At the November 9, 2015 Planning Commission meeting, the Commissioners on a 4 – 1 vote recommended to the City Council that short term rentals (under 30 days) of homes, apartments, rooms, or second units not be allowed in Piedmont.

There were four public speakers addressing the issue.  Dr. Alicia Kalamas provided a list of problems associated with Piedmont rentals based on the AirBnB internet site that included parking, late night arrivals, numerous transient renters, and disruptions in neighborhoods. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the updated information and problems associated with short term rentals in Piedmont.

Three other speakers, two residents of Oakland and one from Piedmont, described what a broadening experience it had been to host guests from all over the world.  Those in favor of permitting short term rentals emphasized the ability to increase their income and lower their homeowner costs.

Four of the commissioners,  Chair Tony Theophilos, Vice Chair Eric Behrens, Phil Chase, and Susan Ode came to the conclusion that short term rentals did not comply with Piedmont’s residential character as stated in the General Plan and Housing Element nor zoning ordinances.  Further, they noted the insertion of a commercial, motel/hotel, facility within residential zones would not be supported by existing laws.  They were concerned over parking, public safety demands, incompatibility with neighborhood character, need for extensive staff to oversee rental compliance, transfer of permanent housing to short term use, and commercial ventures not in compliance with the Piedmont Home Occupation ordinance.

Commissioner Zhang had a different opinion, believing that times had changed and the internet is a primary source of information and resources.  He felt Piedmont should change with the times and allow short term rentals.

The Planning Commission recommendation to not allow short term rentals will now go to the City Council for final action.  The meeting date has not been set.

League of Women Voters of Piedmont (LWV)

Presents Falilah Bilal

Sexual Trafficking of Minors

November 12 at 10:30 a.m.

170 Nova Drive, Piedmont, CA

>>>>>>>  OPEN TO THE PUBLIC  <<<<<<<

Please join the League of Women Voters of Piedmont for a discussion on the sexual trafficking of minors featuring Falilah Bilal, Executive Director of MISSEY. MISSEY is an organization devoted to the heartbreaking epidemic of sexual exploitation of youth.

MISSEY confronts human trafficking in Oakland, in Alameda County, and throughout California. Ms. Bilal has a strong background in working with youth, most recently at the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department, Oakland Bay Area CARES Mentoring Movement, GirlSource, Office of Family, Children and Youth, City of Oakland, and Young Women’s Center for Development. As a leader in the youth development field, Ms. Bilal was invited to present at the United Nation’s Beijing Plus Five E World Conferences on Women’s issues.

The talk is free, though space is limited. Please RSVP to marjb@sbcglobal.net by November 11, 2015, if you would like to attend this important event.

The Piedmont Police and Fire Pension Fund Board will meet on Thursday, November 5, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 120 Vista Avenue.

The Piedmont Pension Fund is overseen by the Police and Fire Pension Board, whose members are:  Bill Hosler, Fire Representative Brian Gidney, Police Representative Tom Kincaid, with Council Liaisons Robert McBain  and Tim Rood.

At its November 5 meeting the Board will discuss:

           Acceptance of Participant Report of the benefits paid in the 1st quarter of FY15/16 and the current number of beneficiaries

          Report of Pension Fund  investments by Osterweis capital Management

          Report of Other Postemployment Benefits investments by Osterweis capital Management

Piedmont continues to maintain its own pension fund for fire and public safety employees who retired prior to the City’s transfer of active fire and public safety employees into the California Public Retirement System (CalPERS).

The public is welcome to attend the meeting. The meeting will not be broadcast.

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

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.

Meeting Saturday, October 3 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the upper area of Dracena Park next to Dracena Avenue – 

The Park Commission and Public Works staff will host an initial meeting with Piedmont residents, community members and all stakeholders to discuss a proposed change to the existing off-leash area located on Dracena Avenue.

The meeting is noted as a “brain storming” session to open discussion including restricted dog use of the grassy area at the top of the park, signage, neighborhood concerns, dog use hours, off leash fines, etc. An Animal Control officer will be in attendance to provide information and answer questions.

The informal meeting is to gather input on the issues and options going forward.  No decisions will be made at this meeting and additional fact-finding meetings may be held prior to a public hearing in November.  Send written comments to the Park Commission at mfeldkamp@ci.piedmont.ca.us or for further information contact Mark Feldkamp at 420-3064.

