Posted on April 6, 2016 at 11:14 AM by grodericks grodericks
City Manager's Monthly Report - March 2016
Welcome to the City Manager's Monthly Report Blog!
The City Manager's Monthly Report Blog is a consolidation of issues, communications, and Town activity during the prior month that have been reported to the City Council as part of their weekly email from the City Manager. Sometimes information is duplicated over the course of several emails to the City Council to ensure that it is reviewed.
As I review the information to include in the Monthly Report, to the extent possible, I remove duplicate updates in favor of the most recent - although some will be duplicative if there is other relevant information included; I try to remove information regarding events that have already occurred; and I edit information that requires update - hopefully to make it more useful. Overall, the information is generally the same as it was presented to the City Council in their weekly Council email.
The Report reads with the most recent first. As always, if you have any questions or comments regarding the Monthly Report, please feel free to contact me via email or phone.
My weekly email goes out every Friday and March was a "5 Friday Month" so the Report is longer.
Regards,
George Rodericks
City Manager
Town of Atherton
(650) 752-0504
grodericks@ci.atherton.ca.us
#AthertonTalks
March 25 Weekly Report to Council
1. Planning Commission Meeting - March 23, 2016
The Planning Commission, at its March 23, 2016 meeting took the following action:
- Continued the tree removal request at 555 Middlefield to the April 27, 2016 Planning Commission meeting.
- Continued the Special Structure and Heritage Tree Removal request at 172 Tuscaloosa to the April 27, 2016 Planning Commission meeting.
- Approved the Special Structure Permits request to allow a basement to extend beyond the footprint of the main residence, to allow a basement under an accessory building and to allow a pool up to the front yard setback at 55 Camino por los Arboles.
- Approved a Special Structure Permit for retaining walls and approved a Heritage Tree Removal permit to allow the removal of one heritage tree at 89 Tallwood.
- Approved the Special Structure Permit request to allow a basement to extend beyond the footprint of the main residence at 61 Faxon Road.
- The applicant withdrew the request at 12 Faxon Forest.
- Approved a Special Structure Permits to allow an increase in side wall height, main building height and to allow the basement to extend beyond the footprint of the main residence at 141 Tuscaloosa.
- Approved a Special Structure Permit to allow an increase in the sidewall height at 142 Glenwood.
The Planning Commission Chair appointed Commissioners Widmer and Socklov to work with Staff and the Tree Committee on revisions to Atherton Municipal Code Section 8.10 relating to tree removal and tree protection requirements.
The Commission also requested Staff prepare an item for a future meeting or study session to discuss the sidewall height limit requirements relating to contemporary home designs. This is in response to a number of architects designing modern homes in Town running into conflicts with the Town’s zoning requirements.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 27, 2016.
2. Budget Calendar for FY 2016/17 Budget
With mid-year done, staff is now headlong into the FY 2016/17 Budget. We are putting together overviews and projections for the Town’s revenue side and are beginning internal meetings for departmental budgets and the CIP. The budget calendar is as follows:
- Public Meeting #1 - April 6, 2016 - City Council Study Session (Joint Meeting with the Finance Committee)
- Overview of the FY 2015/16 Year End Projected Fiscal Condition
- Overview of the Town’s Major Revenue Sources and 5-Year Projections
- Overview of the Town’s Major Expenditure Categories and 5-Year Projections
- Overview of the Budget Process and Policy Discussions to be had
- Public Meeting #2 - May 4, 2016 - City Council Study Session (Joint Meeting with the Finance Committee)
- Presentation of the Operations Budget
- Public Meeting #3 - Finance Committee Meeting (tbd May 2016)
- Review of Capital Improvement Budget
- Public Meeting #4 - May 18, 2016 - City Council Regular Meeting
- Presentation of the Capital Improvement Budget
- Public Meeting #5 - June 1, 2016 - City Council Study Session
- Final Review of Entire Budget to include Special Revenue and Other Funds
- Review of the Parcel Tax for FY 2016/17
- Public Meeting #6 - June 15, 2016 - City Council Regular Meeting
- Public Hearing and Adoption of Budget
- Adoption of the Parcel Tax for FY 2016/17
3. Marsh Road Summary Memorandum
Linked here is a project summary for Marsh Road We met with Recology earlier this week to determine if there was a need to alter the planned project schedule for route audits to accommodate the Marsh Road Channel Project. At this time, the route audits do not need to be adjusted. Recology will be participants in the public engagement meetings and we will work closely with them for collection services during the project.
