On the agenda: East Palo Alto City Council - Mar 18, 2025 — Automated License Plate (Mar 18)

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Agenda






EAST PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION AGENDA Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 6:30 PM EPA Government Center 2415 University Avenue, First Floor East Palo Alto, CA 94303



NOTICE
This meeting will be held virtually and in-person at the Council Chambers located on 2415 University Ave, First Floor East Palo Alto, CA 94303. The virtual portion of this City Council meeting will be conducted in accordance with City of East Palo Alto Resolution adopted pursuant to Assembly Bill 361. The public may participate in the City Council Meeting via Zoom Meeting or by attending in-person in the Council Chambers at 2415 University Ave, First Floor East Palo Alto, CA 94303. Community members may provide comments by emailing [email protected] , submitting a speaker card at the meeting, or using the RAISE HAND feature when the Mayor or City Clerk call for public comment. Emailed comments should include the specific agenda item on which you are commenting.
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REQUESTS TO APPEAR REMOTELY
 
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953, members of the body may appear remotely for the following reasons:
 

Teleconference Exception (Gov’t Code § 54953(b)):  None.

 

Just Cause (Gov’t Code § 54953(j)(2)(D)

 
Councilmember Carlos Romero.
 

General description (travel while on business, Gov’t Code § 54953(j)(2)(D))
Affirmation (18 year or older participants)
Admonitions: (a) video and audio must remain on; (b) disruption causes cease of council action.

 

Emergency Circumstances (Gov’t Code § 54953(f)(A)(ii) (Approval Required)):  None.


1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
 

2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
 

3. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
 

3.1 César Chavez Proclamation
 
Recommendation: Present the proclamation.



3.2 2024 Annual Housing Element and General Plan Annual Progress Reports
 
Recommendation: The City Council should adopt a resolution stating the following: 
 
1. Accepting the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report, 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report, and Housing Successor to the Redevelopment Agency Annual Report; and
 
2. Directing staff to submit the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report, 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report, and Housing Successor to the Redevelopment Agency Annual Report to the appropriate State authorities; and
 
3. Find that the acceptance and submittal of the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline Section 15061(b)(3) and 15306 and none of the exceptions set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to the Project.






3.3 Award the O'Connor Pump Station Improvements Phase I Project (SD-06A) to Harris & Associates, Inc. 
 
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution:
 

Authorizing the City Manager to award, negotiate, and execute an agreement with Harris & Associates, Inc. in a form approved by the City Attorney, for a contract amount of $324,788.00, and to establish a 10% contingency in the amount of $32,478.80, for a total not-to-exceed project budget amount of $357,266.80 for professional engineering services to design the O'Connor Pump Station Improvements Phase I Project (CIP Project No. SD-06A); and
Finding that the proposed action does not constitute a "Project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guideline section 15378(b), in that it is a government administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.




3.4 Update on Security Provider for Community Services Facilities & Events 
 
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution;
 

Authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a multi-year agreement with the next responsive bidder, Pal-American Security, in lieu of CitiGuard Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney, with a 10-percent contingency of $290,000, for a total not-to-exceed of $290,000; and
Finding action being considered does not constitute a “Project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guideline section 15378 (b)(5), in that it is a government administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.




3.5 Award of the University Avenue Grand Corridor Project design (ST-29)
 
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution:
 

Authorizing the City Manager to award to, negotiate and execute an agreement with CSWST2, in a form approved by the City Attorney, in the amount of $1,528,095, and to establish a 10% contingency in the amount of $152,809.50, for a not-to-exceed total of $1,680,905 to develop a community outreach plan and to provide civil engineering design services for the University Avenue Grand Corridor Project; and

 

Finding that the action being considered does not constitute a “Project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guideline section 15378 (b)(5), in that it is a government administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment, and because environmental review of the project will be performed as part of this contract during the design phase.





3.6 Monthly Cash Treasury Report for January 2025
 
Recommendation: Accept and file the Cash Treasury Report for the month of January 2025 .  


