Apr 9 2017

Temporary Fix Opens Cavendish Lane for Resident Access

City Restores Vehicular Access to Cavendish Lane Within 24 Hours of an Agreement with Oakland to Allow Temporary Repair of Rain Damaged Roadway – 

April 4, 2017  Press Release from the City of Piedmont

On Saturday, April 1st, the City of Piedmont implemented a temporary repair on Cavendish Lane, a street owned and maintained by the City of Oakland. This repair allows four Piedmont residents to drive to their homes, which they haven’t been able to do since mid February. The City of Piedmont accomplished this task within 24 hours of Oakland signing an agreement to allow Piedmont to implement the repair.

In February, it was discovered that an approximately forty foot stretch of Cavendish Lane had been undermined approximately thirty inches. Upon finding this structural deficiency, the City of Oakland immediately closed this portion of Cavendish Lane to all vehicular traffic. This closure forced the inhabitants of the four Piedmont homes to park their vehicles on Park Boulevard and walk 1/3 of a mile over hilly terrain to access their homes.

As soon as the closure was implemented, the City of Piedmont began working with Oakland to come up with a temporary solution that would allow these residents to access their homes again. Piedmont, at its own expense, developed a temporary solution using steel plates, which would allow passenger cars to travel over the closed section of the road without posing a safety risk or causing further damage to the roadbed.

In early March, Piedmont’s Public Works Department and City Engineer presented this plan to the City of Oakland and requested the ability to implement it on the roadway owned by Oakland. The two cities began negotiating with regard to the project, and these negotiations stretched on for several weeks.

Representatives of the two cities met on Thursday, March 30th, to hammer out final details of the project. The following day, Friday, March 31st, at 5:00 p.m., the City of Oakland signed the agreement allowing the City of Piedmont to implement the repair. The following morning, crews contracted to the City of Piedmont were working on the repair. By 5:00 p.m., 24 hours after receiving word from Oakland that the work could take place, it was completed and the residents were able to again drive to their homes.

“We would like to thank our counterparts at the City of Oakland for allowing Piedmont, at our own cost, to implement this temporary fix and allow our residents to again access their homes,” said City Administrator Paul Benoit. “The past six weeks have been trying for the affected residents of Cavendish Lane and we are pleased that our efforts afforded them long-awaited access to their homes. I’d also like to thank City Attorney Michelle Marchetta Kenyon and Assistant City Attorney Chad Herrington for their diligent work on this matter.”

“Over the past weeks, the City Engineer and City Attorney have spent many hours working to find a solution to this issue that would satisfy the City of Oakland,” said Director of Public Works Chester Nakahara. “I’d like to thank City Engineer John Wanger as well as Miller Pacific Engineering for designing a temporary repair that could be implemented quickly and would allow these residents to access their homes again. I’d also like to thank Pacific General Engineering for implementing the temporary fix so quickly.”

The City of Piedmont will inspect the temporary fix daily to ensure that no further damage to the roadway will occur. The Cities of Oakland and Piedmont will now begin negotiations on a permanent fix to the undermining of the roadway.

For additional information contact City Clerk John Tulloch at:

420-3040

 

Apr 2 2017

New Garbage Contract Proposes Less Service for Residents, Increase in City Staff Work and More Service for the City: Council to Consider Final Contract Specs April 3.

Reduced services compared with current waste contract include:

  • End to unlimited recycling in bins.  
  • City employees determine who gets charged for disabled backyard service,  generating privacy rights issues.
  • City employees determine distance and elevation for backyard pickup when challenged by residents.
  • City to receive additional funds from the waste collector while assuming new staff work.

After learning about the proposed contract, some residents expressed concerns are:

  • More work added for City employees with operational costs not evaluated on the long term- retirements, medical, and other employment financial obligations.
  • An invasion of residents’ privacy as City employees determine who has a disability or who is unable to place and retrieve their bins at the curb.
  • The technical task assigned to City staff of evaluating distances and elevations between the bin location in backyard and curb, creating a new cost for the City.
  • Residents decry the idea of massive amounts of bulk waste potentially being placed on the street at a specific time/date, offering an invitation to those from all over the area to come to Piedmont as scavengers.
  • Reduced services will discourage routine cleanup and proper disposal of refuse.
  • Contract changes appear to benefit the City staff rather than the residents.
  • Residents were happy with the current contract work provided by Republic Services.

