The Recreation Commission will meet on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, 7:30 p.m. Council Chambers, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont. This meeting will be broadcast live on Channel 27 or from the City of Piedmont website under videos. 

Agenda:

1.  Election of Chair and Vice Chair

2.  Approval of Recreation Commission Minutes December 20, 2017 and March 21, 2018

3.  Director’s Report

4.  Consideration of the Betty C. Howard Award for 2017

5.  Update on Linda Beach Master Plan

6.  Update on Capital Improvement Projects Review Committee (CIP)

7.  Update on Facility Master Planning

“Ms. Lillevand discussed the possible bond measure language included in the survey. She indicated that 53% of respondents were supportive of a possible bond measure at this time, but that this level of support falls short of the super majority required to pass a bond. She indicated that respondents were asked about different bond amounts, but that support levels remained the same for a $15 million or $20 million bond. She relayed Mr. Metz’s conclusion that respondents did not see the upgrades to the pool or recreational facilities as an urgent matter.

“Ms. Lillevand relayed that following receipt of this information, Council directed staff to reconvene the ad-hoc subcommittee of Councilmember Andersen and Mayor McBain to work with staff on possible public outreach and education initiatives. She also indicated that staff is working to obtain a professional opinion on the usable lifespan of the existing facility as well as what would happen in the event of a major failure at the pool.”

Celebration of Arbor Day in Piedmont will include introduction of Piedmont’s Heritage Trees for 2018.

Arbor Day Program will be at Piedmont Main Park in the Community Center between and 5 – 7 p.m., Thursday, April 19.  The entire community is invited to join in the festive occasion that will include beverages, music, recognition of the Day and information on the importance of trees to the planet and Piedmont. 

To view the flyer with names of numerous participants and contributors,  click the link below:

PCA Flyer_ArborDay_4_10_18

Dogs: Leash Laws, Dracena Signage, Upper Dracena Lawn Improvements, Budget for Projects, Dog Walkers to be Eyes and Ears for Police –

On the Monday, April 16, 2018 Council agenda for the meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. are two items involving Dracena Park and dog policies. The meeting will be broadcast live on Channel 27 and from the Piedmont website under videos. 

04/16/18 -Consideration of Dracena Park Signage & Upper Lawn Improvements and Establishment of a Budget for the Project

04/16/18 -Introduction and 1st Reading of Ord. 741 N.S. Updating Leash Law Provisions, Clarifying Off Leash Areas, and Updating Outdated Provisions

Garrett Keating publicized the following information:

DOG OWNERS: 1. Dracena Park Signage and Off-Leash Area: Parks Department will be presenting the final design for the off-leash area on the Dracena Park upper lawn that Council approved 2 years ago in response to Milo’s petition. Staff has proposed incorporating a bioswale into the design that substantially reduces the off-leash area approved in the initial concept. Adequate area for off-leash dog play was the intent of the initial concept so it will be important for dog owners to comment on the final design. Contact Parks and Projects Manager Nancy Kent at nkent@piedmont.ca.gov (510) 420-3064 2. Leash Law Update: Council directed the Police Department to review leash law rules in all city parks. Penalties, hours of use and other dog rules may be changed. Contact Chief Jeremy Bowers for more information. jbowers@piedmontpd.org (510) 420-3011

Dog Walker Watch program to convert Dog Walkers to be Eyes and Ears for Police

The Piedmont Police Department hosted a Dog Walker Watch information meeting at the Linda Dog Park on Saturday, April 14th at noon. Piedmont’s Dog Walker Watch program is designed to educate dog walkers on how to serve as extra eyes and ears for law enforcement.

On Monday, April 16, 2018, 7:30 p.m., the Piedmont City Council will consider revisions to City Code Chapter 17, Planning and Land Use to permit short-term rentals.  Read the agenda here.  Read the staff report here.

  The recommended ordinance regulates short-term rentals within the following parameters:

1. Both hosted (rooms within a home) and non-hosted (the entire home) short-term rentals are permitted.
2. In order to operate a short-term rental, a resident must seek and gain City approval for a permit to do so. The resident who has gained a permit from the City to operate a short-term rental is referred to henceforth as a short-term rental permittee.

