Palo Alto public meetings in 2024

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The Public Art Commission will consider approving $10,500 to hire Mega Sugainto for Code:ART publicity. Commissioners will also approve the minutes from the November 21, 2024 meeting. Staff will provide an update on the completed restoration of Victor Arnautoff’s frescoes at the Roth Building, 300 Homer Avenue.

• Approve $10,500 allocation for Mega Sugainto to provide Code:ART publicity services
• Approve minutes from the November 21, 2024 Public Art Commission meeting
• Staff update on the restored Victor Arnautoff frescoes at 300 Homer Avenue

The Palo Alto Public Art Commission approved allocating $10,500 for a public relations consultant to promote Code:ART 2025. Staff also reported on the completed installation of a sculpture at Boulware Park, open calls for artists, and the restoration of Arnautoff frescoes at the Roth Building. The meeting was procedural with no other substantive decisions.

• Approved $10,500 for Mega Sugainto publicity services for Code:ART 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved November 21, 2024 meeting minutes (all in favor)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold a study session to review potential zoning ordinance amendments for the El Camino Real Focus Area to implement the 2023-2031 Housing Element. The board will also discuss criteria for design awards for projects built between 2020 and 2024.

• Review of potential amendments to Title 18 (Zoning Ordinance) for the El Camino Real Focus Area
• Discussion on criteria for Architectural Review Board Design Awards (2020-2024)
• Approval of meeting minutes from November 21, 2024

The Architectural Review Board held a study session on potential amendments to El Camino Real Focus Area zoning to implement the 2023-2031 Housing Element. Board members discussed and reached consensus on several recommendations, including a 10-foot front setback above 55 feet for 75% of the facade, a 45-degree daylight plane starting at 16 feet, and a 12-foot minimum sidewalk width. No formal votes were taken; the recommendations will be integrated with Planning and Transportation Commission feedback for Council consideration.

• Recommended 10-foot front setback above 55 feet for 75% of facade (consensus)
• Recommended 45-degree daylight plane starting at 16 feet adjacent to R1 (consensus)
• Recommended 12-foot minimum sidewalk width (consensus)
• Approved November 21, 2024 minutes with correction (unanimous)
• Discussed ARB Design Awards criteria; no formal decision
• Discussed El Camino Real Focus Area expansion; no formal decision

Retail Committee Regular Meeting

The Retail Committee will present recommendations to the City Council and staff regarding retail vacancies on University Avenue downtown. The items include enhanced cleanliness efforts, revisions to the parklet program, and increasing temporary uses. The meeting also allows public comment on agenda and non‑agenda items.

• Recommendation for enhanced cleanliness efforts in the University Avenue retail area
• Proposed revisions to the parklet program
• Suggestion to increase temporary uses in the downtown retail corridor

The Retail Committee voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council adopt measures addressing retail vacancies in University Avenue downtown, including mid-year budget revisions for enhanced cleanliness, parklet policy changes requiring adjacent property owner consent for extensions, and development of revised temporary use permit rules to incentivize short-term activation. The committee also requested staff explore plans for downtown character promotion, temporary parking needs, and medium-term physical improvements.

• Recommended Council revise FY2025 budget mid-year for downtown cleanliness (3-0)
• Recommended Council revise parklet policy to require adjacent owner consent for extensions (3-0)
• Recommended staff develop revised temporary use permit rules to incentivize short-term activation (3-0)
• Requested staff explore downtown character promotion, temporary parking, and physical improvements (3-0)

Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the October minutes with changes and appointed an ad hoc committee to evaluate middle school athletics programs. The commission also discussed the aquatics annual report and the draft Capital Improvement Plan, but took no formal action on those items.

• Approved October 22, 2024 minutes as amended (6-0-1, Deng abstained)
• Appointed Chair Brown and Commissioners Cribbs and Deng to Middle School Athletics Ad Hoc (7-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Special Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will consider a recommendation for an ordinance to implement various Housing Element programs. This includes updating regulations for affordable housing incentives and retail preservation. The body will also hold a study session regarding zoning amendments for the El Camino Real Focus Area.

• Recommendation on ordinance for Housing Element Programs 3.3A, B, D and 3.4A-D
• Updates to Chapter 18.14: Affordable Housing Incentive Program (AHIP) and Housing Incentive Program (HIP)
• Modifications to Section 18.40.180: Retail Preservation
• Modifications to Base Zoning Districts throughout Title 18
• Study Session for El Camino Real Focus Area zoning amendments (Program 3.4E)

The Planning and Transportation Commission voted 6-0 to recommend an ordinance implementing Housing Element Programs 3.3 and 3.4, which modify zoning for the Affordable Housing Incentive Program (AHIP) and Housing Incentive Program (HIP). The motion included expanding AHIP to all HIP-eligible sites and directing staff to investigate an FAR bonus for non-RM developments with 10% or more 3-bedroom units and propose additional El Camino nodes within three months. The item will go to City Council in the first quarter of 2025. The commission also held a study session on potential amendments to the El Camino Real Focus Area regulations but took no action.

• Approved motion to recommend housing incentive ordinance with AHIP expansion to all HIP-eligible sites (6-0)
• Directed staff to investigate FAR bonus for non-RM developments with 10%+ 3-bedroom units
• Directed staff to propose additional El Camino nodes within 3 months
• Held study session on El Camino Real Focus Area amendments; no action taken

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will discuss several zoning ordinances, including wireless facility reviews and retail revitalization. The body is also voting on various professional service contracts and a potential litigation matter regarding the city's housing element.

• On-call development and inspection services contracts totaling $4,000,000
• Federal grant of $888,000 for South Palo Alto Bikeways Demonstration Project
• Proposed $345,000 increase for street work on California Avenue and El Camino Real
• Proposed ordinance requiring Architectural Review Board review for certain wireless facilities
• Proposed policy to reimburse Council Members up to $2,000/year for technology and official expenses

The Palo Alto City Council approved a policy allowing councilmembers to be reimbursed up to $2,000 per year from the City Council Contingent Account for technology resources and other necessary expenses, with documentation and audit requirements. The motion passed 6-1, with Councilmember Kou dissenting. The council also approved a consent calendar including contracts, grants, and ordinance readings, and directed the CAO Committee to negotiate a contract extension with Baker Tilly for internal audit services.

• Approved councilmember tech reimbursement policy up to $2,000/year (6-1, Kou no)
• Approved consent calendar items 5-9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 19-21, 23, 25 (7-0)
• Approved consent items 10, 13, 16-18 (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Pulled items 22 and 24 for future discussion
• Directed CAO Committee to negotiate Baker Tilly contract extension through June 2026 (7-0)
• Approved $888,000 federal grant for South Palo Alto Bikeways project
• Approved $4M in on-call development services contracts
• Approved $345,000 contingency increase for California Ave/El Camino street work

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Commission will hear a recommendation to amend the Planned Community zone (PC‑5116) at 4075 El Camino Way, allowing 16 additional assisted‑living units and 172 sq ft of support space. The amendment is exempt from CEQA review. The meeting also includes a recommendation on housing‑element ordinances and approval of recent meeting minutes.

• Public hearing: amendment to PC‑5116 for 4075 El Camino Way – add 16 assisted‑living units and 172 sq ft support space (CEQA exempt)
• Recommendation on ordinance updating Housing Incentives, Retail Preservation, and base zoning districts per Housing Element programs 3.3A‑D and 3.4A‑D
• Approval of draft verbatim and summary minutes for October 30, 2024
• Approval of draft verbatim and summary minutes for November 13, 2024

The Planning and Transportation Commission voted 3-2 to recommend approval of a modified expansion of the Palo Alto Commons assisted living facility at 4075 El Camino Way. The recommendation approves only the 7 new units that do not face the Wilkie Way neighborhood, excluding the 9 units and first-floor offices that would face the neighbors. The commission also voted 7-0 to continue the second action item on housing element zoning changes to a special meeting on December 17.

• Recommended approval of 7-unit expansion of Palo Alto Commons, excluding 9 units facing Wilkie Way (3-2)
• Continued housing element zoning ordinance item to special meeting Dec. 17 (7-0)
• Approved Oct. 30, 2024 meeting minutes (6-0-1)
• Approved Nov. 13, 2024 meeting minutes as revised (6-0-1)

Policy and Services Committee Regular Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will discuss the 2025 City Council priority‑setting process and a possible new referral procedure for councilmembers. It will recommend that the City Council approve several task orders with Baker Tilly for FY 2025 internal audit services, including budget amendments for those tasks. The committee will also hear a presentation on the City Auditor’s recruitment and succession planning audit and consider approval of the Auditor’s annual risk assessment and FY 2025 audit plan.

• 2025 City Council Priority Setting Process – discussion and supplemental report
• Referral: potential new procedure for councilmembers to make referrals to staff
• Recommendation to approve Baker Tilly task orders for FY 2025 internal audit services and amend FY 2025 and FY 2024 budgets
• Office of the City Auditor presentation of Recruitment & Succession Planning Audit Report
• Approval of Office of the City Auditor Annual Risk Assessment and FY 2025 Audit Plan (Late Packet Report)

The Policy & Services Committee voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council amend the Procedures and Protocol Handbook to remove the three-year limit on priorities and the word 'unusual' from the definition, and to structure the 2025 Council Retreat around visioning, priority approval, community engagement, and performance measures. The committee also recommended that the 2025 Mayor not make Ad Hoc Committee appointments before the Retreat. Other actions included continuing a referral on councilmember staff referrals, recommending approval of audit task orders with budget realignments, and approving audit reports and plans.

• Recommended amending Handbook Section 7(b) to remove three-year priority limit and 'unusual' (3-0)
• Recommended 2025 Retreat include visioning, priorities, community engagement, performance measures (3-0)
• Recommended 2025 Mayor defer Ad Hoc Committee appointments until after Retreat (3-0)
• Continued referral on councilmember staff referrals to date uncertain (3-0)
• Recommended approval of FY2025 audit task orders with net-zero budget realignments (3-0)
• Recommended approval of Recruitment & Succession Planning Audit report (3-0)
• Recommended approval of FY2024 Risk Assessment and FY2025 Audit Plan (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will consider a series of consent‑calendar items, including the adoption of election results and Measure D to undedicate 0.33 acres of El Camino Park. Major contracts will be approved, such as a $2,488,857 construction contract with O’Grady Paving and related change‑order authority, as well as a $20 million grant‑funded grade‑separation engineering agreement. Additional items include professional‑services contracts for public‑art programming and amendments to city employment agreements. The meeting also features a public‑comment period, a study session on the 2024 community survey, and updates on streetscape and public‑safety projects.

• Approval of Construction Contract No. C24192547 with O’Grady Paving, Inc. for $2,488,857 plus up to $248,885 in change orders
• Adoption of an ordinance (Measure D) to undedicate 0.33 acres of El Camino Park
• Cooperative agreement allocating $20 million in grant funding for grade‑separation projects at Churchill Ave, Meadow Dr, and Charleston Rd
• Professional Services Contract with A3‑Immersive up to $275,692 for the 2025 Code:ART Interactive Media Public Art Festival
• Amendments to employment agreements for the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk

The City Council confirmed the preferred concept plan for the University Avenue Streetscape Improvements Project and directed staff to return with a design-related services amendment. The council also approved a consent calendar that included contracts for paving, public art, software support, and a $20 million cooperative agreement for grade separation studies. Additionally, the council approved employment agreement amendments with merit increases for the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk.

• Confirmed preferred concept plan for University Avenue Streetscape Project (7-0)
• Approved $2,488,857 paving contract with O'Grady Paving for Churchill Avenue Enhanced Bikeway Project
• Approved $20 million cooperative agreement for Churchill, Meadow, Charleston grade separation studies (6-1, Kou no)
• Approved $3,000,000 contingency increase for New Public Safety Building project (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved employment agreement amendments with merit increases for City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk (7-0; 6-1 for City Manager, Tanaka no)
• Approved $275,692 contract for 2025 Code:ART festival projection mapping
• Approved $362,312 contract amendment for Accela permitting system support
• Approved $59,020 contract amendment for BuildingEye data visualization services

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider a request for a new six-story building with 66 rental units and 9,100 square feet of office space. The board will also hold a study session regarding zoning amendments for the El Camino Real Focus Area to implement housing goals.

• Public hearing for 660 University Ave (and 511 Byron St, 680 University Ave/500 Middlefield Rd) for a six-story mixed-use building with 66 rental units
• Study session on potential zoning ordinance amendments for the El Camino Real Focus Area
• Approval of meeting minutes from November 7, 2024

The Architectural Review Board voted 5-0 to recommend approval of a Planned Community/Planned Home Zoning application for a six-story, 66-unit residential building with office space at 660 University Ave, subject to conditions. The recommendation includes several items to be reviewed by an ad hoc committee, such as removing balconies within the oak tree canopy and reducing sixth-floor glazing. The board also continued a study session on El Camino Real zoning amendments to December 19 and approved the November 7 meeting minutes.

• Recommended approval of PC/PHZ for 660 University Ave mixed-use project (5-0)
• Appointed ad hoc committee to review 7 conditions including tree protection, materials, bike parking, and glazing
• Continued El Camino Real zoning study session to December 19 (5-0)
• Approved November 7, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will discuss the FY24 annual report and time-of-use electric rates. The body is scheduled to take action on the preliminary FY 2026 utilities financial forecast and rate projections.

• Preliminary Fiscal Year 2026 Utilities Financial Forecast and Rate Projections
• Utilities Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24)
• Time of Use Electric Rates

The Utilities Advisory Commission discussed the preliminary FY 2026 financial forecast and rate projections for electric, gas, water, and wastewater utilities. Staff proposed a 14% water rate increase, but the Finance Subcommittee favored around 10%, and staff said they would explore options. No formal votes were taken on the rate proposals, which are scheduled to return to the UAC in March 2025.

• Approved minutes of November 6, 2024 meeting, as amended (5-0)
• Discussed preliminary FY26 rate projections: electric +5%, gas +6%, water +14% (proposed), wastewater +18%
• Noted total projected monthly utility bill increase of 9% ($36.60) starting July 2026
• Discussed Time-of-Use rates; optional early-adopter rate planned for July 1, 2025
• Heard that Hanover Substation upgrade with Tesla was completed and commissioned in October 2024
• Noted new BAWSCA CEO Tom Smegal appointed December 1

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will discuss and recommend accepting the FY2024 financial audit and report, review long-range financial forecasts for 2026-2035, and discuss preliminary utility rate projections for FY2026.

• Accept FY2024 financial audit and report
• Review 2026-2035 long-range financial forecast
• Discuss preliminary FY2026 utility rate projections
• Review FY2025 first quarter financial status

The Finance Committee voted 3-0 to recommend that the City Council accept the FY2024 financial statement audit by Macias Gini & O'Connell LLP, approve the FY2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Single Audit, and amend the FY2024 budget for various funds. It also voted 3-0 to forward the FY2026-2035 General Fund Long Range Financial Forecast to the City Council. No action was taken on the FY2026 utilities forecast or the Q1 FY2025 financial status report, which were discussed as informational items.

• Recommended accepting FY2024 financial statement audit (3-0)
• Recommended approving FY2024 ACFR and Single Audit (3-0)
• Recommended amending FY2024 budget appropriations (3-0)
• Recommended forwarding FY2026-2035 Long Range Financial Forecast to City Council (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will vote on a series of professional services contracts, including a $2,403,592 contract for design and construction administration of a new downtown parking garage. The council will also adopt ordinances changing commission appointment dates, extending outdoor dining, and revising park impact fee calculations. Additional items include approvals of several other contracts and a resolution declaring weeds a public nuisance.

• Approve Professional Services Contract No. C25193007 with Watry Design, Inc. for $2,403,592 for the New Downtown Parking Garage (PE‑15007)
• Adopt ordinance moving commissioner appointments to November for three commissions
• Adopt ordinance extending the temporary outdoor dining program through June 30 2025
• Adopt ordinance amending park, community center and library impact fees to a per‑square‑foot basis
• Approve multiple professional services contracts ranging from $179,730 to $631,966

The City Council approved a $631,966 contract with Concordia, LLC to develop a revised master plan for the Cubberley Community Center site and authorized a workplan for a November 2026 ballot measure. Additionally, the Council passed a resolution supporting the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band's efforts to preserve the Juristac/Sargent Ranch site as open space and opposing the proposed Sargent Quarry Project. The Council also approved various consent items, including infrastructure contracts and municipal fee schedule amendments.

• Approved $631,966 contract with Concordia, LLC for Cubberley Master Plan (7-0)
• Approved workplan for November 2026 Cubberley ballot measure (7-0)
• Approved Letter of Intent with Friends of Palo Alto Recreation Wellness Center (6-1)
• Adopted resolution opposing Sargent Quarry Project at Juristac (7-0)
• Approved $2.4M contract for new downtown parking garage design (7-0)
• Approved $451,705 contract for railroad crossing safety improvements (7-0)
• Adopted ordinance modifying park and library development impact fees (7-0)
• Adopted ordinance continuing temporary outdoor dining/retail program (7-0)

Council Appointed Officers Committee Special Meeting

The Council Appointed Officer Committee will meet to evaluate the performance of the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk in a closed session. The committee will also discuss the performance evaluation process and next steps for a services contract with Municipal Resources Group.

• Performance evaluations for City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk
• Discussion of performance evaluation services contract with Municipal Resources Group

The Committee held a closed session to evaluate the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk, with no reportable action announced. In open session, members unanimously recommended that Chair Lauing negotiate a contract with the current facilitator for the next evaluation cycle, or return to the committee to discuss other options if the current facilitator is unavailable.

• Closed session for employee evaluations passed (3-0)
• Recommendation to negotiate with existing facilitator or explore alternatives passed (3-0)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold public hearings on three projects. Item 2 is an application to rezone 3265 El Camino Real from Commercial Services to Planned Community/Planned Home zoning and to build a 55‑unit, 100% affordable rental building. Item 3 is a major architectural review for a new four‑story mixed‑use building at 824 San Antonio Road with 28 dwelling units and 2,948 sq ft of retail. Item 4 is a minor board‑level review of exterior modifications and a conditional use permit for a private‑education school at 3950 Fabian Way.

• 3265 El Camino Real – rezoning and 55‑unit affordable rental project
• 824 San Antonio Road – four‑story mixed‑use building with 28 units and retail
• 3950 Fabian Way – exterior modifications and conditional use for private school
• Director's Report – meeting schedule and upcoming agenda items
• Public comment procedures – time limits and submission guidelines

The Architectural Review Board voted 4-1 to recommend approval of a 100% affordable, five-story, 55-unit residential project at 3265 El Camino Real, with conditions including natural light in stairwells and bike storage, audible/visual warnings at the garage door, and an ad hoc review of siding. The board also voted 5-0 to recommend approval of a four-story mixed-use senior housing project at 824 San Antonio Road, with conditions including an ad hoc review of the front screen and fiber cement panels. A third item, exterior modifications for The Girls' Middle School at 3950 Fabian Way, was discussed with no decision made.

• Recommended approval of 3265 El Camino Real affordable housing project (4-1, Baltay no)
• Approved conditions for 3265 El Camino Real including stairwell/bike storage light, garage door warnings, and ad hoc siding review
• Recommended approval of 824 San Antonio Road senior housing project (5-0)
• Approved conditions for 824 San Antonio Road including ad hoc review of front screen and fiber cement panels
• Discussed 3950 Fabian Way school project with no decision (initial comments only)

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The Public Art Commission is meeting to decide on funding for art maintenance and event staffing. The body will also receive an update regarding artist selection for Code:ART.

• Proposed $9,912 for the restoration of the Garbage Man by artist Greg Brown
• Proposed funding up to $25,000 for Code:ART special events team staffing
• Update on Code:ART artist selection panel outcomes
• Approval of October 29, 2024 Special Meeting minutes

The Public Art Commission approved two funding allocations: $9,912 for conservation of Greg Brown's mural 'Garbage Collector' at 136 Hamilton Ave, and up to $25,000 for event production staffing for the Code:ART media festival in October 2025. Both motions passed unanimously. The commission also received updates on the Roth Building fresco conservation and the Code:ART artist selection process, but took no action on those items.

• Approved $9,912 for conservation treatment of Greg Brown's mural 'Garbage Collector' (all in favor)
• Approved up to $25,000 for Code:ART event production team staffing (all in favor)
• Approved October 29, 2024 special meeting minutes (all in favor)

Retail Committee Regular Meeting

The Retail Committee will hold a study session to review a late packet report about filling retail vacancies in the University Avenue downtown area. The meeting also includes public comment periods for items not on the agenda and procedural instructions. No specific decisions, contracts, or rezoning actions are listed on the agenda.

• Study Session: Filling Retail Vacancies in the University Avenue Downtown – Late Packet Report

The Retail Committee met for a study session on filling retail vacancies in the University Avenue Downtown. No formal decisions were made; the session was informational only. The meeting adjourned at 12:15 P.M.

• Held study session on filling retail vacancies (no action taken)

Rail Committee Regular Meeting

The Rail Committee will discuss a verbal update on Caltrain, VTA and city staff activities. It will review the Draft Scope of Work for a Cooperative Agreement on the Connecting Palo Alto Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road and recommend it to the City Council. The committee will also receive the 2024 Annual Summary Report and feedback on Caltrain station bicycle and pedestrian access.

• Review Draft Scope of Work for Cooperative Agreement on grade‑separation projects at Churchill Ave, Meadow Dr, and Charleston Rd
• Recommend the grade‑separation agreement to the City Council for approval
• Rail Committee 2024 Annual Summary Report
• Receive feedback on Caltrain stations bicycle and pedestrian access (CEQA exempt, SB 922)
• Verbal updates on Caltrain, VTA, and City Staff activities

The Rail Committee reviewed a draft scope of work for the Connecting Palo Alto Grade Separation Projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road. The committee voted to recommend that the City Council approve this scope of work as part of a Cooperative Agreement with the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

• Recommended City Council approval of scope of work for grade separation projects (3-0)

Finance Committee Regular Meeting

The Finance Committee will meet to review options for expanding fire and ambulance services. The body will also receive a status report on committee referrals for the 2024 calendar year.

• Evaluation of Fire and Ambulance Service Expansion Options
• Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Finance Committee Referrals Status Late Packet Report

The Finance Committee met and discussed two agenda items: an evaluation of fire and ambulance service expansion options, and a status update on 2024 referrals. No formal decisions were made on either item; both were information-only discussions.

• No action taken on fire and ambulance service expansion options
• No action taken on CY 2024 Finance Committee referrals status

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will discuss high-priority retail revitalization measures and a change to how residential development impact fees are calculated. The meeting also includes a semi-annual discussion with the Independent Police Auditor.

• Interim ordinance to implement high priority retail revitalization measures
• Ordinance to change residential development impact fees from per unit to per square feet
• Contract with Califa Group not to exceed $330,000 for discounted library products
• Extension of outdoor dining and retail program and parklet pilot through June 30, 2025
• Renewal of the Military Equipment Use Policy

The City Council voted 7-0 to direct staff to evaluate eliminating development impact fees for affordable units in multi-family projects with at least 20% BMR units under 80% AMI, reduce fees for units between 81-100% AMI, and study other fee structures. The Council also passed 7-0 an interim and emergency ordinance to implement retail revitalization measures, including refining retail-like use definitions and allowing auto showrooms in certain districts. Additionally, the Council approved the consent calendar, including a $330,000 contract with Califa Group and salary schedule revisions, with Councilmember Tanaka voting no on items 3 and 4.

• Approved motion to evaluate fee waivers for affordable units and adopt per-square-foot impact fees (7-0)
• Adopted interim and emergency ordinances for retail revitalization (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar items 2, 5-8 (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar items 3, 4 (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Directed staff to work with PTC on retail-like use definitions and zoning updates (7-0)

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The Human Relations Commission will meet to discuss cold weather services for the unhoused and consider a resolution condemning local hate incidents. The meeting will be held in person and online.

