- City Council
City Council - September 9, 2024
VTA granted $1 million for preliminary design of Palo Alto’s University Avenue transit center as the council approved major utility and transportation contracts.
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VTA commits $1 million to transit center design
King’s Plaza outside City Hall
Palo Alto’s planned University Avenue multimodal transit center received a $1 million VTA grant for preliminary design, Mayor Greer Stone announced.
A six-agency board ad hoc committee was also formed to coordinate long- and medium-term planning. The city said it would provide updates as the effort advances.
Gas utility allowance ceiling rises to $6 million
The council approved raising the annual purchase limit for greenhouse-gas allowances from $4 million to $6 million for the city’s gas utility. The allowances are purchased through California’s cap-and-trade auction to meet the utility’s compliance obligations.
The resolution sets a maximum annual authorization rather than requiring the city to spend the full amount.
Council approves $499,491 rail crossing study
The council approved a two-year, $499,491 contract with Kittelson & Associates to analyze bicycle and pedestrian railroad crossing alternatives in southern Palo Alto. The action funds an alternatives analysis, not construction or selection of a specific crossing plan.
City authorizes two generators for water pump stations
The council authorized the purchase of two portable power generators for water pump stations from West Coast Energy Systems LLC. The authorization totals up to $478,041, including as much as $20,000 for unforeseen permitting, startup and commissioning work.
One council member questioned the procurement because only one bid had been accepted. Stone said the city used a procurement approach involving other agencies rather than a city-specific bid and described it as cost-effective.
Council approves $150,000 for Magical Bridge programming
The council approved a one-year professional services contract with Magical Bridge Foundation for recreational programming. The agreement is capped at $150,000.
Kipling Street property reclassified as a Major Building
The council reclassified 431-433 Kipling Street from a Category 4 “Contributing Building” to a Category 2 “Major Building” on Palo Alto’s local historic inventory. The change followed a recommendation from the Historic Resources Board.
Primary sources
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