Christine Prior

The City Council retreat focused on identifying key community challenges and setting priorities for the upcoming year. Major discussion topics included housing affordability, traffic management, airplane noise, grade separation, and the maintenance of neighborhood integrity. The City Auditor presented the 2017 performance report and various citizen surveys, highlighting residents' concerns regarding housing, traffic, and land use, as well as a decline in the sense of community. The council explored strategies for code enforcement, infrastructure development, and community engagement.

The council conducted a closed session regarding labor negotiations and real property acquisition for the Palo Alto Post Office. Key actions included the approval of procedures for customer identity and credit security, authorization of a fiber optic system review contract, appointment of the 2016 Emergency Standby Council, and approval of an airplane noise assessment contract. The council referred a proposed amendment to the Table of Organization to the Finance Committee. Additionally, administrative guidelines were adopted for the interim annual limit on Office/R&D space, and advocacy direction was established regarding the Santa Clara County sales tax measure.

This workplan outlines the strategic advisory role of the Utilities Advisory Commission for the City of Palo Alto. It focuses on providing advice to the City Council on long-range planning, policy matters, and financial review concerning electric, gas, water, wastewater collection, fiber optics, and recycled water utilities. Key areas include annual budget and rate reviews, water and energy supply management, electric and gas system modernization, oversight of Capital Improvement Projects, enhancing utility reliability and resilience, tracking legislative initiatives, and supporting the city's Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, including the Fiber to the Premises rollout and the long-term strategy for the natural gas utility.

The council held a study session regarding the library strategic plan and the parks, trails, open space, and recreation master planning process. Appointments were made to the Utilities Advisory Commission and the Comprehensive Plan Update Citizens Advisory Committee. The council approved multiple consent items, including contract amendments for planning review support, rail shuttle bus administration, and various park improvement ordinances. Additionally, the council discussed future uses for Foothills Park, established the structure and vision statements for the Comprehensive Plan update, and addressed transportation element goals, including strategies for congestion reduction and parking solutions.

The commission addressed a public request for the repair of an inoperable gate at the Palo Alto flood basin to improve ecological health. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Measure E site, with staff proposing to dedicate 7.7 acres as parkland while reserving 2.4 acres for potential future biosolids processing facilities, citing site constraints and long-term wastewater treatment needs. The commission also received an overview of the regional wastewater treatment plant's operations, current capital projects, and a feasibility study regarding a wetland wildlife corridor.