• The application is reviewed and acted upon by the Director of Planning or the Director’s designee.
• The permit is valid for up to one year, until December 31 of the year issued, and may be renewed annually by means of a renewal application.

1. A short-term rental permit application and renewal applications shall be subject to a fee established by the City Council.
2. The dwelling unit being used as a short-term rental, whether hosted or non-hosted, must be the primary residence of the permittee.
3. The short-term rental must be rented for a minimum of two consecutive nights and may not be rented more than 60 days in a calendar year.
4. A short-term rental permit applicant who is a tenant must gain the consent of the property owner to use the dwelling unit as a short-term rental.
5. The following dwelling units are prohibited from being used as a short-term rental:

• Accessory dwelling units, both permitted and unintended; and
• Multi-family dwelling units (i.e. apartments).

1. The permittee is required to do the following:

• Pay an annual business license tax under City Code Chapter 10.
• Maintain general liability insurance in the amount of at least $1,000,000 during the term of the short-term rental permit.
• Provide his or her contact information to the city, and update any change before renting the property.
• Provide the dwelling or rooms serving as a short-term rental a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguisher, and adequate egress.
• Provide the short-term guest both electronically before the stay and in print during the stay the following information:

o   The short-term rental permittee’s contact information;

o   A diagram of exits, fire extinguisher locations, and fire and police contact numbers;

o   The city’s noise regulations (sections 12.8 – 12.12);

o   The city’s smoking ordinance (chapter 12, article II); and

o   The city’s garbage and recycling guidelines.

Enforcement includes the ability of the City Council to establish fines by resolution.

The  April 16, 2018, Council meeting will be held in City Hall starting at 7:30 p.m. There will be live broadcasts on Channel 27 and on the City website listed under videos.

Read the full agenda HERE.

CLICK ON ITEMS BELOW TO READ THE STAFF REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL: 

04/16/18 – Approval of Resolutions Allocating Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Funds for the Oakland Avenue Bridge Railing Pedestrian Safety Project and Allocating SB 1 Funds to Magnolia Avenue Paving

04/16/18 -Approval of a Resolution Establishing the Pension Rate Stabilization Fund with Public Agency Retirement Services  Council will allocate $2 million to the Fund. 

04/16/18 -Approval of Resolutions Taking Positions on State Legislative Items and Propositions

a. Endorsing Proposition 69 & Supporting SB 1 – Transportation Funding

b. Endorsing Senate Bill 3 –Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond

c. Endorsing SB 5 – Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, & Outdoor Access Bond

d. Opposing Senate Bill 827 – Planning and Zoning: Transit-Rich Housing Bonus

04/16/18 -Appointment of Yildiz Duransoy as the Planning Commission Alternate for a Term Ending March 31, 2019   City Administrator Recommendation on individual to be appointed by the Council 

04/16/18 -Consideration of Employment Resolutions for the Following Unrepresented Labor Groups for the Period of 07/01/17 through 06/30/2020:  

Compensation packages for employee groups listed:

a. Confidential Employees

b. Professional, Technical & Supervisory Employees

c. Recreation/Childcare Employees

d. Mid-Management Employees (Parks & Project Manager; Building Official, Police Captain; and Police Support Services Commander)

e. Management Employees (City Clerk, Finance Director, Fire Chief, Planning Director, Police Chief, Public Works Director, and Recreation Director)

04/16/18 -Consideration of an Updated Investment Policy

04/16/18 -Presentation from Piedmont Council, Boy Scouts of America

04/16/18 -Consideration of Dracena Park Signage & Upper Lawn Improvements and Establishment of a Budget for the Project

04/16/18 -Introduction and 1st Reading of Ord. 741 N.S. Updating Leash Law Provisions, Clarifying Off Leash Areas, and Updating Outdated Provisions

04/16/18 -Introduction and 1st Reading of Ord. 742 N.S. Amending Chapter 17 – Planning and Land Use of the City Code Regarding Short Term Rentals

04/16/18 -Consideration of an Amendment to the Policy Allowing for Residents with Certain Physical Limitations to Receive “On-Premisis” (Backyard) Service at Curbside Rates

04/16/18 -Introduction and 1st Reading of Ord. 743 N.S. Making Technical Corrections to Chapter 17 – Planning and Land Use

Piedmonters ususally find out when they remodel their homes or their neighbors make changes to their homes how important Chapter 17 is to them. 