At the City Council meeting on Monday, April 3rd, the Council will be asked to consider approval of the waste collection/garbage services RFP, which, if approved, will be released on Monday, April 10th. The terms of the waste collection services RFP have been changed from the original the community was asked to comment on.  (See the original draft RFP here and the new staff prepared report and revised RFP here.)

Does the RFP  put too great a burden on City staff by involving them in individual resident’s waste collection and bin location?

The final draft RFP to be considered by the Council on April 3 requires the City staff to get heavily involved in the provision of individually tailored collection services to each resident of Piedmont.  The staff would determine the disability status of any disabled resident.  In order to peg the backyard pickup fee to specific conditions, the staff would have to measure the distance from the curb to residents’ waste barrels in their backyards. Further, staff would calculate the change in elevation involved since the fee for backyard pickup would no longer be flat but would reflect individual distance/height to the curb for those choosing backyard pickup.

The current practice under the existing service contract is to charge an additional flat fee for backyard pickup instead of curbside pickup of waste.  A flat additional fee for backyard pickup does not reflect the variety in yard sizes so some pointed out the discrepancy in waste removal effort and time involved from residence to residence. Others note that a flat fee is simpler and cheaper for everyone since tailoring the backyard surcharge to each residence involves extensive and expensive administration.

The contract as drafted will increase the requirements for hiring and paying City staff to be involved in many aspects of the contract including considering applications for disabilities, measuring distances from curbs and elevations, and other on-going aspects of the contract.  No information on the additional cost to the City and taxpayers is noted in the report.

The City will receive payments in five different categories from the waste collection services provider:

  • Reimbursement for the Procurement Process 
  • Transition Payment
  • Franchise Fee
  • Annual Service Rate Adjustment payment
  • Performance Review Payment

Some of the service modifications from current services:

  • City employees, rather than the contractor, will determine a Piedmont resident’s disabled eligibility for backyard pickup at curbside rate.
  • In the case of disputes between the service provider and Piedmont customer about the distance/elevation charge for backyard pickup, the City will determine the distance/elevation to backyard trash location.
  • Fewer bins provided unless customers pay an additional monthly fee.
  • Green waste beyond the capacity of the green bin will be collected in compostable bags (containing no greater than 50 pound weight) rather than additional bin according to the RFP:

    “Provisioning  of green waste overage bags (compostable bags) by contractor to be distributed by mail or at Piedmont City Hall and to be provided and collected from residents at no additional cost to residents.”

There are other changes, too numerous and complex to describe here, however, for the industrious reader the staff report is here.

The Council meeting is open to the public.  The agenda is here. 

Those wishing to state their views to the Council without attending the Monday, April 3 meeting, can send an email to the City Council via City Clerk John Tulloch by clicking >  jtulloch@ci.piedmont.ca.us .

The meeting at City Hall begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on Channel 27 and via the City website under videos.

Mar 30 2017

New Piedmont Commissioners and Committee Members Appointed

City Council 2017 Appointments to Commissions and Committees –

Following the Council’s selection of appointees at their March 27 Council meeting, City Clerk John Tulloch graciously withheld the names of the appointees until all applicants and appointees were notified of their status on March 30.

The selection process is a public, open process.  Although few attend, the public can attend the interviews and observe the voting process.

A number of the appointees cycled back to commissions or committees where they have previously served.

The notations beside the appointees’ names below are from available information.  The City did not provide background information on the 29 applicants.  A quick review of the qualifications of the appointees indicates a well educated and involved selection of individuals from Piedmont’s electorate. Additional information on appointees is always welcomed on this site and can be added below in the comment section.

