CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, June 17, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
4:00 PM
Amended Agenda
Amended agenda items appear below in RED
Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda.
Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto , and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org .
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard for 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda. Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to [email protected] g and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to [email protected] at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (4:00 ‐ 4:35 PM)
1. Proclamation June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
2. Proclamations Recognizing Departing Boards and Commissions Commissioners
3. Review List of Applications for Historic Resources Board Vacancies and Provide Direction for Interviews
CLOSED SESSION (4:35 ‐ 6:05 PM)
4. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY‐ EXISTING LITIGATION
Subject: Eric Figueroa, et al. v. City of Palo Alto
Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 21‐CV‐383740 (One Case, as Defendant) Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT (6:05 ‐ 6:35 PM)
Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 13 minutes depending on # of speakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.
COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:35 ‐ 6:40 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).
CONSENT CALENDAR (6:40 ‐ 6:45 PM)
Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.
5. Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy as Recommended by the Finance Committee
6. Utilities Advisory Commission Recommends Adoption of the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report
7. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 411 Kipling Street From a Category 4 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
8. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 271 University Avenue From a Category 3 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
9. Approval of Construction Contract C24190748 with Ross Recreation Equipment Company Inc. in the Amount of $305,600 and Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders up to a Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $30,600 for the Ramos Park Improvements, Capital Improvement Program Project PG‐14000; CEQA Status—Exempt Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301
10. QUASI‐JUDICIAL. 420 Acacia: Final Map and Street Naming [24PLN‐00027]: Request for a Final Map to Subdivide a 35,573 Square Foot Parcel Having Split Zoning Designations (R‐1 and RM‐30) for Condominium Purposes (16 Residential Units). Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In‐fill Development).
11. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract C24189570 with Downtown Streets Team in the Amount of $548,958 to Combine Contracts to Increase Operational Efficiency for a Revised Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $1.1 Million Over Three Years ; CEQA Status: Not a Project
12. Approval of Construction Contract Number C24190081 with Marina Landscape, Inc. in the Amount Not‐to‐exceed $338,459 for Dog Park Installation and Renovation Project PG‐18001; and Authorization of Contract Contingency in an Amount Not‐to‐Exceed $50,769 for Related, Additional but Unforeseen Work Which May Develop During the Project; and Amend the FY2024 Budget in the Capital Improvement Fund (2/3 vote required); CEQA status – categorically exempt.
13. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract Number S24189598 with Good City Company in the Amount of $18,120 for a Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance Update; the Total not‐to‐exceed Amount of the Contract is $92,293. CEQA Status:
Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3).
14. Authorization for the Mayor to sign a 3‐Year Friendship Cities Agreement with Narok, Kenya
15. Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
16. Adopt a Resolution to Allow Consumption of Alcohol under PAMC section 9.04.010 on California Avenue in Conjunction with the 3rd Thursday Event
17. Approval of 1) Increase of Construction Contingency for Contract No. C21178123B with Swinerton Builders in the Amount of $1,000,000; 2) Contract Amendment No. 4 for Contract No. S20176170 with Romig Engineers, Inc. in the Amount of $21,786 and to Extend the Contract Term; 3) Increase of Contingency for Purchase Order with Pivot Interiors Inc. in the Amount of $23,440; and 4) Authorization for the City Manager to Execute a General Services Contract for Moving Services in an Amount of up to $250,000 for the New Public Safety Building Capital Project (PE‐15001); CEQA ‐ Environmental Impact Report for the New Public Safety Building and New California Avenue Area Parking Garage (Resolution No. 9772)
18. Approval of Contracts with US Bank and its Wholly Owned Subsidiary Elavon for General Banking, Safekeeping (Custodial), and Merchant Services for a Period of Five Years; and Approval of Contract with Wells Fargo for Lockbox Services for a Period of One Year; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
19. Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added
20. Resolution to Vacate Portions of Three Public Service Easements at 1700 Embarcadero Road
21. Approval of an Extension to Building Permit 18000‐00536 for 429 University Ave; CEQA status – Mitigated Negative Declaration (ENV20718).
22. SECOND READING: Adoption of an Ordinance extending the Term of Ordinance No. 5517 by an Additional 12 Months from June 16, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Ordinance 5517 Amends Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Update Definitions, Broaden Permitted Uses and Provide Limits on Certain Uses through Updates to the Conditional Use Permit Thresholds. Environmental Review: CEQA Exemption 15061(b) (3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 7‐0)
23. SECOND READING: Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.14 (California Green Building Standards, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 11) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 Green Building Standards Code, Along With Local Modifications Related to Electrical Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Requirements and Building Electrification Requirements and an Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.17 (California Energy Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 California Energy Code, Along with Local Modifications to Increase Energy Efficiency Standards for Buildings, Mandate Electric‐Ready Requirements and Incentivize All‐Electric New Construction. CEQA Status: Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15308 and 15061(b)(3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 6‐1, Tanaka no and 7‐0)
24. Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for Citywide Implementation of Fiber‐to‐the‐Premises Project (FTTP), Including the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program; Approval of Purchase Order No. 4524000496 With Thermo Bond Buildings in an Amount Not to Exceed of $339,076 for the Design, Build and Delivery of a Modular Building “Fiber Hut“; Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders in the Amount Not‐to‐Exceed of $31,384 for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work That may Develop During the Project, for a Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $370,460 with Thermo Bond Buildings.
25. Approval of a Professional Services Contract Number C24188127 with Telecommunications Engineering Associates (TEA) in an Amount Not to Exceed $834,882 for Public Safety Radio Network Maintenance and Construction for a Period of Five (5) Years; CEQA Status: Not a Project
26. Approval of Assignment and Assumption Agreement to transfer Baker Tilly US LLP’s contract to Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP; CEQA – Not a Project
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐ Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (6:45 ‐ 7:00 PM)
BREAK (15 MINUTES)
ACTION ITEMS (Item 28: 7:15 ‐ 8:30 PM, Item 29: 8:30 ‐ 9:15 PM, Item 30: 9:15 ‐ 10:00 PM, Item 31: 10:00 ‐ 11:00 PM)
Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, Unfinished Business and Council Matters.
28. PUBLIC HEARING: Adoption of Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2025, Including the Operating and Capital Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule; Adoption of a Resolution determining the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025; Acceptance of Updates to the Retiree Healthcare Actuarial Report; and Approval of Contributions for Retiree Healthcare Benefits
29. PUBLIC HEARING & PROPOSITION 218 HEARING: Finance Committee Recommends Adoption of Six Resolutions: 1) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Plan, Including Approval of a Short‐Term Loan From the Fiber Optics Fund Reserve to the Wastewater Collection Fund Operations Reserve for Fiscal Year 2024, and Amending Wastewater Collection Rate Schedules S‐1, S‐2, S‐6 and S‐7; 2) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Water Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Water Rate Schedules W‐1, W‐2, W‐3, W‐4, and W‐7; 3) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Gas Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Gas Rate Schedules G‐1, G‐2, G‐3 and G‐10; 4) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Electric Utility Financial Plan and Accepting the 2024 City of Palo Alto Electric Cost of Service and Rate Study, and Amending Electric Rate Schedules E‐1, E‐2, E‐4, E‐4 TOU, E‐7, E‐7 TOU, E‐14, E‐EEC‐1, E‐NSE‐1, E‐2‐G, E‐4‐G and E‐7‐G; 5) Amending Utility Rate Schedules EDF‐1 and EDF‐2 to Increase Dark Fiber Rates 2.6 Percent; 6) Amending Utility Rate Schedule D‐1 Increasing the Storm Water Management Fee by 2.6 Percent per Month per Equivalent Residential Unit for FY 2025; CEQA Status: Not a project under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) and Exempt Under Section 15273(a)
30. Approve Retention of the Current Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Hydroelectricity Base Resource Contract Allocation From 2025‐2030; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
31. Discussion Regarding Caltrans’ Repaving Project on El Camino Real Replacing Existing Parking with Bicycle Lanes, Authority for Staff to Make Adjustments to the Residential Preferential Parking Permit Programs and Return to Council on Consent if Needed, Authority for Staff to Enter into Agreements As Needed to Provide Temporary Safe Parking Along the Corridor in Palo Alto, and Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Removal of On‐Street Parking for this Project; CEQA status – categorically exempt.
ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action during this meeting’s agenda.
32. Informational Report on the Public Art Commission Presentation to Policy & Services Committee May 14, 2024
33. Sales Tax Digest Summary, Calendar Year 2023 Q4 (October 2023‐December 2023)
34. Establishment of Community Advisory Group for Downtown Housing Plan. CEQA Status ‐ ‐ Not a Project.
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Rail Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Finance Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Retail Committee June 19, 2024 CANCELED
City/Schools Liaison Committee June 20, 2024
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
AMENDED AGENDA ITEMS
15. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
19. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to [email protected].
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing [email protected]. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.
1 June 17, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at
www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas
.
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, June 17, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
4:00 PM
Amended Agenda
Amended agenda items appear below in RED
Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda.
Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto , and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org .
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard for 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda. Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to [email protected] g and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to [email protected] at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (4:00 ‐ 4:35 PM)
1. Proclamation June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
2. Proclamations Recognizing Departing Boards and Commissions Commissioners
3. Review List of Applications for Historic Resources Board Vacancies and Provide Direction for Interviews
CLOSED SESSION (4:35 ‐ 6:05 PM)
4. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY‐ EXISTING LITIGATION
Subject: Eric Figueroa, et al. v. City of Palo Alto
Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 21‐CV‐383740 (One Case, as Defendant) Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT (6:05 ‐ 6:35 PM)
Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 13 minutes depending on # of speakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.
COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:35 ‐ 6:40 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).
CONSENT CALENDAR (6:40 ‐ 6:45 PM)
Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.
5. Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy as Recommended by the Finance Committee
6. Utilities Advisory Commission Recommends Adoption of the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report
7. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 411 Kipling Street From a Category 4 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
8. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 271 University Avenue From a Category 3 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
9. Approval of Construction Contract C24190748 with Ross Recreation Equipment Company Inc. in the Amount of $305,600 and Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders up to a Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $30,600 for the Ramos Park Improvements, Capital Improvement Program Project PG‐14000; CEQA Status—Exempt Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301
10. QUASI‐JUDICIAL. 420 Acacia: Final Map and Street Naming [24PLN‐00027]: Request for a Final Map to Subdivide a 35,573 Square Foot Parcel Having Split Zoning Designations (R‐1 and RM‐30) for Condominium Purposes (16 Residential Units). Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In‐fill Development).
11. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract C24189570 with Downtown Streets Team in the Amount of $548,958 to Combine Contracts to Increase Operational Efficiency for a Revised Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $1.1 Million Over Three Years ; CEQA Status: Not a Project
12. Approval of Construction Contract Number C24190081 with Marina Landscape, Inc. in the Amount Not‐to‐exceed $338,459 for Dog Park Installation and Renovation Project PG‐18001; and Authorization of Contract Contingency in an Amount Not‐to‐Exceed $50,769 for Related, Additional but Unforeseen Work Which May Develop During the Project; and Amend the FY2024 Budget in the Capital Improvement Fund (2/3 vote required); CEQA status – categorically exempt.
13. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract Number S24189598 with Good City Company in the Amount of $18,120 for a Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance Update; the Total not‐to‐exceed Amount of the Contract is $92,293. CEQA Status:
Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3).
14. Authorization for the Mayor to sign a 3‐Year Friendship Cities Agreement with Narok, Kenya
15. Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
16. Adopt a Resolution to Allow Consumption of Alcohol under PAMC section 9.04.010 on California Avenue in Conjunction with the 3rd Thursday Event
17. Approval of 1) Increase of Construction Contingency for Contract No. C21178123B with Swinerton Builders in the Amount of $1,000,000; 2) Contract Amendment No. 4 for Contract No. S20176170 with Romig Engineers, Inc. in the Amount of $21,786 and to Extend the Contract Term; 3) Increase of Contingency for Purchase Order with Pivot Interiors Inc. in the Amount of $23,440; and 4) Authorization for the City Manager to Execute a General Services Contract for Moving Services in an Amount of up to $250,000 for the New Public Safety Building Capital Project (PE‐15001); CEQA ‐ Environmental Impact Report for the New Public Safety Building and New California Avenue Area Parking Garage (Resolution No. 9772)
18. Approval of Contracts with US Bank and its Wholly Owned Subsidiary Elavon for General Banking, Safekeeping (Custodial), and Merchant Services for a Period of Five Years; and Approval of Contract with Wells Fargo for Lockbox Services for a Period of One Year; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
19. Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added
20. Resolution to Vacate Portions of Three Public Service Easements at 1700 Embarcadero Road
21. Approval of an Extension to Building Permit 18000‐00536 for 429 University Ave; CEQA status – Mitigated Negative Declaration (ENV20718).
22. SECOND READING: Adoption of an Ordinance extending the Term of Ordinance No. 5517 by an Additional 12 Months from June 16, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Ordinance 5517 Amends Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Update Definitions, Broaden Permitted Uses and Provide Limits on Certain Uses through Updates to the Conditional Use Permit Thresholds. Environmental Review: CEQA Exemption 15061(b) (3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 7‐0)
23. SECOND READING: Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.14 (California Green Building Standards, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 11) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 Green Building Standards Code, Along With Local Modifications Related to Electrical Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Requirements and Building Electrification Requirements and an Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.17 (California Energy Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 California Energy Code, Along with Local Modifications to Increase Energy Efficiency Standards for Buildings, Mandate Electric‐Ready Requirements and Incentivize All‐Electric New Construction. CEQA Status: Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15308 and 15061(b)(3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 6‐1, Tanaka no and 7‐0)
24. Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for Citywide Implementation of Fiber‐to‐the‐Premises Project (FTTP), Including the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program; Approval of Purchase Order No. 4524000496 With Thermo Bond Buildings in an Amount Not to Exceed of $339,076 for the Design, Build and Delivery of a Modular Building “Fiber Hut“; Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders in the Amount Not‐to‐Exceed of $31,384 for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work That may Develop During the Project, for a Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $370,460 with Thermo Bond Buildings.
25. Approval of a Professional Services Contract Number C24188127 with Telecommunications Engineering Associates (TEA) in an Amount Not to Exceed $834,882 for Public Safety Radio Network Maintenance and Construction for a Period of Five (5) Years; CEQA Status: Not a Project
26. Approval of Assignment and Assumption Agreement to transfer Baker Tilly US LLP’s contract to Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP; CEQA – Not a Project
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐ Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (6:45 ‐ 7:00 PM)
BREAK (15 MINUTES)
ACTION ITEMS (Item 28: 7:15 ‐ 8:30 PM, Item 29: 8:30 ‐ 9:15 PM, Item 30: 9:15 ‐ 10:00 PM, Item 31: 10:00 ‐ 11:00 PM)
Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, Unfinished Business and Council Matters.
28. PUBLIC HEARING: Adoption of Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2025, Including the Operating and Capital Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule; Adoption of a Resolution determining the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025; Acceptance of Updates to the Retiree Healthcare Actuarial Report; and Approval of Contributions for Retiree Healthcare Benefits
29. PUBLIC HEARING & PROPOSITION 218 HEARING: Finance Committee Recommends Adoption of Six Resolutions: 1) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Plan, Including Approval of a Short‐Term Loan From the Fiber Optics Fund Reserve to the Wastewater Collection Fund Operations Reserve for Fiscal Year 2024, and Amending Wastewater Collection Rate Schedules S‐1, S‐2, S‐6 and S‐7; 2) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Water Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Water Rate Schedules W‐1, W‐2, W‐3, W‐4, and W‐7; 3) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Gas Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Gas Rate Schedules G‐1, G‐2, G‐3 and G‐10; 4) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Electric Utility Financial Plan and Accepting the 2024 City of Palo Alto Electric Cost of Service and Rate Study, and Amending Electric Rate Schedules E‐1, E‐2, E‐4, E‐4 TOU, E‐7, E‐7 TOU, E‐14, E‐EEC‐1, E‐NSE‐1, E‐2‐G, E‐4‐G and E‐7‐G; 5) Amending Utility Rate Schedules EDF‐1 and EDF‐2 to Increase Dark Fiber Rates 2.6 Percent; 6) Amending Utility Rate Schedule D‐1 Increasing the Storm Water Management Fee by 2.6 Percent per Month per Equivalent Residential Unit for FY 2025; CEQA Status: Not a project under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) and Exempt Under Section 15273(a)
30. Approve Retention of the Current Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Hydroelectricity Base Resource Contract Allocation From 2025‐2030; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
31. Discussion Regarding Caltrans’ Repaving Project on El Camino Real Replacing Existing Parking with Bicycle Lanes, Authority for Staff to Make Adjustments to the Residential Preferential Parking Permit Programs and Return to Council on Consent if Needed, Authority for Staff to Enter into Agreements As Needed to Provide Temporary Safe Parking Along the Corridor in Palo Alto, and Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Removal of On‐Street Parking for this Project; CEQA status – categorically exempt.
ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action during this meeting’s agenda.
32. Informational Report on the Public Art Commission Presentation to Policy & Services Committee May 14, 2024
33. Sales Tax Digest Summary, Calendar Year 2023 Q4 (October 2023‐December 2023)
34. Establishment of Community Advisory Group for Downtown Housing Plan. CEQA Status ‐ ‐ Not a Project.
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Rail Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Finance Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Retail Committee June 19, 2024 CANCELED
City/Schools Liaison Committee June 20, 2024
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
AMENDED AGENDA ITEMS
15. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
19. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to [email protected].
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing [email protected]. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.
2 June 17, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at
www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas
.
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, June 17, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
4:00 PM
Amended Agenda
Amended agenda items appear below in RED
Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda.
Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto , and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org .
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard for 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda. Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to [email protected] g and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to [email protected] at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (4:00 ‐ 4:35 PM)
1. Proclamation June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
2. Proclamations Recognizing Departing Boards and Commissions Commissioners
3. Review List of Applications for Historic Resources Board Vacancies and Provide Direction for Interviews
CLOSED SESSION (4:35 ‐ 6:05 PM)
4. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY‐ EXISTING LITIGATION
Subject: Eric Figueroa, et al. v. City of Palo Alto
Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 21‐CV‐383740 (One Case, as Defendant) Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT (6:05 ‐ 6:35 PM)
Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 13 minutes depending on # of speakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.
COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:35 ‐ 6:40 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).
CONSENT CALENDAR (6:40 ‐ 6:45 PM)
Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.
5. Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy as Recommended by the Finance Committee
6. Utilities Advisory Commission Recommends Adoption of the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report
7. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 411 Kipling Street From a Category 4 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
8. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 271 University Avenue From a Category 3 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
9. Approval of Construction Contract C24190748 with Ross Recreation Equipment Company Inc. in the Amount of $305,600 and Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders up to a Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $30,600 for the Ramos Park Improvements, Capital Improvement Program Project PG‐14000; CEQA Status—Exempt Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301
10. QUASI‐JUDICIAL. 420 Acacia: Final Map and Street Naming [24PLN‐00027]: Request for a Final Map to Subdivide a 35,573 Square Foot Parcel Having Split Zoning Designations (R‐1 and RM‐30) for Condominium Purposes (16 Residential Units). Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In‐fill Development).
11. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract C24189570 with Downtown Streets Team in the Amount of $548,958 to Combine Contracts to Increase Operational Efficiency for a Revised Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $1.1 Million Over Three Years ; CEQA Status: Not a Project
12. Approval of Construction Contract Number C24190081 with Marina Landscape, Inc. in the Amount Not‐to‐exceed $338,459 for Dog Park Installation and Renovation Project PG‐18001; and Authorization of Contract Contingency in an Amount Not‐to‐Exceed $50,769 for Related, Additional but Unforeseen Work Which May Develop During the Project; and Amend the FY2024 Budget in the Capital Improvement Fund (2/3 vote required); CEQA status – categorically exempt.
13. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract Number S24189598 with Good City Company in the Amount of $18,120 for a Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance Update; the Total not‐to‐exceed Amount of the Contract is $92,293. CEQA Status:
Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3).