• Presentation on cold weather services for the unhoused
• Consideration of a resolution condemning local hate incidents
• Report on FY2024-25 HRC Workplan subcommittee steps
• Approval of October 10 and October 23 meeting minutes

The Human Relations Commission approved minutes from its October 10 and October 23, 2024 meetings, both on 4-0 votes with three commissioners absent. The commission also passed a resolution condemning all hate crimes and hate incidents, reaffirming the City of Palo Alto's commitment to unite against hate, harassment, and intimidation. A report from ad hoc subcommittees on the FY2024-25 HRC Workplan resulted in no action. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

• Approved October 10, 2024 minutes (4-0-3, Eberle, Hsieh, Smith absent)
• Approved October 23, 2024 minutes (4-0-3, Eberle, Hsieh, Smith absent)
• Passed resolution condemning all hate crimes and hate incidents (4-0-3, Eberle, Hsieh, Smith absent)
• No action taken on ad hoc subcommittee report on FY2024-25 HRC Workplan

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Historic Resources Board will hold its regular hybrid meeting on November 14, 2024. Members will elect a Chair and Vice Chair, approve the draft minutes from the October 10, 2024 meeting, and consider a proposal to create a Historical Preservation Award program to meet Goal #5 of the 2024‑25 work plan. The agenda also includes a report on the board’s meeting schedule and assignments.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Approval of Historic Resources Board draft minutes of October 10, 2024
• Discussion to establish a Historical Preservation Award program (Goal #5 of 24/25 work plan)
• Report on Historic Resources Board schedule of meetings and assignments
• Public comment periods for agenda items

The Palo Alto Historic Resources Board approved the October 10, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0) and voted to keep the current chair and vice chair in office until the next regular election (5-0). The board also discussed establishing a Historic Preservation Award Program, agreeing to form an ad hoc committee to coordinate with PAST Heritage and revisit the topic in January.

• Approved October 10, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Continued current chair and vice chair until next election (5-0)
• Formed ad hoc committee (Willis and Rohman) to coordinate with PAST Heritage on award program
• Agreed to discuss award program again in January

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will review amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision of Land titles to implement specific housing programs. The body will also review annual progress reports for the Comprehensive Plan and Housing Element.

• Amendments to Title 18 (Zoning Ordinance) for Stanford University Lands, Expedited Project Review, Replacement Housing, and Alternate Housing
• Amendments to Title 21 (Subdivision and Other Divisions of Land) per HCD direction
• Review of Draft 2024 Comprehensive Plan Implementation Annual Progress Report
• Review of Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element Annual Progress Report

The Planning & Transportation Commission voted 6-0 to recommend City Council adopt zoning ordinance amendments implementing Housing Element programs, including allowing multifamily housing in Stanford Research Park, expediting project review, and adding replacement housing rules. The commission also voted 6-0 to recommend transmitting the 2024 Comprehensive Plan and Housing Element annual progress reports to state agencies by April 1, 2025. Both items were approved as recommended by staff, with no substantive changes.

• Recommended Council adopt Title 18 and Title 21 zoning amendments for Housing Element programs (6-0)
• Recommended Council transmit 2024 Comprehensive Plan and Housing Element annual progress reports to OPR and HCD by April 1, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved minutes of September 25 and October 9, 2024 meetings (unanimous voice vote)

Council Appointed Officers Special Meeting

The Council Appointed Officer Committee will consider a recommendation on how to proceed with the City’s internal audit services contract with Baker Tilly, which expires in June 2025. The item is not a CEQA project. The meeting also includes a closed‑session discussion of public employee performance evaluation for the City Manager and a public comment period.

• Discussion and recommendation on next steps for the internal audit services contract with Baker Tilly (expires June 2025)
• Closed‑session review of public employee performance evaluation for the City Manager
• General public comment (up to 30 minutes) on items not on the agenda

The Council Appointed Officers Committee voted 3-0 to recommend that the City Council direct staff and the committee chair to refine terms for renewing the internal audit services contract with Baker Tilly through June 30, 2026, and to negotiate an option for a two-year extension. The recommendation also aligns the City Auditor's performance review with other CAO reviews. The meeting was procedural and focused solely on this recommendation.

• Recommended extending Baker Tilly audit contract to June 30, 2026 (3-0)
• Recommended negotiating option to renew contract for two additional years (3-0)
• Recommended aligning City Auditor performance review with other CAO reviews (3-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will vote on several consent‑calendar items, including approving minutes from the October 28 meeting and an onboarding outline for new council members. They will also approve a software agreement with Sun Ridge Systems Inc. for a tri‑city computer‑aided dispatch system, up to $339,857 for five years, and a construction contract with Valhalla Builders, up to $392,800 plus change‑order funds. Additionally, the council will conduct a first reading of an ordinance amending the municipal code on zoning and subdivisions to implement recent state housing laws.

• Approve minutes from the October 28, 2024 meeting
• Approve new councilmember onboarding outline
• Approve Tri‑Cities Consortium CAD system software agreement with Sun Ridge Systems Inc., not to exceed $339,857 for five years
• Approve Construction Contract No. C25190935A with Valhalla Builders, not to exceed $392,800 plus up to $39,280 for change orders for the Children’s Library project
• First reading of ordinance amending Municipal Code Title 18 (Zoning) and Title 21 (Subdivisions) to implement state housing laws

The City Council adopted an ordinance amending zoning and subdivision codes to implement state housing laws, including AB 2097, which eliminates parking minimums near transit. The Council directed staff to apply AB 2097 to properties within a specified radius and to require ADA and EV charging parking based on the full amount that would have been required if AB 2097 did not apply. A motion to table direction on AB 2097 failed. The Council also approved consent items, including a software agreement and a construction contract.

• Adopted ordinance implementing state housing laws (6-1, Kou no)
• Directed staff to apply AB 2097 to properties within Attachment B radius (7-0)
• Required ADA/EVCS parking based on full amount without AB 2097 (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Tabled direction on AB 2097 failed (3-4)
• Approved Tri-Cities CAD software agreement with Sun Ridge Systems, $339,857 (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved Children's Library construction contract with Valhalla Builders, $392,800 (7-0)
• Approved minutes from October 28, 2024 meeting (7-0)
• Approved Councilmember onboarding outline (7-0)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold a public hearing on the rezoning of 70 Encina Avenue and an adjacent vacant parcel to Planned Community/Planned Home zoning, demolition of a surface parking lot, and construction of a new three‑story, 22,355‑sq‑ft building with 10 residential condominium units (two below‑market rate). A study session will review a request for streamlined housing development review of 3150 El Camino Real, proposing demolition of two commercial buildings and a 368‑unit multifamily apartment on a 111,030‑sf lot. The meeting also includes a Director’s Report and approval of draft minutes from October 3 and October 17, 2024.

• Public hearing on rezoning and condo project at 70 Encina Avenue (10 condo units, CC zone)
• Study session on 3150 El Camino Real project: 368‑unit multifamily development, CS zone
• Approval of draft Architectural Review Board minutes for October 3, 2024
• Approval of draft Architectural Review Board minutes for October 17, 2024
• Director’s Report, meeting schedule, and upcoming agenda items

The Architectural Review Board held a study session for a 368-unit housing project at 3150 El Camino Real and continued the public hearing for the 70 Encina Avenue rezoning and 10-unit condominium project to a date uncertain, pending completion of CEQA review. The board approved the minutes from October 3 and October 17, 2024, with minor corrections.

• Continued 70 Encina Ave rezoning and 10-unit condo project to a date uncertain (5-0)
• Approved October 3, 2024 meeting minutes with corrections (5-0)
• Approved October 17, 2024 meeting minutes as written (5-0)

Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Meeting

The Stormwater Management Oversight Committee will meet to elect a chair and vice chair, review fiscal year 2024 actuals, and discuss the Stormwater Program Budget Needs.

• Elect Chair and Vice Chair
• Review Fiscal Year 2024 Actuals
• Overview of Stormwater Program Budget Needs
• Approval of minutes from April 26, 2024
• Memorandum for Fiscal Year 2024 Actual Expenditures

The Stormwater Management Oversight Committee approved the use of budgeted funds for new trash capture devices, elected new officers, and approved the previous meeting's minutes. No other substantive decisions were made; other items were informational only.

• Approved use of funds for Green Municipal Infrastructure and Innovative Projects for new trash capture devices (6-0)
• Elected Perman as chair (6-0)
• Elected Bennett as vice chair (6-0)
• Approved minutes from April 26, 2024 (6-0)

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The commission will approve the minutes from its September 4, 2024 meeting, discuss the recruitment of a new Utilities Director and key candidate traits, and hear presentations on regional water use, reliability investments, drought planning, and the FY2024 Utilities Annual Report.

• Approve minutes of the September 4, 2024 Utilities Advisory Commission meeting
• Discussion on Utilities Director recruitment and input on candidate characteristics
• Presentation by BAWSCA CEO Nicole Sandkulla on regional water use and reliability investments
• Presentation by SF Public Utilities Commission Assistant GM Steve Ritchie on drought planning and alternative water supply
• Discussion of the FY2024 Utilities Annual Report

The Utilities Advisory Commission held a discussion-only meeting with no formal votes on policy items. They discussed the upcoming recruitment for the Utilities Director position, receiving input from a recruiter and commissioners on desired qualifications. They also heard presentations from BAWSCA and SFPUC on regional water supply, drought planning, and rate projections. The only actions taken were approving the September minutes and setting a process for questions on the FY24 annual report.

• Approved September 4, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (6-0, Gupta abstained)
• Set process for FY24 annual report: commissioners email questions, staff respond, 15-min follow-up at December meeting (7-0)
• Discussed Utilities Director recruitment; no action taken
• Discussed BAWSCA and SFPUC water supply; no action taken

Policy & Services Special Meeting

The Policy & Services Committee will discuss and make a recommendation on the Annual Legislative Guidelines and Legislative Platform, noted as a CEQA‑non‑project. The committee will also hear a presentation of the City Auditor’s ADA Compliance Audit Report. Public comment will be accepted for items not on the agenda and for the two agenda items as outlined in the meeting instructions.

• Discussion and recommendation on the Annual Legislative Guidelines and Legislative Platform (CEQA Status – Not a Project)
• Office of the City Auditor presentation of the ADA Compliance Audit Report

The Policy & Services Committee voted to recommend City Council approval of the 2025 Federal and State Legislative Guidelines with specific edits. The committee also voted to recommend approval of the ADA Compliance Audit Report presented by the Office of the City Auditor.

• Recommended City Council approve 2025 Federal and State Legislative Guidelines with changes (3-0)
• Recommended City Council approve the ADA Compliance Audit Report (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will vote on several contracts and an ordinance renewing the Police Department's military equipment use policy under AB 481. The meeting also includes a closed‑session labor negotiation conference and a discussion of potential litigation over zoning decisions. Additional items are routine approvals of contracts and an informational update on the drinking water lead line inventory.

• Adopt Ordinance renewing Police Department Military Equipment Use Policy (AB 481)
• Approve General Service Contract C25191700A with Northwest Woodland Services, Inc. up to $1,209,780 for Open Space Trails and Amenities
• Approve Contract Amendment No. 1 to Contract C24189849 with Ecology Action of Santa Cruz, $485,243 (new not‑to‑exceed $625,211) for Safe Routes to School programs
• Approve Professional Services Contract C25191557 with The Advantage Group up to $231,000 for retirees health benefit reimbursement
• Closed‑session conference with labor negotiators representing multiple city employee unions

The City Council approved a $1.2 million contract amendment with Nomad Transit to continue the Palo Alto Link on-demand transit service through June 2025, and adopted an ordinance increasing fares and eliminating discounted fares. A separate motion to accept up to $600,000 annually from Stanford University for the service passed 6-0-1 with Councilmember Veenker recused. An amendment to not restrict trips to and from schools failed 2-5. The council also appointed Yu Deng to the Parks and Recreation Commission and approved the consent calendar, including the police military equipment use policy renewal.

• Approved $1.2M contract amendment with Nomad Transit for Palo Alto Link through June 2025 (7-0)
• Adopted ordinance increasing Palo Alto Link fares and eliminating discounted fares (7-0)
• Approved cost-sharing agreement with Stanford University for up to $600,000 annually for Palo Alto Link (6-0-1, Veenker recused)
• Amendment to not restrict school trips failed (2-5)
• Appointed Yu Deng to Parks and Recreation Commission (5 votes)
• Approved consent calendar items 5-9, 11 (7-0)
• Approved consent item 10, contract amendment with Stephen Ciari Plumbing (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Renewed Police Department's Military Equipment Use Policy under AB 481

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will consider recommending updates to municipal codes regarding rooftop gardens and lighting, and the addition of bird-friendly design standards. The body will also seek feedback on a feasibility study for a shared micromobility program.

• Recommendation to City Council for ordinances updating Municipal Code 18.40.230 (Rooftop Gardens) and 18.40.250 (Lighting)
• Recommendation to City Council to add Municipal Code 18.40.280 (Bird-Friendly Design)
• Study session for feedback on a shared micromobility program feasibility study

The Planning and Transportation Commission recommended that City Council adopt draft ordinances updating lighting standards and introducing bird-friendly design requirements. Commissioners voted to recommend tightening light trespass limits, adding a hardship exemption, and applying strict glazing limits for bird protection. The Commission also reviewed a study session on developing a shared micromobility program feasibility study and approved past meeting minutes.

• Recommended City Council adopt draft lighting and bird-friendly design ordinances (6-0)
• Approved draft verbatim minutes of August 14, 2024 as revised (6-0)
• Approved draft verbatim and summary minutes of August 28, 2024 as revised (5-0-1)
• Approved draft verbatim and summary minutes of September 11, 2024 as revised (6-0)

Public Art Commission Special Meeting

The Palo Alto Public Art Commission will approve minutes from its July 18 and August 28 meetings. It will discuss forming an ad‑hoc committee to explore future public‑art opportunities funded by private development in‑lieu contributions. The commission will also follow up on the Public Art Commission Work Plan approved by the City Council on October 7, 2024. Public comments will be accepted in person and via Zoom.

• Approve July 18, 2024 Public Art Commission regular meeting minutes
• Approve August 28, 2024 Public Art Commission special meeting minutes
• Consider formation of an ad‑hoc committee for the Public Art Fund to evaluate future projects funded by private development in‑lieu contributions
• Discuss follow‑up on the Public Art Commission Work Plan approved by Council on October 7, 2024
• Public comment period (in‑person and virtual) with up to three‑minute remarks

The Palo Alto Public Art Commission held a special meeting on October 29, 2024, approving minutes from July 18 and August 28, 2024. Staff reported on the Code:ART 2025 artist application process, community engagement by King AIR artist Alma Landeta, and a newly installed artwork by Peter Wegner at the Public Safety Building. The Commission discussed forming an ad-hoc committee for Public Art Fund opportunities and reviewed the 2024/25 Work Plan, which City Council approved with additional direction for artistic activation of Cubberley space. No formal decisions were made beyond approving the minutes.

• Approved July 18, 2024 PAC Regular Meeting Minutes (all in favor)
• Approved August 28, 2024 PAC Special Meeting Minutes (all in favor)
• Discussed forming ad-hoc committee for Public Art Fund opportunities (no formal action)
• Reviewed 2024/25 Work Plan, approved by City Council with Cubberley activation direction (no formal action)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will interview candidates for the Parks and Recreation Commission and hold a study session on nonprofit relationships. The body is also considering several construction and service contracts, including wastewater plant rehabilitation and on-demand transit services.

• Construction contract with Anderson Pacific Engineering Construction, Inc. not to exceed $6,215,000 for wastewater plant electrical power distribution loop rehabilitation
• Amendment to West Coast Arborists, Inc. contract for tree pruning and removal for a new total not to exceed $6,776,608
• Amendment to Nomad Transit, LLC (Via) contract for $1,200,000 to continue on-demand transit through June 2025
• Construction contract with Tennyson Electric, LLC for $453,300 for Quarry Road traffic signals and ITS improvements
• Acceptance of $204,005 in State of California COPS funds for law enforcement expenses

The City Council held a special meeting to interview six candidates for a Parks and Recreation Commission vacancy, with appointments to be made on November 4. The Council approved consent calendar items 3-9, including contracts for traffic signals, wastewater treatment, and tree services, but pulled item 10 (on-demand transit service) for separate consideration. The Council also adopted the 2025 meeting calendar, scheduling the retreat for a Saturday, and held a closed session with no reportable action.

• Approved consent items 3, 4, 8 (7-0)
• Approved consent items 5, 6, 7, 9 (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Pulled item 10 (on-demand transit contract) from consent calendar
• Adopted 2025 City Council meeting calendar with retreat on Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 (7-0)
• Held closed session on construction claims; no reportable action

Human Relations Commission Special Meeting

The Human Relations Commission will discuss findings from the 2024 Human Services Needs Assessment. The body will take action to determine the priority of needs for the FY26/27 Human Services Resource Allocation Program.

• 2024 Human Services Needs Assessment findings and FY26/27 Resource Allocation Program priority determination
• Approval of October 10, 2024 meeting minutes

The Human Relations Commission established the priority of needs for the FY26/27 Human Services Resource Allocation Program based on the 2024 Human Services Needs Assessment. The minutes from October 10, 2024, were not approved as they require correction.

• Approved FY26/27 HSRAP priority needs: homelessness, housing support, disabled services, older adults/caregivers, food/nutrition, mental/physical health, and youth/caregivers (6-1)
• Approval of October 10, 2024 minutes not presented due to required corrections

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the minutes from its August 27 and September 24, 2024 meetings, with minor corrections and abstentions. The commission also received informational updates on the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance and the Community Garden Program, and discussed future meeting schedules and ad hoc committee work. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond the minutes approvals.

• Approved August 27, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0-2, Greenfield and Wei abstaining)
• Approved September 24, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0-1, Brown abstaining)
• Agreed to hold November 20 meeting only if Urban Forestry update is ready; otherwise next meeting December 18

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will vote on second readings for an ordinance updating tobacco retail permits and a rezoning ordinance for the NVCAP area. The meeting also includes approval of construction contracts and grant applications.

• Second reading: Ordinance updating tobacco retail permits
• Second reading: Rezoning ordinance for NVCAP area
• Approval of construction contingency increases for New Public Safety Building
• Approval of contract amendment for Rinconada Pool operations
• Authorization to apply for CalRecycle grants

The City Council approved several workplans and ballot measure positions, and directed staff to return with an amendment to the Wireless Communication Facilities ordinance consistent with a colleagues memo, on a temporary basis up to two years, with future guidance from the Planning and Transportation Commission and Architectural Review Board. The motion passed 6-1, with Councilmember Lythcott-Haims dissenting. The council also approved the consent calendar items, with some individual no votes, and adopted positions on state and local ballot measures.

• Approved motion to interview all six applicants for Parks and Recreation Commission vacancy (7-0)
• Approved resolution supporting Build the Future Santa Clara County child care program (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar items 3, 8, 9, 11 (7-0); items 4, 5, 7, 10 (6-1, Tanaka no); item 12 (6-1, Kou no); item 6 (6-1, Lythcott-Haims no)
• Approved Human Relations Commission FY 2025 Workplan (7-0)
• Approved referral to HRC for preliminary review of rental registry data (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved Architectural Review Board FY 2025 Workplan with referral on cell tower aesthetic standards (7-0)
• Approved Historic Resources Board FY 2025 Workplan (7-0)
• Approved Planning and Transportation Commission FY 2025 Workplan (7-0)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider two public hearings on housing projects, including an assisted living facility expansion and a multi-family apartment complex. The board will also approve the September meeting minutes.

• Public hearing on 4075 El Camino Way: 16 additional assisted living units proposed
• Public hearing on 762 San Antonio Road: 198-unit apartment complex with 40 affordable units
• Approval of Draft ARB Meeting Minutes for September 19, 2024
• Transmittal of ARB Meeting Schedule and Tentative Future Agenda Items
• Item on 762 San Antonio Road rescheduled to a later date

The Architectural Review Board voted 5-0 to recommend City Council approval of an amendment to the Planned Community zone for Palo Alto Commons, allowing 16 additional assisted living units and 172 square feet of support space at 4075 El Camino Way. The board also approved the September 19, 2024 meeting minutes. Public comment raised concerns about privacy, parking, and shading, but the board found the project met objective standards.

• Recommended approval of PC amendment for 16 additional assisted living units at 4075 El Camino Way (5-0)
• Approved draft minutes for September 19, 2024 meeting (5-0)

Retail Committee Regular Meeting

The Retail Committee is meeting to plan a November study session focused on filling retail vacancies. The body will also review an economic development activity report for October 2024.

• Planning for November Study Session on Filling Retail Vacancies
• Economic Development Activity Report October 2024

The Retail Committee met to discuss planning for a November study session on filling retail vacancies and received an economic development activity report. No formal actions were taken on either agenda item.

• No action taken on planning for November study session
• No action taken on economic development activity report

Council Appointed Officer Committee Special Meeting

The Council Appointed Officer Committee will meet to discuss next steps for the Internal Audit Services Contract with Baker Tilly, which expires in June 2025. The meeting will be held in person and virtually.

• Discussion on Internal Audit Services Contract with Baker Tilly
• Hybrid meeting format available
• Public comment period for non-agenda items

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will discuss the recruitment process, candidate characteristics, and salary for the Director of the Utilities Department. The committee will also review the financial status and pricing policy options for several parking funds.

• Recruitment and salary input for Director of Utilities Department
• Financial status overview of University Avenue, California Avenue, and RPP Parking Funds
• Development of parking pricing policy options
• Discussion of General Fund loans

The Finance Committee met to discuss the Director of Utilities Department recruitment and parking fund financial status. No formal decisions were made on these items.

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will hold a public hearing on a request to rehabilitate a Category 2 home at 1023 Forest Ave., including new hardscape and a garage. The meeting will be hybrid, with public comments accepted in person or via Zoom.

• Public hearing for 1023 Forest Ave. historic resource review
• Approval of July and August 2024 board meeting minutes
• Hybrid meeting format with Zoom participation options
• Public comment period for agenda items and non-agenda items

The Historic Resources Board unanimously approved the rehabilitation and restoration of the Category 2 home at 1023 Forest Ave., finding it compliant with the Secretary of the Interior Standards. The board also approved minutes from its July 11 and August 8, 2024 meetings. No public comment was received.

• Approved 1023 Forest Ave. rehabilitation and restoration project (5-0)
• Approved minutes of July 11, 2024 HRB meeting (5-0)
• Approved minutes of August 8, 2024 HRB meeting (5-0)

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The Human Relations Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss initial approaches to a Fair Chance Housing Policy that considers criminal history in Palo Alto rental decisions. After the hearing, staff will lead a discussion on the proposed 2025 City Council regular meeting schedule and a draft list of citywide holidays. The meeting also includes approval of the September 12, 2024 minutes and standard public comment periods.

• Public Hearing: Initial discussion of Fair Chance Housing Policy – staff presentation (45 minutes)
• Discussion of proposed 2025 City Council regular meeting schedule and draft holiday list (40 minutes)
• Approval of minutes from the September 12, 2024 meeting
• Public comment period for any agenda item not listed
• Hybrid meeting format with Zoom participation details

The Human Relations Commission voted 5-1-1 to recommend supporting Fair Chance Housing policy approach option 1, which includes a 2-year lookback period for criminal history in rental housing decisions, and to recommend City Council consideration of such policies. The commission also approved the September 12, 2024 minutes (6-0-1) and discussed the proposed 2025 City Council meeting schedule and holidays, taking no action on that item.

• Approved September 12, 2024 minutes (6-0-1)
• Recommended Fair Chance Housing policy option 1 with 2-year lookback (5-1-1)
• Discussed 2025 City Council schedule and holidays; no action taken

Utilities Advisory Commission Special Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will hold discussions regarding regional water use, efficiency, and reliability investments. The body will also provide input on the key characteristics for the recruitment of a new Director of Utilities Department.

• Discussion with BAWSCA CEO Nicole Sandkulla on regional water use and SFPUC reliability investments
• Discussion with SFPUC Assistant General Manager Steve Ritchie on drought and alternative water supply planning
• Input on candidate characteristics for the Director of Utilities Department recruitment
• Approval of September 4, 2024 meeting minutes

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will consider recommending that the City Council adopt a draft ordinance to update Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 18.40.140 regarding Stream Corridor Protection. The body will also review and approve minutes from previous meetings.

• Draft Ordinance updating Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Section 18.40.140 (Stream Corridor Protection)

The Planning and Transportation Commission voted 6-0 (Commissioner Templeton absent) to continue the draft Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance update to a date uncertain, incorporating feedback from commissioners and the public. The commission did not recommend the ordinance to City Council, citing the need for more public outreach and revisions, particularly for urbanized areas. The commission also approved minutes from three prior meetings.

