Palo Alto public meetings in 2022

City Council Special meeting

The City Council will consider raising the gas commodity rate cap from $2.00 to $4.00 per therm and decide on a phased approach for building fiber-to-the-premises. Other action items include a comprehensive plan amendment for the Palo Alto Homekey project at 1237 San Antonio Road and adoption of revised council procedures. The consent calendar includes multiple contracts and a revised compensation plan.

• Adoption of resolution increasing gas monthly market-based commodity rate cap from $2.00 to $4.00 per therm (AA1)
• Approval of Option 2 for building fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) under a phased approach (Item 20)
• Comprehensive plan amendment for 1237 San Antonio Road (Palo Alto Homekey project) (Item 19)
• Approval of construction contract with Adams Pool Solutions for $534,838 for Rinconada Lap Pool and Children’s Pool re-plaster (Item 6)
• Approval of contract with Bosco Oil, Inc. for $4,801,445 for unleaded and diesel fuels (Item 16)

The City Council approved a phased approach to build Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) without using revenue bonds. The Council also approved utility rate increases for electric hydro and gas to address market costs and drought conditions. A land-use designation change was approved for the Palo Alto Homekey project.

• Approved Option 2 for phased Fiber-to-the-Premises buildout without revenue bonds (6-1)
• Increased Electric Hydro Rate Adjuster (EHRA) rate to $0.048/kWh effective Jan 1, 2023 (6-1)
• Increased Gas Monthly Market-Based Commodity Rate Cap from $2.00 to $4.00 per therm (6-1)
• Amended Comprehensive Plan land use at 1237 San Antonio Road to Major Institution/Special Facilities (7-0)
• Approved $534,838 contract with Adams Pool Solutions for Rinconada pool project (7-0)
• Approved $486,000 agreement with Woodard & Curran for water quality compliance (6-1)
• Approved $3,151,500 contract with Woodard & Curran for water plant program management (6-1)
• Approved $4,801,445 fuel purchase agreement with Bosco Oil, Inc. (7-0)

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold a study session on a proposed redevelopment of a 14.65-acre site at 200-404 Portage Avenue and surrounding streets, focusing on the design of 74 new townhome condominiums. The project also includes partial demolition of a building eligible for the California Register, a parking garage, and dedication of 3.25 acres for affordable housing and parkland. The board will also receive an Ad Hoc Committee report on objective standards for townhomes.

• Study session for 74 townhome condominiums at 200-404 Portage Avenue, 3040-3250 Park Boulevard, 3201-3225 Ash Street, and 278 Lambert
• Partial demolition of a commercial building eligible for the California Register at 3040 Park
• Dedication of approximately 3.25 acres to the city for future affordable housing and parkland
• Draft Environmental Impact Report circulated September 16, 2022, with comment period ending November 15, 2022
• Ad Hoc Committee report on Objective Standards Phase 2 for townhomes

The board conducted a study session for a proposed 74-unit townhome development, providing feedback on massing, privacy, and street engagement. The board also reviewed a subcommittee report on fine-tuning Objective Standards for townhomes, specifically regarding parking and building typology.

• Approved Resolution Authorizing Use of Teleconferencing (3-0-0-2)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will consider amendments to the Palo Alto Municipal Code Title 18 Zoning to facilitate implementation of green building standards, including noise standards and placement of obstructions within garages and exterior setback encroachments for electrification equipment such as heat pumps, energy storage systems, and electric vehicle charging stations. The meeting also includes adoption of a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the Covid-19 state of emergency, a director's report, and approval of draft minutes from previous meetings.

• Amendments to Title 18 Zoning Chapters 18.04, 18.10, 18.12, 18.13, 18.40, and 18.54 for green building standards
• Resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during Covid-19 state of emergency
• Director's report and meeting schedule assignments
• Approval of October 26, 2022 and November 16, 2022 draft verbatim meeting minutes

The Commission recommended zoning amendments to reduce barriers for installing electrification equipment, including heat pumps and EV chargers. The proposal includes relaxed setback requirements and the expansion of the Home Improvement Exception process. The recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during COVID-19 emergency (7-0)
• Recommended zoning changes for electrification equipment with modifications to front yard setbacks (6-0)
• Recommended expanding Home Improvement Exception (Sections 18.12.120 and 18.10.110) to cover electrification equipment (6-0)
• Approved October 26, 2022 draft verbatim meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved November 16, 2022 draft verbatim meeting minutes (5-0-1)

Rail Committee Special Meeting

The committee reviewed a proposed framework for third-party service agreements with Caltrain to fund technical reviews of grade separation alternatives. No formal votes were taken; the meeting focused on coordination, funding responsibilities, and the technical requirements for 4-track segments and quiet zones.

• No substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted of presentations and discussions

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission approved a resolution to allow teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Other business included discussions on the Advanced Water Purification System project and an annual Urban Forestry update; no other formal votes were taken.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 emergency (5-0)
• Delayed approval of November 22, 2022 draft minutes

Policy and Services Committee Regular Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will discuss and make recommendations for the 2023 City Council Priority Setting Process and review proposed Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook. No other substantive action items are on the agenda.

• Discussion and recommendations for the 2023 City Council Priority Setting Process
• Review and recommendation on the Proposed Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook

The Policy and Services Committee approved several amendments to the proposed Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook. These changes address legislative body limits, memo deadlines, public speaker timing, and mayoral rotation. The committee also requested staff updates regarding censure language and board liaison roles.

• Updated language on packet page 24 to limit items to 5 per legislative body (2-1)
• Added language to packet page 28 regarding urgent colleague's memos during election transitions (2-1)
• Updated packet page 47 to allow presiding officer to reduce speaker time if more than 10 speakers attend (3-0)
• Accepted language on packet page 50 and requested staff develop a middle ground between censure and self-enforcement (3-0)
• Recommended City Council refer Board and Commissions Liaison roles back to the committee for discussion (3-0)
• Approved language on packet page 63 with formatting changes to use 'must' instead of 'may' and 'City Manager' instead of 'City' (2-1)
• Amended Section 1.1 to state the Mayor shall rotate based on consecutive years served and general election vote rank (2-1)

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will meet to review and forward the FY 2024-2033 Long Range Financial Forecast, along with an update on FY 2023 Finance Committee referrals and a review of pension policy and retiree healthcare. The meeting will be held in hybrid format on December 6, 2022.

• Review and forward the FY 2024-2033 Long Range Financial Forecast
• FY 2023 Finance Committee Referrals Update
• Pension Policy and Retiree Healthcare Review and Update
• First Quarter Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Report

The Finance Committee recommended that City Council adopt modifications to the Pension Funding Policy and accept the General Fund Long Range Financial Forecast for FY 2024-2033. The committee also recommended a recalculation of ULA amortizations. No action was taken on the FY 2023 referrals update or the first quarter financial report.

• Recommended City Council adopt Pension Funding Policy modifications to adjust 115 investments to a balanced level (3-0)
• Recommended City Council refer staff to recalculate ULA amortizations schedule using ALM expected returns (3-0)
• Recommended City Council accept General Fund Long Range Financial Forecast FY 2024-2033 and FY 2024 Budget Development Guiding Principles (3-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will consider approving a $161.8 million construction contract for the Secondary Treatment Upgrades Project at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant, along with related amendments and financing. The council will also hold a closed session on labor negotiations with multiple employee unions and a study session on the proposed Stanford Community Plan. Consent items include a $2.94 million energy efficiency contract and a $395,000 tennis program contract.

• Approval of $161,846,500 construction contract for Secondary Treatment Upgrades Project at Regional Water Quality Control Plant
• Closed session on labor negotiations with SEIU, UMPAPA, PAPOA, PMA, IAFF, and FCA
• Study session on County of Santa Clara proposed Stanford Community Plan
• Professional services agreement with CLEAResult for $2,940,400 for residential energy efficiency and electrification advising
• Public hearing on site and design review for a new 31,000 sq ft automobile dealership at 1700 Embarcadero Road

The City Council approved a major construction contract for the Regional Water Quality Control Plant and authorized a new automobile dealership at 1700 Embarcadero Road. Several professional service agreements and budget amendments were also passed. A review of the 2023-2025 S/CAP Work Plan was continued to a future meeting.

• Approved $161,846,500 construction contract with Anderson Pacific Engineering Construction (6-1)
• Approved new 31,000 square foot automobile dealership at 1700 Embarcadero Road (7-0)
• Approved $2,940,400 agreement with CLEAResult, Inc. for energy efficiency (6-1)
• Approved $395,000 tennis recreation program contract with Thomas Sarsfield (7-0)
• Approved $172,000 in State of California COPS funds (6-1)
• Approved FY 2023 Task Orders for the Office of the City Auditor (7-0)
• Approved resolution for teleconferencing during Covid-19 emergency (5-2)
• Approved increased Clean Water State Revolving Fund financing to $193,000,000 (6-1)

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold public hearings on two major development proposals. The first is a Planned Community rezoning and comprehensive plan amendment for a four-story mixed-use building at 660 University Ave, combining three parcels to create 65 residential units and ground-floor office space. The second is a major architectural review for a new three-story office building at 123 Sherman Ave, requiring demolition of four existing buildings and a lot merger. The board will also receive a report on meeting schedules and approve minutes from prior meetings.

• Public hearing on PC rezoning for 660 University Ave: 65 units (47 studios, 12 one-bedroom, 6 two-bedroom), ground-floor office, two-level parking garage
• Public hearing on major architectural review for 123 Sherman Ave: new 3-story office building with two levels of below-grade parking, lot merger of three parcels
• Environmental Impact Report notice circulated for 660 University project through Dec 5, 2022
• Mitigated Negative Declaration being prepared for 123 Sherman project under CEQA
• Approval of draft minutes from Oct 20 and Nov 3, 2022 meetings

The Architectural Review Board continued two major development projects to uncertain dates to allow for design revisions. Both projects were delayed to address concerns regarding materiality, traffic circulation, and neighborhood impact.

• Continued 660 University mixed-use project to a date uncertain (5-0)
• Continued 123 Sherman office project to a date uncertain (5-0)
• Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes as amended (5-0)
• Approved November 3, 2022 meeting minutes as presented (5-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will hold a study session on 2022 state land-use and housing legislation, then vote on a recommendation for a major redevelopment at 200-404 Portage Avenue. The project would demolish a building eligible for the California Register, build 74 townhome condominiums with parking, and dedicate 3.25 acres to the city for affordable housing and parkland. The commission will also approve minutes from its October 26 meeting.

• 3200 Park Boulevard/200 Portage/340 Portage: recommendation to approve a Development Agreement, Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Planned Community Zoning, Tentative Map, and Major Architectural Review for a 14.65-acre redevelopment
• Project includes partial demolition of a building eligible for the California Register and a commercial recreation building at 3040 Park Boulevard
• Construction of 74 townhome condominiums, a one-level parking garage, and dedication of 3.25 acres for affordable housing and parkland
• Study session to review 2022 state legislation related to land use and housing
• Draft Environmental Impact Report for the project was circulated September 16, 2022; comment period ended November 15, 2022

The Planning & Transportation Commission approved a recommendation to send the redevelopment project for 200 Portage Avenue and 3200 Park Boulevard to the Architectural Review Board. The project includes a development agreement for 74 townhomes and the dedication of 3.25 acres for future parkland and affordable housing. The Commission also approved the meeting minutes from October 26, 2022.

• Approved recommendation to advance 200 Portage/3200 Park Boulevard redevelopment to Architectural Review Board (5-1)
• Approved October 26, 2022 draft summary meeting minutes (6-0)

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will discuss and potentially recommend actions on three items: accepting the city's audited financial statements and annual comprehensive financial report, approving a resolution to increase the Electric Hydro Rate Adjuster (E-HRA) to $0.050/kWh effective January 1, 2023, and reviewing alternatives for accelerating sanitary sewer main replacements. The meeting is hybrid, with public comment options.

• Discussion and recommendation to accept Macias Gini & O'Connell's audit of FY 2022 financial statements
• Approval of FY 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and year-end budget amendments
• Proposed resolution to increase Electric Hydro Rate Adjuster to $0.050/kWh starting January 1, 2023
• Update on sanitary sewer main replacement acceleration alternatives

The Finance Committee voted to recommend that the City Council approve the FY 2022 audited financial statements and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The committee also recommended increasing the Electric Hydro Rate Adjuster (E-HRA) rate. No action was taken regarding sanitary sewer main replacement alternatives.

• Recommended City Council approve FY 2022 audited financial statements by Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP (3-0)
• Recommended City Council approve FY 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) (3-0)
• Recommended City Council approve FY 2022 Budget Appropriation Ordinance amendments for various funds (3-0)
• Recommended City Council increase Electric Hydro Rate Adjuster (E-HRA) rate from $0.013/kWh to $0.048/kWh effective January 1, 2023 (3-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will hold a joint meeting with the Planning and Transportation Commission to discuss and give direction on the draft 2023-31 Housing Element before submitting it to the state for a 90-day review. The council will also vote on consent calendar items including a second reading to extend the pilot parklet program, a zoning ordinance extension, a $120,000 legal contract amendment, and purchases of an ambulance and a fire rescue vehicle.

• Review and direction to submit draft 2023-31 Housing Element to state Department of Housing and Community Development
• Second reading: interim ordinance to continue pilot parklet program and other on-street uses
• Amendment to legal service agreement with Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC, increasing contract by $120,000 to $575,000
• Purchase order for a 2023 Chevrolet G4500 Type III ambulance, not to exceed $377,826
• Purchase order for a 2022 Pierce Enforcer Heavy Duty Rescue, not to exceed $1,168,875

The City Council approved modifications to the 2023-31 Housing Element, including specific affordable and workforce housing targets, and directed staff to submit the draft to the state. The Council also approved several emergency vehicle purchases and employment agreement amendments for city officers.

• Approved revised 2023-31 Housing Element draft for state submission (6-0-1)
• Adopted Ordinance 5572 to continue Pilot Parklet Program (6-1)
• Adopted Ordinance 5573 extending Zoning Ordinance 5517 to June 16, 2024 (6-1)
• Approved $1,168,875 purchase of 2022 Pierce Enforcer Heavy Duty Rescue (6-1)
• Approved $377,826 purchase of 2023 Chevrolet G4500 Type III Ambulance (7-0)
• Approved $120,000 increase to legal agreement with Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC (7-0)
• Approved employment agreement amendments for City Attorney and City Clerk (7-0) and City Manager (6-1)
• Nominated Mayor Burt to the VTA Board of Directors for 2023-2025 (5-2)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission recommended that City Council grant pickleball priority on Mitchell Park joint-use courts from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. It also recommended updating ordinances to regulate e-bikes and electric coasting devices in parks and open spaces. The body further discussed the preliminary FY24 Capital Improvement Projects list.

• Recommended City Council grant pickleball priority on Mitchell Park joint-use courts 8 a.m.–10 p.m. 7 days/week (7-0)
• Recommended City Council update Ordinance 22.04.220 and Regulations R1-18 and R1-37 regarding e-bikes and electric coasting devices (7-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 emergency (6-0)
• Approved minutes from October 25, 2022 meeting (7-0)

Rail Committee Special Meeting

The Committee reviewed conceptual refinements for rail underpass alternatives at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road. Members discussed the impact of fire vehicle lane requirements on local trees and the feasibility of different roundabout designs. No final votes were taken on the designs, but the Committee directed staff to further refine specific elements.

• Agreed that further refining of the Churchill Avenue buffer/sidewalk design is needed
• Directed staff to hold on Kellogg Avenue refinements until Seale Avenue is evaluated via dot maps
• Determined that 16-foot lane widths for fire vehicle access are a requirement
• Decided to maintain current design speeds and grades for the conceptual phase
• Agreed to seek a timeline from Mountain View and Caltrain regarding the Castro Station four-track project

Architectural Review Board

The Architectural Review Board will hold public hearings on two major projects: a 129-unit 100% affordable housing development at 3001 El Camino Real and a new 3-story office building at 123 Sherman. The board will also discuss amending its bylaws for 2023 meeting attendance and receive an ad hoc committee report on objective standards for townhomes.

• 3001 El Camino Real: demolition of two retail buildings for a 129-unit, 100% affordable, five-story residential project with state density bonus allowances
• 123 Sherman: demolition of four existing buildings for a new 3-story office building with two levels of below-grade parking and a lot merger
• Discussion on amending ARB Bylaws to address meeting attendance in 2023
• Ad Hoc Committee Report on Objective Standards for Townhomes

The Architectural Review Board continued the review of a proposed 100% affordable residential development at 3001 El Camino Real to a date uncertain to allow for completed environmental analysis. The board also continued the review of a proposed office building at 123 Sherman to December 1, 2022. A discussion on amending bylaws regarding remote meeting attendance was tabled until January 19, 2023.

• Continued 3001 El Camino Real affordable housing project to a date uncertain (5-0)
• Continued 123 Sherman office building project to December 1, 2022 (5-0)
• Continued ARB Bylaws attendance amendment discussion to January 19, 2023 (5-0)
• Requested legal opinion on remote attendance without notification (5-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed Planned Community development at 660 University Ave, which would demolish existing office buildings and construct a four-story mixed-use building with 65 residential units and ground-floor office space. The commission will also review the 2022 Comprehensive Plan and Housing Element annual progress reports for transmittal to state agencies, and discuss potential bylaw amendments regarding meeting attendance.

• Public hearing on Planned Community application for 660 University Ave, combining 3 parcels (511 Byron St, 660 University Ave, 680 University Ave/500 Middlefield Rd) to build 65 units (47 studios, 12 one-bedroom, 6 two-bedroom) with ground-floor office and two-level below-grade parking
• Review of Draft 2022 Comprehensive Plan Implementation Annual Progress Report and Draft 2022 Housing Element Annual Progress Report for transmittal to state by April 1, 2023
• Discussion of Planning and Transportation Commission bylaws regarding meeting attendance
• Adoption of resolution authorizing continued use of teleconferencing for meetings during COVID-19 state of emergency
• Approval of October 12, 2022 draft meeting minutes

The Commission approved forwarding a proposal for a four-story mixed-use building at 660 University Ave to the Architectural Review Board for further review. Other actions included updating bylaws regarding remote meeting attendance and approving annual progress reports for housing and comprehensive planning.

• Approved forwarding 660 University mixed-use project to ARB (5-1)
• Approved 2022 Comprehensive Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Reports (7-0)
• Added Bylaw Section 5.5 allowing remote attendance per State law (6-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during Covid-19 emergency (4-0)
• Approved October 12, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will consider approving a $161,846,500 construction contract for the Secondary Treatment Upgrades Project at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant, along with related agreements with Stanford University and neighboring sanitation agencies, and a budget amendment. The committee will also discuss a resolution to increase the Electric Hydro Rate Adjuster (E-HRA) to fund electric utility capital projects.

• Approval of a $161,846,500 construction contract with Anderson Pacific Engineering Construction for the Secondary Treatment Upgrades Project (WQ-19001) at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant
• Approval of three amendments to existing agreements with Stanford University, East Palo Alto Sanitary District, and Mountain View and Los Altos for the treatment plant project
• Approval of Amendment #2 with Brown & Caldwell, increasing compensation by $1,484,689 to a new maximum of $5,908,791, extending the contract through March 31, 2028
• Approval of Amendment #2 with Carollo Engineers, adding $8,237,021 for construction management services
• Recommendation to adopt a resolution increasing the Electric Hydro Rate Adjuster (E-HRA) to $0.026/kWh effective January 1, 2023

The committee recommended several approvals for the Secondary Treatment Upgrades project at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant, including a major construction contract and increased loan financing. A proposed change to the Electric Hydro Rate Adjuster rate schedule was continued to a later meeting.

• Recommended approval of $161,846,500 construction contract with Anderson Pacific Engineering Construction (3-0)
• Recommended authorization of change orders up to $16,184,650 for the APEC contract (3-0)
• Recommended approval of agreements with Stanford University, East Palo Alto Sanitary District, Mountain View, and Los Altos (3-0)
• Recommended $1,484,689 contract increase for Brown & Caldwell (3-0)
• Recommended $8,237,021 contract increase for Carollo Engineers (3-0)
• Recommended increasing Clean Water State Revolving Fund financing to $193,000,000 (3-0)
• Recommended FY 2023 Budget Appropriation increase of $44,200,400 for Wastewater Treatment Fund (3-0)
• Recommended exception to Debt Policy 1-65 for the Secondary Treatment Upgrades Project (3-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council approved the refined preferred alternative for the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan with several amendments regarding building heights and parking. The Council also adopted nine building code ordinances and approved multiple city contracts.

• Endorsed North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan refined preferred alternative with modifications (6-1)
• Adopted nine ordinances updating 2022 CA Building Codes (7-0)
• Approved $6,070,000 construction contract with Anderson Pacific Engineering Construction (7-0)
• Approved $604,246 compensation increase for Carollo Engineers (7-0)
• Approved ARC Document Solutions contract extension with annual amount decreased to $306,000 (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 10084 for Roth Building windows rehabilitation grant (7-0)
• Tabled discussion on janitorial services wage requirements
• Closed session held regarding liability claim and labor negotiations; no reportable action

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The Commission will consider a resolution for teleconferencing use during the COVID-19 state of emergency. The agenda includes a presentation by Police Chief Andrew Binder and recommendations regarding city renter protections.

• Resolution authorizing use of teleconferencing for meetings
• Presentation by Police Chief Andrew Binder on department goals and current issues
• Recommendations on improving implementation of City renter protections
• Discussion on research into the lived experience of Asian American and Pacific Islanders

The Commission approved the use of teleconferencing and the October 13, 2022 minutes. Recommendations regarding the implementation of City renter protections were tabled until January 2023. No action was taken on presentations regarding police department goals or AAPI lived experience research.

• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings (5-0)
• Approved October 13, 2022 minutes (5-0)
• Tabled renter protection implementation recommendations to January 12, 2023 (5-0)

Historic Resources Board

The Historic Resources Board will discuss and potentially revise its by-laws regarding remote attendance for 2023. The board will also adopt a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency and approve minutes from a prior meeting.

• Adoption of a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency
• Discussion of Historic Resources Board by-laws regarding remote attendance in 2023
• Approval of draft minutes from September 22, 2022

The Board approved a resolution to allow teleconferencing during the Covid-19 state of emergency. Members discussed potential by-law changes regarding remote attendance and meeting schedules but took no action on those items. The Board also approved the minutes from the September 22, 2022, meeting.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing during Covid-19 emergency (6-0)
• Approved September 22, 2022, draft minutes (5-0-1)
• Cancelled meetings scheduled for November 24 and December 22

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council voted to extend a temporary zoning ordinance to modify retail definitions and commercial use limits. The Council also adopted a formal values statement and approved the 2023 legislative guidelines.

