Approved September 18, 2025
Monday, July 21, 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: 17 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
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
1. AGENDA REVIEW
Mayor Tankha announced that Item 9A (Report from the Los Altos Hills County Fire District) would be moved up on the agenda and heard immediately after Item 3 (Presentations from the Floor), in order to allow interested residents to hear the report without having to wait until the end of the meeting.
2. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
A. LAMV Community Foundation
Executive Director Crysta Krames provided an update on the work of the Los Altos Mountain View Community Foundation and its impact in Los Altos Hills.
She highlighted the Ready Together Coalition, a regional collaboration convened by LAMVCF that brings together nonprofits, faith-based groups, public agencies, and community leaders to strengthen disaster preparedness and response. Key partners include Resilient Los Altos, Hidden Villa, the LDS Church EMS volunteers, and the LAH County Fire District.
Krames commended the Town for its leadership in emergency preparedness, including recent Emergency Operations exercises and CERT engagement. She also emphasized LAMVCF's support for community events such as Spring Fling and Oktoberfest, which help foster civic engagement and showcase the work of the Foundation’s 18 fiscally sponsored projects—collectively known as the Local Impact Collective.
Highlighted local projects included GreenTown Los Altos, the MVLA Service League of Boys (SLOBs), and Los Altos Forward. Krames encouraged continued collaboration through the Ready Together Coalition and suggested future opportunities such as joint grant applications for community resilience and expanded support for Teen CERT efforts.
Krames concluded by recognizing the Town’s strong commitment to building a resilient, connected community and expressed LAMVCF’s pride in being a partner in that work.
B. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District - Intro to Midpen/Project Update Board Member Yoriko Kishimoto presented a 2025 district update on behalf of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. She provided an overview of Midpen’s mission to preserve open space, protect natural habitats, and provide ecologically sensitive public access across Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties. Since its founding in 1972, Midpen has preserved over 72,000 acres and maintains 250+ miles of trails across 27 open space preserves.
Kishimoto highlighted the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program, which includes prescribed burns to reduce wildfire risk and restore native ecosystems. She also provided an update on the Rancho San Antonio ADA Pathway Improvement Project, which is currently undergoing CEQA review with construction anticipated in FY27.
Additional updates included Midpen’s Outreach Partnership Program, which engages underserved communities through outdoor programs with partners such as Latino Outdoors and the East Palo Alto Library. She also discussed the Mountain Lion Conservation Study, which uses GPS tracking to inform wildlife and public safety strategies, and shared Midpen’s rodenticide awareness campaign to protect local wildlife.
Board Member Kishimoto concluded by encouraging residents to stay involved by visiting Midpen’s website and attending upcoming events.
C. Reappointment to the Environmental Design & Protection Committee (EDPC) - Elizabeth Loinaz
Mayor Tankha made a motion to Reappoint Elizabeth Loinaz to the Environmental Design & Protection Committee (EDPC). Vice Mayor Bhateja seconded the motion. Approved, Vote 5-0
3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
1. Michael Grady, a Los Altos Hills resident, recalled the Council’s May action to pursue a simple Housing Element amendment to rezone Twin Oaks lots 4, 5, and 6 per the Michael Baker proposal. He expressed concern that no draft amendment has been presented, disputed the Town Manager’s report stating that staff was directed to revisit the amendment process, and referenced his email exchange included in the agenda packet. He stated that the staff has delayed the amendment and requested that the Council direct the staff to complete it promptly.
2. Rudy Wen, a Los Altos Hills resident, reported that his home was burglarized last week while his family was inside; no one was injured, but the incident was frightening. He noted approximately five incidents on his street in recent years, despite forming a neighborhood watch, and said two neighbors moved due to safety concerns. He thanked staff (Cody) for discussing deterrence measures and urged the Council to make public safety a top priority. He asked the Town to consider increased deterrence/monitoring— specifically revisiting automated license plate reader (ALPR) coverage, which he stated had been reduced from about 40 to 31 cameras—during upcoming budget discussions and to solicit resident feedback. He stated the Sheriff’s Office responded promptly to his 911 call and took a statement, but he has not yet received a follow-up; he requested greater visibility and transparency. He expressed appreciation and advocated for increased security in Town.
