City Manager Weekly Update - August 12, 2016
Hiring of Permanent Administrative Services Director
Since the departure of Administrative Services director Kim Juran-Karageorgiou in June, the City embarked on two recruitments: first for an Interim Director (which was filled by Susan Stark) and for a permanent replacement. We are pleased that the announcement soliciting applications for the permanent replacement has now been advertised.
Lincoln Park
We have now officially expanded the City’s park lands: the sale of Lincoln Park from Santa Clara County to the City of Los Altos is now complete and the transfer has been recorded.
City Clerk
2016 City Council Election
The Nomination Period for the 2016 City Council Election closes this afternoon at 5:00 p.m. As of Friday, August 12, 2016, the following individuals have taken out nomination papers: Jeannie Bruins, Neysa Fligor, Alex Glew, Lynette Lee Eng, Jan Pepper and Steve Smiley.
Commission Openings
The City is currently recruiting for openings on the following Commissions: Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory, Financial, Historical, Library, and Public Arts. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 20, 2016. Applications are due on Friday, September 9, 2016 and may be submitted online here or in person to the City Clerk’s Office. For more information, click here.
Assistant City Manager
Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority (SVCEA) Update
Clean Energy will be part of the festivities on the Third Street Green on Sunday, August 14, 2016. Smart energy uses will be featured in a fun, family-friendly way. Silicon Valley Clean Energy, the new renewably sourced electricity provider, will be available to answer questions about the 100% carbon free energy coming to the Los Altos community in 2017. Acterra will also provide helpful tips on home energy use, two solar installers will discuss installing solar panels and just for fun, the Rotary Club's solar cooker demonstration will be preparing a tasty dinner, bake fresh cookies and popcorn. GreenTown Los Altos will participate as well with information and a prize basket that will go to one lucky winner.
In addition to community public outreach and education efforts, SVCEA is hosting outreach and information about its 100% carbon free clean energy to local business and providing presentations to businesses to encourage the use of SVCEA clean energy (see item 3).
SVCEA Board of Directors held its monthly meeting on August 10, 2016. Meetings are regularly held in the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Chambers. The public is invited to attend the monthly meetings and can speak or listen to the proceedings. Board of Director agendas, minutes and video of the monthly meetings are available online. For information about SVCEA, visit svcleanenergy.org.
Aircraft Noise Update
The Select Committee on South Bay Arrivals, a group of elected officials appointed to study aircraft noise in the region, is now in working-group mode and is meeting with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to discuss options and to formulate recommendations to local members of Congress.
The next meeting of the Select Committee is on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at the City of Palo Alto Council Chambers, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public but because it is a working meeting of the Select Committee, the public will not be invited to speak. The City Manager’s Weekly Update will continue to provide information on the proceedings of the aircraft noise issue.
Even During the Drought – Trees are Worth the Water
It has been a mild summer on the Peninsula, but many trees still need water. Here are 3 tree care tips to help your tree(s) thrive:
1) Assess soil moisture: To check if your tree needs water, probe the soil 6-12 inches below the surface at the tree's dripline. You can use a shovel, a screwdriver, or a moisture probe. If the soil below the surface is damp, no need to water. If the soil is soggy, your tree might be getting too much water. But if the soil is dry and crumbly, your tree needs water.
2) Water deeply: In the absence of a soaking rain, water mature trees about once a month or every other month, and young trees about once a month or every two weeks. Water gradually and deeply, applying water to the tree's root zone, particularly around the drip line. Whenever possible, use water-efficient methods like hand-watering (for young trees) or drip irrigation.
3) Mulch to conserve moisture: There are lots of reasons to love mulch: it insulates tree roots, preserves moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds, and feeds nutrients into the soil as it breaks down. Apply a layer of mulch 3-5 inches thick over the root zone of your tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Use organic matter like wood chips, with or without leaf matter. Trees love wood chip mulch and the "duff" created by their own leaves. Los Altos residents can get free mulch and compost from the Sunnyvale Material and Recovery Transfer (SMaRT) Station.
What about street trees? It is typically the resident's responsibility to water street trees in front of their home. This includes young and newly planted trees (which need regular watering to survive during their first few years), as well as mature trees. However, please don't prune street trees. If your city-owned street tree needs pruning or other maintenance, contact the City.
Administrative Services
IT Infrastructure Project
The IT Division recently completed a project to move City Hall’s core IT infrastructure over to a new type of hyper-converged technology. This new platform will enable the City’s IT infrastructure to be more manageable and scalable as it seeks to meet the growing technological needs of local government. The project took several months to complete as members of the IT Division worked with outside vendors to implement the new technology and migrate City Hall’s aging virtual infrastructure onto one standardized platform.
Community Development
Do I Need a Permit to Remove a Tree?
