Approved July 21, 2025
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting
Thursday, May 15, 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 Code Einfalt, Public Works Director WooJae Kim, Community Development Director Jay Bradford, Finance Director Thomas Leung, Community Services Supervisor Emina Mahic, and City Clerk Arika Birdsong-Miller
CALL TO ORDER (6:00 P.M.)
Mayor Tankha called the meeting to order at 6:00 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.
1. AGENDA REVIEW
Mayor Tankha asked the Council Members if they wished to pull any agenda items.
Council Member Swan requested to pull Item 11B and discuss it at a later date.
2. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
A. Proclamation Recognizing PRIDE Month
Council Member Swan presented a proclamation recognizing the June 4, 2025, grand opening of the Foothill College Pride Center. The Center supports and celebrates LGBTQ students, staff, and allies, providing a safe, inclusive space on campus.
B. Proclamation Recognizing Foster Care/Resource Parent Awareness Month Mayor Tankha proclaimed May 2025 as Foster Care Month in the Town of Los Altos Hills.
The proclamation highlighted the importance of supporting children and youth in foster care and recognized the contributions of caregivers who provide them with love, stability, and guidance.
She noted the growing demand in Santa Clara County and urged residents to learn how they could help foster children and families.
C. Proclamation Recognizing Public Works Week
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Public Works Director Kim announced that May 18–24, 2025, was National Public Works Week, marking its 65th anniversary and sponsored by the American Public Works Association.
This year’s theme, People, Purpose, Presence, honors the vital work of public works professionals in maintaining infrastructure and essential services. He concluded by reading a statement on behalf of the Mayor and Council, and the Town of Los Altos Hills proclaiming the week and encouraged residents to recognize the contributions of public works staff.
3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Mayor Tankha opened PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR.
Joe Iyer, Los Altos Rotary Club member and sponsorship chair for the annual Fine Art in the Park show, spoke about the upcoming 50th anniversary event, scheduled for August 9–10, 2025, at Lincoln Park. He requested a $1,000 grant from the Town to support the event, like a contribution made two years ago under then-Mayor Swan. Ayer emphasized that the show was the Rotary Club’s major fundraiser, with proceeds supporting local and international grants, scholarships, and programs. The well-attended event features juried art, food, entertainment, and community engagement, and is widely promoted.
Daniel Dulitz, Palo Alto resident and owner of Next Level Infrastructure, gave an update on the Los Altos Hills Community Fiber project. The 10 Gigabit network, anchored by a head-end cabinet near Town Hall, included both existing and new segments—some reimbursed by the Town under a prior agreement. The fiber also supported public safety and education, including a link to the emergency facility near Foothill College.
The Fremont Road to Town Hall segment was in permit review, with construction expected to start soon and finish by December. The Stonebrook, Prospect, and La Loma segments were entering the permitting phase.
Gautham Agrawal, a Los Altos Hills resident, provided further updates, noting steady progress on all segments, including an unexpectedly smooth process for the I-280 crossing. That portion may be ready for Council review by July 1. He expressed optimism and made himself available for any questions from the Council.
Vice Mayor Bhateja thanked Community Fiber and Next Level Infrastructure for their progress and collaboration with staff and the technology committee.
Council Member Mok expressed satisfaction with the I-280 crossing.
Dr. Agrawal noted that the project was progressing well and encouraged interested residents to reach out.
Council Member Swan also thanked the team and requested ongoing updates.
Michael Grady, a Los Altos Hills resident, spoke about the importance of transparency and compliance with the California Public Records Act.
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Allan Epstein, a resident of Los Altos Hills, requested that the Council agendize a discussion on excessive building fees charged between July 1, 2020, and April 2022.
John O’Connell, a resident of Los Altos Hills, spoke about a March 2023 meeting involving representatives of the Twin Oaks and Fenwick properties. He referenced documents suggesting a proposal for 320 units and asked whether the Council had been informed of the meeting or the proposal.
He noted the importance of transparency and requested clarification on how the information was shared with the Council.
4. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS (items provided solely for informational purposes) A. Treasurer’s Report (Staff: T. Leung)
B. Disbursement Report (Staff: T. Leung)
C. Quarterly Investment Report (Staff: T. Leung)
City Manager Pirnejad noted that these reports were for informational purposes only and no oral staff report was necessary.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Tankha pulled Item 5D from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Council Member Mok requested to pull Item5E from the CONSENT CALENDAR for discussion.
A. Approval of the Special City Council Meeting Minutes March 9, 2025 B. Resolution Accepting an Open Space Easement at 12889 Viscaino Place; Lands of Fremont Hills Country Club; File #ER25-0001
C. Resolution Requesting the Santa Clara County Tax Collector to Collect Delinquent Sewer Charges and the FY2025-26 Sewer Service Charges for both the Palo Alto and Los Altos Dewer Basins
D. Letter from the Town Council Opposing SB79
This item was pulled from the CONSENT CALENDAR for a separate discussion.
Mayor Tankha expressed support for affordable housing along transit corridors, in line with SB 79’s intent. She emphasized the need to avoid high-density development on steep slopes due to safety concerns and clarified that her position was not anti-housing but pro-responsible planning.
Council Member Swan supported housing near transit corridors but opposed SB 79 as written, citing concerns over the lack of local review within a half mile of transit stops. She warned the law could allow incompatible high-density developments in single-family neighborhoods and called for amendments to include local oversight.
Mayor Tankha noted the importance of not being perceived as anti-housing and advocated for thoughtful and appropriate development.
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Council Member Swan agreed with Mayor Tankha that transit corridors were appropriate for housing but cautioned against a cart blanche allowance for development within a half mile of transit stops without local review. She compared SB79 to other broad state mandates, like the builder’s remedy, and emphasized the need for oversight.
Council Member Tyson supported pro-housing sentiments and criticized SB79 as a blunt, onesize-fits-all approach. He emphasized the need for local control and thoughtful planning, stating that while the housing need was clear, this bill was an appropriate place to push back.