“At a special meeting on March 27, 2017, the City Council interviewed applicants and made appointments to fill vacancies on commissions and committees. Drawing on the talents of twenty nine applicants for eighteen vacancies, the Piedmont City Council made the following appointments:”

Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee

Cathie Geddeis – Former President of the League of Women Voters

Deborah Leland  

Shel Schrieberg – Current member of the Committee

CIP Review Committee

Jeffrey St. Claire – Prior member of the Committee, Investments

Bobbe Stehr – Former Planning Commissioner and President of the Piedmont Beautification Foundation

Civil Service Commission

Scott Lawson – Attorney

Park Commission

Eileen Ruby – Former candidate for the Piedmont Board of Education

Robin Wu

Parking Hearing Officer

Tamra Hege – Former Member of the Piedmont Board of Education and Planning Commission, Former President of the League of Women Voters

Susan Kawaichi – Former Member of the Piedmont Board of Education and Former President of the League of Women Voters.

Planning Commission

Aradhana Jajodia – Current Alternate on the Planning Commission, Architect

Jonathan Levine – Former Member of the City Council, Prior member of the Planning Commission  and other commissions, Attorney

Tom Ramsey – Current member of the Planning Commission, Architect

Clark Thiel (Alternate) – Former member of the Planning Commission, Attorney

Public Safety Committee

Chris Houlder

Gina Scialabba

Lori Elefant (Chair) – Current member of the Public Safety Committee

Recreation Commission

Elizabeth Smegal Andersen – Current member and Chair of the Recreation Commission, Attorney

Kobi Eshun – Member of Piedmonters Appreciating Diversity Committee

Carrie Graham Lee – Current member of the Recreation Commission

For more information on the appointees, contact John Tulloch, City Clerk at 420-3040. 

Mar 23 2017

Burglary Suspect Captured on Dracena Avenue

Suspect: RUSSELL BERNARDINI – Birth date: December 16, 1955 – Location: 100 block of Dracena Ave, Piedmont – Date/Time: March 20, 2017 – Approximately 11:00 p.m. – Charges: Auto burglary, possession of burglary tools, possession of stolen property, violation of parole.

SYNOPSIS: Piedmont Police Officers responded to the 100 block of Dracena Avenue concerning an auto burglary in progress. Neighbors had contacted the victim after witnessing a suspect in the victim’s vehicle.

Arriving officers contacted RUSSELL BERNARDINI concealed among bushes near the burglarized vehicle. BERNARDINI was identified by witnesses. The suspect was arrested for auto burglary and possession of burglary tools.

BERNARDINI was on active parole out of Marin County. A rented U-Haul vehicle was found near the crime scene and officers were able to associate it with BERNARDINI. Officers located numerous bicycles, hand tools, baby strollers, and other items believed to have been stolen inside the vehicle.

Investigators from the San Rafael Police Department and Fairfax Police Department have identified some of the recovered property as reported stolen to their agencies. The investigation is on-going to identify additional victims.

Anyone with information and/or inquiries related to this case is asked to please contact Piedmont Detective Bob Coffey at (510) 420-3015.

If residents see something suspicious, call the Piedmont Police Department at:

(510) 420-3000.

Mar 19 2017

Zoning: Increased Housing in Lower Piedmont, Reduced Parking Requirements, For Profit Uses in Public Buildings, Structures Up to Property Lines

An underlying goal of the building code changes (Chapter 17) is to increase housing density in lower Piedmont and provide more affordable housing.

On Monday, March 20, 2017, the Council plans to approve an ordinance that will mean more houses, more apartments, and reduced parking requirements in Piedmont. The City Council on March 6, approved the first reading of the massive rewriting and changes to Chapter 17 of the Piedmont City Code.  The second reading is planned at the March 20 Council meeting.

Council members are convinced that Piedmonters have been informed and engaged in the process.

In a cursory survey of Piedmonters, few had any substantive knowledge of the proposed changes with the exception of changes to Grand Avenue and short term rentals.

On March 6, the Council members decided to remove consideration of short term rentals and commercial property regulations on Grand Avenue pending further input from the public.

The Grand Avenue neighbors have been active and organized in attempting to make new regulations compatible with the neighborhood.

