HomeMy Public PortalAbout20170515plCC 701-32
DOCUMENTS IN THIS PACKET INCLUDE:
LETTERS FROM CITIZENS TO THE
MAYOR OR CITY COUNCIL
RESPONSES FROM STAFF TO LETTERS FROM CITIZENS
ITEMS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
ITEMS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES AND AGENCIES
ITEMS FROM CITY, COUNTY, STATE, AND REGIONAL AGENCIES
Prepared for: 5/15/2017
Document dates: 4/26/2017 – 5/3/2017
Set 1
Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet
reproduction in a given week.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 3:16 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Rebecca Sanders <rebsanders@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May 01, 2017 3:15 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parmani Hotel - Tonight's Study Session
Dear Council Members:
Last year Venturans weighed in on the Parmani design and as Moderator of the Ventura Neighborhood Association, I am pleased to see a much more pleasing and welcoming design with the stepping back of the
higher stories to cut down on the massing and fortress-affect that the earlier iterations had. So this is very
pleasing. So thank you to Randy Popp and the Patel family for making things more attractive for the residents
who will be see it everyday.
I would like to point out that since 2.0 FAR for hotels is the law, I’d like to remind everyone that until it is not
the law, the 2.0 needs to stand. The developer has expressed an interest in exceeding 2.0. So I don't want
anyone getting ahead of themselves here.
And finally with regard to law, I think it’s very important to continue to rely on the law as our guideline for policy:
I am referring to the applicant’s request for a variance from the 50 foot set back. I don’t have the time myself to
go down to the county records office, but I must ask, when the families acquired the property in the 1960s,
surely they must have known the property came with the set back. It seems to me however, if it can be proved the the set back was imposed upon the property after they purchased it, then it seems to be reasonable for them
to seek relief.
However, if they are seeking relief from a problem that they knew existed or in some way contributed to
creating when and if the property was subdivided from say a larger property, then they are not eligible for a variance under the law. They are asking for spot zoning.
Does anyone know the property’s history and does anyone think it’s important to research that history and then
make a decision based on the law?
I know it can be to the advantage of parties with a financial interest or who have a vision of a great city to hurry
the process along, but the process is a process for a reason and I urge sticking with the process so that the public
can have reasonable expectations of what to expect from their government.
Thank you for hearing my concerns.
Kind regards,
Becky Sanders
Moderator, Ventura Neighborhood Association
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 4/26/2017 4:12 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Richard Brand <mmqos@earthlink.net>
Sent:Wednesday, April 26, 2017 12:47 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Neilson Buchanan; Keene, James
Subject:Comp Plan update May 1 item
Dear Council members: My colleague and friend Neilson Buchanan has already sent you a letter re: revised Comp Plan which is a huge read. But I do agree with him about the importance of a statement that is contained in the existing plan and I will stand with whathe wrote. That statement is:
"to promote commerce but not at the expense of residential neighborhoods."
We residents who worked to put the successful downtown RPP program in place often referred to this line when we
worked with both our neighbors, Staff and the Council. This is an important element in the planning for our future and must remain in the new plan. Sincerely, Richard Brand
281 Addison
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:22 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Kimberley Wong <sheepgirl1@yahoo.com>
Sent:Saturday, April 29, 2017 11:16 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Statement to be included for Comp Plan
Dear Mayor and City council members,
I would like to respectfully request that the following statement be included in the following new comp plan document to
protect the citizens of Palo Alto.
"We wish to promote commerce but not at the expense of residential neighborhoods."
Please keep this mantra in mind before allowing plans for any non-profit or commercial development to be passed whether it impacts residential neighborhoods directly or indirectly.
Thank you, Kimberley Wong
Longtime resident of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 2:46 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Roberta Ahlquist <roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu>
Sent:Monday, May 01, 2017 2:45 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:LOW INCOME HOUSING FOR OUR WORKERS, TEACHERS
DEAR COUNCIL MEMBERS:
You need to seiously priortize what many of the people of Palo Alto want for this city:
Please DO NOT build PARKS on Palo Alto land UNTIL we have addressed the serious low-income housing
crisis. We have more parks than the entire city of San Jose. We have a HUGE HOUSING TO WORKER
imbalance.
Be courageous and become a role model for the bay area. Mountain View and Redwood City are doing much
better than we are doing.NOW IS THE TIME.
Sincerely,
Roberta Ahlquist, resident and WILPF Low Income Housing Committee member
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/2/2017 9:47 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:ron ito <wsrfr418@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, May 01, 2017 6:21 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:budget cuts?
So you give city employees a raise and then you look for budget cuts?
Did I miss something somewhere?
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:28 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:MaraYarp <mara@theyarps.com>
Sent:Sunday, April 30, 2017 8:59 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:new ADU rules result in 70% less separation between dwellings
Dear Council Members,
I am writing to express my concern over the new 6 foot minimum rear setback on ADUs that the council recently
approved. I feel it will diminish the quality of life for the adjoining rear neighbor should an ADU be built with only a 6
foot setback. The result will harm neighborhood harmony and cause ill will between neighbors.
My understanding is the current standard minimum rear setback for homes is 20 feet, resulting in a 40 foot separation
between dwellings in most cases (since ADUs are not common). Even if one neighbor had a ADU, at the previous
setback of 12 feet, there would be a 32 foot separation between dwellings. Worst case, should both rear neighbors
have an ADU, using the previous set back the separation between buildings would be 24 feet (a 40% reduction from the
40 foot standard minimum separation between houses).
Under the new 6 foot minimum rear setback, if one neighbor builds an ADU the building separation will be 26 feet and
the worst case scenario where both rear neighbors build ADUs the separation between buildings will only be 12 feet ( a
70% reduction in separation).
My assumption in changing the minimum rear setbacks for ADUs from 12 feet to 6 feet is to allow more separation
between the main house and the ADU giving the owner a less cramped feel – but it comes at the expense of their rear
neighbor who will suffer the consequences of the ADU addition without enjoying any benefits. I would encourage the
council members to envision a 14 foot tall structure 6 feet from their rear property line and imagine how it would look
and feel.
If the council believes that the 6 foot rear setback will not be an issue, then I encourage the council to require neighbor
notification of a proposed ADU and the ability of neighbors to comment and influence the design of ADUs, as is done for
single family homes.
Last of all, I would like to thank Lydia Kou, the single councilmember who acknowledged my previous email.
Sincerely,
Mara Yarp
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:28 AM
2
Carnahan, David
From:Maureen McNally <moemcnally@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Friday, April 28, 2017 5:09 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:ADU ordinance staff report please
Categories:Red Category
Hello,
Can you please send me an abbreviated or full report on the ADU ordinance that was passed on April 17, 2017?
Any comments, interpretation or explanations are also welcome.
Also, is it "enforceable" ?
Also, how might the Eichler Design Guildlines effect new ADU?
Thank you,
Maureen McNally
420 Adobe Place
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:28 AM
3
Carnahan, David
From:Betty Jo Chang <bettyjo@msn.com>
Sent:Friday, April 28, 2017 12:38 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:ADU Ordinance 2nd reading May 8
4/28/17
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
City Staff: PCE Department Director (Hillary Gitelman), Planner (Chitra Moitra)
Subject: ADU Ordinance as voted April 17.
Thank you for your time and effort to increase more affordable housing options for our residents. I appreciate the
thoughtful contributions of residents, council and staff prior to and during the discussion of ADUs at the April 17 City Council meeting.
I am a Palo Alto resident, a renter, and a granny. I support State and City efforts to increase housing supplies of more
affordable housing, “in-filled” (distributed) through existing Residential neighborhoods via zoning ordinances facilitating development (construction, remodeling, conversions) in R-1 and R-E zoning of one Accessory Dwelling ‘granny’ Unit
(ADU/JADU).
There appears to be resident consensus with respect to the need and desirability of more affordable housing, especially for seniors and disabled. Most speakers at the 4/17 Council meeting supported ADUs as a way to infill some of that critical
need. Many also expressed, along with that support, a number of legitimate concerns which, if addressed, will improve the
success of this program.
Here now, at 2nd Reading, is our opportunity to to take some of the rough edges off the current draft ordinance by
addressing some key issues. Please take this under consideration.
Within the context of wide spread support for ADUs, residents articulated the following concerns in the current draft ordinance.
Concern 1: Fire Safety matters with respect to increased density, smaller set backs, lot line garage remodels, rentals and illegal conversions.
We must assure residents that this ordinance is not an invitation to development of substandard housing for our
City.
—>Please direct City Staff to develop ADU Ordinance outreach collateral for City residents (both online and utility
mailer) that reinforces:
Existing requirements demand building permit applications for all ADU/JADU construction, remodeling or
garage/outbuilding conversion.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:28 AM
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Restatement that ADU/JADUs must comply with State Health and Safety Code regulation of buildings used for
Human Habitation with respect to sanitation, structural hazards, wiring, plumbing, mechanical equipment, weather protection. Note that City building department is prepared to provide guidelines for compliance with these regulations.
Provide Instructions / links so residents can research / confirm that building permits have been issued for
particular construction or garage conversions. Provide contact information to report potential unpermitted conversions or construction.
Remind residents that the purpose of building permits and building codes is to provide safe housing for City
residents – whether owner or tenant, student, worker or granny. Summarize the city building permit process (specific to ADUs) and City planning/development online help and information resources.
Highlight for perspective ADU/JADU developers, particular requirements. For instance, JADUs must have
separate entrance, cooking facility and sink, ADUs (detached or attached) must have separate entrance, kitchen and toilet facilities. Note as well, examples of codes incorporated into the ordinance by reference (for example State minimums: 150
sq. ft. size, back-flashing behind hotplates requirements, hot and cold running water…) Provide links to applicable
documents / muni code references.
The ADU Ordinance (as required by State), excludes requirements for Fire Sprinkler systems for ADUs (attached
or detached) when the primary residence is “un-sprinklered”. City ADU collateral should still ENCOURAGE property
owners to consider installation of these systems. For new ADU construction, residential fire sprinkler systems average but $1.6/sq. ft. expense and significantly improve survival rates from fires. They may reduce insurance rates by 10 – 15%.
“Since ADUs are a unique opportunity to address a variety of housing needs and provide affordable
housing options for family members, students, the elderly, in-home health care providers, the disabled,
and others, the fire departments want to ensure the safety of these populations as well as the safety of
those living in the primary structure.” Fire Departments can help educate property owners on the
benefits of sprinklers…. Finally, other methods exist to provide additional fire protection. Some options
may include additional exits, emergency escape and rescue openings, 1 hour or greater fire-rated
assemblies, roofing materials and setbacks from property lines or other structures.” CA Department of
Housing and Community Development Memorandum on ADUs (Dec. 2016) http://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy-
research/docs/2016-12-12-ADU-TA-Memo.docx.pdf
Homeowners who contemplate addition or conversion to create an ADU may not be so adept at navigating codes as commercial developers. It is critical to the success of this program that the city step up with additional assistance in
helping prospective new ‘citizen landlords’ create the good (safe) additions to city’s housing stock we all want.
Concern 2. ADU/JADU ordinances are intended to create more affordable housing, (including housing for seniors and disabled family members). It is this compelling need that has driven both State and City ADU ordinances to require
increased density in R-1 – R-E Residential neighborhoods. Every “ADU” that is used for a home office instead, violates
the intent of the ordinance. Increasing FAR allowances for ADU/JADUs permanently removes permeable ground from our high flood risk community. If not used for additional housing, this loss becomes an indefensible permanent
degradation of our city’s ecology in this time of Global Warming.
We must insure that this community cost of increasing R-1, R-E density is returned through beneficial community use (more affordable housing).
State law requires that the primary residence within which a JADU is constructed be Owner Occupied. JADUs do not
have separate addresses. It is through the owner’s declarations on the building permit that deed restrictions against separate sale are verified, no transient tenancy rules acknowledged, AND credit of JADU toward the city’s RHNA
(Regional Housing Need Allocation) progress pursuant to Government Code Section 65400 can be documented.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:28 AM
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Item 5 on March 7 amendment permitting absentee landlord tenancy rather than owner occupancy appears incompatible
with State law with respect to JADUs. It also appears to be inappropriate to the intent of this Ordinance for any ADU/JAU. Rental of both primary and accessory units as a single tenancy does nothing to increase availability of more
and (more affordable) housing.
Please review State regs. regarding owner occupancy and JADUs and correct city ordinance as required for compliance. Please remove Item 5 March 7 amendment permitting absentee ownership of R1 properties for permit requests for any ADUs. Such an amendment might better be revisited during the planned six month ADU Ordinance
review. Please reconsider absentee ownership of ADU property in six months when some data is available on both success
and implementation issues regarding this ordinance.
Concern 3: We want Accessory Development Units (ADUs) to supplement more affordable housing for (among
others), seniors and disabled residents.
Palo Alto homeowners who contemplate ADU/JADU construction or remodeling may not be familiar with codes,
building regulations and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) recommendations. It is critical to the success of this
program that the city step up with additional assistance in helping prospective new ‘landlords’ create accessible additions to the city’s housing stock – housing development our city shall depend upon for decades.
We must encourage ADU housing design options that facilitate accessibility. ADA (Disability)
recommendations (though not required), are nonetheless extremely helpful references for those residents who wish to construct accessible ADU (granny unit) housing. Encouraging accessible housing is a City imperative.
Many simple and low cost considerations in housing unit design can facilitate accessibility for elderly and disabled
tenants/occupants. Such cheap and simple things as off-set door hinges can render standard doorways wheelchair or walker accessible. Clear, low rise entrance pathways with good lighting, handrails (for steps, shower and toilets), high seat
toilets, low rise carpets are design choices that add little cost while adding significant accessibility.
Please provide City ADU Ordinance outreach collateral that includes suggestions, recommendations and references to help resident developers of ADUs improve accessibility in new ADU/JADU development, remodel and conversion.
One example reference might be “Low Cost Solutions for Making your Home Accessible” from Assistive
TechnologyPartners
(http://www.globaldisabilityrightsnow.org/sites/default/files/relatedfiles/335/Access%20%20Low%20Cost%20S
olutions%20for%20Making%20Your%20Home%20Accessible.pdf)
Concern 4: Program/Ordinance metrics. The Current draft ADU Ordinance includes a 6-month program review. Program/ordinance goals are clear: trade increased housing density (with it’s concomitant costs to community environment and infrastructure demands) for more affordable housing. A 6-month review is well warranted. It
will be helpful to the extent that appropriate metrics are collected and collated during that interim.
Enforcement of building permit application requirements is critical to success of this important program.
Such applications must include ADU specific data collection. Property ownership for lots with ADUs must be collected to
insure effective code enforcement in the event of neighborhood nuisance complaints or reports of transient rentals.
Checklist/questionnaires regarding ADU/JADU developments projected rental price expectations as part of the building permit process permit the city to report anticipated affordability as well as housing unit increases with respect to our city’s
RHNA (Regional Housing Need Allocation) progress reporting. Permit applications may include indications of expected
additional street parking for ADUs.
Please direct Building Department to prepare additions to Building Permit Applications and guidelines which
specifically address ADU/JADU construction/addition/conversion. Incorporate in such applications, data collection
necessary for assessing success of this Ordinance in achieving it’s objectives of increased more affordable and accessible
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:28 AM
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housing stock, and assessing potential/actual impact on site specific local parking demands. For 6 month Ordinance
review, correlate neighbor complaints if any, due to illegal unpermitted construction or transient tenancy.
Thank you for your time.
Betty Jo Chang
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:24 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Jeff Hoel <jeff_hoel@yahoo.com>
Sent:Saturday, April 29, 2017 5:25 PM
To:Council, City; UAC
Cc:Hoel, Jeff (external)
Subject:Smart Grid Assessment -- items for UAC (05-03-17) and Council (05-08-17)
Council members and UAC commissioners, I'd like to comment on a smart grid item that will be considered by UAC on 05-03-17 and by Council (consent calendar) on 05-08-17. 05-03-17 UAC agenda: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/57460 05-07-17 staff report, Item IX.3 -- smart grid assessment (21 pages) https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/57437 05-08-17 Council agenda: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/57453 05-08-17 staff report, Item 7 (consent calendar) -- smart grid assessment (38 pages) http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/57447 General comments: 1. Because the UAC and Council items were scheduled to be considered only five days apart, there was no opportunity
for feedback from UAC to affect the staff report for Council. Also, since the UAC item was agendized as a "discussion" item, there will be no opportunity for UAC to vote on its recommendation. 2. As you know, citywide municipal fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) is my "thing." Twenty municipalities that have FTTP networks use them for smart grid (according to this database). http://www.bbpmag.com/search.php
In this podcast https://muninetworks.org/content/using-fiber-smart-grid-and-pole-problem-nashville-community-broadband-bits-247 (transcript here), https://muninetworks.org/content/transcript-community-broadband-bits-episode-247 Newcom Technologies' Ken Demlow points out that if you have FTTP, you should use it for connecting smart meters rather than implementing an extra wireless network for that; otherwise you're "paying double."