Council Member Mok emphasized the need for truly affordable housing, not just high-cost developments that may not serve those most in need. He suggested exploring financial incentives, such as housing vouchers, for towns that actively support housing. He expressed concern that SB79’s one-size-fits-all approach was inappropriate for Los Altos Hills and could negatively impact the character of the community.
Vice Mayor Bhateja supported housing near transit corridors and noted prior discussions with State Senator Josh Becker on the issue. He opposed SB79 for removing local discretion in planning. Citing the example of California Avenue in Palo Alto, he argued the bill ignored important land-use distinctions and undermined cities’ ability to make thoughtful, contextspecific decisions.
Mayor Tankha opened the Public Comments.
No public comments.
Mayor Tankha closed the Public Comments.
Council Member Swan motioned to APPROVE this item and have a letter sent from the Town Council opposing SB79 unless it’s amended. Vice Mayor Bhateja seconded.
MOTION PASSED: 5-0
AYES: Tankha, Bhateja, Mok, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
RECUSE: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
E. Resolution Awarding a Construction Contract to B and D Excavation & Construction for the Matadero Creek Restoration and Bank Stabilization Project not to Exceed $465,840, including Construction Contingency, and Approving Second Amendment to the Consultant Services Agreement with ENGEO for Additional Services not to Exceed $133,010.
This item was pulled from the CONSENT CALENDAR for a separate discussion.
Council Member Mok noted a significant cost difference between the initial and current estimates for the Matadero Creek project. He recalled the original estimate being over $1 million 5 City Council May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
and asked Public Works Director Kim to explain the reason for the reduced costs, suggesting it may be due to the project being completed in phases.
Public Works Director Kim explained that the initial high-cost estimates for the Matadero Creek project were due to a broader project scope, which included constructing an additional retaining wall to accommodate a future bike lane. After determining that this addition was not immediately necessary, the scope was reduced, and the project was rebid. This lowered costs significantly, with the current bid coming in within the engineer’s estimate at approximately $65,000.
Council Member Mok motioned to Approve this Resolution. Council Member Tyson seconded.
MOTION PASSED: 5-0
AYES: Tankha, Bhateja, Mok, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
RECUSE: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
F. Resolution Authorizing Award of the Landscape Maintenance Services Agreement for Fiscal Years 2025-27 to Frank and Grossman Landscape Contractors, Inc. not to Exceed $195, 848 G. Resolution Approving the Plans and Specifications for the Lower Arena Improvements at Westwind Community Barn Project and Authorizing Staff to Advertise the Project for Formal Bid
H. Resolution Approving the First Amendment to the Open Space Stewardship and Education Agreement with Grassroots Ecology for a Two-Year Term Extension Not to Exceed $205,659 Vice Mayor Bhateja noted that while the project relied on volunteer labor, the estimated value of that contribution was around $35,000. He emphasized the importance of transparency, pointed out that the town contributed $100,000, and acknowledged the project's educational and community value.
I. Resolution Approving the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Project List for Annual Pavement Rehabilitation and Drainage Improvement to be Funded by State Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017
J. Termination of Appointment to the Open Space Committee - Wendie Ward K. Approval of the Special City Council Meeting Minutes March 20, 2025 L. Approval of the Special City Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2025 Vice Mayor Bhateja motioned to Approve the Consent Calendar. Council Member Swan seconded. 6 City Council May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION PASSED: 5-0
AYES: Tankha, Bhateja, Mok, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
RECUSE: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
6. ONGOING BUSINESS – NONE
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
City Council Ex Parte Contacts Policy Disclosure
A. Consideration of an Ordinance (First Read) Adopting Amendments to the California Fire Marshall's Fire Hazard Severity Zone Base Map in Los Altos Hills Mayor Tankha recused herself from the discussion of this item. Vice Mayor Bhateja presided over the meeting in her place.
Council Member Tyson explained that when a potential conflict of interest exists—such as a Council Member living within 500 feet of an affected property—they are legally required to recuse themselves and leave the room. This was the reason for a recent recusal.
Vice Mayor Bhateja added that recusal requirements vary by proximity and visibility—if a property was within visual sight, the threshold was 1,000 feet; if not, it was 500 feet.
City Attorney Mattas clarified that multiple distance standards applied to conflicts of interest:
500 feet and 1,000 feet. For properties between those distances, additional factors must be considered. He noted that, as with many legal issues, the rules were more complex than they may initially appear.
Ex Parte:
Council Members Tyson and Swan had communications with Jay Logan, the General Manager of the Fire District.
Vice Mayor Bhateja and Council Member Mok reported having informal communications with several residents, though they did not record the individuals' names.
Community Development Director Bradford presented the staff report, which explained 2 options for fire hazard mapping:
1. Adopt the CalFire base maps as mandated by the State of California (Exhibit A, Option 1), OR
2. Adopt locally developed maps (Exhibit A, Option 2).
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Council Member Swan asked whether a property's designation as being in a "Very High" or "Extreme" wildfire category would affect its ability to be rebuilt after a disaster or developed initially and staff responded that the standards would affect new construction.
Council Member Swan then inquired whether an increase in a property's wildfire risk rating was permanent. She asked if a rating based on brush or vegetation, could it be downgraded if the hazardous materials were later cleared and staff responded that once the CalFire maps were updated, there were no processes in place to amend them.
Council Member Swan requested clarification on a reference in Exhibit A, Option 2 (page 17) regarding assessments related to participation in the Santa Clara County multi-jurisdictional program, noting she did not understand its meaning.
Director Bradford explained that while the General Plan and Safety Element may not directly reference the matter, the Town participated in cooperative agreements related to risk management and broader regional mitigation efforts. The proposed local amendments were consistent with those regional strategies and planning documents.