3. Birgitta Indaco, a Los Altos Hills resident, highlights from the July 10 Planning Commission meeting. She reported that the site development permit for the Water District Operations Center was approved on a 4–1 vote (Indico opposed). She noted the approval included approximately 10 variances, including: maximum floor area of a little over 8,000 sq. ft., maximum development area of ~45,000 sq. ft., a 20-foot retaining wall with hillside excavation, and a building height of 32 feet 8 inches. She stated the Commission is continuing work on Objective Design Standards (with a follow-up meeting on Thursday, July 24) and expects a first look at proposed amendments to the Housing Element and Land Use Element. She also referenced discussion of the impacts of SB 9, ADUs, and SB 450, with Commissioner Rajiv Patel coordinating with staff to bring back recommendations, and a discussion on story poles (Program B-16). She mentioned the CAL FIRE maps/lots item has not yet been agenized. She thanked the Vice Mayor for attending Planning Commission meetings.
4. John O’Connell, a Los Altos Hills resident, referenced the Council’s stated priority on the Housing Element and expressed support for a Councilmember’s suggestion to form an ad hoc committee to evaluate additional multifamily sites. He cautioned that the Housing Element risks decertification and stated that Program A-12 (noted in HCD’s May letter) has not advanced. He said current Objective Design Standards require a minimum 3.5-acre site for multifamily, which he believes limits alternatives, and suggested any further amendment work could cost approximately $250,000 with the consultant. He asserted the Housing Element amendment should already be available (noting he had proposed a more complex version by August 1) and noted the amendment focuses on Twin Oaks lots 4–6, while the property owner has communicated to the Town and HCD opposition to rezoning. He urged the Council to consider these issues and not proceed without addressing them.
4. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS (items provided solely for informational purposes) A. Treasurer’s Report – This item was provided solely for informational purposes.
B. Disbursement Report - This item was provided solely for informational purposes.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Bhateja made a motion to Approve the Consent Calendar as presented. 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
A. Approval of the Regular City Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2025 Approved, Vote 5-0
B. Approval of the Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes June 18, 2025 at 5 PM Approved, Vote 5-0
C. Approval of the Special Meeting Minutes June 18, 2025 at 6 PM Approved, Vote 5-0
D. Approval of the Special Meeting Minutes June 20, 2025 Approved, Vote 5-0 E. Approval of the Regular Adjourned Meeting Minutes June 24, 2025 Approved, Vote 5-0
F. Vacating Appointment to the Los Altos Hills Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee - Jim Basiji Approved, Vote 5-0
G. Resolution Accepting an Open Space Easement at 26875 Nina Place (Lands of Bowers) File #ER22-0007 Approved, Vote 5-0
H. Resolution Granting the Request for Extensions of the Expiration Dates for Various Building Permits Approved, Vote 5-0
I. Resolution Granting Request for Extension of the Expiration Date for a Site Development Permit for the Construction of a New Addition and ADU, Lands of Rajwar; 26880 Ortega Drive, Permit(EX25-0004, SD22-0006) Approved, Vote 5-0 J. Resolution Granting Request for Extension of the Expiration Date for a Site Development Permit for the Construction of a New Residence, Lands Of Xie; 14735 Saltamontes Way (SD23-0004, EX25-0005) Approved, Vote 5-0 K. Resolution Accepting the Los Altos Hills Three-Year Information Technology Strategic Plan FY26-28 Approved, Vote 5-0
L. Authorization for the History Committee to Publicize and Host the Fall Presentation on September 21, 2025. Approved, Vote 5-0
M. Vacating Appointment to the Los Altos Hills Technology Committee - Lew Jamison Approved, Vote 5-0
6. ONGOING BUSINESS
A. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a One-Year Agreement with Victoria Bebee for Emergency Management Consultant Services Not to Exceed $140,000 Approved, Vote 5-0
MOTION PASSED: 5-0
AYES: Tankha, Bhateja, Mok, Swan, Tyson
NOES: None
RECUSE: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
7. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Consideration of an Ordinance Making Amendments to Article 8 of Chapter 2, Title 10 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code related to the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance; Town of Los Altos Hills; File #MCA25-0002. Waiver of reading and Introduction of an ordinance to amend the Town’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) to decrease the current Water Conservation Factor, and to increase the landscape deposit to an amount which the City Council deems necessary.