Few Piedmonters ever participate by attending meetings or writing letters about land use and planning issues until it impacts them. No sooner had Piedmont Chapter 17 undergone massive changes and revisions, when new changes and revisions are proposed. Once more there has been little general public participation in the considerations.

At its regular meeting on Monday, April 16, 2018, 7:30 p.m., the Piedmont City Council will consider an ordinance adopting revisions to City Code Chapter 17, Planning and Land Use, to implement various technical refinements and corrections.

There are a number of items of concern: 

Proposed language: ” Zoning Map Amendment Publish notice in newspaper of general circulation within the City.”Subject to section 17.62.030, subsections A and C.”

Changing the Zoning Map is required by the City Charter  to go on a Piedmont ballot, yet the City Charter is not recognized in the language change. The new language is in conflict with the City Charter of requiring voter approval for items placed on a ballot always require public information to be provided to voters prior to an election.  

The agenda for the City Council meeting and the staff report for this agenda item are available through the City’s website or at City Hall.

In sum, the ordinance under consideration includes various recommended technical corrections and refinements throughout City Code Chapter 17, Planning and Land Use. After staff  implemented the comprehensive update to City Code Chapter 17, Planning and Land Use, which went into effect on April 19, 2017, a number of inconsistencies and minor errors have revealed themselves. In addition, putting the regulations into practice has revealed the need for the refinement of a few sections and subsections to add clarity. This is expected with such a comprehensive update.

The recommended refinements address the following issues:

Parking space size and specifications

Requiring 12 inches between the side of a parking space and the nearest wall or similar obstruction so that drivers and passengers have adequate room to maneuver into and out of a car parked in a garage or carport.

Planning Department explanation: “The minimum parking space dimensions are: 8-1/2 feet x 18 feet, or 7-1/2 feet x 15 feet for compact car. A minimum 1-foot clearance must be provided between the length side of a parking space and the nearest wall or similar obstruction.”

SECTION 8 AMENDMENT OF SUBSECTION 17.38.060.B.5.a Subsection 17.38.060.B.5.a of the City Code is amended to read as follows: “a. Parking. When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit or converted to an accessory dwelling unit, any required replacement parking spaces may be located in any configuration on the lot except that the spaces may not be located within the 20-foot street setback. (Gov’t. Code §65852.2 (a)(1)(D)(xi).)”

When the prior revisions were approved by the City Council, concern over more cars forced onto Piedmont’s streets already lined with parked cars, drew opposition regarding the reduction in parking size requirements. The Planning Department anticipates smaller vehicles in Piedmont and thus recommended the reduced size, which has presented problems.  It is unknown if the new 1-foot clearance will be sufficient to avoid adding more cars on Piedmont streets.  

Sign Design Review Permit

Reinstituting a design review permit and design standards specific to signs on private nonresidential properties.

Parking requirements related to Accessory Dwelling Units

Making Piedmont’s Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance consistent with state laws by deleting the prohibition of replacement parking spaces within the 20-foot street yard setback. The City may require replacement parking for the primary dwelling when a garage or carport is demolished for or converted to an Accessory Dwelling Unit.

The scheduling of City Council hearings after a Planning Commission recommendation

Allowing for expeditious processing and thorough preparation in response to appeals, appeals are to be scheduled at least 45 days after the filing of an appeal but all other matters are to be scheduled for the next available regular City Council meeting.

PROPOSED CHANGE: “If this chapter requires a City Council hearing, the hearing will be scheduled for the next available regular City Council meeting unless the hearing is for an appeal, in which case the hearing will be scheduled at least 45 calendar days after the filing of an appeal of the Planning Commission recommendation.”

