Palo Alto public meetings in 2025

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Public Art Commission will vote on several action items, including approving conceptual designs for downtown murals, accepting a donated artwork, and allocating funding for Artlift Grants and on‑call engineering services. The meeting also includes approval of the November 20, 2025 meeting minutes. Public comment will be accepted both in person and via Zoom.

• Approve conceptual designs for temporary downtown murals by artists Nigel Sussman and Mona Caron
• Accept a donated artwork from Cubberley artist Martha Sakellariou for the city’s public art collection
• Approve up to $50,000 in Artlift Grants for 2026 from the Art in Public Places CIP fund
• Approve up to $10,000 to add to the existing contract with Hocbach‑Lewin Inc for on‑call structural engineering services
• Approve the November 20, 2025 Public Art Commission meeting minutes

Parks & Recreation Commission Special Meeting

The Parks & Recreation Commission will hold a special meeting on December 16, 2025 with public comment. It will discuss partnering norms for commission and staff effectiveness and consider a quasi‑judicial Park Improvement Ordinance for tree removals at the 2100 Geng Road development in the Baylands Athletic Center. The agenda also includes an annual aquatics performance update and updates from ad hoc committees.

• Park Improvement Ordinance for 2100 Geng Road Development Tree Removals in Baylands Athletic Center
• Discussion of Partnering Norms for Commission/Staff Effectiveness
• Annual Aquatics Performance Update by Team Sheeper, Inc.
• Ad Hoc Committees and Liaison Updates
• Council Liaison Report

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will vote on a resolution to approve conduit financing and issue revenue bonds up to $80 million for a 130‑unit affordable rental development at 3001 El Camino Real. The meeting also includes approvals of several large procurement contracts, a surveillance policy for the Palo Alto Museum, and a public hearing to reclassify a historic building at 1680 Bryant Street.

• Approval of $80 million bond issuance for 130‑unit affordable housing at 3001 El Camino Real (Item 16)
• Approval of $1,129,138 purchase order for replacement pre‑hospital monitors/defibrillators (Item 14)
• Approval of $6,238,832 contract with Genuine Parts Company for fleet parts inventory (Item 17)
• Adoption of surveillance use policy for security cameras at 300 Homer Avenue (Item 7)
• Public hearing to reclassify historic building at 1680 Bryant Street (Item 25)

Climate Action and Sustainability Special Meeting

The Climate Action and Sustainability Committee is holding a special meeting to explore mechanisms for achieving the city’s S/CAP 80x30 climate targets. Sessions include a workshop on large‑scale community electrification, presentations on climate priorities, and breakout groups on mandates, incentives, and implementation tools. No formal decisions are listed; the focus is on discussion and public input.

• Workshop on Economics of Large‑Scale Community Electrification (CEQA status: not a project)
• Overview of Climate Action Priorities
• Breakout Group #1 – Benefits and Challenges of Mandates and Voluntary Incentives to Achieve 80x30
• Evaluating Decarbonization Programs
• Breakout Group #2 – Possible Implementation Tools and Approaches to Achieve 80x30

Climate Action and Sustainability Regular Meeting

The Climate Action and Sustainability Committee will review the electrification of city facilities. The body will also receive an update on sea level rise adaptation planning and the Santa Clara County Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan SB1 Grant.

• Review and discussion of City Facility Electrification
• Update on Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Efforts
• Participation in the Santa Clara County Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan SB1 Grant

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The Human Relations Commission will hear presentations from local providers regarding food insecurity programs in Palo Alto. The body will also review its past year's accomplishments and elect a new Chair and Vice Chair.

• Presentation on programs and services addressing food insecurity in Palo Alto
• Election of Human Relations Commission Chair and Vice Chair
• Review of past year accomplishments and work plan retreat framework
• Approval of November 13, 2025, draft action minutes
• Recognition of service for Staff Liaison Minka van der Zwaag

The commission approved the November 13, 2025 meeting minutes by a 6‑0‑1 vote. Commissioners elected Kraus as Chair with a 6‑0‑1 vote after nominations were closed. Causey was elected Vice Chair by a 4‑3 vote, while Karnam's nomination for Vice Chair failed 3‑4. All votes were recorded as shown in the minutes.

• Approved November 13, 2025 minutes (6-0-1)
• Closed Chair nominations (7-0)
• Elected Kraus as Chair (6-0-1, Ansari abstain)
• Closed Vice Chair nominations (7-0)
• Elected Causey as Vice Chair (4-3)
• Karnam nomination for Vice Chair failed (3-4)

City Schools Liaison Committee Special Meeting

The City Schools Liaison Committee will hold a special meeting to conduct an informal meet and greet with the Jed Foundation team. The body will also receive a general update on allcove Palo Alto.

• Informal meet and greet with the Jed Foundation team
• General update on allcove Palo Alto

The City Schools Liaison Committee approved the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0 vote. No other actions were taken; the remaining agenda items were noted as informational or deferred for future discussion.

• Approved minutes of November 13, 2025 meeting (4-0)
• No action on informal meet‑and‑greet with The Jed Foundation
• No action on coordination of City and School District funding measures
• No action on allcove Palo Alto county health update
• No action on future discussion of housing development at 2100 Geng Road
• No action on safe routes, e‑bike, and crossing guard topics

Council Appointed Officer Committee Special Meeting

The Council Appointed Officer Committee will discuss the performance evaluation process for the City's Chief Administrative Officer and review next steps for an internal audit services contract ending in June 2026.

• Discussion of CAO performance evaluation process
• Review of Internal Audit Services Contract with Baker Tilly ending June 2026

The committee discussed the internal audit services contract with Baker Tilly, which ends in June 2026. Councilmember Veenker moved, and Councilmember Burt seconded, to recommend the City Council exercise its option for a two‑year extension. The motion passed unanimously, 3‑0. No action was taken on the Council Appointed Officer performance evaluation process.

• Recommended two-year extension of Baker Tilly contract (3-0)
• No action on CAO performance evaluation process

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will consider the staff‑presented Locally Preferred Alternative for the grade‑separation project at the Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. The discussion includes preparation of CEQA and NEPA documentation for the project. Public testimony will be heard, and the item will continue to the December 15 meeting for further deliberation.

• Review and selection of the Locally Preferred Alternative for grade separations at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings
• Preparation of CEQA and NEPA documentation for the grade‑separation project
• Staff presentation and public testimony on the project (continued to Dec 15 meeting)
• Public comment procedures: up to three minutes per speaker, speaker request required

The council received a staff presentation on the Locally Preferred Alternative for grade separations at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road. Councilmember Reckdahl recused himself from the vote. A motion by Councilmember Lythcott-Haims, seconded by Vice Mayor Veenker, to continue the item to the December 15, 2025 meeting passed with a 6‑0‑1 vote. No public testimony will be heard at the next meeting.

• Continued the grade‑separation LPA item to the Dec 15, 2025 meeting (vote 6‑0‑1, Reckdahl recused)

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will review a proposal to demolish four commercial buildings and construct 65 three-story buildings. The body will also consider a new bird-friendly design ordinance for the city's zoning code.

• Recommendation on 2100-2400 Geng Road project: 145 for-sale townhomes, including 19 low-income units
• Proposed ordinance adding Section 18.40.280 (Bird-Friendly Design) to the Palo Alto Municipal Code
• Approval of meeting minutes from September 24 and October 8, 2025

The Planning & Transportation Commission met on December 10, 2025, completed roll call and confirmed there were no agenda changes. Public comment was limited to one speaker, Mark Weiss, who discussed live‑music programming. The commission noted that the regularly scheduled second December meeting was cancelled and referenced a Dark Sky/Lighting Ordinance approved by City Council, but no votes or formal actions were taken by the commission.

• No formal actions or votes recorded by the commission

Policy & Services Committee Regular Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will discuss several administrative and policy recommendations for the City Council. This includes a potential ordinance regarding the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women.

• Recommendation for an ordinance implementing UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) principles
• City Auditor presentation on Contract Solicitation & Authority Levels Advisory Report
• Discussion on the 2026 City Council Priority Setting Process
• Review of suggested changes for the City Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook
• Status report on Policy & Services Committee Referrals

The Policy & Services Committee approved five unanimous recommendations to the City Council. It advised the Council to adopt the CEDAW ordinance with specific amendments, keep the 2025 priorities for 2026, adopt staff‑suggested changes to the Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook, accept the auditor’s contract solicitation report, and limit Councilmember comments to three minutes each. All motions passed 3‑0.

• Recommend City Council accept Contract Solicitation & Authority Levels Advisory Report (3-0)
• Recommend City Council adopt CEDAW ordinance with amendments to Economic Development and Community sections (3-0)
• Recommend City Council keep 2025 priorities for 2026 (3-0)
• Recommend City Council adopt staff‑suggested changes to Procedures and Protocols Handbook, including Section 3.8 brief discussion rule (3-0)
• Recommend City Council limit Councilmember comments to 3 minutes per member in Section 3.6 (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will discuss updating outdoor lighting regulations and ordinances prohibiting unattached trailer parking and 'vanlording.' The body will also review several professional service contracts and a residential construction appeal.

• Ordinances prohibiting unattached trailer parking and vanlording
• Appeal of decision for a 2,380-square-foot residence at 2451 Cowper Street
• Professional Services Agreement with Northern California Power Agency up to $657,500
• Contract amendment with SAP Public Services for $334,355
• Contract with Corodata Records Management, Inc up to $120,000

Council approved a $657,500 five‑year consulting agreement with the Northern California Power Agency and adopted several ordinances, including the police department’s military equipment use policy and new outdoor lighting standards. Items on the consent calendar covering trailer parking, a zoning appeal, contract amendments, weed nuisance and records storage were also approved. The motion to approve agenda items 4‑14 passed with a 7‑0 vote, while item 4 received a 6‑1 vote.

• Approved $657,500 Professional Services Agreement with Northern California Power Agency (7‑0)
• Approved $65,000 amendment to Concordia LLC contract for Cubberley Master Plan (7‑0)
• Approved $334,355 amendment to SAP Public Services contract for maintenance (7‑0)
• Adopted ordinance renewing Police Department Military Equipment Use Policy (7‑0)
• Adopted interim ordinance implementing SB 9 housing laws (7‑0)
• Adopted emergency ordinance prohibiting unattached trailer parking and vanlording (6‑1)
• Adopted resolution declaring weeds a public nuisance and set Feb 9 2026 hearing (7‑0)
• Approved $120,000 contract with Corodata Records Management for off‑site records storage (7‑0)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will meet to discuss a six-story parking garage at 375 Hamilton Avenue and a major residential development at 3606 El Camino Real. The meeting will be hybrid, allowing public participation via Zoom or in person.

• Consideration of a six-story parking garage with 266 spaces at 375 Hamilton Avenue
• Public hearing for a seven-story, 321-unit residential project at 3606 El Camino Real
• Approval of draft meeting minutes for September 18, October 2, and October 16, 2025
• Hybrid meeting format with public comment via Zoom or in person
• Director's Report on meeting schedule and upcoming agenda items

The Architectural Review Board discussed the preliminary design for a new six‑story parking garage at 375 Hamilton Avenue. Staff asked the board to provide informal, site‑specific comments on massing, scale, pedestrian orientation and material selection. The board offered those comments but no formal action or vote was taken.

• Provided informal comments on 375 Hamilton Avenue parking garage (no formal action)

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will consider a recommendation for City Council to accept a report on local energy resources to improve reliability and resiliency. The body will also act on the appointment of a budget subcommittee and discuss internal policy and procedure.

• Recommendation to City Council regarding the 'Evaluation of Local Energy Resources to Lower Costs and Improve Reliability and Resiliency' report
• Approval of the FY 2027 Budget Subcommittee for the term December 3, 2025, through June 3, 2026
• Discussion on Commission policy and procedure
• Approval of minutes from the November 5, 2025 meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission voted 5‑0 to approve the draft minutes from the November 5, 2025 meeting. No other actions were formally decided; the commission discussed the local energy resources report and other topics but did not vote on them.

• Approved November 5, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0)

Finance Committee Regular Meeting

The Finance Committee will discuss the city's financial statements and budget adjustments. The body is reviewing long-range forecasts and quarterly financial status reports to provide recommendations to the City Council.

• Audit of City of Palo Alto's Financial Statements as of June 30, 2025 by Macias Gini & O'Connell
• FY2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and year-end budget adjustments
• FY 2027-2036 Long Range Financial Forecast
• FY 2027 Annual Budget Development Guidelines
• Fiscal Year 2026 First Quarter Financial Status Report

The Finance Committee unanimously recommended that the City Council accept the audited FY2025 financial statements, the FY2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report with budget amendments, a review of excess BSR funds, the FY2027‑2036 Long Range Financial Forecast with FY2027 budget guidelines, and the FY2026 first‑quarter financial status report. All four motions passed 3‑0. The committee also suggested a review of the formula and process for using excess BSR funds.

• Recommended City Council accept FY2025 audited financial statements (3-0)
• Recommended City Council accept FY2025 ACFR, FY2025 budget amendments, and review of excess BSR funds (3-0)
• Recommended City Council accept FY2027‑2036 Long Range Financial Forecast and FY2027 budget development guidelines (3-0)
• Recommended City Council accept FY2026 first‑quarter financial status report (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will vote on a series of consent‑calendar items, including major procurement contracts and utility rate changes. A $5,839,230 purchase order will authorize S/4 Hana implementation services for twelve months. The council will also consider a $3,634,430 set of blanket purchase orders for on‑call hauling services and a $1,439,450 contract package with Minsait Advanced Control Systems. Additional agenda items include updates to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan and a zoning reclassification for properties on Byron Street and University Avenue.

• Approval of Purchase Order C26196043 with Carahsoft for S/4 Hana services, total not‑to‑exceed $5,839,230
• Approval of two blanket purchase orders with S&S Trucking ($2,543,677) and Zanker Road Resource Management ($1,090,753) totaling $3,634,430
• Approval of two contracts with Minsait Advanced Control Systems: $1,000,000 hardware blanket order and $439,450 software services, combined $1,439,450
• Public hearing on Finance Committee resolution adopting the 2026 Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis Report and amending rate schedules G‑1, G‑2, G‑3, repealing G‑10
• Second reading ordinance changing the zoning classification of 511 Byron St, 660 University Ave, and 680 University Ave/500 Middlefield Rd from RM‑20 to Planned Community

Mayor Lauing proposed allocating $1,000 from the city’s contingency fund to support Second Harvest, and the council approved the donation. City Manager Ed Shikada reported that Item 14 will be pulled from the agenda and rescheduled for January. No actions were taken on the Neighborhood Town Halls study session or the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan update.

• Approved $1,000 contingency fund donation to Second Harvest
• Item 14 pulled from agenda and will be re‑agended in January
• No action taken on Neighborhood Town Halls study session
• No action taken on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan update

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Commission will elect a Chair and Vice Chair and assign members to ad hoc committees and liaison roles. Staff will provide updates on the Community Garden Program and First Tee.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Assignment of Commissioners to Ad Hoc Committees and Liaison Roles
• Community Garden Program update
• First Tee update

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the draft summary minutes from the October 28, 2025 meeting with a 3‑0‑2 vote. No other formal actions, approvals, or denials were recorded. The remainder of the meeting consisted of departmental reports on upcoming holiday events, park and golf‑course projects, and the community garden program.

• Approved October 28, 2025 minutes (3-0-2)

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The Public Art Commission will consider the final approval of a public art plan for the 975 Page Mill Road development project. The body will also decide on accepting an artwork donation and discuss the outcomes of the Code:ART interactive media event.

• Final review and approval of public art plan for 975 Page Mill Road
• Acceptance of artwork donation from Kiana Honarmand
• Discussion of Code:ART festival outcomes, attendance, and economic impacts

The Public Art Commission unanimously approved the final public art plan for the private development at 975 Page Mill Road, allocating $136,000 for the artwork. The Commission also accepted the donated artwork "Bolted" by Kiana Honarmand into the city’s public art collection. The September 18, 2025 meeting minutes were approved without objection.

• Approved final public art plan for 975 Page Mill Road ($136,000) (All in Favor)
• Accepted donation of artwork "Bolted" by Kiana Honarmand (All in Favor)
• Approved September 18, 2025 PAC meeting minutes (All in Favor)

Climate Action and Sustainability Committee Special Meeting

The Climate Action and Sustainability Committee will give a status update on the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan mobility goals and request feedback on the tentative 2026‑2027 work plan. It will also recommend that the City Council accept the “Evaluation of Local Energy Resources to Lower Costs and Improve Reliability and Resiliency” report and direct staff to pursue flexible energy resource and efficient electrification activities. Both items are noted as not being CEQA projects.

• Status update on Sustainability and Climate Action Plan mobility goals and 2026‑2027 work plan items
• Recommendation to adopt Energy Resources report and direct staff to pursue flexible energy and electrification activities

The Climate Action & Sustainability Committee voted to recommend that the City Council adopt the staff’s “Evaluation of Local Energy Resources to Lower Costs and Improve Reliability and Resiliency” report. The motion was moved by Council Member Burt, seconded by Council Member Veenker, and passed unanimously with a 3‑0 vote. The recommendation includes pursuing flexible energy resource and efficient electrification activities and notes a potential .5 FTE funding source pending further evaluation.

• Recommend City Council adopt staff energy resources report (3-0)

Policy & Services Committee Special Meeting

The Policy & Services Committee will hear a presentation from the City Auditor on the Building Permit & Inspection Fees Audit. It will discuss and make recommendations on the city’s 2026 federal and state legislative guidelines and utility policy guidelines. The committee will consider a nonprofit partnership workplan and lease extensions for Gamble Garden, Winter Lodge, and Lawn Bowls. Additional items include a discussion of the 2026 City Council priority‑setting process and a review of repeat agenda items.

• Office of the City Auditor presentation of the Building Permit & Inspection Fees Audit
• Discussion and recommendation on 2026 Federal and State Legislative Guidelines and Utility Policy Guidelines
• Nonprofit Partnership Workplan and lease extensions for Gamble Garden, Winter Lodge, and Lawn Bowls
• 2026 City Council Priority Setting Process discussion and recommendations
• Review of schedule of repeat agenda items for Policy & Services, Finance Committee, and City Council

The Policy & Services Committee voted to accept the City Auditor's building‑permit and inspection fees audit and to refer the audit to the City Council. The committee also approved the staff recommendation that bullet points two and three be consistent with the committee's feedback. Both motions passed unanimously with a 3‑0 vote.

• Accepted building‑permit & inspection fees audit and referred to City Council (3-0)
• Approved staff recommendation aligning bullet points two and three with committee feedback (3-0)

Planning and Development Services Director's Hearing

The Planning and Development Services Director will hold a public hearing to review a preliminary parcel map request that would merge the two parcels at 1431‑1433 Webster Street and subdivide them into four new parcels. The parcels total approximately 27,250 sq ft and 6,500 sq ft and are located in the R‑1 single‑family residential zone. The proposal is exempt from CEQA under Section 15315. Public comments are permitted, with time limits set by the Chair.

• Preliminary Parcel Map request for 1431‑1433 Webster St.: merge two parcels (≈27,250 sf and 6,500 sf) into four parcels, R‑1 zoning, CEQA exempt

Finance Committee Regular Meeting

The Finance Committee will consider a recommendation to approve the 2026 Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis Report and amend related rate schedules. The body will also review General Fund tax revenues, retiree benefit funding, and preliminary utility financial forecasts for Fiscal Year 2027.

• Proposed amendments to Natural Gas Rate Schedules G-1, G-2, and G-3
• Proposed repeal of Natural Gas Rate Schedule G-10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service)
• Review of General Fund Major Tax Revenues and Retiree Benefit Funding Policy
• Discussion of Fiscal Year 2027 Preliminary Utilities Financial Forecast and Rate Projections
• Status update on Calendar Year 2025 Finance Committee Referrals

The committee voted 3‑0 to recommend the City Council adopt a resolution approving the 2026 Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis Report, amend residential and commercial gas rate schedules G‑1, G‑2, G‑3, and repeal schedule G‑10 effective February 1, 2026. It also voted 3‑0 to recommend continued contributions to the PARS Pension Trust and multiple fund transfers to CalPERS for pension and benefit payments, and to balance the FY27 General Fund budget with modest cuts.

• Recommend City Council adopt resolution approving 2026 Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis Report and amend rate schedules G‑1, G‑2, G‑3, repeal G‑10 (3‑0)
• Recommend City Council continue contributions to PARS Pension Trust (3‑0)
• Recommend City Council transmit $10 M from PARS to CalPERS for ADP FY26 Mid‑Year (3‑0)
• Recommend City Council transmit $20 M from PARS to CalPERS for ADP FY27‑36 LRFF (3‑0)
• Recommend City Council transmit $6 M from PARS to CalPERS for ADC FY27‑36 LRFF (3‑0)
• Recommend City Council balance FY27 General Fund budget with $6‑$8 M cuts (3‑0)

Rail Committee Regular Meeting

The Rail Committee will review conceptual design alternatives for bike and pedestrian connectivity in South Palo Alto. The body will also consider refined designs for grade separation projects to recommend for further design advancement to the City Council.

• Initial review of conceptual design alternatives for South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity
• Review of refined grade separation designs for Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road

The committee voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council focus on Conceptual Alternative A for the South Palo Alto bike/ped connectivity study and to eliminate all other alternatives. It also voted 3-0 to recommend eliminating the Seale Avenue Ramp at the Churchill Avenue partial underpass. Both motions are recorded with a 3-0 tally and the status noted as FAILED/PASSED in the minutes.

• Recommend City Council focus on Conceptual Alternative A for South Palo Alto bike/ped connectivity – motion recorded 3-0 (status listed as FAILED/PASSED)
• Recommend City Council eliminate Seale Avenue Ramp at Churchill Avenue Partial Underpass – motion recorded 3-0 (status listed as FAILED/PASSED)

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will discuss a conceptual affordable housing project on land associated with the Sobrato Development Agreement. The body is also deciding on several infrastructure contracts and land subdivision maps.

