CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
Monday, October 20, 2025
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Amended Agenda
Amended agenda items appear below in RED (Time Estimates Updated)
Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference or in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda.
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
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
to
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.
1 October 20, 2025
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas
.
CALL TO ORDER
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY: BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES INTERVIEWS (5:35 - 5:45 PM)
AA1.
Interview Candidate for Vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Commission; CEQA Status - Not a Project
New Item Added
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT (5:45 - 6:15 PM)
Members of the public may speak in-person ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 1-3 minutes depending on number 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 (6:15 - 6:30 PM) Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).
STUDY SESSION (6:30 - 8:00 PM)
1. Cubberley Project: Receive an Update on Development of a Master Concept Plan and Phasing; Review and Provide Feedback on Themes for the Second Poll; Receive an Update on Strategic Activation Plan and Review an Update on the Workplan for the Cubberley Master Plan in Consideration of a November 2026 Ballot Measure; CEQA Status – the Master Plan will undergo CEQA review.
CONSENT CALENDAR (8:00 - 8:05 PM)
Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.
2. Approval of Minutes from September 29 and October 6, 2025 Meetings
3. PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI-JUDICIAL. 70 Encina Avenue [25PLN-00034]: Request for Approval of a Tentative Map to Merge Two Lots and Allow for a Condominium Subdivision to Create 10 Units on the Resulting 12,119-Square-Foot Parcel. The Subdivision Map Would Facilitate Construction of Ten New Residential Units in One Building, which was previously approved on April 14, 2025 (24PLN-00095). CEQA Status:
Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 (Comprehensive Plan Consistency).
Zoning District: PC-5654.
2 October 20, 2025
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas
.
4. PUBLIC HEARING: Finance Committee Recommends Adoption of Resolution Amending Five Rate Schedules Setting Forth Utility Connection Fees and Other Charges: Utilities Rate Schedule E-15 (Electric Service Connections), W-5 (Water Service Connections), G-5 (Gas Service Connections), S-5 (Sewer Service Connections) and C-1 (Utility Miscellaneous Charges); CEQA Status: Not a Project Under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) and Exempt Under Section 15273(a)
5. Approval of an Increase of Construction Contingency for Contract No. C24189237 with SAK Construction, LLC in the amount of $1,000,000, funded by the Wastewater Treatment Enterprise Fund for the Joint Intercepting Sewer Rehabilitation (Phase 1) Project (WQ-24000), and Approval of Addendum 13 to the Basic Agreement Between Mountain View, Los Altos, and Palo Alto for the Acquisition, Construction, and Maintenance of a Joint Sewer System to Increase the Maximum Authorized Project Funding of $8.9 million to $12.6 million; CEQA Status – Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Repairs to Existing Facilities)
6. Approval of Contract Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. C23187298C with Hinderliter, de Llamas, and Associates (HdL) for Business Tax and Business Registry Certificate Fee Administration Services in the Amount of $750,000 for Additional Administrative and Operational Services and $2,120,000 Contingent Fees for a Revised Total Not-To-Exceed Amount of $2,870,000, to Extend the Term by Two Years to June 30, 2028, and Approve a Budget Amendment in the General Fund (Requires 2/3 vote); CEQA Status – Not a Project
7. Approve Contract Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. C25193598 with Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz, and Associates (FM3) in the Amount of $26,775 for one Additional Poll (Four Polls, Total) for the Potential November 2026 Ballot Measure for a Total Not to Exceed Amount of $153,000 and Approve Budget Amendments in the General Fund and the Cubberley Property Infrastructure Fund; CEQA Status: Not a Project
8. Approval of Five Items to Support the Fire Station 4 Replacement Project PE-18004: 1) Construction Contract Number No. C26194287 with Beals Martin and Associates, Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $11,530,676 and Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders to the Contract up to a Not-to-Exceed Amount $1,153,067; 2) Contract Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. S24188865 with Schaaf & Wheeler Consulting Civil Engineers to Extend the Contract Term Through April 30, 2027; 3) Contract Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. S23185811 with Earth Systems Pacific, Inc. to Extend the Contract Term Through February 28, 2027; 4) Amendment No. 1 to Contract C21179569 with Brown Reynolds Watford Architects, Inc. to Add $41,366, Increasing the Not-to-Exceed Amount to $838,514 and Extend the Contract Term Through June 30, 2027 for Construction Support Services; and (5) Amendment No. 1 to Contract C24189293A with Cumming Management Group, Inc. to Extend the Contract
3 October 20, 2025
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas
.
Term Through August 31, 2027; CEQA Status - Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15302 and 15303
9. Approval of Construction Contract C26195058 with JJR Construction, Inc. in an Amount Not to-Exceed $1,281,689 and Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work that May Develop During the Project Up to a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $128,169 for the Fiscal Year 2026 Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter Project, Capital Improvement Program Projects PO- 89003 and PO-12001; CEQA Status – Exempt under Section 15301(c)
10. Approval of a 10 Year License Agreement with La Comida de California for Operation of a Senior Nutrition Program and Meal Service in a Portion of the City-owned Building Located at 445 Bryant Street; CEQA Status – Exempt under CEQA Guidelines sections 15301 and 15303
11. Adoption of a Resolution to Extend the City’s Participation in the Northern California Power Agency’s Support Services Program for Another 10 Years to 2037, Designating Authorized Signatories, and Updating Contracting Authority to Align with the Municipal Code; CEQA Status – Not a Project
12. Approval of the Dispatch Center Assessment Report as Recommended by the Policy & Services Committee.
13. Approval of Professional Services Contract Number C26194598 with Thomas Sarsfield in the Amount Not to Exceed $660,000 for Providing Tennis Instruction Services for Seasonal Classes and Summer Camp Sessions for a Period of Five Years; CEQA Status - Not a Project.
