Los Altos Hills Regular and Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 Thursday, January 30, 2025
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular and Special Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 5:00 P.M.
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California
Present: Mayor Kavita Tankha, Vice Mayor Rajiv Bhateja, Council Member Stanley Mok, Council Member Linda Swan, Council Member George Tyson
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Peter Pirnejad, Deputy City Manager Cody Einfalt, Community Development Director Jay Bradford, Public Works Director WooJae Kim, Finance Director Thomas Leung, and City Clerk Arika Birdsong-Miller CALL TO ORDER (5:00 P.M.)
Mayor Tankha called the Regular and Special Meeting to order at 5:00 P.M.
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Kavita Tankha, Vice Mayor Rajiv Bhateja, Council Member Stanley Mok, Council Member Linda Swan, and Council Member Tyson were present.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT (Public Comment is Limited to Items which are Subject of the Special Meeting) - None
3. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING:
The City Council adjourned to a Closed Session to discuss the following:
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Linebarger v. Town of Los Altos Hills, Case No. 2015-1-CV-282970 Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Significant Exposure to Litigation – Two Cases
3A. ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Tankha adjourned to Closed Session at 5:03 PM.
3B. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Attorney Steve Mattas reported no reportable action from the Closed Session.
4. ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned.
CALL TO ORDER
Approved March 20, 2025
Los Altos Hills Regular and Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 Thursday, January 30, 2025
Mayor Tankha called the City Council Regular Meeting for Thursday, January 30, 2025, to Order at 6:00 PM.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Kavita Tankha, Vice Mayor Rajiv Bhateja, Council Member Stanley Mok, Council Member Linda Swan, and Council Member Tyson were present.
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- Recited
6. AGENDA REVIEW
Vice Mayor Bhateja made a motion to remove Item 10A from the agenda, Council Member Swan seconded the motion. The motion passed with a unanimous vote of 5-0.
Council Member Mok made a motion to consider Item 10A at a later date. The motion failed due to a lack of a second.
7. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS (items provided solely for informational purposes) A. Treasurer’s Report – This item is provided solely for informational purposes.
B. Disbursement Report - This item is provided solely for informational purposes.
8. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
1. Namrata, a resident of Los Altos Hills, questioned why Item 10A was removed from consideration.
2. Karthik Kannan, a resident of Los Altos Hills, asked how the Town would meet the housing requirement.
3. Hari Sankar, a resident of Los Altos Hills, thanked the Mayor and City Council for listening to the concerns of residents and taking action. Mr. Sankar explained that he is looking forward to more collaborating between the Council and residents.
4. TT Ramgopal, a resident of Los Altos Hills, stated that he is happy that the formation of the Housing Element Subcommittee is on this agenda.
5. John O’Connell, a resident of Los Altos Hills, expressed that by having a certified Housing Element and not considering the Key Terms Agreement (Item 10A) the Town avoided a big mess.
6. Rafa Somerfield stated that while the Town can propose a Housing Element Amendment, it must be approved by the state.
9. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Adopt resolutions making findings and deny applications for residential development projects to construct multi-family senior residential developments consisting of 55 and 57 dwelling units on a vacant parcel at 10728 and 10758 Mora Drive, respectively (Nos. CDP23- 0001 and 0002) pursuant to Government Code section 65589.5(d).
Attorney Mattas explained to the Council that the applicant, Mr. Linebarger, had submitted new plans in the hours leading up to the meeting and that staff needed time to review them.
Mayor Tankha opened the Public Hearing for comments on this item.
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There were no comments.
Vice Mayor Bhateja made a motion to defer this item to the March 20, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting. Council Member Swan seconded the motion. The motion passed with a unanimous vote of 5-0.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tankha, Bhateja, Mok, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
10. NEW BUSINESS
A. Consideration and adoption of resolution to approve a key term agreement between the Town of Los Altos Hills, Sea Landing, LP and Draco Nest, LLC related to a potential: (1) Development Agreement limiting residential development on the approximately 13.5 acres of Draco Nest, LLC owned land on the Twin Oaks property (APN Nos. 182-02 017, 182-02- 018, 182-02-019, 182-02-020, 182-02-021, and 182-02-022), (2) Housing element amendment for the Twin Oaks property, (3) Fence permit for the portion of the Twin Oaks property owned by Draco Nest, LLC and for the adjacent approximately 40-acre parcel owned by Sea Landing, LP (APN No. 182-02-016), (4) Removal and imposition of easements related to the portion of the Twin Oaks property owned by Draco Nest, LLC and for the adjacent approximately 40-acre parcel owned by Sea Landing, LP, (5) Farm uses on the non-residential portions of the Twin Oaks property owned by Draco Nest, LLC and the adjacent approximately 40-acre parcel owned by Sea Landing, LP, and potential single family residential use on 17 acres of approximately 40-acre parcel owned by Sea Landing, LP.
*THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA.
B. Discussion and Formation of the Housing Element Subcommittee/Ad Hoc Committee.
Public Comments:
1. Jim Waschura, a resident of Los Altos Hills, volunteered his help with the Housing Element Subcommittee/Ad Hoc Committee
2. Birgitta Indaco, a resident of Los Altos Hills, volunteered his help with the Housing Element Subcommittee/Ad Hoc Committee
3. John O’Connell, a resident of Los Altos Hills, suggested creating two Ad Hoc Committees, one composed of two City Council Members and another one composed of two Planning Commissioners
4. Carol Gottlieb, a resident of Los Altos Hills, suggested creating a Standing Committee that would allow more input from citizens.
5. Jitze Couperus, a resident of Los Altos Hills, suggests an Ad Hoc Committee or Subcommittee as long as both the Planning Commissioner and residents get to have input
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Council Member Swan made a motion to appoint Vice Mayor Bhateja and Council Member Mok to the Housing Element Ad Hoc Committee. Council Member Tyson seconded the motion. The motion passed with a unanimous vote of 5-0.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tankha, Bhateja, Mok, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
11. ONGOING BUSINESS
A. Receive Council Direction on The Town’s Supplemental Public Safety Services – Specifically the Agreements with Flock Safety’s ALPR System and PalAmerican Private Security Patrols
Flock Safety’s ALPR System
Deputy City Manager Cody Einfalt explained that in April 2021, the Town entered into a contract with Flock Safety for the installation and maintenance of 40 ALPR cameras throughout the Town. The initial term of the contract was 12 months with a renewal period of 24 months. The current term of the contract is set to expire March 31, 2025.
Recently, Town staff was notified that Flock Safety intends to increase the annual cost of the cameras at the next renewal date for the Town – April 1, 2025. Under the current contract, the cameras cost $2,500/camera (or $100,000 annually for 40 cameras), however, Flock has raised the price per camera to $3,000/camera (or $120,000 annually for 40 cameras) should the Town renew the agreement.
For the current budget cycle (FY24-25), staff only budgeted $100,000 for this contract.
Given this price change, Staff began working with the Technology Committee to review the Town’s ALPR system. At the December 11, 2024, Technology Committee meeting the Committee passed a motion to recommend reducing the Town’s ALPR system down by nine cameras, from 40 to 31.
The Committee’s rationale behind reducing the ALPR cameras was to keep cameras at all entrances to the Town but remove cameras that are entirely in the interior. That way, every entrance is still covered (with some very slight exceptions) so that no vehicle can come into Town without passing an ALPR. Nine cameras fit this description.
Deputy City Manager Einfalt further explained that The Sheriff’s Office dedicated a large portion of hours in 2021 and 2022 to the Town’s ALPR system given the time needed for the cameras to be integrated into the processes of the Sheriff’s Office and the training that was needed on the platform. Investigated hours dedicated to the ALPR system have tapered off in 2023 and 2024 but remain higher than what detectives were billing before the introduction of the system into the Town pre-2021.
Should the City Council move forward with the Technology Committee’s recommendation of Los Altos Hills Regular and Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 Thursday, January 30, 2025
reducing the number of ALPR cameras by nine cameras, from 40 to 31, the annual price to the Town would reduce to $93,000 per year and no additional funds would need to be appropriated. Staff would recommend a three-year agreement to lock in pricing.
On the other hand, should the City Council renew the Town’s lease for all 40 current ALPR cameras, the new contract amount would be $120,000. Therefore, the council would need to an additional $20,000 this fiscal year. Based on that direction staff would incorporate the remaining portion of the contract into the next budget cycle (FY 2024-25).
Separately, the staff is researching an option to allow residents to privately fund ALPR cameras in their neighborhoods and have those cameras managed by the Sheriff’s Office. It is unclear at this time how much oversight the Sheriff’s Office could provide for privately funded cameras; however, staff will report back on this effort when more is known.
