City of Los Altos Hillview Community Center Bond Issue, Measure A (November 2015)

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Measure info Amount: $65 million Matures in: 30 years Tax: $19.36 per $100,000

A bond issue was on the ballot for Los Altos voters in Santa Clara County, California, on November 3, 2015. It was defeated.

If approved, Measure A would have authorized the city to increase its debt by up to $65 million through issuing general obligation bonds in that amount. The bond money would have been used to replace the Hillview Community Center and Park with an updated and expanded community center building and a pool facility.

According to city officials, the tax rate required to pay off these bonds would have varied depending on the year. In the first year after the approval of Measure A, the tax rate would have been $3.92 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. Once all of the bonds were sold, city officials estimated that the tax rate would go up to $33.11 per $100,000 in the 2018-2019 fiscal year, which would have been the highest tax rate forced by the bond measure. The tax rate statement for Measure A estimated that the average tax rate needed to repay the loan over the life of the bonds would have been $19.36 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. City officials estimated that the debt would have been repaid in about 30 years.

A more extensive civic center redesign was proposed in 2009, but it was rejected by voters.

A two-thirds (66.67%) vote was required for the approval of Measure A.

Election results

Los Altos, Measure A
Result		Votes	Percentage
d No		6,704	71.11%
Yes		2,724	28.89%

Election results from Santa Clara County Elections Office

Hillview Community Center entrance

About the project

The total cost of the proposed project was estimated to be $87 million. The city would have used existing funds to cover the difference between the bond issue amount of $65 million and the full cost of the project. The proposal was designed to:

• Replace the existing recreation facilities at Hillview Community Center with a multi-use facility
• Build a community pool
• Improve Hillview Park and open space areas and create sports fields

Background

The Los Altos-Mountain View Children’s Corner, a nonprofit pre-school that had rented a portion of the Hillview Community Center for about 30 years, would have had to find a new space in which to operate if Measure A had been approved and the city's plans to replace the Hillview Community Center had moved forward. Gini Brown, executive director of the school, said, “It’s so sad for us. We’ve been here so long, and I hate to see us have to leave this community.”

City Manager Marcia Somers said that all of the groups that rented rooms in the Hillview Community Center were notified when plans for the new facilities were approved. Somers said, “Private renters, including the Children’s Corner program, were notified of this decision at that time so they could begin to investigate and procure alternate facilities for their programs. The city did pursue an evaluation to determine if other city facilities could accommodate this specific renter, but due to the size requirements of the Children’s Corner program, no city-owned facilities were viable options.”

The Los Altos-Mountain View Children's Corner served about 100 families and had attendees between the ages of two and five. Brown said, “Many children in this community don’t have yards where they can dig and play. Kids here are taking care of the gardens themselves. Most teachers have been here for more than 10 years. There’s a lot of longevity and consistency so that families can expect who’s going to be here."

Los Altos resident Stephanie Jensen said, “I would really hate to see the school go because it’s not part of the plan. You don’t want to be commuting to take your kids to preschool. This school is special because it’s small. If you’re really looking, there’s a scarcity of options. That’s the reason we fight to keep it around.”

Text of measure

Ballot question

The following question appeared on the ballot:

“

To replace the nearly 70-year old Hillview Community Center with a new facility to provide needed recreation and activity space and meeting rooms; to meet current handicapped and earthquake safety codes; to build community pool facilities; and to improve Hillview Park, open space and sports fields, shall the City of Los Altos issue $65,000,000 of bonds at the lowest available legal interest rates with all funds staying in Los Altos to benefit local residents, seniors and children?

”

Impartial analysis

The following impartial analysis of Measure A was prepared by the office of the city attorney:

“	The City of Los Altos is authorized by the laws of the State of California to issue general obligation bonds to finance the construction of certain municipal improvements. In accordance with these provisions, the City Council determined the necessity of such improvements and unanimously adopted an ordinance on July 28, 2015, calling this election and submitting this measure to a vote of the electors of the City. This measure, if approved by two-thirds of the voters voting on the measure, would authorize the City to issue general obligation bonds in an amount up to $65,000,000 in one or more series, and to spend the proceeds of such bonds for the purpose of financing the replacement of the Hillview Community Center with a new facility to provide recreation and activity space and meeting rooms; to meet current handicapped and earthquake safety codes; to build community pool facilities; to improve Hillview Park, open space and sports fields, and to pay certain costs of issuance of the bonds. The California Constitution limits the use of proceeds of general obligation bonds to the "acquisition or improvement of real property." Pursuant to the California Government Code, the City Council adopted accountability requirements relating to the bonds. The City will be required to: (1) keep all bond proceeds in a separate account, not commingled with any other funds, to be used exclusively for purposes authorized by the measure; and (2) file a report with the City Council no later than January 1, 2016, and at least once a year thereafter, showing the amount of bond proceeds collected and expended, and the status of the project to be financed from the proceeds of the bonds. Principal and interest on the bonds would be paid from an annual tax levied upon the taxable property within the City in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. The Tax Rate Statement of the City, which follows this analysis, reflects the City's best estimate of property tax levies which would be required to service the bonds, based upon currently available data and projections. The specific repayment terms of the bonds would be determined by resolution of the City Council at the time of their issuance. California law provides that: (1) the City Council cannot sell bonds which would cause the total outstanding bonded indebtedness of the City to exceed 15% of the assessed value of all real and personal property in the City; and (2) the annual interest rate on any bond may not exceed 8%.	”
—Los Altos City Attorney Jolie Houston

Full text

The full text of the bond issue ordinance is available here.

Support

Supporters

Yes on A for Los Altos was created to campaign in support of Measure A.

The following individuals signed the official argument in favor of Measure A:

• Janis C. Pepper, mayor of the City of Los Altos
• Jeannie Bruins, mayor pro tem of the City of Los Altos
• Sangeeth Peruri, board of trustees of the Los Altos School District
• Roy E. Lave, founding chair and executive director emeritus of the Los Altos Community Foundation
• Anabel Pelham, professor of Gerontology

Below are the organizations the Yes on A for Los Altos listed as endorsers of a "yes" vote on Measure A:

• Los Altos Town Crier
• Los Altos Block Action Team
• Friends of Los Altos Board
• Los Altos Chamber of Commerce Board
• Los Altos Community Foundation Board
• Los Altos Women’s Caucus

For a full list of Yes on A Los Altos endorsements, read this page.

Arguments in favor

Sue Russell, a member of the city's senior commission, said, “Instead of utilizing reconfigured classrooms as the Hillview Center (currently) does, a new community center will be able to include dedicated space for seniors for meetings and activities.”

Roy Lave, a former Los Altos mayor, pointing out that about 25 percent of city residents were seniors, said, “yet the physical center for seniors consists of two rundown former school classrooms. Lack of space limits the recreation program and requires our community organizations to scrounge around for places to meet.”

Expressing approval of the proposed pool facilities, Los Altos School District Trustee Sangeeth Peruri, a city resident, said, “The lots around downtown are small, so even if you could afford a pool, it’s tough to do. The friends who I’ve spoken to are really excited about it.”

In an article published by the Los Altos Town Crier, Los Altos City Council Member Jean Mordo wrote:

“	As to the size and cost, we are one of the wealthiest communities around and have the poorest facilities. All surrounding cities have better community centers, senior centers and public pools. As to cost, what can I say other than it is what such a facility costs to build today, in this area. We can deplore this, but that is the price we have to pay. The estimate is conservative, including inflation, and I expect that we may be able to come in below.	”
—Jean Mordo

Official argument

The following official argument was submitted in favor of Measure A:

“	Los Altos is more than an address; it's a community. We work together to make improvements that we and future generations will enjoy. Hillview Community Center and Park, and the surrounding sports fields and open space are among Los Altos' most used facilities. Nearly 70 years old, the Community Center no longer meets the recreational program needs of Los Altos residents, nor does it meet current handicapped accessibility or earthquake safety codes. After an intensive one-year participatory process, residents identified the highest priority facility needs. Measure A addresses these priorities and includes funding to: Replace the existing Hillview Community Center to provide needed and improved recreation and activity space and meeting rooms for the entire community Provide dedicated facilities for the senior center Build self-supporting community pool facilities for swim lessons and aquatic fitness programs Improve and expand Hillview Park, open space, and sports fields. To fund these projects, the Council is asking Los Altos residents to approve a general obligation bond. Measure A is part of a responsible financial plan, which includes monies set aside from the City's General Fund. The City Council's goal in bringing Measure A to Los Altos residents now is to take advantage of historically low interest rates, and lower construction costs. All funds from Measure A will stay in Los Altos to benefit local residents, seniors, and children. Measure A is supported by a broad cross section of Los Altos residents including seniors, parents, community leaders, business leaders, youth sports organizations and neighborhood groups. Let's continue to make Los Altos a great place to live and raise a family. Please join us in voting YES on Measure A to improve Hillview Community Center and Park.	”
—Janis C. Pepper, Jeannie Bruins, Sangeeth Peruri, Roy E. Lave and Anabel Pelham

Opposition

Opponents

Los Altos Neighbors: No on Measure A was formed to campaign against Measure A.