14. Authorization for the Mayor to sign a 3‐Year Friendship Cities Agreement with Narok, Kenya
15. Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
16. Adopt a Resolution to Allow Consumption of Alcohol under PAMC section 9.04.010 on California Avenue in Conjunction with the 3rd Thursday Event
17. Approval of 1) Increase of Construction Contingency for Contract No. C21178123B with Swinerton Builders in the Amount of $1,000,000; 2) Contract Amendment No. 4 for Contract No. S20176170 with Romig Engineers, Inc. in the Amount of $21,786 and to Extend the Contract Term; 3) Increase of Contingency for Purchase Order with Pivot Interiors Inc. in the Amount of $23,440; and 4) Authorization for the City Manager to Execute a General Services Contract for Moving Services in an Amount of up to $250,000 for the New Public Safety Building Capital Project (PE‐15001); CEQA ‐ Environmental Impact Report for the New Public Safety Building and New California Avenue Area Parking Garage (Resolution No. 9772)
18. Approval of Contracts with US Bank and its Wholly Owned Subsidiary Elavon for General Banking, Safekeeping (Custodial), and Merchant Services for a Period of Five Years; and Approval of Contract with Wells Fargo for Lockbox Services for a Period of One Year; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
19. Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added
20. Resolution to Vacate Portions of Three Public Service Easements at 1700 Embarcadero Road
21. Approval of an Extension to Building Permit 18000‐00536 for 429 University Ave; CEQA status – Mitigated Negative Declaration (ENV20718).
22. SECOND READING: Adoption of an Ordinance extending the Term of Ordinance No. 5517 by an Additional 12 Months from June 16, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Ordinance 5517 Amends Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Update Definitions, Broaden Permitted Uses and Provide Limits on Certain Uses through Updates to the Conditional Use Permit Thresholds. Environmental Review: CEQA Exemption 15061(b) (3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 7‐0)
23. SECOND READING: Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.14 (California Green Building Standards, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 11) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 Green Building Standards Code, Along With Local Modifications Related to Electrical Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Requirements and Building Electrification Requirements and an Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.17 (California Energy Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 California Energy Code, Along with Local Modifications to Increase Energy Efficiency Standards for Buildings, Mandate Electric‐Ready Requirements and Incentivize All‐Electric New Construction. CEQA Status: Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15308 and 15061(b)(3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 6‐1, Tanaka no and 7‐0)
24. Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for Citywide Implementation of Fiber‐to‐the‐Premises Project (FTTP), Including the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program; Approval of Purchase Order No. 4524000496 With Thermo Bond Buildings in an Amount Not to Exceed of $339,076 for the Design, Build and Delivery of a Modular Building “Fiber Hut“; Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders in the Amount Not‐to‐Exceed of $31,384 for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work That may Develop During the Project, for a Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $370,460 with Thermo Bond Buildings.
25. Approval of a Professional Services Contract Number C24188127 with Telecommunications Engineering Associates (TEA) in an Amount Not to Exceed $834,882 for Public Safety Radio Network Maintenance and Construction for a Period of Five (5) Years; CEQA Status: Not a Project
26. Approval of Assignment and Assumption Agreement to transfer Baker Tilly US LLP’s contract to Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP; CEQA – Not a Project
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐ Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (6:45 ‐ 7:00 PM)
BREAK (15 MINUTES)
ACTION ITEMS (Item 28: 7:15 ‐ 8:30 PM, Item 29: 8:30 ‐ 9:15 PM, Item 30: 9:15 ‐ 10:00 PM, Item 31: 10:00 ‐ 11:00 PM)
Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, Unfinished Business and Council Matters.
28. PUBLIC HEARING: Adoption of Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2025, Including the Operating and Capital Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule; Adoption of a Resolution determining the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025; Acceptance of Updates to the Retiree Healthcare Actuarial Report; and Approval of Contributions for Retiree Healthcare Benefits
29. PUBLIC HEARING & PROPOSITION 218 HEARING: Finance Committee Recommends Adoption of Six Resolutions: 1) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Plan, Including Approval of a Short‐Term Loan From the Fiber Optics Fund Reserve to the Wastewater Collection Fund Operations Reserve for Fiscal Year 2024, and Amending Wastewater Collection Rate Schedules S‐1, S‐2, S‐6 and S‐7; 2) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Water Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Water Rate Schedules W‐1, W‐2, W‐3, W‐4, and W‐7; 3) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Gas Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Gas Rate Schedules G‐1, G‐2, G‐3 and G‐10; 4) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Electric Utility Financial Plan and Accepting the 2024 City of Palo Alto Electric Cost of Service and Rate Study, and Amending Electric Rate Schedules E‐1, E‐2, E‐4, E‐4 TOU, E‐7, E‐7 TOU, E‐14, E‐EEC‐1, E‐NSE‐1, E‐2‐G, E‐4‐G and E‐7‐G; 5) Amending Utility Rate Schedules EDF‐1 and EDF‐2 to Increase Dark Fiber Rates 2.6 Percent; 6) Amending Utility Rate Schedule D‐1 Increasing the Storm Water Management Fee by 2.6 Percent per Month per Equivalent Residential Unit for FY 2025; CEQA Status: Not a project under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) and Exempt Under Section 15273(a)
30. Approve Retention of the Current Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Hydroelectricity Base Resource Contract Allocation From 2025‐2030; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
31. Discussion Regarding Caltrans’ Repaving Project on El Camino Real Replacing Existing Parking with Bicycle Lanes, Authority for Staff to Make Adjustments to the Residential Preferential Parking Permit Programs and Return to Council on Consent if Needed, Authority for Staff to Enter into Agreements As Needed to Provide Temporary Safe Parking Along the Corridor in Palo Alto, and Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Removal of On‐Street Parking for this Project; CEQA status – categorically exempt.
ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action during this meeting’s agenda.
32. Informational Report on the Public Art Commission Presentation to Policy & Services Committee May 14, 2024
33. Sales Tax Digest Summary, Calendar Year 2023 Q4 (October 2023‐December 2023)
34. Establishment of Community Advisory Group for Downtown Housing Plan. CEQA Status ‐ ‐ Not a Project.
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Rail Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Finance Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Retail Committee June 19, 2024 CANCELED
City/Schools Liaison Committee June 20, 2024
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
AMENDED AGENDA ITEMS
15. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
19. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to [email protected].
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing [email protected]. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.
3 June 17, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at
www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas
.
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, June 17, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
4:00 PM
Amended Agenda
Amended agenda items appear below in RED
Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda.
Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto , and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org .
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard for 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda. Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to [email protected] g and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to [email protected] at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (4:00 ‐ 4:35 PM)
1. Proclamation June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
2. Proclamations Recognizing Departing Boards and Commissions Commissioners
3. Review List of Applications for Historic Resources Board Vacancies and Provide Direction for Interviews
CLOSED SESSION (4:35 ‐ 6:05 PM)
4. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY‐ EXISTING LITIGATION
Subject: Eric Figueroa, et al. v. City of Palo Alto
Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 21‐CV‐383740 (One Case, as Defendant) Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT (6:05 ‐ 6:35 PM)
Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 13 minutes depending on # of speakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.
COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:35 ‐ 6:40 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).
CONSENT CALENDAR (6:40 ‐ 6:45 PM)
Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.
5. Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy as Recommended by the Finance Committee
6. Utilities Advisory Commission Recommends Adoption of the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report
7. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 411 Kipling Street From a Category 4 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
8. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 271 University Avenue From a Category 3 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
9. Approval of Construction Contract C24190748 with Ross Recreation Equipment Company Inc. in the Amount of $305,600 and Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders up to a Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $30,600 for the Ramos Park Improvements, Capital Improvement Program Project PG‐14000; CEQA Status—Exempt Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301
10. QUASI‐JUDICIAL. 420 Acacia: Final Map and Street Naming [24PLN‐00027]: Request for a Final Map to Subdivide a 35,573 Square Foot Parcel Having Split Zoning Designations (R‐1 and RM‐30) for Condominium Purposes (16 Residential Units). Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In‐fill Development).
11. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract C24189570 with Downtown Streets Team in the Amount of $548,958 to Combine Contracts to Increase Operational Efficiency for a Revised Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $1.1 Million Over Three Years ; CEQA Status: Not a Project
12. Approval of Construction Contract Number C24190081 with Marina Landscape, Inc. in the Amount Not‐to‐exceed $338,459 for Dog Park Installation and Renovation Project PG‐18001; and Authorization of Contract Contingency in an Amount Not‐to‐Exceed $50,769 for Related, Additional but Unforeseen Work Which May Develop During the Project; and Amend the FY2024 Budget in the Capital Improvement Fund (2/3 vote required); CEQA status – categorically exempt.
13. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract Number S24189598 with Good City Company in the Amount of $18,120 for a Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance Update; the Total not‐to‐exceed Amount of the Contract is $92,293. CEQA Status:
Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3).
14. Authorization for the Mayor to sign a 3‐Year Friendship Cities Agreement with Narok, Kenya
15. Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
16. Adopt a Resolution to Allow Consumption of Alcohol under PAMC section 9.04.010 on California Avenue in Conjunction with the 3rd Thursday Event
17. Approval of 1) Increase of Construction Contingency for Contract No. C21178123B with Swinerton Builders in the Amount of $1,000,000; 2) Contract Amendment No. 4 for Contract No. S20176170 with Romig Engineers, Inc. in the Amount of $21,786 and to Extend the Contract Term; 3) Increase of Contingency for Purchase Order with Pivot Interiors Inc. in the Amount of $23,440; and 4) Authorization for the City Manager to Execute a General Services Contract for Moving Services in an Amount of up to $250,000 for the New Public Safety Building Capital Project (PE‐15001); CEQA ‐ Environmental Impact Report for the New Public Safety Building and New California Avenue Area Parking Garage (Resolution No. 9772)
18. Approval of Contracts with US Bank and its Wholly Owned Subsidiary Elavon for General Banking, Safekeeping (Custodial), and Merchant Services for a Period of Five Years; and Approval of Contract with Wells Fargo for Lockbox Services for a Period of One Year; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
19. Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added
20. Resolution to Vacate Portions of Three Public Service Easements at 1700 Embarcadero Road
21. Approval of an Extension to Building Permit 18000‐00536 for 429 University Ave; CEQA status – Mitigated Negative Declaration (ENV20718).
22. SECOND READING: Adoption of an Ordinance extending the Term of Ordinance No. 5517 by an Additional 12 Months from June 16, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Ordinance 5517 Amends Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Update Definitions, Broaden Permitted Uses and Provide Limits on Certain Uses through Updates to the Conditional Use Permit Thresholds. Environmental Review: CEQA Exemption 15061(b) (3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 7‐0)
23. SECOND READING: Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.14 (California Green Building Standards, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 11) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 Green Building Standards Code, Along With Local Modifications Related to Electrical Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Requirements and Building Electrification Requirements and an Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.17 (California Energy Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 California Energy Code, Along with Local Modifications to Increase Energy Efficiency Standards for Buildings, Mandate Electric‐Ready Requirements and Incentivize All‐Electric New Construction. CEQA Status: Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15308 and 15061(b)(3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 6‐1, Tanaka no and 7‐0)
24. Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for Citywide Implementation of Fiber‐to‐the‐Premises Project (FTTP), Including the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program; Approval of Purchase Order No. 4524000496 With Thermo Bond Buildings in an Amount Not to Exceed of $339,076 for the Design, Build and Delivery of a Modular Building “Fiber Hut“; Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders in the Amount Not‐to‐Exceed of $31,384 for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work That may Develop During the Project, for a Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $370,460 with Thermo Bond Buildings.
25. Approval of a Professional Services Contract Number C24188127 with Telecommunications Engineering Associates (TEA) in an Amount Not to Exceed $834,882 for Public Safety Radio Network Maintenance and Construction for a Period of Five (5) Years; CEQA Status: Not a Project
26. Approval of Assignment and Assumption Agreement to transfer Baker Tilly US LLP’s contract to Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP; CEQA – Not a Project
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐ Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (6:45 ‐ 7:00 PM)
BREAK (15 MINUTES)
ACTION ITEMS (Item 28: 7:15 ‐ 8:30 PM, Item 29: 8:30 ‐ 9:15 PM, Item 30: 9:15 ‐ 10:00 PM, Item 31: 10:00 ‐ 11:00 PM)
Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, Unfinished Business and Council Matters.
28. PUBLIC HEARING: Adoption of Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2025, Including the Operating and Capital Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule; Adoption of a Resolution determining the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025; Acceptance of Updates to the Retiree Healthcare Actuarial Report; and Approval of Contributions for Retiree Healthcare Benefits
29. PUBLIC HEARING & PROPOSITION 218 HEARING: Finance Committee Recommends Adoption of Six Resolutions: 1) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Plan, Including Approval of a Short‐Term Loan From the Fiber Optics Fund Reserve to the Wastewater Collection Fund Operations Reserve for Fiscal Year 2024, and Amending Wastewater Collection Rate Schedules S‐1, S‐2, S‐6 and S‐7; 2) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Water Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Water Rate Schedules W‐1, W‐2, W‐3, W‐4, and W‐7; 3) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Gas Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Gas Rate Schedules G‐1, G‐2, G‐3 and G‐10; 4) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Electric Utility Financial Plan and Accepting the 2024 City of Palo Alto Electric Cost of Service and Rate Study, and Amending Electric Rate Schedules E‐1, E‐2, E‐4, E‐4 TOU, E‐7, E‐7 TOU, E‐14, E‐EEC‐1, E‐NSE‐1, E‐2‐G, E‐4‐G and E‐7‐G; 5) Amending Utility Rate Schedules EDF‐1 and EDF‐2 to Increase Dark Fiber Rates 2.6 Percent; 6) Amending Utility Rate Schedule D‐1 Increasing the Storm Water Management Fee by 2.6 Percent per Month per Equivalent Residential Unit for FY 2025; CEQA Status: Not a project under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) and Exempt Under Section 15273(a)
30. Approve Retention of the Current Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Hydroelectricity Base Resource Contract Allocation From 2025‐2030; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
31. Discussion Regarding Caltrans’ Repaving Project on El Camino Real Replacing Existing Parking with Bicycle Lanes, Authority for Staff to Make Adjustments to the Residential Preferential Parking Permit Programs and Return to Council on Consent if Needed, Authority for Staff to Enter into Agreements As Needed to Provide Temporary Safe Parking Along the Corridor in Palo Alto, and Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Removal of On‐Street Parking for this Project; CEQA status – categorically exempt.
ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action during this meeting’s agenda.
32. Informational Report on the Public Art Commission Presentation to Policy & Services Committee May 14, 2024
33. Sales Tax Digest Summary, Calendar Year 2023 Q4 (October 2023‐December 2023)
34. Establishment of Community Advisory Group for Downtown Housing Plan. CEQA Status ‐ ‐ Not a Project.
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Rail Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Finance Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Retail Committee June 19, 2024 CANCELED
City/Schools Liaison Committee June 20, 2024
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
AMENDED AGENDA ITEMS
15. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
19. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to [email protected].
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing [email protected]. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.
4 June 17, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at
www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas
.
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, June 17, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
4:00 PM
Amended Agenda
Amended agenda items appear below in RED
Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda.
Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto , and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org .
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard for 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda. Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to [email protected] g and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to [email protected] at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (4:00 ‐ 4:35 PM)
1. Proclamation June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
2. Proclamations Recognizing Departing Boards and Commissions Commissioners
3. Review List of Applications for Historic Resources Board Vacancies and Provide Direction for Interviews
CLOSED SESSION (4:35 ‐ 6:05 PM)
4. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY‐ EXISTING LITIGATION
Subject: Eric Figueroa, et al. v. City of Palo Alto
Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 21‐CV‐383740 (One Case, as Defendant) Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT (6:05 ‐ 6:35 PM)
Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 13 minutes depending on # of speakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.
COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:35 ‐ 6:40 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).
CONSENT CALENDAR (6:40 ‐ 6:45 PM)
Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.
5. Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy as Recommended by the Finance Committee
6. Utilities Advisory Commission Recommends Adoption of the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report
7. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 411 Kipling Street From a Category 4 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
8. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 271 University Avenue From a Category 3 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
9. Approval of Construction Contract C24190748 with Ross Recreation Equipment Company Inc. in the Amount of $305,600 and Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders up to a Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $30,600 for the Ramos Park Improvements, Capital Improvement Program Project PG‐14000; CEQA Status—Exempt Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301
10. QUASI‐JUDICIAL. 420 Acacia: Final Map and Street Naming [24PLN‐00027]: Request for a Final Map to Subdivide a 35,573 Square Foot Parcel Having Split Zoning Designations (R‐1 and RM‐30) for Condominium Purposes (16 Residential Units). Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In‐fill Development).
11. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract C24189570 with Downtown Streets Team in the Amount of $548,958 to Combine Contracts to Increase Operational Efficiency for a Revised Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $1.1 Million Over Three Years ; CEQA Status: Not a Project
12. Approval of Construction Contract Number C24190081 with Marina Landscape, Inc. in the Amount Not‐to‐exceed $338,459 for Dog Park Installation and Renovation Project PG‐18001; and Authorization of Contract Contingency in an Amount Not‐to‐Exceed $50,769 for Related, Additional but Unforeseen Work Which May Develop During the Project; and Amend the FY2024 Budget in the Capital Improvement Fund (2/3 vote required); CEQA status – categorically exempt.
13. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract Number S24189598 with Good City Company in the Amount of $18,120 for a Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance Update; the Total not‐to‐exceed Amount of the Contract is $92,293. CEQA Status:
Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3).
14. Authorization for the Mayor to sign a 3‐Year Friendship Cities Agreement with Narok, Kenya
15. Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
16. Adopt a Resolution to Allow Consumption of Alcohol under PAMC section 9.04.010 on California Avenue in Conjunction with the 3rd Thursday Event
17. Approval of 1) Increase of Construction Contingency for Contract No. C21178123B with Swinerton Builders in the Amount of $1,000,000; 2) Contract Amendment No. 4 for Contract No. S20176170 with Romig Engineers, Inc. in the Amount of $21,786 and to Extend the Contract Term; 3) Increase of Contingency for Purchase Order with Pivot Interiors Inc. in the Amount of $23,440; and 4) Authorization for the City Manager to Execute a General Services Contract for Moving Services in an Amount of up to $250,000 for the New Public Safety Building Capital Project (PE‐15001); CEQA ‐ Environmental Impact Report for the New Public Safety Building and New California Avenue Area Parking Garage (Resolution No. 9772)
18. Approval of Contracts with US Bank and its Wholly Owned Subsidiary Elavon for General Banking, Safekeeping (Custodial), and Merchant Services for a Period of Five Years; and Approval of Contract with Wells Fargo for Lockbox Services for a Period of One Year; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
19. Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added
20. Resolution to Vacate Portions of Three Public Service Easements at 1700 Embarcadero Road
21. Approval of an Extension to Building Permit 18000‐00536 for 429 University Ave; CEQA status – Mitigated Negative Declaration (ENV20718).
22. SECOND READING: Adoption of an Ordinance extending the Term of Ordinance No. 5517 by an Additional 12 Months from June 16, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Ordinance 5517 Amends Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Update Definitions, Broaden Permitted Uses and Provide Limits on Certain Uses through Updates to the Conditional Use Permit Thresholds. Environmental Review: CEQA Exemption 15061(b) (3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 7‐0)
23. SECOND READING: Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.14 (California Green Building Standards, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 11) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 Green Building Standards Code, Along With Local Modifications Related to Electrical Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Requirements and Building Electrification Requirements and an Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.17 (California Energy Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 California Energy Code, Along with Local Modifications to Increase Energy Efficiency Standards for Buildings, Mandate Electric‐Ready Requirements and Incentivize All‐Electric New Construction. CEQA Status: Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15308 and 15061(b)(3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 6‐1, Tanaka no and 7‐0)
24. Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for Citywide Implementation of Fiber‐to‐the‐Premises Project (FTTP), Including the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program; Approval of Purchase Order No. 4524000496 With Thermo Bond Buildings in an Amount Not to Exceed of $339,076 for the Design, Build and Delivery of a Modular Building “Fiber Hut“; Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders in the Amount Not‐to‐Exceed of $31,384 for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work That may Develop During the Project, for a Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $370,460 with Thermo Bond Buildings.
