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

City Council (Dec. 12)

Creek: The council heard an update from the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority about the ongoing effort to improve flood protection around the San Francisquito Creek. Action: None

Loan: The council approved a $1.29 million loan to the Palo Alto Housing Corporation. Yes: Burt, Espinosa, Holman, Klein, Scharff, Schmid, Yeh Absent: Shepherd

Board of Education (Dec. 13)

Facilities bond construction: The board awarded a $3.1 million contract to Taisei Construction for the Palo Alto High School stadium and field improvements. The board awarded a $6.4 million contract to Best Contracting Services, Inc. for a new, two-story classroom and other improvements at Fairmeadow Elementary School. The board approved a $9.3 million contract with Hagensen-Pacific for construction and renovations at Terman Middle School Yes: Unanimous

Palo Alto High School construction: The board discussed a proposed schematic design for a new Performing Arts Center at Palo Alto High School..Action: None

Open forum:The board heard testimony from students and parents urging the superintendent to assess high school course offerings to assure standard lanes in Palo Alto's two high schools that meet, but do not exceed, entrance requirements for the University of California and California State University. Action: None

Council Finance Committee (Dec. 14)

Financials: The committee approved the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and adopted an ordinance closing the fiscal year 2011 budget. Yes: Unanimous

Capital improvement: The committee reviewed and recommended accepting a report on the fiscal year 2011 year-end capital improvement program. Yes: Unanimous

Planning and Transportation Commission (Dec. 14)

Housing: The commission discussed its priorities list and the ongoing update to the Housing Element chapter in the city's Comprehensive Plan. Action: None

Architectural Review Board (Dec. 15)

Varian: The board approved a plan by Hoover Associates on behalf of Stanford University for a two-story employee-amenities building for Varian to replace an existing one-story building. Yes: Lew, Malone Prichard, Young Absent: Lee, Wasserman

Hilton Garden Inn: The board reviewed a proposal for a four-story, 178-room Hilton Garden Inn at 4214 El Camino Real. Action: None