Approved May 15, 2025
1 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2025
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6:00 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 (6:00 P.M.)
Mayor Tankha called the meeting to order at 6:15 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Kavita Tankha, Vice Mayor Rajiv Bhateja, Council Member Stanley Mok, Council Member Linda Swan, and Council Member Tyson were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Recited
1. AGENDA REVIEW
Vice Mayor Bhateja made a motion to hear ITEM 9A after ITEM 6A. Council Member Mok seconded the motion. Approved, Vote 5-0
2. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
A. Proclamation Recognizing the Daughters of the American Revolution on its 75th Anniversary – Mayor Tankha presented a proclamation recognizing the organization's contributions to historic preservation, education, and patriotism over the past 75 years.
B. Appointment to the Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee – Vice Mayor Bhateja made a motion to appoint Eric Bredo to the Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee. Council Member Swan seconded the motion. Approved, Vote 5-0 C. Appointment to the Los Altos Hills Youth Committee – Council Member Tyson made a motion to appoint Lukas Jarschel to the Los Altos Hills Youth Committee.
Council Member Swan seconded the motion. Approved, Vote 5-0 Approved May 15, 2025
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D. Reappointment to the Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee – Council Member Tyson made a motion to appoint Richard Contreras to the Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee. Council Member Swan seconded the motion. Approved, Vote 5-0
E. Appointment of the Cal Cities 2025 Voting Delegate – Vice Mayor Bhateja made a motion to appoint Council Member Linda Swan as the Cal Cities 2025 Voting Delegate. Council Member Mok seconded the motion. Approved, Vote 5-0
3. 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 referred to staff for appropriate action, which may include placement on the next available agenda.
1. Edward Cristal, a resident of Los Altos Hills, urged the City Council to review and modify Chapter 8 of the Town Code on view and sunlight obstruction, citing unintended impacts on long-established landscaping due to annexation.
He explained that the 2003 ordinance was designed for new developments and did not account for mature landscaping. Reconfiguring his 39-year-old landscaping would be costly, impact privacy, lower property values, and pose environmental and personal hardships. He asked the Council to address these concerns for all annexed areas.
2. Gerda Cristal, a resident of Los Altos Hills, urged the City Council to address the unfair impact of retroactive regulations on annexed properties, particularly regarding view and tree rights. She expressed frustration that long-standing residents are penalized under rules they were unaware of, despite legally planted trees. She emphasized the environmental and privacy benefits of mature trees, especially for her and her husband, who have lived in their home for 54 years and now face a demand to cut down their redwoods. She asked the Council to place this issue on the agenda to ensure fairness for annexed residents.
4. 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.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Bhateja asked that ITEM 5G be removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Approved May 15, 2025
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Council Member Swan a motion to approve the Consent Calendar with the removal of Item 5G for a separate discussion. Council Member Tyson seconded the motion.
Approved, Vote 5-0.
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tankha, Bhateja, Mok, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
A. Approval of City Council Regular and Special Meeting Minutes of January 30, 2025 Approved, Vote 5-0
B. Approval of the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 20, 2025 Approved, Vote 5-0
C. Second Reading of an Ordinance amending Sections 10-1.202, 10-1.702, and various other associated sections of the Town of Los Altos Hills’ Municipal Ordinance to permit the residential land uses of transitional and supportive housing, residential care, farmworker and employee housing, and single-room occupancy (SROs) and to establish certain objective standards for said uses. Approved, Vote 5-0
D. Resolution Granting a Request for Extension of Planning and Appeals Permit at 23691 Camino Hermoso Drive Approved, Vote 5-0
E. Resolution Awarding a Construction Contract to Smelly Mel’s Plumbing, Inc. for the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Repair and Replacement Project Not to Exceed $720,000, Including Construction Contingency Approved, Vote 5-0
F. Resolution Approving and Authorizing Execution of the Old Ranch Lane Sanitary Sewer Reimbursement Agreement between the Town of Los Altos Hills and William Little and Kathleen Moran Trustees of the Lutz Family Trust Approved, Vote 5-0
G. Resolution Approving the Plans and Specifications for the Matadero Creek Restoration and Bank Stabilization Project; Authorizing Staff to Advertise the Projects for Formal Bid; and transferring $200,000 from the General Fund Capital Projects Reserve Funds to Supplement the Drainage In-Lieu Funding Source. *Removed from the Consent Calendar for a separate discussion.
H. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Issue a Request for Proposal for the Annual Landscape Maintenance Services for FY2025- 2027 Approved, Vote 5-0 Approved May 15, 2025
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I. Resolution Updating the Cost Sharing Policy For The Construction of Broadband Infrastructure Within Public Ways To Expand Eligibility To Any Internet Service Provider Allowed Within The Town’s Right-Of-Way Approved, Vote 5-0 J. Appointment of Council Member George Tyson to the Ad Hoc Committee for the Sewer Project, serving alongside Mayor Tankha as a City Council liaison.
Approved, Vote 5-0
K. Approval of Joint City Council and Finance and Investment Committee Meeting to discuss the FY25-26 Proposed Budget on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 4 pm.
Approved, Vote 5-0
L. Resolution Adopting the CalPERS 457 Plan Approved, Vote 5-0 5G Resolution Approving the Plans and Specifications for the Matadero Creek Restoration and Bank Stabilization Project; Authorizing Staff to Advertise the Projects for Formal Bid; and transferring $200,000 from the General Fund Capital Projects Reserve Funds to Supplement the Drainage In-Lieu Funding Source.
Public Works Director WooJae Kim presented a resolution for City Council approval concerning the Matadero Creek Restoration and Bank Stabilization Project. The resolution included three key actions: approving the updated plans and specifications for the project, authorizing staff to advertise the project for formal bid, and transferring $200,000 from the General Fund Capital Projects Reserve to supplement the remaining Drainage In-Lieu funds.
WooJae explained that this project dates back to damage caused by severe storms in 2009–2010, which eroded the embankment along Page Mill Road. Although the affected area is in Caltrans' right-of-way, the Town is responsible for maintenance under a 1970 agreement. An emergency wall was installed in 2012, but the remaining creek restoration was delayed due to design challenges and funding constraints.
In 2024, the Town received bids for the original design, but all were significantly over budget—largely due to a costly new retaining wall intended to widen the road for bike lanes. Council rejected all bids and directed staff to revise the design. Since then, staff have “value engineered” a more cost-effective approach that eliminates the need for the new retaining wall, instead restoring the creek using grading and riprap while relying on the existing 2012 wall for structural support. This change reduces construction costs from over $760,000 to approximately $484,000.
Director Kim also provided an update on regulatory permits, noting that Caltrans and the Water Board have approved the revised design, while the Town is awaiting final sign-off from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Required Approved May 15, 2025
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mitigation work at Byrne Preserve has already been completed and is under a twoyear maintenance period.
Director Kim explained that if the Council approves the resolution, staff will advertise the project for bids in April, with construction expected to begin in June or July and finish by November 2025. The $200,000 transfer from the Capital Projects Reserve is needed to maintain a healthy balance in the Storm Drain Fund, which would otherwise be nearly depleted.
Public Comment:
1. Allan Epstein, a resident of Los Altos Hills, opposed the transfer of funds, stating there is no immediate need for it. He expressed concern that the funds would be taken from reserves and commitments rather than the general fund, which he believes is bad practice. He emphasized that the Town should first assess whether sufficient reserves exist for other projects before making a decision.
Council Member Tyson made a motion to approve the Resolution Approving the Plans and Specifications for the Matadero Creek Restoration and Bank Stabilization Project; Authorizing Staff to Advertise the Projects for Formal Bid; and transferring $200,000 from the General Fund Capital Projects Reserve Fund to Supplement the Drainage In-Lieu Funding Source as presented by staff. Council Member Swan seconded the motion. Approved, Vote 5-0
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tankha, Bhateja, Mok, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
6. ONGOING BUSINESS
A. City Council recommendation on Housing Element Amendments, inclusive of modifications to the General Plan, Land Use Element, Proposed Zoning, and Incentives.
Community Development Director Jay Bradford presented recommended approaches for amending the 6th Cycle Housing Element and Land Use Element to incorporate HCD feedback and align with the Town’s housing goals. He advised the City Council to prioritize these amendments to address community concerns about development density and mitigate exposure to SB330 applications. Staff recommended reducing the total land area and maximum allowable density in the Housing Element, Land Use Element, Zoning Ordinance (ZO), and Objective Design Standards (ODS) to minimize unintended development pressures. These amendments should be prioritized and implemented as soon as the Council is ready to take action.
