Santa Clara County:
Consider policy revisions to Equal Opportunity/Nondiscrimination provision in County contracts; County to pursue more robust pay equity assessment
After a preliminary review on the County’s demographic data examining classified and certain unclassified County positions under the County pay ordinance and the Executive Management Pay Ordinance, the data showed the following:
Female employees comprise 70% or more of the health service representatives, clinical nurses, eligibility workers, social workers, and hospital services assistants
Male employees comprise 70% or more of the sheriff’s correctional deputies, deputy sheriffs, general maintenance mechanics, and road maintenance workers
Minorities comprise 70% or more of mental health workers, hospital services assistants, eligibility workers, health services representatives, janitors, social workers, and clinical nurses
The median hourly wage for male employees is $44.14 and the median hourly wage for female employees is $37.87
White male and female employees have the highest median hourly wages ($46.61 and $45.25, respectively), whereas American Indian and Hispanic women have the lowest median hourly wages of $30.12 and $30.35, respectively.
The Commission on the Status of Women intends to form an ad hoc subcommittee to work with the Office of Women’s Policy Administration and County Counsel on a more robust and in-depth assessment of pay equity within the County.
The Committee will consider a report from the Office of County Counsel and the Office of the County Executive on proposed policy changes related to pay equity for County contractors and a more in-depth pay equity study to be conducted by Administration in consultation with the Commission on the Status of Women.
The Committee will also provide direction related to the proposed amendments to Board Policy 5.5.5.4 regarding nondiscrimination and the provision of equal opportunity by county contractors. The proposed revisions would add language to match the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity language currently used in County contracts, specifying that discrimination shall not be tolerated with respect to recruitment, selection for training including apprenticeship, hiring, employment, utilization, promotion, layoff, rates of pay and other forms of compensation. The proposed revisions will allow the Administration to, among other things:
Where: Santa Clara County Children, Seniors, and Families Committee
When: December 18, 2015, 10am
Link to item: http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=7011&MediaPosition=&ID=79367&CssClass=
Link to agenda: http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=7011
Housing Task Force recs include policies to increase affordable / supportive housing supply
On December 4, 2015, the County’s HTF held its last meeting and approved a set of final recommendations in support of three overarching strategies to prevent homelessness whenever possible and, when not possible, ensure that episodes of homelessness are rare, brief and non-recurring. The attached report provides the Board with the HTF’s final recommendations.
The HTF’s first strategy is to develop a responsive and effective supportive housing system of care. The backbone to the system of care is a coordinated entry system with a robust Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and dedicated staff.
The HTF’s second strategy is to support the development of new supportive and interim housing units. Estimated need for homeless housing is 3,500 new construction or acq-rehab housing units.
The HTF’s final strategy is to support regional and jurisdiction-specific efforts to increase affordable housing and supportive housing production countywide. These strategies include improving coordination among jurisdictions (e.g. establishing a Regional Needs Housing Allocation sub-region and exploring the development of a Joint Powers Authority); increasing or optimizing revenues for affordable housing (e.g. encouraging all jurisdictions to conduct nexus studies for residential impact and commercial linkage fees); and, modifying land use and development policies (e.g. adopting second unit ordinances).
Where: Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
When: Dec. 15, 2015, 9 am
Link to item: http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=6069&MediaPosition=&ID=79231&CssClass=
Link to agenda: http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=6069
City of Santa Clara
Adopting lobbying ordinance; approving $91k for program costs
Council will consider adopting a proposed lobbying ordinance, which has been recommended by the Ethics Committee. The proposed ordinance is expanded to include three types of lobbyists:
Contract Lobbyists, who engage in lobbying on behalf of clients and who have received or entered into an agreement for compensation on $1,000 or more for engaging in lobbying during any consecutive three month period
Business or Organization Lobbyists include any business or organization whose owner/officer/employee carry out lobbying on its behalf, for a total of ten hours or more within any consecutive 12 month period, whether or not such officers or employees are specifically compensated to engage in lobbying
Expenditure Lobbyists are people who make payments or incur expenditures of $5000 or more during any calendar year in connection with carrying out public relations, advertising or similar activities with the intent of soliciting other persons to communicate directly with any City official in order to attempt to influence legislative or administrative action
The proposed ordinance also includes a list of persons and activities that are exempts, such as the media, board members or employees of 501(c)(3) corporations, professionally licensed persons, and members of neighborhood associations.
