HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-08 City Council Summary MinutesCITY COUNCIL
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Regular Meeting
June 08, 2026
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council Chambers and by virtual
teleconference at 5:30 p.m.
Present In Person: Burt, Lauing, Lu, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl, Stone, Veenker
Present Remotely: None.
Absent: None.
Call to Order
Mayor Veenker called the meeting to order. The city clerk called the roll.
Special Orders of the Day
1. Proclamation Expressing Appreciation to Daniel Bergen Upon Retirement
Councilmember Reckdahl read the proclamation expressing appreciation to Daniel Bergen for
24 years of excellent service and contributions to the Palo Alto community in the Library
Services Department.
Daniel Bergen thanked the City for its support, coworkers and managers for being great to work
with, and customers for keeping the Library Services Department relevant and active. Daniel
Bergen commented on the attendance at the event on Sunday in Mitchell Park and connected
that to the library motto that libraries are for everyone. Daniel Bergen said the library,
community center, Ada's Café, Magical Bridge, and Mitchell Park in general have created a
special synergy and he has loved working there.
Mayor Veenker thanked Daniel Bergen for making the library a very special place for everyone
and the City Council took a photo with him.
NO ACTION
2. Proclamation Expressing Appreciation to Julie Weiss Upon Retirement
Director Eggleston, Director of Public Works, recognized Julie Weiss, who is the watershed
protection manager and a Public Works veteran of almost 33 years and has been involved in
many areas of environmental and sustainability.
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Councilmember Burt said it was a personal pleasure to recognize Julie Weiss and her part in
Palo Alto's environmental leadership. Councilmember Burt read the proclamation expressing
appreciation to Julie Weiss for her many achievements and contributions over 32 years of
service to the City of Palo Alto.
Mayor Veenker thanked Julie Weiss on behalf of the City and stated her legacy and impact will
live on in healthier, happier lives for generations to come.
Julie Weiss shared how fortunate and privileged she feels to have worked with the
Environmental Services team and for the City.
The City Council took a photo with Julie Weiss.
Mayor Veenker commented how fortunate Palo Alto is to have such talented people working
for it.
NO ACTION
Agenda Changes, Additions and Deletions
Ed Shikada, City Manager, said there were no changes to the agenda. Manager Shikada noted
for public awareness that staff issued a supplemental memo clarifying that Item 5, acceptance
of the Utilities Reserves Advisory Report and Public Safety Staffing Audit, does not reflect any
policy directions. It is a resource report from the City auditor that will lead into discussions with
the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC), Finance Committee, and City Council.
Public Comment
1. Austin M. with Indivisible Palo Alto Plus thanked the Council and Police Department for
their continued partnership and for last year's resolution reaffirming commitment to
Palo Alto values and interests in the context of recent federal administration actions.
Austin M. spoke on behalf of the Safety Over Surveillance Coalition and introduced a
letter shared with Council, which states the City audit needs to answer questions about
Flock that matter to the public: 1) data retention and access, 2) accountability and
compliance, 3) effectiveness, and 4) vendor data use. Austin M. said a narrow audit
could create false reassurance but a serious audit could help the Council, public, and
Police Department understand the real risks, benefits, and obligations. Austin M. asked
Council to direct the auditor to incorporate these questions into the scope and allow
community stakeholders to meet with the auditor and share information they have
gathered.
2. KBT with the Coalition of Safety Over Surveillance echoed Austin M.'s comments that
the audit scope is very important and many things need to be considered with it
because having assurances is not enough. KBT said audit trails are needed to show
where data is being stored, what Flock is doing with it, how they protect it, and whether
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their security measures pass a SOC 2 report. KBT urged the Council to make sure the IPA
considers everything mentioned in the Coalition's letter to Council because the audit
should answer questions from law enforcement and the public.
3. Tim MacKenzie with the Silicon Valley Democratic Socialists of America and the Safety
Over Surveillance Coalition suggested the audit include research into the false positive
rate. Tim M. recalled the previous week, when the police chief said the system was 99
percent accurate. Tim M. commented that even 99.9 percent accuracy means 750
incorrect readings every month or 25 per day. Tim M. asked how much time police
officers should spend every week sifting through AI hallucinations, deciding whether it is
signal or noise. Tim M. mentioned a news report from the previous day about a man
wrongly arrested for a month in San Diego because of a mistake by the ALPR system.
Tim M. noted tech companies like to move fast and break things and Flock has broken
public trust. Tim M. asserted that Palo Alto should not be beta testing faulty technology
so Peter Thiel can make money dismantling democracy. Tim M. said a lawsuit seeking
damages from Flock is a good idea and there is potential class action status given how
many California cities have had contracts and state law violations by Flock.
4. Brandon Doney shared that he has worked in information security during his 25 years in
Silicon Valley, including building a secure Wi-Fi network for Mountain View and doing
hundreds of security and privacy reviews for vendors. Brandon D. described problems
with Flock like unpatched security vulnerabilities, poor privacy architecture, and a
complete absence of public transparency about who looks at the data Flock gathers.
Brandon D. commented that Flock sells itself as an arsenal of democracy but Garrett
Langley, Flock CEO, accused an activist organization of terrorism for identifying Flock
cameras in a community, wrote a letter warning police agencies that public records
were being turned into weapons against them, and laughed at a statement that city
councils consist of yahoos and drunk baseball coaches. Brandon D. opined that motive
should be an element to choosing City vendors and suggested the Council look into what
Flock's investors say.
5. Brian Eaton, Mountain View resident, commented that every time he drives to
SummerWinds to buy a new plant, he gets an entry in a government database. Brian E.
stated that proceeding with the audit is a good idea but asked Council to not wait for
the audit and cover the cameras now because they are an immediate threat to public
safety. Brian E. worked in the tech industry for about 25 years in information security,
privacy, and user trust roles and said audits are good but too slow to deal with an
immediate threat to public safety. Brian E. explained that the Trump administration still
has access to these cameras and no one denies it, including Flock, who admits they
comply with legal warrants. Brian E. underscored that Flock is not going to fight the
Trump administration on fraudulent warrants but will hand over information and not be
permitted to inform anyone in Palo Alto when that happens. Brian E. referenced the
DHS.gov website, which says ICE query data is not retained by the vendor except to
maintain audit logs for use by ICE.
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6. Helen Cane, Palo Alto resident, shared how Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto fired her with
no notice along with the majority of non-managerial staff at the hotel. Helen C. came
back to Palo Alto because her dad was diagnosed with cancer last spring. Helen C.
described how this job was in biking distance and freed her afternoons for taking her
dad to the doctor. After the firing, she and other employees were replaced with temp
agency workers. Helen C. expressed anger that a hotel that worked so hard to open in
this community did this to the people who are the face of their hospitality. Helen C.
urged Council to use their influence in the community to convey to General Manager
John Reynolds and the hotel's private equity firm that the Graduate needs to treat the
community with respect.
7. Sven Thesen, 20-year Palo Alto resident, said natural gas stoves cause cancer and
asthma and running a gas stove is like having a smoker in the house. Sven T. thanked the
City for implementing the induction stove and hot plate rebate program and shifting the
City's marketing focus from greenhouse gas emissions to health. Sven T. pointed out
that one-third of new home builds still run natural gas lines, primarily for stoves, and
homeowners need a notary signature to decommission natural gas in their home. Sven
T. thought the City should require a notary signature to put in a natural gas line, which
would include acknowledging that gas stoves cause cancer and gas appliances are
unlikely to be available in the future thanks to regulations in the Bay Area Air District.
Sven T. urged Council not to put in natural gas and electric at Yerba Buena Park.
8. Matt Schlegel, Palo Alto resident, stated that Flock cannot be trusted to prevent the
sharing of data with federal agencies that are actively harming community members
and violating Fourth Amendment rights. Matt S. asserted that the only one way to know
Flock is not sharing data with federal agencies is to shut down the Flock system and
cover the cameras. Matt S. pointed out that the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) does not permit Flock to maintain auditable records of ICE data inquires, as stated
on Pages 10 and 16 of the DHS's license plate reader data privacy impact assessment.
Matt S. concluded that if Flock is complying with this DHS policy, there is no way of
knowing if ICE has queried Palo Alto's data. Matt S. asked for the independent police
auditor (IPA) to confirm this and urged Council to cover the cameras and shut the
system down.
9. Kat Snyder, Palo Alto resident, pointed out that many undocumented people take
nighttime janitorial positions in Palo Alto and many drive in and out of town because
they do not live here. Kat S. commented that Palo Alto has been relatively lucky with
respect to ICE and Representative Sam Liccardo says one reason is Palo Alto does not
have any mass detention centers nearby, so it is more logistics-related. Kat S. said this
may change soon because ICE broke ground on a 20,000-square-foot detention center in
Gilroy and there are whispers about renovating and reopening the federal corrections
institution in Dublin as a mass detention center. Kat S. warned that more ICE activity is
likely and the City should not have Flock cameras tracking the workforce.
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10. Melissa D., on behalf of Indivisible Palo Alto Plus and Safety Over Surveillance, thanked
Council for their service and recent study session on Flock surveillance cameras. Melissa
D. expressed appreciation that the City is investing time to get this right and invited
them to a symposium called "Who's Watching? Safeguarding Our Privacy". The
symposium will bring together experts Cindy Kone, who led the Electronic Frontier
Foundation for 30 years, Brian Hofer, executive director of Secure Justice and former
chair of Oakland's Privacy Advisory Commission, and several other nationally recognized
voices on surveillance technology, civil liberties, and community policing. The event is
June 28, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Each council member received an email invitation to this
opportunity to hear from people who know this landscape best. More information is
available at indivisiblepaloaltoplus.org.