3. Neither the UAC staff report nor the Council staff report talk about the networking aspect much. Neither mentions "fiber." Neither mentions connecting meters to the central office via "wireless." Neither mentions how fast the network should be. Please see further comments below the "######" line (paragraphs beginning with "###:).
Thanks.
Jeff
------------------- Jeff Hoel
731 Colorado Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94303 -------------------
###################################################################
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:24 AM
2
For the following comments, I'll refer to the page numbers of the UAC staff report (not the Council staff report).
--- page 1 ---
In 2012, the City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) conducted a smart grid assessment (the "2012 Assessment") and found that the benefits of such applications in Palo Alto did not justify the estimated $15 million to $20 million capital investment at
that time.
### I'm not sure what document the "2012 Assessment" is.
### Staff report #3330 (12-10-12) (74 pages) http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/32290
says the estimate was $15 million (not between $15 million and $20 million). It seems to say that this estimate came from an April 2011 summary of a consultant's report, "Assessment of Smart Grid Application for Palo Alto," which was the
result of work that started in March of 2010. I don't know how to find the summary online.
### Staff report #2443 (02-13-12) (223 pages) say it's an informational report and requires no Council action. http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/41569
Attachment A is "Assessment of Smart Grid Applications for the City of Palo Alto, February 2011" (but each page of Attachment A seems to say it's dated 03-04-11). On PDF page 19, it estimates $15.6 million (Table 1-3). On PDF
page 20, it says it's between $15 million and $16 million, with an uncertainty of plus-or-minus 20 percent, so (it says) it's between $12 million and $19 million. This estimate includes $6 million for IT integration and software. It estimates
networking costs separately for electric, gas, and water (which I don't understand), totaling $1 million.
--- page 2 ---
(see staff report #3330)
### A clickable link to staff report #3330 would have been nice. http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/32290
Through this pilot program, customers were able to view their utility consumption on an hourly basis....
### In the future, will this be good enough? Probably not.
The CustomerConnect pilot also implemented a pilot time-of-use (TOU) electric rate that provides lower rates for
residential customers who were able to shift their energy consumption during off-peak hours. About 50 Electric Vehicle (EV) owners are currently participating in the pilot.
### I suppose this means "shift their energy consumption from peak hours to off-peak hours." Too bad the public won't
find out what happened until a year from now.
### PG&E's TOU rate plan currently thinks peak hours are between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm or between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm -- only on weekdays.
https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/rate-plans/rate-plan-options/time-of-use-base-plan/time-of-use-plan.page Palo Alto, having a different supply mix, would probably choose something else. What did the Palo Alto pilot choose?
Staff enabled some customers in the CustomerConnect pilot to view their consumption information in real-time using in-
home-display units that the customer can purchase and connect wirelessly to their utility meter.
### Does this complicate the electric meter? If the customer already has an internet connection, I think that would be the preferred way to get this information. By the way, the Council staff report doesn't mention how the in-home display was
connected.
--- page 3 ---
Based on experience, qualifications, and methodology, staff has recommended that Council approve a contract with UtiliWorks Consultants Inc. ....
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:24 AM
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### Website:
http://www.utiliworks.com/
### Some previous staff reports have listed the names of all bidders and what they bid. Would that have been a good idea this time? For example, this 03-08-10 staff report lists (on page 2) eleven bidders.
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/18992 (In this case, the winning bidder, EnerNex, bid $115,000, and UtiliWorks bid $202,920.)
### Has UtiliWorks ever consulted for a municipality that already had or was seriously considering getting a citywide
municipal FTTP network?
### In 2016, UtiliWorks consulted for Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) (formerly Alameda Power & Telecom). http://media.alamedamp.com/assets/PUB/2016/01/16-0125-6A1_ami_infrastructure.pdf
--- page 4 ---
... cyber-security ...
### Did staff ask anyone to try to attack the City's smart grid pilots, just to see how secure they were?
... staff envisions UWC would incorporate insights from other smart grid rollout efforts at other utilities to raise other issues
CPAU may need to address, such as customer concerns that have arisen in other areas about smart meter radio wave impact on human health.
### Is staff looking for advice about how to tell the public that they shouldn't have health concerns? Or are they looking
for an update about what science actually knows and doesn't know?
### When PG&E rolled out smart meters in Northern California, one of the problems was that sometimes customers were charged for electricity during intervals when there was a power failure so they weren't actually using any electricity. Was
this problem ultimately explained? Was the back-office software inventing use data when it couldn't get actual use data from a meter? Will the consultant advise the City on what to do when it can't get data from a smart meter?
--- page 5 ---
Any smart grid rollout would require a strong communications plan ....
### I suppose this is talking about what to tell the public, not what network to build.
Funds of $174,735 for Phase I of this contract are included in the FY 2017 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget.
### Where is the money coming from? The Electric Special Projects Fund?
--- page 6 ---
ATTACHMENT A:
### The UAC staff report attaches a scope-of-work description (PDF pages 6-15). The Council staff report attaches an
entire proposed contract (PDF pages 5-38), which includes not only a scope-of-work but a lot of other things.
--- page 7 ---
... networked and controllable customer appliances, ....
### The Council staff reports omits the "networked and." Whatever.
--- page 8 ---
The Consultant team will conduct workshops with executives, stakeholders and key personnel ....
### What stakeholders?
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:24 AM
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--- page 10 ---
Consultant will leverage its comprehensive vendor technology pricing database ....
### Does this database include meters connected by fiber rather than (or in addition to) wireless? As mentioned above, Newcom Technologies thinks there are some fiber-connected meters out there that cost no more than wireless-connected
meters.
==============================================================
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 2:48 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:RICH <w6apz@comcast.net>
Sent:Monday, May 01, 2017 2:38 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Crossing Guards vs. Cameras
Placing people at each train crossing to prevent suicides showed that the City was concerned about
doing something to reduce the high number of suicides in Palo Alto. The fact that there is a human at the crossing might deter some from trying.
From my observation, the guards I’ve seen are either sitting slouched in a chair or intently interested
in what is on their cell phone screen. Given their actions, their ability to stop a teen intent on suicide is
questionable. Replacing the human guards with cameras is not going to stop anyone. The most the camera could
do is record the event. I believe cameras are a waste of money. We should use the camera money
to work with the kids in school to minimize the pressures placed on students that lead to thoughts of
suicide and to help students develop skills to deal with the pressures of life. Rich Stiebel
840 Talisman Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94303-4435
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 2:24 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Neilson Buchanan <cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, May 01, 2017 2:07 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:John Guislin; Michael Hodos; Brand, Richard; Elaine Uang; Malcolm Beasley; Norman H.
Beamer; Christian Pease; Chris Donlay; Allen Akin; Marion Odell; Paul Machado;
Wolfgang Dueregger; Patrick Slattery; rainer@pitthan.com; Michael Griffin; Sally-Ann
Rudd; Ted Davids; Vita Gorbunova; Janine Bisharat; Jan Merryweather; Tommy Derrick;
Elaine Meyer; Patrick Butler; Markevitch, Pat; Pat Devaney; KJ and Fred Kohler; Susie
and Gary Hornbeek; Brian Susan Anuskewicz; Melvin Matsumoto; Merrill Newman; Joe
Baldwin; Villareal, Joe
Subject:FY 17/18 Budgets Finance Committee May 2 2017
Attachments:3 legged stool presentation from 2014 presented to Fin Comm May 2 2017.pdf
Dear City Council, Finance Committee and Staff,
Our questions are simple...what are the actual plans and funding
for the long-promised 3-legged stool? We ask the Finance
Committee to respond during the next 4 meetings.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 2:24 PM
2
Stool Leg #1 Increased supply
1. How much is budgeted for the valet parking programs in three
downtown garages?
2. How much is budgeted for shuttles, off site parking, etc when two
surface lots and street parking are lost during the new garage
construction in the University and California Ave commercial cores?
3. What is best estimate for two new garages and their technology?
4. How much is budgeted for new technology to increase efficiency
of garages in the Univ and Calif commercial cores?
Stool Leg #2 Demand Mitigation
5. Does the Univ Ave core "paid parking" project include adequate
funding to study and plan for impact on adjacent neighborhood
RPPs? Pricing differentials, 2-hr spillover and after 5pm impact
warrant careful study now.
6. How much is budgeted to implement the paid parking study
recommendations?
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 2:24 PM
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7. How much is budgeted for the Palo Alto TMA?
8. How much is budgeted for shuttles and other mechanisms to
respond to VTA cutbacks?
9. How much is budgeted for biking such as shared bikes?
RPPs: Parking Management
10. How much is budgeted for new RPPs to manage non-resident
vehicle parking impacts into Old Palo Alto and Ventura
neighborhoods? Based on history, expectation may soon arise
from those neighborhoods.
We are not asking for more funding. We simply want to understand
the ten line items above during the Council budget process from
May 2 to mid-June. What is in the budget and what is omitted?
We concede the budget in May is more or less set. We
acknowledge staff and other stakeholders are expert; those experts
understand and are managing the fundamental tradeoffs.
City council's political process in the next 4 weeks may make fine
some adjustments; but, significant shifts of over-stretched
resources are not feasible or desirable.
For your reference, attached is the original 3-legged stool dating
back to March 20, 2014.
On behalf of University and California Avenue residential
neighborhoods,
signed by
Neilson Buchanan Downtown North
John Guislin Crescent Park
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 2:24 PM
4
Paul Machado Evergreen Park
Neilson Buchanan
155 Bryant Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650 329-0484
650 537-9611 cell
cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com
Part I: Parking Context in Palo Alto
RPP Stakeholder Meeting #1
March 20, 2014
A c1TY OF
WPALO ALTO 1
The Three-Legged Stool
1. How Much? {Parking Supply)
2. Demand (Transportation Demand Management)
3. RPP (Parking Management)
A c1rv OF
WPALO ALTO
Parking
Supply
Transportation
Demand
a.. a.. a::
3
Transportation Demand
Management
• Formation of a Downtown TMA
• Solicit Proposals for Rideshare
• Expand Shuttle Service
• Improved Bike Infrastructure
• Transit Incentives for City employees -Caltrain, TwoGo
••••••• ' ' ,. 't' ~. ,.,1 .. ,.
#I ... , ~
A c1rv OF
¥PALO ALTO 5
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:30 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Neilson Buchanan <cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, April 27, 2017 11:34 AM
To:Council, City; Planning Commission
Cc:Dave Price; Bill Johnson
Subject:Active short term vacation marketing
The sky is not falling, but............ this is a known unknown factor for
neighborhood quality.
Neilson Buchanan
155 Bryant Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650 329-0484
650 537-9611 cell
cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Scott | Airdna <hello@airdna.co>
To: cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2017 10:45 AM
Subject: Zestimate for Short-term Rentals
Hi Neilson
I'm excited to announce the release of the first automated valuation model for short-term rentals. As a valued member, we are giving you advanced access to this tool completely free
of charge.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:30 AM
2
The Rentalizer
Type in any address in the US to instantly view the predicted monthly revenue, average daily
rate and occupancy rate of the home as a short-term rental. In addition, the Rentalizer displays
the performance of up to six comparable properties along with links to the Airbnb listings of each.
See how much your home is worth as a vacation rental How did we do? We release our new tools to you first and depend on your feedback and support. Help us fine tune our models and prioritize new features. Please get in touch with any feedback or to provide us with the actual earnings of your vacation rental property. Thanks as always,
Scott
CEO of Airdna
To make sure you keep getting these emails, please add hello@airdna.co to your address book or
whitelist us. Want out of the loop? Unsubscribe.
1644 Platte Ave Denver, CO 80202
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:25 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Kim Atkinson <atkinsonkim@pacbell.net>
Sent:Saturday, April 29, 2017 2:22 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:additional photo and comment on 670 Los Trancos development
Attachments:P1140246.JPG
To the City Council of Palo Alto,
If I may please ask your indulgence to kindly view the attached photo in conjunction with
the letter I sent you last week, commenting on your decision to approve the construction of a
mansion at 670 Los Trancos. Thank you for your time.
Arastradero Open Space Preserve was studded with colorful wildflowers, deer and
other animals this past Thursday, April 27. On April 27 the attached photo was taken at the top of Arastradero Preserve
from a trail leading down from a popular bay-wide panoramic view point that features a viewing
bench, with a picnic table and horse hitch nearby. Do you know this popular place ?
A group of close to a dozen hikers was up there enjoying the view when I was there.
When we turned around to come back down from that view point, we looked straight
at the green hill where the mansion of 670 Los Trancos is planned to be constructed.
This single photo, of that green hill, speaks a thousand words.
Thank you for your time to look at this photo and consider the implication of your vote,
which our city will now have to live with forever.
Kim Atkinson
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 4:21 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:jamespoppy@comcast.net
Sent:Monday, May 01, 2017 4:17 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Clerk, City
Subject:Castilleja's Proposed Garage Would Not Help Traffic or the Neighborhood
Attachments:Plan for People, Not Cars.pdf
Hello Council Members,
Please see attachment.
City Clerk, please print the attachment so it can be part of the city council packet.
I have lived at 135 Melville for 39 years, so I am intimately aware of traffic patterns
in the area.
Castilleja would like everyone to believe that an underground garage would reduce
traffic on neighborhood streets. That is a very misleading statement. Currently there
are two locations just off of Bryant and Kellogg, right in front of entry doors to the
campus, where motorists can efficiently pick up and drop off students. These
stations can be approached from several different directions, and there are 3
options for the motorist to exit in a direction that coincides with their route.
An underground garage with one entrance and one exit would merely intensify the
traffic into two locations, Bryant and Emerson/Melville. With only one option for entry
and one option for exit, cars will be lining up down Bryant and Embarcadero to
enter, and exiting the garage onto a busy Embarcadero Road will cause additional
delays. Bicycle traffic safety on Bryant and Embarcadero during peak times will be
sketchy at best.
Motorists who wish to go any direction other than east on Embarcadero will be
faced with weaving their way back into oncoming traffic, then trying to turn left or
right onto Bryant, or at Waverley, then find their way back to Alma or Embarcadero
West.
If you had the option of dropping off a student in the daylight, in an open parking
spot on Kellogg, for a total time spent of about 15-30 seconds, versus a possible 5-
10 minutes navigating lines of cars and an underground garage, then finding your
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 4:21 PM
2
way back to the direction you want to be traveling, what would you do? I believe you
would wind up using the neighborhood streets.
Castilleja claims dropoff times would not be much different, but they are not taking
into account the destinations of the motorists. I doubt the majority want to be
traveling east on Embarcadero into the teeth of traffic.
Castilleja has done a good job reducing traffic into and out of the campus.
Neighbors are not complaining about the traffic. They are complaining about the 16
years of CUP violations and the increase in enrollment that would cause more traffic
and pollution.
If Castilleja wants a larger enrollment they can easily find a space that will fit their
vision. Why force it on the neighborhood and all of Palo Alto with 6 years of
construction and the gifting of one lane of Embarcadero to the school?
Castilleja claims they will have traffic monitors to make sure motorists exit the
garage onto Embarcdero Road. But only for peak times during the school day and
for large events. Castilleja is already not reporting many events, and they hold more
than 100 events per year, plus a summer camp. In effect, about 99% of the traffic
leaving the garage will have the option of going straight down Melville Avenue
instead of being dispersed throughout the neighborhood.
Once motorists are on Melville, it can take several minutes to make a turn,
especially if there is any traffic at all. Cars will be backed up on Melville several
times every day, all year. This is not just about 8am and 3pm Monday through
Friday, 9 months of the year. This is 24/7. Events are held at night and on
weekends and summer camp is several weeks long.
Please put an end to the garage concept now so the City staff and Castilleja can
devote resources to more important matters, and so neighbors can get their lives
back.
Thank you,
Jim Poppy
135 Melville Avenue
Plan for People, Not Cars.
Castilleja can grow and prosper without a garage.
Current traffic control measures have been effective at minimizing
the impact of traffic on the neighborhood. There are two dropoff
and pickup stations that are completely off the street. One is
located on Bryant and one on Kellogg. Dropoffs typically take
less than 30 seconds. No left turns across traffic are required to
access the stations. The stations occupy very little space.
Exiting from the dropoff
areas is quick and efficient.
Motorists have 3 exit options
to choose from without the
need for a traffic monitor.
Plan for People, Not Cars.
Castilleja can grow and prosper without a garage.
ONE ENTRANCETO UNDERGROUND GARAGE
The proposed garage would require ALL motorists to
arrive at ONE location on Bryant (bike blvd) then turn
right or left across bicycle and auto traffic to enter
an underground garage, with no visibility as to what
is ahead or how long it might take to get through the
block-long garage.
