1 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 18, 2024
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California
Present:
Absent:
Staff:
Mayor Stanley Q. Mok, Vice Mayor Lisa Schmidt, Council Member Linda Swan, Council Member George Tyson, Council Member Kavita Tankha None
City Manager Peter Pirnejad, City Attorney Steve Mattas, City Clerk Arika Birdsong-Miller, Assistant to the City Manager Cody Einfalt, Assistant Community Development Director Jay Bradford, Senior Planner Elaine Ling, Associate Planner Jeremy Loh, Public Works Director WooJae Kim
1. CALL TO ORDER (6:00 P.M.)
Mayor Mok called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. AGENDA REVIEW
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Schmidt voted to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Council Member Swan.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Mok, Schmidt, Swan, Tankha, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
4. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
There were no presentations or appointments.
5. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Persons wishing to address the Council on any subject not on the agenda may do so now.
Please complete a Speaker Card located on the back table of the Council Chambers and submit it to the City Clerk. Comments are limited to two (2) minutes per speaker.
California law prohibits the Council from acting on items that do not appear on the agenda. Under a Resolution previously adopted by the Council, such items can be 2 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 18, 2024
referred to staff for appropriate action, which may include placement on the next available agenda.
A. Public Comment
Anand Ranganathan, Los Altos Hills, thanked the Council for reappointing Allan Epstein to the Finance and Investment Committee.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Tankha asked to remove Item 6.E for clarification. City Manager Pirnejad explained that the money would not be spent unless needed. Council Member Tankha noted it was important to recruit replacement staff as quickly as possible and to keep Council apprised of funds spent.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Council Member Tyson moved to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was seconded by Council Member Swan.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Mok, Schmidt, Swan, Tankha, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
A. Approval of Special City Council Minutes of December 14, 2023.
B. Review of Disbursements for November in the amount of $1,780,738.32.
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report for the Month Ending November 30, 2023. (Staff: P.
Pirnejad)
D. Request to Cancel All City Council Meetings for August 2024. (Staff: A. Miller) E. Resolution 01-24 Appropriating $150,000 from Reserves to Fund Staff Augmentation Services. (Staff: P. Pirnejad)
7. ONGOING BUSINESS
A. Resolution 02-24 Authorizing Staff Resources to Update the Master Pathway Plan to Include Maple Leaf Court to Middle Fork Lane Path and Add this Task to the 2024- 2025 Council Work Plan. (Staff: W. Kim)
Public Works Director Kim presented the item.
Council asked questions and received answers.
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Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Council Member Swan moved to approve Resolution 02-24 Authorizing Staff Resources to Update the Master Pathway Plan to Include Maple Leaf Court to Middle Fork Lane Path and Add this Task to the 2024- 2025 Council Work Plan. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Schmidt.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Mok, Schmidt, Swan, Tankha, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
As Item 8. Public Hearing could not be heard before 7:00 p.m., it was moved to the end of the agenda.
9. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES AND OUTSIDE AGENCIES
A. Appointments to Committees and Outside Agencies. (Staff: A. Miller) City Clerk Miller presented the item.
Council discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice Mayor Schmidt to approve the 2024 Appointments to Committees and Outside Agencies as shown below. Council Member Swan seconded the motion.
