Approved September 17, 2026
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California
Present: Mayor Rajiv Bhateja, Vice Mayor Linda Swan, Council Member Stanley Mok, and Council Member George Tyson
Absent: Council Member Kavita Tankha
Staff: City Manager Cody Einfalt, Community Development Director Jay Bradford, Public Works Director WooJae Kim, and City Clerk Arika Birdsong-Miller
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rajiv Bhateja called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Rajiv Bhateja, Vice Mayor Linda Swan, Council Member Stanley Mok, and Council Member George Tyson were present.
Council Member Kavita Tankha was absent.
A quorum was present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
1. AGENDA REVIEW
There being no changes requested, the agenda was accepted as presented.
2. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
A. Proclamation Recognizing George Lee
Mayor Bhateja presented a proclamation recognizing George Lee for his outstanding volunteer service and contributions to the Town.
Mayor Bhateja highlighted Mr. Lee's significant contributions of time, expertise, and resources, including installation of electric vehicle chargers at Town Hall, assistance with modernization of the Town's security and electronic access-control systems, service on the Technology Committee and Environmental Initiatives Committee, and provision of Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity for community events.
Mr. Lee thanked the Town for the recognition and stated that he loved the Town and was always happy to help.
B. Recognize the Town of Los Altos Hills 2026 Summer Interns City Manager Cody Einfalt recognized the Town's 2026 summer interns and described their work supporting various Town departments.
The interns assisted Public Works with roadway rehabilitation and pathway projects; Community Development with Conditional Use Permit tracking, zoning and development applications; Finance with permit-fee deposit reconciliation and other financial work; and the City Manager's Office with projects including research related to the City Attorney Request for Proposals.
The City Council thanked the interns for their contributions, and certificates of recognition were presented.
C. Appointment to the Finance & Investment Committee - Dana Stalder The City Council considered the appointment of Dana Stalder to the Finance & Investment Committee.
Mr. Stalder was unable to attend the meeting.
There was no public comment.
MOTION MADE: Council Member Mok moved to appoint Dana Stalder to the Finance & Investment Committee.
MOTION SECONDED: Council Member Tyson.
AYES: Mayor Bhateja, Vice Mayor Swan, Council Members Mok and Tyson NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED: 4-0-1.
D. Reappointment to the History Committee - Bernardo Ferrari Bernardo Ferrari addressed the City Council and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the History Committee and his affection for the Town.
Council Members thanked Mr. Ferrari for his service and contributions to preserving and presenting the history of Los Altos Hills.
There was no public comment.
MOTION MADE: Vice Mayor Swan moved to reappoint Bernardo Ferrari to the History Committee.
MOTION SECONDED: Mayor Bhateja
AYES: Mayor Bhateja, Vice Mayor Swan, Council Members Mok and Tyson NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED: 4-0-1
E. Appointments to the Housing Element Implementation Committee - Bernardo Ferrari, Bridget Morgan, Carol Gottlieb, Cheryl Evans, Gregory Leonard, Lucille Glassman, Michael Grady, Sue Welch, and Khushnum Dastur
The City Council considered appointments to the newly established Housing Element Implementation Committee. Applicants in attendance introduced themselves and discussed their backgrounds, interest in serving, and experience related to housing, land use, planning, environmental protection, and community involvement.
Council Members thanked the applicants for volunteering and discussed the importance of having a range of perspectives represented on the Committee.
MOTION MADE: Council Member Tyson moved to appoint all nine applicants - Bernardo Ferrari, Bridget Morgan, Carol Gottlieb, Cheryl Evans, Gregory Leonard, Lucille Glassman, Michael Grady, Sue Welch, and Khushnum Dastur - to the Housing Element Implementation Committee.
MOTION SECONDED: Vice Mayor Swan.
Following the motion, Mayor Bhateja opened the matter for public comment. After public comment, the City Council proceeded with the vote.
AYES: Mayor Bhateja, Vice Mayor Swan, Council Members Mok and Tyson NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED: 4-0-1.
The City Council further directed that the Committee could begin meeting immediately.
F. Los Altos Hills County Fire District Ten-Year Budget Forecast Los Altos Hills County Fire District General Manager Jay Logan and Finance Manager Russell Morali presented the District's Ten-Year Budget Forecast. Fire District Board President Roger Spring was also present.
The presentation addressed the District's long-term financial assumptions, operating and staffing costs, the I-280 Community Fuel Break project, future apparatus replacement, refurbishment of the Almonte Fire Station, and a potential new fire facility. Staff explained that the ten-year forecast was intended to provide a long-range planning tool in addition to the District's annual budget and audit processes.
