Oct 18 2015

EBMUD publishes excessive water users names.

The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) established an Excessive Water Use Ordinance on April 28, 2015, effective May 29, 2015.  The penalties began as of July 1, 2015 with fines for single family homes consuming more than 1,000 gallons a day. The fine is $2 for each unit or portion of a unit over 80 units (59,840 gallons of water) per billing period (about 60 days). The fines will continue until the drought emergency ends. The bills mailed beginning in September are the first bills that will include the penalties. Excessive water use is a misdemeanor in accordance with California Water Code section 377 and EBMUD has the option to take enforcement actions.

Piedmont has 51 excessive water users. The names were published to encourage water conservation by pointing them out to their neighbors as required by California Public Records Act (Section 6254.16(d) of Government Code 6250-6276.48).

The most excessive user in Piedmont consumed 4363.33 gallons per day. However, 45 of the excessive users recorded in Piedmont were under 2000 gallons per day.

Alamo had 88 excessive water users. The most excessive user in Alamo consumed 8090.87 gallons per day. Orinda had 161 excessive water users. Danville had 211 excessive water users. The most excessive user in Danville consumed 12,578.87 gallons per day. Walnut Creek had 169 excessive water users, with the highest user consuming 5747.13 gallons per day. Lafayette had more than Piedmont but less than 100 excessive water users.

The Proposed Goal was 35 gallons per person per day

Only single family homes are listed and subject to the restrictions. As of April 15, 2015, single family residential customers were expected to limit indoor water consumption to 35 gallons per person per day. This is challenging even low water use customers since the estimated daily water flow per person even with energy flow toilets, faucets and shower heads exceeds the goal without including laundry or the use of a dishwasher.

Read the complete list.

Some of the previous PCA articles on water restrictions:

Rate Increase Hearing

California Water Board Targets

 

 

Oct 18 2015

Contributions to CalPERS by Piedmont and other communities would have to increase if assumed return on investments is lowered.

Unexpected increases in costs to Piedmont for CalPERS pensions are not new. In 2013 Piedmont’s Budget Advisory & Financial Planning Committee (BAFPC) recommended that the City exit from the CalPERS Side Fund of the City’s pension obligations by refinancing it. The refinancing of the obligation was approved.

The 2004 Piedmont City Council ballot argument for Municipal Tax Measure S stated, “More than half of Piedmont’s increased pension costs are caused by past investment losses by the State pension fund.  Piedmont’s annual pension contribution will increase by $600,000 even without any pension plan changes.”

CalPERS Board Meeting this week

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) Board will be meeting October 19-21. In May the staff proposed to the Board that its investment return goal be lowered from 7.5 percent annually to as low as 6.5 percent by increments of 0.05 percent to 0.25 over years or decades.  In 2011 the goal was lowered from 7.75 percent annually to the present rate of 7.5 percent. CalPERS tried to lower its risk of big investment downturns last year by pulling out its entire $4 billion investment in 24 hedge funds and a half-dozen hedge funds of funds. With more than $302 billion, CalPERS is the largest pension fund in the United States despite its CalPERS loss of about 25% of assets in 2008- 2009.

According to CalPERS’ Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Eason:

“… lowering the rate of return would also enable officials to build a portfolio less vulnerable to market swings. The current 7.5% rate of return has a 12% volatility rate. Reducing the rate to 7%, as one scenario does, would translate to a 10% volatility rate. A 6.5% rate of return would equate to a volatility level of 8.5%, she said.”

(read the article from Pensions & Investments here)

The proposal is an acknowledgement that 8 percent returns are unlikely, given low inflation and interest rates. CalPERS reported returns of 2.4% for the fiscal year ended June 30.

“It’s also a reflection of the reality of investing in conventional investments,” Amy Resnick, editor of the trade publication Pensions & Investments said. “Assumptions of higher returns are just not realistic nowadays.”

Jeffrey MacLean, CEO of investment consulting firm Verus, Seattle, said CalPERS’ time frame for the portfolio volatility reductions is so long that significant investment losses could mute its effectiveness.

As target investment returns decrease, contributions from employees and their employers will be required to fund CalPERS pensions.

Previous PCA articles on CalPERS:

Stanford Institute on CalPERS

Problems for CalPERS leaders

Piedmont Pension Costs Rising

Piedmont 2004 Municipal Tax Ballot Measure S

 

Oct 18 2015

On Wednesday, October 21, the Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Police Department Emergency Operations Center, 403 Highland Avenue.  The meeting includes discussion of City pensions, the Information Technology Strategic Plan and  Piedmont’s need for a renewed and/or increase of the City parcel tax.

