OCTOBER | 2024
10 MONTHLY REPORTS
DEPARTMENT AND DIVISION
CONSTRUCTION TIME
LIMITS
3 OUTREACH &
ACTIVITIES
SUMMARY OF
TRAFFIC INCIDENTS
Summary of Building
Permits facing Construction
Time Limit Penalties
Summary of traffic
incidents during the month
of August
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
GENERAL ADMIN REPORT
Reports from General Administration, City Clerk's Office, Human Resources, Information Technology, and
Sustainability
Reports from the Finance Department, Key Budget Updates, and Financial Advisories
Reports from the Public Works Department, service requests, capital project updates, and Town field service reports A Division of Public Works, reports on Park maintenance and event activities as well as Park Committee updates
FINANCE REPORT
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT
PARKS DIVISION REPORT
80 FAIR OAKS LANE
ATHERTON, CA 94027
650-752-0504
[email protected]
WWW.CI.ATHERTON.CA.US
Reports from the Building and Planning Departments on
permit and construction activity throughout Town.
COMMUNITY SERVICES REPORT
Reports from the Police Department on crime activity, code enforcement, and traffic
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
03 14
15 23
31 39
38 40
Goal A
Maintain Fiscal
Transparency
focus on a balanced
budget with adequate
reserves; while also
addressing the Town's
long-term liabilities.
City Council Goals
Each year the City Council meets to discuss Short- and Long-Term Goals for the Town. Each Council Report item includes a reference to the specific Goals that the activity supports. The Council established seven (7) Policy-Level Goal Areas for the Town - Goal Areas A through F.
Goal B
Preserve Small
Town Character &
Quality of Life
focus on the local
community priorities
and mitigate the
impacts of regional
growth.
Goal C
Manage
Circulation &
Improve Safety -
Investments in
Infrastructure
leadership to maintain
mobility and improve
accessibility & safety for
bicycles and pedestrians.
Goal D
Strengthen
Community
Engagement &
Transparency
pursue opportunities for
increased engagement
and outreach.
Goal E
Be ForwardThinking, WellManaged, & WellPlanned
be proactive, anticipate
future needs; increase
and maintain fiscal
transparency.
Goal F
Emergency
Preparedness - Be
Prepared
partner with key
stakeholders and
empower residents to
prepare for major
emergencies.
The City Clerk’s Division is a part of the City Manager’s Office and consists of the City Clerk, a Reception/Postal Clerk, and a Management Analyst I/II. These core personnel provide support for the Town’s City Clerk, Human Resources, Sustainability, Risk Management, Information Technology, Event Management, and Town Reception/Postal services. The Town utilizes the services and assistance of various consultants in the performance of the Department’s responsibilities.
HR Systems & Activities
The Town has 44 full-time authorized positions. Of that total, 21 are sworn public safety. There are 9 police department staff that are non-sworn. The remaining 13 are local miscellaneous. The Town is currently at 95% staffing. The Police Department has conditional offers extended to a Management Analyst and Sergeant pending completed background examinations. The Public Works Department will on-board a new Management Analyst in early November and the City Manager Receptionist / Clerk role closes for applications on October 16, 2024, to be followed by a panel interview process the following week.
Open Enrollment for full-time Atherton staff closed on October 11, 2024, and staff will conduct a wellness event at the end of the month that will include self-care and stress management opportunities for all staff.
Outreach Events & Activities:
Senior Services
The Town has partnered with a local Senior
facility to host an event on Wednesday, October
23, 2025, at 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM in the Council
Chambers focused on brain health and wellness.
There are 3 specialists that have been confirmed
to present to residents and neighbors. We
encourage residents to RSVP through the QR
code on the flyer, but that is not required.
Staff has been engaged with the Senior Task
Force to evaluate future programs or events and
resources to be shared with the community.
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 16, 2024
Halloween 2024
October 25, 2024, from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. There will be a host of family friendly activities. The event is being led by the Atherton Police Department with collaboration from the Atherton Library and Friends of the Library.
Anyone that wants to attend is encourage to RSVP by visiting https://atherton.news/Halloween-Spooktacular or scanning QR Holiday Celebration
The Town will host the annual holiday celebration on Friday, December 13, 2024. The event will begin around 4:00 PM. This will be a family friendly event that is being co-hosted by the Atherton Library and Friends of the Atherton Library. There will be a tree lighting taking place on the library deck, hot coco and arts & crafts for visitors.
IT Systems & Activities
The Town’s IT systems are operating within acceptable limits. Current IT priorities include:
• IT Special Projects:
o Performed user accessibility work related to Code Enforcement systems o Began an update project on police systems related to CJIS compliance requirements o Performed new hire set ups, system evaluations and access o Performed maintenance work in Dispatch workspace related to camera profiles o Cybersecurity and server routine maintenance including report generation for ESET and Cylance
o Assessed and purchased RAM for BMS and evaluated an uninterrupted power supply for Council Chambers to prevent server and system outages for Audio / Video equipment.
Emergency Management
SMC Emergency Managers Association Meetings
The San Mateo County Emergency Managers Association held its monthly meeting on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM via Zoom. The meeting featured a presentation by Mark Benthien, Director of Communication, Education, and Outreach at the California Earthquake Center and Global Coordinator for the Great ShakeOut, who shared insights on earthquake preparedness.
The meeting also addressed association business, including the approval of the previous meeting’s minutes, a financial update, and reports from various working groups on topics such as community resilience, mass care, and training exercises. Updates were provided by Cal OES, the San Mateo
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 16, 2024
County Department of Emergency Management, and the American Red Cross, along with legislative briefings on emergency management topics.
Building Electrification
Housing and ADU Match Program
Are you a home provider interested in adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to your property, or a home seeker looking for affordable housing? Join us at this informative and engaging mixer to:
• Meet local home seekers and providers in-person
• Learn from housing experts and urban planners about ADU benefits and requirements
• Hear success stories from your community
• Access valuable resources on ADU construction, financing, and legal considerations
Sign up on Eventbrite: https://Atherton.News/ADU-Mixer
Local employers are encouraged to invite their employees to explore affordable housing options through ADUs. Don’t miss this chance to connect with your community and discover housing solutions that benefit everyone!
