The following is the press release from the Piedmont Unified School District regarding Superintendent Constance Hubbard leaving the District on June 30, 2015.

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PRESS RELEASE – November 5, 2014

After 12 years as Superintendent of the Piedmont Unified School District, Constance Hubbard announced today that she would not seek to renew her contract that expires on June 30, 2015.

“I wish to thank the members of the Board of Education, both past and present, for their faith and confidence in me over the past fifteen years,” said Superintendent Hubbard. “In every respect, Piedmont has been a remarkable place to work as evidenced by the amazing students who are in our schools. I am proud to have served alongside a truly outstanding corps of educators who first teach from the heart before teaching from the book, a classified staff whose dedication and commitment to their work is unmatched by any group I have encountered, and a team of administrators who tirelessly go about the business of serving the needs of each and every child. Combined with the support of parents and the community, Piedmont is a public school system truly dedicated to serving all students.”

PUSD Board President Andrea Swenson, speaking on behalf of the Board of Education, thanked Superintendent Hubbard for her service and commitment to the Piedmont Unified School District, “We have been fortunate to have a leader for the past 12 years who always first asks the question, ‘what is in the best interest of our students?’ Connie has built a strong team that focuses on academic excellence as well as social-emotional development, acknowledging that we are preparing students not just for college but for life. The Board has high expectations that the foundation that Superintendent Hubbard has built will serve us well as we welcome a new Superintendent. We will all miss Connie, and feel privileged to have worked with her. We wish her all the very best.”

During Superintendent Hubbard’s tenure, Piedmont Unified experienced 12 years of academic excellence. Fostering collaboration between the community and staff, she successfully led the District through an unprecedented state-wide economic recession, oversaw the completion of the Seismic Safety Bond Program, and ushered in numerous curricular advances including the implementation of Common Core Standards, technology initiatives, and much needed social and emotional programs for students.

The PUSD Board of Education will facilitate an open, inclusive search process for the next Superintendent of the Piedmont Unified School District. To ensure a smooth transition for the District, the Board will discuss and approve the search process as part of the Board Agenda of November 12, 2014. It is the Board’s intent to select a search firm and finalize a timeline before the winter holidays in order to begin the search process in January 2015.

For further information contact the PUSD at 510-594-2614

A Report on the Special Piedmont Planning Commission Meeting

– by Jordan Wong, a Piedmont Resident and PHS Student

The City of Piedmont Planning Commission met  on Thursday, October 30, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers for a special session.  This meeting’s purpose was to provide an update on the progress  on the state-mandated Draft Housing Element that all cities in California are required to comply with and submit.The Housing Element document’s purpose is to spell out the housing policies for all California cities from 2015-2022.

The City of Piedmont is small and has no land to further develop for any new housing. With the help of a private consultant, Barry Miller, the Planning Commission is able to include the addition of second units as a way to comply with the Housing Element. Part of the draft process is to allow residents to have the opportunity to provide comments or suggestions. There was no opposition from the Commission or audience about the progress and content of the draft at that meeting.

Barry Miller, a consultant  for  the City of  Piedmont, presented a detailed explanation of the draft and the Commission concurred with his findings and recommendations. Director of Planning, Kate Black, reported that she was happy with the working draft with Barry Miller’s work thus far in finding a way to comply with the State and preserving the landscape of Piedmont. Piedmont resident, Dimitri Magganas, from the audience, commended the Commission for their work on the Housing Element draft and wanted to bring to their attention that there was a lot of unused public space. It is unclear if this comment meant public space could be considered to add more housing or if there was a way to open up some of these public spaces for development.

In an interview with the Director of Planning, Kate Black, she said it was important for the public to be informed about the Housing Element’s progress. The special meeting was an update on the progress of the draft and if the public wanted to make any suggestions on what had been presented, that evening was a good time to do it. The next action of the Planning Commission is to present the Housing Element to the City Council for further action.

The topic I presented was on security cameras and the need for guidelines and/or regulations for their placement and installation. This is an ongoing issue in my neighborhood and I really feel that there is a privacy issue that should be addressed by the Planning Commission.  Director of Planning, Kate Black, acknowledged my concern and said that they will be reviewing and updating the Code soon and will add my request to their agenda. I was a little nervous about speaking in public, but the Commission members were very nice and appeared to pay attention to what I had to say about the security cameras. Personally, I think they were surprised that I was there and had an issue to present.

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The following is the text of Mr. Wong’s comments to the Planning Commission.