14. Approval of Contract Number C25194217 with Veteran Pipeline Construction in the Amount of $8,962,204 for the Gas Main Replacement Project 25 (GS-15000) in the Duveneck/St. Francis, Leland Manor, Midtown, and Palo Verde neighborhoods; Authorization for the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute Related Change Orders Not-to-Exceed of $896,221 for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $9,858,425; NEPA status - B5.4 categorical exclusion; CEQA status — Exempt under CEQA Guidelines 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction of Existing Facilities).
15. SECOND READING: Adoption of Eight Ordinances Amending Various Sections of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Related to the 2025 California Building Standards Code (CA Code of Regulations Title 24) Update, including: (1) Chapter 16.04 Incorporating the 2025 CA Building Code With Local Amendments; (2) Chapter 16.05 Incorporating the
4 October 20, 2025
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas
.
2025 CA Mechanical Code With Local Amendments; (3) Chapter 16.06 Incorporating the 2025 CA Residential Code With Local Amendments; (4) Chapter 16.08 Incorporating the 2025 CA Plumbing Code With Local Amendments; (5) Chapter 16.14 Incorporating the 2025 CA Green Building Standards Code with Local Amendments; (6) Chapter 16.16 Incorporating the 2022 CA Electrical Code With Local Amendments; (7) Chapter 16.18 Incorporating the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code With Local Amendments; (8) Chapter 16.17 Incorporating the 2025 CA Energy Code With Local Amendments; CEQA Status: Exempt Under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15308. (FIRST READING: October 6, 2025, PASSED: 6-0-1, Lauing absent) AA2.
Approval of Appointment and Employment Agreement with Stephen Lindsey as Fire Chief; CEQA Status – Not a Project
New Item Added
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (8:05 - 8:20 PM)
BREAK (15 MINUTES)
ACTION ITEMS (8:35 - 10:35 PM)
Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, Unfinished Business and Council Matters.
16. Policy and Services Committee Recommendation to the City Council to Approve a Phased Approach to Address Oversized Vehicle (Including Recreational Vehicle) Impacts, Particularly Relating to Individuals Living in Vehicles and Approve Budget Amendments in various funds; CEQA status – categorically exempt.
ADJOURNMENT
5 October 20, 2025
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas
.
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action or discussion during this meeting’s agenda.
A.
Informational Report on the City of Palo Alto One Water Plan and Associated Letter from the Utilities Advisory Commission for Future Water Supply and Conservation Planning Purposes; CEQA Status – Not a Project
B.
Semiannual Update on 2000 Geng Road Recreational Vehicle Safe Parking Expansion C.
Monthly Investment Report - September 2025 (Unaudited)
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Finance Committee October 21, 2025
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
AMENDED AGENDA ITEMS
AA1.
Interview Candidate for Vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Commission; CEQA Status - Not a Project
New Item Added
AA2.
Approval of Appointment and Employment Agreement with Stephen Lindsey as Fire Chief; CEQA Status – Not a Project
New Item Added
6 October 20, 2025
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas
.
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,
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When
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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
Requests
for
assistance
or
accommodations
must
be
submitted
at
least
24 hours
in
advance
of
the
meeting,
program,
or
service.
7 October 20, 2025
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas
.
California
Government
Code
§84308
,
commonly
referred
to
as
the
"Levine
Act,"
prohibits
an
elected
official
of
a
local
government
agency
from
participating
in
a
proceeding
involving
a
license,
permit,
or
other
entitlement
for
use
if
the
official
received
a
campaign
contribution
exceeding
$500
from
a
party
or
participant,
including
their
agents,
to
the
proceeding
within
the
last
12 months.
A
“license,
permit,
or
other
entitlement
for
use”
includes
most
land
use
and
planning
approvals
and
the
approval
of
contracts
that
are
not
subject
to
lowest
responsible
bid
procedures
and
have
a
value
over
$50,000.
A
“party”
is
a
person
who
files
an
application
for,
or
is
the
subject
of,
a
proceeding
involving
a
license,
permit,
or
other
entitlement
for
use.
A
“participant”
is
a
person
who
actively
supports
or
opposes
a
particular
decision
in
a
proceeding
involving
a
license,
permit,
or
other
entitlement
for
use,
and
has
a
financial
interest
in
the
decision.
The
Levine
Act
incorporates
the
definition
of
“financial
interest”
in
the
Political
Reform
Act,
which
encompasses
interests
in
business
entities,
real
property,
sources
of
income,
sources
of
gifts,
and
personal
finances
that
may
be
affected
by
the
Council’s
actions.
If
you
qualify
as
a
“party”
or
“participant”
to
a
proceeding,
and
you
have
made
a
campaign
contribution
to
a
Council
Member
exceeding
$500
made
within
the
last
12 months,
you
must
disclose
the
campaign contribution before making your comments.
8 October 20, 2025
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas
.