3.7 East Bayshore Road Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Enhancements Project (ST-28) Plans, Specifications & Estimate Approval
 
Recommendation:

Adopt the resolution:
 

Approving the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates for the East Bayshore Road Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Enhancements Project (Project);

 

Authorizing the City Manager to advertise the project to solicit bids for the construction phase; and

 

Finding that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Sections 15301, 15303, and 15304 of the CEQA Guidelines.

 




3.8 Development Code Text Amendment (ZTA24-001) to amend various Chapters and Sections of Title 18 (Development Code) of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code
 
Recommendation: By motion, waive the second reading and adopt an ordinance to:
 

Amend Title 18 (Development Code) of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code to:

a. Amend chapter 18.96 to amend sections 18.96.010, 18.96.030.E.4, 18.96.050.A.2, 18.96.050.A.2, 18.96.090, and 18.96.050.G to reconcile the East Palo Alto Municipal Code (EPAMC) with state legislation on accessory dwelling units.
b. Amend sections 10.020 Table 2-1, 18.12.020 Table 2-3 and 18.14.020 Table 2-5 to supplement Land Use Regulations and Allowable Uses, and 18.48.060 to facilitate child day care and other care uses.
c. Amend sections 18.10.020 Table 2-1, 18.12.020 Table 2-3 and 18.14.020 Table 2-5 to supplement Land Use Regulations and Allowable Uses, 18.08.010 of Chapter 18.08 to add a definition of Low Barrier Navigation Center and add a new section 18.48.116 to chapter 18.48 of the EPAMC to allow the development of Low Barrier Navigation Centers.
d. Amend chapter 18.30 to amend sections 18.30.080.B.2 and C.3 and add sections 18.30.010.G and 18.30.080.B.3 to B.5 to allow Unbundled Parking.
e. Amend section 18.26.020A.2, add section 18.26.020.E., and amend section 18.90.020 Table 7-3 Types of Minor Variances Allowed to allow seven-foot and certain eight-foot Fences, Hedges and Walls without variance.
f. Amend sections 18.10.020, 18.12.020 and 18.14.020 to synchronize certain notations under Specific Use Regulations with the right land use provisions.
g. Amend chapter 15.52 Floodplain Management to realign the responsibilities of staff with respect to Flood Management.
h. Amend section 18.86.030.A Table 7-2 Review Authority for Site Plan to reclassify various sizes of Non-Residential Construction Activities subject to different review levels.
i. Amend sections 18.50.060.A Table 5-1 Advisory Agencies for Subdivisions, and 18.54.030.B.4 on the Review of Maps.
j. Add a new chapter 18.87 on Permit Adjustments and amend section 18.82.020 – Authority for Land Use and Zoning Decisions Table 7-1 to include Adjustment Permits.
k. Amend sections 18.12.020 Table 2-3 to allow refueling and service station use as a Conditional Use Permit and 18.48.180 Service Stations to facilitate Refueling and Service Stations.
l. Amend sections 13.24.400.A and B on Turf selection and limitation and 18.30.080.A.4 on Paved Areas in Front Yard to supplement Front Yard Landscape Standards.
m. Amend sections 18.28.060.G and 18.28.110.A to streamline the processing of Trees on Private Property.
n. Amend section 18.10.030 Development Standards by adding sub-section 18.10.030.G to facilitate the remodeling of existing single-family dwellings in the R-MD Zone.
o. Amend chapter 18.24 to increase the height of accessory structures from 15-feet to 17-feet (sections 18.24.020.B.1, 18.24.030.A.1.c, and 18.24.030.B.2) consistent with the height requirements for similar structures such as accessory dwelling units, include a Permit Adjustment (sections 18.24.020.B and 18.24.030.A.1) as a required approval type for accessory structures, and correct the useable rear yard area to be maintained from 750-square feet to 700-square feet (section 18.24.030.A.1.b) as was adopted by Council ordinance on February 6, 2024 with Zoning Text Amendment ZTA23-001.
p. Amend chapter 18.94 to amend section 18.94.110 to make administratively approved Minor Temporary Use Permits issued for one to six days final upon issuance and not subject to the appeal period.
 