11. Michael Q., former Palo Alto resident living in Sunnyvale, spoke on behalf of Palo Alto
Forward. Michael Q. endorsed moving the SB 79 ordinances from consent to the regular
agenda. Michael Q. said neither staff report nor Council's discussion on June 1 made it
clear they were taking final action on it with no further opportunity for public comment.
Michael Q. noted that Council's consideration of SB 79 on June 1 started after 9 p.m.
and ended after midnight, so many community members had to leave before public
comments started. Michael Q. explained public concerns that the legal justification for
adopting the urgency ordinance is putting the City at risk for lawsuits, which concerns
the public because lawsuits would burn public money.
12. Fritz Kohler, Palo Alto resident and member of the Safety Over Surveillance Coalition,
encouraged the Council to keep the following in mind regarding the scope of Flock's IPA
audit: 1) a trust and verify approach does not work, 2) Flock has an $8 billion valuation
with a customer base of 600,000, high incentive for Flock to grow quickly and monetize
as much data as possible, 3) when the primary driver of a multi-billion-dollar technology
company is data monetization, compliance becomes an afterthought, and 4) Flock is
highly incentivized to bring on lucrative federal customers, vying for contracts with
federal agencies who will have direct access to Flock systems. Fritz K. urged Council to
read the memo from the Berkeley attorney's office.
Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements
Mayor Veenker shared what a joy and privilege it was to be part of Palo Alto Pride and reported
that every Councilmember was there to raise the new Pride flag. Mayor Veenker expressed
thanks to those who hoped, dreamed, and advocated for this and special thanks to Kristen
O'Kane and the City team who worked tirelessly on it. Mayor Veenker thanked Councilmember
Lythcott-Haims for sharing her journey as a queer person at the Pride event. The event
sponsors were generous and there were 40 community group tables. Mayor Veenker
recognized team leaders Alex and Iris for stepping up and driving forward to make the event
happen. Mayor Veenker described how the community's desire for this celebration was
palpable and she cannot wait until next year.
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Mayor Veenker reported about her trip the previous week to the U.S. Conference of Mayors in
Long Beach, where she was invited to facilitate a data centers meeting along with the mayors of
Mesa, AZ and Mableton, GA. Representatives of Meta, So Cal Edison, and Siemens were on the
panel and the takeaway message, similar to the Stanford's Data Center Conference, was that
cities have a lot of leverage in negotiating with data centers of all sizes. Mayor Veenker pointed
out how Palo Alto shares air, water, and electric resources with other cities, so it is key for them
to know their power and what to ask for in negotiations so the downsides can be avoided. At
the conference, Mayor Veenker learned about innovative housing practices, public-private
partnership arrangements, potential free neighborhood design services, cool sustainability
practices, and more. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria brought the U.S. Conference of Mayors
presidency back to California and became the first openly gay mayor in the country to hold that
position. He sent a note to the Pride celebration and was delighted to hear about its success.
Councilmember Burt stated how the opening of the new Bryant Street Community Center last
Wednesday was a great multi-generational event. Councilmember Burt joined 2 meetings last
week with Cubberley tenants, nonprofits, and user groups, which was a positive dialogue on
better understanding the plan and how it creates opportunities for them. Councilmember Burt
shared that Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has an ad hoc committee focused on near,
medium, and long-term initiatives for the University Avenue Station Area. That ad hoc
committee got an update on the Quarry Road extension and the resulting redesign of
circulation, which the committee felt did not enhance bike circulation. The committee
encouraged a reexamination and greater focus on bike circulation improvement alongside the
Quarry Road extension.
Councilmember Lythcott-Haims added that, at the opening of Bryant Street Center, it was
lovely to see the president of the Palo Alto Youth Council take to the mic to add his perspective
on what this new downtown teen center means for youth. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims
commented that any time youth get the opportunity to take to the mic, they astound everyone;
they grow when they get the opportunity to share their thoughts in a public format and the
listeners grow by hearing them. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims expressed excitement for the
teen center to be paired with La Comida because research shows youth and seniors benefit
from being put together. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims expressed kudos to everyone,
especially the youth involved in helping design the teen center.
Councilmember Lythcott-Haims thanked Mayor Veenker for her comments about the Pride
event and shared her gratitude to all who had a role in pulling it off, particularly Director
O'Kane and her staff. The turnout was greater than anticipated, 1,500 to 2,000 over the course
of the day. The event opened with youth stepping up to the mic, Alex and Iris, who were on the
steering committee and led the entire way.
Mayor Veenker expressed delight at the Bryant Street Community Center being opened.
Consent Calendar
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Public Comment:
1. Utsav Gupta of the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) spoke as a member of the public
on Item 5 concerning the Baker Tilly Report for Utilities Reserves. Utsav G. expressed
appreciation for the City manager's confirmation that the word "accept" is being used
here to mean "acknowledge receipt". Utsav G. noted that the UAC and Finance
Committee will review this before any implementation process. Utsav G. wondered why
there is a process in place for acknowledging receipt and recommended it be deferred
to UAC for review and recommendations back to City Council.
2. Becky S. spoke about Item 5 and the lack of clarity on the consent calendar and process
and acknowledged that putting this item on consent is a formality and it will be
discussed at UAC. Becky S. suggested it should have gone to UAC before taking time and
money to put it on Council consent. Becky S. noted the absence of a staff impact report
and wondered if one will be included in the report to UAC. Becky S. voiced concerns
about rate hikes and noted even rubber stamp items can have consequences.
3. Herb B. commented on Item 4, the Council Appointed Officer (CAO) evaluation process,
which evaluates how the City manager and attorney did on Council-identified priorities
and key performance indicators (KPIs). Herb B. shared that prior to closed session, the
public has an opportunity to give opinions on CAO performance but to do so effectively,
they need to know the qualitative and/or quantitative criteria Council uses in their
evaluation. Herb B. recommended pulling this from the consent calendar.
4. Winter D. addressed Item 12, the map of Buena Vista. Winter D. expressed concern that
Buena Vista residents have not received the required 30-day notice of relocation and
have no way to plan their summers because they are unaware of when relocation will
take place. Winter D. said it is awful how folks are being treated in this process.
Mayor Veenker thanked the public commenters and asked council members for no votes,
requests to pull, recusals, motions to approve, or disclosures related to quasi-judicial matters
Items 11 and 12.
MOTION: Councilmember Reckdahl moved, seconded by Councilmember Lu, to approve
Agenda Item Numbers 3-12.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
3. Adoption of a Resolution Calling for a General Municipal Election to be held on
November 3, 2026; CEQA Status – Not a Project
4. Recommendation from the Council Appointed Officers Committee to City Council to
approve the FY26 Council Appointed Officers annual evaluation process timeline, the
modified CAO self-evaluation questions and Council interview questions for the annual
evaluation process - CEQA: Not a Project
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5. Accept the City of Palo Alto Utility Reserves Advisory Report and Public Safety Staffing
and Overtime Audit as recommended by the Policy & Services Committee. CEQA Status:
Not a Project.
6. Approval of the City of Palo Alto's Permanent Water Use Ordinance. CEQA Status:
Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15307 and 15308.
7. Approval of Purchase Order C27197380 with Optiv Security, Utilizing a State of
California Department of General Services Software Licensing Program (SLP) SLP-24-70-
0184Z Contract, to Procure Varonis Systems for a Three-Year Term with an Annual
Amount of $154,043 for a Total Not-To-Exceed Amount of $462,129. CEQA Status -
exempt under CEQA regulation § 15061(b)(3).
8. Approval of Construction Contract C26197221 with Valentine Corporation in an Amount
Not-to-Exceed $503,990 and Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to
Negotiate and Execute Change Orders for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work that
May Develop During the Project up to a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $50,399, for the
Guardrail Repair Project, Capital Improvement Program Project PE-86070; CEQA Status –
Exempt under Section 15301(c) and 15301(d)
9. Approval of Professional Services Contract Number C27196575 with Presidio Systems,
Inc. in the Amount Not-to-Exceed $938,452 for Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Sanitary
Sewer Pipeline Inspection for a Period of Three Years; CEQA Status – Not a Project
Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
10. Approval of Amendment No. 1 with Eight Professional Services Contracts for IT On-Call
Services: Contract C26193247A INSPYR Solutions, C26193247B with AgreeYa Solutions,
C26193247C with TechLink Systems, C26193247D with Compunnel Software Group,
C26193247E with Progile Tech Inc, C26193247F with Omm IT Solutions, C26193247G
with Infojini Inc, and C26193247H with California Creative Solutions Inc., to Increase the
Not-to-Exceed Amount by $1.5 Million and Extend the Term through June 30, 2027;
CEQA Status – Not a Project
11. QUASI-JUDICIAL. 405 Kipling Street [25PLN-00322] Approval of a Record of Land Use
Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 405 Kipling Street From a Category 4
Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource. CEQA Status: Not a
Project Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065.
12. QUASI-JUDICIAL. 3980 El Camino Real (Buena Vista) [26PLN-00090]: Request for a Final
Map to Subdivide a Single, 4.52-Acre Parcel into Two Parcels. The Subdivision would
Facilitate Renovation of the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park as well as Future
Construction of a 100% Affordable Apartment Building on the Resulting Parcels (24PLN-
00041). A Tentative Map was Previously Approved on August 12, 2024. CEQA Status:
Not a Project.