The “all other matters” issue scheduled for “the next available regular City Council meeting” arose recently in December after the City Council took up a sublease of public property within 7 days following a hearing by the Planning Commission made a recommendation regarding a Conditional Use Permit.  A number of residents stated the matter had not been sufficiently noticed in a newspaper to allow the public time to learn about the sublease and fully participate.  Some Piedmonters accused the City of avoiding public involvement during the busy holiday season due to a lack of desire for public input.  The proposed change would legislate fast action on public issues and a potential continuation of exclusion on important matters like a Conditional Use Permit that changes the use of a property.

The definition of Floor Area

Clarifying what areas within a building’s envelope are considered floor area and would be subject to the floor area ratio limits so that new additions to buildings do not circumvent the City’s regulatory goals of limiting the bulk of a house in relation to the size of the lot and encouraging development within the existing envelope.

PROPOSED CHANGE REASONS: In order to encourage development within the existing building envelope instead of building outwards or upwards, the floor area ratio standard is not applied to finishing an area into habitable space if: (1) there is no expansion of the exterior building envelope; and (2) the owner has not obtained a final inspection within the prior three years on a building permit issued for an expansion of the building envelope. 

There is no mention of digging down below grade.

The Planning Department states, “Recognizing that the proposed revisions are improvements to Chapter 17, Planning and Land Use, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval at its regular meeting of March 12, 2018. The Commission felt that the changes would eliminate inconsistencies, clarify the regulations for the benefit of property owners and their design professionals, and would better meet the goals of the City’s General Plan.”

Written comments may be submitted to the City Council via email at citycouncil@ci.piedmont.ca.us or via US Mail addressed to City Clerk John Tulloch at 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611.

Read the staff report.

If you have any questions related to the information provided in the staff report, please contact Kevin Jackson, Planning Director, at (510) 420-3039 orkjackson@piedmont.ca.us.

Piedmont’s City Council will consider a resolution opposing Senate Bill 827 –

Senate Bill 827 could oblige Piedmont to offer a density bonus and/or a Floor Area Ratio of no less than 2.5 for lots with a maximum height limit of 45 feet, if a developer proposes to construct a specified percentage of units for very low, low-, or moderate-income households on a transit rich site.

The Piedmont staff report on Measure SB 827 states, in part:

“Known as the Transit Zoning Bill, SB 827 would replace local zoning regulations with looser state standards for the development of multi-family housing on parcels near a major transit stop or corridor. The bill would undermine Piedmont’s General Plan and Housing Element (certified by the Department of Housing and Community Development in 2014) by allowing the Legislature to transfer the power to determine local land development patterns throughout cities into the hands of land speculators and developers.”

City Staff & Consultant Negotiated Costly New Rates for Reduced Waste Removal Services –

Piedmonters have been receiving notices by mail from Republic Services, Piedmont’s waste disposal contractor, regarding the jump in waste and recycling service rates.  These higher rates are explained, in part, according to Republic Services in their letter, that “community leadership in environmental interests present unique operational challenges.”

The following information has been updated to inform residents that the May 15 deadline is for renewals rather than the initiation of disability exemptions for the new service fees starting on July 1, 2018. Qualifying residents are encouraged to apply promptly for a timely reduction in fees.

In concern for Piedmonters unable to move their cans to the curb, the following program is offered:

For the July 1, 2018 new service start, Piedmonters unable to move their cans to the curb may receive on-site pick up at the reduced rate, IF they promptly submit an application to the City and are approved.

  CLICK ON FORM BELOW:

 >Exemption from Curbside Placement Application

The initial launch of the disability exemption service is July 1, 2018 and customers who have been approved for the exemption prior to this date will enjoy the benefit starting on this date.

Residents may apply for the the disability exemption past May 15, as the City will accept applications for the exemptions at any time, however reduced fees are not retroactive.

The City will process the applications upon receipt and notify the contractor promptly once the application has been approved. The franchise agreement states that, “the contractor shall provide on-premise service on the next scheduled collection day, provided that the city has approved requested on-premises service and informed contractor in writing within 2 work days of the collection day.” [The City has not indicated how long it will take to process applications, hence qualifying applicants are encouraged to promptly submit their applications.]

