Los Altos Hills public meetings in 2022

History Committee

The committee discussed whether to take over oversight duties for the 'Our Town' history and culture publication. Members requested more information regarding contracts, budget, and specific responsibilities. The matter was tabled for the January meeting.

• Tabled decision on accepting 'Our Town' oversight duties pending more information
• Added clarifications to previously adopted committee goals and priorities

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission voted against rescinding a previously approved Site Development Permit for a pool and spa at 25600 Frampton Court. Two public hearing appeals regarding properties on Mora Drive were continued to uncertain dates.

• Denied motion to rescind Site Development Permit for pool and spa at 25600 Frampton Court (2-3)
• Continued appeal for 10728 Mora Drive to a date uncertain
• Continued appeal for 10758 Mora Drive to a date uncertain
• Approved landscape screening permit for 24160 Dawnridge Drive (reported from Dec 13 meeting)
• Approved pool and spa permit for 27772 Lupine Road (reported from Dec 13 meeting)
• Continued landscape screening permit for 27983 Central Drive to a date uncertain (reported from Dec 13 meeting)

Community Relations Committee

The Committee unanimously approved a proposal urging the City Council to abandon a draft Code of Conduct and Form 700 financial disclosure requirements. Members stated these requirements are unnecessary and would deter residents from volunteering.

• Approved proposal to reject the October 20, 2022 Draft Code of Conduct (Unanimous)
• Approved proposal to reject Form 700 financial disclosure requirements (Unanimous)

City Council

The City Council reorganized its leadership, electing a new Mayor and Vice Mayor. The Council also approved a consent calendar containing several resolutions and adopted two ordinances regarding leaf blowers and building standards.

• Appointed Linda Swan as Mayor (5-0)
• Appointed Stanley Q. Mok as Vice Mayor (5-0)
• Approved Consent Calendar including $1,202,443.66 in disbursements (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 606 regulating the use of leaf blowers (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 607 amending Residential and Fire Codes to include 2022 California Building Standards Code (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 114-22 accepting right-of-way dedication at 13051 La Paloma Road (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 115-22 to advertise RPFs for multi-family zoning and Housing Element EIR (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 116-22 for the purchase of a mini track loader and accessories (5-0)

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The Environmental Design and Protection Committee regular meeting scheduled for December 13, 2022 has been cancelled.

Finance & Investment Committee

The Committee approved the minutes from November 7, 2022, and unanimously affirmed a ranked list of top three priorities for the 2023 calendar year. Members reviewed the September 30, 2022 quarterly investment report and discussed proposed changes to the Town's investment policy.

• Approved November 7, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Affirmed 2023 calendar year top three priorities list (unanimous among members present)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved the continuation of virtual meetings via teleconference. The commission held a study session to discuss Zoning Ordinance amendments related to California Senate Bill 9 (SB9), but no motions were made regarding those amendments.

• Approved continuing virtual meetings via teleconference (5-0)
• Approved December 1, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes (3-0-2)
• Continued site development permit for 10701 Magdalena Road to a date uncertain

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The Environmental Design and Protection Committee will hold an information session with grass ecology expert John Greenlee, who will discuss low-water-use, ecologically friendly California native grass options for lawns and play areas. No decisions or votes are scheduled.

• Information session with John Greenlee, author of 'The American Meadow Garden', on native grass options for lawns and play areas

Open Space Committee

The Committee approved specific open space easement and landscaping recommendations for two property reviews. It also endorsed a native plant list for landscape screening and adopted its priorities and objectives for 2023.

• Approved recommendations for 14215 Amherst Court including ADU slope limits and Stinkwort removal (Unanimous)
• Approved recommendations for 12864 Viscaino Road regarding an Open Space Easement and native planting (Unanimous)
• Endorsed native plants for landscape screening document and forwarded to planning staff (Unanimous)
• Accepted 2023 priorities to update Fence and Tree Ordinances and manage invasive plants (Unanimous)
• Accepted 2023 objectives for staff support, open space management, and public education (Unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes from 10/12/22 (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved two 10-year renewals for wireless telecommunications facilities and two site development permits for residential improvements. The commission also voted to continue meeting virtually via teleconference.