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City Manager Comments
Ed Shikada, City Manager, announced the Library Summer Reading Program "Oceans of
Possibilities" taking place from June 1 to August 1, which includes entering participants in
raffles. Manager Shikada shared that tips and resources around wildfire season preparation can
be found at www.paloalto.gov/wildfireprep. Information on summer activities taking place
through August can be seen at www.paloalto.gov/summerevents. Events include Family Movie
Nights, the Twilight Concert Series, and the 4th of July Chili Cook Off. Upcoming Council items
for June 15 are the FY26-27 budget and utility rates adoption and Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan (BPTP) adoption. August Council meetings have been shifted to the 10th,
17th, and 24th. August topics (specific dates TBD) include Crescent Park traffic calming, weed
abatement, improvement funding for the Regional Water Quality Control Plant, HRB and
Stormwater appointments, 762 San Antonio Road, Stream Corridor Protection, the independent
police auditor study session, 4103 Old Trace Road, the affordable housing development at 450
Lytton Ave. (Lot T), and the Buena Vista Regulatory Agreement.
Mayor Veenker shared that she reads a lot of ebooks and will try to participate in the Summer
Reading Program that way. Mayor Veenker noted the 4th of July Chili Cookoff lands on the
United States' 250th anniversary and maybe something special can be done as a nod to that.
Action Items
13. PUBLIC HEARING: Adopt a Resolution Adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management
Plan and a Resolution Adopting the 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan. CEQA
Status: Exempt under Water Code Sec. 10652.
Alan Kurotori, Utilities Director, introduced Lisa Bilir, Utilities Assistant Director, and Adrianna
Artola, Senior Resource Planner. Director Kurotori noted Commissioner Utsav Gupta was
present as UAC representative for this action item and Tom Siegel of the Bay Area Water Supply
& Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) was present to answer questions.
Lisa Bilir, Utilities Assistant Director, provided a slide presentation on the Urban Water
Management Plan (UWMP), which is a regulatory compliance document the City is required to
submit to the State's Department of Water Resources by July 1. The State requires UWMPs
every 5 years and one of its goals is to demonstrate the City's water supply reliability over a 20-
year planning timeframe. Palo Alto is required to have a current UWMP on file to be eligible for
water grants or loans from the State of California. The City's water supplier, SFPUC, provided 2
scenarios for water supply reliability, with and without the Bay Delta Plan amendments, both
included in the UWMP. The Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) in the UWMP includes
actions tailored to stages of drought response. The actions listed are not binding, so when a
WSCP stage is implemented, City Council can make changes to actions as needed.
Councilmember Burt expressed thanks for the clarification on what UWMP is and is not and
commented it was unusual that UAC's direction did not incorporate Commissioner Gupta's
recommended language changes but advocated it be presented. Councilmember Burt found
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many of Commissioner Gupta's recommendations compelling and asked staff for insight into
UAC's discussion and what they disagreed with.
Assistant Director Bilir responded that UAC did not go in depth on each commissioner's specific
concerns but some said they did not agree with all points in the letter.
Councilmember Burt wished UAC had fleshed out what they disagreed with and made
recommendations on that basis. Councilmember Burt recalled that the City took a minority
position before BAWSCA years ago, which is aligned with Commissioner Gupta's comments and
not what was in the staff report. Councilmember Burt said everything reflected in
Commissioner Gupta's red lines, like SFPUC's assumptions made on a drought forecast,
emanate from the same set of principles and asked if he is missing something.
Assistant Director Bilir explained that the UWMP is regarded as a State compliance document
and while points raised by Commissioner Gupta are important to the City, they need to be
discussed and worked on in a different forum.
Councilmember Burt asked if it being a compliance document prohibits the Council from
incorporating Commissioner Gupta's edits.
Assistant Director Bilir replied that the UWMP is a regulatory compliance document and not a
forum for the water supply agreement with SFPUC, so any statements that conflict with the
SFPUC agreement would require legal review and could raise confusion or conflict at the state
level. Assistant Director Bilir noted validating and vetting Commissioner Gupta's statements
needs to be done to ensure complete and accurate information.
Vice Mayor Stone referenced Table 1.0 on Page 207, Population Current and Projected, and
noted the study assumes Palo Alto's population increases to 91,532 by 2035, assuming they
meet their RHNA targets, and then stays flat for 15 years. Vice Mayor Stone asked for the how
and why around that assumption of halted population growth.
Adriana Artola, Senior Resource Planner, explained how the City's demand forecast was
updated using the model facilitated by BAWSCA. They used the RHNA numbers and population
assumptions in the Housing Element, which uses 2040 projections from the Association of Bay
Area Government (ABAG). The table shows growth through 2031 and flatlines from there
because of the approach for updating the model based on population and housing growth on a
per capita basis, so backing population numbers into the model.
Director Kurotori said these are the best projections staff can make to 2050. The City is far
below its individual supply guarantee with SFPUC and Palo Alto is 1 of 3 agencies in the
BAWSCA service territory that shows lower projections over time. Looking at per capita water
use and potential growth, intensification, and types of residential, average use per capita will
likely go down.
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Vice Mayor Stone asked if the focus should be more on per capita use rather than population
projection, which Director Kurotori confirmed.
Vice Mayor Stone stated one of the big concerns in multiple dry years is the possibility of being
asked to reduce water usage by up to 48 percent of the demand projections, not individual
supply guarantee agreement. Vice Mayor Stone asked if those are the SFPUC's demand
projections or the City's.
Assistant Director Bilir replied that the reduction is based on a 3-year average of the most
recent usage Palo Alto has.
Vice Mayor Stone expressed frustration at how it seems the City and its residents are penalized
for being efficient with water because it means they start off with a lower baseline than other
communities.
Mayor Veenker acknowledged staff saying this is not a forum for the design drought issue with
SFPUC and this compliance doc makes the City eligible for the $192 million water loan from the
State, which is important. Mayor Veenker noted the interest in the design drought issue and
asked if there is a parallel track for pursuing it.
Director Kurotori deferred to Vice Mayor Stone to answer this question due to his
representation at BAWSCA.
Vice Mayor Stone thought the most appropriate route was through the City's representation on
the BAWSCA board. Vice Mayor Stone said he has been raising most of the issues in
Commissioner Gupta's letter at the BAWSCA board since 2023 at nearly every meeting. Vice
Mayor Stone brought up the issue of the design drought at the last BAWSCA meeting and hopes
the board will make a formal recommendation to the SFPUC to reexamine the design drought
and consider other options like the drought of record, which Valley Water and other large
agencies do. Vice Mayor Stone shared that he received confirmation on Friday that BAWSCA
will be agendizing this discussion before the end of the summer and he hopes the majority of
the 26 BAWSCA board agencies agree to reexamining the design drought.
Public Comment:
1. Susan Stansbury, resident of Palo Alto for over 35 years, shared she first came to Palo
Alto to volunteer for the International Earth Day campaign in 1990 and stayed largely
due to the community's environmental leadership. Susan S. expressed agreement with
the City's support of the Bay Delta Water Quality Control Plan because the bay delta and
rivers feeding into it are near ecological collapse. Susan S. said the drought design is
unrealistic and demand projections are inflated. Susan S. urged Council to adopt
Commissioner Gupta's edits because they leave in the required numbers yet clarify their
provenance and make the UWMP more accurate for the record.
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2. Cedric de La Beaujardiere commented that SFPUC is basing its decisions on a
megadrought scenario estimated to occur only once every 8,000 years. Cedric said
SFPUC hoards water behind its dams through the summer months, causing low water
flows that get unnaturally warm, killing salmon and causing algal blooms and massive
die-offs. The salmon population is down to 1 percent or less of its historic counts and
fear of the 1-in-8,000-year megadrought is creating the near certainty of the extinction
of salmon and other species. Cedric asked the City to insist SFPUC endorse the Bay Delta
Plan, release more water to the rivers regularly, and facilitate healing of riparian
ecosystems. Cedric asked Council to add Commissioner Gupta's language to the UWMP.
3. Becky Saunders, Ventura resident, shared she attended a presentation by Peter
Drekmeier about the modeling undergirding the drought modeling and said the SFPUC
numbers are way overblown. Becky S. said SFPUC is planning for the worst-case scenario
with no basis in climate change or data except what they whipped out of their arsenal of
bad data practitioners. Becky S. congratulated the UAC, Commissioner Gupta, activist
Peter Drekmeier, and Vice Mayor Stone for bucking the rubber-stamping syndrome.
Becky S. stated that not being able to challenge SFPUC's disaster drought modeling will
lead to unnecessary rate hikes that will burden their customers and undermine Palo
Alto's environmental goals of aligning with the Bay Delta Plan. Becky S. asked Council to
include Commissioner Gupta's amendments in the UWMP.
4. Peter Drekmeier, Policy Director for Yosemite Rivers Alliance, applauded UAC,
Commissioner Gupta, and BAWSCA representative Vice Mayor Stone. Peter D.
expressed disappointment in staff's apparent loyalty to BAWSCA over Palo Alto. Peter D.
stated Commissioner Gupta's memo came up more than 2 months ago and staff was
asked to verify anything needed but has not. Peter D. noted that SFPUC does not
participate in public forums. Peter D. asserted that supporting and incorporating
Commissioner Gupta's language will not cause problems and a study session should be
had ASAP with SFPUC, BAWSCA, and staff. Peter D. said Palo Alto can manage a drought
of record with the Bay Delta Plan in place for 5 years without any rationing or
alternative supplies, 6 with rationing, and 7 years with realistic demand projections.