• Extended temporary zoning ordinance for 18 months (5-2)
• Adopted City Council Values Statement (6-1)
• Approved 2023 legislative guidelines and tentative work plan (7-0)
• Approved $1,411,059 gas main replacement contract with Daleo, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved $100,058 sewer monitoring contract with Gierlich-Mitchell, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved contract amendment for Municipal Resource Group (6-1)
• Adopted Resolution 10083 vacating public utility easement at 773 Allen Court (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 10082 authorizing teleconferencing for meetings (5-2)

Policy and Services Committee Regular Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will discuss and possibly approve the City Auditor's FY2023 task orders, review proposed changes to the City Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook, and discuss recommendations for new council member orientation. The meeting is a special hybrid meeting held on November 3, 2022.

• Review and approval of the City Auditor's FY2023 task orders
• Review of proposed reorganization of City Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook
• Discussion of new council member orientation recommendations

The Policy and Services Committee recommended the approval of seven specific task orders for the FY2023 Audit Plan. The committee also recommended forwarding a proposal for new council member orientation to the full council. No action was taken regarding the reorganization of the Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook.

• Recommended City Council approval of seven FY2023 City Auditor Task Orders (3-0)
• Recommended forwarding Clerk’s proposal for New Council Member Orientation to full council (3-0)

Architectural Review Board

The Architectural Review Board will hold a public hearing on a proposal to demolish a vacant restaurant and build a two-story, 31,000-square-foot automobile dealership at 1700 Embarcadero Road. The applicant seeks approval for site and design review, a variance, and an off-street loading space modification. The board will also adopt a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency and receive a transmittal of meeting schedule and future agenda items.

• Public hearing on demolition of vacant restaurant and construction of 31,000 sq ft auto dealership at 1700 Embarcadero Road
• Request for Site and Design Review, DEE, Variance, and Off-Street Loading Space Modification
• Addendum to a Mitigated Negative Declaration for environmental assessment
• Adoption of resolution authorizing teleconferencing for ARB during COVID-19 state of emergency
• Transmittal of ARB meeting schedule, attendance record, and tentative future agenda items

The Architectural Review Board approved the construction of a two-story automobile dealership, subject to specific conditions and a return to the ad hoc committee for further refinements. The project involves demolishing a vacant restaurant to build the new facility, including a Class 1 bicycle path.

• Approved 1700 Embarcadero Road dealership project with conditions (4-0-0-1)
• Adopted Resolution Authorizing Use of Teleconferencing during Covid-19 State of Emergency (4-0-0-1)
• Required project return to ad hoc committee for multi-use path, planting, and material clarifications
• Mandated a new acoustical report for the carwash prior to occupancy
• Approved a neighbor's right to review the carwash acoustic study
• Requested staff reconsider variance findings language regarding property shape and use

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will hold a study session on the Local Roads Safety Plan and traffic safety projects, and discuss a major redevelopment proposal at 200 Portage Avenue for 74 townhomes, affordable housing, and parkland. A public hearing will consider a site and design review for a 31,000-square-foot auto dealership at 1700 Embarcadero Road. The commission will also approve minutes from the September 28 meeting.

• Review and discuss the Local Roads Safety Plan and traffic safety projects
• 3200 Park Boulevard/200 Portage: 74 townhome condominiums, parking garage, 3.25 acres for affordable housing and parkland
• 1700 Embarcadero Road: public hearing for a 31,000-square-foot auto dealership with site and design review, variance, and loading space modification
• Approval of September 28, 2022 draft meeting minutes

The Commission recommended approval for a two-story automobile dealership, including a new 10-foot wide bicycle path. The recommendation included modifications to remove or soften specific conditions regarding storm drains and repaving. The Commission also reviewed a draft Environmental Impact Report for a redevelopment project at 200 Portage Avenue.

• Recommended approval of 1700 Embarcadero Road auto dealership with modifications to Conditions #14, #19, and #31 (6-0)
• Approved September 28, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission voted to recommend that the City Council rededicate the 10-acre Measure E site at the Palo Alto Baylands as parkland. Other actions included approving the use of teleconferencing and the minutes from the September 27 meeting.

• Recommended rededicating Measure E site as parkland (4-2)
• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 emergency (6-0)
• Approved September 27, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Postponed Urban Forestry Annual Update to November 22, 2022

City Council Special Meeting

The council voted 7-0 to extend the temporary parklet program through June 30, 2023, and other on-street dining programs through December 31, 2023. A substitute motion to allow parklets without coverings above 38 inches failed 2-5. The council also directed staff to develop permanent parklet standards, including fees and neighbor consent requirements, and to study propane phase-out feasibility. The North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan was continued to November 14th.

• Extended temporary parklet program to June 30, 2023 (7-0)
• Directed staff to implement Option 2 neighbor consent letter starting Jan 1, 2023 (4-3)
• Directed staff to develop permanent parklet standards with fees and neighbor consent (6-1)
• Approved amendment to study propane phase-out feasibility for restaurants (4-3)
• Continued North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan to November 14th (6-1)
• Approved consent items 4,5,7,8 (7-0)
• Approved FY2022 reappropriation requests (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Substitute motion on parklet coverings and first right of refusal failed (2-5)

Architectural Review Board

The Architectural Review Board will hold public hearings on three development proposals, including a new 50,355 sq ft office/R&D building at 3300 El Camino Real and a 55,583 sq ft office replacement at 901 South California Avenue. The board will also consider minor architectural changes at 414 California Avenue and receive an informational update on applications for the former Fry's site. Procedural items include adopting a teleconferencing resolution and approving past meeting minutes.

• Public hearing on 50,355 sq ft office/R&D project at 3300 El Camino Real with 40% surface and 60% below-grade parking
• Public hearing on demolition of 54,930 sq ft office and construction of 55,583 sq ft office at 901 South California Avenue
• Minor architectural review for stucco replacement, signage, and landscaping at 414 California Avenue
• Informational update on multiple applications for the Fry's site at 200-340 Portage and 3400 Park Blvd
• Adoption of resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency

The Architectural Review Board voted 4-1 to approve a major architectural review for a new two-story, 50,355-square-foot office/R&D building at 3300 El Camino Real, subject to the applicant returning to a subcommittee on five items. The subcommittee will address enhancing the landscape strip along El Camino Real and Hansen Way, studying additional texture on the El Camino façade, developing preliminary mechanical system details, adding operable windows, and considering an activation element on the ground floor or elsewhere on site. The board also voted 5-0 to continue the 414 California Avenue project to a date uncertain, and approved minutes for September 1 and September 15, 2022.

• Approved 3300 El Camino Real office project (4-1) with subcommittee conditions
• Continued 414 California Avenue façade refresh to a date uncertain (5-0)
• Approved minutes of September 1, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved minutes of September 15, 2022 (5-0-1)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency (5-0)
• Approved 901 South California Avenue office project (5-0) with subcommittee on façade modulation and materials

Rail Committee Special Meeting

The Rail Committee held a study session on conceptual plans for underpass alternatives at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road but took no action, continuing the item to a November 18, 2022 special meeting. Staff reported that a grant application for the grade separation project was not selected for INFRA funding, and the city is awaiting results on a Mega grant. The committee discussed stakeholder feedback on bike-ped ramp widths, grades, and crossing configurations, with no formal decisions made.

• Continued study session on underpass alternatives to November 18, 2022 special meeting (no vote recorded)
• No action taken on verbal updates from Caltrain, VTA, or city staff
• No decisions made on grant applications or quiet zone study

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will review the City of Palo Alto's Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB)/Retiree Healthcare Trust Funds. This is an action item, meaning the committee may take action on the matter. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, with options for in-person or virtual attendance.

• Review of Pension and OPEB/Retiree Healthcare Trust Funds

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will hold a study session on a proposal to rezone 3400 El Camino Real for a 382-unit residential rental development. The council will also hold a public hearing to adopt ten ordinances updating the 2022 California Building Codes with local amendments, and consider a construction contract for turnout upgrades and a TEFRA hearing for conduit financing for Kehillah Jewish High School.

• Study session on rezoning 3400 El Camino Real to Planned Housing Zone for 382 rental units (44 studios, 243 one-bedroom, 86 two-bedroom, 9 three-bedroom)
• Public hearing to adopt 2022 California Building Codes with local amendments (fire, building, mechanical, residential, plumbing, electrical, pool, green, energy codes)
• Approval of $995,556 construction contract with GSW Construction for Two Turnouts Upgrade Project on California Avenue and Page Mill Road
• TEFRA hearing for conduit financing to refinance and develop Kehillah Jewish High School campus at 3900 Fabian Way
• Approval of EPA-funded Greening Parking Facilities project in partnership with City of Santa Clara

The City Council voted 7-0 to adopt ten ordinances repealing and replacing sections of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to incorporate the 2022 California Building Codes (Title 24) with local amendments. A separate motion to direct staff to return with strategies to increase the electrification workforce and require heat-pump HVAC systems upon replacement failed 3-4. The council also approved a $995,556 construction contract for fire turnout upgrades and a tax-exempt conduit financing loan for Kehillah Jewish High School.

• Adopted ten ordinances updating Palo Alto Municipal Code to 2022 CA Building Codes with local amendments (7-0)
• Approved $995,556 construction contract with GSW Construction for Two Turnouts Upgrade Project (7-0)
• Approved tax-exempt conduit financing loan for Kehillah Jewish High School campus at 3900 Fabian Way (7-0)
• Approved implementation of EPA-funded Greening Parking Facilities project and partnership with City of Santa Clara (7-0)
• Approved minutes from September 29 and October 3, 2022 meetings (7-0)
• Motion to direct staff on electrification workforce and heat-pump HVAC replacement failed (3-4)
• Issued Cybersecurity Awareness Month Proclamation
• No action taken on prescreening for 3400 El Camino Real rezoning proposal; comments provided

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The Human Relations Commission will discuss and take action on the Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) application and review procedures, and review the 2022 Human Services Needs Assessment Survey results to recommend draft FY2024-25 HSRAP Priority of Needs. The commission will also consider a resolution authorizing continued teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency, welcome a new member, and discuss next steps on a council referral regarding the lived experience of Asian American and Pacific Islanders.

• Adoption of a resolution authorizing teleconferencing for HRC meetings during COVID-19 state of emergency
• Review of the 2022 Human Services Needs Assessment Survey results and recommendation on draft FY2024-25 HSRAP Priority of Needs
• Discussion on next steps for the Council Referral to research the lived experience of Asian American and Pacific Islanders
• Discussion on timing of the vote for HRC Chair and Vice Chair
• Report on review of HSRAP application and review procedures

The Human Relations Commission voted 5-0 to continue the proposed FY2024-25 HSRAP priority of needs and to recommend that the City Council fund a human services needs assessment by a third-party contractor. The commission also adopted a resolution (4-0-1) authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during the Covid-19 state of emergency. No action was taken on the HSRAP application review, the AAPI lived experience research, or the timing of the Chair/Vice Chair vote.

• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing for HRC meetings during Covid-19 state of emergency (4-0-1)
• Approved continuing the FY2024-25 HSRAP priority of needs as proposed (5-0)
• Recommended to council to fund a third-party human services needs assessment (5-0)

Historic Resources Board Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will vote on a resolution authorizing continued use of teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency. The board will also discuss its meeting schedule and assignments, and receive an alert about a National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund grant opportunity. The agenda is largely procedural with no substantive historic property decisions.

• Adoption of a resolution authorizing teleconferencing for HRB during COVID-19 state of emergency
• Discussion of Historic Resources Board schedule of meetings and assignments
• Office of Historic Preservation alert about National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund grant opportunity
• Approval of draft minutes from August 25, 2022 meeting

The board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency. They also approved the draft minutes from August 25, 2022, and discussed a grant opportunity for digitizing the historic inventory, a potential Mills Act for the de Lemos property, and the at-risk railroad bridge from Menlo Park.

• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing for HRB during COVID-19 state of emergency (6-0)
• Approved draft minutes of August 25, 2022 HRB meeting (6-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission is holding a study session to discuss a redevelopment request for a 14.65-acre site. The proposal includes constructing 71 new townhome condominiums and a parking garage.

• Redevelopment of 200-404 Portage Avenue, 3040-3250 Park Boulevard, 3201-3225 Ash Street, and 278 Lambert
• Construction of 71 new townhome condominiums and a one-level parking garage
• Dedication of 3.25 acres of land to the City for future parkland and affordable housing
• Partial demolition of a commercial building eligible for the California Register
• Resolution authorizing the use of teleconferencing during the Covid-19 State of Emergency

The Planning and Transportation Commission held a study session on a proposed 74-townhome development at 3200 Park Boulevard, which includes partial demolition of a historic Cannery building and dedication of 3.25 acres for affordable housing and parkland. Commissioners expressed concerns about insufficient time to review materials and the short public comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Report. The item was continued to October 26, 2022, by a unanimous 7-0 vote. No formal decisions were made on the project itself.

• Continued study session on 3200 Park Blvd townhome project to Oct 26, 2022 (7-0)
• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during COVID-19 state of emergency (7-0)
• Approved September 14, 2022 meeting minutes as revised (7-0)

Policy and Services Committee Regular Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will receive an update from federal and state legislative advocates. The committee will also discuss and consider a recommendation regarding the 2023 Citywide Legislative Guidelines.

• Update from the City's Federal and State Legislative Advocates
• Discussion and Recommendation on the 2023 Citywide Legislative Guidelines
• Race and Equity Quarterly Update

The Policy and Services Committee voted 3-0 to recommend City Council approve the 2023 legislative guidelines with changes, including renaming the Environmental section to Climate and Environment and adding a bullet on strengthening electric grids. They also supported the tentative legislative workplan and directed staff to research a federal advocacy visit. No action was taken on the Race and Equity Quarterly Update.

• Approved 2023 legislative guidelines with title change to Climate and Environment and added grid modernization bullet (3-0)
• Supported tentative legislative workplan for 2022-2023 session (3-0)
• Directed staff to research federal advocacy visit, potentially with National League of Cities conference

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will discuss the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan and carbon neutrality goals. The body is also deciding on a maximum $150 million transaction limit for natural gas procurement through 2028.

• Agreement with Eagle Systems for heat pump and electrification programs not to exceed $7.705M
• Construction contract with Ron Paris Construction Company, Inc. for $990,733 for Water, Gas, Wastewater Office Remodel
• Natural gas procurement authorization with a $150 million maximum aggregate transaction limit
• TEFRA hearing for Kehillah Jewish High School campus financing at 3900 Fabian Way
• Adoption of support or oppose positions on November 8, 2022 ballot measures

The council adopted a carbon neutrality goal for 2030 and approved the Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater Program, including $4.5 million from the Electric Special Projects Reserve and $1.25 million from the Gas Cap and Trade Reserve. It also accepted the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan goals, supported several state and local ballot measures, and approved contracts for a heat pump pilot program and an office remodel. Items 1 and 8 were removed from consideration before the meeting.

• Adopted Resolution 10078 setting a carbon neutrality goal for 2030 (7-0)
• Approved Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater Program with $4.5M from Electric Reserve and $1.25M from Gas Cap and Trade Reserve (6-1)
• Accepted S/CAP Goals and Key Actions as a workplan summary (7-0)
• Approved $7.705M professional services agreement with Eagle Systems for heat pump and efficiency programs (6-1)
• Approved $990,733 construction contract for Water, Gas, Wastewater Office Remodel (7-0)
• Supported Measure K and Measure L on November 2022 ballot (6-1)
• Supported Proposition 1 and Proposition 31 (7-0 each); supported Proposition 28 (4-3); opposed Proposition 30 (3-4)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing for council meetings during COVID-19 emergency (6-1)

Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Regular Meeting

The Stormwater Management Oversight Committee approved minutes from the August 11 meeting and adopted a resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Staff presented on rainy season maintenance, the new Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP 3.0), and Coastal Cleanup Day. Committee members discussed onboarding feedback and suggested locations for future green stormwater infrastructure projects.

• Approved minutes from August 11, 2022 meeting (6-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during COVID-19 state of emergency (6-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission is holding a public hearing to review and recommend amendments to the Palo Alto Municipal Code regarding accessory and junior accessory dwelling units. This item is a continuation from previous meetings in July, August, and September 2022.

• Public hearing on amendments to Municipal Code Chapter 18.09 (Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units)

The Planning and Transportation Commission voted 6-1 to recommend City Council adopt an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance that includes a $50,000 cap on impact fee waivers for affordable units, an 8-year deed restriction at 80% area median income, and a $400,000 annual pilot program cap. The commission also unanimously approved noise-producing equipment in ADU setbacks (7-0) and approved the August 31 meeting minutes (6-0-1).

• Approved motion to recommend ADU ordinance with $50K impact fee cap, 8-year deed restriction at 80% AMI, and $400K annual pilot cap (6-1, Templeton no)
• Approved allowing noise-producing equipment in ADU setbacks (7-0)
• Approved August 31, 2022 meeting minutes as revised (6-0-1, Summa abstained)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will review the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan goals, including heat pump guidelines and electrification reserves. The agenda also includes several second readings for park improvements and police equipment use policies.

• Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) goals and budget amendments
• Outage Management System contract with Milsoft Solutions Inc. up to $625,994
• Lease amendment for 526 Bryant Street at $5,616.11 per month
• Second reading of Mitchell Park Dog Park renovation ordinance
• Second reading of Police Department Military Equipment Use Policy

The council approved a consent calendar including an outage management system contract with Milsoft Solutions for $625,994 over five years (6-1, Tanaka no), adopted ordinances for Mitchell Park dog park renovation and police military equipment use policy, and approved a lease at 526 Bryant Street. No action was taken on the climate action plan update or other agenda items. The closed session on labor negotiations had no reportable action.

• Approved Outage Management System contract with Milsoft Solutions Inc. for $625,994 over 5 years (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Adopted Ordinance 5561 for Mitchell Park Dog Park renovation (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 5562 approving Police Department's Military Equipment Use Policy under AB 481 (7-0)
• Approved minutes from September 12, 2022 City Council meetings (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 10072 approving 2021 Annual Power Source Disclosure and Power Content Label Reports (7-0)
• Approved first amendment to lease at 526 Bryant Street for 12 months at $5,616.11/month, increasing 3% annually (7-0)
• No action taken on S/CAP update and climate action plan items
• No reportable action from closed session on labor negotiations

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed dedicating the 10-acre Measure E site as parkland, with a recommendation to City Council expected by year-end. The Commission also discussed the Racquet Court Policy, with a focus on converting multi-use courts at Mitchell Park to dedicated pickleball courts, and heard public comment on the issue. No formal action was taken on either item; both are scheduled for future meetings.

• Approved 7-0 a resolution authorizing use of teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
• Approved 7-0 the draft minutes from the September 1, 2022 meeting, with a correction changing 'racquetball' to 'pickleball and tennis'.
• Discussed dedicating the 10-acre Measure E site as parkland; no action taken, action expected later in 2022.
• Discussed the Racquet Court Policy, including potential conversion of multi-use courts at Mitchell Park to dedicated pickleball courts; no action taken, action expected later in 2022.
• Discussed public art for the Boulware Park Improvement Project; no action taken.
• Received a department report on recruitment, wildland fire training, tarantula migration, avian flu, and other updates.
• Received updates from Ad Hoc committees on pickleball, eBikes, dog parks, and funding opportunities.
• Set future meeting dates: November 22 and December 13, 2022.

Historic Resources Board Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will hold a study session regarding a potential historic district. This discussion focuses on homes designed and constructed by Pedro De Lemos located at 1550-1570 Cowper Street.

• Study Session: Potential Historic District of Homes Designed and Constructed by Pedro De Lemos at 1550-1570 Cowper Street
• Resolution: Authorization for use of teleconferencing during Covid-19 State of Emergency

The Historic Resources Board held a study session on a potential historic district for five Pedro de Lemos-designed homes at 1550-1570 Cowper Street. No formal application was filed; the session provided early feedback on a concept to subdivide the property, retain dwelling units, and possibly designate a historic district. The board discussed preservation incentives like the Mills Act but took no binding action.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency (6-0)
• Approved draft minutes of September 22, 2022 (no vote recorded)
• Held study session on potential historic district at 1550-1570 Cowper Street; no formal decision made
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous voice vote)

Rail Committee Regular Meeting

The Rail Committee received updates on Caltrain electrification and the San Francisquito Creek Bridge, which must be replaced by 2033. No formal decisions or votes were taken; the meeting was a study session and discussion only.

• No decisions or votes recorded; meeting was informational and discussion-only

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee is holding a special meeting to consider action items. The primary item involves the acceptance of California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) Pension Annual Valuation Reports as of June 30, 2021.

• Acceptance of CalPERS Pension Annual Valuation Reports as of June 30, 2021

The Finance Committee voted 3-0 to recommend that the City Council accept the CalPERS Annual Valuation Reports as of June 30, 2021, for the Miscellaneous and Safety Pension Plans. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended City Council accept CalPERS pension valuation reports (3-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will consider a resolution for natural gas procurement and the appointment of an interim city auditor. A study session regarding fiber-to-the-premise efforts is scheduled, while a rezoning request for 3400 El Camino Real has been rescheduled.

• Resolution to authorize purchasing natural gas with a $300 million maximum aggregate transaction limit
• Resolution to appoint Adriane D. McCoy as Interim City Auditor through January 31, 2023
• Study session regarding Fiber-to-the-Premise efforts
• Rescheduled rezoning request for 382 residential rental units at 3400 El Camino Real

The council unanimously approved a resolution appointing Adriane D. McCoy of Baker Tilly US, LLP as interim city auditor through January 31, 2023. A $300 million natural gas purchase resolution was pulled from consideration, and a proposed rezoning for 382 rental units at 3400 El Camino Real was removed from the agenda. The council also held a closed session on two pending lawsuits and provided direction on fiber-to-the-premise efforts.

• Appointed Adriane D. McCoy as interim city auditor through Jan 31, 2023 (7-0)
• Pulled from consideration: $300M natural gas purchase resolution (Item 3)
• Removed from agenda: rezoning for 382 rental units at 3400 El Camino Real (Item 5)
• Held closed session on two existing litigation cases (7-0)
• Provided direction on fiber-to-the-premise study session

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will conduct a public hearing regarding a preliminary review for a new development. The board will also consider changes to its own by-laws.