Sustainability Activities
The current sustainability projects and activities are:
1. Environmental Programs Committee
a. The EPC met in September and spent most of the meeting time completing the Community Survey Input Worksheet provided by Probolsky Research. Staff are actively trying to schedule a special meeting for October in order to have concrete updates available at the October 30th Council meeting.
EPC staff liaison, Christabel, met with the EPC chair and Earth Day subcommittee on October 10th to discuss Earth Day, programming, and future agendas.
Committee members have been considering a recommendation to the City Council to hire an Event Planner to work exclusively on Earth Day activities. The Earth Day Subcommittee intends to have a recommendation for Council consideration and staff is working to coordinate a Special EPC meeting to get consensus on this recommendation.
The next regular EPC meeting is scheduled for December 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM, where the Earth Day highlighting events will continue to be discussed.
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 16, 2024
2. Waste Reduction
a. GreenWaste + Hefty ReNew Program
Staff met with Greenwaste and a representative from the Hefty Renew Program at the beginning of October. The Hefty ReNew Program is designed to complement existing recycling efforts by providing a curbside collection system for hard-to-recycle plastics.
These materials, often not accepted in traditional recycling programs, include everyday items like candy wrappers, foam takeout containers, and other plastics. The program aims to divert these materials from landfills, reducing fossil fuel dependence and improving overall recycling efficiency.
We discussed how the program can be integrated into the Town's sustainability efforts, through GreenWaste. The program offers a simple and convenient way for residents to collect these hard-to-recycle plastics in special orange bags, which are then picked up curbside alongside regular recycling and trash services.
As the Town of Atherton continues to explore ways to enhance its waste management and sustainability programs, the Hefty ReNew Program could be a valuable addition.
Staff is considering potential partnerships, logistics, and educational outreach to ensure successful implementation. The Program will be introduced at the next Environmental Programs Committee (EPC) and Refuse & Recycling subcommittee meetings for consideration and feedback.
b. Facility Tour Planning for Jan/February
Staff is working with GreenWaste to schedule a facility tour for the EPC in early 2025, likely January or February. If any members of the council would like to join, please contact Christabel at [email protected]
c. SMC Sustainability Dashboard Atherton Data
In July of 2024, the CAP Dashboard was updated with updated greenhouse gas emission data from 2019-2021. This showed an increase in our GHGs, even though we sent less waste (tons) to the landfill. This discrepancy caused staff to look into the data further.
Management Analyst Soria Mendoza has been in contact with the Regionally Integrated Climate Action Planning Support (RICAPS) leaders from the County. The County has been working with Rincon Consultants on providing GHG data for jurisdictions. We have reached out to Rincon to clarify the discrepancy in the data.
It appears that the 2005-2019 inventories were using an outdated methane emission factor to calculate solid waste emissions. The emission factor for these years was based on countywide data. In contrast, the 2021 inventory uses an emission factor specific to Atherton. This Atherton-specific emission factor is higher than the countywide emission factor causing an increase in solid waste emissions even though tonnage decreased.
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 16, 2024
Upon request in September 2024, Rincon Consultants was able to provide staff with an updated 2005-2021 GHG Inventory using the Atherton specific emission factors to calculate waste emissions.
d. Compost Pile
The Compost pile continues to be a free and well used product offered at Holbrook Palmer Park. The pile is restocked regularly every 2-3 months, or when it is visibly low. This compost pile is funded by the SB1383 Organic Waste Recovery Grant. To date, we’ve expended $2,616.86 of the $9,919.66 budgeted from the $75,000 grant.
e. CalRecycle Reporting| E-Annual Report (EAR)
The EAR serves as a jurisdiction’s self-assessment of its progress in meeting waste management and recycling requirements under several California regulations, including SB 1383 (Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction), AB 341 (Mandatory Commercial Recycling), and AB 1826 (Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling). It also reports on compliance with the Per Capita Disposal Measurement Act and the Integrated Waste Management Act (AB 939). The EAR includes calculations of per capita disposal rates, supporting documentation, and updates on solid waste diversion programs. All cities, counties, and districts providing solid waste services are required to submit this report through CalRecycle's system.
The Town has completed the EAR with the support of our consultant, R3.
f. CalRecycle Reporting | Organic Waste Recover (OWR4) Grant / SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant Program Progress Report
This Program provides funds to local jurisdictions to help implement SB 1383 requirements. Staff submitted the first progress report earlier this month, reporting on the restocking of the compost pile at Holbrook Palmer Park.
3. Electric Leaf Blower Program
The Town of Atherton's Electric Leaf Blower Program has gained momentum as we’ve moved into the FY24-25 cycle. After the successful distribution of a leaf blower postcard to every Atherton household in June 2024, notifying them of the July 1, 2024, effective date, there was a significant jump in rebate applications, which led to the exhaustion of the FY23-24 program budget. As of October 2024, there are approximately 57 rebates remaining under the FY24-25 program.
We continue to encourage residents who haven't yet taken advantage of this offer to do so, as the rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are depleted.
Based on some of the residents' feedback, folks are concerned that the battery life of electric
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 16, 2024
leaf blowers won’t keep up with Atherton acre+ lot/s and adds stress and labor onto their landscapers.
4. Refuse & Recycling Subcommittee
Staff are actively trying to schedule a meeting for the Refuse & Recycling subcommittee to hear about the Heft ReNew Program and discuss the Franchise agreement with the GreenWaste team.
5. Climate Action Plan Dashboard
In July of 2024, the CAP Dashboard was updated with updated greenhouse gas emission data from 2019-2021. This showed an increase in our GHGs, even though we sent less waste (tons) to the landfill. This discrepancy caused staff to look into the data further.