5. Julianne F., 30-year Palo Alto resident, strongly encouraged Council to incorporate UAC
Commissioner Gupta's suggested language into the UWMP prior to approval. Julianne F.
pointed out that UAC called out SFPUC numbers as incorrect and because of them,
SFPUC is proposing costly water-related projects and making absurd threats about 40
percent water rationing in the future. Julianne F. said SFPUC has imposed large water
rate hikes on BAWSCA members and SFPUC meetings are particularly discouraging,
dragging out the same tired statistics each year despite excellent, scientifically based
information presented. Julianne F. described a glimmer of hope for BAWSCA as Greer
Stone and Betsy Nash of Menlo Park encourage other members to do more than sit in
their chairs. Julianne F. said her interest in the workings of SFPUC is related to
environmental concerns and residential water rate hikes.
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6. Dave Warner thanked Council for their service and agendizing approval of the UWMP.
Dave W. opined that while the UWMP is a compliance document, it should reflect City
values. Dave W. said a layperson reading the UWMP will react with panic and ask why
Palo Alto is supporting 42 percent rationing. Dave W. stated that SFPUC's percentages
are a political and alarmist presentation and urged Council to put them in context by
adding Commissioner Gupta's language to the UWMP.
7. Sonya B., 30-year Palo Alto resident, asked Council to accept and incorporate into Palo
Alto's UWMP the amendments written by UAC Commissioner Gupta and forwarded to
the Council by the UAC. Sonya B. said the information from the SFPUC is wrong and will
trigger unnecessary and huge rate hikes for all their customers.
8. Phyllis Brown, resident of Palo Alto for more than 40 years, stated she was confused by
the material and troubled that staff did not research the numbers Commissioner Gupta
provided. Phyllis B. asked Council to incorporate Commissioner Gupta's amendments
and not rubber stamp what is not in the best interest of the City and long-term planning.
9. Terry H. said SFPUC is pushing flawed modeling and statistics to Palo Alto to jack up
utility rates for all citizens throughout the Bay Area. Terry H. asserted it is vital for the
City to push back and stop SFPUC from including water proposals around an 8,000-year
drought. Terry H. asked Council to include Commissioner Gupta's comments and
amendments approved by the UAC. Terry H. stated that rate increases for utilities and
water must come to some controlled end and it is time to say no to SFPUC.
10. Claire Elliott, Palo Alto resident and retired water quality engineer and ecologist,
thanked staff, commissioners, and Council for supporting a UWMP with conservation at
its core. Claire E. asked Council not to adopt the UWMP until staff can incorporate
Commissioner Gupta's proposed edits, which will ensure the City voices valid concerns
about SFPUC's inflated design drought scenarios and address other issues related to
finance and water storage. Claire E. asked Council to hold SFPUC to implementing the
Bay Delta Plan the City supported in 2018 to provide more water for the Tuolumne
River. Claire E. spoke against the Pure Water Peninsula Plan because although she
supports recycled water projects, tax dollars should go to projects that decentralize the
capture and treatment of stormwater, gray water, and wastewater where they are
generated. This water can then be used for non-potable purposes downstream,
eliminating the need for expensive, CO2-generating pumps and reverse osmosis.
11. Chris Tucher, UAC Commissioner, emphasized another public comment about the
certainty of doing serious, permanent harm to a salmon and fish-based ecosystem
versus the 1-in-8,000-year "Frankenstein" design drought model. Chris T. supported
adding Utsav Gupta's memo into the UWMP and said this is not just a formality or box-
checking exercise to assure grants but a chance to make a statement. Chris T. opined
working through a BAWSCA-only approach will be too long and drawn out and urged
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Council to consider other ways to bring political and PR pressure to SFPUC alongside
BAWSCA members who will join the message.
12. Chris Brosnan, 38-year Palo Alto resident, expressed skepticism that Palo Alto will lower
its water use while increasing its population by 50 percent. Chris B. noted there is no
non-functional turf left in Palo Alto. Chris B. said turf exudes more oxygen per square
inch than any other alternative, and in a polluted urban environment, it is imperative to
have as much oxygen as possible. Chris B. said hearing informed and interesting
comments from other residents tonight makes him proud to be a Palo Altoan.
Commissioner Reckdahl asked the City attorney if there is any downside to including policy
remarks in this compliance document.
Chris Jensen, City Attorney, replied it is more a question of effectiveness and he is unaware of
any significant legal risk from including Commissioner Gupta's comments.
Assistant Director Bilir said that for compliance purposes, the document needs to be clear and
not create confusion or discrepancies in information. Some statements in the letter reserve
certain water rights and say the City will take certain positions to implement drought stages.
These things are governed by the water supply agreement contract with SFPUC and the other
25 wholesale customer agencies. Assistant Director Bilir said statements should be reviewed
internally by legal and others to make sure they don't become a point of confusion when
reviewed by state agencies or for water supply planning at the state level.
Commissioner Reckdahl asked if Utilities will review the UWMP before it is submitted. Director
Kurotori replied that Utilities would want to remove any language that may conflict with the
water supply agreements or statements about positions the City will take on a policy level.
Commissioner Reckdahl asked if language can be adjusted in time for the July 1 deadline.
Ed Shikada, City Manager, said that because the State Department of Water Resources or
others will review the report, it may be in the City's interest to preview the language with them
in advance of submittal rather than submit it and have it create complications on approval. City
Manager Shikada didn't know if staff could get a clear read by the end of the month.
Commissioner Reckdahl asked staff about the best way forward.
Assistant Director Bilir suggested working collaboratively with neighboring cities and BAWSCA
staff to bring that information to the SFPUC. Assistant Director Bilir said changes to the water
supply agreement with SFPUC happen from time to time and the City can work with the
BAWSCA director to advocate for changes. Assistant Director Bilir said the City can address
capital projects like Pure Water Peninsula in the capital budget process and Alternative Water
Supply Plan update in 2028 at the SFPUC.
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Director Kurotori recommended submitting the baseline document as prepared and noted
there is the option to resubmit an amended plan after that.
Mayor Veenker wondered if submitting the UWMP as proposed waives the right to object to
the SFPUC design drought and voiced concerns that this document makes it appear as if the City
agrees with SFPUC. Mayor Veenker asked about the possibility of adding a caveat to the
document such as, "While our response is based on SFPUC's design drought and water supply
reliability analysis, this is not an endorsement or concurrence in those analyses and the City
reserves our right to object to those analyses in other fora."
Director Kurotori agreed this approach is workable.
Councilmember Lu expressed appreciation for staff's work and said it is hard to know the right
action to take based on the UAC record. Councilmember Lu acknowledged finding the right
venue for these valid points is difficult and asked if it is workable or more effective to include
with the UWMP a transmittal letter aligned with points Vice Mayor Stone forwarded to
BAWSCA because it would place one statement at the beginning versus statements scattered
throughout.
Assistant Director Bilir stated that sounds fine conceptually and offered to check the UWMP
guidebook for any guidance on transmittal letters.
City Attorney Jensen added there is language in the Water Code that supports that approach
and they may have to work with Utilities on how to frame that but it may be possible to
reference that language to give the context Council is trying to provide.
Councilmember Burt said he was initially inclined to ask staff to incorporate Commissioner
Gupta's comments to the maximum extent they are compliant with guidelines. Councilmember
Burt expressed surprise that staff has had Commissioner Gupta's comments for a few months
but has done no review to help Council understand the problems with incorporating them.
Councilmember Burt noted the short timeline and wondered how any of these options could be
incorporated rapidly.
Director Kurotori replied that, depending on Council's direction, staff could incorporate the
mayor's comment to the UWMP and work with the City Attorney to create a transmittal letter
that takes the body of information from Commissioner Gupta. Director Kurotori clarified that
Commissioner Gupta's letter was not recommended by the full UAC.
City Manager Shikada said the simplest approach is the mayor's suggestion, a global preamble
to the submittal. City Manager Shikada noted that anything with more specific edits comes back
to the question of discerning what would not compromise the ability of the plan to be
approved. Staff's process would be to take what they have, vet it to extent possible, include
what clearly does not compromise approval, and run with it. At the UAC meeting, staff was
clear that fully vetting some assumptions would take more resources than available, so that
option doesn't work for this submittal from a timing perspective.
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Mayor Veenker said she is open to working with staff to set up a study session where they can
vet and understand this as a Council, giving staff some time to look at these suggestions and
invite BAWSCA to attend. Mayor Veenker kicked off Council discussion by making a motion.
Vice Mayor Stone seconded the motion and commented that it would be nice to have an
opportunity to not only talk about the UWMP but issues raised in Commissioner Gupta's letter.
Vice Mayor Stone noted he shares the frustration raised by Commissioner Gupta and members
of the public and one of the challenges is SFPUC is a monopoly in this space and the 26 BAWSCA
agencies are their largest customer, two-thirds of SFPUC's customer base, of which Palo Alto is
7 percent. Vice Mayor Stone opined that BAWSCA has far more influence than Palo Alto on its
own. Vice Mayor Stone noted several things in the letter are great facts and context while other
pieces, such as language around cost-sharing commitments with SFPUC and BAWSCA and
conditioning that on SFPUC's actions, are challenging and concerning and not decisions Council
is ready to make tonight. Vice Mayor Stone believed meeting the July 1 deadline with the
mayor's caveat added and doing a deeper dive later is the perfect move.
Director Kurotori wondered if it was appropriate to send this back to UAC to deliberate as a
body before bringing it back to Council for a study session, to which Mayor Veenker said yes.
City Manager Shikada suggested scheduling a joint study session of UAC and Council.
Mayor Veenker thought that could be worked out on agenda planning sessions because Council
would appreciate helpful input from all UAC commissioners more broadly.