• Continued Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance update to date uncertain (6-0, Templeton absent)
• Approved May 29, 2024 draft verbatim minutes (unanimous, Templeton absent)
• Approved July 10, 2024 draft verbatim and summary minutes (unanimous, Templeton absent)
• Approved August 14, 2024 draft summary minutes (unanimous, Templeton absent)

Policy and Services Committee Regular Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will discuss the orientation and onboarding outline for new Council members. The committee will also receive a quarterly report from the Office of the City Auditor.

• Review of New Council Member Orientation / Onboarding Outline
• Presentation of the Office of the City Auditor Quarterly Report (July-September 2024)

The Policy & Services Committee voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council approve the new council member orientation/onboarding outline, including the committee's suggested additions. The committee also voted 3-0 to recommend the council accept the City Auditor's quarterly report for July-September 2024, with a suggestion that future reports include evaluation and benchmarking. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended council approve onboarding outline with additions (3-0)
• Recommended council accept City Auditor Q1 quarterly report (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will discuss a memorandum of understanding with the Palo Alto Unified School District regarding the Cubberley Site. The body is also reviewing several fiber-optic infrastructure contracts and utility rate adjustments.

• Purchase and lease of land at 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley Site)
• Contract amendment with MP Nexlevel of California, Inc. for $1,650,000 for Fiber-to-the-Premise Pilot Project
• Purchase orders with ePlus Technology Inc. for data center equipment not to exceed $543,134
• Lease renewal for 975 Terra Bella Ave in Mountain View at $35,587.95 monthly rent
• Resolution to raise the upper limit on monthly transportation charges for residential and commercial gas service

The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Palo Alto Unified School District for the purchase and lease of land at 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley site). The MOU includes a $65.5 million purchase of 7 acres, contingent on voter approval of a bond measure in November 2026, and a five-year lease starting January 2025 at $2 million/year. The motion passed 7-0.

• Authorized MOU with PAUSD for Cubberley land purchase and lease (7-0)
• Approved Parks and Recreation Commission FY 2025 Workplan with additional direction (7-0)
• Approved Public Art Commission FY 2025 Workplan with Cubberley artistic activation direction (7-0)
• Approved consent items 6-7, 9, 11-14, 16 (7-0)
• Approved consent items 8, 10, 15 (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved resolution expressing appreciation to Amy French upon retirement (7-0)
• Went into closed session for performance evaluation, labor negotiations, and potential litigation (7-0)

Architectural Review Board Special Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold a hybrid meeting with public comment options. It will receive a transmittal of the meeting schedule, attendance record, tentative future agenda items, and recently submitted projects. A study session will review potential amendments to the Housing Incentive Program regulations in Title 18 of the zoning ordinance. The board will also approve draft minutes from the September 5, 2024 meeting.

• Transmittal of ARB meeting schedule, attendance record, tentative future agenda items, and recently submitted projects
• Study session to review potential amendments to the Housing Incentive Program regulations in Title 18 (Zoning Ordinance) to implement Program 3.4 of the 2023‑2031 Housing Element
• Approval of draft Architectural Review Board meeting minutes for September 5, 2024

The Architectural Review Board held a study session on potential amendments to the Housing Incentive Program (HIP) zoning regulations. The Board provided recommendations to staff, including eliminating maximum FAR, adding a five-foot height bonus, adjusting daylight plane standards near low-density residential areas, and modifying parking and open space requirements. No formal decisions were made; the Board's input will inform future Planning Commission and Council actions.

• Approved minutes of September 5, 2024 with two text corrections (4-0)
• Recommended eliminating maximum FAR, relying on daylight planes, setbacks, and height limits
• Recommended 16-foot height limit at 45 degrees for daylight plane adjacent to low-density residential
• Recommended adding five-foot height bonus across the board, including parapet walls
• Recommended half parking space per studio/efficiency unit and one space for all other units
• Recommended at least 50% of open space at ground or podium level
• Recommended reducing retail requirements while maintaining activated streetscape

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting - CANCELED

The Utilities Advisory Commission had scheduled a regular meeting for October 2, 2024, but the meeting was canceled. No agenda items were considered and no decisions were made. Information about hybrid participation and public comment procedures was included in the agenda, but these were not enacted due to the cancellation.

• Meeting canceled – no items discussed or decided
• Hybrid participation options (in‑person, Zoom) were outlined
• Public comment procedures and sign/display rules were detailed

City Council Special Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will hold a closed session to consider three matters. Council members will review public employee performance evaluations for the City Manager and City Attorney. They will also discuss negotiations with the Palo Alto Unified School District regarding the purchase, exchange, or lease of the property at 4000 Middlefield Road, known as the Cubberley Site, and potential litigation over a refund of parking in‑lieu fees related to 240‑248 Hamilton Avenue.

• Public employee performance evaluations for City Manager and City Attorney (Cal. Gov. Code §54957(b))
• Conference with real property negotiators on 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley Site) with Palo Alto Unified School District – purchase, exchange, or lease terms
• Conference with City Attorney on potential litigation concerning refund of parking in‑lieu fees for 240‑248 Hamilton Avenue development by Hamilton Real, LLC (letter dated May 15, 2024)
• Finance Committee meeting scheduled for October 1, 2024 is canceled

The City Council met in closed session to discuss public employee performance evaluations, real property negotiations for the Cubberley site, and potential litigation. The council voted 7-0 to enter closed session and returned with no reportable action. No substantive decisions were made in open session.

• Approved motion to enter closed session (7-0)
• Held closed session on City Manager and City Attorney performance evaluations
• Held closed session on real property negotiations for 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley Site)
• Held closed session on potential litigation regarding parking in-lieu fees at 240-248 Hamilton Avenue
• No reportable action from closed session

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will receive the Director's Report on meeting schedules and assignments. It will hold a study session to review potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Incentive Program (AHIP) and Housing Incentive Program (HIP) regulations in Title 18 of the municipal code, implementing Programs 3.3 and 3.4 of the 2023‑2031 Housing Element. The commission will also approve draft summary and verbatim minutes from its meetings on May 29, June 26, and April 24, 2024.

• Director's Report, Meeting Schedule and Assignments
• Study Session to review potential amendments to AHIP and HIP regulations in Title 18 (Zoning Ordinance)
• Approval of Draft Summary Minutes of May 29, 2024
• Approval of Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes of June 26, 2024 and Draft Summary Minutes of April 24, 2024

The Planning and Transportation Commission held a study session to review potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Incentive Program (AHIP) and Housing Incentive Program (HIP) to implement the 2023-2031 Housing Element. No formal decisions were made; the commission provided feedback on proposed modifications to development standards, including building height, FAR, parking, and setbacks. The commission also approved minutes from three prior meetings.

• Approved May 29, 2024 summary minutes (6-0)
• Approved June 26, 2024 verbatim and summary minutes as revised (6-0)
• Approved April 24, 2024 summary minutes as revised (6-0)
• Held study session on AHIP/HIP amendments; no vote taken

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission met on September 24, 2024, and received informational updates from staff and the Palo Alto Youth Council, plus a detailed report on the Baylands Nature Preserve. No formal motions or votes were taken; all items were discussions only. The meeting adjourned at 9:24 P.M.

• No formal decisions or votes taken; all agenda items were discussion only

City Council Special Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will vote on an ordinance that adds Chapter 18.29, amends several code chapters, updates the zoning map and rezones parcels in the NVCAP area. It will also adopt a fee‑schedule amendment that changes impact fee calculations for residential development, and approve several professional services contracts and other planning agreements. Additional items include a revised boundary for the Downtown Housing Plan and a tobacco retail permit code update.

• Adopt ordinance amending the Municipal Fee Schedule to calculate park, community center and library impact fees per square foot for residential development (CEQA exempt).
• Approve four professional services contracts for reliability and resiliency on‑call services: Buro Happold (up to $450,000) and EcoMotion, Energeia, Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc. (each up to $250,000) (CEQA not a project).
• Approve revised project boundary for the ongoing Downtown Housing Plan (CEQA exempt).
• Approve $750,000 contract amendment for seven on‑call planning services contracts in the Planning and Development Services Department.
• Reintroduce first reading of ordinance adding Chapter 18.29, amending Chapters 18.14, 18.24, 18.70, 16.65, updating the zoning map and rezoning parcels within the NVCAP area.

The City Council approved the Procurement Process Review Audit following a discussion on contract documentation and bidding practices. Council members also approved several professional services contracts and ordinances, while tabling a proposed amendment to the municipal fee schedule for residential development impact fees.

• Approved Procurement Process Review Audit (7-0)
• Approved four professional services contracts for resiliency services (6-1)
• Approved contract amendment for long-range planning services (5-2)
• Approved two audits regarding public safety construction and parking technology (7-0)
• Approved ordinance updating tobacco retail permit program (7-0)
• Approved rezoning of parcels within the NVCAP area (6-1)
• Tabled ordinance regarding residential development impact fees to a future date

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will meet to discuss a request for a streamlined housing development review at 4335-4345 El Camino Real. The project proposes 29 townhome units, including four below-market-rate units, and seeks waivers for density bonus requirements.

• Request for streamlined housing review at 4335-4345 El Camino Real
• Proposal for 29 three-story attached residential townhome units
• Request for waivers and concessions under State Density Bonus Law
• Project to replace existing commercial and motel uses
• City preparing a Class 32 exemption for infill development

The Architectural Review Board held a study session for a proposed 29-unit townhome development at 4335-4345 El Camino Real, which will be decided by the Director. No formal vote was taken. Board members provided feedback on design issues, including ground-floor elevation, privacy screening, roof complexity, and the use of fake dormers. The project includes four below-market-rate units and requests several waivers under state density bonus law.

• Held study session for 29-unit townhome project at 4335-4345 El Camino Real (no vote)
• No formal action taken; project to proceed to Director's decision
• Board discussed waivers for setbacks, street trees, and ground-floor height
• Board suggested changes to roof design, dormers, and color accents
• Board discussed potential for more housing units on the site

City Schools Liaison Committee Regular Meeting

The City/School Liaison Committee will meet to receive updates from the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Unified School District. The body will discuss joint efforts to address youth mental health.

• Joint efforts to address youth mental health

Retail Committee Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Retail Committee will consider a recommendation to the City Council to start near‑, mid‑ and long‑term amendments to the city’s zoning code (Title 18) as part of the Economic Development and Transition Priority. The committee will also receive an Economic Development Activity Report and a late packet report. Public comment will be allowed for items not on the agenda.

• Discussion and recommendation to the City Council to initiate various near‑, mid‑ and long‑term amendments to the City’s Zoning Code (Title 18) related to Economic Development and Transition Priority.
• Economic Development Activity Report and Late Packet Report added.

The Retail Committee voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council adopt several zoning code amendments, including raising the formula retail threshold from 10 to 50 businesses, and to reject other recommendations. The committee also directed staff to analyze additional proposals, including parking assessment district reactivation and retail preservation ordinance changes. An economic development activity report was not heard.

• Recommended raising formula retail threshold from 10 to 50 (3-0)
• Recommended excluding gyms on California Ave from formula retail rules (3-0)
• Recommended adopting retail-like definition and other zoning changes (3-0)
• Directed staff to analyze parking assessment district reactivation and other items (3-0)
• Rejected recommendations #4, #9, and #10 (3-0)

Rail Committee Regular Meeting

The Rail Committee will receive verbal updates on activities from Caltrain, VTA, and City Staff. The meeting includes an information report regarding near-term projects located near the Churchill Avenue Crossing.

• Information report on near-term projects in the vicinity of Churchill Avenue Crossing
• Verbal updates from Caltrain
• Verbal updates from VTA
• Verbal updates from City Staff

The Rail Committee held a regular meeting with two members present in person and one absent. The agenda included public comments, verbal updates on interagency activities from Caltrain, VTA, and city staff, and an information report on near-term projects near the Churchill Avenue Crossing. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural only.

Finance Committee Regular Meeting

The Finance Committee will meet to consider one action item regarding pension reporting. The body is scheduled to accept the annual valuation reports from the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Acceptance of California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) Pension Annual Valuation Reports

The Finance Committee voted 2-0-1 (with Lauing absent) to recommend that the City Council accept the June 30, 2023 CalPERS Annual Valuation reports for the Miscellaneous and Safety Pension Plans. The motion passed with the two present members in favor. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended City Council accept CalPERS pension valuation reports (2-0-1, Lauing absent)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will hold a study session to receive updates on Caltrain electrification and local coordination, and to discuss the airport long‑range plan project petition. No formal actions are listed; the items are for presentation and council input. The meeting also includes public comment, a closed session on employee performance evaluations, and a sales‑tax digest information report.

• Caltrain Electrification and Local Coordination Updates Presentation (Item 2)
• Update and receive council input on Airport Long‑Range Plan Project Petition (Item 3)
• Closed session to consider public employee performance evaluations (Item 4)
• Sales Tax Digest 2024 Q1 (January‑March) information report (Item 5)
• Resolution in support of Build the Future Santa Clara County removed from agenda

The City Council received updates on the Caltrain electrification and the Airport Long-Range Plan but took no formal action on either item. The airport discussion included community feedback and Council member preferences for Alternative 1, which avoids expansion into parkland. A resolution supporting Build the Future Santa Clara County was removed from the agenda and deferred.

• Deferred resolution in support of Build the Future Santa Clara County to a date uncertain
• Received update on Caltrain electrification and local coordination (no action)
• Received update on Airport Long-Range Plan and Council input (no action)
• Deferred closed session on public employee performance evaluations to a date uncertain

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The Human Relations Commission will approve draft minutes from the August 8, 2024 meeting. It will hold a public hearing to review the Draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report for the FY 2023‑2024 HUD Community Development Block Grant program. Commissioners will consider next steps and recommendations from the 2023 Older Adults Learning Series, and hear reports from adhoc subcommittees on items in the FY2024‑25 workplan.

• Approve draft minutes from the August 8, 2024 Human Relations Commission meeting
• Public hearing: review of Draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report for FY 2023‑2024 HUD CDBG program
• Consider next steps and recommendations from the 2023 Older Adults Learning Series
• Report from adhoc subcommittees on next steps for items in the FY2024‑25 HRC Workplan

The Human Relations Commission approved a motion to create a senior summit with local providers, work with the city's transportation office on senior transit options, and potentially hold a joint meeting with other commissions. The motion passed 5-0-2. No action was taken on the CDBG program accomplishments report or the FY2024-25 workplan subcommittee reports.

• Approved senior summit event with local senior services providers (5-0-2)
• Approved interfacing with city transportation office on senior transit options (5-0-2)
• Approved exploring joint meeting with Planning and Transportation Commission and Architectural Review Board (5-0-2)
• Approved minutes of August 8, 2024 (4-0-3)

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a proposal to rezone two parcels at 70 Encina Avenue. The body will decide whether to recommend forwarding the application to the Architectural Review Board.

• Public hearing for 70 Encina Avenue [24PLN-00095] to rezone and build a three-story, 22,355 square foot building with 10 residential condominium units
• Proposed demolition of a surface parking lot at 70 Encina Avenue
• Approval of draft minutes from April 10, April 24, and June 12, 2024

The Planning & Transportation Commission voted 7-0 to forward the Planned Home Zoning application for 70 Encina Avenue to the Architectural Review Board (ARB) for further review. The project proposes a three-story, 22,355-square-foot building with ten residential condominium units, including two below-market-rate units, on a site currently used as surface parking. Commissioners expressed significant reservations about the project's density, lack of green space, proposed bulb-outs, and compatibility with the adjacent Town & Country Shopping Center, but agreed the ARB should refine the design before it returns to the PTC. The commission also unanimously approved minutes from its April 10, April 24, and June 12, 2024 meetings.

• Forwarded 70 Encina Ave Planned Home Zoning application to Architectural Review Board (7-0)
• Approved draft verbatim minutes of April 10, 2024 (7-0)
• Approved draft verbatim minutes of April 24, 2024 (7-0)
• Approved draft verbatim & summary minutes of June 12, 2024 (7-0)

Policy and Services Regular Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will review an audit report on technology disaster recovery. The body will also discuss and recommend a potential reimbursement policy for Council Members.

• Technology Applications Disaster Recovery Preparedness Assessment Audit Report presentation
• Potential reimbursement policy allowing up to $2,000 annually per Council Member

The Policy & Services Committee voted 3-0 to recommend City Council approve the Technology Applications Disaster Recovery Preparedness Assessment Audit Report. It also voted 2-1 to recommend including a draft reimbursement policy in the City Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook, allowing up to $2,000 annually per council member for specified purposes; Council Member Kou voted no.

• Recommended approval of Technology Applications Disaster Recovery Preparedness Assessment Audit Report (3-0)
• Recommended including draft reimbursement policy in City Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook (2-1, Kou no)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will vote on a resolution amending Resolution 9486 to increase the yearly purchase of California cap‑and‑trade greenhouse‑gas allowances to up to $6,000,000. The council will also approve several contracts, including a $478,041 purchase order for portable power generators and a $150,000 services contract for recreational programming. Additional items include a $499,491 contract for bicycle and pedestrian crossing analysis and a second‑reading ordinance renaming Tower Well Park.

• Adopt resolution amending Resolution 9486 to increase greenhouse‑gas allowances purchase to $6,000,000 per year
• Approve Purchase Order $4525000045 with West Coast Energy Systems for $478,041 (two portable power generators for water pump stations)
• Approve Professional Services Contract C25192226 with Magical Bridge Foundation for up to $150,000 for recreational programming
• Approve Professional Services Contract C25191297 with Kittelson & Associates for up to $499,491 for bicycle and pedestrian railroad crossing alternatives analysis
• Second reading of ordinance to rename Tower Well Park to Fred Eyerly Tower Well Park

The City Council approved the consent calendar, with items 5 and 9 passing 6-1 (Tanaka dissenting) and the rest passing 7-0. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included proclamations, public comments, and a closed session with no reportable action.

• Approved consent items 2-4, 6-8, 10-13 (7-0)
• Approved purchase order for two portable power generators (Item 5) (6-1)
• Approved contract amendment with Salas O'Brien Engineers (Item 9) (6-1)
• Approved minutes from June 3, June 10, August 12, and August 19, 2024 meetings
• Adopted resolution increasing greenhouse gas allowance purchase to $6M/year
• Approved historic inventory upgrade for 431-433 Kipling Street
• Approved $150K contract with Magical Bridge Foundation for recreational programming
• Approved $499,491 contract with Kittelson & Associates for railroad crossing analysis

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold public hearings to provide recommendations on two major architectural reviews. These include exterior improvements for a restaurant and the conversion of a vacant theater into office space.

• 180 El Camino Real: Storefront revisions, outdoor dining, signage, and lighting for The Melt restaurant
• 3000 El Camino Real (Palo Alto Square): Facade changes and site improvements to convert a vacant theater to office use
• Approval of meeting minutes from July 18, 2024, and August 15, 2024

The Architectural Review Board voted 5-0 to recommend denial of a major architectural review for converting a vacant theater to office use at 3000 El Camino Real (Palo Alto Square), citing failure to meet Comprehensive Plan Finding #1, Policy L-1.6. The board also voted 5-0 to recommend approval with modifications for exterior storefront changes at The Melt restaurant at 180 El Camino Real. Both draft minutes from July 18 and August 15, 2024 were approved.

• Recommended denial of 3000 El Camino Real theater-to-office conversion (5-0)
• Recommended approval of The Melt storefront revisions with 5 modifications (5-0)
• Approved July 18, 2024 draft minutes as written (5-0)
• Approved August 15, 2024 draft minutes with name spelling correction (5-0)

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will discuss the City of Palo Alto’s electrical connection to the California Transmission Grid. Staff will also present an overview of the council‑adopted “One Margin” Energy Reach Code and a review of the consulting scope for the Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan. The meeting includes approval of July 3, 2024 minutes and a Utilities Director report.

• Discussion of City of Palo Alto’s Electrical Connection to California Transmission Grid (Staff: Lena Perkins)
• Overview of Council‑Adopted “One Margin” Energy Reach Code (Staff: Jonathan Abendschein)
• Discussion of Implementation of Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan – Review of Consulting Scope of Work (Staff: Jonathan Abendschein)
• Approval of the Minutes of the Utilities Advisory Commission Meeting held on July 3, 2024
• Utilities Director Report

The Utilities Advisory Commission held a regular meeting with no substantive votes. They discussed the City's electrical connection to the California transmission grid, the Council-adopted 'One Margin' Energy Reach Code, and the scope of work for a consultant to implement the Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan. The only action taken was approving the July 3, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0).

• Approved July 3, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)

Planning Director's Hearing Special Meeting

The Planning Director’s Hearing will consider a request for Director’s Review of a tentative approval for an Individual Review Application. The application seeks to demolish an existing one‑story 2,300‑sq‑ft home and build a two‑story, approximately 4,700‑sq‑ft residence with a basement, attached garage, JADU and detached ADU on Miller Court. The project is exempt from CEQA and is located in the R‑1 single‑family residential zone.

• Demolition of existing 2,300‑sq‑ft home at 4368 Miller Court
• Construction of new two‑story, ~4,700‑sq‑ft home with basement, garage, JADU and detached ADU
• Environmental assessment exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15303
• Zoning district: R‑1 (Single Family Residential)
• Contact: Project Planner Bhavani Potharaju (bpotharaju@m‑group.us)

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will recommend that the City Council adopt two new ordinances: one updating lighting standards and another adding a bird-friendly design section to the Palo Alto Municipal Code. The body will also approve minutes from previous meetings.

• Recommend adoption of ordinances updating PAMC Chapter 18.40 (Lighting and Bird-Friendly Design)
• Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission minutes from February 28, 2024
• Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission minutes from March 13, 2024
• Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission minutes from March 27, 2024
• Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission minutes from April 10, 2024

The Planning & Transportation Commission voted to continue both the Dark Skies (lighting) ordinance and the Bird-Friendly Design ordinance to a date uncertain, allowing staff to revise them based on extensive commissioner feedback. The commission also approved four sets of prior meeting minutes, with one set of verbatim minutes sent back for editing.

• Continued Dark Skies ordinance to date uncertain (6-0-1)
• Continued Bird-Friendly Design ordinance to date uncertain (6-0-1)
• Approved Feb 28, 2024 minutes as revised (6-0-1)
• Approved Mar 13, 2024 minutes as revised (6-0-1)
• Approved Mar 27, 2024 minutes (5-0-1-1, Hechtman abstained)
• Approved Apr 10, 2024 summary minutes as revised (6-0-1)
• Sent Apr 10, 2024 verbatim minutes back for editing (6-0-1)

Public Art Commission Special Meeting

The Public Art Commission will consider three action items. Staff recommends approving private development in‑lieu funds not to exceed $300,000 to support a major 3‑D projection‑mapping artwork on the City Hall façade that would debut during Code:ART in October 2025. Staff also recommends allocating up to $70,000 from the Art in Public Places Capital Improvement Budget for a major installation on Lytton Plaza and four additional downtown artworks. Finally, staff recommends accepting a donation of an artwork by Cubberley artist Darryl Dieckman into the City collection.

• Approve up to $300,000 in private development in‑lieu funds for 3‑D projection mapping on City Hall façade (Code:ART 2025)
• Allocate up to $70,000 from the Art in Public Places Capital Improvement Budget for a major installation on Lytton Plaza and four additional downtown artworks (Code:ART 2025)
• Approve donation of an artwork by Cubberley artist Darryl Dieckman into the City collection

The commission approved using up to $300,000 from private development in-lieu funds for a 3-D projection mapping project on City Hall during Code:ART 2025, passing 5-1. It also approved up to $70,000 from the Art in Public Places CIP for an interactive installation in Lytton Plaza and four urban interventions. The commission accepted a donated artwork by CASP artist Darryl Dieckman into the city's collection.

• Approved up to $300,000 for 3-D projection mapping on City Hall for Code:ART 2025 (5-1)
• Approved up to $70,000 for Lytton Plaza installation and four urban interventions (unanimous)
• Accepted donation of artwork by Darryl Dieckman into Public Art Collection (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission voted 4-0 to recommend City Council approval of the Park Improvement Ordinance for Valley Water's Palo Alto Flood Basin Tide Gate Structure Project, with considerations for fence heights, colors, and potential public art. The commission also heard an informational update on the First Tee youth golf program and approved the July 23, 2024 meeting minutes.

• Approved July 23, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Recommended City Council approval of Park Improvement Ordinance for Valley Water tide gate project (4-0)

Retail Committee Regular Meeting

The Retail Committee will meet in a hybrid format, allowing both in‑person and Zoom participation. Staff will give verbal updates on the Downtown Business District, California Avenue Business District, and Midtown Business District. The meeting includes a 30‑minute public comment period for items not on the agenda.

