City Manager Weekly Update - May 12, 2017

Drought Restrictions and Water Conservation Updates
The drought is declared over and yet Californians are urged to continue water conservation measures. A common question from residents, “what does the City’s local water retailer, California Water Service require of residents?” To assist citizens, the City’s website on water conservation has been updated. In summary:

Prohibited Uses of Water

Pursuant to a resolution adopted by the California Public Utilities Commission on April 9, 2015, and the State Water Resources Control Board in March 2015, Cal Water wants to ensure our customers are aware of the following prohibited uses of water:

• Applying water to outdoor landscapes that causes runoff onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures
• Using a hose to wash motor vehicles unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle or device that causes it to cease dispensing water immediately when not in use
• Applying water to driveways and sidewalks
• Using water in a fountain or other decorative water feature, except where the water is part of a recirculating system
• Applying water to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall
• Using potable water to irrigate outside of new construction without drip or microspray systems
• Using potable water on street medians
• Filling or refilling ornamental lakes or ponds except to sustain existing aquatic life

Additional Water Use Restrictions

• Customers must fix leaks within their control within five business days of notification
• Hotel/motel operators must provide option to not have towels or linens laundered daily during a guest’s stay, and must provide clear notice of this option in easy-to-understand language
• Restaurants and other eating and drinking establishments may only serve drinking water upon request (If you are a restaurant operator and would like table tents to explain this restriction, please contact Cal Water’s Conservation Department.)

For more information, visit losaltosca.gov/Drought. 

Community Development

Affordable Housing
The City Council reviewed the Housing Element of the General Plan this week and discussed opportunities to foster affordable residential units in the City. Next will be a review of the underutilized sites in the Housing Element and further evaluation of the constraints and opportunities associated with each site to identify those that might provide housing opportunities.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations
The City Council at its meeting on May 9, 2017 considered amendments to the accessory dwelling unit regulations. The changes include a reduction in the minimum lot size requirement to 10,000 square feet to establish an accessory dwelling unit. There were several other modifications to the code amendments that Council directed staff to make. The revised code will be brought back to the City Council for consideration at their next meeting on May 23, 2017. To be notified of upcoming City Council meetings, subscribe to the City Council email list at losaltosca.gov/enotify. 

Police

Bike to Work Day
Los Altos Police were pleased to support Bike to Work Day activities on Thursday, May 11, 2017, which marked the San Francisco Bay Area’s 23rd annual Bike to Work Day. Officers joined members of the Los Altos Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC), which coordinated an “energizer station” at Lincoln Park to greet and count riders along Foothill Expressway. Over 540 bicyclists passed by and 79 visited the station. Mayor Prochnow, Councilmember Bruins, Bicycle Officers, along with other city employees, stopped by for food, photos and fun discussing bicycle and pedestrian safety. 

Recreation & Community Services

Youth Commission Teen Friendly Business Award
Congratulations to the 2017 winner of the Teen Friendly Business Award, Teaspoon Specialty Tea, as selected by the Los Altos Youth Commission. The Youth Commission visited and evaluated several Los Altos businesses that provide a popular service to the teens in Los Altos. After in-depth discussion, the Los Altos Youth Commission selected Teaspoon as the 2017 winner.

New Recreation Supervisor
The City is very pleased to welcome new Recreation Supervisor, Bridget Matheson, who started working for the Recreation & Community Services Department on May 11, 2017. Bridget has 13 years of recreation experience and has spent the last ten years as the Recreation Services Coordinator for the City of Menlo Park. She has expertise in many aspects of the recreation profession and most recently was the main staff member overseeing the Onetta Harris Community Center in the Belle Haven area of Menlo Park. In Los Altos, Bridget will be supervising recreation programs and special events.

Public Works

Sewer System Management Plan Update and Audit
Staff from the Engineering and Maintenance Divisions worked together with Humphrey Consulting to perform an update and audit of the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). These documents have been completed and have been posted to the City’s website. 

This week Humphrey Consulting provided a training presentation on the SSMP update and audit to the sewer maintenance team at the Municipal Service Center.

National River Cleanup Day
This year, National River Cleanup Day will take place on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. There are currently 46 cleanup sites to pick from throughout Santa Clara County. The City of Los Altos is seeking volunteers to lend a hand and keep our local creeks litter-free. This is a great opportunity for students who are in need of volunteer hours as well as individuals who simply want to give back to the community.