• Approved 10-year wireless facility permit renewal at 2350 Old Page Mill Road (3-0)
• Approved 10-year wireless facility permit renewal at 27400 Purissima Road (3-0)
• Approved Site Development Permit for landscape screening at 25788 Bassett Lane (3-0)
• Approved Site Development Permit for pool and spa at 25600 Frampton Court, including fence spike removal (2-1)
• Approved motion to continue virtual teleconference meetings (3-0)
• Approved November 3, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes (3-0)

City Council

The City Council met for a special session to conduct a public employee performance evaluation for the City Manager. No reportable actions resulted from the closed session.

Pathways Committee

The committee approved goals for 2023, including the installation of 3-3.6 miles of new pathways and the creation of a maintenance plan. Members also approved route options for the New Year's Day Pathway Walk and voted to cancel the December 26 meeting.

• Approved October 24, 2022 minutes
• Approved collecting fee for 14215 Amherst Court property review
• Approved route options for New Year's Day Pathway Walk
• Approved 2023 goals: install 3-3.6 miles of new pathways and create a maintenance plan
• Approved cancellation of December 26 meeting

Community Relations Committee

The Committee approved the date and time for the next new resident reception. Members also selected an invitation design and formed a catering subcommittee. No committee meeting will be held in December.

• Approved new resident reception for March 5, 1 PM to 3 PM in Council chambers (unanimous)
• Approved prior meeting minutes (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Selected invitation design by consensus
• Established catering subcommittee consisting of Maddie Cheng, April Anair, and Roy Woolsey
• Approved cancellation of December committee meeting (unanimous)
• Scheduled special meeting for January 17

City Council

The City Council introduced an ordinance regulating leaf blower use and approved a two-lot subdivision at 27600 Altamont Road. The council also denied a landscape screening appeal for a residence on Amigos Court and appointed seven members to the Youth Commission.

• Appointed 7 members to the Youth Commission (4-0-1)
• Approved Consent Calendar including $3,165,166 in October disbursements (4-0-1)
• Adopted Ordinance 604 requiring electrification of new residential buildings (4-0-1)
• Adopted Ordinance 605 adopting 2022 California Building Standards Code (4-0-1)
• Approved Resolution 109-22 E-Signature Policy (4-0-1)
• Approved Resolution 110-22 updating employee work week and counter hours (4-0-1)
• Introduced Ordinance 606 regulating leaf blower use (4-0-1)
• Approved two-lot subdivision at 27600 Altamont Road (4-0-1)

Technology Committee

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the September 14, 2022 meeting and voted to send consolidated comments on the draft LAH IT policy to the council for the January 2023 meeting. Members also discussed potential 2023 goals regarding crime prevention, microgrids, and broadband.

• Approved 9/14/2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved sending draft LAH IT policy comments to the council for January 2023 (unanimous)

History Committee

The committee conducted a tour of the Bridgemen Stevenson Home at 13581 Robleda Road. No formal legislative actions or votes were taken during this special meeting.

History Committee

The Committee approved a draft of its 2023 goals. Members also reviewed proposed facility improvements for the Heritage House and discussed the Griffin House renovation and Stegner Exhibit.

• Approved September 20, 2020 minutes with spelling corrections (4-0)
• Approved October 18, 2022 minutes with corrections (4-0)
• Approved draft 2023 goals (4-0)
• Agreed to have John Swan speak regarding the Stegner Exhibit at the January meeting

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The Environmental Design & Protection Committee will discuss old business items including a native plant garden, water conservation, wildlife corridors/fence ordinance, and signage for heritage trees in Byrne Preserve. New business includes approving past meeting minutes, setting 2023 goals, reviewing City Council changes to standing committees, and discussing redwoods and native plants for hedges. The committee will also review field trip reports and site development items.

• Wildlife corridors/fence ordinance discussion
• Signage for heritage trees in Byrne Preserve
• Review of City Council changes to Standing Committees Resolution and Code of Conduct
• Field trip reports: 12805 Deer Creek Lane, 12864 Viscaino Road, 13781 Ciceroni Lane, Cal Water Facility
• Site development reviews: 26321 Alexander Place, 24151 Dawnridge Drive, 26724 Palo Hills Drive

The Environmental Design and Protection Committee approved a draft of goals for 2023. The committee also approved landscape screening and fence projects for three specific residential addresses. Meeting minutes from August and October were approved.