Public Comments:
1. Jim Waschura, a resident of Los Altos Hills, explains that he wonders if spending $1 million dollars is helping reduce crime.
2. Sasha Zbrizek, a resident of Los Altos Hills, would like to see the FLOCK camera system canceled.
Council Member Tyson made a motion to approve the FLOCK camera system, reducing the number of cameras to 31. Council Member Mok seconded the motion. The motion passed with a unanimous vote of 5-0.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tankha, Bhateja, Mok, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
PalAmerican Private Security Patrols
Deputy City Manager Cody Einfalt explained that in April of 2023, the Town entered into an agreement with PalAmerican (previously known as Genesis Safety) for private security patrols of the Town’s streets. The Town started with 2 shifts per day for 7 days a week.
In response to the uptick in residential burglaries in September 2023, the Town increased the number of patrols from 2 shifts a day to 4 shifts a day for 7 days a week, including holidays.
The City Council took action to expand the service level and during the budget process appropriated the funding for the enhanced private security detail through the end of FY 23-24.
Patrol services have remained at 4 shifts a day, 7 days a week, since September 2023.
Although the council approved both the enhanced scope and allocated the funding, Town staff recently became aware that the private security contract was not renewed. The Town has been operating past the term of the contract (expired June 31, 2024). Staff wanted to bring this to the Council attention as soon as we realized the error but considering the Council had authorized the current service level and adopted the budget in June, Town staff continued to honor the Los Altos Hills Regular and Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 Thursday, January 30, 2025
expired permit until we could agendize a more comprehensive conversation about public safety with the Council.
Town staff has continued to pay the monthly invoices on the contract until the Council could discuss this agreement alongside the expiring ALPR contract. Acting on this contract independent of a larger discussion would limit the Council’s options.
It should be noted that if the Council decides to extend the PalAmerican agreement at the current rate (four, 8-hour patrol shifts a day), the following would be the amount billed to the Town:
224 hours per week x $54.00 per. hour = $12,096.00 /per week or $628,992 annually Holidays: ~7 days recognized = $6,048 Annually
Total Annually: $635,040
Currently, the Town budgeted $550,000 for FY 24-25 for private security services, similar to the previous fiscal year (FY23-24). However, what was missed was the fact that in the beginning of FY 23-24, only two patrol shifts were occurring in Town for a couple months and holidays did not have extra patrols (as they do now).
At the conclusion of December, halfway through the FY24-25 budget cycle, the Town has spent roughly $317,000 on private security patrols. In reviewing the remaining public safety budget at this halfway point (which includes funding for the base services from the Sheriff and all the supplemental public safety services), staff anticipate needing approximately $65,000 of additional funds to maintain 4 private security patrol shifts through June 30, 2024. If the Council were to choose to continue this level of service it would require, we accommodate approximately $635,040 into next year’s budget (FY 2025-26), or an increase of $85,040 over the previous year’s budget for private security patrols with PalAmerican.
An option the Council can consider is reducing the number of shifts per day by 1 officer during the overlap period of 12:00 pm – 8:30 pm. This would result in the following schedule:
6:30 am – 3:00 pm (1 patrol officer)
12:00 pm – 8:30 pm (1 patrol officer)
3:00 pm – 11:30 pm (1 patrol officer)
Reducing the patrols by one officer would reduce the contract by roughly $160,000 annually.
Making this reduction would not require any additional funds to be appropriated in FY24/25, keeping the contract in budget.
Deputy City Manager Einfalt stated that staff would recommend a one-year renewal agreement with PalAmerican so that the Town can review this contract on an annual basis.
Council Member Tyson noted that during the goal-setting session, the Council added new priorities to the workload, including emergency notification, home ignition zones, and the housing element. While he supports these additions, he acknowledged that the Town ended the previous year with a planned deficit, which was barely balanced.
Given the increased workload, he emphasized the need to identify areas for budget cuts.
Council Member Tyson stated that he ultimately supports the staff’s recommendation to reduce Los Altos Hills Regular and Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 Thursday, January 30, 2025
funding for PalAmerican security services. While he has never been fully convinced of the value of private security based on the available data, he was hesitant to eliminate it entirely.
Instead, he supported reducing one security shift and adjusting patrol times for better effectiveness.
Council Member Tyson recognized the deterrent aspect of private security but questioned its overall necessity. His recommendation was to remain within budget while creating a financial cushion to support other priorities, particularly fire safety initiatives and the housing element.