Town Standing Committee 2023
Council Liaison
2024
Council Liaison
Public Art (2nd Mon/month – 5:00 PM) Schmidt Schmidt
Community Relations (4th Tues/month – 7:00 PM) Schmidt Tankha Emergency Preparedness & Response (1st Tues/month - 6:00 PM) Schmidt Schmidt Environmental Design & Protection (2nd Tues/month – 5:45 PM) Tankha Tankha Environmental Initiatives (2nd Thurs/month – 6:30 PM) Tyson Tyson Finance/Investment (1st Mon/month – 4:00 PM) Swan/Mok Mok/Schmidt History (3rd Tues/month – 3:30 PM) Swan Swan
LA/LAH Joint Comm. Volunteer Service Awards (As Needed) Tyson Swan LA/LAH Senior Commission (1st Mon/month – 3:30 PM) Tyson Tyson LA/LAH Library Commission Schmidt Schmidt
Open Space (2nd Thurs/month – 9:00 AM) Schmidt Schmidt
Parks and Recreation (3rd Mon/month – 5:30 PM) Mok Mok
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Town Standing Committee 2023
Council Liaison
2024
Council Liaison
Pathways (4th Mon/month – 7:00 PM) Swan Swan
Technology Committee (Time/Date TBD) Mok Mok
LAH Emergency Council
(Ordinance 550 states: Mayor or as alternate Vice Mayor) Swan/Mok Mok/Schmidt Outside Agencies 2023
Council Liaison
2024
Council Liaison
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
(3rd Thurs/Every Other month) Tankha Tankha
North County Library Authority (4 times/year – no fixed schedule) Schmidt Schmidt Joint Powers Authority Board (Library) Schmidt Schmidt
Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Board Group 2
(1st Thurs/month – 5:30 PM) Tyson Tyson
VTA Policy Advisory Group
(2nd Thurs/month – 4:00 PM. Alternate is ok.) Swan/Tyson Tyson/Swan SCVWD Water Commission (4th Wed/month, quarterly – 12:00 PM) Schmidt Schmidt Santa Clara County Cities Association Board
(2nd Thurs/month – 7:00 PM. No July meeting) Mok Mok
Los Altos Hills County Fire District (3rd Tues/month – 7:00 PM) Tyson/Tankha Tyson/Tankha CHAC JPA (4th Wed/month – 4:30 PM. No meeting July or December) Tyson Tyson Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority (2nd Wed/month – 6:00 PM) Tyson/Schmidt Tyson/Swan MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Mok, Schmidt, Swan, Tankha, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
10. STAFF REPORTS
A. City Attorney
No report.
B. City Clerk
City Clerk Miller reported that the new PRA Software, Next Request, will streamline the PRA process will be implemented in the next month. 5 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 18, 2024
C. Community Development Director
Community Development Director Evans explained that his department has been publicizing the new Leaf Blower Ordinance since last fall, culminating in postcards being mailed out to all residents in town. This has allowed us to continue the education process on the new regulations before people get back into heavy usage of leaf blowers.
Director Evans further explained that Senior Planner Elaine Ling has tendered her resignation. She has been a valuable member of the Community Development Team, helping lead both the Housing Element Update and the permanent SB 9 ordinance adoption, and we wish her success in her new endeavor. He said he will be working with the other planners in Community Development to ensure that Elaine’s projects continue to be processed while we explore options with the Town Manager and ASD staff.
D. Public Works Director
Public Works Director Kim explained that with the Council’s approval to purchase a bucket truck back in October 2023, staff was able to quickly procure the bucket truck. The town received the equipment on December 29. Staff appreciates Council’s continuous commitment to support staff with the necessary equipment for maintenance work. Equipment as such would normally take over a year to procure, but they were able to get the equipment in two months. The Public Works maintenance team is getting trained to operate the equipment for aerial work, and the equipment will go through the necessary certification process.
Also, the final design projects for the Heritage House Upgrade and Corporation Yard Locker Room projects kicked off in January. The architectural firms hired for the projects are actively working on gathering data and finalizing the concept designs.
Staff will continue to work with committees and update the Council. If all goes well, both projects could start construction in 2024.
For the Pathway Fee Nexus Study project, staff is gathering up the pathways data for past few years to share with the consultant. Staff will be working closely with the Pathways Committee and Finance and Investment Committee on this project.
E. City Manager
January 23rd CC Goal Setting
The annual City Council goal setting meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. At this point all the committees, council, and staff have been heard, incorporated, and included into the process. The plan is hefty but is manageable given staff resources and budget availability.
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Council Chambers AV Project
The work has commenced and once we complete our goal setting meeting on January 23, the crew will be fully committed to getting as much done as possible until our next meeting on February 1, 2024.
Battery Backup Project Update
The town passed its inspection with PG&E for the Battery Energy Storage System CIP. This is good news – the construction fencing will be taken down soon between the Council Chambers and the heritage house.
We are one step closer to turning on the system and having the Town Hall operate on battery and solar power. Look out for news on a ribbon cutting event soon.
Residential Burglary Update
Thanks to the cooperative work of our County Sherriff, we have seen a decline in the number of residential burglaries. According to our county the numbers per quarter were:
Q1 - 18
Q2 - 15
Q3 - 18
Q4 - 10
Some positive trends that we believe have led to the lower numbers include the increase of neighborhood watch from 10 to almost 20 groups, increased SCCSD patrols and response to calls for duty, the apprehension of a number of suspects involved in crimes in and around LAH, the private security, ALPRs, and community awareness and vigilance.
Town Events
Join Us for a Night of Fun and Games!