The public can attend and participate in the meeting. There will be no audio or written record kept of meeting discussion or presentations. Additionally, no broadcast via the internet or cable TV will be available.

Oct 14 2015

Piedmont Awarded for Developing Many Rent Restricted Second Units for Low and Lowest Income Renters –

The City Council announced with pleasure that it is a recipient of an Award of Merit from the American Planning Association California Chapter (APACC) in the 2014 and 2015 Implementation – Small Jurisdiction category for its Rent-Restricted Second Unit Program. This program is designed to meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation assigned by the Association of Bay Area Governments, in a way that utilizes Piedmont’s unique housing stock. The award was presented during an APACC conference on Sunday, October 4 at the Oakland City Center Marriott.

The “Implementation: Small Jurisdiction with populations of less than 100,000” award for developing low income housing at a rapid rate is one of more than two dozen award categories recognizing activities in many California cities.

Federal Housing Policy Implemented in Piedmont

The use of second units, also known as “Granny Flats” and “Accessory Dwelling Units,” as affordable housing was a policy that emerged at the beginning of the 1980’s by housing advocates and greenbelt organizations. By 1983 it was an official policy at the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, DC.

How to accomplish this method of affordable housing in single-family zoning was a popular topic at universities, including the Institute of Urban and Regional Development at the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Virginia and elsewhere by 1983.

State Adopted Code to Facilitate Second Units as Affordable Housing

The State of California was quick to pick up on this method of developing affordable housing at no cost to the State–the expense and management responsibilities are handed over to the homeowners. (see Government Code Section 65583.1(a) amended in 2003 and 2010) As all levels of government pounced on the idea of housing production without any public funds, Piedmont also began dealing with the issue of second units in the mid-1980’s. Now, our City Council is thrilled to be commended for actually producing a large number of second units at a rapid pace.

Second units in Piedmont have been created by converting the basements of existing houses, adding an extension behind an existing house, converting an existing garage, or constructing an entirely new building. The accelerated development of second units over the past few years was accomplished through an active advocacy program by City staff that encouraged homeowners who were planning home renovations to consider adding a rent restricted or affordable second unit.

When variances are given for low income units, rent restrictions are required for a period of 10 years, after which units can be rented at market rates.  Any variances, such as parking requirements, continue after the ten year period. Piedmont has proactively given variances for rent restricted units in order to supply low income housing and meet regional housing goals. 

Oct 13 2015

Important positions are open to applicants.

Resignations on the Park Commission and Planning Commission have created openings for the unexpired terms of two commissioners.

Park Commissioner Nancy Kent resigned to assume  her new Piedmont salaried employment, filling soon-to-retire Mark Feldkamp’s position as Parks and Project Manager in the Public Works Department.  She will be the primary staff member to the Park Commission.

Planning Commissioner Louise Simpson resigned because she no longer resides in Piedmont and is no longer a qualified Piedmont elector.

Applicants will be applying for unexpired terms which end in March 2016. 

Park Commission 1 Vacancy – 0 Incumbent

Planning Commission 1 Vacancy – 0 Incumbent: The current alternate commissioner may apply to become a full member of the Planning Commission.

Municipal Code:

SEC. 25.2 PLANNING COMMISSION COMPOSITION; REGULAR MEETINGS There is hereby established a planning commission consisting of five (5) members. The commission shall meet on the second Monday of each month. (Ord. No. 395 N.S., ‘3)

SEC. 25.3 POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION It shall be the duty of the planning commission to investigate and make recommendations to the City Council concerning real property, subdivisions, lot building restrictions, planning and zoning matters as may be in the best interest of the City, and to grant or disapprove design review and variance applications. In addition, the commission shall have the following powers and duties: (a) To consider and make recommendations to the Council on matters affecting the design and aesthetics of buildings, structures and other improvements within the City; (b) To consider and make recommendations to the Council regarding methods of encouraging and promoting good design in construction within the City in order to maintain the high quality of aesthetic values which make the City unique.

Monthly Planning Commission commitment includes the regular commission meetings, preparation for the meetings by reading and studying all submitted materials, and visits to application sites amounting to seven or more hours.

SEC. 25.4 PARK COMMISSION COMPOSITION; REGULAR MEETINGS There is hereby established a park commission consisting of seven (7) members. The commission shall meet at regular times normally once each month.

POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE PARK COMMISSION The park commission shall have the following powers and duties: (a) To consider and make recommendations to the Council on matters affecting the beautification, planting, litter control, development, uses, acquisition and disposal and maintenance of all parks, park improvements, park memorials, street trees, parking strips (i.e., the portion of the street right-of-way between the sidewalk and curb) and other planted areas owned or controlled by the City. (b) To consider and make recommendations to the Council concerning proposed solutions to those additional matters which appropriately may be referred to the commission by the Council; or which, relating to the beautification of the matters referred to in subsection (a) hereof, may be investigated by the commission on its own motion.

Monthly Park Commission commitment starts at 4 hours.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

City CodeSEC. 25.8 QUALIFICATIONS AND APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSION MEMBERS

Commission members shall be qualified electors of the City and not otherwise serving the City in an elective or salaried capacity.

Members of commissions shall be appointed by majority vote of the Council to serve three-year (3-year) terms, and until their respective successors are appointed, with no person serving more than two consecutive terms of office. Terms of office shall commence on April 1 and terminate on March 31, and will be staggered by resolution of the Council. Commission members may be removed after hearing by the affirmative vote of four (4) members of the Council. If a member of a commission is absent from three (3) consecutive regular meetings of such commission, unless by permission of such body expressed in its official meeting record or by permission of the Council, that office shall become vacant and shall be so declared by the Council. Vacancies shall be filled for any unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointments were made. Any person who serves as a member of a commission for more than eighteen (18) months of an unexpired term shall be considered to have served a full term of office. (Ord. No. 395 N.S., ’11)

>>>>>>> Application form.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Qualified electors of the City who are interested must complete and return the application form on or before the posted deadline of Tuesday, October 27, 2015. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications are also available from the office of the City Clerk, John Tulloch, at Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, by telephone (510) 420-3040 or by visiting the city’s website at www.ci.piedmont.ca.us.

All applicants must be available for an interview with the City Council on Monday, November 2, 2015, at which time appointments will be made.

The interview meeting on Monday, November 2, 2015, is open to the public.   The meeting will likely be held in the City Council Conference Room. There will be no recordings or broadcast of the interviews.  The interviews are expected to be held prior to the regular Council meeting.

Applicants’ elector qualification will be verified by the City.

 

Oct 13 2015

In order to provide context to the many conversations regarding the adequacy of Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD) Secondary facilities to support current and future educational programs, the District will host public tours of various buildings at Piedmont High School, Millennium High School, and Piedmont Middle School.

All members of the public are welcome to attend.

The PUSD Site Tours at Secondary Campuses:
(Meet at the Piedmont High School flagpole in front of campus)
Tuesday, October 13, 2015                3:30pm  – 4:30pm
Wednesday, October 21, 2015           3:30pm –  4:30pm
Tuesday, November 3, 2015               3:30pm – 4:30pm
Wednesday, November 18, 2015       3:30pm – 4:30pm

Site Planning Meetings
The District will also host public meetings at each school site to discuss the Educational Specifications and facility needs of each respective school. Educators, students, families, and community members are encouraged to participate. The site meetings are as follows:

Piedmont High School:                          October 26th               3:45pm-5:15pm
Piedmont Middle School:                     November 2nd              3:30pm-5:00pm
Millennium High School:                       November 5th              3:30pm-5:00pm
Havens Elementary School:                November 12th             3:30pm-5:00pm
Wildwood Elementary School:            November 19th           3:30pm-5:00pm
Beach Elementary School:                 November 30th           3:30pm-5:00pm
Piedmont High/Millennium High:        December 1st             3:30pm-5:00pm

Oct 10 2015

Two suspects are booked into Santa Rita Jail –

At approximately 7:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, officers from the Piedmont Police Department executed a search warrant in the 100 block of Scenic Avenue in Piedmont.  As a result of the warrant service, five people were detained, and officers discovered a sophisticated marijuana grow operation with over 13 fully mature plants, several more smaller plants, as well as over 30 pounds of processed and packaged marijuana for distribution with an estimated street value of more than $150,000.

 The investigation is ongoing.  

Two individuals were booked into Santa Rita Jail for the drug related charges – possession of controlled substance, cultivation of marijuana, and possession of marijuana for sales. 

 Suspect 1:  Derrick Francis St. Lewis

Date of birth: 12-10-1978

Suspect 2:  Africa Asia Nicole Smith

Date of birth: 9-5-1986

Anyone with information and/or inquiries related to this case are asked to please contact:

 Detective Willie Wright at (510) 420-3013

Oct 10 2015

The Planning Commission will hold another hearing to discuss short term rentals on October 12 in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., however the short term rental issue has been placed at the end of the agenda.  Those wanting to know the anticipated time of the hearing can inquire of Planning Director Kate Black.