• Verbal staff update – Downtown Business District
• Verbal staff update – California Avenue Business District
• Verbal staff update – Midtown Business District
• 30‑minute public comment period for non‑agenda items
• Hybrid meeting format with Zoom and in‑person attendance

The Retail Committee received staff updates on downtown, California Avenue, and Midtown business districts, discussing improvements, parklets, vacancies, and retail permitting. No formal votes or decisions were made; the meeting was informational only.

• No action taken on downtown business district updates
• No action taken on California Ave business district updates
• No action taken on Midtown business district update

Rail Committee Special Meeting

The Rail Committee will review the initial analysis for the City's Quiet Zone Implementation Project. The body will also receive verbal updates on activities from Caltrain, VTA, and City Staff.

• Review of Quiet Zone Implementation Project at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings

The Rail Committee voted 3-0 to recommend upgrading all three at-grade crossings (Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road) with a Quad Gate System and installing wayside horns at all locations as part of the Quiet Zone Implementation Project. The item was only a recommendation for discussion; no final action was taken by the City Council. The meeting included no other substantive decisions.

• Recommended Quad Gate System at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road (3-0)
• Recommended wayside horns at all three crossings (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will vote on a consent calendar that includes several contract and lease approvals, a gas utility plan amendment, and historic resource designations. Key items are a $10,107,560 amendment to the OB Sports Golf Management contract for Baylands Golf Links and a lease amendment for the Lucie Stern Community Center at 1305 Middlefield Road. The council will also adopt a resolution amending the Gas Utility Long‑term Plan and add five properties to the Historic Resources Inventory. Study session reports from the Human Relations Commission will be presented but not acted upon.

• Approve Amendment No. 3 to Contract C18169712 with OB Sports Golf Management (Baylands Golf Links) for $10,107,560 and extend term 2 years 9 months
• Approve lease amendment for Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Road, $1,540.75 per month with 3% annual increase
• Approve the 11th Amendment to the Standard Industrial Lease Agreement for 1005–1007 Elwell Court
• Recommend City Council adopt resolution amending the Gas Utility Long‑term Plan (GULP) and related rate schedules
• Add five properties to the City’s Historic Resources Inventory based on owner interest

The City Council approved the Castilleja School's Transportation Demand Management Plan (TDM) as consistent with the conditions of approval for its redevelopment project, in a 4-3 vote. A substitute motion to include street parking in the trip counts was passed, while a motion to approve the plan without that condition failed for lack of a second. The council also approved the consent calendar, including a $10.1 million contract amendment for golf course management and a $307,000 grant for impaired driving reduction.

• Approved Castilleja School TDM plan as consistent with conditions of approval (4-3)
• Rejected motion to approve TDM plan without counting street parking (failed for lack of second)
• Approved consent calendar items 3-12 (5-2, with Kou and Tanaka voting no on item 5)
• Approved items 9-10, including $10.1M golf course contract amendment (6-1)
• Approved items 3-4, 6-8, 11-12, including $307,000 CHP grant (7-0)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider requests for master sign programs at two downtown locations. The board will also review trash management modifications for a rezoning application on San Antonio Road.

• Public hearing for master sign programs and exceptions at 525 University and 530 Lytton
• Ad Hoc review of trash management modifications for rezoning 800 and 808 San Antonio Road from Commercial Services to Planned Community
• Approval of meeting minutes from April 4, April 18, May 2, May 16, and June 6, 2024

The Architectural Review Board approved the applicant's request for major architectural review of two master sign programs at 525 University and 530 Lytton, with sign exceptions. The approval was granted 5-0 after the applicant revised sign heights and clarified mounting details to meet board recommendations. The board also approved minutes from several prior meetings, with corrections noted.

• Approved master sign programs at 525 University and 530 Lytton (5-0)
• Approved April 4, 2024 minutes with note to fix errors (5-0)
• Approved April 18, 2024 minutes as presented (5-0)
• Approved May 2, 2024 minutes excluding final motion (5-0)
• Approved May 16, 2024 minutes as revised (5-0)
• Approved June 6, 2024 minutes as written (5-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Special Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will consider recommendations for municipal code amendments regarding retail land uses and parking. The body will also discuss stream corridor protections and propose new standards for lighting and bird-friendly design.

• Recommendation on Municipal Code amendments for retail land uses, retail preservation, and parking regulations
• Study session on updates to the Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance (PAMC Section 18.40.140)
• Proposed update to PAMC Section 18.40.250 regarding lighting
• Proposed new PAMC Section 18.40.280 for Bird-Friendly Design

The Planning & Transportation Commission voted on a package of 14 consultant recommendations for retail-related municipal code amendments. It recommended several items to Council, including parking regulation changes, a flexible retail-like definition, and a study of parking standards, but rejected repealing the Retail Preservation Ordinance and relaxing office limits. The commission also held a study session on the Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance update and continued the dark skies and bird-friendly design ordinance items to the next meeting.

• Recommended consultant Recommendations 1, 2, 5, 13, 15 to Council (7-0)
• Rejected repealing the Retail Preservation Ordinance (Recommendation 3) (3-4)
• Approved motion to modify, not repeal, the RPO (6-0-1)
• Recommended extending AB 2097 parking exemptions to 16 parcels (6-1)
• Recommended flexible retail-like definition (Recommendation 7.1) (7-0)
• Recommended first two bullets of Recommendation 7.2 (6-1)
• Rejected relaxing annual office limits (Recommendation 9) (5-2)
• Continued dark skies and bird-friendly design items to Aug 28 (6-0-1 each)

Public Works Director's Hearing Special Meeting

The Public Works Director's Hearing will consider a request for a Director's Review of an approved Protected Tree Removal Permit. This is the only action item scheduled for the special meeting.

• Director's Review of Protected Tree Removal Permit [24TRE-00051] at 1959 Emerson Street

Policy and Services Committee Regular Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will hear two audits presented by the Office of the City Auditor: a Procurement Process Review Audit and a Parking Permit Technology Contracts Audit. It will recommend that the City Council approve a new assessment of Dispatch Center efficiency and effectiveness in place of the FY2024 Task Order 4.21 Purchasing Card Audit. The meeting will also include a presentation of the Race and Equity Quarterly Report.

• Office of the City Auditor presentation of the Procurement Process Review Audit
• Recommendation to City Council to approve a new Dispatch Center efficiency assessment, replacing FY2024 Task Order 4.21 Purchasing Card Audit
• Office of the City Auditor presentation of the Parking Permit Technology Contracts Audit
• Race and Equity Quarterly Report

The Policy & Services Committee recommended the City Council approve a new assessment of dispatch center efficiency and effectiveness, replacing the FY2024 Purchasing Card Audit. The committee also recommended approval of the Procurement Process Review Audit and the Parking Permit Technology Contracts Audit, and received the Race and Equity Quarterly Report.

• Recommended City Council approve Procurement Process Review Audit (2-1, Tanaka no)
• Recommended City Council approve new Dispatch Center Program assessment (3-0)
• Deferred Purchasing Card Audit to FY2025 Audit Plan (3-0)
• Directed City Auditor to report on resources for response time, labor efficiency, quality of service (3-0)
• Recommended City Council approve Parking Permit Technology Contracts Audit (3-0)
• Received Race and Equity Quarterly Report (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will consider renaming Tower Well Park to Fred Eyerly Tower Well Park and vote on a mobile home park redevelopment project at 3980 El Camino Real. The meeting also includes a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to update local zoning laws to align with state housing requirements.

• Rename Tower Well Park to Fred Eyerly Tower Well Park
• Approve Buena Vista Mobile Home Park redevelopment (61-unit apartment building)
• Amend zoning and subdivision regulations to implement state housing laws
• Accept emergency management grant funds from Santa Clara County
• Remove parking spots on El Camino Real for Caltrans repaving project

The City Council approved the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park redevelopment, including a vesting tentative map to subdivide the 4.5-acre parcel and a streamlined housing development review for a new 61-unit apartment building at 3980 El Camino Real. The approval directs staff to return no sooner than September 15, 2024, with updates on unresolved resident agreements, the Palo Alto live/work preference, RV quality, student school plans, and tree canopy requirements. The council also approved amendments to two residential preferential parking districts to remove parking spots on El Camino Real due to Caltrans' repaving and bikeway project, reallocating employee permits to neighborhood zones.

• Approved Buena Vista Mobile Home Park redevelopment: 61-unit apartment building and vesting tentative map (7-0)
• Directed staff to report back no sooner than Sept. 15, 2024, on resident agreements, live/work preference, RV quality, school plans, and tree canopy
• Approved removing El Camino Real parking spots from Evergreen Park-Mayfield and Southgate RPP districts (6-1)
• Reallocated 50 employee permits to Evergreen Park-Mayfield Zones A-D and 20 to Southgate Zone S
• Directed staff to evaluate a second low-income parking permit tier up to 80% AMI
• Appointed Geddes Ulinskas and Caroline Willis to Historic Resources Board
• Approved $2023 Emergency Management Performance Grant acceptance and FY 2025 budget amendments (7-0)
• Adopted ordinance renaming Tower Well Park to Fred Eyerly Tower Well Park (7-0)

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will hold a study session to discuss potential retreat topics, including a draft Mills Act letter, historic review bulletin, preservation awards, workplan, and a historic status label for parcel reports. The board will also approve the draft minutes from its June 13, 2024 meeting. A report on the board’s meeting schedule and assignments will be presented.

• Study session on retreat topics: draft Mills Act letter, historic review bulletin, preservation awards, HRB workplan, historic status label in parcel report
• Approval of Historic Resources Board draft minutes of June 13, 2024
• Presentation of Historic Resources Board schedule of meetings and assignments

The Historic Resources Board voted 5-0 to send the draft Mills Act letter to the City Council as a working document, and voted 5-0 to add a Historic Preservation Awards program to the FY 24-25 Workplan. The board also discussed updates to the Historic Review Bulletin and alternatives to the 'potentially eligible' status in parcel reports, but took no formal action on those items. The minutes of the June 13, 2024 meeting were approved unanimously.

• Approved sending draft Mills Act letter to City Council (5-0)
• Approved adding Historic Preservation Awards to FY 24-25 Workplan (5-0)
• Approved minutes of June 13, 2024 meeting (unanimous)

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The commission will approve the June 20 2024 meeting minutes. It will then discuss establishing next steps for the Human Relations Commission workplan. A second discussion will cover commissioner site visits to Human Services Resource Allocation Process grant recipients.

• Approval of June 20 2024 meeting minutes
• Discussion of next steps for HRC workplan (30 min)
• Discussion of commissioner site visits to HSRAP grant recipients (15 min)

The Human Relations Commission held a regular meeting on August 8, 2024, with five commissioners present. The only formal action taken was approving the minutes from the June 20, 2024 meeting, which passed 5-0-2. Two discussion items were considered but no action was taken on either.

• Approved June 20, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0-2)

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will review and discuss funding levels for the Human Services Resource Allocation Process and other General Fund grants. The committee may provide a recommendation to the City Council based on this discussion.

• Review of Human Services Resource Allocation Process funding levels
• Review of other General Fund grants

The Finance Committee met virtually and reviewed the funding level of the Human Services Resource Allocation Process and other grants in the General Fund, along with a potential recommendation to City Council. No action was taken on the item, and the meeting adjourned without any decisions.

• No action taken on Human Services Resource Allocation Process funding review

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will consider a public hearing on the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park redevelopment at 3980 El Camino Real, which includes a vesting tentative map to split a 4.5‑acre parcel and approve a 61‑unit apartment building plus 44 mobile homes. Other actions include increasing the Legal Services contract by $150,000 to a total not‑to‑exceed $320,000, adopting a fiscal‑year 2025 property‑tax levy for Measure N libraries, and extending the interim parklet program on Ramona Street through March 2025.

• Buena Vista Mobile Home Park Redevelopment/3980 El Camino Real – vesting tentative map, subdivision of 4.5‑acre parcel, 61‑unit apartment and 44 mobile homes (public hearing/quasi‑judicial)
• Authorization to increase Legal Services Contract S22183520 with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore by $150,000 (total not‑to‑exceed $320,000)
• Adoption of resolution establishing fiscal year 2025 property‑tax levy for General Obligation Bonds (Measure N Libraries)
• Second reading: extend Interim Parklet Program to car‑free portion of Ramona Street through March 2025
• Public hearing and resolution on Weed Abatement Assessment costs

The Council adopted the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP), certifying the supplemental environmental impact report and introducing an ordinance to rezone parcels and amend the municipal code. The motion passed 6-1, with Council Member Kou dissenting, and included directions to require parking outside AB 2097 boundaries, allow a two-year nonconforming use discontinuance, require EV and ADA parking where state law permits, and apply a 15-foot setback on Park Boulevard. The Buena Vista Mobile Home Park redevelopment item was pulled from the consent calendar and continued to the next meeting.

• Adopted NVCAP resolution and introduced implementing ordinance (6-1, Kou dissenting)
• Certified Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for NVCAP (6-1)
• Directed staff to require parking per municipal code outside AB 2097 boundary (6-1)
• Directed staff to allow two-year nonconforming use discontinuance instead of one year (6-1)
• Directed staff to require EV and ADA parking within NVCAP where state law allows (6-1)
• Directed staff to apply 15-foot setback from Park Boulevard (6-1)
• Pulled Buena Vista Mobile Home Park redevelopment from consent calendar, continued to Aug 12 (7-0)
• Approved weed abatement assessments resolution (7-0)

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved adding pickleball striping to the blacktop at Terman Park for eight courts, a joint project with PAUSD costing $8,900 total, with the City's share at $4,450. The motion passed 5-0 with one abstention. The Commission also approved the June 25, 2024 meeting minutes with amendments, and received updates on parks, recreation programs, and nature preserves.

• Approved pickleball striping at Terman Park for eight courts, City share $4,450 (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved June 25, 2024 meeting minutes with amendments (5-0, 1 abstention)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The board will consider an amendment to the Planned Community Zone (PC‑5116) at 4075 El Camino Way to add 16 assisted‑living units and 172 sf of support space to an existing 121‑unit facility. The amendment is exempt from CEQA review under Guidelines Section 15301. A study session will also review draft ordinances updating lighting standards and adding bird‑safe design requirements. The meeting includes approval of minutes from February 29 and March 7, 2024.

• Amendment to PC‑5116 at 4075 El Camino Way for 16 assisted‑living units and 172 sf support space
• Study session on draft ordinances updating lighting standards (PAMC 18.40.250) and bird‑safe design (PAMC 18.40.280)
• Approval of draft ARB meeting minutes for February 29, 2024
• Approval of draft ARB meeting minutes for March 7, 2024

The Architectural Review Board voted 5-0 to continue the proposed expansion of the Palo Alto Commons assisted living facility at 4075 El Camino Way to a date uncertain, subject to comments. The project would add 16 assisted living units and 172 sf of support space. The Board requested additional information, including a landscape plan, parking plan, and noise study review, before the next hearing. The Board also held a study session on draft ordinances for lighting and bird-safe design standards, with no vote taken.

• Continued 4075 El Camino Way expansion to date uncertain (5-0)
• Approved Feb 29, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0-1)
• Approved March 7, 2024 meeting minutes with correction (4-0-1)
• Held study session on lighting and bird-safe design ordinances (no vote)

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Public Art Commission will vote on the June 20, 2024 meeting minutes, adopt a conceptual design for a temporary mural on the roll‑up door of Fire Station 5 at 600 Arastradero Road, and review the PAC Annual Work Plan for submission to the City Council in August. Staff will also give an informational update on the ArtLift Grants Utility Box edition. Public comments are accepted in person and via Zoom.

• Approve June 20, 2024 PAC Regular Meeting minutes
• Approve conceptual design for a temporary mural on the roll‑up door of Fire Station 5 (600 Arastradero Road)
• Review and approve the PAC Annual Work Plan for Council submission in August
• Staff update on ArtLift Grants: Utility Box Edition

The Palo Alto Public Art Commission approved the conceptual design for a temporary mural by artist Bodeck Luna on the roll-up door at Fire Station 5, 600 Arastradero Road. The commission also approved its Annual Work Plan for submission to City Council. The meeting included staff updates on a completed mural and upcoming art events.

• Approved conceptual design for temporary mural by Bodeck Luna at Fire Station 5 (all in favor)
• Approved PAC Annual Work Plan for City Council submission (all in favor)
• Approved June 20, 2024 meeting minutes (all in favor)

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will hold a public hearing regarding the request to reclassify 431-433 Kipling Street from a Local Historic Resource Category 4 to a Category 2. The board will also review meeting schedules and approve minutes from May 9, 2024.

• Historic designation reclassification for 431-433 Kipling Street (Category 4 to Category 2)
• Approval of Historic Resources Board draft minutes from May 9, 2024
• Review of the Historic Resources Board schedule of meetings and assignments

The Historic Resources Board recommended that City Council reclassify 431-433 Kipling Street from a Category 4 contributing building to a Category 2 major historic resource. The Board also approved the minutes from the May 9, 2024, meeting with noted corrections.

• Recommended upgrading 431-433 Kipling Street from Category 4 to Category 2 (4-0-2)
• Approved May 9, 2024 meeting minutes with corrections (4-0-2)

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Commission recommended approval of a subdivision map for the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park to allow for a 61-unit apartment building and mobile home rehabilitation. The Commission also recommended changes to parking regulations regarding loading zones and requested Council investigate ADA and EV parking requirements near transit.

• Recommended approval of Vesting Tentative Map for Buena Vista Mobile Home Park redevelopment (7-0)
• Recommended adoption of PAMC 18.52.040 Subpart D, removing 'where feasible' from loading space requirements for developments with 50+ units (7-0)
• Recommended Council consider mandating minimal ADA parking for projects within 0.5 miles of public transit (7-0)
• Recommended Council direct staff to develop a policy for ADA parking on streets and public property within 0.5 miles of transit (7-0)
• Recommended Council investigate the desirability of requiring minimal EV parking for projects within 0.5 miles of public transit (7-0)

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The commission will review the Palo Alto Utilities Schools Grant Program and discuss installing separate utility meters for Accessory Dwelling Units. Additionally, members will consider approving Budget Subcommittee members for a short-term service period.

• Approval of UAC Budget Subcommittee Members (July 3, 2024 to July 2, 2025)
• Discussion on Palo Alto Utilities Schools Grant Program
• Discussion and review of separate utility meters and services for Accessory Dwelling Units

The Commission approved the appointment of three members to the Budget Subcommittee for a short term. The body also discussed utility metering for accessory dwelling units and the Schools Grant Program, though no formal actions were taken on those items.

• Approved June 3, 2024 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved Commissioners Gupta, Croft, and Phillips to the Budget Subcommittee for term July 3, 2024 to July 2, 2025 (unanimous)

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission tabled a decision on a proposed 4,119-square-foot accessory structure at 830 Los Trancos Road. Commissioners requested that the applicant and the neighboring property owner engage in direct discussions to resolve disputes regarding site access and property easements. The commission also approved the minutes from the January 31, 2024, meeting.

• Tabled site and design review for 830 Los Trancos Road (7-0)
• Approved January 31, 2024, meeting minutes as revised (7-0)

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the draft minutes of its May 28, 2024 regular meeting on a 5-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Greenfield abstaining. The rest of the meeting was discussion only: a Gunn High School student presented a proposal for a traffic garden at Ventura Community Center, Valley Water staff presented the Palo Alto Flood Basin Tide Gate Structure project, and Director O'Kane reviewed the adopted FY 2025 Community Services budget. No other substantive decisions were recorded; the meeting adjourned at 10:01 P.M.

• Approved May 28, 2024 draft minutes (5-0-1, Greenfield abstaining)
• Traffic garden at Ventura Community Center: presented and discussed, no vote taken
• Flood Basin Tide Gate Structure project: presented and discussed, no vote taken
• FY 2025 Community Services adopted budget: reviewed and discussed, no vote taken

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The Public Art Commission approved the conceptual design for a temporary mural by Cameron Moberg at Cubberley Community Center. The Commission also approved three artists to paint temporary murals on privately owned walls in downtown Palo Alto. Staff provided updates on utility box art projects and the annual work plan, but no decisions were made on those items.

• Approved conceptual design for temporary mural by Cameron Moberg at Cubberley Community Center (All in Favor)
• Approved three artists to create temporary murals on privately owned walls in downtown Palo Alto (All in Favor)
• Approved minutes from May 16, 2024 meeting (All in Favor)

Human Relations Commission Special Meeting

The Human Relations Commission will meet to review its 2024/2025 Draft Workplan. The agenda also includes a listening session with local faith leaders and consideration of support for a solidarity celebration picnic.

• Listening session with local faith leaders
• Review and finalization of Draft 2024/2025 Workplan
• Support for the Solidarity Celebration Picnic to commemorate Juneteenth and Eid-Ul-Adha

The Human Relations Commission approved its May 9, 2024 meeting minutes, accepted the Draft 2024/2025 Workplan, and voted to support the Solidarity Celebration Picnic commemorating Juneteenth and Eid-Ul-Adha. Commissioners also held a discussion session with local faith leaders.

• Approved May 9, 2024 minutes (7-0)
• Accepted Draft 2024/2025 Workplan (7-0)
• Supported the Solidarity Celebration Picnic to Commemorate Juneteenth and Eid-Ul-Adha (7-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The Council will discuss the Caltrans repaving project on El Camino Real, which involves replacing parking with bicycle lanes. A public hearing is scheduled for the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park redevelopment to include 61 units of affordable housing. The meeting also includes selecting rail grade separation alternatives for several crossings.

• El Camino Real repaving and bicycle lane installation
• Buena Vista Mobile Home Park redevelopment public hearing
• Rail grade separation alternatives for Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road
• $2,124,293 contract with Cintas Corporation for uniforms
• $1,122,121 amendment to Magellan contract for Fiber-to-the-Premises project

The City Council approved a resolution supporting the removal of on-street parking on El Camino Real to accommodate a Caltrans repaving and bike project. The Council also advanced both hybrid and underpass alternatives for rail grade separations at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road to the preliminary engineering phase.

• Approved removal of on-street parking for El Camino Real bike project (5-1-1)
• Approved additional No Right Turn on Red restrictions on El Camino Real (6-0-1)
• Advanced hybrid and underpass rail grade separation alternatives for Meadow Drive and Charleston Road (4-3)
• Adopted FY 2024-25 CDBG Annual Action Plan and budget amendment (7-0)
• Tabled Buena Vista Mobile Home Park redevelopment decision to August 5, 2024 (7-0)
• Approved $1.12M contract amendment for Fiber-to-the-Premises pilot project (6-0-1)
• Approved $2.12M contract with Cintas Corporation for uniform services (6-0-1)
• Approved $1.18M contract for Police Public Contact Audio/Video System (6-0-1)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Ordinance and municipal fee schedules. The council will also consider financial plans and rate amendments for wastewater, water, gas, and electric utilities. Other items include discussions on federal funding for railroad grade separation projects.

• Public hearing for FY 2025 Operating and Capital Budgets
• Proposed changes to water, gas, and electric utility rate schedules
• $6 million federal funding agreement for grade separation projects
• $31 million line of credit for the Regional Wastewater Treatment Fund
• $305,600 contract for Ramos Park improvements

The Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2025 budget ordinance, including a $1.1 billion operating budget, $442 million for capital infrastructure, and 29 new full-time positions. It also approved six utility rate resolutions raising water, gas, wastewater, electric, dark fiber, and storm water rates effective July 1, 2024, after a Proposition 218 hearing drew only 11 written protests against each of the water and wastewater rate changes. A closed session on the Eric Figueroa et al. v. City of Palo Alto lawsuit produced no reportable action. Item 31, on the Caltrans El Camino Real repaving project, was continued to June 18, 2024.