• Review of conceptual affordable housing project at 340 Portage Avenue
• Contract with Soudi Consultants, Inc. not to exceed $1,500,000 for electric engineering services
• Funding agreements with Stanford University (up to $600,000) and VTA (up to $456,000) for Palo Alto Link
• Final Map and street naming for 3200 Park/340 Portage to merge and subdivide 11 parcels
• Recommendation for synthetic turf replacement at El Camino Park

The council voted to approve agenda items 2 through 8, covering minutes, program design guidelines, contract renewals, a final map, funding agreements, and a consulting contract. Items 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 passed unanimously (7‑0), while items 5 and 7 passed with five votes and two recused members (5‑0‑2). The approved funding agreements provide up to $600,000 from Stanford University and $456,000 from VTA for the Palo Alto Link project. The consulting contract authorizes up to $1.5 million over three years for electric engineering services.

• Approved minutes from Nov 3, 2025 meeting (7‑0)
• Approved program design guidelines for multi‑family EV charger program (7‑0)
• Approved program design guidelines for advanced packaged HVAC pilot program (7‑0)
• Approved Williamson Act contract renewals (5‑0‑2, two recused)
• Approved final map and street naming for 3200 Park/340 Portage (7‑0)
• Approved funding agreements with Stanford University ($600k) and VTA ($456k) for Palo Alto Link (5‑0‑2, two recused)
• Approved contract with Soudi Consultants up to $1.5M for electric engineering services (7‑0)

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Historic Resources Board will meet in a hybrid format to consider its schedule of meetings and assignments, review board awards, and approve draft minutes from September 11 and October 9, 2025. Public comment will be permitted with time limits for speakers. No other substantive actions are listed on the agenda.

• Historic Resources Board Schedule of Meetings and Assignments (action item)
• Historic Resources Board Awards
• Approval of Draft Minutes of September 11, 2025
• Approval of Draft Minutes of October 9, 2025

The Historic Resources Board reviewed staff‑proposed bylaw amendments to create a five‑year Preservation Awards program. Members debated award categories, eligibility criteria, and how to narrow a list of 159 past projects. No vote or formal approval was recorded, and the board deferred further decisions to subcommittees and future meetings.

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The commission will approve the October 16, 2025 draft action minutes and hear a presentation on the Federal and California Earned Income Tax Credit and its potential cash support for qualifying unhoused, low‑income, or senior residents. Staff will provide an update on the Palo Alto Mediation Program. The body will consider supporting the Mitchell Park Library “Know Your Rights” program for the immigrant community and review the procedure for HRC support applications for internal city events.

• Approval of the October 16, 2025 Human Relations Commission draft action minutes
• Presentation on the Federal and California Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for qualifying unhoused, low‑income, or seniors (discussion, 45 minutes)
• Update from the Palo Alto Mediation Program (discussion, 45 minutes)
• Consideration of HRC support for Mitchell Park Library “Know Your Rights” program (action, 15 minutes)
• Review of procedure for HRC Support Application for internal City events (action, 15 minutes)

The commission approved the minutes from the October 16, 2025 special meeting. It voted to support the Mitchell Park Library “Know Your Rights: Information for the Immigrant Community” program on November 24, 2025. It also adopted a procedure allowing City departments to request event support directly through Human Services staff. No actions were taken on the EITC presentation or the Mediation Program update.

• Approved October 16, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-2)
• Approved HRC support for Mitchell Park Library “Know Your Rights” program (5-0-2)
• Approved procedure for HRC support applications for City events (5-0-2)

City Schools Liaison Committee Regular Meeting

The City Schools Liaison Committee will hold a hybrid meeting to hear public comments, review the previous meeting minutes, receive city and district reports, get an update on the JED Foundation implementation, and discuss the allcove Palo Alto item. The meeting will conclude with any future business before adjourning.

• Open Forum/Public Communications
• Review of Minutes
• City and District Reports
• Update on JED Foundation Implementation
• Discussion on allcove Palo Alto

The City Schools Liaison Committee adopted the April and September meeting minutes with a 4‑0 vote. The meeting also provided updates on the Panorama survey, mental‑health policies, the grade‑separation project, and the JED Foundation partnership, but no additional actions were voted on.

• Adopted April and September minutes (4-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will review the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Implementation report and the 2023‑2031 Housing Element progress report and recommend that the City Council authorize their transmittal to state agencies. It will also discuss the Palo Alto Link Program and Transit Futures, and consider recommending the draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan for adoption by the City Council. The meeting includes approval of recent commission minutes and a Director's report.

• Review and recommend transmittal of Draft 2025 Comprehensive Plan Implementation Annual Progress Report and Draft 2023‑2031 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
• Discuss Palo Alto Link Program & Transit Futures review
• Provide feedback and recommend the draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan for City Council adoption
• Approve Planning & Transportation Commission draft minutes from September 6, 2025
• Approve Planning & Transportation Commission draft minutes from September 10, 2025

The commission met with a quorum, noted no agenda changes, and provided updates on canceled meetings, upcoming special meetings, and several transportation and housing projects. Staff presented progress on the Comprehensive Plan and Housing Element reports and will recommend that City Council authorize their transmittal to state agencies by April 1, 2026. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded during the meeting.

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will consider a request for a six-story mixed-use building and new outdoor lighting regulations. The body will also discuss rail crossing quiet zone measures and speed limit updates for nine streets.

• Public hearing for 660 University Ave: proposed six-story building with 70 residential units and 1,900 sq ft of office
• Proposed outdoor lighting regulations updating PAMC Section 18.40.250
• Four-Quadrant Gate System for Churchill, Meadow, and Charleston rail crossings
• Ordinance to update speed limit studies for nine streets
• Resolution to defer CPAU late fees for customers affected by federal government shutdown

The council voted 5-0-2 (Stone and Veenker absent) to adopt an ordinance updating special speed zones and the 2025 traffic survey. It also approved a General Fund budget amendment for the Planning and Development Services Department’s deposit‑based fee program. Finally, the council adopted a resolution deferring CPAU late fees and collection actions due to the federal government shutdown.

• Adopted ordinance amending PAMC Chapter 10.56 to update speed limit studies for nine streets (5-0-2)
• Approved budget amendment for Planning and Development Services deposit‑based fee program (5-0-2)
• Adopted resolution deferring CPAU late fees and collection actions (5-0-2)

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will approve minutes from its September 3 and October 1 meetings, receive a Utilities Director report, and consider a draft update to the 2026 Utilities Legislative Policy Guidelines. It will recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the 2026 Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis Report and amend rate schedules G-1, G-2, G-3 while repealing G-10. The commission will also discuss the FY2027 preliminary utilities financial forecast and rate projections.

• Approve minutes of the September 3, 2025 Utilities Advisory Commission meeting
• Approve minutes of the October 1, 2025 Utilities Advisory Commission meeting
• Recommend approval of the draft 2026 Utilities Legislative Policy Guidelines Update
• Recommend City Council adopt resolution approving the 2026 Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis Report and amend rate schedules G-1, G-2, G-3, repealing G-10
• Discuss FY2027 preliminary utilities financial forecast and rate projections

The Utilities Advisory Commission voted to approve the draft minutes from its September 3, 2025 meeting with a unanimous 6‑0 vote. The commission also approved the draft minutes from its October 1, 2025 meeting with a 4‑0 vote, while two members abstained. No other actions were formally decided at this meeting.

• Approved September 3, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Approved October 1, 2025 minutes (4-0, 2 abstentions)

Finance Committee Regular Meeting

The Finance Committee is set to recommend approval of a contract extension with GreenWaste of Palo Alto through 2030 and the replacement of aging collection vehicles. The agenda also includes an update on the Regional Water Quality Control Plant.

• Recommendation to approve contract extension with GreenWaste of Palo Alto through June 30, 2030
• Approval of budget amendment in the Refuse Fund
• Approval of replacement of aging collection vehicles for an estimated $5,900,000
• Update on Regional Water Quality Control Plant Wastewater Treatment Fund
• Approval of Amendment No. 1 to Revocable Non-Exclusive License at 1237 San Antonio Road

The committee voted 3‑0 to recommend the City Council approve Amendment No. 2 to Contract C09124501A with GreenWaste, extending the term to June 30 2030 with an estimated annual cost of $24,840,211. It also approved $5.9 million to replace aging collection vehicles, a $2.61 million budget reallocation within the Refuse Fund, and Amendment No. 1 to the license for GreenWaste to use part of the former Los Altos Treatment Plant at 1237 San Antonio Road.

• Approved Amendment No.2 to Contract C09124501A with GreenWaste, extending term to 2030 ($24,840,211 annual) (3-0)
• Approved replacement of aging collection vehicles for $5,900,000 (3-0)
• Approved FY2026 Refuse Fund budget amendment: decrease balance $2,610,000, increase collection appropriation $2,610,000 (3-0)
• Approved Amendment No.1 to revocable non‑exclusive license for GreenWaste at 1237 San Antonio Road through June 30 2030 (3-0)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will consider approving the Community Wildfire Protection Plan and the Emergency Operations Plan. The meeting includes several contract approvals for airport systems, utility cables, and reservoir evaluations.

• Approval of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan and Emergency Operations Plan
• Adoption of the 2025 Edition California Fire Code with local amendments
• Contract with Vellutini Corporation for airport weather system construction not to exceed $1,699,810
• Purchase orders with Okonite Company for underground cable up to $4,000,000 over five years
• Cost-sharing agreement with Stanford University for Quarry Road improvements not to exceed $878,200

The council approved the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the Emergency Preparedness Wildfire Audit Report, and the City Emergency Operations Plan. The City Manager also recommended removing Item 11 from the consent calendar and deferring it to a later date. No vote tallies were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved Community Wildfire Protection Plan
• Approved Emergency Preparedness: Wildfire Audit Report
• Approved City Emergency Operations Plan
• Deferred Item 11 on consent calendar per City Manager recommendation

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will hold study sessions to discuss retail revitalization measures and receive a progress update on the SamTrans Grand Boulevard Initiative. The body will also vote on the approval of meeting minutes from July and August 2025.

• Study session on retail revitalization measures related to Economic Development and Retail Vibrancy priority
• Fall 2025 progress update on SamTrans Grand Boulevard Initiative
• Approval of July 30, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approval of August 27, 2025 meeting minutes

The commission held a quorum and proceeded with agenda items, public comment, and several reports. A public speaker raised concerns about a proposed housing project near the airport, but no action was taken. Staff presented updates on upcoming meetings, the draft Bike and Pedestrian Transportation Plan, and recent bike safety events. The meeting concluded without any votes, approvals, or denials.

Policy & Services Committee Special Meeting

The Policy & Services Committee will consider a recommendation to the City Council to approve the proposed Massage and Hot Tub/Sauna Ordinance, noted as not a CEQA project. The committee will also hear two auditor presentations: one on the Community Services Department equipment and materials inventory management audit, and another on the building permit and inspection fees audit. Public comment will be limited to items not on the agenda, with a total of 30 minutes allocated.

• Recommend City Council approval of the Massage and Hot Tub/Sauna Ordinance (CEQA status: not a project)
• Office of the City Auditor presentation of the Community Services Department Equipment and Materials Inventory Management Audit
• Office of the City Auditor presentation of the Building Permit & Inspection Fees Audit
• Removal of the item referring City Council to consider updates to the Advocacy Process Manual

The Policy & Services Committee voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council adopt a new ordinance regulating massage establishments and hot‑tub/sauna businesses. It also voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council accept the Community Services Department equipment and materials inventory audit report. Finally, the committee voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council adopt several updates to the Advocacy Process Manual. The Building Permit & Inspection Fees Audit item was removed from the agenda.

• Recommend City Council adopt massage and hot‑tub/sauna ordinance – passed 3-0
• Recommend City Council accept equipment and materials inventory audit report – passed 3-0
• Recommend City Council adopt updates to Advocacy Process Manual – passed 3-0
• Building Permit & Inspection Fees Audit item removed from agenda – no action

Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss synthetic turf replacement at El Camino Park and scope reductions for the Foothills Nature Preserve Improvements Project. The body will also receive updates on the Baylands Comprehensive Conservation Plan and trail closures at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve.

• Synthetic turf replacement findings and recommendations for El Camino Park
• Foothills Nature Preserve Improvements Project scope reduction feedback
• Proposed trail closure at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
• Update on the Baylands Comprehensive Conservation Plan (BCCP)
• Approval of minutes from September 23, 2025

The Parks & Recreation Commission approved the draft minutes from the September 23, 2025 regular meeting with a 5‑0 vote. No other motions were adopted; remaining agenda items were informational updates.

• Approved September 23, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)

Stormwater Management Oversight Committee

The Stormwater Management Oversight Committee will approve the minutes from its April 22, 2025 meeting. It will review fiscal year 2025 actual expenditures and the adopted budget for 2026, and consider a memorandum of FY2025 actual expenditures. The committee will also receive updates on capital projects, public works operations, the municipal regional stormwater NPDES permit, and trash‑reduction requirements. No other actions are scheduled.

• Approve minutes from April 22, 2025 meeting (Action Needed)
• Review FY 2025 actuals and FY 2026 adopted budget (No Action Needed)
• Consider memorandum of FY 2025 actual expenditures (Action Needed)
• Capital update (No Action Needed)
• Updates on public works operations, stormwater NPDES permit, and trash‑reduction requirements (No Action Needed)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will review a design concept for affordable housing at the corner of Kipling Street and Lytton Avenue. Members will also provide direction on the Downtown Housing Plan and the implementation of Senate Bill 79.

• Housing project design for the downtown surface parking lot at Kipling Street and Lytton Avenue (Lot T)
• Implementation of Senate Bill 79 (2025-2026) and Downtown Housing Plan project
• Appointments to the Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Public Art Commission
• Discussion on best practices for managing consultant services

The council filled three vacancies on the Human Relations Commission, appointing Michelle Kraus, Salwa Ansari, and Sridhar Karnam. It appointed Nellis L. Freeman, Jr. and Roger V. Smith to the Parks and Recreation Commission, and after a second round selected Vadim Axelrod for the remaining seat. On the Public Art Commission, Robin Mullery was appointed, and Anjana Joshi won the final vacancy. No other action items were taken.

• Appointed Michelle Kraus to Human Relations Commission (7 votes)
• Appointed Salwa Ansari to Human Relations Commission (5 votes)
• Appointed Sridhar Karnam to Human Relations Commission (4 votes)
• Appointed Nellis L. Freeman, Jr. to Parks and Recreation Commission (7 votes)
• Appointed Roger V. Smith to Parks and Recreation Commission (6 votes)
• Appointed Vadim Axelrod to Parks and Recreation Commission (4 votes, second round)
• Appointed Robin Mullery to Public Art Commission (7 votes)
• Appointed Anjana Joshi to Public Art Commission (5 votes, second round)

Finance Committee Regular Meeting

The committee will examine the city's risk management and insurance program, focusing on the funding status of the General Liability Fund. Staff will recommend that the City Council approve amendments to the FY2026 General Liability Fund budget. An overview of investment advisory services will also be presented.

• Review Risk Management and Insurance Program, including General Liability Fund funding status
• Recommend City Council approve FY2026 General Liability Fund budget amendments
• Investment Advisory Services Overview

The Finance Committee met on Oct. 21, 2025 and voted to recommend that the City Council amend the FY 2026 budget appropriation for the General Liability Fund. The motion was passed unanimously, 3‑0. No action was taken on the Investment Advisory Services overview.

• Recommend City Council amend FY 2026 General Liability Fund budget (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will hold a study session on the Cubberley project master plan and a potential 2026 ballot measure. The body will also vote on several high-value construction contracts and utility rate changes.

• Construction contract for Fire Station 4 Replacement Project with Beals Martin and Associates, Inc. not to exceed $11,530,676
• Gas Main Replacement Project 25 contract with Veteran Pipeline Construction for $8,962,204
• Proposed condominium subdivision to create 10 units at 70 Encina Avenue
• Resolution to amend five utility rate schedules for connection fees and charges
• Phased approach to address oversized vehicle and RV impacts

The council added agenda item AA1 to interview a candidate for the Parks and Recreation Commission. No action was taken on the interview candidate. Staff provided updates on the Cubberley Master Plan and a $24 million utility investment, but no decisions were made. The meeting was otherwise procedural.

• Added agenda item AA1 to interview Parks & Recreation Commission candidate (no vote recorded)
• No action taken on interview candidate (recorded as NO ACTION)

Climate Action and Sustainability Committee Special Meeting

The Climate Action and Sustainability Committee will consider a recommendation for the City Council to approve design guidelines for the Advanced Commercial Heat Pump HVAC Program. The committee will also discuss a preliminary analysis regarding infrastructure impacts from gas decommissioning.

• Recommendation for Advanced Commercial Heat Pump HVAC Program Design Guidelines
• Discussion of preliminary analysis on infrastructure impacts of gas decommissioning

The Climate Action & Sustainability Committee voted 3‑0 to recommend that the City Council adopt the Advanced Commercial Heat Pump HVAC Program design guidelines. The recommendation was recorded as a formal motion. The committee discussed a preliminary analysis of infrastructure impacts from gas decommissioning but took no further action. The meeting adjourned at 4:03 P.M.

• Recommend adoption of Advanced Commercial Heat Pump HVAC Program design guidelines – motion passed 3-0
• Discussion of gas decommissioning infrastructure impacts – no action taken

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold a study session regarding a proposal to demolish four commercial buildings and construct 65 three-story buildings. The board will also review a wireless communication facility permit for AT&T.

• Proposal for 145 for-sale townhome units at 2100-2400 Geng Road, including 19 units deed restricted for tenants at or below 60% Area Median Income
• Review of AT&T Tier 2 Wireless Communication Facility permit for a streetlight pole at 1661 Page Mill Road (continued from September 18)

The Architectural Review Board discussed AT&T’s Tier 2 small‑cell wireless facility at 1661 Page Mill Road, reviewing volume calculations, equipment design, and public comments. Staff recommended approval with conditions, but the minutes do not record a vote or final approval. No formal decision was documented in this meeting.

Human Relations Commission Special Meeting

The Human Relations Commission will hold a special hybrid meeting on October 16, 2025. The commission will approve the September 11, 2025 draft action minutes. It will discuss partnering norms for commission and staff effectiveness, review City of Palo Alto Utilities residential programs, and consider the proposed 2026 City Council meeting schedule. The meeting will also recognize Commissioner Eberle’s service.

• Approval of the September 11, 2025 Human Relations Commission Draft Action Minutes
• Discussion of Partnering Norms for Commission/Staff Effectiveness
• Presentation on City of Palo Alto Utilities Residential Programs and Service Offerings
• Discussion of the Proposed 2026 City Council Meeting Schedule and Citywide Dates of Significance
• Recognition of Service for Commissioner Eberle

The commission voted to approve the September 11, 2025 draft action minutes. Vice Chair Kraus moved, Commissioner Karnam seconded, and the motion passed with a 5‑0‑2 vote. Commissioners Causey and Hsieh were absent at the start of the vote; Hsieh arrived at 6:20 p.m. No other items resulted in action.

• Approved September 11, 2025 draft action minutes (5-0-2)

Planning and Development Services Director's Hearing

The Planning and Development Services Director will hold a public hearing to review a request to replace a 924-square-foot home with a 3,528-square-foot two-story residence and two accessory dwelling units at 530 Barron Avenue.

• Public hearing on 530 Barron Avenue expansion
• Review of 924 to 3,528 square-foot home size increase
• Construction of two accessory dwelling units
• Hybrid meeting format with Zoom and in-person options
• Public comment period of up to 30 minutes

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will interview candidates for vacancies on three city commissions. The meeting includes a closed session to discuss potential litigation regarding 156 North California Avenue.

• Interviews for Human Relations Commission (HRC) vacancies
• Interviews for Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) vacancies
• Interviews for Public Art Commission (PAC) vacancies
• Closed session regarding potential litigation for 156 North California Avenue

The City Council held a special meeting to interview applicants for three open seats on the Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Public Art Commission. No appointments, approvals, or other actions were decided during the meeting. The interview process was completed with each candidate given a ten‑minute interview.

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will hold a public hearing regarding a request to reclassify the historic designation of 1680 Bryant Street. The board will also discuss its meeting schedule and assignments.

• Public hearing for 1680 Bryant Street: request to change Local Historic Resource status from Category 2 to Category 3
• Discussion of Historic Resources Board Schedule of Meetings and Assignments
• Approval of draft minutes from the August 28, 2025 meeting

The Historic Resources Board voted to retain 1680 Bryant Street on the local inventory as a Category 2 resource, rejecting the request to downgrade it to Category 3. The motion passed 3‑1, with Board Member Pease absent and Board Member Eagleston‑Cieslewicz voting no. The board also approved the draft minutes from the August 28, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0 vote.

• Retain 1680 Bryant St as Category 2 historic resource (vote 3-1)
• Approve Historic Resources Board draft minutes of August 28, 2025 (vote 4-0)

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed six‑story mixed‑use project at 660 University Ave, including demolition of existing buildings, about 1,900 sq ft of office space, 70 residential units, and a two‑level below‑grade parking garage. The commission will also consider a zoning text amendment to Palo Alto Municipal Code Title 18 Section 18.18.120 to allow floor‑area replacement without increasing non‑compliance. Additional agenda items include the Director’s report and public comment procedures.

• Public hearing on 660 University Ave project (511 Byron St, 660 University Ave, 680 University Ave/500 Middlefield Rd) – demolition and new six‑story mixed‑use building with ~1,900 sq ft office, 70 units, two‑level garage (RM‑20 zoning).
• Recommendation on applicant’s request for approval of Planned Home Zoning (PHZ) for the three parcels.
• Zoning text amendment request to Title 18 Section 18.18.120 to permit floor‑area replacement without increasing non‑compliance (CEQA exempt).
• Director’s Report, meeting schedule, and assignments.
• Public comment period with time limits and submission instructions.

The Planning & Transportation Commission heard a public comment supporting a permanent bulb‑out on East Crescent Drive. Assistant Director Armer reported upcoming meeting topics and noted no agenda changes. A quasi‑judicial recommendation on a mixed‑use zoning request for 511 Byron St, 660 University Ave, and 680 University Ave was introduced, but no vote or decision was recorded.

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will vote on multiple construction contracts for infrastructure projects and approve amendments to the 2025 California Building Standards Code. The meeting also includes a study session on the San Antonio Road Area Plan.

