CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
7:00 PM - Tuesday, January 09, 2024
via Videoconference and In Person
PARTICIPATION: Members of the public may participate by being present at the Los Altos Council Chamber at Los Altos City Hall located at 1 N. San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA during the meeting.
Public comment is accepted in person at the physical meeting location, or via email to [email protected].
RULES FOR CONDUCT: Pursuant to Los Altos Municipal Code, Section 2.05.010 "Interruptions and rules for conduct": Understanding that the purpose of the city council meetings is to conduct the people's business for the benefit of all the people, in the event that any meeting of the city council is willfully interrupted by a person or group of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of the meeting impossible, the mayor, mayor pro tem, or any other member of the city council acting as the chair may order the removal of the person or persons responsible for the disruption and bar them from further attendance at the council meeting, or otherwise proceed pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.0 or any applicable penal statute or city ordinance.
REMOTE MEETING OBSERVATION: Members of the public may view the meeting via the link below, but will not be permitted to provide public comment via Zoom or telephone. Public comment will be taken in-person, and members of the public may provide written public comment by following the instructions below.
https://losaltosca-gov.zoom.us/j/81900541398?pwd=GMbcrlAZzHnZ77yFpoMXoI8Vdbb7W9.1 Telephone: 1-669-444-9171 / Webinar ID: 819 0054 1398 / Passcode: 626879 SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS: Prior to the meeting, comments on matters listed on the agenda may be emailed to [email protected]. Emails sent to this email address are sent to/received immediately by the City Council. Emails sent directly to the City Council as a whole or individually, and not sent to [email protected] will not be included as a public comment in the Council packet.
Please note: Personal information, such as e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, home addresses, and other contact information are not required to be included with your comments. If this information is included in your written comments, they will become part of the public record. Redactions and/or edits will not be made to public comments, and the comments will be posted as they are submitted. Please do not include any information in your communication that you do not want to be made public.
Correspondence submitted in hard copy/paper format must be received by 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting to ensure distribution prior to the meeting. Comments provided in hard copy/paper format after 2:00 p.m. will be distributed the following day and included with public comment in the Council packet. 1 1/9/2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA Page 2 of 3
The Mayor will open public comment and will announce the length of time provided for comments during each item.
AGENDA
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
ESTABLISH QUORUM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
SPECIAL ITEMS
Issue proclamation recognizing January as Mentoring Month in the City of Los Altos Information on Emergency Preparedness
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Members of the audience may bring to the Council's attention any item that is not on the agenda. The Mayor will announce the time speakers will be granted before comments begin. Please be advised that, by law, the City Council is unable to discuss or take action on issues presented during the Public Comment Period. According to State Law (also known as “The Brown Act”) items must first be noted on the agenda before any discussion or action.
01-09-24 Written Public Comments
CONSENT CALENDAR
These items will be considered by one motion unless any member of the Council or audience wishes to remove an item for discussion. Any item removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion will be handled at the discretion of the Mayor.
1. Approve the regular meeting minutes for the meeting of December 12, 2023
2. Approve the Contract Amendment to the Maintenance Services Agreement between the City of Los Altos and Bear Electrical Solutions, Inc. The project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) and 15301(c) (Existing Facilities)
DISCUSSION ITEMS
3. Review and provide direction for the City Council Strategic Goals 2 1/9/2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA Page 3 of 3
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS ONLY
There will be no discussion or action on Informational Items Tentative Council Calendar and Housing Element Implementation Calendar
COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS AND DIRECTIONS ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
(Council Norms: It will be the custom to have a recess at approximately 9:00 p.m. Prior to the recess, the Mayor shall announce whether any items will be carried over to the next meeting. The established hour after which no new items will be started is 11:00 p.m. Remaining items, however, may be considered by consensus of the Council.)
SPECIAL NOTICES TO THE PUBLIC
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Altos will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk 72 hours prior to the meeting at (650) 947-2610.
All public records relating to an open session item on this agenda, which are not exempt from disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act, and that are distributed to a majority of the legislative body, will be available for public inspection at the Office of the City Clerk’s Office, City of Los Altos, located at One North San Antonio Road, Los Altos, California at the same time that the public records are distributed or made available to the legislative body.
If you wish to provide written materials, please provide the City Clerk with 10 copies of any document that you would like to submit to the City Council for the public record. 3 1
Melissa Thurman
From: Useless <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 4, 2024 6:37 PM
To: Public Comment
Subject: The Doggy Park Initiatives Are Insensitive and Undemocratic Dear Council Members,
I am a senior citizen of Los Altos.
I am dismayed at the rapid initiatives favoring dog owners in Los Altos.
I find that without much consultation, significant initiatives are undertaken. Consultants are appointed at significant cost to derive “solutions” which appear pre-destined in favor of dog owners.