Management Analyst Soria Mendoza has been in contact with the Regionally Integrated Climate Action Planning Support (RICAPS) leaders from the County. The County has been working with Rincon Consultants on providing GHG data for jurisdictions. We have reached out to Rincon to clarify the discrepancy in the data.
It appears that the 2005-2019 inventories were using an outdated methane emission factor to calculate solid waste emissions. The emission factor for these years was based on countywide data. In contrast, the 2021 inventory uses an emission factor specific to Atherton. This Atherton-specific emission factor is higher than the countywide emission factor causing an increase in solid waste emissions even though tonnage decreased.
Upon request in September 2024, Rincon Consultants was able to provide staff with an updated 2005-2021 GHG Inventory using the Atherton specific emission factors to calculate waste emissions.
6. RICAPS Meetings
At the September RICAPS meeting, we heard about a few upcoming events from Alhad Dighe, from the Sustainability Department, and welcomed Anna Yip from Rincon Consultants, as a new addition to the RICAPS program team. Ryan Gardner, from Rincon Consultants, unveiled a new tool for cities to start using in quantifying building electrification measures as they consider approaches to emissions reduction planning. This tool will help jurisdictions understand the potential impacts from different measures and is customizable for each city. Please see below for more information.
We spent the majority of our time focused on electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and exploring possible municipal interventions on this front. Ryan broken down the different kinds of EV infrastructure planning and highlighted a few robust examples from other jurisdictions in California, and, as a group we discussed what a jurisdiction's role might be in siting this infrastructure. Noah Garcia from EVgo presented on what their perspective is on how EV infrastructure gets planned and ultimately built.
His presentation was great fodder for the small breakout discussions and full-group share
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 16, 2024
out at the end. What a robust conversation! Thank you to everyone for your participation.
We look forward to seeing you at our next virtual RICAPS meeting on October 22. At this meeting, we plan on discussing PCE's member grants and pushing this EV charging infrastructure conversation a bit further.
7. Countywide Recycling Committee Meetings
The Countywide Recycling Committee met on September 25th, covering key topics such as AB 2346 and SB 1383 procurement, the Green Business Program, and Right to Repair.
Program updates included presentations from the Sustainability and Environmental Health departments, along with CalRecycle updates on SB 1383 Chats, grant opportunities, and stakeholder workshops. Notable items discussed included upcoming Fixit Clinics in South San Francisco, East Palo Alto, and San Mateo, as well as grant deadlines for waste abatement and recycling programs.
CalRecycle also shared resources on zero waste planning, compost market demands, and support for SB 1383 compliance. Additionally, jurisdictions were encouraged to complete the Recycling Collection Survey to help inform local and statewide recycling efforts.
Building Electrification
1. REACH Code Update
The Town of Atherton is updating its REACH Code, which aims to encourage electric readiness in new and renovated residential construction. These updates build on the 2022 State Code to enhance sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting a transition to all-electric homes.
To support these changes, new construction and renovation projects may be required to incorporate the necessary infrastructure to transition from gas/propane appliances to electric equivalents. These requirements focus on electrical readiness and will ensure that future installations can be made without extensive retrofitting.
Under these updated codes, when applicants pull permits for renovation projects, they will be required to meet certain electric readiness standards. These policies ensure that electric infrastructure is incorporated at minimal additional cost, avoiding the higher retrofit expenses that may arise once new Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards are enforced.
It’s important to note that electric readiness does not mandate the use of specific appliances or fuel sources. Instead, it builds on the existing electric readiness requirements for new construction outlined in Title 24, Part 6, ensuring homes are prepared for future electrification.
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 16, 2024
A revised Electric Readiness Ordinance has been drafted and is in queue to be presented at the October 30th Special Council Meeting.
2. PCE Member Agency Grant
Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) has launched two new programs in 2024: the Member Agency Energy Grants and the GovBE Electrification for Public Buildings program.
Atherton has been allocated $181,946 from the Member Agency Energy Grants, part of a one-time community reinvestment initiative totaling $11.5 million. This funding is flexible and can be used for projects such as:
• Installing EV charging stations
• Electrifying landscaping equipment
• Upgrading streetlights to more efficient models
• Retrofitting government facilities
There is no application deadline yet, but once awarded, agencies have 24 months to use the funds. The grant is disbursed 50% upfront and 50% upon project completion. These funds can be combined with other resources, but PCE encourages Cities to lead these projects.
The GovBE program offers up to $600,000 per project for public building electrification, with loans available at a 1% interest rate. Eligible projects include space heating, water heating, cooking equipment, and more, with a focus on energy cost savings and emissions reductions. Staff are not currently exploring this opportunity.
The Finance Director, Director of Public Works, and CMO Management Analyst have initiated discussions on how to best use the $181,946 grant. Current ideas include expanding EV charging infrastructure at Town Center, the Park, and the Police parking lot.
We are also exploring other opportunities to electrify Town facilities. We welcome any additional suggestions from the Council.
In early October, Staff met with an electrician to receive a quote on the project with the intent to bring EV Charging to Holbrook Palmer Park Entry Lot 1 and the Police Department parking lot. The quote is as follows:
The project involves installing 4 Level 2 EV charging ports and requires significant infrastructure upgrades, including a new 200A EVSE subpanel and a 200A circuit breaker.
The total project cost is estimated at $65,000–$80,000.
Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) offers an incentive of $20,000–$25,000 ($5,500 per port), reducing the cost for the Town to $40,000–$60,000.
The price includes installing the electrical infrastructure, 2x2 concrete squares for the charging stations, wheel stops or bollards, and trenching. The initial infrastructure cost for power (200A to 600A) ranges from $30,000–$50,000. Each charging station (material and labor) costs around $8,000–$12,000.
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 16, 2024
Striping and signage are not included and will be determined later.