4. Articles of Note
Linked here are several articles of note.
5. Joint Venture Silicon Valley & Sustainable Silicon Valley
Checks have been issued to JVSV and SSV in the amounts of $750 each. These contributions are technically related to the FY 2015/16 requests for funding. I anticipate that these agencies will return with another request for FY 2016/17. We will be requesting more detail on their methodology for determining the amount(s) of their contribution requests.
6. Experimental Signage
I continue to receive a requests from Transportation Committee Member Gary Lauder for the Town to consider the use of experimental signage as he proposed in his 2010 TED talk. The sign is a hybrid stop and yield sign that says “Take Turns” instead of STOP or YIELD. Mr. Lauder asserts that the sign would alleviate the congestion at the intersection of Alameda de las Pulgas and Atherton Avenue. All traffic signs are to be installed consistent with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. There is a process for using experimental signage under the MUTCD; however, the Town is liable for any incident that occurs upon use of the alternative signage unless and until it is approved for use. I have prior and have recently again advised Mr. Lauder that the Town is not interested in using alternative signage at this time. Mr. Lauder has asked to speak with the Town’s insurance carrier (ABAG) to determine what the cost would be to cover the Town for experimenting with the sign asserting that the savings of using the sign outweighs the cost of insurance should something occur. I have declined to connect Mr. Lauder with ABAG. It is not simply a matter of obtaining insurance coverage to cover any incident that occurs as a result of using the sign - rather, it is exposing the Town to that liability in the first place.
7. Super Bowl & POTUS visits
We have submitted an invoice for the February Super Bowl event ($3,720.25) and have received full reimbursement for all costs incurred by the Town.
Last week, we submitted the invoice for the POTUS visit ($5,909.79). We anticipate full reimbursement of costs from the property owner.
The recent visits by Hillary Clinton were varied. The first visit did not trigger any local resources. The most recent visit (just last week) did trigger local resources (1 officer) and the property owner paid directly for those services during the event.
8. Countywide HOT (homeless) Program
I received an inquiry from Barbara Wood on Thursday regarding the County Homeless Services Fund. Barbara’s editor advised that the County has a longstanding initiative to fund homeless outreach efforts. Using a formula based on per capita and assessed valuation, the County requested funding from each City and Town. Portola Valley was asked for $2,763. Two communities choose not to participate - Woodside and Atherton. In one of those communities, the Mayor made the decision in consultation with the Town Manager without bringing it before the City Council. Barbara asked me to find out what happened in Atherton.
I advised that I thought she was talking about the HOT program. There has not been an actual, formal ask to the Town to contribute. The issue came through the City Manager’s Association as informational and the original distribution depicted $10,000 for Woodside and $10,000 for Atherton. Both Kevin Bryant and I objected and told the County that they need to work out something formulaically. They came back with something that was around $5,000 per agency, I think. We advised that even that was likely too high. The issue appeared to be the Assessed Valuation portion of the formula. The last iteration (at least reported at the last meeting) was a $0 allocation to the two communities. The Manager’s Association directed that model to move forward but with the caveat that a future model should examine a “cost for service” model for communities that did not participate outright. I never received an actual ask or allocation request that I would then move up to the Council.
9. Special Event Permits Authorized as of March 25, 2016
This is a list of the upcoming Special Event Permits approved or under review.
- April
- April 2 - Menlo College Car Show (12 pm - 5 pm)
- April 23 - SPCA Fur Ball - Circus Club (6 pm - 11 pm)
- May
- May 1 - 16th Annual Big Bear Run (7:30 am - 12 pm)
- May 21 - Menlo College Children’s Champions (10 am - 1 pm)
- May 21 - ECR Cancer Benefit - Circus Club (6 pm - 11 pm)
- May 30 - Memorial Day BBQ - Circus Club (5 pm - 9 pm)
- June
- June 11 - Polo Match - Circus Club (10 am - 7 pm)
- June 18 - Polo Match - Circus Club (10 am - 7 pm)
- June 19 - Father’s Day BBQ - Circus Club (5 pm - 9 pm)
- July
- July 4 - 4th of July BBQ - Circus Club (4 pm - 9 pm)
- July 9 - Polo Match - Circus Club (10 am - 7 pm)
- July 16 - Polo Match - Circus Club (10 am - 7 pm)
- August
- August 8-14 - Horse Show - Requires separate Permit
- September
- September 3 - Polo Match - Circus Club (10 am - 7 pm)
- September 5 - Labor Day BBQ - Circus Club (5 pm - 9 pm)
- September 10 - Polo Match - Circus Club (10 am - 7 pm)
- October
- October 27 - Halloween Party - Circus Club (7 pm - 9 pm)
March 18 Weekly Report to Council
1. Fire District Impact Fee and Nexus Report
The Fire District has requested that their Impact Fee and Nexus Report be placed on an upcoming Council Agenda. We had the item scheduled as a Public Hearing for April 20 - however, we are working out some other issues and that will likely be postponed.
