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Regular Council Meeting: 6PM April 16, 2026
Agenda Highlights
[ Items of special note are highlighted in red ]
1. CLOSED SESSION (5:30PM)
A. CLOSED SESSION – Conference with Labor Negotiators
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6)
Agency Designated Representatives: Steve Mattas and Ali Wolf
Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
2. PRESENTATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
A. Appointment as the Los Altos Hills Poet Laureate
Mr. Arun Kumar and Mr. William Manche have been nominated for consideration.
B. Los Altos Hills County Fire District Discussion on Emergency Management Shared Services and Tree Hazard Assessment and Rebate Program
As part of the Fire District’s ongoing monthly update, LAHCFD GM reported on two new initiatives the Town and Fire District are exploring to strengthen community safety:
1. Improving Emergency Preparedness
The Fire District is working with Santa Clara County Fire to determine whether an experienced emergency management professional can support the Town parttime. This shared services model would help enhance local disaster planning, coordination, and community resilience.
2. Tree Hazard Assessment & Rebate Program
Town staff, County Fire, and the Fire District are collaborating on a program to help residents identify and address hazardous trees that increase wildfire risk. The concept includes expert assessments, fire science based guidance, and potential rebates for mitigation work. A detailed proposal will return to the Council once developed.
C. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority - Regional Transportation Revenue Measure (Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority)
VTA is developing a Local Investment Plan to guide how Santa Clara County will use revenue from a proposed five‑county transportation sales tax measure (SB 63). The citizen-initiated measure (50% +1) is expected to generate $264 million annually for transit, road repaving, and mobility improvements. VTA is seeking input from cities, including Los Altos Hills, to help shape priorities across transit service, safety,
technology, and local road needs. A draft plan will be refined this spring, with Board consideration scheduled for June 4, 2026.
4. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS (ITEMS PROVIDED SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES)
Routine monthly and quarterly reports
A. Treasurer's Report February 2026. Total Cash and Investment Accts. $ 31,377,109
B. Disbursement Report February 2026- $ 2,470,807.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR (A consent calendar is a means of handling a number of routine matters with one motion and vote, and no discussion. These items can be considered separately at the request of a Council Member or a member of the public.)
A-C. Approval of the City Council Special & Regular Meeting Minutes March 19, 2026, March 19, 2026, and March 30, 2026
D. Consideration of Adding a Regular City Council Meeting on Thursday, May 14, 2026, and Canceling the Scheduled Regular City Council Meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2026
The Town is proposing changing its May 2026 City Council meeting schedule to Thursday, May 14, 2026, canceling the regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
E. Resolution Approving the Plans and Specifications for 2026 Sanitary Sewer Repair and Replacement Project, and Authorizing Staff to Advertise the Project for a Formal Bid
This is the annual Sanitary Sewer Repair and Replacement Project to upgrade aging sewer pipes and reduce the risk of overflows. The work includes repairing or replacing about 860 feet of pipeline, with additional 262 feet added if budget allows. The Council will consider approving the plans and authorizing staff to advertise the project for formal bids, with construction expected July–November 2026. The project is fully funded
through the Town’s Sewer Enterprise Fund.
F. Resolution Authorizing Staff to Submit 2026 Valley Water Standard Grants Program Applications for Byrne Preserve Restoration and Heritage House Native Garden
The Town is applying for two Valley Water Standard Grants to support local environmental and restoration projects. The first proposal funds expanded riparian restoration work at Byrne Preserve, focusing on removing flammable invasive plants, improving creek health, and planting fire resilient native species. The second proposal would support creation of a native demonstration garden at Heritage House, featuring drought tolerant landscaping and storm water capture features. If awarded, Valley Water would provide up to $500,000 per project, with a required 15% match by the Town, and both projects would be completed within five years.
G. Resolution Adopting the 2026 Sewer System Management Plan Update
The Town is updating its Sewer System Management Plan to meet new state requirements that help prevent sewer overflows and protect public health. The 2026 update refreshes emergency response procedures, maintenance practices, and long term capital planning, ensuring the Town remains in full compliance with State Water Board regulations. Once adopted, the updated plan will be submitted to the State by the May 2 deadline.
H. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Auction or Donate the 2003 Dodge Dakota and 2008 Ford Ranger, and to Procure Two Electric Vehicles for Maintenance Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $190,000, Funded Through FY26 and FY27 Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Capital Projects
The Town is proposing to retire two aging maintenance trucks and replace them with electric vehicles, supported in part by a $155,736 Silicon Valley Clean Energy grant. The total cost to purchase and outfit two EVs is estimated to be between $170,000 and $190,000, funded through the Town’s FY26 and FY27 Vehicle & Equipment Replacement budgets. One EV would be purchased this fiscal year and the second next year, with the older trucks auctioned or donated. The shift to EVs is intended to improve reliability, reduce emissions, and lower long term operating costs.
I. Waive Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Title 10, Chapter 1 of the Municipal Code Regarding the Town's Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations
The first reading was at the March Council Meeting. This is second reading and ordinance will become effective in 30 days after approval. Purpose of the Ordinance Update is to: Align the Town’s ADU regulations with new state statues, Incorporate HCD‑requested clarifications, update standards to reflect the Town’s new multi‑family zoning districts, and Improve clarity and internal consistency within Article 14 of the Municipal Code.
The Planning Commission reviewed the changes on March 5, 2026 and recommended
approval with minor errata. The City Council is asked to introduce the ordinance.
Key Changes Required by State Law
1. Updated Definitions- “primary dwelling unit” and “livable space” for ADU conversions.
2. New ADU Allowances in R‑A and Multi‑Family Zones State law stipulates the quantity of each type of ADU that is allowed.
3. ADU Height Standards
4. ADU additions do not trigger sprinkler upgrades in the primary dwelling.
5. State‑Exempt ADUs Not Subject to Town design or development standards
6. ADUs must connect to sewer if within 200 ft or subject to a reimbursement agreement, except when gravity flow is not feasible. State‑exempt ADUs generally cannot be required to connect unless built with a new primary dwelling.
7. Application Denial Procedures- Town must return a full set of comments explaining how to remedy deficiencies.
8. Pathway to Compliance (Section 10‑1.1409)
J. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract with Selectron Technologies, Inc. to Purchase an Automatic Notification and Online Inspection Scheduling Software for a Total Purchase Price of $100,000
The Town is proposing to purchase a new online building inspection scheduling and notification system to address resident and contractor feedback about difficulty scheduling inspections and receiving timely updates. The Selectron platform will integrate with the Town’s existing Trak-it permitting system, allowing users to schedule or modify inspections and receive automatic text notifications 24/7, reducing staff workload and improving customer service. The five year contract totals $100,000.
K. Review and Accept the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
The 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report is a state required summary of how the Town is implementing long term land use, housing, safety, and conservation policies. The report highlights progress made across multiple General Plan elements, including updates to the Land Use Element, pathway improvements, public safety coordination, and ongoing conservation work. The APR was submitted to the State by the April 1 deadline and reflects routine planning work completed within existing staff resources.
L. Review and Accept the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
The Town’s 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report shows continued strong interest in housing activity, including 55 ADU and SB 9 units permitted or completed and more than 70 ADU preapplication meetings — double the prior year. While only 8 new main residence units were permitted in 2025, applications rebounded with 23 new submissions. The Town also met all State Housing Element deadlines and advanced key programs such as new multifamily zoning standards and updates to ADU and SB9 ordinances. The report confirms the Town remains on schedule with all State deadlines and was submitted to the State by the April 1 deadline.
M. Notification of Fast Track Approval at 26918 Dezahara Way - File # SD25-0066 - Lands of Yuen
At its April 7, 2026 Fast Track hearing, the Town approved a Site Development Permit for 26918 Dezahara Way (Lands of Yuen). The project includes demolishing an existing 4,124 square foot home and constructing a new 4,837squarefoot single story residence with an attached 963squarefoot ADU and related site improvements. Any appeal must be filed with the City Clerk by 4:00 p.m. on April 28, 2026.
6. ONGOING BUSINESS
A. Discussion and Direction on Housing Element Implementation Standing Committee Charter, Membership, Meeting Logistics, and Reporting Structure
The Council is considering establishing a new Housing Element Implementation Standing Committee to support the Town’s ongoing compliance with State housing requirements. The committee would include 5–9 residents, a Planning Commission liaison, and staff support, and would advise the Council on Housing Element programs, zoning updates, housing sites, and community engagement as the Town prepares for future housing cycles. If the Council approves the resolution on April 16, 2026, staff will immediately begin advertising for committee applicants.