Councilmember Lauing, Council liaison to the UAC, highlighted the dedication of the UAC and
noted UAC's motion was to approve staff recommendation with the letter for additional
information. Councilmember Lauing stated the biggest concerns were the July 1 deadline and
how the City is required to use information provided by SFPUC. Councilmember Lauing said the
mayor's motion is a great workaround and agreed with Vice Mayor Stone's comments on
context, reasoning, and timeline. Councilmember Lauing said dealing with a monopoly like
SFPUC takes a different set of tools, starting with getting the other BAWSCA agencies to join
with Palo Alto for greater leverage, putting pressure on SFPUC outside of BAWSCA, and leaning
cooperatively on elected state officials. Councilmember Lauing expressed concerns about
severe water rate hikes down the line, which is not what Council wants for Palo Alto.
MOTION: Mayor Veenker moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Stone, to adopt a resolution
adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and a resolution adopting the 2025 Water
Shortage Contingency Plan with the following caveat: "While our response is based on the
SFPUC’s design drought and water supply reliability analysis, this is not an endorsement or
concurrence in those analyses and the City reserves our right to object to those analyses in
other for a," and to direct staff to return this back to Council for a Study Session after the
Council break.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
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The Council took a break.
14. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Calling an Election and Placing a ½ Cent (0.5%)
Transactions and Use Tax Measure on the November 3, 2026 Ballot; and a Resolution
Adopting Advisory Spending Guidelines for the Use of the Proceeds if the Measure
Passes to Support Improving the Cubberley Community Center; CEQA Status - Not a
Project.
Kristen O’Kane, Community Services Director, shared that this item is a follow-up to the Council
meeting on May 18, when Council adopted the Cubberley Master Plan and associated CEQA
document and directed staff to pursue a ballot measure for a ½ cent sales tax in the November
2026 election.
Christine Paras, Administrative Services Assistant Director, noted that Carlin Shelby of
Townsend Public Affairs, who has been supporting these efforts in Sacramento on behalf of the
City, was present and available for any questions. Assistant Director Paras provided a slide
presentation of the proposed ½ cent tax, including overview, remaining milestones, authors for
argument in favor and rebuttals, and advisory spending guidelines that may be adopted in
parallel with the tax on the ballot. This resolution was modeled after previous guidelines
successfully honored by the City Council for the 2014 and 2018 TOT tax increases and 2022
business tax.
Councilmember Lythcott-Haims, chair of the related ad hoc committee, thanked staff for the
presentation and their work on the project and addressed some technical questions from the
public: 1) why the ballot language does not mention the purchase of the land and only
mentions use for renovations at Cubberley, 2) if is there a backup of a ¼ cent if the cap on the
sales tax maximum is not increased by the State and how that proceeds, and 3) if the State does
not sign that bill into law, whether the City has the automatic built-in fallback of ¼.
Regarding ballot language, Assistant Director Paras explained that in Poll Number 3, about 34
percent of voters said purchase of the property was very important, so it didn't fall within the
60 percent guideline, while renovations like electrical and plumbing really resounded with
voters. Regarding the ¼ cent, Assistant Director Paras said the resolution and backing
documents for the ballot measure say the City can assess the tax at the maximum authority
limit, which is ¼ cent. If the bill passes and is signed into law, there will be flexibility for the
additional ½ cent, which is what the ballot measure is written as. Assistant Director Paras
confirmed that the City has an automatic built-in fallback of ¼.
Councilmember Burt provided background on the intertwined history of the school district and
City on Cubberley. It goes back to 1987 when post-Prop 13 and severe declines in enrollment
meant school districts throughout the State were in dire straits, including PAUSD. Council
members came forward wanting to bail out the school district and came up with a Utility Users
Tax, which voters supported. School districts were selling off their land to meet operating
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expenses but Palo Alto leased Cubberley, Ventura, and the former Terman Site, and agreed to
lease payments and a $1.8 million yearly covenant not to develop, which help PAUSD avoid
selling their land. Two years later, California law changed to limit the ability of school districts to
sell their land and removed the need for a covenant not to develop. In 2012, when Foothill-De
Anza wanted to build a satellite campus, the City wondered why it was paying a covenant not to
develop and redirected those funds to a Cubberley infrastructure plan. Over that period, the
City paid the school district about $90 million in today's dollars. Councilmember Burt stated the
City finally has the opportunity to own the land for Cubberley and be able to develop it into
what Palo Alto needs.
Councilmember Lythcott-Haims said that given the history and decades this community has
been in conversation about the former third high school, it is fortunate that the PAUSD board
and 7 council members got on the same page a few years ago. The school district offered to sell
the City their acreage of buildings and that offer led to a conversation, a memorandum of
understanding, community engagement, a conceptual master plan, and a funding strategy for
purchasing remaining buildings and beginning renovations. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims said
it will take a village to get this done, from philanthropy to programmatic partners.
Councilmember Lythcott-Haims expressed excitement that this 2026 group has the chance to
get Cubberley over the finish line so people can stop wondering when it will get done and start
meeting there for awesome events.
Councilmember Reckdahl shared that even with the tax measure, the budget for renovation is
going to be small and the City brought in partners to help fund it. Councilmember Reckdahl
acknowledged that existing tenants are worried and wondering if they will be displaced by the
new partners. Councilmember Reckdahl offered reassurance that no one is being displaced and
the reason for redeveloping Cubberley is to retain the existing tenants and their extraordinary
programs while adding the new partners and programs, which the additional space and
planned new buildings can accommodate. Councilmember Reckdahl recognized concerns
around how construction during the transition will affect the tenants and explained there will
have to be temporary space and an orderly transition to avoid damaging the programs.
Councilmember Lythcott-Haims added that if the public votes for the general sales tax on the
ballot, proceeds by definition will go into the general fund. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims said
how future Councils choose to spend that money is up to them but this Council has a right to
declare its intent for use of these funds, which is why they put a resolution together to inform
voters of the Council's intentions for the proceeds. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims concluded
by reading the vision statement this Council created for Cubberley: "That it would be a vibrant,
beloved, and adaptable destination that promotes learning, interconnectivity, joy, and well-
being, where all cultures and generations belong."
Mayor Veenker thanked staff and the ad hoc, who along with the community put in a lot of
work to get it to this point. Mayor Veenker expressed pride at being on the Council at this time
of opportunity to move the Cubberley redevelopment forward.
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Public Comment:
1. Henry Yu, President of Friends of the Palo Alto Library (FOPAL) and long-time Palo Alto
resident, said FOPAL was founded in 1938 and has resided at the Cubberley Community
Center since 2002. FOPAL mobilizes hundreds of community volunteers and has
provided over $3.6 million in annual grants to the Palo Alto Library since 2004, including
$150,000 in the recent fiscal year. FOPAL's vision to consolidate their footprint in the
new center will enable them to increase revenue and provide larger grants to the
library. Henry Y. urged Council to place the ½-cent transactions and use tax measure on
the November 3, 2026, ballot to support improving Cubberley.
2. Sonya Bradski, a next-door neighbor to Cubberley, expressed huge interest in seeing it
fixed up because it is a dump and the City has been at this for years. Sonya B. said the
tax measure should be applied to Cubberley and not the general fund because the
current Council might not be in place when things get going. Sonya B. thanked Council
for fixing up Cubberley.
3. Phyllis B., a neighbor of Greenmeadow, shared she has lived across from the playing
field since 1982 and enjoys Cubberley enormously even as it deteriorates. Phyllis B.
spoke in support of the advisory spending guidelines and recognized it is not totally
binding but at least expresses what the community cares about. Phyllis B. was not
entirely convinced about the reason for not specifying the sale in the ballot language
because the renovations can't be done without the purchase of the land. Phyllis B. was
grateful for clarification about the ¼ percent tax cap and wished it was discussed in May.
Phyllis B. said "Implement part of Phase 1" seems limiting. Phyllis B. suggested adding to
the existing valuable community spaces in North Palo Alto that the art center is an
important facility and will be stretched by population growth.
4. Jennifer D. thanked Council and Kristen O'Kane for the Pride event the previous day,
which was a needed and joyful event. Jennifer D. added a complaint that the Council
meeting was scheduled in the middle of a Knicks game. Jennifer D. spoke on behalf of a
group of citizens excited for this to moved forward and invited any interested in joining
to write to pafuture26@gmail.com for more information and to get on their supporter
list. Jennifer D. described the many partners and organizations working to rebuild
Cubberley and expressed confidence that they will be able to communicate to all voters
in the City about why this is so important.
5. Jackie Wheeler, Greenmeadow resident for over 60 years, shared she lives near
Cubberley and is thrilled this is on the table. Jackie W. said she will work with people like
Jennifer and the committee to make sure this passes.
6. Betsy Bechtel, former City council member and mayor, was on the Council at the time
they made decisions to help out the school district. Betsy B. shared she is a new board
member of HeartFit for Life, which helps people with health issues and is an existing
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Cubberley tenant, and she is on the board of Avenidas, which is a new partner coming
in. Betsy B. said their many members and members' friends will help with getting the
vote and thanked Council for doing this.
7. Anne C., a resident since 1966, thanked Council for the enthusiasm they continue to
show for this project. Anne C. is a member of Friends of Palo Alto Recreation and
Wellness Center (PARWC) and a 1960 Olympian who believes in the power of exercise
for lifelong aging and considers this project to be very important. Their friends group
supports the Cubberley project and is laser-focused on the Recreation and Wellness
Center, which they want to be the kickoff to the Cubberley campaign. Anne C. said this
is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the City, community, seniors, kids, school district,
and everyone to make something Palo Alto is proud of.