25. Approval of a Professional Services Contract Number C24188127 with Telecommunications Engineering Associates (TEA) in an Amount Not to Exceed $834,882 for Public Safety Radio Network Maintenance and Construction for a Period of Five (5) Years; CEQA Status: Not a Project
26. Approval of Assignment and Assumption Agreement to transfer Baker Tilly US LLP’s contract to Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP; CEQA – Not a Project
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐ Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (6:45 ‐ 7:00 PM)
BREAK (15 MINUTES)
ACTION ITEMS (Item 28: 7:15 ‐ 8:30 PM, Item 29: 8:30 ‐ 9:15 PM, Item 30: 9:15 ‐ 10:00 PM, Item 31: 10:00 ‐ 11:00 PM)
Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, Unfinished Business and Council Matters.
28. PUBLIC HEARING: Adoption of Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2025, Including the Operating and Capital Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule; Adoption of a Resolution determining the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025; Acceptance of Updates to the Retiree Healthcare Actuarial Report; and Approval of Contributions for Retiree Healthcare Benefits
29. PUBLIC HEARING & PROPOSITION 218 HEARING: Finance Committee Recommends Adoption of Six Resolutions: 1) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Plan, Including Approval of a Short‐Term Loan From the Fiber Optics Fund Reserve to the Wastewater Collection Fund Operations Reserve for Fiscal Year 2024, and Amending Wastewater Collection Rate Schedules S‐1, S‐2, S‐6 and S‐7; 2) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Water Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Water Rate Schedules W‐1, W‐2, W‐3, W‐4, and W‐7; 3) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Gas Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Gas Rate Schedules G‐1, G‐2, G‐3 and G‐10; 4) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Electric Utility Financial Plan and Accepting the 2024 City of Palo Alto Electric Cost of Service and Rate Study, and Amending Electric Rate Schedules E‐1, E‐2, E‐4, E‐4 TOU, E‐7, E‐7 TOU, E‐14, E‐EEC‐1, E‐NSE‐1, E‐2‐G, E‐4‐G and E‐7‐G; 5) Amending Utility Rate Schedules EDF‐1 and EDF‐2 to Increase Dark Fiber Rates 2.6 Percent; 6) Amending Utility Rate Schedule D‐1 Increasing the Storm Water Management Fee by 2.6 Percent per Month per Equivalent Residential Unit for FY 2025; CEQA Status: Not a project under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) and Exempt Under Section 15273(a)
30. Approve Retention of the Current Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Hydroelectricity Base Resource Contract Allocation From 2025‐2030; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
31. Discussion Regarding Caltrans’ Repaving Project on El Camino Real Replacing Existing Parking with Bicycle Lanes, Authority for Staff to Make Adjustments to the Residential Preferential Parking Permit Programs and Return to Council on Consent if Needed, Authority for Staff to Enter into Agreements As Needed to Provide Temporary Safe Parking Along the Corridor in Palo Alto, and Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Removal of On‐Street Parking for this Project; CEQA status – categorically exempt.
ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action during this meeting’s agenda.
32. Informational Report on the Public Art Commission Presentation to Policy & Services Committee May 14, 2024
33. Sales Tax Digest Summary, Calendar Year 2023 Q4 (October 2023‐December 2023)
34. Establishment of Community Advisory Group for Downtown Housing Plan. CEQA Status ‐ ‐ Not a Project.
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Rail Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Finance Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Retail Committee June 19, 2024 CANCELED
City/Schools Liaison Committee June 20, 2024
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
AMENDED AGENDA ITEMS
15. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
19. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to [email protected].
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing [email protected]. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.
5 June 17, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at
www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas
.
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, June 17, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
4:00 PM
Amended Agenda
Amended agenda items appear below in RED
Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda.
Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto , and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org .
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard for 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda. Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to [email protected] g and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to [email protected] at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (4:00 ‐ 4:35 PM)
1. Proclamation June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
2. Proclamations Recognizing Departing Boards and Commissions Commissioners
3. Review List of Applications for Historic Resources Board Vacancies and Provide Direction for Interviews
CLOSED SESSION (4:35 ‐ 6:05 PM)
4. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY‐ EXISTING LITIGATION
Subject: Eric Figueroa, et al. v. City of Palo Alto
Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 21‐CV‐383740 (One Case, as Defendant) Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT (6:05 ‐ 6:35 PM)
Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 13 minutes depending on # of speakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.
COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:35 ‐ 6:40 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).
CONSENT CALENDAR (6:40 ‐ 6:45 PM)
Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.
5. Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy as Recommended by the Finance Committee
6. Utilities Advisory Commission Recommends Adoption of the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report
7. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 411 Kipling Street From a Category 4 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
8. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 271 University Avenue From a Category 3 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
9. Approval of Construction Contract C24190748 with Ross Recreation Equipment Company Inc. in the Amount of $305,600 and Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders up to a Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $30,600 for the Ramos Park Improvements, Capital Improvement Program Project PG‐14000; CEQA Status—Exempt Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301
10. QUASI‐JUDICIAL. 420 Acacia: Final Map and Street Naming [24PLN‐00027]: Request for a Final Map to Subdivide a 35,573 Square Foot Parcel Having Split Zoning Designations (R‐1 and RM‐30) for Condominium Purposes (16 Residential Units). Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In‐fill Development).
11. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract C24189570 with Downtown Streets Team in the Amount of $548,958 to Combine Contracts to Increase Operational Efficiency for a Revised Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $1.1 Million Over Three Years ; CEQA Status: Not a Project
12. Approval of Construction Contract Number C24190081 with Marina Landscape, Inc. in the Amount Not‐to‐exceed $338,459 for Dog Park Installation and Renovation Project PG‐18001; and Authorization of Contract Contingency in an Amount Not‐to‐Exceed $50,769 for Related, Additional but Unforeseen Work Which May Develop During the Project; and Amend the FY2024 Budget in the Capital Improvement Fund (2/3 vote required); CEQA status – categorically exempt.
13. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract Number S24189598 with Good City Company in the Amount of $18,120 for a Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance Update; the Total not‐to‐exceed Amount of the Contract is $92,293. CEQA Status:
Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3).
14. Authorization for the Mayor to sign a 3‐Year Friendship Cities Agreement with Narok, Kenya
15. Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
16. Adopt a Resolution to Allow Consumption of Alcohol under PAMC section 9.04.010 on California Avenue in Conjunction with the 3rd Thursday Event
17. Approval of 1) Increase of Construction Contingency for Contract No. C21178123B with Swinerton Builders in the Amount of $1,000,000; 2) Contract Amendment No. 4 for Contract No. S20176170 with Romig Engineers, Inc. in the Amount of $21,786 and to Extend the Contract Term; 3) Increase of Contingency for Purchase Order with Pivot Interiors Inc. in the Amount of $23,440; and 4) Authorization for the City Manager to Execute a General Services Contract for Moving Services in an Amount of up to $250,000 for the New Public Safety Building Capital Project (PE‐15001); CEQA ‐ Environmental Impact Report for the New Public Safety Building and New California Avenue Area Parking Garage (Resolution No. 9772)
18. Approval of Contracts with US Bank and its Wholly Owned Subsidiary Elavon for General Banking, Safekeeping (Custodial), and Merchant Services for a Period of Five Years; and Approval of Contract with Wells Fargo for Lockbox Services for a Period of One Year; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
19. Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added
20. Resolution to Vacate Portions of Three Public Service Easements at 1700 Embarcadero Road
21. Approval of an Extension to Building Permit 18000‐00536 for 429 University Ave; CEQA status – Mitigated Negative Declaration (ENV20718).
22. SECOND READING: Adoption of an Ordinance extending the Term of Ordinance No. 5517 by an Additional 12 Months from June 16, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Ordinance 5517 Amends Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Update Definitions, Broaden Permitted Uses and Provide Limits on Certain Uses through Updates to the Conditional Use Permit Thresholds. Environmental Review: CEQA Exemption 15061(b) (3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 7‐0)
23. SECOND READING: Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.14 (California Green Building Standards, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 11) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 Green Building Standards Code, Along With Local Modifications Related to Electrical Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Requirements and Building Electrification Requirements and an Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.17 (California Energy Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 California Energy Code, Along with Local Modifications to Increase Energy Efficiency Standards for Buildings, Mandate Electric‐Ready Requirements and Incentivize All‐Electric New Construction. CEQA Status: Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15308 and 15061(b)(3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 6‐1, Tanaka no and 7‐0)
24. Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for Citywide Implementation of Fiber‐to‐the‐Premises Project (FTTP), Including the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program; Approval of Purchase Order No. 4524000496 With Thermo Bond Buildings in an Amount Not to Exceed of $339,076 for the Design, Build and Delivery of a Modular Building “Fiber Hut“; Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders in the Amount Not‐to‐Exceed of $31,384 for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work That may Develop During the Project, for a Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $370,460 with Thermo Bond Buildings.
25. Approval of a Professional Services Contract Number C24188127 with Telecommunications Engineering Associates (TEA) in an Amount Not to Exceed $834,882 for Public Safety Radio Network Maintenance and Construction for a Period of Five (5) Years; CEQA Status: Not a Project
26. Approval of Assignment and Assumption Agreement to transfer Baker Tilly US LLP’s contract to Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP; CEQA – Not a Project
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐ Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (6:45 ‐ 7:00 PM)
BREAK (15 MINUTES)
ACTION ITEMS (Item 28: 7:15 ‐ 8:30 PM, Item 29: 8:30 ‐ 9:15 PM, Item 30: 9:15 ‐ 10:00 PM, Item 31: 10:00 ‐ 11:00 PM)
Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, Unfinished Business and Council Matters.
28. PUBLIC HEARING: Adoption of Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2025, Including the Operating and Capital Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule; Adoption of a Resolution determining the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025; Acceptance of Updates to the Retiree Healthcare Actuarial Report; and Approval of Contributions for Retiree Healthcare Benefits
29. PUBLIC HEARING & PROPOSITION 218 HEARING: Finance Committee Recommends Adoption of Six Resolutions: 1) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Plan, Including Approval of a Short‐Term Loan From the Fiber Optics Fund Reserve to the Wastewater Collection Fund Operations Reserve for Fiscal Year 2024, and Amending Wastewater Collection Rate Schedules S‐1, S‐2, S‐6 and S‐7; 2) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Water Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Water Rate Schedules W‐1, W‐2, W‐3, W‐4, and W‐7; 3) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Gas Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Gas Rate Schedules G‐1, G‐2, G‐3 and G‐10; 4) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Electric Utility Financial Plan and Accepting the 2024 City of Palo Alto Electric Cost of Service and Rate Study, and Amending Electric Rate Schedules E‐1, E‐2, E‐4, E‐4 TOU, E‐7, E‐7 TOU, E‐14, E‐EEC‐1, E‐NSE‐1, E‐2‐G, E‐4‐G and E‐7‐G; 5) Amending Utility Rate Schedules EDF‐1 and EDF‐2 to Increase Dark Fiber Rates 2.6 Percent; 6) Amending Utility Rate Schedule D‐1 Increasing the Storm Water Management Fee by 2.6 Percent per Month per Equivalent Residential Unit for FY 2025; CEQA Status: Not a project under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) and Exempt Under Section 15273(a)
30. Approve Retention of the Current Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Hydroelectricity Base Resource Contract Allocation From 2025‐2030; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
31. Discussion Regarding Caltrans’ Repaving Project on El Camino Real Replacing Existing Parking with Bicycle Lanes, Authority for Staff to Make Adjustments to the Residential Preferential Parking Permit Programs and Return to Council on Consent if Needed, Authority for Staff to Enter into Agreements As Needed to Provide Temporary Safe Parking Along the Corridor in Palo Alto, and Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Removal of On‐Street Parking for this Project; CEQA status – categorically exempt.
ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action during this meeting’s agenda.
32. Informational Report on the Public Art Commission Presentation to Policy & Services Committee May 14, 2024
33. Sales Tax Digest Summary, Calendar Year 2023 Q4 (October 2023‐December 2023)
34. Establishment of Community Advisory Group for Downtown Housing Plan. CEQA Status ‐ ‐ Not a Project.
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Rail Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Finance Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Retail Committee June 19, 2024 CANCELED
City/Schools Liaison Committee June 20, 2024
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
AMENDED AGENDA ITEMS
15. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
19. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to [email protected].
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing [email protected]. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.
6 June 17, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at
www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas
.
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, June 17, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
4:00 PM
Amended Agenda
Amended agenda items appear below in RED
Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda.
Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto , and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org .
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard for 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda. Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to [email protected] g and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to [email protected] at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (4:00 ‐ 4:35 PM)
1. Proclamation June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
2. Proclamations Recognizing Departing Boards and Commissions Commissioners
3. Review List of Applications for Historic Resources Board Vacancies and Provide Direction for Interviews
CLOSED SESSION (4:35 ‐ 6:05 PM)
4. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY‐ EXISTING LITIGATION
Subject: Eric Figueroa, et al. v. City of Palo Alto
Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 21‐CV‐383740 (One Case, as Defendant) Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT (6:05 ‐ 6:35 PM)
Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 13 minutes depending on # of speakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.
COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:35 ‐ 6:40 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).
CONSENT CALENDAR (6:40 ‐ 6:45 PM)
Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.
5. Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy as Recommended by the Finance Committee
6. Utilities Advisory Commission Recommends Adoption of the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report
7. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 411 Kipling Street From a Category 4 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
8. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 271 University Avenue From a Category 3 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
9. Approval of Construction Contract C24190748 with Ross Recreation Equipment Company Inc. in the Amount of $305,600 and Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders up to a Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $30,600 for the Ramos Park Improvements, Capital Improvement Program Project PG‐14000; CEQA Status—Exempt Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301
10. QUASI‐JUDICIAL. 420 Acacia: Final Map and Street Naming [24PLN‐00027]: Request for a Final Map to Subdivide a 35,573 Square Foot Parcel Having Split Zoning Designations (R‐1 and RM‐30) for Condominium Purposes (16 Residential Units). Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In‐fill Development).
11. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract C24189570 with Downtown Streets Team in the Amount of $548,958 to Combine Contracts to Increase Operational Efficiency for a Revised Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $1.1 Million Over Three Years ; CEQA Status: Not a Project
12. Approval of Construction Contract Number C24190081 with Marina Landscape, Inc. in the Amount Not‐to‐exceed $338,459 for Dog Park Installation and Renovation Project PG‐18001; and Authorization of Contract Contingency in an Amount Not‐to‐Exceed $50,769 for Related, Additional but Unforeseen Work Which May Develop During the Project; and Amend the FY2024 Budget in the Capital Improvement Fund (2/3 vote required); CEQA status – categorically exempt.
13. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract Number S24189598 with Good City Company in the Amount of $18,120 for a Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance Update; the Total not‐to‐exceed Amount of the Contract is $92,293. CEQA Status:
Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3).
14. Authorization for the Mayor to sign a 3‐Year Friendship Cities Agreement with Narok, Kenya
15. Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
16. Adopt a Resolution to Allow Consumption of Alcohol under PAMC section 9.04.010 on California Avenue in Conjunction with the 3rd Thursday Event
17. Approval of 1) Increase of Construction Contingency for Contract No. C21178123B with Swinerton Builders in the Amount of $1,000,000; 2) Contract Amendment No. 4 for Contract No. S20176170 with Romig Engineers, Inc. in the Amount of $21,786 and to Extend the Contract Term; 3) Increase of Contingency for Purchase Order with Pivot Interiors Inc. in the Amount of $23,440; and 4) Authorization for the City Manager to Execute a General Services Contract for Moving Services in an Amount of up to $250,000 for the New Public Safety Building Capital Project (PE‐15001); CEQA ‐ Environmental Impact Report for the New Public Safety Building and New California Avenue Area Parking Garage (Resolution No. 9772)
18. Approval of Contracts with US Bank and its Wholly Owned Subsidiary Elavon for General Banking, Safekeeping (Custodial), and Merchant Services for a Period of Five Years; and Approval of Contract with Wells Fargo for Lockbox Services for a Period of One Year; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
19. Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added
20. Resolution to Vacate Portions of Three Public Service Easements at 1700 Embarcadero Road
21. Approval of an Extension to Building Permit 18000‐00536 for 429 University Ave; CEQA status – Mitigated Negative Declaration (ENV20718).
22. SECOND READING: Adoption of an Ordinance extending the Term of Ordinance No. 5517 by an Additional 12 Months from June 16, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Ordinance 5517 Amends Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Update Definitions, Broaden Permitted Uses and Provide Limits on Certain Uses through Updates to the Conditional Use Permit Thresholds. Environmental Review: CEQA Exemption 15061(b) (3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 7‐0)
23. SECOND READING: Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.14 (California Green Building Standards, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 11) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 Green Building Standards Code, Along With Local Modifications Related to Electrical Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Requirements and Building Electrification Requirements and an Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.17 (California Energy Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 California Energy Code, Along with Local Modifications to Increase Energy Efficiency Standards for Buildings, Mandate Electric‐Ready Requirements and Incentivize All‐Electric New Construction. CEQA Status: Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15308 and 15061(b)(3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 6‐1, Tanaka no and 7‐0)
24. Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for Citywide Implementation of Fiber‐to‐the‐Premises Project (FTTP), Including the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program; Approval of Purchase Order No. 4524000496 With Thermo Bond Buildings in an Amount Not to Exceed of $339,076 for the Design, Build and Delivery of a Modular Building “Fiber Hut“; Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders in the Amount Not‐to‐Exceed of $31,384 for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work That may Develop During the Project, for a Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $370,460 with Thermo Bond Buildings.
25. Approval of a Professional Services Contract Number C24188127 with Telecommunications Engineering Associates (TEA) in an Amount Not to Exceed $834,882 for Public Safety Radio Network Maintenance and Construction for a Period of Five (5) Years; CEQA Status: Not a Project
26. Approval of Assignment and Assumption Agreement to transfer Baker Tilly US LLP’s contract to Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP; CEQA – Not a Project
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐ Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (6:45 ‐ 7:00 PM)
BREAK (15 MINUTES)
ACTION ITEMS (Item 28: 7:15 ‐ 8:30 PM, Item 29: 8:30 ‐ 9:15 PM, Item 30: 9:15 ‐ 10:00 PM, Item 31: 10:00 ‐ 11:00 PM)
Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, Unfinished Business and Council Matters.
28. PUBLIC HEARING: Adoption of Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2025, Including the Operating and Capital Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule; Adoption of a Resolution determining the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025; Acceptance of Updates to the Retiree Healthcare Actuarial Report; and Approval of Contributions for Retiree Healthcare Benefits
29. PUBLIC HEARING & PROPOSITION 218 HEARING: Finance Committee Recommends Adoption of Six Resolutions: 1) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Plan, Including Approval of a Short‐Term Loan From the Fiber Optics Fund Reserve to the Wastewater Collection Fund Operations Reserve for Fiscal Year 2024, and Amending Wastewater Collection Rate Schedules S‐1, S‐2, S‐6 and S‐7; 2) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Water Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Water Rate Schedules W‐1, W‐2, W‐3, W‐4, and W‐7; 3) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Gas Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Gas Rate Schedules G‐1, G‐2, G‐3 and G‐10; 4) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Electric Utility Financial Plan and Accepting the 2024 City of Palo Alto Electric Cost of Service and Rate Study, and Amending Electric Rate Schedules E‐1, E‐2, E‐4, E‐4 TOU, E‐7, E‐7 TOU, E‐14, E‐EEC‐1, E‐NSE‐1, E‐2‐G, E‐4‐G and E‐7‐G; 5) Amending Utility Rate Schedules EDF‐1 and EDF‐2 to Increase Dark Fiber Rates 2.6 Percent; 6) Amending Utility Rate Schedule D‐1 Increasing the Storm Water Management Fee by 2.6 Percent per Month per Equivalent Residential Unit for FY 2025; CEQA Status: Not a project under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) and Exempt Under Section 15273(a)
30. Approve Retention of the Current Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Hydroelectricity Base Resource Contract Allocation From 2025‐2030; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
31. Discussion Regarding Caltrans’ Repaving Project on El Camino Real Replacing Existing Parking with Bicycle Lanes, Authority for Staff to Make Adjustments to the Residential Preferential Parking Permit Programs and Return to Council on Consent if Needed, Authority for Staff to Enter into Agreements As Needed to Provide Temporary Safe Parking Along the Corridor in Palo Alto, and Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Removal of On‐Street Parking for this Project; CEQA status – categorically exempt.
ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action during this meeting’s agenda.
