June 6-10, 2022

Week 23
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Cities Association General Membership Meeting at the Winchester Mystery House

City Manager

Cities Association General Membership

Vice Mayor Swan and Councilmember Mok attended the Cities Association General Membership Meeting held at the Winchester Mystery House. See photo to the right.

Battery Backup Energy Storage System (BESS)

Due to ongoing supply-chain issued and the global computer chip shortage, the timeline for this project has been extended. Click Here to review a letter from the supplier regarding specific pieces of equipment for the project. Also see below for the current weekly update: Weekly Updates

Santa Clara County City Manager’s Association Meeting

Staff from the Town’s City Manager’s Office attended the San Mateo/Santa Clara Counties Joint City Managers Meeting to network and discuss current trends for cities around the peninsula. Discussion topics included navigating the City Manager/City Council relationship and strategies for recruiting and retaining talent in high-cost living areas such as the Bay Area.

Committee Vacancies

Get involved, meet other residents, and join a committee. There are openings on a number of Town Committees. To apply, please complete an application by June 9, 2022 at 5:00 pm. Appointments are scheduled for the June 16, 2022, Regular City Council meeting. Questions about the committees, please contact the City Clerk.

Past Brown Act Meetings and Events
June 5: 23rd Annual Town Picnic 12:30-4:00 p.m.
June 6: Finance and Investment Committee - Cancelled
June 6 LA/LAH Senior Commission 3:30 p.m.
June 8: Open Space Committee - Cancelled
June 8: Technology Committee - Cancelled

Upcoming Brown Act Meetings and Events
June 13: Finance and Investment Committee 4:00 p.m.
June 13: Public Art Committee 5:00 p.m.
June 14: COVID Testing 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
June 14: Environmental Design and Protection Committee 5:45 p.m.
June 15: Technology Committee 5:00 p.m.
June 16: City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m.

*Agendas will be posted a minimum of 72 hours in advance

For a complete list of and more information, visit www.losaltoshills.ca.gov/calendar

Non-Brown Act Ad Hoc Meetings

There were no Council Ad Hoc Meetings this week and none planned for next week.

Regional Updates

County Board of Supervisors

On Tuesday, June 7, 2022, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors received a report prepared by County staff that outlines the 10-year history of recorded violations at Lehigh. On a 5-0 vote, the Board received the report and referred the matter to the Planning Commission to consider revocation of the cement plant use permit consistent with section 5.20.210(A)(2) of the County’s ordinance code. The Board also asked staff to further investigate the public health and safety nuisance and changed circumstances provisions contained in code subsection (A)(3) for both the cement plant and quarry and return to the Board for a determination of whether those should also be included for referral to the Planning Commission.

Wildfire Season

We are also heading into wildfire season. Please regularly check the Santa Clara County Fire Department or Cal Fire Facebook pages for wildfire safety and preparedness information. Don't forget to also sign up for AlertSCC and the Town's Nixle notification system.

PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

Extreme heat and weather may require a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff to help prevent a wildfire. PG&E customers can prepare now for PSPS event by updating their contact information, sign up for alerts, make a plan and build an emergency supply kit. To learn more about a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff, please click here.

Defense Production Act (DPA)

President Biden invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA) to boost the domestic production capacity of critical clean energy technologies including heat pumps, insulation and solar panels. The Presidential directive will strengthen the resiliency of our supply chains for heat pumps, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and their key components.

BART is turning 50!
BART is turning 50 years old and is inviting the public to help it celebrate. Riders are encouraged to save the date for a public celebration at Lake Merritt Station on Saturday, September 10, 2022. The 50th Birthday Party and Family Fun Festival is free to the public and will be from 11am-4pm. The event will include food trucks, music, games, prizes, and the opening of a time capsule.

Regional Discussion on Housing and Retail Space
This week staff attended a webinar hosted by the Meta Housing Initiative to discuss the California housing crisis and the changing nature of retail space in cities. Trends show that many cities in the Bay Area are reexamining old assumptions about the fiscal trade-offs of residential development and looking to the benefits of redeveloping obsolete retail properties with residential mixed- use projects. This discussion included city managers, city finance managers, and housing managers from around the area.

Planning and Building

Planning Permits*
Applied: 0
Approved: 1

Building Permits*
Applied: 8
Issued: 11

Inspections*
Building: 41

Code Enforcement Cases*
Open: 3
Closed: 1
*June 3-June 9, 2022

Public Hearings on Development Projects

Site Development / Fast Track Public Hearing

On June 7, 2022, planning staff held a public hearing to review the following items:

26296 Fremont Road – File #ZP22-0009 – Lands of Purple Orchid Properties LLC Zoning Permit for a new 6’-0” tall fence along three sides of the property. The project was approved.

Ongoing Projects Status

Housing Element Update

Staff met with reviewers of the Housing Element from Department to Housing and Community Development (HCD) on June 9, 2022, to discuss possible housing sites. Staff will be presenting sites inventory at the Joint City Council and Planning Commission on June 20, 2022, at 5 pm. The meeting details are as follows
https://bit.ly/HousingElementMeeting
Webinar ID: 822 3912 0136
Passcode: 250311

Santa Clara County Collaborative Monthly Meeting
Staff attended Santa Clara County Collaborative Monthly Meeting on June 9, 2022. At the meeting, jurisdictions shared where they are in the Housing Element process. Baird + Driskell shared the program for pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans by Napa and Sonoma County and how jurisdictions in Santa Clara County can take a cue from it and include a program in their Housing Element update. Click here for the website link.

Purissima Park Concession Leak Repair

Public Works

CIP Projects

East Sunset Drive roadway widening

Contractor completed drilling all 17 pier holes on the downslope retaining wall and 26 pier holes on the upslope retaining wall. They installed steel I-beams and poured concrete to 11 pier holes along the downslope and 4 pier holes along the upslope. The project is scheduled to be complete in mid-July.

2022 Pavement Rehabilitation and Drainage Improvement Project

The construction contract for this project will be advertised on the Los Altos Crier on July 6 and July 13, 2022. Bid opening is July 27, 2022, at 2 PM. Staff will also notify the Builders Exchange and paving contractors of the upcoming bid.

EVSE Town Hall

Public Works is working on obtaining building permit, as well as meeting ADA requirements for whole scope. Once the permit is approved, we will be able to order EV chargers. Once design is approved public works will be able order EV chargers.

Prop 68 (Concession Stand at Purissima Park) contract awarded and scheduled

Contract awarded on May 25, building permit has been submitted and under review. Expect construction to start in September. Submitted request to PG&E to upgrade the electrical service panel, lead time for electrical panel is 120 days.

Matadero Creek Repairs

Continue conversation with water board (Brian Wines) an alternate of site mitigation plan was submitted on 5/19/22, initial comments from Brian indicate that the deed restrictions for the property would not meet the water board requirements as it does not guarantee that the plantings can’t be removed in the future, a possible solution would be to add specific deed restrictions to the mitigation area.

WestBay Contract

New five-year contract approved by City Council on May 25, the new contract starts on 1 July 1, 2022.

Corp Yard Site Improvements

Preliminary Design complete and topographic survey has been completed; this will be used to finalize the design. Once the design is complete the project will be submitted to planning for public hearing. The goal is to complete construction before the next rainy season (Mid October).

Annual Sanitary Sewer Replacement and Rehab CIP 2022

Staff determined 61 locations for repair, working on preparing the contract package including contract drawings and specs.

Pathways Projects

Robleda / La Paloma trail
Completed the first section of the trail, including retaining walls and bridge, planning to work on it couple days this week and expect completion by the end of June.
Concrete and lumber picked up on Monday for retaining wall and water bar work. Work beginning on the last retaining wall going up the hill from Robleda Rd begins Thursday June 9 and will continue through Saturday June 11. If retaining wall finished, we will begin to brush and clear top section to connect with La Paloma side of pathway.

Summer Hill Pathway
Town is currently soliciting design services from consulting firms to complete the final pathway design and prepare construction drawings. The bid proposals are due on 6/10/2022

Encroachment Permits Issued: 2

Private Pathways Projects
La Cresta Sewer Main Extension
Currently in the plan review process.

Camino Hermoso Sewer Main Extension
Currently in the plan review process.

Maintenance

After hours or weekend callouts: 2
Fallen trees/major limbs down: 0

Purissima Park

Repair irrigation, aerate and over seed fields. Investigated small leak, Concession Stand had a leaking faucet and repairs underway for broken water bottle filler. Part ordered to fix restroom.