City Clerk Activities CURRENT and ON THE HORIZON
2024 Fall Athertonian Edition is printing, and the digital version is available on the Town website.
To read visit: https://atherton.news/Athertonian-Fall-2024. This is excepted to be delivered to homes by October 24, 2024. In this Edition, we focused on several initiatives: sustainability efforts, public safety, and community events. We featured updates on the Town’s solar installation project at the Town Center and progress with the Compost Broker Program. There were also updates on emergency preparedness for Fall and Winter, including storm weather tips and the promotion of ADAPT’s new Emergency Cache Program. We spotlighted upcoming events like Senior Wellness, an ADU Mixer, and holiday events.
Additionally, the newsletter highlighted the Save the Date for Earth Day 2025 (Sunday, April 27, 2025) and Town efforts on the Housing Element.
There are currently 6 active Public Records Act Requests to which staff have responded. There are currently 4 open General Liability Claims.
Public Information Stats & Analytics
Town staff have been sharing timely information about the Housing Element, community events and meetings, programs, emergency preparedness information, and news on social media.
Residents, community members, and other public agencies have viewed and interacted with the town from September 1 to September 30. Impressions refer to the number of reactions, views, comments, shares, and reposts of Town-generated content.
Platform Number of followers Impressions or Accounts
Reached
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 16, 2024
Twitter/X 9 new followers, a total of 696
followers
225 impressions (20%
increase from August)
Instagram 9 new followers, a total of 1,414
followers
455 accounts reached (40 %
increase from August)
Facebook 2 new followers, total of 588 followers 3K reach (30 % increase from August)
NextDoor 25 new members, a total of 5,255
members, and 2,355 households
claimed
210 impressions (25 %
increase from August)
Town website subscriber group:
Distribution List Subscribers
Atherton Online 1,655
News Flash (CM & PD) 1,560 & 1,562
Alert Center (CM & PD) 1,352 & 1,491
Calendar (Meetings) 1,568
• Website Analytics:
o September 1 – September 30: 8,600 Users
o Last 7 Days Total Page Views: 5,006
§ News Flash – Police Department = 89
§ City Manager Monthly Report = 55
• YouTube Analytics
o 336 Subscribers (2 new in the last 30 days)
o 1011 Videos
Newsflashes
1. NewsFlashes
Our focus on public information and social media engagement continues to strengthen connections with residents and the broader public.
Recently, we've shared several important updates, including:
• Community events (BiKe Rodeo, Halloween Spooktacular, ADU Mixer, and the Senior Taskforce workshops)
• Breast Cancer Awareness
• Police department updates, such as community safety measures and upcoming events. • Promotion of various community meetings for town projects and plans.
These newsflashes offer formal and precise communication to residents about ongoing developments and priorities in town.
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 16, 2024
2. Social Media
Our social media posts complement the newsflashes by presenting similar information but in a more casual, engaging tone. These posts reach a broader public audience and utilize vibrant event flyers, supporting images, and eye-catching graphics to capture attention.
Through social media, we've been able to promote:
o Upcoming events
o General community updates
o Emergency preparedness
o Climate Action Plan and Dashboard related
o Fun and informative posts that encourage residents to stay connected with town activities
Events and major updates have also been posted on NextDoor for broader reach in the community.
The Finance Department consists of a Finance Director, Accountant and Junior Accountant. These core personnel provide the bulk of the Town’s accounting and payroll support. The Department utilizes the services of outside auditors, property tax analysts, and investment advisors in support of their efforts.
Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Revenues and Expenditures
Year to Date
Months Complete – 3
% of Year Complete – 25%
Budget Revenue % Received
Park Program $ 115,000 $ 29,600 26%
Planning Permits $ 850,300 $ 109,255 48%
Business Licenses $ 290,000 $ 188,839 65%
Police $ 368,861 $ 19,948 5%
Sales Taxes $ 442,400 $ 104,537 24%
Miscellaneous $ 1,150,096 $ 73,928 6%
Public Works $ 659,700 $ 150,405 23%
Franchise Fees $ 1,076,000 $ 72,033 7%
Building Permits $ 2,203,280 $ 706,318 32%
Property Taxes $ 15,845,385 $ 1,830,911 12%
Total $ 23,001,022 $ 3,285,774 14.28%
Budget Expenditures % Received
City Council $ 66,615 $ 8,242 12.3%
Administration $ 1,400,943 $ 366,763 26.1%
City Attorney $ 310,000 $ 38,724 12.5%
Finance $ 882,763 $ 248,319 28.1%
Planning $ 1,426,970 $ 221,240 15.5%
Building $ 1,659,166 $ 340,595 20.5%
Interdepartmental $ 1,172,460 $ 282,370 24.0%
Police $ 10,171,871 $ 3,060,560 30.0%
Public Works $ 3,683,887 $ 648,265 17.5%
Total $ 20,774,676 $ 5,215,079 25.1%
The Public Works Department consists of a Public Works Director, Maintenance Manager, Associate Engineer, Town Arborist and Office Specialist. These core personnel are supplemented by various contract service personnel and service vendors that operate on a Task Order basis. These include but are not limited to MCE, West Coast Arborists, Contract Sweeping Services, CalWest Lighting, Tony’s Clean Team, Interwest Group, Willdan Engineering, and BrightView Landscaping.
Field Public Works Services are provided under contract via MCE. MCE provides three (3) personnel to perform general Town maintenance support including, but not limited to, vegetation trimming for sight distance and sign clearance, Park restroom oversight, meeting setup/takedown support, sign replacement, minor asphalt/DG repairs, street marker replacements, basic maintenance for Town-maintained trees/plantings along roadways, Town event support, minor drainage projects and maintenance, basic building support services and minor roadway maintenance (pothole repairs). MCE personnel generally work from 7 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday; but, these same personnel provide emergency call-out services for after hours and on weekends. Landscape maintenance services at Holbrook-Palmer Park and at the Town Center/Library complex are provided by BrightView Landscaping (BrightView). BrightView is also responsible for emptying Town-owned garbage cans at the Park and Town Center.