Council Member Mok raised concerns about the potential impact of wildfire risk maps on the pricing and availability of fire insurance for residents. He referenced a flyer indicating rates would not increase under an alternative map but expressed skepticism toward assurances from the State and Federal governments. He asked whether insurance companies use their own composite maps or rely solely on CalFire and other
Director Bradford explained that insurers used multiple, dynamic, and property-specific risk models—not just Cal Fire maps—to determine fire insurance coverage. These models were informed by sources such as the State Insurance Office, insurance-related nonprofits, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), and Triple-I. While private insurers were not obligated to provide coverage in California, the State offered a backstop fire insurance option. maps for underwriting decisions.
Council Member Mok emphasized the importance of the topic of wildfire risk, noting that any municipal ordinance should apply town-wide rather than to just a specific area. He suggested considering a phased approach, starting with a portion of the town and expanding it later.
Council Member Swan commented that insurance companies were already using more detailed, parcel-specific maps than CalFire. She shared that, according to information from a meeting hosted by Assemblymember Papin, insurers could cancel coverage for minor issues like overhanging tree limbs. She questioned the actual impact of CalFire maps, given insurers' stricter standards.
Council Member Mok emphasized the importance of Town-wide fire prevention efforts, including clearing weeds, removing dead trees, and maintaining defensible space. He referenced fire-prone areas like Malibu and Pacific Palisades and expressed concern that similar conditions existed locally, urging proactive measures to reduce wildfire risk. 8 City Council May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
Council Member Tyson asked if stricter fire zones could be adjusted if conditions changed, citing road improvements like widening a narrow road as a valid reason.
Director Bradford seemed to agree with this and clarified that once fire zone designations were made locally, they could be easily changed without state action. These designations were made with a long-term view (typically 50 years), considering factors like fuel loading, weather conditions, and climate change, rather than immediate changes like road widening. The focus was on properties with high-risk factors, such as narrow roads in high severity zones, to ensure safety for residents in case of emergencies.
Vice Mayor Bhateja thanked Director Bradford for his work, acknowledging its personal importance and effort. Bhateja then asks if the requirements imposed by the "very high" and "high" fire hazard severity ratings could be achieved through alternative methods, such as building codes, zoning, or local ordinances, without changing the actual fire hazard severity zones.
Director Bradford explained that while wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards and Cal Fire’s high and very high fire hazard severity zones used the same construction and defensible space requirements, the key difference was local control—WUI standards could be locally modified through the building code process, unlike CalFire designations. He noted that communities often used mapping to define WUI areas, as the Town did in 2015 before later removing them.
Vice Mayor Bhateja asked if the Town could require more defensible space based on property conditions, such as being on a slope or having reduced risk due to vegetation changes or road widening, confirming that the Town would have local control such as reversing designations.
City Manager Pirnejad noted that Assembly Bill 306, if passed, could limit the Town’s ability to amend the building code, though not the zoning or municipal codes. He cautioned that the State may reduce local control in this area.
Council Member Swan asked if the Town could leave the CalFire maps as they were but designate individual parcels as within the wildland-urban interface (WUI) to apply building requirements, without those parcels appearing on the CalFire very high fire severity zone map.
Director Bradford confirmed the Council could choose to designate individual parcels as WUI, but noted staff was recommending specific properties due to their alignment with CalFire designations. He explained that CalFire mapped areas in 20-acre blocks, sometimes missing parcels that should logically fall under the same designation.
Council Member Swan questioned how they handled properties split between high and lower fire severity zones on the CalFire map and asked if the proposal was to apply the highest severity designation to the entire parcel and Director Bradford deferred to the City Attorney to provide guidance.
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Vice Mayor Bhateja noted that while the Department of Insurance stated fire severity zoning maps were not used by insurance companies, there was nothing to prevent insurers from using them in the future. He expressed concern that designating the entire Town as very high risk could impact future insurance ratings.
Director Bradford explained that insurers often viewed communities that self-imposed higher hazard mitigation standards more favorably, and participation in such efforts could reduce risk and improve insurance access, while lack of mitigation was a key reason for insurance loss.
Council Member Mok suggested adopting municipal codes to make the Town a recognized Firewise community, which could help residents lower insurance costs and improve access to coverage.
Council Member Swan suggested inviting the guest from the fire department to share his expert opinion on this item and Vice Mayor Bhateja agreed.
Assistant Fire Marshal with the Santa Clara County Fire Department Jeremy Davis explained that his agency has worked closely with the Town through several meetings to assist with adopting the Local Responsibility Area (LRA) maps, addressing many public concerns. The changes in the maps were largely due to improved technology and more localized weather data from remote automated stations, offering a more accurate picture of fire risk. He noted that CalFire maps did not align with property lines and if any part of a parcel fell within a fire severity zone, the highest rating applied to the entire parcel, which was a state decision. Davis emphasized that while weather and topography couldn’t be changed, fuel management and defensible space could reduce fire risk, and their assessments followed CalFire’s standards to help inform local decisions.
Council Member Mok asked whether fires would spread faster in wildlands and preserves or in populated areas with buildings.
Fire Marshal Davis responded that fire spread depended on conditions, but dry grass—known as light flashy fuel—ignited easily and could cause fires to spread quickly.
Council Member Swan asked if fast-burning light fuels like dry grass were less dangerous than brush, suggesting they burn out quickly.
Fire Marshal Davis replied that neither was more or less dangerous; light fuels burned faster and were easier to extinguish, but factors like wind and slope made them challenging. He explained that heavy fuels burned slower but with more energy, so all fuel types posed risks and difficulties in firefighting.
Vice Mayor Bhateja confirmed that the Fire Department reviewed specific areas and provided input to Town staff but clarified that they were not recommending which fire severity maps municipalities should adopt.
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Fire Marshal Davis confirmed that the department provided expert information and supported fire safety efforts but did not recommend specific map options, instead offering observations and answering questions to assist municipalities.
Vice Mayor Bhateja confirmed with Fire Marshal Davis that the decision on the fire severity maps mainly impacted property owners and their fire mitigation responsibilities, while it had little to no direct effect on the fire department’s operational response.
Fire Marshal Davis assured the Council that the fire department’s response would be the same for all residents, regardless of whether they were in the WUI or any fire severity zone.