8. Joe Hirch said Betsy and Anne took all his comments. He has been in a cardiac therapy
program, HeartFit for Life, since his heart attack in 1997. Joe H. said it is a wonderful
nonprofit that could not exist in the for-profit rental market and needs a long-term,
affordable home. HeartFit for Life has been in Palo Alto since 1970 and serves 225 to
250 people annually who have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other related
conditions. Joe H. agreed this is a one-time opportunity to move forward and do
something world-class and urged Council to adopt the resolution.
9. Chris B. has been going to Cubberley his entire life and while City projects are more
thought-out and community-friendly than private developments, he spoke against the
project because of the sales tax, which he said should be a corporate tax. Chris B. heard
the project will be paid for by people out of town but every municipality in the Bay Area
has the same idea and everybody is raising sales tax. Chris B. said he saw the murderous
removal of beautiful redwood trees at Cubberley, including one ripped out about 3
months ago, and expressed concern that the open space shown in the project will come
at the cost of existing trees. Chris B. wanted an increase in canopy as well as open space
and did not understand why he should pay for others' exercise programs.
10. Katie Blodgett, chair of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Board of Trustees, spoke about
TheatreWorks' support of ordinance, companion resolution, and the advisory spending
guidelines to ensure the funds are directed toward Cubberley as intended. Katie B.
expressed thanks for the collective efforts of the board, City, and community on behalf
of this important community asset.
11. Penny Ellson shared that when first moving to Palo Alto, her family found affordable
preschool childcare at Cubberley and her children later practiced music, dance, and
sports there and learned a lot at prices their young family could afford. Penny E.
thanked Christine Paras for her detailed clarifications on questions and strongly
encouraged Council to expediently move Cubberley forward. Penny E. said Cubberley is
a community gem and will provide enough service capacity so existing community
service facilities do not become overwhelmed.
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12. Scott O., a neighbor close to Cubberley, said it has been in its current state far too long
and thanked everyone involved to move this effort to where it is today and hoped for
Council to approve the resolution.
Mayor Veenker thanked public commenters and asked for motions, questions, and discussion.
Councilmember Lythcott-Haims commented that it is strange to go from advocating and
studying this to handing it off to the public if it passes. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims
expressed emotion at how far this has come.
Councilmember Burt reiterated that the advisory resolution is not legally binding but Palo Alto
has a strong history of honoring similar resolutions. Councilmember Lauing expressed
confidence that future Councils will live up to the commitments this Council is making to voters.
Mayor Veenker agreed this is an odd transition and the Council is putting trust in the residents
and what was heard and seen as they participated in community engagement around
envisioning the new Cubberley. Mayor Veenker expressed confidence in the support of
residents to push this project across the finish line and thanked those who helped put together
the intent resolution.
Councilmember Lauing added that this project started at the Cubberley Advisory Commission
and it seems appropriate that the Cubberley Action Committee will take the baton from here.
MOTION: Councilmember Lythcott-Haims moved, seconded by Councilmember Burt to:
1. Adopt an ordinance and a companion resolution to place a ½ cent (0.5%) transactions
and use tax measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot (Attachments A and B). The
ordinance designates the members of the Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee
(Councilmembers Burt, Lythcott-Haims, and Reckdahl) to author the argument in
support of the measure. (2/3 vote required).
2. Adopt a resolution approving advisory spending guidelines in support of improving the
Cubberley Community Center if the measure passes. (Attachment C, to be published in
late packet on June 4, 2026).
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
15. San Antonio Road Area Plan Core Scenario and Transportation Analysis Work Plan. CEQA
Status: Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15262.
Robert Cain, Principle Planner, stated that tonight's purpose is to ask Council to endorse a core
scenario for the San Antonio Road Area Plan (SARAP), which is not a final land use decision and
will be analyzed, validated, adjusted, and refined as needed. Principle Planner Cain provided a
slide presentation on the project, including its area and goals; timeline; feedback from public
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engagement, advisory boards, and City Council; and the core scenario developed from that
feedback, including features of each section. Principle Planner Cain said land use and
transportation are equal parts of this plan and a transportation analysis will be developed over
the next few months for review by Council. The analysis will look at qualitative and quantitative
measures to compare transportation outcomes of the core scenario versus current zoning.
Public Comment:
1. Sonya Bradski advocated for improvements to San Antonio Road related to biking and
safety. Sonya B. said the worst intersection is Charleston and San Antonio, where her
husband had a biking accident, and noted there is no public transit.
2. Phyllis Brown, long-term Palo Alto resident, commented that the attention in the core
scenario to improving transportation and mobility before housing is built is spot-on.
Phyllis B. stated information about travel across Alma and the railroad tracks is slim,
suggested getting an easement through the Google campus, hoped more work would be
done to sort that out, and noted other work in the City about getting across railroad
tracks is relevant to this. Phyllis B. wanted more information on the report explaining
how the City's Housing Element allocates 1,559 new housing units in that area but the
scenario of 5,700 versus 6,700 units is a big change. Phyllis B. spoke in support of
housing done well and expressed concern about the buildout increasing to 75 percent
across much of the plan area, which means 5,025 units. Phyllis B. wondered about
housing being built in the rest of the City.
3. Matthew Berglund, Director of Design and Construction at Presidio Bay Ventures, said
Presidio is a long-term owner and stakeholder in the CTI subarea. Matthew B.
commended staff and Raimi + Associates for running an inclusive process for community
engagement. Matthew B. described how the SARAP increases housing while improving
mobility, transit access, and pedestrian and bicycle safety. Matthew B. stated the CTI
subarea is open to residential development but housing production will remain
constrained. Matthew B. underlined the importance of maintaining a meaningful office
and R&D component within CTI to improve project feasibility and help fund parks,
infrastructure, and affordable housing. Matthew B. shared that Presidio Bay offered
tours of Springline, an example of the integrated land use and mobility principles
described in this plan. Matthew B. asked Council to endorse the core scenario.
4. Joan Larrabee has lived on San Antonio Road for many years and is retired after 20 years
of working on transportation and traffic issues, including pre-construction of the light
rail, for the City of San Jose. Joan L. expressed concerns about the planned construction
because San Antonio Road is narrow with no bike lanes, bus lanes, or bus parking. Joan
L. shared that San Antonio Road has a transportation level of service F, which represents
heavily congested stop-and-go conditions where demand exceeds the road's capacity.
Joan L. shared that some elderly neighbors are terrified they will need a fire truck or
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EMT and they won't be able to get through. Joan L. said the sidewalk was suggested for
use as a bike lane, which isn't safe.
5. Chris B. said he came to pour the cold water of truth on the raging inferno of economic
illiteracy in this conversation. Chris B. asserted that densifying areas does not lower
rents but raises them because it raises land values. Chris B. pointed to New York City as
the only place more expensive than the Bay Area and said you cannot outbuild. Chris B.
said the developers know this, which is why they pay billions of dollars to lobby, spread
propaganda, and convince people that this will lower housing prices. Chris B. suggested
housing prices could be lowered by 1) stopping the federal government from printing
trillions of dollars of new money every year, which forces reevaluation of all assets, and
2) banning investments in housing like BlackRock, which pushes prices up.
6. Meri Gruber, resident of Greenmeadow neighborhood, raised a concern about the
transportation analysis being presented. According to the staff report, there are 802
residential units currently built and occupied in this corridor. Meri G. noted that instead
of comparing the core scenario of 6,700 units against that number, which is standard
practice, the analysis is scoped to compare against 5,700 units, which is a theoretical
zoning capacity for which no transportation analysis has been done. Meri G. said
California environmental law requires that a traffic study be measured against existing
conditions, not a theoretical buildout number, which underestimates what 6,700 new
units will mean for transportation in this corridor. Meri G. asked Council to direct staff
to explain this baseline methodology before the transportation analysis scope is
finalized or approved. Meri G. thanked Council for their service.
7. John P. pointed out that the planning for San Antonio Road between Middlefield and
Charleston is being oversubscribed for the amount of solutions it can provide. John P.
agreed on the need for good bike lanes, traffic, and mass transportation but noted the
road is rated F, which includes the intersection at San Antonio Road and Middlefield.
John P. asked the planners to examine or consider simplifying the problem by removing
one of the solutions they are attempting to provide on San Antonio Road, such as the
bike lanes. John P. recalled a suggestion to remove parking lanes to make way for bike
lanes but that would eliminate right-turn-only lanes that ease traffic flow. John P.
suggested moving the bike lanes to Montrose, which has a good intersection at
Charleston and an intersection at Middlefield that goes into the Cubberley parking lot.
8. Scott O'Neil, a resident adjacent to the North Fabian area of the plan, expressed
excitement about the core scenario, especially the CTI area, which felt like a fixer-upper
during the Housing Element process. Scott O. has been attending community outreach
sessions and said the core scenario reflects what he has heard at these events about
what his neighbors want. Scott O. highlighted the potential in the Adobe Creek right-of-
way to create an entirely off-street bike and pedestrian corridor that connects the
whole area into Palo Alto's main civic areas. Scott O. said this trail started connecting
the 101 pedestrian overpass and Bay Trail to East Meadow Road, bypassing Fabian, and
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all it takes is unlocking gates to extend pedestrian access 1 or 2 blocks. Scott O.
acknowledged it is outside the study area but expressed excitement that the core plan
leaves groundwork for a future like this.