Within days, people will be avoiding the garage and
using side streets to drop off and pick up students,
while the same thing is happening a couple of blocks
away for Paly High School as the Southgate RPP goes
into effect. Cars already park on Emerson, Kellogg,
Coleridge, and Churchill to access Paly.
Plan for People, Not Cars.
Castilleja can grow and prosper without a garage.
Castilleja’s new proposal points the exit of the underground
garage straight down Melville Avenue, but they say they will
have traffic monitors out during peak school hours to direct
ALL traffic to turn right and onto Embarcadero, where cars
are already trying to merge into the right lane to access the
garage on Bryant.
Instead of being able to get back on their way, ALL
motorists would be forced to travel east on Embarcadero.
They will be forced to turn onto Bryant or Waverley to try
to get back on their route, potentially adding minutes to
their trip. People will stop using the garage when it takes 30
seconds to drop them off on a side street and continue on
their way.
ALL EXITING TRAFFIC MUST TURN RIGHT ONTO EMBARCADERO
ONE EXIT FROM UNDERGROUND GARAGE
ALMA REDUCES TO ONE LANE. TURNS CAN TAKE MINUTES
ONE EXIT FROM UNDERGROUND GARAGE, VERY LITTLE VISIBILITY LEFT AND RIGHT
Castilleja wants everyone to believe that traffic is only
an issue during school hours and they only plan to
have a traffic monitor at the exit during school hours.
The neighbors have lived with decades of permit
violations where Castilleja now has more than 100
events per year, and they are planning events for up to
700 people next year. Plus, Castilleja runs a summer
camp program. ALL of this traffic would have the
option of leaping across Emerson onto Melville. The
exit from the garage will not provide adequate visibility
to make a left turn safely. Turning right or left onto
Alma can take several minutes. Cars will be backed up,
honking horns, all year long.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:24 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:jamespoppy@comcast.net
Sent:Saturday, April 29, 2017 4:20 PM
To:Planning Commission; Council, City
Cc:City Mgr; French, Amy
Subject:Castilleja's revised plans would turn Melville Avenue into their driveway
Dear Planning Commission and City Council,
I live at 135 Melville Avenue (39 years), and Castilleja's new proposal will effectively turn our street
into Castilleja's driveway and will create many dangerous scenarios for motorists and cyclists. The
current TDM is working effectively and could easily accommodate an enrollment of 450 or more. There is no need for a garage at all.
Even if Castilleja has traffic monitors during school hours, that is a tiny fraction of the total traffic going
to and from Castilleja. Because Castilleja is violating their CUP with regards to number of events,
there will be more than 100 events at the campus this year, plus summer school. They are planning events for 500-700 people. All of that traffic would have the option of going straight down Melville to a
section of Alma that is choking down to one lane. Drivers will eventually avoid the garage and use
side streets for pickup and dropoff.
If there is any backup while exiting the garage, motorist will be tempted to jump across to Melville or turn left onto Emerson, without proper visibility.
Cars approach Emerson Street at speeds of 35 mph and greater as they rise from the underpass.
You have to know how dangerous this area is already. Providing Castilleja with their own private lane
on Embarcadero goes way beyond the bounds of what is fair for Palo Alto and the 100-ish Palo Alto students that attend Castilleja (they no longer publish this number).
Please put a stop to the garage now so the City does not have to devote so much time on this project.
Castilleja will save some money too.
I was here when the City gifted part of our street to Castilleja. Where will they stop?
Sincerely,
Jim Poppy 135 Melville Avenue 650-387-2665 cell
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/2/2017 4:58 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Joan Beitzuri <joan.beitzuri@comcast.net>
Sent:Tuesday, May 02, 2017 10:45 AM
To:Council, City; Sheldon Ah Sing; Architectural Review Board; Planning Commission
Subject:Correction/Rooms - Fwd: EIR Responses - 744-750 San Antonio Road
Please correct the number of hotel rooms from 194 to 294.
Thank you.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Joan Beitzuri <joan.beitzuri@comcast.net> Date: May 2, 2017 at 8:50:46 AM PDT
To: city.council@cityofpaloalto.org, SAhsing@m-group.us, Arb@cityofpaloalto.org,
Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org
Subject: EIR Responses - 744-750 San Antonio Road
Our group questions and does not agree with the conclusions arrived at by this EIR that this
massive, dense, architecturally disjointed 2 - Five Stories, 294 room commercial Hotels will have
"No Significant Impact" on our neighborhood. Those conclusions are based on wishful thinking
but not current facts or reality.
Following are the major categories in question.
1. Regarding Visual Character Degradation
The EIR's own comparison pictures absurdly conclude that "The visual character degradation would be less than significant" as shown in their "Existing view" and "Proposed Hotels" pictures
below.
That EIR conclusion is absurd! Having to look at those disturbing, massive, dense, unpleasantly
designed 5 story buildings, rather than beautiful, pleasant surroundings is absolute visual degradation!
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/2/2017 4:58 PM
2
2. Traffic
We submit that the EIR traffic conclusions are not based on current data or appropriate data
analysis. (See email addressing those specifics from our traffic analyst Lu Lu dated April 5,
2017).
The only Entrance/Exit to these 2 commercial Hotels is on San Antonio Road! With business
people occupying 294 rooms requiring car rentals, taxis, Ubers, delivery trucks, garbage trucks,
etc., of course this will add more traffic on an already congested 4-lane San Antonio Road!
In addition, cars already have to wait ~ 2 minute cycle to make a left turn off San Antonio Road at Leghorn, and only 2 cars go thru before the light changes. This is done in order to favor traffic
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/2/2017 4:58 PM
3
on San Antonio Rd. With the added hotel traffic needing to make U-Turns, this will certainly
cause a tremendous backup of traffic at this light.
These facts therefore negate EIR's conclusion, and prove these Hotels will in fact have a
significant increased impact on traffic on San Antonio Road.
3. Dewatering
Two story underground garage to be build requiring major dewatering.
Per EIR, drilling was done in 2014, THREE YEARS AGO! Water was encountered at 7 feet
below grade. However, the EIR stated that historically during very wet years, water would rise to
4 feet below grade. Last winter has been very wet. So the water could be as high as only 4 feet
below grade!!!
4. Aesthetics and Noise
The architecture is unpleasant to look at.
It is massive, dense, obtrusive, undefined, bland, disjointed architecture. The 24/7 long hours of
commercial hotel operation is an intrusion to a currently quiet residential/small businesses
neighborhood.
Result: A significant impact on our neighborhood.
5. Historic Resource
EIR Point 3.4.3: 744 Designated as a historic resource. "...Demolition would result in the loss of
a California Register eligible structure...". We agree with this point.
This massive, dense, architecturally disjointed commercial hotel project is not a fit in our
neighborhood. We hope you will listen to and positively react to our substantiated facts, and do
the right thing by acknowledging that these two commercial hotels will have a significant detrimental, negative impact on our neighborhoods and that you will deny approval of this
project.
Joan Beit-Zuri
Greenhouse 1
Sent from my iPhone
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 4/26/2017 4:12 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Maureen McNally <moemcnally@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Wednesday, April 26, 2017 1:33 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Cubberley event
Please note our displeasure of the park and Rec rules bent to accommodate the 2 week event at cubberley .
Regards
MAUREEN mcnally
420 Adobe place
Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 4/27/2017 7:53 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Maureen McNally <moemcnally@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Wednesday, April 26, 2017 10:57 PM
To:Parks; Council, City
Subject:Cubberley use
Hello,
I would like to let you know that I am disappointed that the City has allowed Palantir to take over the field and track at
cubberley for two weeks. This is a time when lots if groups and individuals PLAN to use this area. No significant advance
notification was given. The extent of the unavailability was not communicated to the regular users or neighbors . This is
not considerate behavior. This is not what our parks and fields are meant to be used for.
Regards,
Maureen mcnally
420 Adobe place
Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 4/26/2017 4:13 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Jeff Meyers <rustedeye@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, April 26, 2017 2:31 PM
To:Council, City; Parks
Subject:Cubberly Fields
Hello,
As a Palo Alto resident I want to voice my extreme displeasure that the City has allowed a corporate entity to take over the sports and activity fields at Cubberly Park for two weeks with no clear public interest. That this
happens during the height of soccer season and local use is unacceptable. It also appear to be in violation of the
City's own rules on park rentals and usage.
Our parks are a public asset for the use of community residents and should not be used as a rental property for private interests and events. Many of my Greenmeadow neighbors are upset about this decision. We intend to
communicate our disagreementr with our council representatives and, if needed, the local media.
Regards,
Jeff Meyers, 4050 Ben Lomond Dr, 94306
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:31 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Arlene Goetze <photowrite67@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, April 27, 2017 10:41 AM
To:S.J. Michael Engh; Gerald Coleman
Subject:Did DES of '60s cause transgender grandsons & fish?
Forwarded by Arlene Goetze, NO Toxins for Children, photowrite67@yahoo..com
http://thewonderdrugmovie.com
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/birth-control-in-drinking-water-a-
fertility- catastrophe-in-the-making---some fish are transgender http://www.wtsp.com/news/health/can-a-drug-make-you-transgender/215234337 https://www.hormonesmatter.com/hormone-treatment-pregnancy-gender-variance/ http://theheroines.blogspot.ca/2013/05/interview-with-dana-beyer.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diethylstilbestrol
One of Worst Pharmaceutical Disasters in History Still Relevant Today
. (Does estrogen in water cause transgender fish?)
* Did DES given PG women in 1940s-70s cause transgender grandsons and fish?
* DES had 50,000 times estrogen as birth-control pills
* Worst wonder drug disaster in history
* Hormones, not X and Y chromosomes (genes), determine sex
* Does water with hormones make fish without gender?
http://www.thevaccinereaction. org/2017/02/one-of-the-worst- pharmaceutical-disasters-in- history-
is-still-relevant- today/
Published by National Vaccine Information Center
by Lisa Bloomquist | Guest Writer
Published February 28, 2017 | Medicine, http://www. thevaccinereaction.org/ medicine/women/
The women who took DES during their pregnancies were often taking doses that
were up to 50,000 times the estrogen of today’s birth-control pills.
DES (diethylstilbestrol) is a synthetic estrogen that was given to pregnant women
from 1940 through the early 1970s. DES was touted as a “wonder drug” that would
prevent miscarriage and morning sickness. It was only after millions of women and
fetuses were exposed to DES that it was recognized that DES was causing deadly cancers
in both the women who took it and the children exposed to it in-utero. According to the
website for Wonder Drug, a feature film about DES (that is currently in development):
The currently-proven effects of exposure include a rare vaginal cancer in DES
Daughters; greater risk for breast cancer in DES Mothers; possible risk for testicular
cancer in DES Sons; abnormal reproductive organs; infertility; high-risk pregnancies; and
an increased risk for breast cancer in DES Daughters after age 40. There are a number of
other suspected effects, including auto-immune disorders, but many of these effects are
still awaiting further research.
DES is considered to be one of the worst drug disasters in human history. The
deadly cancers, infertility, and other health maladies that DES has caused have led to
suffering, sickness, and death for thousands of people. Though the drug companies
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:31 AM
2
responsible have paid settlements of millions of dollars, they have never issued an apology
or paid amounts sufficient to make up for the actual damage done.
The Effects on Future Generations
Many of the effects of DES are still being felt today, because they are
transgenerational — meaning that if a pregnant woman took DES in 1950, her grandchild
may suffer from negative effects today. Because of the time-lag between administration of
the drug and its effects (many cancers take decades to show up in the people who were
exposed to DES in utero), and because of difficulty studying transgenerational effects of
drugs, many of the consequences of DES are only being uncovered today.
It should be noted that the transgenerational effects of endocrine disrupting drugs
seem to intensify with each generation, and people suffering from infertility, cancer,
reproductive abnormalities, hormonal abnormalities, or autoimmune disorders should
look in their family history for DES use.
Most of the research into the consequences of DES has focused on DES daughters—
the women who were exposed to DES while in utero—in part because one of the first
effects of DES discovered was the occurrence of a rare vaginal cancer called clear cell
cancer in young women. Significantly less research has been done on DES sons—the
men who were exposed to DES while in utero.
Can Endocrine Disrupting Drugs In-utero Cause a Person to be Transgender?
Several researchers who have looked at DES sons have noted that a significant
portion of the men exposed to DES in utero are either transsexual, transgender, or
intersex, and it has been hypothesized that there is a connection between prenatal DES
exposure and gender variance.
This news piece from WTSP in Tampa, Florida, explores the notion that DES
exposure in utero may be responsible for gender variance later in life:
Hugh Easton, a scientist and activist who self-identifies as having “an unusual
partially feminine gender identity,” further explains sex and gender differences and how
they may be affected by in-utero estrogen exposure (from DES, and birth-control pills
used during pregnancy can have similar effects). He writes:
What few people appreciate is that it’s these very large differences between
male and female hormone levels throughout life that are responsible for all the
differences between being a man and a woman, not the X and Y chromosome. All
the sex chromosomes do is determine whether you develop ovaries or testicles, it’s the fact
that ovarian tissue produces mainly estradiol whereas testicular tissue produces mainly
testosterone that is responsible for people being organized into the two distinct groups
that we call men and women.
>There are two main life stages when the sex hormones, testosterone and
estradiol, are active. The first is an ‘organizational’ phase which starts around 6 weeks
after conception and ends a few months after birth. The second life stage is puberty and
throughout adult life, during which the sex hormones have ‘activational’ effects: they
bring to life all the stuff that was laid down during the organizational phase, and
transform you from a child into an adult man or woman.
>A slight difference between the two phases is that, during the organizational phase,
testosterone is the key hormone and estradiol plays no role in sex determination. Whether
you develop as male or female depends purely on whether levels of testosterone (and DHT,
a hormone derived from testosterone) are high or low. If the fetus develops neither
testicles nor ovaries, the result is a female baby.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:31 AM
3
During the activational phase, you need high levels of testosterone in order to
mature into an adult man, but in order to mature into an adult woman, you need high
levels of estradiol. If neither hormone is present, you’ll remain in an asexual, childlike
state and never mature properly into an adult.
>Unfortunately, the idea that sex is determined by X and Y chromosomes has
become so deeply rooted in popular consciousness that even most doctors and
scientists who don’t work in the field aren’t aware that it’s actually hormones and
not genes that determine your sex. As a result, we’ve ended up in a situation where, as
a result of medical treatment given to their mothers during pregnancy (and medical
treatment given to newborns), there are several million people at least alive today who
were exposed to hormones with testosterone blocking properties (or testosterone
mimicking properties) during their organizational period.
In theory, what this should do is produce people who’ve partly developed as male
and partly as female, and judging what I’ve seen of the effects of DES, that is indeed
exactly what happens. It’s just that, because all your physical sexual characteristics
develop within a relatively narrow window of time during the first trimester, whereas most
high dosage use of hormones tends to happen during the second and third trimesters,
instead of causing physical abnormalities, it’s causing people to be born who’ve
undergone intersexed or opposite-sexed brain development.
The way this is often manifesting itself later in life is as transsexuality. Other effects
(at least as far as DES exposure in genetic males is concerned) are that sperm counts are,
on average, much lower than nonexposed men, and there seems to be a very high risk of
developing hypogonadism as well.
>Hormones are so widely used in medicine that the number of people who’ve been
affected must surely be very large, and I think that the ones who’ve come out as
transgender are likely to be just the tip of an even larger iceberg, of people with seemingly
non gender related psychological problems caused by some of their brain regions having
developed as male and some as female, or fertility problems and all manner of mysterious
chronic ailments caused by their bodies not being able to regulate their hormone levels
properly (this seems to be a very common side effect of these hormone exposures too).
The women who took DES during their pregnancies were often taking doses
that were up to 50,000 times the estrogen of today’s birth-control pills. Could
exposure to such high concentrations of estrogen cause fetuses with XY (male)
chromosomes to develop as females during some of the organizational periods of
sex and gender development? It certainly seems plausible.
Birth-control pills also provide high doses of estrogen (and other hormones), and it
has also been hypothesized that birth-control pills taken during pregnancy can also
influence gender expression of the fetus. (For more information on this, please read Hugh
Easton’s article, “Hormone Treatment During Pregnancy and Gender Variance in Later
Life.”)
Recognition of Advocates Who are Transgender
Men and women who are transgender have fought (are fighting) hard to be
recognized as equally valid and entitled to the basic rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness as cisgender people. They deserve to be treated as valuable humans because
they ARE valuable humans, and I hope that questioning how endocrine disrupting
medications can influence gender expression is not interpreted as trying to find something
wrong or diseased with transgender men and women.
It should be noted that many of the scientists, activists, and concerned citizens
making connections between DES and gender variance are transgender themselves.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:31 AM
4
Wanting to know why one’s gender is expressed as it is does not indicate a lack of self-
appreciation; rather, it indicates an inquiring mind, and I hope that questions along these
lines are encouraged.
