioritizing other ongoing projects might enable staff to get started on
them sooner.
Background
On March 21, 2016, the City Council adopted a motion requesting that staff evaluate the feasibility of
undertaking a number of new housing policy initiatives in advance of the Comprehensive Plan Update:
A. Return with options to provide housing for moderate income government employees
including funding options and any barriers to creation of such housing; and
B. Return with a program for micro‐units Downtown, including decoupled parking, not
selling parking permits, lease restrictions with minimum impacts, how many units to
include in a pilot; and
C. Reevaluate the definition of mixed use retail and residential in select locations; and
D. Return with a plan for more bike storage Downtown; and
E. Return with options for ensuring existing housing is used for housing, not other uses or
unused.
F. Move housing sites from San Antonio to California Avenue and Downtown.
Housing issues are related to some of the Planning Department’s “Council Priority Projects” for 2016 as
discussed by the City Council at their retreat in late January. At that time, the priority projects included
“Housing Element Implementation” as a project, and suggested outcomes of that project included a
number of the items above (i.e. micro units and moving sites from San Antonio in exchange for higher
densities elsewhere) because these are being considered as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update
process. The “Housing Element Implementation” project also included an outcome required by HCD as
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part of the City’s Housing Element (approved in November 2014) to enact incentives for small lot
consolidation. Importantly, there was also a separate priority project to update the City’s affordable
housing impact fees, a project that is well underway.
The most recent list of Council Priority Projects includes the Council’s requests from March 21st and
reflects current staffing challenges. The planning department’s long range planning group has a
significant existing workload and is currently carrying two vacancies: the advance planning manager and
a planner position, which together comprise 30% of the full time staff in this work group. While
recruitment is underway, the department is trying to keep the group’s current work program intact with
an interim manager, one senior planner who is focused on our CDBG and housing programs, one land
use analyst, and one associate planner. A half time consultant has recently been added to support the
Comp Plan Update project.
Together, the long range planning group is responsible for the Comp Plan Update, the City’s housing and
CDBG programs, other long‐range planning efforts (for example, retail preservation and the downtown
cap), maintaining the department’s GIS data layers, required reporting to regional, State, and federal
agencies, providing technical support and analysis for all current and long range planning efforts, and
providing development‐related data and mapping requests from many departments.
The department director, assistant director, administrative staff, consultants, hourly staff, and staff of
the City Attorney’s office and City Manager’s office support the work group to the extent feasible,
although these are the same people who are supporting other planning and transportation‐related
Council initiatives, reviewing and presenting staff reports, responding to email questions and colleagues
memos, etc., etc. Also, department staff from other divisions (e.g. current planning, code enforcement,
transportation) cannot be redeployed to the long range planning group without significantly affecting
other department functions.
Discussion
In their motion on March 21, the Council requested staff evaluate the feasibility of undertaking a
number of housing (and bike rack) items in the near term (i.e. in advance of the Comp Plan Update).
The feasibility of the various components of the motion varies quite a bit, and is discussed further
below.
A. Return with options to provide housing for moderate income government employees including
funding options and any barriers to creation of such housing. Eligibility under the City’s existing
housing programs is determined by total household income and size, and it would require
considerable effort to determine how many Palo Alto and PAUSD employees meet the current low
or moderate income eligibility criteria. Staff’s initial sense is that the majority of our employees
would not qualify under the existing criteria and that a completely new housing program with new
funding sources would need to be created.
This would be a significant work effort for planning and legal staff, involving a survey of employee
household income/size and housing needs, analysis of inclusionary zoning options, a legal analysis of
the nexus studies (in place and in progress) for affordable housing impact fees, exploration of best
practices for the provision of workforce housing, and development of options for public input and
Council consideration. As evidenced by the flurry of media coverage after this suggestion was raised
in March, we can expect significant public interest in program development, which would itself take
time to absorb and consider.
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Based on past experience, the options that might rise to the top for consideration could include (a)
development of workforce housing on land owned by the City or school district; (b) creation of
incentives like density bonuses to stimulate housing affordable to members of the workforce; (c)
requiring some kind of workforce preferences for new market‐rate units requiring discretionary
approval; and (d) some kind of first time home buyers assistance. There are undoubtedly other
options that staff could explore given the time and resources. The level of environmental review
would depend on the options the Council wished to pursue.
We may need the services of outside legal counsel for this work effort, and may want to bring in a
consultant with housing policy expertise to support staff unless we can recruit an advanced planning
manager with that expertise. Unless we can wait until the advance planning manager position is
filled, we would need to defer other projects or slow down the Comp Plan Update to complete this
work.
