1. Second Dwelling Units - New State Law
Linked here is a Memorandum from the City Attorney on Secondary Dwelling Units and changes
to State law. We do not see that many second dwelling unit applications. Those that we do see are more often an homeowner attempting to
not have the unit count toward the required square footage calculations. Most are not intending to rent out the unit; however, that could change.
There will need to be some minor changes to our Municipal Code. Staff will keep tabs on this issue and if rentals, uses, etc. become something that we need to get ahead of - we will bring the issue
up to the Council for consideration. This may include addressing any community trends toward AirBnB or short-term rentals.
2. Shred & E-Scrap Events (Compost Earth Day Library)
We are working to schedule Recology Shred and E-Scrap events for the spring. Staff is working to coordinate an Earth
Day event with the Shred/E-Scrap/Compost event, together with a small Farmer’s Market and Library event.
3. 100% Design Development Plan Set
The 100% Design Development Plan Set is in my office on my small conference table. Please feel free to
stop in and browse through it. I am happy to go through it with each of you during any one-on-one. There have been no significant design changes other than
those already reviewed by the Council. You can also download a set from the Civic Center Project webpage - 100% Design Development Plan Sets.
4. Planning Commission Follow-up - January 25 Meeting
The Planning Commission met on January 25 and took the following action(s):
- 97 Michaels - Approved a special structures permit to allow construction of a detached garage within the front yard setback of the main residence.
- 50 Valparaiso, Menlo School - continued review of the 2016 Annual Master Plan to the February 22, 2017 Meeting.
- Consideration of studying the Landscape Screening Ordinance - Received and discussed a formal request from a property owner to consider further evaluation to establish regulations protecting sunlight access on adjoining
properties in relation to landscaping screening required to be planted on a property as part of a development permit. The Commission did not recommend further evaluation of the issue.
Next meeting is scheduled for February 22, 2017.
5. ABAG Special General Assembly - ABAG/MTC Consolidation Overview
ABAG has produced the linked ABAG-MTC Staff Consolidation Overview which describes how the two agencies are proceeding with the integration of programs,
projects and staff. This will be presented and discussed at the upcoming Special General Assembly on January 30.
6. City Council Ad Hoc Performance Evaluation Subcommittee
The Mayor has appointed himself and Council Member Bill Widmer to serve on the Ad Hoc Performance Evaluation Subcommittee to review and recommend revisions to the
City Manager’s Performance Appraisal Form and Process.
7. Use of Small Shed(s) at Rear of Carriage House
Staff is having a few challenges with the storage of materials inside the Carriage House for Park Vendors. As the Council may be aware, over the years, staff has allowed vendors to store materials inside the Carriage House at the rear of the building in/around
the old horse stall areas. This hasn’t really been too much of an issue as the storage has been limited and needed limited access. However, in recent years, vendors have been accessing their areas more frequently and sometimes this clashes with rental of the
Carriage House.
To accommodate, staff is experimenting with the placement of a small storage shed at the rear of the Carriage House (outdoors). The first trial is with Freddie Jackson (dog trainer) at the Park. The initial location was inside of the Corporation Yard; but staff
felt that this type of access was unacceptable in the long-term. As we remodel the Park Corporation Yard space, we will be looking to include a small vendor area (fenced and screened) for similar storage needs.
8. Bear Gulch Storage Tank Project
Linked here is an informational notice regarding a community meeting hosted by Cal Water for their new storage tank at the Bear Gulch Reservoir. Staff will be attending the meeting. The
project will require CEQA review and a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Commission.
9. MidPen Media Center Information
Linked here is the 2017 MidPen Media Center Budget Presentation and information on their Facility Purchase Concept to
address the use of PEG funds. I serve on the Mid-Pen Operational Committee.
10. June Special Election
As the Council discusses the possibility of a June Special Election, it is important to note that the election will represent a cost to the Town. Theresa contacted the County Elections Office for data. A 2017 Special Election (Polls) would cost approximately
$73,000 ($14.78 per voter). A 2017 Special Election (Mail Ballot) would cost approximately $27,000 ($5.50 per voter). A successful measure would need 51% of the registered voters that vote in the election to be successful.
The November 2017 Special Parcel Tax election will cost approximately $7,300.
11. CalPERS Discount Rate Changes
Linked here is a recent CalPERS Circular on their changes to the discount rate. While the memorandum provides agencies with a way to calculate impact, staff will use our new partner GovInvest
to create a few “what if” scenarios for review and discussion by the Finance Committee. These will address the various potential impacts.
12. SFPUC Response Letter
Linked here is staff’s response to the SFPUC’s recent communication on the water pipeline.
13. Civic Center Project Zones
One of the issues that arose at the last Council Meeting was what areas are included in the Library costs and what areas are included in the rest. Linked here is a scope of work by zone graphic that
might help. Any improvements (site work, sustainability features, and building) within the library zone is funded by the Library funds. Work outside the Library area is presently funded by donations and authorized building funds. This is how we are able to
delineate sustainability features and add alternates (to include reduced scope landscaping).
14. GBI Task Force Update
Linked here is a recent update from the Grand Boulevard Task Force for December 2016.