It is estimated that funding of approximately $81,718 in staff costs and $10,000 for technology and outreach costs will be necessary through the remainder of this fiscal year. It is estimated that ongoing funding of approximately $163,436 in staff costs and $2000 in technology costs will be required to support this new program.
Where: Santa Clara City Council
When: December 15, 2015
Link to item: http://sireweb.santaclaraca.gov/sirepub/agdocs.aspx?doctype=agenda&itemid=49754
Link to agenda: http://sireweb.santaclaraca.gov/sirepub/mtgviewer.aspx?meetid=1707&doctype=AGENDA
Long Range Property Management Plan includes plans to sell former six RDA properties including Hyatt, Hilton, Great America, Techmart
The City and the Successor Agency (former RDA) have been engaged in discussions with the County and have reached agreement on the terms of settlement that will require the City and the Successor Agency to dispose of most of the properties that were held by the former Redevelopment Agency. The sales proceeds from the properties, after deduction of costs of sale, will first be used to pay the Successor Agency’s enforceable obligations. Once such obligations are fully repaid, any remaining disposition proceeds will be distributed to the taxing entities.
The proposed properties to be sold are the Gateway Parcel 2, the Techmart Property, the Hyatt Property, the Hilton Property, the Great America Theme Park Property, and the North South Lots. The Successor Agency is proposing to solicit offers for the properties from real estate brokers, developers and other interested parties. Each of the properties is subject to leasehold interests so offers will be solicited from the lessees of the properties as well.
Where: Santa Clara City Council
When: December 15, 2015
Link to item: http://sireweb.santaclaraca.gov/sirepub/agdocs.aspx?doctype=agenda&itemid=49745
Link to agenda: http://sireweb.santaclaraca.gov/sirepub/mtgviewer.aspx?meetid=1707&doctype=AGENDA
City of San Jose
Council priority setting session
The supplemental memo provides the Council with a list of Nominated Ideas which were referred to priority setting through the early consideration process as well as additional items submitted by Councilmembers, to determine if they should move on to the Council Priority list. New items (with referring entity/Councilmember) for consideration are:
- San Jose Urban Agriculture Incentive Zones (Rules)
- Gender Pay Equity (Rules)
- License Plate Readers on Garbage Trucks (Rules)
- Electronic Billboard (Council)
- Downtown Sign District Pilot Program (Council)
- Downtown Active Storefronts Initiative (Councilmember Peralez)
- Private Percent for Art Ordinance (Councilmember Carrasco)
- Director-Initiated Rezoning Program (Councilmember Oliverio)
- Newsracks in Business Districts (Councilmember Oliverio)
- Conservation Area Ordinance Streamlining (Councilmember Oliverio)
- Noise Ordinance (Councilmember Oliverio)
- Ratepayer-Funded Public Art Allocations (Rules)
- Housing Rehabilitation Program (Rules)
MEMO #2 from Councilmember Peralez recommends prioritizing San Jose’s Urban Agriculture Incentive Zones and the Downtown Active Storefronts Initiative.
MEMO from Councilmember Oliverio recommends prioritizing the Director-Initiated Rezoning Program, Newsracks in Business Districts, Conservation Area Ordinance Streamlining, and Noise Ordinance.
MEMO from Liccardo, Herrara and Peralez submitted from November 25, 2015 meeting of Rules recommends prioritizing a housing rehabilitation program incentivizing landlords to participate in housing voucher programs, starting with a pilot program for homeless veterans.
Where: San Jose City Council
When: December 15, 2015
Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=546884
Link to Supplemental Memo: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=548999
Link to Peralez #2 Memo: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=546888
Link to Oliverio Memo: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=546890
Link to Liccardo/Herrera/Peralez Memo: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=548560
Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=032c1a8c-300a-4a75-9181-819a83083bd8
MEMOS by City Attorney & Cm Khamis re Mayor’s proposed changes to lobbying reporting; Khamis proposes new lobbying requirements for 501(c)(3)s
As recommended by Mayor Liccardo to the Rules Committee on Dec. 2, 2015, Council will direct the City Clerk to report on the feasibility of creating an electronic filing system for lobbyist tracking and reporting; to refine current lobbyist forms and add a section that differentiates the type of contact with elected officials and their Chiefs of Staff; direct the City Attorney to draft amendments to Title 12 of the SJMC referencing lobbyist reporting disclosures, and to direct the Ethics Commission to recommend revisions to the Gift Ordinance to better align with the State’s gift rules.