I was mortified when giant trees of Los Altos at Los Altos Library grounds were cruelly brought down. These ancient trees are symbols of Los Altos and deserve some respect and consideration.
That area is a space of distinction encompassing the Heritage Museum, the orchards and the shady trees. As stewards of Los Altos, it behoves the council to be more understanding of heritage, especially at a time of global warming.
Let us come now to dog parks. There is already a dog park in the Los Altos Community Center area. As far as I can see, it is never over-crowded. I am perplexed that one more of your consultant studies makes the case for another fancy dog-park, while cutting more trees and reducing parking space at the library. There is some lack of logic in this drive towards to another dog park at the Library.
Dog owners routinely exercise their dogs off-leash at Los Altos parks, where the city ordinance clearly says that it is a violation. I was recently bitten in my right hand by a large off-leash dog at Rosita Park.
The notion that all these dog owners are only going to use your new dog park is seriously flawed.
In summary:
1. For the City Council to cut down tress while exhorting residents to preserve heritage trees is farcical.
2. Wasteful consultant studies that produce preferred outcomes do not serve the needs of Los Altos citizens.
3. Dog owners themselves prefer open dog parks, not enclosed fenced-in spaces.
4. The new proposed dog park is wasteful, redundant and a benefit to neither dog owners or any one else
5. Please create proper “Mixed Use Rules” instead for use of open parks by dog owners and others by using timing control, with enforcement.
For example:
4 2
Dog Hours ( Off Leash Allowed) : 5 am - 6:30 am, 3:30 - 5 pm, which can vary by park, to allow flexibility to all.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
5 1
Melissa Thurman
From: Useless <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 5, 2024 11:47 AM
To: Jonathan Weinberg; Public Comment
Subject: Re: The Doggy Park Initiatives Are Insensitive and Undemocratic Dear Mayor Jonathan Weinberg,
I am concerned that the City of Los Altos has lost its way in public discourse and thoughtful action. I recall the disaster of the speed bumps installation on Cuesta Road a few years back. The original speed bumps which were too high for emergency vehicles had to be torn down and redone.
On this doggy park issue, the City is rushing into wasteful spending and questionable action. At a time of unbelievable climate change, I am shocked at the “developer mindset” to cut more trees. By the questionable argument that “As we all know, all trees have a lifespan”, possibly hundreds of trees in Los Altos need to be cut down.
The City Council is in the process of removing our “public good” - namely tree cover and scarce parking lots for a “selective benefit” to some dog owners. By the way, many dog owners do not support the proposed doggy park.
I am in the Library almost every day, and I often find it difficult to find parking nearby. Moreover, the temporary dog park at the end of the soccer field is used infrequently by dog owners as per my almost daily assessment. By far, dog owners prefer the open parks where they can let their dogs run and exercise off-leash.
How did the City weigh the reduction of the “public good” for green cover and parking, versus the “selective benefit” of more dog parks? Where is that comparative study? Did the City conduct an impact study of tree-felling and reduced parking?
Moreover, If this dog park is built, does the City plan to cite all dog owners who let their dogs off-leash in all Los Altos parks for violation of city ordinance? I am sure many dog owners would not be happy about that.
There is a wiser way to handle this, as I proposed in my note. That is to allow dog owners to use all public parks using “Off-Leash” hours. Please see the Mountain View policy which has implemented this since 2015:
“Off-Leash Dog Areas
The City allows dogs to be off-leash in designated areas of selected local parks and hours. The City of Mountain View asks that you be respectful of other park users and that you comply with all rules and ordinances (SEC. 5.61. Dogs in posted off-leash areas).”
I suggest that this contentious dog park proposal be brought as a ballot initiative, where residents can properly weigh their choices. The City Council is disappointing a lot of Los Altos residents whose “public commons” is being eroded away willy-nilly.
6 2
Please post the arborist report and the dog park study for public viewing. If an impact study was conducted of the proposed action on reduced tree cover and parking, kindly post that as well. It would be good for all to see the conclusions reached in those reports.
Sincerely,
A Senior Los Altos Resident
On Fri, Jan 5, 2024 at 10:01 AM Jonathan Weinberg <[email protected]> wrote:
Dear Resident:
First, I apologize for not using your name, but you did not include your name in your email.
While I thank you for taking the time to write to the Council and to express your feelings, I feel compelled to respond to two points:
First, the process leading to the policy decision of establishing a permanent dog park at the Hillview Community Center was conducted with a tremendous amount of public consultation. Multiple community meetings were held at both the commission and Council level over the span of years. Two pilot programs were tested at the community center, the second of which was a success. Simply put, I vehemently disagree with your accusation that the decision to proceed with a dog park was undertaken without much consultation.