Vice Mayor Bhateja thanked Fire Marshal Davis for attending and sharing his expertise on the matter and opened the Public Comments.
Public Comments
Walter Wilson, a Los Altos Hills resident, expressed concern that his property on Buena Vista Drive was incorrectly elevated to a severe fire risk level due to a mistaken assessment of access routes, arguing there were three exits rather than a dead-end road. He also shared that his property insurance was canceled last year—not due to fire risk but because of the home's value—forcing him to seek coverage out of state in Ohio at an unaffordable cost of $84,000 per year, which he described as devastating. Wilson felts the Town was under State pressure regarding housing and fire standards and believed it was not the right time to adopt the new maps, recommending the Town maintain the current designations.
Jim Waschura, a Los Altos Hills resident, commented that both adopting wildfire (WU) zones or hazard maps seemed to achieve similar outcomes by increasing building code requirements, but since only about 15 homes were built or remodeled each year, this approach alone may be insufficient. He emphasized the need for stronger code enforcement and enforceable rules focused on ongoing maintenance and fuel reduction across the Town, especially in higher-risk fire areas, and questioned whether either approach would better support those efforts.
John O’Connell, a Los Altos Hills resident, expressed that increasing fire severity ratings beyond the minimum maps provided by CalFire was unjustifiable and may be based on incomplete information; he urged the council to accept only the minimum maps and seek other ways to encourage property owners to maintain their land instead of raising severity levels arbitrarily.
Eric Bredo, a Los Altos Hills resident, emphasized the importance of local, detailed knowledge—highlighting that his property benefited from strong water pressure and nearby fire hydrants—and suggested that revising fire severity maps required expertise and time; he also shared that his insurance was canceled but reinstated after minor tree trimming, showing insurers do consider specific property conditions.
Allan Epstein, a Los Altos Hills resident, expressed concern the Town hasn’t provided enough legal basis for raising the standards. He questioned the consistency of street classifications, 11 City Council May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
mentioning his own wide, short street, Arroyo Oaks, and encouraged the council to follow existing state standards.
Peter Perlegos, a Los Altos Hills resident, urged the Town to improve its tree removal permitting process. He noted that faster approval for removing problematic trees—especially those flagged by the fire department—would make current mapping efforts more effective.
Vice Mayor Bhateja paused the meeting at 7:45PM to address technical issues with the A/V system.
Vice Mayor Bhateja reconvened the meeting at 7:53PM and resumed the Public Comments.
Sasha Zbrozek, a Los Altos Hills resident, urged the town to adopt practical changes to better reduce fire risk. He suggested allowing homeowners to create non-flammable surfaces like gravel without permits, remove certain trees near structures freely, and ease grading rules to help terrace properties and create fire breaks. Sasha also encouraged the Town to improve fuel clearing around public spaces, widen roads, trim overhanging trees, and enforce fuel clearing standards more strictly to enhance community safety.
Gerda Cristal, a resident of Los Altos Hills, emphasized that there were already many regulations in place, and once new rules were written, they could be difficult to change. She urged for simplicity in any new measures, echoing others’ suggestions, believing this approach would be appreciated by most residents.
Vice Mayor Bhateja closed the Public Comments.
Council Member Tyson acknowledged the community's concerns, noting they largely fell into two camps: fear of increased insurance risk and trust in CalFire’s expertise. While keeping things simple was tempting, he emphasized the importance of thoughtful, locally tailored decisions rather than defaulting to the state's broad approach. He praised staff for their careful work and acknowledged that while the process wasn't perfect, it was defensible and responsible. Tyson also stressed the importance of community-wide fire preparedness and personal responsibility, expressing support for continuing with higher safety standards and leaning toward adopting Option 2.
Council Member Swan emphasized the need to balance wildfire preparedness with the potential impact on residents. She expressed concern about future regret if action wasn’t taken now and lives were lost in a major fire. Acknowledging the difficulty of the decision, she showed openness to either fully applying WUI standards to all listed parcels or supporting Option 2, aiming to ensure maximum safety and preparedness for the community.
Council Member Mok supported adopting Option 2 and emphasized the need for stronger municipal ordinances requiring residents to maintain defensible space and reduce fire hazards on their properties. Drawing from personal experience with a neighbor’s house fire, he stressed that relying solely on emergency response was not enough and urged collective responsibility and 12 City Council May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
proactive measures. He also advocated for eventually applying fire safety standards Town-wide to better protect against future wildfire risks.
Council Member Swan asked Director Bradford whether the Town could assign a WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) designation to the 45–50 identified parcels—giving them the same fire safety requirements as if they were mapped in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone—and whether that approach could be expanded beyond those parcels. She also asked if this would be equivalent in effect to Option 2.
Director Bradford confirmed that the Council could choose not to designate the parcels now and could instead apply WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) standards to them in the future. He affirmed Council Member Swan’s idea was valid and added that he would show mapping tools used in the evaluation process to provide more context about the parcels and the public feedback received.
Council Member Swan expressed a strong preference for designating the identified parcels as WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) immediately, rather than postponing the decision. She emphasized that if she was to support Option 1, she wanted the WUI designations to be included at the same time, not delayed for future action.
City Attorney Mattas clarified that adding properties to the WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) designation was not on the agenda for that meeting, so the Council could not take that action at this time. However, the Council could direct staff to bring it back for future consideration, potentially when updating building codes.
Council Member Tyson clarified that updating the WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) designation affected more than just new construction. While someone mentioned only 15 new houses were being built per year, Tyson emphasized that the regulations applied to all properties within the designated zones—not just new builds. Therefore, changing the WUI designation impacted a broader group of residents, not a small subset.
Vice Mayor Bhateja questioned whether there are ways to mandate wildfire safety requirements for all town residents—not just those involved in new construction. He expressed interest in exploring the broader implementation of safety standards regardless of building activity.
