Weekly City Manager Updates: March 11, 2024
City Manager Ed Shikada shares brief updates at each Council meeting, highlighting details about upcoming events, City services, and City Council discussions planned. His comments are summarized through our Palo Alto Connect Medium.com series to catch up on City issues and gain the latest news.
Watch Ed share updates from the March 11, 2024 Council meeting.
Timestamped City Council Video: City Council Meeting — March 11, 2024
HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER PROGRAM UPDATE
Last fall, we announced limited-time savings for our Heat Pump Water Heater program thanks to a new statewide effort; residents can save up to $7,100 to install a better water heater.
The state money is fully subscribed and the existing pricing will continue only until Council consideration of revised pricing in mid-April.
In the meantime, we encourage residents to take advantage of big savings today, and join the over 300 homeowners who have made the switch to a heat pump water heater. One call does it all. Call us at (650) 713–3411 to learn more.
Learn more and apply at www.cityofpaloalto.org/switch
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS RECRUITMENT
Application deadline is fast approaching, apply by March 17. Apply today for 18 open seats on seven City Boards and Commissions.
Based on applications to date, there are not enough applications for positions open on the Historic Resources Board, Human Relations Commission, and Public Art Commission.
Find these and more at www.cityofpaloalto.org/BCRecruit
COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS
Know Your Rights — Accessing Mental Health Services: Saturday, March 16, 4–5 p.m. at Mitchell Park Library. Learn about common mental health conditions and how to recognize signs and symptoms, rights to mental health care, steps and resources to access care.
Declutter Your Home & Life: How to Pare Down, Get Organized & DeStress: Thursday, March 21, 7–8:30 p.m. at Mitchell Park Library. By paring down and getting organized you’re likely to have less stress, more time, and a greater appreciation for your surroundings.
Mental Health First Aid Training: Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Downtown Library. Learn how to support your friends, families, and neighbors by becoming certified in Mental Health First Aid. Two-part training.
Find additional resources at www.cityofpaloalto.org/BeWell
EARTH DAY FESTIVAL
Save the Date: Join us for a day of fun celebrating sustainability at the Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 21, 1–4 p.m. at Rinconada Library
Explore eco-adventures for the whole family, discover local environmental organizations, plus:
- Live Animal Encounters
- Pollinator Garden Tours
- Eco-Bingo
- Induction Cooking Demo with an Award-Winning Chef
- Upcycled Art Show
- Electric Waste Truck
Find these and more at www.cityofpaloalto.org/EarthDay
NOTABLE TENTATIVE UPCOMING COUNCIL ITEMS
March 18
- Study Session: Cal Poly SLO San Antonio Road Corridor Community Outreach & Concept Report
- Tree Ordinance Update
- Council Procedures and Protocols Annual Discussion
April 1
- Study Session: Palo Alto Link
- Caltrans El Camino Real Bike Lane Proposal
April 8
- Closed Sessions only
- BCC Interviews — Part 1
April 15
- Earth Day Report
- Joint Planning & Transportation Committee Meeting: 2023–2031 Housing Element
April 22 (Additional Council Meeting date)
- Study Session: Bike and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update
- Rail Grade Separation Update
- BCC Interviews- Part 2
Learn more at www.cityofpaloalto.org/CouncilAgendas
City Council Actions on March 11
Priority Objectives & Committee Workplans: Approved the 2024 City Council Priorities and Objectives for the Economic Development & Transition section, and directed staff to work with the Retail Ad Hoc Committee to explore a permanent ordinance for businesses not facing a public street to allow parking lot dining and to improve cleanliness of University Ave. downtown. Other sections not covered were continued to the March 18 Council meeting.
City Auditor Selection Process: Voted to refer the Council Appointed Officers Committee to screen applicants and bring at least two candidates to the City Council for selection.
Be Informed and Stay Connected
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- View the City of Palo Alto Website: CityofPaloAlto.org
- Find City Council Meeting Agendas and Minutes: CityofPaloAlto.org/CouncilAgendas
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