Routine Maintenance

Repair broken lines and leaks at Town Hall near EV charging trenching. ROW mowing on Page Mill Rd. for fire prevention..

East Sunset Pile Beams Installed

Robleda Pathway Retaining Wall

Page Mill Road Mowing

Finance, Human Resources, IT Services

Accounts Payable/Budget/Payroll/Receivables

Received $105,688 in cash receipts and/or electronic funds transfer (EFT).
Processed 87 invoices totaling $1,092,123.

Human Resources

Open Recruitment:
Maintenance Seasonal Help in Public Works. Recruitment open until filled.
Building Inspector in Planning. Recruitment closes June 10, 2022.
Associate or Senior Planner in Planning. Recruitment closes June 10, 2022
Accounting Technician in Administrative Services Department. Recruitment opens until filled. First round of interviews is scheduled for Monday, June 13.

Some staff participated in the Nextgen Silicon Valley, Cal-ICMA, MMANC Virtual Speed Coaching and Networking for emerging leaders and senior local government leaders.

IT Services

PLAN JPA is launching Cyber Security with Resolute Guard for their members. Public entities are top cyber targets. Cities and counties host a wide range of information that, due to their external value to nation-states or cybercriminals, needs to be properly protected. The Town is covered with excess insurance for cyber security.

Summer Riding Camp

Community Services

Town Survey #2 Outdoor Community Space
This week, the second Town Survey was launched on Outdoor Community Space. 184 people filled out this survey. To review results or register to take the Next Town Survey visit here.

Community Facilities Needs Assessment

An opportunity to provide individual input on Community Facilities Needs Assessment can be done on this along form.

A second Virtual Town Hall on Community Conversation about Indoor and Outdoor Space Needs is scheduled for Wednesday, July 20th 7-8 p.m. sign up here .

Monthly Walkthrough at Purissima Park
Public Works maintenance and Little League met to review field maintenance and scheduling.

Victoria Dye Equestrian
Staff met with VDE to review and discuss Profit & Loss statements, CIP, and next steps in contract negotiation. Another meeting is set for Monday, June 13th. Next week, staff will follow up with the representatives from FIC, Parks and Recreation, and Open Space Committees regarding next steps.

Past Events/Activities:

Town Picnic

Sunday, June 5th 12:30-4:00 pm
We were thrilled to see the Los Altos Hills community come together for the Town Picnic. Last weekend's event kicked off summer! Thank you to the Community Relations Committee, volunteers, partners, staff, and community for making the event so special! A total of 1696 tickets were given out for food (slightly less than 2019, 1774 tickets). Check out the highlight video below!

Victoria Dye Equestrian Summer Riding Camp
This week marked the first week of Summer Riding Camp at Westwind Community Barn. The roster was full with a total of 18 riders. See photo above!

Upcoming Events/Activities:

4th of July Parade
Monday, July 4th 9:30-11:00 am
Come join us for the eleventh annual Los Altos Hills 4th of July Parade. We will gather at Town Hall beginning at 9:30 am. Our red, white and blue march will start at 10:00 am. We will parade down Fremont Road and conclude at Gardner Bullis School where you can meet your friends and neighbors for a refreshing beverage and a juicy watermelon treat! Please, no fossil fueled vehicles or horses. For more information contact Sarah Robustelli at 650-947-2518.

Town Picnic Highlight Video

Sheriff's Weekly Report

Visit the link to view the Sheriff's weekly report for May 30th - June 5th.
The Sheriff’s weekly report is always for the week prior to the City Manager’s report

Need to Contact the Sheriff’s Office?

If you are experiencing an emergency, you can Call or Text 9-1-1.
If you are out of town, but reporting an emergency in Los Altos Hills, call (408) 299-3233 to be connected to our emergency dispatchers.
To speak with a deputy in non-emergency situations, call our dispatch center at (408) 299-2311.
To speak with the West Valley Patrol office, call (408) 868-6600.
If you would like to send us an email, please send it to shf.wvadmin@shf.sccgov.org
If you have a crime tip you would like to send, use wvptips@shf.sccgov.org
Finally, you can find us on popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.