Director Bradford explained how the town used Cal Fire’s GIS data to inform fire hazard designations and made minor local adjustments based on topography, weather, and public feedback. He clarified that in some cases, properties already had high or very high designations from Cal Fire, even if residents thought otherwise. Bradford emphasized that the Town has taken a careful, measured approach and supports continued investment in wildfire mitigation, noting that risk factors were consistent across the town and not confined to specific areas.
Vice Mayor Bhateja opposed increasing fire hazard severity zones due to potential impacts on property values. He supported using the state maps and implementing Town-wide fire prevention 13 City Council May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
through local ordinances. He emphasized the need for defensible space, easier hazardous tree removal, and broader mitigation efforts. He concluded by calling for a motion.
Vice Mayor Bhateja then asked City Attorney Mattas about a draw vote on a motion, and he responded that there needed to be a minimum vote of 3 votes to pass.
Council Members Mok and Swan restated their interest in which option they would support.
Council Member Tyson offered comments to support his earlier statements.
Vice Mayor Bhateja supported a measured approach, suggesting the Town adopt the state fire severity maps but act quickly to pass local ordinances requiring defensible space measures. He emphasized the flexibility of ordinances over permanent severity zone designations, warning that increased zones could negatively impact property values and insurance. He advocated for a solution that balanced fire safety with minimizing financial harm to residents.
A discussion regarding the pros and cons of the two options between the Council Members ensued.
City Attorney Mattas clarified that the ordinance presented included both options, and for the record, the motion being considered should specify adopting the parts related to Option 2 and removing the language that pertains to relying solely on the CalFire map (Option 1).
Council Member Tyson n made a motion to adopt of the Local Amendment map (Option 2) and make findings that, based on substantial evidence in the record, the requirements of Government Code Section 51182 are necessary for effective fire protection within certain areas of the Town and designate areas not identified as Very High and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones by the State Fire Marshal, as Very High, and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. It should be noted that the above stated findings are required only for the purposes of increasing certain parcel designations to Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Council Member Swan seconded.
APPROVED, VOTE 3-1
MOTION PASSED: 3-1
AYES: Mok, Swan, Tyson
NOES: Bhateja
RECUSE: Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Consideration and Direction Regarding the Town of Los Altos Hills' 70th Anniversary Celebratory Activities
Community Services Supervisor Emina Mahic presented an update on planning for the Town of Los Altos Hills' 70th anniversary celebration. She explained that the idea originated from a Council-initiated item in April, prompting both the History Committee and the Parks and Recreation and Community Events Committee to meet and brainstorm ideas. The History 14 City Council May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
Committee recommended a modest three-part celebration in 2025, followed by a larger gala event in 2030 for the 75th anniversary. Their proposed activities include formal recognition during the December Council reorganization with a birthday cake, potential heritage house tours (pending renovation completion), and historical displays or open houses throughout the year involving students and the community. Additionally, they suggested including a birthday cake at the Town Picnic to reach a broader audience.
Meanwhile, the Parks and Recreation and Community Events Committee considered a variety of celebratory formats, ranging from formal events like a masquerade ball or black-tie gala to smaller events throughout the year. They proposed several potential venues—including local country clubs and wineries—with estimated ticket prices ranging from $150 to $220 per person. Entertainment options discussed included a DJ and interactive elements such as a community cake contest. The committee is still gathering details on venue availability and pricing before making final recommendations. Emina concluded by requesting City Council direction on how staff should proceed with planning the 70th anniversary activities.
Public Comments:
Jim Waschura, a Los Altos Hills resident, suggested that waiting until the 75th anniversary of the Town of Los Altos Hills is the best idea for a big event. Mr. Waschura thinks we should celebrate the Town’s 70th birthday in collaboration with the annual Town Picnic.
Kjell Karlsson, a Los Altos Hills resident, thinks the Town should celebrate the 70th anniversary and the 75th anniversary.
Duffy Price, a Los Altos Hills resident, loved the idea that we should celebrate the 70th anniversary at the Town Picnic and the History Committee can do a tour of the Heritage House.
Mrs. Price suggested creating a committee to organize the anniversary events.
There was a consensus of the City Council to celebrate the 70th Anniversary in collaboration with current Town events (i.e., Council Reorganization and Town Picnic). The History Committee will work on an Anthology to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Town of Los Altos Hills.
B. Review and Reappointment of Active Ad Hoc Committees 15 City Council May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
C. Consideration of Adding a City Council Meeting on Monday, July 21, 2025, and Canceling the Scheduled Regular City Council Meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2025 Council Member Swan made a motion to add a Regular City Council Meeting on Monday, July 21, 2025 and Cancel the Scheduled Regular City Council Meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Council Member Mok seconded the motion. APPROVED, VOTE 5-0
9. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND COUNCIL MEMBERS ON
OUTSIDE AGENCIES
A. Work Summary and request for increased staffing and budget for the Planning Department Planning Commission Chair Rajiv Patel provided an update on Planning Commission activities, including staffing and budgeting needs for the Planning Department. He reported that many Housing Element-related activities, ordinance updates, and ministerial checklist tasks are progressing slower than appropriate, while other important topics such as fire safety, road safety, tree ordinances, and landscape policy reviews are not currently prioritized. He noted that activities that should be performed by staff are being offloaded to contractors, resulting in a loss of critical institutional knowledge. Chair Patel recommended reviewing and planning Planning Department staffing to an adequate level, using consultants as needed for expertise or peak workloads, and hiring staff ahead of anticipated needs, particularly as workload will increase with multi-family housing planning and increased ministerial reviews.
Chair Patel also summarized updates from the May 1, 2025, Planning Commission meeting, which included discussions and clarifications on SB-9 ordinance floor area exemptions (clarifying there are no exemptions for SB-9 developments, only for ADUs), SB-9 maximum floor area for sub-acre lots under SB 450, interpretations of the Town’s grading policy for height restrictions on decks, balconies, and terraces, updates to the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, and ongoing work on multi-family zoning and objective design standards.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Jim Waschura, a Los Altos Hills resident, emphasized that the Planning Commission has already stripped away everything nonessential and is only working on urgent items. Waschura explained that the main issue is not whether residents feel well-served in the permitting process, but rather fulfilling state housing mandates and completing housing element requirements on time and adequately. He noted that while resident input does create some hurdles, it must be integrated, and with the pace of quick changes, mistakes will occur and need correction later.