• Approved draft of goals for 2023 (6-0)
• Approved October 11, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved August 26, 2022 special meeting minutes (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved new residence and pool at 26321 Alexander Place
• Approved landscape screening and new fence at 24151 Dawnridge Drive
• Approved landscape screening and fence at 26724 Palo Hills Drive

Finance & Investment Committee

The Finance and Investment Committee approved a ranked list of three priorities concerning building fees and sewer charges. The committee also reviewed the draft June 30, 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).

• Approved October 3, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Ranked priority 1: Review, analysis and audit of Building Fees charged, overpaid, and refunds due
• Ranked priority 2: Completion of new CAP and Building Fee studies including prospective rates
• Ranked priority 3: Engage consultant to review PA and LA Sewer Processing and Conveyance Charges

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved site development permits for projects at Natoma Road, Ascension Drive, and Altamont Road. The Commission also formally supported naming a pathway after former Planning Commissioner Art Lachenbruch.

• Approved Site Development Permit for 28010 Natoma Road to convert an accessory structure into a residence (5-0)
• Approved Site Development Permit and Grading Policy exception for 26405 Ascension Drive (5-0)
• Approved Site Development Permit and Grading Policy exception for 27600 Altamont Road (4-0-1)
• Approved support for naming a pathway in honor of Art Lachenbruch (5-0)
• Approved October 6, 2022 meeting minutes and continuation of virtual meetings (5-0)
• Approved Site Development Permit for 26321 Alexander Place (reported from Oct 18 meeting)
• Approved Site Development Permit for 24151 Dawnridge Drive (reported from Nov 1 meeting)

Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the October 11, 2022 meeting and adopted four goals as presented by the Goals Setting Sub-committee. Members also discussed a recent staff-only EOC drill and reviewed pending action items regarding equipment and infrastructure.

• Approved minutes of the October 11, 2022 meeting
• Adopted 4 goals as stated

Environmental Initiatives Committee

The committee approved its 2023 priorities, including GHG inventory and reach codes for existing buildings. It also approved a proposal for telecom companies to use renewable diesel for backup generators on town poles. Minutes from the September and October 14 meetings were approved.

• Approved September and October 14 meeting minutes (All in favor, 1 abstention)
• Approved proposal for telecom pole generators to use renewable diesel, increase penalties for non-compliance, and encourage SVCE energy use (Passed, 1 opposed)
• Approved 2023 priorities including GHG inventory, reach codes for existing buildings, and permitting monitoring (Unanimous)

City Council

The Joint City Council and Planning Commission decided to submit the draft housing element update and RHNA numbers report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for a 90-day review. The submission includes updated appendices as noted by the Planning Director.

• Approved submission of RHNA numbers report and draft housing element to HCD (5-0)

Community Relations Committee

The committee unanimously approved its goals for 2023, which include organizing a town picnic, a TEDx event, and newcomer outreach. Members also discussed the town's code of conduct and the bidding process for the Our Town magazine.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2023 goals including town picnic, TEDx, newcomer letters/party, and resident outreach (unanimous)
• Decided to shelve discussion on the code of conduct until January

Pathways Committee

The committee voted to table discussion on the blocked pathway at 28545 Matadero Creek Lane after motions to rescind a previous motion and abandon the old path failed. A motion to table the item passed unanimously. The committee also approved allowing Bob Elson to present a status report on prioritizing off-road paths to the City Council in November.

• Approved minutes of September 26, 2022 (7-0-1, SW abstained)
• Tabled discussion on blocked pathway at 28545 Matadero Creek Lane (8-0)
• Approved Bob Elson to present path prioritization status to City Council in November (8-0)
• Motion to rescind previous motion on Matadero Creek property failed (3-4)
• Motion to abandon old path but not easement at Matadero Creek failed (4-4)

Joint Los Altos - Los Altos Hills Community Volunteer Service Awards

The committee selected nine honorees for the 2022 Community Volunteer Service Awards and finalized luncheon logistics. No public comment was received. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved without changes.