At the Monday, September 21st Council meeting, City staff presented options for prohibiting or regulating AirBnB type rentals for consideration by the City Council. (Read the staff report here.)

  • Prohibit short-term rental of the 18 Second Units developed as low income housing. Staff strongly encourages the Council to adopt this provision, pointing out that the imposed rent restrictions would limit the AirBnB rate to $25 (very low income units) to $35 (low income units) per night for the units, before AirBnB takes its cut.
  • Prohibit short-term rental of the 110 approved Second Units, which are not rent restricted. Staff notes that few are rented. Instead they are used as guest quarters or a home office.
  • Prohibit short-term rental of the 66 apartments in Piedmont.
  • No regulation of Home Swaps.
  • Prohibit or regulate with standards short-term rental of rooms in a house. If allowed, the number of allowed rental days per year could be limited.
  • Allow vacation rentals of whole houses with restrictions, perhaps limiting the number of allowed rental days per year.

The Piedmont City Council referred several questions back to the Planning Commission for further recommendations: whether home shares or vacation rentals should be permitted in Piedmont; if so, how should they be regulated; and how to enforce any regulations.

Excerpts from the draft minutes of the September 21, 2015, Council meeting:

Planning Director Kate Black noted that the regulatory environment regarding short term rentals has changed significantly since March and many cities are struggling with the issue. She reviewed regulations that have been passed or are being considered by other cities, noting all cities are facing the same issues: how to ensure short term rentals cause the least amount of disruption to nearby neighborhoods; ensuring that taxes are collected from each legal short term rental; how to address safety, indemnification, and notification; and how to enforce compliance.

The Council discussed the following issues – clarifying the landlord/tenant relationship with regard to subleasing; not turning rooms into commercial enterprises; that the City is not a destination location; neighborhoods being informed of rentals; and addressing this emerging economy. In addition, a Councilmember discussed prohibiting whole house rentals for more than 30 days as they could have deleterious effects on neighborhood’s quality of life.

The Council agreed on the following aspects of regulating Short Term Rentals:

1) No Second Units or apartments should be allowed as short term rentals so as to not jeopardize the existing low income housing stock and 2) Home swaps should not be regulated.

The Council referred the following items to the Planning Commission for a recommendation:

1) Whether home shares and/or vacation rentals should be permitted and if so, how they should be regulated; 2) How any enforcement of said regulations would be accomplished, including: i) Whether permits for short term rentals would be ministerial or discretionary (with neighbor notice). ii) How inspections of units should be addressed. iii) How any regulations should be enforced, including the amount of staff time devoted to enforcement as well as the cost. iv) Whether short term rentals should be limited to a certain number of days per year. v) Whether tenants should be allowed to sublet. vi) How taxes and fees should be addressed.

Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and express their opinions and ideas. The Planning Commission hearing will be available live on KCOM, cable 27 or by logging on to the city’s website at www.ci.piedmont.ca.us

If you have any questions or comments, please call Planning Director Kate Black at (510) 420-3063 or email her         at kblack@ci.piedmont.ca.us . 

Written comments may be sent to: Planning Commission, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611 or by email to: kblack@ci.piedmont.ca.us

Planning Commission Agenda

View the Video of the September 21, 2015 City Council Hearing

Read the minutes of the September 21 Council meeting here.

Oct 5 2015

On Wednesday, October 7 at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall, the Piedmont Park Commission will hear a report of their Saturday October 3 meeting held in Dracena Park. The gathering in the park of neighbors and dog owners was a discussion of restricted dog use of the upper grassy area. The Commission will not make a decision on the policy at this meeting.

The Saturday meeting in Dracena Park hosted by the Park Commission and Public Works staff was well-attended by park neighbors and dog owners.

Comments can be sent to the Park Commission via Mark Feldkamp at mfeldkamp@ci.piedmont.ca.us.  No decision about the off-leash rules will be made at this meeting.

For home viewing, the meeting will be broadcast on Channel 27 and the city website.

Oct 5 2015

On Wednesday, October 7, the Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee will update work on Piedmont’s city parcel tax. The committee is charged with considering the need for a voter approved parcel tax. The public can attend and participate in the meeting at 6:30 p.m. held in the City Council Conference Room in City Hall.  There will be no audio or written record kept of meeting discussion or presentations. Additionally, no broadcast via the internet or cable TV will be available.