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City View
A round-up of Palo Alto government action this week

City Council (Nov. 1)

Cubberley: The council approved a process for working with the school district and community to put together a master plan for Cubberley Community Center. Yes: Burt, Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Scharff, Schmid, Shepherd, Yeh Absent: Price

Calaveras: The council approved renaming the Calaveras Reserve the Electric Special Project Reserve and using the funds on projects that benefit electricity ratepayers. Yes: Burt, Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Scharff, Schmid, Shepherd, Yeh Absent: Price

Gas purchase: The council approved a staff recommendation to switch from a laddering strategy for gas purchases to one that relies on monthly purchases at market rate. Yes: Espinosa, Klein, Scharff, Schmid, Shepherd No: Burt, Holman, Yeh Absent: Price

Council Finance Committee (Nov. 1)

Efficiency: The committee approved contracts relating to energy-efficiency programs with Ecology Action and OPower. Yes: Unanimous

Refuse: The committee supported a staff recommendation to close the city's Recycling Center on Feb. 1, 2012. Yes: Unanimous

Utilities Advisory Commission (Nov. 2)

Renewable energy: The commission approved an update in the city's Renewable Portfolio Standard Policy and specified that the city aim for a 40 percent target for renewable energy provided the impact to electricity bills does not exceed 5 cents per kilowatt. Yes: Cook, Foster, Keller, Melton No: Berry, Waldfogel Absent: Eglash

Energy projects: The commission heard a presentation of preliminary results from the Fall 2011 Renewable Energy Projects request for proposals. Action: None

Council Rail Committee (Nov. 3)

Business plan: The committee discussed the California High-Speed Rail Authority's updated business plan and directed staff to return with a scope of services for a request for proposals for a consultant who would further analyze the plan. Yes: Unanimous

Architectural Review Board (Nov. 3)

Lytton Gateway: The board reviewed and recommended approving the proposed design for a five-story mixed-use building at the site of a former Shell Station, 355 Alma St. The board directed the applicant to return with details about lighting, landscaping and signage on consent calendar. Yes: Malone Prichard, Wasserman, Young No: Lew Absent: Lee

Edgewood Plaza: The board reviewed the proposed design for Edgewood Plaza, a proposal to relocate three retail buildings and build 10 houses at 2080 Channing Ave., and recommended that the applicant return on Dec. 1 and address issues regarding height and massing of buildings at the site and roof screens. Yes: Lew, Malone Prichard, Wasserman, Young Absent: Lee