• Approval of construction contract C25195264 for Hamilton Avenue Capacity Upgrades (up to $6,842,121)
• Approval of construction contract C26193446 for utility trench and substructure installations (up to $14,660,205)
• Adoption of eight ordinances amending the Palo Alto Municipal Code for the 2025 California Building Standards Code
• Study session on the San Antonio Road Area Plan
• Approval of contract C26194618 for landfill gas monitoring services (up to $1,513,890)

The Palo Alto City Council approved interviewing all Public Art Commission candidates who received two or more votes and selected an eighth candidate for the Human Relations Commission interview. The Council also added a rule that any commission, board, or committee candidate must receive at least two votes to be eligible for an interview. Both motions passed with a 6‑0‑1 vote; Mayor Lauing was absent.

• Interview all Public Art Commission candidates with ≥2 votes – approved (6-0-1)
• Select an 8th Human Relations Commission candidate for interview – approved (6-0-1)
• Add 2‑vote threshold for commission interview eligibility – approved (6-0-1)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will meet to consider a major sign program for 340 Portage Avenue and a mixed-use development plan for 156 California Avenue. The board will also approve minutes from previous meetings.

• Public hearing on Master Sign Program at 340 Portage Avenue
• Mixed-use development proposal at 156 California Avenue (postponed)
• Approval of Draft Minutes for August 7, 2025
• Approval of Draft Minutes for August 21, 2025
• Hybrid meeting format with Zoom and in-person options

The Architectural Review Board deleted Item 3 from the agenda. The Board then recommended approval of the Master Sign Program for 340 Portage Avenue, which includes nine signs and a monument sign for The Cannery. No vote tally was recorded for either action. Public comment was limited to items not on the agenda.

• Deleted Item 3 from the agenda (no vote recorded)
• Recommended approval of the Master Sign Program for 340 Portage Avenue (no vote recorded)

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Utilities Advisory Commission will review the FY 2025‑Q3/Q4 utilities quarterly report, examine a preliminary analysis of infrastructure impacts from gas decommissioning, and consider an implementation plan for voluntary residential electric service time‑of‑use rates. Commissioners will also reaffirm the city’s Carbon Neutral Plan and Renewable Energy Credit Exchange Program. No formal actions are listed; the items are for discussion and information.

• Utilities Quarterly Report for FY 2025‑Q3/Q4 (information report)
• Preliminary analysis of infrastructure impacts associated with gas decommissioning (discussion)
• Implementation plan for voluntary residential electric service time‑of‑use rates (discussion)
• Reaffirmation of the Carbon Neutral Plan and Renewable Energy Credit Exchange Program (CEQA status: Not a project)

The October 1, 2025 meeting consisted of reports from the Utilities Director, updates on council actions, and public comments on gas stoves, microgrid options, and utility fees. Agenda Item 4 was changed from a discussion to an action item, but no vote or formal decision was recorded. The minutes from the previous meeting were noted as unavailable and will be incorporated at the next meeting.

City Council Special Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will consider two proclamations, a study session on H.R.1 impacts, and a consent calendar that includes approval of meeting minutes and a public hearing on a tentative map to create a 10‑unit condominium at 70 Encina Ave. The council will also adopt several FY 2026 work plans, approve multiple contracts and amendments totaling several hundred thousand dollars, and conduct second‑reading votes on ordinances affecting fees, speed zones, and development regulations. A closed‑session will address potential litigation matters. All items are listed on the amended agenda for the September 29, 2025 special meeting.

• Public hearing to approve tentative map merging two lots at 70 Encina Ave for a 10‑unit condominium (PC‑5654 zoning, CEQA exempt).
• Approve Purchase Order C26195416 with Carahsoft for SAP S/4 HANA Suite, Not‑To‑Exceed $6,640,429 and budget amendment in the Technology Fund.
• Amend Legal Services Contract S25194587 with Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo, increase $100,000 to a total Not‑To‑Exceed $185,000.
• Second reading of ordinance amending the FY 2026 Municipal Fee Schedule to modify various fees.
• Second reading of ordinance updating special speed zones on 22 streets, lowering speed limit on a portion of Deer Creek Road.

The City Council removed Consent Calendar Item 5 from the September 29 agenda and will re‑notice and place it on a future agenda. Proclamations honoring Nara Cammack and recognizing Suicide Prevention Awareness Month were read with no action taken. A study session on the impacts of H.R.1 was also noted with no action.

• Consent Calendar Item 5 removed from agenda (no vote)
• Proclamation honoring Nara Cammack read – no action
• Proclamation recognizing September 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month read – no action
• Study session on impacts of H.R.1 – no action

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding an amendment to a Planned Community Ordinance for a 121-unit assisted living and memory care facility. The body will also review the final conceptual design for a traffic calming project in Crescent Park.

• Public hearing for 4075 El Camino Way [23PLN-00202] regarding modifications to a 121-unit assisted living and memory care facility
• Review of final conceptual design for Crescent Park Traffic Calming Project bulbout on Southwood and East Crescent Drive

The commission held a regular meeting, took public comment, and received reports. No agenda changes or votes were made. The Chief Transportation Official said the South Palo Alto Connectivity Project will be presented to the Planning Commission in November.

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission will meet to approve an updated tennis court policy, review a draft turf study, and provide feedback on the conceptual design for the Cubberley Community Center Project.

• Approval of updated Tennis Court Use Policy
• Review of Draft Turf Study
• Feedback on Cubberley Community Center Project conceptual design
• Council Liaison Report
• Department Report

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the August 26, 2025 meeting minutes with a 6‑1 vote. A motion was made to approve an updated Field and Court Use Policy for tennis courts, adding edits such as extending reservation time to three hours and defining USTA terms; the minutes do not record the vote outcome. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved August 26, 2025 minutes (6‑1 vote)
• Motion to approve updated tennis court policy with recommended edits (outcome not recorded)

Council Appointed Officers Committee Special Meeting

The Council Appointed Officer Committee will review the executive recruitment process for the City Attorney position. The committee will evaluate interviews and recommend a recruitment firm and process for City Council approval.

• Review of executive recruitment process for City Attorney
• Selection of an executive recruitment firm

The Council Appointed Officers Committee voted 3-0 to recommend Teri Black & Co. as the recruitment firm for the City Attorney position. The motion also authorizes the City Manager or designee to sign a professional services agreement with a fee limit of $40,000 and reimbursable expenses up to $10,000. The salary will be posted as “Depends on Qualifications” unless the Committee directs otherwise, and interview‑process approval is delegated to the CAO Committee Chair.

• Recommended final selection of Teri Black & Co. to City Council (passed 3-0)
• Authorized City Manager to execute agreement with fee up to $40,000 and expenses up to $10,000 (passed 3-0)
• Set salary posting as “Depends on Qualifications” unless otherwise directed (passed 3-0)
• Delegated approval of interview process details to CAO Committee Chair (passed 3-0)

Climate Action and Sustainability Regular Meeting

The Climate Action and Sustainability Committee will receive the City of Palo Alto One Water Plan and discuss design guidelines for a successor to the multi-family Electric Vehicle Charger Program. The meeting will be held as a hybrid event.

• Receive One Water Plan for future water supply and conservation planning
• Review design guidelines for successor to current multi-family EV charger program
• Hybrid meeting format with in-person and teleconference options

The Climate Action & Sustainability Committee approved two motions, each passing unanimously (3-0). The committee recommended that the City Council receive the City of Palo Alto One Water Plan and the accompanying Utilities Advisory Commission letter. It also recommended that the City Council adopt design guidelines for the successor to the current multi‑family electric‑vehicle charger program.

• City Council to receive the One Water Plan and advisory letter (3-0)
• City Council to adopt design guidelines for successor multi‑family EV charger program (3-0)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold a public hearing regarding a wireless antenna modification. The board will also discuss the San Antonio Road Area Plan and a transit center initiative involving Stanford and the VTA.

• Public hearing for AT&T wireless communication facility permit at 1661 Page Mill Road
• Feedback on San Antonio Road Area Plan existing conditions and mobility priorities
• Discussion of Urban Land Institute Initiative regarding the Palo Alto Transit Center

The Architectural Review Board appointed Board Member Marton Jojarth and Board Member David Hirsch as ARB representatives to the Urban Land Institute initiative studying the Palo Alto transit center area. The appointment followed discussion of the study’s scope, timeline, and stakeholder interviews. No other actions were taken at this meeting.

• Appointed Marton Jojarth as ARB representative to the ULI Initiative
• Appointed David Hirsch as ARB representative to the ULI Initiative

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The Public Art Commission will meet to approve a grant application for restoring frescoes at the Roth Building and discuss the de-accession of a digital artwork at City Hall. The meeting will be held as a hybrid event.

• Approval to apply for County grant for Roth Building frescoes
• Discussion on de-accession of Susan Narduli's digital artwork
• Informational update on Code:ART 2025 festival
• Hybrid meeting format with Zoom and in-person options
• Public comment period for agenda items

The Public Art Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the June 19, 2025 meeting. Commissioners voted to proceed with the County of Santa Clara Historic Heritage Preservation grant application to restore the Roth Building frescoes, with all members in favor. The commission also unanimously approved initiating the deaccession evaluation for the digital media artwork “Conversation” by Susan Narduli.

• Approved June 19, 2025 meeting minutes (All in Favor)
• Approved proceeding with grant application for Roth Building fresco restoration (All in Favor)
• Approved initiating deaccession evaluation for “Conversation” artwork (All in Favor)

Rail Committee Regular Meeting

The Rail Committee will review conceptual designs for grade separations at three locations. The body will also discuss the CEQA status of the Quiet Zone Implementation Project for existing at-grade crossings.

• Review of conceptual designs for grade separations at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road
• Quiet Zone Implementation Project at Churchill Avenue, E. Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road
• Caltrain update on track safety and security
• VTA update on Palo Alto (University Avenue) Transit Center

The committee took no action on the refined conceptual designs for grade separations at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road. A motion to recommend a Quiet Zone implementation using four‑quadrant gate systems for those at‑grade crossings was voted down, with a 3‑0 tally. The meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m.

• No action taken on refined conceptual designs for grade separations (no vote)
• Motion to recommend Quiet Zone implementation through four‑quadrant gate systems failed (3-0)

Finance Committee Regular Meeting

The Finance Committee will review a proposal for a new software suite and hosting services. The body will also consider recommendations for updating utility connection fees and service charges, as well as accepting annual pension valuation reports.

• Purchase Order C26195416 with Carahsoft for SAP S/4 HANA products and hosting services not to exceed $6,640,429
• Proposed amendments to Utilities Rate Schedules E-15, W-5, G-5, S-5, and C-1 regarding connection fees and service charges
• Acceptance of CalPERS Pension Annual Valuation Reports as of June 30, 2024
• Budget appropriation revisions for FY 2026 related to utility fees
• Budget amendment in the Technology Fund

The committee voted 3-0 to accept the CalPERS pension valuation reports for the Miscellaneous and Safety Plans. It also voted 3-0 to recommend that the City Council amend five utility rate schedules and adjust FY 2026 appropriations. Finally, it voted 3-0 to recommend a $6,640,429 purchase order with Carahsoft for SAP S/4HANA and to shift $1.66 M within the Technology Fund budget.

• Accepted CalPERS Pension Annual Valuation Reports (3-0)
• Recommended adoption of utility rate schedule amendments for E-15, W-5, G-5, S-5, C-1 (3-0)
• Recommended approval of Purchase Order C26195416 with Carahsoft for SAP S/4HANA, not‑to‑exceed $6,640,429 (3-0)
• Recommended increasing Technology Fund ERP upgrade appropriation by $1,660,000 (3-0)
• Recommended decreasing Technology Reserve by $1,660,000 (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will discuss a mixed-use development proposal for 414 California Avenue and vote on several utility rate changes. The body is also considering a large-scale energy storage contract and updates to stormwater and wastewater ordinances.

• Agreement with Northern California Power Agency for battery energy storage capacity from Trolley Pass Project LLC not to exceed $161.7 million
• Prescreening request to rezone 414 California Avenue for a six-story, 37-unit mixed-use building
• Legal services agreement amendment for Diepenbrock Elkin Dauer McCandless to increase total amount to $1,171,000
• Adoption of four ordinances to reorganize stormwater and wastewater management requirements
• Purchase of two 2025 Peterbilt 548 Hydraulic Digger Derricks from Altec Industries, Inc. up to $1,073,075

The September 15 City Council meeting included public comments on senior‑housing safety, dark‑sky lighting, bike/pedestrian connectivity, airport expansion, and climate initiatives. Council members discussed staff recommendations, such as a prescreening request for a rezoning project at 414 California Avenue, but no motions were adopted, denied, or tabled. No formal votes or decisions were recorded.

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The Human Relations Commission will hold a public hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program accomplishments. The body will also discuss library services and alternative pathways to home ownership.

• Public hearing on HUD CDBG Program Year 2024 accomplishments and draft CAPER report
• Discussion on Library Services for the Community
• Learning session on Alternative Pathways to Home Ownership by Causey & Stimmler
• Approval of July 10, 2025 draft action minutes

The commission voted to approve the minutes from the July 10, 2025 meeting. The motion was moved by Vice Chair Kraus, seconded by Commissioner Causey, and passed with a 7‑0 vote. No actions were taken on the public hearing, library services presentation, or home‑ownership learning session.

• Approved July 10, 2025 minutes (7-0)

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will review a major request to rehabilitate a Category 2 historic resource at 201 Hamilton Avenue, including awning removal and replacement, glass repair, lighting upgrades, signage, and sidewalk planters. The board will also adopt its meeting schedule and assign future tasks, and conduct elections for Chair and Vice Chair. Public comment is permitted on all items, with time limits set by the Chair.

• Adopt schedule of board meetings and assignments
• Public hearing on 201 Hamilton Avenue (historic resource rehabilitation request)
• Election of Board Chair and Vice Chair

The Historic Resources Board voted 5‑0‑0 to find the 201 Hamilton Avenue project consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Rehabilitation. The Board also elected Vice Chair Rohman as the new Chair and Board Member Willis as Vice Chair, each by a 5‑0‑0 vote. No public comments were received.

• Approved 201 Hamilton Avenue rehabilitation project (5-0-0)
• Elected Vice Chair Rohman as Chair (5-0-0)
• Elected Board Member Willis as Vice Chair (5-0-0)

City Schools Liaison Committee Regular Meeting

The City Schools Liaison Committee will hold a hybrid meeting to receive public comments, approve the previous meeting minutes, and receive reports from the city and school district. The agenda includes a discussion of a partnership with the JED Foundation. The meeting will conclude with any future business items.

• Open Forum/Public Communications
• Approval of Minutes
• City and District Reports
• Discussion of Partnership with the JED Foundation
• Future Business

The City‑School Liaison Committee did not approve any minutes. A motion was made and seconded to refer the potential partnership with the JED Foundation (and other mental‑health consultants) to the Palo Alto Unified School District board for consideration. No vote tally was recorded.

• Motion to refer partnership with JED Foundation (and/or other consultants) to school board – moved by Board Member Kamhi, seconded by Board Member Chiu (no vote recorded)
• No action on approval of meeting minutes (none to approve)

Planning and Development Services Director's Hearing

The Planning and Development Services Director will hold a quasi‑judicial hearing to review a tentative approval for the deconstruction of an existing 1,286‑sq‑ft single‑family home and garage at 2451 Cowper Street, and the construction of a new 2,380‑sq‑ft two‑story residence with an attached garage and a 799‑sq‑ft accessory dwelling unit. The project is in the R‑1 single‑family residential zone and is exempt from CEQA. Public comment is permitted, with up to three minutes per speaker.

• 2451 Cowper Street – deconstruction of existing 1,286‑sq‑ft house and garage; construction of new 2,380‑sq‑ft two‑story home, attached garage, and 799‑sq‑ft ADU; CEQA exempt; R‑1 zone

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will hear a discussion with the Urban Land Institute, the Valley Transportation Authority and Stanford about the Palo Alto Transit Center and consider appointing a commission representative to the initiative. The commission will also provide feedback on the San Antonio Road Area Plan and on conceptual design alternatives for South Palo Alto bike and pedestrian connectivity. The meeting includes a Director’s Report and public comment periods.

• Discussion of Urban Land Institute Initiative with Palo Alto, VTA, and Stanford regarding the Palo Alto Transit Center and commission representation
• San Antonio Road Area Plan: feedback on existing conditions analysis and land use and mobility priorities (CEQA exempt)
• South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity: feedback on conceptual design alternatives
• Director's Report, meeting schedule, and assignments (action items)
• Public comment periods with time limits for speakers

The commission heard reports on upcoming projects and a presentation on the Urban Land Institute initiative for the Palo Alto Transit Center. Members were asked to consider how to select a commission representative for the initiative, but no vote or formal decision was recorded. The meeting consisted of procedural items, public comment time, and discussion without any approvals or denials.

Council Appointed Officers Committee Special Meeting

The Council Appointed Officers Committee holds a special meeting to examine the executive recruitment process for the Council‑appointed City Attorney. Members will consider a recommendation for an executive recruitment firm and provide feedback on the overall process. No other agenda items are listed for decision.

• Executive recruitment process review for Council Appointed Officer (City Attorney) – recommendation of recruitment firm and feedback

The Council Appointed Officers Committee reviewed the executive recruitment process for the City Attorney and considered a recommendation for a recruitment firm. No action was taken on the item. The meeting adjourned at 5:08 p.m.

Policy & Services Committee Regular Meeting

The Policy & Services Committee will hold a hybrid meeting to review the Dispatch Center Assessment and discuss onboarding practices for city boards and commissions. The meeting will also include a discussion on a schedule of repeat agenda items.

• Presentation of Dispatch Center Assessment
• Review of Board Onboarding Practices
• Discussion of Schedule of Repeat Agenda Items

The Policy & Services Committee voted to recommend that the City Council accept the Dispatch Center Assessment report. The motion was moved by Councilmember Stone, seconded by Vice Mayor Veenker, and passed unanimously with a 3-0 vote. No other agenda items resulted in action.

• Recommend City Council accept Dispatch Center Assessment report (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will consider several actions during its September 8, 2025 regular meeting. The most significant item is a discussion and vote on FY 2026 budget amendments that would reduce General Fund appropriations by roughly $6.2 million. The council will also adopt fee‑schedule changes, approve a modular restroom construction contract, increase a legal services contract, and adopt emergency building‑code ordinances.

• Discuss and approve FY 2026 budget amendments reducing General Fund appropriations by approximately $6.2 million
• Adopt an ordinance amending the FY 2026 Municipal Fee Schedule and adding a subsidized fee for stand‑alone residential gas, water and space‑heating equipment permits
• Approve Construction Contract No. C26195620 for a modular restroom at Mitchell Park, not‑to‑exceed $412,940, with change‑order authority up to $41,294
• Authorize amendment to Legal Services Contract S26195198, increasing the amount by $205,000 to a total not‑to‑exceed $255,000
• Adopt emergency ordinances updating Municipal Code Chapters 16.04, 16.05 and 16.14 to address building‑code comments

The City Manager announced that Item 1 on the agenda was deferred to the September 15 meeting. A rezoning request for 414 California Avenue was removed from the agenda and also rescheduled for September 15. The Council took no action on the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority Reach 2 flood‑control update.

• Deferred Item 1 on the agenda to September 15
• Rescheduled rezoning request for 414 California Avenue to September 15
• No action taken on San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority Reach 2 flood‑control update

Planning & Transportation Commission Special Meeting - Retreat

The Planning and Transportation Commission will hold a retreat on September 6, 2025. The retreat will discuss the commission’s purpose and topics related to meeting management, administration, and related functions. No decisions or votes are listed for this item.

• Planning and Transportation Commission Retreat to discuss commission purpose, meeting management, and administration

The commission convened a special retreat on September 6, 2025, completed roll call and confirmed a quorum. No public comments were received and there were no agenda changes. Staff presented background on commission purpose, meeting management, and future retreat ideas. No motions, votes, or approvals were recorded.

Climate Action and Sustainability Committee Special Meeting

The Climate Action and Sustainability Committee will meet to discuss emergency updates to the municipal code regarding building and energy standards. The body will also consider how the city can help meet air district requirements for water heaters.

• Emergency Ordinance to amend PAMC Chapter 16.04 regarding 2022 California Building Code permitting and certificates of occupancy
• Emergency Ordinance to amend PAMC Chapter 16.17 to adopt the 2025 California Energy Code
• Discussion on city's role in facilitating compliance with Air District Zero NOx requirements for water heaters

The Climate Action & Sustainability Committee voted 3‑0 to recommend that the City Council adopt an emergency ordinance amending Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.17 to incorporate the 2025 California Energy Code with local amendments on FlexPath and air‑conditioner replacement requirements. The committee also reviewed alternatives for the city’s role in meeting Air District zero‑NOx water‑heater requirements and received an update on electric‑utility reliability and resiliency studies, and took no action on these items.

• Recommended adoption of emergency ordinance amending PAMC Chapter 16.17 to incorporate 2025 Energy Code (passed 3‑0)
• No action taken on alternatives for city’s role in Air District zero‑NOx water‑heater compliance
• No action taken on update of electric‑utility reliability and resiliency strategic plan studies

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider a request for major architectural approval for a new tenant at 180 El Camino Real. The board will also review modifications to a patio area for an office building on Page Mill Road.

• 180 El Camino Real: Request for storefront revisions, new signage, and a new outdoor dining area for Ralph Lauren
• 975 Page Mill Road: Ad Hoc Committee review of patio modifications for a 50,527-square-foot office building

The Architectural Review Board voted 5-0 to approve the Ralph Lauren storefront, outdoor café, and signage project at Stanford Shopping Center, subject to a condition that the primary wall sign be lowered to a maximum of 2 feet. The board accepted staff’s recommendation and the condition of approval. No public comments were received.

• Approved Ralph Lauren storefront and café project with signage condition (5-0)

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will approve the minutes from its July 9, 2025 meeting. It will discuss the Gas Utility Transition Study scoping and CEQA status, noting it is not a project. The commission will recommend that the City Council approve an amendment to extend the Memorandum of Agreement with California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority, extending the term to five years and continuing the GoGreen Home Energy Financing Program. Public comments are accepted before and during the meeting.

• Approve minutes of the July 9, 2025 Utilities Advisory Commission meeting.
• Discussion of Gas Utility Transition Study scoping and CEQA status (not a project).
• Recommendation to City Council to approve Amendment No. 1 to extend the MoA term from two to five years and continue the GoGreen Home Energy Financing Program.