Approved May 15, 2025
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Public comments:
1. RK Anand, a Los Altos Hills resident, thanked the Ad Hoc committee for their work and noted the Town needed to update its RHNA numbers to reflect historical trends and buffers. He noted that the proposed changes to Lots 4,5, & 6 were an issue that needed to be resolved by the Town. He also requested the Council think about the potential visual impact of building Lots 1 & 2 with tall buildings.
2. Martha Bowden, a Los Altos Hills resident, said she was told all 7 Twin Oaks lots had to be rezoned, and that was not true 2 years ago. She asked that only Lots 1 & 2 be considered for rezoning and stated that the only proposal that made sense to her was John O’Connell’s approach.
3. Michael Grady, a Los Altos Hills resident, asked if the standard single-family policies applied to the Twin Oaks sites and questioned the proposed agreement.
4. Ian Earnest, a Los Altos Hills resident, commented that he hoped the Town would complete a Housing Element Amendment with solutions that made sense to the area.
5. John O’Connell, a Los Altos Hills resident, commented that if the Town elected to use consultants’ technical amendment, then the Council and residents would return to this current situation.
6. Sue Welch, a Los Altos Hills resident, asked if the owners of the Twin Oaks would submit another SB330 application if there was no Development Agreement, and Vice Chair Bhateja responded. She felt that this felt like a threat, and the Town should identify other sites immediately.
7. Allan Epstein, a Los Altos Hills resident, thanked the Ad Hoc committee for their work and noted recommended the Council should choose John O’Connell’s proposal, allowing for compromises.
8. Rajiv Patel, speaking as a Los Altos Hills resident attending via Zoom, recommended the Town adopt John O’Connell’s approach. He also suggested the Council consider a joint meeting with the Planning Commission to share accurate information regarding the Housing Element.
9. Anne Paulson, a Los Altos resident attending via Zoom, commented that zoning without identifying specific density units per acre (du/ac) in the hopes of eliminating the ability for developers to use the state’s density bonus, stated that was not the case by citing a specific example in her city. She noted that every developer used the state density bonus, even though Los Altos defined density using setbacks and height restrictions in certain locations.
10. Nina Anand, a Los Altos Hills resident attending via Zoom, stated her wish that the Town look into alternate sites and recommended adopting John O’Connell’s plan for the Housing Element amendment.
11. Hari Sankar, a Los Altos Hills resident attending via Zoom, thanked the Ad Hoc committee and recommended the council adopt John O’Connell’s proposal.
12. Carol Gottlieb, a Los Altos Hills resident attending via Zoom, thanked the Ad Hoc committee and requested that the Council pursue the Amendment and the Development Agreement simultaneously.
13. Paul Marcos, a Los Altos Hills resident attending via Zoom, thanked the Ad Hoc committee and John O’Connell’s efforts. He commented that he felt the Development Agreement was too generous, asked about the next Housing Element cycle, and recommended adopting John’s plan.
14. Bridget Morgan, a Los Altos Hills resident, commented that she was impressed by the Town’s Planning Commission and encouraged the City Council to not make any decisions without discussions with the Planning Commission.
Approved May 15, 2025
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15. Namrata, a Los Altos Hills resident, attending via Zoom, thanked the Ad Hoc committee and John O’Connell for their work, commented she was in favor of adopting his proposal, and recommended the Town look into identifying alternate sites. She also noted the progress of the Developer’s Agreement and was in favor of working on that solution in parallel with the Amendment.
Council Member Swan made a motion to only use the Michael Baker approach for amending the Housing Element. Council Member Tyson seconded the motion.
Approved, 4-1. Mayor Tankha voted in opposition.
MOTION PASSED 4-1:
AYES: Bhateja, Mok, Swan, Tyson
NOES: Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
Council Member Swan made a motion directing the Ad Hoc to continue to negotiate the Development Agreement. Vice Mayor Bhateja seconded the motion.