Council Member Swan made a motion to Waive the First Reading and Introduce an Ordinance Making Amendments to Article 8 of Chapter 2, Title 10 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code related to the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) to decrease the current Water Conservation Factors from .8 to 0.65 immediately, then lower to 0.45 by 2028.
Vice Mayor Bhateja 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
8. NEW BUSINESS- None
9. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUBCOMMITTEES, AND COUNCILMEMBERS
ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
A. Report from the Los Altos Hills Community Fire District General Manager Jay Logan and Finance Director Russell Morreale presented the LAHCFD’s FY2025–2026 Adopted Budget, highlighting a continued focus on fire safety, emergency preparedness, and regional collaboration. The $22.17 million budget supports key initiatives outlined in the District’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan and multi-year Workplan, including defensible space programs, community outreach, infrastructure investments, and enhanced emergency response capabilities.
Key highlights included:
• Strong Financial Position: The District enters the fiscal year with a healthy fund balance, enabling investments in wildfire mitigation, public safety infrastructure, and contingency reserves.
• Major Projects: The budget supports the second phase of the multi-year $6 million I280 Fuel Break Project, the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) rebate program, and a new pilot roadside weed mitigation mowing program.
• Capital Planning: Funding is allocated for a proposed new fire facility to improve emergency response and accommodate population growth. Investments continue in upgraded equipment, technology, and staff development.
• New Costing Model: A separate cost center for Community Infrastructure & Major Projects was introduced to better track and manage large-scale, multi-year projects. • Community Programs: Continued funding for the District’s education and outreach efforts, including Firewise USA, CERT/Teen CERT, and neighborhood evacuation workshops.
• Staffing and Operations: The District maintains 13.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and has added benefits programs to attract and retain high-performing staff.
Ms. Logan emphasized the importance of fiscal sustainability, emergency readiness, and delivering on community-focused fire prevention services while remaining agile in the face of evolving risks.
B. Vice Mayor Bhateja provided an update on the Technology Committee
10. STAFF REPORTS
A. City Attorney Steve Mattas had no report.
B. City Clerk Arika Miller reminded the public that there will be no City Council meeting in August. The next regularly scheduled meeting will take place on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. She also confirmed that the electronic voting system is now fully operational for casting and recording votes during City Council meetings.
C. Planning Director Jay Bradford reported that staff has submitted the final Fire Hazard Severity Zone ordinance and accompanying map to the State Board of Forestry. While a response has been received, formal acceptance of the submittal is still pending. Mr. Bradford also noted that with the adoption of the new State budget on June 30, several legislative items previously introduced through Assembly and Senate bills have now been incorporated into the State's work plan. These changes impact local authority over residential building code modifications and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) statutory exemptions.
Specifically, under AB 130, the Town has reviewed the implications for home hardening and reach codes. In collaboration with Silicon Valley Clean Energy and legal counsel, staff believe the Town can continue to pursue home hardening measures as local building code modifications. Additionally, it appears that reach codes may still be applied if a jurisdiction's general plan, adopted before June 10, 2025, includes greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies. As Los Altos Hills’ general plan contains such language, staff is optimistic that local initiatives in these areas may continue despite recent legislative changes.
D. Finance Director Thomas Leung reported that the Finance Department is currently processing disbursements for unclaimed property owed by the Town. Notices have been issued, and staff is actively coordinating with claimants to return eligible funds. In addition, the department will be focusing on updating financial policies and preparing for the upcoming year-end audit throughout the summer. Mr. Leung also noted that later this week, copies of the adopted budget book will be distributed to the City Council and the Finance and Investment Committee (FIC).