Civic Center Apartments

One citizen, Ted Kinch, referred to the 92% of Piedmonters who responded to the heavily relied upon 2007 Survey, who expressed their preference to keep the small town feeling of Piedmont.  Kinch emphasized the potential problems from adding apartments in the Civic Center – above the Wells Fargo Building and Mulberry’s.  He mentioned that watching children walk to school was refreshing and should not be threatened by increased traffic and parking.

Council approved the proposed building code changes for apartments to be permitted in the Civic Center.  There has been no organized opposition from any neighborhood group, school representative, or emergency service person in regard to traffic, safety, or congestion next to emergency services and schools in the Civic Center.

Inquiry

Only a few of the numerous code revisions received inquiry by the Council members.  The exception was Council member Jen Cavenaugh, liaison to the Planning Commission, who questioned reduced off-street parking requirements for residences and businesses, structures allowed to be built up to the property line, and for profit businesses in public buildings, amongst other issues.

Cavenaugh questioned the likelihood Estates Zone residents would want their neighbors building up to the property line, “Not wanting people to be on top of each other in that way.”

There has been no indication that Piedmont residents in lower Piedmont (Zone A) would accept their neighbors building a structure up to the property line. Planning Director Kevin Jackson claimed the intent was to encourage property owners to build garages and structures at the back of the lot to leave more open space.

Mayor Jeff Wieler was concerned about the reduction in Zone A (residential) lot size from 10,000 square feet to 8,000 square feet.  He stated,  “Our lords and masters in Sacramento… we’re suddenly changing our zoning to satisfy some bureaucrat up in Sacramento. I resent it.”

Council members Teddy King and Tim Rood quickly defended the reduction in parcel size in lower Piedmont as an effort by Piedmont to assist in supplying the area with more housing plus more affordable housing.

King stated, “This is actually a component of the entire revision process (Chapter 17) so that we meet the requirements and spirit of the housing needs in the Bay Area. … To the extent that some of the controversial elements in this proposal have caught the attention of Piedmonters, it is important to explain that many of these changes we didn’t dream up. They are tied to other efforts put in place by State and Federal authorities. We don’t conceive of our own housing and density in a vacuum.”

Parking

Although a lack of adequate off-street parking has been a major issue in numerous Planning Commission applications, King and Rood liked reducing the off street parking requirements to encourage a reduction in automobile usage and an increase in transit ridership. Bedroom additions will no longer necessarily trigger the need to provide off-street parking.

The Planning Commission has been responsible in the past for determining if traffic, parking and safety impact applications, yet traffic and parking studies are not required by the process potentially leaving the matter to subjective opinions.

Short term rentals deferred once more.

A short term rental (under 30 days) prohibition was held for further consideration maintaining the status quo of no City enforcement of ongoing short term rentals. According to Piedmont’s existing Home Occupation Ordinance, all home businesses, including airbnb, require homeowners to obtain a business license and Home Occupation Permit. Short term rentals currently do not qualify for a home occupation permit because the home business owner cannot use a residential property addresse in advertisements or for client access. Organized interest by promoters of short term rentals has been active. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to prohibit short term rentals.  Seeking further input, the Council has not acted on the pending short term rental issue during a three year period.

The Council meeting will be held on Monday, March 20, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber to act on the ordinance changes.  Viewing is available on Channel 27 and from the City website.

Staff report for Item #7 on the agenda.

Draft minutes of March 6, 2017 Council meeting when zoning issues were previously considered.

Agenda for March 20, 2017 Council meeting

 

Mar 15 2017

MARCH 20 Deadline Reminder to Apply for City Commissions and Committees

Opportunities to serve Piedmont in important volunteer positions!

Be a part of Piedmont’s decision processes!

Application Deadline:

Monday, March 20th – 5PM

The City Council of Piedmont is looking for volunteers to be appointed to Piedmont commissions and committees. Interested Piedmont residents may download the > Application for Appointive Vacancy.