• Public Hearing: 824 San Antonio Rd. [21PLN -00339] for demolition and construction of a four-story residential care facility
• Proposed project includes 15 independent senior dwelling units, 1 private owner's unit, 9 assisted living units, an 8-bed skilled nursing facility, and 6,268 SF of ground-floor commercial space
• Action Item: Review and approve changes to the Architectural Review Board By-Laws
• Approval of August 18, 2022 meeting minutes

The Architectural Review Board approved changes to its bylaws to align with the Council's BCC Handbook, with a minor amendment to Section 6.1 regarding pre-meetings. The board also approved the minutes from the August 18, 2022 meeting. During a study session, the board provided preliminary feedback on a proposed four-story senior care facility at 824 San Antonio Rd., including guidance on setbacks and design, but took no formal action on the project.

• Approved ARB bylaw changes (4-0-0-1)
• Approved minutes of August 18, 2022 (4-0-0-1)
• Provided preliminary feedback on 824 San Antonio Rd. senior care facility (no vote)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will consider a land use change for 1237 San Antonio Road. The body will also review proposed amendments to the municipal code regarding accessory and junior accessory dwelling units.

• Public Hearing: Comprehensive Plan Amendment for 1237 San Antonio Road
• Public Hearing/Legislative: Amendments to Municipal Code Chapter 18.09 (Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units)
• Adoption of a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the Covid-19 State of Emergency

The Planning and Transportation Commission voted 7-0 to recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution amending the Comprehensive Plan land-use designation for a portion of 1237 San Antonio Road from 'Public Conservation Land' to 'Major Institution Special Facilities'. The change is needed to allow relocation of the GreenWaste transfer station and construction of a Homekey interim housing shelter with 24 family units and 64 single units. The Commission also approved the use of teleconferencing for meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency and approved minutes from prior meetings.

• Recommended Comprehensive Plan amendment for 1237 San Antonio Road (7-0)
• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during COVID-19 emergency (7-0)
• Approved July 13, 2022 draft summary meeting minutes (6-0-1, Templeton abstain)
• Approved August 10, 2022 draft verbatim meeting minutes (6-0-1, Chang abstain)

Policy and Services Committee Regular Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will review a referral regarding the Rental Survey Program. The committee will also discuss and provide recommendations to the City Council concerning the City Council Values Statement.

• Rental Survey Program discussion and recommendations
• City Council Values Statement discussion and recommendation

The Policy and Services Committee voted 2-1 to recommend collecting rental unit information, including reason for vacancy and deed-restricted units, using existing property registration requirements and a qualifying event-based reporting system. The committee also voted 2-1 to recommend a City Council Values Statement with five principles on fiscal balance, environment, equity, community safety, and open communication.

• Approved rental survey program: collect vacancy reason and deed-restricted unit data (2-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved City Council Values Statement recommendation (2-1, Tanaka no)

City Council Special Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will vote on a $1,080,674 increase to the street sweeping contract and adopt a new policy for police military equipment use. The meeting also includes a study session on Valley Water’s purified water project and prescreening requests for two housing developments. Additionally, the council will ratify a waiver allowing an animal care provider to occupy commercial space.

• Approval of Amendment 1 to Contract C20177684 with SCA for Street Sweeping, increasing the not-to-exceed amount by $1,080,674 to $6,688,906
• Adoption of an ordinance approving the Police Department's Military Equipment Use Policy under AB 481
• Prescreening request for 70 Encina Avenue to rezone from Community Commercial to Planned Community for 20 dwelling units
• Prescreening request for 4333 and 4345 El Camino Real to rezone from CS to PHZ for 12 and 55 dwelling units respectively
• Ratification of waiver from Retail Preservation Ordinance for Modern Animal at 215/217 Alma Street

The council voted 7-0 to adopt the Palo Alto Police Department's Military Equipment Use Policy under AB 481 and also voted 7-0 to name the second Monday of October as Indigenous People's Day and Italian Heritage Day. The consent calendar was approved with several items, including a $1.08M increase for street sweeping services (6-1) and authorization to use teleconferencing for council meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency (5-2). No action was taken on prescreening items for rezoning at 70 Encina Avenue and 4333/4345 El Camino Real.

• Adopted police military equipment use policy (7-0)
• Named second Monday of October as Indigenous People's Day and Italian Heritage Day (7-0)
• Approved $1.08M increase for street sweeping services (6-1)
• Authorized teleconferencing for council meetings during COVID-19 emergency (5-2)
• Appointed Tracy Alejandra Navichoque to Human Relations Commission (7-0 on voting procedure)
• Adopted weed abatement resolution (7-0)
• Approved contract with StreetSense CA for economic development consulting ($261,995)
• Ratified waiver from Retail Preservation Ordinance for animal care provider at 215/217 Alma Street

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The Human Relations Commission is meeting to address City Council referrals regarding race and equity. The body will also review the 2022 Community Development Block Grant accomplishments and discuss a work plan for belonging.

• Resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Review of Fiscal Year 2022 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program accomplishments
• Action on recognizing key dates to advance race and equity
• Discussion on the lived experience of Asian American and Pacific Islanders

The Human Relations Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council add Juneteenth and Cesar Chavez Day to the city's paid holidays, and recognize several other cultural observances. The commission also adopted a resolution to continue teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency. No action was taken on the CDBG program report or the discussion on belonging.

• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during COVID-19 emergency (4-0)
• Approved minutes of June 9, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved minutes of August 11, 2022 (3-1)
• Recommended Juneteenth be added to city paid holidays and city join East Palo Alto in celebration events (4-0)
• Recommended Cesar Chavez Day and Dolores Huerta Day be observed March 31 and added to paid holidays (4-0)
• Recommended Indigenous Peoples’ Day be recognized with land acknowledgement ceremony at City Hall (4-0)
• Recommended Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Month be recognized through local groups (4-0)
• Recommended Holocaust Remembrance Day and Armenian Remembrance Day for local recognition (4-0)

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee is holding a special meeting to review the FY 2022 update for the Junior Museum and Zoo. The committee will discuss scenarios to make the program fully cost recoverable.

• Review of FY 2022 Junior Museum and Zoo Update and cost recovery scenarios

The Finance Committee voted 3-0 to recommend that the City Council accept the FY 2022 Junior Museum and Zoo update report and direct staff to maintain current cost recovery levels until updated attendance data and ticket price proposals are presented.

• Approved motion to recommend City Council accept the FY 2022 Junior Museum and Zoo update report
• Approved motion to recommend Council direct staff to maintain current cost recovery levels
• Approved motion to have staff return with updated attendance data and ticket price recommendations

City Council Regular Meeting _Canceled

This City Council special meeting scheduled for September 5, 2022, has been canceled due to the holiday. No items are being decided or discussed.

• Meeting canceled due to holiday

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission voted 6-0 to recommend that City Council approve a new, inclusive skate park adjacent to the existing bowl at Greer Park, with fundraising to be led by Friends of the Palo Alto Parks. The Commission also adopted a resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency (6-0) and approved the July 28, 2022 meeting minutes with amendments (6-0). No other substantive decisions were made; the remaining agenda items were informational or discussion-only.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during COVID-19 state of emergency (6-0)
• Approved July 28, 2022 meeting minutes with amendments (6-0)
• Recommended new skate park at Greer Park to City Council (6-0)

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider a facade renovation and roof light monitors for an office building. The board will also discuss its own by-laws, annual report, and procedural changes.

• Architectural Review of facade renovation and roof light monitors at 250 Cambridge Ave
• Discussion of ARB By-Laws, Council's Handbook, and Annual Report
• Ad Hoc Committee review of bicycle parking, tree removal, and circulation at 180 El Camino Real

The Architectural Review Board voted 4-0 to approve a façade renovation at 250 Cambridge Ave, including a Design Enhancement Exception for roof light monitors. The board also discussed by-law changes, including officer election timing and combining the annual report with the workplan. The rooftop terrace proposal was noted as a separate future application.

• Approved 250 Cambridge Ave façade renovation with DEE (4-0)
• Approved minutes of July 21, 2022 (4-0)
• Continued by-law discussion to a date uncertain (4-0)
• Unanimous straw poll to hold officer elections at first meeting in April
• Unanimous straw poll to combine annual report and workplan
• Unanimous straw poll to add premeeting description to by-laws
• Unanimous straw poll to include pending projects list in by-laws
• Unanimous straw poll to have Chair spearhead annual report/workplan

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will hold public hearings regarding a residential construction project and proposed changes to city zoning definitions and land use. The body is also reviewing meeting minutes from June, July, and August 2022.

• Public hearing for a 7,245 sf single-family residence and 895 sf accessory dwelling unit at 575 Los Trancos
• Proposed ordinance amending Title 18 (Zoning) to update definitions and permissible land uses
• Review of draft meeting minutes from June 29, July 13, and August 10, 2022

The Planning and Transportation Commission voted 5-0 to recommend the City Council extend the temporary retail zoning ordinance to allow more time for data collection. The Commission also recommended limiting certain business uses on California Avenue and requiring conditional use permits for new personal services. A separate 4-1 vote approved a new single-family home and ADU at 575 Los Trancos with added light mitigation conditions.

• Recommended extending temporary retail zoning ordinance (5-0)
• Approved 7,245 sq ft single-family home and 895 sq ft ADU at 575 Los Trancos with light mitigation conditions (4-1)
• Directed staff to review potential lighting ordinance amendments for Open Space zone (5-0)
• Approved June 29, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved July 13, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0-1)
• Approved August 10, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0-1)

Historic Resources Board Meeting

The Historic Resources Board is meeting to authorize the use of teleconferencing during the Covid-19 State of Emergency. The board will also receive updates on the Historic Resources Inventory and review its meeting schedule.

• Resolution authorizing use of teleconferencing during Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Update regarding Historic Resources Inventory Update
• Historic Resources Board Schedule of Meeting and Assignments
• Approval of July 14, 2022 draft minutes

The Historic Resources Board approved a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency (5-0). The board also discussed updates on the Historic Resources Inventory, focusing on properties built before 1948, and expressed interest in expanding the scope to include Mid-Century Modern buildings. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency (5-0)
• Approved draft minutes of July 14, 2022, as corrected (7-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will discuss land use policy changes to promote housing in General Manufacturing and Research, Office and Limited Manufacturing districts. The body will also conduct interviews for the Human Relations Commission and address a City Auditor vacancy.

• Review of 2023-31 Draft Housing Element Goals, Policies and Programs
• Appeal of a permit for overnight parking of up to four vehicles at 1985 Louis Road
• BMR Regulatory Agreement for rental of two units at 2515 El Camino Real
• Revised spending guidelines for business tax proceeds
• Williamson Act Contract Renewals (2022)

The City Council voted 5-1-1 to approve a motion increasing density to up to 90 units per acre in General Manufacturing (GM) and Research, Office and Limited Manufacturing (ROLM) districts, with appropriate transitions near R-1 zones. The Council also approved multiple program modifications to the draft 2023-31 Housing Element, including removing the 27 University site and references to specific height limits for Stanford lands, adding a program to evaluate short-term rental restrictions, and expanding the Safe Parking Program to commercial lots. The Consent Calendar was approved 7-0 for items 2, 3, and AA2, with item 4 (Safe Parking Permit at First Congregational Church) passing 5-2 and item AA1 (business tax spending guidelines) passing 6-1.

• Approved motion to increase density to up to 90 units per acre in GM and ROLM districts with R-1 transitions (5-1-1, Cormack recused)
• Approved program modifications including removal of 27 University site and height references for Stanford lands (5-1-1, Cormack recused)
• Approved additional program modifications including short-term rental evaluation, commercial lot SPP expansion, and PTOD standards review (6-1, Cormack recused)
• Approved Consent Calendar items 2, 3, and AA2 (7-0)
• Approved Safe Parking Permit at 1985 Louis Road (Item 4) (5-2, Kou and Tanaka no)
• Approved revised business tax spending guidelines (Item AA1) (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved motion to request up to three interim auditor candidates from Baker Tilly and refer next steps to CAO Committee (7-0)
• Conducted interviews for four Human Relations Commission candidates (no vote taken)

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Architectural Review Board is meeting to provide recommendations on architectural applications for two properties. Additionally, ad hoc committees will review color schemes and signage materials for two other projects.

• 300 Pasteur Drive: Request for an exception to the Master Sign Program
• 180 El Camino Real: Request for a new storefront facade and signage for Backcountry
• 2585 E Bayshore Road: Review of warmer color schemes and wood weathering photos
• 488 University Avenue: Review of signage materials and projecting sign details
• Resolution authorizing the use of teleconferencing during the Covid-19 State of Emergency

The Architectural Review Board approved a sign exception for a new monument sign at 300 Pasteur Drive for the Stanford Medicine Cancer Center, allowing a 41-square-foot sign where 27 square feet is normally permitted. The board also approved a new storefront and signage for Backcountry at 180 El Camino Real, with conditions limiting front signage to 36 inches tall and requiring code-compliant rear signage. Minutes from July 7, 2022 were approved, while approval of July 21, 2022 minutes was continued pending inclusion of an ad hoc committee report.

• Approved sign exception for 300 Pasteur Drive monument sign (5-0)
• Approved Backcountry storefront and signage at 180 El Camino Real with conditions: front signage max 36 inches tall, rear signage code-compliant, light fixtures documented (5-0)
• Approved minutes of July 7, 2022 (5-0)
• Continued approval of July 21, 2022 minutes to a date uncertain (5-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency (5-0)
• Ad Hoc Committee approved materials for 2585 E Bayshore Road and 488 University Avenue

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council is holding a special meeting to conduct prescreening for two development proposals and discuss emergency shelter crisis extensions. The body will also vote on several contracts and administrative reports.

• Prescreening for 75 condominium units in a five-story structure at 800-808/814 San Antonio Road
• Prescreening for a text amendment to allow building envelope changes at 616 Ramona Street
• Contract C22184896 with Schaaf and Wheeler for $253,636 for the Embarcadero Trash Capture Device Installation Project
• Authorization for City Manager to execute a State Standard Agreement for Project Homekey
• Resolution to extend the Declaration of Emergency Shelter Crisis

The City Council authorized staff to execute a state agreement for a Project Homekey award and extended the emergency shelter crisis declaration, passing 6-1 with Council Member Tanaka dissenting. The council also approved the consent calendar (items 4-8) and appointed Vice Mayor Kou as voting delegate for the League of California Cities conference. Two prescreening items (San Antonio Road housing proposal and Ramona Street code amendment) were discussed with no formal action taken.

• Authorized staff to execute state agreement for Project Homekey award (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Adopted resolution extending emergency shelter crisis declaration (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved consent calendar items 4-8 (7-0)
• Appointed Vice Mayor Kou as voting delegate, Cormack and Burt as alternates for League of California Cities conference (7-0)
• Prescreening for 75-unit condo project at 800-808/814 San Antonio Road — no action taken
• Prescreening for code amendment at 616 Ramona Street — no action taken

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council is considering two items for the November 2022 ballot. These include a revised resolution regarding a business tax and a resolution to affirm the natural gas utility transfer.

• Repeal of an August 8, 2022 resolution and adoption of a revised resolution placing a business tax on the November 2022 ballot
• Adoption of a resolution placing a measure affirming the natural gas utility transfer on the November 2022 ballot

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The Commission will consider a resolution for teleconferencing use and support for the Multifaith Peace Picnic & Prayer Service. Members will also discuss a City Council referral regarding race and equity, as well as research into Asian American and Pacific Islander lived experiences.

• Resolution authorizing use of teleconferencing during Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Support of Multifaith Peace Picnic & Prayer Service on September 11, 2022 at King Plaza
• City Council referral on recognizing key dates to advance race and equity
• Work plan item regarding research into Asian American and Pacific Islander lived experiences
• Report from the Police Chief interview panel

The Human Relations Commission voted 3-0 to adopt a resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency. It also voted 3-0 to support the Multifaith Peace Picnic & Prayer Service on September 11, 2022. On a Council referral, the commission voted 2-1 to recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day while also recognizing Columbus Day. A related motion to revisit the naming and celebration framework passed 2-1.

• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing for HRC meetings during COVID-19 emergency (3-0)
• Supported Multifaith Peace Picnic & Prayer Service on September 11, 2022 (3-0)
• Recognized second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day and Columbus Day (2-1)
• Approved revisiting naming and celebration framework for Council-referred dates at September meeting (2-1)
• Moved agenda item #5 (discussion on Belonging and AAPI research) to September 8, 2022 (3-0)
• Moved approval of June 9, 2022 minutes to September 8, 2022 (3-0)

Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Regular Meeting

The Stormwater Management Oversight Committee approved the April 7, 2022 meeting minutes and adopted a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency, both by 6-0 votes. No action was taken on the FY 2023 budget presentation. Members discussed suggestions for public outreach and stormwater rebate program improvements, but no decisions were made on those items.

• Approved April 7, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency (6-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will consider two items related to the November 2022 ballot regarding business tax and natural gas utility transfer. The meeting also includes a closed session for public employee performance evaluations.

• Repeal of August 8, 2022 resolution and adoption of revised resolution regarding Business Tax on the November 2022 Ballot
• Adoption of a resolution placing a measure affirming the Natural Gas Utility Transfer on the November 2022 Ballot
• Public employee performance evaluations for City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk

The City Council voted 6-1 to repeal an earlier resolution and place a revised business tax measure on the November 8, 2022 ballot, lowering the rate from 11 cents to 7.5 cents per square foot and the cap from $1 million to $500,000 per business, with annual 2.5% increases, estimated to raise $9.6 million annually. The Council also voted to place a measure affirming the natural gas utility general fund transfer on the same ballot. The Council directed staff to return with a revised Advisory Spending Resolution including fiscal reporting and transparency language.

• Repealed Resolution 10062 (business tax at 11 cents/sq ft, $1M cap, $16.5M annual) (6-1)
• Adopted resolution placing revised business tax on Nov. 8, 2022 ballot (7.5 cents/sq ft, $500K cap, 2.5% annual increases, ~$9.6M annual) (6-1)
• Adopted resolution placing natural gas utility transfer affirmation on Nov. 8, 2022 ballot (6-1)
• Directed staff to return with revised Advisory Spending Resolution with fiscal reporting and transparency language (6-1)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss potential changes to the municipal code regarding accessory and junior accessory dwelling units. The body will also consider a resolution to authorize teleconferencing for meetings during the Covid-19 state of emergency.

• Public hearing on potential ordinance changes to Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 18.09 (Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units)
• Resolution authorizing use of teleconferencing for commission meetings during Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Report from Michael Baker International regarding vibrant retail practices (Moved to August 31, 2022)

The Planning and Transportation Commission voted 6-0 to adopt a resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency. The commission continued its discussion of potential changes to the ADU ordinance to a third meeting on September 14, 2022, after approving two motions: one to allow reconstruction of non-conforming walls for all ADUs, and another to remove the existing garage/carport requirement for conversions while requiring two uncovered parking spaces for new builds. The commission also requested more data on impact fees, noise-producing equipment, and affordable ADU incentives before making final decisions.

• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing for PTC meetings during COVID-19 state of emergency (6-0)
• Approved allowing reconstruction of non-conforming walls for all ADUs (6-0)
• Approved removing existing garage/carport requirement for conversions, requiring two uncovered parking spaces for new builds (6-0)
• Continued ADU ordinance discussion to September 14, 2022 meeting (6-0)
• Approved June 8, 2022 meeting minutes as revised (6-0)
• Approved June 29, 2022 meeting minutes as revised (5-0-1, Summa abstaining)

Rail Committee Special Meeting

The Rail Committee discussed prioritizing bicycle and pedestrian crossings across the Caltrain corridor but took no formal action. Members debated which crossings to prioritize, funding sources, and the sequencing of the Bike and Pedestrian Transportation Plan update. The committee agreed to revisit the topic at a future meeting after staff incorporates the discussion into the planning RFP.

• No action taken on bike-ped crossing prioritization
• Discussed potential crossings at Matadero Creek, Loma Verde, and Adobe Creek
• Agreed to revisit topic after staff incorporates discussion into planning RFP
• Caltrain to provide update on San Francisquito Bridge at next meeting

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council is meeting to decide on placing a business tax and a natural gas utility transfer measure on the November 2022 ballot. The body will also consider the appointment of a new Chief of Police and a property subdivision request.

• Resolutions to place a business tax and a natural gas utility transfer measure on the November 2022 ballot
• Approval of appointment and employment agreement for Andrew Binder as Chief of Police
• Public hearing for subdividing 1033 Amarillo Ave into two lots
• FY 2023 property tax levy for General Obligation Bonds (Measure N Libraries)
• Acknowledgment of $2 million for the Newell Bridge Replacement Project

The Palo Alto City Council approved the appointment of Andrew Binder as Chief of Police (6-1) and adopted a resolution to place a business tax measure on the November 2022 ballot (5-2). They also approved a subdivision at 1033 Amarillo Ave (5-2) and authorized the mayor to send a comment letter on the high-speed rail EIR/EIS (7-0). The military equipment use policy was continued to a future meeting, and the natural gas utility transfer measure discussion was continued to August 10.

• Approved appointment of Andrew Binder as Chief of Police (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Adopted Resolution 10064 to place business tax on November 2022 ballot (5-2, Cormack and Tanaka no)
• Approved preliminary parcel map for 1033 Amarillo Ave subdivision (5-2, Kou and Stone no)
• Authorized mayor to send comment letter to CHSRA on high-speed rail EIR/EIS (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 10061 establishing FY 2023 property tax levy for Measure N bonds (7-0)
• Approved Rail Committee Charter and Workplan for 2022-23 (7-0)
• Continued military equipment use policy to future meeting
• Continued natural gas utility transfer measure discussion to August 10

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will discuss several ballot measures for the November 2022 election, including a business tax and a natural gas utility transfer. The meeting also includes study sessions on airplane noise and development negotiations for several properties.

• Resolutions to place a business tax and a natural gas utility transfer measure on the November 2022 ballot
• Public hearing for a parcel map to subdivide 1033 Amarillo Ave into two lots
• Lease amendment for Ada's Cafe at Mitchell Park for 5 years at $500.00 per month starting January 1, 2023
• Interim Urgency Ordinance Extension requiring a Conditional Use Permit for firearm dealer retail use
• Study session on negotiations with the Sobrato Organization for 278 Lambert, 3040-3250 Park, 3201-3225 Ash, and 200-404 Portage

The City Council held a study session on airplane noise and a prescreening for a development agreement, taking no action on either. On the consent calendar, the council approved items 4-8, including minutes, a teleconferencing resolution, a Suez agreement, a lease amendment, and an urgency ordinance extension, with item 5 passing 5-2. The council continued the subdivision request for 1033 Amarillo Ave to August 8, 2022, and directed staff to prepare final documents for a business tax measure and a natural gas utility transfer measure for the November 2022 ballot.