The commission approved the July 9, 2025 meeting minutes with a 5‑0 vote. The fiber hut permit for the Hanover Substation was approved. The utility also approved 76 heat‑pump water‑heater rebates totaling $280,000 in reserves. No other formal actions were taken; the gas‑utility transition study was discussed but not decided.

• Approved July 9, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0 vote)
• Fiber hut permit approved
• Approved 76 heat‑pump water‑heater rebates totaling $280,000 in reserves

Finance Committee Regular Meeting

The Finance Committee will recommend the City Council adopt voluntary residential electric time-of-use rates and direct staff to use Proposition 26 principles for a gas cost analysis.

• Recommendation to adopt voluntary residential electric time-of-use rates
• Recommendation to use Proposition 26 for gas cost of service analysis
• Proposed review of rate schedule effective by January 2026

The Finance Committee voted 3-0 to recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution adding voluntary residential electric Time‑of‑Use (TOU) rates effective Jan. 1, 2026. It also voted 3-0 to recommend that staff follow Proposition 26 as the design principle for a gas cost‑of‑service analysis and coordinate with the Utilities Advisory Commission on revised gas rates for Jan. 2026. Both motions were unanimously approved.

• Recommend City Council adopt voluntary residential electric TOU rates (3-0)
• Recommend City Council direct staff to use Proposition 26 for gas cost‑of‑service analysis and work with Utilities Advisory Commission on revised gas rates (3-0)

Historic Resources Board Special Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will hold a special hybrid meeting to consider a major review of a historic property at 1950 Cowper Street. The board will also approve minutes from previous meetings and discuss the meeting schedule.

• Public hearing for 1950 Cowper Street rehabilitation project
• Approval of June 12, 2025 Historic Resources Board minutes
• Approval of July 10, 2025 Historic Resources Board minutes
• Review of Historic Resources Board meeting schedule
• Hybrid meeting format with Zoom and in-person options

The Historic Resources Board voted 5‑0 to recommend that the 1950 Cowper Street rehabilitation project complies with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and to endorse the submitted plans. The board also approved its draft minutes from the June 12, 2025 meeting (4‑0‑1, one abstention) and from the July 10, 2025 meeting (4‑0‑1, one abstention). No other substantive actions were taken.

• Recommend 1950 Cowper Street project complies with SOI Standards and endorse plans (5-0-0)
• Approve Historic Resources Board draft minutes of June 12, 2025 (4-0-1, Vice Chair Rohman abstained)
• Approve Historic Resources Board draft minutes of July 10, 2025 (4-0-1, Chair Eagleston-Cieslewicz abstained)

Architectural Review Board Special Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold an in‑person special meeting on August 28, 2025. The agenda includes a lunch honoring an outgoing board member and a public comment period limited to 30 minutes total. No decisions or action items are listed on the agenda.

• Lunch honoring outgoing board member
• Public comment period (up to 30 minutes total)
• Masks strongly encouraged for in‑person attendees
• ADA accommodation information provided

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a request to merge two lots and create a 10-unit condominium subdivision. The body will also consider recommending an update to the municipal code regarding stream corridor protection.

• Public hearing for 70 Encina Avenue to merge two lots and create 10 residential units on a 12,119 square foot parcel
• Proposed update to Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 18.40.140 (Stream Corridor Protection)

The commission voted 7-0 to approve the staff recommendation for the tentative map at 70 Encina Avenue, allowing a condominium subdivision of ten units. The motion was moved by Commissioner Hechtman and seconded by Chair Akin. The commission also recommended that City Council adopt a draft ordinance updating the stream corridor protection code. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved staff recommendation for tentative map at 70 Encina Avenue (7-0 vote)
• Recommended City Council adopt draft stream corridor protection ordinance

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Commission will approve minutes from three prior meetings and hear reports from the council liaison and department. Staff will present proposed updates to the Field and Court Use Policy for tennis courts, followed by a 90‑minute discussion on pickleball court usage and possible alternatives. The commission will also review a draft turf study and solicit public feedback.

• Approval of minutes from May 27, June 24, and July 22, 2025
• Council Liaison Report (5 minutes)
• Field and Court Use Policy: Proposed updates on tennis court usage (45 minutes)
• Discussion of pickleball court usage and possible alternatives (90 minutes)
• Review and provide feedback on draft turf study (60 minutes)

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the draft summary minutes from the May 27, June 24, and July 22, 2025 meetings. No other actions, approvals, denials, or votes on new items were recorded during the August 26, 2025 meeting.

• Approved May 27, 2025 minutes (vote 7-0)
• Approved June 24, 2025 minutes (vote 6-0-1, one abstention)
• Approved July 22, 2025 minutes (vote 6-0-1, one abstention)

Policy & Services Committee Special Meeting

The Policy & Services Committee will discuss and recommend to the City Council how to prioritize potential approaches to mitigate impacts from oversized vehicles, including recreational vehicles, especially for individuals living in vehicles. Public comment will be accepted for items not on the agenda and for this discussion, with time limits set by the Chair.

• Discussion and recommendation on prioritizing approaches to address oversized vehicle impacts, including for individuals living in vehicles

The Policy & Services Committee approved two recommendations to the City Council. One motion to begin Phase 2, exploring limited OSV parking on designated streets, passed 2‑1. A second motion outlining Phases 1‑4 of a comprehensive OSV strategy, including ordinances and pilot services, passed unanimously 3‑0.

• Recommend Phase 2 limited OSV parking approach – motion passed 2‑1
• Recommend Phase 1‑4 comprehensive OSV plan – motion passed 3‑0

Climate Action and Sustainability Regular Meeting

The Climate Action and Sustainability Committee will meet to discuss priorities for the 2026-2027 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) work plan. The body will also receive a status update and request feedback on draft proposals for the Electric Utility’s Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan.

• Sustainability Priorities for the 2026-2027 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Work Plan
• Status update and feedback request on Electric Utility’s Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan (RRSP) Strategies 4 and 5

The Palo Alto Climate Action & Sustainability Committee met on August 22, 2025. Two agenda items were presented: the 2026‑2027 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan work plan schedule and a status update on electric utility reliability studies. Both items were noted as not a project under CEQA and no action was taken.

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hear a Director's report on meeting schedules and upcoming agenda items. It will hold a quasi‑judicial public hearing on a planned six‑story mixed‑use development at 660 University Ave, which proposes demolishing a 9,216 sf office and adding about 1,900 sf of office space plus 70 residential units. A second public hearing will review a major architectural review request to modify the façade of the Jack in the Box restaurant at 2280 El Camino Real. The board will also vote to approve the minutes from the July 17, 2025 meeting.

• Director's Report, meeting schedule, and upcoming agenda items (action item)
• Public hearing: recommendation for 660 University Ave (21PLN-00341) – mixed‑use project with demolition of existing 9,216 sf office and new six‑story building (≈1,900 sf office, 70 residential units)
• Public hearing: recommendation for 2280 El Camino Real (24PLN-00339) – façade modifications to Jack in the Box restaurant
• Approval of draft Architectural Review Board meeting minutes for July 17, 2025

The board convened a quasi‑judicial public hearing on the applicant’s request for a Planned Home Zoning for three parcels at 660 University Ave. Board members and staff presented project details and answered extensive public comments. No vote or formal recommendation was recorded in the minutes.

Retail Committee Regular Meeting

The Retail Committee will consider recommending that the City Council adopt several ordinances and resolutions regarding water pollution and waste management. The committee will also receive an economic development activity report for August 2025.

• Four ordinances to amend and reorganize Stormwater and Wastewater Management Requirements (PAMC Chapters 16.09, 16.11, 16.13, and 16.66)
• Two resolutions to implement PAMC Chapters 16.11 and 16.13
• A resolution to amend and restate Administrative and Civil Penalty Schedules for PAMC violations
• Economic Development Activity Report August 2025

The Retail Committee voted 3‑0 to recommend the City Council adopt four ordinances and three resolutions that amend and add chapters to the Palo Alto Municipal Code on stormwater, wastewater, food‑facility grease management, and hauled liquid waste, and that update penalty schedules. The recommendation includes amendments to Chapter 16.09 and 16.11, new Chapters 16.13 and 16.66, and related implementing regulations. No other agenda items resulted in action.

• Recommend City Council adopt Ordinance amending PAMC Chapter 16.09 (Sewer Use Ordinance) – motion passed 3‑0
• Recommend City Council adopt Ordinance amending PAMC Chapter 16.11 (Stormwater Pollution Prevention) – motion passed 3‑0
• Recommend City Council adopt Resolution creating regulations to implement PAMC Chapter 16.11 – motion passed 3‑0
• Recommend City Council adopt Ordinance adding PAMC Chapter 16.13 (Food Facility grease management) – motion passed 3‑0
• Recommend City Council adopt Resolution creating regulations to implement PAMC Chapter 16.13 – motion passed 3‑0
• Recommend City Council adopt Ordinance adding PAMC Chapter 16.66 (Hauled Liquid Waste) – motion passed 3‑0
• Recommend City Council adopt Resolution amending and restating Administrative and Civil Penalty Schedules – motion passed 3‑0

Finance Committee Regular Meeting

The Finance Committee will recommend to the City Council FY 2026 budget amendments that reduce appropriations by about $6.2 million. A previously listed item about a $161.7 million energy‑storage agreement was removed from the agenda and will not be considered. Public comment is limited to items not on the agenda and a general 30‑minute comment period.

• Recommendation to approve FY 2026 budget amendments reducing appropriations by approx $6.2 million
• Removed agenda item: third‑phase agreement with Northern California Power Agency for energy storage services, up to $161.7 million over 20 years
• Public comment period of 30 minutes for non‑agenda items and additional comments at end of agenda
• Hybrid meeting format with in‑person, Zoom, and broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26 and YouTube
• ADA accommodation contact: phone (650) 329‑2550, email [email protected]

The Finance Committee voted unanimously (3‑0) to forward its FY 2026 budget amendment recommendations to the City Council. The committee asked that the recommendations note whether defunded positions are vacant and detail departmental changes. It also directed that $50,000 be retained for Bayland Levee permitting and that several staff positions be reviewed for revenue or overtime impact. The decision to defer the Community Services Department catalogue change to FY27 was also included.

• Advance FY26 budget amendment recommendations to City Council (3-0)
• Require vacancy status for defunded positions in the budget recommendations
• Summarize departmental position changes with asterisks for reclassifications
• Retain $50,000 for Bayland Levee permitting in FY26 budget
• Review revenue recovery potential for Junior Museum & Zoo Program Assistant (1 FTE)
• Review overtime impact of Police Reserve Officer (0.12 FTE) and consider retaining the position
• Defer decision on Community Services Department Enjoy Catalogue publication change to FY27
• Discuss consultant savings with Council on September 15

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will consider approving contracts for wildfire hazard mitigation and fuel reduction, as well as correcting clerical errors in three electric rate schedules. The meeting will also include a public hearing on the rate corrections and a closed session regarding potential litigation.

• Approval of $2.5M contract for wildfire hazard mitigation
• Approval of $404,646 contract for fire alarm systems monitoring
• Public hearing on electric rate schedule corrections
• Closed session on potential litigation at 156 North California Avenue
• Approval of lease extension for 285 Hamilton Avenue

The council approved a five‑year, not‑to‑exceed $2,500,000 contract with the Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council for fuel‑reduction and public‑education services. A consent calendar covering agenda items 6 and 8‑15 was adopted unanimously (7‑0). After a straw poll, council members decided to move future meetings to the third Wednesday of the month. The council also entered closed session by a 7‑0 vote.

• Approved Contract No. C26195197 with Fire Safe Council for $2.5 M (7‑0)
• Adopted Consent Calendar items 6, 8‑15 (7‑0)
• Approved dedication of a seat at Lucie Stern Community Theatre to Eugenie Watson (7‑0)
• Approved Staff recommendation to accept the E‑Mobility Strategic Roadmap (7‑0)
• Moved council meetings to the third Wednesday of the month (decision after straw poll)
• Entered Closed Session on litigation item (7‑0)
• Removed Agenda Item 7 (Streetscape Improvements) from agenda

Policy and Services Committee Regular Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will discuss state and federal regulatory activity and receive a report on a purchasing card audit. The body will also consider budget realignments for FY2024 and FY2025 audit project task orders.

• Purchasing Card Audit Report presentation by the Office of the City Auditor
• Proposed deadline extension for two FY2024 Audit Project Task Orders
• Proposed budget amendments for FY2024 and FY2025 Task Orders with a net zero impact
• Wellness and Belonging Update Report
• Discussion on state and federal legislation, executive orders, and funding activity

The committee voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council accept the Purchasing Card Audit Report. It also voted 3-0 to recommend extending two FY2024 audit task order deadlines to Oct. 31, 2025 and to adjust FY2024 and FY2025 task order budgets (decrease $14,500, increase $1,500 and $13,000). No action was taken on the legislative update or the wellness report.

• Recommend City Council accept Purchasing Card Audit Report (3-0)
• Recommend extending FY2024 Task 4.25 deadline to Oct 31, 2025 (3-0)
• Recommend extending FY2024 Task 4.28 deadline to Oct 31, 2025 (3-0)
• Recommend FY2025 Task 4.34 budget decrease $14,500 (3-0)
• Recommend FY2024 Task 4.25 budget increase $1,500 (3-0)
• Recommend FY2024 Task 4.28 budget increase $13,000 (3-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will discuss rezoning requests for apartment complexes at 4256 El Camino Real and 332 Forest Avenue. The body will also vote on police association agreements, various consulting contracts, and a residential parking program modification.

• Proposed 120-unit apartment at 4256 El Camino Real
• Proposed 82-unit apartment at 332 Forest Avenue
• Vesting Tentative Map for 368 rental units at 3150 El Camino Real
• Five planning consulting contracts not to exceed $2,000,000
• Wastewater Treatment construction contingency increase of $1,800,000

The City Council reviewed a request to rezone 4256 El Camino Real from Commercial Services to Planned Home zoning for a 120‑unit multifamily project. After staff presentation and public comments, the Council recorded "No Action" on the rezoning, with no vote taken. The meeting also included a report of a $250,000 MTC grant for the Quarry Road extension and a ribbon‑cutting for EV charging stations at Alta Housing’s Colorado Park Apartments.

• No action on rezoning of 4256 El Camino Real (commercial to planned home) – recorded as "NO ACTION"

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold a public hearing regarding a proposal to demolish three commercial buildings and construct a seven-story residential building. The board will also elect a Chair and Vice Chair. An ad hoc committee will review design elements for a private education development.

• Public hearing for 762 San Antonio Road: 197 rental apartments, including 26 units for tenants at 60% Area Median Income or below
• Election of Board Chair and Vice Chair
• Ad hoc committee review of 3950 Fabian Way: bicycle enclosures and design for The Girls' Middle School
• Approval of meeting minutes from May 15, 2025, and July 3, 2025

The Palo Alto Architectural Review Board met on August 7, 2025 and held a quasi‑judicial public hearing on the major application to demolish three commercial buildings and construct a seven‑story, 197‑unit multifamily building at 762 San Antonio Road. Board members and city staff discussed the project's density bonus, Builder’s Remedy constraints, requested waivers, landscaping, parking and public‑access issues. No vote or formal approval/denial was recorded during the meeting.

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a Conditional Use Permit for a private educational facility. The body will also review and approve minutes from previous May 2025 meetings.

• Public hearing for Conditional Use Permit for private educational use at 400 Mitchell Lane [25PLN-00006]
• Approval of draft summary and verbatim minutes from May 14, 2025, and May 28, 2025

The Planning & Transportation Commission held a public hearing on a Conditional Use Permit for 400 Mitchell Lane, proposing a private university use by Stanford. After staff presentation and discussion, the commission agreed to forward a recommendation for approval of the permit to the City Council. No vote tally was recorded in the minutes.

• Recommend approval of Conditional Use Permit for 400 Mitchell Lane (no vote recorded)

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Commission will receive informational updates regarding the city's middle school athletics program and parkland dedication efforts. The meeting also includes a presentation from Grassroots Ecology.

• Informational update on Evaluation of the City of Palo Alto Middle School Athletics Program
• Informational update on Parkland Dedication Efforts
• Informational update from Grassroots Ecology
• Approval of minutes from May 27, 2025 and June 24, 2025 meetings

The commission did not approve the draft minutes from the May 27 and June 24 meetings because no motion or second was offered. No other motions, approvals, denials, or tablings were recorded.

• No action on approval of May 27, 2025 minutes (vote 6-0-1)
• No action on approval of June 24, 2025 minutes (vote 5-0-1-1)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider a request for exterior storefront and outdoor dining improvements at 180 El Camino Real. The board will also hold a study session regarding the Cubberley Master Plan and review materials for an affordable housing project.

• Public hearing for storefront revisions and signage for Cedar & Sage at 180 El Camino Real
• Study session on conceptual site layouts and circulation for the Cubberley Master Plan at 4000 Middlefield Road
• Ad Hoc Committee review of final material selection for a 55-unit affordable rental development at 3265 El Camino Real

The Architectural Review Board voted to approve the major architectural review application for Cedar & Sage at 180 El Camino Real in the Stanford Shopping Center. The motion passed with a 3‑0‑2 vote (Board members Adcock and Jojarth absent). The approval is subject to the conditions of approval in Attachment C and will be forwarded to the Director of Planning and Development Services.

• Approved 180 El Camino Real storefront project (3-0-2 vote, 2 absent)

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The Human Relations Commission will meet to discuss a training overview for religious tolerance. This training is intended for City staff, Boards/Commissions, and the City Council.

• Discussion of Religious Tolerance Training overview for City staff, Boards/Commissions, and City Council
• Approval of June 12, 2025 draft action minutes

The Human Relations Commission voted to approve the minutes from the June 12, 2025 meeting. The motion passed with six votes in favor, zero against, and one absent (Commissioner Hsieh). No action was taken on the proposed religious tolerance training overview. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

• Approved June 12, 2025 minutes (6-0-1)

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Historic Resources Board will adopt its meeting schedule and assignments. It will hold a quasi‑judicial public hearing on a floor‑area bonus application (24PLN-00289) that seeks an additional 2,500 sq ft for accessibility upgrades at 271 University Avenue in the CD‑C (P) Downtown Commercial district. The board will also review and forward its 2025‑2026 work plan to the City Council for approval.

• Public hearing on floor‑area bonus application (24PLN-00289) for 2,500 sq ft at 271 University Avenue
• Adopt Historic Resources Board schedule of meetings and assignments
• Review and submit HRB 2025‑2026 Work Plan to City Council

The Historic Resources Board voted 4-0-1 to recommend that the 271 University Avenue project complies with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and to move forward as presented. The board also voted 4-0-1 to approve the 2025‑2026 HRB Work Plan and forward it to the City Council. Both motions passed by voice vote with Chair Eagleston‑Cieslewicz absent.

• Recommend 271 University Ave project complies with standards (4-0-1)
• Approve 2025-2026 HRB Work Plan and forward to Council (4-0-1)

Utilities Advisory Commission Special Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will meet to approve a contract for battery energy storage capacity and discuss design principles for gas and electric rates. The meeting is hybrid and includes approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Approval of a Third Phase Agreement with Northern California Power Agency for up to $161.7 million
• Approval of minutes from May 7 and June 4, 2025 meetings
• Discussion on design principles for gas and electric rates
• Status update on electric utility reliability and resiliency strategic plan
• Hybrid meeting held at Community Meeting Room with teleconference option

The Utilities Advisory Commission approved the minutes from its May 7, 2025 meeting with a 7‑0 vote. It also approved the minutes from the June 4, 2025 meeting with a 6‑0‑1 vote, where Commissioner Phillips abstained. No other actions were decided; design principles for gas and electric rates were presented for future review.

• Approved May 7, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved June 4, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0-1, Phillips abstained)

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will hold a study session on conceptual site layouts and circulation for the Cubberley Master Plan at 4000 Middlefield Road, which will undergo CEQA review. The commission will also review the 2025‑26 work plan for approval by City Council, consider the director's report, and approve draft minutes from the April 30 meeting. Public comment is permitted on each agenda item.

• Study Session on Conceptual Site Layouts and Circulation for the Cubberley Master Plan at 4000 Middlefield Road (CEQA review)
• Review and submit the Planning and Transportation Commission 2025‑26 Work Plan to City Council
• Director's Report, Meeting Schedule, and Assignments
• Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes of April 30, 2025
• Public comment on all agenda items

The commission took roll call, received reports on upcoming meetings, the Stream Protection Ordinance review, a Conditional Use Permit request, and transportation updates including El Camino improvements. A study session on the Cubberley Master Plan was scheduled. No motions were approved, denied, or tabled during this meeting.

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider a request for facade modifications and a use conversion for a 50,527-square-foot office building. The board will also review its draft annual report and work plan.

• Public hearing for 975 Page Mill Road: request for facade modifications and a design exception for sun shades to encroach into setbacks on Hansen Way and Page Mill Road
• Conditional Use Permit request for 975 Page Mill Road to convert office space to eating and drinking use
• Review of the Architectural Review Board's Draft Annual Report and Work Plan
• Approval of May 1, 2025 meeting minutes

The Architectural Review Board met on July 3, 2025 and heard a presentation on a major remodel and conditional‑use request for 975 Page Mill Road in the Research Park district. Staff recommended approval of the design‑enhancement exception and conditional‑use permit with modifications to remove certain setback encroachments. No vote or formal decision was recorded in the minutes. The meeting concluded without a final action on the project.

Public Works Director's Hearing

The Public Works Director will hold a special meeting to review a specific permit. The body is considering a request for Director's Review of an approved Protected Tree Removal Permit.

• Director's Review of Protected Tree Removal Permit for 750 Arastradero Rd [25TRE-00044]

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission will consider establishing a Cubberley Ad Hoc committee and updating its 2025 workplan. The body will also review conceptual designs and strategic plans for the Cubberley Community Center Project.

• Establishment of a Cubberley Ad Hoc committee
• Approval of the Parks and Recreation Commission 2025 Workplan
• Feedback on Cubberley Community Center conceptual designs and Strategic Activation Plan
• Informational update on the FY2026 Budget Summary for Parks, Open Space, Golf, and Recreation

The City Council approved the construction contract for the Stanford/Palo Alto Playing Fields on June 9, 2025. The Parks and Recreation Commission will defer a vote on the May meeting minutes until the July meeting. Staff agreed to move the CIP project from an ad hoc committee to a two‑person liaison role within the workplan. The third Cubberley Community Center meeting is set for September 17, 2025, and eight new benches at Rinconada were purchased for about $9,000.