We live in a world that is full of endocrine disrupting chemicals (synthetic hormone
pharmaceuticals, birth control, fluoride, fluorine-containing drugs, BPA, plastics, many
pesticides and herbicides, etc.). It is reasonable to ask how those endocrine disrupting
chemicals are affecting all areas of our lives—from cancers to gender expression.
I hope that people who are transgender find this hypothesis to be liberating. If this
hypothesis is correct, transgender men and women are how they are not because of a
choice, or even “just one of those things,” they are how they are because hormones
determine gender just as much as chromosomes do, and exposure to hormone-changing
chemicals at critical developmental periods can alter gender.
I’m a cisgender, heterosexual woman, so maybe it’s not my place to write any of this.
But, personally, if an endocrine-disrupting drug had influenced my gender identity, I
would want to know. Perhaps some people in the transgender community feel the same
way. The hypothesis that DES and other endocrine disrupting chemicals (especially the
concentrated ones like birth-control pills) are causing people to be transgender should be
explored, and maybe with knowledge can come empowerment.
As more and more transgender people physically transition to the gender that they
identify with, it will become increasingly possible for researchers to explore the possible
connections between DES and/or birth-control pill exposure in-utero and the expression
of transgender later in life. It is a hypothesis that is worth exploring—not to assert that
there is anything wrong with the men and women who are transgender, but to
understand sex and gender differences in humanity, and to understand biology and
hormones and the world we live in.
______________________________ __
Forwarded from National Vaccine Information Center
Note: This article was reprinted with the author’s permission. It was originally published
at Collective Evolution.
References are available in NVIC copy of this article.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:31 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Neilson Buchanan <cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, April 27, 2017 11:31 AM
To:Council, City; Planning Commission
Cc:Diana Diamond; Dave Price; Bill Johnson
Subject:Evaluate this message with National Citizens Survey trends
Read on... not my words below...just unknown forces in the
marketplace. How will Council stewardship evolve? Or not?
second email today ..... let me know if you want to digest it.
This marketing firm may fail but Airbnb, et al, are not failing.
"Hi there,
Airbnb is shaping neighborhoods and rental markets around the world. All types of people are eager to get there hands on Airbnb data to better understand how to adapt to these changes. Hotel executives, property managers, tourism groups, and real estate investors are all finding creative ways to monetize on the quickly evolving lodging landscape"
Neilson Buchanan
155 Bryant Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650 329-0484
650 537-9611 cell
cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Scott | Airdna <hello@airdna.co>
To: cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2017 11:06 AM
Subject: Turning Data into Decisions
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:31 AM
2
Hi there, Airbnb is shaping neighborhoods and rental markets around the world. All types of people are eager to get there hands on Airbnb data to better understand how to adapt to these changes. Hotel executives, property managers, tourism groups, and real estate investors are all finding creative ways to monetize on the quickly evolving lodging landscape.
The free data for Airdna members is a great way to get started understanding your local market
Below are few ways I get actionable insights from the free market data:
Is Travel Demand on the Up and Up?
The alternative accommodation market operates in a fine balance of supply and demand. Although many more travelers are choosing options like Airbnb these days, there is still only so much supply that can be profitably added to a city. The easiest way to determine if a market is saturated with supply is by looking at the annual RevPAR chart. If RevPAR is up for the year it's a great sign of a healthy short-term rental market.
More Multiple Listings Hosts = High Growth Market
20% of Airbnb hosts are managing multiple listings and 2.7% are managing five or more
listings. A simple way to identify cities with low regulation and great investment opportunities is a
high percentage of hosts that manage multiple listings.
Estimate a Properties Airbnb Value
What is your place worth on Airbnb? The free webpages provide just enough data to ballpark
what a property can earn on Airbnb. The simplest way to do this is to multiply the average daily rate for your size accommodation * the average annual occupancy. If you think your property is nicer than the average listing in then use the 75th or 90th percentile occupancy rate. For more indepth ways to analyze comps and market performance visit our Data Services page. Stay tuned for more great ways to leverage our data. Scott Shatford
Founder & CEO
Airdna
To make sure you keep getting these emails, please add hello@airdna.co to your address book or
whitelist us. Want out of the loop? Unsubscribe.
1644 Platte Ave Denver, CO 80202
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:30 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Ruchita Parat <ruchita@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, April 27, 2017 1:41 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Frys site
Hello,
I have been palo alto resident for 25 yrs and I would like to see city council do proper evaluation and follow
proper procedures for this site as I am used to seeing. I used to be proud of being part of palo alto and would like to continue the same.
thanks ruchita parat
4177 hubbartt dr
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:31 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Jim Colton <james.colton10@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, April 27, 2017 10:12 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Fry's site
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing about the future development of the Fry's site, the only site of this size that will be developed in the near future. I encourage you to fund work on a Coordinated Area Plan for the Fry's site starting this calendar
year right after the Comprehensive Plan Update is adopted. Also, because the final development of this site has
such a big impact on Palo Alto residents, I encourage you to get residents involved in the planning.
Thanks for your consideration.
Jim Colton
670 Georgia Ave
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 3:39 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Chop Keenan <chopkeenan@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, May 01, 2017 3:36 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Kleinberg, Judy; Roxy Rapp; Brad Ehikian; John R. Shenk; John McNellis; Russ Cohen;
Jon Goldman; Alex Giovannotto; Barbara Gross; Gitelman, Hillary; Perez, Lalo; Keene,
James; Mello, Joshuah
Subject:Fw: Downtown Parking Overview Comments
Attachments:Downtown Parking Overview Response 4-25-2017.rtf
DEAR COUNCIL, ATTACHED ARE MY COMMENTS TO A
STAFF MEMO ON DOWNTOWN PARKING. CALL IF YOU
WANT TO DISCUSS. CHOP 650 740-8150
On Monday, May 1, 2017 2:54 PM, Theresa McCorkhill <Theresa@keenanland.com> wrote:
Theresa McCorkhill
Assistant to Charles J. Keenan, III 650-614-6258
Please find in red, comments to the City Staff generated parking overview
Downtown Parking Overview
Three Primaryfunding sources pertain to the downtown parking area:
1) University Avenue Area Off-Street Parking Assessment District Fund
2) University Avenue Parking In-Lieu Fund
3) University Avenue Permit Parking Fund
University Avenue Area Off-Street Parking Assessment District Fund
This fund accounts for the receipts and disbursements associated with the 2012 Limited Obligation
Refunding Improvement Bonds.
Fiduciary Funds
The City is the fiduciary agent for certain assessment districts such as the University Avenue Area Off-Street
Parking Assessment District. In this role, the City holds money collected from property owners and awaiting
transfer to the districts' bond trustees. The City's fiduciary activities are reported in the separate Statement
of Fiduciary Net Position and the supplemental Agency Funds Statement of Changes in Assets and Liabilities.
These activities are excluded from the City's other financial statements because the City cannot utilize these
assets to finance its own operations.
1. University Avenue Off-Street Assessment District Fund
Comment A: Staff has correctly defined our understanding with regard to the 2012 Limited Obligation
Refunding Improvement Bonds.
Comment B: The bonds were approved originally in 2001 pursuant to The Harris & Associates Technical
Report by a mail in election of the property owners encumbered by the bonds. The Harris & Associates
Technical Report, (attached), represented that property owners be recipients of “Special Benefits”. Basically,
the garages were meant to off-set on-site parking obligation and specifically prohibited SOFA property owners
from the exclusive parking benefits of properties within the district boundaries. The City continues to issue long
term permits to employees of SOFA. Why would district property owners incur the bond payments while
non-district, (SOFA), users don’t? There is a wait list in all garages which is especially galling.
Comment C: The City in their administration of the bonds misappropriated $2,000,000 from the bonds
which was rectified in 2016 by Council on the consent calendar. Although the bond funds have been fully
disbursed, the district should belatedly form a bond oversight committee to oversee the terms of the bonds, the
Harris & Associates Technical Report which was the basis for the election, and the fiduciary responsibility of the
City Council.
University Avenue Parking In-Lieu Fund
Per Palo Alto Municipal Code Chaper 16.57, this fund collects fees on new non-residential development
in the University Avenue Parking Assessment District in lieu of providing required parking spaces.
Funding is to be spent on
The moneys in the fund shall be eligible for expenditure only for construction of public parking spaces
within the assessment district to serve the parking needs of the district created by the developments
that paid the fees, as determined by the chief transportation official, subject to the approval of city
council. If facilities are constructed prior to deposit of sufficient moneys into the fund, then fees may be
used to reimburse the city for expenditures made in advance of receipt of fees. In no event shall moneys
in the fund be used for regular maintenance of parking facilities or for any parking facilities not available
to employees and customers of businesses located in the assessment district. The priorities for
expenditures of moneys in the fund as among various types and locations of parking facilities shall be as
determined by the city council, after considering the recommendation of the chief transportation
official.
CURRENT RECOMMENDED USE: provide partial funding for the new downtown parking garage capital
project. To date, $1.3 million has been transferred to the General Capital Improvement Fund for this
project in FY 2016, additional transfers are scheduled over the next three years as the project is
completed.
2. University Avenue Parking In-Lieu Fund
Comment A: Staff has correctly defined our understanding of the In-Lieu Fund.
Comment B: There has been no outreach to the business community within the district about the
location of the next garage. Lot D has been dictated by staff.
Comment C: We would like to see an accounting of the $1.3 mm of in-lieu fees relative to Lot D. The
magnitude of the expenditure suggests the project engineers are through Design Development (DD drawings)
with little outreach to the business community within the district.
Downtown Parking Overview
University Avenue Permit Parking Fund
This fund was established to ensure maintenance, repair, and beautification of parking facilities and
public areas within the University Avenue business districts.
Source of Funding: Parking permit receipts, day pass receipts, ticket machine receipts, and
interest earnings. This fund also receives transfers from the General Fund, Utilities, and IT Fund
for reimbursement of employee parking.
Expenditures: Funds are utilized for the maintenance of the garages/lots within the district,
enhanced services downtown, related administration costs, Utility costs, and certain capital
projects which benefit the district. Specifically, ASD staff perform administration functions, PW
provides maintenance (sweeping, steam cleaning, daily custodial, landscaping, etc), and PD
provides patrol services. Capital projects receiving transfers are as follows:
FY 2018 OPERATlNG COSTS:
Salaries and benefits have been updated for current employees and retirement rates. Allocated charges
for services such as utilities have also been adjusted for estimated usage and the proposed rate changes.
Proposal
Transportation Management Association
Garage janitorial services
Downtown Streets Team (sidewalks & garages, currently only garages)
Tree Lighting Maintenance
PARs Trust Contributions (115 Trust fund)
Staffing Funding Realignment
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:
Estimated Cost
135,000
???
46,201
30,000
10,802
(28,481)
Project Number
PE-18X01
PF-14003
PF-18XOl
PL-16002
PL-15002
PL-15004
Project Name
High Street Parking Garage Waterproofing Study
University Avenue Parking Improvements
Parking Lot J Elevator
Paid Parking*
Parking Guidance Systems, Access Controls, and Revenue
Collection Equipment*
Parking Wayfinding*
Estimated FY 2018-
2022 CIP
35
0,
00
0
19
0,
23
9
70
0,
00
0
1,140,000
2,000,000
267,144 * Currently partially funded by General Capital Improvement Fund.
CURRENT ESTIMATED FY 2018 UNRESTRICTED FUND BALANCE: $1.7 million
3. University Avenue Permit Parking Fund
Comment A: The City, in collaboration with the informal Chamber/BID parking committee, has undertaken tasks beyond the original operations, maintenance, capital
improvement, and administration of the district. The sum of all these expenditures equal the numerator for purposes of determining permit pricing; the denominator being a combination of the number of permits, all day passes, and ticket machine passes. The result of this calculation is
$466/year for permit and $17/day for ticket machine and all day passes.
(All District Expenditures ÷ Number of permits sold = $466/year)
Comment B: Staff has submitted a 2017-2018 budget that outlines increases in certain expenditures, new expenditures, and a smorgasbord of capital improvements.
Comment C: The proposed increases which we endorse are garage janitorial (amount still undetermined); tree light maintenance $30,000; PAR’s trust contribution $10,802; and gratefully, a reduction in staff funding requirements.
Comment D: The proposed increases which we object to are Transportation
Management Association $135,000; Downtown Streets Team $46,201 (actually object to entire line item of $118,744); and police of $116,296.
Comment E: For background, valet of $478,079 and steam cleaning Lytton Plaza, as well as
core sidewalks, of $94,660 are outside the box expenditures which staff and parking committee have collaboratively adopted.
Comment F: The University Parking Permit Fund has become a slush fund used by the City to fund payroll and services way outside the mandate of O & M, administration, and capital improvements necessary for the operation of the district. No other area of Palo Alto pays
for police services including the Stanford Shopping Center, Midtown, Cal Ave., or El Camino. Where the district gets quantifiable efficiencies, the parking committee has endorsed additional expenditures.
Comment G: The capital improvement budget has historically been a collaborative
discussion. Last year was an exception with top down priorities not supported by the parking district.
Comment H: The capital improvement list up for consideration has priority and
sequencing suggestions. University Avenue parking improvements of $190,259 (slurry seal, striping of surface lots) is a priority recommendation.
Comment I: High Street Parking Garage Waterproofing Study is shown as $350,000 on page one and $50,000 on the last page. Although $50,000 sounds high, $350,000 must be a
typo. The $50,000 ± study is a necessary expenditure.
Comment J: Lot J elevator replacement of $700,000 has not been adequately explained as to why. We are told this can be deferred, but if it needs to be replaced, we should
start to reserve for the replacement down the road.
Comment K: Parking wayfinding was supposedly paid for last year. Don’t understand why it has reappeared this year $267,144.
Comment L: The last two capital projects up for discussion are paid parking of $1,140,000; and parking guidance systems, (Red light, Green light), access controls (gates on garages; and revenue control equipment), $2,000,000. Paid parking has significant socialization work to be done with stakeholders, and new parking supply to receive RPP permits and sleeper
parkers. Suggest this be deferred for discussion to next year with the caveat that implementation will be after new parking supply.
Comment M: Parking guidance systems (Red light, Green light), & counters were endorsed by the district last year. Suggest separating the guidance systems from the access and
revenue control. Access and revenue control need to be part of an integrated paid parking discussion. Recommend Red light, Green light, & counters $1,000,000±.
4. Paid Parking
Comment A: Supply is the first order of the day. Lot D is in process for net new
spaces of 220. Lot P is designed for 194 spaces, (see attached). Lots G, F, T, and O are preliminarily laid out. Urban Lane is the granddaddy with nearly 500 net new. Recommend a staff/district committee to vet and initiate additional parking to handle existing RPP and sleeper
parkers.
Comment B: Retailers want customer friendly parking meters (2 ganged in the middle of every two on-street spaces, and two ganged between every two surface lot spaces. No
Kiosks Anywhere
Comment C: Meters should allow as many hours as someone wants to feed it. The trick is to make it more expensive than a long term permit. The invisible hand of pricing will take care of moving sleepers to long term permits (NEED ADDITIONAL SUPPLY TO
ACCOMMODATE FORMER SLEEPERS).
Comment D: Access control (gates on parking structures) and revenue control equipment (not customer friendly) pricing and timing should be coordinated with on-street paid parking.
Summary: The current paid permit is $466.00. There were approximately 3,000 paid permits sold in 2016-17. Based on a $2,000,000
capital expenditure and operating costs budget, the permit would have to increase by $700 per year to $1,166 per year. Because the capital budget spikes for 2 years and then drops off precipitously a five year pro-forma showing the spike and drop off would help to determine the sweet spot. (Guessing it would rise from $466 to approximately $972 per year. This would generate an incremental $1,400,000 per year over the three years for a total of $4,200,000. This would be more than enough to fund all capital projects in a 36 month cycle. The City should look to on-street parking revenues to fund the T.M.A. Incremental Revenues within surface lots and parking structures would be
used to off-set paid permit parking funds or to fund more garage bonds. Again, additional supply is the key to solving RPP non-residents, sleeper parkers, and retail customers. RPP solved for non-resident tag holders. It did not solve for 2 hour parkers. Additional parking supply is critical to a successful RPP and elimination of sleeper parkers. Currently there are hundreds of parkers moving their cars every two hours. Musical chairs is not a parking solution.
We welcome constructive discussions on the related issues. FY 2015-2016 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
FIDUCIARY FUNDS
INTRODUCTION
Fiduciary Funds are used to account for assets held by the City acting in a fiduciary capacity for other
entities and individuals. The funds are operated to carry out the specific actions required by the trust
agreements, ordinances and other governing regulations.
Fiduciary Funds are presented separately from the Citywide and Fund financial statements.
Agency Funds are custodial in nature and do not involve measurement of results of operations. The City
maintains three agency funds, as follows:
California Avenue Parking Assessment District
This fund accounts for receipts and disbursements associated with the 1993 Parking District No. 92-13
Assessment Bonds.