Mayor Liccardo recommends the following revisions to the City’s Code of Ethics pertaining to lobbyist reporting disclosures: changing reporting disclosures from quarterly to weekly, differentiating type of contact with elected officials and/or their Chiefs of Staff (e.g. email, phone call, etc.), and clarifying requirements for disclosure of all scheduled meetings and scheduled telephone conversations with registered lobbyists.
MEMO by Councilmember Khamis recommends accepting staff’s recommendations and further direct that the Ethics commission recommend revisions to Title 12 to create a category of Non-Profit Lobbyist for representatives of organizations that are not already subject to the Brown Act under Title 12 and that receive or are requesting to receive more than the $100,000 of their annual revenues from governmental (taxpayer-funded) sources. Non-profits would be subject to the same reporting requirements as for-profit lobbyists, but the lobbyist fees would be waived.
MEMO by the City Attorney provides a distinction between reporting requirement for elected officials/Chief of Staffs versus lobbyists and the rational for those distinctions, including:
Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=546896
Link to City Atty Memo: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=549003
Link to Khamis Memo: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=549035
Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=032c1a8c-300a-4a75-9181-819a83083bd8
MEMO from Mayor/CMs supports extending North San Jose traffic impact fee reduction through 2017
MEMO by Mayor Liccardo and Councilmembers Peralez, M. Nguyen, Carrasco, and T. Nguyen recommending the approval of the recommendations to extend the traffic fee reduction through 2017. The memo also refers to a permanent reduction in the traffic impact fee which is expected to be brought to Council for deliberation by 2017.
Original item: Recommendation to extend the deadline to qualify for reduced North San Jose Traffic Impact Fee under the Near Term Industrial Development Incentive Program by two years to Dec. 31, 2017, and revise the criteria to qualify as a low intensity industrial use with traffic impact fee collectible based on trip generation of the use rather than building square footage.
Where: San Jose City Council
When: December 15, 2015
Link to Mayor/CM Memo: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=549037
Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=546956
Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=032c1a8c-300a-4a75-9181-819a83083bd8
MEMO by Liccardo/Herrera/Jones/M.Nguyen opposes Commercial Impact Fee for aff. housing; MEMO by Rocha/Kalra/Peralez/Carrasco supports a nexus study for fee
MEMO by Councilmembers Rocha, Kalra, Peralez and Carrasco recommends:
Ask staff to investigate the option of a hybrid model between Option 1 and Option 2 that would involve participating in the countywide nexus study, but at the same time commissioning a separate feasibility study that would meet San Jose’s standards of detail and specificity
If staff determines that the hybrid model described in the recommendation above is not viable, then they should pursue Option 1, which entails San Jose conducting nexus and feasibility studies separate from the countywide effort.
MEMO by Mayor Liccardo, Vice Mayor Herrera, and Councilmembers Jones and M. Nguyen recommends:
Postpone undertaking a Nexus and Feasibility Study for a CIF until San Jose achieves a 1:1 Jobs/Employed Resident Ratio; and
Direct staff to explore with SVCF, SPUR, and other regional partners to study how a regional fee structure or revenue-sharing might best address the need for affordable housing within the context of the widening jobs-housing imbalance within the region. These efforts should focus on regional solutions to mitigate the various impacts of that imbalance, including rising housing costs, widening service level inequities, freeway congestion, and GHG emissions.
Where: San Jose City Council
When: December 15, 2015
Link to Rocha/Kalra/Peralez/Carrasco Memo: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=548922
Link to Liccardo/Herrera/Jones/M.Nguyen Memo: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=549079
Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=547137
Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=032c1a8c-300a-4a75-9181-819a83083bd8
Approving $4.95M contract with Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, Inc. for filter rehab project at regional waste facility
Council will approve a Master Consultant Agreement with Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, Inc. to provide engineering services for the “#7448 – Filter Rehabilitation Project” at the San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Waste Facility from the date of execution through June 30, 2023, for a total maximum amount of $4,950,000, subject to the appropriation of funds.