• Adopted FY2025 Budget Ordinance with $1.1B operating budget, $442M capital budget, and 29 new FTE (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved Stanford-related FY2025 budget items in Attachment C (5-1-1, Tanaka no, Veenker recused)
• Approved utility rate increases: water 9.5%, gas 12.5%, wastewater 15%, electric 0.5%, dark fiber 2.6%, storm water 2.6% (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved consent calendar items 5-26 and AA1, including $305,600 Ramos Park contract, $338,459 dog park contract, and $6M grade separation funding agreement (7-0, with Tanaka no on items 9, 11, 17, 19, 23, 24 and Kou no on item 15)
• Approved extension of interim parklet program on Ramona Street through March 2025 (7-0)
• Approved retaining full share of WAPA hydroelectricity contract through 2030 (7-0)
• Closed session on Eric Figueroa et al. v. City of Palo Alto: no reportable action
• Continued Item 31 on Caltrans El Camino Real repaving and parking removal to June 18, 2024

Council Appointed Officers Committee Special Meeting

The Council Appointed Officers Committee will meet to discuss the annual performance evaluation process and goal setting. A supplemental report has been added to the agenda regarding this topic.

• Discussion Regarding Council Appointed Officers (CAO) Annual Performance Evaluation Process and Goal Setting

The Council Appointed Officers Committee approved a recommendation to the City Council regarding the annual performance evaluation process. The recommendation includes a specific set of nine questions for appointed officials to address in their self-evaluations.

• Recommended revised CAO Evaluation Process questions to City Council (3-0)

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will review proposed changes to its bylaws for consistency with municipal code amendments. The board is also scheduled to provide a recommendation on the Tailored Mills Act Program.

• Review and approve changes to Historic Resources Board Bylaws
• Recommendation on Tailored Mills Act Program
• Approval of April 11, 2024, meeting minutes

The Board approved changes to its bylaws regarding quorum requirements and meeting frequency. Members discussed a proposed Tailored Mills Act Program, agreeing to include a webpage option for property history instead of mandatory on-site signage.

• Approved bylaw changes for quorum and meeting frequency (4-0-3)
• Approved adding a webpage option as an alternative to on-site signage for the Mills Act pilot program (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of April 11, 2024 (4-0-3)

Public Works Director's Hearing Special Meeting

The Public Works Director will conduct a hearing regarding a request for review of an approved Protected Tree Removal Permit. The item concerns the property located at 776 Josina Ave.

• 776 Josina Ave [23TRE-00144]: Request for Director's Review of an approved Protected Tree Removal Permit

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will review a project to add 16 assisted living units at Palo Alto Commons. The agenda also includes a proposed four-story mixed-use building with office and residential space, though that item was pulled from the agenda by the applicant.

• Additions of 16 assisted living units at 4075 El Camino Way
• Proposed redevelopment of 511 Byron St, 660 University Ave, and 680 University Ave/500 Middlefield Rd
• Proposed four-story mixed-use building with 9,115 SF of office and 63 residential rental units

The Planning & Transportation Commission voted 6-0 to forward the 4075 El Camino Way project — adding 16 assisted living units to the existing 121-unit Palo Alto Commons facility — to the Architectural Review Board with comments. The commission asked the ARB to consider a 20-foot setback for new construction, privacy glazing and screening, window placement, sound mitigation, and landscaping for privacy. The item at 660 University was pulled from the agenda at the applicant's request and postponed to a date uncertain. No final decision on the project was made; the City Council will decide later.

• Recommended 4075 El Camino Way (Palo Alto Commons) 16-unit addition move forward to Architectural Review Board (6-0)
• Directed ARB to consider 20-foot setback for new construction per PC special requirements
• Directed ARB to consider privacy glazing, screening, and window placement for windows facing Wilkie Way homes
• Directed ARB to consider sound mitigation for windows
• Directed ARB to consider landscaping for privacy
• Item 660 University pulled from agenda at applicant's request; postponed to a date uncertain

Policy and Services Regular Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will review a presentation regarding the Downtown Streets Team Program. The committee will also consider approving FY2025 task orders for the Office of the City Auditor and receive a report on the Public Safety Building Construction Audit.

• Presentation regarding the Downtown Streets Team Program
• Approval of Office of City Auditor FY2025 Task Orders
• Presentation of the Public Safety Building Construction Audit Report

The Policy and Services Committee recommended that the City Council approve several internal audit task orders with Baker Tilly and the Public Safety Building Construction Audit Report.

• Recommended City Council approve Baker Tilly Task Orders for internal audit services (3-0)
• Recommended City Council approve the Public Safety Building Construction Audit Report (3-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will hold a hearing regarding the proposed discontinuance of part of El Camino Park and a potential special election. The agenda also includes reviews of parklet standards and rail grade separation alternatives near Churchill Avenue. Additionally, several utility and construction contracts are presented for approval.

• Hearing on protests against discontinuing part of El Camino Park and a potential November 5 special election
• $16,000,000 contract amendment with VIP Powerline Corp for the Electric Grid Modernization Pilot
• $1,586,191 construction contract with JJR Construction for sidewalk repair and ADA improvements
• $2,742,774 professional services contract with Carollo Engineers for water plant planning
• Conditional Use Permit request for 310 California Avenue to expand commercial recreation use

The City Council approved a ballot measure for a November 2024 special election to discontinue park use of 0.33 acres of El Camino Park for a transit roadway. Council also adopted revised parklet regulations and advanced a rail grade separation plan for the Churchill Avenue crossing.

• Approved ballot measure for special election on Nov 5, 2024, to discontinue 0.33 acres of El Camino Park (6-0-1)
• Authorized Letter of Intent with Stanford University for the Quarry Road Project (6-0-1)
• Approved Revised Ongoing Parklet Program Regulations and pre-approved designs (6-0-1)
• Extended interim parklet program for car-free Ramona Street until March 31, 2025 (6-0-1)
• Recommended Seale Avenue for bike/ped crossing and Churchill Avenue partial underpass for preliminary engineering (5-2)
• Approved $2.74M contract with Carollo Engineers for Water Quality Control Plant plan (6-0-1)
• Approved $1.59M sidewalk repair ADA improvement contract with JJR Construction (6-0-1)
• Approved $16M compensation increase for VIP Powerline Corp for grid modernization (6-0-1)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider a major review for a redevelopment project on Waverley Street. The proposal includes demolishing two existing buildings to create a four-story mixed-use structure with office and residential space.

• 640 Waverley Street: Proposed demolition of two buildings and construction of a 11,403 square foot mixed-use development
• 300 Pasteur Drive: Ad Hoc review of modifications to the approved Nursing Pods project

The Architectural Review Board reviewed a proposal to demolish two buildings at 640 Waverley Street and build a four-story mixed-use development. The Board did not approve the project, instead voting to continue the review to a future date pending additional information. The Board requested more details on plant maintenance, parking diagrams, privacy screening samples, and visual impacts on the neighboring property at 636 Waverley.

• Continued review of 640 Waverley Street project to a date uncertain (4-0-1)
• Approved February 15, 2024 meeting minutes with corrections (4-0-1)
• Canceled June 20 meeting due to lack of plan sets for 3000 El Camino Real

Finance Committee Regular Meeting

The Finance Committee will review several financial reports and recommendations for the City Council. Items include updates on gas utility rate schedules, retiree healthcare valuations, and the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

• Amendments to Gas Utility Long-term Plan objectives and rate schedules (G-1, G-2, G-3, G-10)
• June 30, 2023 Actuarial Valuation of retiree healthcare and post-employment benefits
• Fiscal Year 2024 Third Quarter Financial Status Report
• FY 2025 Budget Wrap-Up and Municipal Fee Schedule discussion

The Palo Alto Finance Committee recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution amending the Gas Utility Long-term Plan, reserves practices, FY 2025 Gas Fund Budget, and gas rate schedules G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-10, reflecting a $0.055 per therm adder for 3 years with a transition to a maximum Commodity Charge of $3.00 per therm. The committee also recommended accepting the June 30, 2023 actuarial valuation of retiree healthcare and other post-employment benefits and approving the annual Actuarially Determined Contribution for FY 2025 and FY 2026 using a two-year phase-in of adjusted assumptions. It recommended the City Council accept the FY 2024 Third Quarter Financial Status Report and adjust the recommended FY 2025 General Fund Budget by decreasing the Real Property Investments Reserve by $1.5 million to $1.0 million, funding the Budget Stabilization Reserve at 18.5% of expenses, and increasing the Uncertainty Reserve with remaining savings for FY 2026 planning. All motions passed 3-0; the meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M.

• Recommended City Council adopt resolution amending Gas Utility Long-term Plan, reserves practices, FY 2025 Gas Fund Budget, and rate schedules G-1, G-2, G-3, G-10 with $0.055 per therm adder for 3 years and transition to $3.00 per therm maximum Commodity Charge (3-0)
• Recommended City Council accept June 30, 2023 actuarial valuation of retiree healthcare and OPEB and approve annual Actuarially Determined Contribution for FY 2025 and FY 2026 using two-year phase-in of adjusted assumptions (3-0)
• Recommended City Council accept FY 2024 Third Quarter Financial Status Report (3-0)
• Recommended City Council adjust FY 2025 General Fund Budget: decrease Real Property Investments Reserve by $1.5 million to $1.0 million in FY2025 and ongoing; fund Budget Stabilization Reserve at 18.5% of expenses in FY2025; increase Uncertainty Reserve with remaining savings for FY2026 planning (3-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will consider a rezoning request for 75 residential units at 800 San Antonio Road. The agenda also includes property negotiations for the Cubberley Site and a public hearing on new green building standards. Several contract amendments for software and electrical services are also up for approval.

• Rezoning of 800 San Antonio Road for 75 residential units, including 15 below-market rate units
• Property negotiations for the Cubberley Site at 4000 Middlefield Road
• Adoption of 2022 Green Building and Energy Codes
• Contract amendment with Geodesy for GIS software maintenance
• Use of 445 Bryant Street as a community center for La Comida de California

The City Council established design and parking goals for the University Avenue streetscape project and approved operating 445 Bryant Street as a community center. The building will include a senior nutrition program operated by La Comida de California. Several contract amendments and zoning ordinances were also approved.

• Approved University Ave streetscape goals to retain 1/3 of on-street parking and maintain travel lane widths (7-0)
• Approved operating 445 Bryant St as a community center with a $1/year lease for La Comida senior nutrition program (6-1)
• Introduced 2022 Green Building Standards Code modifications (6-1)
• Introduced 2022 California Energy Code modifications (7-0)
• Approved $495,000 contract amendment for Encompass GIS software (7-0)
• Approved $168,635 contract amendment for Questica budget software (6-1)
• Approved $101,927 contract for Lucie Stern Community Theatre stage rigging (7-0)
• Approved $600,000 contract for on-call traffic signal and electrical services (7-0)

Utilities Advisory Commission Special Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will review the annual Wildfire Mitigation Plan update. The commission will also consider a recommendation for the City Council to adopt the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report and discuss initial results from the One Water Plan.

• Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP) Annual Update
• 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report recommendation
• City of Palo Alto One Water Plan: Presentation of Initial Results

The Commission approved the updated 2024 Wildfire Mitigation Plan and recommended that City Council adopt the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report. Members also discussed initial results of the One Water Plan, focusing on potential future water sources and cost impacts.

• Approved May 1, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved 2024 Wildfire Mitigation Plan (7-0)
• Recommended City Council adopt 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report (7-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will review recommendations for the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan and Comprehensive Plan Compliance. The commission will also consider an ordinance amending several zoning chapters to implement recent state housing laws.

• Review of Proposed 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan
• Ordinance amending zoning chapters for Housing Incentives, Downtown Commercial District, and Parking Regulations
• Implementation of recent state housing laws through municipal code updates

The Planning & Transportation Commission voted 7-0 to forward the proposed 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan and Comprehensive Plan compliance review to the Finance Committee and City Council, adding a reclassification of the Arastradero Creek gas line repair and requesting more information on eucalyptus tree removal. The commission also voted 7-0 to advance a zoning ordinance implementing recent state housing laws, with exceptions on EVSE and handicap parking and loading to return for a future action item. Both votes were 7-0 (Akin, Chang, Hechtman, Lu, Summa, Reckdahl, Templeton).

• Approved Motion #1: forward staff recommendation on 2025-2029 CIP and Comprehensive Plan compliance, adding reclassification of Arastradero Creek gas line repair to S1.13.4 and requesting more information on eucalyptus tree removal (7-0)
• Approved Motion #2: move staff recommendation on the zoning ordinance amending Title 18 and adding Chapter 21.11, with exceptions on EVSE, handicap parking, and loading to return for a future action item (7-0)
• No agenda changes or deletions (announced by Chief Planning Official Amy French)
• No requests to speak during Oral Communications (announced by Veronica Dao)

Council Appointed Officers Committee Special Meeting

The Council Appointed Officers Committee will meet to discuss the annual performance evaluation process and goal setting for Council Appointed Officers. The meeting is scheduled as a hybrid session with options for in-person or remote participation.

• Discussion regarding Council Appointed Officers (CAO) Annual Performance Evaluation Process and Goal Setting

The committee met to discuss the annual performance evaluation process and goal setting for Council Appointed Officers. No substantive decisions were made during the meeting.

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Commission voted to rename Tower Well Park to Fred Eyerly Tower Well Park to honor a former mayor. The body also approved a comprehensive work plan for its various ad hoc committees. Staff provided updates on several capital improvement projects, noting that the El Camino Park synthetic turf replacement is currently on hold.

• Renamed Tower Well Park to Fred Eyerly Tower Well Park (6-0)
• Approved Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan (5-0-1)
• Approved April 19, 2024 Special Meeting minutes (5-0-1)
• Approved April 24, 2024 Regular Meeting minutes with changes (4-0-2)

Rail Committee Special Meeting

The committee will review a funding agreement with the Federal Railroad Administration for $6 million in grant funds to recommend approval by the City Council. Members will also examine updated materials regarding grade crossings at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road.

• $6 million grant funding agreement with Federal Railroad Administration
• Updated materials for Churchill Avenue grade crossing
• Updated materials for Meadow Drive grade crossing
• Updated materials for Charleston Road grade crossing

The Rail Committee recommended that the City Council approve a funding agreement with the Federal Railroad Administration. The $6 million grant is for preliminary engineering and environmental documentation for grade crossings at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road.

• Recommended City Council approval of $6 million FRA grant for grade crossing projects (3-0)

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will discuss the Fiscal Year 2025 budget wrap-up and recommended budget for City Council adoption. The committee will also review wastewater treatment fund cashflow to recommend a line of credit. Additionally, they will consider recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy.

• FY 2025 Budget wrap-up and recommended budget discussion
• FY 2025 Municipal Fee Schedule review
• Wastewater Treatment Fund cashflow and line of credit recommendation
• Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy recommendation

The Palo Alto Finance Committee voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council adopt the FY 2025 Operating and Capital Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule, amended with $3,154,000 in revenue sources and $3,154,000 in expenses for FY 2025. It also recommended the FY 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan with wrap-up changes. Separately, the committee voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council direct staff to negotiate a line of credit totaling $31 million for the Wastewater Treatment Fund and authorize the City Manager to execute it, and voted 3-0 to recommend adoption of the FY 2025 Investment Policy. All three members present (Burt, Lauing, Veenker) voted in favor; no members were absent.

• Recommended FY 2025 Operating and Capital Budgets and Municipal Fee Schedule, amended with $3,154,000 in FY25 sources and $3,154,000 in FY25 uses (3-0)
• Recommended FY 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan with wrap-up changes (3-0)
• Recommended directing staff to negotiate a $31 million line of credit for the Wastewater Treatment Fund and authorizing the City Manager to execute it (3-0)
• Recommended adoption of the FY 2025 Investment Policy (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will review a recommendation regarding a potential charter amendment for the direct election of the Mayor. The council will also discuss updates to the City Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook. Additionally, negotiators will meet in closed session regarding the Cubberley Site property.

• Negotiations regarding 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley Site)
• Purchase of seven circuit breakers up to $713,023
• $300,000 budget amendment for Planning and Development Services fee program
• Potential charter amendment for the direct election of the Mayor
• Suspension of Downtown Palo Alto Business Improvement District assessments

The Council tabled a proposal to directly elect the mayor for a future vote after debating term limits and candidate requirements. They approved several consent items, including a $713,023 purchase for circuit breakers and a suspension of Downtown BID assessments. The Council also adopted new procedural rules regarding foreign policy statements, dais attendance, and gifts from Sister Cities.

• Tabled Direct Election of Mayor proposal (4-3) for further Ad Hoc review
• Approved $713,023 purchase of circuit breakers for Colorado Substation (7-0)
• Adopted resolution suspending Downtown BID assessments for FY 2025 (7-0)
• Approved $300,000 net zero budget amendment for Planning Department (7-0)
• Adopted salary schedule adjustments for Management and Firefighters (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Passed motion to limit Council statements on foreign policy issues (7-0)
• Established procedure for approving routine vs. controversial proclamations (7-0)
• Prohibited accepting hotel accommodations from Sister Cities (6-0-1, Veenker abstain)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold a public hearing regarding master sign programs at 525 University Avenue and 530 Lytton Avenue. The meeting also includes discussions on the board's draft annual report and work plan. Additionally, the board will conduct elections for Chair and Vice Chair.

• Master sign program for 525 University Avenue including five illuminated signs
• Master sign program for 530 Lytton Avenue including four illuminated signs
• Review of ARB Draft Annual Report and Work Plan
• Chair and Vice Chair elections

The Board continued a major architectural review for sign programs at 525 University and 530 Lytton, requiring the applicant to reduce sign heights and sizes. The Board also approved its 2024 work plan and elected new leadership.

• Continued 525 University and 530 Lytton sign project subject to 7 conditions including 7-foot height limits for Type A signs (4-0)
• Approved 2024 ARB Work Plan for presentation to City Council (4-0)
• Elected Boardmember Rosenberg as Chair (4-0)
• Elected Boardmember Chen as Vice Chair (4-0)
• Approved January 18, 2024 meeting minutes as revised (4-0)

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The commission will receive an update on the conceptual design for public artwork at the 3200 Park Blvd development project. Staff will also provide information on the ArtLift Grants Utility Box project and discuss the annual work plan for submission to the City Council.

• Conceptual design update for 3200 Park Blvd development
• ArtLift Grants: Utility Box Edition update
• Annual Work Plan discussion
• Approval of April 18, 2024 meeting minutes

The Public Art Commission failed to approve the minutes from its April 18 meeting after three commissioners abstained. The commission reviewed updated conceptual designs for public art at the 3200 Park Blvd development and provided feedback on historic representation. Staff also reported progress on the ArtLift utility box grant selection and discussed the upcoming annual work plan for City Council.

• April 18 minutes approval failed (3 approved, 3 abstained)
• Commissioners supported updated 3200 Park Blvd art design
• Commissioners requested better representation of women in art imagery
• ArtLift grant finalists selected from 102 artists
• Ad hoc committee formed to draft annual work plan

Retail Committee Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Retail Committee will meet to receive and accept a report regarding near- and medium-term initiatives. These initiatives focus on enhancing retail and hotel uses.

• Report regarding near- and medium-term initiatives for enhancing retail and hotel uses

The Retail Committee met to receive a report on near- and medium-term initiatives for enhancing retail and hotel uses. No action was taken on the item.

• Report on retail and hotel initiatives: no action taken

Policy and Services Committee Regular Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will review the roles of the Public Art Commission, staff, and Council regarding art placement and themes. The committee will also consider an extension for the Office of the City Auditor's ADA compliance and purchasing card audits.

• Review of Public Art Commission, staff, stakeholders, and Council roles in public art decisions
• Approval of Office of the City Auditor Task Order Time Extension for ADA Compliance and Purchasing Card Audits

The Policy and Services Committee recommended that the City Council approve task order time extensions for the ADA Compliance and Purchasing Card Audits. The committee took no action on a referral to review the roles of the Public Art Commission, staff, stakeholders, and the Council in public art decisions.

• No action taken on City Council referral to review public art decision roles
• Recommended City Council approve task order time extensions for ADA Compliance and Purchasing Card Audits (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will discuss the proposed FY 2025 operating and capital budget. Action items include a site and design application for an advanced water purification system at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant.

• FY 2025 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget discussion
• Site and design application for water purification system at 2501 Embarcadero Way
• Rental agreement with JC Decaux San Francisco, LLC not to exceed $685,655
• Professional services contract with 3Di not to exceed $443,256
• Resolutions to vacate easements at 1020 and 1036 East Meadow Circle

The City Council approved a site and design application for a local advanced water purification system. Several changes to the Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook were adopted, including new limits on general public comment. The Council also filled vacancies on the Utilities Advisory Commission and Stormwater Management Oversight Committee.

• Approved water purification system at Regional Water Quality Control Plant (7-0)
• Limited general public comment to 30 minutes (7-0)
• Removed remote participation for general public comment (5-2)
• Set 3-minute speaking limit for 'no' votes on Consent Calendar (6-1)
• Approved $685,655 rental agreement for an automated public toilet (6-1)
• Approved $443,256 contract for rental registry software (6-1)
• Reduced Historic Resources Board size from seven to five members (6-1)
• Appointed Utsav Gupta and Chris Tucher to Utilities Advisory Commission

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Board will discuss a name for Tower Well Park at 201 Alma Street. They will also consider a recommendation regarding the Tailored Mills Act Program to be sent to the City Council.

• Park Name Discussion: 201 Alma Street, Tower Well Park
• Tailored Mills Act Program Recommendation to City Council
• Approval of March 28, 2024, Draft Minutes

The Historic Resources Board voted 4-0-3 to recommend retaining the name 'Tower Well Park' rather than adding 'Mr. Eyerly' to the name, deferring the final naming decision to the City Council. The Board also voted 4-0-3 to table the Tailored Mills Act Program discussion until June 13, 2024, to allow time for drafting a letter to the Council. Additionally, the Board approved the draft minutes from March 28, 2024.

• Approved recommendation to retain 'Tower Well Park' name (4-0-3)
• Tabled Tailored Mills Act Program item to June 13 meeting (4-0-3)
• Approved March 28, 2024 draft minutes (4-0-3)
• Continued April 11, 2024 draft minutes to next meeting due to lack of quorum

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting - Work Plan Retreat

The commission is conducting a work plan retreat to organize its upcoming year. Members will discuss core responsibilities and assign liaison and buddy roles. The agenda also includes reconsidering a motion regarding the planning of a hate crimes meeting.

• Reconsidering a motion regarding the planning of a 2024 hate crimes meeting
• Development of the annual workplan
• Assignment of liaison and buddy responsibilities
• Review of the past year

The Human Relations Commission voted to lead the effort to convene a 2024 meeting on hate crimes with law enforcement and city leadership. The commission also referred its annual work plan to the Chair and Vice Chair for refinement.

• Approved March 14, 2024 minutes (5-0-2)
• Approved motion for HRC to work to convene a 2024 meeting on hate crimes with law enforcement, city leadership, and experts (7-0)
• Referred work plan to Chair and Vice Chair for refinement and future vote (7-0)

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee is conducting a special meeting to continue its review of the FY 2025 budget. The agenda includes discussions on capital improvement programs, utility operating budgets, and proposed municipal fees and charges.

• Summary of FY 2025 Budget Review status from Day 1
• Review of Capital Improvement Program projects for technology and vehicle maintenance
• Discussion of FY 2025 proposed municipal fees and charges
• Review of utility operating budgets including Electric, Gas, and Water funds
• Review of Public Works operating budgets for Refuse and Stormwater funds

The Finance Committee tentatively recommended several FY 2025 budget sections for City Council approval, including municipal fees and operating budgets for utilities and public works. The committee also referred a list of 'parking lot' items, including funding for the Roth Building and PA Link alternatives, for further Council discussion.

• Tentatively recommended approval of Planning and Transportation Services with a requirement to review PA Link costs (3-0)
• Tentatively recommended approval of Infrastructure and Environment capital, enterprise, and internal service fund projects (3-0)
• Tentatively recommended approval of FY 2025 Proposed Municipal Fees & Charges (3-0)
• Tentatively recommended approval of Infrastructure and Environment: Utilities and Public Works Operating budgets (3-0)
• Tentatively recommended approval of Citywide Internal Support and Administration: Non-Departmental Funds (3-0)
• Referred various budget 'parking lot' items to City Council for discussion (3-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Commission will consider a recommendation to the City Council regarding the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP). Additionally, members will review the final draft of a Retail Study Report intended to modernize citywide commercial regulations.

• Recommendation for North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP) and related municipal code amendments
• Review of Final Draft Retail Study Report
• Election of Commission Chair and Vice Chair
• Approval of December 13, 2023, meeting minutes

The Planning & Transportation Commission voted 6-0 to recommend that City Council consider the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP), a draft zoning ordinance, and a supplemental environmental impact report, with several changes. A separate 4-2 vote lowered the maximum height for NV-MXM zones from 55 to 45 feet. The Commission also reviewed a draft retail study report, agreed to send comments to Council, and elected Commissioner Chang as Chair and Commissioner Reckdahl as Vice Chair, both 6-0.