Cable Joint Powers Authority
The fund was established to account for the activities of the cable television system on behalf of the
members.
University Avenue Area Off-Street Parking Assessment District
The fund accounts for the receipts and disbursements associated with the Series 2012 Limited Obligation
Refunding Improvement Bonds.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
All Agency Funds
Statement of Changes in Assets and liabilities
For the Year Ended June 30, 2016
(Amounts in thousands)
Balance Balance
California Avenue Parking Assessment District June 30, 2015 Additions Deletions June 30, 2016
ASSETS:
Cash and investments available for operations $ 175 $ $ 175 $
LIABILITIES
:
Due to bondholders $ 175 $ $ 175 $
Cable Joint Powers Authority
ASSETS:
Cash and investments available for operations $ 660 $ $ 9 $ 651
Accounts receivable 503 8 495
I nterest receivable 3 3
Total assets $ 1,166 $ $ 17 $ 1,149
LIABILITIES:
Due to other governments $ 1,166 $ $ 17 $ 1,149
University Avenue Area
Off-Street Parking Assessment District
ASSETS:
Cash and investments available for operations $ 2,192 $ $ 196 $ 1,996
Cash and investments with fiscal agents 2,543 7 2,550
Accounts receivable 9 1 10
Interest receivable 9 9
Total assets $ 4,753 $ 8 $ 196 $ 4,565
lIABILITI ES:
Due to bondholders $ 4,753 $ $ 188 $ 4,565
Total Agency Funds
ASSETS:
Cash and investments available for operations $ 3,027 $ $ 380 $ 2,647
Cash and investments with fiscal agents 2,543 7 2,550
Accounts receivable 512 1 8 505
I nterest receivable 12 12
Total assets $ 6,094 $ 8 $ 388 $ 5,714
LIABILITIES:
Due to bondholders $ 4,928 $ $ 363 $ 4,565
Due to other governments 1,166 17 1,149
Total liabilities $ 6,094 $ $ 380 $ 5,714
134
FY 2015-2016 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
FIDUCIARY FUNDS
INTRODUCTION
Fiduciary Funds are used to account for assets held by the City acting in a fiduciary capacity for other
entities and individuals. The funds are operated to carry out the specific actions required by the trust
agreements, ordinances and other governing regulations.
Fiduciary Funds are presented separately from the Citywide and Fund financial statements.
Agency Funds are custodial in nature and do not involve measurement of results of operations. The City
maintains three agency funds, as follows:
California Avenue Parking Assessment District
This fund accounts for receipts and disbursements associated with the 1993 Parking District No. 92-13
Assessment Bonds.
Cable Joint Powers Authority
The fund was established to account for the activities of the cable television system on behalf of the
members.
University Avenue Area Off-Street Parking Assessment District
The fund accounts for the receipts and disbursements associated with the Series 2012 Limited Obligation
Refunding Improvement Bonds.
133
CMR #7386 Annual Report Development Impact Fees FY 2016
DISCUSSION
The City of Palo Alto development fees covered by AB 1600, and documented in Attachment A,
include the following:
• Stanford Research Park/EI Camino Real traffic impact fees (PAMC Ch. 16.45): Fee for
new nonresidential development in the Stanford Research Park/EI Camino Real Service
Commercial zone, to fund capacity improvements at eight intersections.
• San Antonio/West Bayshore Area traffic impact fees (PAMC Ch. 16.46): Fee for new
nonresidential development in the San Antonio/West Bayshore area to fund capacity
improvements at four intersections.
• Housing impact fees imposed on commercial developments (PAMC Ch. 16.47): Fee on
commercial and industrial development to contribute to programs that increase the
City's low income and moderate-income housing stock.
• Parking in-lieu fees for University Avenue Parking District (PAMC Ch. 16.57): Fee on new
non-residential development in the University Avenue Parking Assessment District in
lieu of providing required parking spaces.
• Parks, Community Centers, and Libraries impact fees (PAMC Ch. 16.58): Fee on new
residential and non-residential development to provide community facility funds for
parks, community centers, libraries, public safety, and general government.
• Residential housing in-lieu fees (PAMC Ch. 16.47): Fee on residential developments in-
lieu of providing required below-market rate units to low and moderate income
households.
• Parkland dedication fees (Quimby Act) (California Government Code Section 66477): Fee
or parkland dedication imposed on new residential and non-residential development.
• Charleston-Arastradero Corridor pedestrian and bicyclist safety fees (PAMC Ch. 16.59):
Fee on new development and re-development within the Charleston-Arastradero
Corridor to provide for pedestrian and bicyclist improvements.
• Citywide Transportation impact fee (PAMC Ch 16.59): Fee on development in all parts
of the City to fund transportation projects and programs to reduce congestion.
• Public Art fees (PAMC 16.61): Fee on public art for private developments.
• Water and sewer capacity fees (California Government Code Section 66000): Fee on
developments adding load to water and sewer systems.
City of Palo Alto Page 3
FUND
Purpose and Authority
for Collection
Amount of the Fee
Fund Balance July 1,2015
Activity in 2015-16
Revenues
Fees Collected
Prior year fees refunded
Sale of Property
Interest Earnings
Unrealized Gain/Loss Investments
Operating Transfers
Transfer from Housing In-Lieu Fund
Transfer from SUMC
Total Revenues
Expenditures
Planning Other Contract Services Transfer to Capital Projects Reclassify prior year expense to loan
Total Expenditures
Ending Balance June 30, 2016
Other Commitments/Appropriations
Reserve for Notes Receivable
include:$1 ,290,000 for 2811 Alma, and
$4,137,254 for 801 Alma. Reserve for Buena Vista Reserve for Encumbrance
Reserve for unrealized gain on
investments
Net Funds Available
Attachment A
City of Palo Alto
Annual Report on Development Impact Fees
for Period Ending June 30, 2016
Commercial Housing
In-lieu Fund
Fees imposed on large commercial
and industrial development to
contribute to programs that increase
the City's low income and moderate-
income housing stock. PAMC Ch.16.47
$19.85 per square foot
$14,642,107
48,156
78,651
244,973 121,424
375,000
1,720,488
2,588,692
(500)
(2,777)
500,000
496,723
$17,727,522
(5,427,254)
(7,700,000)
(12,278)
(171,287)
$4,416,704
Page 2 of 11
I
University Avenue Parking
In-lieu Fund
Fees collected from non-residential development within the University Ave. Parking Assessment District in lieu of providing the required number of parking spaces. PAMC Ch 16.57
$65,475 per space
$4,963,059
(209,616)
81,572
54,653
(73,391)
(1,300,000)
(1,300,000)
$3,589,668
(75,110)
$3,514,558
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 2:28 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Sent:Monday, May 01, 2017 12:48 PM
To:Doug Vagim; Mark Standriff; Mayor; esmeralda.soria@fresno.gov; paul.caprioglio; Paul
Dictos; dennisbalakian; David Balakian; Joel Stiner; jboren; jerry ruopoli; Jason Tarvin;
bmcewen; kfsndesk; newsdesk; rosenheim@kpix.cbs.com; Dan Richard; Daniel Zack;
robert.andersen; Steve Wayte; steve.hogg; scott.mozier; President; nick yovino;
beachrides; Leodies Buchanan; Council, City; CityManager; dwalters;
fmerlo@wildelectric.net; firstvp@fresnopoa.org; Raymond Rivas; Gary Turgeon;
Greg.Gatzka; huidentalsanmateo; info@superide1.com; johnhutson580; Mark Kreutzer;
leager; Cathy Lewis; lxcastro93@yahoo.com; mmt4@pge.com; midge@thebarretts.com;
mthibodeaux@electriclaboratories.com; newsletter@tesla.com; Tranil Thomas; terry;
thomas.esqueda@fresno.gov; david.valenstein; Mark Waldrep
Subject:Fwd: GM: Great value, strong yields
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Date: Mon, May 1, 2017 at 12:35 PM
Subject: Fwd: GM: Great value, strong yields To: bretthedrick <bretthedrick@hedrickschevy.com>
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Date: Mon, May 1, 2017 at 11:41 AM
Subject: GM: Great value, strong yields
To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Monday, May 1, 2017
Mr. Hedrick- Here is another article re GM as an investment. It is one which you, and GM, would enjoy
reading, I think:
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4067320-gm-great-value-strong-yields?auth_param=5cp2b:1cgdtnc:5a35ae0fc18ea8b8b9ac193bd68e5b55&uprof=44
Note that they plan to use the proceeds from the Opel and Vauxhall sales to do a stock buy-back.
All of those beautiful Escalades, GMC SUVs, Chevy SUVs, and all of the great pick-ups and cars, a great line-up. And then, drivers in California, GMs biggest U.S. market, have to drive them on local streets and on
highways just riddled with pot-holes with sharp edges. I'll bet lots of Californians are holding back on buying
a new GM vehicle until the streets and highways are drivable. Somebody is now trying to ruin Governor
Brown with the following announcement:
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 2:28 PM
2
Yes, we passed the gas-tax increase and the registration fee increase to get the money to fix our streets and
highways, but now it will take a full year before any repairs can begin. We have to do extensive environmental studies first, you see.
It is no doubt Republicans who are putting this out because they fought the gas-tax increase. KCBS in SF has
broadcast this story several times in recent days. This is an attempt to get Governor Brown recalled because he
could get the repairs going right away. If they have to replace a major bridge, like the San Mateo Bridge or the
Golden Gate Bridge, I could maybe see the need for massive environmental studies, but major, year-long environmental studies before they can fill pot-holes on Hwys. 99, 152, 101, 85, 280, 92????. That just
cannot be! The Governor will be recalled if that is the deal. It will be a shame because it will be a scam. What
happened, billions of dollars have been stolen from Caltrans? We need Governor Brown to put the lie to this
story.
Governor Brown should announce that it does not take millions of dollars of environmental studies,
probably done by consulting companies headquartered in France, to fill pot-holes on Hwy 99, and that some
Republican scum is putting this out. Whoever put this out should be indicted for spreading incitement to
revolution.
In Fresno, Marks Ave south from Barstow to Shaw is just full of pot-holes. Barstow between Marks and Van
Ness east-bound is just a mine-field of potholes. Many streets in Fresno are just as bad. Mayor Brand should
drive these streets personally and then announce a schedule to get them fixed, or fix them himself. Let's see him
out there with his gun in work clothes filling pot-holes. Eastbound on Barstow there is a sharp pot-hole just east
of Teilman that has been there for well over a year. It is criminal that the City employees driving around Fresno all day in those little pick-ups don't report these pot-holes to the Mayor.
Mayor Lindsey of New York City famously lost his job because it took weeks to clear the snow in Queens
after a major snowstorm. Where is Mayor Brand? Hey Mayor, want to get recalled? If you don't start fixing the
streets in Fresno, I'll lead an effort to make it happen.
I'll now send this to Dan Richard for forwarding to the Governor, and to the President and the media. Also to
the Fresno City Council.
Mr. L. William Harding
Fresno, Ca.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:26 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Wayne Martin <wmartin46@yahoo.com>
Sent:Saturday, April 29, 2017 1:11 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Issues With Panantir Use of Cubberley Space
Palo Alto City Council
The City of Palo alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Elected City Council:
An article in the Daily Post on April 29th reports on the Palo alto-based company Panantir renting a soccer field in the Mitchell
park/Cubberley center for a few days. While I do not have any qualms about this has some of the neighbors seem to, there
were a couple of procedural points that I feel this City staff might have handled differently.
The article states that Palantir sent letters to the neighbors and donated a sizable sum to each of the supper clubs affected by
Palantir’s use of a land. Presumably, this was all part of the staff’s requirements for renting the space. What bothered me
was the comment in the Post’s article a security guard grabbed Rebekah White as she was walking about the fields and she
was doubtless accustomed to doing. She claimed that she was told to leave.
My first concern is that she was touched in any way by someone who may, or may not, have identified himself as a security
guard. There is no excuse for any private security agent, operating on public property, to deal with residents in that
fashion. If this event actually happened, Council should direct staff to investigate and obtain assurances from Palantir that
this will not happen again, and that any future organizations seeking to use public land be held to the same level of
understanding of how to interface with residents.
My second concern is that when the intermediary company Blue Flame, began to occupy the field it should have a
surrounded the area with tape such as police use around a crime scene to indicate to residents that the space had been
rented. The article notes that fencing had directed, but didn’t state on what day.
My third concern is that identity of the sponsoring organization, Palantir, might not have been as visible as it could have been
on the site itself. Again, city staff should be more proactive representing residents so that the highest level of transparency
can be maintained and the situations.
Thank you for your time considering this matter.
Wayne Martin
Palo Alto, CA
04/29/2017
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 2:28 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Jeff Hoel <jeff_hoel@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, May 01, 2017 1:23 PM
To:UAC
Cc:Hoel, Jeff (external); Council, City
Subject:Joint Study Session between UAC and Council
Commissioners, Item IX.5 on UAC's 05-03-17 agenda is about a joint study session between UAC and Council. http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/57460 There is no staff report. I think at least part of the joint study session should focus on how Council can give UAC the support it needs to do its job as an independent advisory body Please see some specific ideas about that below the "###" line. Thanks. Jeff ------------------- Jeff Hoel 731 Colorado Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94303 ------------------- ###########################################################################
1. Controlling the agenda
Who decides which items to put on UAC agendas? Who decides whether an item should be an "action" item or a "discussion" item (or a "presentation" item)? UAC's job is to give its advice to Council. But if a topic is not agendized, UAC can't give its advice. And if a topic is not agendized as an action item, UAC can't express its advice concisely and collectively in the form of a vote on a motion.
2, Verbatim minutes Council Member Schmid often said that he'd like UAC's minutes to be verbatim, so he could find out exactly what happened at UAC meetings. He said he could read verbatim minutes in roughly a quarter of the time it would take to view the video.
UAC minutes used to be verbatim, but starting 06-02-04, staff decided to do sense minutes instead. On 07-07-04, UAC discussed financial options for FTTH, But we don't know exactly what was said. And the video is no longer online.
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/cityagenda/publish/uac-meetings/3745.pdf (On page 3, there's a note, highlighted in red, for the editor of the minutes to do something, but that didn't happen.) P&TC minutes are verbatim.
3. Subcommittees
Who still thinks subcommittees are a good idea? And why? The UAC "home page" names four subcommittees, but doesn't say who is serving on them,
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 2:28 PM
2
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/boards/uac/default.asp
Whose job is it to keep this information up-to-date?
4, Rules of order
UAC uses a non-standard rules of order in which amendments are not allowed but substitute motions may be nested to any level. I think more-nearly-standard rules of order that did allow amendments and limited the nesting depth of
substitute motions would better facilitate the crafting of potentially complex motions.
Both Council and P&TC have posted their rules of order online.
5. Rolling calendar
Currently, a 12-month "rolling calendar" is provided to the UAC commissioners, and to the public, in paper form. It predicts when UAC, the Finance Committee, and Council will consider topics of concern to UAC. As I understand it,
Council members do NOT get these rolling calendars. I think it would be great if these were available online.
Council has tentative agendas documents, which are available online, but they only predict topics about a month in advance.
6. Scheduling joint study sessions between UAC and Council
Whose job is it to do this? In theory, they're supposed to be annual. As far as I know, the last one was 04-20-15.
7. The role of the liaison
Resource or eighth commissioner?
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/2/2017 4:56 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Mary Ann Young <mayoung632@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 02, 2017 4:06 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Message from the City Council Home Page
Hello. In today's Daily Post there is an article about technology firms and our neighborhoods and the jest of the
article is a bit confusing. On the 600 block of Tennyson Avenue there is a tech company that has been
operating in a home for quite a while.
There are many vacant homes in my neighborhood alone and I notice many others in town, usually with unkept
yards and litter. I'm not sure as to the City's policy, however, with all the excitement concerning parking in
neighborhoods I would surmise that businesses should not be doing business in residential areas.
I own a triplex downtown and also live in Palo Alto and I'm not allowed to have a parking permit for my
property downtown. Since I do all the gardening at my downtown property, it makes it a bit inconvenient, since
I often spend around 4 to 6 hours at a time parked in front of the property and moving my car to different zones!
I will be interested in how the Council will discuss this issue.
Mary Ann Young
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:19 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Wayne Martin <wmartin46@yahoo.com>
Sent:Sunday, April 30, 2017 6:44 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Opposition to AB1250
League of California Cities - AB 1250 (Jones-Sawyer). Counties and Cities: Contracts for Personal Services (as amended
4/7/17)
League of California Cities - AB 1250 (Jones-
Sawyer). Counties and Cities: Contracts for
Personal Services (as amende...
The League of California Cities advocates in Sacramento and Washington, DC
on the common issues among California...
I am opposed to AB 1250, which will easily balloon City costs and pensions.