• Approved consent items 4-8 (7-0), except item 5 passed 5-2
• Adopted Resolution 10060 authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 (5-2)
• Approved Suez MABR equipment assignment for water quality plant (7-0)
• Approved Ada's Cafe lease amendment for 5 years at $500/month (7-0)
• Extended urgency ordinance requiring conditional use permit for firearms dealers (7-0)
• Continued 1033 Amarillo Ave subdivision to August 8, 2022 (5-2)
• Directed staff to prepare business tax ballot measure with $0.11/sq ft rate (5-2)
• Directed staff to bring gas transfer measure to Council on August 8 (5-2)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission recommended City Council adopt a Park Improvement Ordinance for the Mitchell Park dog park expansion, with a substitute motion passing 4-3 that keeps the hilltop area outside the fenced dog park and sets the small dog park fence at five feet. The Commission also approved the June 28, 2022 meeting minutes and a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency. No other formal decisions were made; other items were informational or deferred.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during COVID-19 state of emergency (7-0)
• Approved June 28, 2022 meeting minutes with amendments (7-0)
• Recommended Council adopt Mitchell Park dog park PIO with revised fence line and 5-foot small dog park fence (4-3)

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider a request for eleven modular buildings at 1237 San Antonio. The board will also review proposed parklet operation and design standards.

• Public hearing for 1237 San Antonio: construction of eleven three-story emergency shelter modular buildings with 88 pods
• Review of proposed Parklet Operation and Design Standards
• Ad Hoc Committee review of Castilleja School Project final Kellogg elevation

The Architectural Review Board voted 5-0 to recommend approval of the Proposed Parklet Operation and Design Standards to the City Council, with modifications allowing clear panels above 36 inches, propane-fueled fire pits and decorative elements, amplified sound with time and decibel limits, and requiring electrical conductors in conduit. The board also approved the minutes of the June 13 and June 16, 2022 meetings, and held an advisory study session on the 1237 San Antonio Homekey project, providing design feedback but taking no formal action.

• Approved parklet design standards with modifications (5-0)
• Approved minutes of June 13, 2022 as amended (5-0)
• Approved minutes of June 16, 2022 as presented (5-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency (5-0)
• Held advisory study session on 1237 San Antonio Homekey project; no formal action

Historic Resources Board Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will meet to handle administrative approvals and scheduling. An Ad Hoc Committee will specifically review the exit staircase on the Gunn Building for the Castilleja School Project.

• Review of exit staircase on Gunn Building for Castilleja School Project (19PLN-00116)
• Resolution authorizing use of teleconferencing during Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Historic Resources Board Schedule of Meeting and Assignments

The Historic Resources Board adopted a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency, approved minutes from three prior meetings with corrections, and discussed forming a subcommittee for the President Hotel paint colors. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency (unanimous)
• Approved April 28, 2022 minutes as revised (unanimous)
• Approved May 12, 2022 minutes as revised (5-0-1, Bower abstains)
• Approved May 26, 2022 minutes as revised (5-0-1, Heinrich abstains)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission is reviewing an ordinance to amend rules for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). The proposal includes updates to basement standards, noise equipment setbacks, privacy protections, and compliance with state law feedback.

• Proposed amendments to Palo Alto Municipal Code Titles 16 and 18
• New regulations for ADU/JADU basements and lightwells
• Updated standards for noise producing equipment setbacks
• Privacy protections regarding second-floor windows and exterior lighting
• Incentives for affordable ADUs including impact fee exemptions

The Planning and Transportation Commission reviewed proposed updates to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance and gave conceptual approval to several staff recommendations, including rules on basements, parking, privacy, and objective standards. A motion on noise-producing equipment tied 3-3 and was not approved. The commission continued the item to its August 10 meeting, with staff to return revised language.

• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency (6-0-1)
• Approved staff recommendation on ADU basements, with friendly amendment removing 'habitable' (5-0-2)
• Motion on noise-producing equipment setback tied 3-3, not approved
• Approved staff recommendation on parking for attached ADUs (6-0-1)
• Approved staff recommendation on privacy measures for ADUs (6-0-1)
• Approved staff recommendation on corner lot incentives (6-0-1)
• Approved conceptual staff recommendation on objective standards and gross floor area (6-0-1)
• Continued ADU ordinance update to next regular meeting on August 10 (6-0-1)

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Board will consider a request for building demolition and storefront modifications at 180 El Camino Real. Additionally, Ad Hoc Committees will review street trees at 2585 E Bayshore Road and circulation plans at 180 El Camino Real.

• Public Hearing: Demolition of Building J and modifications to Building EE at 180 El Camino Real
• Ad Hoc Committee: Review of street trees and color schemes for 2585 E Bayshore Road
• Ad Hoc Committee: Review of circulation plans, wood slats, and steel railings for 180 El Camino Real
• Study Session: Use of ARB expertise in early planning project stages
• Study Session: Discussion regarding the ARB Awards Ceremony

The Architectural Review Board approved the demolition of Building J and construction of a new freestanding Building EE at 180 El Camino Real, subject to an ad hoc committee reviewing bicycle storage, transformer location, and tree preservation. The board also discussed early project review processes and approved the May 19, 2022 minutes.

• Approved 180 El Camino Real project with conditions (4-0-1, Thompson abstained)
• Appointed ad hoc committee for bicycle storage, transformer, and tree issues
• Approved May 19, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Discussed potential informal preliminary review process for applicants

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will consider a recommendation to the City Council regarding the 2023-31 Housing Element draft goals, policies, programs, and implementing objectives. The body will also review meeting minutes from April and May 2022.

• Recommendation to City Council on 2023-31 Housing Element Draft Goals, Policies, Programs and Implementing Objectives
• Approval of April 27, 2022 Draft Summary Meeting Minutes
• Approval of May 25, 2022 Draft Verbatim and Summary Meeting Minutes

The Planning & Transportation Commission voted 5-0 to recommend the 2023-31 Housing Element draft Goals, Policies, Programs and Implementing Objectives to the City Council, with the exception of Program 1.6 E, which was voted on separately. The Commission also approved the April 27 and May 25 meeting minutes. The meeting included extensive discussion and public comment on housing policies, including affordable housing requirements, zoning, and Stanford-related sites.

• Recommended 2023-31 Housing Element to City Council (5-0)
• Approved Program 1.6 E to encourage primarily affordable housing at 2700 University (4-1)
• Approved April 27, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved May 25, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission voted 7-0 to create an Urban Forestry Ad Hoc Committee to review tree ordinance updates. The Commission also reviewed a proposal to expand the Mitchell Park Dog Park, including adding a separate small dog park, but took no formal action. Minutes from the May 24 meeting were approved 7-0.

• Created Urban Forestry Ad Hoc Committee (7-0)
• Approved minutes from May 24, 2022 meeting (7-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 emergency (7-0)

City Council Meeting

The City Council will consider a temporary emergency ordinance regarding firearms dealer retail uses. The meeting also includes an update on the 1237 San Antonio Road Homekey project and a resolution regarding reproductive rights.

• Emergency ordinance requiring a conditional use permit for firearms dealer retail uses
• Project Homekey update for 1237 San Antonio Road including a third story design option
• Contract amendment with Canopy to increase the not-to-exceed amount by $742,210
• Resolution regarding reproductive rights for Palo Alto residents
• Closed session negotiation regarding lease terms for 1237 San Antonio Road

The City Council voted 7-0 to direct staff to pursue a three-story design option for the LifeMoves Homekey project at 1237 San Antonio Road. The council also adopted a temporary emergency ordinance requiring a conditional use permit for firearms dealers, and adopted a resolution affirming reproductive rights. A proposed urgency ordinance imposing a moratorium on hazardous materials in certain districts was continued to a future date.

• Directed staff to pursue three-story plan design for 1237 San Antonio Road Homekey project (7-0)
• Adopted temporary emergency ordinance 5559 requiring conditional use permit for firearms dealerships (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 10059 affirming reproductive rights and welcoming those seeking reproductive freedom (7-0)
• Approved Amendment 2 to contract with Canopy, increasing not-to-exceed amount by $742,210 to $967,720 (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Continued urgency ordinance on hazardous materials moratorium to a future date

City Council Meeting

The City Council is meeting to adopt the FY 2023 operating and capital budgets and the municipal fee schedule. The body will also consider several ordinances regarding zoning, tree protection, and parking, as well as proposals for the November 2022 ballot.

• Public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Ordinance
• Contract with Accurate Structural Incorporated for $2,405,369 for electric station security lighting/cameras
• Proposed 48 townhomes at 2850 West Bayshore via Major Architectural Review and Conditional Use Permit
• Resolution to place a Business Tax and a Gas Utility Transfer measure on the November 2022 ballot
• Resolution implementing Stage II water use restrictions, limiting potable irrigation to two days a week

The City Council adopted the FY2023 budget ordinance with amendments, approved placing a business tax measure on the November 2022 ballot, and approved a 48-townhome development at 2850 West Bayshore. It also approved a consent calendar with numerous contracts and ordinances, and deferred a gas utility transfer ballot measure to August 1, 2022.

• Adopted FY2023 Budget Ordinance 5558 (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved placing business tax measure on Nov 2022 ballot (5-2, Cormack, Tanaka no)
• Approved 48-townhome project at 2850 West Bayshore (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar items 2-5, 8, 9, 11-23, 25 (7-0)
• Approved consent items 6, 7, 10, 23 (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved consent item 24 (5-2, Cormack, Kou no)
• Approved consent item 26 (6-1, Kou no)
• Approved consent item 27 (5-2, Cormack, Tanaka no)

Public Art Commission

The Public Art Commission is meeting to decide on funding for traffic control for a permanent artwork installation. The body will also discuss the condition of the Midtown Poetry Murals and a recommendation to begin the deaccession process.

• Funding of up to $5,330 for traffic control for Susan Zoccola's artwork at Charleston – Arastradero Transit Corridor
• Recommendation to initiate deaccession process for Midtown Poetry Murals
• Resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during the Covid-19 state of emergency

The Public Art Commission approved a resolution to continue teleconferencing meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency, approved up to $5,330 for traffic control during artwork installation on the Charleston-Arastradero corridor, and voted to initiate deaccession of the Midtown Poetry Wall murals while exploring restoration, reproduction, or commissioning a new temporary mural. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing for PAC meetings during COVID-19 state of emergency (all in favor)
• Approved up to $5,330 from CIP budget for traffic control measures during Charleston-Arastradero artwork installation (all in favor)
• Approved initiating deaccession process for Poetry Wall murals and exploring options: repaint, reproduce on aluminum, or commission new temporary mural (all in favor, with friendly amendment to gather community feedback)

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider a new storefront facade for Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen at 180 El Camino Real. The board will also review a proposal for a two-story, 31,000 square foot automobile dealership at 1700 Embarcadero Road. Additionally, the meeting includes the election of a Chair and Vice-Chair.

• New storefront facade and signage for Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen at 180 El Camino Real
• Demolition of a restaurant and construction of a 31,000 square foot automobile dealership at 1700 Embarcadero Road
• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for the Architectural Review Board
• Direction on minor updates to the Architectural Review Board By-Laws

The Architectural Review Board recommended approval of the Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen restaurant façade and signage at 180 El Camino Real, subject to an ad hoc committee review of specific design details. The board also voted to continue the public hearing for the proposed Mercedes-Benz dealership at 1700 Embarcadero Road to a date uncertain, after extensive discussion on bicycle path, parking, and design issues. Additionally, the board elected new officers and approved prior meeting minutes.

• Recommended approval of Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen façade and signage at 180 El Camino Real (5-0)
• Continued 1700 Embarcadero Road Mercedes-Benz dealership hearing to a date uncertain (5-0)
• Elected David Hirsch as new ARB Chair (5-0)
• Elected Peter Baltay as new ARB Vice Chair (5-0)
• Approved April 21, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved May 5, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during Covid-19 state of emergency (5-0)

Rail Committee Regular Meeting

The Rail Committee voted 3-0 to recommend its 2022-2023 work plan and guiding principles to the City Council, with revisions to focus areas and principles. The committee also received updates on interagency activities, including Caltrain, VTA, and High-Speed Rail EIR, but took no other formal actions.

• Recommended 2022-23 work plan to Council with revisions (3-0)
• Recommended guiding principles to Council with amendments (3-0)

Policy & Services Committee Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will review several reports from the Office of the City Auditor. The agenda includes a report on non-profit agreement management and a quarterly report for January through March 2022. Additionally, the committee will receive a Race and Equity Quarterly Update.

• Non-Profit Agreement Management Audit Report presentation
• Quarterly Report for the period of January - March 2022 presentation
• Race and Equity Quarterly Update

The Policy and Services Committee voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council accept the Non-Profit Agreement Management Audit Report and approve the City Auditor's Quarterly Report for January–March 2022. The Race and Equity Quarterly Update was presented with no motion. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended City Council accept Non-Profit Agreement Management Audit Report (3-0)
• Recommended City Council approve City Auditor's Quarterly Report Jan–Mar 2022 (3-0)

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Architectural Review Board is holding a retreat meeting to review internal operations. Discussion topics include the ARB's annual report, by-laws, and how the board's expertise can be utilized during early planning stages.

• Discussion of ARB Award Winners and Ceremony
• Review of ARB By-Laws and Council's Handbook
• Discussion of the ARB Annual Report and potential procedural changes
• Discussion on utilizing ARB expertise in early planning projects

The Architectural Review Board held a retreat and discussed, but did not formally decide, plans for its design awards ceremony, including a September lobby installation and Council proclamation. The Board also discussed potential bylaw changes, such as moving Chair elections to June, but took no formal action. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was primarily a discussion of future processes and events.

• Discussed September 8th date for awards ceremony and lobby display (no formal vote)
• Assigned board members to contact award-winning project architects (no formal vote)
• Discussed moving Chair/Vice Chair elections to June (no formal vote)
• Discussed requiring annual report presentation to Council (no formal vote)
• Discussed changing meeting frequency language in bylaws (no formal vote)
• Discussed ad hoc committee procedures after 160 Waverly roof change (no formal vote)

City Council Meeting

The City Council will consider several utility financial plans including proposed rate increases for water, gas, electric, wastewater, and storm water. Additionally, the Council will discuss direction for staff regarding revenue-generating ballot measures for the November 2022 election.

• Contract with Innovative Interfaces Incorporated for $983,388
• Amendment to Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP contract for $113,466
• Proposed utility rate increases for wastewater, water, gas, electric, and storm water
• Discussion on revenue-generating ballot measures for November 2022 election
• Park, Library, and Community Center Development Impact Fee Nexus Study update

The City Council approved six resolutions adopting FY2023 financial plans and rate increases for wastewater, water, gas, electric, dark fiber, and stormwater utilities. It also directed staff to prepare ballot measures for the November 2022 election, including a new business tax and affirmation of the natural gas utility transfer. The council supported several state bills and opposed AB 2181 unless amended.

• Approved water utility rate increase and FY2023 financial plan (5-1-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved wastewater utility rate increase and FY2023 financial plan (6-0-1)
• Approved gas utility rate increase and FY2023 financial plan (5-1-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved electric utility rate increase (5% effective July 1, 2022) and FY2023 financial plan (6-0-1)
• Approved dark fiber rate increase of 4.2% (6-0-1)
• Approved stormwater management fee increase of 4.2% (6-0-1)
• Directed staff to return with ballot measures for November 2022: natural gas utility transfer affirmation and new business tax (5-1-1, Tanaka no)
• Supported AB 2647, AB 2449, AB 1944; opposed AB 2181 unless amended (5-1-1, Cormack no)

Human Relations Commission

The Commission will consider a resolution for teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Members will also discuss a City Council referral regarding key dates to advance race and equity.

• Resolution authorizing use of teleconferencing for HRC meetings
• Report back on City Council review of HRC workplan
• City Council referral on recognizing key dates to advance race and equity
• Discussion on start time of future HRC meetings

The Human Relations Commission approved a resolution to continue using teleconferencing for meetings during the Covid-19 state of emergency, and voted to keep its monthly meeting start time at 6pm. The commission also approved the May 24, 2022 minutes. No action was taken on the Council workplan report or the race and equity referral, which will be discussed again in August.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing for HRC meetings during Covid-19 emergency (3-0)
• Approved May 24, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Set ongoing 6pm start time for monthly HRC meetings (3-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will review the 2023-31 Housing Element goals, policies, and programs. The meeting also includes the adoption of a resolution regarding teleconferencing use during the Covid-19 State of Emergency.

• Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Use of Teleconferencing
• 2023-31 Housing Element Goals, Policies and Programs
• Approval of March 9, March 30, and May 11, 2022 meeting minutes

The Planning & Transportation Commission held a virtual meeting on June 8, 2022, and adopted a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency. The main agenda item was a review and discussion of the 2023-31 Housing Element goals, policies, and programs, with staff seeking feedback for the draft programs. The commission also approved minutes from three prior meetings. No final decisions were made on the Housing Element, which remains a work in progress.

• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing for PTC meetings during COVID-19 emergency (7-0)
• Approved March 9, 2022 draft summary minutes as revised (6-0, Roohparvar absent)
• Approved March 30, 2022 draft verbatim minutes as revised (5-0, Roohparvar absent, Summa abstained)
• Approved May 11, 2022 draft verbatim and summary minutes as revised (6-0, Roohparvar absent)

Utilities Advisory Commission

The Utilities Advisory Commission will consider recommending the 2022 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report for City Council adoption. The body will also discuss wildfire safety mitigation, the electric utility's Integrated Resource Plan, and meter policies.

• Recommendation to City Council for the 2022 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report
• Resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Update to the 2022 Wildfire Safety Mitigation Plan
• Feedback on the Electric Utility’s Integrated Resource Plan
• Discussion of Advanced Metering Infrastructure Opt-Out and Electric Meter Remote Disconnect and Reconnect Policies

The Utilities Advisory Commission voted 7-0 to recommend the City Council adopt the proposed FY 2023 Operating and Capital Budgets for the Utilities Department, which include a $15.48 increase to customers' monthly bills. The commission also elected Commissioner Segal as Chair and Commissioner Johnston as Vice Chair for a term running through March 31, 2023, and approved a resolution authorizing teleconferenced meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Subcommittee members were appointed for the Budget and Fiber subcommittees.

• Recommended City Council adopt FY 2023 Utilities Operating and Capital Budgets (7-0)
• Elected Commissioner Segal as Chair (7-0)
• Elected Commissioner Johnston as Vice Chair (7-0)
• Approved teleconferencing for meetings during COVID-19 emergency (7-0)
• Appointed Scharff, Smith, and Bowie to Budget Subcommittee
• Appointed Johnston, Smith, and Metz to Fiber Subcommittee
• Approved April 6, 2022 meeting minutes as amended (6-0, Segal abstained)

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee is reviewing the city's financial performance for the third quarter of fiscal year 2022. The report indicates that general and enterprise funds are performing within budgetary levels, with a projected $14 million surplus in the General Fund.

• Fiscal Year 2022 Third Quarter Financial Status Report
• Review and Approval of the Fiscal Year 2023 Investment Policy
• Actuarial Valuation of Palo Alto's Retiree Healthcare and Other Post Employment Benefits
• Budget Stabilization Reserve currently at $40.7 million

The Finance Committee voted 3-0 to accept the Fiscal Year 2022 Third Quarter Financial Status Report and forward it to the City Council. It also voted 3-0 to recommend Council approval of the Fiscal Year 2023 Investment Policy. The committee recommended Council accept the June 30, 2021 actuarial valuation of retiree healthcare, approve full funding of the actuarially determined contributions for FY2023 and FY2024, and affirm additional discretionary payments to the CERBT fund at a 5.75% discount rate.

• Accepted Q3 FY2022 financial report and forwarded to City Council (3-0)
• Recommended City Council approve FY2023 Investment Policy (3-0)
• Recommended Council accept June 30, 2021 retiree healthcare actuarial valuation (3-0)
• Recommended Council approve full ADC funding for FY2023 and FY2024 (3-0)
• Affirmed additional discretionary CERBT payments at 5.75% discount rate (3-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will consider several action items, including a public hearing for the Castilleja School project at 1310 Bryant Street. Other topics include amending tree protection ordinances and discussing municipal recycling programs.

• Castilleja School Project (1310 Bryant Street) environmental impact report and permit applications
• Purchase of two Peterbilt crane trucks for $707,092
• GreenWaste of Palo Alto domestic recycling contract up to $1.2M
• Ordinance to expand tree protection species and removal grounds
• Resolution calling for a General Municipal Election on November 8, 2022

The City Council approved the Castilleja School project at 1310 Bryant Street, including certification of the EIR, a conditional use permit to increase enrollment to 450 students initially and up to 540, a parking adjustment, a variance, and architectural review. The approval included conditions such as a 3-person Neighborhood Committee, limits on events, and a requirement that 40% of students live within 5 miles before exceeding 450. The vote was 6-1, with Council Member Kou dissenting.

• Certified EIR for Castilleja School project (6-1, Kou no)
• Approved CUP, parking adjustment, variance, and architectural review for Castilleja (6-1, Kou no)
• Adopted zoning text amendment exempting some below-grade parking from gross floor area (part of Castilleja motion)
• Approved consent items 2, 5-9 (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 10044 on teleconferencing (6-1, Cormack no)
• Approved Altec purchase order increase to $707,092 (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Continued temporary ban on office parking in-lieu program (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Adopted Resolution 10046 declining BID assessments for FY2023 (7-0)

Historic Resources Board Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will consider a minor board level architectural review for 321 California. The proposed project involves modifying a National Register eligible structure to include a new dining pavilion, bar, and courtyard.

• Public Hearing: Architectural review for 321 California (21PLN-00330) involving removal of a non-historic addition and construction of a new dining pavilion, bar, and courtyard
• Project includes reconfigured parking lot and new trash enclosure at 321 California

The Historic Resources Board approved a Minor Board Level Architectural Review for 321 California Ave, the former Antonio's Nuthouse, recommending approval to the Director of Planning and Development Services. The project includes demolishing a non-historic 1969 addition, constructing a new dining pavilion, bar, and courtyard, and reconfiguring parking. The board confirmed the project's consistency with the Secretary of the Interior standards and added a condition for a historic plaque or similar educational element. The motion passed 5-0.