Approved, Vote 5-0
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tankha, Bhateja, Mok, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
Council Member Tyson made a motion directing staff to prepare a Zoning Ordinance for Lots in compliance with the proposed Development Agreement terms. Meanwhile, creating the MFZ for the Zoning Ordinance (ZO) and Objective Design Standards (ODS )for said Zoning Ordinance and the Land Use Element And prepare the EIR consistent with the Zoning Ordinance and Objective Design Standards, the Land Use Element, Housing Element amendment, and proposed Development Agreement terms. Council Member Swan seconded the motion.
Approved, Vote 5-0
MOTION PASSED 5-0:
AYES: Tankha, Bhateja, Mok, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
ABSENT: None
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
City Council Ex Parte Contacts Policy Disclosure
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A. This item has been continued to a date uncertain - 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). (Staff: S.
Mattas)
No action taken as this item has been continued to a date uncertain.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution Granting the Extension Request for Building Permits at 26700 Palo Hills Drive.
Community Development Director Jay Bradford presented a request from the property owner at 26700 Palo Hills Drive for an extension of Building Permit #8999, originally issued on October 22, 1997, for the construction of a new residence. This request is unusual in that the permit expired over two decades ago, with construction ceasing around the year 2000. Upon reviewing the permit file, staff found that the permit had been officially expired by prior staff on January 12, 2001, and outstanding corrections had never been resolved. Since that time, the Town has adopted Construction Time Limits regulations under Municipal Code Section 8-10, which limit remodel projects in the $250,001–$500,000 range to a 24- month completion timeframe. Based on the project’s estimated value of $456,415, the permit would have expired in 1999 under current standards. However, since this project predates the adoption of the time limits ordinance, the standard extension provisions do not apply.
Director Bradford explained that the applicant has since submitted a request for a one-year extension under a new permit (BLD25-0020) to complete the work and allow for final inspections. This approach was initially supported, but later found to be in conflict with the current Construction Time Limits regulations, which prohibit using a new permit to circumvent time limits. The complexity of this case reflects broader challenges, as staff have recently reviewed two other similar extension requests—one heard in November 2024 to resolve a processing error, and one still pending. All involved projects that expired prior to the adoption of the current time limits. Given the ambiguity in how to treat these legacy projects, staff believe a long-term solution is needed.
Director Bradford recommended that the Council approve the one-year extension under BLD25-0020 to allow for project closeout and temporarily suspend the relevant time limit provisions for inactive, pre-regulation projects. He also suggested directing staff to return later in the year with proposed ordinance amendments as part of the Town’s 2025 building code updates, in order to formalize a consistent approach moving forward.
Approved May 15, 2025
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Council Member Tyson made a motion to approve the Resolution Granting the Extension Request for Building Permits at 26700 Palo Hills Drive. Council Member Swan seconded the motion. Approved, Vote 5-0
9. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
A. Ad Hoc Housing Element Committee Update and Development Agreement Update Vice Mayor Bhateja and Council Member Mok provided an update on behalf of the Housing Element Ad Hoc Committee. Their presentation included a summary of completed actions, a timeline of upcoming milestones, and key priorities moving forward. Notable upcoming targets include a June 1, 2025, review of Objective Design Standards and Multifamily (MF) Zoning Plans with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and a goal to finalize Development Agreement terms and/or potential Housing Element amendments by November 1, 2025.
The Committee emphasized the following priorities:
1. Maintain Housing Element Certification by meeting all state-mandated deadlines to:
• Avoid triggering the Builder’s Remedy
• Prevent penalties from HCD, including SB 35 and No Net Loss provisions
2. Demonstrate progress toward Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) targets by the mid-cycle review deadline of January 31, 2027
3. Achieve full RHNA compliance by the end of the current housing cycle
4. Preserve the character of the Town throughout the implementation process
10. STAFF REPORTS
A. City Attorney Steve Mattas had no report.
B. City Clerk Arika Miller informed City Council that the electronic voting system will be implemented at the May City Council meeting.
C. Planning Director Jay Bradford reported that the permit system migration was successfully completed.
CAL FIRE’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map options will be published online in advance of the March 26 regulatory deadline.
D. Finance Director Thomas Leung reported that we held our annual budget retreat on March 5 to go over the budget development process with departments. Department budget proposals are due this week, and all the departments will be meeting with the City Manager next week to go over their budgets. We’ve also implemented Gravity budget software, and it’s been going well.
There will be a joint City Council and FIC meeting to discuss the FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget on Thursday, May 22, at 4 pm.