Applications are due to City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue, on or before the deadline of Monday, March 20, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

No. of Vacancies No. of Incumbents Eligible
for Reappointment
Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee 3 Vacancies 2 Incumbents
CIP Review Committee 2 Vacancies 2 Incumbents
Civil Service Commission 1 Vacancy 0 Incumbents
Park Commission 2 Vacancies 0 Incumbents
Parking Hearing Officer 2 Vacancies 2 Incumbents
Planning Commission 3 Vacancies 1 Incumbent
Public Safety Committee 2 Vacancies 2 Incumbents
Recreation Commission 3 Vacancies 2 Incumbents

Interviews with the City Council for these positions will be scheduled for Monday, March 27, 2017.   All applicants must be interviewed.  No appointments will be made without a Council interview.

   On the City website an explanation of duties can be found by clicking the items below:

 For more information, contact City Clerk John Tulloch at: 

jtulloch@ci.piedmont.ca.us (510) 420-3041
Mar 2 2017

Arrest of Piedmont Burglary Suspect

PIEDMONT POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Suspect Derrick Warren Jr.,  age: 22, has been charged with multiple counts of burglary.

On February 28, 2017, Suspect DERRICK WARREN Jr. was arrested by the Alameda Police Department on a residential burglary arrest warrant secured by the Piedmont Police Department. In cooperation with Oakland Police Department, WARREN Jr. was identified as one of several suspects who have committed several residential burglaries in the City of Piedmont and Oakland hills over the last month.

WARREN Jr., along with other outstanding suspects, typically waited for residents to leave their home before ringing the front door of the residence. When there was no answer, the suspects would break into the victims’ residence out of street view. Losses have generally been portable electronics, jewelry, and cash.

At times, the suspects used a 2013 BMW 328i, 4 doors, dark grey, California license plate 7WDB601. This vehicle was seized and will be processed for evidence at a later date.

WARREN Jr. has prior police arrests in Solano County for theft. He will be making his first court appearance in Alameda County later this week.

The Piedmont Police Department will continue investigative efforts to develop additional evidence and information to identify and arrest the outstanding suspects. Anyone with information and/or inquiries related to this case are asked to contact Detective Willie Wright or Detective Robert Coffey at (510) 420-3013 , 403 Highland Avenue ▪ Piedmont, CA 94611 ▪ Phone (510) 420-3000 ▪ Fax (510) 420-1121

Feb 28 2017

Dogs in Dracena Park, Policing, and City Project Updates

Questions have arisen in the community regarding dog usage of the upper path next to the upper Dracena Park grassy area.

Piedmont Park Commission, Wednesday, March 1, 2017, 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 120 Vista Avenue.

Agenda:  

  1. Consideration of approval of new signage design for on and off leash areas for dogs
  2. Update on the Hampton Park Master Plan
  3. Update on Update on Linda Kingston Triangle
  4. Arbor Day Update: Park Commissioner Brian Mahany
  5. Monthly Maintenance Report: Park, Open Space and Street Tree Update for the Month of February

1.  Approve new signage design for on and off leash areas for dogs as conceived by Peter Fishel of Fishel Design. Staff report by Nancy B. Kent, Parks and Project Manager is below.

At the March 21, 2016 City Council Meeting, the City Council accepted the recommendations of the Park Commission regarding the Dracena Park Off Leash Area as detailed in Staff Report dated March 31, 2016.

To move Resolution 26-16 forward, the Council directed Public Works staff, in conjunction with the Park Commission, to begin the process by clarifying park signage, increase educational efforts by Animal Control regarding park regulations with park users and if required, to change the City Code to implement these changes.

In order to provide a comprehensive, aesthetically pleasing, and consistent approach to new on and off leash dog signage throughout the City, Staff consulted with Piedmont resident, Peter Fishel, of Fishel Design. Peter was directed to look at the existing on and off leash dog signage and develop new signage design concepts that could be used first in Dracena Park, and in the future, be incrementally used to replace dog signage throughout the City’s parks. The goal was to provide staff with a toolbox of signage options that could be used in various configurations to address specific issues unique to each park. See attached Exhibit A for Peter Fishel’s designs.