Second, the trees that were removed at the community center were long past their expected life and posed a threat to public safety. Last year, a limb fell off the tree that had stood next to the Bus Barn Theater. Fortunately, no one was hurt. In the aftermath of that incident, an arborist was retained, and their professional opinion was that the trees would continue to deteriorate, posed a threat to public safety, and could not be saved. As we all know, trees have a lifespan. I trust you would agree that the City has an obligation to protect the safety of everyone who uses the Hillview Community Center.
If you would like to discuss the other details of your email, I would be happy to do so.
Sincerely,
- Jonathan
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jonathan D. Weinberg ¦ Mayor, City of Los Altos
Los Altos City Hall
1 North San Antonio Road ¦ Los Altos, CA 94022
Main: (650) 947-2790 ¦[email protected]
7 3
From: Useless <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 4, 2024 6:37 PM
To: Public Comment <[email protected]>
Subject: The Doggy Park Initiatives Are Insensitive and Undemocratic
Dear Council Members,
I am a senior citizen of Los Altos.
I am dismayed at the rapid i nitiatives favoring dog owners in Los Altos.
I find that without much consultation, signifi cant initiatives are undertaken. Consultants are a ppoi nted at signifi cant cost to derive “soluti ons” which appear pre-destine d in favor of dog owner s.
I was mortifie d when gia nt trees of Los Altos at Los Altos Library grounds were cr uelly broug ht down. These a ncie nt trees are symbols of Los Altos and deserve some re spe ct and consideration. T hat area is a space of distincti on encompa ssing the Heritage M useum, the orchar ds and the sha dy trees. As stewards of Los Altos, it behove s the council to be more under standing of heritage, espe cially at a time of global war ming.
Let us come now to dog parks. There is already a dog park in the Los Altos Community Ce nter area. As far as I ca n see, it is never over -crow ded. I a m per plexed that one more of your consultant st udies makes the case for anot her fancy dog -park, while cutting more trees and re ducing parking space at t he library. There is some lack of logi c in this drive towards to another dog park at the Li brary.
Dog owners r outinely exercise their dogs off-leash at Los Altos parks, where the city ordina nce clearly says that it is a violation. I was recently bitten in my right hand by a large off-leash dog at Rosita Park. The notion that all these dog ow ners are only going to use your new dog park is seriously flawed.
In summary:
1. For the City Council to cut dow n tress while exhorting resident s to preserve heritage trees is farci cal.
2. Wasteful consulta nt studies that pr oduce pre ferre d outcomes do not serve the needs of Los Altos citizens.
3. Dog owner s themselves pre fer open dog parks, not encl osed fenced-in space s.
4. The new pr oposed dog park is wasteful, redunda nt and a be nefit to neither dog owners or any one else
5. Please create proper “Mixed Use Rule s” instead for use of open parks by dog ow ners and others by using timing control, with enfor cement.
For example:
Dog Hours ( Off Leash Allowed) : 5 am - 6:30 a m, 3:3 0 - 5 pm, whi ch can vary by park, to allow flexibility to all.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
8 1
Melissa Thurman
From: Harry Guy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 2:45 PM
To: Public Comment
Cc: Aida Fairman; Angela Averiett; Kathryn Krauss; City Council Subject: Public Comment on Consent Item #2 Bear Electrical Solutions contract - 01/09/2024 Council meeting
I urge Council to approve this funding request.
As a strong believer in the importance of having safe streets in our community for all modes of transportation (vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc), I applaud the work done by the Public Works organization to develop this important funding request. Engaging a qualified and responsive contractor to provide ongoing maintenance of traffic and crosswalk signal systems, as well as callout emergency response service as needed is very important to keeping our signals operating smoothly and addressing outages quickly and effectively.
WAY TO GO TEAM!!
There may be additional work for the team to implement, between Public Works and PD to fully establish procedures and training for short-term response to traffic and crosswalk outages that occur during off-hours when PW staff are not around. It is important that PD Patrols and Dispatchers have clear instructions and capabilities to provide short-term mitigations of outages during those periods.
Respectfully,
Harry Guy - Los Altos Resident
9 1
Melissa Thurman
From: Mia Ravishankar <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 3:50 PM
To: Public Comment
Subject: Public Comment - 01/09/24
Dear Los Altos City Councilmembers,
I'd like to comment on Priority #4 for the City’s Strategic Goals.
Please consider the implementation of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s zero-NOx appliances rule. The city can help residents prepare for the ruling through outreach and education about the benefits, huge financial incentives and practical advice, streamlining permitting, and training inspectors to help homeowners avoid unnecessary electrical upgrades.
It would also be beneficial to implement a Dark Skies policy, especially in the new street lighting to be paid for by the $200,000 from state funds recently presented to the city by Senator Becker.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mia Ravishankar
Member, Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action
Member, 350 Silicon Valley
10 CITY OF LOS ALTOS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2023
6:00 p.m.