• Approved minutes from September 12, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Selected 9 award winners: Ann Duwe, Cindy Hill, Deborah Baker, Edward Taft, Frank Verlot, Maria Liu, Michele Barnett Gaskill, Steve Apfelberg, Sue Welch
• Set next meeting for November 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
• Noted $5,821.56 in bank account after receiving city checks
• Planned to open ticket sales on Eventbrite, closing November 21

City Council

The City Council introduced two ordinances: one requiring electrification and EV-ready construction for new residential buildings, and another adopting the 2022 California Building Standards Code with local amendments. Both passed 5-0 on first reading. The Council also approved a solid waste franchise agreement change, a flag display policy, and directed staff to gather committee feedback on proposed standing committee reforms.

• Introduced Ordinance 604 requiring electrification and EV-ready construction for new homes (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 605 adopting 2022 California Building Standards Code with local amendments (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 101-22 authorizing changes to the solid waste franchise agreement (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 102-22 establishing a policy for ceremonial and commemorative flag displays (5-0)
• Directed staff to create a process for committee comments on proposed standing committee reforms (5-0)
• Approved building permit fee audit and potential refunds, plus a new cost allocation study (5-0)
• Reappointed Ying Liu and appointed Sara Farr to the Parks and Recreation Committee (5-0 each)
• Approved consent calendar including $1.93M in disbursements and 20 other items (5-0)

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The committee will review the status of its 2022 goals and prepare for 2023 goal setting. Members will also review field trip reports regarding properties on Purissima Road and Frampton Court.

• Status of 2022 goals and preparation for 2023 goal setting
• Field trip report: 26481 Purissima Road – Basketball Court and Field
• Field trip report: 25600 Frampton Court – New Pool, Spa, and Pool Equipment
• Discussion of Native Plant Garden, Water Conservation, and Wildlife Corridors/Fence Ordinance

Subcommittee Meetings

The Subcommittee on Fence Ordinance is meeting to review proposed fencing standards. Discussion includes wildlife friendly fencing designs, habitat metrics, and potential restrictions on various types of fencing.

• Proposed design of wildlife friendly fencing
• Proposed wildlife habitat metrics
• Proposed restrictions to non-wildlife friendly fencing
• Proposed restrictions for any fencing
• General document cleanup and improvements

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The Special Subcommittee on Fence Ordinance is meeting to review proposed fencing standards. Discussions include wildlife friendly fencing designs, habitat metrics, and potential restrictions on various types of fencing.

• Proposed design of wildlife friendly fencing
• Proposed wildlife habitat metrics
• Proposed restrictions to non-wildlife friendly fencing
• Proposed restrictions for any fencing
• General document cleanup and improvements for permitting and noticing

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

A special subcommittee comprising members from the Open Space Committee, Environmental Design and Protection Committee, and Planning Commission is meeting to review fence regulations. The group will discuss designs and restrictions for wildlife-friendly fencing and habitat metrics.

• Proposed design of wildlife friendly fencing
• Proposed wildlife habitat metrics
• Proposed restrictions to non-wildlife friendly fencing
• Proposed restrictions for any fencing
• Guidelines for permitting and noticing

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss old business regarding native plant gardens, wildlife corridors, and heritage tree signage. The body will review reports from field trips and site development meetings for several residential properties. Other agenda items include water conservation and the Housing Element.

• Review of field trip reports for 24151 Dawnridge Drive, 27385 Deer Springs Way, 24020 Oak Knoll Circle, 27360 Elena Road, 25215 La Loma Road, and 26321 Alexander Place
• Review of site development for 24490 Amigos Court, 26455 Saint Francis Road, 12187 Kate Drive, and 27385 Deer Springs Way
• Discussion of Wildlife Corridors/Fence Ordinance
• Discussion of Signage for the Heritage Trees in Byrne Preserve
• Discussion of Water Conservation and Housing Element

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The Environmental Design and Protection Committee and Open Space Committee are holding a special meeting consisting of a walking tour at the Woodside Library Native Garden. The meeting will adjourn immediately following the tour.

• Tour of the Native Plant Garden at 3140 Woodside Rd

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The committee is discussing environmental protections, including artificial turf and wildlife corridors. Members are reviewing site development projects and field trip reports for several residential addresses.