2. Event Garden
As mentioned at the last Council meeting, the Event Garden has completed. A few things were noted after the walk-through. One in particular was related to drainage. The Garden drainage is working as designed by forming a shallow pool (2” -3”) in the playground corner of the project. This pool needs to disappear within 96 hours (4 days) following the last rain. Staff monitored the drainage during the last 4 days and it did not function as needed. A letter will be provided to the Foundation and contractor to address the issue. Both are already aware. We have requested the following:
- A stoppage of the 90 day maintenance period (with 7 days credit) and placing the project back into the construction phase so repairs can be made.
- A amendment made to the projects grading and drainage plan showing how the drainage problem will be resolved. This plan will need to be reviewed by Town staff prior to repairs being made.
- Once a solution is found, we can reinstate the project back to the maintenance period.
While construction fencing will not be re-established, some sort of barricade will need to be installed to prevent access to the flooded area(s).
3. Peninsula Clean Energy Update
The Peninsula Clean Energy Authority Board of Directors will be meeting for the first time on Thursday, March 24th at 7:00pm. The website has the agenda and agenda packet of materials.
4. Greenheart Complex - Menlo Park
Staff and the Mayor and Vice Mayor met with Steve Pierce, Principal from Greenheart Land Company on Thursday morning. We discussed impacts related to the project - traffic in particular. Steve provided a few visuals of the project (a set is in the City Council Read File) and provided a Traffic Facts Package as information. We have asked the City of Menlo Park for an extension of the comment deadline to April 15 to allow additional time to gather feedback and comment. They have advised that they will try and reply to our request by Monday, March 21.
5. CalPERS Circular - Compensation Limits
Not that this affects anyone here, but I have provided a copy of this update to the Council before as it relates to compensation and pension calculations (IRS purposes). There was a lot of public outcry about large pension obligations and payouts based on large salaries of executives working in local government. Section 401(a)(17) of the IRC provides earnings limits on annual compensation under qualified retirement plans. That limit for 2016 is $265,000. The limits do not limit what the organization may pay in salary, but rather limits the amount of compensation that can be taken into account under the pension plan.
6. Marsh Road Project - Fire District Comments
We are meeting next week with Recology to discuss the possibilities related to moving the route audit. Recology has advised that other jurisdictions have had similar challenges (e.g. Burlingame Ave re-construction) and by working with route drivers to use alternate streets to get to the route, they have kept route labor hour impacts to a minimum.
7. County Animal Shelter Shortlist
As the Council is aware, I serve on the Animal Shelter Committee for San Mateo County and have been working with the group on the Design/Bid for the project. We have finalized our review of the responding firms and developed a short list for continued consideration. The qualifications were reviewed in two parts: whether the DBE passed/failed Part A and a ranking of Part B. There was no “scoring” given to any of the qualifications; rather, the qualifications were ranked relatively as top, average, and below average. The top and average qualifications were further evaluated for the top three positions. The County has released an announcement of the top three firms.
8. Atherton Schools
A question was asked as to the number of Atherton children in Atherton schools. Currently, a total of 712 Atherton children attend Atherton schools - inclusive of Menlo School, Menlo College, and Sacred Heart Schools out of a total student population of 7,552 (9%). Below is a list by school.