Saturday, February 17, 2024
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Town Hall
Drive-Thru Shred Event
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time: 8-11 a.m. or until the truck is full
Location: Town Hall Parking Lot
21st Annual Hoppin’ Hounds Biscuit Hunt
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Time: 9-10:30 a.m.
Fee: $10 per entry
Location: Bryne Preserve
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January 18, 2024
Service Levels Due to Illness
We have been experiencing a surge in COVID and related flu infections in Town Hall leading to a number of absences that have affected service levels. The town is doing their best to keep up with calls and counter and although we have not received any complaints, it is important to recognize the hard work of those remaining to serve the community as we wish a speedy recovery to those that are trying to get well.
Cal-ICMA Incoming President Elect
He has been selected by my peers of city managers throughout California as the president elect of Cal-ICMA. This is a huge vote of confidence and opportunity to advance the profession and my standing throughout California as a Professional City Manager.
Cal-ICMA’s mission is to strengthen the quality of local government in California, in cooperation with ICMA and other California local government professional associations, to promote local government professional management in a variety of ways including training, networking, maintaining standards of professional conduct and resource sharing.
His responsibilities include public speaking in various events I would normally attend and attending board meeting, most of these are online.
11. REPORTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISONS OF STANDING COMMITTEES, AD
HOC COMMITTEES, AND COUNCIL MEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES A. Report by the Undergrounding Subcommittee (Council Member Tyson) No report.
B. Residential Burglaries Ad Hoc Committee (Council Member Tankha and Council Member Tyson)
Council Member Tankha stated that the numbers for burglaries in the town are decreasing and stated that she attended a public safety event that provided tips on home safety as well as fire safety.
C. Status Reports from All Council Members on Subcommittee and Outside Agencies Activities.
Council Member Tyson thanked Council for the reappointments to the boards, especially since he was elected as Vice-President of the Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority.
Council Member Swan - No report.
Council Member Tankha - No report.
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Vice Mayor Schmidt stated that at the February Council Meeting we will be seeing a proposal to reinstate that Ham Club for Emergency Communication.
Mayor Mok explained that all the Ad Hoc Committees should be discussed amongst Council to determine which committees are still active and which ones to sunset.
Assistant to the City Manager Cody Einfalt listed the ad hoc committees that have not been sunset.
Council took a brief break at this time and returned to Open Session at 7:00 p.m.
8. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Introduction of Ordinance 611 (First Reading) of the Town of Los Altos Hills Repealing and Replacing Chapter 1.10 (Green Building Standard Code) of Title 8 Los Altos Hills Municipal Code and Adopt by Reference Local Amendments that add Local Energy Reach Code Requirements for New and Existing Residential Buildings. (Staff: J. Bradford)
Assistant Community Development Director Jay Bradford presented the item.
Council asked questions and received answers.
Council discussion ensued.
Mayor Mok opened the Public Hearing.
Mike Salameh, Los Alto Hills, Member, EIC, spoke about the key objectives of the EIC and how the 2019 Reach Code drastically reduces greenhouse gas emissions in new construction. The proposed modification applies the same electrification rules to major remodels, which are much more numerous than brand new construction.
Allan Epstein, Los Alto Hills, was unclear how the town has any authority to regulate emissions.
City Attorney Steve Mattas explained.
Anand Raganathan, Los Alto Hills, said he was happy that Council was discussing this item and would be even happier when the ordinance was adopted.
Kjell Karlsson, Los Alto Hills, said he was not commenting on the merits of this but is concerned about the way the court hammered the City of Berkeley.
Mayor Mok closed the Public Hearing.
Council discussion continued.
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MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Council Member Tyson moved to waive reading beyond the ordinance title and Introduce Ordinance 611 of the Town of Los Altos Hills Repealing and Replacing Chapter 1.10 (Green Building Standard Code) of Title 8 Los Altos Hills Municipal Code and Adopt by Reference Local Amendments that add Local Energy Reach Code Requirements for New and Existing Residential Buildings. The motion was seconded by Council Member Swan.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Mok, Schmidt, Swan, Tankha, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
12. ADJOURN
Pursuant to Ordinance No. 506, the Council Meeting shall adjourn no later than 10:00 p.m., unless otherwise approved by a majority of the Council Members present.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. in memory of Scott Overstreet, beloved member of the community and Chair of the Emergency Communications Committee. His call sign, N6NXI, is now silent.
Respectfully submitted,
Arika Birdsong-Miller
City Clerk