• Recommended NVCAP, draft ordinance, and SEIR to Council with changes (6-0)
• Changed NV-MXM maximum height from 55 to 45 feet (4-2; Templeton and Hechtman no)
• Changed daylight plane to start at 10 feet instead of 25 feet
• Extended special setback along Park to Page Mill, roughly the NVCAP length
• Raised R1 and R2 height to 35 feet along Pepper and Olive
• Asked Council to confirm awareness of the municipal code economic feasibility study requirement
• Received draft retail study report and agreed Ad Hoc could send a letter to Council
• Elected Commissioner Chang as Chair (6-0) and Commissioner Reckdahl as Vice Chair (6-0)

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will conduct a special meeting to review the Fiscal Year 2025 budget process. Discussion includes infrastructure, public safety, community services, and various citywide internal support functions.

• Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Process Overview
• Capital Improvement Program and Cubberley Property Infrastructure Fund
• Public Safety budgets for Fire, Office of Emergency Services, and Police
• Community and Library Services review
• Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo operational and business analysis

The Finance Committee voted to recommend the approval of budget proposals for public safety, internal administration, and community services. The committee also directed staff to conduct specific analyses on staffing, infrastructure, and revenue generation.

• Directed staff to compare Police and Fire staffing from FY 2019 to FY 2025 proposed levels (3-0)
• Recommended City Council approve Cubberley Property Infrastructure Fund and parking lot items (3-0)
• Recommended City Council approve budget for Fire, Office of Emergency Services, and Police (3-0)
• Tentatively recommended City Council approve Community and Library services (3-0)
• Tentatively recommended City Council approve Citywide Internal Support and Administration Services (3-0)
• Tentatively recommended City Council approve Junior Museum and Zoo Business Plan (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will review the Fiscal Year 2025 proposed operating and capital budgets. The meeting also includes a public hearing regarding a rezoning request for a residential condominium project at 800 San Antonio Road.

• Proposed Fiscal Year 2025 Operating and Capital Budgets
• Grid Modernization Project transformer purchase up to $4,000,000 annually
• Xerox printing equipment lease not to exceed $382,165
• AECOM contract amendment for $297,206 for Caltrain corridor studies
• Rezoning request for 75 residential units at 800 San Antonio Road

The City Council approved a rezoning and construction plan for 75 residential condominiums at 800 San Antonio Road, including 15 below-market-rate units. The vote was 6-1, with Council Member Kou dissenting. The Council also appointed new members to four advisory commissions and approved a $4 million annual purchase order limit for electric grid transformers.

• Approved rezoning and construction of 75 condos at 800 San Antonio Road (6-1)
• Appointed Kendra Rosenberg and Mousam Adcock to Architectural Review Board
• Appointed Mary Kate Stimmler and Donald Barr to Human Relations Commission
• Appointed Barton Hechtman to Planning and Transportation Commission
• Appointed Hsinya Shen, Tara de la Garza, Harriet Stern, and Amber Smith to Public Art Commission
• Approved up to $4M annual purchase orders for electric transformers (6-1)
• Approved $382,165 Xerox printing equipment lease (7-0)
• Extended Interim Parklet Program to July 31, 2024 (7-0)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Board will conduct a study session regarding the redevelopment of 3980 El Camino Real into affordable housing and a mobile home park. The session also includes feedback on pre-approved parklet designs and an associated user guide.

• Redevelopment of 3980 El Camino Real into a 61-unit multi-family apartment building and a 44-unit mobile home park
• Feedback session on Pre-Approved Parklet Designs and Draft User Guide
• Approval of meeting minutes from December 7, 2023, and December 21, 2023

The Board approved the city's pre-approved parklet designs and user guide. Members also held a study session for a proposed 100% affordable housing development at 3980 El Camino Real, providing feedback on site circulation, building massing, and landscaping.

• Approved pre-approved parklet designs and user guide (4-1)
• Approved minutes for Dec 7, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved minutes for Dec 21, 2023 (5-0)

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The commission will review recommendations regarding hydroelectricity resource allocations and bond issuances for power purchase agreements. Additionally, the body will consider amendments to gas utility plans, reserves, and rate schedules, as well as proposed department budgets for Fiscal Year 2025.

• Recommendation to retain WAPA Hydroelectricity Base Resource Contract Allocation (2025-2030)
• Discussion of Northern California Power Agency bonds for the Geysers Power Purchase Agreement
• Resolution to amend Gas Utility Long-term Plan, reserves management, and FY 2025 Gas Fund Budget
• Amendment of Gas Rate Schedules G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-10
• Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets for the Utilities Department for Fiscal Year 2025

The Commission recommended that City Council adopt the FY 2025 Operating and Capital Budgets, which include projected median monthly bill increases across electric, gas, wastewater, and water utilities. The body also recommended maintaining the City's full share of its WAPA hydroelectric resource contract through 2030.

• Approved FY 2025 Operating and Capital Budgets for Utilities Department (6-0)
• Recommended City Council retain full share of WAPA hydroelectric resource contract 2025-2030 (6-0)
• Recommended Council investigate low-income protections and price spike campaigns for gas, while considering either maintaining a $4/therm max charge with a $0.06 adder for 3 years or raising the max charge to $5/therm with no adder (6-0)
• Approved April 3, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will conduct interviews for candidates seeking vacant positions on various boards and commissions. The remainder of the agenda consists of procedural instructions for public participation.

• Interviews for vacancies on boards and commissions

The City Council met to interview candidates for vacancies on various boards and commissions. No formal actions or decisions were recorded during the meeting.

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council is holding a transportation workshop to discuss updates to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan. The session includes a review of alternatives for rail grade separation and an information report on collision analysis.

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) update
• Review of Rail Grade Separation Alternatives
• Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Collision Analysis Report

The Palo Alto City Council held a special transportation workshop on April 29, 2024, covering the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) update and rail grade separation alternatives for Churchill, Meadow, and Charleston. The minutes record no formal decisions or votes; both items are marked 'NO ACTION.' Staff said the Council is expected to return on June 10 to consider selecting preferred alternatives, and that grant funding requires preferred alternatives to be chosen by June.

• No action taken on BPTP update; draft vision, objectives, and performance measures were reviewed and discussed
• No action taken on rail grade separation alternatives; discussion only
• Rail Committee recommendation reported: select Seale Avenue as preferred bicycle/pedestrian crossing and reconfirm partial underpass for Churchill Avenue
• Rail Committee recommendation reported (2-to-1 vote): advance underpass alternative at Meadow Drive and hybrid alternative at Charleston Road to preliminary engineering review
• Staff reported Council expected to return June 10 to consider selecting preferred alternatives
• Staff reported City awarded two grants of close to $8M per location; funding agreement requires preferred alternatives to be selected

Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Meeting

The committee will review the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 5-Year Plan for FY 2025-2029. The agenda also includes a memorandum regarding the FY 2025 proposed budget and an update on trash control.

• Review of Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2025
• CIP 5 Year Plan for FY 2025-2029
• Memorandum for Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget
• Trash Control Update

The committee approved the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025, contingent on a date correction in the subject line. The committee also approved the minutes from the March 14, 2024 meeting.

• Approved Minutes from March 14, 2024 (4-0)
• Approved proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (4-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The commission will hold study sessions regarding retail strategies and state law implementations for Title 18 revisions. The agenda also includes the review and adoption of the 2024-25 Work Plan.

• Review and adoption of the 2024-25 Work Plan
• Retail Strategies study session
• Study session on state laws for Title 18 revisions
• Director's Report, meeting schedule, and assignments

The Planning & Transportation Commission voted 7-0 to approve its 2024-25 work plan, with additions suggested by Commissioner Akin, more detail on parking programs, and expanded detail for project goal one. The meeting was largely a study session on retail strategies, with no formal decisions made on the draft recommendations discussed. The Commission also held a study session on state laws to be implemented in the Title 18 revision, with no action taken.

• Approved 2024-25 work plan with amendments (7-0)
• Agreed by straw poll to cancel the July 31, 2024 meeting as a summer break

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will review several fiscal year 2025 utility financial plans. These items include proposed adjustments to water, gas, electric, and wastewater rates.

• Storm and Surface Water Drainage rate increase to $17.20 per month
• FY 2025 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Plan
• FY 2025 Water Utility Financial Plan
• FY 2025 Gas Utility Financial Plan
• FY 2025 Electric Financial Plan

The Finance Committee voted to recommend that the City Council approve financial plans and rate increases for water, gas, electric, wastewater, and storm drainage utilities. The recommendations include specific rate hikes and several internal fund transfers to manage utility reserves.

• Recommended 2.6% storm and surface water drainage rate increase to $17.20/month (3-0)
• Recommended FY 2025 Wastewater Collection Financial Plan and rate increases (3-0)
• Recommended FY 2025 Water Utility Financial Plan and 9.5% average rate increase (3-0)
• Recommended FY 2025 Gas Utility Financial Plan, rate amendments, and General Fund transfer (3-0)
• Recommended FY 2025 Electric Financial Plan and 0.5% overall revenue increase (3-0)
• Recommended short-term loan up to $3M from Fiber Optics Fund Reserve to Wastewater Collection Fund (3-0)
• Recommended transfer of up to 11.9% of FY 2023 gas utility gross revenues to General Fund (3-0)

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Commission approved the minutes from the March 26, 2024, meeting. The remainder of the session consisted of informational updates and discussions regarding pickleball, park dedications, and e-bike access policies.

• Approved March 26, 2024, meeting minutes (5-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The Council will hold a closed session regarding labor negotiations with several employee organizations. The public meeting includes discussions on race and equity updates, transit connections, and historic resource inventories.

• Power Purchase Agreement amendment with Ameresco Half Moon Bay LLC up to $147.2 million
• Construction contract for Lucie Stern Community Theatre seat replacement: $460,900
• Land surveying services contract with BKF Engineers: $283,250
• Technical assistance agreement with US Geological Survey: up to $924,745
• Appeal regarding 739 Sutter Avenue housing development

Palo Alto City Council adopted a Resolution of Intention to undedicate a portion of El Camino Park for a new Quarry Road transit connection to the Palo Alto Transit Center, a step toward placing the measure on the November ballot. The Council also approved consent items including a biogas power purchase agreement, a theatre seat replacement contract, surveying services, and a USGS monitoring agreement, and it approved adding 16 properties to the Historic Resources Inventory based on owner interest. A closed session on labor negotiations produced no reportable action.

• Adopted Resolution of Intention to undedicate a portion of El Camino Park for the Quarry Road transit connection (5-1-1, Kou no, Lauing absent)
• Approved consent items 4-5 and 7-9, including minutes, historic inventory upgrade at 261 Hamilton Ave, Valhalla Builders contract, BKF Engineers contract, and USGS agreement (6-0-1, Lauing absent)
• Approved amendment to Ameresco Half Moon Bay biogas power purchase agreement, up to $147.2M over up to 20 years (5-1-1, Tanaka no, Lauing absent)
• Approved 739 Sutter Avenue streamlined housing development and vesting tentative map for 12 condominium units (4-2-1, Kou no, Burt no, Lauing absent)
• Adopted record of land use action adding 16 properties to Historic Resources Inventory based on owner interest, directed staff outreach and study of removal process (6-0-1, Lauing absent)
• Closed session on labor negotiations with SEIU Local 521, UMPAPA, PAPOA, PMA, IAFF Local 1319, and FCA; no reportable action (6-0-1, Lauing absent)

Parks and Recreation Commission Annual Retreat

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved its FY2025 priorities, established ad hoc committees and liaison roles, and adopted a calendar year workplan. All three items passed with unanimous 7-0 votes. Public commenters requested prioritization of Baylands conservation and a study on artificial turf.

• Approved FY2025 priorities (7-0)
• Approved ad hoc committees and liaison roles (7-0)
• Approved FY2025 calendar year workplan (7-0)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Board will consider a request for a four-story mixed-use building at 660 University Ave. It will also review a proposal for a five-story, 44-unit affordable residential project at 3265 El Camino Real. Additionally, the Board will hold a study session regarding the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan.

• 660 University Ave: Proposed four-story mixed-use building with 63 residential rental units and ground floor office
• 3265 El Camino Real: Proposed five-story, 44 dwelling unit affordable residential rental project
• North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP): Review of proposed ordinance and supplemental environmental impact report

The Board recommended Council approval of a four-story mixed-use building at 660 University Ave with specific conditions regarding tree protection and design. A rezoning request for 3265 El Camino Real was continued to a future date. The Board also proposed several zoning and height adjustments for the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan.

• Recommended approval of 660 University Ave mixed-use project with 63 rental units (3-2)
• Required 660 University Ave to remove balconies projecting into tree canopy
• Required 660 University Ave to increase tree appraisal bond to 200%
• Continued rezoning request for 3265 El Camino Real to a date uncertain (5-0)
• Recommended increasing max height to 65ft for MXM, MXH, and R4 zones (3-0)
• Recommended increasing max height to 55ft for NV-3 zone (3-0)
• Recommended reducing street yard setbacks to 10ft on Pepper, Olive, and Park Blvd (3-0)
• Recommended 10% minimum landscape open coverage for MXM and MXH zones (3-0)

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The commission will review action items regarding public art maintenance and new projects. This includes approving an artist for a temporary mural and allocating funds for artwork conservation. They will also receive updates on a proposed sculpture and utility box grants.

• Approval of Bodeck Luna as project artist for Fire Station 5 mural at 600 Arastradero Road
• Funding allocation for maintenance of Homage to Silence near Embarcadero and Newell Roads
• Funding allocation for protection systems for Peter Wegner artworks at 250 Sherman Ave
• Informational report on proposed Tesla sculpture at 3000 Hanover Street
• Update on ArtLift Grants: Utility Box Edition

The Commission approved Bodeck Luna as the artist for a temporary mural at Fire Station 5. It also authorized funding for the conservation of the 'Homage to Silence' sculpture and protection systems for new art at the Public Safety Building.

• Approved Bodeck Luna as project artist for Fire Station 5 mural (All in Favor)
• Approved up to $3,700 for conservation treatment of 'Homage to Silence' sculpture (All in Favor)
• Approved up to $11,910 for custom protection systems for Peter Wegner artworks at the Public Safety Building (All in Favor)
• Approved March 21, 2024 meeting minutes (All in Favor)

Retail Committee Regular Meeting

The Retail Committee will review staff updates for the California Ave, Downtown, and Midtown business districts. These updates cover stakeholder engagement, near-term improvement activities, and El Camino Real re-paving impacts.

• California Ave Business District updates including wayfinding/signage and El Camino Real re-paving impacts
• Downtown Business District near-term improvements and parklet design update
• Midtown Business District stakeholder engagement update

The Palo Alto Retail Committee met to receive staff updates on the California Ave, Downtown, and Midtown business districts. Topics included stakeholder engagement, place identity, parklet designs, and paving impacts. No decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded during the meeting.

• No substantive decisions were made; all agenda items were informational updates only

Rail Committee Regular Meeting

The Rail Committee will review options for grade separation at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road. The committee will also evaluate analysis regarding bicycle and pedestrian crossings at Kellogg and Seale Avenues. These reviews aim to provide direction to staff and recommendations to the City Council.

• Grade separation alternatives for Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road
• Bicycle and pedestrian crossing analysis for Kellogg Avenue and Seale Avenue
• Interagency updates from Caltrain and VTA

The committee selected preferred alternatives for rail grade separations at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road to be advanced for engineering and grants. It also recommended a specific location for a bicycle and pedestrian crossing.

• Advanced underpass and hybrid alternatives at Charleston and East Meadow for preliminary engineering (2-1)
• Recommended re-confirming Partial Underpass as preferred alternative for Churchill (3-0)
• Recommended eliminating Trench alternative (3-0)
• Recommended advancing Underpass and Hybrid as LPAs for FRA grants (3-0)
• Recommended Seale Ave as the preferred Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing location for the Churchill Avenue Underpass Alternative (3-0)

City Council & Planning & Transportation Commission Special Meeting

The City Council and Planning & Transportation Commission will meet to discuss several infrastructure and service contracts. A key action item includes the adoption of a resolution to amend the Comprehensive Plan with a revised housing element. Other items involve utility maintenance, emergency management, and vehicle tracking technology.

• Adoption of the Revised 2023-31 Housing Element
• $1,594,195 contract for Streets Preventive Maintenance Project
• $846,000 budget increase for Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater Pilot Program
• $5,250,000 total purchase order for electric distribution equipment
• $224,657 contract for GPS vehicle tracking implementation

The City Council approved a revised Housing Element as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. The council also approved several infrastructure and service contracts via the consent calendar.

• Adopted Revised 2023-31 Housing Element (6-1)
• Approved $1.59M streets preventive maintenance contract with Graham Contractors, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved $846,000 budget increase for Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater Pilot Program (6-1)
• Approved $5.25M total purchase order with Eaton for electric equipment (6-1)
• Approved $109,583 contract with BKF Engineers for Foothills Nature Preserve (7-0)
• Approved $300,000 emergency management contract with Tetra Tech, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved $224,657 GPS vehicle tracking contract with StarChase, LLC (7-0)
• Approved $500,000 increase for seven on-call planning consulting contracts (7-0)

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Historic Resources Board is considering requests to change the historic designation categories for properties at 411 Kipling Street and 271 University Avenue. The meeting also includes a discussion of the 2024-25 work plan and a review of the Certified Local Government annual report.

• Reclassification of 411 Kipling Street from Category 4 to Category 2
• Reclassification of 271 University Avenue from Category 3 to Category 2
• Discussion of the 2024-25 Work Plan
• Review of the Certified Local Government (CLG) Annual Report

The Historic Resources Board voted to recommend upgrading two properties, 411 Kipling Street and 271 University Avenue, from lower historic categories to Category 2. The Board also discussed modifications to its 2024-25 work plan, agreeing to reorder goals to prioritize education and incentives over general promotion. Staff reported that a proposed ordinance change is needed to meet state requirements for the number of board members.

• Recommended reclassifying 411 Kipling Street from Category 4 to Category 2 (4-0 vote)
• Recommended reclassifying 271 University Avenue from Category 3 to Category 2 (4-0 vote)
• Agreed to reorder 2024-25 work plan goals to prioritize education and incentives
• Agreed to rename Goal 3 to 'Education' and Goal 4 to 'Incentives'
• Affirmed monthly meeting schedule at Chair's discretion
• Adjourned meeting by voice vote

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will review several rezoning requests for residential developments. The agenda also includes a conditional use permit for a commercial recreation space and the election of a new Chair and Vice Chair.

• Rezone 3265 El Camino Real for a 44-unit affordable housing development
• Rezone 800 San Antonio Road for a 75-unit residential building including 15 below-market rate units
• Conditional Use Permit for expansion of commercial recreation and eating/drinking space at 310 California Ave
• Election of Commission Chair and Vice Chair

The Commission recommended approval for a 44-unit affordable housing project and a 75-unit ownership development. It also approved a conditional use permit for a gym expansion and café renovation on California Avenue.

• Recommended 44-unit affordable housing at 3265 El Camino Real for ARB review (5-2)
• Recommended approval of 75-unit residential project at 800 San Antonio Road (7-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for gym expansion and café at 310 California Ave (7-0)
• Postponed election of Chair and Vice-Chair until after new appointments (6-0-1)
• Approved November 29, 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)

Policy and Services Committee Regular Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will meet to receive an update and discussion regarding state and federal legislation. The committee may also consider potential direction on these legislative matters.

• Update, Discussion, and Potential Direction Regarding State and Federal Legislation

The Policy and Services Committee voted 3-0 to recommend that the City Council adopt support positions on three state bills: AB 2485, SB 903, and SB 915. The committee also voted 3-0 to move SB 1210 to its Monitor List. Additionally, the committee added a list of other state bills to the Monitor List for future review.

• Recommend support for AB 2485 (Carrillo) (3-0)
• Recommend support for SB 903 (Skinner) (3-0)
• Recommend support for SB 915 (Cortese) (3-0)
• Move SB 1210 (Skinner) to Monitor List (3-0)
• Add multiple state bills to Monitor List

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will meet in closed session to discuss claims related to the construction of the Public Safety Building by Swinerton Builders and its subcontractors. The agenda also includes interviewing candidates for vacancies on various boards and commissions and discussing the City Auditor position.

• Potential litigation regarding Public Safety Building construction
• Interviewing candidates for Board and Commission vacancies
• Public employment discussion for City Auditor

The Council held a closed session regarding potential litigation with Swinerton Builders and the City Auditor position, but announced no reportable action upon return. The Council interviewed candidates for vacancies on the Planning and Transportation Commission and the Stormwater Management Oversight Committee but took no action to appoint them. Public comment focused on recent local incidents and international conflicts, with no formal Council response recorded.

• Closed session approved (6-0-1)
• No reportable action from closed session
• No action taken on board candidate interviews

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider a site and design application for a water purification system at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant. The board will also conduct an ad hoc review of modifications to a proposed rezoning project on San Antonio Road.

• 2501 Embarcadero Way: Site and Design Application for a Local Advanced Water Purification System
• 2501 Embarcadero Way: Request for a taller screening wall exception
• 800/808 San Antonio Road: Review of modifications to a rezoning application from Commercial Services to Planned Community

The Board recommended approval to City Council for a water purification system at 2501 Embarcadero Way, subject to several design conditions. The Board also updated its annual report and work plan, prioritizing coordinated area plans for San Antonio Avenue and downtown.

• Recommended approval of 2501 Embarcadero Way water purification system (3-2)
• Required 3,000 Kelvin light fixtures for 2501 Embarcadero Way
• Required motion sensors and timing limits for 2501 Embarcadero Way lighting
• Required extended sound wall and increased tree planting for 2501 Embarcadero Way
• Required screening panels up to 20 feet high on three sides of 2501 Embarcadero Way building
• Added San Antonio Avenue, downtown, and California Avenue as high-priority coordinated area plan studies
• Added roof terraces and a board-to-board liaison system to the annual work plan
• Assigned board members to provide images and bullet points for 13 completed projects for the annual report

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will consider a recommendation for an amended power purchase agreement with Ameresco Half Moon Bay LLC. This proposal involves purchasing up to 60,000 megawatt-hours of biogas energy annually for up to 20 years. The commission will also review the FY 2024-2025 work plan.

• Amendment to Ameresco Half Moon Bay LLC power purchase agreement for up to $147.2 million
• Recommendation for Phase IV Cross-Bore Verification Program
• Approval of FY 2024-2025 work plan
• Short-term appointment of Chair and Vice Chair through April 2, 2025

The Utilities Advisory Commission voted 5-0 to recommend the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the Power Purchase Agreement with Ameresco Half Moon Bay LLC, increasing maximum spending authority from $61,800,000 to $147,200,000 and extending the contract by about 17 years. The Commission also voted 5-0 to recommend $676,200 in FY25 funding for Phase IV cross-bore inspections of Group 1 and sewer laterals within 15 feet of gas service in Groups 2 through 6, totaling 495 inspections. In other actions, the Commission approved its 2024-2025 work plan and selected Vice Chair Scharff as Chair and Commissioner Mauter as Vice Chair. The meeting also included a Utilities Director report on water pipeline work, Green case refunds, hydro conditions, and suspended all-electric Reach Code enforcement.

• Recommended Council approve Ameresco PPA Amendment No. 1, raising spending authority from $61.8M to $147.2M and extending term ~17 years (5-0)
• Recommended Council approve $676,200 FY25 funding for Phase IV cross-bore inspections of 495 laterals (5-0)
• Approved Vice Chair Scharff as Chair for April 3, 2024 to April 2, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved Commissioner Mauter as Vice Chair for April 3, 2024 to April 2, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved amended UAC 2024-2025 Annual Work Plan and recommended Council review (5-0)
• Approved March 6, 2024 UAC meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved March 14, 2024 special UAC meeting minutes (4-0, Commissioner Forssell abstained)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:08 p.m. (5-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will discuss a Caltrans repaving project on El Camino Real that may replace parking with bicycle lanes. The agenda also includes second readings for ordinances regarding tree management, parklet extensions, and council member salary increases. Additionally, the council will consider contract amendments for reach code development and parking services.

