Town of Atherton City Council Special Meeting – Study Session – February 7, 2024
MINUTES
Town of Atherton
City Council
FEBRUARY 7, 2023
SPECIAL MEETING – STUDY SESSION
4:00 PM
SPECIAL MEETING – STUDY SESSION
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Hawkins-Manuelian called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM.
ROLL CALL – Holland, DeGolia, Widmer, Vice Mayor Lewis, Mayor Hawkins-Manuelian – All Present
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
STUDY SESSION
1. LEGISLATIVE LOBBYIST REPORT: JOE A. GONSALVES & SON
City Manager Rodericks introduced the item and the Gonsalves & Son staff of Jason and Paul Gonsalves who serve as the Towns Legislative Lobbyist Firm.
Jason provided a general legislative summary for 2023 and reviewed a few topics of special interest to the Town.
Council discussed a few priority topics including Housing and sought clarification of how the Gonsalves team planned to support the Town.
The Gonsalves team provided a general overview regarding the process of connecting with legislators, the governor’s office and partnering with other cities/towns with similar legislative goals.
This was an informational item only.
2. FEEDBACK AND DIRECTION ON A COMMUNITY SURVEY
City Manager Rodericks introduced the item and noted that staff would return to Council with a budget and potential request for proposal for Council approval if desired. Rodericks suggested that staff engage members from each of the Town Committees to partner on developing the survey.
Council discussed advantages and disadvantages of releasing a survey in the current fiscal or calendar year.
Public Comment:
• Walter Robinson
• Ken Frederick
Council directed that staff develop a request for proposal to engage a consultant to develop the survey which would all require Council authorization.
3. RECEIVE AND FILE MID-YEAR BUDGET REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 23/24 Finance Director Barron III presented this receive and file item to Council. Barron reviewed the reserves, surplus funds, tax revenues, major expenses, and ERAF funds.
Council discussed the franchise fees, leaf blower rebates, and green infrastructure improvement plans.
This item will be returned for Council adoption at the February 21, 2024, meeting.
COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS – None
ADJOURN
Mayor Hawkins-Manuelian adjourned the meeting at 5:32 p.m. _______________________
Anthony Suber
City Clerk