Council Member Mok reiterated that crime rates remain low and have been consistently monitored. Given this, he questioned the necessity of maintaining the current level of private security.
Council Member Mok proposed reducing a security shift from two personnel to one, estimating an annual savings of $160,000. He acknowledged that if this decision proved ineffective, the service could be reinstated.
Council Member Mok emphasized the financial challenges ahead, noting that the Town cannot sustain ongoing extra expenses, especially after increasing the budget by $1 million annually.
He recommended a measured approach of continued monitoring and adjustments, supporting the reduction of private security staffing to one person per shift.
Council Member Swan reflected on comments made by Jim Waschura, noting that the high burglary rates occurred during the pandemic when crime was affecting many areas. She pointed out that burglary rates have since declined in neighboring cities, some of which did not implement private security measures.
Given this context, Council Member Swan supported reducing private security by at least a third, emphasizing that it could always be reinstated if needed. She highlighted the Town's other pressing priorities, including fire safety, infrastructure, and the long-standing concerns about the bridge on Page Mill.
Council Member Swan questioned whether private security had a meaningful impact on crime reduction or if crime rates would have naturally declined due to economic and post-pandemic changes. Based on these considerations, she advocated for making even deeper cuts to private security funding.
Vice Mayor Bhateja highlighted that in 2023, the Town initially projected a higher burglary rate, but the actual number of incidents dropped after private security patrols increased in October. He attributed this decline to the presence of private security rather than Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), despite being a strong advocate for ALPR technology.
While acknowledging the Town’s current budget challenges, Vice Mayor Bhateja emphasized that private security provides greater value compared to the sheriff’s department. Based on his ride-along experience, he noted that sheriff’s deputies serve both Los Altos Hills and neighboring unincorporated areas, often needing to leave Town for reports or emergencies elsewhere. In contrast, private security is dedicated solely to Los Altos Hills, making them a more effective deterrent.
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Vice Mayor Bhateja stated that he would reluctantly support a reduction in private security from four to three patrol officers per shift, considering the budget constraints. However, he opposed any further cuts, arguing that private security is significantly more cost-effective than increasing sheriff’s patrols.
Mayor Tankha expressed reluctance about reducing private security but stated she would support a reduction of one patrol officer. She emphasized that safety is the most important assurance the Town can provide to its residents.
While acknowledging the Town's various expenditures, Mayor Tankha noted that the $160,000 savings from reducing private security is relatively small in the broader budget. Ultimately, she was willing to support reducing patrols to three officers per shift.
Council Member Swan reviewed the private security patrol schedule and noted significant overlap in coverage, particularly between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, which she suggested was not a peak burglary time.
Council Member Swan also referenced crime data from other cities, noting that burglary rates declined across the board from 2022, even in cities without private security. Given this context, she supported reducing private patrol staffing, suggesting a minimum reduction to three officers while considering potential schedule adjustments to maximize coverage during peak hours.
Public Comments:
1. Nick French, a resident of Los Altos Hills, stated that he appreciates everything the City Council does.
2. Allan Epstein, a resident of Los Altos Hills, explained that he believes decreasing the number of patrol officers is the right move.
3. Sasha Zbrozek, a resident of Los Altos Hills, stated that the funds we use for private security could be used to subsidize alarm systems in citizen’s homes.
4. Jitze Couperus, a resident of Los Altos Hills, stated that he is surprised that private security is more effective than the Flock Safety ALPR System.
5. Carol Gottlieb, a resident of Los Altos Hills, informed the Council that the neighborhood with its own private security pays about $2,000 per year per house.
Vice Mayor Bhateja made a motion to approve the PalAmerican Private Security Patrols, reducing the number to 3 patrol shifts per day with an increase in patrol on holidays. Mayor Tankha seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-1. Council Member Swan voted in opposition.
MOTION PASSED 4-1:
AYES: Tankha, Bhateja, Mok, Tyson
NOES: Swan
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
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12. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND COUNCIL
MEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
A. Council Member Tyson gave an update on the Undergrounding Rule 20A project and stated that the project is largely complete and PG&E will begin their portion next week.
13. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
A. Request to Collaborate with the City of Monte Sereno and the Town of Los Altos Hills on Finance and Accounting.
Council Member Swan explained that the City of Monte Sereno has requested the Town’s help. The City of Monte Sereno would benefit from assistance from the Town of Los Altos Hills Finance and Accounting Department.
The Council did not reach a consensus for this item to move forward.