E. Public Works Director WooJae Kim provided an update on several ongoing projects. He reported that the contractor for the Matadero Creek Erosion Project has successfully installed cofferdams for dewatering, cleared and graded the site, and laid the geotextile fabric according to design specifications. This week, the contractor is installing riprap along the creek and banks. The creek restoration and stabilization work is expected to be completed by the end of July, with onsite mitigation planting scheduled for October. Staff will continue to oversee a ten-year mitigation and monitoring plan associated with the project.
Regarding the Summerhill Avenue Pathway – Phase II project, Mr. Kim noted that project plans were recently resubmitted to the County for the required encroachment permit. Staff is still working with the County on the associated maintenance and indemnification agreement.
The County has requested ADA-compliant curb ramps at street intersections, which staff is currently challenging. Additionally, staff is preparing a tree replacement plan to mitigate removals at the project site, as required by the County. A pathway easement still needs to be obtained from one property, and staff is working with a nearby resident who has concerns about vegetation removal and the proposed path’s proximity to his property. Due to these outstanding items, construction is anticipated to begin in spring or summer 2026.
On the Broadband Fiber Project, staff is awaiting a resubmittal from Los Altos Hills Community Fiber for an encroachment permit on Fremont Road. After initial review, Community Fiber proposed relocating the fiber cabinet closer to the Purissima Hills Water District building, a change staff supports. Mr. Kim noted that staff may return to Council in October or November to provide a project update and request an extension to the reimbursement agreement, which is currently set to expire at the end of the year.
Lastly, Mr. Kim provided an update on the Pathway Development Impact Fee. Staff will present the latest updates at the Finance and Investment Committee (FIC) special meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 4:00 p.m., and again to the Pathways Committee on July 28. Public participation is encouraged at both meetings. Staff will gather feedback and recommendations from both committees and intends to present the fee update and related ordinance amendments to the Planning Commission on September 4, before returning to the City Council on September 18.
F. City Manager Peter Pirnejad shared that the Town’s mobile trailer speed feedback sign has been deployed and is now collecting data on when and where speeding is occurring. The trailer will remain at each location for approximately two weeks before being moved to a new area. Staff is analyzing the data and coordinating with the Sheriff’s Office to better understand patterns of speeding and address them accordingly.
Mr. Pirnejad also reported that the Sheriff’s Office has completed its reconciliation of the Town’s FY 2024–25 service hours. As the Town did not use its full allotment—primarily due to unused overtime hours—a reimbursement check for $227,000 was issued to the Town.
He then provided a preview of upcoming events. The annual Movie Night in the Park, hosted by the Los Altos Hills Youth Commission, will take place on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Purissima Park. The event will feature a tropical theme, with dinner available from Daniel’s Kitchen, sweet treats from Mister Softee, and a screening of Moana 2 beginning at 8:15 p.m.
Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m., and while the event is free to attend, dinner is not included.
Finally, Mr. Pirnejad invited the community to attend the 7th Annual Los Altos Hills vs. Los Altos Adult Softball Game, scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Attendees can look forward to a spirited competition as the teams face off for the coveted Gleaming Glove Trophy.
11. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
A. Create an Ad Hoc Committee to engage with the Administration of Foothill College to facilitate the development of multi-family campus housing.
Vice Mayor Bhateja, the requester of this item, requested that it be withdrawn from consideration on this agenda.
12. ADJOURN
Mayor Tankha adjourned the meeting in memory of former Mayor John Harpootlian, who passed away on July 13, 2025. She reflected on Mr. Harpootlian’s long-standing contributions to the community, noting his career as a software engineer and his dedicated public service as a Planning Commissioner, City Council Member, and Mayor.
He also chaired the Town’s 60th Anniversary Celebration in 2016 and was a passionate bridge player, earning the title of Ruby Life Master. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy (“Duffy”), and his sister, Linda. Mayor Tankha led a moment of silence in his honor before formally adjourning the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:48 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Arika Birdsong-Miller, City Clerk