Find the proposed Zoning Text Amendments to be exempt in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3), 15378 and 15183 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

 





3.9 City Manager Employment Agreement
 
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution:  
 
1. Authorizing the Mayor to execute a third amendment to the City Manager’s Employment Agreement extending the agreement’s term until January 30, 2029 and increasing total annual compensation to $317,312.00; and 
 
2. Finding that the proposed action does not constitute a “project” with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) in that it is a governmental fiscal, organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.




3.10 City Attorney Employment Agreement
 
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution:
 

Authorizing the Mayor to execute a third amendment to the City Attorney's Employment Agreement extending the agreement's term until January 9, 2029, increasing total annual compensation to $300,030.00, and offering a fringe benefit mirroring a provision in the City Manager's contract (allocating medical benefit premium amounts into a deferred compensation if medical coverage is declined); and
Finding that the proposed action does not constitute a “project” with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) in that it is a governmental fiscal, organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.





3.11 City Council Meeting Minutes
 
Recommendation: Adopt the March 4, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes.



3.12 FY 2024-25 Midyear Personnel Staffing Proposal
 
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution:

Approving an amendment to the City’s Classification Plan adding 1.0 FTE Administrative Assistant, adding 1.0 FTE Information Technology Specialist I/II, adding 1.0 FTE Accountant Senior, adding 0.5 FTE Special Projects Manager (2 Year LTD), adding 1.0 FTE Paralegal, and eliminating 1.0 FTE Legal Assistant;
Approving the updated titles and job description/classification specifications from City Manager to City Manager/ General Manager, from City Attorney to City Attorney/ District Counsel, from Assistant City Manager to Assistant City Manager/ Assistant General Manager, from Finance Director to Finance Director/ District Treasurer, and from Public Works Director to Public Works Director/District Engineer;
Approving an amendment to five position classification specifications (Utility Manager, Accountant Senior, City Clerk - Public Information Officer, and Maintenance Worker I/II and III);
Approving compensation schedules for the positions listed above and referenced in Attachment P and Service Employees International Union (SEIU Local 521) Side Letter Agreement: Maintenance Worker Premium Pay for Utility Locator Function 5% premium pay; and
Finding that the proposed actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because none of them are a “project” pursuant to 15378(b)(4) as these are fiscal activities which do not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant impact on the environment.





















4. CLOSED SESSION
 

5. PUBLIC COMMENT
 

6. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
 

6.1 Automated License Plate Reader Implementation Update
 
Recommendation: Receive informational report about the Automated License Plate Reader Implementation.


7. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
 

7.1 Library Annual Report Presentation
 
Recommendation: Accept the presentation from the SMC Library. 

8. ADJOURN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING TO THE EAST PALO ALTO SANITARY DISTRICT BOARD MEETING
 

9. APROVAL OF THE EPASD BOARD MEETING AGENDA
 

10. APPROVAL OF EPASD BOARD MEETING CONSENT CALENDAR
 

10.1 Cash Disbursement Report for January 2025
 
Recommendation: Accept the cash disbursement report required pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 6794.


11. EPASD BOARD MEETING CLOSED SESSION
 

12. EPASD BOARD MEETING PUBLIC COMMENT
 

13. EPASD BOARD MEETING POLICY AND ACTION
 

13.1 Accept Annual Financial Reports for EPASD for Fiscal Year 2023-24
 
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution accepting and directing staff to file with the State Controller’s Office the Annual Audited Financial Reports for Fiscal Year 2023-24






13.2 Accept the N otice of Completion and authorize  the release of retention p ayment to Ranger Pipelines for the Sanitary Se wer Replacement Project a t Beech   Street, C larke Avenue, and Green Street .
 
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution: 
 

Accepting the notice of completion to Ranger Pipelines for the Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project at Beech Street, Clarke Avenue, and Green Street; and   
Authorizing the release of a retention balance in the amount of $238,016.90; and   
Authorizing recordation of the Notice of Completion with the County of San Mateo; and   
Finding that the proposed action does not constitute a “project” with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) in that it is a governmental fiscal, organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment. 