Approval of the master consultant agreement with Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, Inc. will provide professional engineering services for the condition assessment, alternatives analysis, design and construction of the Filter Rehabilitation Project. Approval of this master consultant agreement will not result in any physical changes to the environment as Council will need to take additional actions before construction on the Project commences. All service orders issued under this master consultant agreement will be reported to the Treatment Plant Advisory Committee (TPAC) on the monthly summary of procurement and contract activity. A progress report on this and other RWF capital projects will be made to the Transportation and Environment Committee and the Council on a semiannual basis.
Where: San Jose City Council
When: December 15, 2015
Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=546948
Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=032c1a8c-300a-4a75-9181-819a83083bd8
MEMO from Liccardo et al supports changes to air service marketing program incl. increasing marketing by $1.2M for British & Lufthansa Airlines
MEMO from Liccardo/Jones/Peralez/Carrasco/Khamis: Approve recommendations related to Items 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3. Due to budgetary constraints, SJC offers/invests far less in marketing than many of our peer cities, as documented in Page 6 of the staff report for Item 6.1. The direct fiscal returns to the airport on that investment far outweigh the costs. By itself, those returns justify the investment. However, when one considers the total economic return from that investment- in new jobs, revenues to restaurants, hotels, and taxis, and tax revenue to the City—it becomes all the more apparent that “you need to spend money to make money.”
Council will consider adopting a resolution revising the airline support program to facilitate the development of new air service at the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) by removing the airline matching requirement on new air service marketing funds expended by the City, increasing the new air service marketing funds to be expended by the City, authorizing the Director of Aviation to waive the requirement for an airline to repay waived fees and marketing expenditures in the event of early termination of service, authorizing the Director of Aviation to determine application of the support program for additional frequencies on international routes in extenuating circumstances, and repealing Resolution No. 77099.
Eliminating the necessity for airlines to match airport marketing funds in order for the City to expend airport marketing funds to promote new air service will make the airport support program much more appealing to both new entrant airlines and airlines currently serving the Airport that wish to add service to additional qualifying destinations. The resolution is also recommending two changes of new air service marketing funds: 1) the increase from up to an addition $50,000 to up to an additional $100,000 funds for new entrant carrier without airline match requirement; 2) the increase from up to $250,000 to up to $500,000 funds for new international destination outside of North America to be spend within first two years of operation (pro-rated for seasonal service) without airline match requirement.
Council will also consider approval a new air service support program. Recently announced new service from Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, British Airways and Lufthansa German Airlines qualify for the support program which will help them during the most difficult time of the new route ramp-up process. The Airport support program is envisioned to help airlines offset initial large costs to start new service by waiving landing fees, ticket counter fees, and gate fees and provide marketing support where applicable.
Council will also consider approving a Third Amendment to the Master Consultant Agreement for airport marketing services with Civilian, Inc. (formerly AdEase), to increase the compensation by $1.2M, from $8.22M to an amount not to exceed $9.42M, to provide funds for a marketing program with British Airways and a marketing program with Lufthansa Airlines. Approval of the proposed Amendment will allow the City to establish marking programs and to appropriate funds to work with its Airport marketing consultant on development and implementation of marketing programs with British Airways and Lufthansa German Airlines, in keeping with the Air Service Support Programs.
Where: San Jose City Council
When: December 15, 2015
Link to Liccardo et al memo: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=549081
Link to items: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=547139
http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=547141
http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=547206
Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=032c1a8c-300a-4a75-9181-819a83083bd8
Mayor launching “My Brother’s Keeper” community initiative for boys & young men of color
On December 3, 2015, the Mayor and SVCF hosted a community convening where they released a draft document My Brother’s Keeper: San José, Working Together to Ensure Boys and Young Men of Color Thrive: A Policy and Program Review and a Framework for Action,”“ for community input.
