City Manager's Blog

Council Meeting Date: November 15, 2023 (full Agenda link)
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/TownOfAtherton/featured
Details of each item can be found via the links to Staff Reports within the narrative and meeting videos are uploaded once they are fully compiled.

The City Council met for the Regular Meeting on Wednesday, November 15 at 6 pm. Following the Roll Call the Council began moving through the Agenda beginning with Presentations and Public Comments.  The Council received a presentation from the Atherton Library - Annual Report Presentation. Following Public Comments, the Council moved on to Departmental Reports. 

Departmental Reports (~6:20 pm) are prepared monthly as part of the City Council's Regular Agenda. 

In addition to current reports from the City Manager, it typically includes departmental updates on the various happenings around Town such as reports from Administration, Community Services, Planning, Police, and Public Works. The Council asked that the City Manager update the presentation of single-family home and ADU statistics to better align with fiscal and/or calendar year reporting. 

Following Departmental Reports, the Council moved to the Consent Agenda consisting of Items 1 through 7 (~6:26 pm). Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine in nature and are generally considered in one motion and adopted by a single vote of the Council. Included in this month's Consent Agenda were bills and claims, minutes, acceptance of the Treasurer's Report, Authorization to apply for CalRecycle Grant Funds, appointment to the San Mateo Vector Control District, a Review of Meeting Protocols, and an amendment to Change Order Authority for the Park Circulation Project. Following comments, discussion, and direction regarding Meeting Protocols, the Council approved the items on the Consent Agenda.

Next was Public Hearings.
 
Public Hearings are typically held for Ordinances, Budget Adoption, Fee Adoption, and Land Use approvals. There were two (2) scheduled Public Hearings.  

Item No. 8 was introduction of an ordinance amending Chapter 8.08 and Chapter 8.10 of the Municipal Code regarding Dead or Dangerous Trees and removal of Heritage Trees; and amendments to the Heritage Tree Guidelines. (~6:42 pm) Following a staff report, questions, and opportunity for public comment, the Council discussed issues related to purpose and implementation of the changes to Chapter 8.08 and Chapter 8.10, impact of the change to monthly arborist reports, future changes to the Guidelines and standardization of the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) for both R1-A and R1-B Zones. Following discussion, the Council introduced the Ordinance changes for 1st Reading, approved changes to the Guidelines reflecting monthly arborist reports, authorized staff to make non-substantive changes to the Guidelines moving forward provided that they be presented to Council as part of any Departmental Report, and incorporated non-substantive changes for clarity to be provided by a member of the public. The Council could not come to resolution on standardization of the TPZ and asked that staff return the question to the Council at a future meeting after public notice to residents. 

Item No. 9 was introduction of an ordinance amending Chapter 17.52, Accessory Dwelling Units and amendments to Chapters 17.36 and 17.60 regarding the same. (~7:28 pm) Following a staff report, questions, and opportunity for public comment, the Council discussed issues related to changes based on State law, the Bonus ADU Program, ADUs above garages, screening, fence height, window placement, entry points, stairwells, height of ADUs above garages, and deed restrictions. Following discussion, the Council provided general support for the changes proposed by staff and directed additional changes. The Council could not reach consensus on the Bonus ADU Program. The Council opted to continue the item to the January 17 Regular Meeting for further discussion and directed staff to incorporate the changes directed thus far and return the Ordinance(s) at that time. 

Next up was the Regular Agenda. The Regular Agenda is reserved for items that require more deliberation and discussion by the City Council and items that are not routine in nature. 

The first item discussed was Item No. 10, Support for a Youth Advisory Group (~6:34 pm). This item was moved up on the agenda in advance of the Public Hearing items. Following a brief staff report, the Council heard public comment from the newly formed Youth Advisory Group. The Council asked questions related to engagement, participation, planned activities, and school credit for the youth involved. Following brief discussion, the Council expressed support for the Youth Advisory Group, as formed, and supported staff's recommendation to continue to engage with the Group when appropriate..

Item No. 11 was consideration of a conflict waiver request from Burke, Williams and Sorenson. (~8:55 pm). Following a brief staff report, questions, and opportunity for public comment, the Council did not approve the waiver request. 

Item No. 12 was a Report/Update on the Status of the Town's Housing Element work. (~9:07 pm). Following a brief staff report and opportunity for public comment, the Council accepted the Report. 

The last item was Item No. 13, discussion and consideration of an AARP application process. (~9:13 pm) Following a staff report, presentation, questions and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to Town commitment, extent of programs and policies proposed, availability of other services in the region, duplication of effort, staff time and resources, as well as pros and cons of an AARP/WHO application. Following discussion, the Council directed that the Task Force and Standing Committee meet one additional time to formulate a final recommendation to the Council on all policies and programs as well as an application to AARP/WHO. 

The last items on the Agenda were Council Reports and final Comments. 

Having cleared the entire Agenda, at approximately 9:45 pm, that as they say - was a wrap!