• Approved 321 California Ave architectural review with plaque condition (5-0)
• Confirmed project consistency with Secretary of the Interior standards (5-0)
• Recommended approval of modifications to Director of Planning and Development Services (5-0)
• Canceled June 30 special meeting
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will review a parking program update and consider a request for a single-lot subdivision. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding a project for 48 attached townhomes.

• Parking Program Update study session
• Public hearing for 2850 West Bayshore: Vesting Tentative Map for a 48-unit attached townhome subdivision

The Planning and Transportation Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of a Vesting Tentative Map for a 48-unit townhome subdivision at 2850 West Bayshore Road, with conditions and minor language changes. The project, which converts an existing office building to housing, will be reviewed by the City Council in June. The commission also approved minutes from three prior meetings.

• Recommended approval of Vesting Tentative Map for 48 townhomes at 2850 W Bayshore (6-0, Templeton absent)
• Approved March 30, 2022 draft minutes (5-0, Summa abstaining, Templeton absent)
• Approved April 20, 2022 draft minutes (5-0, Roohparvar abstaining, Templeton absent)
• Approved April 27, 2022 draft verbatim minutes (5-0, Roohparvar abstaining, Templeton absent)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission held a special meeting on May 24, 2022, and approved two items: a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency (7-0) and the minutes from the April 26, 2022 meeting (6-0-1). The commission also received informational updates on the Baylands Comprehensive Conservation Plan and the Advanced Water Purification System, but took no formal action on these items.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 emergency (7-0)
• Approved April 26, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0-1, Commissioner Oche abstained)

Human Relations Commission

The Commission will consider a recommendation to adopt amendments to the Community Development Block Grant Citizen Participation Plan. Members will also act to establish ad hoc sub-committees for the 2022-23 HRC Work Plan.

• Recommendation to Adopt Amendments to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Citizen Participation Plan
• Establishment of ad hoc sub-committees for items on the 2022-23 HRC Work Plan
• Discussion regarding commissioner site visits to Human Services Resource Allocation Process grantees

The Human Relations Commission unanimously recommended the City Council adopt proposed amendments to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Citizen Participation Plan, with the CDBG ad hoc sub-committee to receive updates and the final funding allocation plan. The commission also approved ad hoc sub-committees for the 2022-23 work plan, covering hate crimes, belonging, public health, housing, and climate change. No action was taken on a moment of silence or site visits.

• Approved minutes of April 28, 2022 (5-0)
• Recommended City Council adopt CDBG Citizen Participation Plan amendments (5-0)
• Approved ad hoc sub-committees for 2022-23 work plan (5-0)

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee met to discuss the Fiscal Year 2023 budget wrap-up, including proposed operating and capital budgets. The committee is reviewing various adjustments to the municipal fee schedule before making a recommendation to the City Council for adoption.

• Elimination of $289,972 for University Avenue Valet Funding
• Restoration of $30,000 for the National Citizen Survey
• Proposed $18,000 for Barron Park Alley (Cypress Lane)
• Proposed $50,000 for Lucie Stern Performing Arts Seating Replacement
• Discussion of $600,000 in General Fund support for the Downtown Housing Plan

The Finance Committee voted to recommend the FY 2023 Operating and Capital Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule to the City Council, with amendments including $50,000 for YCS/YCI, $20,000 for UNAFF, and moving forward with the Downtown Housing Plan Grant. They also recommended reducing the $1.3 million Pension Trust Reserve to fund the 115 Pension Trust Fund. All motions passed, with one 2-1 vote on the Downtown Housing Plan.

• Approved $50,000 allocation to YCS for YCI for FY 2023 and $50,000 increase in FY 2024 HSRAP contract (3-0)
• Approved $20,000 allocation to UNAFF and follow-up on Non-Profit audit (3-0)
• Approved moving forward with Downtown Housing Plan Grant Recognition and General Fund Support (2-1, Kou no)
• Recommended FY 2023 Operating and Capital Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule with amendments (3-0)
• Recommended reducing $1.3 million Pension Trust Reserve to fund 115 Pension Trust Fund (3-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will review a public hearing regarding the Castilleja School project at 1310 Bryant Street. The meeting also includes a consent calendar of several contract approvals, budget amendments, and fund commitments.

• Public hearing for 1310 Bryant Street (Castilleja School) involving student enrollment increases and parking adjustments
• Contract with Brown Reynolds Watford Architects for $797,178 for Fire Station No. 4 Replacement design services
• Contract with Napa Auto Parts for a fleet parts program up to $2,306,433
• Commitment of $2,000,000 from Affordable Housing Funds for 525 E. Charleston Avenue
• Amendment to AECOM contract for railroad grade separation studies up to $3,596,728

The City Council held a public hearing on the Castilleja School expansion project (1310 Bryant Street) but did not make a final decision. A motion to approve the project, including certifying the EIR, approving a zoning text amendment, and granting a conditional use permit, failed 5-2. The Council then voted 6-1 to continue the public hearing to June 6, 2022.

• Approved consent calendar items 1-9, 11, 12 (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar item 10, parking citation contract amendment (6-1, DuBois no)
• Motion to approve Castilleja School project (EIR, CUP, variance, zoning amendment) failed (5-2)
• Continued Castilleja School public hearing to June 6, 2022 (6-1, Cormack no)

Public Art Commission

The Public Art Commission will vote on funding up to $4,000 for artist-designed treatments on street closure barriers on California Avenue, accept a donated artwork from artist Elizabeth Bennett, and elect a new Chair and Vice Chair. They will also consider a resolution to continue teleconferenced meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency and receive an update on ArtLift microgrants.

• Approval of up to $4,000 for artist-designed treatments for street closure barriers on California Ave
• Review and acceptance of artwork donation by Cubberley Artist Studio Program artist Elizabeth Bennett
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair of the Public Art Commission
• Resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during COVID-19 state of emergency
• Update on ten selected ArtLift microgrant projects

The Public Art Commission approved a resolution to continue teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency, elected Nia Taylor as Chair and Lisa Waltuch as Vice Chair, approved up to $4,000 for artist-designed street barriers on California Ave, and accepted a donation of three artworks by Elizabeth Bennett. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency (all in favor)
• Elected Nia Taylor as Chair (4-0)
• Elected Lisa Waltuch as Vice Chair (4-0 after tie and withdrawal)
• Approved up to $4,000 for artist-designed California Ave street barriers (all in favor)
• Accepted donation of three artworks by Elizabeth Bennett (all in favor)

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider several project requests, including a new storefront façade at 180 El Camino Real and sign exceptions at 488 University Avenue. An Ad Hoc Committee will also review a project at 2609 Alma Street regarding second and third floor deck privacy.

• New storefront façade and signage for Brilliant Earth retail tenant at 180 El Camino Real
• Sign exception for a projecting sign, window sign, and wall signs at 488 University Avenue
• Ad Hoc Committee review of project changes regarding deck privacy and massing at 2609 Alma Street

The Architectural Review Board recommended approval of the Brilliant Earth storefront façade and signage at Stanford Shopping Center, adding a condition to replace the adjacent mall passageway casing with painted metal and explore balanced lighting. The board also recommended approval of a sign exception for the Graduate hotel at 488 University Avenue, with conditions including an ad hoc committee review of materials and scrolls. Minutes from the March 10, 2022 meeting were deferred for corrections.

• Recommended approval of Brilliant Earth storefront at 180 El Camino Real with added condition for metal casing and balanced lighting (5-0)
• Recommended approval of sign exception for Graduate hotel at 488 University Avenue with ad hoc committee review of materials and scrolls (5-0)
• Deferred approval of March 10, 2022 minutes to next hearing for corrections and verbatim addition (5-0)

Rail Committee Special Meeting

The Rail Committee discussed and refined its 2022 work plan, covering bike/pedestrian crossings, grade separation, and quiet zone projects. A motion passed 3-0 directing staff to prepare a summary draft of the 2017 agreement terms, work plan, and items requiring Council authority for review at the next meeting. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved motion to direct staff to prepare summary draft of 2017 RAIL Committee agreement terms, work plan, and items requiring Council authority (3-0)
• Discussed 2022 work plan, including bike/pedestrian crossings, grade separation, and quiet zone projects
• Agreed to request Council delegate RAIL Committee to pursue regional, State, and Federal grant funding opportunities
• Determined Item I (Embarcadero Road and El Camino Real Improvement Project) to go to City Council for scoping
• Determined Item M as level 3 priority
• Agreed to keep Item Q on work plan as April 26, 2021 Part 2/Grade Separation Criteria

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee is reviewing the Macias Gini & O’Connell Single Audit Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021. The audit report contains unmodified opinions regarding financial statements and federal awards with no material weaknesses or findings reported.

• Approval of the Macias Gini & O’Connell’s Single Audit Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2021
• Discussion of Planning and Development Services Cost of Services Study (item continued to June 7, 2022)

The Finance Committee unanimously approved the Macias Gini & O'Connell Single Audit Report for the year ended June 30, 2021, and will forward it to the City Council for consent. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Macias Gini & O'Connell Single Audit Report for FY 2021 (3-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will hold a special meeting with a closed session on lease negotiations for 445 Bryant Street, followed by proclamations, consent items, and several action items. Key decisions include approving a $1.2M domestic recycling program, extending street closures on California Avenue and Ramona Street through 2023, and adopting ordinances for objective design standards and zoning changes. The meeting also includes second readings of ordinances on commercial zoning and Foothills Nature Preserve attendance limits.

• Closed session: lease negotiations for 445 Bryant Street with JSRFIT LLC (Form Fitness City)
• Consent: Increase SAP on-call contracts from $350K to $5.95M over five years
• Consent: $880,569 contract with Jacobs Engineering for sewer rehabilitation
• Action: Approve $1.2M domestic recycling program with GreenWaste of Palo Alto
• Action: Extend street closures on California Avenue and Ramona Street until Dec 31, 2023

The City Council voted 5-1 to extend temporary closures of California Avenue and Ramona Street until December 31, 2023, and directed staff to implement specific access and perimeter rules, including a dedicated emergency access lane and edge treatments. A separate motion to add a slow two-way bicycle lane failed 3-3. The council also approved the consent calendar, including contracts for SAP services, engineering, and software, with some items split and passed with dissenting votes. Two items—the domestic recycling program and the objective standards ordinances—were continued to future meetings.

• Approved consent items 4, 7-12 (6-0-1)
• Approved Resolution 10037 on teleconferencing (4-2-1)
• Approved SAP contract amendments (5-1-1)
• Approved Resolution 10039 and 10040 extending street closures (5-1-1)
• Failed motion to add two-way bicycle lane (3-3-1)
• Continued domestic recycling program to future meeting
• Continued objective standards ordinances to future meeting

Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission regular meeting originally scheduled for May 12, 2022, has been moved. The meeting will now take place on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at 6pm.

Historic Resources Board Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will hold a study session to explore outreach program approaches. The board will discuss potential questions and answers to help the community understand Palo Alto's Historic Resources Inventory designations.

• Study session on outreach program approaches for Historic Resources Inventory designations
• Approval of April 14, 2022 draft minutes

The Historic Resources Board approved the April 14, 2022 meeting minutes with corrections (4-0-1). The board also held a study session on outreach approaches for the historic preservation program, discussing website improvements, homeowner letters, and inventory updates, but took no formal action on these items.

• Approved April 14, 2022 meeting minutes with corrections (4-0-1)

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee is reviewing proposed updates to the Municipal Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023. The proposal includes adding five new fees, deleting three existing fees, and adjusting 295 other fees to align with cost recovery levels or market studies.

• New Public Works fee: $50.00 per recycled water permit
• New Public Works fee: $100.00 per septic tank and portable toilet waste disposal permit
• New Office of Transportation fee: $225.00 annual reduced-price parking permit for Downtown/SOFA
• New Office of Transportation fee: $162.50 annual reduced-price parking permit for California Avenue area
• New Community Services fee: Zoo rental at $314.00 per hour (Resident) or $471.00 per hour (Non-Resident)

The Finance Committee unanimously approved tentative budgets for Community and Library Services, Planning and Transportation (excluding University Avenue valet), Utilities, Public Works, and all citywide internal support departments, as well as the FY 2023 Proposed Municipal Fees & Charges. It also added parking lot funding for the Youth Connectedness Initiative and UNAFF Film Festival, moved a proposal to the parking lot for Council revisit, and requested an information report on major software services. All motions passed 3-0.

• Approved Community and Library Services budgets (3-0)
• Approved Planning and Transportation budgets excluding University Avenue valet (3-0)
• Approved FY 2023 Proposed Municipal Fees & Charges (3-0)
• Approved Utilities Operating Budget including At Places Memo elements (3-0)
• Approved Public Works Operating Budget (3-0)
• Approved all citywide internal support department budgets (3-0)
• Added parking lot funding for Youth Connectedness Initiative and UNAFF Film Festival (3-0)
• Moved proposal 7 on page 274 to parking lot for Council revisit (3-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will review and provide recommendations on the proposed 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan and its compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. The body will also consider the approval of meeting minutes from April 20, 2022.

• Review and recommendation on Proposed 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan and Comprehensive Plan Compliance
• Approval of April 20, 2022 Draft Verbatim Meeting Minutes

The Planning and Transportation Commission voted 7-0 to recommend the proposed 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan to the City Council, with two modifications to the fire training facility replacement program (FD-24000). The modifications ask Council to consider including a $70,000 feasibility study in 2023 and expanding the budget to fund temporary training facilities. The Commission also approved the April 20, 2022 meeting minutes 6-0 with one abstention.

• Recommended 2023-2027 CIP to Council with fire training facility modifications (7-0)
• Approved April 20, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0, Roohparvar abstaining)

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee is holding a special meeting to review the proposed FY 2023 Operating and Capital budgets. The committee will discuss funding for infrastructure, environment, public safety, and various city enterprise funds.

• FY 2023 Proposed Capital and Operating Budget presentations
• Cubberley Capital Improvement Plan
• Enterprise Fund projects including Electric, Gas, Water, and Fiber Optics
• Public Works funds for Airport, Stormwater Management, and Wastewater Treatment
• Public Safety budget reviews for Fire, Police, and Office of Emergency Services

The Finance Committee reviewed the FY2023 budget and approved the Capital Improvement Plan, Cubberley Capital Improvement Plan, and multiple fund budgets including Information Technology, Public Works, Utilities, and Public Safety. All motions passed 3-0. No action was taken on the budget process overview or sustainability items.

• Approved Capital Improvement Plan and Cubberley Capital Improvement Plan (3-0)
• Approved Information Technology budget (3-0)
• Approved Vehicle Replacement Fund budget (3-0)
• Approved Airport Fund budget (3-0)
• Approved Stormwater Management Fund budget (3-0)
• Approved Wastewater Treatment Fund budget (3-0)
• Approved Utilities Electric, Fiber, Gas, Wastewater, and Water Fund budgets (3-0 each)
• Approved Fire, Office of Emergency Services, and Police Department budgets (3-0)

Policy & Services Committee Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will discuss a recommendation for the City Council to join the California Community Housing Agency. The meeting also includes updates on state and federal legislation and a presentation regarding the building permit process.

• Recommendation to join the California Community Housing Agency
• Update on pending State and Federal Legislation
• Office of the City Auditor's Building Permit Process Review Report

The Policy and Services Committee voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council agendize an action item to adopt a resolution joining the California Community Housing Agency (CalCHA), a Joint Powers Authority. The committee also made recommendations on state legislation, including supporting bills on virtual meetings and remote participation, supporting with amendments a bill on children's camps, and supporting a bill on the VTA board of directors. The committee recommended the City Council review and accept the Building Permit Process Review report.

• Recommended City Council agendize action to join CalCHA (3-0)
• Recommended support for AB 1944, AB 2449, AB 2647 on virtual meetings (2-1, Cormack no)
• Recommended support with amendments for AB 1737 on children's camps (3-0)
• Recommended support for AB 2181 on VTA board of directors (2-1, Stone no)
• Recommended City Council review and accept Building Permit Process Review report (3-0)

City Council Meeting

The City Council is meeting to discuss a potential misdemeanor ordinance to deter hateful speech and review permanent parklet standards. The body is also considering a partnership for golf facility improvements and voting on several city contracts and budget amendments.

• Contract with Enterprise Roofing Service, Inc. not-to-exceed $497,233 for Cubberley Community Center roof
• Contract amendment for Baker Tilly US, LLP increasing compensation by $2,126,250 for audit services
• $900,000 budget amendment in the Refuse Fund for Fiscal Year 2022
• Interim ordinance to continue the pilot parklet program until December 31, 2022
• Designating Redwood Tree at 1019 Forest Court as Heritage Tree #5

The City Council adopted an interim ordinance and resolution to continue the pilot parklet program until December 31, 2022, and directed staff to update guidelines for new temporary parklets. The new rules prohibit vinyl, tents, or canopies; prohibit blocking handicapped or curb ramps; state a preference for plants as barriers; and set a maximum enclosure height of 36 inches. The Council also approved a non-binding Letter of Intent with First Tee Silicon Valley for a public-private partnership at Baylands Golf Links and supported bringing the FBI and other community resources to Palo Alto for hate crime education.

• Adopted interim parklet ordinance and resolution extending pilot program to Dec 31, 2022 (7-0)
• Directed staff to update temporary parklet guidelines: prohibit vinyl/tents/canopies, block ramps, prefer plants, 36-inch max height (7-0)
• Approved non-binding Letter of Intent with First Tee Silicon Valley for Baylands Golf Links partnership (7-0)
• Supported HRC bringing FBI/community resources for hate crime education and AB 1947 (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar items 3-7 (7-0)
• Approved $900,000 budget amendment in Refuse Fund (7-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved second reading of Height Transition Ordinance (7-1, Kou no)
• Proclaimed May as Affordable Housing Month (no action taken)

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Architectural Review Board is considering design standards for a permanent parklet program. The board will also hold public hearings regarding a residential redevelopment project and a retail storefront update.

• Proposed Permanent Parklet Program Design Standards
• 546 Oxford Ave: Demolition of 450 sf office and house to build two new two-story homes
• 180 El Camino Real: New storefront façade and signage for Brilliant Earth
• Draft Architectural Review Board Work Plan and Annual Report
• Resolution authorizing teleconferencing during Covid-19 State of Emergency

The Architectural Review Board (ARB) voted to recommend the proposed permanent Parklet Program design standards to City Council, with several modifications based on straw polls, including no color restrictions, allowing fabric roofs and aluminum, and a 36-inch enclosure height. The board continued two project hearings to a date uncertain: a proposal for two new homes at 546 Oxford Ave and a new storefront for Brilliant Earth at 180 El Camino Real. The board also approved its draft work plan and the minutes from March 10 and April 7, 2022.

• Recommended Parklet Program standards to Council with modifications (5-0)
• Continued 546 Oxford Ave project to date uncertain (5-0)
• Continued Brilliant Earth storefront to May 19, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved ARB Work Plan (5-0)
• Approved March 10, 2022 minutes (4-0-1)
• Approved April 7, 2022 minutes (4-0-1)
• Adopted teleconferencing resolution (5-0)

Utilities Advisory Commission

The Utilities Advisory Commission will meet to approve several short-term leadership roles and subcommittee memberships. The commission is also tasked with recommending the City Council adopt proposed operating and capital budgets for the Utilities Department for Fiscal Year 2023.

• Approval of UAC Chair and Vice Chair terms through March 31, 2023
• Approval of UAC Budget Subcommittee members through March 31, 2023
• Approval of UAC Fiber Subcommittee members through March 31, 2023
• Resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during the Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Recommendation of Fiscal Year 2023 operating and capital budgets to the City Council

The Utilities Advisory Commission recommended the City Council adopt the proposed FY 2023 Operating and Capital Budgets for the Utilities Department, which include a $15.48 increase on customers' monthly bills. The commission also approved new leadership, subcommittee members, and a teleconference resolution. The recommendation passed 7-0.

• Recommended FY 2023 Operating and Capital Budgets for Utilities Department (7-0)
• Approved Commissioner Segal as Chair (7-0)
• Approved Commissioner Johnston as Vice Chair (7-0)
• Approved Budget Subcommittee members: Scharff, Smith, Bowie
• Approved Fiber Subcommittee members: Johnston, Smith, Metz
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconference meetings during COVID-19 emergency (7-0)
• Approved April 6, 2022 minutes as amended (6-0, Segal abstained)

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee is reviewing a proposal to increase the monthly Storm and Surface Water Drainage fee by 4.2 percent for fiscal year 2023. The committee is also considering a recommendation regarding adjustments to various development impact fees.

• Resolution to increase Storm Water Management Fee from $15.34 to $15.98 per month per Equivalent Residential Unit
• Proposed adjustment of Park, Community Center, and Library Development Impact Fees
• Proposed adjustment of the Park Dedication Fee

The Finance Committee voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council adopt a 4.2% Consumer Price Index-based rate increase for storm and surface water drainage, raising the monthly charge per Equivalent Residential Unit from $15.34 to $15.98 for Fiscal Year 2023. The committee also passed several motions recommending updates to development impact fees, including differentiating commercial/industrial fees into five categories, increasing park land valuation to $17.6 million/acre, and converting residential fees to a per-square-foot basis.

• Recommended 4.2% storm drainage rate increase to $15.98/month per ERU (3-0)
• Recommended differentiating commercial/industrial fee structure into hotel, retail, office, industrial, commercial (3-0)
• Recommended maintaining office density at 200 sq ft per employee (3-0)
• Recommended updating fee study every 4-6 years per AB 602 (3-0)
• Recommended increasing park land valuation to $17.6 million/acre (3-0)
• Directed staff to conduct economic feasibility study on nexus study and park dedication fee (3-0)
• Recommended converting residential fees to per-square-foot amount (3-0)

City Council Meeting

The City Council will conduct a study session on the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 budget. The agenda includes several ordinances regarding zoning and disposable foodware, as well as a resolution for issuing general obligation refunding bonds.

• Public hearing for zoning ordinance amendments to Palo Alto Municipal Code Title 18
• Contract with Macias Gini & O'Connell LLP for financial audit services up to $599,319
• Second reading of an ordinance regarding disposable foodware and condiments
• Resolution authorizing the issuance of general obligation refunding bonds up to $58 million
• Fiscal Year 2023 Proposed Budget study session

The City Council approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $58 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refinance outstanding library bonds, and appointed Joy Oche to a partial term on the Parks and Recreation Commission. The council also approved the consent agenda, including a contract for external financial audit services, and directed staff to continue remote participation protocols for committees and boards.