9. Penny Ellson asked Council not to approve the staff recommendations as they stand
because the transportation analysis needs a baseline representing today's existing
conditions to understand what changes could occur, especially relating to traffic. Penny
E. asked staff to be explicit about what is included in the traffic analysis, whether it will
evaluate traffic from all known projected background growth, including planned
developments in Mountain View, VTA's 101 interchanges, and nearby streets. Penny E.
said the project budget leaves no room for redoing this work. Regarding office and
retail, Penny E. asked staff to analyze estimated planned occupancy density of the
proposed 750,000-square-foot office R&D space to help understand potential effects on
the City's jobs-housing imbalance. Regarding outdoor space and parks, Penny E. asked if
the City counts paseos, other transportation facilities, and outdoor restaurant seating as
park space and how this conforms with Comprehensive Plan requirements. Penny E.
wondered how much of the 3 to 3½-acre park and 1½-acre consolidated space in the CTI
subarea is for bike/ped transportation facilities versus retail use. Regarding mobility, the
report mentioned near-term removal of on-street parking and protected bike lanes
throughout the corridor on both sides of the street. Penny E. said getting them fully in
place before the first buildings receive occupancy permits is critically important. Penny
E. noted a lack of concept plan for how enhanced connections to Caltrain will be
achieved and said pathways from Alma in and out of the station are narrow, even with
relatively low usage.
10. Megan Watson of Grubb Properties, the developers of the 788 San Antonio Road
Housing Project located in the central subarea of the SARAP, strongly supported the
core scenario improvements, including protected bike lanes, enhanced Caltrain access,
and a safer, more inviting pedestrian experience. Megan W. said the special setback
along their stretch of San Antonio Road presents an opportunity for Palo Alto to
implement these goals. Megan W. noted that any plan for increased residential density
must address essential support services like fire truck staging, emergency vehicle access,
waste collection, postal package and delivery services, move-ins and move-outs,
increased bus and shuttle activity, and rideshare pickup and drop-off. Megan W. said
the City's preference has been to keep support functions within private properties but
that approach conflicts with this plan's goals of creating protected, continuous, and safe
bike/ped facilities because it increases curb cuts, driveway crossings, and other
interruptions to protected routes. Megan W. endorsed a comprehensive curbside
management strategy to account for the operational needs of dense housing and shared
that Grubb's design for 788 San Antonio has zero curb cuts on San Antonio.
Mayor Veenker thanked public commenters for their close attention to this project and
reminded Council of the focus of this Phase 2, which is to provide staff with endorsement,
revision, or redirection of the land use and mobility assumptions they should use in moving
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toward Phase 3, which is the analysis and policy recommendations. Mayor Veenker asked staff
if they want to respond to any factual issues or questions from public comments.
Principle Planner Cain shared that when the transportation analysis gets to CEQA for
environmental review, they will compare the draft plan to today's baseline, which is the
requirement. Principle Planner Cain said it is very common to compare to a no-plan scenario,
which staff chose to do for this phase, comparing the core scenario to what might happen if
Council abandoned SARAP entirely. Principle Planner Cain emphasized that it is based on
existing, not theoretical, zoning standards.
Councilmember Reckdahl thanked the staff and community for their work on this plan.
Councilmember Reckdahl asked the clerk to display Packet Page 275, where the tables compare
existing zoning at the top with the core at the bottom. Councilmember Reckdahl pointed out
that the core plan adds 750,000 square feet of office space in the CTI neighborhood, which
means about 4,300 jobs, while adding only 600 housing units.
Principle Planner Cain explained that the new Class A office space in the CTI area is meant to
balance the loss of commercial space throughout the entire plan area. It is the only part
designated for new Class A office space. As part of the next phase, staff will evaluate whether
that is the right amount in terms of how many jobs it might bring in. Principle Planner Cain
recommended looking at the total across the whole plan area, not individual areas separately.
Councilmember Reckdahl said it is an apples and oranges comparison because North Fabian has
low-density engineering while a new Class A office space will be very dense. Looking at square
footage makes it seem like it's being rearranged but the core scenario changes the type of
employment occurring, which will have a huge impact on the number of jobs offered.
Principle Planner Cain agreed this is something they should study during the next phase and
staff can adjust that cap level down based on Council direction. That made sense to staff as a
starting point for their analysis but it can be adjusted per Council direction.
Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director, acknowledged the existing R&D
space has lower jobs per square foot than Class A office space and recalled Council's comments
in April were not to go more than current levels. Staff planned below current levels by 150 or
200 but employment density needs to be studied further. Jonathan L. noted a consideration is
that office space provides economic return to developers and can help achieve some of the
public interest they have while keeping the square footage down. Another consideration is this
location relative to freeway access for those who drive instead of using transit, Caltrain, or VTA
routes, and the improvement to the interchange from the freeway will feed into this site.
Councilmember Reckdahl said jobs are one way to get development fees to pay for parks but it
is inefficient and the impacts to the community are much higher than what developers give
back. Councilmember Reckdahl asserted it is better for the community to pay for the parks than
let someone have 4,000 jobs in a very small area. Councilmember Reckdahl recalled SARAP was
envisioned in the Housing Element as an opportunity to reduce the jobs-housing imbalance.
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Director Lait acknowledged the feedback and said Council has the opportunity to consider it
when staff returns with the land use, transportation, and economic analyses to find out how far
this moves toward advancing the City's interests. Director Lait suggested that the housing
anticipated, particularly in the CTI area, has a relationship with a development happening
across the street in Mountain View, so there may be some synergy.
Councilmember Reckdahl commented CTI is a great place for 100 percent housing because
there are thousands of Google and other tech jobs across the freeway. Director Lait said those
with an interest in developing this area do not articulate that narrative.
Councilmember Reckdahl replied that developers want to sell office because it means more
money but the Council's job is to say what is best for the community.
Director Lait shared they want a development to come forward and create the new
neighborhoods envisioned, which does not happen with just housing and these lots are narrow
and small. Director Lait said staff will proceed with Council's direction but asserted that office,
including Class A, is a component of that area. Director Lait acknowledged the jobs-housing
imbalance challenge and pointed out the mobility interests to help mitigate traffic, which is one
of the biggest issues with office. Director Lait acknowledged public concerns about the lack of
biking safety on San Antonio Road and said this plan hopes to improve that.
Councilmember Lu applauded the thoughtful arrangement, heights, green space, and outreach
sessions he attended. Councilmember Lu said that the allocation of office within this plan is
reasonable but more details are needed about the impact on the jobs-housing imbalance,
community benefits for office, and some lever for guaranteeing a park in the CTI area. Having
Class A office space is generally good and having it by the freeway is better in terms of less
neighborhood traffic impact. Councilmember Lu noted Springline is anchored by office and a
better asset to Menlo Park than having only housing, though only housing would be good too.
Councilmember Lu asked for more clarity about timelines and mechanisms for discussing parks
with property owners and what payments and/or dedications are possible. Regarding
transportation, Councilmember Lu wanted more details about walking distance from crosswalk
to crosswalk for certain routes because some distances may be longer based on how crosswalks
are laid out. Councilmember Lu appreciated public comments about the special setback use and
how they will think about services and bike lanes. Councilmember Lu said encouraging and
incentivizing trees and green rooftops as much as possible is good and should go without
saying. Councilmember Lu said the layout of retail nodes is good. Councilmember Lu thought
tying it to office in cases where it cannot be waived by the State Density Bonus is a good idea
and allowing adaptive reuse of spaces to transition to retail is important in the policy direction.
Councilmember Lauing recalled the Sobrato working group wanting to build neighborhoods,
not buildings, and a big contributor is parks, which the plan mentions in several places.
Councilmember Lauing opined that a 3-acre park is not very big compared to the number of
people and said the City needs negotiations with major developers to build up a community
together, maybe taking the lead from the Sobrato project. Councilmember Lauing said
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emphasis on parks is important for the community and sports fields are another dimension to
consider. Councilmember Lauing noticed townhomes were discouraged and wondered how
staff would do that without being too restrictive toward in-demand home types. Regarding the
transportation analysis, Councilmember Lauing pointed out how Page 225 talks about creating
a map which proceeds as most likely to develop but the report says Page 275 represents
theoretical maximums. Councilmember Lauing emphasized the need to continue talking about
theoretical maximum for planning purposes. The report mentions an analysis to see which
parcels are most likely to redevelop, which Councilmember Lauing asked staff to explain for the
public.
Principle Planner Cain explained that staff did a preliminary analysis and will continue looking at
sites that are unlikely to turn over and redevelop during the lifetime of this plan, such as the
Jewish Community Center, The Girls' Middle School that just broke ground, and the Greenhouse
Condominiums. They will look at where development is likely to occur and which parcels have
the right ownership or potential for being combined to redevelop and then apply some
assumptions which will be in the analysis brought to Council. Principle Planner Cain emphasized
that not every parcel in the plan area will be demolished and built to maximum heights or
dwelling unit numbers, such as townhomes, which are very popular. Principle Planner Cain
noted staff has been looking at the SARAP for about a year on a very high level and is just
starting to drill down more.
Councilmember Lauing emphasized for public understanding that this is a formula and
modeling system being used as a starting place and doesn't represent the net numbers the area
will get. Councilmember Lauing said that, at this level of planning, Council has to give staff
space to figure out what will work best. Councilmember Lauing noted a constraint on the CTI
area to have no net new jobs will be too constrained for reality and limit flexibility.
Councilmember Lauing appreciated the mention of how the 1,559 new housing units in the plan
area represent 26 percent of citywide housing allocation in the current RHNA numbers.
Councilmember Lauing highlighted the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) strategy to meet
the City's current and future housing needs by directing growth to transit-accessible locations
throughout Palo Alto. Councilmember Lauing pointed out that the Downtown Housing and El
Camino Focus Area plans were done by the City and Council, not state law, following the TOD
strategy and that was highlighted in the report. Councilmember Lauing said the general
direction is right-on for this phase.
Regarding the office discussion, Councilmember Burt said staff should calculate and compare
jobs to jobs as opposed to square footage to square footage. If going from manufacturing and
related services, staff should consider not only density but what role they play in the local
economy. This region on both sides of San Antonio toward Bayshore was historically a key
hardware manufacturing hub but there is a transformation of the economy away from making
things. Regarding commercial, Councilmember Lauing recommended breaking down existing
versus envisioned retail.
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Councilmember Lauing pointed out a statement in the staff report about the pipeline projects
consistent with the 90 feet in height and asked if there are new project applications in the
pipeline that have happened in the last couple months and where.
Director Lait did not think there were new projects on San Antonio but noted 1 project got
taller after its pre-screen but stayed within the 75 to 90-foot range.
Councilmember Burt thought the limit was 75 to 85 and now it sounds like it is 90. Director Lait
said the San Antonio Housing Focus Areas do not go to 90 feet but he thought the limit was 75.
Principle Planner Cain believed the limit was 60 feet but individual sites upzoned above that.
Director Lait recalled conversations in April about a limit of 90 feet for CTI and North and South
Fabian with a transition to 65 feet near the lower-density zoning. Director Lait said staff looked
at the change areas assuming they all might be 90 and any direction from Council on that is
helpful.
Councilmember Burt asked if the park benefits from the CTI area office impact fees would be
used just for the CTI area or the greater area. Councilmember Burt explained that if there is
more office and less housing than envisioned, the parks are less needed in CTI and more
needed where there is a greater density of housing.
Director Lait replied that the benefits from impact fees are intended to be localized to the area
and clarified they are not scaling down housing in CTI but it is more of a mixed-use area with a
lot of office contemplated. Director Lait said CTI is an area that generates an opportunity for
third spaces that draw others into the area, similar to the example of Springline.
Principle Planner Cain said there is potential for 1) having publicly accessible open spaces as
part of the development, whether dedicated land to the City for parks or privately-owned land
maintained for the public, or 2) using impact fees anywhere in the plan area. It will have a
direct impact on CTI but not be limited to that through the impact fees.
Vice Mayor Stone moved the staff recommendation with a modification because he agreed
with the discussion regarding the replacement of commercial areas in CTI. Vice Mayor Stone
appreciated staff's interpretation of Council discussion but was hoping for more replacement of
jobs to jobs rather than square footage and both scenarios need to be analyzed and brought
back for Council to consider. Vice Mayor Stone appreciated where the plan is going with
housing and incentives, office and retail, outdoor space and parks, mobility, and transportation.
Vice Mayor Stone said this is on the right path and tonight is not the final decision.
Mayor Veenker recalled living in a duplex on San Antonio Road when she first moved to Palo
Alto in 1992 and said it has not changed much since then. Mayor Veenker said it is nice to look
at what it could be and what the community needs it to be and how to address the jobs-
housing imbalance. Mayor Veenker noted public commenters who mentioned the current
transportation situation on San Antonio and dangers for bikes. Mayor Veenker expressed
excitement to see separated bikeways and the alternative bike route parallel to Alma, which
could be challenging. Mayor Veenker asked staff for their directional thoughts for that.
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Principle Planner Cain shared staff are not looking at acquiring additional right-of-way but have
heard from many residents that traveling through the circles is challenging if you are not
familiar with the area, so they avoid it. Principle Planner Cain thought better signage or
improved facilities could be an alternative to having things on Alma. One suggestion was to put
a 2-way bikeway on the east side of Alma connecting San Antonio Avenue up to Charleston or
Meadow. That works for some people but staff will explore an alternative for people who are
uncomfortable on Alma even with an improved bikeway.
Mayor Veenker noted Council will be talking about BPTP soon enough and expressed
appreciation for staff looking into this bikeway because it is a challenging area. Mayor Veenker
said Alma is a no-go and the circles are confusing but with adding more people and wanting to
encourage multi-modal transportation, it is important to sort that out. Mayor Veenker
expressed general appreciation and agreement with Councilmember Lauing's comments.
Councilmember Lythcott-Haims commended staff for the work of planning a new set of
communities in a pre-existing city. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims shared how, as a kid, she
lived in one of the nation's first planned communities, Reston, VA, which still serves as a model
for planned communities around the world. There were single-family homes situated near
townhomes, row houses, and apartments, so people of all income levels were neighbors and
there was a commitment that nobody would have more than a 10-minute walk on a nice, safe
path to groceries, schools, recreation, parks, transit, and retail. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims
expressed excitement at Palo Alto creating something that becomes a blueprint for other
municipalities. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims appreciated the references to third place or
third space and encouraged staff to look up the work of Ray Oldenburg, the sociologist who
defined the concept and developed the term, to ensure the goal of third places is guided by a
true understanding of the concept. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims expressed concerns about
the size of the parks planned, with the biggest being 3 to 3½ acres in the Fabian Area. The
standard park size in Palo Alto is 4 to 5 acres and this planned neighborhood should not be "less
than" in any way, including park size. Councilmember Lythcott-Haims said it is too soon to
compromise on things like this and staff should fight for parks of 4 to 5 acres. Councilmember
Lythcott-Haims wanted to know why Cubberley was on the map but not mentioned in the text
and noted if Cubberley becomes what is envisioned, it could be a tremendous draw to many
homes on the San Antonio corridor in walking distance and should be referenced in the plan. By
the time staff comes back to Council at the end of Q4, they will know whether the ballot
measure passes and if it does, Cubberley needs to be in the written documents about the area.
Councilmember Lythcott-Haims asked if another safe parking lot is on this team's radar.
Director Lait shared about conversations with the City Manager's Office on a safe parking lot, so
it is being considered. In terms of planning stages, they are still high level and have not gotten
to the point of thinking more tactically.
Councilmember Burt noted the potential for conflict between the envisioned buildout and the
State Density Bonus laws and asked for reassurance, based on current laws, that this plan will
not zone for one thing and get something else.
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Director Lait said that at 90 feet for housing, there is not much more a developer would want
from the City in terms of State Density Bonus, though there might be some development
standards around setbacks or elimination of retail. In terms of height or building mass, going
beyond 90 feet starts getting into a different construction type that adds to cost. Where it
transitions to lower heights of 65 feet, if the intent is to not go taller, the City may need to
consider an alternative to the State Density Bonus, like the Housing Incentive Program, which
tends to give more than the State Density Bonus for existing zoning. Director Lait said recent
rezoning that was done as part of this area needs to be studied to see how it fits into that.
Councilmember Burt expressed concerns about preservation of key retail like the nursery on
the corner of Middlefield and a grocery store. Councilmember Burt noted 4 different gas
stations too but said they will be less relevant in a future with fewer cars. Councilmember Burt
wondered if zoning changes could be phased to avoid doing it all in one bite and wanted that
conceptually considered. Councilmember Burt addressed the vice mayor's concern on what
would be in upcoming housing elements and noted the State may consider fewer residents per
housing unit as a goal, which would influence housing allocations. Councilmember Burt
commended how thoroughly this area is being looked at, including the impact on affordable
housing, retail, infrastructure, parks, traffic, and multi-mobility. The discussion last week looked
at a potential massive upzoning ahead of considering those impacts, which would create
undesirable outcomes in the long-term and emphasizes the need to design good communities.
Councilmember Burt said this core plan is on the right track.
Councilmember Reckdahl noted the tables list the commercial area and don't distinguish
between office and retail and asked staff to estimate expected retail.
Principle Planner Cain said it is tricky to get data for what retail is currently there because many
parcels have multiple tenants with different commercial types and the county data versus
professional databases do not always align. Staff is doing their own analysis to see current
levels of different types of commercial so they can bring more than a single commercial number
when they return to Council. Staff are doing an analysis based on the number of residents to
determine the right amount of retail in the plan area in terms of square footage. Principle
Planner Cain recalled an existing conditions report from October of last year but more analysis
is needed to get it right.
Councilmember Reckdahl noticed the staff report mentions retail nodes and asked where they
will be.
Principle Planner Cain replied that the retail nodes are envisioned in the new neighborhoods,
North Fabian and CTI specifically, and at key intersections at Charleston or Middlefield along
San Antonio.
Councilmember Reckdahl said retail is important to a vibrant neighborhood and more beneficial
than office and the commercial space should skew toward retail.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Stone moved, seconded by Mayor Veenker to:
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1. Endorse the core scenario for the San Antonio Road Area Plan as the basis for Phase 3
analysis, modified as needed to reflect Council priorities; and
2. Direct staff to explore the replacement of commercial areas into the CTI (Commercial
Street, Transport Street, Industrial Avenue) area and the replacement of jobs to jobs
rather than square footage options; and
3. Authorize the transportation analysis described in Attachment A, to be completed and
presented to Council in Q4 2026 alongside a recommended land use and transportation
plan.
MOTION PASSED: 6-1, Reckdahl no
Councilmember Reckdahl spoke to his no-vote, explaining that the plan is overall on the right
path but CTI is far off on the appropriate amount of office. Councilmember Reckdahl did not
want to vote in support because the adjustments in the motion were too mild and office should
be scaled back far more.
Closed Session
16. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY-POTENTIAL LITIGATION
Subject: Potential exposure to litigation
Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Number of potential cases: 1, as Defendant.
Public Comment: None.
MOTION: Councilmember Lu moved, seconded by Councilmember Lauing to go into Closed
Session.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
Council went into Closed Session at 10:28 p.m.
Council returned from Closed Session at 11:27 p.m.
Mayor Veenker announced no reportable action.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:28 p.m.