B. Consideration and Direction on Next Steps Related to Draft Initiative Measure Regarding the "Green Sheets"
The Council is reviewing a proposed ballot measure that would add the Town’s longstanding “Green Sheets” principles to the General Plan, strengthening protections for noise limits, animal keeping, open space, and pathways. It would also ban new industrial or large commercial uses and require voter approval for any future changes. The Council will decide whether to seek more public input before considering placement on the November 2026 ballot.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Discussion of Notification Methods and Outreach to Residents Regarding Town Projects and Meetings
The Council is reviewing how to improve resident notifications for development projects and public meetings. Staff showed ways to make notices clearer and discussed whether to expand the current 500foot mailing radius to reach more households. The Town may also use more tools—like postcards, Nixle groups, and standardized templates—to improve outreach. Any changes to notification methods may have modest cost impacts depending on Council direction.
B. Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Designations and Enforcement Framework for Mixed FHSZ Parcels
The Council is reviewing how to apply wildfire‑safety rules on properties that fall into more than one Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Town‑wide WUI construction standards still apply everywhere, while defensible‑space and Very High‑hazard requirements apply only to the portions of a parcel where they’re triggered by activities like development review or property sale. Staff will finalize the enforcement framework and prepare public guidance based on Council direction.
C. Discussion of Inclusionary Housing, Residential Impact Fee, and Related Policy Direction Under Housing Element Programs A-6 and E-11
The Town is reviewing options for a potential inclusionary housing ordinance, a Housing Element requirement that could require certain new residential projects to include affordable units. Consultants are studying what levels of affordability and what types of projects would be feasible in Los Altos Hills.
Early feedback from Planning Commission and Finance Committee did not support broad residential impact fees but did support continuing to evaluate inclusionary requirements for multifamily projects, with flexibility in how developers could comply. Incorporating Council direction, Staff will refine program options—such as which projects would qualify, what income levels could be served, and what compliance pathways should be allowed—and return with a draft ordinance for public review.
D. Resolution Approving a Hybrid Public Meeting Disruption Policy Pursuant to Senate Bill 707 and Allowing for Committee Remote Participation Consistent with City Council Practices
The Council is considering a new policy required under SB 707 to manage disruptions during hybrid public meetings and to expand remote participation options. The policy outlines how meetings must pause and attempt to restore service if online access fails, and it adds new outreach requirements to improve public participation. It would also allow Town committee members to participate remotely up to two times per year, consistent with Council and Planning Commission rules.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Waiver of Reading and Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Title 2, Chapter 1 "Councilmembers Salaries" of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code. To increase the Councilmembers' salaries to nine hundred fifty dollars a month.
This is the first of two required readings to increase councilmember stipends from $300/month to $950/month. This would add $39,000/year to the town budget. Councilmembers are also eligible for health/vision and dental benefits at no cost. If all councilmembers were to use these benefits, the cost would be $168K/year. (Because not all councilmembers currently use them the actual cost of health benefits is $66K/yr.) With the increase, assuming current benefit participation levels and costs, council compensation would increase to $123K. (If all councilmembers used health benefits, it would increase to $235K/year.)
B. Waiver of Reading and Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Title 10, Chapter 3 of the Municipal Code to Adopt Reasonable Accommodations Procedures for Land Use and Zoning Decisions Consistent with Housing Element Program B-9.
The Council is considering an ordinance that formally establishes a clear, streamlined process for residents with disabilities to request reasonable accommodations to zoning or land use rules. The update fulfills a Housing Element requirement, aligns with state and federal fair housing laws, and adds annual check-ins and regular reporting to the Planning Commission. It does not change development standards but ensures residents with disabilities can request necessary exceptions to use and enjoy their homes.
9. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
A. Report Out for Community Survey Ad Hoc Committee
B. Report Out for Mayoral Rotation Ad Hoc Committee
The subcommittee responded to questions about the proposed mayoral rotation policy, explaining that it’s meant to provide clarity while still allowing any council to choose how the mayor and vice mayor are selected. They addressed concerns about minimum service requirements and flexibility and recommend adopting the policy as originally drafted:
https://losaltoshillsca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/4360/files/attachment/13658
10. STAFF REPORTS
None listed, usually verbal reports
11. COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS9
None listed
12. ADJOURN