• Council approved construction contract for Stanford/Palo Alto Playing Fields (June 9, 2025)
• Commission postponed vote on May meeting minutes to July meeting
• Council Liaison Report delayed until August
• CIP project moved from ad hoc committee to two‑person liaison role
• Third Cubberley Community Center meeting scheduled for September 17, 2025
• Eight blue benches at Rinconada purchased for approximately $9,000

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The Public Art Commission will review funding requests for public art and community programming. The body will also conduct initial reviews of art in private developments and discuss center activations.

• Proposed $30,600 for conceptual design of public art by Amy Landesberg for the downtown parking garage
• Proposed funding up to $10,000 for local performing arts groups during Code:ART 2025
• Initial review of public art for 3150 El Camino Real development
• Initial review of public art for 975 Page Mill Road development
• Informational update on Cubberley Community Center activations

The Public Art Commission unanimously approved the April 17, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved $30,600 from Art in Public Spaces CIP funds for conceptual design work by artist Amy Landesberg for the Downtown Parking Garage. It also approved $10,000 to support performances at the Code:ART festival on King Plaza. No decisions were made on the private‑development art projects or the Cubberley Community Center plan.

• Approved April 17, 2025 PAC minutes (all in favor)
• Allocated $30,600 for Downtown Parking Garage conceptual art design (all in favor)
• Allocated $10,000 for Code:ART festival performance funding (all in favor)

Retail Committee Regular Meeting

The Retail Committee will hold a hybrid meeting to review economic development activity and discuss pedestrian-only street improvements on Ramona Street. The meeting will be broadcast live on YouTube and Cable TV Channel 26.

• Review of economic development activity and sewer use ordinance updates
• Feedback on Near-Term Streetscape Improvements for Ramona Street
• Hybrid meeting format with in-person and teleconference options

The Retail Committee met on June 18, 2025 to review an Economic Development Activity Report and the impacts of sewer and stormwater ordinance updates on businesses. It also examined near‑term streetscape improvements and outdoor activation standards for pedestrian‑only Ramona Street, which is CEQA‑exempt. No actions were taken on either agenda item. The meeting adjourned at 11:01 A.M.

City Council Special Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will consider several contract approvals and budget amendments, including a resolution to develop 100% affordable housing on city‑owned land at Kipling Street and Lytton Avenue. The council will also vote on a multi‑year street‑sweeping contract, a sewer system management plan update, and a resolution for dining and retail uses on Car Free California Avenue.

• Resolution to develop affordable housing on city land at Kipling St & Lytton Ave (Surface Parking Lot T, APN 120-15-100)
• Contract C25194016 with SCA of CA, LLC for street sweeping services, up to $9,883,850 over five years
• Approval of 2025 Sewer System Management Plan update and future minor updates
• Resolution to allow dining, retail encroachments and open containers on Car Free California Avenue
• Amendment to Nomad Transit on‑demand service contract, $1,100,000 additional, total not to exceed $4,901,550

The Palo Alto City Council approved a series of contracts and a budget amendment, including a five‑year street‑sweeping contract worth $9,883,850, a $16.5M utility line clearance contract, and a $8.5M property purchase with leaseback. It also approved a $1.1M amendment to continue the on‑demand transit service through June 2026 and several professional‑services agreements for housing, childcare, GIS, and investment management. The agenda items were moved from the consent calendar and adopted by a 6‑0‑1 vote.

• Approved $9,883,850 five‑year street‑sweeping contract (C25194016)
• Approved $16,500,000 five‑year utility line clearance contract (C25193659)
• Approved purchase of 2575 East Bayshore Road for $8.5 million with leaseback arrangement
• Approved $750,000 three‑year investment‑management contract (C26193797)
• Approved $450,600 two‑year administration contract for Below Market Rate Housing program and FY 2026 budget amendment (C25193814)
• Approved $1,100,000 amendment to Nomad Transit on‑demand transit contract through June 2026 (AA2)
• Approved $3,228,146 five‑year childcare subsidy program management contract (C26193874)
• Authorized $2,000,000 for 14 GIS on‑call service contracts (C26193271 series)

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will hold public hearings to adopt the Fiscal Year 2026 operating and capital budgets and a municipal fee schedule. The body is also considering six resolutions to amend rate schedules for water, gas, electric, wastewater, storm water, and fiber broadband utilities.

• FY 2026 Budget Ordinance and Municipal Fee Schedule
• Utility rate schedule amendments for water, gas, electric, wastewater, and storm water
• Construction contract with Granite Construction Company up to $9,399,787 for Newell Road/San Francisquito Creek Bridge Replacement
• Professional services contract with Municipal Resources Group, LLC up to $208,500 for officer evaluations
• Contract amendment with Nomad Transit, LLC (Via) for $1,100,000 for on-demand transit services

The council approved the consent calendar items, authorizing several contracts, a surveillance use policy, and a neighborhood committee appointment. It passed two housing‑related ordinances, expanding incentives (5‑0‑2) and changing accessory dwelling unit rules (7‑0). The on‑demand transit contract amendment was deferred to the next meeting.

• Approved Consent Calendar items 1-2,4-10,13-17,19,21 (6-0-1)
• Pulled Consent Agenda items 3,11,12
• Approved Construction Contract C25194279 with Estate Design ($283,770) for University Underpass refurbishment
• Approved Professional Services Contract with Municipal Resources Group up to $208,500 for CAO performance evaluation
• Approved Amendment to Nomad Transit contract (deferred to next meeting)
• Passed housing incentives ordinance amendment (5-0-2, Lu and Veenker recused)
• Passed ADU and JADU requirements amendment (7-0)

Climate Action and Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting

The Climate Action and Sustainability Committee will approve its 2025 meeting schedule, discuss the scope of a Gas Utility Transition Study and its CEQA status, and vote on a recommendation for the City Council to accept the E‑Mobility Strategic Roadmap, which is deemed CEQA‑exempt. Public comment will be taken for items not on the agenda and for the agenda items themselves. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format with in‑person and Zoom participation.

• Approval of schedule for 2025 Climate Action and Sustainability Committee meetings
• Discussion of Gas Utility Transition Study scoping and CEQA status (not a project)
• Recommendation to City Council to accept the E‑Mobility Strategic Roadmap (CEQA‑exempt)
• Public comment period for non‑agenda items (up to 30 minutes) and agenda items (up to 3 minutes each)
• Hybrid meeting format with live YouTube broadcast and Zoom participation

The Climate Action & Sustainability Committee approved its regular meeting schedule for 2025, listing six dates. It took no action on the gas utility transition study scoping. It also approved a recommendation for the City Council to adopt the E‑Mobility Strategic Roadmap with specific edits.

• Approved 2025 meeting schedule (Aug 22, Sep 5, Sep 19, Oct 3, Nov 14, Dec 12) – vote 3-0
• No action taken on Gas Utility Transition Study Scoping – no vote
• Approved recommendation to City Council to accept E‑Mobility Strategic Roadmap with edits – vote 3-0

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will hold public hearings regarding requests for additional floor area at two historic sites. The board will also discuss its meeting schedule and assignments.

• Public hearing for 411 Kipling Street: request for 2,500 square feet of bonus floor area for accessibility and rehabilitation
• Public hearing for 431 Kipling Street: request for 2,500 square feet of bonus floor area for accessibility and rehabilitation
• Discussion of Historic Resources Board Schedule of Meetings and Assignments
• Postponement of Chair and Vice Chair Elections

The Historic Resources Board voted 4‑0 to recommend that the 411 Kipling Street floor‑area‑bonus proposal complies with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The board also voted 4‑0 to find the 431 Kipling Street proposal compliant with the same standards. The board approved the draft minutes from the April 10, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0 voice vote. The item to elect a Chair and Vice Chair was removed and postponed to a future meeting.

• Motion to find 411 Kipling Street proposal compliant – carried 4‑0
• Motion to find 431 Kipling Street proposal compliant – carried 4‑0
• Approval of April 10, 2025 draft minutes – carried 4‑0
• Chair and Vice Chair elections item removed/postponed – no vote
• Historic Preservation Planner agreed to include subcommittee names in assignments

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The Human Relations Commission will hold a hybrid regular meeting to discuss a gap analysis report on housing and services for the unhoused and review its 2025 workplan. The body will also consider adopting a policy on public requests for support.

• Discuss Gap Analysis Report on housing and services for the unhoused
• Review and Adoption of Policy on Public Requests for Support
• Review of the 2025 Human Relations Commission workplan and subcommittees
• Approval of May 8, 2025 Human Relations Commission Draft Action Minutes

The commission approved the May 8, 2025 meeting minutes with a 6-0-1 vote. It also approved the guidelines and application process for the Policy on Public Requests for Support, again by a 6-0-1 vote. No other actions were taken.

• Approved May 8, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0-1)
• Approved Policy on Public Requests for Support (6-0-1)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will vote on several professional‑services contracts, including a combined $15 million utilities electric‑engineering consulting agreement. The Council will also consider a $3,064,185 turf‑replacement contract for the Stanford Palo Alto Community Playing Fields and a $3,186,528 services contract for older‑adult programs. Additional actions include adopting the FY 2025‑2026 Community Development Block Grant plan and a resolution allowing dining and retail uses on Car Free California Avenue.

• Approve three utility electric‑engineering consulting contracts (Aggregated Not‑to‑Exceed $15,000,000 over three years)
• Approve Construction Contract No. C25193640 with FieldTurf USA, Inc. for $3,064,185 turf replacement (plus $306,419 contingency)
• Approve Professional Services Contract No. C26193873 with Avenidas, Inc. for up to $3,186,528 for older‑adult services
• Adopt the FY 2025‑2026 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan and related resolutions
• Approve a resolution permitting dining and retail encroachments on Car Free California Avenue

The City Council voted 6‑1 to approve a professional services contract (C25192686) with Statewide Traffic Safety and Signs, Inc. for on‑call traffic control services, up to $2,125,000 over five years. The same meeting also approved several other items, including a $3,186,528 contract for older‑adult services and a 10‑year energy‑efficiency goal, all by unanimous vote.

• Approved Professional Services Contract C25192686 with Statewide Traffic Safety and Signs, Inc., up to $2,125,000 (6‑1)
• Approved Professional Services Contract C26193873 with Avenidas, Inc., up to $3,186,528 (7‑0)
• Approved 2025 Annual Water Supply and Demand CEQA Status Assessment (7‑0)
• Approved 10‑Year Energy Efficiency Goals for 2026‑2035 (7‑0)
• Approved Minutes from May 27, 2025 meeting (7‑0)
• Approved Agenda Items 3‑6, 8‑15 as a group (7‑0)
• Councilmember Burt requested to pull Agenda Item 7 (no action taken)
• Councilmember Burt registered a no vote on Agenda Item 7

Policy and Services Committee Special Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will hold a hybrid meeting with both in‑person and Zoom participation. Members of the public may comment on agenda items for up to three minutes per speaker within a 30‑minute public comment period. The committee will recommend that the City Council approve the FY 2026 Nonprofit Partnership Workplan Phase I awards. Participants must disclose any campaign contributions over $500 in accordance with the Levine Act.

• Recommend City Council approval of FY 2026 Nonprofit Partnership Workplan Phase I awards
• Hybrid meeting format with teleconference/video options
• Public comment limited to 30 minutes, 1‑3 minutes per speaker
• Levine Act disclosure requirement for contributions over $500
• ADA accommodation contact information provided

The Policy & Services Committee voted to recommend that the City Council approve the FY 2026 Nonprofit Partnership Workplan Phase I awards. The motion was moved by Councilmember Lu, seconded by Councilmember Veenker, and passed unanimously with a 3‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Recommend City Council approve FY 2026 Nonprofit Partnership Workplan Phase I awards (3-0)

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will take action on residential electric time-of-use rates and the 2025 Wildfire Mitigation Plan annual update. The body will also consider resolutions regarding a water supply agreement and a drought response plan.

• City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP) 2025 Annual Update
• Residential Electric Service Time-of-Use Rates (E-1 TOU)
• Updated Tier 2 Drought Response Implementation Plan
• Amended and Restated Water Supply Agreement between the City and County of San Francisco and wholesale customers in Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties

The Utilities Advisory Commission approved the draft minutes from the April 2, 2025 meeting, both the original version and an amended version, each by a 6‑0 vote. The commission also approved the 2025 Wildfire Mitigation Plan by a unanimous 6‑0 vote. No other actions were taken.

• Approve draft minutes of April 2, 2025 meeting (6‑0)
• Approve amended draft minutes of April 2, 2025 meeting (6‑0)
• Approve 2025 Wildfire Mitigation Plan (6‑0)

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will discuss characteristics for the Fire Chief recruitment. It will recommend that the City Council approve the new FY 2026 Palo Alto Fiber rates and packages as advised by the Utilities Advisory Commission. The committee will also recommend adoption of the FY 2026 Investment Policy, noting it is not a CEQA project. Public comment will be limited to items not on the agenda and to 30 minutes total.

• Discussion of Fire Chief recruitment and key candidate characteristics
• Recommendation to approve FY 2026 Palo Alto Fiber rates and packages
• Recommendation to adopt FY 2026 Investment Policy (CEQA status: not a project)

The committee discussed the fire chief recruitment process but recorded no action on it. It also reviewed a recommendation to approve FY 2026 Palo Alto fiber rates and packages, but no vote or decision was taken. No substantive resolutions were adopted.

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will discuss a draft project prioritization framework for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan. They will also consider an emergency ordinance to update land use elements in accordance with Senate Bill 1123. Several construction and service contracts are scheduled for approval.

• Emergency ordinance amending Title 18 and Title 21 regarding Senate Bill 1123 and land use
• Construction contract with G. Bortolotto & Company Inc. for $3,817,942 for asphalt paving
• Contract amendment with Baker Tilly US, LLP for $2,126,250 for internal auditing services
• Contract amendment with ARC Document Solutions for $1,020,000 for copiers/printers
• Construction contract with Stronger Building Services for $440,250 for Lucie Stern Community Center theater roof

The council filled three vacancies on the Architectural Review Board. David Hirsch was appointed to seat 2 with seven votes, Yingxi Chen to seat 5 with six votes, and Marton Jojarth to seat 1 with four votes after multiple voting rounds. All appointments are for full terms ending March 31, 2028.

• Appointed David Hirsch to ARB seat 2 (7 votes)
• Appointed Yingxi Chen to ARB seat 5 (6 votes)
• Appointed Marton Jojarth to ARB seat 1 (4 votes)
• Motion to enter closed session passed (7-0)

Architectural Review Board Special Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold a special meeting to recognize six projects for their architectural merit and community enhancement.

• Recognition of six projects for outstanding architectural merit

Policy and Services Committee Special Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will recommend that the City Council approve the Office of the City Auditor's Annual Risk Assessment and FY 2026 Audit Plan with its task orders. It will also discuss a workplan for developing and implementing best practices in consultant management. Finally, the committee will receive Phase I applications for the Nonprofit Partnership Workplan before the June 10, 2025 evaluation.

• Recommend City Council approve the Office of the City Auditor Annual Risk Assessment and FY 2026 Audit Plan and task orders
• Workplan for developing and implementing best practices in consultant management
• Receive Nonprofit Partnership Workplan Phase I applications ahead of June 10, 2025 evaluation

The Policy & Services Committee voted 3-0 to recommend that the City Council approve the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Risk Assessment Report and the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Audit Plan Report. No action was taken on the workplan for developing and implementing best practices in consultant management. No action was taken on receiving the Nonprofit Partnership Workplan Phase I applications.

• Recommend City Council approve FY2025 Risk Assessment and FY2026 Audit Plan (3-0)
• Workplan for best practices in consultant management – no action taken
• Receive Nonprofit Partnership Workplan Phase I applications – no action taken

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Planning & Transportation Commission will hold a hybrid meeting to receive public comments, review a Director's report, and discuss a study session on parking data and program amendments. The commission will vote on a resolution to amend the El Camino Real Retail Node Map for retail preservation under Municipal Code Section 18.40.180. Additional agenda items include the possibility of modifying agenda order and standard public‑comment procedures.

• Director's Report, Meeting Schedule, and Assignments
• Study Session: Parking Data Report and Program Amendment Considerations
• Recommendation on a Resolution Amending the El Camino Real Retail Node Map for Retail Preservation (Municipal Code Section 18.40.180)
• Public Comment period (up to three minutes per speaker)
• Chair may modify agenda order or timing

The Commission announced that the June PTC meeting will be canceled because no agenda items were scheduled. A July 9 meeting is tentatively set to discuss three conceptual plans for the Cubberley Community Center. Staff updates included the upcoming start of the new Transportation Director and the continuation of parking data reporting.

• June PTC meeting canceled (no vote recorded)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will discuss zoning modifications for the El Camino Real Focus Area and a request to expand an assisted living facility. The body will also consider a multi-million dollar contract for home electrification and a contract extension for police auditing services.

• Professional Services Contract with Franklin Energy Services LLC not-to-exceed $7,054,863 for home electrification
• Proposed amendment to PC-5116 zoning for 4075 El Camino Way to add 16 assisted living units
• First reading of ordinance to modify El Camino Real Focus Area and update Housing Incentive Program
• Contract amendment of $40,000 with OIR Group for Independent Police Auditing Services
• Resolution to suspend assessments on the Downtown Palo Alto Business Improvement District for FY 2026

The council adopted an ordinance amending Palo Alto’s zoning and building codes to implement Program 3.4E of the Housing Element for the El Camino Real focus area, passing the final motion 5‑0‑2 (two members recused). Council also directed the city attorney to join the federal lawsuit City and County of San Francisco v. Trump, with a unanimous 7‑0 vote. The consent calendar items—including approval of the May 12 minutes, a $7,054,863 contract with Franklin Energy Services for a home‑electrification program, a resolution suspending the downtown BID levy for FY 2026, and a $40,000 amendment for independent police‑audit services—were approved 7‑0. A substitute motion on the 4075 El Camino Way assisted‑living project was passed 4‑3, referring the proposal back to the Planning and Transportation Commission.

• Adopted ordinance amending Chapters 18.14 & 16.58 for El Camino Real housing focus area (5-0-2)
• Directed City Attorney to join City & County of San Francisco v. Trump lawsuit (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar items: May 12 minutes, $7,054,863 Franklin Energy contract, BID levy suspension FY 2026, $40,000 police audit contract amendment (7-0)
• Substitute motion passed to refer 4075 El Camino Way assisted‑living amendment back to Planning & Transportation Commission (4-3)

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Commission will consider routine items such as approving minutes from the April 11 and April 22 meetings, hearing a brief Council Liaison Report and a Department Report, and receiving an update on Baylands Golf Links. Commissioners will also solicit public feedback on initial crossing locations and design priorities for a South Palo Alto bike and pedestrian connectivity project. Finally, the commission will vote on the approval of its Parks and Recreation Workplan for the upcoming period.

• Approval of minutes from the April 11 and April 22 meetings
• Council Liaison Report (5 minutes)
• Department Report (20 minutes)
• Baylands Golf Links update
• South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity: feedback on crossing locations and design criteria

The Parks and Recreation Commission voted to approve the draft minutes from the April 11, 2025 annual retreat with a unanimous 7‑0‑0 vote. It also approved the draft minutes from the April 22, 2025 regular meeting, including a wording change, by a 6‑0‑1 vote with one commissioner abstaining.

• Approved draft minutes from April 11, 2025 annual retreat (7-0-0)
• Approved draft minutes from April 22, 2025 regular meeting with wording change (6-0-1, 1 abstention)

Retail Committee Special Meeting

The Retail Committee will consider the Car Free California Avenue Outdoor Activation Program, reviewing the committee’s amendments and recommending that the City Council approve it. The item is listed as not a CEQA project, with an updated title and a late packet report added. The meeting also provides standard public‑comment procedures and hybrid participation options.

• Review and recommend Council approval of the Car Free California Avenue Outdoor Activation Program (CEQA status: Not a project; title updated; late packet report added)

The Retail Committee voted to recommend guidelines to the City Council for the Car Free California Avenue Outdoor Activation Program. The recommendation includes keeping fee structures uniform, considering funding for public restrooms, and referring staff to review the expired open‑container resolution versus an entertainment zone. The motion passed with a 2‑0‑1 vote (Burt absent).

• Recommend guidelines for Car Free California Ave activation program (passed 2-0-1)

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will discuss the FY2026 budget wrap-up and recommended budget. The committee will also review a report regarding a citywide cost of services study and proposed municipal fee adjustments.

• FY2026 Budget and FY2026 Municipal Fee Schedule
• Citywide Cost of Services Study and proposed municipal fee adjustments

On May 20, 2025, the Palo Alto Finance Committee met in person and via teleconference. The committee unanimously agreed to recommend the FY2026 budget and the FY2026 municipal fee schedule to the City Council. No other actions were taken.

• Unanimously recommended FY2026 budget and municipal fee schedule to City Council

Rail Committee Special Meeting

The Rail Committee will review a draft public outreach plan for grade separation projects at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road. The committee will also provide feedback on initial crossing opportunities and design priorities for South Palo Alto bike and pedestrian connectivity.

• Review draft public outreach plan for grade separation projects
• Provide feedback on South Palo Alto bike/ped connectivity
• Verbal update on Caltrain and VTA interagency activities
• Hybrid meeting format with in-person and teleconference options

The Palo Alto Rail Committee met on May 20, 2025. No decisions were made on the draft public outreach plan for the grade‑separation project or on the South Palo Alto bike/ped connectivity proposals. Both agenda items were recorded as 'NO ACTION TAKEN'.

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will discuss prescreening requests for two residential developments on San Antonio Road. The body is also deciding on several high-value contracts for water infrastructure and office space, as well as an ordinance regarding wireless communication facilities.

• Construction contract with Anderson Pacific Engineering Construction, Inc. up to $47,282,100 for Local Advanced Water Purification System
• Lease for laboratory and office space at 2470 Embarcadero Way for $1.11 million annually plus $4.5 million in tenant improvements
• Prescreening for 168 rental units at 788-796 San Antonio Road
• Prescreening for 120 residential units and 1,078 sq ft commercial space at 800/808-814 San Antonio Road
• Purchase order with Olin Finance Company LLC for bulk sodium hypochlorite up to $800,000

The City Council approved a temporary amendment to the wireless communications facilities ordinance, directing the Architectural Review Board to review all cell‑tower applications and ordering a study of tower setback distances. The amendment passed unanimously (7‑0). The council also approved a consent calendar that included a bulk sodium hypochlorite purchase order, a long‑term lease for Embarcadero Way space, the appointment of a new Utilities Director, and a major water‑purification construction contract. All consent‑calendar items were approved unanimously (7‑0).