14. STAFF REPORTS
A. City Attorney Steve Mattas had no report.
B. City Clerk Arika Miller explained that the new electronic voting system will be implemented for City Council Meetings soon as the software was purchased earlier this week.
C. Community Development Director Jay Bradford had no report.
D. Public Works Director WooJae Kim reported the following:
Saddle Mountain to Stirrup Way Pathway:
This week, Town maintenance staff installed a 5’ wide off-road pathway, over 500 feet long, connecting existing pathway segments from Saddle Court, Berry Hill Court, and Stirrup Way. The Town maintenance Staff will finalize the fine grading of the path after the rainy season in April or May.
Heritage House Upgrade:
Heritage House Upgrade project is progressing. Staff has encountered numerous unforeseen issues during construction such as abatement of more than anticipated lead paint from walls and ceilings, termite and dry rot issues, camber or deflections on ceiling joists due to the age of the building, and more. The change order issued is already almost 10% of the contract amount, and there will likely be more changes orders. The project team is move forward to meet the CDBG deadlines, and making sure the project stays under the contract amount authorized by the City Council.
El Monte Fire Station Utility Undergrounding (Rule 20A):
El Monte Fire Station Utility Undergrounding (or Rule 20A) project is progressing well and on schedule. The construction of the joint trench infrastructure is almost complete. PG&E is scheduled to start their overhead utility conversion to underground through the joint trench next week. Their conversion work will take about three months to be followed by Comcast and AT&T’s overhead conversion work. If all goes well, we are anticipating fall 2025 for the full overhead to underground conversion and removal of the electrical poles within the Utility Underground District.
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Sal Bissada – Public Works Inspector:
Sal Bissada started as the new full-time Public Works Inspector earlier this month.
Last year, through the budget process, Council approved this new position for the Town. In the past, Public Works inspection services were contracted out or managed by Town engineers. Sal will be working on encroachment permits, capital improvement projects, tree surveys, erosion control inspections, and number of other tasks. Sal has extensive experience in construction, contracting, and project management.
Eusebio Garcia – Maintenance Worker:
Eusebio Garcia is our newest member of the maintenance team. He worked as the Town’s temporary maintenance worker in 2023 and 2024. Through a thorough recruitment process, Eusebio was hired to fill a full-time Maintenance Worker vacancy. Eusebio has proven himself as a diligent and skillful worker during his temporary post. He has experience in grading, concrete work, and landscaping.
E. Finance Director Thomas Leung explained the following:
Malia Siulangapo, who has been with the Town for more than a year as a consultant, was also recently hired by the Town of Los Altos Hills. With this new hire, the Finance Department is now fully staffed.
F. City Manager Peter Pirnejad presented the following:
• Landscape lighting is being upgraded outside the council chambers to provide better viability for people walking to their cars
• Headshots were taken of our new Councilmember today. The website will be updated with new pictures and info on liaisons and assignments to outside agencies
• Staff is kicking off the process of assembling the Town’s next 3-year IT strategic plan. We have reached out to the Tech Committee to get on their next Committee agenda to talk about the process
• On February 13th from 8:30am-noon, Town Hall will be closed for staff to conduct an emergency tabletop drill. Members from the County Office of Emergency Management, and the LAH County Fire District will be in attendance. This exercise will mimic how the Town’s EOC will function in the case of an emergency.
• One of our very own LAH residents has been directly impacted by the Palisades Fire and is willing to speak and share her tragic experience with us. She is one of our Firewise Community Leads for Dawson LAH-015. and hopes to encourage more residents to become active members of the Firewise USA® program. Please join us this Sunday, Feb.2, 2025 at Town Hall at 2pm for a public in person meeting open to all LAH residents.
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• Congratulations to Neighborhood Watch Zone #16. They had their orientation this past weekend with the Sheriff’s Office and are up and operational. This marks 23 Neighborhood Watch zones across Town
• We sent out invitations for our upcoming Newcomers Event on March 2nd! Held every two years, this gathering welcomes all residents who have recently moved into town. It’s a great opportunity to meet neighbors, learn more about the community, and discover ways to get involved.
• The Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD) is preparing to mail, on February 14th, the annual Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) enforced safety regulations letters to Los Altos Hills property owners who live in designated fire hazard severity zones. Please keep an eye out in the mail for these letters which will have information on what property owners will need to do to keep their property in compliance.
15. ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Arika Birdsong-Miller