32. Informational Report on the Public Art Commission Presentation to Policy & Services Committee May 14, 2024
33. Sales Tax Digest Summary, Calendar Year 2023 Q4 (October 2023‐December 2023)
34. Establishment of Community Advisory Group for Downtown Housing Plan. CEQA Status ‐ ‐ Not a Project.
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Rail Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Finance Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Retail Committee June 19, 2024 CANCELED
City/Schools Liaison Committee June 20, 2024
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
AMENDED AGENDA ITEMS
15. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
19. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to [email protected].
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing [email protected]. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.
7 June 17, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at
www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas
.
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, June 17, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
4:00 PM
Amended Agenda
Amended agenda items appear below in RED
Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda.
Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto , and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org
.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard for 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda. Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to [email protected]
g and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to [email protected] at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (4:00 ‐ 4:35 PM)
1. Proclamation June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
2. Proclamations Recognizing Departing Boards and Commissions Commissioners
3. Review List of Applications for Historic Resources Board Vacancies and Provide Direction for Interviews
CLOSED SESSION (4:35 ‐ 6:05 PM)
4. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY‐ EXISTING LITIGATION
Subject: Eric Figueroa, et al. v. City of Palo Alto
Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 21‐CV‐383740 (One Case, as Defendant) Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT (6:05 ‐ 6:35 PM)
Members of the public may speak inperson ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 13 minutes depending on # of speakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.
COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:35 ‐ 6:40 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).
CONSENT CALENDAR (6:40 ‐ 6:45 PM)
Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.
5. Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy as Recommended by the Finance Committee
6. Utilities Advisory Commission Recommends Adoption of the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report
7. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 411 Kipling Street From a Category 4 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
8. CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 271 University Avenue From a Category 3 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
9. Approval of Construction Contract C24190748 with Ross Recreation Equipment Company Inc. in the Amount of $305,600 and Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders up to a Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $30,600 for the Ramos Park Improvements, Capital Improvement Program Project PG‐14000; CEQA Status—Exempt Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301
10. QUASI‐JUDICIAL. 420 Acacia: Final Map and Street Naming [24PLN‐00027]: Request for a Final Map to Subdivide a 35,573 Square Foot Parcel Having Split Zoning Designations (R‐1 and RM‐30) for Condominium Purposes (16 Residential Units). Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In‐fill Development).
11. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract C24189570 with Downtown Streets Team in the Amount of $548,958 to Combine Contracts to Increase Operational Efficiency for a Revised Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $1.1 Million Over Three Years ; CEQA Status: Not a Project
12. Approval of Construction Contract Number C24190081 with Marina Landscape, Inc. in the Amount Not‐to‐exceed $338,459 for Dog Park Installation and Renovation Project PG‐18001; and Authorization of Contract Contingency in an Amount Not‐to‐Exceed $50,769 for Related, Additional but Unforeseen Work Which May Develop During the Project; and Amend the FY2024 Budget in the Capital Improvement Fund (2/3 vote required); CEQA status – categorically exempt.
13. Approval of Contract Amendment Number 1 to Contract Number S24189598 with Good City Company in the Amount of $18,120 for a Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance Update; the Total not‐to‐exceed Amount of the Contract is $92,293. CEQA Status:
Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3).
14. Authorization for the Mayor to sign a 3‐Year Friendship Cities Agreement with Narok, Kenya
15. Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
16. Adopt a Resolution to Allow Consumption of Alcohol under PAMC section 9.04.010 on California Avenue in Conjunction with the 3rd Thursday Event
17. Approval of 1) Increase of Construction Contingency for Contract No. C21178123B with Swinerton Builders in the Amount of $1,000,000; 2) Contract Amendment No. 4 for Contract No. S20176170 with Romig Engineers, Inc. in the Amount of $21,786 and to Extend the Contract Term; 3) Increase of Contingency for Purchase Order with Pivot Interiors Inc. in the Amount of $23,440; and 4) Authorization for the City Manager to Execute a General Services Contract for Moving Services in an Amount of up to $250,000 for the New Public Safety Building Capital Project (PE‐15001); CEQA ‐ Environmental Impact Report for the New Public Safety Building and New California Avenue Area Parking Garage (Resolution No. 9772)
18. Approval of Contracts with US Bank and its Wholly Owned Subsidiary Elavon for General Banking, Safekeeping (Custodial), and Merchant Services for a Period of Five Years; and Approval of Contract with Wells Fargo for Lockbox Services for a Period of One Year; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
19. Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added
20. Resolution to Vacate Portions of Three Public Service Easements at 1700 Embarcadero Road
21. Approval of an Extension to Building Permit 18000‐00536 for 429 University Ave; CEQA status – Mitigated Negative Declaration (ENV20718).
22. SECOND READING: Adoption of an Ordinance extending the Term of Ordinance No. 5517 by an Additional 12 Months from June 16, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Ordinance 5517 Amends Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Update Definitions, Broaden Permitted Uses and Provide Limits on Certain Uses through Updates to the Conditional Use Permit Thresholds. Environmental Review: CEQA Exemption 15061(b) (3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 7‐0)
23. SECOND READING: Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.14 (California Green Building Standards, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 11) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 Green Building Standards Code, Along With Local Modifications Related to Electrical Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Requirements and Building Electrification Requirements and an Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.17 (California Energy Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt the 2022 California Energy Code, Along with Local Modifications to Increase Energy Efficiency Standards for Buildings, Mandate Electric‐Ready Requirements and Incentivize All‐Electric New Construction. CEQA Status: Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15308 and 15061(b)(3) (FIRST READING: June 3, 2024 PASSED 6‐1, Tanaka no and 7‐0)
24. Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for Citywide Implementation of Fiber‐to‐the‐Premises Project (FTTP), Including the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program; Approval of Purchase Order No. 4524000496 With Thermo Bond Buildings in an Amount Not to Exceed of $339,076 for the Design, Build and Delivery of a Modular Building “Fiber Hut“; Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders in the Amount Not‐to‐Exceed of $31,384 for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work That may Develop During the Project, for a Total Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $370,460 with Thermo Bond Buildings.
25. Approval of a Professional Services Contract Number C24188127 with Telecommunications Engineering Associates (TEA) in an Amount Not to Exceed $834,882 for Public Safety Radio Network Maintenance and Construction for a Period of Five (5) Years; CEQA Status: Not a Project
26. Approval of Assignment and Assumption Agreement to transfer Baker Tilly US LLP’s contract to Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP; CEQA – Not a Project
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐ Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (6:45 ‐ 7:00 PM)
BREAK (15 MINUTES)
ACTION ITEMS (Item 28: 7:15 ‐ 8:30 PM, Item 29: 8:30 ‐ 9:15 PM, Item 30: 9:15 ‐ 10:00 PM, Item 31: 10:00 ‐ 11:00 PM)
Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, Unfinished Business and Council Matters.
28. PUBLIC HEARING: Adoption of Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2025, Including the Operating and Capital Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule; Adoption of a Resolution determining the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025; Acceptance of Updates to the Retiree Healthcare Actuarial Report; and Approval of Contributions for Retiree Healthcare Benefits
29. PUBLIC HEARING & PROPOSITION 218 HEARING: Finance Committee Recommends Adoption of Six Resolutions: 1) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Plan, Including Approval of a Short‐Term Loan From the Fiber Optics Fund Reserve to the Wastewater Collection Fund Operations Reserve for Fiscal Year 2024, and Amending Wastewater Collection Rate Schedules S‐1, S‐2, S‐6 and S‐7; 2) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Water Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Water Rate Schedules W‐1, W‐2, W‐3, W‐4, and W‐7; 3) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Gas Utility Financial Plan, and Amending Gas Rate Schedules G‐1, G‐2, G‐3 and G‐10; 4) Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Electric Utility Financial Plan and Accepting the 2024 City of Palo Alto Electric Cost of Service and Rate Study, and Amending Electric Rate Schedules E‐1, E‐2, E‐4, E‐4 TOU, E‐7, E‐7 TOU, E‐14, E‐EEC‐1, E‐NSE‐1, E‐2‐G, E‐4‐G and E‐7‐G; 5) Amending Utility Rate Schedules EDF‐1 and EDF‐2 to Increase Dark Fiber Rates 2.6 Percent; 6) Amending Utility Rate Schedule D‐1 Increasing the Storm Water Management Fee by 2.6 Percent per Month per Equivalent Residential Unit for FY 2025; CEQA Status: Not a project under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) and Exempt Under Section 15273(a)
30. Approve Retention of the Current Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Hydroelectricity Base Resource Contract Allocation From 2025‐2030; CEQA Status: Not a Project.
31. Discussion Regarding Caltrans’ Repaving Project on El Camino Real Replacing Existing Parking with Bicycle Lanes, Authority for Staff to Make Adjustments to the Residential Preferential Parking Permit Programs and Return to Council on Consent if Needed, Authority for Staff to Enter into Agreements As Needed to Provide Temporary Safe Parking Along the Corridor in Palo Alto, and Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Removal of On‐Street Parking for this Project; CEQA status – categorically exempt.
ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action during this meeting’s agenda.
32. Informational Report on the Public Art Commission Presentation to Policy & Services Committee May 14, 2024
33. Sales Tax Digest Summary, Calendar Year 2023 Q4 (October 2023‐December 2023)
34. Establishment of Community Advisory Group for Downtown Housing Plan. CEQA Status ‐ ‐ Not a Project.
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Rail Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Finance Committee June 18, 2024 CANCELED
Retail Committee June 19, 2024 CANCELED
City/Schools Liaison Committee June 20, 2024
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
AMENDED AGENDA ITEMS
15. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Approval of a Funding Agreement with Federal Railroad Administration to Receive $6 Million for the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Documentation Phase for the Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. CEQA status – statutorily exempt per CEQA section 15262; this funding agreement will partially fund CEQA/NEPA review of the grade separation projects. Supplemental Report added
19. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate and Execute a Line of Credit totaling $31 Million to Address Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund Cashflow as Recommended by the Finance Committee; CEQA Status – Not a Project Supplemental Report added AA1. Adopt an Ordinance and Resolution Extending the Interim Parklet Program to the Car‐Free Portion of Ramona Street through March 2025; CEQA status ‐ categorically exempt New Item added
27. Approval of: (1) Contract No. C24187724 with LensLock, Inc (Lenslock) for replacement of the police public contact audio/video system for a five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $1,128,225; and (2) Police Audio/Video Technology Surveillance Use Policy; CEQA status – categorically exempt. Item Removed Off Agenda and Placed on June 18, 2024 City Council Meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to [email protected].
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA)
It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing [email protected]. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.
8 June 17, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas.
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: June 17, 2024
Report #:2406-3116
TITLE
Proclamation June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: June 2024 LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Proclamation APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
1 Packet Pg. 9 of 946
Proclamation
_______________________
Greer Stone
Mayor
LGBTQIA+ PRIDE MONTH
WHEREAS, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month is celebrated nationwide each year in the month of June; and WHEREAS, this month commemorate s the riots that took place 50 years ago at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan, New York, on the morning of June 28, 1969, often viewed as the birth of the modern LGBTQ IA+ Rights Movement; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that several major Unite d States Supreme Court decisions impacting LGBTQ IA+ rights in a positive way have been announced in June, including Lawrence v. Texas, 539 U.S. 558 (2003), which struck down sodomy laws; U.S. v. Windsor, 570 U.S. 744 (2013), which struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act; Obergefell v. Hodges, 135 S. Ct. 2584 (2015), which affirmed the right of same-sex couples to marry; and Pavan v. Smith, 137 S. Ct. 2075 (2017), which held that both mothers of a child had the legal right to be listed on their child’s birth certificate; and
WHEREAS, despite this extraordinary progress, the LGBTQ IA+ community continues to face systematic discrimination through anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation targeting LGBTQIA+ families, children, athletes, and students; and
WHEREAS, Palo Alto has a diverse LGBTQ IA+ community and many allies, and the City of Palo Alto is committed to supporting visibility, dignity, and equity for all people in the LBGTQIA+ community; and WHEREAS, we will continue to push back against the forces of hate and intolerance to ensure all feel safe and welcomed. We continuously create spaces to assess the needs and explore ways to provide more services and resources to our LGBTQIA+ community. Acknowledging how the need for education and awareness remains vital to end discrimination and prejudice , the City is offering training opportunities to City Staff to enhance their knowledge about gender, gender identity, and gender expression, expanding the tools available to sustain an environment of inclusion, connection, and belonging.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the entire City Council do hereby proclaim the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month and encourage all citizens to join in ce lebrating our diversity, promoting inclusion and equal protection under the law, and eliminating discriminatory policies toward any culture, race , or other identity, expression, or group.
Presented: June 17th, 2024
Item 1
Attachment A - June 2024
LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
Proclamation
Item 1: Staff Report
Pg.
2 Packet Pg. 10 of 946
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: June 17, 2024
Report #:2406-3127
TITLE
Proclamations Recognizing Departing Boards and Commissions Commissioners
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt proclamations recognizing and thanking departing Boards and Commissions Commissioners for their service.
BACKGROUND
The following Commissioners are departing their respective Board or Commission. The City would like to take this opportunity to honor and thank each commissioner for their service. •Gogo Heinrich, Historic Resources Board
•Michael Makinen, Historic Resources Board
•Margaret Wimmer, Historic Resources Board
•Daryl Savage, Human Relations Commission
•Nia Taylor, Public Art Commission
•David Bower, Stormwater Management Oversight Committee •Marilyn Keller, Stormwater Management Oversight Committee •Lisa Forsell, Utilities Advisory Commission
•Lauren Segal, Utilities Advisory Commission
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Gogo Heinrich, Historic Resources Board
Attachment B: Michael Makinen, Historic Resources Board Attachment C: Margaret Wimmer, Historic Resources Board Attachment D: Daryl Savage, Human Relations Commission
Attachment E: Nia Taylor, Public Art Commission
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Item 2: Staff Report
Pg.
1 Packet Pg. 11 of 946
Attachment F: David Bower, Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Attachment G: Marilyn Keller, Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Attachment H: Lisa Forsell, Utilities Advisory Commission Attachment I: Lauren Segal, Utilities Advisory Commission APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Item 2: Staff Report
Pg.
2 Packet Pg. 12 of 946
Proclamation
Gogo Heinrich
Historic Resources Board
WHEREAS, the Historic Resources Board has acted as a steward for the City’s historic resources and has upheld the purpose of the Historic Preservation Ordinance, thereby contributing to the retention of historically and culturally important features of our built environment; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Resources Board acts responsibly, upholding the City’s status as a Certified Local Government designated by the State of California’s Historic Preservation Office; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Resources Board provides design advice and recommendations to owners of historic properties to help guide projects in a manner that upholds Palo Alto’s values for the preservation of historic resources; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Resources Board has reviewed complex historic rehabilitation projects, including additions to historic buildings that are consistent with local and national historic preservation and rehabilitation standards in the Downtown Palo Alto area, areas South of Forest Avenue , and homes in the Professorville National Register Historic District; and
WHEREAS, Gogo served for three years (since 2021) as a contributing member and resident of the Professorville Historic neighborhood active in volunteering on the draft Professorville Design Guidelines . She is a licensed architect member and LEED accredited professional with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry , specializing in program manageme nt, design management, project management, and construction management of large complex projects including airport terminals, fire stations, correctional facilities, office buildings, zoo facilities, education facilities, and civic buildings.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim appreciation for outstanding public service to Gogo Heinrich for her service and contributions rendered as a Historic Resources Board Member.
Presented: June 17
th, 2024
______________________________
Greer Stone
Mayor
Item 2
Attachment A - Gogo
Heinrich, Historic
Resources Board
Item 2: Staff Report
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Proclamation
Mike Makinen
Historic Resources Board
WHEREAS, the Historic Resources Board has acted as a steward for the City’s historic resources and has upheld the purpose of the Historic Preservation Ordinance, thereby contributing to the retention of historically and culturally important features of our built environment; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Resources Board acts responsibly, upholding the City’s status as a Certified Local Government designated by the State of California’s Historic Preservation Office; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Resources Board provides design advice and recommendations to owners of historic properties to help guide projects in a manner that upholds Palo Alto’s values for the preservation of historic resources; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Resources Board has reviewed complex historic rehabilitation projects, including additions to historic buildings that are consistent with local and national historic preservation and rehabilitation standards in the Down town Palo Alto area, areas South of Forest Avenue , and homes in the Professorville National Register Historic District; and
WHEREAS, Mike Makinen served for 26 years (from 1998 through May 2024), including serving one year as Vice Chair from fall 2014 to fall 2015. Mike’s contributions were based on his educational background (Masters in Mechanical Engineering) and experience as an Aerospace Engineer, Design Engineer, Facilities Planner, Project Manager, and working as the NASA-Ames Historic Preservation Officer and working as Chief of the Ames Facilities Planning Office.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim appreciation for outstanding public service to Mike Makinen for his service and contributions rendered as a Historic Resources Board Member.
Presented: June 17
th, 2024
______________________________
Greer Stone
Mayor
Item 2
Attachment B - Mike
Makinen, Historic
Resources Board
Item 2: Staff Report
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Proclamation
Margaret Wimmer
Historic Resources Board
WHEREAS, the Historic Resources Board has acted as a steward for the City’s historic resources and has upheld the purpose of the Historic Preservation Ordinance, thereby contributing to the retention of histori cally and culturally important features of our built environment; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Resources Board acts responsibly, upholding the City’s status as a Certified Local Government designated by the State of California’s Historic Preservation Office; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Resources Board provides design advice and recommendations to owners of historic properties to help guide projects in a manner that upholds Palo Alto’s values for the preservation of historic resources; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Resources Board has reviewed complex historic rehabilitation projects, including additions to historic buildings that are consistent with local and national historic preservation and rehabilitation standards in the Downtown Palo Alto area, areas South of Forest Avenue , and homes in the Professorville National Register Historic District; and
WHEREAS, Margaret Wimmer served for seven years (since 2017), including serving one year as Vice Chair 2016 to April 2017. Margaret’s contributions were based on her e ducational background from the College of Architecture at Arizona State University and her expertise as a Palo Alto based Residential Designer with over 24 years of professional experience in the San Francisco Bay Area.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim appreciation for outstanding public service to Margaret Wimmer for her service and contributions rendered as a Historic Resources Board Member.
Presented: June 17
th, 2024
______________________________
Greer Stone
Mayor
Item 2
Attachment C - Margaret
Wimmer, Historic
Resources Board
Item 2: Staff Report
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Proclamation
Daryl Savage
Human Relations Commission
WHEREAS, Daryl’s unwavering dedication to public service is evidenced by her tenure on the Human Relations Commission (HRC) at different times for a total of 17 years, the longest commitment to the Commission of any individual on record, is truly commendable; and
WHEREAS, Daryl served as the Commission’s liaison to the Palo Alto Police Department throughout her tenure on the HRC, demonstrating her ability to foster collaboration and understanding; and
WHEREAS, Daryl's exceptional service extended beyond her regular HRC duties, as she served as a community representative on numerous Palo Alto Police Department promotional panels over many years, providing a valuable perspective and engaging in thoughtful questioning that greatly benefited our community ; and
WHEREAS, Daryl’s insightful contributions and vast experience were instrumental to the HRC as they navigated vital and challenging issues such as police reforms, renter protections, hate crimes, and inclusion and belonging, among others; and
WHEREAS, Daryl served for several years on an ad hoc subcommittee for recommendations for the Human Services Emerging Needs grant program; and
WHEREAS, Daryl, along with other commissioners, conducted site visits of many of the agencies that receive HSRAP funding to better understand the services offered and hear about the agencies' successes and challenges.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim appreciation for outstanding public service to Daryl Savage for her service and contributions rendered as a Human Relations Commissioner.