Will this bill be actively opposed by the City of Palo Alto?
What will the City do before this bill could possibly become law?
Wayne Martin Palo Alto, CA
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/2/2017 4:56 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Christina McCandless <cmccandless@principleam.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 02, 2017 10:56 AM
To:SAhsing@m-group.us; Council, City
Cc:Lori Lehr-Wiens
Subject:P.A. City Staff Report # 7846 / Marriott Hotel Project - AGAINST
Attachments:ARB-Hotel Letter signed.pdf
Importance:High
Please find attached a letter regarding the Marriott Hotel Project on behalf of the 88 homeowners located at 765 San
Antonio Rd, Palo Alto, all of whom would be affected by this inappropriate hotel.
Please take our letter into consideration as you make a decision about this hotel on our behalf.
Thank you
Christina McCandless, CCAM, CMCA
President/CEO
Principle Association Management, Inc.
East Bay Office
39 California Ave., Suite 108
Pleasanton, CA 94566
San Francisco Office
888 7th Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
Direct. 925.401.7037 Ext. 700
Toll Free. 888.747.5548
www.PrincipleAM.com
Confidentiality Notice: This communication constitutes an electronic communication within the meaning of the Electronic
Communications Privacy Act, 18 USC 2510, and its disclosure is strictly limited to the recipient intended by the sender of this
message. This e‐mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e‐mail messages attached to it is intended only for the
individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, dissemination or use of any of the information
contained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this transmission in error, please
immediately notify us by reply e‐mail, by forwarding this to cmccandless@principleam.com, or by telephone at (888) 747‐5548, and
delete and destroy the original transmission and its attachments without duplicating or saving in any manner. Thank you for your
cooperation.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 4/26/2017 4:13 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Marc Marasco <marcmarasco@yahoo.com>
Sent:Wednesday, April 26, 2017 4:00 PM
To:Council, City; parks@cityofpaloslto.org
Subject:Palantir @ cubberly
Hi.
I am surprised that the City has allowed Palantir to take over the turf field at Cubberly for two weeks at the
height of spring and soccer season.
I hope that we were highly compensated for this prioritization of resources and that some of this money will be
earmarked for capital improvements to the field and bleachers (some of which are in disrepair).
Thanks,
Marc Marasco, 307 Diablo Ct.
Sent from my iPhone
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:21 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:alexis hamilton <alexishgpr@yahoo.com>
Sent:Sunday, April 30, 2017 9:09 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Palantir at Cubberley: Poor Judgement
Dear Council Members — I trust you to protect the livablity of our city even as and especially as we live in the global
spotlight. The decision to allow a global corporation to take over our community resources shows a lack of judgement
and poor priorities. If you are going to take this route then charge more for the resource. From this decision I can
assume that the new city council, along with the city manager, prioritizes the interests of companies above the needs of
the everyday people. I hope this becomes an election issue. Clearly we need more South Palo Alto representation on
the council.
Alexis Hamilton
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:26 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Kass <vz22@yahoo.com>
Sent:Friday, April 28, 2017 3:38 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Palantir ripoff of Palo Alto recreation space
Did you know and approve of the rental of Palo Alto recreation space for a corporate event, displacing
many approved recreational uses?
Did you know that the rental followed none of the guidelines set for the use of Cubberley fields until the rules were retroactively revised?
Did you know that larger diesel generators, which will significantly offset Palo Alto's goals of green
energy and reducing our carbon footprint? How many greenhouse gases will be generated by this polluting equipment?
Please clarify the rules for the use of recreational fields in open council meetings, allowing citizens to
give feedback on this massive change that allows our recreational fields to be arbitrarily rented for
commercial purposes, displacing groups that previously had priority. At least change the cost structure so that if you do decide to give commercial rentals priority over
nonprofits, they will pay market rates, similar to Shoreline Amphitheater, rather than nonprofit rates.
Kathleen Goldfein Palo Alto Resident
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 4/27/2017 7:54 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Gary Bradski <garybradski@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, April 27, 2017 12:52 AM
To:Council, City; Parks
Subject:Palantir
Dear Staff
Now that the running track at Cubberley is a walled fortress for 2 weeks and we have to move our neighborhood exercise group and my runs elsewhere, I'm wondering what the city got out of this?
I'm fine if there were some extraordinary level of compensation that materially benefits the park system such as
paving the running track there, or paying for substantial maintenance etc, but if not, why did you allow this??
I have a smaller company in Palo Alto, and maybe we'd like to get a deal too for group events.
Just wondering
Gary Bradski 4082 Nelson Dr., Palo Alto, CA 94306
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:20 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Marilyn mayo <marilynmayo@yahoo.com>
Sent:Sunday, April 30, 2017 1:18 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parking El Camino Real
Dear Mayor Scharff & Palo Alto City Council Members:
The El Camino Real camper "parking lot" has finally motivated me to email the council. I
drive past the "line-up" several times a day. Over the past several months, campers
increasingly park & do not move. Now it's quite solid between Town & Country and Serra
Street. In addition, two "non-attached to a vehicle" trailers are parking, (one with
orange street cone), as well as two long campers covered with roof tarps.
A year ago, Santa Clara County told me that Cal Trans has jurisdiction over El Camino
Real. Are there any current regulations our city could implement or enforce along this
stretch of traffic-engulfed thoroughfare? Would our 72 hr. parking restrictions be valid?
Have other residents voiced their concerns about this issue?
Thanks for your attention,
Marilyn Mayo 404 Oxford Ave.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:22 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Palo Alto Free Press <paloaltofreepress@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, April 30, 2017 5:57 AM
To:Lum, Patty; Council, City; Stump, Molly; Perron, Zachary; jrosen@da.sccgov.org; Kniss,
Liz (external); bwelch@dao.sccgov.org; Philip, Brian; Bullerjahn, Rich; Keene, James;
DOkonkwo@da.sccgov.org
Subject:Police Abuse and Statue of Limitations Tweet by Palo Alto Free Press on Twitter
We've reset the stats Lump. Do you have any idea Lump the number of letters received for assistance for my former X i.e. housing City of Palo Alto once my former X fled the country with most all of my household
processions?
Which was stolen and preventable!!!!
What did I get? Statute of Limitations and the stigma of my entire family labeled as RAPEST and the abuse of
my mother by YOU Lump!!!!
Far from over Lump!
Palo Alto Free Press (@PAFreePress)
4/9/17, 10:15 PM
The abusing @PaloAltoPolice officer? Patty Lum asst. police chief #PaloAlto PD They can get away with
most anything bit.ly/2ojQ5Wx twitter.com/pafreepress/st…
Download the Twitter app
Sent from my iPhone
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 11:03 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Neilson Buchanan <cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com>
Sent:Friday, April 28, 2017 7:58 AM
To:Council, City; Minor, Beth
Subject:public communications to Finance Committee
Members of the public will be more interested than usual in the
upcoming city operating and capital budgets. There is no contact
info published on the city website. Please make public email
communication to the Finance Committee easier.
Also how will email communication be publicly available in the
general public...ie like communications to the City Council? Thanks
Neilson Buchanan
155 Bryant Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650 329-0484
650 537-9611 cell
cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/2/2017 4:58 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Ken Alsman <kenalsman@aol.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 02, 2017 4:39 AM
To:Neilson Buchanan
Cc:Gabrielle Layton; Michael Hodos; John Guislin; Malcolm Beasley; Furman, Sheri; Allen
Akin; Beth Rosenthal; Brand, Richard; Elaine Uang; Marion Odell; Adrian Fine; Eric
Filseth; Lydia Kou; Holman, Karen (external); Greg Tanaka; Christian Pease; Wolfgang
Dueregger; Paul Machado; Terry Holzemer; Becky Sanders; Tommy Derrick; Cheryl
Lilienstein; Ray Dempsey; Council, City
Subject:Re: Downtown Parking Deficit Update to Council May 8 2017
See my comments in (-----).
Sent from my iPad
On May 1, 2017, at 7:51 PM, Neilson Buchanan <cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com> wrote:
Update:
Resident leaders have been involved with residential
parking issues for almost 6 years. ( actually 12 or more as
I recall) There is a lack of proactive management of
commercial parking space supply and demand.
For example, tens of millions of dollars are being
committed for two new garages. (The City is funding a
property owner responsibility and commitment -amazing!).
Yet there is no parallel commitment from city staff or
Council to reduce the hundreds of non-resident vehicles
parked daily in the residential neighborhoods adjacent to
the California and University Avenue commercial cores.
City Councils year after year show minimal desire to dive
deeply into root causes of the parking space imbalance for
University and California Avenue commercial cores. This
annual update is presented to the Council and public
obscurely.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/2/2017 4:58 PM
2
In my opinion city government continues to obscure and
minimize data. City commitment to parking space
transparency and informed electorate is hazy at best. (It's
really corruption, not hazy at all)
For example, the latest University Avenue Monitoring
Report has just been released. Below are links to the last
two reports. The reports are complex and I do not have
time to delve into them. Nevertheless, here are my three
conclusions.
#1 City staff now report that the current parking deficit is
now at 795 parking spaces downtown (University Avenue
only)...due to the number of public parking stalls, parking
exceptions granted to entitled projects and constructed
parking spaces. See p. 1 CMR #7652 dated 5/8/17
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/5
7423
#2 Last year city staff reported parking deficit of 777. See
p. 1 CMR #6572 dated 4/11/16.
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/5
1729
Both pages are attached for your analysis.
#3 Furthermore, resident leaders have been unable to get
Council and staff focused on the University Avenue
Parking Assessment District which may be fundamental
driver of parking deficits with systemic negative impact to
residential neighborhoods.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/2/2017 4:58 PM
3
Resident leaders should meet soon to decide how to
approach City Council when garage funding and timelines
are more certain. In the meantime I am copying members
of the City Finance Committee. (The only answer is a
Grand Jury investigation based on real facts, not what
staff provides)
Neilson Buchanan
155 Bryant Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650 329-0484
650 537-9611 cell
cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com
<Palo Alto Downtown Monitoring Report 2015-2016 Parking Deficit.pdf>
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:29 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Kimberley Davis <drkdavis711@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, April 28, 2017 1:28 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:re: Opposition to Castilleja expansion project
Dear City Council:
I strongly oppose the Castilleja expansion project. Growing up in the area
since the 1960's, I have seen Palo Alto change plenty. But this type of
over expansion that disrespects the actual residents and families in their
homes and their quality of life, as well as the community and their roads
and their quality of life in the name of Castilleja making more money,
more numbers and status is just plain unacceptable. I strongly oppose this
project and hope that the City of Palo Alto does not reward the private
school's untruthful reporting of students numbers and reneging on their
agreement with the people of Palo Alto in order to further their own self-
interests. I certainly hope that the City of Palo Alto recognizes what a
beautiful neighborhood that area is with the beautiful gardens Mrs.
Gamble has given us, and that we don't destroy the surrounding area, and
disrupt the neighbors family lives for 6-7 years because of a commercial
enterprise that is not considerate of neighbors.
If you have any questions, please contact me. Thanks you for your
consideration and time.
Best Regards,
Kimberley Davis
--
Kimberley Davis, OMD, LAc, MS
360 Everett Avenue, 4C
Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650)380-1811
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 4:20 PM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Keene, James
Sent:Monday, May 01, 2017 4:18 PM
To:brian susan anuskewicz; Council, City
Cc:De Geus, Robert; Keith, Claudia
Subject:RE: Palantir
Thanks for your email on this matter.
Jim
James Keene | City Manager
250 Hamilton Avenue | Palo Alto, CA 94301 James.Keene@CityofPaloAlto.org
Please think of the environment before printing this email – Thank you!
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: brian susan anuskewicz [mailto:basdesigns@icloud.com]
Sent: Monday, May 1, 2017 2:12 PM
To: Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Keene, James <James.Keene@CityofPaloAlto.org>
Subject: Palantir
To: City Manager & City Council‐ COPA
Subject: Palantir’s ability to use city staff [party] planners
It would have been so simple to address Palantir’s Party request by stating the 'city does not assist or arrange large
corporation parties’.
Instead the city staff offered an already 'spoken for’ soccer field in which monies would speak for this unidentified
source that badly needed a party site‐quickly.
Every step taken by city staff, including the city manager has been without a clear, honest input to the community,
apparently second to the needs of Palantir.
But the tent went up without such interaction with the neighbors or the community at large. Spread some money
around and that should solve the dissenters of Palantir, wrong.
The city has no business or a license to plan corporate parties. If the people of Palo Alto can say no to Palantir, the city
needs to follow in the same. Let Palantir employees party at commercial venues here in the bay area not in Palo Alto’s
residential neighborhoods.
The employees of Palantir have shown their diviseness to the community from their past ‘High Street Party’ antics and
are now rewarded by the city to continue this in a residential neighborhood.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 4:20 PM
2
We strongly oppose the relationship the city has cultivated with this secretive data mining arm of the government.
Providing city property for their private pleasure is out of bounds for the members of this community who rightfully see
that Palantir has outgrown its compatibility with Palo Alto. City staff does not need to cater to their social needs.
With best regards,
Brian & Susan Anuskewicz
brian susan anuskewicz
basdesigns@icloud.com
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:29 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Shikada, Ed
Sent:Friday, April 28, 2017 5:47 AM
To:Susan C; Council, City
Subject:Re: RPP enforcement concerns
Dear Ms. Cole,
Thank you for contacting us, and letting us know about the thread and concern. I will have staff look
into the issues and get back to you.
Best regards,
Ed Shikada, Assistant City Manager
From: Susan C <teachinator@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, April 28, 2017 4:35:14 AM
To: Council, City
Subject: RPP enforcement concerns
Dear council members,
I live in Evergreen Park where the RPP program has just begun. I have been concerned to read a thread on NextDoor this week about implementation of RPP in Professorville that describes residents with properly
displayed permits nevertheless getting multiple parking tickets and then encountering an unresponsive reporting
and appeals process when trying to correct these errors. Several participants in the thread stated that they
eventually paid one or more inappropriate tickets just to avoid the hassle of continuing to pursue remedies.
I hope we will not see the program managed as poorly in Evergreen Park. If the city is using an outside company to patrol RPP neighborhoods, that company needs to be held accountable. RPPs are intended to
improve the quality of life in neighborhoods, not to become one more potential annoyance and concern. Thank
you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Susan Cole 420 Stanford Avenue
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 4/27/2017 11:42 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Keene, James
Sent:Thursday, April 27, 2017 11:38 AM
To:Kniss, Liz (external); Penny Ellson
Cc:Council, City; De Geus, Robert
Subject:RE: What's Happening on the Cubberley Turf?
Liz, Rob has responded to Penny. Thanks
James Keene | City Manager
250 Hamilton Avenue | Palo Alto, CA 94301
James.Keene@CityofPaloAlto.org
Please think of the environment before printing this email –Thank you!
From: Liz Kniss [mailto:lizkniss@earthlink.net]
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2017 7:37 AM
To: Penny Ellson <pellson@pacbell.net>; Keene, James <James.Keene@CityofPaloAlto.org>
Cc: Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>
Subject: Re: What's Happening on the Cubberley Turf?
I'm forwarding this to Jim, – he will explain what is going on there.
On Apr 26, 2017, at 6:44 PM, Penny Ellson <pellson@pacbell.net> wrote:
Dear Council Members, My neighbors have been asking me what this is. See attached photo. A huge structure is being raised on the Cubberley turf for an unknown event. Soccer teams have been pushed off the field for a couple of weeks, inconveniencing families, and no one knows why. No notification came to our neighborhood. There are rumors about a Palantir event, but this seems inconsistent with city policies related to field use. Whom should we ask? How many car trips does the user of this temporary facility plan to draw and where will they park? Why wasn’t the neighborhood notified? This new structure is visible from all of the homes abutting Cubberley property and to every visitor who enters our neighborhood via Nelson Drive. You can imagine people are concerned about what kind of event is being planned, and many are upset
that their children’s walkable after-school sports programs are being displaced by a multi-week private company event—forcing families into car trips they’d planned to avoid by choosing activities close to home. This is a very large structure. (Those are mature redwood trees disappearing behind the structure in the photos.)
The only information we have received from the city is in the signs pictured here. Please let us know what to tell our residents about what may be coming to Cubberley and Greenmeadow.
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 4/27/2017 11:42 AM
2
Thank you.
Penny Ellson
Greenmeadow Civic Affairs Committee Co-Chair
<photo 1.jpg>
<photo 2.jpg>
<photo 3.jpg>
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:24 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Jo Ann Mandinach <joann@needtoknow.com>
Sent:Saturday, April 29, 2017 3:15 PM
To:Planning Commission
Cc:French, Amy; Council, City; jamespoppy@comcast.net; Keene, James
Subject:Reject Casti's proposal to reduce Embercadero from 4 lanes to 3 lanes. It's already
jammed.
Hello.