• Discussion on artificial turf
• Review of wildlife corridors and fence ordinance
• Site development review for 26685 Purissima Road (landscape screening)
• Site development review for 27577 Samuel Lane (swimming pool and spa)
• Review of 26880 Ortega Drive major addition

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The committee will elect officers for the upcoming year and review various site development reports. Discussion items include water conservation, wildlife corridors, outdoor lighting policy, and concerns regarding prior lot grading.

• Election of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary
• Review of field trip reports for 10701 Magdalena Ave., 26455 Saint Francis Drive, 12051 Moody Springs Court, 26724 Palo Hills Dr., and 27474 Sunrise Farm Rd.
• Site development review for 13673 La Paloma Road (Approved)
• Site development review for 28010 Natoma Road (Continued)
• Site development review for 13830 Page Mill Road (Approved), 12023 Adobe Creek Lodge Road (Approved), and 13051 La Paloma Road (Approved)

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The committee is meeting to review field trip reports and site development projects. The agenda includes discussions on water conservation, wildlife corridors, and heritage trees in Byrne Preserve.

• Review of field trip reports for 26926 W. Fremont Ave., 26885 Purissima Rd., 25725 Altamont Rd., 25811 Estacada Dr., 25788 Bassett Ln., and 14422 Liddicoat Cr.
• Review of site development and fast tracks for 13940 La Paloma Rd., 24752 Olive Tree Ln., 26296 Fremont Rd., 24005 Oak Knoll Cr., and 12815 Deer Cr.
• Discussion of water conservation and native plant gardens
• Discussion of wildlife corridors
• Discussion of heritage trees in Byrne Preserve

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The Environmental Initiatives Committee is meeting to review reach codes and the implementation of the Climate Action Plan. The body will also discuss a facilities needs assessment and committee participation in upcoming town events.

• Discussion of reach codes
• Facilities Needs Assessment by Town Staff
• Update on Climate Action Plan Implementation
• EIC participation at the town picnic on June 5, 2022
• Submissions for the Fall/Winter Activity Guide

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The committee will review field trip reports and site development items. The agenda also includes discussions on water conservation, wildlife corridors, and heritage trees in Byrne Preserve.

• Review of field trip reports for properties on Altamont Road, Oak Knoll Circle, La Rena, Amigos Court, Camino Hermoso Drive, and Alejandro Drive
• Review of site development/fast tracks for La Paloma Road, Viscaino Road, and La Cresta Drive
• Discussion of Water Conservation / Native Plant Garden
• Discussion of Wildlife Corridors
• Discussion of Heritage Trees in Byrne Preserve

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The committee will review field trip reports and site development items. Discussion topics include water conservation, wildlife corridors, and tree protection.

• Review of field trip reports for Westwind Way, Ortega Drive, Miranda Rd, Deer Springs Way, and La Paloma Road
• Site Development: Height Increase at 26626 Westwind Way (approved)
• Site Development: Landscape Screening at 12930 La Cresta Drive (approved)
• Site Development: New residence at 25959 Alicante Lane
• Discussion of Water Conservation/Native Plant Garden, Wildlife Corridors, and Tree Protection

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The Environmental Design and Protection Committee and Open Space Committee are meeting to establish goals for 2022. Discussion includes wildlife corridor protection, tree ordinances, and resident education.

• Grassroots Ecology presentation
• Fence Ordinance and wildlife corridors
• Tree Protection Ordinance
• Native Plant Garden at Town Hall
• SB9 and RHNA discussion

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss ongoing business including water conservation, exterior lighting, and wildlife corridors. The session includes reviews of Planning Commission and City Council meeting reports.

• Water conservation discussion
• Goals and priorities for 2022
• Wildlife corridors and fences
• Heritage trees in Byrne Preserve
• Exterior lighting

Environmental Design & Protection Committee

The committee will discuss water conservation, wildlife corridors, and heritage trees in Byrne Preserve. Members will also review field trip reports and site development updates.

• Discussion of Heritage Trees in Byrne Preserve
• Review of Field Trip Report for 25240 Cantata Way
• Review of Site Development and Fast Tracks from December 21, 2021