The main components of Peter Fishel’s new signage design include:

Post mounted signs: These signs consist of anodized aluminum panels mounted between 2” square matching aluminum posts with post finials. The new design has the name of the park on each sign and a graphic image of a leashed dog, or when applicable, a graphic of a dog chasing a ball to designate the area where an off leashed dog is allowed. Peter Fishel’s concept behind the graphic image of the dog was to convey a friendly, positive image. This signage has several size options and includes a main entry sign that has a map of the park. The emphasis of the map is to identify only the off leash areas and paths and identify where you are relative to the entire park. Space is also allocated to clearly list park regulations and cite applicable municipal code sections. Signage can be mounted back-to-back with each side indicating a different message with respect to leashing the dog depending on what direction the dog walker is traveling.

 Path Medallions: As a unique way to distinguish the path system, Peter created off and on leash medallions using the same dog logo employed in the signs. These medallions would be mounted on the path indicating the appropriate activity for the path. Specifically in Dracena Park, the subcommittee wanted the medallions to identify the off leash areas only. The off leash loop and connecting pathways would have medallions mounted in the pavement and at path intersections, which would clearly identify the permitted off leash activityand appropriate direction for dog owners.

Path stencils: As an additional tool to distinguish and mark the different path systems, Peter also designed a stencil that Public Works staff could use to mark the different paths. Stencils were used in Dracena in the past and remnants of these stencils are visible at both the Park Way entries. At this time, the subcommittee was not recommending using the stencils in Dracena Park.To further study and make recommendations on the new signage proposal, a subcommittee was formed consisting of three Park Commissioners, Jamie Totsubo, Patty Siskind and Betsy Goodman. This subcommittee met on December 30, 2016 and February 16, 2017. The subcommittee reviewed the overall new dog signage concepts and then developed specific recommendations that would be applied to Dracena Park on and off leash areas. They are the following:1. Minimize the number of signs making those installed as clear as possible. 2. Demark all of the off leash pathways clearly with the off leash medallion. 3. Clearly indicate on the signage adjacent to the Upper Lawn area that dogs must be on leash on the lawn area.

Enforcement

Public Works staff has also been actively coordinating with the Piedmont Police Department and Animal Control officers to review the new sign format and park regulations. Revisions to the park regulations to bring Dracena Park regulations in line with other off leash park areas in the City, are in progress.

At the March 16, 2016 meeting, the City Council also encouraged educational efforts over punitive citations. In the past year, Animal Control officers have had an increased presence in the Park. Our officers have been talking with park users and letting them know about the park regulations. However, the recent missing park signage near the upper oval lawn area has complicated Animal Control efforts.

          Code Revisions

Efforts by the City Clerk, Staff and Piedmont Police Department are underway to amend the code as required for any approved changes to Dracena Park on and off leash areas. The first reading of these code changes will be presented at an upcoming City Council meeting.

2. Progress Report on the Hampton Park Improvement Project – by Nancy B. Kent, Parks and Project Manager. This is an informational item. No action is required.

The Park Commission has received regular updates on this project as it has progressed. This is a continuation of those updates.

In the month of February, the contractor finished the sand slit drainage system for the outfield. As the contractor waited for a dry spell to install the natural turf, the contractor, Coastland Civil engineers and staff had a chance to see the new field drainage system in action during and after heavy rain events.

The weather cooperated in early February and allowed the contractor to install over 22, 000 square feet of sand based sod for the outfield. The sod is a tall fescue with a touch of Kentucky bluegrass. This sod was selected for its it deep root system to ensure drought resistance, once established it provides superior wear tolerance, and dense growth habit makes it resistant to disease.

The City was also able to specify a “no netting” sod. Fescue sod is usually grown on top of plastic petroleum based netting which makes the turf stronger and easier to install. The netting remains a part of the turf and after time when the turf gets worn, the netting can be exposed. Exposed netting can be a tripping hazard. The “no- netting” turf is a great selection for young athletes.

The heavy rains after turf installation provided optimum conditions for turf establishment. The new turf was substantially rooted by late February and the first mowing occurred on February 24, 2017.

The contractors are currently finishing up the La Salle planter, entry plaza where the donation bricks will be installed and sidewalk along La Salle Ave.

