City Manager Weekly Update
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Los Altos Accessories
The City Council at its meeting on
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 introduced ordinances that provide new standards for accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) and accessory structures. The ordinance for the ADU’s was precipitated by recent State legislation that removes much of the discretion that cities have in their review of this type of housing. One element of these new regulations is that there is no minimum lot size for an ADU on a residentially zoned property. This provides opportunities for additional housing units in Los Altos and helps the City achieve the State-mandated housing unit production numbers. The accessory structure ordinance introduced by Council provides greater distances to property lines and in so doing, addresses some of concerns about the compatibility of ADU’s with their neighboring properties.
Parking
The Planning Commission took up the recommendations of the former Citywide Parking Committee at its meeting on
Thursday, March 1, 2018 and focused on an in-lieu fee program, on-site parking requirements or ratios, the dimensions for a parking space (width x length), and enhancement of bicycle facilities in the Downtown. Commissioners had a lengthy discussion covering this range of parking issues and developed several modifications to the codes. Staff will next include these modifications in a draft ordinance that will be brought back to the Commission to review and then develop a recommendation to the City Council. The in-lieu program, if adopted, would provide an opportunity for some development projects to pay a fee in place of constructing a required parking space on-site. The funds generated by payment of the fee would then be used to enhance the parking supply in areas of the City, such as the Downtown.
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Downtown Vision
On Wednesday, February 28, 2018, the Complete Streets Commission received an overview of the Downtown Vision process to date. This afternoon, staff will meet with the students at Los Altos High School Associated Student Body to share more information about the Downtown Vision project. Students at the High School have remained engaged in the process and several articles have been written about the Downtown Vision project in the school newspaper.
New Chair and Vice Chair for Planning Commission
At its meeting on Thursday, the Planning Commission elected Phoebe Bressack Chair and Alex Samek Vice Chair of the Commission. Each expressed their gratitude to their fellow Commissioners for electing them to these seats and assumed their new duties with gusto.
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Career Day at Santa Rita Elementary School
The Los Altos Police Department was invited to be the featured guest agency at Santa Rita Elementary School’s Career Day event on Thursday, March 1. Police personnel attending included Captain Scott McCrossin, Community Service Officers Amanda Pitman and Keith Hurley, Detective Sergeant Brian Jeffrey and motor Officers Brent Butler, Rich Swanson and Sergeant Liz Checke.
Students learned about the variety of careers available in Law Enforcement and how they can prepare for a career in the field. It was great to see the excitement of the students as they got to interact with Officers. They asked questions and got a close-up look at Police equipment including latent fingerprint kits, motor bikes and police cars. Photos from the event are available on our
Facebook Page.
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Hillview Community Center Progress Meeting
The City is hosting a meeting to provide an update on the Hillview Community Center Replacement Project at the Hillview Community Center in Senior Program Room 10 on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. The City has nearly completed the schematic design phase of construction and will soon be moving into the design development phase. Construction of the new Center is anticipated to begin in summer 2019. Though this meeting will focus on updates impacting Seniors, all are welcome to join us to hear more information about this exciting project. Additional Community Meetings will be hosted with dates and times announced as they are scheduled. Questions may be directed to Theresa Yee, Project Manager at (650) 947-2700 or
tyee@losaltosca.gov.
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Foothill Expressway Improvement Project
On February 28, 2018, the Complete Streets Commission
received an update on the Foothill Expressway Improvements project between El Monte Avenue and San Antonio Road. County staff presented the 35% design drawings for the preferred alternative that was developed based on feedback received at the previous community, Commission and City Council meetings. The key improvements include widening of Foothill Expressway from 4 to 6 lanes by extending right turn lanes, two through lanes on westbound El Monte Avenue, squaring three free right turns at the El Monte/Foothill intersection, and signal modifications at El Monte Avenue and San Antonio Road intersections.
Members of the public and Commission were able to review the plans and ask questions at the meeting. Commission members generally supported the key project features. Their discussion and questions were regarding landscape mitigation strategies, traffic control plans for construction period, additional measures to enhance pedestrian crossing safety at the southeast corner of the El Monte Avenue intersection, which will remain as free right turn. The Commission requested additional outreach to nearby schools and to bring back the construction traffic plan for Commission review when it is available. Next steps in the project include advancing to final design and preparing a bid package so the project is ready for construction when Measure B funding is available.
