City Council - November 4, 2024

Council approves Link service and keeps school-trip limits

The City Council approved the main service arrangement that staff said was needed to continue the city’s on-demand Palo Alto Link service through June 2025. In a separate action, the council approved a cost-sharing agreement allowing the city to receive up to $600,000 annually from Stanford University for service to Stanford Research Park.

The council voted 5-2 against an amendment that would have removed restrictions on trips to and from public middle and high schools for about an hour before classes and at dismissal. Supporters of removing the restrictions cited student transportation needs, while opponents pointed to demand, earlier budget decisions and the city’s Safe Routes to School goals. Staff said riders with disabilities can still arrange trips to geofenced schools by calling the service.

Financial sustainability and the service area were central to the discussion. Staff reported that Link costs $24 per trip, with the city paying about $8 of that amount. Members discussed possible grant funding and expansion into the hills, but staff cautioned that a larger service area would substantially increase wait times and that outside funding is not guaranteed.

The council also directed staff to provide opportunities to explore interest from other nonprofit and for-profit transportation providers that could address costs or service expansion. Staff will verify whether separate funding remains available for discounted teen rides to the Teen Center and mental-health services and return with a budget request if necessary.

Council removes military-equipment policy from consent vote

The council pulled the proposed renewal of the Police Department’s military-equipment use policy from the consent calendar and did not take a final vote on it. A public commenter had requested a separately agendized discussion, citing AB 481’s transparency requirements and limited attendance at an earlier public meeting.

Five-year trails contract approved for up to $1.2 million

The council approved a five-year contract with Northwest Woodland Services Inc. for the city’s Open Space Trails and Amenities Capital Improvement Program. The contract is capped at $1,209,780, including $1,099,800 for basic services and $109,980 for additional services.

Safe Routes education contract grows to $625,211

The council approved a $485,243 contract amendment with Ecology Action of Santa Cruz for bicycle and pedestrian life-skills education from January 2025 through November 2027. The amendment raises the total contract value to $625,211.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting agenda