• Approved Resolution 10032 authorizing $58M GO bond refinancing (7-0)
• Appointed Joy Oche to Parks and Recreation Commission partial term (6 votes)
• Approved consent agenda items 5, 7-11 (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda item 6 on race and equity recommendations (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved FY2021 Public Improvement Corporation annual financial report (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Authorized Policy & Services Committee chair to work with staff on community survey revisions (7-0)
• Directed staff to continue AB 361 findings and allow remote participation for committees/boards (7-0)
• Deferred item 15 (real property negotiation) to a future meeting

Historic Resources Board Meeting

The Historic Resources Board is meeting to review proposed exterior modifications for a property eligible for the California Register of Historical Resources. The board will also address administrative items including teleconferencing authorization and the 2020-2021 CLG Annual Report.

• Public hearing for exterior modifications at 525 University Avenue [21PLN-00209]
• Resolution authorizing use of teleconferencing during Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Certified Local Government (CLG) Annual Report for 2020-2021 reporting period

The Historic Resources Board approved the proposed exterior modifications at 525 University Avenue, determining the project meets Secretary of the Interior Standards and will not be detrimental to the eligible historic resource. The board also passed a separate motion strongly recommending the property be added to the Palo Alto Historic Resources Inventory and nominated for the California Register of Historical Resources. The board adopted the April 28, 2022 meeting minutes and approved a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency.

• Approved 525 University Ave exterior modifications as presented (7-0)
• Recommended adding 525 University Ave to Palo Alto Historic Resources Inventory and nominating for California Register (6-0-1)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency (5-0)
• Approved March 24, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)

Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission will consider a resolution to authorize teleconferencing for meetings during the Covid-19 State of Emergency. The body will also discuss the finalization of the FY 22-23 work plan and buddy/liaison assignments.

• Resolution authorizing use of teleconferencing for meetings during Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Finalization of FY 22-23 HRC Work Plan and Buddy/Liaison assignments

The Human Relations Commission voted unanimously to adopt a resolution authorizing teleconferencing for its meetings during the Covid-19 state of emergency. It also approved the FY 22-23 work plan and buddy/liaison assignments as presented, and approved the March 10, 2022 minutes.

• Approved March 10, 2022 minutes (5-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during Covid-19 emergency (5-0)
• Approved buddy/liaison assignments as presented (5-0)
• Accepted FY 22-23 work plan as presented (5-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Commission will consider a request to subdivide a residential property at 1033 Amarillo Ave. They will also review an ordinance regarding commercial office parking in the Downtown Assessment District and the 2022-2023 Work Plan.

• Subdivision of 1033 Amarillo Ave into two lots (10,668.50 sq ft and 10,118.77 sq ft)
• Ordinance to continue a temporary ban on commercial office uses participating in the Downtown Parking In-Lieu Program
• Adoption of the 2022-2023 Work Plan

The Planning and Transportation Commission denied a request to subdivide 1033 Amarillo Ave into two lots, citing uncertainty about outcomes and failure to meet findings. The commission also recommended extending a temporary ban on office parking in-lieu participation for 3 years and approved the 2022-2023 work plan.

• Denied preliminary parcel map for 1033 Amarillo Ave (4-2)
• Recommended extending temporary ban on office parking in-lieu program for 3 years (6-0)
• Approved 2022-2023 work plan to forward to Council (6-0)
• Approved February 9, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved February 23, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved March 9, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved a resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency (6-0). The commission also approved the draft minutes from the March 22, 2022 meeting (5-1), with one commissioner voting against due to a missing attachment. The meeting included a presentation on Save the Bay's habitat restoration work and a review of proposed updates to the City's Tree Protection Ordinance, but no action was taken on those items.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during COVID-19 emergency (6-0)
• Approved draft minutes from March 22, 2022 meeting (5-1)

City Council Meeting

The City Council and Public Improvement Corporation are meeting to discuss potential taxes and fund transfers for upcoming ballot measures. The body is also reviewing work plans for several city commissions and conducting interviews for the Parks and Recreation Commission.

• Discussion of Business License Tax and Gas General Fund Transfer parameters for Fall 2022 ballot measures
• Approval of Fiscal Year 2021 Palo Alto Public Improvement Corporation's Annual Financial Statement
• Review of 2022-2023 Work Plans for Parks and Recreation, Public Art, Utilities Advisory, and Storm Water commissions
• Interviews for the Parks and Recreation Commission

The City Council approved work plans for the Public Art Commission, Utilities Advisory Commission, and Stormwater Oversight Committee, all 7-0. It also directed staff to continue developing ballot measures for the November 2022 election, including a business tax based on square footage and affirmation of the natural gas utility transfer, with a 6-1 vote (Tanaka dissenting).

• Approved 2022-2023 Public Art Commission Work Plan (7-0)
• Approved 2022 Utilities Advisory Committee Work Plan (7-0)
• Approved 2022 Stormwater Oversight Committee Work Plan (7-0)
• Directed staff to pursue ballot measure affirming natural gas utility transfer (6-1)
• Directed staff to pursue business tax based on square footage with specified rates and exemptions (6-1)

Public Art Commission

The Commission is meeting to consider a resolution regarding teleconferencing during the Covid-19 state of emergency. Members will also conduct an initial review of public art for the Castilleja School development project.

• Resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during Covid-19 state of emergency
• Initial review of public art for the Castilleja School development project

The Public Art Commission approved a resolution authorizing teleconferencing for its meetings during the Covid-19 state of emergency, as permitted by AB 361. The commission also reviewed the Castilleja School development project's public art plans, providing initial recommendations and requesting a follow-up in summer 2022. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing for PAC meetings (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 17, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Requested Castilleja School return in summer 2022 with art consultant and refined art plan

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold public hearings regarding a major residential development and a retail storefront update. The board will also conduct study sessions on street improvements and tree protection ordinances.

• Public hearing for 2850 West Bayshore: demolition of office building for 48 townhomes, private streets, and a 14-foot sound wall
• Public hearing for 180 El Camino Real: new storefront façade and signage for ALO retail at Stanford Shopping Center
• Study session on California Avenue Street Improvements / Parklets
• Review of proposed updates to the City's Tree Protection Ordinance (Title 8)
• Discussion of the ARB Draft Work Plan and Annual Report

The Architectural Review Board voted 5-0 to recommend denial of the 48-townhome project at 2850 West Bayshore Road, citing inability to make findings on design coherence, high-quality aesthetics, and safe/functional circulation. The board also held study sessions on California Avenue street improvements and the Tree Protection Ordinance update, and approved minutes for prior meetings.

• Recommended denial of 48-townhome project at 2850 W Bayshore Rd (5-0)
• Approved ALO storefront façade and signage at Stanford Shopping Center (5-0)
• Approved minutes of March 3, 2022 with edits (2-0-2-1)
• Approved minutes of March 17, 2022 with edit (4-0-0-1)
• Continued ARB Work Plan discussion to May 5, 2022 (4-0-0-1)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing to review a conditional use permit and variance request for Castilleja School. The body will also review a draft ordinance regarding the definition of gross floor area for below-grade garages in the R1 zone.

• Public hearing for Castilleja School's requested Conditional Use Permit and Variance
• Review of draft ordinance amending Section 18.04.030 regarding gross floor area for below-grade garages in R1 Zone

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee is reviewing proposed FY 2023 financial plans and rate increases for the city's wastewater, water, gas, and electric utilities. The committee will consider whether to recommend these plans and associated rate schedule amendments to the City Council.

• Proposed 3% rate increase for Wastewater Collection Utility schedules S-1, S-2, S-6, and S-7
• Proposed transfer of up to $5.33 million from Wastewater Capital Improvement Projects Reserve to Operations Reserve
• FY 2023 Water Utility Financial Plan and rate increases for schedules W-1, W-2, W-3, W-4, and W-7
• FY 2023 Gas Utility Financial Plan and rate increases for schedules G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-10
• FY 2023 Electric Financial Plan and rate amendments for multiple schedules including E-1, E-2, and E-7

The Finance Committee voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council adopt resolutions approving FY 2023 financial plans and rate increases for wastewater, water, gas, and electric utilities. The recommendations include reserve transfers and rate schedule amendments for each utility, with electric rates rising 5% effective July 1, 2022.

• Recommended FY 2023 Wastewater Collection Financial Plan with 3% revenue increase and up to $5.33M transfer from CIP Reserve to Operations Reserve (3-0)
• Recommended FY 2023 Water Utility Financial Plan with up to $13.964M transfer from CIP Reserve to Operations Reserve (3-0)
• Recommended FY 2023 Gas Utility Financial Plan with transfers of up to $3M from Operations to CIP Reserve and $2.766M from Rate Stabilization to Operations Reserve (3-0)
• Recommended FY 2023 Electric Financial Plan with 5% retail rate increase effective July 1, 2022, and updates to export and net surplus compensation rates (3-0)

City Council Meeting

The City Council is reviewing polling results and parameters for a potential business license tax and gas general fund transfer. The body is also considering a downtown housing plan and updates to disposable foodware restrictions.

• Discussion of Fall 2022 ballot measures including a business license tax
• Proposed $800,000 grant for a Downtown Housing Plan via the Metropolitan Transportation Commission
• Ordinance amending Chapter 5.30 regarding disposable foodware and condiments to comply with AB 1276
• Contract amendment with Van Scoyoc Associates, Inc. adding $82,800 for a total of $414,000
• Appointment of Sandra Blanch as Human Resources Director

The City Council voted 4-3 to accept an $800,000 grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to prepare a Downtown Housing Plan, despite concerns about staffing and project scope. The Council also approved the Power Purchase Agreement Audit report and its recommendations (7-0), and approved the consent calendar (7-0), which included an ordinance on disposable foodware and the appointment of Sandra Blanch as Human Resources Director. The Council deferred discussion on potential revenue-generating ballot measures for the November 2022 election to its April 25 meeting (5-2).

• Accepted $800K MTC grant for Downtown Housing Plan (4-3)
• Approved Power Purchase Agreement Audit report and recommendations (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar items 2-5, including disposable foodware ordinance and HR Director appointment (7-0)
• Deferred revenue-generating ballot measure discussion to April 25 meeting (5-2)

Historic Resources Board Meeting

The Historic Resources Board is meeting to discuss administrative items and board scheduling. The body is considering an updated format for its 2022-23 work plan.

• Historic Resources Board Work Plan for 2022-23 Updated to New Format
• Historic Resources Board Schedule of Meeting and Assignments
• Approval of March 10, 2022 draft minutes

The Historic Resources Board approved the March 10, 2022 minutes as corrected (5-0-1). The board extensively discussed and revised its 2022-2023 work plan, including separating goals and adjusting priorities, but took no formal action on the work plan itself. The board also discussed the Mills Act program and inventory update outreach, but no decisions were made on those items.

• Approved March 10, 2022 minutes as corrected (5-0-1)
• Discussed and revised 2022-2023 work plan (no formal action)
• Agreed to cancel June 9, 2022 meeting (informal)
• Agreed to honor PAST website for outreach (informal)

Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission meeting originally scheduled for April 14, 2022, has been rescheduled to April 28, 2022, at 6pm.

Policy & Services Committee Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will receive an update on the National Community Survey and potential feedback regarding survey questions. The committee will also discuss a City Council referral related to strategic priorities and values.

• Update on National Community Survey and potential feedback on survey questions
• Discussion of City Council Referral related to Strategic Priorities and Values

The Policy and Services Committee voted to recommend that the City Council direct staff to shorten the National Community Survey and work with the committee chair on the changes. It also voted to recommend drafting a set of city values, including fiscal and environmental sustainability, social justice, and diversity and equity, with staff working with Council Member Cormack. Both motions passed 2-1, with Council Member Tanaka voting no.

• Recommended directing staff to reduce survey length and work with committee chair (2-1, Tanaka no)
• Recommended drafting city values with staff working with Council Member Cormack (2-1, Tanaka no)

City Council Meeting

The City Council is meeting to decide on objective standards for urban lot splits and zoning height transitions. The body will also consider several city contracts and a financing project for the Silicon Valley International School.

• Contract with Bureau Veritas Technical Assessments LLC for $359,779 for facility condition and electrification assessment
• Interim Ordinance establishing objective urban lot split standards and SB 9 development standards
• Public hearing on ordinance regarding height transitions and RM-40 zone district setbacks
• TEFRA hearing for conduit financing for Silicon Valley International School at 151 Laura Lane and 1066 East Meadow Circle
• Contract amendment for Townsend Public Affairs adding $102,000 for state legislative advocacy

The City Council approved amendments to the height transition ordinance, clarifying standards for residential districts and removing the Planning Director's discretion to reduce the 150-foot height transition to 50 feet. The motion passed 6-1, with Council Member Kou dissenting. The Council also approved the consent calendar, including contracts and resolutions, with a split vote on items 5 and 6.

• Approved height transition ordinance amendments (6-1)
• Approved consent calendar items 3, 4, 6-10 (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar items 5-6 (6-1)
• Approved conduit financing for Silicon Valley International School (7-0)
• Approved 2022 committee workplans with Board and Commission Handbook review (7-0)
• Scheduled interviews for Parks & Recreation Commission vacancy (7-0)

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Board will consider a major architectural review for an office/R&D project at 3300 El Camino Real. Other items include a sign exception request, revisions to objective design standards, and street improvements on California Avenue.

• Sign Exception: Request for one illuminated free-standing sign (40.25 sq ft) in PF zoning district
• 3300 El Camino Real: Proposed two-story, 50,355 sf Office/R&D project with parking and amenity space
• Public Hearing: Revisions to Objective Design Standards based on City Council feedback
• Study Session: California Avenue Street Improvements / Parklets
• Subcommittee Item: Ad Hoc Committee review for 300 Pasteur Drive

The Architectural Review Board approved a sign exception for the new Public Safety Building at 250 Sherman Avenue, allowing a monument sign larger than the code permits. The board also continued a major office/R&D project at 3300 El Camino Real to a future date pending environmental review, and made changes to the draft objective design standards, including requiring more design options for building massing and facades.

• Approved sign exception for illuminated monument sign at 250 Sherman Ave (4-0-1)
• Continued 3300 El Camino Real office/R&D project to date uncertain (3-1-1)
• Approved changes to objective design standards, including requiring 3 of 4 massing options and adding a new facade option (4-0-1)
• Continued ARB work plan discussion to April 21 (4-0-1)
• Continued California Avenue street improvements/parklets study session to April 21 (4-0-1)
• Continued approval of March 3, 2022 minutes to April 21 (4-0-1)

Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Regular Meeting

The Stormwater Management Oversight Committee approved minutes from its February 3, 2022 meeting and adopted a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency, both by 7-0 votes. It also approved a draft communication to the Finance Committee regarding the FY 2023 proposed budget. No action was taken on the capital program update or GSI operations and maintenance costs.

• Approved February 3, 2022 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 emergency (7-0)
• Approved draft communication to Finance Committee on FY 2023 budget

Utilities Advisory Commission

The Utilities Advisory Commission is reviewing financial business models for Palo Alto Fiber and discussing the Wastewater Capital Improvement Program. The meeting also addresses updated water supply conditions due to dry weather and upcoming electric vehicle incentive programs.

• Discussion of status update and preliminary financial business models for Palo Alto Fiber
• Discussion of Wastewater CIP and Utilities' Quarterly Programs Report for Q2 FY2022
• Resolution regarding the use of teleconferencing during the Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Report on hydro production forecasting 41% below long-term average for FY 2022
• Update on regional water storage at 74% capacity

The Utilities Advisory Commission discussed the Palo Alto Fiber project and recommended staff explore a city-owned internet service provider (ISP) model, with a hybrid insourcing/outsourcing approach. The commission also approved a resolution to continue teleconferenced meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency. No formal action was taken on the fiber business models or wastewater replacement rate, which remain under discussion.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconference meetings during COVID-19 state of emergency (5-0)
• Approved minutes of March 2, 2022 meeting (5-0)
• Recommended staff explore city-owned ISP model for Palo Alto Fiber (discussion, no formal vote)
• Discussed resuming wastewater pipe replacement at 2.5 miles/year (no action)
• Discussed UAC term changes and subcommittee selections (no action)
• Commissioners indicated interest in S/CAP working groups (no action)

City Council Meeting

The City Council will review and approve workplans for 2022 priorities and receive the Police Department's annual report, including an update on radio encryption. The body will also vote on several consent calendar items involving city contracts, water agreements, and business fees.

• Contract with Stronger Building Services for $179,500 for Mitchell Park Library roof and gutter repair
• Contract amendment with Fairbanks, Maslin, Maullin, Metz, and Associates for $28,500 for a ballot measure poll
• Power Purchase Agreement amendment with Ameresco Keller Canyon LLC for a $250,000 annual administrative payment
• Proposal to return to pre-pandemic Business Registry Certificate requirements and fees
• Proposed one-year pause of the Downtown Business Improvement District Assessment Program

The City Council approved the consent calendar with split votes: item 5 (water supply agreement amendments) passed 5-2, items 6 and 10 (business registry fee pause and polling contract) passed 6-1. They also approved workplans for 2022 priorities (7-0) and directed staff on police radio encryption and use of force report review (7-0).

• Approved consent items 4, 7, 9, 11-14 (7-0)
• Approved water supply agreement amendments (5-2, Kou, Tanaka no)
• Approved business registry fee pause and polling contract (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved 2022 Council Priorities workplans (7-0)
• Directed staff on police radio encryption and use of force report review (7-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Commission will review a conditional use permit and variance for Castilleja School. It will also consider an ordinance to update definitions and land use thresholds across several city zoning chapters.

• Castilleja School requested Conditional Use Permit and Variance
• Draft Ordinance amending Section 18.04.030 regarding Gross Floor Area in R1 zones
• Ordinance amending Title 18 (Zoning) including Chapters 18.04, 18.16, 18.18, and 18.30
• 2022-2023 Work Plan adoption

The Planning and Transportation Commission voted to continue the Castilleja School conditional use permit and zoning text amendment hearing to April 20, 2022, after hearing public comment. The commission also pulled the 2022-2023 Work Plan from the consent calendar to revise it and continue it to the next meeting. A proposed retail zoning ordinance was continued to a date uncertain for further consultation.

• Continued Castilleja School CUP and GFA text amendment to April 20, 2022 (5-0, Reckdahl recused)
• Pulled 2022-2023 Work Plan from consent calendar and continued to April 20, 2022 (6-0)
• Continued retail zoning ordinance to date uncertain (6-0)
• Adopted teleconferencing resolution for meetings during COVID-19 state of emergency (6-0)
• Approved December 15, 2021 minutes (4-0-2, Reckdahl and Roohparvar abstained)
• Approved January 12, 2022 minutes (6-0)
• Approved January 19, 2022 minutes (6-0)
• Approved January 26, 2022 minutes (5-0-1, Templeton abstained)

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee is reviewing progress on a community engagement plan regarding revenue-generating ballot measures. The discussion includes a proposed square footage-based business license tax and a measure to ratify the Gas General Fund Transfer.

• Review of potential square footage-based business license tax with exemptions for grocery stores and businesses subject to transient occupancy tax
• Review of draft ballot language for a Gas Utility General Fund Transfer
• Progress report on the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Plan
• Results from a second round of community polling conducted by FM3

Historic Resources Board Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will conduct a historic and architectural review for a project at 526 Waverley Street. The board will also discuss improvements to outreach materials and ways to participate in Historic Preservation Month.

• Historic and architectural review for 526 Waverley Street involving a rear addition removal, elevator replacement, and interior modifications
• Review of outreach materials including incentives for rehabilitation
• Consideration of participation in Historic Preservation Month (May 2022)
• Adoption of a resolution authorizing use of teleconferencing during the Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Approval of February 24, 2022, draft minutes

The Historic Resources Board approved the exterior alterations for 526 Waverly Street (Palo Alto Sport Shop and Toy World) with a recommendation to protect interior character-defining features like railings and beams, and to consider using the Historic Building Code. The board also adopted a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency and approved the February 24, 2022 minutes. No other substantive decisions were made; the remaining items were discussions on outreach and preservation month.

• Approved 526 Waverly St. exterior alterations with recommendation to protect interior features (6-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing for HRB during COVID-19 emergency (6-0)
• Approved minutes of February 24, 2022 meeting (6-0)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission adopted its 2022 workplan, which outlines priorities including tennis and pickleball court policies, recreation projects, fundraising, e-bike usage, urban forestry, park dedication, and capital improvement plan review. The Commission also approved a resolution to continue teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency and approved minutes from two prior meetings. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included informational reports and discussion.

• Adopted 2022 workplan (6-0)
• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency (6-0)
• Approved minutes from Feb 11, 2022 meeting (5-0-1)
• Approved minutes from Feb 22, 2022 meeting (4-0-2)

City Council Meeting

The City Council is meeting to adopt an interim ordinance for urban lot split standards and SB 9 development. The body will also consider recommendations for housing element sites and unit yields for 2023-31. Additionally, the Council will vote on several infrastructure and service contracts.

• Interim Ordinance establishing objective urban lot split standards and SB 9 development standards
• Approval of 2023-31 Housing Element sites and associated unit yields
• Construction contract with MP Nexlevel of California, Inc. not to exceed $9,697,390
• Construction contract with Casey Construction, Inc. for sewer and wastewater work not to exceed $2,998,266
• Construction contract with O'Grady Paving Inc. for asphalt paving not to exceed $1,318,757

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider a request for new rental townhomes on Alma Street and a redesigned academic building at Castilleja School. The board will also discuss revisions to objective design standards and its draft work plan.

• Demolition of four residential units and construction of four new three-story rental townhomes at 2606, 2609, 2611, and 2615 Alma Street
• Redesign of academic building and parking options for 1310 Bryant Street (Castilleja School)
• Revisions to Objective Design Standards
• Draft Architectural Review Board Work Plan
• California Avenue Street Improvements / Parklets

The Architectural Review Board recommended approval of the Castilleja School project at 1310 Bryant Street with specific modifications to the Kellogg Avenue façade and parking configuration. The board also approved a major architectural review for a residential project at 2609 Alma Street, subject to subcommittee review of balcony privacy and building brightness. Several agenda items were continued to the next hearing.

• Recommended approval of Castilleja School project with Kellogg façade changes and hybrid parking scheme (3-0-2)
• Approved 2609 Alma Street townhome project with subcommittee review of balcony privacy and side elevation brightness (5-0)
• Continued objective design standards discussion to next hearing (3-1-1)
• Approved February 17, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0-2)

Public Art Commission

The Public Art Commission is meeting to approve its 2022 annual work plan and a resolution for teleconferencing. The body will also hold a joint meeting with the Human Relations Commission regarding the King Artist Residency.