The next meeting of the City Council will be a Special Meeting on November 27 at 3 pm. This is a continuation of the Joint Meeting from November 1 with the Planning Commission and discussion on Objective Design Standards for the proposed multifamily zoning district. Following that meeting, the Council will meet for a Study Session on December 6 at 4 pm. The Council will discuss a proposed amendment to the lease for Mademoiselle Colette, a report. on the Cost Allocation Plan Study and consideration of fee adjustments, and a Proclamation to Betsy Glikbarg. For more information and calendar of events, visit the Town's website.

Thanks for reading!
 
 George Rodericks
 City Manager
Town of Atherton
grodericks@ci.atherton.ca.us

Council Meeting Date: October 18, 2023 (full Agenda link)
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/TownOfAtherton/featured
Details of each item can be found via the links to Staff Reports within the narrative and meeting videos are uploaded once they are fully compiled.

The City Council met for the Regular Meeting on Wednesday, October 18 at 6 pm. Following the Roll Call the Council began moving through the Agenda beginning with Presentations and Public Comments.  The Council provided a Proclamation to Sharon Koehler in honor of her retirement and years of service to the Town. The Council also provided recognition plaques to former Town Rail Committee members as the Committee transitions to a citizen-led group. Following Public Comments, the Council moved on to Departmental Reports. 

Departmental Reports (~6:23 pm) are prepared monthly as part of the City Council's Regular Agenda. 

In addition to current reports from the City Manager, it typically includes departmental updates on the various happenings around Town such as reports from Administration, Community Services, Planning, Police, and Public Works.

Following Departmental Reports, the Council moved to the Consent Agenda consisting of Items 1 through 7 (~6:25 pm). Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine in nature and are generally considered in one motion and adopted by a single vote of the Council. Included in this month's Consent Agenda were bills and claims, minutes, Budget Amendment for Outreach and Lobbyist Services, Notice of Completion for the Town Center Project, 2nd Reading and Adoption of the Sidewalk and Right-of-Way Ordinance, Acceptance of Work for the Overlay Project, and a Budget Amendment for Pickleball. 

Following brief amendments to the minutes and removal of the Pickleball item from Consent, the Council approved the balance of items on the Consent Agenda.

Next was Public Hearings.
 
Public Hearings are typically held for Ordinances, Budget Adoption, Fee Adoption, and Land Use approvals. There were no scheduled Public Hearings.  

Next up was the Regular Agenda. The Regular Agenda is reserved for items that require more deliberation and discussion by the City Council and items that are not routine in nature. 

The first item discussed was Item No. 7, Pickleball Budget Amendment. (~6:26 pm) The Council inquired regarding the amount of funding needed for the baffling and asked staff questions regarding the cost and sourcing of the baffling. Following discussion and public comment, the Council directed that before purchasing baffling staff investigate any secondary markets for baffling; that the IF the pickleball pilot is deemed successful that staff return with options for funding a permanent pickleball location in the Park that involves funding by users; and approved the full budget amendment for the pilot project. Staff was also asked to install signage inside of Court #1 noting the hours of pickleball along with any rules of use and recommendations for paddle or ball type.

Item No. 8 was consideration of appointments to the Environmental Programs Committee. (~6:37 pm) Following a staff report and opportunity for public comment, the Council appointed Min Hui to the term expiring on June 30, 2027 and Suneet Sandu to the term expiring June 30, 2025. In consideration of the youth applicant to the EPC, the Council directed that staff reach out to engage with the applicant and encourage participation as a volunteer with the EPC. The Council also directed that staff return the Committee Resolution to the Council at a future meeting for potential revision associated with term length, appointment qualifications, and formalization of any intern or volunteer roles with committees. 

Next up was Item No. 9, Discussion and Direction Regarding Earth Day 2024. (~6:59 pm) Following a staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to size and type of event, benefits of a local event versus a regional event, budget, staff time and resources, volunteers, parking, vendors, and food. Following discussion, the Council directed that staff work with the EPC to develop a program and budget for a local event using the Park and Town Center as possible venue(s) for the 2024 Atherton event. 

Item No. 10 was review and approval of the Sidewalk Inspection and Repair Program and associated Budget Amendment for FY 2023/24. (~7:27 pm) Following a staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to equity, cost, timing, inspection, Town cost, resident cost, and past practice. Following discussion, the Council approved the staff recommendation, approved the budget amendment, but directed that for the initial year the resident cost (panel replacement and tree/root pruning) be split 50/50 with the Town and that any administrative fees be waived. The Council directed that residents in Lloyden Park be provided a letter advising that the 50/50 split and waiver of any administrative fee is for this initial implementation only and that the program, as designed, would be implemented with future years. 

The last item was Item No. 11 related to the consideration of Meeting Protocols to address Zoom intrusions. (~8:45 pm) Following a staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to meeting controls, muting of participants, use of profanity or hate-based comments, restrictions on names and photo sharing, restrictions on video sharing, restrictions on screen sharing, allowing citizen engagement at the highest level possible, agenda warnings and requirements, and policies of other agencies. Following discussion, the Council directed that staff return with a policy for consideration of the Council that implements a written agenda warning, a description of applicable protocols, and a protocol for implementation that allows for the greatest possible public participation via Zoom while still allowing the Town to address inappropriate comments or participant engagement that is considered disruptive to the meeting.