Council discussed the District's long-term capital and operational planning and thanked the representatives for the presentation and the District's continued partnership with the Town.
Public Comment: Indu Kadambi praised the Fire District's work and encouraged residents to attend Fire District Commission meetings.
3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Jim Waschura, Los Altos Hills, reported that the United States Postal Service had agreed to relocate a mailbox on Elena Road following concerns regarding its location and pedestrian and traffic safety. He thanked those involved in addressing the matter.
There being no additional speakers, Mayor Bhateja closed public comment.
4. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
The City Council received the following informational reports: Treasurer's Report - May 2026; Disbursement Report - May 2026; Treasurer's Report - June 2026; Disbursement Report - June 2026; and Quarterly Investment Report Ending June 30, 2026.
No action was taken.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
There was no public comment on the Consent Calendar.
MOTION MADE: Council Member Tyson moved to approve the Consent Calendar.
MOTION SECONDED: Council Member Mok.
AYES: Mayor Bhateja, Vice Mayor Swan, Council Members Mok and Tyson NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED: 4-0-1.
A. Approval of the City Council Special Meeting Minutes June 18, 2026, 4:30 PM.
B. Approval of the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 18, 2026, 5:30 PM.
C. Authorization for the History Committee to Utilize Town Media and Approval of Funding for the Fall 2026 Presentation, "The Anza Expedition - 250th Anniversary." D. Mid-Year Status Update on the 2026-27 City Council Workplan.
E. Authorization for the City Manager to Execute Standing Purchase Orders for Fiscal Year 2026-27 in an Amount Not to Exceed $9,219,847.
F. Town of Los Altos Hills' Response to the Civil Grand Jury on the VTA's Management and Oversight of BART Silicon Valley Phase II.
G. Town of Los Altos Hills' Response to the 2025-26 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury Report, Pothole Damage: Improving Claims Processes within Santa Clara County.
H. Resolution Accepting the FY26 Pavement Rehabilitation and Drainage Improvement Project Performed by G. Bortolotto & Company, Inc. as Complete; Authorizing Release of the Final Retention Payment; and Directing the City Clerk to File a Notice of Completion.
I. Resolution Accepting a Public Right-of-Way Easement Dedication from the Lands of Krishnamurthy and Muthukrishnan located at 26540 Purissima Road.
J. Resolution Approving the Sewer Construction and Dedication Agreement with the Property Owner of 25386 La Loma Drive for the La Loma Drive Sanitary Sewer Force Main Sleeve Extension.
K. Resolution Approving the Sewer Construction and Dedication Agreement with the Property Owner of 10320 Rolly Road for the Rolly Road Sanitary Sewer Main Extension.
L. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Federal Highway Administration for Acceptance of the Safe Streets for All Grant Program to Develop the Los Altos Hills Transportation Safety Plan.
M. Second Reading of an Ordinance Designating the Martha Lynn Tank House at 12889 Viscaino Place as a Historic Landmark.
N. Second Reading of an Ordinance Adding Article 17 to Chapter 1 (Zoning) of Title 10 (Zoning and Site Development) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code to Implement State Density Bonus Law pursuant to Housing Element Program B-3.
O. Consideration of Resolutions Granting Extensions for Various Building Permits.
P. League of California Cities 2026 Annual Conference Voting Delegate and Alternate Designation.
Following approval of the Consent Calendar, Mayor Bhateja highlighted Item 5O and expressed concern regarding lengthy extensions of building permits. Council discussed whether the Town's policies sufficiently discourage projects from remaining under active permits for extended periods and directed staff to review potential policy options.
Vice Mayor Linda Swan was designated as the Town's 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference Voting Delegate.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Conditional Use Permit Renewal and Amendment for the Westwind Community Barn at 27210 Altamont Road (CUP26-0002), including Consideration of Modifications to the Planning Commission Recommended Conditions Assistant Planner Bageshri Thakar presented the Conditional Use Permit renewal and amendment for Westwind Community Barn.
Staff explained that the requested modifications included eliminating the requirement for a 24-hour attendant, modifying the CUP review period from annual review to a ten-year renewal term, and increasing the permitted number of annual horse shows from five to eight. Following discussions involving the concessionaire, neighboring residents, and Town staff, staff recommended maintaining the maximum of five horse shows annually and adding an annual review of compliance with the CUP by the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Vice Mayor Swan asked what the Parks and Recreation Committee's annual review would involve and whether Committee members possessed the appropriate expertise. City Manager Einfalt explained that the Committee would review the CUP conditions for compliance and refer potential violations to staff for formal review. Staff acknowledged that the Committee had not yet formally considered the proposed responsibility.