Waschura stated that the increasing workload is not temporary or at a peak level that can be handled by hiring consultants, but is a growing demand due to ministerial approvals and related work. He recommended the Town prepare for this increasing workload by hiring ahead of need, suggesting that if four staff are needed, five should be hired, especially given the quick turnover rate of about one and a half years. He concluded by emphasizing that there is no longer an option to sort urgent from important tasks, as only important obligations to the state and housing element remain, and those are his main concerns.
Peter Pertegos, a Los Altos Hills resident, provided live statistics on current permit timelines experienced by residents. He shared that it currently takes approximately seven months to receive an encroachment permit needed to prune trees in the public road area, work which the fire 16 City Council May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
department has mandated to obtain final permit approval. Additionally, driveway modification or improvement permits are taking about six months. Pertegos agreed with Planning Commission Chair Rajiv Patel that some items do not need to be outsourced to third-party consultants. He noted that plan-checking an existing driveway improvement for simple resurfacing should not require a full plan check, as it adds unnecessary burden and delays. Clarifying his example, Pertegos explained that while the fire department approves access routes and may recommend tree pruning for fire truck clearance, it is the Town’s permit process for this pruning that took seven months. He concluded by stating there is a shortage of staff and suggested that there should be a way to fast-track simple permit requests.
John O’Connell, a Los Altos Hills resident, stated that there is no question the experience and knowledge of the Town’s code have decreased over time, noting that it takes time to build up this understanding because the code is complex, though not intentionally so. He commented that while the Town should increase ministerial approvals for planning applications, fast-tracking is not the solution, as it allows inappropriate projects to go through due to staff not knowing the code well enough. Instead, he recommended revising the code to enable ministerial approvals, which would mean that applications not meeting the clear standards would simply be rejected, discouraging architects from submitting noncompliant plans. O’Connell emphasized that this approach requires significant work and experienced staff. He concluded by saying the key message he heard was that the Town does not have enough people, and while Planning Commission Chair Rajiv Patel suggested forming a committee to determine staffing needs, O’Connell proposed directly hiring three new planners to improve staff capacity and experience in planning.
Sabrina Powers, a Los Altos Hills resident, shared that she received her temporary occupancy last week and will be moving in this week. She stated that based on her experience with the planning and building process over the past four years, she agrees with Planning Commission Chair Rajiv Patel that the Town needs to hire more staff, as the permitting process is slow.
Bowers described situations where she began the permitting process only to later be told her proposal was not allowed, resulting in wasted time and fees. She suggested that having more senior planners would be helpful and noted that Jeremy Lowe, their first planner, was excellent.
Bowers expressed appreciation for improvements made by Jay Bradford, such as allowing digital submissions, which eliminated the need for her to personally drive plans to CSG to save processing time. She concluded by emphasizing that while these changes have helped, the department remains short-staffed, and she would be happy to speak with anyone further about her experiences, as they have not yet received their permanent occupancy.
Allan Epstein, a Los Altos Hills resident, stated that well-run systems require measurements and feedback, and the reason questions cannot be answered is that performance is not being measured. He noted that the Planning Department is supposed to produce monthly reports detailing the number of houses coming in for permits, but no such reports have been issued in 2025. Epstein emphasized that measuring system performance, having a feedback loop, and evaluating processes are necessary. He praised Jay Bradford for doing a fabulous job despite 17 City Council May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
being overwhelmed with work, describing him as a “one-handed paper hanger” needing more assistance. Epstein added that to implement administrative processes effectively, the Town needs clear procedures, checklists, and detailed guidelines. He commented that in the past, excessive building permits resulted from a lack of procedures on how policies should be implemented, combined with staff turnover, leading people to do their best without clear direction. He concluded by stating that better procedures, measurement, feedback, and additional staff are needed.
Vice Mayor Bhateja made a motion directed staff to establish a date for a Study Session to discuss Performance and Staffing in the Planning Department. Council Member Mok seconded the motion. APPROVED, VOTE 5-0
B. Ad Hoc Committee recommendation regarding the process for consideration of potential housing sites
Vice Mayor Bhateja and Council Member Stanley Mok jointly presented Item 9B (Ad Hoc Committee Recommendation Regarding the Process for Consideration of Potential Housing Sites) and Item 9C (Ad Hoc Committee Report on the Development Agreement Option) as a combined item.
C. Ad Hoc Committee Report on Development Agreement Option Vice Mayor Bhateja explained that the City Council had directed them to pursue three options: one proposed by Resident John O’Connell, one proposed by the consultants including Veronica Tam and representatives from Michael Baker, and a third for the ad hoc committee to revisit a possible development agreement. At the March 20th Council meeting, one option was removed, leaving only the consultant proposal and the development agreement option. Vice Mayor Bhateja stated that their approach to the development agreement was to represent the Town’s interests and achieve the goals defined for them, using a win-win mentality with the owner and considering resident input and Town ordinances. They held over 60 hours of meetings with the owner’s representatives, the city attorney, staff, and residents during two study sessions. Despite making several attempts to come to a meeting of the minds and being very close on a couple of occasions, there were continual, abrupt, and sudden changes, reversals, and reneges from the other side, often happening late in the process, such as 48 hours before a Council meeting, making it very challenging to reach an agreement. Vice Mayor Bhateja noted that development agreements are far more complicated and difficult to negotiate than key terms agreements, and since they were not meeting with success even on key terms, they felt it did not bode well for pursuing a development agreement. Therefore, their efforts failed, and they are recommending terminating the ad hoc committee and giving up on the development agreement option. The only remaining option is to amend the land use element and housing element according to the consultants’ proposal, which focuses development on lots 4, 5, and 6, whereas the ad hoc committee approach focused more on lots 1 and part of lot 2.