Presented: June 17
th, 2024
______________________________
Greer Stone
Mayor
Item 2
Attachment D - Daryl
Savage, Human Relations
Commission
Item 2: Staff Report
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Proclamation
Nia Taylor
Public Art Commission
WHEREAS, Nia Taylor, a beacon of dedication, served nine years on the Public Art Commission, generously devoting her time and expertise to serve on selection panels and shape the landscape of public art in Palo Alto; and
WHEREAS, Nia Taylor supported long-term public art planning efforts in the City, such as the Public Art Master Plan and the California Avenue District Plan; and
WHEREAS, Nia Taylor, a true visionary, consistently brought a unique perspective and fresh eyes to every project, enriching the public art landscape of Palo Alto; and
WHEREAS, Nia Taylor played a pivotal role in the selection of sixteen artist teams and the successful implementation of a city mural, showcasing her exceptional leadership and decision-making abilities; and
WHEREAS, Nia Taylor, through her strong advocacy, success fully spearheaded temporary public art initiatives that not only enhanced our commercial corridors but also significantly boosted visitor attraction, such as the Code: ART and mural festivals on California Avenue and downtown Palo Alto; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim appreciation for outstanding public service to Nia Tay lor for her service and contributions rendered as a Public Art Commissioner.
Presented: June 17
th, 2024
______________________________
Greer Stone
Mayor
Item 2
Attachment E - Nia Taylor,
Public Arts Commission
Item 2: Staff Report
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Proclamation
David Bower
Stormwater Management Oversight Committee
WHEREAS, the Stormwater Management Oversight Committee was selected and appointed by the City Council to ensure the stormwater management fees approved by property owners via a 2017 Ballot Measure are used to fund the approved stormwater management programs and storm drain capital improvement projects; and
WHEREAS, David Bower’s four decades of experience in construction was a valuable asset to fellow members of the Stormwater Management Oversight Committee and City staff, and he contributed both awareness of technical issues affecting stormwater infrastructure and advocacy for the needs of City residents; and
WHEREAS, during his six- year tenure, David listened intently to staff ’s presentations of six capital improvement projects, several storm drain system rehabilitation and repair projects, and was in support of the proposed improvements and work performed by staff; and
WHEREAS, David has taken a leadership role in advocating for additional investment in our city’s infrastructure as well as diligent and effective maintenance of its existing physical resources; and
WHEREAS, David additionally served on the Historic Resource Board for nearly 16 years, including four combined years as chair and vice chair, on the Mills Act Ad Hoc Committee, and on the Storm Drain Blue Ribbon Committee that recommended the 2017 Stormwater Management Fee to Council.
NOW, THEREFORE I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim appreciation for outstanding public service to David Bower for his service and contributions rendered as a Stornwater Management Oversight Committee Member.
Presented: June 17th, 2024
______________________________
Greer Stone
Mayor
Item 2
Attachment F - David
Bower, Stormwater
Management Oversight
Committee
Item 2: Staff Report
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Proclamation
Marilyn Keller
Stormwater Management Oversight Committee
WHEREAS, the Stormwater Management Oversight Committee was selected and appointed by the City Council to ensure the stormwater management fees approved by property owners via a 2017 Ballot Measure are used to fund the approved stormwater management programs and storm drain capital improvement projects; and
WHEREAS, Marilyn Keller’s professional experience and interest in green stormwater infrastructure and nature-based solutions, as well as her academic background in Biology, Environmental and Earth Sciences, are aligned with the stormwater management focus and therefore have been a resource to City staff and Stormwater Management Oversight Committee members; and
WHEREAS, Marilyn’s contributions to the Committee reflected both a local perspective and global awareness, and was characterized by the utmost in personal courtesy, respect, collegiality, and leadership in working toward consensus; and
WHEREAS, during her s ix-year tenure, Marilyn listened intently to staff’s presentations of six capital improvement projects, several storm drain system rehabilitation and repair projects, and was in support of the proposed improvements and work performed by staff.
NOW, THEREFORE I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim appreciation for outstanding public service to Marylin Keller for her service and contributions rendered as a Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Member.
Presented: June 17th, 2024
______________________________
Greer Stone
Mayor
Item 2
Attachment G - Marylin
Keller, Stormwater
Management Oversight
Committee
Item 2: Staff Report
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Proclamation
Lisa Forssell
Utilities Advisory Commission
WHEREAS, the Utilities Advisory Commission provides dedicated service to the residents and businesses of this community through the review of Utilities Department budgets, policies, and practices; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioners lend their collective and extensive knowledge of financial forecasting, environmental sustainability, and energy and water efficiency in their review of fiber optics, recycled water, and research & development on utilities -related advancements, including communications with the community, utilities, and commodities markets, the application of economics and business, public service and many other utilities related matters; and
WHEREAS, the Utilities Advisory Commission's deliberations add valuable insights and ideas through constructive discussion of complex utilities issues, leading to sound advice for the City Council on a wide range of utilities related items; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioners assisted in the development of the annual Utilities Capital and Operating Budgets, the annual Utilities Legislative Policy Guidelines, the long- term Financial Plans and Reserves Guidelines, the Recycled Water Distribution Project, the long- term integrated resource plans for electric, gas, water, and wastewater utilities, and consideration of new long -term renewable energy contracts and fiber optics plans; and
WHEREAS, the Utilities Advisory Commission expends significant personal time researching and facilitating efforts with staff, participating on subcommittees to develop reasoned, thorough and useful recommendations, representing the Commission at City Council and Committee meetings and working within the community to communicate and clarify is sues and policies, and in addition, listen openly to members of the public, which enables good civic engagement; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim appreciation for outstanding public service to Lisa Forssell for her service and contribution rendered as a Utilities Advisory Commissioner.
Presented: June 17
th, 2024
______________________________
Greer Stone
Mayor
Item 2
Attachment H - Lisa
Forssell, Utilities Advisory
Commission
Item 2: Staff Report
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Proclamation
Lauren Segal
Utilities Advisory Commission
WHEREAS, the Utilities Advisory Commission provides dedicated service to the residents and businesses of this community through the review of Utilities Department budgets, policies, and practices; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioners lend their collective and extensive knowledge of financial forecasting, environmental sustainability, and energy and water efficiency in their review of fiber optics, recycled water, and research & development on utilities -related advancements, including communications with the community, utilities, and commodities markets, the application of economics and business, public service and many other utilities related matters; and
WHEREAS, the Utilities Advisory Commission's deliberations add valuable insights and ideas through constructive discussion of complex utilities issues, leading to sound advice for the City Council on a wide range of utilities related items; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioners assisted in the development of the annual Utilities Capital and Operating Budgets, the annual Utilities Legislative Policy Guidelines, the long- term Financial Plans and Reserves Guidelines, the Recycled Water Distribution Project, the long- term integrated resource plans for electric, gas, water, and wastewater utilities, and consideration of new long -term renewable energy contracts and fiber optics plans; and
WHEREAS, the Utilities Advisory Commission expends significant personal time researching and facilitating efforts with Staff, participating on subcommittees to develop reasoned, thorough, and useful recommendations, representing the Commission at City Council and Committee meetings , and working within the community to communicate and clarify issues and policies, and in addition, listen openly to members of the public, which enables good civic engagement; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim appreciation for outst anding public service to L auren Segal for her service and contribution rendered as a Utilities Advisory Commissioner.
Presented: June 17
th, 2024
______________________________
Greer Stone
Mayor
Item 2
Attachment I - Lauren
Segal, Utilities Advisory
Commission
Item 2: Staff Report
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City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: June 17, 2024
Report #:2405-3042
TITLE
Review List of Applications for Historic Resources Board Vacancies and Provide Direction for Interviews
RECOMMENDATION
Review list of applicants and provide direction for conducting interviews with selected applicants for vacancies on the Historic Resources Board.
BACKGROUND
The extended Historic Resources Board recruitment closed on June 2nd, 2024. A total of 5 applications were submitted during the recruitment period. At the February 26, 2024 meeting the City Council deliberated on the process to select candidates to interview. The direction provided was to allow each Council Member a limited number of votes (number of vacancies plus 50%, round up) to select their preferred candidates to interview with a threshold of 2 votes for an interview. At the June 3, 2024 meeting the City Council approved an ordinance to reduce membership on the Historic Resources Board from seven to five members. As such, the number of vacancies to be filled this recruitment cycle is reduced from four to two vacancies.
MEMBESHIP REQUIREMENTS
Each Board or Commission has different requirements for appointment such as mandatory residency, specialized training, or professional service in a specified area. Additionally, appointed members cannot be council members, officers or employees of the City of Palo Alto.
At the June 3, 2024 meeting the City Council approved an ordinance to modify membership requirements for the Historic Resources Board. The updated membership requirements are listed below:
•Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of history, architecture or historic preservation (PAMC 2.27.010).
•Two members shall be professionals in the disciplines of architecture, architectural history, planning, landscape architecture, or related disciplines, or pre-historic and Item 3
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historic archeology, folklore, cultural anthropology, curation, or conservation (PAMC
2.27.010). This requirement is currently fulfilled by Caroline Willis (term expires 2024), Alisa Eagleston-Cieslewicz (term expires 2026), Gogo Heinrich (term expires 2024), Margaret Wimmer (term expires 2024), and Michael Makinen (term expires 2024). •At least one member shall possess academic education or practical experience in history or a related field (PAMC 2.27.010). This requirement is currently fulfilled by Samantha Rohman (term expires 2026) and Michael Makinen (term expires 2024).
PUBLIC OUTREACH
The extended Historic Resources Board recruitment invited applications from January 1, 2024 through June 2, 2024 through the new online application process. Palo Alto Municipal Code
2.16.060 requires public notification regarding vacancies of the Commissions as follows, “The City Clerk shall exercise their discretion in choosing the method of advertisement that will most effectively reach potential candidates.” Based on the September 14, 2021 Policy & Services Committee meeting report regarding Board and Commission Member demographics and community representation, the City Clerk’s office expanded recruitment efforts through additional means to “most effectively reach potential candidates”.
This recruitment was advertised through various methods including paid print and digital advisements in The Palo Alto Weekly and the Daily Post; via the City’s website and social media channels; in physical locations of the Palo Alto Libraries and Community Centers; and distributed by e-mail through established distribution lists to community based organizations including the Palo Alto Historical Association, individuals and City subscription based notification lists.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – Historic Resources Board Applications Redacted APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
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Historic Resources Board Application
Submitted on 2 June 2024, 9:59am
Receipt number 16
Related form version 15
Name Barry Katz
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Historic
Resources Board?
Email from the City
Personal Information
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Applications Redacted
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Read the code, and check only ONE option below: I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to the City’s website the attached Board and Commission Application intact. I have read and understand my rights under Government Code Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City Clerk.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation Professor (retired)
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.
If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.
Ph.D., University of California, Santa Cruz:
Consulting Professor, Design Group, Stanford University (1980-2022) Professor, Industrial and Interaction Design, California College of the Arts (1993-2023)
Fellow, IDEO, Inc. (1997-2022)
Extensive academic and journalistic publishing record including: Make it New. The History of Silicon Valley Design (MIT Press, 2015); Change By Design (with Tim Brown: Harper Collins, 2009/2019).
Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.
Ventura Neighbors Association: active member
Congregation Etz Chayim: Design Committee (chair and active member) Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Historic Resources Board and what experience would you bring to the position? I have academic expertise in the history and theory of design, with particular interest in design and architecture in Silicon Valley.
I am interested in serving on the Historic Resources Board because I believe, in the tradition of William Morris, that we are not simply inheritors but custodians of an architectural legacy. As he stated in 1889, "They are not in any sense our property, to do with as we like. We are only trustees for those that come after us... My belief is that our descendants will thank us for our share of the work."
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Board that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it.
I have actively followed, and to some extent participated in discussions of the North Ventura Coordinated Plan, specifically the cannery site previously occupied by Fry's Electronics. I would like to see balanced development that responds to the needs of present without translating our 130 year old city into a featureless and generic exurban landscape.
To my mind this would entail more than a bronze plaque.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Historic Resources Board achieve, and how would you help in the process?
Above all I would like to encourage thoughtful and respectful discussion of what will inevitably involve some contentious issues. I would also like the Historic Resources Board to serve an educational function, perhaps with greater outreach to the larger community than simply reporting its proceedings on the City's website. Palo Alto has played an outsize role in framing the character of modern life, and I would like the AHR to be a leader in demonstrating how to leverage the past as we look to the future.
4. Historic Resources Board Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience. Experience with these documents is not required for selection.
I have some familiarity but no direct experience with this body of documents.
Application Questions
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5. Please identify a project or projects that you find to be examples of good historic architecture, and explain why. You may attach samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.
Graduate Hotel, 488 University Ave. I am appreciative of the work of ELS Architecture and Design in the renovation of the original Birge Clark President's Hotel. The project demonstrates that it's possible to preserve an important historic structure while adapting it to current requirements.
Unlike too many of its neighbors, it honors the streetscape without resorting to artificial stylistic gestures.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.
Barry Katz resume-books-2024.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Barry Katz
Uploaded signature image: BK signature-single.jpg
Date Completed 06/02/2024
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Historic Resources Board Application
Submitted on 11 March 2024, 1:02pm
Receipt number 10
Related form version 15
Name H. Caroline Willis
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
Yes
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Historic
Resources Board?
Other: currently serving on the Board
Personal Information
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Read the code, and check only ONE option below: I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation Landlord, housewife
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.
If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.
Architectural degree from the Rhode Island School of Design Licensed to practice Architecture in California, License # C 14615 Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.
Former President of PAST Heritage
Docent for PAST Heritage
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Historic Resources Board and what experience would you bring to the position? I believe that the structures from our past have important messages to convey to us: reminding of us of the history we are building on, how quickly life changes, that we are making decisions influencing future generations.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Board that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it.
The Board is currently trying to bring the Historic Inventory up to date for the first time since its inception in the 70s. This action is long overdue.
The fact that it has been ignored for so long has created an unfounded dread in the community that there are lurking unknown negative consequences to being on the Inventory.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Historic Resources Board achieve, and how would you help in the process?
We need to move forward and update our Inventory and create a system for keeping the Inventory up to date. Property owners need to be supported in their efforts to maintain their historic properties instead of being made to feel that they are subject to additional burdens and regulations. We need a staff person with a deep understanding of and appreciation for preservation and the willingness to advocate for our historic property owners.
4. Historic Resources Board Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience. Experience with these documents is not required for selection.
I am familiar with the PA code section 16.49 regarding preservation and the Sec'y of the Interior Standards. I have referenced these documents to help my decision making while serving on the Board and over the years restoring historic houses and advising homeowners.
5. Please identify a project or projects that you find to be examples of good historic architecture, and explain why. You may attach samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.
I am particularly partial to the Ramona Street Historic District for its unique architecture. I love wandering through and admiring the many handcrafted details. It contains the work of the Architect Birge Clark and the designer Pedro de Lemos who contributed some of our most treasured buildings around town. It represents an early destination shopping district predating the mall concept. It pains me to see the Application Questions
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hodgepodge assembled in the street and I am hopeful that we will invest in finding an appropriate response to the streetscape in the not too distant future.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: H Caroline Willis
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/11/2024
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Historic Resources Board Application
Submitted on 4 May 2024, 8:48am
Receipt number 12
Related form version 15
Name Christopher Brosnan
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Historic
Resources Board?
Email from the City
Personal Information
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Read the code, and check only ONE option below: I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation Basketball Coach
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.
If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.
I have coached basketball for Gunn High School going on ten seasons Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.
I volunteer for the Palo Alto Pollinator garden. I am a member of my HOA's landscape committee
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Historic Resources Board and what experience would you bring to the position? I love Palo Alto. I have lived here for over 30 years. I have an excellent sense of Palo Alto's historical significance
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Board that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it.
On San Antonio road there was a mortuary that was very beautiful that was demolished, which I disagreed with
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Historic Resources Board achieve, and how would you help in the process?
Preserving Palo Alto's beautiful history and ecology is extremely important to me. I will bring essential enthusiasm to the table
4. Historic Resources Board Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience. Experience with these documents is not required for selection.
I have seen the comprehensive plan before
5. Please identify a project or projects that you find to be examples of good historic architecture, and explain why. You may attach samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.
I am a huge fan of the Palo Alto post office downtown. I love when history is preserved for our enjoyment
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Application Questions
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Signature Name of signatory: Chris Brosnan
Link to signature
Date Completed 5/4/2024
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Historic Resources Board Application
Submitted on 14 May 2024, 2:12pm
Receipt number 14
Related form version 15
Name Geddes Ulinskas
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Historic
Resources Board?
Email from the City
Personal Information
1 of 3
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Attachment A - Historic
Resources Board
Applications Redacted
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Read the code, and check only ONE option below: I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to the City’s website the attached Board and Commission Application intact. I have read and understand my rights under Government Code Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City Clerk.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation Architect
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.
If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.
I received a bachelor of architecture from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn New York. My early professional experience in New York included projects such as the restoration of Bryant Park, the New York Public Library and the restoration and re-construction of seven Carnegie Grant libraries in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan. After moving to San Francisco, I established my own architectural practice. My projects in San Francisco include the re-construction of the Congregation Chevra Thilim, home to one of the oldest traditional Jewish Communities in San Francisco as well as the renovation and restoration of multiple historic homes. Our renovation of the historic Henning Thode residence at Dolores Street was a restoration on a significant home of Historical Merit.
Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.
I have been a member of the American Institute of Architects for over two decades. I have volunteered for many committees and panels for the AIA San Francisco Chapter. From 2002 to 2007, I was a member of the Bernal Heights design review board. I attended monthly meetings to review design proposals for projects in the Bernal Heights Special use district and evaluate how proposals conformed to the special rules for the Bernal Heights district. After moving to Palo Alto, I have worked on two residential projects in Professorville, the most historically significant neighborhood in Palo Alto. I am very familiar with the design guidelines for Professorville and the rich architectural history that shaped this neighborhood.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Historic Resources Board and what experience would you bring to the position? Palo Alto is a very special place to me and it is quickly developing. I see development as a healthy part of the any city and there are benefits for the economy and culture, but the special character and charm of a community can get lost unless special care is taken to identify the unique elements of the environment and there is a plan for how to respect those elements. My experience working with Planning and Preservation on many projects in San Francisco, my experience as a member of the Bernal Heights Design Review Board and my experience designing residential projects in Professorville all provide background that I could bring to the Historic Resources Board. I have also worked closely with the historic resource firm of Page and Turnbull for many projects. I understand that Page and Turnbull has drafted many of the historic reports for the city of Palo Alto.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Board that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it.
I was very interested by the recent Historic review of 261 Hamilton Avenue. Although the discussion was focused on the replacement of tile accents on the base of the building, the history of that structure was reviewed and as part of the proceedings, the structure was revised from a category 3 contributing building to a major historic resource. What was also inspiring was that the owner of the building spoke about its history Application Questions
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and the owner has been a resident in Palo Alto since 1947. He had a clear passion for the significance of his property and all the historic buildings in the Ramona Architectural District. What this demonstrates is that historic preservation is not an academic exercise, but rather the stewardship of parts of the environment that are tied to the history and memories of our neighbors, friends and families.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Historic Resources Board achieve, and how would you help in the process?
There are many guidelines for renovating historic buildings that have been identified as contributing and known resources. I would like to see some recommendations for new developments in non-historic areas help make new construction reflect some more of the characteristics that make Palo Alto special. Historic guidelines for new construction in new development zones of the city would also help to unify new and old and create a more integrated architectural vocabulary. It is still important that new construction be visibly of its time, and attempting to imitate historic styles in problematic, but there are attitudes and treatments of materials and massing that can unify new and historic construction.
4. Historic Resources Board Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience. Experience with these documents is not required for selection.
To research my designs for projects in Palo Alto, I have referenced the Municipal code - Chapter 16.49
I have been familiar with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for more than two decades. I have attended many seminars on its application and many of the updates that have been issued.
I have had to follow the Environmental Quality Act for many of my project including coastal commission review.
I have had to work with the Professorville Guidelines since 2020 with one design project at Bryant Street and a second design project at Melville. I have also worked in Page and Turnbull on specific application and evaluation of my designs.
5. Please identify a project or projects that you find to be examples of good historic architecture, and explain why. You may attach samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.
I am very impressed with the restoration of the Paly Tower at Paly High School. I understand the project was a joint effort by Palo Alto Stanford Heritage and Palo Alto Historical Association.