Council Member Tyson, the Parks and Recreation Committee liaison, similarly questioned whether the Committee had been advised of the proposed responsibility and what level of review it could reasonably perform.
Council also discussed replacement of the previous 24-hour attendant requirement with securitycamera monitoring. Staff explained that multiple cameras with monitoring capabilities had been installed at the facility. Vice Mayor Swan expressed concern regarding whether camera monitoring would adequately identify health emergencies involving individual horses.
Mayor Bhateja opened the public hearing.
Public Comments: Jasmeen Pombra, Allan Epstein, and Birgitta Indaco addressed the City Council.
Following public comment, Council discussed whether the Parks and Recreation Committee annual review should remain. Vice Mayor Swan expressed support for removing that requirement, while Mayor Bhateja stated that the annual review had resulted from discussions with neighboring residents who wanted a proactive review mechanism rather than relying solely upon complaints. He stated that
he favored giving weight to the concerns of neighboring residents, particularly because the concessionaire had agreed to the review.
MOTION MADE: Mayor Bhateja moved to approve the resolution approving the Conditional Use Permit renewal and amendment consistent with the Planning Commission recommendation, as modified by staff, to maintain a maximum of five horse shows annually and provide for annual review of CUP compliance by the Parks and Recreation Committee.
MOTION SECONDED: Council Member Tyson.
AYES: Mayor Bhateja, Council Members Mok and Tyson
NOES: Vice Mayor Swan
ABSENT: Council Member Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED: 3-1-1.
B. Consideration of a Resolution Approving the Local Designation of the Juan Bautista De Anza Historic Trail and Provide Direction on Consideration of National Park Service Trail Certification and Incorporation into the Santa Clara Countywide Trails Master Plan Map Update
Staff presented the proposed local designation of the Juan Bautista de Anza Historic Trail and reviewed the history of the proposal, the proposed alignment, public comments received, and the revised alignment along Moody Road due to the absence of Town trail easements on Rhus Ridge Road.
Council discussed the distinction between a local historic designation and broader National Park Service or regional trail certification. Several Council Members and members of the public expressed concern that regional or national promotion could increase use of Town pathways by visitors unfamiliar with the Town's pathway system and could create privacy, parking, traffic, maintenance, and neighborhood impacts.
Mayor Bhateja stated that he supported recognizing the historical significance of the route locally but shared concerns regarding national promotion. He proposed limiting the designation to the Town's pathway system and using minimal wooden signage only where needed to identify the route.
Public Comments: Alisa Bredo, Betty Kayton, Jim Waschura, Anand Ranganstan, and Roger Spreen addressed the City Council.
Following public comment, Mayor Bhateja proposed that any signs be consistent with the character of the Town's existing pathway signage and that the number of signs be kept to a minimum. Public commenters also suggested using small markers or badges on existing pathway posts rather than larger trail signs.
MOTION MADE: Mayor Bhateja moved to approve the local designation of the Juan Bautista de Anza Historic Trail, utilize as few wooden signs as necessary to identify the route, and identify the trail only on the Town's pathways map without pursuing broader promotion.
MOTION SECONDED: Council Member Tyson
AYES: Mayor Bhateja, Vice Mayor Swan, Council Members Mok and Tyson NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED: 4-0-1
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Discussion of Private Security Patrol Services in Town and Potential Transition to Securitas City Manager Cody Einfalt presented an update on the Town's private security patrol services. He explained that the existing PalAmerican agreement would expire September 30, 2026, and Council could continue with PalAmerican, transition to another provider, or discontinue private security patrol services.
City Manager Einfalt reported that the Town had conducted a competitive process and received five proposals. Following interviews conducted with assistance from Neighborhood Watch representatives, PalAmerican and Securitas emerged as the leading providers. Securitas initially proposed a cost approximately $90,000 lower than PalAmerican; however, PalAmerican subsequently submitted revised pricing that substantially matched the competing proposal. Accordingly, staff advised that service quality had become a significant consideration.
Council discussed previous concerns regarding missed shifts, reporting and accountability, response expectations, the effectiveness of private patrols, and the need for better data regarding the services actually provided.