Street Sweeping
Street Sweeping is a contract service via Contract Sweeping Services.
Month Curb Miles Weight (tons) Cubic Yards
January 24 38 6 12
February 24 38 12 6
March 24 38 6 12
April 24 39 6 12
May 24 39 6 12
June 24 38 6 12
July 24 36 4 12
August 24 37 6 12
September 24 38 10 5
October 24
November 24
December 24
January 25
Total 111 20 29
Services Requests
• Town Center banner changeout
• Atherton Chanel Crack Repair along Watkins Avenue (Station Lane to Middlefield Road) • Catch Basin Cleanout (various locations throughout Town) • Installed advance pedestrian crossing sign for the new Fair Oaks Lane street crossing • Installed yield to pedestrian signage at Fair Oaks Lane crosswalk • Trimmed tree branches around signage along El Camino Real • Set up for PD Bike Rodeo at HPP
• Irrigation main line repair at Jenings Pavilion Patio • HPP Playschool sewer drain line clearing
• HPP Playground bathroom sink repair
• ADA swing replacement at HPP Playground
• Tennis gate repair HPP Court 1
• Cleanup of Multi Stack area behind library
• Repair of PD parking entry gate repair (closing issue) • Pothole repair on Middlegate Avenue
• Replaced Faded and damaged signage (various locations - 6) • Picked up donated “Celebration” sculpture from Palo Alto school to Corporation Yard – pending confirmation of installation requirements
• Removal of tree branch removal on Marsh Road
• Tree lighting repair at Library
• Town Center Art Install Coordination
• Town Center Landscape replanting
• Fence repair at Gilmore House
General Maintenance and Special Services
• Weekly litter removal Along ECR, schools (Fridays 2 staff, 2 hours). • Remove Litter on Marsh Road, Middlefield Road & Alameda de las Pulgas. • Park General Duties: Garbage Cans, Town wide & ECR litter, ECR landscape & Corp yard clean-up, vehicle/tool maintenance.
• Fire extinguishers (checked/re-charged)
• Park General daily duties – mowing, empty garbage/recycling, restroom oversight, fire extinguishers (checked/re-charged), playground inspections, elevator inspections, open/close buildings, meeting room set-ups/tear downs.
Photographs of Work Performed
Town Center Banner Changeout
Atherton Channel Crack Repair (Watkins Avenue)
Fair Oaks Lane Crossing Advance Signage
Fair Oaks Crossing Pedestrian Yield Signage
HPP Pavilion Pation Irrigation Main Line Repair
HPP Playschool Sewer Drain Line Clearing
“Celebration” Sculputre Moved to Corporation Yard
Town Center Lanscape Re-planting
Town Art Installation
See Click Fix September 2024
Public Works Maintenance
Budget versus Expenditures Thru September 2024
Short
Code
Accounting Code Description Budget Actual %
A01 101-53-52031-053 Streets $400,000 $93,255.65 23.3%
A02 101-57-52031-057 Parks (Grounds
& Facilities)
$325,000 $37,779.23 11.6%
A03 101-59-52031-059 Other Facilities $175,000 $6,552.91 3.7% A04 213-30-52031-000 Library $20,000 $7,081.43 35.4%
A05 101-58-52031-000 Tennis $10,000 $2570.76 25.7%
E06 101-58-52030-058 Event Services $10,000 $226.48 2.3% Total $940,000 $147,466.46 15.7%
$-
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
$400,000
Streets Parks Other Fac Library Tennis Events
Public Works Budget to Expenditures
Budget Actual
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2024 Page 1 of 8 The Public Works Director oversees general Park maintenance and activities. The Park has several contract service personnel and vendors that manage various activities at the park.
Park Event Services are typically provided via contract. With the departure of Catered Too, temporary personnel have been contracted to manage all park events and rental services, to include rental of fields, buildings, and picnic areas until a permanent vendor is contracted. MCE provides facility support on a Task Order basis.
BrightView Landscaping provides landscape maintenance services for the park. Player Capital provides management and general maintenance of the six Tennis Courts.
There are three (3) structures available for event rental at the park – the Carriage House, the Main House, and the Pavilion. Outdoor venues may also be rented, and these include the Event Garden, Water Tower Green and North Meadow. Picnic areas in the park may be reserved for small group day rental. Menlo Atherton Little League manages and maintains the Willie Mays Ball Field.
Facility Rentals for September 2024
Month North
Meadow
Children’s
Picnic
Area
Jennings
Pavilion
Main Carriage
House w/
NM
Field D Other House
23-Dec 0 2 1 1 0 0 0
24-Jan 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
24-Feb 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
24-Mar 3 4 1 1 0 0 2
24-Apr 4 2 0 0 0 0 0
24-May 3 7 2 4 1 0 0
24-Jun 6 9 0 2 2 0 0
FY 23-24 28 37 7 12 9 0 6
24-Jul 4 2 0 0 0 0 0
24-Aug 6 2 3 3 4 0 0
24-Sep 3 1 0 0 0 0 0
24-Oct 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
24-Nov 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
24-Dec 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25-Jan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25-Feb 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25-Mar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25-Apr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25-May 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25-Jun 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
FY 24-25 13 5 3 3 4 0 0
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2024 Page 2 of 8 Types of Rental Activity for September 2024
Month Social Gathering Wedding Corporate
Gathering Other
23-Dec 4 0 0 0
24-Jan 2 0 0 0
24-Feb 0 0 0 0
24-Mar 10 0 0 4
24-Apr 3 0 0 3
24-May 14 0 1 2
24-Jun 15 0 4 0
FY 23-24 81 0 6 15
24-Jul 6 0 0 0
24-Aug 16 1 1 0
24-Sep 4 0 0 0
24-Oct 0 0 0 0
24-Nov 0 0 0 0
24-Dec 0 0 0 0
25-Jan 0 0 0 0
25-Feb 0 0 0 0
25-Mar 0 0 0 0
25-Apr 0 0 0 0
25-May 0 0 0 0
25-Jun 0 0 0 0
Total 26 1 1 0
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2024 Page 3 of 8 Revenue from Rental Activity for September 2024
Month Revenue Fees 10% Catering Fee Revenue to Town
23-Dec $2,500.00 $1,413.84 $3,913.84
24-Jan $850.00 $0.00 $850.00
24-Feb $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
24-Mar $9,100.00 $0.00 $9,100.00
24-Apr $1,375.00 $0.00 $1,375.00
24-May $12,275.00 $0.00 $12,275.00
24-Jun $8,650.00 $0.00 $8,650.00
FY 23-24 Total $59,695.18
24-Jul $1,000.00 $0.00 $1,000.00
24-Aug $18,160.00 $0.00 $18,160.00
24-Sep $1,085.00 $0.00 $1,085.00
24-Oct
24-Nov
24-Dec
25-Jan
25-Feb
25-Mar
25-Apr
25-May
25-Jun
TOTAL $20,245.00
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2024 Page 4 of 8 General and Special Services for September 2024
• Pick up litter/trash.