13.3 Signature Authority
 
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution: 

Rescinding District Board Resolution No. 419;
A uthoriz ing the District Treasurer of the EPASD (City Finance Director) to sign checks and warrants in the name of the District;
Authorizing the General Manager of the EPASD (City Manager) to sign all contracts, releases, receipts, and similar documents in the name of the district, consistent with applicable local law, including the East Palo Alto Municipal Code, including without limitation Section 2-59.1 (Formalities—Approval) of Chapter 2 (Administration) and Chapter 2.84 (Purchasing), as amended from time to time, of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code , in the name of the District, as authorized by California Health & Safety Code 6487 ; and
Finding that the proposed action does not constitute a “project” with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) in that it is a governmental fiscal, organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.




13.4 Purchasing Ordinance, Policies and Procedures for EPASD
 
Recommendation: Adopt a n ordinance amending the Sanitary District Code to require purchases of services, equipment and supplies for the East Palo Alto Sanitary District to comply with Chapter 2.84 of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code, as amended from time to time, and any policies and procedures, as amended from time to time, adopted to implement the same.



14. EPASD BOARD REPORTS
 

15. ADJOURN EAST PALO ALTO SANITARY DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AND RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
 

16. PUBLIC HEARINGS
 

16.1 Residential Permit Parking Program Ordinance (RPP) First Reading
 
Recommendation: By motion:
 

Waive the first reading and introduce an ordinance adding a new Chapter 10.40 (Residential Permit Parking Program) to the East Palo Alto Municipal Code; and

 

Find that the proposed action being considered does not constitute a “Project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as it is general policy and procedure making not applied to a specific instance and therefore it is not a “project” (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Article 20, §15378 (b) (2)).






17. POLICY AND ACTION
 

17.1 2025 TOT Grants Program Notice of Funding Availability Release 
 
Recommendation:
Provide any direction to staff on goals for 2025 TOT CYFS Grant Program
Adopt a resolution:

Authorizing the City Manager to release a $350,000 Notice of Funding Availability for the 2025 Transient Occupancy Tax grant program and to allow the Community Grants Review Panel to make recommendations on the application pool.
Increasing the maximum grant award for the 2025 TOT Grant program from $40,000 to $75,000.







18. COUNCIL REPORTS
 

19. ADJOURNMENT
 



This AGENDA is posted in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2(a)
This Notice of Availability of Public Records: All public records relating to an open session item which are not exempt from disclosure pursuant to the Public Records Act, that are distributed to the majority of the City Council will be available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office, 2415 University Avenue, East Palo Alto, CA at the same time that the public records are distributed or made available to the City Council. Such documents may also be available on the East Palo Alto website www.cityofepa.org subject to staff’s ability to post the documents prior to the meeting. Information may be obtained by calling (650) 853-3100.
The City Council meeting packet may be reviewed by the public in the Library or the City Clerk's Office. Any writings or documents pertaining to an open session item provided to a majority of the City Council less than 72 hours prior to the meeting, shall be made available for public inspection at the front counter at the City Clerk's Office, 2ND Floor, City Hall, 2415 University Avenue, East Palo Alto, California 94303 during normal business hours. Information distributed to the Council at the Council meeting becomes part of the public record. A copy of written material, pictures, etc. should be provided for this purpose. East Palo Alto City Council Chambers is ADA compliant. Requests for disability related modifications or accommodations, aids or services may be made by a person with a disability to the City Clerk's office at (650) 853-3127 no less than 72 hours prior to the meeting as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof.

DECLARATION OF POSTING
This Notice is posted in accordance with Government Code §54954.2(a) or §54956. Members of the public can view electronic agendas and staff reports by accessing the City website. Under penalty of perjury, this Agenda was posted to the public at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. POSTED: March 8, 2025 ATTEST:
James Colin
City Clerk



Upcoming meetings:
 



Study Session
March 25, 2025
6:00 PM


Regular Meeting
April 1, 2025
6:30 PM


Regular Meeting 
April 15, 2025
6:30 PM





East Palo Alto City Council
March 18, 2025 Agenda