• Adopted temporary wireless communications facilities ordinance amendment (7‑0)
• Approved blanket purchase order for bulk sodium hypochlorite ($800,000 total) (7‑0)
• Approved 20‑year lease for 2470 Embarcadero Way ($1.11 M/yr plus $4.5 M improvements) (7‑0)
• Approved appointment of Alan Kurotori as Utilities Director (7‑0)
• Approved construction contract for advanced water purification system (up to $47,282,100) and related amendment (7‑0)
• Approved minutes from May 5, 2025 meeting (7‑0)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold public hearings to provide recommendations on two major architectural reviews. The board will also review meeting minutes from April 17, 2025.

• 180 El Camino Real: Request for storefront modification, facade change, outdoor dining area, and signage for Cedar & Sage
• 340 Portage Avenue: Request for a Master Sign Program including nine signs (directory, parking, tenant identification, and awning signs)
• Draft Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes for April 17, 2025

The Architectural Review Board held a public hearing on the major architectural review for 180 El Camino Real, reviewing site visits, façade changes, patio layout, awning design, signage and bike‑parking issues. Members raised concerns about sidewalk clearance, bike‑parking compliance, awning operation, and signage options. No motion, vote, approval, denial, or tabled decision was recorded in the minutes. The board indicated it will seek further clarification from staff and address outstanding items in future meetings.

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a parcel merger to facilitate a large residential building. The body will also review the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan and discuss bike and pedestrian connectivity in South Palo Alto.

• Public hearing for 3150 El Camino Real to merge five parcels into one 111,030-square-foot parcel for 368 new residential units
• Review and recommendation on the proposed 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan
• Study session on South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity crossing locations and design priorities

The Planning & Transportation Commission discussed the 3150 El Camino Real project, which seeks to merge five parcels into a 111,030‑square‑foot site for a 368‑unit residential building. Staff recommended that the commission endorse the vesting tentative map to the City Council, and the commission supported that recommendation. No formal vote tally was recorded in the minutes.

• Recommended approval of vesting tentative map for 3150 El Camino Real (no vote recorded)

Policy and Services Committee Special Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will discuss recommending the adoption of a street safety plan and resolution. The body will also consider budget amendments for FY2024 and FY2025 and a policy for Council Chambers use.

• Palo Alto Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan and Resolution
• Budget amendments for FY2024 and FY2025 task orders with a net zero impact
• Council Chambers Use and Reservation Policy

The Policy & Services Committee voted to recommend that the City Council adopt the Palo Alto Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan and Resolution. It also recommended amending FY2024 and FY2025 task orders—reducing FY2025 Task 4.32 by $20,000 and increasing FY2024 Task 4.25 by $5,000 and Task 4.28 by $15,000—to achieve a net‑zero budget impact. The committee further recommended adopting a draft Council Chambers Use and Reservation Policy with a new Priority 3 category for city‑sponsored events with 501(c)(3) organizations. All three motions passed unanimously (3‑0).

• Recommend adoption of Palo Alto Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan (3-0)
• Recommend FY2025 Task 4.32 reduction of $20,000 (3-0)
• Recommend FY2024 Task 4.25 increase of $5,000 (3-0)
• Recommend FY2024 Task 4.28 increase of $15,000 (3-0)
• Recommend adoption of Council Chambers Use and Reservation Policy with Priority 3 addition (3-0)

Council Appointed Officers Committee Special Meeting

The Council Appointed Officers Committee will hold a special hybrid meeting on May 12, 2025. The agenda includes a discussion of the Council Appointed Officers (CAO) annual performance evaluation process review and goal setting. Public comments are accepted for items not on the agenda. No other decisions or actions are listed.

• Discussion of Council Appointed Officers (CAO) annual performance evaluation process and goal setting

The Council Appointed Officers Committee met on May 12, 2025, at 4:09 p.m. in the Council Chambers and by virtual teleconference. Members discussed the annual performance evaluation process and goal setting for council‑appointed officers. No formal action or vote was recorded. The meeting adjourned at 5:27 p.m.

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will hold a study session to discuss the proposed FY 2026 operating and capital budget. The body will also consider updates to municipal codes regarding accessory dwelling units and discuss strategies for using various public benefit revenues.

• First reading of an ordinance amending municipal codes for accessory and junior accessory dwelling units
• Contract with Biggs Cardosa Associates Inc. for structural engineering services not to exceed $750,000
• Contracts with Embarcadero Media Foundation and The Daily Post for legal advertising not to exceed $425,000
• Selection of candidates for Architectural Review Board vacancies
• Discussion of Low Carbon Fuel Standard and Cap and Trade public benefits revenues

The council read proclamations honoring Ella Cohen and Angelina Jiang and recognized National Police Week, but recorded no action on them. Council members reviewed candidates for the Architectural Review Board and noted the recruitment process, but took no action. A Finance Committee update on the FY 2026 operating and capital budget was presented, and members discussed the uncertainty reserve and nonprofit funding, but no formal decision was made. Public comments were heard on housing, airport expansion, youth voting, and climate‑related issues.

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The Human Relations Commission will decide on funding allocations for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Community Development Block Grant. The body will also hold a learning session on the local childcare landscape and discuss the King Artist Residency public art program.

• Action on FY 2025-26 Community Development Block Grant funding allocations
• Review of Draft FY 2025-26 Annual Action Plan and 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan
• Early Childhood Education (ECE) learning session with providers and professionals
• Discussion on King Artist Residency public art program and King Plaza opening event
• Review of 2024-2025 Human Relations Commission workplan and subcommittees

The commission approved the March 13, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It voted to recommend that City Council approve the FY 2025‑2030 Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Plan and the FY 2025‑26 Annual Action Plan, with a 25% reduction of funds to WeeCare/Upwards and reallocation to other uncapped entities, especially Alma Gardens. The commission also accepted the sub‑committee’s contingency plan for FY 2025‑26 funding. The review of the 2024‑2025 workplan was tabled for the next meeting.

• Approved March 13, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Recommended City Council approve FY 2025‑2030 CDBG Consolidated Plan (motion passed 6-1)
• Recommended City Council approve FY 2025‑26 CDBG Annual Action Plan with 25% reduction to WeeCare/Upwards (motion passed 6-1)
• Accepted sub‑committee contingency plan for FY 2025‑26 funding (motion passed 6-1)
• Tabled review of 2024‑2025 Human Relations Commission workplan (no vote recorded)

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will review operating and capital budget items, including utilities, public works, and internal services. Staff will present a recommendation to adopt a resolution approving the FY 2026 Gas Utility Financial Forecast, reserve transfers, rate study, and amendments to rate schedules G‑1, G‑2, G‑3, and G‑10, plus a climate credit. Additional items include proposed FY 2026 municipal fees, a capital improvement program overview, and planning and transportation updates.

• Recommendation to adopt a resolution approving the FY 2026 Gas Utility Financial Forecast, reserve transfers, natural gas cost of service and rate study, and amending rate schedules G‑1, G‑2, G‑3, G‑10, with a climate credit
• Presentation of FY 2026 proposed municipal fees & charges
• Capital Improvement Program staff presentation covering IT, airport fund, stormwater management fund, wastewater treatment fund, and vehicle replacement and maintenance fund
• Operating fund presentations for Electric Fund, Fiber Optics Fund, Gas Fund, Wastewater Collection Fund, and Water Fund
• Planning and Transportation staff presentation, including Parking Special Revenue Funds

The Finance Committee unanimously passed several motions recommending that the City Council adopt the FY 2026 gas utility financial forecast, rate changes, and a $1.1 million climate credit. It also tentatively recommended the Council approve agenda items covering infrastructure, capital improvements, municipal fees, planning, transportation, and internal support. Additional motions approved funding for community programs and the overall FY 2026 operating and capital budgets.

• Recommended City Council adopt FY 2026 gas utility forecast, rate changes, and $1.1 M climate credit – motion passed 3-0
• Tentatively recommended City Council approve Agenda Item #2 (Infrastructure & Environment) – unanimous
• Tentatively recommended City Council approve Agenda Item #3 (Capital Improvement Program) – unanimous
• Tentatively recommended City Council approve Agenda Item #4 (FY 2026 municipal fees) – unanimous
• Tentatively recommended City Council approve Agenda Item #5 (Planning & Transportation) – unanimous
• Tentatively recommended City Council approve Agenda Item #6 (Internal Support & Administration) – unanimous
• Recommended City Council fund Project Safety Net, Magical Bridge, Third Thursdays, UN Film Festival, Environmental Volunteers; allocate $50,000 Youth Connectedness and $111,000 Nonprofit Workplan – motion passed 3-0
• Recommended City Council approve FY 2026 operating and capital budget adjustments and municipal fee schedule – motion passed 3-0

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will first approve the minutes from its April 2, 2025 meeting and confirm the Chair and Vice Chair terms through April 1, 2026. It will consider finance subcommittee recommendations to adopt FY 2026 fiber service rates and packages and to adopt the FY 2026 Utilities Department budget. The commission will also review the 2025 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment. Finally, staff will recommend the City Council approve 10‑year energy‑efficiency goals for 2026‑2035.

• Approve minutes of the Utilities Advisory Commission meeting held on April 2, 2025
• Approve Chair and Vice Chair to serve from May 7, 2025 through April 1, 2026
• Finance Subcommittee recommends City Council approve FY 2026 fiber rates and packages
• Finance Subcommittee recommends City Council adopt FY 2026 Utilities Department budget
• Review 2025 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment

The Utilities Advisory Commission voted to keep Chair Scharff for a second term and Vice Chair Mauter for a second term, with both motions passing unanimously (Mauter abstained on the Vice Chair vote). The commission also set the one‑year terms for both officers to end on April 30, 2026. Minutes from the April 2 meeting were deferred for staff revision and will return in June. The Finance Subcommittee recommended that City Council approve FY 2026 fiber rates and packages.

• Approved Chair Scharff to serve a second term (7‑0)
• Approved Vice Chair Mauter to serve a second term (6‑0, Mauter abstained)
• Set Chair and Vice Chair one‑year terms to end April 30, 2026 (7‑0)
• Approved Chair and Vice Chair to serve short term May 7 2025‑April 1 2026 (7‑0)
• Deferred approval of April 2 2025 minutes pending staff edits
• Staff to revise minutes and attach finalized Work Plan, to return in June
• Finance Subcommittee recommended City Council approve FY 2026 fiber rates and packages

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Palo Alto Finance Committee will discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget process and review budget items for capital improvements, public safety, community and library services, and internal city administration. No formal decisions are indicated; the meeting is for presentation and discussion of budget allocations.

• Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Process Overview (9:00‑10:30 AM)
• Capital Improvement Fund (C: 61‑342)
• Cubberley Property Infrastructure Fund (C: 343‑370)
• Police budget items (O: 331‑344)
• Fire budget items (O: 227‑240)

The Finance Committee voted unanimously to tentatively recommend that the City Council approve Agenda Item #3 covering Police and the Office of Emergency Services, excluding Fire. It also unanimously recommended approval of Agenda Item #4, excluding the Community Services Department, and Agenda Item #5 covering internal support offices. No action was taken on the FY 2026 budget overview or capital improvement projects.

• Tentatively recommend City Council approve Agenda Item #3 (Police and OES, excluding Fire) – unanimous
• Tentatively recommend City Council approve Agenda Item #4 (excluding Community Services) – unanimous
• Tentatively recommend City Council approve Agenda Item #5 (City Attorney, Auditor, Clerk, Manager, Council) – unanimous

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will consider a $1,500,000 change order to a contract with Monterey Mechanical Company for on‑call emergency services at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant. It will also act on an amendment to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission agreement for a downtown housing plan, a zoning reclassification of 70 Encina Avenue, and a public‑hearing amendment for a 121‑unit assisted‑living facility at 4075 El Camino Way. A study session will present the FY 2026 proposed operating and capital budgets.

• Approval of Contract Change Order No. 1 for $1,500,000 to Contract C23186274 with Monterey Mechanical Company (Regional Water Quality Control Plant)
• Amendment and extension of the Supplement Agreement with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for a Downtown Housing Plan
• Ordinance amendment changing 70 Encina Avenue from Service Commercial (CS) to Planned Community (PC) zone
• Public hearing to adopt an amendment to a Planned Community Ordinance for modifications to a 121‑unit assisted‑living facility at 4075 El Camino Way
• Conference with real‑property negotiators on lease price and terms for 2470 Embarcadero Way

The council approved a motion to go into closed session with a unanimous 7‑0 vote. The council entered closed session at 6:00 p.m. and returned at 7:10 p.m. No other formal actions were taken; three proclamations were read without a vote.

• Motion to go into closed session passed (7-0)
• Public Service Recognition Week proclamation read (no action)
• Proclamation honoring Russ Reich read (no action)
• May 2025 Affordable Housing Month proclamation read (no action)

Climate Action and Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting

The Climate Action and Sustainability Committee will consider three late‑packet reports. It will review priorities for the 2026‑2027 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, discuss the 2026‑2028 Reach Code policy development approach, and hear an update on the Single‑Family Electrification Program. All items are listed with a CEQA status of “Not a Project.”

• Priorities for 2026‑2027 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) – Climate Action Work Planning; CEQA Not a Project
• Review and discussion of 2026‑2028 Reach Code policy development approach; CEQA Not a Project
• Single‑Family Electrification Program update; CEQA Not a Project

The Climate Action & Sustainability Committee met on May 2, 2025. The committee considered three agenda items—2026‑2027 S/CAP priorities, 2026‑2028 Reach Code policy development, and the Single‑Family Electrification Program—but recorded “No Action” for each. No decisions, approvals, or denials were made, and the meeting adjourned at 4:06 P.M.

• No action on 2026‑2027 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan priorities (no vote)
• No action on 2026‑2028 Reach Code policy development approach (no vote)
• No action on Single‑Family Electrification Program update (no vote)

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold public hearings regarding exterior modifications and a use change for a commercial building. The board will also consider sign exceptions for three downtown parking garages.

• 3950 Fabian Way: Request for exterior modifications, a 4,400-square-foot addition, and a conditional use permit for private education (The Girls' Middle School)
• 528 High Street: Request for projecting blade sign exceptions at a parking garage
• 445 Bryant Street: Request for projecting blade sign exceptions at a parking garage
• 250 Hamilton Avenue: Request for projecting blade sign exceptions at a parking garage

Boardmember Baltay moved to recommend that the Director of Planning and Development Services approve the 3950 Fabian Way project, subject to specific conditions and an ad hoc committee. The motion was seconded by Chair Rosenberg and passed with a 4‑0‑0‑1 vote (Boardmember Adcock absent). Chair Rosenberg and Vice Chair Chen volunteered to serve on the newly formed ad hoc committee.

• Recommend Director approve 3950 Fabian Way project with conditions (4-0-0-1)
• Chair Rosenberg and Vice Chair Chen appointed to ad hoc committee

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will consider a resolution to amend the El Camino Real Retail Node Map for retail preservation. Two other action items regarding a mixed-use building at 660 University Ave and the Crescent Park Traffic Calming Project have been postponed.

• Recommendation on a resolution amending the El Camino Real Retail Node Map for retail preservation
• Postponed: 660 University Ave mixed-use building proposal (66 residential units and 9,100 sq ft office)
• Postponed: Final Concept Design for the Crescent Park Traffic Calming Project

The commission postponed Items 2 and 3 at the applicant’s request and to allow further staff work. No votes, approvals, denials, or adoptions were recorded. The meeting included staff reports and discussion of the El Camino Real retail‑preservation nodes, but no actionable decisions were taken.

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Palo Alto Finance Committee will meet to discuss and recommend subsidy options for gas and electric appliance development service fees, as well as approve a citywide cost of services study and proposed municipal fee adjustments.

• Recommendation to approve Citywide Cost of Services Study and proposed municipal fee adjustments
• Recommendation to City Council on subsidy options for select development service fees related to gas and electric appliances

The committee voted 3‑0 to recommend that the City Council direct staff to create targeted subsidies for building‑permit fees related to gas and electric appliances and to reduce fees for stand‑alone gas appliances. The motion also asked staff to explore whether the gas utility could fund the gas‑appliance subsidy. The committee also voted 3‑0 to recommend that the City Council adopt the Cost of Services Study recommendations, including several specific adjustments to municipal fees such as reviewing domestic‑partner registration fees, aligning administrative service fee ranges, ensuring full cost recovery for real‑estate conveyance fees, updating special‑event fee categories, and revising taxi license fees.

• Recommend targeted subsidies for building‑permit fees on gas/electric appliances (3‑0)
• Recommend reducing stand‑alone gas appliance permit fees to instant permit cost level (3‑0)
• Recommend exploring gas utility funding for the gas‑appliance subsidy (3‑0)
• Recommend amending municipal fees per Cost of Services Study (3‑0)
• Recommend reviewing and possibly removing Domestic Partner Registration fee (3‑0)
• Recommend adjusting Administrative Services fee ranges as identified (3‑0)
• Recommend ensuring full cost recovery for Real Estate Conveyance fees (3‑0)
• Recommend amending Taxi New License fee to cover 70‑100% of cost (3‑0)

Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Regular Meeting

The Stormwater Management Oversight Committee will approve minutes from the November 7, 2024 meeting, introduce new staff, and discuss term changes. It will review the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 and consider a memorandum related to that budget. The committee will also consider a Stormwater Management fee rate increase and a workplan update. Public comments are accepted on any agenda item.

• Approval of minutes from November 7, 2024 – Action Needed
• Review proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 – No Action Needed
• Memorandum for Fiscal Year 2026 proposed budget – Action Needed
• Stormwater Management fee rate increase – No Action Needed
• Workplan update – Action Needed

The Stormwater Management Oversight Committee approved the November 7, 2024 meeting minutes. It adopted the FY 2026 budget memorandum, adding a sentence that current funds are sufficient for the 13 capital improvement projects. It also approved the 2026‑2027 workplan after correcting typos and removing Project/Goal 4. The meeting was adjourned with a 6‑0 vote.

• Approved November 7, 2024 minutes (6‑0)
• Approved FY 2026 budget memorandum with added sentence (6‑0)
• Approved 2026‑2027 workplan after typo corrections and removal of Project/Goal 4 (6‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (6‑0)

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission will approve draft minutes from the March 25 meeting, hear a brief council liaison report and a department report, and receive informational updates on the Palo Alto Pickleball Club, the Cubberley Community Center project, and a proposed trail closure at Pearson‑Arastradero Preserve. No decisions or votes are indicated; the items are presented for information and discussion.

• Approve draft minutes from the March 25, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
• Council Liaison Report (5 minutes)
• Department Report (20 minutes)
• Palo Alto Pickleball Club informational update (45 minutes)
• Cubberley Community Center project update, including community meeting summary and workplan (45 minutes)

The commission voted to approve the draft minutes from the March 25, 2025 regular meeting. The motion moved by Commissioner Cribbs and seconded by Vice Chair Greenfield passed with a 6‑0‑1 vote, with Commissioner Brown absent. No other actions or votes were taken at this meeting.

• Approved draft minutes from March 25, 2025 meeting (6-0-1)

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will hold a study session with the Independent Police Auditor and review themes for the Cubberley Master Plan project. The body is also considering several contract amendments for city services and infrastructure projects.

• Contract with Lloyd Consulting Group, LLC for a comprehensive turf study not to exceed $160,825
• Additional $2 million in California Coastal Conservancy grant funds for the Horizontal Levee Pilot Project
• Amendment to Bickmore Actuarial contract for $27,000, bringing the total to $67,500
• Purchase of $4,886 for security cameras in Council Chambers and a corresponding use policy
• Friendship City Agreement signing between Palo Alto and Narok, Kenya

The council recognized 57 youth award recipients and signed a Friendship City Agreement with Narok, Kenya. A semi‑annual Independent Police Auditor report was presented. No votes, approvals, or denials were recorded during the meeting.

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will hold a hybrid meeting to review a preliminary architectural review for a proposed commercial building at 540 University Avenue and approve draft meeting minutes from March.

• Preliminary Architectural Review for demolition of buildings at 530 and 540 University Avenue and construction of a new 30,375 sq ft commercial building
• Draft Architectural Review Board Annual Report and Work Plan
• Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes for March 6, 2025
• Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes for March 20, 2025

The board reviewed the preliminary architectural proposal for 540 University Avenue, discussing floor‑area calculations, fire‑rating setbacks, potential parcel merging, and height limits. No motions were voted on, and no approvals, denials, or tabled items were recorded.

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The Public Art Commission will decide on accepting a donated artwork from artist Nina K. Ekman into the City collection. The body will also discuss programming, sponsorship, and a projection mapping installation for the Code:ART 2025 festival.

• Acceptance of artwork donation from Cubberley artist Nina K. Ekman
• Discussion of Code:ART 2025 festival programming and sponsorship
• Discussion of Code:ART 2025 projection mapping installation

The commission unanimously approved the March 20, 2025 meeting minutes. Commissioners also unanimously accepted a donation of a textile wall‑mounted piece titled “Where the Rivers Ran Dry I” by artist Nina K. Ekman for the city’s permanent public art collection. The Code:ART 2025 update was presented as an informational item with no decision taken. The next PAC meeting is set for May 15, 2025.

• Approved March 20, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Accepted Nina K. Ekman's artwork donation for permanent collection (all in favor)

Retail Committee Regular Meeting

The Retail Committee will review the Economic Development Activity Report for April 2025 and consider a new action item to appoint City Council liaisons who will work with local business stakeholders. Public comment will be allowed on items not on the agenda and on the two agenda items. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format with both in‑person and virtual participation.

• Economic Development Activity Report – April 2025 (title updated, late packet)
• Designation of City Council Liaisons with Local Business Stakeholders (new item)

The Retail Committee met on April 16, 2025, at 9:04 A.M. in the Community Meeting Room and via teleconference. No actions were taken on the two agenda items: designation of City Council liaisons with local business stakeholders and the Economic Development Activity Report for April 2025. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 A.M.

