Town of Atherton City Council, Planning Commission, Finance Committee Special Joint Meeting – May 3, 2023
MINUTES
Town of Atherton – Joint Meeting
City Council, Audit & Finance Committee &
Planning Commission
MAY 03, 2023
SPECIAL MEETING – STUDY SESSION
4:00 PM
SPECIAL MEETING – STUDY SESSION
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Widmer called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM.
ROLL CALL –
City Council: Holland, DeGolia, Lewis, Vice Mayor Hawkins-Manuelian, Mayor Widmer – All Present
Finance Committee: Scolnick (Absent), Patil (Absent), Hill (Absent), Sleeth (Present), Walker (Absent)
Planning Commission: Polito (Absent), Lerner (Absent), Narancic, Lamb (Absent), Lane PUBLIC COMMENT –
• Gerty Ungerman
STUDY SESSION
1. STUDY SESSION TO DISCUSS CHANGES AND UPDATES TO THE ACCESSORY DWELLING ORDINANCE AND ASSOCIATED MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS.
Mayor Widmer established the process for the presentation of the item.
Town Planning Kwon provided a background on the item and shared a history of the Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) and sought feedback on possible changes to the ADU Ordinance and Municipal Code. He outlined the discussion that had recently taken place with the Planning Commission related to ADU’s. Kwon articulated that after the guidance given by Council and the Commission staff would present the outcomes to HCD for feedback.
City Manager Rodericks provided interpretations for allowing second ADU’s, deed restrictions, and rules related to owner-occupancy and renters.
Council and Planning Commission reviewed a variety of policy items and provided feedback and guidance to staff. Topics included but were not limited to allowing two ADU’s, defining kitchens, deed restrictions, privacy screening options, and allowances of ADU’s above garages.
Council and Planning Commission discussed making any code revision as home-owner friendly as possible.
Public Comments:
• Carol Flaherty
Mayor Widmer indicated that the Council and Planning Commission would convene another Special Meeting, tentatively May 10, to continue the discussion on the topic.
2. REVIEW OF THE FY 2023/24 SPECIAL REVENUE, INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS
AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Finance Director Barron III presented the Special Revenue, Internal Service Funds and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for FY 23/24 for Council review and discussion.
Public Works Director Ovadia presented the CIP to Council and gave an overview of the current priorities identified in the Master Plans, which include the Drainage Master Plan, Civic Center Master Plan, Pavement Management Program, Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, and Holbrook-Palmer Park Master Plan. Ovadia reviewed specific projects within these Master Plans that included budget allocations.
Council discussed the planned bicycle and pedestrian improvements and projects in detail.
City Manager Rodericks noted that the largest project at Holbrook-Palmer Park will be the solar and energy resiliency improvements and noted the process for the CIP approval process including the presentation to the Planning Commission, a Council Study Session and Regular Meeting.
Rodericks proposed that Council consider a static Special Meeting on every Wednesday until further notice and Mayor Widmer concurred.
Public Comment:
• Anne Yvonne Walker
Council proposed provided more funding for out-year capital project planning and noted that would be discussed at the next meeting to review and discuss the budget.
COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS – None
ADJOURN
Mayor Widmer adjourned the meeting at 6:18 p.m.
_______________________
Anthony Suber
City Clerk