CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Community Meeting Room & Hybrid
5:00 PM
Amended Agenda
Amended agenda items appear below in RED (Time Estimates Updated – Items to be heard out of order)
City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend virtually or in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Translation services are available upon request at least 24 hours before the meeting. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 76, 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
Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to 1- 3 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] and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Multiple individuals wishing to speak on the same item may designate a spokesperson. Spokespeople must be representing 5 or more verified individuals who are present in person or via Zoom. Spokespeople are allowed up to 10 minutes, at the discretion of the Chair. Speaking time may be reduced if the Chair reduces the speaking time for individual speakers. PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to [email protected] at least 24 hours before the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will share them 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: sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and 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, change the order of items and/or continue items to another meeting. 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 September 30, 2026
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas.
CALL TO ORDER
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (5:00 - 6:55 PM)
3. Interview Candidates for Vacancies on the Human Relations Commission (HRC) and Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC); CEQA Status - Not a Project At-Places Report Added
BREAK
CLOSED SESSION (6:55 - 10:00 PM)
1. Public Employee Performance Evaluations
Authority: Cal. Gov. Code section 54957(b)
Title: City Clerk and City Attorney
2. Conference with Labor Negotiator
Authority: Cal. Gov. Code section 54957.6
Agency Representative: Dan Rich, Municipal Resources Group Unrepresented Employees: City Attorney, City Clerk and City Manager AA1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Authority: Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (Informally known as the Cubberley Site) Negotiating Party: Palo Alto Unified School District
City Negotiators: Ed Shikada, Kristen O'Kane, Sunny Tong Subject of Negotiations:
Purchase, Exchange, and/or Lease Price and Terms of Payment New Item Added
ADJOURNMENT
OTHER INFORMATION
2 September 30, 2026
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas.
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Climate Action & Sustainability Committee October 2, 2026
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
3. Interview Candidates for Vacancies on the Human Relations Commission (HRC) and Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC); CEQA Status - Not a Project At-Places Report Added
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 room and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments 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 Zoombased 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 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.
3 September 30, 2026
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas.
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.
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.
4 September 30, 2026
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas.
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: September 30, 2026
Report #:2609-6806
TITLE
Interview Candidates for Vacancies on the Human Relations Commission (HRC) and Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC); CEQA Status - Not a Project
BACKGROUND
The Fall Boards, Commissions, and Committees (BCC) Recruitment was open from July 28, 2026 – September 2, 2026, and recruited for 11 vacancies across 5 meeting bodies. Applications were published as part of the September 14 agenda packet and are available online and linked in Attachment A1.
In consultation with the Mayor and Vice Mayor, staff have split the recruitment next steps into two separate batches to effectively manage meeting capacity and length. The schedule is listed below. Given the expected length of interviews, staff are planning to schedule an additional City Council meeting in October.
City Council Meeting Action
September 14 Review Applications and Select Candidates to Interview for PRC and PAC
September 22 Interview Candidates for PRC
September 28 Review Applications and Select Candidates to Interview for HRC, PTC, and SWMOC
September 30 Interview Candidates for HRC and PTC
Early October Special Meeting (To Be
Finalized)
Interview Candidates for PAC and SWMOC
October 19 Appoint Members to HRC, PRC, PTC, PAC, SWMOC 1 City Council, September 14, 2026; Agenda Item #2; SR# 2606-6492 https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=897242&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto City Council, September 28, 2026; Agenda Item #2; SR # 2609-6803 https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=897420&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 5 of 10
ANALYSIS
The City Council is expected to review applications and select candidates to interview for HRC, PTC, and SWMOC on September 28. An at-places memo will be issued on September 30 with the interview schedule.
Interview Process
Each candidate interview is scheduled for 10 minutes. Candidates will have an opportunity to summarize their experiences, and the remaining time will be allocated to Councilmember questions. Candidates have been informed of the following:
1. Each interview is scheduled for 10 minutes. Candidates may begin with 1-2 minutes describing their experience and/or desire to serve. The remaining time will be Q+A with the City Council;
2. Interviews are located in City Hall (250 Hamilton Ave) or on Zoom;
3. If joining in person, please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time, and check in with the Clerk upon arrival; and
4. If joining via Zoom, please log-on 15 minutes before the scheduled time, and make sure to use your name so the clerk can identify the candidate. Please use this link to join https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238. The clerk will allow you to unmute and turn on your video when it’s your turn.