The project is on schedule and the park will be open, weather permitting, in early March.

3. Progress Report on the Kingston-Linda- Rose Triangle Project  This is an informational item. No action is required.

The Park Commission has received regular updates on this project as it has progressed. This is a continuation of those updates.

PG&E notified the City that the designated power pole for the electrical service for the triangle is now scheduled to be replaced on March 20, 2017 and electrical service connected on March 30, 2017. Per the utility’s request, the City pruned the adjacent London Plane street trees to facilitate the new pole installation. This pruning has opened up the canopy over the island and will allow more sunlight for the triangle’s planting beds.

As the City awaits PG&E pole replacement and power hook up, staff met with the general contractor- Rays Electric, and Coastland Engineers- Rosario Romo on Friday 24, 2017 to field test the three ornamental lights in the raised planting bed. Using a portable generator, the three ornamental lights were successful turned on and are operating properly.

An update on the triangle’s plant material and the spring daffodils planted with a donation from PBF in honor of Piedmont resident, Jane Lee will be discussed.

The Park Commission meeting is open to public participation and will be broadcast live on the City website and on Cable Channel 27, March 1, 2017 starting at 5:30 p.m.

Feb 21 2017

Important: City Council Seeks Volunteers for Commissions and Committees

 VOLUNTEER for important positions!

Be a part of Piedmont’s decision processes!

Application Deadline: Monday, March 20th – 5PM

The City Council of Piedmont is looking for volunteers to be appointed to Piedmont commissions and committees. Interested Piedmont residents may download the > Application for Appointive Vacancy.

Applications are due to City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue, on or before the deadline of Monday, March 20, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

No. of Vacancies No. of Incumbents Eligible
for Reappointment
Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee 3 Vacancies 2 Incumbents
CIP Review Committee 2 Vacancies 2 Incumbents
Civil Service Commission 1 Vacancy 0 Incumbents
Park Commission 2 Vacancies 0 Incumbents
Parking Hearing Officer 2 Vacancies 2 Incumbents
Planning Commission 3 Vacancies 1 Incumbent
Public Safety Committee 2 Vacancies 2 Incumbents
Recreation Commission 3 Vacancies 2 Incumbents

Interviews with the City Council for these positions will be scheduled for Monday, March 27, 2017.   All applicants must be interviewed.  No appointments will be made without a Council interview.

You can read about the duties of the commissions and committees by clicking here.  The Planning Commission considers construction laws, applications regarding houses, apartments, and buildings in Piedmont, some as referred by the City Council or Planning Department. 

For more information, contact City Clerk John Tulloch at: 

jtulloch@ci.piedmont.ca.us (510) 420-3041

____________________

Until February 24th, the City Council is also recruiting for members of the 2030 Climate Action Plan Task Force. For more information on appointments to that body, please click  > Volunteers Sought for Climate Action Plan Task Force.

Feb 5 2017

City 2016 Crime Report Shows Increase in Crime

In 2016, the City of Piedmont experienced a 3.6% increase in crime as compared to 2015, from 224 UCR reportable crimes in 2015 to 232 in 2016. This represents the first annual increase in overall crime since 2012 and is attributed to the increase in robberies.
Robberies and burglaries realized an increase from 2015 to 2016. The City has experienced 65 reported burglaries in comparison to 51 in 2015, an increase of 27%. Robberies also increased from the two incidents in 2015 to 17 in 2016. Three of the robberies were home invasion robberies where the suspects entered through unsecured entrances, encountered the residents and took items such as cash, jewelry and computers by means of force and fear.
Burglaries, motor vehicle thefts, and larceny theft (a UCR term for general theft) represented 85% of the City’s total reportable crimes (198 out of 232). These property related crimes have continually decreased over the last four years. From 2015 to 2016 there was a decrease of 3.4% (205 to 198); and since 2012, property crimes have decreased 40.5% from 333 reported in 2012 to 198 reported in 2016. Larceny thefts accounted for 55% of the total property crimes in 2016, with the vast majority of those being thefts of property from parked, unoccupied vehicles.

Read the complete report, including the locations of crimes, here.

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