City Manager Weekly Update - October 28, 2016
Assistant City Manager
Aircraft Noise Update
The City Council spent several hours discussing aircraft noise at their October 25, 2016 meeting. Councilmember Mordo, an alternate on the Select Committee, provided an overview of the aircraft noise topic and expressed his desire to support one proposed ground track alternative, the notional DAVYJ route. Los Altos Hills Councilmember Gary Waldeck, who is a member of the Select Committee, also presented information to the City Council, which was followed by comments from the public. Based on the information available to date and the Federal Aviation Administration’s assessment, the City Council moved to have Mayor Bruins send a letter in support of the DAVYJ flight path to County Supervisor Joe Simitian, Chairman of the Select Committee and copies to the three Bay Area Congress members who formed the Select Committee.
The Select Committee will meet on November 3 from from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Palo Alto City Hall to hear public comment and discussion of the draft recommendations. They will meet again on November 17 where they will continue to discuss and are expected to adopt the final recommendations to be sent to Congress members Eshoo, Farr and Speier. For more information regarding this topic, visit Congressmember Eshoo's website.
City Clerk
Early Voting
The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters encourages those with absentee or permanent vote by mail ballots to vote early. Several convenient ballot drop-off locations are available across the County. Additionally, ballot drop boxes are available at City Hall during office hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The deadline to drop off ballots at City Hall is 5:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 8. Additionally, 24-hour ballot drop boxes are located outside the two County libraries in Los Altos: 1) Los Altos Main Library located at 13 S San Antonio Road, and 2) Woodland Branch Library located at 1975 Grant Road. You may drop your ballot in either of the 24-hour drop boxes until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Community Development
Tree at 401 University Avenue to Be Removed
A large fir tree at 401 University Avenue is slated for removal. The tree, which has been inspected by a certified arborist, has started to decline and given its proximity to existing buildings and pedestrian paths presents a potential hazard. The arborist noted the tree is suffering from a beetle infestation and other ailments and has started to lean, which is an indicator of poor root support. As with other tree removal permit applications, a condition of approval will require appropriate replacement planting on-site.
Historical Commission Develops Recommendations
In response to a request from the City Council, the Historical Commission has developed recommendations regarding the appropriate number of commissioners, whether it should be a requirement to reside within the city limits to be a commissioner, and what qualifications were needed to be a successful commissioner. Among the recommendations are that seven is an adequate number of commissioners because it provides flexibility and “depth on the bench,” residency should not necessarily be a qualification for a commissioner, and that a willingness to learn was a skill that made for a good commissioner, so long as it was coupled with adequate training at the start of a new commissioner’s tenure.
Planning Staff Attends California Planning Conference
Planning staff was in attendance at the annual American Planning Association conference this week. This provided numerous training opportunities and a chance to learn about some of the newest statewide trends in land use planning. One featured session was on the State’s Density Bonus regulations. This session provided some insight by the State’s leading practitioners on these laws, which will be beneficial as staff begins its review and update to the City’s own Density Bonus rules.
Police
Pumpkin Carving with a Cop Happening Tomorrow
Officers are looking forward to carving pumpkins with you at tomorrow’s Pumpkin Carving with a Cop event at the Los Altos Youth Center! Join us on Saturday, October 29 between 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for some fun and treats. Officers will be carving pumpkins alongside fellow jack o’ lantern enthusiasts during this free, family-friendly event. Officers will also be available to answer questions and address concerns from community members. Carving tools and refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP at lapd-pumpkins.eventbrite.com.
Help Us Keep Trick-or-Treaters Safe this Halloween
With Halloween just days away, we ask the Los Altos community to help us keep our neighborhoods safe for children and families. Please take a few moments to review some safety tips that will help keep all trick-or-treaters safe:
- Keep trick-or-treaters safe when visiting your home - Remove anything that could cause kids to trip or fall. Make sure the lights are on outside your home and light the walkway to your door, if possible.
- Drive with extra caution – Reduce speed and watch for children who may dart into the street unexpectedly, particularly during peak trick-or treating hours between 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Help trick-or-treaters remain visible – Provide flashlights, glow sticks or reflective clothing or tape. Cross streets at intersections, not from between cars parked on the street.
- Prevent falls – Avoid running and be aware of your surroundings. Be sure costumes are an appropriate length to prevent trips and that masks do not impede vision.
- Inspect all candy before consumption – Beware of loose wrappers, unwrapped or homemade candy.
We hope you all have a safe and happy Halloween!
Public Works
Award Winning Stormwater Program
The City of Los Altos is a member of the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP). SCVURPPP is an association of fifteen agencies in Santa Clara Valley that share a common permit to discharge Stormwater to the South San Francisco Bay. The association was recently awarded multiple awards from the Water Environment Federation. The City will be presented with a plaque commemorating this achievement at an upcoming City Council meeting. Awards include:
- 2016 Highest overall score for a Phase I Municipal Stormwater Program
- Gold Level - Innovation
- Gold Level - Program Management
Sewer Laterals
As the rainy season approaches, remember to have your sewer laterals checked/cleaned to make sure they are free of roots and debris. Drought conditions leave nearby tree roots searching for water and cracked laterals can oftentimes provide prime water sources. Unfortunately, these tree roots can lead to backups in your home and stormwater entering the sewer system. Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of their sewer laterals from the house to the sewer main in the street. To learn more, click here.
Maintenance Updates
The Street crews focused on inspecting and clearing known hot spots including drain inlets, ditches and trash racks in preparation of the upcoming storms. The Park crews performed tree trimming and tree planting in the downtown area. Sewer crews continued their on-going preventive maintenance on the sewer lines. In addition to normal building maintenance activities, the Facility crews prepared the flood prone buildings for the upcoming storms.
University Avenue at W. Edith Avenue Crosswalk Improvement
Staff presented a 65% design of crosswalk improvements at the intersection of University Avenue at W. Edith Avenue Crosswalk Improvement to the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Commission. The goal of this project is to install a new continental crosswalk, an enhanced electronic pedestrian crossing device, a bulb-out to shorten the crossing distance and improve pedestrian visibility, and provide additional signage to improve safety for children walking to Gardner Bullis Elementary School. The Commission and residents in attendance provided comments to staff and the design will continue towards 100% design.
Recreation & Community Services
Halloween Window Painting
The results are in and the talent is undeniable! We are so pleased to announce the winners of our 53rd Annual Halloween Window Painting Contest online: Click Here. Each of the winners and contestants will receive recognition at the November Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting. Be sure to visit downtown Los Altos to view the Spooktacular painting designs! The designs will be up through Halloween on Monday, October 31, 2016.
Los Altos Youth Theatre Final Showing
The Los Altos Youth Theatre's presentation of Snow White and the Prince is now showing in its final weekend! Join us this Friday or Saturday, October 28 or 29 at 7:30 p.m. or Sunday, October 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Bus Barn Theater located adjacent to Hillview Community Center. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for youth and seniors. Youth who attend in a fairytale costume will receive a treat after the performance! For more information and to purchase tickets please see our city website!
Gingerbread House Exhibit Registration Now Open
Have fun making a Gingerbread House with family and friends and then bring it to share with the Los Altos Community at our Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit! Display space is limited, so be sure to register soon. Registration will close when the exhibit is full or by November 18, 2016 (whichever comes first). This is a FREE event that is open to all ages! The exhibit will be held November 28 through December 6 at the Hillview Community Center, Room 2. Applications and guidelines are available in the Recreation & Community Services Front Office and online here.