1 N. San Antonio Rd. ~ Los Altos, CA
Jonathan Weinberg, Mayor
Pete Dailey, Vice Mayor
Neysa Fligor, Councilmember
Lynette Lee Eng, Councilmember
Sally Meadows, Councilmember
SPECIAL MEETING
CALL MEETING TO ORDER: Mayor Weinberg called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ESTABLISH QUORUM:
All Councilmembers were present and in person during the meeting.
DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
1. Provide direction regarding the establishment of an Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu Fee consistent with the Adopted 6th Cycle Housing Element, Program 2.B and the requirements of AB 1505 and AB 602. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15273 this item is exempt from environmental review. CEQA does not apply to the establishment, modification, structuring, restructuring, or approval of rates, tolls, fares, and other charges by public agencies
Nick Zornes, Development Services Director, presented the report.
There were no public speakers for the item.
Discussion item only. No motion taken.
ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
The meeting minutes were prepared by Melissa Thurman, City Clerk, for approval at the regular meeting of January 9, 2024.
_____________________________________ __________________________________ Jonathan D. Weinberg, Melissa Thurman, MMC
Mayor City Clerk
The December 12, 2023 City Council Special Meeting recording may be viewed via the following external website: https://www.youtube.com/@CityofLosAltosCA The City of Los Altos does not own or operate YouTube. The video referenced on these minutes were live at the time the minutes were published.
11 Agenda Item # 1.
CITY OF LOS ALTOS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2023
7:00 p.m.
1 N. San Antonio Rd. ~ Los Altos, CA
Jonathan D. Weinberg, Mayor
Pete Dailey, Vice Mayor
Neysa Fligor, Councilmember
Lynette Lee Eng, Councilmember
Sally Meadows, Councilmember
CALL MEETING TO ORDER – Jonathan Weinberg, Mayor, called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
ESTABLISH QUORUM – All Councilmembers were present.
PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG – Lynette Lee Eng, Councilmember, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
None
SPECIAL ITEMS
Receive presentation from Senator Josh Becker regarding grant funding towards downtown lights
Josh Becker, CA State Senator, presented the grant funding check for downtown lights in Los Altos to the City Council.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
The following members of the public spoke during public comment:
Karen Solheim Viji Jagannathan
Cindy Andrews Stephen Andrews
Maya Bronicki James Sweeney
Cat Hung Jack Tuttle
CONSENT CALENDAR
Lynette Lee Eng, Councilmember, requested to pull Item 6 for further discussion. Jonathan Weinberg, Mayor, moved Item 6 to after agenda Item 9 on the agenda.
Motion by Fligor and Seconded by Dailey to approve the Consent Calendar, excluding Item 6.
Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
1. Approve Draft Special Meeting Minutes of December 5, 2023
2. Receive and accept the Treasurer’s Report through July 31, 2023
3. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Badawi & Associates
12 Agenda Item # 1.
City of Los Altos
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 12, 2023
4. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Public Trust Advisors, LLC
5. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement Amendment one with Robert Half, Inc.
6. Affirm 2024 Council Commission and Committee Assignments Pursuant to City Council Norms and Procedures: Affirm Mayoral appointments to Local, Regional Boards and City Committees and Commissions
7. Adopt the 2024 City Council meeting schedule
DISCUSSION ITEMS
8. Receive report and provide direction on wireless connectivity in downtown Los Altos Anthony Carnesecca, Assistant to the City Manager, presented the report.
There were no speakers for the item.
The City Council provided the following direction:
Review the Municipal Code and recommend modifications, if necessary, to incentivize wireless carriers to strengthening wireless connectivity in downtown Los Altos Discussion item only. No motion taken.
9. Receive the Storm Water Master Plan Implementation Status Update and find that information gathering into funding sources to support implementation of the Master Plan would be exempt from review under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3), 15306, and 15308, and that the circumstances in Section 15300.2 do not apply
Aida Fairman, Public Works Director, presented the update.
There were no speakers for the item.
Discussion item only. No motion taken.
6. Affirm 2024 Council Commission and Committee Assignments Pursuant to City Council Norms and Procedures: Affirm Mayoral appointments to Local, Regional Boards and City Committees and Commissions
This item was moved from the Consent Calendar.
Motion by Dailey and Seconded by Fligor to affirm the 2024 Council Commission and Committee Assignments, with instruction to staff to contact the Santa Clara Water Commission 13 Agenda Item # 1.
