Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – May 15, 2024
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Hawkins-Manuelian called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL – Holland, Widmer (Excused Absence), DeGolia, Vice Mayor Lewis, Mayor Hawkins-Manuelian – Present
PRESENTATIONS
• Peninsula Clean Energy – Shawn Marshall, Chief Executive Officer Marshall presented a to the Council
• Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District – Margaret MacNivenm, Board President and Joshua Hugg, Government Affairs Manager
Margaret MacNivenm presented to the Council
• Recognition of May 2024 as Mental Health Month
Frida Edgette, San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission
PUBLIC COMMENTS
• Fred made remarks
• Virtual participants made remarks.
DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS – City Council Members - NONE
DEPARTMENTAL WRITTEN REPORT
No Comments.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – by City Attorney Ebrahimi The City Attorney noted that Council met in closed session and direction was provided.
MINUTES
Town of Atherton
City Council
MAY 15, 2024
REGULAR MEETING
Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – May 15, 2024
CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1 – 5)
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR APRIL 17, APRIL 29, AND MAY 1, 2024
2. APPROVAL OF BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR APRIL 2024 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,935,667
3. COST SHARING AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF MENLO PARK FOR PAVEMENT
REPAIR AND SLURRY SEALING OF VALPARAISO AVENUE FROM EL CAMINO
REAL TO ELENA AVENUE
4. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING A PROJECT LIST FOR THE ROAD MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION ACT OF 2017 (SB1)
5. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE 2024 SLURRY SEAL PROJECT, PROJECT NUMBER 56091
MOTION by DeGolia, Second by Lewis to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1 – 5.
AYES: Holland, DeGolia Lewis, Hawkins
NOES:
ABSENT: Widmer
ABSTAIN:
PUBLIC HEARING – (Item 6)
6. CONSIDER AN APPEAL OF COSTS FOR DEAD AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL AT 175 RAVENSWOOD AVENUE
Mayor Hawkins-Manuelian disclosed ex parte communications noting the appellant attended her office hours to discuss the matter.
City Attorney Ebrahimi presented the staff report and provided a brief history of the circumstances leading to the removal of the tree. Town Arborist Bentz, Public Works Director Ovadia and Code Enforcement Officer Daley contributed to the presentation and report.
The public hearing was opened and closed with comments only from the appellant.
Council discussed the timeline, procedure of the appeal process and history of the noticing and health of the tree.
City Attorney Ebrahimi made the findings that the Council found the property owner of 175 Ravenswood Avenue is responsible for the tree that was within the right-of-way adjacent to his property and is responsible for the cost of the town's removal of the tree. However, because of staff's failure to provide him with notice of the removal immediately prior to the removal the Town Council would like to waive the administrative cost associated with the removal such that the property owner will only have to pay for the actual cost of the tree removal, and that will amount to $5,750.
Town of Atherton City Council Regular Meeting – May 15, 2024
MOTION by Lewis, Second by DeGolia to authorize a reduction in the cost for removal to the actual cost of $5,750 and assessed the cost to the appellant.
AYES: Holland, DeGolia Lewis, Hawkins
NOES:
ABSENT: Widmer
ABSTAIN:
REGULAR AGENDA (Items 7)
7. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN THE COMPLETION
OF A COMMUNITY SURVEY
City Manager Rodericks presented the report and noted that the City Council Subcommittee and staff reviewed seven respondents to the request for proposals interviewing the top two responses.
He reported that the plan is to begin working with Probolsky with a target release of the survey in early 2025.
Report: GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Council award a Professional Services Contract to Probolsky Research for an amount up to $19,000; direct the City Attorney to prepare the Contract; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Contract on behalf of the Town.
Description: This item involves review and consideration of an award of contract to a survey and research firm to assist the Town in completion of a Community Survey.
MOTION by Lewis, Second by Hawkins to award a Professional Services Contract to Probolsky Research for an amount up to $19,000; direct the City Attorney to prepare the Contract; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Contract on behalf of the Town.
AYES: Holland, DeGolia, Lewis, Hawkins
NOES:
ABSENT: Widmer
ABSTAIN:
COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS
City Manager Rodericks reported that Coffee with a Cop had a good turnout.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – None
ADJOURN
Vice Mayor Lewis adjourned the meeting at 8:18 pm.
________________________
Anthony Suber, City Clerk