Please reject Casti's plan to reduce the number of lanes on Embarcadero to accommodate Casti and to create a
dedicate lane of Embarcero all to themselves.
It's already jammed with impatient drivers forming a 5th lane when backed up at the
traffic lights leading to near head-on collisions when turning drivers unexpectedly find a car in their legal lane
and are too boxed into escape.
Casti shouldn't be expanding when they're already over their limit. But this is absolute dangerous insanity that endangers all of us traveling on a major artery that's already jammed
beyond normal capacity for much of the day.
Checkout the traffic analysis: Web Link
Several options want to reduce Embarcadero down to three lanes so that Castilleja can have a dedicated lane on Embarcadero all to themselves:
- Alternative 2 – EmbarcaderoRoad Access with 3-lane Embarcadero Road
- Alternative 3a – Emerson Street / Bryant Street Access with 3-lane Embarcadero Road
- Alternative 3b – Emerson Street / Bryant Street Access with 3-lane Embarcadero Road Most sincerely,
Jo Ann Mandinach
1699 Middlefield Road
PA 94301 650 329-8655
Jo Ann Mandinach
Need To Know Info Solutions
http:.// www.needtoknow.com 650 329-8655 or cell 650 269-0650 Palo Alto, CA 94301
City of Palo Alto | City Clerk's Office | 5/1/2017 8:26 AM
1
Carnahan, David
From:Jeff Hoel <jeff_hoel@yahoo.com>
Sent:Friday, April 28, 2017 3:15 PM
To:Council, City; UAC
Cc:Hoel, Jeff (external)
Subject:TRANSCRIPT & COMMENTS -- 04-05-17 UAC meeting, Item IX.2 -- FTTP & Wireless
Commissioners and Council members, Here (below the "######" line) is a transcript of Item IX.2 of the 04-05-17 UAC meeting (which was about FTTP & Wireless). I have added my comments (paragraphs beginning with "### "".) I have also added some text-only versions of the slides used in the presentation (paragraphs beginning with " |").
SUMMARY
I was disappointed that UAC picked Option 2 (FTTN) rather than Option 1 (FTTP). If the City wants to implement
something short of citywide municipal FTTP, it should first design citywide municipal FTTP and then implement a piece of it, planning to do the rest later.
It's becoming clear that Option 2 (FTTN) was just staff's way of proposing to build 1) dark fiber infrastructure targeted to
the wireless carriers' alleged future needs for 5G fiber backhaul and 2) fiber backhaul for smart meters and smart grid. Re 5G backhaul, that's really the wireless carriers' problem. Staff presented no business case for why the City should help
them to solve it. Re smart grid backhaul, communities like Chattanooga have shown that FTTP is a better choice.
Thanks to Commissioner Ballantine for convincing UAC to add a FTTP pilot project to its recommendation. I think the
best way to do the pilot would be to design citywide municipal FTTP and then implement the pilot as a piece of that design. I hope the Policy & Services Committee and Council decide not to do FTTN, as proposed, at all, but rather to do
as big a FTTP "pilot" as we can finance.
Thanks.
Jeff
-------------------
Jeff Hoel 731 Colorado Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94303 -------------------
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### 04-05-17 UAC meeting video:
http://midpenmedia.org/utilities-advisory-commission-25/
0:54:50:
Chair Cook: Let's go ahead and go to the next agenda item. Thank you.
0:54:56:
Jon Abendschein: OK, the next item on our agenda is a Utilities Advisory Commission recommendation on the future of fiber and broadband expansion. And I have our Strategic Business Manager, Dave Yen; our Chief Information Officer --
forgive me if I got the title wrong, but -- Jonathan Reichental; and Jim Fleming, as well, from our Utilities staff. And I'll turn
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it over to them.
0:55:26:
Chair Cook: Great. And, let's just remember, we do have public comment after this, before the commissioners.
0:55:31:
Dave Yen: All right. Good evening, commissioners, and Council Member Filseth. I also wanted to acknowledge a couple
-- few members in the audience today. We have Jeff Hoel. He is a Citizens Advisory Committee. And also Todd Henderson and Josh Wallace. They're part of the core Fiber & Wireless team.
0:56:09:
So, over the last fifteen years, the City has conducted multiple studies. And we've issued various RFPs and RFIs to build
a municipal fiber-to-the-premise network to serve our homes and businesses. The last couple years, under advisement of the Council, the Utilities Advisory Commission, the City Manager's office, and also the Citizens Advisory Committee,
we've pursued numerous FTTP initiatives. Such as the Master Plan, the Google Fiber effort, the co-build discussions with Google and AT&T, and the RFI issuance for a public-private partnership. We have gathered a lot of valuable data through
these endeavors. But we've come to a point where we're asking UAC and Council to provide us direction on where we should focus our effort in the next year or so. So, tonight, we present to you three paths, or options. And we would like
you to recommend one of these options to Policy & Services and Council.
0:57:08:
So, I'm just going to briefly list them,
--- | Fiber and Wireless Expansion Options in Palo Alto
| Utilities Advisory Commission | April 5, 2017
---
--- | Agenda
| Fiber Optic Expansion Operations (select one): | 1. Identify potential FTTP funding models
| 2. Explore design for Fiber-to-the-Node network and potential "last mile" funding models | 3. Pause municipal FTTP development efforts; increase transparency and predictability for third-party providers
| Wireless Recommendations: | * Expand Wi-Fi to unserved City facilities
| * Discontinue consideration of commercial Wi-Fi ---
and then Jim Fleming will later give you more detail on each of the options. And we can ask questions during that time.
0:57:15:
So, the first option is to explore funding models to build a municipal FTTP network, which is -- with an estimated cost of
$77.6 million. A second option is to explore a design for a fiber-to-the-node -- or -neighborhood -- network. So this is more of an incremental approach. With an estimated cost of $12 million. In addition to this, we'll also be exploring
funding models to build a potential last mile, or finding a partner who will help get to the last mile. And a third option, is another alternative to consider, is to basically discontinue pursuing fiber-to-the-premise, thus pausing municipal fiber-to-
the-premise efforts, redirect our efforts, and to upgrade, or help, or assist, or support the upgrades of the incumbents. So, with that, I will pass it on to Jonathan.
0:58:10:
Jonathan Reichental: Hi, there. Jonathan Reichental, Chief Information officer. Good to see you all again.
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---
| Next Generation Broadband | * AT&T Fiber network upgrade
| * Comcast DOCSIS 3.1 launch | * New wireless technologies, including emerging 5G deployments
| * Future gigabit applications and services ---
0:58:15:
So, I'm going to give you a quick update on stuff in progress. And some things to think about ahead. I wanted to update
you on AT&T's fiber plan to come to Palo Alto. I got an update today that they still intend to come in 2017. They're not ready to announce a specific dates, or the way they'll come yet. They have confirmed they're on their way to Palo Alto to
provide 1-gigabit commercial service to residents in the City.
### When this product is finally announced, it will be interesting to see what it costs, what the upload and download speeds are, and whether it's even FTTP.
0:58:58:
The -- I can also confirm that Comcast will continue with their plans to bring their particular type of technology -- an
upgrade to the box that Comcast users have in their home --
### I think the box at the node also has to be upgraded.
to a new version of technology called DOCSIS, that will BEGIN this year.
### DOCSIS technology has been around since 1997. DOCSiS 3.1 technology has been around since 2013.
And they've informed us that it will be more of a soft launch, and they will have a gradual roll-out into the community -- likely over a number of years, but starting this year.
### Depending on how "soft" the "soft launch" is, this product -- "up to" 1-Gbps down but only "up to" 35 Mbps up -- might
not have much impact for a while.
0:59:21:
Now, the area where I wanted to spend just a little bit of time is on the future of wireless. My most important function of the City is to be an advisor to the City Council on technology. And I would be remiss if I didn't talk about the future of
wireless. In saying that, I understand that there's a lot of different opinions on this topic in our community. And I'm sensitive to differing opinions on the CAC, and in the community, about where wireless is going. Specifically, I want to
talk about the fifth generation of cellular technology. It's my strong belief that the future is wireless.
### This source says, "The future is wireless. At least, so all the wireless companies say." https://consumerist.com/2017/01/04/att-to-start-using-directv-now-to-test-5g-tech/
### If Comcast thought the future were wireless, would it be upgrading to DOCSIS 3.1?
### At a recent conference, MuniNetworks' Christopher Mitchell said, "For anyone who's in this space, if you have
elected officials that are considering intervening in this market, you will hear that 5G is on the horizon, and that fiber is no longer necessary, because everything's going to wireless. And I'll just say, I've only been around for ten years, which is
less than everyone else on this panel working in this space. And when I started, I was told, fiber was dumb, because Wi-Fi was going to solve all our problems. And when that was obviously not the case, I was told that Wi-Fi was eclipsed by
WiMAX, and that was going to solve all our problems. And then I was told, well, yeah, WiMAX, that was just a belly flop, but we're going to have this 4G LTE everywhere -- 100 megabits to everyone, every device, it's going to be great. That
has not played out. It took me 35 seconds to download a 10-megabit picture of my child last night over LTE. And so now we're hearing 5G."
https://muninetworks.org/content/digital-southwest-videos-now-available
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Right now, one in five -- or 20 percent -- of U.S. households are now only mobile -- only have mobile access to the
internet. In 2013, it was one in ten. It's doubled in two years.
### This source says, "The trend is predominantly, but not exclusively, the territory of lower-income households." http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Unlimited-Wireless-No-Threat-to-Fixed-ISPs-Yet-Analyst-Says-139362
If a lower-income household needs mobility for phone access, and can't afford both this and wired broadband internet access at home, it will be stuck with only wireless internet access, even though that's more expensive per bit than wired
access.
And it's increasing at the rate -- that's increasing increasingly fast. Whether we talk about smart homes, smart cities, wearables, connected cars, the next generation of health care -- it's all wireless.
1:00:37:
The next generation -- the fifth generation of wireless -- is a specification that is still being finalized as we sit here today in
2017. The industry, collectively, thinks it will have confirmed this specification and be ready to deploy in the mainstream by 2020. That's not many years away, by the way. When you're thinking about 5G, you're probably thinking about 4G --
or you have 4G on your device. The difference between 4G and 5G is not only speed, but 5G is being positioned to be a connection from your home, to replace cable -- or fixed wireless. In fact, they're calling it a fixed wireless. I just want to
give you an idea of the speeds we're talking about. So, 4G LTE -- which is the common cellular speed you get on your mobile device right now -- ranges between 5 and 12 megabits download,
### This source says (4G) LTE peak data rates can approach 50 Mbps.
http://www.networkworld.com/article/2941362/wireless/next-generation-5g-speeds-will-be-10-to-20-gbps.html This source says 4G LTE "may reach 'theoretical speeds' of up to 1 Gbps in 2017."
http://www.channelpartnersonline.com/news/2017/01/at-t-5g-tests-14-times-faster-than-4g-lte.aspx
and sort of 2 to 5 megabits upload. Sort of kind of is OK. The International Telecommunications Union says the final specification for 5G requires a minimum of 20 gigabits for downlink peak data rate and 10 gigabits for uplink. I just want to
give you some quick math to put that in perspective. If we assume that download rates for 4G are approximately 10 megabits, 5G is 2,000 times faster.
### It's not legitimate to compare hypothetical peak rates of 5G with experienced rates of 4G. This article says 5G tests
have been 14 times faster than 4G LTE. http://www.channelpartnersonline.com/news/2017/01/at-t-5g-tests-14-times-faster-than-4g-lte.aspx
This 03-07-17 video, "The Future of the Wireless World: The Move to 5G," estimates (at 14:10) that 5G will be 10 times 4G "for the user experience throughput."
http://www.politico.com/video/2017/03/the-future-of-the-wireless-world-the-move-to-5g-062417 Still, this "10 times" is only aspirational at this point.
The average U.S. broadband -- or wired -- access in the United States is 50 megabits. 5G is 400 times faster.
### Why not compare 5G with the speeds we could have if we deployed citywide FTTP: 1 Gbps symmetric -- or even 10
Gbps symmetric? These are the speeds available to a single user. In general, with wireless, the available bandwidth has to be shared among all the users in a cell.
When I was in Dubai last year, Etisalat, which is the local telco company -- they were experimenting with 5G, and they
reached 36 gigabits per second. That's very fast. [laughs] In order to roll out 5G, there's a lot of hardware that has to happen. There's a lot of small cells that have to be deployed in the communities it comes to, in high volume and
density And Jim Fleming's going to speak more about that -- what's happening in Palo Alto right now. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile and others are in testing in the U.S. And, as you know, Google stopped their fixed fiber projects, to focus
now on broadband wireless.
### Google remains committed to adding at least some new FTTP customers in some of the cities where it has already announced its FTTP presence. And it's doing a PPP in Huntsville, AL.
Verizon currently has 5G fixed wireless technology testing in 11 geographies, and different environments, including urban
and suburban settings. They want to be the first to market. AT&T has a trial in Austin, TX, currently. In the Mobile World Congress, this year -- 2017 -- the mobile industry's biggest trade show -- 5G was the dominant topic. Big players, like
Qualcomm, Eriksson, Intel, Nokia, and all chip and mobile leaders are betting the future on 5G. And, finally, Turin, Italy -
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- a beautiful place I've been to -- it wants to become 100 percent 5G by 2020. And the Telecom Italia -- who's the
telecom company there -- are going to drive that.
### For more 5G skepticism, see this series of blogs. https://potsandpansbyccg.com/tag/5g/
1:04:00:
Finally, moving away from 5G for a second, in September 2016, AT&T unveiled a project called AirGig. It's a
transformative technology that could deliver low-cost multi-gigabit wireless internet speeds over power lines. it almost sounds like an April fool's, but it's true.
### True, AT&T has patented aspects of its AirGig technology and has applied for a trademark, but it hasn't shown that
AirGig is applicable to urban broadband delivery to premises. So that could turn out to be an April Fools ruse. Consultant Doug Dawson lists a number of concerns here:
10-11-16: "My Thoughts on AT&T AirGig" https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2016/10/11/my-thoughts-on-att-airgig/
We don't have much more to share on it right now, but they've announced it, and we're looking forward to learning more
about what Project AirGig is.
1:04:31:
I think that's all for my slide.
--- | Option 1 -- Municipal FTTP
| * Citywide FTTP build costs and "take rate" requirements | o Estimated $78M construction; $8M annual O&M, and 72% take rate
| * Key Goals for network ownership: ubiquity, local authority and open access | * Potential FTTP Financing tools:
| o General Obligation Bonds | o Revenue Bonds
| o Fiber Optic Fund Reserve | o Ongoing internal subsidies
---
1:04:36:
Jim Fleming: Chair Cook, commissioners, and Council Member Filseth, my name's Jim Fleming. I'm a Senior Management Analyst with Utilities. As Dave mentioned earlier, we've presented in our report three options, and then two
recommendations related to wireless. But I'm going to go through the options first. And what I thought would be the best -- or, what we thought would be the best way to approach this is to go through each option, and at the end of the option,
allow you to ask questions and provide comments. So, option number 1 is to explore potential funding models to build a municipally-owned ubiquitous fiber-to-the-premises network, based on an open access model. The 2015 Fiber-to-the-
Premises Master Plan indicated that, assuming that the network achieves the 72 percent take rate required to positively cash flow the enterprise, the City will require an overall capital investment of approximately $78 million, to build and
operate a citywide network. The Master Plan also stated that if approximately $20 million from the Fiber Optic Fund was used to help finance the network, then the take rate required would be about 57 percent. Annual Operations &
Maintenance costs would be about $8 million. Certain challenges inherent to fiber-to-the-premises deployment are especially pronounced in Palo Alto. In particular, high construction and labor costs in the Bay Area result in higher
necessary take rates to obtain and maintain positive cash flow. The 72 percent or 57 percent take rate required to financially sustain the network is much higher than overbuilders have been able to achieve in other communities. As a
comparison, other recent analyses performed by our consultant for municipalities have shown a required take rate in the mid-40 percent range, in order to maintain positive cash flow.
1:06:36:
The City's goals for network ownership include ubiquitous coverage, local authority, and open access. An open access
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network model is defined as an arrangement in which a network is owned by the City but would be open to multiple
internet service providers, or ISPs, to offer services.
### The 09-28-15 staff report assumed that the City would be operating the network, including providing customer service. If the network were open access, customer service would be provided by retail service providers, so the City's
operational costs would be a lot less.