• Discussion of Caltrans’ El Camino Real repaving project and potential resolution
• Ordinance to increase Council Member salary from $1,000 to $1,600 per month
• Contract amendment with Integrated Design 360 for $82,200 for 'One Margin' Reach Code development
• Amendment to parking and citation management contracts totaling an additional $60,000
• Ordinance to extend the Interim Parklet Program and parking lot eating/drinking uses

The Council approved a motion to request safety improvements for Caltrans' El Camino Real bike lane project and created an ad hoc committee, rejecting a substitute motion to implement lanes immediately. They also passed a second reading of an ordinance amending tree preservation rules to exempt protected trees for Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction. Additionally, the Council adopted a revised interim ordinance extending the Parklet program and increased Council member salaries to $1,600 per month effective January 2025.

• Approved motion to request Caltrans safety measures and create ad hoc committee for El Camino bike lanes (6-1)
• Substitute motion to implement El Camino bike lanes immediately failed (3-4)
• Adopted amended tree preservation ordinance exempting protected trees for ADU construction (7-0)
• Adopted revised interim ordinance extending Parklet program to July 31, 2024
• Adopted ordinance increasing Council member salary to $1,600/month effective Jan 1, 2025
• Approved contract amendment with Integrated Design 360 for $82,200 (5-2)
• Approved contract amendments with Duncan Solutions for $60,000 total
• Approved minutes from March 11, 2024 meeting

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will consider a request to change the historic inventory category for 261 Hamilton Avenue from Category 3 to Category 2. The meeting also includes a study session regarding the work plan and certified local government report. Additionally, the board will review draft minutes from January 2024.

• Request to update 261 Hamilton Avenue historic inventory category from Category 3 to Category 2
• Study Session: Work Plan and Certified Local Government Report
• Approval of January 11, 2024, draft minutes
• Approval of January 25, 2024, draft minutes

The Board voted to recommend that City Council reclassify 261 Hamilton Avenue from a Category 3 to a Category 1 resource on the Palo Alto Historic Inventory. Members also discussed potential changes to board size and the upcoming Work Plan.

• Recommended 261 Hamilton Avenue be reclassified from Category 3 to Category 1 (5-0)
• Approved January 11, 2024 draft minutes as corrected (5-0)
• Approved January 25, 2024 draft minutes (5-0)

Council Appointed Officers Special Meeting

The Council Appointed Officers Committee is holding a special meeting to discuss public employment. The discussion includes the City Auditor role within a closed session.

• Public Employment: City Auditor

The committee met in closed session to discuss public employment regarding the City Auditor. Chair Lauing announced that no reportable action was taken during the session.

• Approved motion to enter closed session (3-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Commission will review a request for a 12-unit condominium subdivision at 739 Sutter Avenue. Other items include updates to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan, a retail study, and a Palo Alto Link evaluation.

• 739 Sutter Avenue: Request for a 12-unit condominium subdivision on a 16,720 square foot parcel
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) update
• Retail Study recommendations
• Palo Alto Link (PAL) evaluation and report

The Planning & Transportation Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of a vesting tentative map for a 12-unit condominium subdivision at 739 Sutter Avenue, subject to staff conditions but with an amendment removing a specific parking restriction for trash pickup hours. The commission also held study sessions on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan update, retail strategies, and the Palo Alto Link microtransit program, gathering feedback but making no formal decisions on those items.

• Recommended approval of 739 Sutter Ave vesting tentative map (6-0)
• Amended recommendation to remove parking restriction for refuse pickup hours
• No formal decisions made on BPTP update, retail strategies, or Palo Alto Link (study sessions only)

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Commission approved the minutes from the February 27, 2024, special meeting. The remainder of the meeting consisted of staff reports and discussions regarding transit projects, bicycle planning, and field use policies with no further formal actions taken.

• Approved February 27, 2024, Special Meeting minutes with modifications (7-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will review the 2024 priority objectives and committee workplans. They will also consider a recommendation to create a Citizens Advisory Committee regarding potential charter amendments on council member compensation.

• Approval of 2024 City Council Priority Objectives and committee workplans
• Recommendation for a Citizens Advisory Committee on Council Member Compensation

The City Council approved its 2024 Priority Objectives and committee workplans, including a referral to consider a $250,000 grant for Ability Path. The Council also voted to create a seven-member Citizens Advisory Committee to evaluate potential increases in Council Member salaries. A closed session regarding existing litigation was held with no reportable action.

• Approved 2024 Priority Objectives with added Caltrain safety objective (7-0)
• Referred $250k grant for Ability Path to Finance Committee (6-1)
• Approved Finance Committee 2024 Workplan with Ability Path referral (6-1)
• Approved Policy & Services Committee 2024 Workplan with referrals (7-0)
• Created Citizens Advisory Committee on Council Member compensation (4-3)
• Closed session on Reinert v. City of Palo Alto litigation (7-0, no reportable action)

City Schools Liaison Committee Regular Meeting

The committee approved the minutes from the February 15, 2024, meeting. Members from the Palo Alto Unified School District and the City of Palo Alto provided updates and discussed youth mental health and future business.

• Approved February 15, 2024, meeting minutes (4-0)

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The commission will elect new officers and consider several art-related proposals. These include approving artists for residency and mural projects, as well as allocating funds for artwork maintenance and downtown murals.

• Election of PAC Chair and Vice Chair roles
• Approval of Alma Landeta for King Artist Residency
• Funding up to $9,130.00 for maintenance of Confluence by Michael Szabo
• Artist selection for a temporary mural at Cubberley Community Center
• Allocation of up to $43,000 for up to three downtown murals

The Commission elected Loren Gordon as Chair and Hsinya Shen as Vice Chair. The body approved funding for sculpture maintenance, downtown murals, and selected artists for the King Artist Residency and Cubberley mural projects.

• Elected Commissioner Loren Gordon as PAC Chair (All in Favor)
• Elected Commissioner Hsinya Shen as PAC Vice Chair (All in Favor)
• Approved Alma Landeta as the next King Artist Residency project artist (All in Favor)
• Approved $9,130 for maintenance and conservation of the 'Confluence' water sculpture (All in Favor)
• Approved Cameron Moberg as the artist for the Cubberley temporary mural project (All in Favor)
• Approved $43,000 and the selection process for up to three temporary downtown murals (All in Favor)
• Approved February 15, 2024 meeting minutes (All in Favor)

Retail Committee Regular Meeting

The committee will receive staff updates regarding several local business districts. Discussions include progress on car-free streets, streetscape next steps, and parklet program timelines.

• California Ave Business District: Workshop updates on barriers, signage, and branding
• California Ave Business District: Car-free Streets progress and next steps
• Downtown Business District: University Ave Streetscape next steps
• Downtown Business District: Ongoing Parklets Program timeline update
• Midtown Business District: Midtown Merchants meeting update

The Retail Committee met on March 20, 2024, with members Lauing and Kou present in person. The committee received staff updates and presentations on the California Ave, Downtown, and Midtown business districts, including car-free streets, University Ave streetscape, parklets, and a Midtown merchants meeting. No action was taken on any item, and the meeting adjourned at 11:00 A.M.

Rail Committee Regular Meeting

The committee will review proposed grade separation alternatives for the Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. Members will consider Caltrain staff comments to provide direction to staff and recommend specific alternatives for the City Council to advance or eliminate.

• Review of Grade Separation Alternatives for Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road Crossings
• Verbal updates on interagency activities regarding Caltrain and VTA

The Rail Committee met to review grade separation alternatives for Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. No action was taken on the item. The meeting included verbal updates on Caltrain, VTA, and City Staff activities.

• No action taken on grade separation alternatives for Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road

Finance Committee Regular Meeting

The Finance Committee will review a Council Referral regarding recommended funding levels for the Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP). The committee will also review other grants within the General Fund.

• Review of HSRAP recommended funding levels
• Review of other grants in the General Fund

The Finance Committee met to review a Council referral regarding recommended funding levels for the Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) and other General Fund grants. No action was taken on this item.

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will review 2024 priority objectives and committee workplans. The agenda also includes a presentation on the San Antonio Road Corridor and several consent calendar items regarding housing and park dedication.

• $7,373,516 professional services agreement with Pets in Need
• Park dedication ordinance for Tower Well Park at 201 Alma Street
• Presentation on San Antonio Road Corridor existing conditions and alternatives
• Funding allocation for Matadero Creek affordable housing site
• Approval of 2024 City Council priority objectives and workplans

The Palo Alto City Council approved a five-year, not-to-exceed $7,373,516 professional services agreement with Pets in Need and amended the FY2024 General Fund budget, voting 6-1 with Tanaka opposed. Council also approved 2024 City Council Priority Objectives for the Climate Change & Natural Environment and Housing for Social and Economic Balance sections, both 7-0, with the housing section revised to add a policy review of Notice of Funding Availability criteria and evaluation of funding sources for affordable housing. Council approved amended Palo Alto CLEAN Program rules and a power purchase agreement 4-3 (Burt, Tanaka, Veenker opposed), and adopted a Park Dedication Ordinance and the name "Tower Well Park" for 0.19 acres at 201 Alma Street. Two closed sessions were held, and the Mayor announced no reportable action from either.

• Approved consent items 5, 6, 9, 11 (7-0)
• Approved items 7 and 8, including $7,373,516 Pets in Need agreement (6-1, Tanaka no)
• Approved amended Palo Alto CLEAN Program rules and power purchase agreement (4-3, Burt, Tanaka, Veenker no)
• Adopted Park Dedication Ordinance and name "Tower Well Park" at 201 Alma Street (consent, passed)
• Approved 2024 Priority Objectives: Climate Change & Natural Environment (7-0)
• Approved 2024 Priority Objectives: Housing for Social and Economic Balance with NOFA review and funding evaluation additions (7-0)
• Tree ordinance second reading (item 12) removed off agenda
• Council procedures handbook discussion (item 13) removed off agenda

Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Quarterly Meeting

This is a procedural agenda for the Stormwater Management Oversight Committee. The meeting includes items for approval of minutes, old business, and new business.

• Approval of minutes

The Stormwater Management Oversight Committee approved a memorandum confirming that Fiscal Year 2023 expenditures align with the 2017 Storm Water Management Fee ballot measure. The committee also approved the BCC workplan and the minutes from October 5, 2023.

• Approved FY 2023 expenditure memorandum as amended (4-0)
• Approved BCC workplan with typo corrections (4-0)
• Approved October 5, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Utilities Advisory Commission Special Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will review a staff recommendation regarding the Palo Alto CLEAN Program. The proposal includes amended rules, requirements, a handbook, and a power purchase agreement for City Council approval.

• Amended Palo Alto CLEAN Program Rules and Requirements
• Updated CLEAN Program Handbook
• Power Purchase Agreement

The Commission voted to recommend that City Council update the Clean Local Energy Accessible Now (CLEAN) program. Changes include increasing avoided cost rates for solar and non-solar resources and extending the project completion deadline for affordable housing developments.

• Recommended City Council approve updated solar avoided cost rates between 9.5 and 10.2 ¢/kWh after the 3 MW cap (5-0)
• Recommended City Council approve updated non-solar avoided cost rates between 9.4 and 10.1 ¢/kWh (5-0)
• Recommended City Council extend project completion timeline from one to three years for affordable housing developments (5-0)
• Recommended City Council maintain UAC's role in reviewing program status, terms, and rates (5-0)
• Recommended City Council approve amended CLEAN Program Handbook and Power Purchase Agreement (5-0)

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The commission will discuss updates regarding the Palo Alto Mediation Program, including Project Sentinel and program volunteers. Additionally, the body will review a presentation of updated survey results from the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Lived Experience Survey and Community Listening Session.

• Update on Palo Alto Mediation Program services and volunteers
• Presentation of AANHPI Lived Experience Survey and Community Listening Session results

The Human Relations Commission approved the minutes from two previous meetings. The commission also voted to forward the results of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Lived Experience Survey to the City Council.

• Approved February 8, 2024 minutes (6-0)
• Approved March 6, 2024 minutes (6-0)
• Approved forwarding AANHPI survey results to City Council (6-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Special Meeting

The Commission will review a recommendation to update the city's density bonus ordinance to align with state law. The meeting also includes a presentation from Caltrans regarding bike lanes and parking removal on El Camino Real.

• Ordinance update for Chapter 18.15 (Density Bonus)
• Caltrans presentation on El Camino Real bike lanes and parking removal
• Joint study session with Human Relations Commission

The Planning & Transportation Commission voted 7-0 to recommend an ordinance updating local density bonus regulations to align with recent state law changes. The recommendation includes removing an unused menu of incentives and changing the affordability standard for on-site rental units from moderate-income to low-income. The commission also held a study session on proposed bike lanes for El Camino Real, where commissioners discussed safety concerns and parking removal impacts but took no formal action.

• Recommended density bonus ordinance updates to City Council (7-0)
• Approved November 8, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Received Caltrans presentation on El Camino Real bike lanes (study session, no vote)
• Received consultant presentation on retail strategies (study session, no vote)

Human Relations Commission Special Joint Meeting with Planning & Transportation Commission

The Planning and Transportation Commission will consider a recommendation to update zoning ordinances regarding state density bonus laws. The meeting also includes a presentation from Caltrans about bike lanes and parking removal on El Camino Real.

• Recommendation on ordinance updating Chapter 18.15 (Density Bonus) of Title 18 (Zoning)
• Caltrans presentation on El Camino Real bike lanes and parking space removal
• Study session regarding strategies and policy recommendations

The Planning & Transportation Commission approved a recommendation to the City Council to update density bonus regulations and inclusionary housing requirements. The body also held study sessions regarding El Camino Real bike lanes and retail zoning strategies.

• Approved recommendation to update Chapter 18.15 Density Bonus law and inclusionary housing rental requirements (7-0)
• Approved November 8, 2023 draft minutes (6-0)

Policy and Services Committee Regular Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will review race and equity updates regarding demographic data for boards and commissions. The committee will also discuss a recommendation for annual contingency fund allocations for Council members.

• Race and Equity Updates on Boards and Commissions demographic data
• Potential $2,000 annual allocation from the City Council contingency fund to each Council member

The Policy and Services Committee recommended that the City Council provide demographic data on current Boards and Commissions (BCCs) and the general population before making new appointments. The committee also recommended that the City Council accept a race and equity report and schedule a study session for assignment L in Q2.

• Recommended City Council provide BCC and city-wide demographic data prior to new appointments (3-0)
• Recommended City Council accept race and equity report and schedule Q2 study session on assignment L (3-0)
• No action taken on proposed $2,000 annual contingency fund allocation per Council member

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will vote on a $5,432,037 asphalt paving contract and an ordinance to increase council member salaries starting in 2025. The agenda also includes discussions regarding the city auditor selection process and real property negotiations.

• $5,432,037 contract for Asphalt Paving Project
• Ordinance increasing Council Member salary to $1,600 per month
• $118,624 contract for art conservation at 300 Homer Avenue
• Extension of the Interim Parklet Program through July 31, 2024
• Discussion on the interview process for City Auditor selection

The City Council approved several infrastructure and maintenance contracts, including a major asphalt paving project. Council members voted to increase their monthly salaries effective 2025 and extended the interim parklet program. The Council also began approving 2024 priority objectives, specifically those related to economic development.

• Approved $5,432,037 asphalt paving contract with O'Grady Paving, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved $118,624 contract with Anne Rosenthal Fine Art Conservation Services (6-1)
• Increased Council Member salary from $1,000 to $1,600 per month effective Jan 1, 2025 (6-1)
• Extended Interim Parklet Program to July 31, 2024, and parking lot eating/drinking uses to Dec 31, 2024 (7-0)
• Approved Economic Development & Transition section of 2024 Priority Objectives (7-0)
• Directed Staff to explore permanent ordinance for parking lot eating/drinking uses (7-0)
• Directed Staff to improve cleanliness of University Ave. downtown area (7-0)
• Referred City Auditor applicant screening to the Council Appointed Officers Committee (7-0)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider a request to rezone property at 800 San Antonio Road. The project proposes a five-story building containing 75 residential ownership units, including 16 below-market rate units.

• Rezoning of 800 San Antonio Road from Service Commercial to Planned Community/Planned Home Zoning
• Construction of 75 residential ownership units (16 below-market rate)
• Proposed five-story building with two levels of subterranean parking
• Subdivision map to merge two adjacent lots into one 0.88-acre parcel
• Ad Hoc Committee Report: Objective Standards Phase 2 for Townhomes

The Architectural Review Board voted 5-0 to recommend approval of a rezoning and 75-unit residential project at 800 San Antonio Road, with eight conditions including no projections into special setbacks, open space compliance, and a subcommittee to review foundation and courtyard designs. The Board also held a study session on proposed objective standards for townhomes, discussing parking, open space, and building typology, and directed the ad hoc committee to prepare a final document for a future vote. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended approval of rezoning and 75-unit project at 800 San Antonio Road with 8 conditions (5-0)
• Condition: No projections into special setbacks above grade
• Condition: Private and common open space must meet current zoning codes
• Condition: Green wall maintenance plan required
• Condition: Revise hallway near elevator two to reduce bends
• Condition: Consider alternative waste bin collection location and street staging
• Condition: Subcommittee to return with schematic foundation design including planters, bioswales, secant walls
• Condition: Bicycle storage to have clear story windows

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The commission is reviewing recommendations for the 2025 fiscal year financial plans for electric, gas, water, and wastewater services. These items include proposed amendments to various utility rate schedules. The meeting also addresses updates to the Palo Alto CLEAN Program.

• Proposed amendments to electric service rate schedules
• Proposed gas and water utility rate increases for FY 2025
• A proposed $3 million loan from the Fiber Optics Fund to Wastewater Operations Reserve
• Amendments to wastewater collection rate schedules
• Updates to Palo Alto CLEAN Program rules and handbook

The Commission unanimously recommended that City Council approve FY 2025 financial plans and rate increases for wastewater, electric, gas, and water utilities. The actions include proposed rate hikes for residential and commercial customers and several inter-fund loan and transfer authorizations to maintain reserves.

• Recommended FY 2025 Wastewater Collection Financial Plan and rate increases (7-0)
• Recommended up to $3M loan from Fiber Optics Fund to Wastewater Operations Reserve (7-0)
• Recommended FY 2025 Electric Financial Plan and rate changes with 0.5% overall revenue increase (7-0)
• Recommended FY 2025 Gas Utility Financial Plan and 9% overall rate increase (7-0)
• Recommended transferring up to 11.9% of FY 2023 gas utility gross revenues to General Fund (7-0)
• Recommended FY 2025 Water Utility Financial Plan and rate increases effective July 1, 2024 (7-0)
• Approved February 7, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (7-0)

Human Relations Commission Special Meeting: Retreat

The Human Relations Commission will discuss and consider recommendations from ad-hoc subcommittees. These subcommittees reviewed community input regarding local experiences of Islamophobia, Anti-Arab hate, and Anti-Semitism.

• Discussion of recommendations from the Ad-Hoc Public Safety and Inclusion & Belonging Subcommittees

The Human Relations Commission approved several recommendations for the City Council to address discrimination and faith-based community needs. These include employee training, a social media campaign, and the designation of a police liaison for faith-based communities.

• Recommended City Council direct staff to implement religious tolerance and anti-discrimination training for employees and boards (6-0)
• Recommended City Council direct staff to implement a social media campaign highlighting the Equity Mission Statement and 'Know Your Neighbors' grants (6-0)
• Recommended City Council direct staff to consider adding more faith community holidays to community calendars (6-0)
• Recommended City Council direct the City Attorney to research the legality of sponsoring religious holiday celebrations (6-0)
• Recommended City Council direct staff to research forming an interfaith community advisory group (5-1)
• Recommended City Council direct staff to designate a police department member as a liaison for faith-based communities (6-0)
• Recommended City Council direct staff to work with HRC to convene a meeting on 2024 hate crimes with law enforcement and experts (6-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Council will hold a study session regarding the proposed redevelopment of Buena Vista Mobile Home Park. Additional items include park dedication, community ordinances, and several service contracts.

• Redevelopment feedback for Buena Vista Mobile Home Park at 3980 El Camino Real
• $244,850 purchase order for a temporary fire station at 4000 Middlefield Road
• $178,559 contract for Quiet Zone Study Services at railroad crossings
• Park dedication ordinance for 'Tower Well Park' at 201 Alma Street
• Planned Community Ordinances for 2901 Middlefield Road and 702 Ellsworth Place

The council adopted ordinances rezoning 2901-2905 Middlefield Road and 702 Ellsworth Place, adding a 3-foot cable rail fence, removing delivery-truck size signage, and restoring the December 2023 sight triangle language. It also adopted a park dedication ordinance for the 0.19-acre Tower Well site at 201 Alma Street and approved the name "Tower Well Park." A study session on the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park redevelopment took no action, and the 2024 council priority objectives item was continued to March 11, 2024.

• Adopted rezoning ordinances for 2901-2905 Middlefield Road and 702 Ellsworth Place with amendments (6-1, Kou no)
• Amendment restoring the December 11, 2023 sight triangle language passed (5-2, Lythcott-Haims and Tanaka no)
• Adopted Park Dedication Ordinance for 0.19 acres at 201 Alma Street and approved name "Tower Well Park" (7-0)
• Referred Tower Well naming and historic registry review to the Historic Resources Board and Parks and Recreation Commission (part of 7-0 motion)
• Approved consent items 2-5, including $244,850 modular fire station building at 4000 Middlefield Road (item 2 passed 6-1, Tanaka no; items 3-5 passed 7-0)
• Buena Vista Mobile Home Park redevelopment study session: no action taken
• 2024 City Council Priority Objectives and committee workplans: no action taken, continued to March 11, 2024

Architectural Review Board Special Meeting - Retreat

The Architectural Review Board is holding a special retreat meeting focused on training and planning. The session includes presentations from Zero Waste and Electric Utilities regarding code requirements. Members will also discuss committee processes and receive legal training on conflict reporting.

• Presentations on frontage and right-of-way planning from Zero Waste and Electric Utilities
• Training on financial conflict reporting and recusal requirements
• Discussion of the Ad Hoc Committee process
• Discussion of meeting and review processes

The Architectural Review Board held a special retreat meeting on Feb. 29, 2024, with presentations and discussions but no formal decisions or votes. Topics included Palo Alto Zero Waste's refuse enclosure requirements, a City Attorney training on financial conflicts and recusal, and discussions on ad hoc committee and meeting processes. The meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m.

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Commission will review a proposal for 18 new assisted living units at 4075 El Camino Way. They will also consider a recommendation to the Council regarding a water purification facility at 2501 Embarcadero Way.

• Addition of 18 assisted living units at 4075 El Camino Way
• Construction of a local advanced water purification system at 2501 Embarcadero Way
• Variance request for a taller screening wall at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant
• Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Action Plan Collision Analysis study session
• Creation of a Retail Study Ad Hoc Committee

The Commission recommended the City Council approve a new water purification system and associated variance at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant. A proposal to add 18 units to the Palo Alto Commons assisted living facility was sent back for design refinements. The Commission also established a Retail Study Ad Hoc Committee.

• Recommended approval of Advanced Water Purification System and variance to Council (6-0-1)
• Approved amendment for 100% native planting and tank screening (4-2-1)
• Required Palo Alto Commons project to return for design refinements and parking study (7-0-0)
• Created Retail Study Ad Hoc Committee with June deadline (6-0-1)
• Approved October 11, 2023 summary minutes (6-0-1)
• Approved October 25, 2023 summary minutes (6-0-1)

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Commission approved the minutes from the January 23, 2024, special meeting. The remainder of the meeting consisted of staff reports and discussions regarding the Recreation Wellness Center site and recreation program reviews.

• Approved January 23, 2024, minutes with modifications (6-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will review several contract amendments and new service agreements. This includes discussions on the Downtown Housing Plan and a resolution to suspend all-electric construction enforcement. A public hearing regarding 2024 weed abatement is also scheduled.

• $5.7 million agreement for biogas energy purchase over 10 years
• $1,508,254 contract for Downtown Housing Plan services
• Resolution to suspend enforcement of all-electric construction requirements
• $250,000 grant from the Valley Transportation Authority
• $766,919 amendment for Public Safety Building construction management

The City Council voted to suspend enforcement of municipal codes requiring new buildings to be all-electric. The Council also approved several construction and consulting contracts and finalized the 2024 weed abatement property list.