Council Member Mok added that there are 20 months until the mid-cycle review on January 31, 2027, and by that time some permits should be drawn. In his opinion, this is not going to be possible with Twin Oaks, the current sites, or Saint Nicholas School, as they have not given positive input.
Foothill College reduced the number of units they are allowing from 200 down to 50, and there is no assurance of progress on any sites at this point. Council Member Mok explained that site 18 City Council May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
selection is a very long and extraordinarily complex process and recommended starting consideration of alternative sites now to help with the current cycle and prepare for the next. He noted that at every meeting he and Vice Mayor Bhateja had a different set of documents to review than previously agreed upon, and final documentation always came back different. Each side had attorneys reviewing the documents, and despite getting very close, the agreements always fell apart due to other issues. He thanked City Attorney Steve Mattas for always being there for them, including during holidays and expressed gratitude to City Manager Peter Pirnejad for his diligence, patience, and willingness to attend meetings even on weekends and holidays, despite some meetings not being kind. Council Member Mok also thanked staff, consultants Michael Baker and Associates, and residents for their valuable input and participation, emphasizing that their involvement is important because the work is not done yet.
Council Member Mok concluded, recommending that the ad hoc committee be dissolved and the development agreement option terminated. He noted they gave it every try and while they failed temporarily, it is not a permanent condition, and they will continue until there is a resolution. He recommended proceeding with zoning under the plan proposed by the consultants, and if there are any needed changes, they will make those recommendations as well. Finally, he suggested directing staff to begin considering alternative sites for multifamily housing, acknowledging that although this is not a low-resource task, having viable alternative sites available would be beneficial to meet RHNA numbers by 2031 or for use in the next cycle.
Public Comment:
1. John O’Connell, Town of Los Altos Hills resident, reminded the Council that during the housing element scoping discussions, he had written to them on February 9th emphasizing that identifying additional housing element sites was a key decision, but the Council decided not to pursue it at that time. He stated that it now needs to be done quickly, as he believes the letter recently received indicates a far bigger problem than just the mid-cycle review. He expressed concern that the letter was deliberately intended to make it impossible for the Town to move forward with developing lots 4, 5, and 6, which would trigger a 180-day clock and could result in the housing element becoming decertified, something he described as Council Member Linda’s greatest fear becoming reality. O’Connell emphasized the urgency of the situation and clarified that the housing element amendment he proposed had been narrowed down to a discussion comparing the Michael Baker proposal with his approach to dwelling units per acre. He recommended first recalculating the remaining need to reduce the problem’s scale, then recalculating the buffers, and finally to identify 50 sites and complete the work. He concluded by stating that if his first recommended step had not been terminated, the Town would have been ready to submit the housing element amendment to HCD by the end of this month.
Vice Mayor Bhateja made a motion terminate the discussion on the Twin Oaks Development Agreement and dissolve the Housing Element Ad Hoc Committee. Council Member Tyson seconded the motion. APPROVED, VOTE 5-0.
MOTION PASSED: 5-0
AYES: Tankha, Bhateja, Mok, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
RECUSE: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
19 City Council May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
Council Member Tyson made a motion to extend the City Council Meeting past 10 PM in compliance with Ordinance No. 506. Mayor Tankha seconded the motion. APPROVED, VOTE 5-0
Council Member Swan made a motion to not direct staff to consider alternate sites for multifamily. The motion failed due to a lack of a second.
Vice Mayor Bhateja made a motion that we direct staff to proceed with considering alternate sites for multifamily housing without disrupting the January 31st deadline. Mayor Tankha seconded the motion. APPROVED, VOTE 4-1.
MOTION PASSED: 4-1
AYES: Tankha, Bhateja, Mok, Tyson
NOES: Swan
RECUSE: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
10. STAFF REPORTS
A. City Attorney Steve Mattas had no report.
B. City Clerk Arika Miller provided an update on the implementation of the electronic voting system. At this time, we are still working through a few remaining technology-related issues that need to be resolved before we can fully roll out the software.
C. Planning Director Jay Bradford expanded on the organization's staffing levels as a follow up to a presentation made by the Planning Commissioner Rajiv Patel. This report highlighted the balance between current planning responsibilities and additional long-range planning items being added to staff workload as the department assesses long-term staffing needs to match the projected tasks through the coming budget cycle. Director Bradford also reviewed the department's recent work, preparing new Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps for Council hearing and highlighted ongoing work on long-range planning efforts, including the Housing Element Amendment and key ordinance amendments, which are being heard at the Planning Commission level. The report included an update on the department's summer Internship program, which concluded interviews this week, and is slated to begin with two new interns are joining the team in early June.
D. Finance Director Thomas Leung provided the following update: Intern Interviews: We held interviews this week for our upcoming internship program. We look forward to welcoming a new intern who will support a range of Town projects this summer. FY 2025–26 Proposed Budget: The Proposed Budget is now available online at the Town's website. Printed copies are also available at Town Hall for City Council and FIC members. Two key meetings are scheduled:
On May 22 at 4:00 PM, there will be a joint Council and Finance & Investment Committee meeting to present the Proposed Budget. On June 26 at 6:00 PM, the Council will consider and adopt the final budget. Annual Interim Audit: Our annual interim audit for FY 2024–25 is currently underway. The external auditors are reviewing our financial systems, internal controls, and preliminary balances in preparation for the year-end audit. This is a standard part of our annual financial reporting process, and I want to thank staff for their cooperation. Routine State Audit – Gas Tax & RMRP: The State Controller’s Office will be conducting an on-site audit beginning May 19. This will cover the Town’s Special Gas Tax Street Fund 7 City Council 20 City Council May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting Recap May 15, 2025 and Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The audit may include review of transactions as far back as the last Gas Tax audit, which ended in 2003. Fieldwork is expected to last about four weeks.