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On the technology front, we’re continuing to work on the implementation of Tyler AP Automation to improve efficiency in accounts payable. We’ve been testing it and expect to have it fully up and running by the end of the quarter.
E. Public Works Director WooJae Kim reported the following:
Heritage House Upgrade:
Staff continue to push forward on the Heritage House Upgrade project to meet the CDBG deadline to submit all reimbursement invoices by the end of March. County staff recently informed us that the $260,730 reimbursement invoice submitted by the Town in February has been approved for processing. Staff is also on schedule to submit the second and final invoice for the remainder of the $400,000 CDBG grant by the end of March. With other construction elements still in progress, staff is anticipating project completion by late summer or early fall. At the request of neighboring residents, the staff maintenance team will be constructing a temporary pathway to accommodate the current pathway closure through the project site.
El Monte Fire Station Utility Undergrounding (Rule 20A):
For our Utility Underground Rule 20A project, PG&E is currently undergrounding its overhead electrical facilities. PG&E is anticipating early April for the completion of their work. Comcast and AT&T will quickly follow PG&E to underground their overhead facilities. We are anticipating undergrounding completion by late summer or the fall of this year.
Pathway Development Impact Fee Update
Back in 2023, the Council directed staff to update the Pathway Fee to better build up the Pathway Fund to plan construction of the remaining 30 miles of pathways per the Master Paths Plan. In 2024, staff worked with a consultant for a pathway fee nexus study. On March 12, the Planning Commission hosted a public hearing for the specific General Plan and Zoning Ordinance amendments needed for the Pathway Development Impact Fee Update. Through the Nexus study, staff proposed changing the current flat pathway fees to fees based on the square footage of the development. In general, the Planning Commission opposed the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance changes, but recommended other alternatives for Council consideration, such as going back to the in-lieu fee option, so that developers have the choice to build pathways. Staff and the nexus study consultant with the City Attorney are evaluating the input from the Planning Commission, and staff will present the impact fee item to the Council for consideration at the April 17th Council meeting.
F. City Manager Peter Pirnejad reported the following:
o Sheriff’s Office Contract set to expire June 30, 2026 o Staff recommends that the Council agendize a discussion at the April City Council Meeting to possibly set up an Ad Hoc Committee
o This will help staff plan for any budgetary items that may need to be included in the FY 25-26 budget (AKA a law enforcement study?) Upcoming Events:
• Drive-Through Shred Event – March 22, 8-11 AM
Residents can securely dispose of sensitive documents at this convenient drive-through event. Shredding is a great way to protect personal Approved May 15, 2025
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information and prevent identity theft. Proof of residency will be required to access the event.
• Youth Leadership Conference – April 13, 10-12 PM
An event designed to inspire and empower young leaders in our community, with a special focus on environmental stewardship. Attendees will hear from guest speakers, learn about sustainability initiatives, and gain valuable leadership skills to drive positive change for the environment. • Hopping Hounds – April 19, 9-10:30 AM
A paw-some event for dogs and their owners, featuring pet-friendly activities, treats, and more. It’s a great opportunity to socialize, enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate our four-legged friends at the Westwind Community Barn.
• Family Game Night – April 26, 6-9 AM
Bring the whole family for an evening of fun, laughter, and friendly competition. Enjoy a variety of classic and modern games suitable for all ages.
• Pathways Run/Walk – May 10, 9AM 5k/10k, 10:30 AM 1 Mile Fun Run
Join the community for a fun and active event supporting local pathways and outdoor recreation. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering, it’s a great way to promote health and wellness while enjoying the scenic routes. • 2026 Represents the Town’s 70th Birthday.
City Manager Pirnejad suggested staff work with the History Committee and the Park, Recreation, and Relations Committee to consider options and come back to the council with a proposal and suggestions on how we can incorporate and budget this into our next year’s event schedule.
11. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
A. Authorization to Send a Letter to Fremont Hills Country Club Regarding the Historic Landmark Application for the Water Tower
Community Development Director Jay Bradford will send the letter to the Fremont Hills County Club.
B. Discussion and Consideration of a Free Trial for a Speed Alert Device to Address Excessive Speeding on Town Roads
Public Works Director WooJae Kim will install speed alert devices as per the Work Plan.
12. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Arika Birdsong-Miller, City Clerk