City of Los Altos
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 12, 2023
to verify if Councilmember Fligor would be required to complete her two-year service to their board, which began in 2022. Motion carried 4-0-1 by roll call vote with Councilmember Lee Eng abstained.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS ONLY
10. Report out on revisions to the City of Los Altos Personnel Regulations
11. Tentative Council Calendar and Housing Element Implementation Update Calendar
COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS AND DIRECTIONS ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Neysa Fligor, Councilmember – Requested a future agenda item:
Perform a Council salary study to comparable-sized cities (Supported by Dailey and Weinberg)
Hold a discussion regarding a city shuttle service (Supported by Lee Eng and Meadows)
Lynette Lee Eng, Councilmember – Requested a future agenda item:
Conduct a compassion training for residents (No support) Jonathan Weinberg, Mayor – Requested a future agenda item:
Hold a discussion regarding the city’s business relationship with Alta Housing (Supported by Fligor and Lee Eng)
ADJOURNMENT – The regular meeting adjourned at 8:44 on December 12 2023 The meeting minutes were prepared by Melissa Thurman, City Clerk, for approval at the special meeting of January 9, 2024.
_________________________________ __________________________________ Jonathan D. Weinberg Melissa Thurman, MMC
Mayor City Clerk
The December 12, 2023 City Council meeting recording may be viewed via the following external website: https://www.youtube.com/@CityofLosAltosCA The City of Los Altos does not own or operate YouTube. The video referenced on these minutes were live at the time the minutes were published.
14 Agenda Item # 1.
Reviewed By:
City Manager City Attorney
GE
Finance Director
JH JD
AGENDA REPORT SUMMARY
Meeting Date: January 9, 2024
Subject Contract Amendment to the Maintenance Services Agreement between the City of Los Altos and Bear Electrical Solutions, Inc. The scope of work included in the Contract Amendment is exempt from the CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) and 15301(c) (Existing Facilities).
Prepared by: Harun Musaefendic, Assistant Civil Engineer Reviewed by: Aida Fairman, Public Works Director
Approved by: Gabriel Engeland, City Manager
Attachment(s):
None
Initiated by:
Staff
Previous Council Consideration:
None
Fiscal Impact:
The $186,025 funds for Amendment No. 1 will be appropriated from the Capital Improvement and Major Maintenance Program, Annual Traffic Sign Replacement, Project No. TS-01006.
Environmental Review:
Contract Amendment to the Maintenance Services Agreement between the City of Los Altos and Bear Electrical Solutions, Inc. is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) and 15301(c) (Existing Facilities) in that the Project consists of the operation, maintenance, and repair of existing public facilities and is not anticipated to have any significant adverse impact upon the existing environment and will not significantly alter or expand existing facilities.
Policy Question(s) for Council Consideration:
None
15 Agenda Item # 2.
Subject: Contract Amendment to the Maintenance Services Agreement between the City of Los Altos and Bear Electrical Solutions, Inc. The scope of work included in the Contract Amendment is exempt from the CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) and 15301(c) (Existing Facilities).
January 9, 2024 Page 2
Summary:
On July 17, 2023, the City executed an agreement for maintenance services for traffic signals and street lights with Bear Electric Solutions. The total compensation budgeted for FY2023/24 agreement is $75,816.
The Transportation Division in the new Public Works Department received complaints about several malfunctioning lighted crosswalk signals, RRFBs, and radar speed signs.
Upon further investigation by Bear Electric Solutions it was determined that some of the signs require maintenance and/or replacement requiring additional funds. The Annual Traffic Sign Replacement budget has available funds ($186,025) that shall be utilized for the maintenance of above-mentioned signs to improve safe access for bicycles and pedestrians and safer routes to schools.
Staff Recommendation:
Approve Amendment No.1 in the amount not to exceed $186,025 and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 of the Maintenance Services Agreement between the City and Bear Electric Solutions, Inc.
Purpose
To approve Amendment No.1 and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 of the Maintenance Services Agreement between the City and Bear Electric Solutions, Inc.
Background
On July 17, 2023, the City signed an agreement with Bear Electric Solutions, Inc. for maintenance services for traffic signals and street lights. The total compensation budgeted for the FY2023/24 agreement is $75,816. The City determined that the contractor possesses the skills, experience, and certifications required to provide the services required by the City. The scope of work includes but is not limited to the following tasks: 1. Inventory and initial system health check, 2. Traffic signal quarterly maintenance checks, 3. Traffic signal annual maintenance check, 4. Vehicle speed radar sign quarterly maintenance checks, 5. Lighted crosswalk system quarterly maintenance checks, 6.
RRFB lighted crosswalk system quarterly maintenance checks, 7. Additional special services as needed, 8. On-call support services.
16 Agenda Item # 2.
Subject: Contract Amendment to the Maintenance Services Agreement between the City of Los Altos and Bear Electrical Solutions, Inc. The scope of work included in the Contract Amendment is exempt from the CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) and 15301(c) (Existing Facilities).
January 9, 2024 Page 3
After receiving complaints about several malfunctioning lighted crosswalk signals, RRFBs, and radar speed signs, the Public Works Department staff directed Bear Electric Solutions to perform further investigation into the malfunctions of said signals and signs. Upon further investigation, it was determined that some of the signs require maintenance and/or replacement, requiring additional funds. The Annual Traffic Sign Replacement budget has available funds ($186,025) that shall be utilized for the maintenance of the above-mentioned signs to improve safe access for bicycles and pedestrians and safer routes to schools.