“Hello, my name is Jordan Wong, I am a senior at Piedmont High. This is an item that is not on your agenda this evening. I observed the Planning Commission uses design review for home remodeling and fences. Do you foresee adding design review for home security cameras in the future? There is a proliferation of security cameras on so many homes in Piedmont. I suggest there should be some guidelines for placement. They are not only unattractive but they stick out like a sore thumb which some may find interesting because there is so much input needed for a fence but nothing for a camera.  I bring this up particularly as I feel there is an invasion of privacy in my own backyard. A home for sale behind my house, currently unoccupied, had security cameras installed. One in particular looks down into our backyard. As you can understand, I feel it is an invasion of privacy and I would like a review of security camera placement requirements of either a permit or a design review. Thank you.”

On Tuesday, November 4, Piedmonters voted by a margin of 94.6% to 5.3% in favor of  changing our local election calendar from February to November concurrent with the California General Election. (Only a simple majority was required to change the City Charter.)  Measure GG was put on the ballot by the Piedmont City Council.  The measure not only moves the date of the City’s election, it also changes the Piedmont Unified School District Board of Education annual election of its President and Vice President.

Piedmont poll workers reported a quiet but steady arrival of voters during the morning and early afternoon, with many simply dropping off their “Vote by Mail” ballots rather than filling out their ballots at the poll or posting them.

Voting on Highland Ave

Read about the effects of Measure GG and its full text here.

The Piedmont Park Commission will discuss the Hampton Sports Field project, Crocker Park garage removal, street tree pruning, the sculpture for the Hall Fenway, Arbor Day, and the Linda-Kingston triangle project at its Wednesday, November 5 meeting in City Hall beginning at 5:30 pm.  The meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast on Channel 27 and the City’s website.

Read agenda of November 5 meeting.

Read minutes of prior Park Commission meeting.

The Public Safety Committee will meet Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont.  There are no broadcasts of the proceedings.  Interested individuals may attend the meeting and participate.  The meeting agenda includes:

2. Discussion of Managing Solicitors

3. Review of Piedmont Night Out Activities

4. Update on School Liaison Activities

5. Review of Public Safety Outreach at Harvest Festival

6. Update on Neighborhood Meetings

7 Discussion of Possible New Outreach Approaches

8 Discussion of EOC and City Emergency Plan Upgrades (Information Only) – Current information provided by Fire Dept.

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What should you to do when solicitors come to your door!

Piedmont residents often complain about unwanted solicitors coming to their door. While many solicitors are working on behalf of reputable causes, others are misrepresenting themselves for personal gain, and a few have posed as solicitors to determine if residents are at home prior to breaking into homes. Residents should be aware of the following:

1. They should be cautious in opening their doors to persons they do not know.

2. Residents should not be reluctant to ask direct questions about the nature of the charity or purpose of the solicitation.

3. The Piedmont Police Department issues permits to persons selling goods or services of a non-charitable nature. (Charitable and political solicitors do not require a permit.)

4. Residents should ask the person to show a solicitor permit issued by the Piedmont Police Department. The solicitor is required to show their permit.

5. Posting a “No Solicitor” sign on the front door or other prominent location prohibits all solicitors (including charitable and political groups) from coming to that residence.

6. Residents are encouraged to contact the Piedmont Police Department at 420-3000 if they have concerns about solicitors.

Read latest crime report.

Information on hosting an Emergency Preparedness meeting in your neighborhood. On the link scroll down the page.

