City Council - December 2, 2024

Cubberley lease extended as council weighs 2026 ballot strategy

The City Council approved a second lease amendment with the Palo Alto Unified School District for part of the Cubberley site through Dec. 31, 2029, with annual rent not to exceed $2.5 million. The consent item passed 7-0.

In a separate discussion, staff proposed reengaging Concordia for two years to update the 2019 concept plan for a potential 15-acre city site. The work would combine master planning, environmental review, fiscal analysis, polling and private fundraising in preparation for a possible November 2026 ballot measure. The city owns eight acres and has an agreement to acquire approximately seven more contingent on voter approval; that agreement calls for completing the master plan by March 2026. A bond measure would require two-thirds voter approval.

Councilmembers questioned whether a nonbinding letter of intent with Friends of the Palo Alto Recreation and Wellness Center could give donors influence over programming, staffing or operations. Staff said the agreement would enable fundraising without committing the city to a specific facility or operating model. Councilmembers also called for updated community input, realistic cost scenarios and attention to parking, mobility and inclusive pool programming. Staff said housing was outside the revised planning scope, while a teen-run makerspace asked the city to accommodate expanded space in future renovations.

Council backs preserving Juristac as open space

The council unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band’s effort to preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as open space. Public speakers overwhelmingly supported the resolution, citing the landscape’s tribal cultural and spiritual significance as well as its wildlife, habitat and watershed value.

The proposed sand and gravel quarry was described during the discussion as a 403-acre, 30-year operation with three pits reaching 200 feet deep, a 14-acre processing plant and a 1.6-mile conveyor belt. Councilmembers acknowledged that obtaining aggregate from more distant sources could increase transportation emissions, construction costs and pressure on housing costs, but voted to support preservation. One member also urged greater attention to Palo Alto’s low-carbon-concrete policy.

License-plate camera network will add 10 readers

Council approved a $349,808 contract amendment with Flock Safety to install 10 additional automated license plate recognition cameras and extend the agreement through December 2029. The amendment raises the contract’s maximum value to $524,208 and passed 7-0 on the consent calendar.

Downtown garage design gets $2.4 million contract

Council approved a $2,403,592 contract with Watry Design Inc. for design, environmental review and construction-administration services for the new Downtown Parking Garage. The 7-0 consent-calendar vote authorizes planning and related professional services rather than construction of the garage itself.

The council also approved a four-year, $451,705 contract with BKF Engineers for preliminary engineering on Charleston Road and Alma Street railroad crossing safety improvements.

Temporary outdoor business program extended through June

Council unanimously adopted an ordinance continuing the temporary program for expanded outdoor dining, retail and other activities on public and private property through June 30, 2025.

During public comment, a Ramona Street property owner requested more equitable parklet enforcement, alleging that a neighboring Coupa Cafe parklet occupies much of the frontage outside three properties and prevents tenants from fully participating in the program.

Development impact fees switch to square footage

Council voted 7-0 to adopt an ordinance changing how park, community center and library development impact fees are calculated. The city will move from a per-unit calculation to a per-square-foot basis.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting agenda