In general, all trees with a circumference of 48-inches or greater measured four feet above the ground are protected and require a Tree Removal Permit for removal. In addition, the following trees also require a Tree Removal Permit before removal:
- Any tree located within the public right-of-way
- Any tree designated as Heritage Tree by the Historical Commission
- Any tree that has been required to be saved or planted as part of a development approval
- Any tree on a property with a pending development review application
Of special note are trees on properties with a two-story house, please be sure to check with the Planning Division before removing trees of any size as they may be providing privacy screening and be protected. For more information, view the City's Tree Removal Criteria and Process or contact the Planning Division at (650) 947-2750 or at planning@losaltosca.gov.
How Do I Find My Property’s Building Permit History?
The Building Division has records of all issued and approved building permits. To obtain your property’s history, download a Building Permit Record Search Request and fax it along with a Bankcard Authorization Form to (650) 947-2734. The fee for this service is $25.00. For more information, contact the Building Division at (650) 947-2752.
Police
School Starts Next Week – Plan Ahead for Increased Traffic
Summer break is coming to a close and that means the lighter morning traffic in town will soon end as well. Please plan ahead for the increase in traffic and be sure to leave enough time in your morning commute so you’re not tempted to speed and endanger others on the road.
Local start dates:
- Los Altos School District: Wednesday, August 17, 2016
- Cupertino Union School District: Monday, August 15, 2016
- Mountain View Los Altos High School District: Monday, August 15, 2016
- Fremont Union High School District: Monday, August 15, 2016
There will be many children and families driving on our roads, riding their bikes and walking to school. Let’s keep them safe and drive carefully.
Back to School Safety Tips
- Drivers are encouraged to leave earlier than usual, as there will likely be delays along travel routes.
- Please be careful to observe speed limits, especially in school zones.
- Look out for crossing guards around most elementary schools who will be stopping traffic so children can safely cross the street.
- When dropping off children, please do so in designated school drop off areas.
- Review street safety tips with your children and newly licensed drivers.
- Above all, drivers are encouraged to remain patient during any travel delays and remember the goal is for everyone to arrive at their destination safely!
Report Unsafe Driving
If you observe unsafe driving please contact the Los Altos Police Department at (650) 947-2770 or dial 9-1-1.
Public Works
Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
On August 9, 2016, the City of Sunnyvale hosted a Stevens Creek Trail Joint Cities Working Team meeting. The purpose of the meeting was for each City to summarize the actions taken by the Los Altos, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and Cupertino City Council’s, respectively, regarding the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and the recommendations by the Joint Cities Working Team. The Joint Cities Working Team briefly discussed the next steps regarding trail implementation over the long-term. For example, the Mountain View City Council anticipates reviewing the Segment 1 portion of the trail (Dale/Heatherstone to Fremont Avenue) for the 2017/18 budget process. The Los Altos City Council last took action on this topic on November 24, 2015; supporting the findings of the Stevens Creek Trail alignment identified by the Joint Cities Working Team by adopting Resolution No. 2015-39.
Loucks Neighborhood Traffic Management Project
The plans, specifications and estimates for the Loucks Neighborhood Traffic Management Project are out to bid. The project includes the construction of two speed humps, advanced warning signs and striping on Loucks Avenue between Mercedes Avenue and Los Altos Avenue. The bidding period ends on August 30, 2016.
Annual Street Maintenance Projects (Resurfacing, Slurry Seal and Striping)
The annual street maintenance projects repair and preserve the conditions of streets in Los Altos. The contractors for the annual resurfacing, slurry seal and striping projects have provided material data submittals for review by the Engineering Department. This review is a critical step in ensuring the contractors are providing the correct material as stipulated in the contract specifications. Staff will be reviewing this material over the next week. Once approved, work will be scheduled.
Downtown Capital Improvement Projects
Parking Plaza Driveway Approach Project
The Parking Plaza Driveway Approach Improvement Project is scheduled to begin construction work on Monday, August 22, 2016. Construction is anticipated to be complete by September 16, 2016. This project will upgrade driveway approaches in Parking Plaza 1 (along First Street) and Plaza 10 (along West Edith Avenue) to create Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalks across the driveway approaches.
Parking Plaza 3 Driveway & Drive Aisle Improvement Project
The Contractor continued to prepare for the subgrade and construct the formwork for the sidewalk and curb and gutter. The concrete pour for the sidewalk, curb and gutter is scheduled for early next week. Due to the size of the concrete truck, the driveway entrance located at the rear of Enchante Boutique Hotel on San Antonio Road will be closed during the concrete pour. The concrete pour will last for two days. On Wednesday, August 17, 2016, phase 2 (AC driveway) will begin and the entire driveway access will be closed until the project is complete.