- Laurel School- 16 students from Atherton and total student population of 542
- MAHS- 116 students from Atherton and total student population of 2,260
- Encinal School- 108 students from Atherton and total student population of 750
- Selby Lane- 0 students from Atherton and total student population of 694
- Las Lomitas- 42 students from Atherton and total student population of 593
- Sacred Heart Schools- 318 students from Atherton and total student population of 1,118
- Menlo School- 110 students from Atherton and total student population of 795
- Menlo College- 2 students from Atherton and total student population of 800
9. North Fair Oaks Zoning
Staff is meeting with San Mateo County to discuss zoning standards along El Camino Real in unincorporated San Mateo County. In 2011, the County adopted the North Fair Oaks Community Plan and the zoning effort is implementing those policy directives. The Town’s boundary adjoins the County on the opposite side of El Camino Real between Berkshire and Loyola Avenues.
10. Finance CIP Summary
Bob Polito, Chair of the Finance Committee, spent considerable time going through the Town’s Capital Improvement Program in an effort to identify funding shortfalls in our 5-year project projections. He created a spreadsheet which I have revised that identifies the revenues to the CIP by fund, expenditures by fund/project, a 5-year projection roll-up by fund, and a total of all funds. Overall, with the Council’s addition of the $2 million to the Capital Improvement Fund, the Town has a healthy CIP "Save/Spend" methodology for future projects - at least the reasonably priced ones. It’s important to note that this is a snapshot of the low-hanging fruit projects from the Bike/Ped and Drainage Master Plans. There remains a good, say, $13 million in potential projects that were identified in those Master Plans as necessary. Those are not funded in the 5-year CIP.
11. 18 Ralston Avenue - Appeal of Construction Time Limit Penalty
18 Ralston exceeded the construction time limit and incurred a penalty phase of $30,000. They have completed the project to minimum standards for issuance of a certificate of occupancy. They will be appealing the penalty via the processes under the ordinance. The first stop is the Planning Commission. We have not had one of these in a while and will be proceeding methodically to ensure that all i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed along the way.
12. Quiet Zone Notice of Intent
The notice of intent has been delayed a few days. After speaking with the FRA representative just prior to release, she noted a couple of items that she suggested should be changed before release and correct a few names of key individuals to whom to send the notice. It will likely be released on Monday, March 21.
March 11 Weekly Report to Council
1. Temporary Signage at Marsh Road
We are installing some temporary signage at the north and south entry areas to Marsh Road in Atherton. The orange construction signs will say: NOTICE - Marsh Road - Channel Project - May 2016 - October 2016 - Expect Delays or Full Road Closure - Plan Alternate Routes - Visit Atherton Website for Project Details. These signs are in advance of those that will be required as part of the construction project itself. These are early warning/planning signs only.
2. Event Garden
The Event Garden has completed its initial punch list walk-through and the project has moved on to the maintenance phase with the contractor. Steve and David participated in the project punch list walk-through and Steve provided the following feedback to the Foundation:
- Maintenance period of 90 days: There was some discussion as to the amount of maintenance F&G was to provide at the site for ongoing maintenance through the 90 day contractual period. The contract states 1 time per month, while the project documents state 1 visit per week. F&G made notice that their plan was 1 visit per two weeks. Town staff requested maintenance visits were not as important as responding to maintenance needs. Jeremy Isenberg to clarify and report.
- Irrigation: It was really too wet to do any meaningful testing of the irrigation today. Park supervisor was instructed to perform a check in the near future of all 15 stations and report findings. This can take place during the 90 day maintenance period. Having partnered with F&G with this aspect of the project, we are comfortable with this arrangement.
- Electrical: The electrical conduits and boxes were all in place, but many were underwater and the lids are still identified as “irrigation” instead of “electrical”. F&G reports the new lids will be in by this Friday. All electrical components to be made correct during 90 day maintenance period.
- Walking surfaces: The rain has been successful in aiding to compact the decomposed granite at the site. F&G informed by staff that any areas in transitions to planting areas or concrete/asphalt walking surfaces will need to be ADA compliant (<1/4” lip) on a regular basis. Those areas can be worked ongoing during the 90 day maintenance period.
- Plant adjustments: Most plants look fine, while a couple marked on the construction plans were distressed, missing or out of alignment. These will be adjusted during 90 day maintenance period.
- Drainage: The Garden drainage is working as designed by forming a shallow pool (2” -3”) in the playground corner of the project. This pool needs to disappear within 96 hours (4 days) following the last rain. Staff will monitor during the 90 day maintenance period to determine if this is working as designed. If not, F&G and the architect will need to work together to find out why not and correct. The Town cannot accept this project if this important design feature is not working. Should this feature not work, the 90 day maintenance clock must cease until corrections have been made and the clock can once again begin ticking.
- Diana statue: The Town placed an order for the pedestal for the Diana statue, which is being stored in bubble wrap in the corporation yard. Once the pedestal arrives, Town staff along with F&G will work together to get her back up in her new home. This will take place within the 90 day maintenance period.
- The construction fences are down, and the Event Garden is currently open to the public. There is a pool of water sitting in the NW (playground) corner of the garden. At this time, staff feels the project is in a safe condition and can be opened to the public. Town staff also feels that the list of items (above) are items that can be taken care of in the next few weeks and should not hinder the project from being given the status SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED .
- It should be noted that ALL of the maintenance within the project confines shall be the sole responsibility of F&G during the maintenance period of 90 days. This includes plant maintenance, irrigation maintenance, drainage maintenance, walking surface maintenance and all other maintenance caused by the use/abuse of this facility. The Town will cooperate with F&G on any access necessary to complete this maintenance.
- Tomorrow, March 10, 2016 will be considered day one (1) of the 90 day maintenance period, which will end June 7, 2016. I would suggest a meeting of the same group for Wednesday, June 1, 2016 where we can talk about finalizing the project, permit sign off and acceptance by the Town.
3. Verizon Wireless Approvals
Verizon Wireless has been granted approval to upgrade/install 4 canister sites at 233 Park Lane, 98 Santiago, 266 Park Lane, and 3 Cowell Lane. The public meetings have been held and queries from attendees and those that wrote in have been responded to. An encroachment permit will be issued for these installations. These are small pole-top canister installations.
4. High Speed Rail Court Decision
The following is an excerpt from a Caltrain News Release:
Caltrain Statement: Courts Rules Blended System OK Under Prop 1A
Caltrain applauds the California Superior Court decision confirming the “Blended System” approach selected to accommodate High Speed Rail trains on the Caltrain corridor is permissible under Prop 1A.
The decision allows Caltrain to move forward with plans to deliver electrified service to riders by 2020 and provides a path for continued work with the California High Speed Rail Authority to design a blended system that is fully compliant with Proposition 1A.
Electrification is part of the Caltrain Modernization Program, which includes the electrification of the corridor between San Francisco and San Jose, the purchase of new high-performance electric rail vehicles known as electric multiple units (EMUs), and will upgrade the railroad’s signal system and implement the advanced safety technology known as Positive Train Control.
By 2040, an electrified Caltrain system will reduce Caltrain criteria pollutant emissions by up to 97 percent, more than double current weekday ridership with increased service and the downtown San Francisco extension and take more than 600,000 daily vehicle miles off the region’s roadways.
The increased ridership and improved performance from electrification are critical for Caltrain to sustain its services, to meet future demand and restore and improve service at current stations. Weekday service will be restored at Atherton and Broadway (Burlingame) stations.
Caltrain continues to work towards the goal of launching electrified service before the end of 2020.
5. Peninsula Clean Energy Update
The first Peninsula Clean Energy Authority Board of Directors meeting will be on March 24. The Authority is currently recruiting a Chief Executive Officer. The minutes, audio recordings, and presentations materials from the most recent Peninsula Clean Energy Advisory Committee held on February 25 have been uploaded to the PCE website.
6. Caltrain Electrification Corridor Agreements
As I have mentioned prior, Caltrain is seeking to execute an agreement with all of the communities along the electrification corridor to address the work to be done as part of the electrification project. Most of the issues related to encroachment permits, hours of construction advisement, safety measures, storage of materials, access, etc. Some of the items within their standard agreement, particularly the recitals about the project itself, run counter to our concerns related to the existing CEQA lawsuit initiated by the Town. The Town has reviewed the agreement and has responded to Caltrain advising that we cannot execute the agreement due to a number of lingering concerns. Linked here is the letter we issued this week.
7. HP Revenue and Events Logs
9. Greenheart Complex - Menlo Park
Staff is reviewing the Draft Environmental Impact Report for this project and preparing comments/responses. A few months ago we developed a process to keep the Transportation Committee involved in traffic impacts caused by regional projects whereby any responses to regional DEIR’s and other documents are provided to the Committee as informational at a public meeting (assuming all of the timing works out). Staff takes in any comments as part of any official Town response. We hope to be able to do this before the April 4 deadline for written comment. It is anticipated that there may be a Special Meeting of the Transportation Committee called to provide input. However, absent the Special Meeting, members of the Committee will provide individual comments to staff. On the March 16 Agenda, we will include an “authorization to sign on behalf of the Town” - even though we may not have a completed response letter. In addition, I will be asking for the Mayor to appoint a member or two of the Council to meet with staff and Greenheart Development Company to discuss the project and its impacts.