Vacancy Information
Human Relations Commission (HRC)
Number of Vacancies and
Term Dates
2 Full Term Vacancies (11/1/2026 – 10/31/2029)
1 Partial Term Vacancy (11/1/2025 – 10/31/2028)
Seat Numbers 1, 4, 7
Number of Applicants 12 Total (9 in regular recruitment, 3 additional in extended) Number of Candidates to
Interview
Up to 8
Number of Votes per
Councilmember
6 Eligibility Requirements3 Palo Alto residency
3 Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.22.010 https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0- 0-0-61320
Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 6 of 10
Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC)
Number of Vacancies and
Term Dates
1 Partial Term Vacancy
4/1/2026 – 3/31/2030
Seat Number 4
Number of Applicants 9
Number of Candidates to
Interview
Up to 6
Number of Votes per
Councilmember
2 Eligibility Requirements5 Palo Alto residency
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: BCC Applications
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
5 Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.20.010 https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0- 0-0-61282
Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 7 of 10
Meeting Date: September 30, 2026
Staff Report: 2609-6809
Boards, Commissions, Committees Applications
Applications were published in full as part of the September 14, 2026 City Council agenda packet. Additional HRC applications received during the extended recruitment were published as part of the September 28, 2026 agenda packet. In order to reduce paper consumption, staff is providing links to the applications in lieu of re-printing them. • HRC Applications
9/14/26:https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=9763a 189-8f8f-4c64-8164-3cd4b5b7ccb5
9/28/26:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=4e8c974ebe85-4fb1-b778-fa1c0f33eefe • PRC Applications
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=b19da62e368b-47b7-a40a-d246222e7271 • PTC Applications
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=d3dd947c7222-4c92-a689-5faf4e90f4d0 • PAC Applications
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=47ceb645- 9ca4-430d-86ce-3d99805126b5
• SWMOC Applications
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=4d4e030c1fdf-4a6c-8074-77a56d596df5 Item 3
Attachment A - BCC
Applications
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 8 of 10
City Council
At Places Memo
From: Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
Lead Department: City Clerk
Item Number: 3
Report #:2609-6827
TITLE
At Places Memo: Interview Candidates for Vacancies on the Human Relations Commission (HRC) and Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC); CEQA Status - Not a Project
BACKGROUND
This memo transmits the candidate interview schedule for the Human Relations Commission and Planning and Transportation Commission. Candidate applications were published part of the September 14, 2026 City Council agenda packets. Attachment A provides links to the applications.
Human Relations Commission
Time Applicant Participation Method
5:05 - 5:15 Katie Causey In-person
5:15 - 5:25 Raizel Rosenberg In-person
5:25 - 5:35 Aji Oliyide In-person
5:35 - 5:45 Cynthia Wood Zoom
5:45 - 5:55 Haylea Hannah In-person
5:55 - 6:05 Ellen Bob In-person
6:05 - 6:15 Rona Hu TBD
6:15 - 6:25 Sunny Dykwel TBD
Planning and Transportation Commission
Time Applicant Participation Method
6:25 - 6:35 Tom Siegel Zoom
6:35 - 6:45 Jeff Watt In-person
6:45 - 6:55 Christopher Kao In-person
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: HRC and PTC Applications
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
Item 3
Item 3 At Places Report
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 9 of 10
Meeting Date: September 30, 2026
Staff Report Number: 2609-6827
Board, Commission, and Committee Applications
Applications were published in full as part of the September 14, 2026 and September 28, 2026 City Council agenda packet. In order to reduce paper consumption, staff is providing links to the applications in lieu of re-printing them.
Human Relations Commission
• Applications received during regular recruitment:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=9763a189-8f8f-4c64- 8164-3cd4b5b7ccb5
• Applications received during extended recruitment:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=b0ee12c8-34b6-42e0- 8ce9-cfd9829a1c32
Planning and Transportation Commission
• https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=d3dd947c-7222-4c92- a689-5faf4e90f4d0
Item 3
Attachment A - HRC and
PTC Applications
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 10 of 10