The following is an announcement from the League of Women Voters of Piedmont (LWVP):

~~~~ Deconstructing the Mid-terms ~~~~

LWVP Election Debrief

Piedmont Community Center

711 Highland Avenue 

Monday, November 17

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Please join the League of Women Voters of Piedmont  for a lively discussion of the mid-term election and the impact it has on our state and country.

Our guest speakers include three respected political insiders: former White House correspondent and KRON 4 reporter, Terisa Estacio; veteran political reporter and KQED senior editor, John Myers; and Josh Richman, political reporter for the Bay Area News Group.

Join us for an insightful evening of conversion and analysis.

This event is free and open to the public.

Terisa Estacio John Myers Josh Richman

In addition to Piedmont School District athletic programs, the City of Piedmont’s Athletic Preservation Fund is designated as a potential recipient of funds.  

The Piedmont City Council will consider the allocation of $5,305 to support the newly organized  2014 Annual Piedmont Turkey Trot and approval of this years race at their November 3, 2014 meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall.

There is an ongoing issue regarding the proceeds from the Annual Piedmont Turkey Trot and who should control the Piedmont Turkey Trot?

Until recently, Turkey Trot volunteers and runners were under the impression that money raised by the Annual Piedmont Turkey Trot held on Thanksgiving Day morning would benefit Piedmont High School athletic programs, including track and cross country.  

Turkey Trot organizer, resident Marilyn Weber has far exceeded revenue expectations by gaining community sponsors and increasing participation through area publicity. Approximately half of  the runners come from outside of Piedmont. The widely popular event had over 2,300 runners in 2013, raising more than $50,000.

According to available information, the Piedmont Unified School District historically provided seed money to allow purchase of the shirts and other materials necessary for the race.  Since shirt purchases and other actions need to occur well in advance of Thanksgiving Day, funds need to be readily available for organizers.  The School District evidently delayed providing the necessary seed money in 2013, hence the organizers moved ahead by soliciting donations. Later, the School District supplemented funding for the event.

Following the 2013 race, the School District asked to be reimbursed for their seed money and requested race proceeds plus accounting information related to the Turkey Trot. Reimbursement was made to the School District for the seed money plus a donation to the School District. Out of over $50,000 raised from the Turkey Trot approximately $30,000 was retained for future Turkey Trots, with the School district receiving approximately $20,000.

In December of 2013, Weber and other individuals decided to form a nonprofit corporation (Piedmont Turkey Trot C3628657) with the State of California and in the future incorporation as a nonprofit with the Federal Government.  The corporation filing indicates it is a nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation.  The stated purpose of this corporation is “to help children and adults learn the skills of running.”

Members of the Board of the Turkey Trot Corporation are listed as:  Edna Cooper, Pam Roure, Chris Smith, and Marilyn Weber.

The organization has stated on the 501(c)(3) form, it ‘s purpose as “fostering amateur sports competition.”  

On the standard application, the reason to use Piedmont services and streets is to hold “the Piedmont Turkey Trot.”

The organization’s application letter to the City states:

“The PTT Thanksgiving Day Race non-profit was formed to ensure the necessary structure was in place to continue a community event of this size that benefits youth sports in the community.  It is our intention to donate net proceeds from the 2014 Turkey Trot to the following beneficiaries; the PHS Cross Country Team, the PHS Track Team and the City of Piedmont’s Athletic Facilities Preservation Fund.” [emphasis added]

Turkey Trot publicity states:

“The Piedmont Turkey Trot is a nonprofit organization supporting local charities and organizations.”

School District athletic programs had previously been the sole beneficiary of Turkey Trot proceeds.

For approximately 13 years, the School District received funds from the Turkey Trot for athletic programs.  Volunteers, primarily parents, became concerned when the purpose of the Turkey Trot was changed to benefit “local charities and organizations” and there was a new organization incorporated without School District or volunteer knowledge and participation.

Approval of the application for the Turkey Trot is on the City Council agenda for November 3, 2014.  The staff report states:

“While the organizational structure of the race has changed, the stated purpose of the race and application of net proceeds will continue to benefit both school sports and the Community. For these reasons, it would, as a matter of policy, be appropriate for the City to continue its tradition of supporting the race in the same manner and level as in previous years.”

“For information purposes, the cost of this support is estimated as follows:

Fire Department:  $1,030.40
Police Department: $ 920.05
Public Works Department:  $3,355.36
For a total cost to the City of Piedmont: $5,305.81″

“Regarding the 2013 Turkey Trot, there have been extensive discussions between the Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD) and the race organizers as to the fate of net proceeds from that race. We are informed that both parties have been working diligently toward resolution of outstanding issues. While this is not relevant to the City’s authority to issue a Street/Sidewalk Use Permit, I am pleased to report that the race organizers and PUSD have both indicated that an understanding has been reached and consideration of the agreement will be added to the agenda of an already scheduled Special Meeting of the Board of Education on November 4, 2014. ”
By: John O. Tulloch, City Clerk

According to the Piedmont Unified School District’s Special Meeting agenda for November 4, 2014, there is no item on the agenda to discuss the Turkey Trot, unless it is covered under anticipated litigation during the Closed Session.

Published sponsors for the 2014 Turkey Trot are:  Transports  ~  Highland  Partners ~ Piedmont Grocery ~ McCutcheon Construction ~ MB Jessee Painting J. Miller Flowers ~ Mulberry’s Market ~ Piedmont Post ~Village Market ~ Clif Bar

The meeting will be broadcast on KCOM Channel 27 and live streamed from the City website.

Read the staff report including application and information on Turkey Trot organization. 

Read reports published in The Piedmonter.

Read second report published in the The Piedmonter.

See other articles previously published on this site by searching “Turkey Trot.”

Road diets, designated routes to school, bike lanes, and the crosswalk at Wildwood Avenue and Grand Avenue will be considered. 

The Piedmont Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan will be considered by the Council on Monday, November 3, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers in Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue.

One of Piedmont’s most comprehensive community based planning projects has resulted in an extensive Piedmont Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan (PBMP). Funding for the plan has come from an Alameda County Transportation Commission (CTC;www.alamedactc.org) grant and through the City’s existing funds for pedestrian and bicycle improvements (pass-through Measure B funds), also distributed by the Alameda CTC.

Great interest and participation by Piedmont’s many walkers, bikers, teachers, students, and residents have brought concerns and issues to the discussion.

On August 20, the Piedmont School Board was presented with the plan by planning consultant, Niko Letunic and Director of Planning Kate Black. Board President Andrea Swenson told the presenters that the School District would wait until the City completed their projects to improve sidewalk and street safety before further encouraging families to walk and bike to school.

At their October 13, 2014 meeting, the Piedmont Planning Commission considered the final draft plan.  Based on discussions at the meeting, the Commission recommended the Council approve the plan with specific additions and amendments.

Will “Road Diets” solve a perceived problem in Piedmont?

Road diets:

 The second paragraph on page 79 was amended to read: “While the PBMP includes general concept drawings for road diets (on pages 79 and 81), detailed design and traffic engineering drawings will need to be made before the projects are implemented, and shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission and Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The design for Highland Avenue could consider the possibility of landscaped islands and it will need to ensure the turn lane accommodates left-turning AC Transit buses at Oakland Avenue.”

Planned road diets would eliminate two lanes of through traffic on both Highland and Grand Avenues.  On Grand Avenue, increased congestion in the area around the ACE Hardware store with vehicles stacking up and blocking traffic, plus a possible elimination of one or more parking spaces are concerns.  On Highland Avenue, the island medians could create problems for large buses making turns and create traffic congestion around the Mulberry driveway entrance. Prior concern was expressed over a median in the middle of Highland Avenue impeding the Fourth of July parade activities and preventing homeowners from turning left to enter their driveways, creating multiple U-turns at the intersections.

According to the Federal Department of Transportation, “Road Diets” became increasingly popular in the 1990’s, “with installations occurring in both rural and urban states such as Iowa and Minnesota. A classic road diet typically involves converting an existing four-lane, undivided roadway segment to a three-lane segment consisting of two through lanes and a center, two-way left-turn lane.”

Hazardous crosswalk at Wildwood and Grand Avenues:

 Last paragraph on page 101 be amended to read: “Coordinate with Oakland staff on the funding, planning, design and implementation of bikeways connecting the two cities, and other roadway improvements of importance to both cities, including the intersection of Wildwood and Grand Avenues.”

Repeatedly mentioned in prior hearings, the crosswalk at Wildwood and Grand Avenues is long, hazardous creating pedestrian difficulties. The crosswalk is actually in Oakland and consequently Piedmont does not have control of the design. The new language requires Piedmont to work with Oakland to improve the crosswalks.

At the November 3 meeting –

The City’s consultant will make a presentation to the Council on the development process of the plan and the contents of the Draft PBMP, and will be available for questions. Members of the public are welcome to speak at the meeting. The City Council may choose to adopt the Draft Initial Study/Negative Declaration and October 13 version of the Draft PBMP, or may wish to make further modifications.

As with other Master Plans, if conditions change, adjustments can be made to meet changing needs and funding sources.

Read the staff report to the City Council.

Hard copies of the Draft Plan and draft CEQA Initial Study/Negative Declaration document are available for review between the hours of 8:30 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday at the Public Works counter at City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611

The Draft Plan and Draft of the CEQA document can also be accessed at the following links:

Draft Piedmont Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan dated October 13, 2014

Appendices: Comments received through the two online surveys on the needs assessment and on the improvement options

Draft of the CEQA Initial Study/Negative Declaration

You are invited to attend the City Council meeting and express your opinion.  You may choose to write your opinion and address your comment to the entire Piedmont City Council, c/o City Clerk, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA  94611 or send an e-mail to jtulloch@ci.piedmont.ca.us. All comments submitted will become part of the public record and may be posted to the City’s web site.

To watch the public hearing on KCOM, cable channel 27. Alternatively, if you want to watch the meeting live or later after the meeting, you can do so by logging on to the City’s website at www.ci.piedmont.ca.us: on the right hand side of the homepage under the “KCOM” heading, click on the “On-line Video” link, then scroll down under the “Sections on this Page” heading, click on the “City Council” link, then on the “October 13, 2014″ link, and click on the “Video” or “In Progress” link and start watching!

Planning staff contacts:

Janet Chang, Assistant Planner, 510-420-3094      janetchang@ci.piedmont.ca.us

Kate Black, Director of Planning, 510-420-3063        kblack@ci.piedmont.ca.us

The City Council approved the first reading of the Piedmont Smoking Control Ordinance on October 20, 2014.  On Monday, November 3, at 7:30 p.m., the City Council will consider the second and final reading of Ordinance 715 N.S., controlling smoking of tobacco, including electronic smoking devices in places of employment, common areas of multiple dwellings, and public places with the exception of an outdoor area near the Piedmont Community Hall when it is being rented.

Read the ordinance here.

The Council meeting is open to the public. It will be broadcast on KCOM Channel 27 and live streamed from the City’s website.