• Remove trash bags.
• Blow/Pick Up Tree Leaves & Debris
• Inspect and Maintain Restrooms
• Inspect and Maintain Playgrounds
• Inspect and Maintain Main House Elevator
• Control undesirable weeds throughout property.
• Cut back and remove tree brush and dead vegetation.
• Apply seasonal fertilizers to turf and plants.
• Inspect and maintain landscape irrigation.
• Inspect and maintain landscape irrigation well and filter system. • Monitor potable water usage daily.
• Water non-established trees throughout the park (scheduled) • Blow tennis courts 2x per week, as required.
For September:
• Bike rodeo Event and set up
• Jennings Pavilion Patio irrigation main repair
• Playschool sewer line clearing
• Tennis gate repair – Court 1
• Playschool sink repair
• Playground swing replacement
• Gilmore house fence replacement
• Gilmore house painting
New and Future Planned Projects
Flooring in Jennings Pavilion
Flooring in main house
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2024 Page 5 of 8 Tennis Court Usage/Reservations
Player Capital Tennis (PCT) manages court operations.
Month
PC
Court
Hours
# of
Students
Private
Lessons
Key
Holder
Hours
Public
Court
Hours
Clay
Court
Hours
Pickleball
Court
Hours
23-Dec 672 309 397 349 0 6 N/A
24-Jan 631 325 377 335 0 4 8
24-Feb 542 297 323 299 0 6 15.5
24-Mar 653 337 441 393 0 5 24
24-Apr 677 344 462 422 0 11 52.5
24-May 724 365 472 433 0 8 84.5
24-Jun 741 371 496 425 0 42 124
FY-23-
24 8,052 3,889 5,306 4,465 0 126 308.5
24-Jul 812 415 443 465 0 64 75
24-Aug 705 408 433 380 0 39 117.5
24-Sep 805 315 407 395 0 15 116
24-Oct 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
24-Nov 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
24-Dec 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25-Jan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25-Feb 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25-Mar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25-Apr 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25-May 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25-Jun 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 2,322 1,138 1,283 1,240 0 118 308.5
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2024 Page 6 of 8 Photographs of Work Performed in September 2024
Bike Rodeo
Bike rodeo set up
Jennings Pavilion Patio Irrigation Main Repair
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2024 Page 7 of 8 Playschool Sewer Line Clearing
Playground Bathroom sink repair
Park swing replacement
Before After
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2024 Page 8 of 8 Tennis gate repair
Before After
Gilmore House Fence and Painting
Submitted by:
Interwest Consulting Group
Community Services
Monthly Report
September 2024
Town of Atherton
Building Department
80 Fair Oaks Ln.
Atherton, California 94027
Phone: (650) 752-0560
Town of Atherton
Building Safety Inspections
Construction and Permit Summary
Based on Fiscal Year - Year to Date
Fiscal Year for Budgetary Comparisons
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
2024-25 2023-24
Total Construction Valuation1:
$29,398,259 $94,717,227 $49,266,168
Plan Check Fees Collected: $36,725 $166,641 $136,414
Permit Fees Collected: $165,249 $500,560 $350,444
Other Fees Collected: $8,724 $37,972 $24,520
TOTAL: $210,698 $705,173 $511,378
Applications Received: 65 235 206
Residential:
New Single Family Residential Permits
Issued: 2 9 8
New Accessory Structures Issued: 17 75 66
Addition / Alteration Permits Issued: 6 25 35
Reroof / Water Well / Grading Permits
Issued: 15 44 48
Plumbing/Mechanical/Electrical
Permits Issued: 24 59 43
Demolition Permits Issued: 3 10 11
Non-Residential:
New Permits Issued: 1 1 0
TOTAL Permits Issued (2) 68 223 211
Inspections Performed: 767 2004 2,073
Footnotes:
1 Valuation: For permitted projects during this period. 2 The total permits issued for each Fiscal Year reflect totals through the corresponding month
PLAN CHECK
INSPECTIONS
REVENUE
PERMITS
Sep-24
Staff Level Reviews
Planning Commission Items
Plan Review
TOTAL 8 24 10 65
Planning Projects
September 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024
Inspections
This Month
Activity Activity
Fiscal Year to Date
Arborist Activity Summary
September 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024
Site Visits
Town of Atherton
Building Safety & Inspection
Tree Removal Info. / Consu / C.E
At the September 25, 2024 Planning Commission regular meeting the following occured.
Public Hearing
1A . Consideration of a Tree Protection Zone Exception (PTPZ24-00005) for a sports court (pickleball court) at 60 Middlefield Road. The Commission received a presentation from Staff, the Town Arborist, and the Applicant.