Public Comments: Jim Waschura, Anand Ranganstan, Nick Moore, Indu Kadambi, Jasmeen Pombra, and Cory Miller addressed the City Council.
Public comments included concerns regarding contract oversight and accountability, environmental impacts of patrol vehicles, the possibility of using electric vehicles, privacy, the effectiveness of private security in reducing burglaries, and the value of maintaining a visible security presence.
Jasmeen Pombra discussed her personal experience with residential burglary and the trauma associated with such incidents and supported maintaining some form of security presence while also encouraging the Town to use data to evaluate effectiveness.
City Manager Einfalt explained that the Town's standard agreement would allow termination on seven days' notice, although Securitas requested approximately 30 days to ramp up operations. He also confirmed that service levels could subsequently be reduced if Council pursued alternatives such as a Community Service Officer program.
Mayor Bhateja stated that, given concerns regarding PalAmerican's performance, he favored trying a different provider while maintaining the existing patrol schedule.
MOTION MADE: Mayor Bhateja moved to maintain the Town's current patrol shifts, including additional patrol coverage over long holiday weekends, transition private security patrol services to Securitas, and direct staff to investigate electric vehicle options and associated pricing for consideration with the contract.
MOTION SECONDED: Vice Mayor Swan.
AYES: Mayor Bhateja, Vice Mayor Swan, Council Members Mok and Tyson NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED: 4-0-1.
Staff was directed to return with contract and vehicle-pricing options.
B. Informational Update on the Complete Streets Safety Assessment Report and Provide Feedback on the Report's Findings and Recommendations
Public Works Director WooJae Kim presented an informational update regarding the draft Complete Streets Safety Assessment prepared through the California Office of Traffic Safety and UC Berkeley Safe Transportation Research and Education Center.
The assessment evaluated historical collision data and pedestrian and bicycle safety and included field reviews of priority Town roadways. Council discussed the recommendations and provided feedback regarding potential improvements, including roadway and pathway safety, signage, striping, street lighting, and the need to ensure recommendations were appropriate for the Town's semi-rural character.
Staff advised that Council's comments would be considered as the report was finalized.
No formal action was taken.
Extension of Meeting
As the meeting approached the time established by Town ordinance for adjournment, Council Member Mok moved to continue the meeting beyond 10:00 p.m. The motion was seconded and approved by the City Council.
C. Resolution Approving a Policy and Procedure for a Town Purchasing Policy Staff presented the proposed Town Purchasing Policy and reviewed purchasing authority, procurement procedures, competitive requirements, and internal controls.
Vice Mayor Swan and Mayor Bhateja raised concerns regarding the possibility of multiple individual purchases being made below a department director's $5,000 purchasing threshold and whether an aggregate limit should be established as an additional internal control.
Mayor Bhateja emphasized that the proposed limitation was not a reflection on current Town directors but rather a prudent long-term safeguard for public funds. Vice Mayor Swan agreed that the policy should account for future personnel as well as current staff.
Council Member Tyson expressed a different view regarding whether an aggregate monthly limit would provide a meaningful fraud-prevention control.
Following discussion, Council clarified that department directors could continue making individual purchases of up to $5,000, but once aggregate open-market purchases reached $30,000 during a month, additional approval from the City Manager would be required.
There was no public comment.
MOTION MADE: Mayor Bhateja moved to adopt the resolution approving the Town Purchasing Policy with an amendment establishing a $30,000 monthly aggregate limit on director-level purchases made under the $5,000 individual purchasing authority, with additional purchases requiring City Manager approval.
MOTION SECONDED: Council Member Tyson.
AYES: Mayor Bhateja, Vice Mayor Swan, Council Member Mok NOES: Council Member Tyson
ABSENT: Council Member Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED: 3-1-1.
8. ONGOING BUSINESS
A. Code Enforcement Program Implementation Update
Community Development Director Jay Bradford presented an update regarding implementation of the Town's Code Enforcement Program.
Director Bradford reviewed Council's previous direction to develop a stronger and more structured administrative enforcement framework. Staff proposed supplementing the Town's existing complianceoriented approach with administrative citations and escalating penalties, administrative compliance orders, expanded cost-recovery and collection procedures, hearing and appeal processes, and related Municipal Code amendments.
Director Bradford emphasized that voluntary compliance would remain the Town's primary objective, with the proposed tools intended for continuing, repeated, or unresolved violations and to provide intermediate enforcement options before more resource-intensive civil, criminal, or nuisanceabatement proceedings.
Staff estimated that full implementation could take approximately six months due to the need for Municipal Code amendments, procedures, software configuration, staff training, and public education.