• Allocation of up to $5,500 for ARG Conservation Services for fresco murals at 300 Homer (Roth Building)
• Review and acceptance of artwork donation by Harumo Sato
• Approval of the 2022 PAC Annual Work Plan
• Joint meeting with Human Relations Commission on King Artist Residency
• Resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during Covid-19 state of emergency

The Public Art Commission approved a resolution to continue teleconferencing meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency, as allowed by AB 361. They also approved allocating up to $5,500 for a fresco protection plan, accepted a donated artwork, and approved the 2022 annual workplan. The commission held a joint meeting with the Human Relations Commission to discuss the King Artist Residency project.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing for PAC meetings (all in favor)
• Approved allocation of up to $5,500 for fresco protection plan (all in favor)
• Approved acceptance of donated artwork 'Night Parade of a Hundred Souls' (all in favor)
• Approved updated 2022 Annual Workplan (all in favor)

City Council Meeting

The City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss a performance review for the Independent Police Auditor and foothill fire safety strategies. The body will also vote on several contract amendments and a response to a Civil Grand Jury report on affordable housing.

• Contract increase of $189,882 for Public Safety Building Project design review (Total: $874,882)
• Contract for e-citation devices/services with Turbo Data Systems not to exceed $218,545 for five years
• Contract increase of $166,747 for Regional Water Quality Control Plant project (Total: $1,131,747)
• Activation of Electric Hydro Rate Adjuster (E-HRA) at $0.013/kWh effective April 1, 2022
• Approval of the city's response to the Civil Grand Jury Report Regarding Affordable Housing

The Palo Alto City Council approved a performance review of police recruitment and hiring practices, directed staff to pursue eucalyptus removal and fire safety improvements in foothills parks, and adopted a resolution activating the Electric Hydro Rate Adjuster at $0.013/kWh effective April 1, 2022. The council also appointed two members to the Architectural Review Board and approved several consent calendar items, including labor agreements and a surveillance policy for e-citation devices.

• Approved performance review of police hiring practices and required written response to future IPA recommendations (7-0)
• Directed staff to pursue eucalyptus removal and fire mitigation in Foothills, Pearson-Arastradero, and Esther Clark parks (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 10023 activating E-HRA rate at $0.013/kWh effective April 1, 2022 (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Appointed Yingxi Chen to full term and Kendra Rosenberg to unexpired term on Architectural Review Board (7-0)
• Approved consent items 4, 10 (minutes and Kennedy/Jenks contract) (7-0)
• Approved consent items 5-8 (labor agreements, grand jury response, TEA contract, E-HRA) (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved item 6 (Civil Grand Jury response on affordable housing) (5-2, Cormack and Tanaka no)
• Approved surveillance use policy and contract with Turbo Data Systems, not-to-exceed $218,545 for five years (part of consent 5-8)

City Council Meeting

The City Council is holding a special meeting to conduct interviews for the Architectural Review Board. The meeting includes provisions for both in-person and virtual participation.

• Interviews for the Architectural Review Board

Historic Resources Board Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will discuss the results of the 2021 work plan and review a draft for the 2022 work plan. The board will also consider the approval of meeting minutes from January 27, 2022.

• Discussion of 2021 Work Plan Results
• Review of Draft 2022 Work Plan
• Approval of January 27, 2022 draft minutes

The board approved the January 27, 2021 draft minutes with corrections, including changing 'Libertyville' to 'Liberty Hill' and 'their history' to 'our (Palo Alto) history.' The board also discussed the 2021 work plan results and the draft 2022 work plan, including a proposed $30,000-$50,000 consultant contract for Policy L.7.1.1 outreach, but took no formal action on the work plan. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural and discussion-focused.

• Approved Jan. 27, 2021 draft minutes as corrected (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Board will hold a public hearing regarding revisions to objective design standards based on City Council feedback. Members will also discuss the draft ARB Work Plan and the annual report.

• Public Hearing: Revisions to Objective Design Standards
• Discussion of Draft Architectural Review Board Work Plan
• Discussion of the ARB Annual Report and potential bylaw changes

The Architectural Review Board discussed revisions to the Objective Design Standards, focusing on privacy, sight lines, and height transitions, but did not finalize any changes. The board voted 3-0 to continue the discussion to the March 17 meeting. The draft work plan was also continued to that date.

• Continued discussion of Objective Design Standards revisions to March 17, 2022 (3-0)
• Continued draft work plan discussion to March 17, 2022

Human Relations Commission

The Commission will discuss community priorities for the Palo Alto Police Department and potential responses to recent hate incidents. Additionally, they will hold a public hearing regarding Community Development Block Grant recommendations for fiscal year 2022-2023.

• Resolution authorizing use of teleconferencing during Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Public hearing for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and Annual Action Plan
• Community listening session regarding qualities for the next police chief
• Consideration of responses to recent hate incidents in the community

The Human Relations Commission voted to recommend City Council approve the Draft Fiscal Year 2022-23 Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, with amendments reflecting the HRC's recommended allocations. The commission also adopted a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency and passed a motion to recommend bringing FBI and community resources to Palo Alto for hate crime education. The meeting included a listening session with the City Manager on police chief qualities, but no action was taken on that item.

• Approved minutes of February 10, 2022 (5-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing for HRC meetings during COVID-19 emergency (5-0)
• Recommended Council approve Draft FY 2022-23 Annual Action Plan with HRC funding allocations (4-1, Regehr dissenting)
• Recommended bringing FBI and community resources to Palo Alto for hate crime education and increasing public awareness on reporting hate crimes (4-1, Regehr dissenting)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission is holding a retreat to determine its priorities for the year. The body will discuss and potentially approve items for the 2022 Work Plan.

• Discussion and approval of potential items for the 2022 Work Plan

The Planning and Transportation Commission held a discussion-only retreat to shape its 2022 work plan, covering topics like the Housing Element update, California Avenue planning, traffic safety data, and neighborhood planning. No formal decisions or votes were recorded; the meeting was procedural and focused on gathering input for future agenda items.

• No formal decisions or votes taken during the meeting
• Discussed potential 2022 work plan items including Housing Element, California Avenue, traffic safety, and neighborhood planning
• Agreed to explore options for public comment deadlines and batching
• Agreed to consider displaying complicated motions on screen
• Agreed to include public comment opportunity in mission statement

Policy & Services Committee Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will discuss recommendations for state and federal legislation. The body will also receive presentations from the Office of the City Auditor regarding economic recovery, risk assessment, and quarterly status.

• Recommendations on pending state and federal legislation
• Economic Recovery Advisory Report presentation
• FY22 Risk Assessment Report & Audit Plan presentation
• Office of the City Auditor Quarterly Status Report (October to December 2021)

The Policy and Services Committee voted to recommend the City Council support Senate Bill 1100 for orderly meetings and encourage legislation allowing remote participation in non-emergencies. It also recommended accepting the Economic Recovery Advisory report, the FY22/23 Risk Assessment and Audit Plan with three task orders, and the City Auditor's quarterly status report. All recommendations passed unanimously except the remote participation motion, which passed 2-1.

• Recommended supporting Senate Bill 1100 for orderly meetings (3-0)
• Recommended supporting remote meeting participation legislation (2-1, Cormack no)
• Recommended accepting Economic Recovery Advisory report (3-0)
• Recommended approving FY22/23 Risk Assessment Report (3-0)
• Recommended approving FY22/23 Audit Plan Report (3-0)
• Recommended approving three audit task orders: Remote/Flexible Work Study, Cybersecurity Assessment, Wastewater Treatment Plant Agreement Audit (3-0)
• Recommended accepting City Auditor's Quarterly Status Report Oct-Dec 2021 (3-0)

City Council Meeting

The City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss the development of a new community gymnasium and a joint study session on SCAP implementation. The body will also consider resolutions regarding water conservation and the use of teleconferencing for meetings.

• Proposal to assess and conduct public outreach for a new Community Gymnasium Project
• Resolution to implement Stage I of the amended 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
• Resolution authorizing teleconferencing for Council meetings during the Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Discontinuation of vaccination and testing checks at City meetings
• Joint Study Session with the Utilities Advisory Commission regarding SCAP Development and Implementation

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will discuss a proposal for a new 55,583 square foot office building and renovations to an existing office building. The board will also hold a public hearing on revisions to Objective Design Standards.

• 901 South California Avenue: Preliminary review for demolition and construction of a 55,583 square foot Office/R&D Building
• 250 Cambridge Ave: Minor review for facade renovation and a Design Enhancement Exception to increase building height
• Public Hearing: Revisions to Objective Design Standards based on City Council feedback
• Discussion of the ARB Draft Work Plan and Annual Report
• California Avenue Street Improvements / Parklets study session

The Architectural Review Board voted 3-0 to continue the 250 Cambridge Ave façade renovation to a date uncertain, as members could not make the required design findings. The board also approved minutes from February 3, 2021, and scheduled a special meeting for March 10, 2022, to discuss the work plan and other items. A motion to approve the 250 Cambridge project failed for lack of a second.

• Continued 250 Cambridge Ave façade renovation to date uncertain (3-0)
• Motion to approve 250 Cambridge Ave project failed for lack of second
• Approved minutes of February 3, 2021 (3-0)
• Scheduled special meeting for March 10, 2022 to discuss work plan and other items (3-0)

Utilities Advisory Commission

The Utilities Advisory Commission is reviewing proposed FY 2023 financial plans and rate increases for water, wastewater, gas, and electric services. The body is also discussing a water supply agreement amendment and a purchase transfer between Mountain View and East Palo Alto.

• FY 2023 Water Utility Financial Plan and rate increases for schedules W-1, W-2, W-3, W-4, and W-7
• FY 2023 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Plan and rate increases for schedules S-1, S-2, S-6, and S-7
• FY 2023 Gas Utility Financial Plan and rate increases for schedules G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-10
• FY 2023 Electric Financial Plan and rate amendments for multiple schedules including E-1, E-2, and E-7
• Amendment to the Water Supply Agreement between the City and County of San Francisco and wholesale customers

The Utilities Advisory Commission voted to recommend City Council approval of FY 2023 financial plans and rate increases for water (4%), wastewater (3%), gas (4%), and electric (5%), along with associated reserve transfers. The commission also recommended approval of amendments to the regional water supply agreement and a minimum purchase transfer from Mountain View to East Palo Alto. All votes were unanimous among present members, with some members absent.

• Approved minutes of Feb 2 and Feb 8, 2022 meetings (5-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconference meetings during COVID-19 emergency (5-0)
• Recommended Council adopt water supply agreement amendment and Mountain View-East Palo Alto transfer (5-0)
• Recommended Council approve FY 2023 Water Utility Financial Plan with 4% rate increase and $13.964M CIP reserve transfer (4-0)
• Recommended Council approve FY 2023 Wastewater Financial Plan with 3% rate increase and $5.33M CIP reserve transfer (4-0)
• Recommended Council approve FY 2023 Gas Utility Financial Plan with 4% rate increase and reserve transfers (4-0)
• Recommended Council approve FY 2023 Electric Financial Plan with 5% rate increase and reserve transfers (4-0)

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee is discussing whether to restart, delay, or modify the Business Registry Certificate (BRC) and Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) programs for fiscal year 2023. Both programs were previously paused or waived due to COVID-19 financial impacts on local businesses.

• Review of Business Registry Certificate (BRC) renewal process
• Review of Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) renewal process
• Discussion of BRC fees: $50 registration fee and $4 certified access specialist fee
• Discussion of BID assessments ranging from $50 to $500
• Consideration of a potential business license tax for the November 2022 general election

City Council Meeting

The City Council will hold a study session on Valley Water’s Purified Water Project and discuss a response to a Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury report on affordable housing. The body will also consider several infrastructure contracts and a public hearing on weed abatement.

• Contract with Ranger Pipelines, Inc. for $7,819,336 for Water Main Replacement Project 28 (total not-to-exceed $8,601,270)
• Five-year contract with Sierra Traffic Markings, Inc. for $850,000 for on-call roadway improvements
• Proposed $5,000 limit on fee-free credit card payments for utilities
• Contract with CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group Inc. for $164,852 for University Avenue Streetscape Update
• Amendment to Sandis Civil Engineers contract to increase compensation by $50,000 for Churchill Avenue Enhanced Bikeway Project

The City Council approved a motion to direct staff to issue an RFI/RFP for a feasibility study on permanently closing portions of California Avenue and Ramona Street, with options for weekend closures and other considerations. The motion also directs staff to return with an item to extend the current street closure through December 31, 2023. The motion passed 7-0.

• Approved consent calendar items 2-6, 8-10 (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 10020 ordering weed nuisance abatement (7-0)
• Directed staff to accept Grand Jury response letter with clarification on 2018 residential cap (5-2)
• Approved feasibility study RFI/RFP for California Ave and Ramona St closures (7-0)
• Deleted option to evaluate weekend closure from original motion (4-3)
• Failed to add charette process prior to RFI/RFP (3-4)
• Approved amendment to extend street closure through Dec 31, 2023 (5-2)
• Failed to add biking on Cal Ave to motion (3-4)

Historic Resources Board Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will hold a public hearing regarding exterior modifications to a local historic resource. The board will also discuss the 2021 work plan results and the draft 2022 work plan.

• Public hearing for 567 Hale Street [21BLD-02531] regarding exterior modifications to a Category II Local Historic Resource
• Discussion of 2021 Work Plan results
• Review of Draft 2022 Work Plan

The Historic Resources Board reviewed a building permit application for exterior modifications to 567 Hale Street, a Category II historic resource. The Board passed a motion (6-0) recommending that the applicant reconsider the rear glass door, tailor structural upgrades to preserve as much of the interior and exterior as possible, and reconsider smaller window and opening changes to be more compatible with the original design. The Board also approved minutes from October 28 and December 9, 2021, and continued discussion of the 2022 Work Plan to the next meeting.

• Approved motion recommending changes to 567 Hale Street project (6-0)
• Approved October 28, 2021 draft minutes (4-0-2)
• Approved December 9, 2021 draft minutes (4-0-2)
• Continued Work Plan discussion to March 10 meeting (unanimous)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Commission will review recommendations for 2023-31 Housing Element Sites and associated unit yields. Additionally, the body will consider authorizing the transmittal of the 2021 Comprehensive Plan and 2021 Housing Element Annual Progress Reports.

• Review and recommendation on 2023-31 Housing Element Sites and Associated Unit Yield
• Authorization of 2021 Comprehensive Plan Annual Progress Report transmittal
• Authorization of 2021 Housing Element Annual Progress Report transmittal

The Planning and Transportation Commission voted to recommend a package of Housing Element site strategies and unit yields to the City Council, covering pipeline units, ADUs, multi-family, upzoning, transit corridors, faith-based institutions, City-owned parking lots, GM and ROLM zones, and specific Stanford sites. The Commission also approved transmitting the 2021 Comprehensive Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Reports to state agencies. Several motions on the Palo Alto Transit Center density and affordability were split, with a 360-unit proposal failing and a 270-unit proposal passing 4-3.

• Approved teleconferencing resolution for PTC meetings during COVID-19 (7-0)
• Recommended pipeline units (565), ADU (512), MFA (457) strategies to Council (7-0 each)
• Recommended upzone strategy (1,640 units) to Council (7-0); companion motion on design standards passed (6-1)
• Recommended Caltrain station strategy (798 units) to Council (7-0)
• Recommended transit corridor strategy (274 units) to Council (6-1)
• Recommended faith-based institution strategy (148 units, all BMR) to Council (7-0)
• Recommended City-owned parking lot strategy (168 units, BMR) to Council (7-0)
• Recommended GM Zone (596 units) and ROLM Zone (902 units) strategies to Council (7-0 each)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved a resolution to continue teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency and approved the January 25, 2022 minutes. The main substantive action was a motion, passed 5-0, recommending that the Finance Committee approve the methodology for points 2, 3, and 5 of the Development Impact Fee Justification Study, but with further study on land valuation costs using realistic acquisition data (including tear-downs) and providing alternative fee calculations based on per-unit and per-square-foot methods. The commission also discussed court usage, particularly pickleball and tennis, but took no formal action, deferring to an Ad Hoc committee for future recommendations.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency (5-0)
• Approved minutes from January 25, 2022 meeting (5-0)
• Recommended Finance Committee approve nexus study methodology for points 2, 3, and 5 (5-0)
• Recommended further study on land valuation costs using realistic acquisition data including tear-downs (5-0)
• Recommended providing alternative fee calculations based on per-unit and per-square-foot methods (5-0)

Public Art Commission

The Public Art Commission is meeting to decide on a resolution authorizing the use of teleconferencing during the Covid-19 state of emergency. Commissioners and staff will also discuss the formulation of the PAC Annual Work Plan for Council.

• Resolution authorizing teleconferencing for Public Art Commission meetings
• Discussion of the PAC Annual Work Plan for Council

The Public Art Commission approved a resolution authorizing the use of teleconferencing for its meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency, as permitted by AB 361. The commission also discussed the 2022 workplan, proposing to update the annual report with an 'Outcome / Impact' column and draft a new workplan for 2022/23. Staff announced the launch of the King Residency and the ArtLift Microgrant call for artists with a March 30, 2022 deadline. The minutes from the January 20, 2022 meeting were approved.

• Approved the resolution authorizing teleconferencing for Public Art Commission meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
• Approved the minutes of the January 20, 2022 regular meeting.
• Discussed the 2022 workplan, proposing to add an 'Outcome / Impact' column to the annual report and draft a new workplan for 2022/23.

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Board will hold a study session regarding a proposed mixed-use development at 525 E. Charleston Road. Additionally, the Board is scheduled to consider seven projects for awards.

• Study Session: 525 E. Charleston Road mixed-use project including 2,750 square feet of office and 50 units of affordable rental housing
• Action Item: ARB Awards regarding seven additional eligible projects
• Discussion: California Avenue street improvements and parklets

The Architectural Review Board approved a resolution allowing it to continue meeting virtually during the COVID-19 state of emergency. The board also granted an honorable mention to 430 Forest Avenue in its design awards, and approved minutes from December 2, 2021 and January 20, 2022, with a minor edit to the December minutes. The board held a study session on a proposed affordable housing project at 525 E. Charleston Road, providing feedback but taking no formal action.

• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing for ARB meetings during COVID-19 state of emergency (3-0).
• Granted 430 Forest Avenue an honorable mention in the ARB Awards (3-0).
• Approved minutes of December 2, 2021, with an edit adding 'he said that' to a specific line (3-0).
• Approved minutes of January 20, 2022 (3-0).
• Held a study session on the 525 E. Charleston Road mixed-use project; no formal action taken.
• Discussed future study session on California Avenue street improvements and parklets.
• Received update on Objective Standards checklist; no action taken.

City Council Meeting

The City Council will provide direction on the Cubberley Concept Plan and the potential relocation of Palo Verde and Hoover Elementary Schools. The body will also consider an ordinance to lower the threshold for no-fault eviction relocation assistance.

• Ordinance to reduce no-fault eviction relocation assistance threshold from 50 units to 10 units
• Construction contract with Legion Contractors Inc. for $494,723 for Magical Bridge Playground resurfacing
• Contract with N. Harris Corporation (SmartWorks) for Meter Data Management System not to exceed $1,804,055
• Contract amendment with AECOM for $722,170 for railroad grade separation alternatives
• Negotiations with Pets in Need for animal shelter operations and capital improvements

The City Council voted 7-0 to pause preparation of the Cubberley Concept Plan CEQA and request a joint meeting with the PAUSD School Board before June. It also directed staff to return with a work plan exploring a land swap at Fletcher or a financial framework for acquiring land, and to scope the design process for a City-owned Cubberley Community Center once acreage is determined. The council also approved consent items including a $494,723 construction contract for playground resurfacing, an MDMS contract with N. Harris Corporation, and an ordinance reducing the relocation assistance threshold to 10 units. A motion to refer the AECOM contract amendment to the Rail Committee passed 4-3.

• Approved motion to interview all new applicants for the Architectural Review Board (7-0).
• Approved consent items 2-4, 6-7, including minutes, construction contract, PAUSD agreement, MDMS contract, and ordinance 5544 (various votes).
• Pulled Item 5 (AECOM contract) from consent calendar to hear as Item 8A.
• Referred AECOM contract amendment to Rail Committee (4-3).
• Directed staff to pause Cubberley Concept Plan CEQA and request joint PAUSD meeting (7-0).
• Directed staff to explore land swap at Fletcher or financial framework for acquiring land (7-0).
• Directed staff to proceed with negotiations with Pets in Need for long-term animal services contract (7-0).
• Directed staff to include trap/neuter program, small animal area, and fundraising in shelter plans (7-0).

Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission is holding a special retreat meeting to review the past year and discuss core responsibilities. The body will take action to develop a workplan and assign liaison and buddy responsibilities for the year.

• Review of the past year
• Discussion of core responsibilities, liaisons, and buddies
• Development of the annual workplan

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission held its annual retreat and adopted its 2022 priorities, which include biodiversity, environmental sustainability, climate change, maximizing recreation opportunities, and equity, access, and inclusion. The Commission also established and assigned members to seven ad hoc committees and various liaison roles for the year. The 2022 work plan will be finalized at the March 22 meeting and sent to City Council for approval in April.

• Adopted 2022 Commission priorities (6-0)
• Adopted 2022 Ad Hoc Committees and Liaison assignments (unanimous)
• Established ad hoc committees for CIP Review, Funding Opportunities, Recreation Projects, Racquet Court Policy, Electric Conveyances Policy, Park Dedication, and Website Refresh
• Assigned liaison roles including Sustainability and Biodiversity, Dog Parks, Foothills, and Ventura Plan
• Set March 22 meeting to finalize the 2022 Work Plan

Human Relations Commission

The February 10, 2022, meeting has been rescheduled to February 12, 2022. The session will serve as the Annual Workplan Retreat for the Commission.

• Annual Workplan Retreat

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a preliminary parcel map for 985 Channing Avenue. Additionally, the body will review and make recommendations on 2023-31 Housing Element Sites and associated unit yields.

• Public Hearing: Preliminary Parcel Map with exceptions to remove recorded height restrictions at 985 Channing Avenue
• Review and Recommendation: 2023-31 Housing Element Sites and Associated Unit Yields

The Planning and Transportation Commission voted 4-3 to recommend the City Council deny a request to remove recorded height and second-story restrictions on a parcel at 985 Channing Avenue. The commission also continued discussion on the 2023-31 Housing Element sites to its February 23, 2022 meeting. The meeting included reports on upcoming in-person meetings and a City Council ordinance.