10. Ballot Measure Calendars/Timing
March 4 Weekly Report to Council
1. Transportation Committee Meeting - March 8
One of the items within the Agenda is a table of historical average daily traffic volumes for dates within our records. Information for some of the significant roadways is available for 96/97, 97/98, 98/99, 2000, 2002, and 2015.
2. Safe and High Quality Water Practices (from California Water Service)
California Water Service (CWS) shared information related to the steps they take to protect customers from Flint-like tragedies. CWS’ absolute highest priority is protecting the health of customers and ensuring that they provide safe, high-quality water. It is for this very reason that they follow the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead & Copper Rule to the letter. Specifically, the Lead & Copper Rule’s “action level” is set to ensure that water providers not only regularly test for lead and copper, but also so that they have enough time to take appropriate action to control corrosion long before it becomes a health concern. In addition to lead and copper testing, CWS monitors pH and temperature levels throughout the distribution system. These tests alert to any changes in water quality brought on by corrosion.
3. C/CAG Regular Meeting
The next regular meeting of C/CAG is Thursday, March 10. The full packet can be found via this link.
4. San Carlos Airport Issues Considered by Board of Supervisors
The County Board of Supervisors has requested that County staff initiate an aircraft noise reduction study to evaluate various operational changes to San Carlos Airport. These measures are being considered in response to significant community concern regarding aircraft overflights. At their meeting on Tuesday, March 8, the Board will discuss the noise reduction study process and timeline. Members of the community are invited to attend and comment. The Board Meeting will be held at 9 am in the Hall of Justice at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063.
5. AB 1826 - Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling
As Council Member Widmer noted at the Study Session on March 2, Assembly Bill (AB) 1826 became effective January 1, 2016. AB 1826 - Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling, requires businesses and multi-family complexes that generate specified amounts of organic waste (compost) to arrange for organics collection service. Starting this April, commercial businesses that generate eight or more cubic yards of organic materials per week will be required to arrange for compost collection service. RethinkWaste (SBWMA) will initiate a series of outreach efforts on the new law. A bill insert was distributed to commercial and multi-family dwelling accounts this week and a follow-up notification will be sent directly to businesses impacted by the April 1 deadline. Additionally, RethinkWaste will be providing the Recology Commercial Outreach Team with informational fliers for distribution.
- Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling – California Assembly Bill 1826
- The mandatory Commercial Organic Waste Recycling Law - AB 1826 became effective on January 1, 2016 and requires businesses and multi-family complexes (with 5 or more units) that generate specified amounts of organic waste (compost) to arrange for organics collection services. The law phases in the requirements on businesses with full implementation realized in 2019:
- First Tier: Commencing in April 2016, the first tier of affected businesses includes those that generate eight or more cubic yards of organic materials per week.
- Second Tier: In January 2017, the affected businesses are expanded to include those that generate four or more cubic yards of organic materials per week.
- Third Tier: In January 2019, the affected businesses are further expanded to include those that generate four or more cubic yards of solid waste per week.
- Businesses and multi-family complexes are considered in compliance with the law if they participate in the BizSMART commercial organics recycling program provided by Recology, self-haul the materials or arrange for their pickup by another party. There are no direct penalties associated with AB 1826; however, the responsibility for compliance has been placed on the jurisdictions.
- RethinkWaste will assist the City with providing ongoing outreach and education to businesses and multi-family property owners/managers to comply with the Assembly Bill 1826 commercial organics recycling mandate. Recology, the franchised solid waste and recycling collection services provider, will continue to provide technical assistance to businesses to assist with setting up organics and recycling collection programs. To schedule an appointment with Recology for your business, please call (650) 595-3900.