The restoration of the Hoover Pavilion at the Stanford University Medical Center is also an example of a beautiful historic building remaining current and fulfilling a vital role in the community. I am also a fan of all the Eichler homes in Palo Alto and all the owners who have made updates and improvements, but keep the spirit of their homes the same.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Geddes Ulinskas
Link to signature
Date Completed 05/14/2024
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Historic Resources Board Application
Submitted on 8 May 2024, 2:40pm
Receipt number 13
Related form version 15
Name Zachary Pozner
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Historic
Resources Board?
Email from the City
Personal Information
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Read the code, and check only ONE option below: I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation Director of Architecture, Senior Campus Planner Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.
If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.
Director of Architecture, Senior Campus Planner
Stanford University: University Architect / Campus Planning and Design [March 2012 - Present]
Senior Project Manager,Design Manager, Entitlements Manager Stanford University Medical Center: Planning Design & Construction [February 2006 - February 2012]
Senior Designer, Project Architect
SmithGroupJJR
[May 2002 - February 2006]
Designer
KMD Architects
[June 1999 - January 2002]
Designer
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
[February 1999 - June 1999]
Designer
Desmone & Associates Architects
[August 1997 - December 1998]
Education
Carnegie Mellon University
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)
Minor in English Studies
1994 - 1999
Cornell University
Architecture Study Abroad (Rome, Italy)
Architecture, Art & Planning
1998 - 1998
Kunming University of Science and Technology
Architecture Study Abroad (Kunming, China)
Architecture, Art & Planning
1997 - 1997
Licensure
Registered Architect, New York State
License #36269
Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.
I I lived in San Francisco from 1999 - 2023, but never held any official public office or had ample time to volunteer to help my local community.
After 20 years commuting to Stanford every day, I finally moved to Palo Alto in the summer of 2023. I have spent the majority of my career helping to guide the planning and design of the Stanford's Land, Buildings and Real Estate, including:
Stanford University
Stanford Redwood City
Stanford Belmont
Stanford Research Park
Stanford Linear Accelerator Center
Stanford Shopping Center
Activities & Volunteering:
Series Director
Stanford University Spring Lecture Series in Architecture + Landscape + Urban Design
June 2012 – Present
Personal and Job Experience
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Studio Critic & Lecturer
Stanford University - Architectural Design Program
Jan 2016 - Present
Studio Critic
Academy of Art University - School of Architecture
Jan 2018 - Present
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Historic Resources Board and what experience would you bring to the position? During my 20 years working at Stanford Hospital and Stanford University, I have performed many different roles in the public process on behalf of those institutions, including:
Entitlements Manager
Project Manager
Campus Planner
Director of Architecture
I have collaborated with CoPA Planning, Public Works, Transportation, Fire & Police Departments. I have presented at ARB, Planning Commission, and City Council meetings. in my capacity as landlord, I have successfully guided dozens of Research Park and Shopping Center tenants through the ARB process. I believe I have a strong understanding of the values of the Palo Alto Community and the HRB, and the public process of planning and design review.
I realize that I would need to recuse myself from Stanford projects, but I still feel that I could make a positive impact on the HRB.
I am overjoyed to finally be living in Palo Alto, and would love the opportunity to help the guide the future of the Palo Alto built environment.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Board that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it.
I have not attended any recent sessions, but I presented to the HRB when I was managing the Hoover Pavilion Renovation project.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Historic Resources Board achieve, and how would you help in the process?
One of the primary roles in my current position is to critique planning and design within a specific context. This requires the ability to zoom in & out of a project: focusing on the detail of how the proposed project itself is designed, while also considering how it meshes with the broader neighborhood. This ability to focus on different scales is critical to guiding design professionals who do not spend as much time in our community as we do.
I also take pride in my ability to remove my own ego from the design process. My goal is not to make my personal imprint on a project.
Rather, it is to assist the consultant teams to reach the optimal version of their concept & design. This often involves a skill for asking the right questions of the designer, rather than proposing specific solutions. I think I could help project applicants to clarify their own objectives in order to validate (or modify) their proposed solutions.
4. Historic Resources Board Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience. Experience with these documents is not required for selection.
I have read these documents in the past, and would familiarize myself with them if selected to the HRB.
5. Please identify a project or projects that you find to be examples of good historic architecture, and explain why. You may attach samples, identify project addresses, or provide I am very proud of our historic renovation of Hoover Pavilion. We restored the exterior to its original glory, while renovating the interior to a modern medical clinic with a warm aesthetic that makes our patients and Application Questions
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links. staff feel comfortable and valued.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Zachary Pozner
Link to signature
Date Completed 05/08/2024
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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Administrative Services
Meeting Date: June 17, 2024
Report #:2402-2592
TITLE
Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy as Recommended by the Finance Committee
RECOMMENDATION
The Finance Committee and Staff recommend the City Council adopt the Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy (Policy) (Attachment A) with the following changes:
1. A report of transactions, including but not limited to investments, reinvestment, sold, and exchanged securities, will be made available to the City Council on a monthly basis, per California Government Code Section 53607, and
2. Annually, require brokers and dealers provide documentation of financial condition and relevant registration and certify that they have reviewed relevant California Government Code Section and the City’s Investment Policy.
ANALYSIS
The Investment Policy (Policy) and California Government Code Section 53646(a)(2)1 requires that the Policy be reviewed, and any changes proposed by staff be review and approved annually by the City Council at a public meeting, which the City has done during the annual budget process. The Finance Committee discussed the Policy at its May 21, 2024, meeting (Report # 2402-2588)2 and unanimously recommended Council approval.
The City Auditor’s Office performed the Investment Management Audit in spring 2023 and transmitted this report to the Council on January 16, 2024 (Report # 2312-2402)3. The Policy has been updated to include the City Auditor’s recommended changes. 1 FindLaw.com - California Code, Government Code - GOV § 53646: https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/government- code/gov-sect-53646/
2 Finance Committee, May 21, 2024, Agenda Item #3:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=14280 3 City Council, January 16, 2024, Agenda Item #9:
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Monthly Report of Transactions
California Government Code Section 5360734 requires that a monthly a report of transactions (investments, reinvestment, sold, and exchanged securities) be transmitted to the agency’s legislative body. This reporting requirement is separate and distinct from the more detailed quarterly investment activity report submitted under California Government Code Section 53646(b)5 . Staff concurs with this recommendation and will make this information available for the month beginning July 2024.
Broker and Dealer Financial Condition and Registration
The Administrative Services Department maintains a list of authorized investment brokers and dealers. The Policy outlines two criteria for a dealer to eligible as an authorized investment broker or dealer:
1. At least three years’ experience operating with California municipalities
2. Maintain an inventory of trading securities of at least $10 million Section 53601.5 of the California Government Code states that if an investment is not purchased directly from the issuer, the purchase shall be from either an institution licensed by the state as a broker dealer or from a member of a federal regulated securities exchange, from a national or state-chartered bank, from a savings association or federal association, or from a brokerage firm designated as a primary government dealer by the Federal Reserve bank.
To address the City Auditor's recommendations, the Policy has been updated to include the following:
1. Annually require that brokers and dealers who wish to sell and buy securities to/from the City to provide documentation showing their financial condition and relevant registration.
2. Annually require broker dealers to certify in writing that they reviewed the applicable California Government Code sections and the City’s Investment Policy. 4 FindLaw.com - California Code, Government Code - GOV § 53607: https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/government- code/gov-sect-53607/
5 FindLaw.com - California Code, Government Code - GOV § 53601.5: https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/government- code/gov-sect-53601-5/
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FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Approval of the recommendation will not have a financial impact. It will require existing staff resources for the additional reporting.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Staff works internally, with the City Auditor’s Office (BakerTilly auditor), and reviews the Government Code and publications by the California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission (CDIAC).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This activity is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as defined in CEQA Guidelines, section 15378, because it has no potential for resulting in either a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: FY 2025 Proposed Investment Policy
APPROVED BY:
Lauren Lai, Director of Administrative Services
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Fiscal Year 2025 1
Attachment A
PROPOSED CITY OF PALO ALTO
Investment Policy
Fiscal Year 2024-25
INTRODUCTION
The City of Palo Alto invests its pooled idle cash according to State of California law and the charter of the City of Palo Alt o. In particular, the City follows “The Prudent Investor Standard” cited in the State Government Code (Section 53600.3). Under this standard, all governing bodies of local agencies or persons authorized to make investment decisions on behalf of the City are trustees and therefore fiduciaries subject to the prudent investor st andard. When investing, reinvesting, purchasing, acquiring, exchanging, selling, or managi ng public funds, a trustee shall act with care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumst ances then prevailing, including, but not limited to the general economic conditions and the anticipated needs of the agency, that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiarity with those matters would use in the conduct of funds of a like character and with like aims, to safeguard the principal and maintain the liquidity needs of the agency.
INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY
The basic principles underlying Palo Alto's investment philosophy is to ensure the safety of public funds, provide that sufficient money is always available to meet current expenditures, and achieve a reasonable rate of return on its investments.
The City's preferred and chief practice is to buy securities and to hold them to their date of maturity rather than to trade or sell securities prior to maturity. The City may, however, elect to sell a security prior to its maturity should there be a significant financial need. If securities are purchased and held to their maturity date, then any changes in the market value of those securities during their life will have no effect on their principal value. Under a buy and hold philosophy, the City is able to protect its invested principal. Th e economy, the money markets, and various financial institutions (such as the Federal Reserve Syst em) are monitored carefu lly to make prudent investments and to assess the condition of the City’s portfolio.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives, in priority order, of investment activities shall be safety, liquidity, and yield:
1. Safety: Safety of principal is the foremost objective of the investment program.
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Fiscal Year 2025 2
rate risk.
a) Credit risk is the risk that an obligati on will not be paid and a loss will result.
The City will seek to minimize this risk by:
Limiting investment to the safest types of securities or minimum credit quality rating as listed in the “Authorized Investment” section Diversifying its investments among the types of securities that are authorized under this investment policy
b) Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will adversely affect the value of an investor’s portfolio. For example, an investor with large holdings in long-term bonds has assumed significant interest rate risk because the value of the bonds will fall if interest rates rise. The City can minimize this risk by:
Buying and holding its securities until maturity
Structuring the investment portfolio so that securities mature to meet cash flow requirements
To further achieve the objective of safety, the amount that can be invested in all investment categories, excluding obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies, is limited either as a percentage of the portfolio or by a specific dollar amount. These limits are defined under the “Authorized Investments” section.
2. Liquidity: Liquidity is the second most important objective of the investment program. The investment portf olio shall remain sufficiently liquid to meet all operating requirements that may be reasonably anticipated. This is accomplished by maintaining a portion of the portfolio in liq uid money market mutual funds or local government investment pools. In addition, the City will maintain one month’s net cash needs in short term and/or liquid inve stments and at least $50 million shall be maintained in securities maturing in less than two years. Although the City’s practice is to buy and hold s ecurities to maturity, since all possibl e cash demands cannot be anticipated, the portfol io will consist of securities with active secondary or resale markets should the need to sell a security prior to maturity arises.
3. Yield: Yield on the City’s portfolio is last in priority among investment objectives.
The investment portfolio sha ll be designed to obtain a mark et rate of return that reflects the authorized investments, risk co nstraints, and liquidity needs outlined in the City’s investment policy. Compared to similar sized cities, the City of Palo Alto should be able to take advant age of its relatively large reserve balances to achieve higher yields through long-term investments. In addition, the City will strive to maintain the level of investment of idle funds as close to 100 percent as possible.
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) RESPONSIBILITIES
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In addition to and subordinate to the Safety, Liquidity, and Yield investment objectives, investments that support sound environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives are also considered. While the City’s portfolio is not classified as an ESG portfolio, investments in entities that support community well-being through practices that emphasize safe and environmentally sound objectives; fair labor practices; and equality of rights regardless of sex, race, age, disability, or sexual orientation, is encouraged. Direct investments in entities that manufacture tobacco products, firearms, and engage in direct production or drilling of fossil fuels is discouraged.
This section applies to new investments (after November 5, 2018) only and does not require divestment of existing investments. Investments in Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and Negotiable Certificates of Deposit are exempt from the ESG investing objective.
SCOPE
A. This investment policy shall apply to all financial assets of the City of Palo Alto as accounted for in the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), including but not limited to the following funds:
1. General Fund
2. Special Revenue Funds
3. Debt Service Funds
4. Capital Project Fund
5. Enterprise Funds
6. Internal Service Funds
7. Trust and Agency Funds
B. The policy does not cover funds held by the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), the California Employers’ Retiree Benefit Trust (CERBT), Deferred Compensation programs (e.g. ICMA, Hartford), the Authority for California Cities Excess Liability (ACCEL), and the Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) Section 115 Irrevocable Trust.
C. Investments of bond proceeds shall be govern ed by the provisions of the related bond indentures.
GENERAL INVESTMENT GUIDELINES
1. The maximum stated final maturity of individual securities in the portfolio should be ten years.
2. A maximum of 30 percent of the par value of the portfo lio shall be invested in securities with maturities beyond five years.
3. The City shall maintain a minimum of one month’s net cash n eeds in short term and/or liquid investments.
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4. At least $50 million shall be maintained in securities maturing in less than two (2) years.
5. Should the ratio of the market value of the portfolio to the book value of the portfolio fall below 95 percent, the Administrative Services Department will report this fact to the City Council within a reasonable time frame and evaluate whether there is any risk of holding any of the securities to maturity.
6. Commitments to purchase securities newly introduced on the market shall be made no more than three (3) working days before pricing.
7. Whenever possible, the City will obtain three or more quotations on the purchase or sale of comparable securities and take the higher yield on purchase or higher price on sale. This rule will not a pply to new issues, which are purchased at market no more than three (3) working days before pricing, as well as to LAIF, City of Palo Alto bonds, money market accounts and mutual fu nds, all of which shall be evaluated separately.
8. Where the Investment Policy specifies a percentage limitation for a particular category of investment, that percentage is applicable only at the date of purchase. A later increase or decrease in a percentage resulting from a change in the portfolio’s assets or values shall not constitute a violation of that restriction. As soon as possible, percentage limitations will be restored as investments mature in each category.
AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS
The California Government Code (Sections 53600 et seq.) governs investment of City funds. The following investments are authorized:
1. U.S. Government Securities (e.g. Treasury notes, bonds and bills ) Securities that are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States
a) There is no limit on purchase of these securities.
b) Securities will not exceed 10 years maturity.
c) All purchased securities must have an explicit or a de facto backing of the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
2. U.S. Government Agency Securities – Obligations issued by the Federal Government agencies (e.g. Federal National Mortgage Association, etc.).
a. There is no limit on purchase of these securities except for:
Callable and Multi-step-up securities provided that:
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- The potential call dates are known at the time of purchase - The interest rates at which they “step-up” are known at the time of purchase
- The entire face value of the security is redeemed at the call date
- No more than 25 percent of the par value of the portfolio
b. Securities will not exceed 10 years maturity.
3. California State, California Local Gov ernment Agencies, and other United States State Bonds
a) Having at time of investment a minimum Double A (AA/Aa2) rating as provided by a nationally recognized rating service (e.g. Moody’s, Fitch, and/or Standard and Poor’s).
b) May not exceed 40 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
c) Investments include:
i) Registered state warrants or treasury notes or bonds of the State of California and bonds, notes, warrant s, or other evidences of indebtedness of any local agency within California, including bonds payable solely out of the revenues from a revenue producing property owned, controlled, or operated by the state or local agency or by a department, board, agency, or authority of the state or local agency.
ii) Registered treasury notes or bond of any of the 49 United States in addition to the State of Ca lifornia, including bonds payable solely out of the revenues fro m a revenue-produc ing property owned, controlled, or operated by a state or by a department, board, agency or authority of any of the other 49 United States, in addition to the State of California.
4. Certificates of Deposit (CD) - A debt instrument issued by a bank for a specified period of time at a specified rate of interest. Purchase of CD’s are limited to:
a) May not exceed 20 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
b) No more than 10 percent of the par value of the port folio in collateralized CDs in any institution.
c) Purchase collateralized deposits only from federally insured large banks that are rated by a nationally rec ognized rating service (e.g. Moody’s, Fitch, and/or Standard and Poor’s).
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d) For non-rated banks, deposit should be limited to amounts federally insured (FDIC). – See Appendix C
e) Rollovers are not permitted without specific instruction from authorized City staff.
5. Banker's Acceptance Notes (BA) – Bills of exchange or time drafts drawn on and accepted by commercial banks. Purchase of banker’s acceptances are limited to:
a) No more than 30 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
b) Not to exceed 180 days maturity.
c) No more than $5 million with any one institution.
6. Commercial Paper - Short-term unsecured ob ligations issued by banks, corporations, and other borrowers. Purchases of commercial paper are limited to:
a) Having highest letter or numerical rating as provided for by a nationally recognized rating service (e.g. Moody’s, Fitch, and/or Standard and Poor’s).
b) No more than 15 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
c) Not to exceed 270 days maturity.
d) No more than $3 million or 10 percent of the outstanding commercial paper of any one institution, whichever is lesser.
7. Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) – A State of California managed investment pool may be used up to the maximum permitted by California State Law.
8. Short-Term Repurchase Agreements (REPO) – A contractual agreement between a seller and a buyer, usually of U. S. government securities, whereby the seller agrees to repurchase the securities at an agreed upon price and, usually, at a stated time. Purchases of REPO’s must:
a) Not to exceed 1 year.
b) Market value of securities that underlay a repurchas e agreement shall be valued at 102 percent or greater of the funds borrowed against those securities.
c) A Master Repurchase agreement must be signed with the bank or dealer.
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9. Money Market Deposit Accounts – Liquid bank accounts which seek to maintain a net asset value of $1.00.
10. Mutual Funds which seek to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 and which are limited essentially to the above investments and further defined in note 9 of Appendix A
a) No more than 20 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
b) No more than 10 percent of the par value with any one institution.
11. Negotiable Certificates of Deposit (NCD) issued by nationally or state-chartered banks and state or federal savings institutions and fu rther defined in note 11 of Appendix A. Purchases of negotiable certificates of deposit:
a) May not exceed 20 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
b) No more than $5 million in any one institution.
12. Medium-Term Corporate Notes – Issued by corporation organized and operating within the United States or by depository institutions licensed by the United States or any state and operating with the United States.
a) Not to exceed 5 years maturity.
b) Securities eligible for investment shall have a minimum rating of AA or Aa2 from a nationally re cognized rating service (e.g. Moody’s, Fitch, and/or Standard & Poor’s).
c) No more than 10 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
d) No more than $5 million of the par value may be invested in securities of any single issuer, other than the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentality.
e) If securities owned by th e City are downgraded by Moody’s, Fitch, or Standard & Poors to a level below AA or Aa2, it shall be the City’s policy to review the credit situation and make a determination as to whether to sell or retain such securities in the portfolio.
13. Supranational Organizations Securities – Supranational organizations refer to International Bank for Reconstruction a nd Development (IBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Inter-American Development Bank (IADB).
a. Securities will not exceed 5 years maturity.
b. No more than 20 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
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c. No more than 10 percent of the par value with any one institution. d. Securities eligible for investment shall have a minimum rating of AA or Aa2 from a nationally re cognized rating service (e.g. Moody’s, Fitch, and/or Standard & Poor’s).
e. Limited to United States dolla r denominated senior unsecured unsubordinated obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by IBRD, IFC, and IADB.
Appendix A provides a more detailed description of each investment vehicle and its security and liquidity features. Most of the City's short-te rm investments will be in securities which pay principal upon maturity, while long-term investments may be in securities that periodically repay principal, as well as interest. Most of the City's investments will be at a fixed rate. However, some of the investments may be at a variable rate, so long as that rate changes on specified dates in pre- determined increments.
PROHIBITED INVESTMENTS:
Includes all investments not specified above, and in particular:
1. Reverse repurchase agreements
2. Derivatives, as defined in Appendix B
Appendix B provides a more detailed description of each investment, which is prohibited, for City investment.
AUTHORIZED INVESTMENT PERSONNEL
Idle cash management and invest ment transactions are the res ponsibility of th e Administrative Services Department. The Administrative Services Department is under the control of the Director of Administrative Services (Director), as treasurer, who is subject to the direction and supervision of the City Manager.