The Commission voted to APPROVE the tree protection zone exception. 1B . Consideration of a Tree Protection Zone Exception (PTPZ24-00004) for an addition to an existing main residence at 168 Heather Drive. The Commission received a presentation from Staff, the Town Arborist, and the Applicant. The Commission voted to APPROVE the tree protection zone exception, with slight modifications to the Certificate of Approval to remove language related to heritage tree removals. 1C. Request for a Variance to maintain a pre-constructed accessory structure (sports court) within the required side setback at 71 Selby Lane. Commission received a presentation from Staff and the Applicant. The Commission requested that reviewers across departments better collaborate to avoid confusion for applicants and staff and prevent future errors in approvals and recommended that the Applicant receive a reimbursement for the variance application and review. The Commission voted to APPROVE the variance.
The next scheduled Planning Commission meeting is October 23, 2024 15 3
41 11
Summary of New Single Family Residential Permits Issued by Month 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
5 1 1 0 1 4
3 0 1 2 1 1
2 0 2 5 0 1
1 4 2 3 0 1
2 0 4 1 3 1
0 3 3 4 2 1
Jan. to June Totals 13 8 13 15 7 9
2 1 3 2 4 1
5 3 2 2 5 5
2 4 2 3 2 3
0 3 1 1 1
0 1 3 3 1
2 2 1 3 1
July to Dec Totals 9 10 13 12 18 12
22 18 26 27 25 21
Project
Type
No of
Plan
Checks
Average
Review
Days
Target
**
Overdue
Plan
Checks
86 9 10 0
112 4 5 0
12 2 3 0
0 0 0 0
Total Number of Plan Checks 210
** Target: in working days
Major Plan Check: New Houses, New Accessory Structures, New non-Residential Minor Plan Check: Small Additions, Reroof, Alterations, Misc.
December
Total New SFD
Permits:
Plan Check Performance
September 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024
Major
Plan Check
Minor
Plan Check
Cycles
1st Review
Subsequent Rev.
1st Review
Subsequent Rev.
Town of Atherton
Building Inspection & Plan Check
Month
January
November
July
August
September
October
February
March
April
May
June
Summary Graphs
60 89
49 36 58 62 90 71 89 76
95 75 65
91 60 66 52 78 65 82 55 50 62 53
105 68
688
792
530 520 509
532
566
514
548
543 522
715
767
0 100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
Counts
Plan Checks, Permits, Inspections
PC
Permits
Inspections
$23,986,693
$5,757,652
$4,870,184
$7,844,090
$20,521,301
$12,970,492
$15,725,004
$9,041,275
$4,550,746
$8,500,073
$1,907.582
$49,730,313
$29,398,259
$0
$10,000,000
$20,000,000
$30,000,000
$40,000,000
$50,000,000
$60,000,000
Valuation
Summary Graphs
$302,015
$95,907
$127,197
$120,809
$233,830
$9,523,256
$187,126
$210,803
$99,535
$145,756
$187,509
$385,239
$172,902
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
$400,000
$450,000
Fees
$37,972
$166,641
$500,560 $705,173
$132,080
$530,400
$1,528,800
$2,191,280
$0
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
Other Plan Check Fees Permit Fees Total
YTD vs. Budgeted
FYTD 24-25
Budgeted 23-24
Town of Atherton
Summary of ADU's - JADU's - SFR,
Entitled, Permitted, Finaled
February 1, 2023 to February 28, 2023 February 1, 2023 to February 28, 2023 Feb March April June Total July Aug Oct Nov Dec Total Totals Entitled ADU 2 2 3 2 14 2 2 6 20
Pemitted ADU 5 3 4 1 3 2 18 3 12 3 18 36
Finaled ADU 1 1 4 0 2 0 8 3 2 1 6 14
Entitled JADU 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 2
Pemitted JADU 2 1 0 1 5 0 1 2 7
Finaled JADU 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Entitled SFR 2 3 3 2 1 2 13 3 3 2 8 21
Permitted SFR 3 2 1 0 13 2 5 9 22
Finaled SFR 3 0 3 1 9 2 0 2 11
2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
Entitled ADU 53 35
Pemitted ADU 25 44
Finaled ADU 17 24
Entitled JADU 10 9
Pemitted JADU 5 8
Finaled JADU 0 2
Entitled SFR 20 17
Permitted SFR 26 18
Finaled SFR 17 29
0 0
0 0
1 0
2 2
Sept
2 2
May
1 0
2 Jan
4 0
5 1
1
Project Address Issue Date CTL Deadline Adjusted CTL ** Penalties Pd. Est. Completion 202 Atherton Ave 3/29/2021 3/29/2024 8/15/2024 $30,000 6/1/2025 90 Almendral Ave 4/14/2021 4/14/2024 8/31/2024 $30,000 12/31/2024 Total Penalties Deposited: $60,000
NOTE: Penalties do not become revenue to the Town until all appeals have been exhausted. * Under new modified ordinance. Additional Penalty fees due ** Covid-19 CTL adjustments due to shutdown.
Year Amount Forfieted
2015 thru 2018 $511,200.00
2019 $307,200.00
2020 $329,600.00
2021 $333,000.00
2022 $835,200.00
2023 $559,000.00
2024 $780,000.00
Total to Date $3,655,200.00
Town of Atherton
Building Safety & Inspection
Active Construction Time Limit Penalties
September 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024
Forfieted Construction Time Limit Penalties
The Atherton Police Department consists of 31 personnel, sworn and non-sworn. Of the sworn personnel, there is a Police Chief, a Commander, five (5) Sergeants, and fourteen (14) Officers.
Non-sworn personnel consist of an Executive Assistant/Training Manager, a Communications Supervisor, two (2) Code Enforcement Officers, a Community Services Officer, and five (5) Dispatchers.
These personnel provide 24-hour police patrol, dispatch, traffic enforcement, school resource, crime investigation, crime prevention and other law enforcement services to the community.
Personnel typically work a 12-hour shift schedule (4-on/3-off) with a priority staffing level of three (3) sworn personnel at all times.
