March 14, 2023
Meeting cancelled due to power outage. Agenda moved to March 28 scheduled meeting.
March 28, 2023
City Council read and discussed the Single-use Foodware Accessories and Condiments Ordinance. The ordinance prohibits a food facility from providing any single use foodware unless requested by consumer. The law gives the City enforcement and penalty rights by responding to eyewitness reports. After a public hearing at the April 11 Council meeting, the ordinance can be added to the Los Altos Municipal Code. Kim Mosley, LA Chamber of Commerce, said that businesses in Los Altos already are in compliance.
City Council reviewed and approved the Los Altos Police Policy pertaining to the replacement, acquisition, and use of military equipment. The public made the following comments:
- Concern over the requests for flashbangs, pepper spray grenades, a change from bean bag shotguns to chemical munitions launchers, and for rifles for SWAT.
- Request for data providing the need for some of the additional equipment since, according to a speaker, Mountain View police have not used chemical agents in two decades.
- Desire that an annual “review and renew” should be a public discussion and held in a location like the Community Center to allow for a larger audience.
Police Chief Angela Averiett noted recent events in other cities that could happen here at any time. Police need to be prepared. City Council also approved the purchase of two marked patrol hybrid Ford police vehicles.
The Council authorized the city manager to accept the Silicon Valley Clean Energy Decarbonization Grant Program agreement for design, procurement, and construction of an energization station. The station consists of public electric vehicle charging stations eventually to be also used for fleet vehicles, a solar-powered charging station, energy-generating workout equipment, educational signage, and a learning lab area. An exact location is not yet determined but may be near the Police Station by the current Los Altos Youth Center.
To continue implementing provisions of the sixth cycle Housing Element Update ordinance, the City Council amended six more chapters of the Los Altos municipal code. Public comment pointed out that the city should provide objective standards for multimodal transportation for development projects in Los Altos. Of concern is that the Complete Streets Commission (CSC) process of reviewing multifamily housing projects must change. Developers need to know the requirements in the initial phase, so a design accommodates cyclist and pedestrian needs.
Claire Noonan, Observer