E. Public Works Director WooJae Kim provided the following update: Mowing Schedule Every year around this time in spring, residents inquire and request vegetation mowing around the Town. The Public Works maintenance staff mow along public ROW, pathways, and open space. The Town’s mowing work started last month, and it will continue through the summer, even during some Saturdays. We try to start mowing to minimize a second round of mowing needed. Staff request that residents continue to submit mowing requests on the non-emergency, “Report a Problem” portal, on the Town’s website. Speed Limit Signs on Altamont Road The vehicle speed limit for Altamont Road is 30 MPH. Upon a request from the Sheriff’s Office, staff will be installing few more speed limit signs along Almonte Road between Page Mill and Moody as an attempt to make drivers more aware of the traffic speed limits and also so that speed enforcements can occur. Speed Feedback Sign For the new speed feedback sign, the Town recently received the sign with a new trailer. This unit can be hauled to different streets in the Town to flash speeds of vehicles and also to keep track of excessive vehicular speeds. This information can be shared with the Sheriff’s Office to conduct more focused traffic enforcement.
Staff will start rolling out the sign soon after receiving training on the cloud application that keeps track of the speed data. Summerhill Avenue Pathways – Phase II Staff was asked to report out on the schedule of the Summerhill Pathway project. Phase II of the project involves installing pathways on the remainder of Summerhill Road between Nicole Lane to Magdalena. Phase II project had to be postponed due to other priority projects being added to the Council Work Plan.
Staff is still working with the County for the encroachment permit, which is pending approval of the final plans, mitigation plan for trees being removed, and maintenance and indemnification agreement for the pathway to be built. There is still one property where an easement is required for the project to move forward. Staff is aiming spring of next year to secure the encroachment permit from the County and start construction by summer 2026. Biking Advisory Signages for Pathways As a Council Initiated Item on April 17, the City Council directed staff to bring back an item to Council to request the Pathways Committee to investigate safety concerns of bikes on pathways and make recommendations. Staff initiated the discussion with the Pathways Committee at their April 28th meeting. They will review the issue and recommend advisory signages for bicyclists to slow down at certain pathways. Staff will bring back Pathways Committee’s recommendations to Council for consideration at a future time. Ford F250 Replacement At the February 20th meeting, Council authorized the replacement of the Ford F250 truck, 8 City Council Regular Meeting Recap May 15, 2025 which required a new engine and a radiator. Last week, the Town received the replacement truck from Ford Store in Morgan Hill.
The truck is almost fully equipment. The Town was able to obtain Ford F450 with higher payloads and towing capacity for only a couple of thousand more, but well within the amount authorized by Council.
F. City Manager Peter Pirnejad provided the following update: The City Manager acknowledged the dedication and hard work of Town staff in supporting the evolving goals of the City Council. Despite being a lean team, staff members routinely go above and beyond— often working extended hours and even adjusting personal time—to ensure Council initiatives and priority projects remain on track. PalAmerican Contract The current contract with PalAmerican, which covers Fiscal Year 2024–2025, is set to expire on June 30, 2025. In alignment with City Council discussion held in February, staff is proposing to enter into a new agreement for Fiscal Year 2025–2026, maintaining the existing service level of three patrol shifts per day. Unless concerns are raised, staff will proceed with executing the contract for the next 21 City Council May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
fiscal year. KMVT Services KMVT broadcasting services are scheduled to begin in July. A preliminary demonstration was conducted during the meeting, and the service appears to have been positively received. “Short-Sleeve” Study Session Staff is planning an informal "ShortSleeve" Study Session with the City Council in late September. This session will serve as an opportunity to discuss a range of emerging topics relevant to the Town, including: • South County Fire District • 2035 mandate for electric vehicle transitions • Garbage contract renewal • Westwind Barn improvements (arenas, barn, paddocks) • Town communication strategies • Emergency preparedness • Long-term fiscal sustainability, including revenue and expenditure alignment Coyote Town Hall The Town and its partner agency, Palo Alto Animal Control, have seen an increase in calls regarding coyote activity. To enhance public education on coexistence and safety practices, staff is organizing a Coyote Town Hall. The event—last held eight years ago—is tentatively scheduled for late June and will be promoted via the Town’s weekly newsletter and website. Internship Program Staff has begun interviewing candidates for the summer internship program. The Town anticipates filling five intern positions for the June– August term. Contract Management System – Laserfiche A new contract management module has been implemented within the Town’s Laserfiche system. The platform will assist staff in tracking expiring agreements and, for added transparency, allow the public to access contracts through an online portal. Upcoming Events 78th Annual Los Altos Kiwanis Pet Parade The Town of Los Altos Hills will participate in the 78th Annual Los Altos Kiwanis Pet Parade on Saturday at 10:00 AM in Downtown Los Altos. Residents are invited to walk with 9 City Council Regular Meeting Recap May 15, 2025 the Town banner and showcase their pets in this cherished community tradition. Town Picnic – Sunday, June 1, 2025 The annual Town Picnic will feature a barbecue lunch by Coyote Sergio BBQ (new this year), along with beverages, ice cream, live entertainment, and games for all ages. The 15th Classic Car Show will also be held, highlighting vehicles owned by local residents. This event is organized by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Events Committee with support from dedicated community volunteers. Preregistration is required for accurate meal planning, and attendees must present proof of residency.
Please note that pets are not permitted at the event.
COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
A. Discussion and Consideration of Opposition to Assembly Bill 306 There was a Consensus of the Council to bring this item back on a future agenda City Council Meeting Agenda.
B. Consider and create a City Council Ad Hoc Committee to Review Fire Service Options for the Town
*This item was removed from consideration at this meeting.
C. Status of the current issue of Our Town
Public Comments:
Mike Salameh, spoke in support of the OurTown news publication.
Duffy Price, spoke in support of the OurTown news publication.
Dave Stewart, spoke in support of the OurTown news publication.
Jitze Couperis, spoke in support of the OurTown news publication. 22 City Council May 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
Kjell Karlsson, spoke in support of the OurTown news publication.
ADJOURN
Mayor Tankha adjourned the meeting, which will be continued on June 18th to continue Item 7A at 11:28 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Arika Birdsong-Miller
City Clerk