City Manager Weekly Update - March 31, 2017
City Clerk
New Public Art Sculpture Installed
A new sculpture entitled Shlama – Aramaic for “peace” – was installed in Lincoln Park on Thursday, March 30, 2017. An unveiling event is scheduled for the afternoon of April 1, 2017. The sculpture was donated to the City from the Los Altos Hills-based Assyrian Arts Institute.
Community Development
Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulation Revision
The accessory dwelling unit regulations (secondary dwelling units) are in the process of being updated to reflect recent changes to State law. On Thursday, April 6, 2017, the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) will hold a public hearing on the proposed amendments to City’s rules on these accessory dwelling units. The PTC’s review of these amendments will lead to a recommendation to the City Council, which is projected to review these amendments in May of this year.
Loyola Corners Specific Plan Study Session
At a study session on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, the City Council and Planning and Transportation Commission heard a presentation from the economist that conducted a study of the area and considered amendments to the Loyola Corners Specific Plan. In addition to evaluating economic conditions, the economist developed several recommendations intended to guide change to Loyola Corners in the future. Numerous residents that live in the area spoke to the changes and given the hour – the City Council and Planning and Transportation Commission voted to continue the discussion of the specific plan to a future meeting so they would have an opportunity to ask additional questions of the economist and discuss the plan in more detail. This meeting is set to take place on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Meeting Chambers at Los Altos City Hall, 1 N San Antonio Road.
Historic Preservation Award
The City of Los Altos Historical Commission is accepting nominations for the City’s Historic Preservation Award. Nominations for this award will be accepted through April 19, 2017. The Historic Preservation Award was established in 2012 and is intended to recognize individuals, groups, organizations or projects that exemplify the spirit of historic preservation in the City of Los Altos. The Historic Preservation Award serves to encourages public knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the City’s past while fostering civic and neighborhood pride. Past award recipients include Don MacDonald, Marion Grimm (honored posthumously), Margaret Thompson, the late Bob Grimm and former Councilmember Valorie Cook Carpenter. For more information and nomination forms, click here.
Building Inspector Search Continues
Interviews for a building inspector are on the horizon. The Building Division has an open inspector position and the recruitment process has yielded some good candidates to interview. Inspectors have been giving their all to maintain quality customer service considering the high level of development activity. An addition to their ranks will be welcome when an inspector is selected to join the team.
Economic Development
Downtown Green
The Los Altos City Council has approved the return of the Downtown Green, a pop-up park previously hosted during the summer months on Third and State Streets. The 2017 Downtown Green will be located on Third Street between Main and State Streets from the second week of July to September 1, 2017 and will be approximately 14,000 SF. Bringing the Green into the heart of Downtown will enhance its visibility, scope and range of available activities.
Cycle Saturday
Cycle Saturday is coming up on Saturday, April 8, 2017. Please come and take advantage of the bike valet stations that will be set up throughout downtown from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Spring is here so get on your bikes and ride!
Police
Allied Agency Traffic Enforcement
The Police Department hosted an allied agency traffic enforcement detail on Wednesday, March 29, 2017. This high visibility traffic enforcement operation is the result of successful partnerships with several neighboring law enforcement agencies in Santa Clara County. Twenty-seven Officers were working traffic enforcement across the City at once. Enforcement was focused on pedestrian and bicycle violations as well as unsafe speed, particularly in school zones. Television reporter Stanley Roberts from KRON 4 News accompanied Officers in the field and covered the joint effort in a news segment that aired yesterday.
Schedule a Complimentary Home Security Inspection
The Los Altos Police Department is pleased to offer complimentary Home Security Inspections as part of our Crime Prevention Program. While no home is “burglar-proof”, identifying security weaknesses and correcting vulnerabilities can discourage burglars from targeting your home. During a Home Security Inspection, an Officer will meet one-on-one with you to survey both the interior and exterior of your home. The Officer will note any areas where security risks exist and provide tips to address areas of weakness. Reduce your risk of being the victim of a burglary and schedule a Home Security Inspection today by calling (650) 947-2775. You may also review helpful tips in our Home Security Handbook.
Congratulations Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Graduates
The Los Altos Police Department is pleased to announce the most recent Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) graduation under the instruction of the Santa Clara County Fire Department. The class of dedicated residents set aside personal time for 3 weeks, learning emergency response skills to supplement first responders in the event of an emergency. Los Altos Police Captain Scott McCrossin joined Santa Clara County Fire Captain Shanna Kuempel and Mayor Gary Waldeck of the Town of Los Altos Hills to express appreciation to the group at the graduation ceremony. The lead instructor, Jim Yoke of Santa Clara County Fire Department Community Education Division, yielded sentimental applause and expressions of gratitude after the ceremony. Special thanks to Los Altos High School students who volunteered to be “victims” for the final training scenario exercises.
Public Works
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event
On April 15, 2017, Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste Program will host a Recycling and Disposal Event in Los Altos. Drop-off may be made by appointment only; call (408) 299-7300 or visit hhw.org. Acceptable items include Latex/Oil-based Paint, Motor Oil/Auto Fluids, Garden and Pool Chemicals, Cleaners, Batteries, Flammable Fluids, and Fluorescents.
Bid - City Hall HVAC Upgrades
Engineering has issued a bid for the replacement of HVAC equipment at City Hall. The existing HVAC equipment has reached the end of its useful life and needs replacement. New equipment is expected to be more reliable and energy efficient. Bids are due on April 20, 2017 and work is expected to occur in the late Spring/early Summer.
Grant Park Center Multipurpose Room Painting
Metro Structural Painting has been awarded the contract for the interior painting of the Grant Park Community Center multipurpose room. The painting is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 6, 2017 and be completed by Tuesday, April 11.
Downtown Flower Planting
The Parks Crew planted flowers in all the pots in downtown this week. We hope you will come enjoy the new spring colors in the downtown!
