Piedmont public meetings in 2021

City Council Meeting (Virtual by Zoom)

The City Council will vote on a two-year agreement with Flock Safety for Automated License Plate Reader services not to exceed $178,500. They will also consider employment resolutions for unrepresented labor groups, an updated sustainable procurement policy, and a traffic speed zone survey. Consent items include approving an amendment to the schedule of fees for SB 9 permit applications and settlement agreements in the national opioid litigation.

• Two-year agreement with Flock Safety for ALPR services, amount not to exceed $178,500
• Employment resolutions for Confidential, Professional/Technical/Supervisory, Recreation/Childcare, and Mid-Management employees (July 2021 – June 2025)
• Amendment to Piedmont Schedule of Fees for new SB 9 permit applications
• Approval of settlement agreements in National Prescription Opiate Litigation
• Updated Piedmont Sustainable Procurement Policy to comply with SB 1383 regulations

The City Council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included participation in the national opioid settlement and extension of teleconference meeting authority. Separately, it approved a new fee schedule for SB 9 housing applications and compensation resolutions for unrepresented labor groups. All votes were 4-0 with Councilmember Andersen absent. The discussion of an automated license plate reader agreement was not completed in the provided minutes.

• Approved consent calendar: opioid settlement, teleconference extension, meeting minutes, liaison assignments (4-0)
• Approved SB 9 housing fees: $1,980 for urban lot split, $2,000 for housing development application (4-0)
• Approved employment resolutions for unrepresented groups (Confidential, Professional/Technical/Supervisory, Recreation/Childcare, Mid Management) effective July 2021–June 2025 (4-0)

Park Commission Meeting (Virtual by Zoom)

The Piedmont Park Commission meeting consists of informational updates on several projects, including an electric vehicle charging town hall, the Highland-Guilford steps and handrail project, drought response in parks, tree removal for the San Carlos Avenue retaining wall improvement, the EBMUD pipeline replacement on Manor Drive, and the monthly maintenance report. No decisions or votes are scheduled; all items are for discussion only.

• Update on Public Electric Vehicle Charging Town Hall Meeting
• Update on Highland-Guilford Steps and Handrail Project
• Update on Drought Response in Parks and Open Spaces
• Update on Tree Removal for San Carlos Avenue Retaining Wall Improvement Project
• Update on EBMUD Pipeline Replacement Project on Manor Drive

The Commission received updates on the installation of four DC fast chargers on Magnolia Avenue and the upcoming Highland-Guilford Steps project. Staff reported that tree boxing for the San Carlos Avenue project will not be pursued due to cost and low survival probability. No formal votes were recorded during the meeting.

• Determined tree boxing for San Carlos Avenue Retaining Wall project will not be pursued
• Reviewed selection of four DC fast charger spaces on Magnolia Avenue for July 2022 operation
• Received update on Highland-Guilford Steps and Handrail project construction start in January 2022
• Received update on Manor Drive Pipeline Replacement project starting week of December 6

Park Commission Meeting (Virtual by Zoom)

The Park Commission will receive an informational update on the removal of eight Chinese Pistache trees and one Pittosporum to construct a retaining wall on San Carlos Avenue between Oakland and Magnolia Avenues. The City Council awarded the contract on August 16, 2021; replanting will occur after construction and the drought moratorium is lifted. No action is required on this or other items, which include updates on field maintenance, steps and handrails, and the EBMUD pipeline replacement.

• Update on removal of 9 trees for San Carlos Avenue retaining wall improvement project
• Update on yearly field maintenance for Hampton, Coaches, and Linda Beach fields
• Update on Highland-Guilford Steps and Handrail Project
• Update on EBMUD pipeline replacement project on Manor Drive
• Monthly maintenance report for parks, open space, and street trees in October 2021

The Park Commission approved the minutes from its October 6 meeting unanimously. Commissioners received updates on the San Carlos Avenue retaining wall improvement project, green infrastructure planning, sustainability programs, field maintenance, and infrastructure projects. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved October 6, 2021 meeting minutes (7-0)

Park Commission Meeting (Virtual by Zoom)

The Park Commission will receive updates on the California State Parks Prop. 68 Per Capita Grant, for which Piedmont is eligible for a combined $184,932. Other updates include the EBMUD pipeline replacement on Manor Drive, the Highland-Guilford steps and handrail project (bids due Oct 6), drought response in parks, and outreach on organics recycling. The meeting also covers the recent Harvest Festival and compost giveaway.

• Prop. 68 Per Capita Grant: Piedmont eligible for $177,952 (General) + $6,980 (Urban County) = $184,932 total
• EBMUD pipeline replacement project on Manor Drive – paving agreement nearly complete
• Highland-Guilford Steps and Handrail Project – bid opening scheduled for Oct 6, 2021
• Drought response update: preserving sequoia tree at Mountain and Bellevue Avenues, water reduction efforts
• Compost giveaway on Sept 18: 8 cubic yards distributed to 60+ residents; Harvest Festival achieved 80% diversion rate

The Park Commission approved the September 2021 meeting minutes and received updates on various park projects, including the EBMUD Manor Drive paving and Highland-Guilford Steps & Handrail construction. Staff reported on drought response, compost giveaways, and tree maintenance.