On Saturday morning, September 26, the annual FallFest 5K run/walk will be held on the streets of Piedmont, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. For runner safety, several roads in Piedmont will be closed to vehicles from 8:15-9:45 a.m. with limited, intermittent access. Sections of the course are posted “No Parking” and vehicles may be towed for violation of the posted signs. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

For an hour and a half beginning at 8:15 a.m., traffic will be rerouted from or delayed on Craig, Crocker, Farragut, Highland, Hillside, King, Magnolia, Mountain, Parkway, Sea View, and Wildwood Avenues and cross streets including Oakland Avenue. 

Check the FallFest 5K website http://piedmontfallfest5k.org/race-route-2/ for additional information, to register, and to see a map of the course. If you have questions, contact Karen Snow Hawkins at karen@snowconsulting.com.

The next meeting of the Piedmont Public Safety Committee in on

September 24, Thursday, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

All members of the public can speak to items on the agenda or bring up a new issue or idea under Public Forum.  The meeting will not be broadcast on KCOM or the city’s website.

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

Public Forum: This is an opportunity for members of the audience to speak on an item not on the agenda. The 10 minute period will be divided evenly between those wishing to address the committee.

1. Update on Neighborhood Meetings

2. Report on Signups at Piedmont Soccer Photo Day Event

3. Update on CodeRed/Everbrite Emergency Notification System Transition

4. Update on School Liaison Activities

5. Update on Get Ready Piedmont Brochure

6. Update on Promoting Map Your Neighborhood Presentations

7. Discussion and Approval of Disaster Preparedness Checklist Document

8. Discussion of Initiatives Regarding October Shakeout Events

9. Discussion of 2016 Committee Meeting Dates

10. Update on City EOC Protocols and Response Manual

The charge to the committee is:

1. Investigate ways to increase public participation in crime reduction strategies, including but not limited to the following:

a. Neighborhood meetings

b. City-wide meetings

c. School events

d. Web-based and other community networks

2. Increase public participation in disaster preparedness, using the resources of the Public Safety Committee.  Members of the Committee shall directly work to organize increased public participation of those programs/events approved by the Public Safety Committee.

3. Provide a forum for residents to share comments, issues or concerns regarding public safety issues, including crime prevention, community outreach, disaster preparedness education and training and the like.

District Facilities Master Planning Process, District Assistance with Litter in Main Park, Civic Center Parking Issues, City Facilities Planning – Space Analysis for the Recreation Building and Study of Options for Possible New Aquatic Facility,  Police Department Training “Response to Mass Casualty,” Holiday Book Drive, and Landscaping Issues are on the agenda for discussion. 

The School Board/City Council Liaison meeting will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room.  The meeting is open to the public for participation and comments. Because of construction work, participants must enter City Hall through the entrance to the Fire Department.  The meeting will not be broadcast.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015  4:00 p.m. 

City Hall Conference Room, City Hall,

120 Vista Avenue,

The agenda is below.

Open Forum: Public participants may speak to items not on the agenda – overall time limit – 10 minutes.

Public participants may address the following items as they come up on the agenda.

1. Briefing by District on Progress with the Facilities Master Planning Process

2. Discussion of Littering in Main Park and Opportunities for District to Assist with Control

3. Discussion of Civic Center Parking Issues

4. Discussion on City Facilities Planning:

(a) Space Analysis for the Recreation Building

(b) Study of Options for Possible New Aquatic Facility

5. Briefing on Police Department “Response to Mass Casualty” Training

6. Discussion of Landscaping Issues

7. Discussion of the Annual City/School Holiday Book Drive

8. Schedule of Future Meetings

(a) November, 17, 2015

(b) February 9, 2016

(c) April 26, 2016

Piedmont’s Public Safety Committee published it’s new disaster preparedness manual within hours of the earthquake on Monday. Get Ready, Piedmont is a 50 page guide packed with information on preparing for and responding to, earthquakes, fires, landslides, and other emergencies. Chapters include: Vital Documents, Insurance, Living Without Power, Sanitation, Water and Food.

Using the Mill Valley, Belvedere and Tiburon guides as a model, the manual has been adapted to Piedmont. It is available online here and in several locations on the City website. Citizens are invited to print it at home in whole or in part to fit the needs of individual Piedmont families.

For additional information, please call Public Safety Committee Chairman Lyman Shaffer at (510) 780-6996.