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will consider two resolutions recommending the FY 2026 electric and gas utility financial forecasts. The electric forecast includes transfers and amendments to multiple electric rate schedules (E‑1, E‑2, E‑2‑G, E‑4, E‑4‑G, E‑4‑TOU, E‑7, E‑7‑G, E‑7‑TOU, E‑14, E‑16, E‑EEC‑1, E‑NSE‑1). The gas forecast includes reserve transfers, a rate study, and amendments to gas rate schedules (G‑1, G‑2, G‑3, G‑10) plus the implementation of a Climate Credit. Public comment will be accepted for up to 30 minutes before the staff presentations.

• Recommendation to adopt a resolution approving the FY 2026 Electric Financial Forecast and amending electric rate schedules E‑1, E‑2, E‑2‑G, E‑4, E‑4‑G, E‑4‑TOU, E‑7, E‑7‑G, E‑7‑TOU, E‑14, E‑16, E‑EEC‑1, and E‑NSE‑1
• Recommendation to adopt a resolution approving the FY 2026 Gas Utility Financial Forecast, reserve transfers, a rate study, and amending gas rate schedules G‑1, G‑2, G‑3, and G‑10, and to implement a Climate Credit
• Public comment period of up to 30 minutes for items not on the agenda

The committee voted 3‑0 to recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the FY 2026 electric utility financial forecast, a $5 million reserve transfer, and amendments to multiple electric rate schedules. The motion was passed unanimously. The committee also directed staff to continue reviewing the FY 2026 gas utility financial forecast and related rate changes at the next Special Finance Committee meeting on May 7, 2025.

• Approved recommendation to adopt FY 2026 electric utility forecast, $5M reserve transfer, and rate schedule amendments (3-0)
• Directed staff to continue review of FY 2026 gas utility forecast and rate changes at May 7, 2025 meeting

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will consider a preferred option for a new parking structure and affordable housing space at 375 Hamilton Avenue. The body will also hold a public hearing on a rezoning request for 70 Encina Avenue and discuss limits on using criminal history for rental housing decisions.

• Proposed new parking garage and affordable housing space at 375 Hamilton Avenue
• Public hearing to rezone 70 Encina Avenue for a 10-unit residential condominium building
• Proposed ordinance to limit criminal history information in rental housing decisions
• Contract with MP Nexlevel of California, Inc. for $4,000,000 (total not-to-exceed $15,347,390)
• Professional services contract with InfoSend for $2,344,573 for utility bill mailing

The council approved the consent calendar items 4‑10, which include several professional‑services contracts and a $4 million contract amendment. It also passed an ordinance updating tax‑code references to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. The ordinance amendment was adopted with a 6‑0‑1 vote.

• Approved Professional Services Contract for Preschool program, up to $658,390 (Item 4)
• Approved Amendment to MP Nexlevel contract, extending term and total not‑to‑exceed $15,347,390 (Item 5)
• Approved Contract Amendment with Permanente Medical Group, up to $100,000 (Item 6)
• Approved InfoSend contract for utilities bill services, up to $2,344,573 (Item 7)
• Approved Sedgwick Claims Management contract, up to $612,840 (Item 8)
• Approved ordinance setting Finance and Policy & Services meeting times (Item 9)
• Approved ordinance amending tax code references, passed 6‑0‑1 (Item 10)
• Consent calendar motion to approve items 4‑10 passed 7‑0

Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission will meet to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2025 and update current priorities. The body will also assign roles for ad hoc committees and liaisons and review its current workplan.

• Review of FY25 Parks and Recreation Commission Accomplishments
• Update of current priorities
• Assignment of Ad Hoc Committee and Liaisons roles
• Review and update of the current workplan

The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed FY25 accomplishments and discussed whether its ad hoc committees meet the legal definition of ad hoc or standing committees. The commission agreed that ad hoc committees should present status updates on an agenda item at least every six months. No other formal actions or votes were recorded.

• Adopted requirement for ad hoc committees to present status updates at least every six months

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will meet to discuss board awards and review the meeting schedule. The board will also vote to approve the draft minutes from the March 13, 2025 meeting.

• Discussion of Historic Resources Board Awards
• Approval of March 13, 2025 draft minutes
• Review of Historic Resources Board schedule of meetings and assignments

The Historic Resources Board reviewed the proposed awards program, inventory updates, and potential project candidates. No motions were adopted, denied, or tabled, and no votes were recorded. Chair Alisa Eagleston‑Cieslewicz recused herself from discussion of the 475 Melville property.

• Chair Alisa Eagleston‑Cieslewicz recused herself from discussion of 475 Melville (8:58 AM)

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will review the final concept design for the permanent installation of the Crescent Park Traffic Calming Project. It will consider a recommendation to amend Palo Alto municipal code chapters in Title 16 and 18 in response to state direction on accessory and junior accessory dwelling unit law, which is CEQA‑exempt. The meeting also includes the election of a Chair and Vice Chair, approval of March 12, 2025 draft minutes, and public comment periods.

• Review final concept design for the permanent installation of the Crescent Park Traffic Calming Project
• Recommendation on an ordinance amending municipal code Title 16 and 18 for State Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Law (CEQA‑exempt)
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission draft summary & verbatim minutes of March 12, 2025
• Public comment periods for agenda items

The commission took roll call, heard no public speakers, and received reports on upcoming items and the transition of city web addresses. Staff presented the final concept design for the Crescent Park Traffic Calming Project, but the minutes do not record any vote, approval, denial, or tabling of that item.

Policy & Services Committee Regular Meeting

The Policy & Services Committee will hear a presentation of the Emergency Preparedness/Wildfire Audit report. The committee will consider a recommendation to extend deadlines for FY2024 and FY2025 audit plan task orders. Staff will update members on state and federal legislation, executive orders, and related funding. The committee will discuss creating a City Council interview process for board, commission, and committee appointments.

• Presentation of Emergency Preparedness/Wildfire Audit Report (Office of the City Auditor)
• Recommendation to extend deadlines for several FY2024 and FY2025 audit plan task orders
• Update and discussion on state and federal legislation, executive orders, and funding activity
• Establish a City Council interview selection process for boards, commissions, and committees

The Policy & Services Committee recommended the City Council approve the BakerTilly Emergency Preparedness: Wildfire Audit Report (vote 3‑0). It also recommended extending the deadlines for several FY2024 and FY2025 audit‑plan task orders, with no fiscal impact (vote 3‑0). Finally, it approved a new interview selection procedure for board, commission and committee vacancies (vote 3‑0).

• Recommend City Council approve BakerTilly Emergency Preparedness: Wildfire Audit Report (3‑0)
• Recommend extending FY2024 audit task order deadlines to June 31, 2025 (3‑0)
• Recommend extending FY2025 audit task order deadlines to October 31, 2025 (3‑0)
• Recommend adopting interview selection process for boards, commissions, and committees (3‑0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will vote on a range of items including minutes, a revised revenue agreement, a partnership agreement, and several contract amendments. The most significant item is the approval of Construction Contract No. C25192033B for $9,994,970, with up to $999,497 in change orders, to fund upgrades to the Corporation Way system, pump stations, and West Bayshore Road projects. Additional actions include a $94,640 transit access agreement, a $132,000 amendment with 3‑GIS for fiber‑to‑the‑premises services, and second‑reading ordinances updating housing incentive and outdoor lighting regulations.

• Approve Construction Contract No. C25192033B – $9,994,970 (plus up to $999,497 change orders) for Corporation Way System upgrades, Pump Station and West Bayshore Road projects
• Approve Partnership Agreement with Metropolitan Transportation Commission – up to $94,640 for unlimited Clipper BayPass pilot transit access for city employees through Dec 31 2025
• Approve Contract Amendment No. 1 with 3‑GIS, LLC – $132,000 (total not‑to‑exceed $375,748) and $50,000 contingency for FTTP software licensing and technical support
• Second‑reading ordinance amending Title 18 zoning code to modify the Housing Incentive Program, Affordable Housing Incentive Program, and Retail Preservation Ordinance
• Approve purchase order $520,020 for a 2024 all‑electric Ford E‑Transit van with CCTV camera system under the vehicle replacement capital improvement project

The council appointed Sridhar Karnam to the Human Relations Commission and Rachel Croft and Phil Metz to the Utilities Advisory Commission. It moved into a closed session and approved the PCI DSS audit report, both votes 7‑0. The council then approved the consent calendar, which included a $9,994,970 construction contract for the Corporation Way and West Bayshore pump stations and related upgrades.

• Appointed Sridhar Karnam to Human Relations Commission (6 votes)
• Appointed Rachel Croft to Utilities Advisory Commission (7 votes)
• Appointed Phil Metz to Utilities Advisory Commission (6 votes)
• Approved motion to enter closed session (7-0)
• Approved PCI DSS Audit Report (7-0)
• Approved consent calendar items 3‑16, including $9,994,970 construction contract (7-0)
• Approved $132,000 contract amendment with 3‑GIS, LLC (7-0)
• Approved $94,640 partnership with Metropolitan Transportation Commission (7-0)

Climate Action and Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting

The Climate Action and Sustainability Committee will review preliminary results from a funding study for the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP). The body will also receive staff reports on working group roles and home electrification lawn signs.

• Discussion of Preliminary Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Funding Study Results
• Staff report on Home Electrification Lawn Signs
• Staff report on Working Group Role

The Climate Action & Sustainability Committee reviewed the preliminary Sustainability and Climate Action Plan funding study results and noted its CEQA status as not a project. No motions were made, and the item was recorded as no action. The meeting otherwise proceeded with public comments and staff reports.

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will consider staff recommendations to adopt resolutions for the FY 2026 gas utility financial forecast, reserve transfers, cost of service study, and amendments to gas rate schedules G‑1, G‑2, G‑3, and G‑10. The commission will also consider a resolution for the FY 2026 electric financial forecast, including transfers and amendments to multiple electric rate schedules (E‑1, E‑2, E‑2‑G, E‑4, E‑4‑G, E‑4‑TOU, E‑7, E‑7‑G, E‑7‑TOU, E‑14, E‑16, E‑EEC‑1, E‑NSE‑1). Additional items include approval of the meeting minutes, appointment of chair and vice‑chair for a one‑year term, and review of the FY 2025‑2026 work plan for City Council approval.

• Approve FY 2026 Gas Utility Financial Forecast, reserve transfers, and amend gas rate schedules G‑1, G‑2, G‑3, G‑10
• Approve FY 2026 Electric Financial Forecast and amend electric rate schedules E‑1, E‑2, E‑2‑G, E‑4, E‑4‑G, E‑4‑TOU, E‑7, E‑7‑G, E‑7‑TOU, E‑14, E‑16, E‑EEC‑1, E‑NSE‑1
• Approve minutes from the March 5, 2025 Utilities Advisory Commission meeting
• Approve appointment of Chair and Vice Chair to serve from April 2, 2025 through April 1, 2026
• Review and recommend FY 2025‑2026 Utilities Advisory Commission work plan for City Council approval

The commission approved the March 5, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously (7‑0). A motion to defer the decision on the Chair and Vice Chair short‑term term to the next meeting also passed unanimously (7‑0). No other actions were decided.

• Approved March 5, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Postponed decision on Chair and Vice Chair short‑term term to next meeting (7-0)

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will consider two staff‑presented resolutions that approve the Fiscal Year 2026 financial forecasts for the City’s water and wastewater collection utilities. The water utility forecast includes reserve transfers and amendments to rate schedules W‑1, W‑2, W‑3, W‑4 and W‑7. The wastewater utility forecast proposes amendments to rate schedules S‑1, S‑2, S‑6, S‑7 and repeals schedules S‑3 and S‑4. A staff presentation will also evaluate options for expanding fire and ambulance services.

• Recommendation to adopt a resolution approving the FY2026 Water Utility Financial Forecast and amending rate schedules W‑1, W‑2, W‑3, W‑4, W‑7
• Recommendation to adopt a resolution approving the FY2026 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Forecast, amending rate schedules S‑1, S‑2, S‑6, S‑7 and repealing S‑3, S‑4
• Staff presentation evaluating fire and ambulance service expansion options

The committee recommended the City Council adopt a resolution that raises the storm‑water rate to $17.61 per month and amends water service rates, and also approved a reserve transfer of up to $3,000,000 from the Rate Stabilization Reserve to the Operations Reserve. It also recommended adoption of the FY 2026 wastewater collection financial forecast and changes to six wastewater rate schedules, repealing two existing schedules. Finally, the committee directed staff to develop options for expanding fire and ambulance services at Station 4.

• Approved recommendation to raise storm‑water rate to $17.61/month (2‑0)
• Approved reserve transfer of up to $3,000,000 to Operations Reserve (2‑0)
• Approved recommendation to amend water service rate schedules W‑1, W‑2, W‑3 (2‑0)
• Approved recommendation to adopt FY 2026 wastewater collection forecast and amend rate schedules S‑1, S‑2, S‑6, S‑7 (2‑0)
• Approved repeal of wastewater rate schedules S‑3 and S‑4 effective July 1 2025 (2‑0)
• Directed staff to provide options for fire and ambulance service expansion at Station 4 (motion made, no vote tally recorded)

City Schools Liaison Committee Special Meeting

The City Schools Liaison Committee will hold a study session to review the 2022-2025 Safe Routes to School Annual Report and a consensus statement. The body will also discuss a proposal for city and school district partnerships with The Jed Foundation regarding youth mental health.

• Safe Routes to School Annual Report for 2022-2025
• Review and endorsement of Safe Routes to School Consensus Statement
• Youth Mental Health partnership proposal with The Jed Foundation

The City Schools Liaison Committee approved its meeting minutes by a 4-0 vote. It also passed a motion, 4-0, recommending that the Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education and the City Council endorse the Safe Routes to School Consensus Statement and the related bylaws. No decision was made on the Jed Foundation youth mental‑health partnership proposal.

• Approved meeting minutes (4-0)
• Recommended City Council and School Board endorse Safe Routes to School Consensus Statement and bylaws (4-0)
• No action on Jed Foundation youth mental health partnership proposal

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will consider recommendations for an ordinance to amend the El Camino Real Focus Area to implement housing programs. The body will also discuss a resolution to amend the El Camino Real Retail Node Map for retail preservation.

• Recommendation on an ordinance to amend the El Camino Real Focus Area (Chapter 18.14 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code)
• Recommendation on a resolution amending the El Camino Real Retail Node Map (Municipal Code Section 18.40.180)
• Recognition of Doria Summa for service on the Commission
• Approval of February 26, 2025 meeting minutes

The Planning & Transportation Commission met on March 26, 2025 with a quorum. The commission approved a special order to recognize Commissioner Doria Summa for her service, presenting her a plaque. Public comments were heard from several community members. No agenda changes or other actions were taken.

• Recognition of Commissioner Doria Summa presented with plaque (no vote recorded)

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Commission will approve draft minutes from the February 25, 2025 meeting, hear a new Council Liaison Report, and receive a Department Report. It will then discuss the Eleanor Pardee Park restroom survey results, seek public feedback on the draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan, and receive an informational update on Arastradero Creek stabilization and utility line repair.

• Approval of draft minutes from the February 25, 2025 meeting
• Council Liaison Report – new 5‑minute item
• Eleanor Pardee Park restroom survey results and next steps (60‑minute supplemental report)
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) update – feedback on draft bicycle network and facilities (45 minutes)
• Informational update on Arastradero Creek stabilization and utility line repair (45 minutes)

The commission voted to approve the draft summary minutes from February 25. The motion passed with a 5‑0‑1 vote (five in favor, zero against, one abstention). No other formal actions or votes were recorded in the meeting.

• Approved February 25 draft summary minutes (5-0-1)

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will vote on a range of items, including approval of several service contracts and the adoption of a resolution to examine tax records. The key action is the second‑reading approval of an ordinance creating new Chapter 10.66 for pedestrian‑only and community streets. The meeting also includes public comment, a consent calendar, and a discussion of a potential Senate bill sponsorship.

• Approve General Services Contract C25192791 with Synagro‑WTT, Inc. for sludge hauling up to $2,584,756 (3‑year term)
• Approve General Services Contract C25193187 with Universal Security Company for $220,752 (9‑month security services)
• Adopt resolution to examine CDTFA sales and use tax records and amend Municipal Code references
• Approve Professional Services Contract C25187148 with Innovative Claims Solutions up to $760,886 for workers’ comp administration
• Second reading of ordinance creating new Chapter 10.66 (Pedestrian‑Only Streets and Community Streets)

The council met on March 24, 2025 to interview candidates for the Architectural Review Board, Human Relations Commission, and Utilities Advisory Commission. Council members discussed ARB processes, housing design, and community engagement, but no motions were voted on or adopted. No formal approvals, denials, or tabled items were recorded.

Climate Action and Sustainability Committee Special Meeting

The Climate Action and Sustainability Committee will recommend to the City Council two actions: developing a grant program for affordable multi-family housing electrification and approving a contract with Franklin Energy to administer a whole-home electrification program. The meeting is hybrid and will be live-streamed on YouTube.

• Recommendation to develop affordable multi-family housing electrification grant program
• Recommendation to approve contract with Franklin Energy for whole-home electrification program
• Hybrid meeting with in-person and teleconference options
• Live broadcast on City of Palo Alto YouTube channel
• Public comment period for agenda items and non-agenda items

The Climate Action & Sustainability Committee passed two motions, each unanimously (3-0). It recommended that staff develop an affordable multifamily housing electrification grant program and allocate up to $6.6 million from Gas Utility Cap and Trade revenues, with a corresponding budget amendment. It also recommended a three‑year professional services contract with Franklin Energy, authorizing up to $1.43 million from the same revenue source and a related budget amendment.

• Recommended staff develop affordable multifamily housing electrification grant program; motion passed 3-0
• Authorized up to $6.6 million from Gas Utility Cap and Trade Revenues for the grant program; motion passed 3-0
• Amended FY 2025 Gas Utility budget: increased operating expenses by $6.6 million and decreased Cap and Trade Reserve by $6.6 million; motion passed 3-0
• Recommended approving a 3‑year professional services contract with Franklin Energy (not‑to‑exceed $7,055,000); motion passed 3-0
• Authorized up to $1.43 million from Gas Utility Cap and Trade Revenues for the home electrification program; motion passed 3-0
• Amended FY 2025 Gas Utility budget: increased operating expenses by $1.43 million and decreased Cap and Trade Reserve by $1.43 million; motion passed 3-0

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Architectural Review Board will meet in a hybrid format with public comment. It will hold a quasi‑judicial public hearing on a storefront redesign, outdoor dining area, new signage and lighting for Delarosa at 180 El Camino Real in the Stanford Shopping Center. The board will also review a proposed California Avenue signage and outdoor activation program for the car‑free portion of the street, approve February 20, 2025 minutes, and consider minor façade modifications at 164 Hamilton Avenue.

• Public hearing on 180 El Camino Real (storefront revisions, outdoor dining, signage, lighting) – CEQA exempt, Zoning CC
• Study session on proposed California Avenue signage program and outdoor activation for car‑free portion
• Ad Hoc Committee review of minor façade modifications at 164 Hamilton Avenue (10,150 sq ft office building) – CEQA exempt, Zoning Downtown Commercial
• Approval of Architectural Review Board meeting minutes for February 20, 2025
• Director's report and upcoming agenda items

The Architectural Review Board discussed the application to revise the exterior storefront, signage, lighting, and canopy at 180 El Camino Real in the Stanford Shopping Center. Board members asked detailed questions about canopy design, drainage, egress, color restrictions, and a required 20‑foot easement. The minutes do not include a motion, vote tally, or formal approval or denial of the project. Consequently, no substantive decision was documented in the provided portion of the minutes.

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Public Art Commission will approve the minutes from its February 20, 2025 meeting. It will review staff’s recommendation to approve Artist‑in‑Residence Alma Landeta’s conceptual design for a temporary artwork to be placed on King Plaza. The commission will also consider allocating funds for conservation treatment and repainting of the artwork “Albuquerque” by Gale Wagner. Public comments will be accepted in person and via Zoom.

• Approve February 20, 2025 Public Art Commission meeting minutes
• Approve Alma Landeta’s temporary artwork concept for King Plaza
• Allocate funds for conservation treatment and repainting of "Albuquerque" by Gale Wagner

The Public Art Commission approved the conceptual design for a temporary LGBTQ+ artwork by artist Alma Landeta. The commission also approved up to $37,000 to fund repainting and conservation of the Albuquerque sculpture by Gale Wagner. Both motions passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.

• Approved conceptual design for temporary King Plaza artwork by Alma Landeta (unanimous)
• Approved allocation of $37,000 for maintenance and repainting of the Albuquerque sculpture (unanimous)
• Approved February 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Rail Committee Special Meeting

The Rail Committee will receive verbal updates on interagency activities from Caltrain, VTA, and City Staff. It will then consider a summary of the Draft Project Management Plan for advancing the grade‑separation project at the Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings through preliminary engineering and environmental documentation phases. Public comment will be allowed on items not on the agenda, limited to 30 minutes.

• Verbal update on Caltrain interagency activities
• Verbal update on VTA interagency activities
• Verbal update on City Staff interagency activities
• Summary of Draft Project Management Plan for grade‑separation at Churchill Ave, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Rd
• Public comment procedures for non‑agendized items (30‑minute limit)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will consider amending zoning regulations, approving contracts for insurance and legal services, and holding a public hearing on a condominium subdivision project. The meeting will also include a study session with the Youth Council and a closed session with labor negotiators.

• Amending zoning and subdivision regulations (AB 2097)
• Contract with New York Life for group life insurance (up to $2,369,216)
• Amendment to legal services agreement with Ridley Master (up to $315,000)
• Public hearing: 4335 and 4345 El Camino Real condominium subdivision
• Approval of 2025 City Council Priority Objectives

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will meet to discuss board awards during a study session. The board will also review its meeting schedule and assignments and consider the approval of minutes from the February 13, 2025 meeting.

• Study Session for Historic Resources Board Awards
• Approval of Draft Minutes from February 13, 2025
• Review of Historic Resources Board Schedule of Meetings and Assignments

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The Human Relations Commission will approve the February 18, 2025 draft minutes, recognize Commissioner Smith for service, and adopt the revised 2024‑2025 workplan. The primary action is to review and recommend funding for the Human Services Resource Allocation Process for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, which will be forwarded to the Finance Committee. Public comments are accepted on any agenda item.