For a list of endorsements of a "no" vote on Measure A, see the Los Altos Neighbors: No on Measure A endorsements page.

The following individuals signed the official argument in opposition to Measure A:

• William B. Lonergan, Los Altos resident/CEO
• M. M. Lonergan, Los Altos resident/business executive
• Catherine Nunes, Los Altos resident/downtown business owner
• Wallace Palmer, Los Altos resident/research consultant
• Jim Jolly, Los Altos resident/retired business executive

Arguments against

Opponents argued that the proposed project was too large and that the expense was not justified by the community demand and the value of the proposed facilities to the community.

Some also opposed Measure A since the proposed project to replace the Hillview Community Center would dislodge long-time renters such as the Los Altos-Mountain View Children’s Corner.

Official argument

The following official argument was submitted in opposition to Measure A:

“	THIS $87 MILLION COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECT DOESN'T ADD UP TOO EXPENSIVE: UNKNOWN COSTS Think about the real cost to homeowners of a $65 MILLION debt that when paid back EXCEEDS $100 MILLION, including interest. PLUS-- $25 MILLION OF CITY RESERVES that will forego funding other city services, emergencies or citywide needs. PLUS--UNKNOWN OPERATING COSTS (maintenance, utilities, insurance) not included in this proposal. PROPERTY TAX RATES ARE NOT FIXED, and can increase beyond the "average" "estimated" tax based on interest rates and other factors over 30 years. Los Altos Tax Rate Statement for this Measure already estimate a higher $33.11 per $100,000 of assessed value in 2018/2019. SIZED TOO BIG: SCOPED FOR RENTAL FACILITIES The proposed 55,600 square foot COMMUNITY CENTER IS MORE THAN THREE TIMES LARGER than comparable cities like Saratoga; and the oversized Multi-Pool Swim Complex prioritizes competitive team use and training over recreational swim. Expanded community facilities sized for conferences, unknown programs and rentals--with no understanding of operating costs, staffing, maintenance--LEAD TO UNADDRESSED REVENUE EXPECTATIONS AND TRAFFIC on Los Altos thoroughfares and neighborhoods. WRONG PRIORITIES: LITTLE VALIDATED SUPPORT The Community Center and Multiple Swimming Pools are fixed to Hillview Park location, and DO NOT INCLUDE SERVICES LIKE LIBRARY, PUBLIC SAFETY, or greenspace and Downtown connections that City research confirm ARE HIGHER PRIORITIES. Existing Park and Open Space are ELIMINATED from current conceptual plans, to be "considered" later in undetermined designs. NOT A PRIORITY. Unsupported priorities like the MULTI-POOL SWIM COMPLEX IS LOCKED TO THIS COMMUNITY CENTER AND MEASURE. In City funded 2012 Godbe Research poll, Los Altos residents ranked "building a community pool facility" DEAD LAST and NOT IMPORTANT. And WITHOUT quantitative utilization studies or visitor analysis on the current Community Center, how can validated priorities be made for future facilities? LOS ALTOS DESERVES BETTER. VOTE NO.	”
—William B. Lonergan, M. M. Lonergan, Catherine Nunes, Wallace Palmer and Jim Jolly

Path to the ballot

Measure A was put on the ballot by a vote of the Los Altos City Council.

Recent news

The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Los Altos Hillview Community Center bonds Measure A. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.

City of Los Altos Hillview Community Center Bond Issue, Measure A (November 2015) - Google News

See also

• City bonds on the ballot
• Santa Clara County, California ballot measures
• November 3, 2015 ballot measures in California

External links

Suggest a link

• Santa Clara County Elections Office website

Support

• Yes on A for Los Altos website

Opposition

• Los Altos Neighbors: No on Measure A website