The Assistant Directors of Administrative Servi ces (Assistant Director), who reports to the Director, are authorized to make all investme nt transactions allowed by the Statement of Investment Policy. The Assistant Director ma y authorize the Manager of Treasury, Debt & Investments and/or Senior Mana gement Analyst (Manager and/or Analyst) to enter into investments within clearly specified parameters.
The Investment function is under the supervision of the Assistant Director. The Assistant Director is charged with the responsibility to manage the investment progr am (portfolio), which includes developing and monitoring the C ity's cash flow model and deve loping long-term revenue and financing strategies and forecasts.
The Manager and/or Analyst are subject to the direction and supervision of the Assistant Director.
The Manager and/or Analyst assist the Assistant Dire ctor, in the purchase a nd sale of securities.
The Manager and/or Analyst also prepare the quart erly report, and record daily all investment Item 5
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transactions as to the type of investment, amou nt, yield, and maturity. Ca sh flow projections are prepared as needed.
In all circumstances, appr oval from the Director of Administrative Services is required before selling securities from the City's portfolio. The Manager and/or Analyst may also transfer no more than a total of $10 million a day from the City's general account to any one financial institution, without the prior approval of the Assistant Director.
No other person has authority to make investment transactions without the written authority of the Director or Assistant Director of Administrative Services.
USE OF BROKERS AND DEALERS
The Administrative Services Department maintains a list of acceptable dealers. A dealer acts as a principal in security transact ions, selling securities from a nd buying securities for their own position. A dealer must have:
a) At least three years experience operating with California municipalities;
b) Maintain an inventory of trading securities of at least $10 million; and
c) Annually provide documentation showing th eir financial condition and relevant registration;
b)d) Annually certify in writing that they ha ve reviewed the app licable California Government Code sections and the City’s Investment Policy; and
c)e) Be approved by the Assistant Director befo re being added to the City's list of approved dealers; including individual traders or agents representing a dealer:
A dealer will be removed from the list should ther e develop a history of problems to include:
failure to deliver securities as promised, failure to honor transactions as quoted, or failure to provide accurate information.
SAFEKEEPING AND CUSTODY
All securities shall be delivered to the City's safekeeping custodian and held in the name of the City of Palo Alto, with the exception of the following investments:
a) Certificates of deposit, which may be held by the City itself.
b) City shares in pooled investment funds, under contract.
c) Mutual funds
d) Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF)
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POLICY REVIEW AND REPORTING ON INVESTMENTS
Monthly, the Administrative Services Department will review performance in relation to Council adopted Policy. Per California Government Code Section 53646, Qquarterly, the Department will report to Council investment activ ity, including: the portfolio’s performance in comparison to policy, explain any variances from policy, provide any recommendations for policy changes, and discuss overall compliance with the City’s Investment Policy. In addition, the Department will provide Council with:
a) A detailed list of all securities, investments and monies held by the City, and b) Report on the City’s ability to meet expenditure requirements over the next six months.
Per California Government Code Section 53607, the Department shall provide a monthly report of transactions (investments, rei nvestment, sold, and exchanged s ecurities) made during the month to the Council. This reporting requirement is separate and distinct from the quarterly investment report submitted under Code Section 53646.
Annually, the Administrative Serv ices Department will pres ent a Proposed Statement of Investment Policy, to include the delegation of investment authority, to the City Council for review during the annual budget process. All proposed changes in policy must be approved by the Council prior to implementation.
Adopted by City Council October 22, 1984 Amended by City Council June 17, 2002 Monthly reporting effective January 1985 Amended by City Council June 17, 2003 Amended and Adopted by City Council June 24, 1985 Amended by City Council June 28, 2004 Amended by City Council December 2, 1985 Amended by City Council June 20, 2005 Amended by City Council June 23, 1986 Amended by City Council June 12, 2006 Amended by City Council June 22, 1987 Amended by City Council June 11, 2007 Amended by City Council August 8, 1988 Amended by City Council June 09, 2008 Amended by City Council November 28, 1988 Amended by City Council June 15, 2009 Amended by City Council June 26, 1989 Amended by City Council June 28, 2010 Amended by City Council May 14, 1990 Am ended by City Council June 20, 2011 Amended by City Council June 24, 1991 Amended by City Council June 18, 2012 Amended by City Council June 22, 1992 Amended by City Council June 03, 2013 Amended by City Council June 23, 1993 Amended by City Council June 16, 2014 Amended by City Council June 20, 1994 Amended by City Council June 15, 2015 Amended by City Council June 19, 1995 Amended by City Council June 13, 2016 Amended by City Council June 24, 1996 Amended by City Council June 27, 2017 Amended by City Council June 23, 1997 Am ended by City Council November 5, 2018 Amended by City Council January 26, 1998 Amended by City Council June 24, 2019 Amended by City Council June 22, 1998 Adopted by City Council June 22, 2020 Amended by City Council June 28, 1999 Amended by City Council June 21, 2021 Amended by City Council June 19, 2000 Adopted by City Council June 20, 2022 Amended by City Council June 11, 2001 Adopted by City Council June 19, 2023
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APPENDIX A
EXPLANATION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS
1. U.S. Government Securities: United States Treasury notes, bonds, bills, or certificates of indebtedness or those for which the faith and credit of the Un ited States are pledged for the payment of principal and interest.
2. U.S. Government Agency Securities: U.S. Government Agency Obligations include the securities of the Federal National Mortga ge Association (FNMA), Federal Land Banks (FLB), Federal Intermediate Credit Banks (FICB), banks for cooperatives, Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLB), Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), Stude nt Loan Marketing Association (SLMA), Small Business Administration (SBA), Federal Farm Credit (FFC), and Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (FAMC or FMAC). Federal Agency secu rities are debt obligations that essentially result from lending programs of the Government. Federal agency securities differ from other types of secu rities, as well as among themse lves. Their ch aracteristics depend on the issuing agency. It is possible to distinguish three types of issues: (A) participation certificates (pooled securities), (B) Certificates of interest (pooled loans), (C) notes, bonds, and debentures. The securities of a few agencies are explicitly backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. All other issues purchased by the City have the de facto backing from the federal government, and it is highly unlikely that the government would let any agency default on its obligations.
3. Certificates of Deposit: A certificate of deposit (CDs) is a receipt for funds deposited in a bank, savings bank, or savings and loan associ ation for a specified period of time at a specified rate of interest. Denominati ons are $250,000 and up. The first $250,000 of a certificate of deposit is guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), if the deposit is with a bank or savings bank, or the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF), if the deposit is with a savings and loan. CDs with a face value in excess of $250,000 can be collateralized by U.S. Government Agen cy and Treasury Department securities or first mortgage loans. Government securities must be at least 110 percent of the face value of the CD collateralized in excess of the first $250,000. The va lue of first mortgages must be at least 150 percent of the face value of th e CD balance insured in excess of the first $250,000. Generally, CDs are issued for more than 30 days and the maturity can be selected by the purchaser.
4. Bankers' Acceptance: A Banker's Acceptance (BA) is a ne gotiable time draft or bill of exchange drawn on and accepted by a commercial bank. Acceptance of the draft irrevocably obligates the bank to pay the bearer the face amount of the draft at maturity. BAs are usually created to finance the import and export of goo ds, the shipment of goods within the United States and storage of readily marketable stap le commodities. In ove r 70 years of usage in the United States, there has been no known instance of principal loss to any investor in BAs.
In addition to the guarantee by the accepting bank, the transaction is identified with a specific commodity. Warehouse receipts verify th at the pledged commodities exist, and, by Item 5
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definition, these commodities ar e readily marketable. The sale of the underlying goods generates the necessary funds to liquidate the indebtedness.
BAs enjoy marketability since the Federal Reserve Bank is authorized to buy and sell prime BAs with maturities of up to nine months. The Federal Reserve Bank enters into repurchase agreements in the normal course of open market operations with BA dealers.
As are sold at a discount from par. An accepta nce is tied to a specific loan transaction; therefore, the amount and maturity of the acceptance is fixed.
5. Commercial Paper: Commercial paper notes are unsecured promissory notes of industrial corporations, utilities, and ba nk holding companies. Interest is discounted from par and calculated using actual number of days on a 360-day year. The notes are in bearer form, with maturities up to 270 days selected by the pur chaser, and denominations generally start at $100,000. There is a small secondar y market for commercial pa per notes and an investor may sell a note prior to maturity.
Commercial paper notes are ba cked by unused lines of cred it from major banks. Some issuer's notes are insured, while some are backed by irrevocable letters of credit from major banks. State law limits a City to investments in United States corporations having assets in excess of five hundred million dollars with an "A" or higher rating by a nationally recognized rating service for the issuer's debentures. Cities may not invest more than 25 percent of idle cash in commercial paper.
6. Local Agency Investment Fund Demand Deposit: The Local Agency Investment Fund LAIF) was established by the State to enable treasurers to place funds in a pool for investments. The City is limited to an investment of the amount allowed by LAIF (currently $75 million). LAIF has been particularly bene ficial to those jurisdictions with small portfolios. Palo Alto uses this fund for short-term investment, liquidity, and yield.
7. Repurchase Agreements: A Repurchase Agreement (REPOS ) is not a security, but a contractual arrangement between a financial in stitution or dealer and an investor. The agreement normally can run for one or more da ys. The investor puts up funds for a certain number of days at a stated yiel d. In return, the investor ta kes title to a given block of securities as collateral. At maturity, the securities are repurchased and the funds repaid, plus interest. Usually, amounts are $500,000 or more, but some REPOS can be smaller.
8. Money Market Deposit Accounts: Money Market Deposit Accounts are market-sensitive bank accounts, which are available to depositors at any time, w ithout penalty. The interest rate is generally comparable to rates on money market mutual funds, though any individual bank's rate may be higher or lower. Thes e accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Savings Association Insurance Fund.
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9. Mutual Funds: Mutual funds are shares of benefi cial interest issu ed by diversified management companies, as defined by Section 23701 M of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
To be eligible for investment, these funds must:
a) Attain the highest ranking in the highest letter and numerical rating provided by not less than two of the three largest nationally recognized rating services; or
b) Have an investment advi sor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission with not less than five years’ experience investing in the securities and obligations, as authorized by subdivisi ons (a) to (n), inclusive, of Section 53601 of the California Government Code, and with assets under management in excess of five hundred million dollars; and
c) Invest solely in those securities and obligations authorized by Sections 53601 and 53635 of the California Government Code. Where the Investment Policy of the City of Palo Alto may be more restrictive than the State Code, the Policy authorizes investments in mutual funds that shall have minimal investment in securities otherwise restri cted by the City's Policy. Minimal investment is defined as less than 5 percent of the mutual fund portfolio; and
d) The purchase price of shares of benefici al interest purchased shall not include any commission that these companies may charge.
e) Have a net asset value of $1.00.
10. Callable Securities and Multi-Step-ups: Callable securities are de fined as fixed interest rate government agency securiti es that give the i ssuing agency the opti on of returning the invested funds at a specific point in time to the purchaser. Multi-step-ups are government agency securities in which the interest rate increases ("steps-up") at preset intervals, and which also have a callable option that allows the issuing agency to return the invested funds at a preset interval. Callable and multi-step-ups are permitted, provided that:
the potential call dates are known at the time of purchase;
the interest rates at which they “step-up” are known at the time of purchase; and
the entire face value of the security is redeemed at the call date.
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11. Negotiable Certificates of Deposit (NCD): NCDs are large-dolla r-amount, short-term certificate of deposit. Such certificates ar e issued by large banks and bought mainly by corporations and institutional investors. They are payable either to the bearer or to the order of the depositor, and, being nego tiable, they enjoy an active secondary market, where they trade in round lots of $5 million. Although they can be is sued in any denomination from $100,000 up, the typical amount is $1 million also called a Jumbo Certificate of Deposit.
State law prohibits the investment of local agency funds in negotiable certificates of deposit issued by a state or federal credit union if a member of the legislative body of the local agency, or any person with investment deci sion making authority in the administrative, manager’s, budget, auditor-controller’s, or treasurer’s offices of the local agency also serves on the board of directors, other credit committee or the supervisory committee of the state or federal credit union issuing the negotiable certificate of deposit.
12. Medium-Term Corporate Notes: All corporate and depository institution debt securities with a maximum remaining maturity of five years or less, issued by corporations organized and operating within the United States or by depository institutions licensed by the United States or any state and operating within th e United States. According to California Government Code Section 53601, “Notes eligible for investment under this subdivision shall be rated in a rating cat egory of “A” or its equivalent or better by a nationa lly recognized rating service. Purchase of medium-term notes shall include other instruments authorized by this section and shall not exce ed 30 percent of the agency’s moneys that may be invested pursuant to this section.”
13. Supranational Securities: California Government Code Section53601 defines allowable supranational securities as United Stat es dollar denominated senior unsecured unsubordinated obligations issued or unconditi onally guaranteed by th e International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the In ternational Finance Corporation, and Inter- American Development Bank. Supranationals ar e well capitalized and in most cases have strong credit support from cont ingent capital calls from their member countries. Section 53601 was amended effective January 1, 2015 to allow local agencies to invest in the senior debt obligations of these three supranational issuers which are eligible for purchase and resale within the United States. These entities were established with the purpose of ending poverty and raising the standard of living around the world through sustainable economic growth.
a) The supranationals are international organization owned by member countries.
These are:
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD or World Bank), a member of the World Bank Group, provides direct loans and guarantees to sovereigns and government-backed projects International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, supports the creation and growth of private companies through direct lending and equity investment , attracting third party capital, and providing advisory services
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American Development Bank Group, provides loans, grants, and guarantees to sovereigns in Latin America and the Caribbean
b) Additional characteristics shared by the IBRD, IFC, and IADB include:
Headquartered in Washington, D.C. with the United States as the largest shareholder of each organization
Rated AAA/Aaa by S&P and Moody’s
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APPENDIX B
EXPLANATION OF PROHIBITED INVESTMENTS
1. Reverse Repurchase Agreements: A Reverse Repurchase Agreement (Reverse REPO) is a contractual agreement by the investor (e.g. lo cal agency) to post a security it owns as collateral, and a bank or dealer temporarily exchanges cash for this collateral, for a specific period of time, at an agreed-upon interest rate. During the period of the agreement, the local agency may use this cash for any purpose. At maturity, the securities are repurchased from the bank or dealer, plus interest.
California law contains a number of restric tions on the use of Reverse REPOS by local agencies.
2. Derivatives: A derivative is a financial instrument created from, or whose value depends on (is derived from), the value of one or more underlying asse ts or indices. The term "derivative" refers to instruments or features , such as collateralized mortgage obligations, forwards, futures, currency and interest rate swaps, options, caps and floors. Except for those callable and multi-step-up securi ties as described under Permit ted Investments, derivatives are prohibited.
Certain derivative products have characterist ics which could include high price volatility, liquid markets, products that are not market-tested, products that are highly leveraged, products requiring a high degree of sophistication to manage, and products that are difficult to value.
According to California law, a local agency sh all not invest any funds in inverse floaters, range notes, or interest-only strips that are derived from a pool of mortgages.
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APPENDIX C
GLOSSARY OF INVESTMENT TERMS
AGENCIES: Federal agency and instrumentality securities.
ASKED: The price at which securities are offered.
BID: The price offered by a buyer of securities (when one sells securities, one asks for a bid).
See “Offer”.
BROKER: A person or institution that conducts investment transactions on behalf of the buyer and seller of the investment and earns a commission on the transaction.
COLLATERAL: Securities, evidence of deposit, or other property, which a borrower pledges to secure repayment of a loan. Also refers to securities pledged by a bank to secure deposits of public monies.
ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT (ACFR): The official annual report for the City of Palo Alto. It includes combined financial statements for each individual fund and account group prepared in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and pronouncements set forth by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). The ACFR also includes supporting schedules that are necessary to demonstrate compliance with finance-related legal and contractual provisions, extensive introductory material, and a detailed statistical section.
COUPON: The annual rate of interest that a bond’s issuer promises to pay the bondholder on the bond’s face value or the certificate attached to a bond evidencing interest due on a payment date.
DEALER: A dealer, as opposed to a broker, acts as a principal in all transactions, buying and selling for his own account.
DEBENTURE: A bond secured only by the general credit of the issuer.
DELIVERY VERSUS PAYMENT: There are two methods of delivery of securities: (1) delivery versus payment (DVP); and (2) delivery versus receipt (DVR). DVP is delivery of securities with an exchange of money for the securities. DVR is delivery of securities with an exchange of a signed receipt for the securities.
DISCOUNT: The difference between the acquisition cost of a security and its value at maturity when quoted at lower than face value. A security that sells below original offering price shortly after sale, is also is considered to be at a discount.
DISCOUNT SECURITIES: Non-interest-bearing money market instruments that are issued a discount and that are redeemed at maturity for full face value (e.g., U.S. Treasury Bills).
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DIVERSIFICATION: Dividing investment funds among a variety of securities that offer independent returns.
FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION (“FAMC” or “FMAC”): A federal agency established in 1988 to provide a secondary market for fa rm mortgage loans.
Informally called Farmer Mac.
FEDERAL CREDIT AGENCIES: Agencies of the Federal Government that were established to supply credit to various classes of institutions and individuals (e.g., S&Ls, small business firms, students, farmers, farm cooperatives, and exporters).
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (“FDIC”): A federal agency that insures all types of deposits received at an insured bank, including deposits in a checking account, negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW) account, savings account, money market deposit account (MMDA) or time deposit such as a certificate of deposit (CD). FDIC insurance covers depositors' accounts at each insured bank, dolla r-for-dollar, including princi pal and any accrued interest through the date of the insured bank's closing, up to the insurance limit.
The FDIC does not insure money invested in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance policies, annuities or municipal securities, even if these investments are purchased at an insured bank. The FDIC does not insure U.S. Treasury bills, bonds or notes, but these investments are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.
The standard maximum deposit insurance amount is described as the “SMDIA” in FDIC regulations. The SMDIA is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank.
FEDERAL FUNDS RATE: The rate of interest at which Fed funds are traded. This rate is currently pegged by the Federal Reserve through open-market operations.
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS (“FHLB”): Government-sponsored wholesale banks (currently 12 regional banks) which lend funds a nd provide correspondent banking services to member commercial banks, thrift institutions, credit unions, and insurance companies. The mission of the FHLBs is to liquefy the housing-related assets of its members, who must purchase stock in their District Bank.
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“FNMA”): FNMA, like GNMA, was chartered under the Federal National Mortgage Association Act in 1938. FNMA is a federal corporation working under the ausp ices of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is the largest single provider of residential mortgage funds in the United States. Fannie Mae, as the corporation is calle d, is a private stockholder-owne d corporation. The corporation’s purchases include a variety of ad justable mortgages and second loan s, in addition to fixed-rate mortgages. FNMA’s securities are also highly liquid and are widely accepted. FNMA assumes and guarantees that all security holders will receive timely payment of principal and interest.
FEDERAL OPEN MARKET COMMITTEE (“FOMC”): T h e F O M C c o n s i s t s o f s e v e n Item 5
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members of the Federal Reserve Board and five of the 12 Federal Reserve Bank Presidents. The President of the New York Federal Reserve Bank is a permanent member, while the other Presidents serve on a rotating basis. The Commit tee periodically meets to set Federal Reserve guidelines regarding purchases and sales of government securities in the open market, as a means of influencing the volume of bank credit and money.
FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM: The central bank of the United States created by Congress and consisting of a seven-member Board of G overnors in Washington, D.C., 12 regional banks, and about 5,700 commercial banks that are members of the system.
GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE A SSOCIATION (“GNMA” or “Ginnie Mae”): Securities that influence the volume of bank credit that is guaranteed by GNMA and issued by mortgage bankers, commercial banks, savings and loan associations, and other institutions. A security holder is protected by th e full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
Ginnie Mae securities are backed by the FHA, VA, or FMHM mortgages. The term “pass- throughs” is often used to describe Ginnie Maes.
LIQUIDITY: A liquid asset is one that can be convert ed easily and rapidly into cash without a substantial loss of value. In the money market, a security is said to be liquid if the spread between bid and asked prices is narrow, and reasonable amount can be done at those quotes.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY: A local government agency is any city, county, city and county, district, or other local governmental body or corporati on, including the California State Universities (CSU) and University of Califor nia (UC) systems, K-12 schools and community colleges empowered to expend public funds.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT FUND (“LAIF”): Monies from local governmental units may be remitted to the Cali fornia State Treasurer for deposit in this special fund for the purpose of investment.
