Item No. 7
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2024
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING THE TRAIN
STATION HISTORY MUSEUM
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council receive an update from the Ad Hoc Council Subcommittee responsible for interior design and displays of the Train Station History Museum and provide feedback and direction, as appropriate.
BACKGROUND
In April 2024, the City Council reviewed and provided input into a proposal from the Ad Hoc Subcommittee for design of the interior of the Train Station History Museum, to include a layout and plan for display cases (Attachment 1). Since that time, the Subcommittee has met to develop a plan for the station and train models as well as the surrounding diorama displays that can be provided to display vendors to assist the Town in the creation of the displays. Staff and the Subcommittee narrowed the vendor list down to a model builder (Dave Haehn) and train and display diorama team (Vargas Brothers). Once the Subcommittee reaches a consensus on the final layout for the display cases, staff will work with the vendors to complete the work. At this time, all work is anticipated to be within the Town’s budget for the project.
ANALYSIS
As the Subcommittee works to finalize the plan, the Subcommittee has been unable to reach consensus on a few areas. Specifically, the Subcommittee did not find consensus on the number and type of stations to depict in the display cases. A spreadsheet was created to reflect the discussion (Attachment 2) and to provide to the vendors for direction; but, the Subcommittee still did not find consensus and a second spreadsheet was created for further discussion (Attachment 3).
The Subcommittee met on November 19 to attempt to reach consensus. This item is being held as a placeholder for the November 20 Council Meeting. If the Subcommittee reaches consensus on November 19, the item can be pulled from the Agenda as no Council input is required. However, Train Station History Museum
NOVEMBER 20, 2024
if the Subcommittee cannot reach consensus, input from the full Council will assist in providing direction to the Subcommittee on the specific issues needing consensus.
FISCAL IMPACT
None at this time.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:. • Goal Area A – Maintain Fiscal Responsibility
• Goal Area C – Create and Expand the Town Center/Library
POLICY FOCUS
The Policy discussion for this item should revolve around the extent to which the Council wishes to design the display cases in the Train Museum.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
1. A- Train Station History Proposal
2. B – Model Summaries – Version A
3. C – Model Summaries – Version B