• Recommended denial of Preliminary Parcel Map with Exceptions and Amending Map for 985 Channing Avenue (4-3)
• Continued review of 2023-31 Housing Element sites and unit yields to February 23, 2022 meeting (7-0)

Utilities Advisory Commission

The Utilities Advisory Commission will discuss the Palo Alto Fiber Project. The discussion includes updates on communications and community engagement efforts to date and upcoming planned opportunities.

• Discussion of the Palo Alto Fiber Project and community engagement efforts

The Utilities Advisory Commission held a special meeting to discuss the Palo Alto Fiber project's community engagement efforts. Staff reported on outreach metrics, including over 4,000 views of the Fiber Hub and 210 pins on the interactive map. Commissioners provided feedback on the ambassador program, marketing, and the need for quantitative milestones. No formal decisions were made; the item was for discussion only.

• No formal actions taken; discussion only on Fiber community engagement

Policy & Services Committee Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will receive an update regarding race and equity work conducted since September 2021. This update includes a report on a Records Management System (RMS) contract for police data collection.

• Update on recent race and equity work since September 2021
• Update on a Records Management System (RMS) contract for police data collection

The Policy and Services Committee voted 3-0 to recommend four actions to the City Council on race and equity work, including requesting the Human Relations Commission study Asian American and Pacific Islander experiences, asking the Police Department for hate crime data by race, urging council members to complete micro-aggression training by June 2022, and scheduling a study session on police radio encryption and public notification. The recommendations were forwarded to the City Council for consideration.

• Recommended Human Relations Commission research AAPI lived experiences (3-0)
• Recommended Police Department provide hate crime data over time by race (3-0)
• Recommended council members complete micro-aggression training by June 2022 (3-0)
• Recommended study session on police radio encryption and public/media notification (3-0)

City Council Meeting

The City Council will discuss the FY 2022 mid-year budget review and potential street closures at California Avenue and Ramona Street. The body is also deciding on a loan for a workforce housing project and various auditor reports.

• Proposed $3,000,000 loan for affordable workforce housing at 231 Grant Avenue
• FY 2022 Mid-Year Budget Review including adding 11.00 FTE positions
• RFP for a feasibility study on temporary and permanent closure of California Avenue and Ramona Street
• Resolution authorizing teleconferencing for Council meetings during Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Closed session regarding a written claim by Strawn Construction Inc. for Palo Alto Fire Station No. 3

The City Council approved the FY 2022 mid-year budget review, including amendments to various funds and the addition of 11.00 FTE positions. The council also approved a $3 million loan from housing funds for an affordable workforce housing project at 231 Grant Avenue. A discussion on California Avenue and Ramona Street closures was continued to February 28, 2022.

• Approved FY 2022 budget amendments (5-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved 11.00 FTE additions to Table of Organization (6-0)
• Approved $3,000,000 loan for affordable housing at 231 Grant Avenue (5-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved 2022 Legislative Guidelines (5-1, Kou no)
• Approved consent items 3, 5-8 (6-0)
• Continued California Avenue/Ramona Street closure discussion to Feb 28

City Council Retreat

The City Council is holding a special virtual meeting for its annual retreat. The session includes discussions on the status of current priorities, setting new priorities for 2022, and reviewing council procedures.

• Status of 2022 City Council priorities
• Setting 2022 Council priorities
• Discussion of Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook
• Review of 2022 standing committee topics

The City Council held a retreat and adopted four 2022 Council Priorities: Economic Recovery and Transition, Climate Change Protection and Adaptation, Housing for Social and Economic Balance, and Community Health and Safety. The motion passed 7-0. The Council also voted 6-1 to refer a set of community values and topics (fiscal sustainability, social justice, healthy community, environmental sustainability) to the Policy and Services Committee for recommendation.

• Adopted 2022 Council Priorities (7-0)
• Referred community values and topics to Policy and Services Committee (6-1, Tanaka no)

Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Regular Meeting

The Stormwater Management Oversight Committee approved the December 2021 meeting minutes, a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency, and the FY 2021 actuals memo with edits. They also received updates on the FY23 budget process and a funding analysis for green stormwater infrastructure, with discussion on future operations and maintenance funding.

• Approved December 2, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2021 actuals memo with edits (unanimous)

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Architectural Review Board is meeting to provide a recommendation on a major architectural review for a hospital expansion. The board will also determine winners for its project awards and elect a Vice Chair.

• Public hearing for 00 Pasteur [21PLN-00235]: request for a 37,000 sf addition to a Stanford Hospital building for seismic standards and patient room renovation
• Selection of award categories and winners from 11 eligible projects
• Election of Vice Chair

The Architectural Review Board approved a major architectural review for a 37,116 sq ft addition to Stanford Hospital at 300 Pasteur, with a 3-0 vote. The board also selected six award winners and one honorable mention for the ARB Awards cycle, and appointed Boardmember Hirsch as Vice Chair.

• Approved major architectural review for 37,116 sq ft Stanford Hospital addition (3-0)
• Approved six ARB Award winners and one honorable mention (3-0)
• Appointed Boardmember Hirsch as Vice Chair (3-0)

Utilities Advisory Commission

The Utilities Advisory Commission will review the 2021-2022 Annual Work Plan for recommendation to the City Council. The meeting also includes discussions on electric distribution infrastructure modernization and community engagement efforts.

• Adoption of a resolution authorizing teleconferencing for commission meetings
• Discussion of communications and community engagement efforts
• Presentation on electric distribution infrastructure modernization for S/CAP
• Review and approval of the 2021-2022 Annual Work Plan

The Utilities Advisory Commission approved its 2021-2022 Annual Work Plan and a resolution authorizing teleconference meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency, both by 7-0 votes. The commission also discussed grid modernization needs for electrification, heard updates on drought conditions and a planned power outage, and removed a fiber network discussion from the agenda.

• Approved 2021-2022 Annual Work Plan (7-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconference meetings during COVID-19 emergency (7-0)
• Approved January 5, 2022 meeting minutes as amended (7-0)
• Pulled fiber network expansion discussion from agenda, rescheduled for later special meeting

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee is reviewing preliminary retail rate forecasts for electric, gas, water, wastewater, refuse, and storm drain utilities. Staff recommends several rate increases to address rising commodity costs and maintain system reserves. The committee will also discuss activating the Electric Hydro Rate Adjuster (E-HRA) surcharge due to low reservoir levels.

• Proposed 5% increase for electric utility rates
• Proposed 4% increase for gas and water rates
• Proposed 3% increase for wastewater collection rates
• Proposed 4.2% increase for storm drain rates
• Recommendation to amend the Electric Hydro Rate Adjuster (E-HRA) schedule

The Finance Committee voted 3-0 to recommend that the City Council activate the Electric Hydro Rate Adjuster (E-HRA) rate. This action was part of preliminary rate projections for fiscal year 2023 for electric, gas, water, and wastewater utilities. The recommendation now goes to the full City Council for consideration.

• Recommended activating Electric Hydro Rate Adjuster (E-HRA) (3-0)

City Council Meeting

The City Council will hold a public hearing to discuss amending the municipal code regarding relocation assistance for no-fault evictions. The body is considering reducing the applicability threshold from 50 units to 10 units or lower. Other business includes labor negotiations and water supply guarantees.

• Public hearing on amending Municipal Code Section 9.68 to lower the relocation assistance threshold from 50 to 10 units
• Discussion on the sale of up to 1 million gallons per day (MGD) of Individual Supply Guarantee (ISD)
• Staff recommendations for Foothills Fire Mitigation and Safety Improvement Strategies
• Closed session conference with labor negotiators including SEIU Local 521 and PAPOA
• Item on a new community gymnasium project continued to February 28, 2022

The City Council adopted an emergency ordinance and a regular ordinance amending the Palo Alto Municipal Code to reduce the threshold for relocation assistance for no-fault evictions from 50 units per property to 10 units. The motion passed 5-1-1, with Council Member Tanaka voting no and Council Member Stone recusing. The council also continued a parks and recreation commission recommendation about a new community gymnasium to March 7, 2022, and deferred action on a proposal to sell up to 1 million gallons per day of Individual Supply Guarantee.

• Adopted Emergency Ordinance 5543 lowering relocation assistance threshold to 10 units (5-1-1)
• Adopted regular ordinance lowering relocation assistance threshold to 10 units (5-1-1)
• Continued Item 4 (community gymnasium) to March 7, 2022
• Deferred action on sale of up to 1 MGD of Individual Supply Guarantee
• Pulled Foothills Fire Mitigation item from consent calendar for future hearing

Historic Resources Board Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will discuss a work plan related to the existing historic resources inventory and 1998-2000 historic survey. The board will also review its meeting schedule and approve draft minutes from previous meetings.

• Historic Resources Board Retreat: Discussion of work plan regarding existing historic resources inventory and 1998-2000 historic survey
• Approval of October 28, 2021, draft minutes
• Approval of December 9, 2021, draft minutes
• Adoption of a resolution authorizing use of teleconferencing during Covid-19 State of Emergency

The Historic Resources Board adopted a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency (7-0). The board held a retreat to discuss updating the city's historic resources inventory, including outreach to property owners and potential funding. No formal action was taken on the inventory update, but the board agreed to form subcommittees and prepare a memo to Council requesting resources.

• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 emergency (7-0)
• Moved approval of meeting minutes to next meeting (7-0)
• Agreed to form subcommittees for Mills Act, inventory, and mapping work
• Agreed to draft a memo to Council requesting funding for inventory update

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission is holding a public hearing to recommend an ordinance change regarding relocation assistance. The body is discussing whether to apply these requirements to buildings with 10 or more units instead of 50 or more.

• Public hearing on amending PAMC Section 9.68.035 to lower the unit threshold for relocation assistance from 50 to 10 units

The Planning and Transportation Commission voted 5-1 to recommend City Council adopt an ordinance lowering the threshold for Tenant Relocation Assistance (TRA) from 50 or more units to 10 or more units. The motion also included incorporating definitions from AB 1482 to align with state law. Commissioners expressed concerns about lack of data and potential unintended consequences, but the motion carried with Commissioner Hechtman dissenting.

• Recommended lowering TRA threshold from 50 to 10 units (5-1)
• Incorporated AB 1482 definitions into the ordinance (5-1)
• Requested more data on rental market impacts (5-1)
• Tabled ADU ordinance changes to February 9, 2022 meeting

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission elected Jeff Greenfield as Chair and Jeff LaMere as Vice Chair for the coming year. It also approved a resolution authorizing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency and approved the minutes from the December 14, 2021 meeting. The Commission received annual reports on aquatics and golf operations, with no formal action taken on those reports.

• Elected Jeff Greenfield as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Jeff LaMere as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Approved resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during COVID-19 state of emergency (5-0)
• Approved minutes from December 14, 2021 meeting (5-0)

City Council Meeting

The City Council will discuss polling results and engagement plans regarding possible business license and utility tax proposals. The meeting also includes several second readings of ordinances and a public hearing on zoning height transitions.

• Discussion of local tax ballot measures for the November 2022 election
• General Services Contract with Denali Water Solutions, LLC for $2,427,084
• Second reading of a Park Improvement Ordinance for the Palo Alto Flood Basin Tide Gate Structure
• Second reading of an interim ordinance regarding Senate Bills 9 and 478
• Public hearing on height transitions and setbacks for the RM-40 zone district

The City Council directed staff to prepare a square-footage business license tax proposal for the November 2022 ballot, with exemptions for hotels and grocery stores, and to develop a voter ratification measure for the existing gas General Fund Equity Transfer while dropping the utility users tax option. The council also approved a consent calendar including contracts, audits, and ordinances, and passed a motion to amend the height transition ordinance for the RM-40 zone. A study session on race conversations took no action.

• Approved consent items 2-3 and 5-10 (7-0)
• Approved item 4, annual status report on development impact fees (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Directed staff to pursue square-footage business license tax with $50 flat fee for first 5,000 sq ft and monthly rate beyond (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Rejected amendment to eliminate 20-cent rate from tax proposal (2-5)
• Directed staff to develop voter ratification for gas General Fund Equity Transfer, eliminating UUT option (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved motion to amend height transition ordinance to 150 ft zone and extend to RM-40 non-residential (5-2, Cormack and Tanaka no)

Public Art Commission

The Public Art Commission is meeting to discuss the allocation of $40,000 for ArtLift Microgrants and approve several maintenance contracts for city artworks. The body will also review a donation of artwork from the Cubberley Artist Studio Program and discuss its 2022 workplan.

• Allocation of up to $40,000 for ArtLift Microgrants
• Up to $4,000 for cleaning and maintenance of 'Confluence' by Michael Szabo
• Up to $3,300 for concrete pad repairs for 'Albuquerque' and 'Movement IV'
• Up to $8,000 for maintenance of 'Conversation' by Susan Narduli
• Review of artwork donation by Chandrika Marla

The Public Art Commission approved $40,000 for a second round of ArtLift Microgrants, funding up to ten $4,000 projects. It also approved funding for maintenance of several artworks, including $4,000 for Confluence, $3,300 for concrete pad repairs, and $8,000 for the Conversation kiosk upgrade. The commission accepted a donated artwork, Meet Me Halfway, and adopted a resolution to continue teleconferencing meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency.

• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing for meetings during COVID-19 state of emergency (all in favor)
• Approved $40,000 for 10 ArtLift Microgrants (all in favor)
• Approved up to $4,000 for maintenance of Confluence (all in favor)
• Approved $3,300 for repair of concrete pads for Movement IV and Albuquerque (all in favor)
• Approved up to $8,000 for maintenance and kiosk upgrade for Conversation (all in favor)
• Accepted donation of artwork Meet Me Halfway by Chandrika Marla (all in favor)

Architectural Review Board Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will discuss a residential development request and revisions to Objective Design Standards. The board will also determine winners for its project awards.

• Architectural Review of a proposed 48-unit residential townhome development at 2850 West Bayshore
• Discussion of revisions to Objective Design Standards based on City Council feedback
• Selection of award categories and winners from 11 eligible projects
• Resolution authorizing the use of teleconferencing during the Covid-19 State of Emergency

The Architectural Review Board (ARB) voted 3-0 to continue the proposed 48-unit townhome development at 2850 West Bayshore to a date uncertain, subject to comments from the board. The board discussed concerns about site planning, guest parking, the height of a retaining wall, and the impact on existing trees. The ARB also provided preliminary direction on revisions to the Objective Design Standards, including feedback on privacy standards, the menu of design options, and height transition standards.

• Continued 2850 West Bayshore townhome project to date uncertain (3-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 state of emergency (3-0)
• Approved minutes for November 18, 2021 ARB meeting (3-0)
• Approved minutes for December 9, 2021 ARB meeting (3-0)
• Moved ARB Awards item to February 2, 2022 meeting (3-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Commission will review a requested conditional use permit and variance for Castilleja School. Additionally, they will review a draft ordinance regarding the definition of gross floor area for below grade garages in R-1 zones.

• Review of Castilleja School's requested Conditional Use Permit and Variance
• Review of Draft Ordinance amending Section 18.04.030 regarding Gross Floor Area in the R1 Zone for Below Grade Garages
• Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Use of Teleconferencing during Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Approval of December 8, 2021 Draft PTC Meeting Minutes

The Planning and Transportation Commission held a continued hearing on the Castilleja School Conditional Use Permit, taking straw poll votes to guide staff on enrollment increases, special events, TDM measures, and parking options. The commission split 3-3 on whether to cap enrollment at 450 students and require a new CUP for increases, and also split 3-3 on requesting a more detailed phased enrollment calendar. It unanimously supported staff returning with more details on special events, TDM corrective action schedules, and parking reduction trade-offs, and affirmed that a Residential Parking Program should be resident-initiated. Commissioner Reckdahl recused himself from the item.

• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during Covid-19 emergency (7-0)
• Straw poll on enrollment cap at 450 with new CUP for increases: 3-3 (Reckdahl recused)
• Straw poll on detailed phased enrollment calendar: 3-3 (Reckdahl recused)
• Straw poll to return detailed special events table: 6-0 (Reckdahl recused)
• Straw poll to return TDM corrective action schedule: 6-0 (Reckdahl recused)
• Straw poll to return TDM oversight committee selection ideas: 6-0 (Reckdahl recused)
• Straw poll to explore parking reduction trade-offs: 6-0 (Reckdahl recused)
• Straw poll affirming RPP should be resident-initiated: 6-0 (Reckdahl recused)

Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission is holding a special meeting to conduct internal governance and administrative actions. The body will vote on its leadership and the use of virtual meetings during the Covid-19 state of emergency.

• Resolution authorizing use of teleconferencing for meetings during Covid-19 State of Emergency
• Election of Human Relations Commission Chair
• Discussion on upcoming Human Relations Commission Retreat

The Human Relations Commission approved a resolution allowing teleconferencing during the COVID-19 state of emergency and elected Commissioner Smith as chair for a term ending January 2023. The commission also approved the November 18, 2021 minutes and discussed an upcoming retreat without taking action.

• Approved November 18, 2021 minutes (5-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconferencing during COVID-19 emergency (5-0)
• Elected Commissioner Smith as Chair for term ending January 2023 (3-2)

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee is reviewing polling results and refining proposals for a potential business license tax and utility tax for the November 2022 ballot. The body is considering tax structures, exemptions for small businesses and grocery stores, and a community engagement plan.

• Proposed business license tax modeling with rates from $0.05 to $0.20 per square foot per month
• Discussion of business license tax exemptions for small retail, grocery stores, or small businesses
• Review of initial Palo Alto Community Issues polling survey results
• Proposal for voter ratification of the existing gas General Fund Transfer
• Draft Community and Stakeholder Engagement Plan for potential tax measures

The Finance Committee tentatively recommended that the City Council pursue a square footage business license tax, accept poll results, and develop a proposal for voter ratification of the gas General Fund Equity Transfer while eliminating the UUT option. The motion passed 3-0.

• Tentatively recommended a square footage business license tax with rate option 3, exemptions for TOT and grocery businesses, and CPI-based escalator (3-0)
• Accepted initial poll results and draft Community and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (3-0)
• Recommended developing a proposal for voter ratification of the gas General Fund Equity Transfer and eliminating the UUT option (3-0)
• Recommended considering a third poll in the ballot measure workplan (3-0)

Human Relations Commission

The meeting originally scheduled for January 13, 2022, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, January 19, 2022. No other business items are listed.

Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will review progress on the 2023-31 Housing Element Update. The body will also consider updates to the Palo Alto Municipal Code regarding wireless communication facilities. Additionally, the commission will elect a Chair and Vice Chair.

• Review of 2023-31 Housing Element Update progress
• Consideration of updates to Section 18.42.110 (Wireless Communication Facilities) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair

The Planning and Transportation Commission held a study session on the 2023-31 Housing Element update and took action on the Wireless Communication Facilities ordinance. The Commission passed several motions directing staff to investigate a 100-foot setback from residences, alternative analysis requirements, a preference-based system, noise limits, and referral processes. The Commission also elected new officers.

• Directed staff to investigate a 100-foot minimum distance for wireless facilities from residences (7-0)
• Directed staff to better define alternative analysis requirements for wireless applications (7-0)
• Directed staff to investigate expanding exception-free applications or a ranked preference system (6-1)
• Directed staff to investigate noise limits, including Santa Clara County levels and Massachusetts pure tone rule (7-0)
• Directed staff to evaluate referral process for Tier 2 wireless applications (7-0)
• Elected Ed Lauing as Chair (7-0)
• Elected Doria Summa as Vice-Chair (7-0)

City Council Meeting

The City Council endorsed the preferred alternative for the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP) with amendments, including defining a low-density R&D zone, adjusting parking ratios, requiring deed-restricted retail for height incentives, eliminating workforce housing incentives, developing larger park locations, and setting height limits for affordable housing. The motion passed 5-2. The Council also accepted the FY 2023-2032 Long Range Financial Forecast and budget guidelines, passing 6-1.

• Endorsed NVCAP preferred alternative with amendments (5-2, Cormack and Tanaka no)
• Approved consent calendar items 2-9, including contracts and ordinances (7-0, Item 8 6-0 with Kou abstaining)
• Accepted FY 2023-2032 Long Range Financial Forecast and budget guidelines (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Held closed session on 445 Bryant Street lease negotiations; no public announcements

Utilities Advisory Commission

The Utilities Advisory Commission is meeting to discuss energy technology permit processes and the scope of the Energy Resiliency and Reliability Plan. The body will also consider a recommendation to the Council to amend Utilities Rule and Regulation 11 regarding billing, adjustments, and payment of bills.

• Proposed amendment to Utilities Rule and Regulation 11 (Billing, Adjustments and Payment of Bills)
• Discussion of Energy Resiliency and Reliability Plan objectives and scope
• Discussion of permit processes for energy technologies
• Resolution authorizing teleconferencing for commission meetings during Covid-19 emergency
• Closed session consultation regarding utility cybersecurity programs

The Utilities Advisory Commission voted 6-0 to recommend that the City Council amend Utilities Rule and Regulation 11 to set a maximum credit card payment limit of $5,000 per monthly utility account, with a cost-recovery fee of up to 2.7% for payments over that amount. The commission also approved a resolution authorizing teleconference meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency and selected a Budget Subcommittee. No other formal actions were taken; the remaining agenda items were discussions only.

• Recommended amending Utilities Rule 11 to cap credit card payments at $5,000/month with 2.7% fee (6-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing teleconference meetings during COVID-19 emergency (6-0)
• Selected Budget Subcommittee members (6-0)
• Approved December 1, 2021 meeting minutes (6-0)

City Council Meeting

The City Council will hold a special meeting to conduct leadership elections. The agenda includes electing the 2022 Mayor and Vice Mayor, as well as adopting a resolution for Tom DuBois.

• Election of the 2022 Mayor
• Election of the 2022 Vice Mayor
• Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to Tom DuBois as Mayor

The City Council elected Pat Burt as Mayor for 2022 by a 6-1 vote, with Council Member Tanaka voting no. Council Member Kou was elected Vice Mayor unanimously. The council also adopted Resolution 10011 expressing appreciation to Tom DuBois for his 2021 mayoral service.

• Elected Pat Burt as Mayor for 2022 (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Elected Kou as Vice Mayor for 2022 (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 10011 thanking Tom DuBois for 2021 mayoral service (7-0)