San Antonio Road Lighted Crosswalk System Maintenance
On February 27, 2018, City Council adopted a mid-year financial update that includes $75,000 to repair the lighted crosswalk systems at various locations along San Antonio Road. Currently several in-pavement flashing lights and sidewalk mounted flashing pedestrian signs are malfunctioning. This funding will allow us to repair or replace these malfunctioning units.
Asphalt Pavement Training
Engineering staff attended a seminar on asphalt pavement design and construction this week. The course provides better understanding of asphalt materials, construction, and proven asphalt pavement maintenance and rehabilitation strategies along with their most appropriate use in an overall pavement management plan.
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Recreation & Community Services
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April LAYC Dance
The next LAYC Dance for Los Altos middle school students will be Friday, April 6th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This activity will be taking place at the Los Altos Youth Center, located at 1 N. San Antonio Road. Play ping pong or dance as the D.J. plays your favorite songs!
Senior Program Updates
Senior Tech Seminar: Want to learn a specific topic on the computer, smartphone or tablet? Come join us for our first ever Tech Seminar. Each meeting will cover a new useful topic about your device. Held every 3rd Wednesday of the month starting March 21
st until May 16
th from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in
Room 8 at the Hillview Community Center. Cost for Members $1; Non-members $3. This activity will also be hosted at Grant Park on March 5
th. This activity is available on Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Room 4 of the Grant Park Community Center. For more information about this program or to reserve your time with Gladys, please register at the Senior Center or call (650) 947-2797.
Senior Spring Fling: Calling all seniors! A Senior Spring Fling is scheduled for Friday, April 6, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Garden House located in Shoup Park, 400 University Avenue. Join us for a casual evening to welcome spring while mixing and mingling with old and new friends. Enjoy heavy h’orderves, beverages and an “Oldies, but Goodies” DJ. Tickets cost $10 per person and
must be purchased by Thursday, March 29. Tickets can be
purchased online or at the Hillview Community Center front office. The activity code for this event is 440711-01. This event is sponsored by the Senior Commission and Club 55. For more information, call (650) 947-2790.
Tax Preparation Program: This activity will be taking place each Monday through the month of April from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Hillview Community Center, Room 8.
Senior Dance Exercise: Never miss a chance to dance! Join us at Grant Park Community Center for this fun and healthy class. Get a chance to learn Salsa, Cha Cha, Cumbia, Bachata, Swing, Rock ‘n Roll, Line Dancing and other dance genres. Taught by Bob & Marilu. Classes are held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays and every Wednesday from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room.
To register or for more information about Senior Programs, call (650) 947-2797.
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Smoke-Free Los Altos Community Survey
At its March 13, 2018 meeting, the Los Altos City Council will consider amending an existing ordinance to expand smoking prohibitions in public places. The DRAFT ordinance includes all types of smoking products, including tobacco, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and marijuana. Please visit
losaltosca.gov/smokefree to learn more and share your thoughts via our
Open City Hall survey.
Survey: Dog Park & Off-Leash Hours for Dogs
The Los Altos Parks and Recreation Commission wants to learn more about the interests of the community as it relates to dog activity in the parks. To accomplish this, the Commission would like to gather input via an online survey from both the dog owning and non-dog owning community on the possible inclusion of dog-friendly amenities and policies within the parks. Regardless of dog ownership, the Parks and Recreation Commission would like to hear the public’s thoughts on this topic. Your answers will help us understand the desire and concerns of the community regarding dog activity in Los Altos parks. We look forward to receiving your response by Wednesday, March 7, 2018.
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Spring Egg Hunt – Save the Date!
The City will host its annual Spring Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31, 2018 on the soccer field adjacent to the Hillview Community Center, 97 Hillview Avenue. The fun kicks off with carnival games and 4H Bunny Project at 9:30 a.m. The Egg Hunt will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Participant age range is walking to 10 years old. Please be sure to bring your own baskets. Plan to stick around after the hunt to enjoy a fun show for the kids by Sean Mendelson beginning at 10:20 a.m. There will be lots of singing and dancing. This year’s event will be co-sponsored by Friends of the Library.
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City of Los Altos | (650) 947-2700 | www.losaltosca.gov
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