Town of Atherton City Council Study Session/Special Meeting – April 3, 2024
Mayor Hawkins-Manuelian called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL -
Holland, DeGolia, Widmer, Vice Mayor Lewis, Mayor Hawkins-Manuelian – Present Finance Committee: Scolnick, Patil, Hill, Vice Chair Sleeth, Chair Walker – Absent PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
STUDY SESSION
1. FY 2024/25 GENERAL FUND/OPERATIONS BUDGET
Finance Director Barron III, presented FY 2024/25 General Fund/Operations Budget, highlighting key financial figures and objectives for the fiscal year.
Council member Widmer asked staff about the investment in CalPERS in the previous years. Barron informed Council that since there was no contribution in 2022/2023 there was a 6.8% negative in investment return.
Vice Mayor Lewis raised concerns about how the Housing Element and the decrease construction activity will factor in the increase of staff salaries and expenses. City Manager Rodericks informed Council that with the benefit of a contracted Planning Services is that with the reduction of activities then the hours can be adjusted.
Council continued to discuss projected Building department revenue based on activity, sought clarification Education Revenue Augmentation Fund (ERAF) and impacts on Capital Improvement Projects. Staff informed Council that the analysis of the flat fees and valuation fees last year provided information that predicted the increase and City Manager Rodericks informed Council that the ERAF is not budgeted into the Operational Fund presented in the item attachment but can be considered if directed by Council.
Public Comments:
• Robert Polito
MINUTES
Town of Atherton
City Council/Audit & Finance Committee
April 3, 2024
JOINT STUDY SESSION
Town of Atherton City Council Study Session/Special Meeting – April 3, 2024
Staff provided Council background information on the Vehicle License Fee and the possible impact that the VLF shortfall has on the budget.
2. POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT, ANNUAL AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE
READER (ALPR) AUDIT REPORT, AND ANNUAL ALPR SYSTEM PERFORMANCE REVIEW REPORT.
Chief McCulley presented an analysis of the performance of the Police Department, discussed crime rate trends, response times, and community outreach efforts. He focuses on community engagement initiatives such as outreach programs, neighborhood watch, and partnerships with local emergency services.
Council directed staff to consider additional feedback and suggestions from the community for future improvements on policing.
COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS – None
ADJOURN
Mayor Hawkins-Manuelian adjourned the meeting at 4:21 p.m. _____________________________________
Francesca Reyes, Front Desk – Postal Clerk