• Approved September 2021 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Received EBMUD Manor Drive project update (paving agreement finalized)
• Received Highland-Guilford Steps & Handrail project update (bids analyzed)
• Received Prop. 68 grant update (application due Dec 31, 2021)
• Received Parks Drought Response update (10% voluntary reduction requested)
• Received SB 1383 compost giveaway update (planned for Oct 23)
• Received Harvest Festival sustainability update (80% diversion rate)
• Received Healthy Landscapes Garden Tour update (13-14 gardens)

Park Commission Meeting (Virtual by Zoom)

The Piedmont Park Commission will meet virtually on September 1, 2021, to discuss several updates, including the EBMUD pipeline replacement project on Manor Drive, drought response in parks and open spaces, and the Highland-Guilford steps and handrail project involving a mature coast live oak. The commission will also consider approval of the August 4, 2021 meeting minutes and hear monthly maintenance reports.

• Approval of August 4, 2021 Park Commission minutes
• Update on Piedmont Connect's 'Living with Drought' webinar and Healthy Landscapes Garden Tour
• Update on EBMUD Pipeline Replacement Project on Manor Drive
• Update on Highland-Guilford Steps and Handrail Project and adjacent mature Coast Live Oak removal
• Update on SB1383 education and outreach on organics recycling

The Commission reviewed several project updates including EBMUD paving work and Highland-Guilford steps. Staff also provided updates on drought response, organic recycling requirements, and park maintenance.

• Approved August 4, 2021, meeting minutes (4-0)

Park Commission Meeting (Virtual by Zoom)

The Park Commission will hear updates on several park-related topics, including drought response, glyphosate regulation, and a pipeline replacement project. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and a monthly maintenance report.

• Update on EBMUD Pipeline Replacement Project on Manor Drive
• Update on Highland-Guilford Steps and Handrail Project and Adjacent Mature Coast Live Oak
• Update on Drought Response in Parks and Open Spaces
• Update on Regulation of Glyphosate Products in the City of Piedmont
• Approval of Park Commission Minutes for June 2, 2021

The Park Commission approved the minutes from the June 2, 2021 meeting. The meeting focused on informational updates, including a delay in the EBMUD pipeline project, likely removal of a Coast Live Oak at Highland-Guilford, voluntary water reduction, prohibition on banning glyphosate, heritage tree signage development, and a self-guided walking tour. No other decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of June 2, 2021 (5-0; Commissioners Brumfiel and Horner absent)

Park Commission Meeting (Virtual by Zoom)

The Park Commission will vote on a resident request to remove a street tree at 227 Magnolia Avenue due to root damage and safety hazards, with staff recommending approval and replacement with a Chinese Pistache. Commissioners will also receive updates on Dracena Park bridge vandalism repairs, the health of the Heritage Japanese Maple at the Tea House, and monthly park and street tree maintenance. The meeting includes public comment periods.

• Consideration of a request to remove street tree #27 at 227 Magnolia Ave; staff recommends approval and replacement with Chinese Pistache
• Update on repair of Becker bridge in Upper Dracena Park after recent vandalism, including installation of new copper caps
• Update on health of Heritage Japanese Maple at the Tea House, which showed branch dieback in April 2021
• Monthly maintenance report for May 2021 covering parks, open space, and street trees
• Approval of Park Commission minutes from May 5, 2021

The Park Commission approved the meeting minutes from May 5, 2021, and voted to remove a liquidambar tree at 227 Magnolia Avenue, replacing it with a Chinese pistache. The commission also decided to cancel the July 2021 meeting.

• Approved May 5, 2021 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved removal of liquidambar tree at 227 Magnolia Ave. (7-0)
• Approved planting Chinese pistache at 227 Magnolia Ave. (7-0)
• Decided not to schedule July 2021 meeting
• Discussed motion-detecting cameras for Dracena Park vandalism
• Discussed memorializing Heritage Tree after removal

Park Commission Meeting (Virtual by Zoom)

The Piedmont Park Commission will approve the minutes from its April 7 meeting, receive updates on Arbor Day, spring tree planting, and the April maintenance report, and consider adopting a design for Heritage Tree signage. The signage proposal includes aluminum posts and high‑pressure laminate plaques for selected heritage trees.

• Approval of Park Commission minutes for April 7, 2021
• Update on Arbor Day virtual celebration (April 30, 2021)
• Consideration and possible approval of Heritage Tree signage design
• Update on spring tree planting in city parks
• Monthly maintenance report for April 2021

The Park Commission approved the minutes from the April 7, 2021 meeting and received updates on Arbor Day celebrations, heritage tree signage, and spring tree planting. Staff reported on park maintenance and noted that green infrastructure work must be completed before traffic island concepts can be prepared.