Council expressed concern regarding cost and the complexity of the proposed framework and requested a more focused approach.
COUNCIL DIRECTION: Staff was directed to return with a more specific and financially efficient proposal for Council consideration.
B. Informational Report on the Town's Rule 20A Project and Provide Direction on the Remaining Rule 20A Credits
Public Works Director WooJae Kim presented an update on the Town's Rule 20A Utility Undergrounding Program.
Director Kim reported that the Town had accumulated approximately $4.66 million in Rule 20A credits and used approximately $3.97 million for the El Monte Fire Station Utility Undergrounding Project. The completed project undergrounded approximately 3,000 linear feet of utilities along Moody Road, Elena Road, and El Monte Road and removed 18 utility poles.
Approximately $685,137 in Rule 20A credits remain, and the credits must be used before the program sunsets on December 31, 2033.
Staff presented options including pursuing an additional undergrounding project, transferring credits to another eligible project within Santa Clara County, or retaining the credits while investigating additional opportunities. Council discussed the potential continuation of undergrounding along Elena Road, minimum project requirements, the possibility of obtaining additional Rule 20A credits from Santa Clara County, and PG&E requirements governing use of the credits.
Public Comments: Indu Kadambi, Jasmeen Pombra, Allan Epstein, and Anand Ranganstan addressed the City Council.
COUNCIL DIRECTION: Staff was directed to retain the remaining Rule 20A credits at this time and investigate opportunities available through Santa Clara County, as well as other options permissible under PG&E's Rule 20A requirements.
No formal motion was required.
C. Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of a Request for Proposals for City Attorney Legal Services
City Manager Cody Einfalt presented the proposed Request for Proposals for City Attorney Legal Services.
The proposed schedule contemplated advertising the RFP beginning August 21, 2026, with proposals due September 25, finalist interviews and reference checks thereafter, and anticipated City Council consideration of an appointment on November 19, 2026.
Council discussed the proposed evaluation criteria, including municipal-law experience, familiarity with the Town, land-use expertise, and the weighting of the criteria. City Attorney Steve Mattas provided comments regarding the experience generally possessed by municipal-law firms and advised that experienced city attorneys typically have substantial exposure to land-use matters.
Council also discussed removing the proposed 'intent to apply' deadline and ensuring broad distribution of the RFP to qualified municipal-law firms and professional networks.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: To adopt the resolution authorizing issuance of the Request for Proposals for City Attorney Legal Services, incorporating the revisions and recommendations discussed by the City Council.
AYES: Mayor Bhateja, Vice Mayor Swan, Council Members Mok and Tyson NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED: 4-0-1.
D. Consideration of Revisions to the Mayoral Rotation Policy Mayor Bhateja introduced the item and expressed concern that the existing policy could prevent a Council Member elected during a three-seat election from serving as Mayor during that Council Member's first term.
Mayor Bhateja stated that he supported maintaining a rotation that provides Council Members an opportunity to serve as Mayor while recognizing the concern that a newly elected Council Member should have sufficient experience before serving as Vice Mayor. He suggested allowing a Council Member to become eligible to serve as Vice Mayor after the first six months of service rather than requiring a longer period.
Council Member Mok expressed support for the concept, stating that six months could provide sufficient experience while preserving greater opportunity for rotation.
Vice Mayor Swan opposed changing the policy, stating that the existing system had generally worked over many years and that Council Members could have an opportunity to serve as Mayor if reelected to a second term.
Council Member Tyson agreed that a policy change was unnecessary and stated that future Councils could address mayoral rotation as circumstances warranted.
Mayor Bhateja concluded that there was no Council consensus to modify the existing policy.
There was no public comment.
NO ACTION TAKEN.
E. Resolution Approving Amendments to the Proclamations, Commendations, and Commemorations Policy and Procedures
City Clerk Arika Birdsong-Miller presented proposed amendments to the Town's Proclamations, Commendations, and Commemorations Policy and Procedures.
The proposed policy established an annual ceremonial calendar for recurring recognitions, clearer eligibility and content standards, a process for recognition requests not included on the annual calendar, and a limit of three ceremonial recognitions per meeting.
The City Clerk explained that requests outside the annual calendar would be reviewed against the policy. Requests that did not independently qualify could be circulated to Council Members to determine whether a Council Member wished to sponsor the request. Sponsored requests would subsequently be brought to Council for consideration, with an approved recognition presented at a following meeting.