MBK: SJ demonstrates a public commitment from the City of San José and SVCF to create a community where boys and young men of color can thrive and provides a platform for collaborative impact by many community partners to achieve one common aspiration: making San José a city where every child can dream, achieve and thrive.
Please go to the City of San Jose’s survey to provide input into the document and sign up to be a part of the initiative.
Where: City of San Jose
Link to item: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1335
Link to survey / sign-up: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mybrotherskeepersj
Possible program & contract changes for Recycle Plus – deferred to Jan. 12
Recommendation:
(a) Accept third party studies of single-family residential recyclables characterization and hauler recycling facilities operations;
(b) Direct staff to return to Council in February 2016 with proposed updated contract language, if applicable, in Districts A and C, to reflect changes discussed in this report for Council consideration; and
(c) Direct staff to implement pilot studies to (1) process recyclables residue from Districts A and C to recycle organic waste, (2) issue larger garbage carts for single-family residences in focused areas; and return to Council with any recommended program changes as part of the 2016-2017 budget process.
RECOMMEND DEFERRAL TO 1/12/16 PER ADMINISTRATION
Where: San Jose City Council
When: December 15, 2015
Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=1477&meta_id=547143a
Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=032c1a8c-300a-4a75-9181-819a83083bd8
City of Sunnyvale:
Council to appoint John Nagel as new City Attorney, with start date of Jan. 19
The City Council started the recruitment and selection process in July 2015 to seek a new City Attorney to replace outgoing City Attorney, Joan Borger. The process has now concluded, with John A. Nagel, the current City Attorney of East Palo Alto, selected as the final candidate.
The City Council is asked: 1) to take action on the appointment of a specific City Attorney candidate, and 2) to approve an employment agreement for services which outlines the compensation and terms of employment. Additionally, the City Council is asked to appoint an acting City Attorney during the transition.
The current City Attorney’s last day is December 30, 2015. It is anticipated that the new City Attorney will begin working January 19, 2016. It is requested that Senior Assistant City Attorney Rebecca Moon be appointed to serve as acting City Attorney during any transition period, and that Council authorize a 5% pay increase for the period Ms. Moon serves as acting City Attorney, consistent with City practice when employees are serving in an acting/interim position.
Where: Sunnyvale City Council
When: Dec. 15, 2015, 6:00p
Link to item: https://sunnyvaleca.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2534092&GUID=A2A470B5-1E9A-4114-A8FC-9C9CF8676B5D
Link to agenda: https://sunnyvaleca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=372666&GUID=5C140B0E-F9F1-494A-A054-27FC5FB47FDC
Direction on next steps for 25-acre Civic Center modernization/redevelopment, including polling for a potential GO bond
The City is considering how to make better use of the 25-acre Civic Center property, including denser development and updating the buildings and making them more energy efficient and sustainable.
Through a series of community outreach efforts and workshops, site planning prototype designs have been developed to illustrate how different Civic Center alternatives would affect the 25-acre Civic Center campus. Preliminary costs estimates have been prepared to better understand project costs including new vs. remodeled buildings and a variety of parking types. Given the preliminary nature of project development, costs are expressed as a range. The lowest cost project alternative (Prototype B) has cost range of $203 million to $277 million and the highest cost alternative (Prototype G) ranges from $241 million to $313 million (in 2015 dollars).
Two of the prototype site plans tested the option of either acquiring additional property (Prototype G) – specifically the County Courthouse property on El Camino Real, although it is not currently for sale — or selling/leasing part of the Civic Center to help pay for the project (Prototype F). Prototype F considered selling two acres of the Civic Center, which based on the market analysis, could generate up to $14 million in revenue for the project, which would cover only a small portion of the cost. With the clear lack of public support for selling land at the Civic Center, the community’s desire for more open space, and limited revenue potential based on the market analysis staff feels pursuing a sale or public-private partnership with Civic Center land is not in the City’s best interests.
Staff has also further developed financing alternatives for the project including an evaluation of existing City assets and revenues that could be used for the Civic Center Project. Staff assessed the potential to generate new revenues through a general obligation bond. This would require voter approval and the level of voter support for a bond is currently unknown.
Next steps include polling voters to evaluate support for a potential bond measure in 2016 and further community outreach to help narrow project alternatives.
Where: Sunnyvale City Council
When: Dec. 15, 2015, 6:00p
Link to item: https://sunnyvaleca.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2534067&GUID=319F2289-CBA3-4A5E-9418-FCEB4ECAD3FC
Link to agenda: https://sunnyvaleca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=372666&GUID=5C140B0E-F9F1-494A-A054-27FC5FB47FDC
Approving formation of a JPA for regional Community Choice Energy; program expected to launch in 2016
Recommendation to adopt a Resolution to approve the Joint Powers Authority Agreement establishing and authorizing participation in the Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority. A Technical Study was released in November 2015, and concludes that a program that provides greener power for rates at or below those of PG&E is viable.
Based on the study findings, this report to Council recommends proceeding with forming a joint powers agency, the Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority (SVCEA), and adopting the ordinance required to authorize implementation of a CCE program to include Sunnyvale residents and businesses. The report also seeks approval for and establishes the basis for additional administrative steps needed to support SVCEA and program launch. The program is expected to launch in the Winter of 2016-2017.
Where: Sunnyvale City Council
When: Dec. 15, 2015, 6:00p
Link to item: https://sunnyvaleca.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2534077&GUID=A6CC2F0D-055A-4C24-A60F-6295B1EAB2A4
Link to agenda: https://sunnyvaleca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=372666&GUID=5C140B0E-F9F1-494A-A054-27FC5FB47FDC
City of Palo Alto
New Council Rail Committee to discuss high speed rail and 15% of VTA tax for Caltrain grade separations
On October 13, 2015, the Palo Alto City Council received a presentation from staff on the following three items:
The California High Speed Rail Authority’s plans to proceed with environmental clearance for the San Francisco to San Jose Segment
Next steps regarding rail grade separations in Palo Alto and authorization for staff to pursue outside funding for both grade separations and at-grade crossing improvements, and
The City’s interest and strategies regarding the proposed Santa Clara County transportation sales tax measure, including a potential City of Palo Alto transportation funding measure of other funding strategy.
Council made two separate motions to address these three items, including directing staff to return with a preliminary plan for a Context Sensitive Solution (CSS) approach to address rail impacts and the future of rail in Palo Alto and the Mid-Peninsula, pursuing grade-crossing safety measures, and pursuing 15% of the funds raised by the ballot measure for countywide Caltrain grade separation and possibly other specific needs Caltrain may have.
The two motions were separated into nine parts, where some have been completed or in the process of being completed, and others are currently being addressed. The Rail Committee will discuss its work plan for the coming year, including addressing parts of the motion that currently need attention:
Staff is advocating for the proposed Santa Clara County transportation tax measure to include funding for Caltrain grade separations in the order of 15% of the funds raised by the measure and is engaging with Caltrain to determine what specific needs Caltrain has for the prospective County measure; and
That the criteria for allocating funds to specific grade separations be driven by need factors.
When: Palo Alto City Council Rail Committee
Where: December 16, 2015
Link to item: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/50275
Link to agenda: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/50143
City of Gilroy
Mayor Gage to retire Dec. 31; Council to appoint a member as Mayor & adopt process to fill vacant Council seat
It is recommended the City Council adopt a resolution declaring a vacancy in the office of the Mayor as of January 1, 2016 due to the resignation of Don Gage, and direct staff to post a notice of intent to fill a vacancy on the Gilroy City Council created by the impending appointment of a member of the City Council as Mayor.
On Dec. 7, 2015, Mayor Gage announced his retirement and resignation from the City Council effective Dec. 31, 2015. The Council shall appoint a member of the Council to fill the seat until the next municipal election when a Mayor shall be elected to serve out any unexpired term, or the succeeding term as the case may be. Mayor Gage’s term will expire Nov. 2016.
Where: Gilroy City Council
When: Dec. 14, 2015, 6:00p
Link to item: http://www.cityofgilroy.org/CityOfGilroy_Files/city_hall/meetings/498dacbd_12-14-15%20City%20Council%20Packet.pdf
Link to agenda: http://www.cityofgilroy.org/CityOfGilroy_Files/city_hall/meetings/1c63f9ea_12-14-15%20CC%20Special%20Meeting%20Agenda.pdf
Public review draft of new General Plan released; Council to approve Preferred Land Use Alternative & Policy text
The Public Review draft of the new Gilroy General Plan has been released. Comments are now being accepted & the City Council will review it on Jan. 4.
The City of Gilroy is in the process of creating the Gilroy 2040 General Plan. The General Plan expresses the community’s long-term vision for the growth and development of the City of Gilroy. The plan establishes public policy for the distribution of future land uses, both public and private, and addresses a wide range of policies, including economic development, transportation, infrastructure, housing, parks, recreation and open space, historic preservation and the environment.
The General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) and Planning Commission have made recommendations on a Preferred Land Use Alternatives and General Plan Policy Text. At this meeting, city staff and consultants will present these recommendations and City Council will be asked to approve, or approve as amended, the Preferred Land Use Alternatives and General Plan Policy Text. This action does not represent final approval of the General Plan, but is an interim step in the General Plan process.
Subsequent to this action, city staff, consultants and the GPAC will proceed to develop the General Plan Policy document and the Environmental Impact Report for the new Gilroy General Plan.
Where: Gilroy City Council
When: Jan. 4, 2016, 6 pm
Link to draft General Plan for public review: http://www.cityofgilroy.org/CityOfGilroy_Files/city_hall/meetings/ec7c5527_Draft%20General%20Plan%20Policy%20Text.pdf
Link to agenda:http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=6069
Santa Clara Valley Water District
MOU with SF Bay Restoration Authority for $1.5M; Authority will decide next month whether to place a $500M regional parcel tax on June ballot
Recommendation to authorize an MOU with the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority for $1.5M to directly benefit flood protection, watershed restoration, and other related efforts in Santa Clara County.
The Restoration Authority was created by the California Legislature in 2008 to find solutions to the need for new, local funding. Currently Director Linda J. LeZotte participates on, and Deputy Administrative Officer Rick Callender staffs, the San Francisco Bay Shoreline Steering Committee. The Committee’s focus is on the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration and Flood Protection Project, the largest tidal wetland restoration project on the West Coast. When complete, the restoration will convert 15,100 acres of commercial salt ponds at the south end of San Francisco Bay to a mix of tidal marsh, mudflat and other wetland habitats. A part of this project is the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Study which is focused on wetland restoration and flood protection along portions of the Santa Clara County shoreline.
On September 21, 2015, the Authority voted to enter into the Agreement with the District. The documentation supporting the Authority action is the Resolution authorizing the Authority to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the District (Attachment 2). In January 2016, the Authority will vote on whether to place a nine Bay Area county ballot measure on the June 7, 2016, general election. The counties that will be subject to the special tax are: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, and the City and County of San Francisco. The documents the Authority will vote on are an Authority resolution calling for a special election (Attachment 3) and an Authority resolution adopting the special parcel tax ballot measure for voter approval (Attachment 4). The measure is subject to a two-thirds voter approval and would generate approximately $500 million in revenue, of which at least approximately $60 million would be directed to the South Bay for flood protection and restoration efforts.
Where: Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors
When: Dec. 22, 2015,
Link to item: https://scvwd.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2534664&GUID=85CDE923-DCA8-4322-AA8C-01E1CAE606E2
Link to agenda: https://scvwd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=419916&GUID=146E13A2-C537-4CDF-98C6-A3BCF15083FA
Santa Clara County Board of Education
In an effort to increase transparency surrounding charter policy, procedure, and operations, the Charter Schools Office has invited Santa Clara County school district superintendents, board members, Santa Clara County Board of Education approved charter leaders, local teacher union presidents, 6th district PTA, and members from the public to a board study session on charter schools. The objectives for the evening include:
Provide Santa Clara County Board of Education and the public information on charter school Education Code and current county office of education staff practices
Provide information on outside review of SCCOE authorizing practices and district concerns
Provide an opportunity for public input on current authorizing practices and oversight
Provide insight from staff on proposed plan and timeline for strategic planning to improve policies, practice, and advocacy
Where: Santa Clara County Board of Education
When: Dec. 14, 2015, 5:00p
Link to item: http://sccoe.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=1&event_id=65&meta_id=7046
Link to agenda: http://sccoe.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=1&event_id=65\
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