Graphics and data provided in this report can be found via CitizenRIMS. CitizenRIMS is an active, online database of calls for service to the Atherton Police Department available via the Town’s website. The database provides information on active and historic calls for service, criminal activity and statistics, missing persons, stolen vehicles, arrests, and crime bulletins. Through CitizenRIMS residents can also sign up for Security Camera Registration and Vacation Home Checks.
Visit CitizenRIMS using the preceding link or this QR Code >>>>>>>>>
Overall Activity for the Month of September 2024
During this reporting period, there were 55 investigations. Of that total, 21 offenders were cited, arrested, referred to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution, or referred to the San Mateo County Juvenile District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Offenses included driving with a suspended license, misdemeanor warrant, felony warrant, driving under the influence of alcohol, trespassing, possession of stolen property, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, petty theft, grand theft, possession of a weapon (non-firearm) on school campus, trespass on school campus, violation of probation, minor in possession of liquor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and felony embezzlement.
Of the 2,347 total police incidents for the month, 1,579 were officer-initiated incidents. These incidents resulted in 734 citations being issued for vehicle code and other violations. Officers initiated 1,212 other types of incidents that included investigating suspicious vehicles, traffic collisions, citizen flag downs, home checks, code enforcement and construction checks, follow-up investigations, pedestrian stops, traffic enforcement details, medical calls, and welfare checks.
Traffic Incidents
Overall, there were 360 traffic incident locations, some with multiple stops, for the reporting period. The map below indicates the locations of the incidents for this reporting period.
Traffic Collisions
There were 17 collision locations during this reporting period. The map below indicates the locations of the incidents for the reporting period.
Traffic Complaints
The Atherton Police Department did not receive any traffic complaints for the month of September.
Bicycle Traffic Stops
There were 6 bicycle related calls initiated during September. 5 calls were for improper lighting and those resulted with verbal warnings. One call was an investigative consensual incounter.
Criminal Activity and Suspicious Circumstances
The Department responded to 127 locations (some locations multiple times) for property crimes (21), person crimes (7), and incidents of suspicious circumstances (102).
Municipal Code Violations
The Department responded to approximately 24 incidents/calls for service regarding municipal code violations. Those incidents included but were not limited to construction work hour violations, construction parking violations, right-of-way encroachments and obstructions, nonpermitted work on private/public property, overgrown/non-maintained vegetation, mobile food vendors, free speech/real estate/construction signs, animal nuisances, zoning questions/violations, unmaintained properties, fire damaged structures, neighbor disputes, and heritage tree concerns.
Holbrook Palmer Park
Holbrook Palmer Park had 87 incidents during this reporting period, 83 of which were security checks, foot patrols by officers, and closing/opening the park. The other incidents were for an ordinance violation, a welfare check, and suspicious vehicles.
Premise Watch
Officers completed 870 House/Vacation checks during the reporting period.
School Incidents
Officers responded to 231 school incidents during the reporting period. These incidents were mostly officer-initiated security checks and adapt a school visits.
Incidents of note from this reporting period:
• Between 09/04 – 09/06, the SRO investigated multiple thefts. • On 09/09, the SRO investigated a student under the influence of alcohol. The student was later released to their guardian.
• On 09/10, a non-student was found trespassing on a school campus. The subject was intoxicated and had a knife in his possession. The subject was arrested for trespassing and having a weapon on campus.
• On 09/12, the SRO investigated a student in possession of an alcoholic beverage and a report was sent to the juvenile district attorney.
• On 09/26, the SRO investigated a threat of violence against a school campus and the threat was deemed invalid.
The current reporting period is highlighted in the table below. All other columns represent months preceding and prior year.
Response Times
In general, there are 3 types of Calls for Service from the Police Department. In order of priority:
High, Medium, and Low.
High Priority calls are in-progress events where persons or high-value property are in immediate danger and requires a multiple officer response. This is a lights and siren response to a crime in progress, injury collision, or medical emergency.
Medium Priority calls are in-progress events without an immediate danger to persons or property.
Multiple officers may be necessary for these calls. These calls take precedence over all other calls for service and require an immediate police response (non-lights and siren), but the incident may not be in progress. The most common medium priority calls are burglary, robbery, sexual assault, and residential burglary alarm activations. The latter is the most frequent call in Atherton.
Low Priority calls are other calls for service. Events that may no longer be in-progress, so immediate response is not as urgent. Normally requires a single officer. Officers may or may not be immediately dispatched to these calls. Low priority calls are dogs off leash the Park, parking violations, construction noise or activity, and follow-up police reports.
During the Reporting Period there were:
Priority Level Number of Calls Average Response Time Goal High 4 1:30 <4 minutes
Medium 371 4:50 <6 minutes
Low 254 4:22 <8 minutes
Response times are calculated from the time the call is dispatched until the time the officer arrives on the scene. The table below depicts the Department’s Medium Priority response times for the past 6 months.
MONTH YEAR RESPONSE
TIME
August 2024 5:50
July 2024 6:00
June 2024 3:50
May 2024 5:51
April 2024 4:51
March 2024 5:38
Total Training Hours for the Reporting Period: 396 HOURS
NAME TRAINING/HOURS DATES
Allen WLLE 2024/13 hours Sept. 4 – 6
Larsen WLLE 2024/13 hours Sept. 4 – 6
Metzger SLI Session 7/24 hours Sept. 5 – 7
Tartour CCUG Conf 2024/32 hours Sept. 9 – 13
Shum CISM Training/32 hours Sept. 12 - 15
All Sworn Staff Perishable Skills/12 hours Sept. 24 or 26 The below table depicts the amount of officer-initiated activity and the number of traffic citations issued for the past six months:
MONTH OFFICER INITIATED ACTIVITY CITATIONS
September 1,579 734
August 1,735 632
July 1,634 639
June 1,142 496
May 1,371 522
April 1,273 282
Code Enforcement Activity Report
Summary: