OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

Deputy City Clerk

On July 22, Deputy City Clerk Lisa Natusch was declared elected to the Board of Directors of the Northern California City Clerks Association (NCCCA), and will be sworn in as a new officer on September 30. The NCCCA’s objectives are to promote better municipal government through increased cooperation, promote effective legislation, and promote professional administration and improved standards of efficiency of City Clerk’s offices statewide. Congratulations to Lisa on this outstanding achievement!

Reminder: 2012 Study Issues

Through the City’s study issue process Council sets priorities for studying policy issues.
For new issues sponsored by Councilmembers or Boards and Commissions, staff prepares and submits study issue papers to the City Manager for review and signature.

• At the beginning of October papers are routed to appropriate Boards and Commissions for ranking. Depending on Boards and Commissions’ scheduled meetings, Council-generated issues received after October 1 may not be received in time for ranking by Boards and Commissions. 
• For inclusion in Council’s January 10, 2012 Annual Study Issues Public Hearing Binder new Council-proposed issues are due to the City Manager by December 8, 2011.
• Council-generated issues stemming from the January 10, 2012 Annual Study Issues Public Hearing will be due to the City Manager by January 13, 2012.
• The 2012 Study Issues/Budget Issues Workshop is scheduled for February 3, 2012.

Councilmembers-elect may propose study issues as members of the public or following the ceremonial oath of office at the January 10, 2012 Annual Study Issues Public Hearing.

Consistent with last year, staff will post City Manager approved study issue papers on the City’s website at StudyIssues.inSunnyvale.com.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Avoid the 13 Campaign

Every year during the two weeks surrounding Labor Day weekend, Sunnyvale DPS participates in a multi-jurisdictional effort to educate and enforce drinking and driving laws.  Thanks to a grant offered through the California Office of Traffic Safety, Sunnyvale DPS was able to coordinate and conduct a DUI checkpoint on August 26. 

The purpose of the DUI checkpoint is to educate and bring awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving.  At this checkpoint, hundreds of people were contacted and approximately 160 drivers were randomly screened to determine if they possessed valid California Driver’s Licenses and to check their alcohol sobriety.  Of those contacted, two drivers were arrested for drunk driving, four drivers were issued citations for not having valid California Driver’s Licenses and two were issued citations for not obeying the stop sign. 

This event was made possible by the participants, which included the Sunnyvale Traffic Unit, Explorers, Cadets, Community Service Officers and the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.  Over the course of the Labor Day Campaign, DPS spent 200 hours of directed patrol operations designed to detect and arrest impaired drivers. Sunnyvale officers recorded a total of 29 arrests for DUI and an additional arrest was made for a DUI warrant.

Identity Theft Council

Public Safety hosted a short presentation by the Identity Theft Council, a nonprofit group of security experts, who volunteer to provide assistance to victims of identity theft.  Several Public Safety employees attended the presentation to learn what the group provides.

This free resource was created to provide direct help to anyone who has been or believes they are victim of identity theft.  The goal of the council is to help law enforcement provide greater support to victims of identity theft.   They will provide the victim with resources to help achieve the best possible outcome.  The group also provides community outreach and education opportunities to prevent individuals from becoming a victim.

Public Safety will be utilizing the services of the group to educate, prevent and assist residents with managing identity theft in our community.  Their web address is www.identitytheftcouncil.org .

PUBLIC WORKS

Undergounding Utility Work Update

The City received a letter from PG&E dated August 4, 2011 which is an annual update on the City’s Rule 20A Electric Underground Work Credit Balance. The account balance as of July 1, 2011 is $12,373,769 which includes annual allocation of $437,018 for 2011.

Rule 20A program funding is set aside each year by PG&E to share with cities for the undergrounding of PG&E facilities. Relocating overhead utility wires below ground reduces potential hazards associated with downed lines during or after severe weather or earthquake.

In 2009, the City has committed to PG&E to utilize the PG&E Rule 20A fund for two Underground Utility Districts (UUD):  Fair Oaks Avenue UUD Phase 2 from El Camino Real to Evelyn Avenue, and Wolfe Road UUD from Homestead to El Camino Real. The current forecast cost for the two committed projects from PG&E is $11,471,823. The uncommitted fund balance in the City’s Rule 20A account as of July 1, 2011 is $901,946.

The two committed Rule 20A projects are in PG&E’s queue for design with other Rule 20A projects in the region. PG&E is not immediately able to begin the design work due to their priorities and workloads.  The forecast time frame to complete a typical Rule 20A project, including design and construction, is approximate six years. The Public Works Department is continuing work with PG&E to push the two projects forward. Meanwhile, Public Works is also working on establishing a third UUD at Homestead Road from Lawrence Expressway to Belleville Way.

Neighborhood Streetlighting Issue Resolved

On Tuesday, August 30, calls began coming in to the Field Services answer point reporting streetlights out in the neighborhood surrounding Cumberland Elementary School. Streetlight crews had already discovered the problem the day before, determined the problem was with the power supplied by PG&E and notified them of the issue. The outage affected about 17 streetlights on Pear Avenue, Cumberland Drive, Piper Avenue, Elmira Drive and the pedestrian walkway between Pear Avenue and Peach Avenue.

Normally, PG&E gives themselves up to a 14-day turnaround on such requests for assistance. However, considering the area and number of streetlights out, PG&E agreed  to an expedited response and had the power restored by the afternoon of August 31.

On, September 6, City crews discovered that three additional lights in the area were out (two on Quetta Avenue and one on Danforth Drive). Staff determined that it was unlikely that the power issue was the cause for the additional outages, and worked to repair the affected lights. The problem was identified in a conduit damaged by the contractor working on the Cumberland School driveway.  The damaged wire was replaced and all lights are now working. 

Special Events on the Rise at Baylands Park

Baylands Park has seen an increase in the number of special events it has hosted in 2011 as compared to the previous year. Since January, there have been eight special events, with four more planned for September and October. The World Runners "Run for a Healthy World" race just took place on Labor Day and the Sikh Coalition’s "5K for the 5K’s" race takes place on, Saturday, September 17. The estimated attendance for each event is 500 people for 12 events, which combined will be over 8,000 in attendance.  There has been a variety of events including cultural celebrations, fundraisers and races of all types. These functions provide great opportunities for community engagement and for folks to just get outside and have fun!

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Leigh Cement Plant – Recent County of Santa Clara Action

In August, the County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to vacate Permanente Road through the existing quarry and cement plant. According to the County, the road has not been maintained by the County in several decades, and is used only for quarry operations (along with a gate controlled by the quarry and cement plant).

In addition, the County has sent out a Notice of Preparation of an EIR for a Reclamation Plan amendment for the Permanente Quarry. The proposed amendment area is approximately 811 acres and encompasses all portions of the property that have been disturbed by mining related operations. No new mining is proposed as part of this application. Staff will prepare a response to the County regarding the NOP prior to the September 26 deadline.

Cupertino- Apple Expansion Application

The City of Cupertino recently sent out a Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the proposed Apple campus adjacent to the City of Sunnyvale along Homestead Road. The project looks like what was presented to the Cupertino City Council in July, with a large circular building located in the area between Homestead Road, Wolfe Road, Tantau Avenue and Interstate 280. A vast portion of the property would be open landscaped and natural areas, with a parking garage located near I-280.

One critical aspect of the project is the proposed vacation of Pruneridge Road between Wolfe Road and Tantau Avenue, which could cause more traffic along Homestead Road. There is an EIR scoping meeting on September 8 at Cupertino Community Hall, and comments to the Notice of Preparation are due to the City by September 19.  Staff will provide input to Cupertino and will continue to monitor the project.

Energy Upgrade Workshop for Homeowners

Sunnyvale homeowners are invited to attend a workshop on September 22 at the Sunnyvale Senior Center (550 E. Remington Drive) from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This workshop will provide information about the financial incentives currently available to residential property owners for energy-efficiency retrofits.  These incentives have been made available by Energy Upgrade California™, the new statewide program that reduces energy use, saves homeowners money and creates local jobs, in partnership with the County of Santa Clara and local cities.

The workshop will include presentations by Santa Clara County and Ecology Action about the "whole house approach" to energy retrofits, and how to access rebates ranging from $1,000 to more than $4,000, as well as the limited time opportunity for residents of Santa Clara County to receive a rebate that covers 80 percent of the cost of a Home Energy Assessment, up to $800.  All homeowners are eligible for these incentives, regardless of income or home value.  More information on these incentives is available at:  EnergyUpgradeCA.org .

In addition, City of Sunnyvale Housing Division staff will provide information about the CDBG Energy Efficiency Matching Grant and other forms of financial assistance for major and minor home improvement projects available to lower-income Sunnyvale residents by the City of Sunnyvale Home Improvement Program.   This assistance may be used in conjunction with the rebates available through Energy Upgrade California and the County of Santa Clara.   More information about this program is available at Housing.InSunnyvale.com or by calling 730-7250.

Three BMR Homes Sold

Housing staff recently facilitated the sale of the first new BMR townhome at Fusion and two resale BMR homes, all of which have closed escrow.  All three of the new home buyers received First-Time Home Buyer loans from the City to help them become homeowners.  Several other BMR homes are currently pending sale. 

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Draft EIR on Single-Use Carryout Bag Ban Released for Comments

On August 24, the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) on the proposed Single-Use Carryout Bag Ban was released for public review and comments. The comment period required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) will end on October 7, 2011.

The project described by the DEIR is a proposed ordinance that would prohibit specified retail establishments in Sunnyvale from providing single-use plastic carryout bags to customers at the point of sale, and would create a mandatory 15 cent charge for each paper bag distributed by those stores in the City. The mandatory charge would be retained by the affected stores to offset the costs of providing paper bags. The intent of the Single-Use Carryout Bag Ordinance is to reduce the number of single-use carryout bags distributed by retailers, and to promote the use of reusable bags by Sunnyvale retail customers.

The DEIR, prepared by Rincon Consultants, Inc., evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the proposed ordinance. It concludes that the impacts would range from "less than significant" to "beneficial."  CEQA requires that an EIR examine the potential impacts of alternatives to the project. The DEIR examines four alternatives:

• The "no project" alternative required by CEQA
• A ban on single-use plastic carryout bags at all retail establishments
• A mandatory charge of 25 cents per paper bag
• A mandatory charge of 10 cents per paper bag (the amount to be charged at stores in San Jose when its plastic bag ban is implemented January 2012).

Following the close of the comment period, Rincon Consultants will prepare a Final EIR (FEIR) that includes and responds to any comments received. Staff anticipates that the Sustainability Commission will review and comment on the proposed ordinance at its meeting on November 21 and that Council will consider the FEIR and the ordinance on December 6. If adopted by Council, the bag ban would be the fourth in Santa Clara County, following ordinances adopted by the cities of Palo Alto and San Jose and the County of Santa Clara.

WPCP Lab Passes Proficiency Tests with Flying Colors

In July, the lab at the Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant completed the proficiency testing required for the lab to maintain certification for drinking water sampling and analysis.  In mid-August, the final report on results of the analyses was received, indicating an overall passing rate on the study of 98 percent.  The lab submitted 96 results total for inorganic, organic and microbiological tests.  All results reported for inorganic and microbiology parameters were within acceptance limits, and all but two of the organic parameters were within acceptance limits.

FINANCE

Moody’s Warns of Possible Downgrade to Redevelopment Bonds

On August 31, Moody’s Investor Services announced it was putting all its rated California Redevelopment Tax Allocation Bonds on review for possible downgrade due to the redevelopment budget bills passed by the Governor and the resulting State Supreme Court review. Depending on whether the Supreme Court invalidates or affirms either or both laws, or parts of each, the court's decision could have different impacts on individual redevelopment agencies. Thus, the uncertainty surrounding the outcome creates doubt over the future of redevelopment agencies in California and the tax allocation bonds that they issue. If redevelopment bonds are downgraded, it makes it more expensive for agencies to issue debt. It could also undermine investors’ confidence in California debt obligations and affect the ratings of all California tax allocation bonds. The Supreme Court ruling on the redevelopment budget bills is targeted for January 15, 2012.

Moody’s ratings are a judgment of the relative credit risk of the financial obligation of the bonds. The City of Sunnyvale’s Redevelopment Agency has tax allocation bonds, refinanced in 2003, with a Moody’s rating of A2 which is in the top third of the rating classifications and is considered to be a low credit risk to investors. There is currently $5.3 million outstanding.

City of Sunnyvale Recognized at APT US&C’s 46th Annual Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

On July 25, the City of Sunnyvale was formally recognized for having its written investment policy certified by the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada (APT US&C).  Sunnyvale is one of 22 governments to have its investment policy certified by the APT US&C’s Investment Policy Certification program. A policy is only certified when APT US&C’s policy review team acknowledges that the policy has met all criteria set forth in the program.  The City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2011/2012 investment policy on August 23. Staff will submit this policy for certification from APT US&C in the near future. 

HUMAN RESOURCES

Volunteer to be Placed at City Hall

The Volunteer Resources Program is working closely with the City Manager to create a Greeter/ Information Ambassador volunteer position for the City of Sunnyvale.  The Greeter/ Information Ambassador will have an important role in elevating the level of customer service provided to City Hall visitors.  This position will be stationed in the City Hall lobby near the One-Stop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday to welcome, assist and direct City Hall visitors to where they need to go. The Volunteer Resources Program is also currently recruiting volunteers for the Department of Public Works’ Coastal Clean-up Day on September 17, and the Department of Public Safety’s 13th Annual Pancake Breakfast on October 8. 

LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

Senior Lunch Program to be Continued Through at Least June 2012

On Tuesday, June 28, City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2011/12 budget, fee schedule and appropriations limit. The budget addressed a structural deficit in the City and called for approximately $2.1 million in expenditure reductions. Elimination of the Senior Lunch Program was among the reductions approved by Council. When staff exercised the 30-day termination clause in the agreement with Senior Lunch Program provider Wild Tastes Catering, the vendor came back with a win-win proposal. She offered to continue to provide the Senior Lunch Program at no net cost to the City in exchange for continued access to the Senior Center kitchen to complete her outside catering commitments and support her growing business. This new agreement maintains the lunch program through June 30, 2012. Based on this new program model, staff will submit a Request for Proposals to solicit caterers and businesses interested in operating the lunch program for subsequent years. The Senior Lunch Program's continuance beyond June 30, 2012 will be dependent on the success of this Request for Proposals process.

Library Staff Cross-Train to Assist with Check-In/Checkout

Eight full-time and part-time library staff members working in Cataloging & Processing and Acquisitions have been trained to assist customers with registering new library cards, checking in items, checking out items and responding to account questions at the Customer Service counter. Schedules have also been reorganized to ensure the public receives the best possible service during the busiest operating hours, especially on weekends. The cross-training will create a more efficient operation by reducing the need to deploy casual staff to maintain service levels when regular staff are absent due to vacation or illness.

21,063 Books Read Over the Summer

This summer, 2,721 people participated in the Library’s summer reading program. A total of 1,409 people finished the program by coming by to pick up a prize. Finishers included 990 children, 199 teens, and 220 adults. The finishers reported reading a combined total of 21,063 books, or an average of 15 books per person! Compared to the previous year, the number of people participating overall increased by 15 percent, the number of teens finishing the program increased by 14 percent, and the number of adults finishing the program increased by 48 percent. Thanks to the Friends of the Sunnyvale Public Library for supporting this program. 

Library and Community Services Combine on Teen Programming

Library and Community Services staff met recently to discuss collaborative efforts relating to teen services. As a result, teen advisory boards will be combined, effective immediately. A librarian will attend the well-established Community Services Teen Advisory Board, and promote and solicit ideas for teen programming at the Library. Teen website designers will now meet at the Library in the recently renovated Teen area. Community Services staff will accompany librarians when scheduling allows as they visit middle school and high school campuses during the school lunch hour. If Community Services staff cannot attend in person, staff will provide materials to promote their programs to the librarian in attendance. 

NOVA

The State of Women and Girls in Santa Clara County

The Santa Clara County Office of Women’s Policy is launching a new initiative to study the state of women and girls in Santa Clara County. This effort will culminate in a final report due out in March that will contain key baseline statistical data on the status of women and girls in this community and policy recommendations to improve their lives. The NOVA Director, Kris Stadelman, has been asked to participate on the Advisory Board.  She will oversee and guide the development of this report and is joined by a diverse group of community leaders representing health, education, the economy and workforce, and the criminal justice system.  The Board will be meeting four times over the course of six months and Kris looks forward to working with this group on this very important effort.