The last items on the Agenda were Council Reports and final Public Comments. 

Having cleared the entire Agenda, at approximately 9:15 pm, that as they say - was a wrap!

The next meeting of the City Council will be the Study Session on November 1 at 4 pm. This will be a Joint Meeting with the Planning Commission to discuss feedback from the Community Workshop on October 23 covering Objective Design Standards for Multi-family Development.  For more information and calendar of events, visit the Town's website.

Thanks for reading!
 
 George Rodericks
 City Manager
Town of Atherton
grodericks@ci.atherton.ca.us

Council Meeting Date: September 20, 2023 (full Agenda link)
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/TownOfAtherton/featured
Details of each item can be found via the links to Staff Reports within the narrative and meeting videos are uploaded once they are fully compiled.

The City Council met for the Regular Meeting on Wednesday, September 20 at 6 pm. Following the Roll Call the Council began moving through the Agenda beginning with Presentations and Public Comments.  The Council provided Proclamations for Recovery Happens Month and Suicide Prevention Month. Following Public Comments, the Council moved on to Departmental Reports. 

Departmental Reports (~6:12 pm) are prepared monthly as part of the City Council's Regular Agenda. 

In addition to current reports from the City Manager, it typically includes departmental updates on the various happenings around Town such as reports from Administration, Community Services, Planning, Police, and Public Works.

Following Departmental Reports, the Council moved to the Consent Agenda consisting of Items 1 through 9 (~6:12 pm). Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine in nature and are generally considered in one motion and adopted by a single vote of the Council. Included in this month's Consent Agenda were bills and claims, minutes, 3rd and 4th Quarter Treasurer's Reports, voting delegates for League Conference, Dissolution of the Rail Committee, Task Order for Playground Design and Project Management, amendment to the Tennis Facility Contract, and Agreement for project management of various capital projects. 

Following questions and comments on a couple of items, the Council approved all items on the Consent Agenda.

Next was Public Hearings.
 
Public Hearings are typically held for Ordinances, Budget Adoption, Fee Adoption, and Land Use approvals. There was one scheduled Public Hearing.  

Item No. 10 was a Public Hearing pertaining to responsibilities of private property owners regarding adjacent rights of way. (~6:43 pm) Following a staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to timing, liability, State law, past practice, cost, and development of an assessment program. Following discussion, the Council introduced the Ordinance for first reading with amendments - removing the word "solely" with respect to liability - and directed staff to return with a comprehensive sidewalk assessment and replacement program. The Council directed that the Town be responsible for the costs related to assessment and basic grinding; but, that remedial work beyond basic grinding should be the responsibility of the adjacent property owner, unless otherwise directed after review of the program.. 

Next up was the Regular Agenda. The Regular Agenda is reserved for items that require more deliberation and discussion by the City Council and items that are not routine in nature. 

Item No. 11 was review of the Town's Response to the Grand Jury Report on Bike Safety. (7:37 pm) Following a staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to bike safety in Atherton and the ability of the Police Department to issue warning citations for the 3' law. Following discussion, the Council approved the Town's response amending the response to Recommendation #2 to include the word "endeavor". 

Item No. 12 was a review and recommendation for potential multi-family housing sites and land use strategies for inclusion in the CEQA process for the Housing Element. (~7:55 pm) Following a Staff Report and public comment the Council discussed the various properties being considered for review under CEQA, the densities being considered for each, and the area of developable property being evaluated under CEQA. It was noted that for the purposes of the Housing Element, the Menlo Circus Club and Cal Water have stated they have no intent to add workforce housing during the next Housing Element cycle. Following discussion, the Council directed that the properties on Bay Road be reduced to 10 units per acre for the purposes of CEQA; that the Ravenswood properties and properties in the POS Zone also be reduced to 10 units per acre; and that the only area to be analyzed in the Park should be the area where the Gilmore House is presently.

Item No. 13 was review and consideration of various consultant assistance to the Town for development of an Affordability Study, Marketing assistance, and lobbyist representation. (~9:50 pm) Following a Staff Report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to potential findings of the affordability study, the need for the study at this time, the value of the marketing assistance, and value of the lobbyist services. Following discussion, the Council directed staff to move forward with the marketing and lobbyist assistance, but not the affordability study at this time. 

Item No. 14 was an update and direction regarding the pickleball trial at the Park. (~10:15 pm) Following a staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to number of courts, funding, key logistics, baffling, cost, striping, and fees. Following discussion, the Council directed that staff move forward with the trial as presented, discuss the striping proposed with Player Capital Tennis, and seek to borrow the baffling from the Circus Club. If staff cannot borrow the baffling, staff should make a determination of need for noise mitigation and move forward with purchase if needed. 

The last items on the Agenda were Council Reports and final Public Comments. 

Having cleared the entire Agenda, at approximately 11:01 pm, that as they say - was a wrap!

The next meeting of the City Council will be the Study Session on October 4. The primary item on the Agenda will be the Town's Climate Action Plan. 

Thanks for reading!
 
 George Rodericks
 City Manager
Town of Atherton
grodericks@ci.atherton.ca.us