There is limited impact in Atherton with AB 1826. However, the cost of the outreach efforts by RethinkWaste is shared amongst the member agencies in proportion. For FY 2015/16, RethinkWaste will spend approximately $1,091,000 on Recycling Outreach and Programs required by AB 939, AB 341, and AB 1826 (Budget link). Via the Technical Advisory Committee, I will be strongly suggesting that with the next round of negotiations with Recology, the SBWMA JPA be amended as well to separate these programs into Tier I and Tier II programs. Tier I programs should be those that all agencies are required to have in order to comply with AB 939. Tier II programs should be those programs that go beyond the basic compliance requirements. Tier II programs should be optional. Further, I would suggest that agencies be “banded” for cost allocation such that agencies in Band I have a smaller proportional share of Tier I and Tier II programs given their limited applicability to their residents.
6. Selby Lane and El Camino Real Outreach
The Outreach meeting was held on Monday, February 29. It was well attended with about 45 people. Below is feedback from Zach Whitman to his Selby/Stockbridge Neighborhood Group. Next steps for the process will include a 2nd Outreach Meeting with narrowed options based on the top tier selections from the February 29 meeting. Plus, I have instructed Mike Kashiwagi to add a third alternative (a hybrid) based on the non-signalized option to include a Hybrid Pedestrian Beacon instead of a full traffic signal. The 2nd meeting will include special outreach to NFO Forward via the County Supervisor’s Office to solicit Spanish-speaking staff to help facilitate and get the word out. The three (3) options will be fully described with detailed pros and cons of each option. Following the 2nd meeting, the project will return to the staff level to discuss whether or not the outcome is a supportable project by the stakeholder agencies. While the options are discussable (i.e. a signal, shutting down turning movements, etc.) and the stakeholder agencies were not about to cut-off the conversation, they may not support the option that might be selected as the most desired. Following that conversation the project will return through the Transportation Committee to the City Council. At that point, it become a policy conversation amongst the elected officials involved. ETA - 3-4 months.
Here is the excerpt from Zach’s email:
"I would estimate there were about 45 people in attendance tonight at the meeting about the intersection of Selby Lane and El Camino Real where some were Atherton Town Council, a couple town or county officials other than Atherton, Michael Kashiwagi - director of public works for Atherton and there was speaking initially and a consultant from a firm specializing in traffic engineering spoke subsequently about 5 alternatives currently being looked at. Only one alternative was for full signalization of the intersection. Four alternatives were for non-signalized options where there was some left turn lane reconfiguration involving in some cases the ability to make a u-turn at El Camino and 5th Ave.. One of the alternatives is to leave the intersection as it is.
Along with Atherton residents there were residents who live along the different Oakwoods streets (Atherton and Redwood City) and those who live in the North Fair Oaks area that East Selby Lane opens into. Everyone had concerns about the current level of traffic on their streets and the concern about more traffic showing up from the different alternatives. There was also a suggestion to arrange for a bus to bring the children to Selby Lane Elementary School from one or more pick up points east of El Camino Real in the interest of minimizing the traffic for picking up and dropping off the children. There was also concern for the accident risk to children and others walking along Selby Lane with the increased level of traffic and should the traffic there increase more. The pedestrian accident risk was echoed for along the Oakwoods and in the North Fair Oaks area as well.
The people in attendance were able to use stickers to vote on the different alternatives presented that were propped on easels around the room. Another alternative being considered is a hybrid beacon that would stop traffic if activated by a pedestrian. I think it is fair to say that for every alternative and every facet of the alternative there were people who were in favor and people who were against. Somehow, balance will be an operative word in coming up with a choice to move forward, which will take some time from how it appears. Nobody wants more traffic on their streets. There seemed to be a slight preponderance of stickers on the fully signalized option with a number of the North Fair Oaks residents standing nearby. One of the non-signalized turn lane configuration options that would involve a u-turn at 5th Ave. seemed to be in a close second for the votes.
There were 8 people who communicated to me via e-mail their ideas, concerns and viewpoints to convey and I gave those to one of the town council people to consider in the mix of all the other ideas, concerns and viewpoints voiced at the meeting. There was not time, unfortunately, to verbally communicate this at the meeting itself. I would say of the comments e-mailed to me there was an even balance between those in favor of full signalization and those in favor of alternatives not utilizing traffic signals.
It was great to see everybody there and speaking up. Increased traffic is a problem being discussed in many communities in this region from what I hear. It seems to be a symptom for a strong local economy and in balance with the real estate price increases we have been experiencing.”