• Approved April 7 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Received Arbor Day celebration update
• Received heritage tree signage update
• Received spring tree planting update
• Received monthly maintenance report
• Received green infrastructure update

Park Commission Meeting (Virtual by Zoom)

The Park Commission will consider approving 2021 Heritage Tree nominations, hear updates on the Piedmont Garden Club's native plantings at the Highland-Guilford Steps, and receive reports on Arbor Day plans and Proposition 68 grant opportunities. The meeting also includes election of chair and vice chair and a monthly maintenance report.

• Consideration and approval of Heritage Tree nominations for 2021
• Election of Park Commission Chair and Vice Chair
• Update on Piedmont Garden Club donation for native plantings at Highland-Guilford Steps and Handrail Project
• Update on virtual Arbor Day celebration on April 30, 2021
• Update on Park Funding Opportunities through Proposition 68 Grants for Linda Beach Master Plan

The Park Commission elected Patty Dunlap as Chairperson and Eileen Ruby as Vice Chairperson. The Commission also approved five specific locations for 2021 Heritage Tree designations.

• Approved March 3, 2021 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Elected Patty Dunlap as Chairperson (6-0)
• Elected Eileen Ruby as Vice Chairperson (6-0)
• Approved 2021 Heritage Tree designations for five locations (7-0)

Park Commission Meeting (Virtual by Zoom)

The Park Commission will decide on a request by the Piedmont Garden Club to install temporary flash flower arrangements in parks and civic spaces. They will also hear a report on Manor Drive tree assessment, and receive updates on heritage tree nominations, virtual Arbor Day 2021, Proposition 68 grant funding, and the Highland-Guilford Steps handrail and lighting project. Approval of February minutes and a monthly maintenance report are also on the agenda.

• Consideration of Piedmont Garden Club request for temporary flash flower arrangements in parks and civic spaces
• Receipt of report on Manor Drive Tree Assessment
• Update on Heritage Tree Nominations for 2021
• Update on Park Funding Opportunities through Proposition 68 Grants
• Update on Highland-Guilford Steps Handrail & Lighting Project

The commission approved the Piedmont Garden Club's request to install temporary flower arrangements in city parks and civic spaces, with Chairperson Dunlap recusing herself from the vote. It also approved the February 3, 2021 meeting minutes. Staff reported on tree assessments for a water main replacement project, heritage tree nominations, and a planned Prop. 68 grant application for Phase 1 of the Linda Beach Master Plan.

• Approved Piedmont Garden Club temporary flower arrangements (6-0-1 abstention)
• Approved Park Commission minutes for February 3, 2021 (6-0)

Park Commission Meeting (Virtual by Zoom)

The Park Commission will hold a virtual meeting to receive updates on several park‑related topics. Items include sustainable practices, heritage tree nominations, a virtual Arbor Day celebration, Proposition 68 grant opportunities, and the Highland‑Guilford Steps handrail and lighting project. The commission will also hear about a garden‑club donation, COVID‑19 impacts on parks, and the monthly maintenance report. No formal actions are listed; the agenda consists of informational updates.

• Highland‑Guilford Steps Handrail & Lighting Project – Piedmont Beautification Foundation has raised about $40,000; next step is to obtain cost estimates
• Park Funding Opportunities through Proposition 68 Grants
• Sustainable Practices update for city parks and open spaces
• Heritage Tree Nominations update for 2021
• Piedmont Garden Club 2020 Civic Project Donation update

The Park Commission approved minutes from November 2020 and January 2021. Staff reported on sustainability initiatives, grant opportunities, and maintenance updates. The Commission discussed plans for a virtual Arbor Day celebration.

• Approved minutes for Nov 4, 2020 and Jan 6, 2021 (6-0)
• Nominations for 2021 Heritage Tree designation open until March 19
• City to apply for Proposition 68 grant for Linda Beach Phase 1
• KCOM to prepare video of Heritage Tree winners for Arbor Day
• Street tree pruning contract to begin February 16, 2021

Park Commission Meeting (Virtual by Zoom)

The Park Commission will receive several project updates during this meeting. Discussions include the status of city maintenance, tree signage, and the impacts of COVID-19 on park regulations.

• Update on the appointment of a new Director of Public Works
• Update on Heritage Tree Signage
• Update on drought stress on Piedmont’s urban forest
• Update on Highland-Guilford Steps handrail and lighting project
• Update on Manor Drive East Bay Municipal Utility District pipe replacement project

The Commission reviewed reports on drought impacts to the urban forest and the status of heritage tree signage. Staff provided updates on a water main project on Manor Drive and fundraising for the Highland-Guilford Steps project. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded.