February 6-10, 2023

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Meeting with Ladris 
Management staff had a meeting with an artificial intelligence company called Ladris that specializes in evacuation simulations for the Bay Area. In the meeting staff learned about the potential uses of the system to simulate different wildfire and earthquake scenarios and how this information could be used in current update to the Town’s Safety Element. 

Staff Tour of Sunnyvale’s New EOC Building
This week staff was invited to tour Sunnyvale’s new Public Safety building including their Emergency Operation Center. The tour allowed staff to connect with other disaster service workers in the County and see how larger cities equip their EOCs. Town Management staff will be looking into LAH's EOC and suggesting additions that would make help keep the Town safe during an emergency. 

Volunteer Opportunities
Los Altos Hills encourages and welcomes residents to become involved in the local community, and contribute to the success of the Town. Being a member of a Town committee is a great opportunity to connect your passions with public service and use your unique skills to benefit the community.  

Specific information on the committees, including membership eligibility, meeting times and locations, scope of authority, current members, and the application form is available on the Town’s website under “Government/Standing Committees.” For current openings, click here. 

Past Events and Brown Act Meetings:

February 6: Finance and Investment Committee Regular Meeting - 4:00 pm
February 6: LA/LAH Senior Commission Regular Meeting - 4:30 pm
February 7: Emergency Preparedness & Response Committee Regular Mtg-(Cancelled)
February 7: Youth Commission Regular Meeting - 7:00 pm
February 8: Open Space Committee Regular Meeting - 9:00 am

Upcoming Events and Brown Act Meetings:
February 13: Emergency Preparedness & Response Committee Special Meeting - 6:00 pm
February 14: Environmental Design & Protection Committee Special Meeting - 4:00 pm
February 15: Planning Commission Special Meeting on SB 9 - 6:00 pm
February 16: City Council Regular Meeting - 6:00 pm

Ad Hoc Committee on Sheriff's Contract - February 14, 2023 at 2:00 pm
The committee comprised of Mayor Swan and Vice Mayor Mok will meet with staff and Captain Valenzuela to continue discussions about the sheriff's contract as it comes due in 2024.

Planning and Building 

Public Hearings on Development Projects

On February 7, 2023, a Fast Track public hearing was held to review the following item:

• 14160 Miranda Road – File #SD22-0065 – Lands of Seetala

A request for Site Development Permit for a 672 square-foot addition and remodel to an existing two-story residence including a Minor Variance for a two-foot front setback encroachment totaling 68 square feet; project includes conversion of existing space into a 524 square-foot attached ADU.    CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Sections 15301(e).

The project was continued to a date uncertain with recommended design changes from the Site Development Hearing Officer. 

Los Altos Hills Senate Bill 9 Website

The Town is working on Zoning Ordinance text amendments of the Municipal Code to ministerially allow properties to develop up to four units or subdivide into two lots and develop up to two units, pursuant to California Senate Bill 9 (SB9). Residents are welcome to provide public input via the newly launched Senate Bill 9 (SD 9) website.

2nd Planning Commission Study Session for SB 9 Ordinance

Please join us on the second Planning Commission Study Session for SB 9 Ordinance, scheduled on February 15, 2023.  When published, the agenda and packet may be found here. 

Public Works 

Storm Events/Sanitary Sewer Overflow
On January 31, Public Works staff responded to a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) in Adobe Creek near Moody Road and Old Snakey Road attributed to storm events.  The concrete cap surrounding the older sewer line in Adobe Creek was damaged due to erosions from the storms ultimately resulting in a pipe failure.  On February 3, Town’s contractor mobilized on site and completed the replacement of the damaged sewer pipe by February 7.  To prevent further erosion around the pipe and the concrete cap, subsequent work is required during the summer once water levels recede in Adobe Creek.

Grading Moratorium
The Grading Moratorium is in effect from October 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023. Construction inspections throughout the Town in effect throughout the Town for ongoing construction projects.

Pathway Projects

Saddle Court Pathway
Survey staking work started this week. Notices were sent to residents near work to be performed.  With the staking, staff will be able to evaluate and plan out construction for Saddle Court Pathway in the summer.

Summerhill Pathway
Staff is anticipating to receive the final design plans from the design consultant by next week.  Staff will then submit the design plans to the County for their approval and encroachment permit.

New Pathway Segments for 2023
As a result of the Council goal setting/work plan meeting on January 25, staff is coordinating with the Pathways Committee to identify approximately 3.6 miles of pathways to be constructed in 2023. At the March 16 City Council Meeting, staff is planning to present the timeline and resources needed to construction 3.6 miles of pathways this year for Council’s consideration. 

Annual Road Rehabilitation CIP Project

An inspector for the Town will be out on Town streets starting February 10 to verify, quantify, and mark out work limits for this year’s Road Rehabilitation Project.  Town staff will gather the field data and finalize the project Plans and Specifications for bid by April 2023.

Sewer CIP Projects

2022 Sanitary Sewer Repair and Replacement Project 
The 2022 Sanitary Sewer Repair and Replacement bid package was posted on the Town’s website on Wednesday, February 1.  “Notice to Bidders” will be advertised on the Los Altos Town Crier beginning on February 8 for two consecutive weeks.  The bid opening is scheduled at 2:00 pm on March 2, 2023 at Town Hall.

Permits Issued

Encroachment Permits: 2
Sewer Permits Issued: 0

Maintenance

After hours or weekend callouts:  1
Fallen trees/major limbs down: 2

• Inspect and clean storm drain inlets throughout Town
• Replace multiple street signs throughout Town
• Maintain/repair infields at Purissima Park for start of Little League Season
• Fallen trees removed on Via Ventana Way and Summit Wood Rd.
• Install erosion control and cleanup work on Moody Rd.
• Mow, clean and blow Purissima Park

Finance, Human Resources, IT Services

Accounts Payable/Budget/Payroll/Receivables

• Received $155,312 in cash receipts and/or electronic funds transfer (EFT).
• Issued 36 payroll checks with a liability of $106,235.

Human Resources  Open Recruitment
Open Recruitment: 
Maintenance Seasonal Help in Public Works - Recruitment open until filled.

Community Services

Sheriff's Weekly Report 

Visit the link to view the Sheriff's weekly report for January 29-February 5, 2023.The Sheriff’s weekly report is always for the week prior to the City Manager’s report.

Sheriff’s Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT):

PERT provides a collaborative team approach for individuals and families experiencing psychiatric crisis.  PERT combines mental health services with post-crisis peer support to reduce future encounters with law enforcement.  PERT is a dedicated two-person team comprised of a deputy and a licensed clinician.  They work in an unmarked law-enforcement vehicle and the deputy is dressed in civilian clothing to provide a more approachable, de-escalated response.  They can provide crisis intervention, mental health evaluations, referrals to appropriate resources, safety planning, consultations, and linkage to post-crisis peer support.  Goals of PERT include:

• Improve outcomes for individuals by increasing access to mental health services,
• Diversion from hospitals and jails to community-based treatment,
• Improve law enforcement’s knowledge and approach in response to mental health issues,
• Reduce or eliminate future encounters with law enforcement.

PERT will respond to calls involving a mental health component in hopes of providing resources and assistance to those in crisis.  If you, or someone you love, is experiencing a mental health crisis, please ask for PERT to respond.  Additional resources can also be found for those experiencing a mental health crisis by calling “988” from any phone.  988 has been designated as the new three-digit code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  Calling 988 will put you in touch with trained counselors who will listen, understand how the problems are affecting you, provide support, and connect you to resources.