The May 15 due date comes from the City Policy, which indicates that applications for the annual renewal of applications is May 15, unless the original application was filed within the past 9 months. Since time is required to process renewal applications, the May 15 due date for renewal applications is meant to ensure there is no break in service at the start of the next annual service term (July 1 – June 30). As noted in the Policy, by April 1 of each year staff will send customers with the disability exemption a reminder of the need to renew and information on how to do so.

Price Increases:

Beginning on July 1, 2018, prices for all services will increase. Single family residential prices are based on the size of the garbage cart. Each residential account includes unlimited recycling and organics carts. Carts used for on-premises (backyard) services are limited to a maximum size of 35 gallons. Additional garbage carts are available for an additional cost.

Curbside Collection:

• 20 Gallon Garbage Cart – $79.84 per month
• 35 Gallon Garbage Cart – $84.60 per month
• 65 Gallon Garbage Cart – $116.55 per month
• 95 Gallon Garbage Cart – $130.52 per month

On-Premises (Backyard) Collection:

• 20 Gallon Garbage Cart – $122.17 per month
• 35 Gallon Garbage Cart – $126.93 per month

Suggested Ways to Save on Your Garbage Bill:

• Reduce your garbage subscription levels by recycling and composting more and using a smaller waste cart.
• Switch to curbside services. On-premises (backyard) service is approximately $42 more per month.
• Use the annual prepayment discount. 1 year advanced payment results in the 12th month being free.
• Physically disabled customers with no able-bodied household members are eligible to receive on-premises service at curbside rates. An application must be completed and submitted with a doctor’s note or a copy of a valid California Disability Parking Placard. See below for details.

On-Premises Disability Discount

The Exemption from Curbside Placement of Garbage, Organics, and Recycling Carts policy was approved by the  City Council on December 4, 2017. The policy allows for single-family residential households consisting only of residents who are physically unable to move their trash and recycling carts to the curb each week to receive on-premises collection service of their waste, recycling, and organics carts at curbside rates.

The account holder must complete the > Exemption from Curbside Placement Application to the fullest extent and must provide a copy of a doctor’s certification or a current California Disability Parking Placard with the initial application. The account holder must verify that there are no able-bodied household members capable of moving the carts to the curb.

In order to continue to receive the discounted rate, the account holder must provide an updated doctors certification or current California Disability Parking Placard once a year to the City. In order to guarantee curbside rates for each subsequent year, provide the updated certification on or before May 15.

What do other cities pay?

Albany, CA has a ten year solid waste & recycling agreement in October 2011 giving seniors 62 years of age and older receive a 20% discount on service.  Disabled residents with an ongoing physical disability that prevents them from being able to wheel a cart curbside may qualify for an exemption to curbside service (carts will be serviced from location as designated by resident – typically side or backyard)

As of May 1, 2017 backyard residential pickup was an additional $15.21. Low waste generators receive monthly trash service (10 gallon) and recycle service (64 gallon) and weekly organics service (64 gallon) at the monthly rate of $15.25.  See the complete residential household monthly rates listed here.

Application form for on-premises-discount > HERE.

Information from City website > HERE.

 READ PRIOR PCA ARTICLE > HERE. and HERE

City takes on work largely covered by prior contract with Republic Services waste management. 

On March 27, 2018, the City of Piedmont issued a Request for Proposals for waste diversion education and outreach. The selected consultant will develop and manage an educational campaign in order to reduce the amount of waste generated in the City. Responses are due no later than May 4, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. The selected consultant will have demonstrated experience in creating and managing campaigns for local jurisdictions.

1. SUBMITTAL OF THE STATEMENT OF WORK: The Statement of Work shall be submitted using Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) to Chris Yeager via cyeager@piedmont.ca.gov by no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2018.

Waste Diversion Education and Outreach Request for Proposals – March 27, 2018

April 11th Board of Education meeting in the Council Chambers of the City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue,  at 7:00 p.m, following a Closed session. 

The agenda is online here.