Vice Mayor Swan expressed concern that the policy remain sufficiently flexible to accommodate significant national anniversaries, Town anniversaries, and other important events that may not occur annually. The City Clerk clarified that significant milestone anniversaries, such as the nation's 250th anniversary and major Town anniversaries, would qualify under the proposed policy.
There was no public comment.
MOTION MADE: Council Member Mok moved to adopt the resolution approving amendments to the Proclamations, Commendations, and Commemorations Policy and Procedures.
MOTION SECONDED: Mayor Bhateja.
AYES: Mayor Bhateja, Vice Mayor Swan, Council Members Mok and Tyson NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED: 4-0-1.
9. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND COUNCILMEMBERS ON
OUTSIDE AGENCIES
Vice Mayor Swan announced that the History Committee's annual presentation, "The Anza Expedition - 250th Anniversary," would be held on October 11, 2026, and requested that the event be publicized through the Town's weekly communications.
Mayor Bhateja announced that CHERISH Los Altos Hills would hold a community event at Town Hall on September 13, 2026, including a panel discussion regarding rodent management.
10. STAFF REPORTS
A. City Attorney
City Attorney Steve Mattas reported that there was no reportable action from the Special City Council Meeting held earlier that evening.
B. City Clerk
City Clerk Arika Birdsong-Miller provided an update on the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election and reported that three candidates had qualified for the two available City Council seats.
The City Clerk also reported that staff was coordinating with the League of Women Voters to organize a City Council Candidate Forum and that the Town would publicize the event through the Town website and weekly communications once the date was confirmed.
C. Community Development Director
Community Development Director Jay Bradford introduced Amman Desai, the Town's new Assistant Planner. Director Bradford reported that Mr. Desai earned a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from UC Berkeley and a master's degree in Urban Planning from UCLA and joined the Town from Tulare County with experience in land-use planning in semi-rural communities.
Director Bradford also recognized Assistant Planner Bageshri Thakar for passing the AICP examination and reported that the Town was recruiting for a Planning Manager.
Director Bradford announced an ADU Workshop with the Planning Commission on September 14, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and a Community Development Department Listening Session planned for October.
D. Finance Director
City Manager Cody Einfalt provided the Finance Department update and reported that staff continued to work on the annual audit and fiscal year-end close.
He reported that CalPERS announced a preliminary net investment return of 14.8 percent for FY 2025- 26, increasing the fund's estimated funded status to approximately 85 percent.
E. Public Works Director
Public Works Director WooJae Kim reported that the Heritage House Upgrade Project ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on August 19, 2026. The project received $400,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding through the County Office of Supportive Housing. Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga attended and presented the Town with a Certificate of Commendation. Staff was completing project closeout and anticipated returning to Council for formal project acceptance.
Director Kim reported that the scope of work under the Los Altos Hills Community Fiber Funding Agreement had been completed and that staff was awaiting the final invoice.
Construction of the Magdalena Road Pathway had begun in early August and was anticipated to be completed by the end of September.
Regarding the Summerhill Pathway Project, Director Kim reported that Santa Clara County would not waive applicable ADA requirements and that the Town's consultant was preparing revisions and an updated cost estimate. Staff would discuss the matter with the Pathways Committee before returning to Council.
Director Kim also reported that the Town was not awarded Valley Water Standard Grants for the Heritage House Native Garden and Byrne Preserve Restoration projects but intended to pursue a future Valley Water Stewardship Grant opportunity.
Finally, Director Kim reported that Public Works maintenance staff had begun construction of a new pathway along Altamont Road and that the Town had ordered a water trailer for approximately $10,000 using Pathway CIP funds to support current and future in-house pathway construction.
F. City Manager
City Manager Cody Einfalt reported that recruitment for the Town's Finance Director was underway through Bob Murray & Associates following the departure of Thomas Leung.
He also reported that recruitment for the Assistant to the City Manager position had closed with 42 applications and that staff was preparing for first-round interviews.
11. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
A. Topics for the Housing Element Implementation Committee to Consider at their First Meeting
The City Council discussed potential topics and priorities for consideration by the newly appointed Housing Element Implementation Committee at its first meeting.
Public Comments: Elizabeth Wilson, Indu Kadambi, and Anna Itoi addressed the City Council regarding potential issues and priorities for the Committee's consideration.
The City Council received the comments for consideration by the Committee.
12. ADJOURN
There being no further business, Mayor Bhateja adjourned the meeting at approximately 12:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Arika Birdsong-Miller
City Clerk