• Suspended enforcement of all-electric construction codes (7-0)
• Approved $5.7M biogas energy purchase agreement (7-0)
• Approved $766,919 contract increase for Public Safety Building construction management (6-1)
• Approved $1.5M and $375K contracts for Downtown Housing Plan consultants (5-2)
• Approved 2024 weed abatement property list (7-0)
• Approved $56,500 increase for planning and development fee study (6-1)
• Approved $250,000 VTA grant for Measure B program (7-0)
• Appointed Lauren Lai as Administrative Services Director/CFO (7-0)

Historic Resources Board Community Meeting

The Historic Resources Board is holding a community meeting to discuss the Historic Preservation Ordinance and incentives. This item is scheduled as a study session for public discussion.

• Community meeting regarding Historic Preservation Ordinance and Incentives

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will hold a special meeting to discuss and receive an update on the preliminary financial forecast for utilities. This discussion includes projected rates for Fiscal Year 2025.

• Discussion and Update on the Fiscal Year 2025 Preliminary Utilities Financial Forecast and Rate Projections

The Finance Committee met to discuss and receive an update on the Fiscal Year 2025 Preliminary Utilities Financial Forecast and Rate Projections. No substantive decisions were made during the meeting.

Rail Committee Special Meeting

The committee will review an updated Summary of Evaluation Matrix regarding grade separation alternatives based on Council Adopted Criteria. The meeting also includes verbal updates on interagency activities from Caltrain, VTA, and City Staff.

• Review of updated Summary of Evaluation Matrix for grade separation alternatives
• Verbal update on Caltrain activities
• Verbal update on VTA activities
• Verbal update from City Staff

The Rail Committee met to receive updates on interagency activities and review a grade separation evaluation matrix. No substantive decisions were made during the meeting.

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The commission will review funding recommendations for murals at Fire Station 5 and the Cubberley campus. Staff also recommends approving $30,000 to fund twenty ArtLift grants for painting utility cabinets throughout Palo Alto.

• Up to $12,000 for a mural on roll-up doors at Fire Station 5
• Up to $12,000 for a mural at the Cubberley campus facing Middlefield Road
• $25,000 for twenty $1,000 ArtLift grants to paint traffic and irrigation cabinets
• $5,000 for ArtLift materials and box preparation

The Commission approved funding for two temporary murals and a grant program for utility box art. These projects are part of the 2024/25 priorities to expand public art into neighborhoods and commercial corridors.

• Approved up to $12,000 for a temporary mural at Fire Station 5 (All in Favor)
• Approved up to $12,000 for a temporary mural at Cubberley campus (All in Favor)
• Approved up to $25,000 for twenty $1,000 ArtLift Grants and $5,000 for materials (All in Favor)
• Approved minutes from January 12, 2024 and January 18, 2024 (All in Favor)

City Schools Liaison Committee Regular Meeting

The City/School Liaison Committee is meeting to select a new committee chair and review updates from the Palo Alto Unified School District and the City of Palo Alto. The agenda also includes approval of minutes and general public comments.

• Selection of the New Committee Chair
• Updates from Palo Alto Unified School District
• Updates from the City of Palo Alto
• Approval of Minutes

The committee appointed a new chair and approved the minutes from the December 14, 2023, meeting. Members from the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Unified School District provided general updates.

• Nominated Todd Collins for Committee Chair (4-0)
• Approved December 14, 2023, meeting minutes (4-0)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold study sessions regarding parklet design options and an ordinance to reduce light pollution. The meeting also includes the transmittal of project schedules and the approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Feedback on Parklet Prototype Options and outreach strategy
• Discussion of ordinance concepts to reduce light pollution and increase bird safety
• Approval of November 16, 2023, meeting minutes

The Architectural Review Board held two study sessions on February 15, 2024, and took no binding action on either. It gave feedback on proposed pre-approved parklet prototype designs and on draft Dark Sky and bird-safe glass ordinance concepts, both of which will return to staff and other bodies. The only formal vote was 5-0-0 to approve the minutes of the November 16, 2023 meeting.

• Approved November 16, 2023 meeting minutes as written (5-0-0)
• No action taken on parklet prototype study session; feedback only
• No action taken on Dark Sky/bird-safe ordinance study session; feedback only
• Appointed Vice Chair Rosenberg and Chair Baltay as ad hoc committee for parklet prototypes
• Assigned ad hoc committees for 1066 East Meadow (Adcock, Rosenberg) and 4335 El Camino (Hirsch, Baltay)

Policy & Services Committee Special Meeting

The Policy & Services Committee will review items regarding the Office of the City Auditor. The meeting also includes discussions on establishing parameters for Council discretionary expenditures and the potential creation of a Citizen Advisory Committee to evaluate Council member compensation.

• Approval of Office of City Auditor FY2024 Task 4 Task Orders Supplemental Memo
• Office of the City Auditor Quarterly Report (October - December 2023)
• Discussion on allocating $2,000 annually per Council member from the contingency fund
• Discussion on creating a Citizen Advisory Committee for Council member compensation

The Policy and Services Committee recommended that the City Council approve five Office of the City Auditor FY2024 Task 4 task orders and accept the auditor's quarterly report for October–December 2023. It also advanced two council referrals: having staff study Mountain View's discretionary expenditure policy as a baseline, and creating a 15-member Citizen Advisory Committee to evaluate raising council member pay above the SB 329 maximum of $1600/month. All motions passed; the committee's actions are recommendations to the full City Council.

• Recommended City Council approve five Office of City Auditor FY2024 Task 4 task orders: Recruitment and Succession Planning, Grant Management, Emergency Preparedness, Utility Billing, and PCI/DSS (2-0)
• Recommended City Council accept the Office of the City Auditor Quarterly Status Report for October–December 2023 (2-0)
• Directed staff to review Mountain View's council discretionary expenditures policy as a baseline along with other cities and return to the committee (3-0)
• Recommended creating a 15-member Citizen Advisory Committee to evaluate council member compensation above SB 329 guidelines (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Council will discuss the FY 2024 mid-year budget review and approve amendments to various funds and staffing levels. The meeting also includes a study session on the electric utility's strategic plan and a resolution regarding SB 9 project design standards.

• Approval of FY 2024 budget amendments and one new full-time position
• $1,628,326 contract for water facility planning and design
• Sludge treatment contracts totaling approximately $12.9 million
• $720,000 contract for police, fire, and park ranger uniforms
• $528,409 cleaning services contract for University and California Avenue districts

The City Council adopted modified objective design standards for SB 9 housing projects and approved FY 2024 budget amendments. The council also authorized the rehiring of a retired senior engineer and approved several municipal service contracts.

• Adopted modified objective design standards for SB 9 projects (5-2)
• Approved FY 2024 budget amendments and one new FTE position in Planning (6-1)
• Approved exception to CalPERS 180-day waiting period to hire Matthew Raschke (6-1)
• Approved $1.6M contract with Carollo Engineers for water facility design (7-0)
• Approved sludge treatment contracts with Lystek ($5.3M) and Synagro ($7.6M) (6-1)
• Approved $720K uniform contract with Summit Uniforms (7-0)
• Approved $528K cleaning contract with Downtown Streets Team (6-1)
• Approved $1.9M consultant contract with WaterTALENT (6-1)

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The commission will review recommendations for Fiscal Year 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant funding. Additionally, members will identify ad-hoc subcommittees to discuss local experiences of Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism.

• Fiscal Year 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant Funding Allocations
• Review of the Draft Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Action Plan
• Identification of ad-hoc subcommittees regarding Voices of Our Community Listening Sessions

The Human Relations Commission voted 5-0 (2 absent) to recommend that City Council approve the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CDBG CARES Act (CDBG-CV) Draft Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan and accept the sub-committee's contingency funding recommendation. The commission also voted 5-0 (2 absent) to use its existing Inclusion & Belonging and Public Safety subcommittees to discuss recommendations from the Voices of Our Community Listening Sessions on local experiences of Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism. The minutes of January 11, 2024 were approved 5-0 (2 absent). The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

• Approved January 11, 2024 minutes (5-0, 2 absent)
• Recommended City Council approve CDBG and CDBG-CV Draft FY2024-25 Annual Action Plan and accept sub-committee contingency funding recommendation (5-0, 2 absent)
• Agreed to use existing Inclusion & Belonging and Public Safety subcommittees to discuss Voices of Our Community Listening Sessions recommendations on Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism (5-0, 2 absent)

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will discuss the Electric Grid Modernization Plan and a SCADA cyber security update. The meeting also includes a review of residential electric and water utility customer satisfaction survey results. An informational update regarding the Hanover Substation upgrade project is also scheduled.

• Electric Grid Modernization Plan discussion
• SCADA Cyber Security Update discussion
• Residential electric and water utility customer satisfaction survey results
• Tesla Inc. substation improvement agreement update
• Hanover Substation Upgrade Project budget amendment (EL-24001)

The Commission approved the minutes from the January 3, 2024 meeting. The remainder of the session consisted of discussions regarding cybersecurity, customer satisfaction surveys, and the Electric Grid Modernization Plan; no further formal actions were taken.

• Approved January 3, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (4-0)

City Council & Public Improvement Corporation Special Meeting

The City Council will consider ordinances regarding housing element by-right zoning and the Horizontal Levee Pilot Project at Palo Alto Baylands. The agenda also includes property negotiations for the Cubberley Site and several service contract amendments.

• Property negotiations for 4000 Middlefield Road (Cubberley Site)
• Ordinance to implement Housing Element Program by-right zoning
• Ordinance for Horizontal Levee Pilot Project at Palo Alto Baylands
• Contract with HdL for business tax consulting ($860,555)
• Amendment to printing services contract with Infosend, Inc. (+$300,000)

The City Council directed staff to pursue a 2024 ballot measure regarding the direct election of the mayor. The Council also approved a new Friendship Cities program and updated several internal procedures and protocols.

• Directed staff to pursue 2024 ballot measure for directly elected mayor (5-2)
• Approved new Friendship Cities program with 3-year expiration and visit limits (7-0)
• Prohibited public use of personal video during remote public comments (6-1)
• Approved FY 2023 Annual Financial Report for Public Improvement Corporation (6-1)
• Approved $170,000 contract amendment for graphic design services (6-1)
• Approved $300,000 contract amendment for Infosend printing services (6-1)
• Approved $860,555 contract with HdL for business tax consulting (6-1)
• Approved by-right zoning for specific housing element inventory sites (6-1)

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will review a director's report regarding meeting schedules and assignments. The meeting includes a study session focused on results from peer cities comparisons and stakeholder interviews.

• Director's Report, Meeting Schedule and Assignments
• Study Session: Peer Cities Comparison and Stakeholder Interviews Results

The Commission held a study session to review consultant findings on commercial zoning and retail recovery, comparing Palo Alto to Santa Monica, Los Altos, Redwood City, and Mountain View. No formal votes were taken; commissioners requested more concrete data on vacancies and increased direct outreach to local business owners before future recommendations.

City Council Special Meeting - Retreat

The Palo Alto City Council is meeting for its 2024 annual retreat. Members will review 2023 objectives and discuss community feedback to select new council priorities. The session also includes a discussion on establishing council norms for the upcoming year.

• Selection of 2024 City Council Priorities
• Review of 2023 City Council Priorities & Objectives
• Discussion of community and councilmember feedback
• Discussion of 2024 City Council Norms

The City Council approved four high-level priorities for 2024, including a renamed economic goal and an expanded health and safety goal. Council also determined the status of several ad hoc committees and referred specific operational issues to the Finance Committee.

• Approved 2024 priorities: Community Health, Safety, Wellness, & Belonging; Economic Development & Transition; Climate Change & Natural Environment – Protection & Adaption; Housing for Social & Economic Balance (7-0)
• Modified 'Community Health and Safety' to 'Community Health, Safety, Wellness, and Belonging' (5-2)
• Designated Retail Ad Hoc Committee as a Brown Act committee
• Designated Cubberley Real Estate Transaction Committee as an ad hoc committee
• Designated Stanford Ad Hoc as an ad hoc committee
• Designated Climate Protection Ad Hoc as an ad hoc committee with public notification of team meetings
• Referred fire station water truck analysis to Finance Committee
• Referred evaluation of matching grant for Mitchell Park Place development to Finance Committee

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The board will consider a recommendation to the City Council regarding the nomination of 2601 East Bayshore Road. Members will also review objections to local inventory listings and properties found eligible via a historic reconnaissance survey. The meeting includes a study session on the Brown Act.

• Recommendation for 2601 East Bayshore Road nomination
• Review of reasons for local inventory listing objections
• Consideration of properties from Historic Reconnaissance Survey
• Brown Act Refresher study session

The Board recommended one city-owned property for historic listing while voting to exclude all properties with registered owner objections from being forwarded to the City Council. The Board also received a training session on the Brown Act and scheduled a community meeting for February 23 to discuss historic preservation incentives.

• Recommended 2601 East Bayshore Road for local inventory as a Category 1 structure (6-1)
• Decided properties with registered objections will not be recommended to Council for local inventory listing (unanimous)
• Approved December 14, 2023 meeting minutes as corrected (6-0-1)

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Commission elected Vice Chair Brown as Chair and Commissioner Freeman as Vice Chair. Members also reviewed updates on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan and the annual golf course report.

• Approved December 19, 2023, meeting minutes (5-0)
• Elected Vice Chair Brown as Chair (7-0)
• Elected Commissioner Freeman as Vice Chair (7-0)

Rail Committee Special Meeting

The Rail Committee will review comments from Caltrain staff regarding grade separation alternatives. The committee will also receive verbal updates on interagency activities involving Caltrain, VTA, and City Staff.

• Review and discussion of Caltrain staff comments on grade separation alternatives
• Verbal update on Caltrain interagency activities
• Verbal update on VTA interagency activities
• Review of Draft Caltrain Corridor Crossings Delivery Guide

The Palo Alto Rail Committee met on January 23, 2024, with Chair Burt, Veenker, and Lauing present in person; Lythcott-Haims was absent. The committee received a verbal update on interagency activities (Caltrain, VTA, City Staff) but took no action on it. The committee then passed a motion 3-0 directing staff to work with the city's project consultant (AECOM) and Caltrain staff on changes to grade separation alternatives, including coordination on 4-track passing tracks at California Avenue station and development of scope for material changes to right of way, vertical and horizontal alignment, and other elements, along with contract amendments and funding needs.

• Directed staff to proceed with AECOM and coordinate with Caltrain staff on changes for 4-track passing tracks at California Avenue station (3-0)
• Directed staff to develop scope of work for material changes to alternatives covering right of way encroachment, vertical alignment, horizontal alignment, miscellaneous items, policy, design, and constructability (3-0)
• Directed staff to proceed with appropriate contract amendments and funding needs to support the above actions (3-0)
• No action taken on verbal update on interagency activities (Caltrain, VTA, City Staff)

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will review ordinances to implement by-right zoning for specific housing sites and authorize Baylands levee improvements. The meeting also includes discussions on long-range financial forecasts and state legislative updates. Additionally, the council will address infrastructure purchases and staff appointments.

• Zoning amendments to implement Housing Element Program 1.3
• $489,527 purchase of circuit breakers from Siemens Inc.
• Baylands improvements via Horizontal Levee Pilot Project
• Condominium subdivision proposal for 16 units at 420 Acacia
• Appointment of Mahealani Ah Yun as City Clerk

The Palo Alto City Council approved the relocation of a public utility easement at Castilleja School and appointed Mahealani Ah Yun as City Clerk. The Council also accepted the FY 2025-2034 Long Range Financial Forecast, which projects near-term deficits, and adopted updated 2024 legislative guidelines. A motion to pull the Tower Well Park dedication from the consent calendar was passed, delaying that item to March.

• Approved Easement Relocation Agreement for Castilleja School (6-1)
• Appointed Mahealani Ah Yun as City Clerk at $165,000 salary (7-0)
• Accepted FY 2025-2034 Long Range Financial Forecast (6-1)
• Adopted 2024 Federal and State Legislative Guidelines (6-1)
• Pulled Tower Well Park dedication from Consent Calendar for March review
• Approved Siemens purchase order for $489,527 in circuit breakers (7-0)
• Approved by-right zoning ordinance for Housing Element sites (6-1)
• Approved Vesting Tentative Map for 420 Acacia condominium subdivision (7-0)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board is conducting a preliminary review for a proposed school project at 1066 E Meadow Circle. The proposal involves deconstructing an existing 35,000 square foot commercial building to construct a new two-story, 46,000 square foot school facility.

• Preliminary review for 1066 E Meadow Circle [23PLN-00339]
• Deconstruction of an existing 35,000 square foot commercial building
• Construction of a new 46,000 square foot school building with classrooms and a rooftop garden

The Board conducted a study session for a proposed 46,000 square foot school building, expressing concerns over building height, parking, and the rooftop garden. No formal approval was granted as the item was a preliminary review. The Board approved the minutes from the November 2, 2023 meeting.

• Approved November 2, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0-0)
• Assigned Vice Chair Rosenberg and Boardmember Hirsch to 3265 El Camino Real housing project ad hoc committee
• Assigned Chair Baltay and Boardmember Chen to SB 330 application on San Antonio ad hoc committee

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The Public Art Commission will review artwork by Stephen Galloway intended for Fire Station 4. The body will also review and adopt priorities discussed during the PAC retreat for 2024.

• Review and approval of artwork by Stephen Galloway for Fire Station 4
• Adoption of Priorities for 2024

The Commission approved a conceptual design for a two-dimensional oak tree artwork at Fire Station 4. It also adopted three strategic priorities for 2024 focusing on community building, social justice, and public art education.

• Approved conceptual design for Fire Station #4 artwork by artist Stephen Galloway (All in Favor)
• Approved PAC Priorities for 2024 (All in Favor)
• Approved minutes from November 29, 2023 Special Meeting (All in Favor)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will consider several items including tree protection updates, housing development entitlements, and animal shelter operations. The agenda includes various contract amendments and municipal code changes.

• Expand Public Art Commission from five to seven members
• Contract with Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc. for $945,286
• Amendment to Pets in Need contract for animal shelter operations up to $4,431,872
• Ordinance establishing the Congregation-Based Safe Parking Program
• Tree Protection Ordinance review and penalty increases

The City Council approved a public-private partnership with Tesla to upgrade the Hanover Substation and adopted amendments to the Tree Protection Ordinance. The Council also passed several consent items, including the permanent establishment of a congregation-based safe parking program.

• Approved Substation Improvement Agreement with Tesla and $15M budget amendment (6-1)
• Adopted amendments to Tree Protection Ordinance and increased administrative penalties (5-2)
• Permanently established Congregation-Based Safe Parking Program (6-1)
• Approved $945,286 contract with E3 for Sustainability and Climate Action Plan study (6-1)
• Approved $342,501 compensation increase for Pets in Need animal shelter operations (6-1)
• Approved ordinance to expand Public Art Commission from five to seven members (7-0)
• Approved extensions for housing development planning entitlements (6-1)
• Approved updates to business license regulations for sidewalk vendors (6-1)

Public Art Commission Annual Retreat

The commission is meeting for its annual retreat to review priorities and develop a two-year work plan. Discussions include budget overviews, the King Artist-in-Residency Program, and the ArtLift Grant Program. All items on this agenda are non-action discussion topics.

• Budget overview of maintenance, CIP, and PAF funds
• Discussion on murals and upcoming projects
• King Artist-in-Residency Program
• ArtLift Grant Program
• Code:ART 2025 programming possibilities

The Public Art Commission held its annual retreat on January 12, 2024, at the Downtown Library. Commissioners and staff reviewed program budgets, existing and temporary art projects, and past residencies and events, and discussed expanding the murals program and Code:ART. They made minor updates to a draft objectives document to be approved at a future regular meeting and identified working priorities for 2024-25. No action was taken and no votes were recorded.

• No action taken; retreat was non-action and no votes were recorded
• Minor updates made to draft PAC objectives document, to be approved at upcoming regular meeting
• Identified working priority: expand Temporary Murals Program to downtown and midtown in Summer 2024
• Identified working priority: launch next King Artist Residency round
• Identified working priority: next ArtLift Grants round for up to 20 utility boxes, Summer-Fall 2024
• Identified working priority: commission temporary murals at Cubberley Community Center and Fire Station 5
• Identified working priority: commission large-scale temporary digital mural at California Ave Parking Garage
• Identified working priority: begin planning Code:ART 2025 with expanded budgets and possible projection mapping

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The commission will hold an election for its Chair and Vice Chair. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding the introduction of the City’s Equity and Inclusion Manager and a community listening session on local Jewish experiences.

• Introduction of City's Equity and Inclusion Manager, Kojo Pierce
• Voices of Our Community: Local Jewish Experiences in the Face of Rising Anti-Semitism
• Election of Human Relations Commission Chair and Vice Chair

The Human Relations Commission approved its December 6, 2023 minutes 6-0 and elected Commissioner Eberle as Chair for a term ending January 2025, 6-0. Commissioner Kraus was elected Vice Chair 4-2 after a competing nomination for Commissioner Smith failed 2-4. Two discussion items — an introduction to the City's Equity and Inclusion Manager and a listening session on local Jewish experiences — resulted in no action.

• Approved December 6, 2023 minutes (6-0, 1 absent)
• Elected Commissioner Eberle as Chair, term ending January 2025 (6-0, 1 absent)
• Elected Commissioner Kraus as Vice Chair, term ending January 2025 (4-2, 1 absent)
• Nomination of Commissioner Smith for Vice Chair failed (2-4, 1 absent)
• No action taken on introduction to City's Equity and Inclusion Manager Kojo Pierce (discussion)
• No action taken on Voices of Our Community listening session on local Jewish experiences (discussion)

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Historic Resources Board is reviewing nominations for the City's Historic Resources Inventory resulting from a 2023 survey. The board will also discuss procedures for making recommendations after receiving objection letters. Additionally, members will review meeting schedules and approve minutes from November 9, 2023.

• Recommendations on nominations to the City's Historic Resources Inventory
• Discussion regarding recommendations following receipt of objection letters
• Approval of November 9, 2023, draft minutes
• Review of meeting schedules and assignments

The Historic Resources Board advanced 23 properties to the City Council for consideration for the local historic inventory. The Board also decided it will not advance properties where owners have registered objections. Members discussed adding a provision to the city ordinance to formalize the requirement for owner consent.

• Advanced 537 Coleridge Ave, 2005 Cowper St, 1215 Emerson St, and 1511 Madrono Ave to Council (6-1)
• Advanced 939 Forest Ave to Council (7-0)
• Advanced 1407 Hamilton Ave (Cat 1) and 1401 Edgewood Dr (Cat 2) to Council (6-1)
• Advanced 50 Crescent Dr (Cat 3) to Council (5-1-1)
• Advanced 418 Coleridge Ave (Cat 1) to Council (6-1)
• Advanced 1474 Edgewood Dr (Cat 2) to Council (6-1)
• Advanced 904 Cowper St (Cat 2) to Council (6-1)
• Decided not to advance properties with registered objections to Council (6-1)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will hold its regular meeting on January 8, 2024. The agenda includes the election of the 2024 Mayor and Vice Mayor. The Council will also consider a resolution expressing appreciation for Lydia Kou's service as 2023 Mayor.

• Election of the 2024 Mayor
• Election of the 2024 Vice Mayor
• Resolution expressing appreciation for Lydia Kou's service as 2023 Mayor

The City Council elected Council Member Stone as Mayor and Council Member Lauing as Vice Mayor for 2024. The Council also adopted a resolution of appreciation for Lydia Kou's service as 2023 Mayor.

• Elected Council Member Stone as 2024 Mayor (6-1)
• Elected Council Member Lauing as 2024 Vice Mayor (4-3)
• Approved resolution of appreciation for 2023 Mayor Lydia Kou (7-0)

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will discuss the preliminary financial forecast and rate projections for Fiscal Year 2025. The meeting also includes an update on the progress of the Utilities Department Five-Year Capital Improvement Program.

• Discussion of FY 2025 preliminary utilities financial forecast and rate projections
• Update on Utilities Department Five-Year Capital Improvement Program progress and projections
• Approval of December 6, 2023, meeting minutes

The Utilities Advisory Commission approved the previous meeting's minutes and reviewed preliminary financial forecasts for Fiscal Year 2025. Staff proposed rate increases for electric, gas, water, and wastewater utilities, with an overall estimated monthly bill increase of 5% or $20.50. The commission discussed capital improvement projects, including grid modernization and fiber installation, but took no action on the proposed rates or budgets during this meeting.

• Approved December 6, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Discussed preliminary FY2025 rate projections (no action taken)
• Discussed Five-Year Capital Improvement Program progress (no action taken)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)