Posted on June 17, 2021 at 8:22 AM by grodericks grodericks
Following Public Comment and a Report out of Closed Session, the Council moved to the City Manager's Report. The City Manager's Report is typically 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 questions regarding the Friends of the Library Art Donation as well as information regarding recent burglary activity in Town.re were no questions regarding the City Manager's Written Report.
Following the City Manager's Report, the Council moved to the Consent Agenda consisting of Items 6 through 15 (~6:39 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 minutes of various meetings, bills and claims, award of contract for Park lighting, certification of continuing emergency, acceptance of work for Patching and Overlay Projects, approval of a SB 1 Road Maintenance Resolution, approval of a Funding Agreement with Caltrain/JPB, approval of an agreement with Turbo Data Systems, and authorization of the purchase of a police vehicle. Following questions regarding the continuation of local emergency due to COVID-19, the Council approved 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 Public Hearings scheduled for the June 16 Council meeting.
Next up was the Regular Agenda (~6:44 pm).
Item No. 16 was Consideration of Appointments to Various Town Committees and the Planning Commission. Following a brief staff report and presentations by considered candidates, the Council moved through each appointment. The City Council appointed the following individuals:
- Audit & Finance Committee: Devika Patil, Ann Yvonne Walker
- Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee: Steve Baloff, Betsey Bradford
- Environmental Programs Committee: Stacy Holland, Gregory Loew
- Park & Recreation Committee: Taylor Henkel, Walter Robinson
- Planning Commission: Gabia Konce
- Rail Committee: Greg Conlon, Jim Massey
- Transportation Committee: Joseph Davis
Next, was Item No. 17, Updates on the Town Center Project, Consideration of an Encroachment Permit to Caltrans, and Feedback and Direction on the City Hall Fair Oaks Fountain and Donor Brick Pathway. (~7:20 pm) Following a staff report on each portion of the item, the Council heard public comment and considered the issues. With respect to the Encroachment Permit to Caltrans, the Council discussed issues related to liability, cost, maintenance work, alternatives during school hours, timing, potential for access through the construction site, and private solutions. Following discussion, the Council directed that staff connect with Caltrans and ask that they provide for a safe path of travel along El Camino Real from Ashfield Road to Maple Avenue pursuant to the requirements of the California Vehicle Code and further, that Caltrans clean up the shoulder along that section of roadway. The Council asked that staff report back to the Council as soon as Caltrans responds so that the Council can consider possible next steps.
Next, the Council reviewed the Donor Brick Pathway and Fair Oaks Fountain and provided direction to staff. The Council directed that the edge of the pathway along the planter bed/seat wall be widened to a minimum of 3 feet in width. The Council further directed the Fountain Subcommittee provide staff with the final recommendations with respect to the Fountain placement and design without the expenditure of additional funds.
Item No. 18 was feedback and direction regarding a proposal for a community garden in Holbrook-Palmer Park (~8:27 pm). Following a brief staff report and public comment, the Council discussed the possibility of outreach in support of a community garden in the Park. The Council discussed issues related to operation of the garden, size, number of plots, concepts of a victory garden and master gardener classes, and gathering community support or identification of community need. Following discussion, the Council advised that a this time, the idea needs to be vetted further by its proponent and the Council was not in favor of expending Town resources for outreach.
Item No. 19 was consideration of award of contract for Event Management Services at the Park (~8:45 pm). Following a staff report and opportunity for public comment, the Council discussed issues related to the provision of food, quality of the food, ability to try the food, term of the contract, expanding events in the Park, other potential bidders and a rebid of the proposal, exclusivity of services, and a requirement that the food services stay competitive. Following discussion, the Council directed that the item be returned for consideration at the July 7 or July 21 meeting and that in the interim, staff organize visits to the Catered Too facility in East Palo Alto for sampling of services and food.
The next item on the Agenda was Item No. 20, Request from the Atherton Tree Committee for a Tree Walk Brochure, Signage and Community Event (~9:03 pm). Following a staff report and public comment, the Council discussed issues related to the types of display cases, the map of the Park, inclusion of additional trees, and the history of trees placed in the Park. Following discussion, the Council approved the project and directed that staff provide funding and support.
Item No. 21 was authorization to contract with Douglas Kim & Associates for Sustainability Coordinator Consulting Services (~9:12 pm). Following a brief staff report and public comment, the Council authorized a contract with Douglas Kim & Associates.
The last item on the Agenda was Item No. 22, adoption of the FY 2021/22 Budget and related items. (~9:15 pm) Following a brief staff report and public comment, the Council adopted all items associated with the FY 2021/22 Budget.
Having cleared the entire Agenda, at approximately 9:18 pm, that as they say - was a wrap!
The next meeting of the City Council will be a Special Meeting/Study Session on July 7 at 4 pm. The July 7 meeting will include a discussion of the City Council Goals, the Park Circulation Plan, and potentially, approval of the Event Management Services contract. The City Council will meet for the July 21 Regular Meeting but will be DARK for the month of August.