B. Return with a program for micro‐units Downtown, including decoupled parking, not selling
parking permits, lease restrictions with minimum impacts, how many units to include in a pilot.
This could also be a significant work effort, and at a minimum would involve development of
amendments to Chapter 18.18 (Downtown Commercial District) of the zoning ordinance, as well as
amendments to the resolution and administrative regulations governing the Downtown RPP
program. Legal staff would need to work with Council Members who have financial interests in the
downtown area, and potentially with the FPPC, to determine whether those Members would need
to recuse themselves from participating. Also, as explained previously, a recent Attorney General’s
opinion calls into question the ability to sell RPP permits to some residents and not to others.
Examination and adjustment of the Downtown Cap in Comprehensive Plan Program L‐8 is already on
the Planning Department’s work program, although staff vacancies have not allowed us to move
forward expeditiously. We do have consultants engaged in determining the potential residential
capacities downtown and with a contract amendment and additional funding, we could ask the
consultants to support development of suggested zoning changes and attendant community
outreach.
While it may be possible to implement a pilot project on a single site downtown if there is interest
(and there may be) from a single property owner/developer, a broader program would ideally be
developed in conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan Update. The level of environmental review
required for a broader program would depend on the specifics of the program elements the Council
wishes to pursue, and it would probably be most efficient to rely on the Comp Plan EIR or “tier”
from it with a program‐specific analysis. To do this ahead of the Comp Plan Update (rather than
concurrent with or after) does not seem realistic unless it involves one specific development site as
indicated above.
C. Reevaluate the definition of mixed use retail and residential in select locations. The Comp Plan
Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is developing recommendations for policies and programs in the
Land Use & Community Design Element to address this issue. If the Council is requesting
modifications to zoning provisions affecting the CN, CS, CD, and CC in advance of the Comp Plan
Update, this could be a significant work effort, involving development and analysis of options,
outreach to many, many property owners and other stakeholders, quantification of resulting
changes in intensity of use, environmental review, and ordinance preparation/adoption. It would be
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possible to rely on the Comp Plan EIR for this effort, but that would dictate waiting for the EIR to be
completed and certified.
D. Return with a plan for more bike storage Downtown. Our transportation group has a significant
number of projects moving forward, with limited ability to add more. Nonetheless, we will be able
to develop and implement a plan for bicycle storage as part of the downtown mobility study
proposed for funding in the FY17 budget.
E. Return with options for ensuring existing housing is used for housing, not other uses or unused.
Council members are encouraged to report any residential properties they believe are being used
for non‐residential purposes to the City’s code enforcement group, and staff will investigate and
abate the violations. We cannot take enforcement actions without specific addresses; addresses
can be provided to staff by using the Palo Alto 311 app or by emailing the planning director.
If the Council would like to develop and implement new regulations related to vacation rentals, the
recent experiences of other jurisdictions indicates this will be controversial and time consuming
both for the staff and the Council. This work could potentially be done in conjunction with or in lieu
of the exploration of ADUs referred to the Planning and Transportation Commission, but until a new
Advance Planning Manager is hired, it is unlikely to move forward faster than the Comp Plan itself
(unless the Comp Plan were slowed down or the idea of analyzing a 5th and 6th scenarios was
dropped).
Regulating unused homes poses additional challenges and will require investigation of available
options and legal issues. In general, the government cannot force a property owner to rent or live in
their home. One Councilmember suggested imposing a fee on vacant homes to encourage their use.
Legally, the Council has the ability to impose fees related to agency’s costs (such as a registration
fee), but it is doubtful that a cost justified fee would incentivize use. Under Propositions 218 and 26,
any fee that does not have a nexus to an agency’s costs will likely be considered a tax, requiring
voter approval.
If these issues have become Council priorities, we would request other projects be deferred.
F. Move housing sites from San Antonio to California Avenue and Downtown. This proposal cannot
feasibly be implemented in advance of the Comp Plan Update. Removing housing sites from the
adopted housing element will require consultation with HCD and we will have to explain where we
have increased densities (or added new sites) to replace the units associated with these sites.
The Comp Plan Update can identify – and the Comp Plan EIR can analyze – areas where the Council
would like to increase densities and/or add sites, and staff recommends affirmatively making the
needed zoning changes before we remove housing sites from our inventory. Otherwise, we risk de‐
certification of our housing element. Again this analysis can occur in the context of the 5th and 6th
scenarios as the Council directed in February.
Conclusion
These are all exciting issues that can be tackled in the several years, presuming budget and staff
resources are available. However, it will be important to align and sequence this work with other efforts
like the Comp Plan Update to avoid one effort negatively affecting others. Also, if resources remain
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somewhat constrained (e.g. staff vacancies), Council will need to prioritize its desired
projects/outcomes.