MARKET VALUE: The price at which a security is trading and could presumably be purchased or sold.
MASTER REPURCHASE AGREEMENT: A written contract covering all future transactions between the parties to repurchase-reverse repurchase agreements that establish each party’s rights in the transactions. A master agreement will of ten specify, among other th ings, the right of the buyer (lender) to liquidate the underlying securities in the event of default by the seller (borrower).
MATURITY: The date upon which the principal or stat ed value of an inve stment becomes due and payable.
MONEY MARKET: The market in which short-term debt instruments (e.g., bills, commercial paper, and bankers’ acceptances) are issued and traded.
OFFER: The price asked by a seller of securities (when one buys securities, one asks for an offer).
See “Asked” and “Bid”.
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OPEN MARKET OPERATIONS: Purchases and sales of government and certain other securities in the open market by the New York Federal Reserve Bank, as directed by the FOMC in order to influence the volume of money and credit in the econom y. Purchases inject reserves into the bank system and stimulate growth of money and credit; sales have the opposite effect.
Open market operations are the Federal Reserve’s most important and most flexible monetary policy tool.
PORTFOLIO: A collection of securities that an investor holds.
PRIMARY DEALER: A group of government securities deal ers that submit daily reports of market activity and positions, an d monthly financial st atements to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and are subject to it s informal oversight. Primar y dealers include Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) -- registered securities broker-dealers, banks, and a few unregulated firms.
PRUDENT INVESTOR RULE: An investment standard cite d in the California Government Code Section 53600 et seq. Under this standard, all governing bodies of local agencies or persons authorized to make investment decisions on behalf of the City are trustees and therefore fiduciaries subject to the prudent investor standard. When investing, rei nvesting, purchasing, acquiring, exchanging, selling, or managing public funds, a trus tee shall act with care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevai ling, including, but not limited to the general economic conditions and the anticipated needs of the agency, that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiarity with thos e matters would use in the conduct of funds of a like character and with like aims, to safeguard the principal and maintain the liquidity needs of the agency.
QUALIFIED PUBLIC DEPOSITORIES: A financial institution that: (1) does not claim exemption from the payment of any sales, compen sating use, or ad valorem taxes under the laws of this state; (2) has segregated for the benefit of the commission eligible collateral having a value of not less than its maximum liability; and (3) has been approved by the Public Deposit Protection Commission to hold public deposits.
RATE OF RETURN: The yield obtainable on a security based on its purchase price or its current market price.
SAFEKEEPING: A service to customers rendered by ba nks for a fee whereby securities and valuables of all types and descriptions are held in the bank’s vaults for protection.
SECONDARY MARKET: A market made for the purchase and sale of outstanding issues following the initial distribution.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION: An agency created by Congress to administer securities legislation for the purpose of protecting investors in securities transactions.
STRUCTURED NOTES: Notes issued by instrumenta lities (e.g., FHLB, FNMA, SLMA) and by corporations, that have imbedded options (e .g., call features, step-u p coupons, floating rate Item 5
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coupons, derivative-based returns) in their debt stru cture. The market performance of structured notes is affected by fluctuating interest rates; the volatility of imbedded options; and shifts in the yield curve.
SUPRANATIONALS: International institutions that prov ide development financing, advisory services and/or financial services to their member countries to achieve the overall goal of improving living standards through sustainable economic growt h. The California Government Code Section 53601 allows local agencies to purchase the United States dollar denominated senior unsecured unsubordinated obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC), or Inter-American Development Bank (IADB).
TIME CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT: A non-negotiable certificat e of deposit, which cannot be sold prior to maturity.
TREASURY BILLS: A non-interest-bearing discount security that is issued by the U.S. Treasury to finance the national debt. Most T-bills are issued to mature in three months, six months, or one year.
TREASURY BONDS: Long-term, coupon-bearing U.S. Treasur y securities that are issued as direct obligations of the U.S. Government, and having initial maturities of more than 10 years.
TREASURY NOTES: Medium-term, coupon-bearing U.S. Treasury securities that are issued as direct obligations of the U.S. Government, and having initial maturities of two to 10 years.
YIELD: The rate of annual income return on an investment, expressed as a percentage.
YIELD-TO-CALL (YTC): The rate of return an investor earns from a bond assuming the bond is redeemed (called) prior to its nominal maturity date.
YIELD-TO-MATURITY: The current income yield minus any premium above par or plus any discount from par in purchase price, with the adjustment spread over the period from the date of purchase to the date of maturity.
ZERO-COUPON SECURITIES: Security that is issued at a discount and makes no periodic interest payments. The rate of return consists of a gradual accretion of the principal of the security and is payable at par upon maturity.
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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Utilities
Meeting Date: June 17, 2024
Staff Report: 2404-2876
TITLE
Utilities Advisory Commission Recommends Adoption of the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report
RECOMMENDATION
The Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) and staff recommend the City Council adopt the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Beginning in 2022, every urban water supplier in California must conduct an Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment as required by California Water Code Section 10632 (a). Each urban water supplier must also submit an Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report to the Department of Water Resources (DWR) on or before July 1, as required by California Water Code Section 10632.1. The City’s Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report (Attachment A, Tables 1- 5) show that there is no water shortage anticipated for Fiscal Year 2025.
On April 15, 2024, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), Palo Alto’s water supplier, provided Palo Alto with the Water Supply Availability Update indicating for the current water year, Hetch Hetchy watershed has experienced nearly average conditions for precipitation and snowpack. The City of Palo Alto encourages continued water conservation efforts and the City’s website contains more information about available water conservation programs.1
BACKGROUND
To prepare the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report, staff followed the procedures outlined in its Water Shortage Contingency Plan, contained in Section 7 of the City’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP).2 Palo Alto’s 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report uses the DWR-developed Optional Annual Assessment Tool format. This format includes the 5 1 Water Conservation Programs https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Utilities/Sustainability/Ways-to- Save
2 UWMP https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/utilities/uwmp/2020-uwmp_final-submission-to- dwr.pdf
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tables shown in Attachment A. Staff will submit the standard tables to DWR by July 1, 2024. “Table 1. Annual Assessment Information” (Table 1) provides required overview information. The remaining tables project water supply and demand for FY 2025 under dry conditions, as required, and finds that there is no projected water shortage.
After Palo Alto and other urban water suppliers report to DWR on the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Reports, DWR will prepare a summary report on its review of the Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment results and provide it to the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) by September 30. The DWR report will include water shortage information at the supplier level, as well as regional and statewide analysis of water conditions as required by California Water Code Section 10644 (c)(1)(B).
Potable Water
Palo Alto receives 100% of its potable water supply from the SFPUC Regional Water System and staff used the SFPUC's April 15, 2024 Water Supply Availability Update to determine water supply.
• “Table 2: Water Demands” (Table 2) provides a demand projection for each month of FY 2025; • “Table 3: Water Supplies” (Table 3) notes that there is sufficient supply to meet Palo Alto’s demand and projects supply equal to the demand projection since there is no projected water shortage in FY 2025;
• “Table 4(P): Potable Water Shortage Assessment” (Table 4(P)) compares projected FY 2025 demand with supply and illustrates that there is no shortage projected for FY 2025; • “Table 5: Planned Water Shortage Response Actions” (Table 5) shows no triggered water shortage actions.
Palo Alto’s eight permanent water use regulations remain in effect (see Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 12.32.010).
Non-Potable Water
For non-potable recycled water, Table 2 provides the demand projection and Table 3 notes that there is sufficient supply to meet Palo Alto’s non-potable recycled water demand in FY 2025. For that reason, the supply is set to equal demand and there is no shortage of non-potable water projected in Table 4(NP), “Non-Potable Water Shortage Assessment”.
ANALYSIS
Upon Council adoption, staff will submit the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report to the Department of Water Resources. California Water Code Section 10632.1 requires the Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report to be submitted to DWR by July 1 each year.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact from Council approving the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report.
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STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Staff encourages interested parties to comment or provide feedback on the draft Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report at the Council meeting where the report will be considered for approval, or to submit written comments prior to those meetings.
COMMISSION REVIEW
The 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report was presented to the UAC at its June 3, 2024 meeting. The UAC voted unanimously to recommend the City Council adopt the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report. A Commissioner asked what documents staff plans to file with the State and staff responded that the tables shown in the attachment will be filed with no cover report.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act’s (CEQA) review pursuant to Water Code Section 10652.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report Tables APPROVED BY:
Dean Batchelor, Director of Utilities
Staff: Lisa Bilir, Senior Resource Planner
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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: June 17, 2024
Report #:2404-2909
TITLE
CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 411 Kipling Street From a Category 4 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council reclassify 411 Kipling Street, an existing one-and-a-half-story residential building currently used as a commercial building located in the Downtown North neighborhood, from Historic Inventory Category 4 Resource (‘Contributing Building’) to a Category 2 Resource (‘Major Building’) as recommended by the Historic Resources Board (HRB).
BACKGROUND
This report and Record of Land Use Action (Attachment B) provide background and support for the HRB’s April 11, 2024, recommendation to upgrade the one-and-a-half-story building, located at 411 Kipling Street, from Historic Inventory Category 4 (‘Contributing Building’) to Category 2 (‘Major Building’). The HRB staff report1 included the consultant’s assessment and inventory form. These documents are also available on the project webpage (Attachment C). 411 Kipling Street, located within the Downtown Commercial Community (CD-C) zone district with Pedestrian Combining District (P), was built in 1902 and was part of a group of early Palo Alto residences surviving the change to commercial zoning and commercial development in the vicinity. It provides a contrast to the larger commercial scale and higher density of University Avenue and sections of Lytton Avenue and Cowper Streets. The subject building was designed by George W. Mosher in Square Cottage style with stylistic elements of Colonial Revival and Queen Anne Free Classic. The building is individually listed on a local historic resources inventory as Category 4 “Contributing Building.”
The building at 411 Kipling Street, built in 1902, was first evaluated and added to the local historic inventory in 1983 as a Category 4 resource for its architecture. The one-story utilitarian 1 Link to April 11, 2024 HRB staff report with consultant assessment and inventory form https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/historic- resources-board/2024/hrb-4.11-411-kipling.pdf
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version of the four-square form has a hipped roof, clapboard exterior, small porch, modest ornamental elements include the porch columns, lentil cornices, attic dormer with diamond-pattern mullions in the windows, and wreath molding applied to the lower section of the front door. Just after World War II it served as a rooming house.
ANALYSIS
On April 11, 2024, the Historic Resources Board (HRB) reviewed the applicant’s proposal to reclassify the subject building from the current “Contributing Building” designation in Category 4 on the Historic Inventory to Category 2 “Major Building.” The Historic Resource Board (HRB) voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council reclassify 411 Kipling Street Avenue to Category 2.
The analysis concluded that the qualities and values of 411 Kipling Street are considerably more significant than the Municipal Code’s definition of the qualities of a Category 4 building. The HRB staff report included three detailed findings for the consistency of the qualities of 411 Kipling Street with the Municipal Code definition of a Category 2 building. The analysis found the building retains its historic integrity and represents outstanding and regionally important architecture consistent with the definition of a Category 2 resource in the Municipal Code Chapter 16.49.
The HRB discussed its support for the reclassification to a Category 2 resource. The applicant and the property owner participated in the review of the proposed reclassification and support this recommendation; no members of the public spoke to the item. The language of the three findings for reclassification that HRB adopted are provided in the attached draft Record of Land Use Action (Attachment B). Each of the three findings reflect the language of the Municipal Code’s definition of Category 2.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no significant fiscal or resource impact associated with this application. The City’s consultant costs were covered by the property owner.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
As of the writing of this report, no project-related, public comments were received.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Maintenance of historic designation of a property or reclassification of historic designation of a property is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act and CEQA Guidelines Section 21065 because it will not cause a direct change to the physical environment nor a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Location Map
Attachment B: Draft Record of Land Use Action
Attachment C: Project Webpage with Plan Set
APPROVED BY:
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ATTACHMENT A
Location Map
411 Kipling St
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ATTACHMENT B
APPROVAL NO. 2024-____
RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO LAND USE APPROVAL FOR 411 KIPLING STREET:
HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY CATEGORY 4 TO CATEGORY 2 UPGRADE (24PLN-00032) On June 17, 2024, the Council held a duly noticed public hearing and, after considering all of the evidence presented, approved the property owner’s request to reclassify the commercial building at 411 Kipling Street currently a Local Category 4 Historic Resource. The Council approved the Historic Resources Board (HRB) recommendation to an upgraded level, Category 2 Historic Resource on the City of Palo Alto Historic Resources Inventory. In approving the application, the Council make the following findings, determination, and declarations:
SECTION 1. Background.
A.On February 6, 2024, the property owner contacted staff to request a reclassification of a one-story commercial building at 411 Kipling Street, designed by George W. Mosher in the Square Cottage style with stylistic elements of Colonial Revival and Queen Anne Free Classic style, completed in 1902 from a ‘Contributing Building’ Category 4 resource to a ‘Major Building’ Category 2 resource on the Palo Alto Historic Inventory. With the owner’s request and funding, staff obtained a historic resource evaluation from the City’s consultant, Page & Turnbull, including an integrity evaluation to understand building’s eligibility for a classification upgrade. The historic resource evaluation supports a classification upgrade to a Category 2 historic resource. The consultant describes the building’s eligibility in a report dated November 21, 2023, noting its eligibility under local criteria 2, 5, and 6:
•Criterion 2 (The structure or is particularly representative of an architectural style or way of life important to the city, state or nation)
411 Kipling Street is an excellent extant example of the Square Cottage house type in Palo Alto’s Downtown North neighborhood. The Square Cottage is a Palo Alto residential house type that mixed familiar forms and finishes of the Colonial Revival, Queen Anne Free Classic, and sometimes Craftsman styles in later examples. The subject building is an early extant example of this important building type and is also a unique variation featuring a hipped roof, simple Tuscan columns, and a flat front façade, instead of the more common cross-gabled roof and projecting bay window.
•Criterion 5 (The architect or building was important)
George W. Mosher was a builder of merit who made important contributions to the early built environment of Palo Alto. While Mosher’s works are considered more modest in size and design compared with other architect-designed residences from the same period, he built and designed numerous “Square Cottage” house types and was the builder for several larger high style residences in Palo Alto. The subject building is an important extant example of George W.
Mosher’s contributions to the high-quality housing stock built in Palo Alto’s early period of development.
•Criterion 6 (The structure or site contains elements demonstrating outstanding attention to architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship) 411 Kipling Street showcases the high level of craftsmanship and architectural design implemented by builder-of-merit George W. Mosher. Elements of the façade that meet the Item 7
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definition of Criterion 6 include original wood windows with one-over-one double-hung sashes, ogee lugs, and cottage windows with diamond mullions, along with shiplap siding and cornice with dentil molding.
1. On April 11, 2024, the HRB received a staff report (ID #2403-2766), conducted a public hearing, and concurred with the consultant’s evaluation regarding the building’s eligibility for category upgrade from the current local historic inventory Category 4 to Category 2.
SECTION 2. Environmental Review. The project is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as it is not a project under CEQA Guidelines per Section 21065.
SECTION 3. Designation Findings.
A. The following criteria, as specified in Municipal Code Section 16.49.040 (b), shall be used as criteria for designating historic structures/sites to the historic inventory:
1.The structure or site is identified with the lives of historic people or with important events in the city, state or nation;
2.The structure or site is particularly representative of an architectural style or way of life important to the city, state or nation;
3.The structure or site is an example of a type of building which was once common, but is now rare;
4.The structure or site is connected with a business or use which was once common, but is now rare;
5.The architect or building was important;
6.The structure or site contains elements demonstrating outstanding attention to architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship.
The building at 411 Kipling Street met many of the above criteria when it was first listed on Palo Alto’s Historic Resource Inventory in 1983. With the historic assessment in 2023, the building’s status as a historic resource has remained per Page & Turnbull’s conclusion.
B. The definition of Category 2 in Municipal Code Section 16.49.020 (b) must be met to allow the upgrade to the structure’s category designation:
Category 2 Definition: "Major building" means any building or group of buildings of major regional importance, meritorious works of the best architects or an outstanding example of an architectural style or the stylistic development of architecture in the state or region. A major building may have some exterior modifications, but the original character is retained. The applicant requested and the consultant found Category 2 appropriate for this building.
Page & Turnbull historic consultant supported applicant’s request. The City’s consultant found the building at 411 Kipling Street meets the Palo Alto Inventory Category 2 Definition. The integrity evaluation found that the building at 411 Kipling Street retains all seven aspects of integrity (location, setting, design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association). The minor exterior modifications cited in the consultant’s report have not caused the building to lose its original character.
National Register of Historic Places and California Register of Historical Resources listing: 411 Kipling Street is currently listed in the City of Palo Alto Historic Inventory as a Category 4: “Contributing Building.” It was surveyed for the Historic Resources Inventory and added to the local register in 1983.
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SECTION 4. Category Upgrade Approved. The City Council approves the property owner’s request for re-classification of 411 Kipling Street to a Category 2 historic resource on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory.
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
_________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Director of Planning and
Development Services
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________________
Deputy City Attorney
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Attachment C
Direct Link to Project Webpage:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Current- Planning/Projects/411-Kipling-Street
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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: June 17, 2024
Report #:2404-2910
TITLE
CONSENT: Approval of a Record of Land Use Action to Upgrade the Property Located at 271 University Avenue From a Category 3 Resource on the Local Historic Inventory to a Category 2 Resource.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council reclassify 271 University Avenue, a one-story commercial building with a mezzanine at the rear, from Historic Inventory Category 3 Resource (‘Contributing Building’) to a Category 2 Resource (‘Major Building’) as recommended by the Historic Resources Board (HRB).
BACKGROUND
This report and Record of Land Use Action (Attachment A) provide background and support for the HRB’s April 11, 2024 recommendation to upgrade the one-story commercial building from Historic Inventory Category 3 (‘Contributing Building’) to Category 2 (‘Major Building’). The HRB staff report1 included the consultant’s assessment and inventory form. These documents are also available on the project webpage.
271 University Avenue is located in the Downtown North neighborhood and provides retail space. The subject building was designed by Carl I. Warnecke of Miller & Warnecke in Art Deco style with Zig-Zag Moderne characteristics and completed in 1930 for use as a clothing store.
The building is currently listed on the City‘s local Historic Resources Inventory as a Category 3 “Contributing Building.”
The building at 271 University Avenue was first evaluated and added to the local historic inventory in 1978 as a Category 3 resource for its ”zig-zag moderne” architectural style created in concrete.
ANALYSIS
On April 11, 2024, the Historic Resources Board (HRB) reviewed the applicant’s proposal to reclassify the subject building from the current “Contributing Building” designation of Category 1 Link to April 11, 2024 HRB staff report with consultant assessment and inventory form https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/historic- resources-board/2024/hrb-4.11-271-university.pdf
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3 on the Historic Inventory to Category 2 “Major Building.” The evaluation indicated the building has retained its historic integrity and is outstanding and regionally important architecture consistent with the definition of resource Category 2. The Historic Resource Board (HRB) voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council reclassify 271 University Avenue to a Category 2 resource. The applicant and the property owner participated in the review of the proposed reclassification and support this request; no members of the public spoke to the item. The Record of Land Use Action (Attachment B) contains the findings for the category upgrade.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no significant fiscal or resource impact associated with this project. The City’s consultant cost to prepare the Historic Resource Evaluation was covered by the property owner.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
As of the writing of this report, no project-related, public comments were received.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Maintenance of historic designation of a property or reclassification of historic designation of a property is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act and CEQA Guidelines Section 21065 because it will not cause a direct change to the physical environment nor a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Location Map
Attachment B: Draft Record of Land Use Action
Attachment C: Project Webpage with Plan Set
APPROVED BY:
Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director Item 8
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abc Known Structures
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abc Zone District Notes
Curb Edge
abc Dimensions (AP)
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ATTACHMENT A
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