• Recognition of Service for Commissioner Smith (discussion, 5 minutes)
• Recommendation for HSRAP funding for FY 2026/2027 (action, 120 minutes)
• Review and approval of revised 2024‑2025 workplan (action, 10 minutes)
• Approval of February 18, 2025 draft minutes (action)
• Public comment period (up to 3 minutes per speaker)

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will consider a recommendation on the 660 University Ave development, which seeks Planned Community/Planned Home zoning for three parcels and proposes a six‑story mixed‑use building with 66 rental units, about 9,100 sq ft of office space, and a two‑level below‑grade parking garage. The commission will also review an ordinance to amend the El Camino Real Focus Area (Chapter 18.14) to implement Program 3.4E of the Housing Element. Additional items include updating procedural rules and approving draft minutes from January 29 and February 12, 2025.

• Public hearing on 660 University Ave project (511 Byron St, 660 University Ave, 680 University Ave/500 Middlefield Rd) – zoning change and mixed‑use development
• Recommendation on ordinance to amend El Camino Real Focus Area (Chapter 18.14) for Housing Element Program 3.4E
• Update of Planning and Transportation Commission procedural rules
• Approval of draft summary & verbatim minutes for the January 29, 2025 meeting
• Approval of draft summary & verbatim minutes for the February 12, 2025 meeting

Policy & Services Committee Special Meeting

The Policy and Services Committee will continue discussions on a phased approach for a nonprofit partnership workplan. The committee will also receive a quarterly report from the Office of the City Auditor.

• Nonprofit Partnership Workplan: Phased Approach
• Office of the City Auditor Quarterly Report (October - December 2024)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will vote on an urgency ordinance allowing early demolition on contaminated sites and resolutions to reclassify Ramona Street and California Avenue as car-free streets. The meeting also includes approval of a $1.98 million contract for a San Antonio Road Area Plan and a $447,849 agreement with Santa Clara County for safe parking operations.

• Approval of $1,979,902 contract with Rami and Associates for San Antonio Road Area Plan
• Adoption of urgency ordinance allowing early demolition on contaminated sites
• Resolution to reclassify Ramona Street and California Avenue as car-free streets
• Approval of $447,849 agreement with Santa Clara County for safe parking operations
• Approval of 2025 City Council Priority Objectives

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will review a report from the Ad Hoc Committee regarding objective standards for townhomes. The board will provide direction to staff based on this report.

• Review of Ad Hoc Committee Report on Objective Standards for Townhomes
• Approval of February 6, 2025 meeting minutes

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will consider staff recommendations to have the City Council adopt resolutions approving the Fiscal Year 2026 water and wastewater utility financial forecasts. The recommendations include reserve transfers and amendments to multiple water and wastewater rate schedules. The commission will also review an advocacy letter from the One Water Subcommittee and a proposed BAWSCA letter, and will recommend the FY 2025‑2026 work plan for council approval.

• Recommend City Council adopt resolution approving FY 2026 Water Utility Financial Forecast and amend rate schedules W‑1, W‑2, W‑3, W‑4, W‑7
• Recommend City Council adopt resolution approving FY 2026 Wastewater Collection Utility Financial Forecast and amend rate schedules S‑1, S‑2, S‑6, S‑7, and repeal S‑3 and S‑4
• Consider One Water Subcommittee advocacy letter and Commissioner’s proposed BAWSCA advocacy letter
• Review and recommend FY 2025‑2026 Utilities Advisory Commission Work Plan for council approval

Finance Committee Special Meeting

The Finance Committee will consider recommending a rate increase for storm and surface water drainage. The body will also review a cost of services study and proposed adjustments to municipal fees for Planning and Development Services.

• Proposed 2.4% rate increase for Utility Rate Schedule D-1 (Storm and Surface Water Drainage) to $17.61 per month per equivalent residential unit for Fiscal Year 2026
• Proposed municipal fee adjustments based on the Planning and Development Services Cost of Services Study Supplemental Report

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will hold a first reading of an ordinance to modify the Housing Incentive Program, Affordable Housing Incentive Program, and Retail Preservation Ordinance. The body will also review the draft Safe Streets For All Safety Action Plan and vote on several service contracts.

• First reading of ordinance amending Zoning Title 18 regarding housing and retail preservation programs
• Purchase order with Kone, Inc. for elevator and lift maintenance not to exceed $672,686
• Purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet G4500 Type III Ambulance for $429,213
• Two agreements with EPI-USE America for identity access and governance solutions totaling $289,080
• Contract amendment with NEOGOV for $87,700 to extend recruitment software subscription

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will consider a recommendation to approve a vesting tentative map for a condominium subdivision at 4335 and 4345 El Camino Real, creating 29 new residential units across five buildings. The commission will also hold a public hearing on a rezoning and development proposal for 70 Encina Avenue, which seeks to rezone to Planned Community, demolish a parking lot, and build a three‑story building with 10 condo units. A study session will review updates to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan. The meeting will conclude with approval of draft minutes from previous sessions.

• Public hearing: 4335 & 4345 El Camino Real – vesting tentative map for 29 new residential units (CEQA exempt, CS district)
• Public hearing: 70 Encina Avenue – rezoning to Planned Community, demolition of surface parking, new 19,035‑sq‑ft building with 10 condo units (CEQA streamlined, CC district)
• Study session: Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan update – draft network and policy recommendations
• Approval of draft summary and verbatim minutes from Dec 17 2024 meeting
• Approval of draft summary and verbatim minutes from Jan 15 2025 meeting

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission will approve minutes from December 2024 and January 2025, hear a department report, and discuss several informational updates. The key public‑impact item is the temporary closure of Byxbee Park Western Trail from March 3 to November 30, 2025 for sewer pipe rehabilitation. Additional updates include a presentation from Canopy and the FY2024 Urban Forestry annual report and draft technical manual.

• Approval of December 18, 2024 and January 28, 2025 meeting minutes
• Department Report (20 minutes)
• Information update on Byxbee Park Western Trail temporary closure (Mar 3 – Nov 30 2025)
• Informational update from Canopy
• FY2024 Urban Forestry annual report and draft Tree and Landscape Technical Manual

City Schools Liaison Committee Special Meeting

The City Schools Liaison Committee will hold a special meeting to select a chair, approve the minutes from the previous meeting, receive reports from the City and Palo Alto Unified School District, and discuss future business. The meeting will be conducted in a hybrid format with live Zoom and YouTube streaming, and public comment will be allowed. No specific policy proposals or contracts are on the agenda.

• Selection of Chair
• Approval of Minutes
• Open Forum/Public Communications
• City and District Reports
• Future Business

City Council Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council will hold a regular hybrid meeting on February 24, 2025. The agenda includes a consent calendar approving minutes, reports, and several contract and budget actions. Council members will consider a rezoning ordinance for 3265 El Camino Real to create a 100 % affordable housing development. Additional items include a proclamation honoring June Fleming and a resolution on city values.

• Second reading to amend the zoning map, changing 3265 El Camino Real from Service Commercial (CS) to Planned Community (PC) for a 100% affordable housing project
• Approval of two professional services contracts: Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates up to $126,225 for Cubberley Project public opinion research; The Lew Edwards Group up to $138,375 for public communication consulting on the November 2026 bond measure
• Amendment to Legal Services Contract S23186556 with Law Office of Clare Gibson up to $75,000, total not‑to‑exceed $310,000 for construction claims related to the Public Safety Building
• FY 2025 mid‑year budget review and amendments, including adding 2.00 FTE positions, eliminating 1.00 FTE, and authorizing an overstrength of 1.00 FTE Fire Captain
• Approval of the 2025 City Council Priority Objectives and Committee Workplans

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will review a report on objective standards for townhomes and provide direction to staff. The board will also discuss criteria for design awards for projects built between 2020 and 2024.

• Ad Hoc committee Report on Objective Standards for Townhomes
• Criteria for Architectural Review Board Design Awards (2020-2024)
• Approval of January 16, 2025 meeting minutes

Public Art Commission Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Public Art Commission will approve the minutes from its January 16 and January 31 meetings. Commissioners will elect a Chair and Vice Chair for the PAC. The body will also approve Kiana Honarmand as the next King Artist‑in‑Residence and allocate up to $50,000 for the program, and discuss partnership opportunities for Code:ART 2025.

• Approve January 16, 2025 Regular PAC Meeting Minutes
• Approve January 31, 2025 PAC Annual Retreat Minutes
• Election of PAC Chair and Vice Chair
• Approve Kiana Honarmand as King Artist‑in‑Residence and funding up to $50,000
• Discuss Code:ART 2025 partnership opportunities and form an ad‑hoc committee

Human Relations Commission Special Meeting

The Human Relations Commission will meet to take action on supporting the Annual Community Ramadan Iftar dinner and updating the 2024/25 HRC Workplan.

• Consideration of support for Palo Alto Annual Community Ramadan Iftar dinner
• Consideration of updates to the 2024/25 HRC Workplan

City Council Special Meeting - Cubberley Visioning Workshop

The Palo Alto City Council will discuss and may take action on an overall vision for the Cubberley master plan, with a Late Packet Report added to the agenda. Public comments on this item are limited to 1‑3 minutes per speaker. The meeting is held as a hybrid session at Mitchell Park Community Center.

• Discussion and possible action on the overall vision for the Cubberley master plan (Late Packet Report added)

Historic Resources Board Regular Meeting

The Historic Resources Board will consider its schedule of meetings and assignments, review the Certified Local Government (CLG) Annual Report for 2023‑2024, and hold a study session on HRB awards and workplan implementation. The board will also approve draft minutes from the November 14, 2024 meeting. Public comment is permitted on each agenda item.

• Historic Resources Board Schedule of Meetings and Assignments
• Discussion and Review of Certified Local Government (CLG) Annual Report covering the 2023‑2024 reporting period
• Study Session to discuss the HRB Awards and HRB Workplan implementation
• Approval of Historic Resources Board Draft Minutes of November 14, 2024

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will meet to discuss a proposal to reclassify a portion of Ramona Street and California Avenue as car-free streets. The meeting will also include a study session on updating the commission's procedural rules.

• Recommendation to Council to adopt resolution amending Comprehensive Plan to reclassify Ramona Street and California Avenue as car-free streets
• Study session to update Planning and Transportation Commission procedural rules
• Hybrid meeting held at Council Chambers with in-person and teleconference options
• Public comment period for agenda items and non-agenda items
• Public comments accepted via Zoom, phone, or email

Public Works Director's Hearing

The Public Works Director will hold a special hearing on February 12, 2025, to review a request for a Director's Review of an approved Protected Tree Removal Permit at 952 El Cajon Way. The meeting will include public comment periods for both agenda items and non-agenda topics.

• Review of approved Protected Tree Removal Permit at 952 El Cajon Way
• Public comment on non-agenda items (3 minutes per speaker)
• Public comment on agenda items (Applicants: 10 minutes + 5 rebuttal)
• Written public comments accepted in advance via email
• Meeting held in Community Meeting Room

Policy & Services Committee Regular Meeting

The Policy & Services Committee will hear the City Auditor's presentation of the Grant Management Audit Report. It will also present the Utility Billing Audit Report and a recommendation for Council approval. A report on the Nonprofit Partnerships Workplan will be discussed, followed by a conversation on the 2025 Umbrella Operating Strategies guiding council priorities.

• Presentation of the Grant Management Audit Report by the Office of the City Auditor
• Presentation of the Utility Billing Audit Report and recommendation to City Council for approval
• Discussion of the Nonprofit Partnerships Workplan: Phased Approach Late Packet Report
• Follow‑up from the 2025 Council Retreat – discussion of 2025 Umbrella Operating Strategies guiding council priorities

City Council and Public Improvement Corporation Special Meeting

The Palo Alto City Council and Public Improvement Corporation will hold a special hybrid meeting on February 10, 2025. Items on the consent calendar include approval of several contract amendments totaling over $5 million and adoption of resolutions on emissions, conflict‑of‑interest code, and a seismic‑hazard program. The council will hold a public hearing to approve the rezoning of 3265 El Camino Real from Commercial Services to Planned Community zoning and to authorize construction of a 100 % affordable, five‑story, 55‑unit residential rental project. The meeting also includes a study session on housing and homelessness and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Approval of Contract Amendment No. 2 with Good City Company for $24,930 for a Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance update
• Approval of Contract Amendment No. 3 with Veolia Sustainable Buildings USA West, Inc. extending the contract to August 14, 2026, with no change to the $1,985,000 not‑to‑exceed amount for the Commercial & Industrial Energy Efficiency Program
• Approval of Contract Amendment No. 3 with WaterSmart Software, Inc. extending the term 18 months, total not‑to‑exceed $537,763 for the WaterSmart Utilities Customer Portal
• Approval of two professional service agreements (Contracts C25190944A and C25190944B) with 4Leaf, Inc. and Park Engineering, Inc. for up to $3.75 million for on‑call field inspections and construction management services for utilities capital projects
• Public hearing and quasi‑judicial approval of rezoning 3265 El Camino Real (24PLN‑00012) to Planned Community zoning and adoption of a record of land use action for a 55‑unit affordable rental development

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider two public‑hearing applications: a minor façade modification for a 10,150‑sq‑ft office building at 164 Hamilton Avenue, and a rezoning request for 70 Encina Avenue that includes demolition of a surface parking lot and construction of a new three‑story, 22,355‑sq‑ft building with 10 residential condominium units. The meeting also includes a Director’s Report, approval of the December 19, 2024 minutes, and public comment periods.

• 164 Hamilton Avenue – recommendation on façade modifications to an existing 10,150 sq ft office building (CEQA exemption).
• 70 Encina Avenue – recommendation to rezone property and adjacent parcel, demolish parking lot, and build a new 22,355 sq ft, three‑story building with 10 condo units (CEQA streamlined review).
• Director’s Report, meeting schedule, and upcoming agenda items.
• Approval of draft Architectural Review Board minutes from December 19, 2024.
• Public comment periods for applicants/appellant teams (10 min + 10 min rebuttal) and other speakers (3 min).

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will discuss updates to studies regarding the Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan. The meeting includes presentations on supply resiliency, an airport microgrid, and distribution cost/benefit analysis.

• Supply and Resiliency Cost/Benefit Analysis and Program Ideas by Buro Happold
• Airport Microgrid update by Burns McDonnell
• Distribution Cost/Benefit Analysis by E3
• Approval of January 7, 2025 meeting minutes

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will hold a special meeting to interview candidates for vacancies on the Planning and Transportation Commission.

• Interviews for Planning and Transportation Commission vacancies

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will discuss potential direction for car-free street improvements on California Avenue and a first reading of an ordinance to update zoning and subdivision regulations. The body will also vote on several construction and professional services contracts.

• Ordinance to amend Zoning (Title 18) and Subdivisions (Title 21) to implement state housing laws
• Potential direction on car-free street improvements on California Avenue
• Construction contract with Alex Kushner General Inc. up to $390,000 for Temporary Fire Station 4
• Assistance Agreement with US DOT PHMSA in the amount of $16,519,879
• Transportation engineering contracts with TJKM ($300k), Fehr and Peers ($800k), and Kittelson and Associates ($800k)

Public Art Commission Annual Retreat

The Public Art Commission is meeting to review its work plan, budget, and upcoming projects for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The meeting is a hybrid event with options for in-person and teleconference attendance.

• Review of Public Art Master Plan goals
• PAC 2025/26 priorities and project prioritization
• King Artist-in-Residence Program discussion
• Code:ART 2025 expanded programming
• Budget overview for Public Art Maintenance, CIP, and PAF funds

Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning & Transportation Commission will hear a VTA Speed & Reliability Program presentation, an update on the Via Palo Alto Link, and a study session on the Palo Alto Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan. The meeting also includes the Director’s Report and approval of the draft minutes from the December 11, 2024 commission meeting. Public comment is permitted on each agenda item.

• VTA Speed & Reliability Program Presentation (6:10 PM – 6:30 PM)
• Via Palo Alto Link Update (6:30 PM – 7:00 PM)
• Palo Alto Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan Study Session (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
• Director’s Report, Meeting Schedule, and Assignments
• Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes of December 11, 2024

Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss a department report, review radio equipment needs for Fire Station 8 in the Foothills Nature Preserve, and consider updates to the FY 2026‑2030 Capital Improvement Program. The meeting includes the election of a new Chair and Vice Chair, which is an action item. It will also cover updates from ad hoc committees and liaison groups.

• Department Report (20 min) – discussion
• Office of Emergency Services Radio Equipment at Fire Station 8 in Foothills Nature Preserve – discussion (45 min)
• Fiscal Year 2026‑2030 Capital Improvement Program Plan Updates – discussion (60 min)
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair – action (20 min)
• Ad Hoc Committees and Liaison Updates – discussion (15 min)

City Council Special Meeting - Retreat

The council will hold a retreat to review 2024 accomplishments, gather community input, and select priorities for 2025. They will discuss strategies to achieve those priorities, outline objectives, and plan next steps. Public comment is allowed on items not on the agenda.

• Selection of 2025 Council Priorities
• Discussion on Strategies to Achieve Priorities
• Initial Discussion of 2025 Objectives
• Discussion of Organizing for Effectiveness
• Next Steps

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will discuss the 2024 Suicide Prevention Policy and consider several affordable housing initiatives. The body is also reviewing zoning ordinance amendments to implement the Housing Element 2023-2031.

• Conditional funding commitment of $5,000,000 for affordable housing at 3001 El Camino Real
• Selection of a non-profit partner for affordable housing at Kipling Street and Lytton Avenue
• First reading of an ordinance amending Title 18 Zoning Ordinance and Title 21 Subdivision of Land
• Contract with Carahsoft for SAP solutions not to exceed $1,032,431
• Professional service contract with Lloyd Consulting Group for a turf study not to exceed $232,985

Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting

The Architectural Review Board will consider a public hearing on a major architectural review request for 640 Waverley Street, proposing demolition of two existing buildings and a new four‑story mixed‑use development. The board will also discuss criteria for its Design Awards covering projects from 2020‑2024, and will approve the minutes from the December 5, 2024 meeting. Additional items include the Director’s report and a review of draft meeting minutes.

• Public hearing/quasi‑judicial: 640 Waverley St – demolition of two buildings on a 5,277 sq ft lot, new four‑story, ~11,050 sq ft mixed‑use project with ground‑floor office and four residential units; CEQA Initial Study/15183; Zoning CD‑C(P).
• Discussion on criteria for Architectural Review Board Design Awards (recognizing built projects 2020‑2024).
• Approval of minutes from the December 5, 2024 meeting.
• Review of draft Architectural Review Board meeting minutes for December 5, 2024.
• Director’s Report, meeting schedule, and upcoming agenda items.

Public Art Commission Meeting

The Public Art Commission will approve the December 19, 2024 meeting minutes. It will then hold two informational presentations: one on projection‑mapping technology for the upcoming Code:ART festival, and another on the King Artist‑In‑Residence project by Alma Landeta. No formal decisions or votes are scheduled.

• Approval of December 19, 2024 PAC meeting minutes
• Projection Mapping Presentation – informational presentation by A3 Immersive on projection‑mapping technology for the Code:ART festival
• King Artist‑In‑Residence Presentation – informational update by Alma Landeta on the residency project

Planning & Transportation Commission Special Meeting

The Planning and Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a request to rezone a site for a multi-family rental development. The body will also elect a Vice Chair.

• Public hearing for 3265 El Camino Real: request to rezone from Commercial Service (CS) to Planned Community/Planned Home Zoning
• Proposed construction of a 100% affordable, six-story, 55-unit multi-family rental development
• Election of Vice Chair

City Council Special Meeting

The City Council will hold a special meeting consisting of a single training session. The body will receive informational training regarding open government and transparency laws.

• Informational training on open government and transparency laws

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will consider a consent calendar that includes routine approvals such as meeting minutes and staff recommendations. It will vote on a resolution giving the City Manager authority to execute renewable‑energy certificate agreements up to $5 million per year through 2030. The Council will also take second‑reading votes on ordinances that implement recent state housing laws and approve park‑improvement work at the Baylands flood‑basin tide gate. Additional items include contract amendments for parking enforcement and a development‑impact‑fees resolution.

• Resolution extending City Manager’s authority for renewable‑energy certificate agreements up to $5,000,000 per year (2025‑2030)
• Second‑reading adoption of ordinance implementing recent state housing laws (amending Title 16, 18, 21)
• Second‑reading adoption of ordinance approving Baylands park improvements for flood‑basin tide gate seismic retrofit
• Approval of $132,000 contract amendment with Duncan Solutions for parking enforcement extension
• Adoption of resolution adopting FY 2024 development impact‑fees report and statutory findings

Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Human Relations Commission will elect a new Chair and Vice Chair. Commissioners will hear a staff presentation of the draft Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan and solicit public feedback. The Chair will report on recommendations from adhoc subcommittees regarding the FY2024‑25 workplan. The meeting will also include approval of the November 14, 2024 minutes.

• Election of Human Relations Chair and Vice Chair (Staff action, 20 minutes)
• Presentation and feedback on draft Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan (Staff discussion, 60 minutes)
• Report from adhoc subcommittees on next steps for FY2024‑25 HRC Workplan (Chair action, 20 minutes)
• Approval of minutes from the November 14, 2024 meeting

Utilities Advisory Commission Special Meeting

The Utilities Advisory Commission will discuss the Grid Modernization Project and the roles of commission staff. The body will also take action on whether to recommend that the Council accept the City of Palo Alto One Water Plan.

• Action on recommendation to Council to accept the City of Palo Alto One Water Plan
• Discussion on the progress of the Grid Modernization Project
• Discussion on Purpose & Duties of the Utilities Advisory Commission and staff roles

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will swear in incoming members and elect the Mayor and Vice Mayor for 2025. The body will also consider resolutions of appreciation for former officials.

• Swearing in of Councilmembers Pat Burt, George Lu, Keith Reckdahl, and Greer Stone
• Election of the 2025 Mayor
• Election of the 2025 Vice Mayor
• Resolution of appreciation for Lydia Kou
• Resolutions of appreciation for Greg Tanaka and Greer Stone

Utilities Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

The Palo Alto Utilities Advisory Commission will meet on January 1, 2025 in a hybrid format. The agenda includes public comment, approval of minutes, a Utilities Director report, discussion of future topics, and commissioner comments. No decisions or actions requiring votes are listed.

• Public comment period
• Approval of minutes
• Utilities Director report
• Future topics for upcoming meeting
• Commissioner comments and reports