1:06:58:
Potential funding models. A key consideration for network implementation is how to fund both capital construction costs and ongoing operational expenses. Acknowledging that capital and operating costs associated with a full-scale citywide
build-out will be significant, the City will likely have to seek outside funding and/or internal subsidies to support construction and the fiber-to-the-premises network start-up costs. Examples of potential financing models are bond
issuances, City subsidies, and loans. Municipalities typically rely on general obligation bonds and revenue bond issuances for capital projects. GO bonds -- or general obligation bonds -- are directly tied to the City's credit rating and
ability to tax its citizens. This type of bond is not related to any direct revenues from specific projects, but is connected instead to citywide taxes and revenues that could be used to repay the debt. GO bonds can be politically challenging,
however, because it requires approval by two-thirds of the voters. Because GO bonds can only be used for physical improvements and not for services, they are generally issued for projects such as building libraries, museums, community
centers, schools, public parks, roadways, and other large infrastructure improvements.
1:08:24:
Revenue bonds are directly tied to specific revenue -- a specific revenue source, to secure the bond and guarantee repayment of the debt. As of June 30, 2016, the Fiber Optic Fund has accumulated approximately $25 million in
reserves. The Fiber Optic Fund currently generates a positive net income of between $2.5 million and $3 million annually. However, if customer take rates are insufficient, there may be a gap in revenues required to cover both the debt
payments and ongoing operating costs. As a result, ongoing internal subsidies from other City funds may be necessary to support debt obligations and regular operations.
1:09:09:
So, at this point, I think it'd be best to talk about this option, and see the type of questions you have, and so forth.
1:09:18:
Chair Cook: Yeah. So, I feel like there's one problem with that, is that we usually let the public come and speak before
the commissioners speak. So -- I don't know if there's actually any, like, set rules about the order of that. But --
1:09:33:
Vice Chair Danaher: (unamplified) Do we have public comment?
1:09:34:
Chair Cook: We do have two public comments.
1:09:35:
Commissioner Danaher: (unamplified) Why don't we take it now, ...
1:09:36:
Commissioner Ballantine: I think it's important to hear all the options. I mean, I think it's important ...
1:09:40:
Chair Cook: OK:
1:09:40:
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Commissioner Ballantine: ... to hear all the options ...
1:09:42:
Jim Fleming: OK, I'll finish. All right, moving along -- and this will be like slide 5 --
--- | Option 2 -- Municipal Fiber-to-the-Node (FTTN)
| * FTTN an incremental approach to FTTP | * Public-private partnership to build potential "last mile"
| * Potential FTTN benefits | o Support Smart City and Smart Grid applications
| o Support Public Safety and Utilities wireless communications | o Fiber backhaul for emerging 5G services
| o New opportunities to license dark fiber | * Estimated one-time FTTN construction costs: $12M-$15M; ongoing O&M cost is unknown
| * Issue solicitation for FTTN design ---
1:09:49:
Option 2 is to explore the design of a fiber-to-the-node network, which may provide a platform for Public Safety and
Utilities wireless communications in the field, communications support for smart grid and smart city applications, and new dark fiber licensing opportunities. This approach may also create a basis to explore alternative last-mile models for fiber-
to-the-premises, including user financing, creating Assessment Districts, Mello-Roos Community Facilities Districts, and/or public-private partnerships. To evaluate a potential incremental step to citywide fiber-to-the-premise, staff worked with our
consultant, CTC, to develop a preliminary high-level analysis of the cost to build a fiber-to-the-node network. A network -- This network would require construction of approximately 62 miles of fiber plant, compared to 230 miles for citywide
fiber network deployment. This network would provide access points to connect neighborhood area backhaul communications links. The network could be a phased approach for fiber expansion. And it may lower barriers for
potential providers to build the so-called last mile from neighborhood access nodes to the premises, and provide the City with an economically viable deployment approach. Additionally, this approach may expand the functionality and the
choices of technology that can be implemented for Utilities and Public Safety communications, and possibly support requirements to implement future smart grid and smart city applications. New opportunities to license fiber, particularly for
the wireless carriers, who will be densifying their networks to improve coverage and capacity. And more wireless communications facilities such as small cell antennas deployed in residential neighborhoods, and high-trafficked
commercial areas, such as University Ave and California Ave. These small cell antennas and other distributed antenna systems will need fiber for backhaul purposes to connect to the wireless carriers' macrocellular towers and other network
hub sites. This potential opportunity aligns with existing commercial -- the existing dark fiber commercial enterprise.
1:12:08:
The preliminary fiber-to-the-node cost estimate provides a starting point, and begins to identify potential uses for the network. This preliminary cost and network use information will help to guide the development of an RFP for a network
design. The estimated $12 million to $15 million cost is very preliminary. But only by preparing a design, with the assistance of a qualified telecom engineering firm can the actual costs be known.
### The same could be said for citywide municipal FTTP. So why wasn't "design" part of Option 1?
At this time, ongoing operations and maintenance costs for the network are unknown. And it would probably -- it would
largely be dependent on what the network was actually used for.
1:12:46:
A fiber-to-the-node network may include the option for the City to build the last mile at a later date, or as a means for creating an incentive for a private-sector partner to build and operate the last mile. Another potential approach is to direct
new investment to neighborhoods that meet established subscription requirements -- in other words, take rates. If a certain level of interest was met, and property owners were willing to pay for their connections between the neighborhood
node and the homes and businesses, Assessment Districts could be created as an incentive to build fiber-to-the-
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premise. In order to accomplish the goal of ubiquitous access, the city could subsidize and use Fiber reserves to connect
the less interested neighborhoods over the course of time. (Move to the next slide.)
--- | Option 2 (continuation) Potential "Last Mile" Funding Models
| * User-Financing (voluntary) | * Assessment Districts, including Mello-Roos/Community Facilities Districts
| * District formation process builds in confirmation of resident support before proceeding | * Public-Private Partnership potential for last mile expansion
---
1:13:37:
Potential funding models for last mile deployments include user financing, which is an approach that relies on homeowners to pay on a voluntary basis for some or all of the cost to build out the City's existing dark fiber backbone
network into residential neighborhoods. Homeowners would voluntarily finance system build-out costs by paying a one-time upfront connection fee, that could range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The City would
provide a wholesale transport-only service to one or more ISPs on an open access basis, and the homeowner would directly pay the internet service provider for internet connectivity. The City would be responsible for building and
maintaining the core network, while leaving customer service, provisioning, technical support, and billing to one or more of the ISPs. Property owners could self-organize.
### I had hoped to hear an explanation of what this means.
Or a third party could potentially facilitate neighborhood participation. Or the City could facilitate formation of Community
Facilities Districts or Assessment Districts . City staff could explore using Assessment Districts or Community Facilities Districts to fund last-mile development. Depending on UAC and Council interest, using this approach for fiber -- for a fiber
build-out would novel, and would require more study, to determine whether such districts could be structured in such a way that could be both practically and administratively feasible, and adhere to all applicable legal requirements.
1:15:10:
Assessment districts may be used to finance new public improvements or other additions to the community. Generally
speaking, an assessment district is formed with property owner mail ballot proceedings, involving each property that will be assessed in the district. Owners vote yes or no, and votes are weighted by the assessed amount. Assessment
districts are still subject to Proposition 218, which requires identification of special, rather than general, benefit. As a result, the assessment district formation process builds in confirmation of residents' support before proceeding. It's
important to note that under the Mello-Roos Communities Facility Act of 1982, cities and local government agencies can form a community facilities district to finance certain facilities and services. These districts can levy a special tax and
issue bonds secured by that tax. Upon approval by two-thirds of registered voters, or property owners within the district.
1:16:10:
Another last mile approach is to explore the potential for a public-private partnership, with the City and a private entity would work together to achieve mutual goals for fiber-to-the-premise. In light of the high cost to build, the extremely high
required take rate, along with incumbent upgrades, it may seem that there is little incentive for any public or private provider to pursue a fiber-to-the-premise deployment in Palo Alto. Nonetheless, a private entity and a public entity could
complement one another by developing a partnership that could take advantage of each other's strengths, which may significantly reduce cost and risk. While this public-private partnership model is newly emerging, engaging a private
partner may enable the City to take advantage of opportunities to mitigate risk and maximize opportunity.
### On 04-20-15, Council Member Burt said, "I've been concerned that we as a City have been over-enamored with chasing the Google unicorn. That has been dangled out in front of us for three years and it may eventually happen, but I
certainly don't want to have us hold back because we keep thinking this magical thing's going to fall in our laps from Google."
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/48363 I'd ask Council not to chase the unicorns of potential private-sector partners generally.
The public and private sectors each have unique advantages that may impact their ability to undertake the stand-alone
overbuild.
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--- | Option 3 -- Pause Municipal FTTP and Increase Transparency and Predictability for ISPs
| 1. Pause internal efforts for municipal FTTP | 2. Identify additional resources to streamline third party network upgrades, where feasible (e.g., permitting and
inspections) | o Make available useful information about City assets and facilitate access to City infrastructure (e.g., public rights-of-
ways poles, utility routes, conduit and real estate | o Streamline and publicize local processes
---
1:17:11:
The third option -- Option number 3 is pause municipal fiber-to-the-premises deployment efforts, and increase transparency and predictability for third-party providers. In light of anticipated upgrade plans by the cable and telco
incumbents, another potential option is pausing any further municipal fiber-to-the-premises deployment efforts at this time. As previously noted, obtaining sufficient market share and acquiring new customers is necessary to financially
sustain a citywide network. This would be a major challenge under present market conditions. In the interest of improving broadband in Palo Alto, another option is to identify resources and improve coordination of City policies and processes to
facilitate network upgrades by the incumbents and other independent internet service providers. To that end, the objective of this recommendation is to enhance transparency and predictability for third-party providers. Access by third
parties to infrastructure data and assets such as poles, conduits, and public rights-of-way is essential to encouraging broadband improvements. Ensuring efficient and predictable processes that enhance deployments is equally important,
as with any public project. In order to implement this strategy, staff will need to identify additional internal and/or external resources to better facilitate planning, approvals, environmental reviews, permitting, inspections, and legal reviews. It's
important to note that the work to identify these resources and associated agreements was well underway when staff was working with Google Fiber between 2014 and 2016. That effort was focused on managing the anticipated large volume of
activities to build their fiber network in Palo Alto. And I can say that, among the various City departments, there were hours and hours of discussion about how to work with a third-party provider such as Google and others to coordinate
those builds. And those builds are very time-consuming, very disruptive. And -- ah -- you know, the end result is a network, but there's a little bit of pain that goes along with that, for both the staff and the community.
1:19:47:
So, I don't know if we want to move along to the other recommendations. OK.
---
| Recommendation | Expand Wi-Fi to Unserved City Facilities
| * Proposed sites: | o Common areas at Cubberley and Lucie Stern
| o Golf Course Pro Shop and Café | o Lytton Plaza
| * Estimated one-time cost for equipment and installation: $165,100 | * Estimated monthly dark fiber license fees for new sites: $6,240
| * Funding sources: | o Equipment and installation costs: Fiber-Optic Fund Reserve
| o Allocate monthly costs to General Fund ---
1:19:52:
There's two recommendations that we'd like to make in terms of wireless this evening. The first recommendation is,
expand Wi-Fi to unserved City facilities. The expansion of Wi-Fi technology at unserved facility and public areas was evaluated by -- or with, rather -- the Community Services Department. Most facilities already have Wi-Fi access -- that is,
City facilities. The areas of the City where the Community Services Department recommends Wi-Fi deployment are at common areas in Cubberley, Lucie Stern, the Golf Course Pro Shop and Café, and Lytton Plaza. A high-level cost
estimate for the recommended sites is $165,000 for installation and $6,200 for monthly recurring charges. And there's an exhibit attached to your report, that you can see the actual detail of what these costs are. Funding for this project is
available in the fiscal year 2017 operating and capital budgets for the Fiber Fund.
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### It makes no sense to me that the Fiber Fund should be raided to pay for wireless. The Fiber Fund is for the fiber utility. If CSD had the budget to pay for these Wi-Fi deployments, that would be different.
And the monthly recurring charges will be allocated to the respective departments, consistent with the City's existing
charge-back model.
1:21:04:
The second recommendation for wireless is to discontinue consideration of City Wi-Fi in commercial areas. There's already widespread commercial Wi-Fi coverage in high-trafficked commercial areas. And there is a lack of demand for
City-branded Wi-Fi services. So, that concludes my remarks.
--- | Recommendation
| Discontinue Consideration of City Wi-Fi in Commercial Areas | * Widespread commercial Wi-Fi coverage in high-traffic commercial areas
| * Lack of demand for City-branded Wi-Fi services ---
1:21:27:
Chair Cook: Great. Thanks very much for the presentation. OK, let's do the public comment now. The first commenter:
Jeff Hoel.
1:21:44:
Jeff Hoel: Hi. I wanted to say again that I serve on the CAC, but the views I'm expressing tonight are just my own. I sent you all a fairly lengthy comment on the staff report for this evening. And I can't summarize it here quickly. And I also can't
respond quickly to all of the new things that weren't in the staff report that were in the presentation. I'll do that at another time. I just want to talk basically about the funding for Option 1, if we should choose to do a fiber-to-the-premises
system. The Fiber Optic Fund has about $25 million in it. We'll get a better idea when we see the next quarterly utilities report.
### The 2Q17 Utilities Quarterly Update says the Fiber Fund contains $22,245,000.
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/57459 No doubt the dark fiber network refurbishing project had an impact.
And revenue bonds -- the dark fiber operation has a revenue stream of between $2.5 million and $3 million a year. I've
heard a slogan that says you can bond for up to ten times that amount. I don't know if that's something that staff could confirm in public. But if that were true, that could be up to $30 million in revenue bonds. A user-financed approach could
be used for part of the funding. It wouldn't have to be used for ALL of the funding. So, the staff report from June 6th, 2012 doesn't describe the user financing as only partially funding the project. And so I think you don't have to believe in
the conclusions of that report from 2012. Finally, if we plan to do smart meters, a number of communities -- like 31, last time I looked at the database on this subject -- are using their fiber networks to do smart meters.
### Clarification: 31 FTTP networks use them for smart grid; of these, 20 are municipal networks.
And if Palo Alto were to do that, we could possibly dip into the Electric Special Projects Fund to help pay for that. The
Electric Special Projects Fund is supposed to be used for the benefit of electric ratepayers. But I think this is such a benefit. Anyhow, if you add that all up, it looks to me as if there's enough money to do citywide fiber-to-the-home. So,
any implication of the September 28th, 2015 staff report, that seemed to say, well, we couldn't find the money to pay for it, has to be reevaluated, I believe.
1:24:34:
Anyhow, supposing, in the very worst case, that, somehow or another, we couldn't pay for citywide all at once, we could
still pay for a very large phase 1, to do lots of homes in the City. It turns out that Sandy, Oregon, thought that they couldn't pay for their whole project at once. So they had a contest among neighborhoods. Who's the most
interested? That's the ones we'll build. And they found out that all of the neighborhoods were so interested that they
22 April, 2017
RE: Council goes\\ ilh bigger garage -7 ,\pril, 2017. Palo Alto Daily News
Dear Mayor Scharff and Palo Alto City Council:
"If you huild it, they will come." TI1is Field of Dreams adage applies also lo parking and roads in the <;ense
that if iufmstructurc is built, ii will be lillc<l an<l ovcrlilletl.
Why nol instead im·e.~t in Palo Alto's most charismatic main strecls in a truly innovati\'e
way? Pedeslrianize Califomia and Uni\'ersity A \·enues (wilh loadiug1'unloading for businesses of course)
and nm high qualily transit options up & down each. Install perpendicular parking on side slreets lluts
increasing o\'crall parking in the area. 111e extra costs and height concems of a potential parking gamgc
would be allayed, and even pcrlwps free up money for more retail space.
Run a shullle bus up and down the street, or otherwise im·est in World Class walking, hiking, and acli\'c
tra.11si1oplious10/from lhc urea iustca<l of as'iU11u11.g C\'eryonc has a Go<l-gh cu right to park their car
directly iu front of a businci.s and undemocratically lake up space lhat could otherwhe be used for cafc
seating, parklets, '' ider sidewalks, bike or lr<msit lanes, innovative rclail space, etc. Talk aboul soft edges!
Pearl Slreel in Roulder, l\·lariahilferslrnl\e in Vienna, and many other projecls and suhsequent slttdiec; ha\'e
been shown lo lead to spikes in business afler such impro,·emenls have been made. Please sec:
h11p:l/re\'olutionizehaight.orgf
Or how about installing parking melers and using that money to pay for scn·iccs'!
Palo Aho claims to be so innorntive, though there is nolhing inno\'ath'c ahoul this proposal n hich. if
allowed 10 be eonslmctcd, perhaps woulcht't c\·en include solar power.
"Ilic mayor ought tu Ii\ c up to h1., uamcsakc!
("It is a name for a sharp or quick willed per..on. ·r he name stems from the Genmm word "scharf" meaning
"shai p"." hllp~.1 \\ ,,.,, .houscofnames.com•scharff-famil} -crest).
Sincerely,
-Aaron Choate·
Instructor, Gennan·Amcrican School of Palo Alto
Aaron Choate
15118 Brewi.ter Avenue
San Jose, California 95124
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