7. Redwood City State of the City Address
The City of Redwood City has invited each of you to attend the City's State of the City Address on March 7, 2016 at 7 pm in the Council Chambers.
8. Beverage Container Recycling
During the Study Session the topic of the beverage recycling funds came up. As mentioned, the Town receives about $5,000 a year in grant funds in support of beverage container recycling and litter cleanup activities. Here is a link to the State’s program administration page for the funding. There are additional funds available that agencies can apply for as well. We use our funds to replace litter collection bins around Town and in support of MCE litter collection efforts around the Town.
9. Fire District Impact Fee and Nexus Report
The Fire District has requested that their Impact Fee and Nexus Report be placed on an upcoming Council Agenda. I will be getting back to the Chief advising that that will likely be the April 20 Agenda. The Chief has asked that we pay particular attention to the fee waiver/credit information and actual fee logic and costs noting that these have been lowered and realigned. He notes that this particular section favors Atherton and existing residential structures.
10. Event Garden
The Event Garden nears completion and the punch list/final inspection should be done next week (weather permitting).
11. Greenheart Complex - Menlo Park
Staff is reviewing the Draft Environmental Impact Report for this project and preparing comments/responses. A few months ago we developed a process to keep the Transportation Committee involved in traffic impacts caused by regional projects whereby any responses to regional DEIR’s and other documents are provided to the Committee as informational at a public meeting (assuming all of the timing works out). Staff takes in any comments as part of any official Town response. We hope to be able to do this before the April 4 deadline for written comment. It is anticipated that there may be a Special Meeting of the Transportation Committee called to provide input. We will include an “authorization to sign on behalf of the Town” request on the March 16 Regular Meeting - even though we may not have a completed response letter.
12. IT RFP Timeline
The IT RFP has been released. The timeline for response review is as follows:
- Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting - March 10
- Deadline for Submitting a Proposal - April 4
- Interviews - April 18
- Recommendations to Council - May 18
- Award of Bid - June 15
- Contract Start Date - July 1
13. Medical Marijuana Dispensary versus Laboratory
Linked here is a memorandum from the League of California Cities addressing the issues related to Medical Marijuana Dispensaries versus Laboratories and recent laws.
14. Ballot Measure Calendars/Timing
Linked here for general information is a ballot measure calendar for November 2016 and recent updates/summary of approval requirements for tax measures.
15. PIWIK Website Report
Linked here is the monthly PIWIK Website Report.
16. Alameda de las Pulgas Operational Analysis
We are working with the Las Lomitas School District to get traffic data and analysis along Alameda de las Pulgas. Once their information is completed and added to ours, we will identify any gaps that need to be filled to address the Council request for a boundary to boundary analysis. If that can be done in house at that time, we will. If not, we will issue an RFP for professional traffic engineering services to complete.
17. Caltrain Corridor Agreement
As the Council may be aware, Caltrain is requesting that agencies along the corridor execute an agreement to facilitate their work on the electrification project. Most of the issues related to encroachment permits, hours of construction advisement, safety measures, storage of materials, access, etc. Some of the items within their standard agreement, particularly the recitals about the project itself, run counter to our concerns related to the existing CEQA lawsuit initiated by the Town. As a result, we cannot execute the agreement in its current form. We will be advising Caltrain of our concerns, many of which will echo our existing lawsuit issues. Caltrain is under pressure to get the agreements executed in order to move the project along.
18. Special Event Reimbursements
We recently issued an invoice to the property owner at 200 Polhemus for the Super Bowl Party held in February. We will advise as to reimbursement. We are awaiting some final invoices related to Public Works for the POTUS visit and upon receipt will issue an invoice to the property owner.
19. HAWK Beacon at Almendral - Caltrans
Caltrans is dragging their feet on review and approval of the shop drawings. Until Caltrans completes their review, no parts can be ordered. We will continue with follow-up but may reach out to elected officials for support in keeping the pressure on Caltrans.
20. Quiet Zone Report - RL Banks
We have received a preliminary report from RL Banks on the Quiet Zone and are reviewing it for completeness. Once complete, we will move to the next step of a Notice of Intent.
21. Open Town Hall
We are working on the EPC Survey for release via Open Town Hall. I am also putting together a budget summary of policies and priorities that I will share with the Council prior to release on Open Town Hall for feedback. I am also working on a budget priority Open Town Hall item. Hopefully these will all be up and operational in the coming week(s).