Discussion/Analysis
The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance and proper operation of traffic signals and street lights. The proper operation of traffic signals and lights is crucial for safe access for bicycles and pedestrians for all residents, and it is especially crucial for safer routes to schools.
Bear Electric Solutions went through the request for proposal process and possesses the skills, experience, and certifications required to provide the maintenance services required by the City.
The Annual Traffic Sign Replacement budget has available funds that shall be used for inventory and maintenance of street traffic signs.
Recommendation
Approve Amendment No.1 in the amount not to exceed $186,025 and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 of the Maintenance Services Agreement between the City and Bear Electric Solutions, Inc.
17 Agenda Item # 2.
Resolution No. 2024-XX Page 1
ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-___
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALTOS AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT NO. 1 BETWEEN THE CITY OF LOS ALTOS AND BEAR ELECTICAL SOLUTIONS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $186,025 FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL
AND STREET LIGHTS
WHEREAS, on July 27, 2023, CITY and CONTRACTOR entered into an agreement for maintenance services (“Agreement”) for traffic signal and street light maintenance services; and
WHEREAS, CONTRACTOR is an independent contractor providing similar professional services to numerous other cities; and
WHEREAS, the need for additional maintenance services was determined to be necessary by the Public Works Department staff due to resident complaints and existing conditions of traffic signals, street lights, lighted crosswalk signals, radar speed signs, rectangular rapid flashing beacons; and
WHEREAS, there are sufficient funds available in the Annual Traffic Sign Replacement project budget.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Los Altos hereby authorizes approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement Between the City of Los Altos and Bear Electric Solutions, Inc. for Maintenance Services for traffic signal and street lights; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Director of Public Works, or their designee, is hereby authorized and empowered to execute in the name of the City of Los Altos Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement Between the City of Los Altos and Bear Electric Solutions, Inc to include additional work described below:
The $186,025 funds for Amendment No. 1 will be appropriated from the Capital Improvement and Major Maintenance Program, Annual Traffic Sign Replacement, Project No. TS-01006.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Director of Public Works, or their designee, is hereby authorized and empowered to approve requests for payment as noted in Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement Between the City of Los Altos and Bear Electric Solutions, Inc.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Los Altos at a meeting thereof on the 9 th
day of January, 2024 by the following vote:
18 Agenda Item # 2.
Resolution No. 2024-XX Page 2
ATTACHMENT 1
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
___________________________
Jonathan Weinberg, MAYOR
Attest:
_____________________________
Melissa Thurman, MMC, CITY CLERK
19 Agenda Item # 2.
AGENDA REPORT SUMMARY
Meeting Date: January 9, 2024
Subject City Council Strategic Goals
Prepared by: Jon Maginot, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Gabriel Engeland, City Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution No. 2023-14
Initiated by:
City Council
Previous Council Consideration:
Last adopted March 14, 2023
Fiscal Impact:
Unknown at this time
Environmental Review:
Not applicable
Summary:
On March 14, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-14 affirming its Strategic Goals
The City Council has identified six goal areas: Asset Management, Business Communities, Community Safety, Environmental Sustainability, Housing, and Neighborhood Safety Infrastructure
Staff Recommendation:
Review the City’s Strategic Goals and provide modifications as needed 20 Agenda Item # 3.
Subject: City Council Strategic Goals
January 9, 2024 Page 2
Purpose
To review the City’s Strategic Goals
Background
On March 14, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-14 affirming its Strategic Goals. These goals guide the priorities and work of the City and help shape the annual budgeting process.
Discussion/Analysis
The six goals adopted by the City Council in 2023 are:
1. Asset Management: The City of Los Altos will set clear expectations through the budget process and allocate the necessary funding to support the maintenance and improvement of City facilities and infrastructure.
2. Business Communities: The City of Los Altos will support the different business communities in an effort to help them thrive, including implementing specific projects and/or elements of the Downtown Vision Plan and launching initiatives to bolster the other business communities.
3. Community Safety: The City of Los Altos will continue to provide the high-quality public safety services that the Community values. This will be achieved by implementing the City’s policies as expressed in the Complete Streets Master Plan and other plans which support improving public safety, transportation safety and emergency preparedness services.
4. Environmental Sustainability: The City of Los Altos will be a leader in environmental sustainability through education, and adopting and implementing policies, initiatives and practices identified in the City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
5. Housing: The City of Los Altos will implement the programs and policies of the Housing Element Update to support the creation of housing that is safe, diverse and affordable for all income levels to meet the needs of the Community and seek to increase and protect its green space.
6. Neighborhood Safety Infrastructure
It is recommended that Council review these Goals and provide modifications to them as needed. 21 Agenda Item # 3.
22 Agenda Item # 3.
23 Agenda Item # 3.
PROGRAM SUB PROJECT INITIATION DATE HEU COMPLETION DATE STATUS Program 2.D: Encourage and streamline Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Budget & Hire Planning
Technician December 31, 2022 COMPLETED
Program 2.D: Encourage and streamline Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Amend ADU Ordinance
based upon HCD's letter 6 months or less
Program 3.H: Amend design review process and
requirements.
Eliminate 3rd Party
Architectural Review February 28, 2023 COMPLETED
Program 3.H: Amend design review process and
requirements.
Dismiss Design Review
Commission February 28, 2023 COMPLETED
Program 3.L: Eliminate the requirement of story poles. March 31, 2023 COMPLETED Program 2.E: Conduct annual ADU rental income surveys.
Budget & Hire Housing
Manager March 31, 2023 IN-PROGRESS
Program 4.J: Facilitate alternate modes of transportation for Adopt VMT Policy & June 30, 2023 COMPLETED Program 2.D: Encourage and streamline Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
RFP-Permit Ready ADU
Plans July 31, 2023
PLANS IN
DEVELOPMENT
Program 1.H: Facilitate housing on City-owned sites. Financial Analysis July 1, 2023 December 31, 2023 DEVELOPING RFP Program 3.D: Evaluate and adjust impact fees. August 1, 2023 December 31, 2024 IN-PROGRESS Program 1.H: Facilitate housing on City-owned sites. Release RFP December 31, 2023 Program 6.C: Target housing development in highest
resource areas. Initial Outreach September 31, 2023
Program 6.D: Promote Housing Choice (Section 8) rental
assistance program. September 31, 2023
Program 2.A: Continue to implement and enhance
inclusionary housing requirements. December 31, 2023 IN-PROGRESS Program 2.B: Establish an affordable housing in-lieu fee and commercial linkage fee. Housing in-lieu fee. December 31, 2023 IN-PROGRESS Program 2.F: Water and Sewer Service Providers. December 31, 2023 COMPLETED Program 3.B: Modify building height in mixed-use zoning districts. Downtown Districts December 31, 2023 IN-PROGRESS Program 3.E: Ensure that the density bonus ordinance
remains consistent with State law. December 31, 2023 ONGOING Program 3.H: Amend design review process and
requirements. Code Amendments December 31, 2023 COMPLETED 24 Program 3.K: Standardize multimodal transportation
requirements.
Bicycle Storage and
Charging Regulations December 31, 2023 COMPLETED
Program 3.K: Standardize multimodal transportation
requirements.
Remove CSC Review of
Housing Developments December 31, 2023 COMPLETED
Program 4.C: Allow Low Barrier Navigation Centers
consistent with AB 101. December 31, 2023 COMPLETED
Program 4.D: Allow transitional and supportive housing
consistent with State law. December 31, 2023 COMPLETED
Program 4.E: Allow employee/farmworker housing
consistent with State law. December 31, 2023 COMPLETED
Program 4.F: Reasonably accommodate disabled persons’
housing needs. December 31, 2023 COMPLETED
Program 6.B: Maintain and expand an inventory of
affordable housing funding sources. Prepare Inventory. December 31, 2023 Program 6.E: Prepare and distribute anti-displacement
information. December 31, 2023
Program 1.A: Rezone for RHNA shortfall. January 31, 2024
TO BE COMPLETED
BY 1/31/2024
Program 1.G: Rezone housing sites from previous Housing Elements. January 31, 2024
TO BE COMPLETED
BY 1/31/2024
Program 3.G: Amend Conditional Use Permits findings
applicable to housing developments. March 31, 2024 IN-PROGRESS Program 3.I: Allow residential care facilities consistent with State law. March 31, 2024
TO BE COMPLETED
BY 1/31/2024
Program 3.J: Explicitly allow manufactured homes consistent with State law. March 31, 2024
TO BE COMPLETED
BY 1/31/2024
Program 3.F: Reduce Conditional Use Permit requirement for residential mixed-use and
multi-family. September 31, 2024 IN-PROGRESS
Program 1.B: Facilitate higher density housing in the
Commercial Thoroughfare (CT) District. December 31, 2024
TO BE COMPLETED
BY 1/31/2024
Program 1.C: Allow housing in the Office Administrative (OA) District. December 31, 2024
TO BE COMPLETED
BY 1/31/2024
25 Program 1.E: Update the Loyola Corners Specific Plan. December 31, 2024
TO BE COMPLETED
BY 1/31/2024
Program 2.D: Encourage and streamline Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Adopt-Permit Ready ADU
Plans December 31, 2024
Program 3.A: Prepare a Downtown parking plan and update citywide parking requirements. December 31, 2024 CONTRACT SIGNED Program 3.B: Modify building height in mixed-use zoning districts.
Commercial
Neighborhood (CN)
District December 31, 2024 IN-PROGRESS
Program 3.C: Remove floor-to-area ratio (FAR) restriction at Rancho Shopping Center and
Woodland Plaza. December 31, 2024 IN-PROGRESS
Program 3.M: Modify parking requirements for emergency
shelters consistent with State
law. December 31, 2024
Program 2.B: Establish an affordable housing in-lieu fee and commercial linkage fee. Commercial linkage fee. December 31, 2025 Program 1.D: Allow housing on certain Public and
Community Facilities District sites and
facilitate housing on religious institution properties. December 31, 2025 Program 1.F: Rezone Village Court parcel. December 31, 2025
TO BE COMPLETED
BY 1/31/2024
Program 4.H: Provide additional density bonuses and
incentives for housing that accommodates special needs
groups. December 31, 2025
Program 4.I: Allow senior housing with extended care
facilities in multi-family and mixed-use zoning districts. December 31, 2025 Program 1.I: Incentivize Downtown lot consolidation. July 31, 2026 Program 4.G: Assist seniors to maintain and rehabilitate their homes. July 31, 2026
Program 6.C: Target housing development in highest
resource areas. Follow-up Outreach September 31, 2026
Program 1.H: Facilitate housing on City-owned sites. Entitlement Review December 31, 2026 26 Program 3.N: Modify standards in the R3 zoning districts. December 31, 2026 IN-PROGRESS Program 4.J: Facilitate alternate modes of transportation for residents.
Capital Improvement
Project for above head
pedestrian crossing
signals on San Antonio
Road near Downtown Los
Altos December 31, 2027
Program 5.F: Incentivize the creation of play areas for multifamily housing projects. December 31, 2027 Program 1.K: Participate in regional housing needs planning efforts. Ongoing
Program 1.L: General Plan amendments. Ongoing
Program 1.M: SB 9 implementation. Ongoing
Program 1.N: Facilitate and monitor pipeline housing
projects. Ongoing
Program 2.C: Assist in securing funding for affordable
housing projects. Ongoing
Program 2.D: Encourage and streamline Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Ongoing
Program 2.E: Conduct annual ADU rental income surveys. Annual Survey Annually Program 4.A: Support efforts to fund homeless services. Ongoing Program 4.B: Continue to participate in local and regional forums for homelessness,
supportive, and transitional housing. Ongoing
Program 5.A: Monitor condominium conversions. Ongoing
Program 5.B: Continue to administer the City’s affordable housing programs. Ongoing
Program 5.C: Restrict commercial uses from displacing
residential neighborhoods. Ongoing
Program 5.D: Implement voluntary code inspection program. Ongoing 27 Program 5.E: Help secure funding for housing rehabilitation and assistance programs. Ongoing
Program 6.A: Assist residents with housing discrimination and landlord-tenant
complaints. Ongoing
Program 6.B: Maintain and expand an inventory of
affordable housing funding sources.
Inform, Evaluate
Apply/Submit Ongoing
Program 6.F: Affirmatively market physically accessible units. Ongoing Program 7.A: Promote energy and water conservation and
greenhouse gas reduction
through education and awareness campaigns. Ongoing
Program 7.B: Monitor and implement thresholds and
statutory requirements of climate change legislation. Ongoing 28 City of Los Altos 2024 Tentative Council Agenda Calendar All items and dates are tentative and subject to change unless a specific date has been noticed for a legally required Public Hearing.
Items may be added or removed from the shown date at any time and for any reason prior to the publication of the agenda.
January 23, 2024
Study Session: Library Building Improvements – 6:00 p.m.
AGENDA TITLE: DEPARTMENT:
SPECIAL ITEMS:
CONSENT:
Treasury Report Finance
Acceptance of Sewer Main Repair – First St. Pub. Works
PUBLIC HEARING:
Introduction of Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu Fee Dev. Svcs.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Introduction of Amended Tree Protection Ordinance Dev. Svcs.
PCI Report Pub. Works
29 City of Los Altos 2024 Tentative Council Agenda Calendar All items and dates are tentative and subject to change unless a specific date has been noticed for a legally required Public Hearing.
Items may be added or removed from the shown date at any time and for any reason prior to the publication of the agenda.
February 13, 2024
Study Session: Joint Meetings with Commissions (Financial, PARC, History, PC) – 5:00 p.m.
AGENDA TITLE: DEPARTMENT:
SPECIAL ITEMS:
CONSENT:
Waive Second Reading and Adopt Amended Tree Protection Ordinance Dev. Svcs.
Waive Second Reading and Adopt the Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu Fee Dev. Svcs.
Acceptance of the Annual Audit Finance
LAYC Approval of Contract Award Parks and Rec
PUBLIC HEARING:
Housing Element Update – Parking Standards Dev. Svcs.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Remaining 2024 City Council agenda calendar items are pending and will be published at a later date. 30